nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 144 No. 11, June 15, 2016. Price per copy $2.50
This Week, Page 14
Midsummer celebrations all across America.
Sweden, Page 2, 3
Archbishop of Sweden Antje Jackelén baptizes Prince Oscar at the Royal Chapel on May 27 with parents Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel and sister Princess Estelle at his side. The baby’s gown, the silver font and even the baptismal water all hold special meaning. / Page 3
Photo Jonas Ekstromer/Kungahuset
The prime minister makes changes to boost support / Few Swedes are interested in introducing the euro / Bottling tap water for sales and jobs / Deal with NATO ratified / News organizations expand with additions of Nordic editions.
Feature, Page 4
A California high school takes on the challenge of building a new school mascot, a Viking ship.
Perspectives, Page 5
A Swedish bishop sees hope in an emerging multi-cultural Sweden and changing religiosity.
Traveling the rails to Seattle
Page 11
Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
Continued on page 6
Dashboard, Page 10, 11
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
I traveled from San Francisco to Seattle recently retracing the initial portion of a trip my paternal grandparents took by railroad in 1908. Farfar and Farmor went to Portland, Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane, then on to Rock Island, Chicago, Minneapolis, and ultimately to Niagara Falls and New York — visiting Swedes at every stop. They then took a boat to visit Sweden after 20 years in San Francisco. Alexander Olsson (Farfar) wrote in his book, På Turistfärd (1909), about his entire trip. It’s in Swedish, and thanks to my Swedish cousin, Karin Elvö, I was able to understand it more clearly. My wife Astrid and I wanted to see what might have changed since Farfar travelled the rails. So, late one evening we boarded Amtrak’s Coast Star-
Swedish stars performed in a legendary concert at the Apollo Theater / Princess Madeleine’s luxury apartment for sale in New York / Swedish authors promote their latest book / Nordic food at neighboring New York hotspots / Zlatan likes the spotlight.
Downtown Seattle with the Space Needle from Queen Anne Hill.
Midsummer Treats
In anticipation of our Midsummer picnic planning, we promised to include some favorite new recipes in this issue. These delicious summertime foods really do hit the mark – starting with Gunilla Blixt’s idea for sliders on the grill, a particularly great plan for a Midsummer cook-out because it’s easy to create a “slider bar” with many small patties (like Stockholm chef Anders Tegner has here) and a huge variety of tasty — and healthy — fixins to go with them. Also in anticipation of the best Midsummer ever, we’ve included a favorite classic to make with the fruity staple of Midsummer: strawberries. Also known as Pinocccio cake, we’re not lying when we say there won’t be any / Page 12, 13 leftovers of this delicious strawberry cake.
Perspectives, Page 11
Living between Russia and the USA...
Page 4
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News Föreningsstöd ska stärka demokrati Gästledare
Sydsvenska Dagbladet 1 juni, 2016
After a series of scandals and falling poll numbers, Stefan Löfven, the Swedish PM makes cautious moves to win fresh energy for the ruling minority coalition.
Löfven reshuffles cabinet
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven has named new Green Party spokesperson Isabella Lövin new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for International Development and Climate in a mid-term cabinet reshuffle. Two years into a four-year term, voters have little faith in the coalition as a result of its hesitant response to the asylum crisis and a series of blunders by Green Party politicians. Peter Ericsson, also a former spokesperson for the Green Party, was appointed as Housing Minister after the former minister, Mehmet Kaplan, was forced to quit in April. The post as EU minister will be mantled by the social democrat Ann Linde who’s been State Secretary under the Minister of the Interior Anders Ygeman.“[The changes] mean that we will be able to deal with central questions such as schools, jobs, the environment, house building ... and the EU’s future with renewed power. We will develop the Swedish model, not dismantle it,” Löfven said at the press conference on May 25. Recent polls show the Green Party just clearing the four percent hurdle for seats in parliament with the Social Democrats at around 26 percent, just marginally larger than the Moderate Party. The four party center-right Alliance led by the moderates has received higher support than the present government coalition in most polls this year. It is only after the government started imposing a much more restrictive refugee policy that support for the Social Democrats began to regain some of the previous months’ losses in popularity.
Less support than ever for euro switch
Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but when a common euro currency was introduced eight years later, Swedish voters rejected the euro as their currency. And throughout the 14 years since it was introduced in most EU countries in 2002, Swedes have vacillated in their support of moving from the Swedish kronor currency system. Although many recognize the euro has made a positive impact in the countries that adopted it, a recent survey shows a large majority of Swedes predict the country should never adopt the common currency. The Eurobarometer shows that while 4 percent of Swedes are in favor of introducing the euro, 68 percent are opposed. The survey was given in the seven countries that are not yet part of the single currency but have pledged to join at some point.
Swedish tap water for sale
The average Swede drinks 24 liters of bottled water each year. But Stockholm’s tap water is actually cleaner and better than most bottled water, so Orten Industries is hoping to capitalize on it: The company is bottling and selling the tap water and giving youth jobs in the process. “We intend to hire people who need jobs, and maybe even create the first line on their resume,” said Jonas Berg of Orten Industries. The tap water is filled, filtered and flavored in Gustavsberg, just outside Stockholm. Of course Stockholm residents can turn on their own faucets and drink the tap water at no extra cost, but at SEK 20 ($2.40), Orten is hoping buyers will be motivated by its cause in helping to employ youth.
Nordstjernan, June 15, 2016
Inte extremism. Klubben, föreningen, kåren, stiftelsen, samfundet, förbundet. Sverige har omkring 200 000 organisationer av olika slag med miljoner svenskar involverade i sina verksamheter. Tillsammans utgör de grunden i det viktiga civilsamhälle som bygger på ideella insatser och engagemang. Utan detta folkrörelsearbete skulle landet inte fungera så väl som det gör. Staten och det offentliga kan inte organisera och finansiera allt. Men det folkliga engagemanget kan däremot få lite statlig ekonomisk hjälp på traven. Således fördelas årligen 12 miljarder kronor i statsbidrag till det civila samhällets organisationer. Det är på det stora hela välanvända pengar, men det finns också ett och annat skrämmande undantag. I vissa fall har de statliga medlen visat sig gå till organisationer som motarbetar, snarare än stärker, samhällets grundläggande värderingar.Det är naturligtvis ingen rimlig ordning, konstaterade kultur- och demokratiminister Alice Bah Kuhnke (MP) på onsdagens DN Debatt. Därför inleds nu ett arbete inom regeringskansliet för att utreda hur stöden utformas och fungerar. “De medel som ges för organisering ska fördjupa demokratin, inte undergräva
den”, menade hon. Ämnet fick ny aktualitet i våras då Turkiska riksförbundets dåvarande vice förbundsordförande Barbaros Leylani höll ett tal på Sergels torg i Stockholm. “Död åt de armeniska hundarna. Död! Död!” skanderade han och uppmanade sina “raskamrater” att visa att de “kan låta blodet flyta när det behövs”. Leylani fick lämna sin post och Myndigheten för ungdoms- och civilsamhälles frågor, MUCF, inledde en utredning om Turkiska riksförbundet – som får en halv miljon kronor i stöd årligen – lever upp till kraven på demokratiska värderingar. Det saknas inte andra graverande fall. SVT:s Uppdrag granskning uppmärksammade i fjol hur Sveriges förenade muslimer, SFM – som fått bidrag från såväl MUCF som Göteborgs stad – anlitat föreläsare som sympatiserar med mördarsekten IS. Och det finns fler exempel på hur föreningar och församlingar har bidragit till att sprida propaganda för våldsbejakande extremism. Mot bakgrund av detta har bland andra Kristdemokraterna och Liberalerna krävt krafttag för att offentliga medel inte ska gå till organisationer som motverkar demokratiska principer. Det är välkommet att även regeringen nu driver den linjen. Bah Kuhnke lovar en rad åtgärder för att förtydliga villkoren för att organisationer ska få offentligt stöd. Bidrag ska endast utgå till verksam-
heter vars huvudsakliga syfte “är förenligt med de värderingar som präglar ett demokratiskt samhälle”. Inklusive jämställdhet och förbud mot diskriminering. Kraven skärps också för stöd till trossamfund, som hittills har haft svagare demokratikriterier än andra organisationer. Dessutom skärps rutinerna för myndigheters granskning av vilka som är berättigade till bidrag. “Demokratin kan aldrig tas för given, den behöver ständigt erövras av nya generationer”, skriver Bah Kuhnke. Så sant, och den utmaningen blir inte mindre i ett Sverige där mångfalden snabbt ökar genom flyktinginvandring. Många har flytt från länder med annan förhärskande syn på alltifrån relationer mellan kvinnor och män till religionens plats i samhället. När dessa personer ska integreras går det inte att undvika vissa kulturkrockar. Men de blir lindrigare med tydlighet kring vilka sekulära värden om demokrati och jämställdhet som det svenska samhället bygger på. Sedan måste enskilda individer, inom lagens ramar, få ha och uttrycka vilka åsikter de vill – även i olika former av organisationer. Yttrande- och föreningsfriheten ska även fortsatt ha väldigt vida ramar. Men att få ha och sprida en åsikt kan inte vara likställt med rätt till offentliga medel för att göra detsamma. Det demokratiska samhället ska inte vara med och finansiera organisationer som tycks sträva efter dess undergång.
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News in brief. page 3
Swedish News
After a parliament decision on May Sweden’s relationship with NATO will change somewhat to an individual partnership plan.
Deal with NATO ratified
Sweden’s parliament ratified a deal granting NATO more access to the country for training exercises and in the event of a war in the region, a step reflecting heightened tensions with Russia. “This deal will not change our relationship with NATO nor our security policy. We will remain non-aligned,” Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist told parliament. “There will be no NATO troops on Swedish soil without an invitation.” The center-left minority government won the parliamentary vote by a margin of 25440 and 55 abstaining. Sweden is outside NATO but has moved closer to the alliance in recent years, cooperating with NATO states like Denmark, Norway and Iceland and participating in operations in Afghanistan. The Communist Party accused the Social Democrats and the Green Party of trying to sneak Sweden into NATO. “We, as Social Democrats are firmly rooted in that we should not seek NATO membership. A stealth connection is not on the map, but we need the deteriorating external position to increase our military capability and practice with NATO,” replied Åsa Lindestam of the Social Democratics. The center-right Alliance said that the agreement can be seen as a step closer to NATO, but that Sweden’s security can only be secured through full membership.
