Published by Swedish News. Volume 145 No. 15, November 15, 2017. Price per copy $3.50.
Swedish America is getting ready for holiday events. Above, Lucia celebration in Lindsborg, Kansas. Photo: Jim Richardson, Small World Gallery.
On a crusade for football
Fresh ideas in food
Pop-up restaurants are quickly becoming a trendy alternative to traditional dining. They allow restaurateurs and chefs to hone their skills, test new ideas or simply offer an alternative to traditional eateries – often teaming together with a special venue or organization to highlight both brands. The latest pop-up restaurant in Stockholm takes advantage of an historic museum that happens to be under construction, and a renowned chef seized the opportunity to serve dinner there. / p19
American football is growing in popularity in Sweden. “We want to create connections for players coming to Sweden after they graduate from American universities and for Swedish players going to universities in the U.S.,” says Robert Sundberg, GM of Karlstad’s Carlstad Crusaders. The team, the defending champions and favorite to win the series this year, is working hard to raise funds for a new training facility. And in doing so, they are strengthening relationships with America. / p31 Swedish royal power women /p5
Lucia rehearsals are in full swing as everyone gears up for the most typical Swedish tradition/p9
Celebrating a Swedish star /p10
Free Speech? Experts weigh in
In a time when freedom of speech is – again – tested and challenged across the U.S. and elsewhere as well, the University of California, Berkeley, the home of the Free Speech Movement, hosted its annual Sather Symposium, bringing new perspectives to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This fall the symposium invited a couple experts from Sweden to sit on the panel at the 2017 Sather Symposium. / p24
Christmas in Swedish America calendar /p13
A Swedish infused apple cake for Thanksgiving /p18
dashboard | november 15, 2017
‘Made by Sweden’
November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 20 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27 November 28 November 29 November 30 November 15
New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN
Leopold Vibeke/Viveka Naemi/Naima Lillemor/Moa Elisabet/Lisbet Pontus/Marina Helga/Olga Cecilia/Sissela Klemens Gudrun/Rune Katarina/Katja Linus Astrid/Asta Malte Sune Andreas/Anders
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3 What’s the name of Karlstad’s professional hockey team? A) Karlskrona B) Färjestad C) Karlstad Moose 4 In what city did Swedish football (soccer) phenom Zlatan Ibrahimovic grow up? A) Mariehamn, Åland B) Bijeljina, Bosnia C) Rosengård, Sweden D) Turku, Finland 5 What is another name for Luleå Airport? A) Kallax b) LAX c) Arlanda
CULTURE
Namnsdagar
Elisabet — November 19 Elisabet, Elisabeth, Elizabeth — a female name with many spelling opportunities. It is a Hebrew name (Elisheba) which means “God is my oath” or “God is my abundance.” Erzébet is the Hungarian version, and Isabella, Isabel and Isabelle the Italian, Spanish and French versions. In Sweden, Elisabet is one of the most common female names, second only to Maria, although it no longer is on the top 100 list. In 2016 there were a total of 207,350 women with the name in Sweden. If your name is Elisabet and you’re Swedish, chances are your friends and family call you Bettan or Bett. Elsa and Lisa are common shorter versions of Elisabet.
Swedish text—a law written in the early 13th century? A) Dalarna B) Västergötland C) Norrbotten D) Skåne
9 Who founded Dublin, Ireland, in 836 AD? A)Norway B) Scotland C) Denmark 10 What Swedish city is home to iron, forests and Gevalia coffee? A) Kiruna B) Norrtälje C) Björkholmen D) Gävle
November
Gudrun — November 24 Gudrun is an Old Norse name meaning “the one who knows the secret of the gods” or “the one who shares the secret of the gods.” The name appears on several runestones dating back to the Viking ages. In 2016 there were 14,989 Gudruns in Sweden.
founded in new york city in september 1872
| Sunrise & Sunset
6.43 am 6.40 am 7.41 am 8.50 am 7.42 am 6.25 am
Swedish born designer Greta Magnusson- 6 What are Swedes likely to be eating on ThursGrossman designed the modern lamp on day, Nov. 23 this year? A) turkey B) pea soup the left in 1947. It’s called A) Gräshoppan C) moose D) lördagsgodis (the grasshopper) B) Giraffen (the Giraffe) 7 The official Christmas tree in London’s C) Spindeln (the Spider) Trafalgar Square has come from what Nordic 2 Who invented the cheese slicer? A) Norway’s country every year since 1946? A) Sweden Thor Bjørklund B) Sweden’s Alfred Nobel B) Finland C) Iceland D) Norway C) Denmark’s Peter Laurids Jensen 8 What province holds the oldest written
4.37 pm 4.29 pm 3.22 pm 1.56 pm 4.00 pm 4.49 pm
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Photo: Emelie Asplund
Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i november
SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ
Answers: 1:C, 2:A, 3:B, 4:C, 5:A, 6:B, 7:D, 8:B, 9:A, 10:D
Greta Magnusson-Grossman (1906 – 1999) was a Swedish furniture designer, interior designer and architect. Born in Helsingborg, Sweden she studied at Konstfack and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. She became the first woman ever to win the Furniture Design Award from the Swedish Society of Industrial Design in 1933, the same year she married British jazz musician and band leader Billy Grossman. In 1940, in the midst of World War II, she left Sweden and moved with her husband to Los Angeles where they opened the Magnussen-Grossman Studio on Rodeo Drive. The studio focused on furniture and lighting design and sold to several well-known furniture companies. MagnussonGrossman’s furniture is characterized by a unique mixture of materials, and, as evidenced by the lamp here, slender proportions. Her work attracted a Hollywood clientele, and she designed interiors for stars such as Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. She was awarded a Good Design Award from MoMA in 1950 and lectured at UCLA for several yeras. (One of her lamps sold for $37,500 at an auction in 2012.) Influenced by European Modernists and the Bauhaus movement, she was one of the few female designers to gain prominence during the mid-20th century architectural scene in Los Angeles.
this week…
An important time
The most important time of the year is coming up, a time we often find ourselves remembering loved ones and our family stories. While working on this issue, terror struck New York, taking innocent lives and injuring people – in this city where Nordstjernan got its start and still lives through so many people, readers, friends. We can’t forget that atrocities such as this are not just symbolic acts of terrorism, they are tragic losses of life, of a dear child, parent, partner, sibling or friend. We offer our sincere condolences to the victims, their families and loved ones. This is also a time to rejoice in life and the living. Lucia, the bearer of light, is one of the traditions which developed in Sweden, albeit only in rather recent times. The legend was brought to the attention of the general Swedish population in the 1920s through a contest by a Stockholm newspaper to select a young woman to portray Lucia.
Today, Lucia might be the most well known Swedish tradition of all, not counting the omnipresent fika and Midsummer, which may both now compete for the title. Be that as it may, wherever you live in Scandinavian America, the likelihood of having a Swedish Lucia and/or a Christmas celebration nearby is very high. Join your fellow Scandinavian Americans to make this season special and remember to patronize our hard working organizers of events and equally hard working specialty stores for all the things that belong to the season. Turn to our comprehensive listing of Christmas celebrations beginning on page 12 and let us know if we missed something in your area by emailing editor@nordstjernan.com Wishing everyone safe and happy holiday preparations, The Editors
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Page 7
Even with fresh lingon, svartsoppa (black soup) - a traditional first course for gåsamiddag on Mårtensafton - is usually put aside in favor of more goose, potatoes, red cabbage and pie.
Dashboard, p4-5
Swedes fly non-stop to Texas / Swedes in Cleveland celebrate 90 years / New meaning for Thursday’s pea soup / Americans love Swedish film / Netflix loves Sweden / Wonder women, royal style / Rethinking solar power.
Events calendar, p8-16
What’s going on around Swedish America – including our comprehensive holiday events listing.
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InBox, p11
Readers on Abba, folk costumes and more. Our Swedish Honorary Consuls, who are they really? We decided to find out. /p22
Swedish News, p24
Ancient relics from Rome to Öland / Border checks continue / Smart houses, smart cities / Property market may crash / Sweden cuts plastic bag use in half / Sami film festival / Floating sauna / The secret life of coprolites / Foreign ministers meet.
Swedish Viewpoint, p27 “Me Too” också i Sverige.