H.R.H. Prince Oscar with his family and both sets of grandparents. Photo Henrik Garlov/Kungahuset
Royal Baptism Prince Oscar, born March 3 to Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, was baptized according to tradition in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace of Stockholm on May 27. The royal baby’s baptism, which can be seen in its entirety on SVT1 and at www. kungahuset.se, was celebrated with water obtained from a source on the southern island of Öland, a tradition that the prince’s grandparents, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia began with their children, a variation of the one that royals, such as the King himself, were baptized with
News organizations go Nordic
Archbishop Antje Jackelén holds the newly baptized Prince Oscar for all to see. Photo Jonas Ekstromer/Kungahuset
the waters of the Jordan River. The silver baptismal font has been used since the late 1600s when King Charles XI gifted it for the new chapel in the castle church. The christening gown that Prince Oscar wore was first worn by Prince Gustaf Adolf in 1906. It has since also been worn by Prince Gustaf Adolf’s four siblings and his five children (including Prince Oscar’s Morfar, King Carl XVI Gustaf), then Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine,
Princess Estelle’s chair is set up in the Royal Chapel.
Princess Estelle, Princess Leonore and Prince Nicolas. Following the service, the Armed Forces fired a 21-gun salute from Skeppsholmen and the Honor Guard stood ceremoniously as Life Guards around the outer and inner courtyards and inside the South Gate of the castle church entrance when guests arrived and departed.
Photo: Kungahuset
A happy grandfather, Prince Oscar’s Morfar, King Carl XVI Gustaf. Photo Pontus Lindahl/Kungahuset
Life Guards date to 1521 when 16 men of Dalarna were named Gustav Vasa’s bodyguards. After his entry into Stockholm as the newly elected king on Midsummer Day in 1523, these bodyguards were ranked Life Guards and have since appeared at the Royal Court ceremonies.
Life made Sweder through NORDSTJERNAN: Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10, to order.
As some news organizations recognize opportunities for growth, they are adding a Nordic edition to their assets. The Business Insider just launched its Nordic edition in partnership with Veckans Affärer: ‘‘For many years, Business Insider had a decidedly American view of the world, but now we want to move closer to our reader and serve you even better. That’s why we’re now launching a separate website with local staff based in Stockholm, covering the Nordics,’’ executive editor Viktor Bodelius wrote on Business Insider Nordic. Huffington Post and The New York Times are also considering expansions in the Nordic region. In fact, The New York Times has a $50 million plan to expand its global reach over the next three years, targeting the Nordic region as one of 10 key markets; they launched the Spanish New York Times Español in February.
Swedish police pump up security
Given an increase in spectators’ unsafe behavior at sports events, Swedish police have developed new guidelines for higher standards of public safety. Public events organizers have primary responsibility for security, but police will decide whether extra resources are needed at the event.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.32 06.02.2016
June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 4
A new school mascot
W
hen the principal of Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California made a unique suggestion, the wood shop teacher, Robert Meade jumped on the challenge. The suggestion was that Robert Meade’s class might build a Viking ship since their school mascot is a Viking. After careful research, Meade decided to make a knarr rather than a longboat since a knarr’s hull is wider, deeper and shorter, providing more stability and making it possible to be rowed by a class of 20 students. For two years, Meade’s class, which included two girls, took great pride in the ship’s construction. The ship, which the students named “Valhalla” (the mythological home of the Norse gods) is 30 feet long, weighs about 2,000 pounds and can be towed on a trailer. The total cost including the trailer was $4,200, which The Vasa Order of America Southwest District 15, the Fridtjof Nansen Lodge Sons of Norway, the school’s education foundation and local merchants were quick to support financially. Meade said the craft is about 80 percent authentic. The planks overlap and are riveted in the traditional clinker-built method. Modern marine plywood replaced Norwegian oak and tar, and galvanized hardware and epoxy sealant were used. On May 20, 2016, a large crowd gathered in Huntington Harbor to toast the maiden voyage of the Valhalla with a glass of sparkling cider. Twenty students sailed their vessel for the first time for about 30 minutes, showing off the craft to their cheering fans and supporters. Everything went smoothly, though
Nordstjernan, June 15, 2016
Marina High School students took their Viking knarr, named Valhalla, for its maiden voyage in Huntington Beach, California.
Marina High School’s Assistant Principal, the Viking Joseph Powers shared duties with the class that took their hand-built Viking ship on its maiden voyage.
Wood shop teacher Robert Meade works with a student in building a Viking knarr. The project took two years of class time at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, CA.
they discovered they will benefit from more practice rowing together. The Valhalla will also be paraded at football games, but the class is looking forward to taking the ship to the ocean. They plan to sail from where the Queen Mary is harbored at Long Beach and go the 20 miles in the Pacific to Catalina Island. For the time being, this will be a rowing vessel; next year the class will add a mast and sail. Meade envisions student team-building activities with the Valhalla, and maybe it will inspire other high schools to build a Viking ship as well. The Orange County Department of Education shared this video on the project: https://vimeo.com/150944891. Nancy Kingston/Amanda Olson Robison
Dressed as Viking lasses: Nancy Kingston and Kin Lindgren of the local Vasa lodge.
perspectives. page 5
A 21st century Pentecost:
Pingst i det 21:a århundradet:
Unity in diversity [Enhet i mångfald] When I was elected new bishop of the experience villages Diocese of Västerås a year ago, many jour- and towns that prenalists asked questions about the religious viously faced falling development in Sweden. One was about population numbers the “member drop,” referring to the falling and emigration. Now, percentage of Swedes who now belong to the there are often refuSwedish Church. It is not really that strange; gee accommodations if you use the old society as a starting point, and the people in the where membership in the state church was communities have bemandatory, the numbers can only go down. come involved in a But the exciting thing is that more than 60 new way. Old and new years after it was permissible to leave the social movements are Swedish Church, seven out of 10 Swedes taking responsibility still belong. The Swedish Church has over 6 for the integration. I million (!) members. This in a country that hear stories of revived is described as secular and where nearly all religious services and traditional social movements have collapsed festive parties where in membership. people from around The second question referred to what they the world come tocalled “avkristningen” – “off Christian- gether. In many local ity” or secularization. I think what we are churches, as on Penteexperiencing today in Sweden is rather a cost, the texts are read “påkristning” – a de-secularization where the in different languages. philosophy of life issues are once again at the Even sermons have center of society. More and more churches fill become multilingual. with worshipers and church is part of public An old lady told me discourse. This is largely due to increased that it has become fun immigration, but our country is receiving to live in her village. new religious energy. The Christian faith has She does not speak a become more visible. language other than Mikael Mogren, Bishop of the Diocese of Västerås Church was once a joint project of the old Swedish, “but we beSweden where there were neither municipal long together,” she När jag för ett år sedan valdes till ny bisnor county offices: A church parish had reli- said. Pentecost stories of unity in diversity kop i Västerås stift fick jag, framförallt från gious services but also ran healthcare, are becoming current in a new way. journalister, frågor om den religiösa utveckeducation and childcare. This is It is hard work and it can create lingen i Sverige. En gällde det man talar om still a reality in many parts of substantial friction when peo- som ”medlemstappet”, alltså att färre sventhe world, evidence that the ple from different parts of skar i procent räknat tillhör Svenska kyrkan. “I see a more open the world have to coexist. Det är egentligen inte så märkligt. Om man Christian faith has consequences for all aspects of and multi-religious Some Swedes think it was tar sin utgångspunkt i det gamla enhetssalife and often also affects better before. At the same mhället, där medlemskap i statskyrkan var Sweden emerge ... a time there is something obligatoriskt, kan siffrorna bara gå nedåt. the entire society. The public Sweden chose incredibly powerful with Men spännande är att mer än 60 år efter att de-secularizing a different path. Religion the message of Pentecost. det blev fritt fram att lämna Svenska kyrkan Sweden” was relegated to the private The friends around Jesus finns 7 av 10 svenskar kvar. Svenska kyrkan sphere, or possibly to matters relaxed and they dared to har över 6 miljoner (!) medlemmar. Detta i pertaining to life beyond death. create lives in completely new ett land som beskrivs som sekulariserat och It’s something that today creates tendirections. The same is true for us där i stort sett alla traditionella folkrörelser sion in Sweden, where religion – especially today. We need the unity of diversity and the fallit samman medlemsmässigt. with increased migration – once again finds power of the local meeting. Den andra frågan gällde det man kallade its place. When refugees with strong religious ”avkristningen”. Jag menar att den frågan identity come to Sweden, the public sector Once the Church stood in the middle of the är fel ställd. Det vi idag upplever i Sverige finds it difficult to deal with religiosity. As a village. That time is gone and will not return. är snarare en ”påkristning”, livsåskådpriest, I have many times met with refugees But the Church is in its place – alongside the ningsfrågorna tar åter plats i samhällets and immigrants who, regardless of religion, mosque, the synagogue and the temple. It is mitt. Fler och fler kyrkor fylls med gudstjäncame to the Swedish Church with these only when religion will once again take its stfirare och kyrkan tar plats i det offentliga words: “The hardest thing in meeting with the place, when we can meet also there, that we samtalet. Detta till stor del tack vare en ökad Swedish society is that you cannot embrace can seriously get a working integration. So- invandring. Vårt land får ny religiös energi. and understand religiosity.” cieties that officially abolished religion have Den kristna tron har blivit tydligare. This is where churches and parishes play never worked. When religious extremism Kyrkan var en gång det gemensamma an important role for positive integration. It has been allowed to thrive without meeting projektet i det gamla Sverige där det varken is a foundation for a new Sweden. We know places, the conflicts grow. History tells us fanns kommuner eller landsting: Vård, the religious lingo, and operate churches and this. But there is a third way: the religious skola, omsorg sköttes av kyrksocknen. Så ser communities as cultural interpreters when conversation. det fortfarande ut i stora delar av världen. religiosity is about to meet secularization. It With excitement, I see a more open and Det är självklart att kristen tro får följder is exciting to experience how religions will multi-religious Sweden emerge. A Sweden för hela livet och att det ofta också påverkar once again take a constructive place in the where also a påkristning – a de-seculariza- hela samhället. community. tion – progresses. Det offentliga Sverige valde en annan väg. I frequently visit the countryside of Dalarna Religionen förpassades till en privat sfär, and Västmanland, the two provinces that Mikael Mogren eller möjligen till frågor om livet bortom make up the Diocese of Västerås. Here I Bishop of the Diocese of Västerås döden – inte hitom. Något som idag skapar