The Exchange Rate:
$1.00 = SEK 8.40 (11.01.2017)
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 3
dashboard | november 15, 2017
Swedes fly non-stop to SXSW
Scandinavian Airlines has scheduled two non-stop flights between Sweden and Austin, Texas for people who want to attend the popular South by Southwest conference and festival. This makes the second European airline that is taking advantage of SXSW popularity and will mean an extra 1,000 people will be able to fly the sunny skies without the usual stress of connected flights or long trips. The festival is a mix of film, interactive media, music festivals and conferences which began in 1987 and has continued to grow in both scope and size every year. In 2017, the conference lasted for 10 days with SXSW interactive lasting for five days, music for seven days and film running concurrently for nine days. The next festival is March 9-18, 2018. For more info, see www.sxsw.com
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872
The Swedish Cultural Society in Cleveland celebrated 90 years in October, when they also recognized and celebrated long time honorary consul Mike Miller, who retired from the position last spring after 40 years. Here (L-R): the eminent photographer Ingemar Svala; SACC-Ohio President Jim Hornyak; newly appointed Swedish honorary consul in Cleveland Malou Monago; Mike Miller with one of the evening’s many gifts, a plaque from the local organizations; Rolf Bergman, past GM of Vasa Order of America and Bengt Gerborg, past president of Husqvarna sewing machines. Photo courtesy of Ingemar Svala.
Did you know? In the early 1970s, a Swedish engineer named Håkan Lans invented a tool for facilitating personal computer workflow. The device, which he called the “digitizer,” was a point-and-click tool that connected to a machine’s regular keyboard outlet. Convinced the product had commercial promise, Lans signed a contract with a company
then called Houston Instruments, which analyzed the device’s market potential – concluding it had none. No market, no need for a patent, Lans figured. An expensive error: A few years later, Steve Jobs and colleagues at Apple picked up the idea of the computer “mouse” at Xerox and the rest is history. Every desktop computer in the world today is equipped with a point-andclick of one form or another.
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Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:
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nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN
New meaning for Thursday’s pea soup Well, not the yellow kind this time but the regular green pea, gröna ärter: Swedish frozen food company Findus says peas are the next meat substitute. A research group in Gothenburg has received SEK 6 million in EU funding to research the Swedish green pea with a goal to find new vegetarian options for meat. Not a new legume to Swedes, who have a strong tradition of eating pea soup every Thursday, this new use of a popular food source fits perfectly with the trend of going meatless for many meals. Committed to this new idea, Swedish farmers and researchers are teaming together to find out how to extract the most protein from peas while growing the crop with the least environmental impact.
dashboard | november 15, 2017
Americans love Swedish film
Netflix also loves Sweden
The cast of Bonusfamiljen, The Bonus Family, streaming on Netflix.
If the latest round of shows picked up by Netflix is any indication, the love for Swedish programming is only growing stronger. From comedies that explore Swedish blended families to serious dramas that investigate banking scandals, Netflix viewers will be sure to find something about Sweden to love. "Bonusfamiljen" (The Bonus family) by Felix Herngren has been showing on Netflix for some time, and the first original series to be produced from Sweden is reportedly "Störst av allt" (The Greatest of All), titled after Malin Persson Giolito's 2016 crime novel with the same name.
Members of the royal family assemble to greet Swedes in Stockholm: (L-R) Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine, Princess Estelle with her father Prince Daniel and mother Crown Princess Victoria, and Queen Silvia. Photo Kungahuset.se
Swedish power women, royal style Sweden is known for its empowerment of women and the latest lineup within the Swedish royal family has some saying there’s a new “dream team” of power women in town. Citing each female member of the royal family and the official activities and initiatives they support, the Royal women of Sweden are creating a new appreciation for their work. Among many other duties, jobs and interests, the Swedish royal women are heavily involved in a number of organization that touch the lives of people all over the world. Queen Silvia is involved in numerous charity organizations especially in the areas of disadvantaged children. She co-founded the World Childhood Foundation in 1999, which has offices in the U.S, Sweden, Germany and Brazil, and works against sexual exploitation of children. She is the patron of the “Queen Silvia Fund,” raising funds for Scouts with disabilities and works actively for dementia and elder care: Silviahemmet was established in ENERGY
Stockholm to educate caregivers and care for the elderly and those with dementia. Crown Princess Victoria is very visible in Swedish society. She also founded The Crown Princess Victorias Fund which provides support for recreational activities for children and young people with disabilities or chronic illness. She and Prince Daniel established a foundation when they married: www. kronprinsessparetsstiftelse.se aims to prevent social isolation and promote good health among children and youth in Sweden. Princess Madeleine works with the World Childhood Foundation and is the patron of Min Stora Dag (the Swedish equivalent of Make-A-Wish Foundation, more commonly known as My Big Day). Princess Sophia is a co-founder of Project Playground, a charity that assists underprivileged children in South Africa.
Rethinking solar power in Sweden
If you’ve been a skeptic of the efficiency of solar power in the less than sunny Sweden, think again. According to experts, Sweden is actually a great place for investing in solar power, especially for homeowners. Citing the benefits of slightly cooler temperatures as an increase in energy efficiency, Sweden also boasts as much as 1,000 hours of sunlight a year, the same as the rest of central Europe. And if you’re a homeowner who is ready to make the switch, you can even qualify for generous grants from the government.
Photo: Göran Assner
It’s true. Tom Hanks, 61, is set to star in “A Man Called Ove,” an English remake of the popular Swedish film adapted from Fredrik Backman’s 2012 debut novel, En Man Som Heter Ove. The book Tom Hanks (above) may became an inter- need to dye his hair for national sensation “Ove” like he did for his 2015 roll as Captain Chesley hitting No 1 on the Sullenberger in “Sully.” New York Times Bestseller List and remaining on the list for 77 weeks; it has been translated into 43 languages. The movie, directed by Hannes Holm, was nominated for two Academy Awards and was the highest-grossing foreign language film in the United States in 2016. Hanks will produce the film with his partner Gary Goetzman through their Playtone production banner. Hank’s wife Rita Wilson will also produce along with Fredrik Wikstrom Nicastro, who was the executive producer of the Swedish tennis drama Borg vs. McEnroe. Much of it is still in the planning stages, but the team aims to start production in late 2018, probably in a small town somewhere in the U.S. A Man Called Ove isn’t the only recent Swedish film to get an American remake: Comedian Will Ferrell, whose wife is Swedish, will star in the English-language remake of bestseller “The 100-year-old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared.”
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 5
local events
Royal shine over SWEA Florida HRH Princess Birgitta and Sweden’s queen of entertainment turned SWEA South Florida’s 25th Anniversary into a spectacular success.
SWEA South Florida’s 25th anniversary on October 7 was a magnificent fundraising gala at the Boca Raton Country Club. A record number of guests strolled in on the red carpet where they were photographed in front of the SWEA billboard, and then treated to champagne and hors d’oeuvres at a reception with art and the music of Swedish entertainer Samuel Bergh. A festive dinner with great food and wine, speeches and more entertainment followed. Mona Tumba handled her mission as emcee with skillful charm, entertainers flew in from Sweden, Svensk Damtidning reported on the event, and HRH Princess Birgitta of Sweden, the King’s sister and the evening’s guest of honor, added extra glamour to the celebration. The evening’s main attraction, Barbro “Lill-Babs” Svensson, gave an outstanding performance — her third for SWEA South Florida — with her accompanist Benneth Fagerlund. She amused the guests with L-R: H.R.H. Princess Birgitta, Gunilla Faber, Åsa-Lena Lööf and Mona Tumba stories from her life and made them sing along on many of her hits, like “Välkommen gröna, granna sköna, sanna sommar.” She ended her show with the riveting “Leva livet, nu ska jag leva livet.” All in all, almost 200 people enjoyed the grand gala with lots of fun and many memories to recall. The evening ended with dancing, and it was wonderful to see Princess Birgitta on the dance floor enjoying the ABBA mixes. The main sponsors of the event were One & Only Resorts and SAS. Several other sponsors and donators contributed to a successful fundraising evening which greatly helps SWEA South Florida’s charitable and educational efforts, including the SWEA Annual Scholarship Award. The Anniversary Committee, led by Irene Schyberger, and many other volunteers made sure the evening was a magnificent success. The Church Choir with Mona Tumba: Mona Tumba, Kickan Williams, Gerd Kickan Williams Persson, Anette Lemmel, Anna-Lisa Jakobsson-Zaffke, Filippa Leijonhufvud-Reading
Sara Schesser Bartra and Irene Schyberger (chairperson jubilee committe)
Swedish entertainer Lill-Babs and Mona Tumba. 6 NORDSTJERNAN
12180 Park Avenue, Tacoma Washington | Questions? Please feel free to contact us at ScanCntr@plu.edu
local events