spänningar i ett Sverige där religionen, inte minst med ökad invandring, åter börjar ta plats. När flyktingar med stark religiös identitet kommer till Sverige har det offentliga Sverige svårt att hantera just religiositeten. Som präst har jag många gånger mött flyktingar och invandrare som, oavsett religion, sökt sig till Svenska kyrkan med orden att “ det svåraste i mötet med det svenska samhället är att ni inte kan möta och förstå religiositet”. Här spelar kyrkor och församlingar en viktig roll för en positiv integration. Här byggs det nya Sverige. Vi kan det religiösa språket och lokalt fungerar kyrkor och samfund som kulturtolkar när religiositet ska möta sekularisering. Det är spännande att få uppleva hur religioner åter tar en konstruktiv plats i lokalsamhället. Jag rör mig ofta på landsbygden i Dalarna och Västmanland, de två landskap som utgör Västerås stift. Där upplever jag byar och tätorter som förut levde med sjunkande siffror och utflyttning. Nu finns ofta flyktingboenden i byn och folk på orten har blivit engagerade på ett nytt sätt. Gamla och nya folkrörelser tar integrationsansvar. Jag hör berättelser om pånyttfödda gudstjänster och om glada fester där människor från olika håll i världen kommer samman. I många lokala församlingar läses, som på den första pingstdagen, texterna på olika språk. Även gudstjänstagendorna har blivit flerspråkiga. En gammal dam berättade för mig att det har blivit roligt att bo i hennes by. Hon förstod inte andra språk än svenska, ”men ändå hör vi ihop”, sa hon. Pingstens berättelser om enhet i mångfalden håller verkligen på att bli aktuella på ett nytt sätt. Det är arbetsamt och det kan bli rejäla friktioner när människor från olika håll i världen ska existera tillsammans. En del svenskar tycker det var bättre förr. Samtidigt är det något otroligt kraftfullt med det budskap pingsten förmedlar. Vännerna runt Jesus kom loss och de vågade skapa liv med helt nya inriktningar. Samma sak gäller för oss idag. Vi behöver enheten i mångfalden och kraften i det lokala mötet. En gång stod kyrkan mitt i byn. Den tiden är borta och kommer inte tillbaka. Men kyrkan finns på plats vid stadens torg. Nu sida vid sida med moskén, synagogan och templet. Det är först när religionen åter tar sin plats, när vi kan mötas också där, som vi på allvar kan få en fungerande integration. Samhällen som officiellt avskaffat religion har aldrig fungerat. När religiös extremism fått frodas utan mötesplatser växer konflikterna. Det visar historien. Men det finns en tredje väg, det religiösa samtalets. Med spänning ser jag ett mer öppet och mångreligiöst Sverige växa fram. Ett Sverige där också en påkristning pågår. Mikael Mogren, biskop i Västerås stift
June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 6
On rails to Seattle Continued from page 1
areas had been cleared – then as now. After viewing freshly razored forest gashes, I began concentrating upon passing trains hauling wood. Some carried huge timbers, and given their girth, it’s likely the logs were from enormous trees that
light train for a ride from Emeryville in the Bay Area to Seattle, where we would attend the Swedish Council of America’s meeting. The train runs along the Pacific Coast and is known as one of the most beautiful scenic train rides in the U.S. The modern pace on this old cargo route is not that of a bullet train; instead one can sit back and leisurely watch the passing scene, observing rocks, trees and water as well as wildlife. At one memorable moment a flock of geese blanketed the sky and raced our train beside the lake. Mountains The classic King St. Station in Seattle welcomes train passengers. were majestic and Photo: Astrid Olsson rocks chiseled for the trains provided geology lessons. Sometimes we passed families were cut into several logs. Some cars were camping; farms and ranches alternated custom designed for cut lumber. These cars with small towns and picturesque villages. have a central spine against which the piles Beyond the cities it was pleasant to see how of lumber are stacked and locked in vertical people live in and with nature. The size and ranks to the height of a normal boxcar. And speed of the rivers was noteworthy, as were as these long wood-hauling trains from the the bridges that spanned them. northwest passed us, it was as though our For short hauls there are the normal pas- view was blocked by a wall. senger cars. For longer trips there are the sleeping cars and the beautiful domed cars Arrival in Seattle with comfortable seats for looking out either Remarkable to me were the huge rail yards side. The dining car serves good meals for extending for miles with tracks, trains and breakfast, lunch and dinner, which is incargoes, in Portland, Tacoma and cluded in the pricier ticket. Before Seattle. We arrived at the King the end of the 22-hour ride one Street Station in Seattle, Like could even sample a flight of which retained the classic three local wines. San Francisco, marble temple interior it One marvels at how evhad when Farfar arrived, Seattle burst from erything fits together in the heralding the wealth and miniature sleeping quar- humble origins into a rank of this magnificent ters. The daytime bench city. We marveled at this full city due to a unfolds into a double bed exquisite jewel as we at night; the wall above gold rush. passed through the station drops down into an upper which was all but deserted bunk. I left the shades fully except for us arriving passenparted overnight so the morning gers; the station agents were about sun could wake us. By the time we to close after the arrival of this last train. awoke, we had glided through Sacramento In Seattle we were greeted by my brotherand many of the towns of northern Califor- in-law, our host for the week. We had time nia. We opened our eyes upon a glistening set aside for enjoying family and Seattle’s Mount Shasta. environs while also trying to visit sites menSuffice it to say, many of the hallmarks of tioned in Farfar’s book. Seattle, the Emerald forestry noted by Farfar remained the same, City, is remarkable for its verdant trees, as did the remarkable fishing and shipping the Cascade Mountains encircling the city, along the broad Willamette and Columbia Puget Sound and the two lakes (Union and rivers and Puget Sound. Farfar was a staunch Washington) filled with pleasure and comTeddy Roosevelt Republican, enamored mercial boats, and the shore lined by homes with the natural wonders preserved and as well as anchored flotillas of houseboats. conserved by his hero, and like everyone, Like San Francisco, Seattle has steep hills, he was also in awe of Mt. Rainier in Seattle. but the interconnecting freeways that flow We discussed how the forest is a valuable through and under the city are engineering national treasure which should be the duty marvels. San Francisco is 49 square miles of everyone to conserve. However, some
Nordstjernan, June 15, 2016
The monorail tracks run between a canyon of skyscrapers. Photo: Astrid Olsson
in landmass; whereas Seattle has about 84 square miles, making it more than double the size of San Francisco, especially if you include their surrounding waters. The cities are similar in their citizens’ average youthful age and in their climates of innovation and lifestyle. And both spar back and forth, together with Portland, for top honors for urban bicycling.
A must visit
Everyone who visits Seattle must visit Pike Place Market. The first time I visited Seattle, Pike Place was all about fresh seafood. I remember enjoying meals in restaurants and buying delicious food to take home. But this time the market seemed transformed. Facing the street were stalls filled with flowers, and beside the wharf are artisans of glass, wood, leather and metals. Inside, there is more of the same but also scarves, local photos and jewelry being sold. And now the market has fewer restaurants though it still has huge selections of fish; it’s arranged in displays on tons of shaved ice. One place would even pack and deliver your fish anywhere within 48 hours. Of course it could cost more than $100, even before shipping and handling costs. This time the fish market and the fleet of fishing boats moored outside, as well as the huge number of commercial fishing boats around Seattle’s locks, made me think more about fishing and the “bycatch,” particularly when I saw the massive steel hulled purse-seine trawlers with their pulleys and winches to pull in miles of netting and trapped fish. These harvesting vessels made long journeys from Alaska to fish here. But how much longer can this industry last before it exhausts a previously thought to be inexhaustible supply? As I looked at these hunting boats, I was reminded of the fields of sawn-off tree trunks where forests once stood and of the
whaling ships that almost extinguished the species. Now, other than protected native peoples, only Japan slaughters whales “for research.” In contrast, in this centennial year of our national parks, we celebrate what conservation has preserved for future generations. Like my mormor, I thank those who had the foresight to protect our natural resources, even as I realize each generation must renew this effort to protect what we currently have, let alone what more needs to be saved. We enjoyed sightseeing in Old Town, which Farfar would have visited, though the old Swedish Club’s location in 1908 was already gaining an extra two basements as Seattle streets mounted and terraced the hills beyond the original city. Like today’s San Francisco, Seattle is notable for its flocks of construction cranes. Both cities are furiously rebuilding. But Seattle seems to have built more of its skyscrapers throughout the city beside older, smaller buildings; whereas in
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Pike Place Market is famous for fish. Photo: Astrid Olsson
San Francisco, the largest skyscrapers seem more confined to particular zones. Like San Francisco, Seattle burst from humble origins into a full city due to a gold rush. Gold seekers flooded Seattle as the jumping-off port for the Yukon-Klondike gold rush of 1896-99. Many more merchants in both cities prospered than the few who struck it rich, though many of the other 100,000 returned to Seattle to make their livelihoods.