‘Mårtens Afton’ - Gåsamiddag Mårtensafton; St. Martin’s Goose—St. Martin, the patron saint of mostly south Swedish gastronomes … On November 10, St Martin’s Eve, parties hailing from Skåne, the southernmost province of Sweden, come together, usually at a restaurant; they gather, not exactly because of the saint himself, but on account of this thousand-year-old attribute—the goose. The connection between the two has an economic background. Geese are at their fattest in early November, and so this is the right time for dispatching them. In St Martin’s native France, this was also the time for tasting the vintage. And the saint had to be honored with a good meal of course. And so the trio of goose, wine and Martin was forged in France, spread from there to Germany and, in the 16th century, found its way to Sweden. The history of geese in Sweden goes back to the Stone Age, but the earliest known connection with Martin occurs in the Stockholm region in 1567. The menu starts with a heavily spiced, sweet and sour soup, svartsoppa “black soup” made from goose or pig’s blood (which is of such disputed merit that there is an alternative consommé usually available). The main course is the roast goose, and for des-
A classic illustration of a goose that didn’t end on the dinner table—Akka, Nils Holgersson’s goose from Selma Lagerlöf’s book “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils” [Nils Holgerssons underbara resa]
sert is always apple pie (äpplekaka) or spettkaka, a remarkable three-foot high ziggurat made from innumerable egg yolks and sugar, and baked on a skewer over an open fire. This “pyramid cake” used to be widespread, but today is only eaten in Skåne and the Pyrenees. To the people of Skåne, Skåningar — the Scanians, this trinity of “black soup,” roast goose and spettkaka is a proud, poignant and evocative provincial symbol,
so many of them would not care to know that the whole thing was invented in a Stockholm restaurant during the 1850s. All the constituents, though, recall the elaborate artistry of the renaissance cuisine. Based on research and words by the late Professor Jan-Öjvind Swahn, Lund Sweden. You are on your own if you’re planning a goose dinner with black soup. But, we couldn’t resist including our favorite Thanksgiving apple pie, p. 18.
ScanFair in Oregon All Nordic countries love to celebrate the holidays, which bring joy to the short, dark days of winter. Traditions run deep in the hearts and lives of Nordic peoples, and they come alive in Portland, Oregon each year at ScanFair. More than 80 vendors will showcase delicious foods, arts, crafts and other products at the Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the Rose Quarter, 300 N. Winning Way. The two-day event, now in its 33rd year, runs Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8/ adults, $7/seniors & students, $17/family of 4, free/ children under 12. In addition to holiday gifts and foods there’s also non-stop entertainment. Traditional and not so traditional Nordic music and dance will be performed; spinning, weaving and felting will be demonstrated throughout the weekend, and there’s a special Pippi Longstocking Children’s Craft area for lots of hands-on fun for kids. Ready for a challenge? Saturday features a pickled herring eating contest for the seasoned Nordiphile and Sunday has meatball eating for same. Enter a raffle to win fun prizes or sample Scandinavian fare from one of the many food vendors. A Vasa Lucia procession
is celebrated on Saturday and the Oregon Lucia will be crowned on Sunday. ScanFair is sponsored by Nordic Northwest and attended and supported by a long list of Nordic organizations and groups in the area. For more info, see www.scanheritage. org/scanfair or call 503.977.0275. Svenska Skolan Portland, the Swedish School in Portland prepares for Lucia.
Julmarknad in Jamestown Jamestown, New York—about as far west as you can get in New York state and an area “just like Sweden” celebrates Julmarknad/Culture Day on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Jamestown Community College and several other sites around town. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. Free samples, door prizes. 716.665.0883 NOVEMBER 15, 2017 7
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LUCIA - IN THE CATHEDRAL Join us for a traditional Lucia performance in St. Mary´s Cathedral. The beautiful and grand cathedral has room for many visitors so bring family and friends. Come and experience Lucia, listen to the wonderful children's choir and capture the Christmas spirit. Time: 11.00 am and 3.00 pm FOOD & DRINK Get a taste of traditional Swedish food like freshly baked waffles with whipped cream and jam and smell the aroma from mulled wine, as well as cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron from our baked goods. You can purchase herring, anchovy, candy and gingerbread cookies among lots of other yummy treats.