Pioneer Park, in the heart of Old Town (which Farfar would recognize), is surrounded by old buildings. Photo: Astrid Olsson
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo
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Also like San Francisco, Seattle hosted several expositions: in 1909 they hosted the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (commemorating a decade since the gold rush), and Farfar witnessed all the planning. As he said, “The Swedes have every reason to feel proud about this exposition, because the idea arose in the frenetic and fertile brain of the secretary of the current exposition board, Mr. O.G. Chelander, born in Kalmar. I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Chelander, who became particularly interested in my trip to Sweden. He asked me to emphasize to Swedish artists and manufacturers how desirable it would be for us Swedish-Americans, as well as for Swedes in Sweden, to
see our country Pike Place Market also sells flowers and fruit. Photo:Ted Olsson become worthily represented out Seattle’s Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition here on the West Coast, where the Swedes of 1909 made the city blossom and also have significantly contributed not only to built up the University of Washington. The enhance the maritime and agricultural indus- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical tries, but many other industries as well, and, Park is a wonderful period museum in a to a greater degree than many others, even corner building across from Pioneer Park, managed to discover gold riches in Alaska.” that also commemorates the gold rush and (Farfar was probably thinking of Eric its effect on this city. Lindblom, one of the Three Lucky Swedes In 1962 Seattle hosted its world’s fair, the who struck it rich in the Yukon, and who Century 21 Exposition, which I attended. loaned the money for the new Swedish We marveled at what was then the tallest American Hall after the earthquake of 1906. building (605 feet) west of the Mississippi This experience with Chelander must have River, the Space Needle. Today it is only been invaluable for Farfar, who seven years the seventh tallest in the city. While it was later would be on a similar committee plan- impressive to know that it was designed to ning for Sweden’s participation in the 1915 withstand 200 mph winds, to a San FrancisPPIE world’s fair in San Francisco.) Continues on next page June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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WEAR OUR HERITAGE
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One can relax at UPS Waterfall Garden. Photo: Ted Olsson Continued from previous page
can it was even more impressive to know that this tower could remain standing after a 9.1 magnitude earthquake. This year I enjoyed lunching 500 feet up at the restaurant in the Space Needle while it slowly rotated for a full circumspection of the city. Afterward I went up another 20 feet to stroll through the enclosed observatory and outside on the observation deck on the unusually balmy day. At the base of the Space Needle are two other remarkable institutions, one of which is the monorail. It still runs from downtown to the Space Needle, nonstop for about a mile. Also, because the rubber wheels are mounted by hugging both sides of an I-beam, the monorail is silent and able to wend and bank along arcs at pitched angles that a train could never maneuver. The other institution is Chihuly Garden and Glass, with the illuminated organic or floral glass sculptures characteristic of this artist both in the garden and inside a glass enclosed museum, all precisely arranged by the artist. One other site that thrilled me was Seattle’s downtown Waterfall Garden. For a city that is surrounded and interspersed with water, it was so serene to see and hear this cataract, an oasis in the city. The waterfall among massive rocks and plants can be contemplated while dining or drinking at tables and chairs in a courtyard garden, opened to the public in 2007. And in Ballard, originally a town with a large Scandinavian population and now a Seattle neighborhood, we visited the Nordic Heritage Museum. Like so many other Scandinavian museums throughout the U.S., this is extremely important for our collective history, both for the individuals and for their pioneering contributions made in settling new towns in a new country. It was a most auspicious week in Seattle to visit with colleagues and see the vitality of the Nordic Heritage Museum and how the Swedish organizations serve their community while teaching all of us how better to serve our local Swedish heritage and people. In the next installment I write more about these experiences.
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Harald Hårfagre has crossed the Atlantic OVER 90% RECYCLABLE Viking ship Draken Harald Hårfagre has crossed the Atlantic, en route to the Great Lakes. wedding of two of its crew at an historic church site in Greenland. The Viking ship is equipped with modern navigational tools but it also has historical aids such as log lines and magnetic and solar compasses. A rescue boat accompanied the trip across the ocean, at the ready if anything went wrong for the 33 crew members. Now with the toughest leg of the expedition behind them, Draken Harald Hårfagre is in St Antony, Newfoundland for a couple days, before heading southwest to Quebec and Toronto, then into the Great Lakes. Follow the expedition at http://www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com and find out where you can see it.
It was a challenging trip across the Atlantic, with high winds, icebergs and rain.
Draken Harald Hårfagre #expeditionamerica2016.
Photo: Peder Jacobsson/#expeditionamerica2016
After a challenging journey across the Atlantic which began in Norway on April 26, the largest Viking ship of modern times has reached North America. Draken Harald Hårfagre reached North America on June 1. Named for the king who unified Norway in the 10th century, the Harald Hårfagre dropped anchor at St. Antony in Newfoundland, Canada, on Wednesday, after more than a month at sea. “It has not been easy. We have encountered many problems on the trip, but the crew has remained in good spirits and has worked hard all the way,” Swedish captain Björn Ahlander reported. They battled winds, icebergs and rain as well as calm waters, sunshine and even the
A car’s effect on the world is as important as a car’s effect on the driver. Volvo has always been among the most environmentally friendly car companies on the planet. When you hear that, you might think only of two things—exhaust emissions and mileage. That’s a big part, but there is much more to it. Volvo is constantly scrutinizing how cars are built and the impact the process has on the environment. In essence a “life cycle analysis” is made on all cars. They not only examine what goes into the cars, but how the production process itself affects the environment. It means examining everything from raw material to production techniques and methods of scrapping and recycling. When you buy your new Volvo at least 90 percent of your car can (hopefully much) later be recycled, including glass, metal and much of the rubber. Early on in the struggle for cleaner or greener cars, E-The Environmental Magazine wrote: “Volvo’s environmentalism is much more than press-release deep, and it should be a model for the rest of the industry.” Throughout the 1970’s the U.S. automobile industry and the clean air activists were embroiled in an on-going dispute over auto-emissions. California finally enacted standards tougher than existing Federal levels. U.S. carmakers balked at them, claiming they couldn’t be met. Enter the little car company that could. At that time Volvo shocked the worldwide car industry by introducing a 240 model that far exceeded the “impossible” emission standards, while at the same time increasing its gas mileage by five percent. Volvo’s Lambda Sond emission control system abruptly ended a debate between environmentalists and automakers. Volvo continues to lead Beginning last year every new Volvo is fitted with one of the cleanest gasolinepowered four-cylinder engines available today. Swedish engineers solved the age-old dilemma — increased power and performance along with a class leading MPG. To achieve this level, Volvo drew on several technologies and the all-new, 2.0-liter, direct-injection, turbo four-cylinder that powers every new Volvo model offers a no-compromise approach. It delivers fantastic power and performance along with excellent fuel economy. The combination of the new engine and a new eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission comprises the foundation of the so-called Drive-E program. The new engines are smaller and lighter than the fiveand six-cylinder engines they replace, and their lighter weight helps boost fuel efficiency. Plus, the Drive-E brand designates more than engines: It also covers a slew of environment-oriented company programs, including sustainable, efficient and clean manufacturing processes and the wide use of recyclable materials, automatic start-stop, which conserves fuel in urban driving, and brake energy regeneration, which recaptures energy created as the car is slowed and converts it to electricity. In other words, Volvo continues to lead the way when it comes to combining the traditional virtues of Scandinavian design—simplicity, beauty and functionality—with the most stringent demands for environmental responsibility and safety. Learn more at www.volvocars.com/us.
June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
Photo: Bo Zaunders
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Swedish noir in New York
The latest duo in modern Swedish crime fiction was recently in New York. Erik Axl Sund, pen name of Swedish author duo Jerker Eriksson and Håkan Sundquist were in the U.S. to promote their novel, The Crow Girl. Their trilogy (yes, there were orginally three books) have been described as a complex, intricately plotted, character-based story that investigates the legacy of psychological torture, physical trauma and the ultimate cost of liberation. Women have the lead, which may or may not set it apart from its predecessors such as Stieg Larsson’s the Millennium trilogy, novels by Henning Mankell and the earlier duo Sjövall/Wahlö. Whether it compares with the earlier in the genre or not, it quickly became a hot Hollywood commodity after selling over a million copies worldwide. Housing
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Nordstjernan, June 15, 2016
‘Swedish’ luxury apartment for sale in NY Princess Madeleine and her husband Chris O’Neill are selling their luxury apartment in New York. The royal couple, who now lives in London, purchased the 764 square foot unit as a rental investment property when they lived in New York (in the same building). The one bedroom, one bathroom Upper East Side apartment, listed at SEK 17.5 million ($1,999,000), boasts white marble flooring and Italian marble counter tops with Gaggenau appliances in the kitchen, custom millwork in the bedroom, 9-foot ceilings and hardwood floors, 24hour doorman and concierge service, a wine cellar, fitness center and landscaped rooftop terrace with fireplace and breathtaking views: “Not only a five-star apartment but also a five-star building,” according to the listing. More information about the East 65th Street property at www.elliman.com (ID: 2379685). Added plus? You might get to meet Million Dollar Listing’s Swedish star broker Fredrik Eklund.
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New York, NY
Sweden in New York
“En kväll i New York” - an evening in New York, a performance by a slew of Sweden’s hottest artists at the Apollo Theater in New York, organized by and recorded for Swedish television was the big event for Big Apple Swedes in May. The legendary HarlemTheater was filled to the brim with enthusiastic Swedes that arrived to enjoy performances by Zara Larsson, Niklas Strömstedt, Charlotte Pirelli, Sarah Dawn FIner, Oscar Zia, Andreas Johnson and many others. The programs will air in Sweden in September and are likely coming up on SVTPlay shortly thereafter.
Entertainment
Enter from Vanderbilt and 42nd in the SW corner to get to Danish Dog/Northern Deli.
Zlatan likes the hype
Zlatan Ibrahimovic likes the spotlight, even if it means offending his fans. The ambitious and provocative Swedish soccer star’s talent supersedes his arrogance, and after scoring 50 goals for his club in France this season, Ibrahimovic, 34, is a free agent. As he considers his future, the world awaits his decision. And he knows it: “I want you to still write a lot of
‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: June 16 Axel/Axelina /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
June 15 Sunrise Sunset 5.24 a.m. 8.29 p.m. 3.31 a.m. 10.05 p.m. over the horizon 4.23 a.m. 9.52 p.m. 5.42 a.m. 8.07 p.m.
Junel 17 Torborg/Torvald June 18 Björn/Bjarne June 19 Germund/Görel June 20 Linda June 21 Alf/Alvar June 22 Paulina/Paula Junel 23 Adolf/Alice June 24 Johannes Döparens dag June 25 David/Salomon June 26 Rakel/Lea June 27 Selma/Fingal June 28 Leo June 29 Peter/Petra June 30 Elof/Leif July 01 Aron/Mirjam
Top Dance B From Sw and eden AMERICA PREMIER N !
Danish celebrity chef and entrepreneur Claus Meyer’s Nordic restaurant Agern at Grand Central opened at the end of April to mostly great reviews. No, we haven’t been there yet but did try the Danish hot dog stand next door—worth three times what you pay for a dog in the street? Absolutely. Next door is the Great Northern Deli where you can pick up fresh bread, pastry and a variety of other Nordic flavors.
stories, I get excited when I see them, because I want to see who is making up the best story,” he told reporters on June 1. “When I’m tired of it, I’ll let you know where I will go.” But the striker made it clear he’s not interested in returning to his home turf: “I’m too good for the Allsvenskan (Swedish league),” he added.
Herr & Fru | Mr. & Mrs.
Her: “Midsummer night” Him: “Fantastic”
Her: “Wonderful” Him: “Perfect”
Her: “Enchanting” Him: “No mosquitos”
Her: “Fantastic” Him: I’ve already said that.”
15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
July 15-17, 2016 Gerry Rodeo Grounds Gerry, NY
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Sliders on the grill No summer is complete without a barbecue, and green has the lead role on the grill this year — to the extent that meat or fish are an accessory or served in small quantities such as sliders, the smallest burgers. The small hamburgers, eaten in a few mouthfuls, has become immensely popular in Stockholm. I like them a lot, because you can eat several of them with different fillings — a prime rib burger, one with salmon, one with pumpkin or chickpea beef and crispy fried oyster mushrooms, for example. A slider will be extra good if it is served with good condiments. Flavored mayonnaise, guacamole and different kinds of onions are classic. Pickled vegetables add both taste and texture. It was not cook-out weather when I visited barbecue chef Anders Tegnér, who bravely grilled in freezing wind and rain at Boccone restaurant on the pier of Strandvägen in Stockholm. But Anders was in a sunny and warm mood, and happily offered sliders, delicious condiments and a small yummy pizza. He also shared tips and recipes. In his everyday job Anders is chef and inspirer at the company CajP’s, which manufactures barbecue spices and grill oil. The company also imports several different brands from the U.S.
5 best sliders and grill tips
• Fire up the grill in time, whether you are grilling on charcoal or with propane. The grill and the rail must be really hot (gas) and coal or briquettes have to be gray before it’s time to grill. • Use the right tools like spatula and tongs when grilling. A fork can easily tear apart the ingredients. • Grill the bread before you build your burger. Rub it with herb butter for more flavor. • Make sure you get ingredients of good quality and a good, fresh bread — preferably homemade.
Butternut sliders
It takes a good half hour to roast the squash until it’s completely soft, so start early. For 8 servings: 1 small butternut squash or pumpkin 2 tablespoons barbecue seasoning 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon canola oil Serve with: 8 hamburger buns, see separate recipe crispy salad guacamole pomegranate seeds thinly sliced radishes -Wash the squash, cut and seed it. Divide it into fine pieces and season with spices, honey and oil. -Roast it over gentle heat until fully cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes. Turn periodically so that it does not burn. -Prepare the accessory foods, so you can
Nordstjernan, June 15, 2016
quickly assemble your sliders when the pumpkin is freshly grilled. -Grill the bread for one minute. -peel the rind off the squash pieces. -Place the salad on the bottom buns and garnish with the squash. Serve your sliders smoking hot with guacamole, pomegranate seeds and radishes.
Butternut slider
Spicy mayo 4 tablespoons Hellman’s mayonnaise 2 teaspoons miso paste 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
-Whisk together the mayonnaise, miso paste and tabasco. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste. Mini hamburger buns Makes 12 buns
Mushroom and chickpea slider with spicy mayo.
Mushroom and chickpea slider
When the mixture has been formed into patties, they should rest in the fridge for one hour, so start early. For 8 servings: 2 + 2 teaspoons canola oil 1/2 cup chopped shallots 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained well 3 tablespoons chickpea flour 3 tablespoons corn flour (flour, not starch) 1-2 tablespoons grillrub with a smoky flavor 1 egg 1/2 cup grated apple salt and ground black pepper A few drops of Tabasco 8 large hats of oyster mushrooms Spicy mayo, see separate recipe 8 small hamburger buns, see separate recipe -Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a frying pan. Fry the onion, garlic and mushrooms for a few minutes until the mixture is dry. Remove from heat. -Mash the chickpeas with a fork in a bowl to a puree with solid bits in. Add the onion and mushroom mix to the bowl. Mix the flour, rub and eggs, and stir until it becomes a smooth batter. Then turn in the apple and spices. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the rub, salt, pepper and Tabasco or Cholula. -Shape eight small patties of the mixture.
Press firmly so they become compact. Put the patties on a plate and dress with plastic wrap. Let the patties rest for at least an hour in the fridge, so they keep their shape. -Prepare the accessory ingredients, so you can build your sliders when the patties are freshly grilled. Fry the mushrooms in a generous amount of oil until crispy, then let it drain on paper towels. -Brush the surface of the patties with 2 tsp oil. Roast them until they are properly warm. -Place the bottom buns on a serving plate. Add the patties and mushrooms on top of the bread. Top with with spicy mayo, put on the top of the bread and serve immediately.
2 tablespoons (25g) yeast 2 tablespoons (25g) butter 1 cup milk 1 pinch of salt 1 tablespoon honey 2-1/3 to 2-1/2 cups flour Brush with: 2 tablespoons melted butter -Preheat oven to 375°. Crumble the yeast into a bowl. Continues on next page
Glad Midsommar!
Pickled mustard seeds 1/3 cup water 3 tablespoons sugar 3/4 cup white wine vinegar 6 tablespoons yellow mustard 1 teaspoon salt A fine strainer -Pour the water into a small saucepan and stir in the sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vinegar. Let cool and then refrigerate. -Blanch the mustard seeds six times, then let them drain in the strainer. -Put them in a glass jar with a lid. Pour in the vinegar and water liquid, cover and refrigerate at least one day.
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-Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the milk and stir. Heat to 98.6°F (37°C) lukewarm. -Add the liquid to the bowl and stir until the yeast is dissolved. Add flour and honey and finally the salt. -Work the dough for 10 minutes in the machine or 15 minutes by hand. Then let rise for 30 minutes. Line a baking tray with baking paper. -Knead the dough lightly with remaining flour. Flatten it and punch out the loaves. Place them on the baking sheet with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes. -Bake for 12-14 minutes. Brush the loaves with melted butter when there’s a few minutes left of baking time. Let the loaves cool on a rack under a cloth. Herb butter Mix together 1/4 stick (30g) softened butter
with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt, a pinch of ground black pepper and 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley.
Mini pizza with mushrooms
To make the mini pizzas on the grill you need a pizza stone or a cast iron wok to put on the grid. It is also possible to bake pizzas in a 525°F (275°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Makes 4 pizzas 4 small pizzas or tortillas 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 tablespoon rub with garlic 1 tablespoon canola oil 2-4 tablespoons Sweet Barbeque Sauce
1/2 cup diced tomato flesh 1 cups grated mozzarella Arugula -Fry the mushrooms in the oil and season with rub, put aside. -Spread barbecue sauce on the tortillas, add the mushrooms, tomato and cheese. -Meanwhile heat up a frying pan or a wok on the grill. -Grill pizza only a minute on medium-hot temperature until cheese is melted. Put on serving dish and top with arugula. Text & photo: Gunilla Blixt
Anders Tegnér, grillmaster with Gunilla Blixt. For more recipes and info, see www.gunillablixt.se
Desserts for Midsummer Whether you opt for the classic midsummer menu of (sill och dillkokt färskpotatis, gräddfil, gräslök och ett knäcke med lagrad ost) pickled herring, dillboiled new potatoes, sourcream, chives and a crispbread with aged cheese or something from the grill, strawberries after the main dish is a must. Here’s a variation on the serving of the mandatory strawberries that will make everyone happy. Our first encounter with the variation of the Pinoccio torte was at the Swedish Consul General to Michigan’s residence where the Consul’s spouse Karin Johansson added some delicious details to this traditional cake.
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Välkommen! Consulate of Sweden Tower 101, 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1700B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: +1 954 467 3507 Fax:+1 954 467 1731 fortlauderdale@consulateofsweden.org www.consulateofsweden-fortlauderdale.org Like us on Facebook
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Strawberry cake á la Karin (A.K.A. Pinocchio Tårta)
Line a 12” x 16 “ sheet cake pan with baking parchment. Grease well and add flour. Sponge cake: 3 Egg yolks 1/2 cup or 1 dl Sugar 5 Tablespoons Half & Half 2/3 cup or 1 1/2 dl melted Butter 2/3 cup or 1 1/2 dl All Purpose Flour 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder Mix flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and the sugar well until light and fluffy. Add the half & half and the cooled to room temperature melted butter a little of each at a time with the combined flour and baking powder. Pour into the prepared pan, spreading the batter with a spatula. Meringue: 3 Egg whites 1/4 cup Sugar 1 teaspoon Vanilla sugar 1/2 cup sliced almonds. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold in the sugar and vanilla sugar and beat for a few more minutes. Spread the meringue, slightly unevenly over the cake batter. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake on the lowest oven rack on 400F for 5 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 350F for another 20 – 30 minutes until the meringue is golden. Let the cake cool slightly. Carefully remove the cake from the parchment paper and cut in half.
Pinocchiotårta, strawberry cake. (Image source: nivran blog)
and top with the other half, meringue side up. Decorate with Strawberries. Enjoy!
Short of time?
It happens. Even the best of plans turn out to be unrealistic sometimes and since it’s rhubarb season we tried a much quicker recipe based on Sturdiwheat’s shortcake mix.
Filling: 1 1/3 cup whipping cream 1 1/2 liter Strawberries (1.5 quart—you don’t have to be picky here… experiment!) Whip the cream and combine with mashed strawberries (leave some for decoration). Spread the filling on one of the cake half
Rhubarb-strawberry cobbler
2 Cups diced 1/4” Fresh Rhubarb 2 Cups diced 1/4” Fresh Strawberries 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar 2 tsp. Lemon Juice 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon 2 Tbls. Flour 1 Package Sturdiwheat Shortcake Mix Mix all together and spoon into a 9” baking dish. Blend Sturdiwheat Shortcake Mix according to package directions and drop by spoonfuls on top of fruit mixture. Sprinkle top with 1 Tbls. granulated sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until light brown and fruit mixture is bubbly. Tip – insert a larger pan on oven shelf below it to catch any mixture that overflows the baking dish. You find the shortcake mix at www.sturdiwheat.com under dessert mixes ($4.49)— given the convenience and time needed it’s unbeatable.