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SHOP SWEDISH You will find handmade crafts, design products and used Swedish books. Bring home a piece of Sweden by purchasing a unique Scandinavian item. Or why not give a gift to your loved ones with a Swedish touch! FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS For the children we will have gingerbread cookie decoration, arts and crafts and the very popular fish pond with lots of treasures. Santa Claus will be there to meet the children, musicians will be playing and there will be dancing around the Christmas tree.
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PARKING Parking is very limited. See our website for options and public transportation. ADMISSION Adults $8, Seniors 65+ $5, Children 2-12 $2. For more information see: sanfrancisco.swea.org/julmarknad/ www.facebook.com SweaSanFranciscoChristmasFair
swedish women's educational association
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WELCOME TO SWEA SAN FRANCISCO'S
A global, non-profit organization promoting Swedish culture, language and traditions. sanfrancisco.swea.org
By Jeanette Olson Wiggins Lucia has been a tradition at Pacific Lutheran University for over 60 years. It holds a special place at the university which was founded by Norwegian pioneers in 1890. PLU has a strong Scandinavian heritage in Tacoma, WA, and Lucia has taken hold here. Lucia has evolved and changed over the years but one thing has remained: It is difficult to choose just one applicant who embodies the qualities of Lucia. Our applicants come from the PLU student body, and to apply for accompanying $500 scholarship, they commit to rehearsals, learning the culture and traditional Swedish songs. They write a personal essay on a specific topic correlating to the attributes of Lucia. We invite children from the area to participate as junior Lucias, star children, tomtar, and this year, gingerbread kids. Lucia’s legend is based on a 3rd century Italian girl. Lucia defied tradition and became Christian. She devoted her life to the church and poor of her village. She was to be married but gave her dowry away. Her fiancé was angry and had her put in jail, where she was sentenced to be burned at the stake. After her death people reported seeing a woman dressed in white with candles on her head, laden with food for the poor.
The qualities of Lucia are what we look for in the scholarship winner—mercy, pure in thought and deed, and a life reflecting boldness and dedication, someone of faith and a guiding light during this season of hope. Each applicant is interviewed by the Scholarship Committee and one is carefully chosen and crowned, just before the public event.
Lucia comes alive
Last year we had the use of a beautiful stage. As the new chairperson, I sat down with those of long standing participation and a few new people. We discussed past performances and several new ideas, fleshing out ideas until a production was born. Our goal was to share how Lucia is celebrated in Sweden to this very day. Our curtain opened on a Swedish home filled with starlight, Swedish tomtar and children. Our Swedish narrator, Ivey Johansson, took us on a journey celebrating Lucia with a narrative and a brief description of each song. First we introduced the starboys wearing hats with stars representing the star of Bethlehem. Then little tomtar shook presents found under the tree, while the oldest girl, dressed in a white gown with red sash prepared the food tray. She placed a wreath of candles on her head, and she and her siblings brought lussebullar (saffron rolls) and pepparkakor (gingerbread
local events
Pacific Northwest cookies) to their parents in bed. We continued by adding the local community. We went to Stockholm, the large square in Gamla Stan on a dark winter day. We added a lit tree and our own Lucia statue. Lucia and attendants entered the dark auditorium, filling it with light and singing Sankta Lucia. Staffans Visa and Goder Afton welcomed the audience. The Sonoro Scandinavian Children’s choir, directed by Jeremy Schilley, sang beautifully while the gingerbread kids won the hearts of the audience. Act three took place in a beautiful Stockholm church. Being transported there, the university campus pastor Jenn Rude shared the legend and qualities of Lucia, including a traditional candle lighting ceremony. This was followed by the public introduction and awarding of the Lucia scholarship to our qualified winner, Karli Floyd. We ended our production, with the full cast dancing around the Christmas tree to songs such as Räven Raskar Över Isen, Vi Äro Musikanter, followed by Lucia leading the cast through the audience aisles and back on stage to Långdans. Lucia and her attendants sang a few more songs and invited the audience to follow them to the reception as they exited singing Sankta Lucia. At the Scandinavian Cultural Center, a short walk from the stage, Lucia and her attendants danced with the audience around the Scandinavian decorated tree. We served Lussebullar, pepparkakor and other treats. Tomten came for all the nice children. It was a well attended event and