Rhubarb-strawberry cobbler. (Sturdiwheat)
June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 14
Midsummer events 2016 California
Connecticut
San Pedro, (Norwegian Church) 25 Jun 2016 SWEA Los Angeles, SACC-LA’s & The Swedish Church’s Midsummer celebration. Maypole decorating, dance and food. More info www.losangeles.swea.org or www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles Email: losangeles@ swea.org or losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se or call 310-292-7080
Fairfield 25 Jun 2016 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Annual Midsummer Fest at The Scandinavian Club. Maypole, music and dance. More info www.thescandinavianclub.com or scanclubnews@hotmail.com or carinak2010@ hotmail.com or 203-259-1571
House of Sweden, San Diego 26 Jun 2016 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Midsummer celebration. Swedish food, a Swedish choir, folk dancing and dance around the Maypole. Swedish Meatballs and pastries. More info www.houseofsweden.us Email: houseofswedensd@gmail.com or suzanhagstrom@yahoo.com or pat.coffey@ cox.net or call 619-300-1738 or 619-2868293 Rolling Hills Estates, Los Angeles 27 Jul 2016 5:00 PM Annual Midsummer Shrimp Feast at Nansen Field. All you can eat of you- peel shrimp and other delicious food will be offered. Dancing around the maypole. Reservations! For more info www.nansenfield.org or midsummer@ nansenfield.com or or NansenField@yahoo. com or southbaybookkeeping@roadrunner. com or 310-546-6680
Vasa Park, Meriden 26 Jun 2016 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM Traditional Swedish Midsommarfest. Maypole, music, dance, entertainment and food. More info on Facebook: Vasa-Park-SouthMeriden-Connecticut or steinmillerl@gmail. com or call 203-238-7829 or 860-563-0040
Washington D.C Carderock Park, MD 26 Jun 2016 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Midsummer Celebration hosted by ASA, Drott Lodge, and SWEA DC. Maypole, dancing, activities for children and Potluck dinner. For more info www.scandinavian-dc.org or www.swea.org/washingtondc or www. drott-lodge.org or email: gerry@schueman. com or washingtondc@swea.org
Illinois
Sveadal, Morgan Hill 18 Jun 2016 10:00 AM–11:30 PM Swedish American Patriotic League 122th Midsummer Celebration. Maypole, dancing, music & Dinner. More info www.sveadal.org Email midsummertickets@sveadal.org or call 408779-2854 or 415-407-0095 or 408-782-4631
Andersonville 10 Jun 2016 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM 11 Jun 2016 11:00 AM - 10.00 PM 12 Jun 2016 11:00 AM - 10.00 PM 50th Annual Midsommarfest. Maypole, Swedish Music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, delicious food and ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands. Info: http://www.andersonville.org/events/midsommarfest/
Vasa Park Agoura 26 Jun 2016 8:30 AM –6:00 PM The Swedish American Central Association Annual Midsummer Festival. Maypole, dancing, singing, Children’s Games, Spelmanslag and Folk Dancing. Info www.vasapark.org, email: info@vasapark.org or lkosvic@gmail. com call 563-923-5828 or 818-894-2836
Bishop Hill 18 Jun 2016 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Music Festival and Midsommar Celebration. Music for the whole family. Procession to the Colony School. Decoration and dancing around the Maypole, Barn Dance. Info www. bishophill.com or Call 309-927-3899 or Email: bhha@mymctc.net
Colorado
Chicago 11 Jun 2016 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Come celebrate Midsommar with the The Swedish American Museum. Traditional Swedish music and dancing around the Maypole! Info www.swedishamericanmuseum. org or museum@samac.org
Estes Park 24 Jun 2016 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM 25 Jun 2016 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM 26 Jun 2016 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Scandinavian midsummer celebration with Maypole, Scandinavian food, crafts, dancing, music, Scandinavian Folkdancers, Viking reenactors and Vintage Volvo and Saab auto show. More info www.estesmidsummer. com, email: info@estesmidsummer.com or bouldercathy46@gmail.com or call 303449-9596
Good Templer Park, Geneva 19 Jun 2016 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Swedish Days, Geneva’s 106th Midsommar Festival. Arts & Crafts Fair, Folk Dancers, Maypole Celebration, Live Scandinavian Music and Dances, Children’s Choir, Viking Encampment and Swedish food. Info: www. swedishday.net, email: SwedishDay@gmail.
com or jodymoreen@gmail.com or call 847845-2640 or 863-268-4664 Geneva 21 Jun 2016 – 26 Jun 2016 Annual Midsummer Festival - Swedish Days. Singing and Dancing around the Maypole, Parade, great food, lutfisk tasting, carnival rides, live music, a craft show, Swedish entertainment and many children’s games. More info: Ph 630-232-6060 or www.genevachamber. com Lake Forest 25 Jun 2016 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM SWEA Chicago Midsummer Celebration. Dancing around the maypole, games and smörgåsbord. More info: http://chicago.swea.org/events/midsommar-2/ or sweachicagoprogram@gmail.com Rockford 18 Jun 2016 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Swedish Historical Society hosts Midsommar Festival at the Erlander Museum. Maypole, Folk Dancers and entertainment, Swedish food & market, kid’s activities. More info www.swedishhistorical.org or 815-963-5559 or email: lristin@comcast. net Vasa Park, South Elgin 18 Jun 2016 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM 11th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Celebration. Maypole, dancing, kid’s activities, picnic, bonfire and music. More info: www.vasaparkil. com or call 630-665-7866 E-mail: vasaparkil@ yahoo.com or matthewe0607@comcast.net or cmhoidahl@gmail.com
Iowa
Willow Creek Park, Iowa City 12 Jun 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Iowa City Swedish Club Midsommar Fest with Majstång, games and a potluck dinner. More info: www.iowacityswedishclub.com or jswan52246@aol.com 319-338-9129 or jsmadsen@mchsi.com 319-351-2595 Swedesburg 16 Jul 2016 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Swedish Heritage Society Midsummer Fest. Majstång with dancing, music and Swedish folk songs. More info www.facebook.com/ SwedesburgSwedishAmericanMuseum/ or email: swedish@iowatelecom.net or call 319-254-2317
Kansas Lindsborg 18 Jun 2016 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Midsummer’s Festival. May pole, Music, Scandinavian style food, Kubb, Folk Dancers, fun run, Arts & Crafts. More info www.midsummersfestival.com or www.visitlindsborg.com email: Info@MidsummersFestival.com or call 785-227-8687
Maine
MIDSOMMAR IN CONNECTICUT SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 VASA PARK
358 Main St. Meriden, CT Park Opens 11:00 Opening ceremonies 12:00 Traditional Swedish Meatball Dinner served 1:00 p.m. - 3:00
Games, Crafts and Sale of Swedish foods Scholarship Presentation 3:30 Raffle and Final 20 Week Club drawing Music and Dancing with Wivan
New Sweden 17 Jun 2016 – 19 Jun 2016 New Sweden Historical Society Midsommar Celebration. Maypole, Dancing, Fun and Food. More info Facebook: www.facebook.com/ NewSwedenHistoricalSociety or Email: kitkis5@yahoo.com or call 207-896-7909 or 207-896-3416
Maryland Carderock Park, MD 26 Jun 2016 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Midsummer Celebration hosted by ASA, Drott Lodge, and SWEA DC. Maypole, dancing, activities for children and Potluck dinner. For more info www.scandinavian-
Nordstjernan, June 15, 2016
dc.org or www.swea.org/washingtondc or www.drott-lodge.org or email: gerry@ schueman.com or washingtondc@swea. org
Massachusetts Newton 18 Jun 2016 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Midsummer Picnic hosted by Scandinavian Cultural Center & SACC-NE. Maypole, dancing and Picnic with all-you-can-eat smörgåsbord. For more info www.scandicenter.org. or www.sacc-ne.org or email: kerry@scandicenter.org or info@sacc-ne.org or 617-7951914 or 760-799-6333
Michigan Alaska, Grand Rapids 25 Jun 2016 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM SAHS/WM Midsummer Fest. Dancing around the maypole, music, food, games, Kubb game and Kubb demonstration and more. For info call 616-530-1842 or 616-458-0420 or www.sahswm.org or info@sahswm.org or cairener@sbcglobal.net Farmington Hills 18 Jun 2016 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Swedish Club of Metropolitan Detroit’s Midsummer Celebration. Breafast and Brunch. Dancing around the maypole, music, Swedish Pancakes. For more info www.swedishclub.net or Email: aviking85@gmail.com or call 248-478-2563.
Minnesota Bemidji 19 Jun 2016 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Bemidji A.S.I. Affilate 40th anniversary and celebration of Midsommar Fest! Decorating the Majstang. Procession, music, dancing and lunch. More info: Call 218-785-2368 or Email: Luckyswede2368@gmail.com Halma, Jupiter Township 22 Jun 2016 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM Agassiz Swedish Heritage Society celebrates Midsommar Fest with Maypole, Ringdance, Music and Smorgasbord. More info: Lyndon Johnson 218-843-2834 or Bryan Kays 612968-6323 or lyndon_johnson@Yahoo.com or kaysx005@umn.edu Minneapolis 18 Jun 2016 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Midsommar Celebration at American Swedish Institute. Sing and dance around the maypole, Traditional Midsummer fare, handcrafts, flower wreath making. For more info: www.asimn.org or Call 612-871-4907 Minnehaha Falls Park, Minneapolis 26 Jun 2016 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Scandinavian summer fest celebration by Svenskarnas Dag and Norway Day. Midsommar Loppet. Entertainment, Folk Dancing, Choruses, Maypole, singing, dancing and food, More info www.facebook.com/SvenskarnasDag/events?key=events&ref=page_ internal or teddiane@mac.com or 612-8258808 or 612-861-4793 Moorhead 24 Jun 2016 – 25 Jun 2016 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM The 38th Annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Annual Midwest Viking Festivals. Music, Food, Crafts & Dance, Scandinavian entertainment, Viking Village, children’s activities. More info www.NordicCultureClubs.org or www.hcscconline.org, email nordiccultureclubsoffice@gmail.com or call 218-2995452 or 218-299-5952 Nisswa 10 Jun 2016 7:00PM – 10:00 PM 11 Jun 2016 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 17th Annual Nisswa-stämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival. 150 folk musicians performing, day-long dancing, dance instruction, a cultural children’s activity/performance tent, and great Scandinavian food. More info: www.nisswastamman.org email: nisswastamman@gmail.com or Call 218764-2994
The Pacific states. page 15
Scandia 25 Jun 2016 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Gammelgården Museum Midsommar Dag Celebration. Majstång, dance, children’s activities & food. Info www.gammelgardenmuseum.org, email: museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org or 651-433-5053 Vining 25 Jun 2016 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM Leif Erikson, Sons of Norways Midsommar Celebration with Maypole, dancing, music and Potluck dinner. More Info Facebook: Leif Erikson, Sons of Norway, Vining MN, email: cbolsons@aol.com or 218-769-4296
Nebraska Oakland 3 Jun 2016 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM 4 Jun 2016 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM 5 Jun 2016 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Swedish Heritage Center’s Swedish Heritage festival. Scandinavian Dancers, Swedish food, Parade, Lego Dala Horse competition, Swedish Tractor pull etc. For more info www.facebook.com/pages/Swedish-Heritage-CenterOakland-Nebraska/316494311871854 or Email: tada@abbnebraska.com or Call 402-380-9458 Omaha 12 Jun 2016 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Omaha Committee. Annual Midsummer Celebration with maypole, crafts, Traditional Swedish music and dance. For more info www. omahamidsummer.wordpress.com/ Email: delstites@gmail.com or Call 402-830-6679 Stromsburg 17 Jun 2016 1:00 PM –1:00 AM 18 Jun 2016 7:00 AM –1:00 AM 19 Jun 2016 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Stromsburg 63rd Swedish Midsummer Festival. Traditional Swedish Cuisine, games, Viking Festival, Swedish Dancers and entertainment. For more info www.theswedishfestival.com, Email: theswedishfestival@ gmail.com or or charlesnoyd@gmail.com or Call 402-764-5265
New Jersey Vasa Park, Budd Lake, Hackettstown 25 Jun 2016 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Swedish Midsummer Celebration by Vasa New Jersey District 6. Scandinavian Vendors, Food, Maypole, Folkdancing, entertainment by Smorgasbandet and Ed Hendela. Musical entertainment, Children’s Activities. More info, see http://www.vasaorder.net/eventnj/ or www.vasaparknj.com or Email: laurenmaxx229@yahoo.com . For other districts and clubs of the Vasa Order of America, see www.vasorder.org
New York Throggs Neck, Bronx 18 Jun 2016 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM 75th Annual SWEDEN DAY – Midsommar celebration at Manhem Club. More info: www. swedendayny.com or email: Swedenday@ yahoo.com or Call Sweden Day 516-565-2091
North Dakota Buckstop Junction, Bismarck 21 Jun 2016 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Three Crowns Swedish-American Association will celebrate Midsommar Fest with Potluck dinner, majstång, Swedish Flickorna dancers and games for children. For more info call 701-258-1262 or email: dhswenson@msn.com.