we heard it was refreshing and new. We look forward to expanding it at this year’s Sankta Lucia event at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Karen Hille Phillips Center for Performing Arts on the Pacific Lutheran University campus in Tacoma, WA. $5/ general, free/students of any age. For more info contact Scandinavian Cultural Center, 253.535.7349 / www. plu.edu/scancenter/sankta-lucia Nearby in Seattle, and for the last time at its present location, Nordic Heritage Museum celebrates Yulefest on Nov. 18-19 with an abundance of performances, Nordic shopping and treats. www.nordicmuseum.org/yulefest Portland, Oregon has its large celebration, ScanFair, at Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Dec. 2-3, both days opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m. on Saturday, 4 p.m. on Sunday. Organized by Scandinavian Heritage Foundation and Nordic Northwest and attended by every Nordic-Scandinavian organization in the area, it offers live music and entertainment, Nordic food, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and the crowning of Oregon’s official Lucia. Check www.scanheritage.org/scanfair Also, the Portland-based New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society celebrates Lucia at the historic First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S.W. Alder St., Portland on Dec. 9. Performance begins at 3 p.m. and tickets are sold at the door. Check www. newsweden.org/events for updates.
The Lucia celebration is something Swedes themselves—and the rest of the world—consider the most typical Swedish tradition. Many Swedish American families keep this tradition alive in their homes as well as in churches and festival settings throughout the days leading up to and surrounding Dec. 13. The photo above by Henrik Trygg is from Storkyrkan, Stockholm.
LUCIA Dec 16th – 4pm-6pm-8pm At the Church of the Incarnation 209 Madison Avenue, New York Tickets: $50, $35 for members and $10 for children age 4-12
Ticket release at the Christmas Fair Nov 17th Sold in our café at 5 East 48th St, New York and online from Nov 20th
Nelson’s Food Pride
www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
100 years of Swedish Tradition Family owned Business Swedish Specialty Food Items www.nelsonsfoodpride.com
PO Box 146 402-685-5652 Julie AnnOakland Johnson Nebraska 68045 foodpride1@yahoo.com
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 9
readers forum
he sang with a tear in his voice The Jussi Björling Society-USA celebrates its 20th anniversary in Washington, DC on November 17-18, 2017 Together with the Embassy of Sweden, the Jussi Björling Society-USA is hosting a mini-conference in Washington, DC to celebrate the career and recording legacy of the Swedish singer many regard as the greatest of the 20th century. The conference, which also celebrates the Jussi Björling SocietyUSA’s 20th year, is at the Swedish Embassy’s stunning modern headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in the historic Georgetown neighborhood. The Jussi Björling Society-USA was organized in 1997 by a number of American Björling devotees, with the encouragement of Harald Henrysson, noted Björling scholar, former record librarian at Swedish Radio and the first director of the Jussi Björling Museum in Borlänge, Sweden (Björling’s hometown). It was Henrysson’s extensive correspondence with Björling fans from around the world that ultimately led to the society’s founding. Since
JUL & CHRISTMAS | ACCESSORIES JEWELRY | HOME & KITCHEN
10 NORDSTJERNAN
then, it has become an important presence in the national and international music scene, sponsoring numerous conferences in the U.S. and Sweden alike. These events have provided a marvelous forum for Björling fans from around the world to meet, hear from Björling experts and former colleagues, present recitals, and share a love for this most exemplary of tenors.