Ohio Alum Creek, Lewis Center 25 Jun 2016 6:00 PM Scandinavian Club of Columbus, Ohio Nordic Midsummer fest. For more info www.scandiclub.com email: ScandiClubInfo@gmail.com
Oregon Oaks Park, Portland 11 Jun 2016 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Portland Midsummer festival. By Scandinavian Heritage Foundation and the League of Swedish Societies. Maypole, Scandinavian food and crafts, Music, Dancing and children’s activities, For more info www.scanheritage.org, email: shf@mindspring.com or call 503-977-0275. Astoria 17 Jun 2016 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM 18 Jun 2016 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM 19 Jun 2016 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - Over 45 years of Festival. Midsummer pole, Scandinavian music, dance and theater groups, Scandinavian traditional handcrafts and food. For more info www.astoriascanfest.com
Pennsylvania Philadelphia 25 Jun 2016 4:00 PM –7:00 PM ASHM’s annual Midsommar Fest. Music, dancing, traditional maypole, Swedish food, games and more! Info: www.americanswedish.org, info@americanswedish.org or 215389-1776
South Dakota Vermillion 24 Jun 2016 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dalesburg Scandinavian Association Annual Midsommar celebration. Scandinavian smorgasbord, entertainment, arts and crafts, games, music, vikings, raising of the midsummer pole and ring dances. Info: www. dalesburg.org/midsommar-2016/ More info call 605-253-2575, Email: ron@dalesburg. org
South Carolina Columbia 4 Jun 2016 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Nordic Club Midsommar celebration. A traditional midsummer celebration. Info: http://www.resche.com/nordicclub/nordicclub_home_page.htm More info call 843324-8076 Email: wcui2@aol.com or nordicclubsc@gmail.com
Utah
Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, Battery Park City, New York 24 Jun 2016 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Swedish Midsummer Festival. Swedish delicacies, traditional music, folk dancing, decorating of May pole and wreath making. For more info www.bpcparks.org or www.swedenabroad.com
Salt Lake City 25 Jun 2016 3:00 PM –7:30 PM Swedish Heritage Society of Utah annual Midsommar Fest. Music, dancing, traditional maypole and Smorgasbord. Info: www.swedishheritagesociety.com or Email: swedishheritage2@aol.com
Melville, Long Island, New York 4 June 2016 1:00 PM Swedish Midsummer by Vasa Lodge Lindbergh of Long Island. dancing around the “Majstång,” Live music, food, kids games. For more info email: dragspel@aol.com or www. vasanewyork.com or call 718-415-0602
Landgrove Inn, Landgrove 11 July 2016 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Nordic Harmoni’s annual Midsummer Festival. Mini Smorgasbord, wreath making, decorating of May pole, songs by the chorus. For more info call the Inn 802-824-6673 or CarlEric Westberg 802-824-6578 or email vartland@comcast.net
Jamestown 15 Jul 2016 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM 16 Jul 2016 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM 17 Jul 2016 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 15th Annual Scandinavian Folk festival – Swedish Folk Dancers, Viking ship. Midsommar celebration on Saturday with maypole and ring dances. . More info: ww.scandinavianjamestown.org or email: dsandy@netsync.net or Call 716-665-0883
Vermont
Washington Vasa Park resort, Bellevue 19 Jun 2016 9:00 AM– 8:00 PM Midsummer Festival with Swedish pancake breakfast, dancing and old fashioned recreation, Swedish food. Info www.vasaparkresort.com, email: sawink@comcast.net or call 425-746-3260
Saint Edward State Park, Kenmore 26 Jun 2016 11:00 AM– 6:00 PM Midsommar Fest by Skandia Folkdance Society, Majstång and Långdans, music, dancing, Hemslöjdsmarknad, food, craft and kids activities. Info www.skandia-folkdance.org, email: publicity@skandia-folkdance.org or call 425-954-5262
Wisconsin Old World, Eagle 18 Jun 2016 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Midsummer Magic: Music, food, drinks, dancing and more. Info http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/, email: friends@ friendsoww.org or call 262-594-2922.
IKEA USA 24 Jun 2016 A Swedish Traditional Midsummer Smörgåsbord, US wide with all you can eat Buffet. Each store has different seatings. Call your local store for details. Some of the stores have live Swedish entertainment. www.ikea.com. No Celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com. Also, find your local SWEA chapter by going to www.swea. org - almost every SWEA organization will celebrate this day.
Old World, Eagle 19 Jun 2016 10:00 AM– 3:00 PM Swedish American Historical Society of Wiscons Midsummer celebration. Decorating and Raising of the Maypole, wreath making for Kids, Scandinavian Folk Dancers and Musicians. Info www.sahswi.org, email: swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com or call 414-352-7890 or 262-781-6113.
SWEDE AMONG THE REDNECKS Loved by Rednecks, Bluenecks, Swedes and Americans: “..something any Swedish American will enjoy” … “A humorous look at Swedes and Swedishness” … “[written with] the gift of clarity, humor, pathos, and joy” A book from Nordstjernan, also available on Amazon. A humorous collection of essays about growing up, reaching adulthood and maturity on two continents and in two separate cultures. Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333
Perfect bound, paperback, the ideal companion for the beach or the back yard this summer Please send me ____ book(s) x $16.95 = _______ Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
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June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 16 perspectives.
Olle Wijkström olle.wijkstrom@nordstjernan.com
Känslor och förnuft Många bland oss styrs av våra känslor. De som tillhör den känslomässiga gruppen blir ibland översvallande glada, leende positiva, tragiskt sorgsna eller djupt melankoliska. Dessemellan rådvilla och tvekande. Många andra, de så kallade realisterna, styrs hellre av sitt förnuft. Förnuftsmänniskorna är beräknande. De vill alltid stå stadigt på marken med båda benen. De har lärt sig addera och multiplicera. De blir sällan varken översvallande glada eller gråtfärdiga med näsduken nära till hands. De litar på att tre gånger tre alltid blir nio och ingenting annat. Det är lätt att bli förtjust i båda grupperna. De känslomässiga och de förnuftiga. Om vi blir bjudna till kalas vill vi till exempel gärna bli placerade intill en glad och känslomässigt positiv person. Då blir det lättare att prata och finna saker och ting att skratta åt. Eller bli ledsen över om det gäller begravningar. Träffar man däremot en människa i syfte att lösa ett kvistigt problem är det givetvis en fördel om man råkar få en realistiskt förnuftig person att diskutera problemet med. Efter denna snabböversikt om känslor och förnuft tänker jag nu ta ett våldsamt skutt över till svensk inrikespolitik. Jag vill nämligen påstå att ett av de märkbara problemen med vår inrikespolitik hänger ihop med den blandning av känslor och förnuft som finns i vår nuvarande rödgröna regering. I denna regering försöker drömmande miljöpartister som värnar om öppna dörrar
Känslor och förnuft för alla stackars flyktingar och som finner allt som kan tänkas ha gnuttan av skadlig inverkan på den luft vi andas komma överens med socialdemokrater och vänsterfantaster. Statsministern, Stefan Löfven, med erfarenhet av förhandlingar mellan fack och arbetsgivare vet mer än andra om villkoren här i tillvaron. Han har tagit på sig en knepigare uppgift än någon annan. Det var förmodligen lättare fordom att finna lösningar mellan arbetsgivarföreningen och LO än det är att nå samförstånd inom det gäng han nu har att göra med. Hitintills har han enligt min åsikt lyckats hyggligt att jämka ihop förnuftsivrarna med de brinnande känslomänniskorna inom miljöpartiet och vänsterns ledare som alltid vill gå längre än någon realist. Att det ena språkröret tvingades gråtande lämna arenan hörde till spelets regler. Det är givetvis bra när åsikter av olika slag förs fram och tillåts brytas mot varann. Det ligger i demokratins själ att så sker. Dock är det tvivelaktigt om så skall äga rum i en regering som skall fatta beslut. Skiftande synpunkter hör hemma i debatterna som föregår beslutsmaskineriet. Det blir genast krångligare om motsättningarna inte klarats av innan man går in i utförandeprocessen. Regeringskoalitioner mellan partier med olika värderingar i väsentliga frågor har därför svårt att genomföra accepterade resultat.
“ Olle Wijkströms nyutkomna och rikt illustrerade bok - Min Historia - handlar om hans minnen och möten med alla slags folk från tre kontinenter. Boken innehåller stämningar och möten. Stamhövdingar, presidenter och vanligt folk. Boken kan beställas och betalas via Nordstjernan”
Sweden is the ‘goodest’ country in the world
Sweden is the country that makes the greatest contribution to humanity, according to the Good Country Index, which measures how much a country gives to the common good. Sweden, now the “goodest” nation in the world by these standards, outranks 162 other countries in 35 indicators through data collected by UN agencies and other international bodies. “It’s as objective as anything like this can possibly be,” said creator Simon Anholt, who isn’t surprised Sweden has won another in a string of similar distinctions:
“Sweden must be bored of coming out on top in every bloody country index, but that’s the fact of the matter!” Sweden ranked best in the health and wellbeing — for contributions to medicine and international health disasters – and in prosperity and equality, which recognizes Sweden’s beneficial trade practices with other countries. Previously, Sweden didn’t fair as well in the last Good Country Index, when coming in 6th place after it ranked 52nd in the International Peace and Security category because of its arms exports associated with operations in Afghanistan, which since ended in 2014. Now, “Since it’s killing fewer people abroad, Sweden is free to be recognized as the goodest,” Anholt said. Visit http://goodcountry.org to find out how other countries, including the United States, ranked.
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local events. page 17
Preserving Scandinavian Culture Valorie Arrowsmith, Minnesota valorie@nordstjernan.com
The Dala Heritage Society annually hosts a number of Swedish events, which is part of its mission of preserving Scandinavian culture. New and continuing board members of the Dala Heritage Society recently met for their annual board organizational meeting, keeping in mind this mission. The group, founded in 1977 in Mora, Minnesota and serving communities in east central Minnesota, has for 40 years
been working toward the preservation of Scandinavian culture, tradition and heritage. Functions also include working with the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis and other groups with similar purposes. Right now preparations are underway for the upcoming Midsummer celebration on Friday, June 17 at Library Park in downtown Mora. The public is welcome to join in the pole decorating, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Flowers, both domestic and wild are especially welcome to add fresh and vibrant colors to the green clad majstång. The pole is raised ceremoniously at 6:30 p.m., and this tradition is followed by music performed by the Northern Lights Blue Grass group. The name of the organization is drawn from the Swedish words dal, which means valley. A related term, recognizable by many visitors to Sweden, is the Dala horse. A Dala horse (Dalahäst) is a carved wooden horse, painted in folk designs that serve as a cultural symbol for all of Sweden, even though they originated in Dalarna, a province about four hours north of Stockholm, and home of many immigrants who came to Minnesota in the 1860s. The word Dalarna itself means the valleys. It is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable (DOLL-arenuh); the people who lived in this area were referred to as Dalfolk during the periods of immigration. Communities in Sweden contributed to the
Dala Heritage Society board members begin plans for a new round of Scandinavian programs. L-R: Gordon Hallstrom, Kathy Anderson, Joanne Olen, Valorie Arrowsmith, Walt Olen, Ruth Hansberry, Paul Weingart, Jill Weingart, Ardis Hallstrom. Photo: S. Hansberry
population of east central Minnesota especially during the immigration years of 1860 to 1920, and so it is not surprising that sister city relationships have developed between communities in the two countries: Isle and Älvdalen; Dalbo Township and Venjan; Cambridge and Rättvik; Braham and Orsa; and Mora and Mora. The Dala Heritage Society appreciates the opportunities to help keep those links strong. Services provided by the cultural organiza-
Välkommen till
tion are language camp scholarships for the Concordia Language Scandinavian villages; it also hosts Swedish visitors and musical touring groups. In December it offers the Santa Lucia program, and members help to make the month of January warmer by serving a pea soup and pancakes luncheon. For more information about the organization or upcoming events, contact 320-6793869.
Glad Midsommar! Happy Midsummer!
Lördag 25 juni kl 15-19
Årets midsommarfirande
i samarbete mellan kyrkan, SACC-LA och SWEA LA. Dans runt midsommarstången, mat, dryck, sång & musik i Svenska kyrkans trädgård i San Pedro.
Söndag 3 juli kl 11.00
Mässa
kyrkkaffe och söndagsskola. Mer information och senaste nytt om alla våra aktiviteter på vår Facebook- och hemsida!
Svenska kyrkan, Los Angeles 1035 South Beacon Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 Tel. 310-832-6800 • Epost: losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles På facebook heter vi “Svenska kyrkan i Los Angeles”
5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443
mdv xnqj Öppettider 12 jun - 25 jun SÖNDAG
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June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 18
A first for Swedish men Swedish men can say they won the race against women. In population, that is. It wasn’t really a race, but given how quickly the numbers have jumped, one can’t help
but take note. Although more males are born than females, females tend to live longer (the life expectancy for a baby boy born in Sweden today is just 3.4 years behind that of his female counterpart), favoring the women who thus have always outnumbered
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men. Until now. In the last year Sweden has counted more men than women since the country started keeping such records in 1749. Suddenly in March 2015, there were 277 more men than women, and now just 15 months later there are over 12,000 more
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men than women. Though Norway shifted to a male majority a few years ago, and Britain is expecting the same in the next 30 years, it’s clear that men are simply living longer. Sweden, however, largely attributes its number spike — a majority of them male teenage emigrants — to the throngs of people who are moving to Sweden as they flee oppression and war in their home countries.
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Zlatan leads Sweden into EUro 2016
Above, left: Sweden head coach Erik Hamrén has a word with star Zlatan Ibrahimovic during training training June 1 ahead of the 2016 UEFA European Championship. Above: Ibrahimovic autographs a fan’s shirt following training.
Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
Most Swedes already know Rule No. 1 when it comes to soccer: Don’t mess with the Zlatan. Swedes will learn just how well the rest of Europe follows that rule when the 2016 UEFA European Championships open on June 10 in France. Superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic leads the Blue and Yellow into the tournament in what is likely to be his international swan song. Zlatan has said he plans to retire internationally following Euro 2016 and he is eager to add to his trophy haul. Sweden head coach Erik Hamrén obliged his team captain as he selected a 23-man roster designed to support Zlatan in his quest. Hamrén included six members of the under-21 team that won the European championship last summer, while eight players are left from Sweden’s Euro 2012 squad. He said the burden is on all of his players to coalesce prior to their opening match June 12 against Ireland. Sweden is playing in Group B with Belgium, Italy and Ireland. “We need our only world class player to be at his best,” Hamrén said. “We have a good mix with a world-class player taking a big responsibility for the team ... but also the team taking a huge responsibility for the world-class player.” Hamrén’s mix of players showed his preference for experience over youth. In goal, veteran Andreas Isaksson remains Sweden’s clear No. 1 going into his fifth and final major tournament. The 34-year-old Isaksson was born on the same day as Ibrahimovic, Oct. 3, 1981, and the two have been mainstays on opposite ends of the pitch for the
Sweden’s star player is ready to carry load in what could be a possible international curtain call.
national team since 2004. The former Manchester City and PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper now plays for Turkish side Kasimpasa and may be past his prime, but he remains a reliable presence at the back with a wealth of experience. FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Robin Olsen will be his main backup, with AIK’s Patrik Carlgren, who was the keeper for the U-21 side last year, the third choice. For the back line, Hamrén is only taking seven defenders to France, with Celtic’s Mikael Lustig the only recognized right-back. Veteran center-back Mikael Antonsson is out injured, which could provide an opportunity for Benfica’s promising 21-year-old Victor Lindelöf to form a central pairing with Andreas Granqvist. Notable omissions include West Brom’s Jonas Olsson and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Oscar Wendt, who is considered Sweden’s best left-back by many but has fallen out with Hamrén. The other defenders are Erik Johansson (Copenhagen), Ludwig Augustinsson (Copenhagen), Martin Olsson (Norwich) and Pontus Jansson (Torino). In the midfield, Hamrén selected Albin Ekdal despite his injury in a bizarre nightclub incident. Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson also provides experience, while exciting winger Emil Forsberg (Leipzig) and Oscar Hiljemark (Palermo) could also play a big part in their first major tournament.
Premiership sides Liverpool and Everton have expressed interest in Forsberg and the 22-year-old will want to be at his best to boost his chances of moving to England. Sweden has a solid midfield defensively, but Forsberg is perhaps their brightest creative spark going forward. Jimmy Durmaz (Olympiacos), Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moscow), Oscar Lewicki (Malmo) and Erkan Zengin (Trabzonspor) round out the list. Up front, there is the Zlatan. Sweden’s iconic team captain has won just about everything he can, except for a major international tournament. Zlatan is Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 112 internationals, and will need to add to that tally for this team to get anywhere in France. The only question is who will play next to him in Hamrén’s normal 4-4-2 formation — Marcus Berg of Panathinaikos or Celta Vigo’s John Guidetti. Berg is the safe option, but Guidetti has arguably the bigger upside. Emir Kujovic of native club Norrköping can bring some X-factor off the bench. As excitement builds ahead of Euro 2016, Zlatan made sure he would remain the center of attention as he held a press conference June 1 to deny reports he might return to his first club, Malmö FF, and Swedish football. News reports have linked him to Malmö and to Manchester United, where his former coach, Jose Mourinho, is now in charge. Zlatan, however, said a move to Old Trafford was unlikely and unequivocally ruled out a return to the Allsvenskan. “I’m too good for the Swedish league,” he said. Zlatan fueled the speculation of a return when he told the crowd at Malmö’s Swedbank Stadion on Monday that he would
return, having sat out Sweden’s friendly against Slovenia because of a sore calf. “What I meant when I said I’ll come back is with the national team,” he said. “They’ll have to be patient and they’ll see me again in the national team shirt.” Sweden’s largest morning newspaper, Dagens Nyheter, reported on May 27 that Zlatan had decided to retire from internationals after this summer, when he will captain the team at the European Championship. Zlatan, who will turn 35 in October, told the news conference he has not made up his mind yet. “It’s not something I’ve thought about, it’s not something I’ve spent energy on. I haven’t discussed it with anyone,” he said. “I’m here to play the Euros and prepare myself in the best way possible. It’s not something I’ve thought about. I’m enjoying myself as long as I’m here. How long I’ll be here I don’t know.” Zlatan has been linked with a reunion with new United manager Mourinho next season after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, but his agent suggested in recent days that a move to Old Trafford is unlikely. Zlatan said he enjoys all the speculation about his next stop. “I want you to still write a lot of stories,” he told the press. “I get excited when I see them because I want to see who is making up the best story. And when I am tired of it, I will let you know where I will go.”
June 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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