Jussi Björling Society
The highlight of Jussi Björling Society-USA’s 20year history was undoubtedly the 2011 Stockholm Conference, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Björling’s birth. A gala concert at the Royal Opera, with King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in attendance, featured a lineup of Sweden’s leading opera singers, including world-class tenor, Jonas Kaufmann. Later that year, Swedish Royal Opera tenor Mats Carlsson, under the sponsorship of the Jussi Björling
20th century greatness
Jussi Björling, born in 1911 in Borlänge, Sweden, had arguably the greatest operatic voice of the 20th century. He had every desirable quality in a voice: exquisite tone and intonation, amazing breath control, artistic sensibility, musical intelligence, elegant phrasing, rhythmic accuracy and shimmering top notes no one could match. He also had an incredible memory for roles sung many years earlier. Björling had such phenomenal vocal technique that he could sing a trailing pianissimo in his modal voice register without lapsing into falsetto, even on his high notes. But there was also a special quality to the Björling sound that set him apart. It was a haunting sense of melancholia that cut to the soul. One reviewer described this as “a voice full of unshed tears.” Björling was always an artist first, a servant to the music and the composer’s intentions. His emotional range was extraordinary, ranging from the tender “Berceuse” from Goddard’s Jocelyn to the fiery passion of Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana. It wasn’t a voice as big as that of Corelli or Del Monaco, but it had a power that reached the upper levels of the largest opera houses. It was also described by those who sang with him as far more beautiful in live performance than on his recordings, if that can be possible. Björling’s voice remained magnificent until his untimely death in 1960; he was 49. His last recorded concert appearance, in Gothenburg just a month before he died, is a fitting reminder of his undiminished vocal powers, of which his “In fernem land” from Wagner’s Lohengrin and “Lensky’s Aria” from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin merit special mention. His “Ingemisco” from a complete recording of Verdi’s Requiem, recorded in Vienna in 1960, is also one for the ages. The Björling legacy is preserved by the Jussi Björling Society-USA, the Scandinavian Jussi Björling Society, and the UK’s Jussi Björling Appreciation Society. In 1999, 38 years after his death, Björling was voted the greatest singer of the 20th century by a panel of 25 British music critics commissioned by Classic CD magazine. By comparison, among tenors, Placido Domingo was ranked #6, Enrico Caruso #7, Beniamino Gigli #9, and Luciano Pavarotti #19.
Society-USA and the Rhode Island Swedish Heritage Association, presented a centennial tribute to Jussi Björling in a series of seven coast-to-coast recitals. The 2017 Jussi Björling mini-conference starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 17, at a rehearsal of Washington Concert Opera’s presentation of Bellini’s La Straniera at George Washington University’s Lissner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW. An exemplary lineup of speakers is scheduled for November 18, and in honor of this important anniversary and in association with the Scandinavian Jussi Bjorling Society, the society has released “Jussi Björling: Rarities from Opera, Concert, and Radio,” a CD of unreleased and recently discovered Björling treasures — available to all those who join the society at this event. Other Björling CDs will also be available, including the 2016 release of the recently discovered 1959 Copenhagen recital, with bonus tracks from Björling’s March 10, 1952 Voice of Firestone radio and television appearance. These CDs are just two of the projects for which the JBS-USA has been jointly responsible over its 20-year history. Saturday’s events at the Swedish Embassy, 2900 K St. NW, will open at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Members can then proceed to the Georgetown townhouse of member Maija Budow for a buffet, drinks and stimulating conversation at 6:30 p.m. For further information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.bjorlingsocietyusa.org By Kendall Svengalis, vice president of the Jussi Björling Society–USA and president of the RI Swedish Heritage Association
readers forum
InBox Dear Editor, I am a recent subscriber to Nordstjernan and am enjoying the issues. I lived in the Stockholm area for a number of years, and am curious about two museums. The first one is a relatively new museum, ABBA: The Museum. When I was living in Stockholm, I would visit the Music Museum, which had an exhibit about ABBA, among other things. I did not get to see the new museum. I wonder if you could interview Benny Andersson or perhaps Björn Ulvaeus, the two principals in ABBA and write an article about ABBA: The Museum. Also, I visited the Nationalmuseum many times and wonder what is happening. I note that on the enclosed map, they were closed until 2017. What have they been doing in the meantime. Thank you for your wonderful newspaper. I love the articles about Sweden, Swedish things in America, and even the articles in Swedish. Janet Lombard, RI The National Museum Building at Blasieholmen in Stockholm has been under renovations since 2014, the first time in 148 years. The state property agency (SFV), which received the government's mission to renovate the museum building, has been in place since the summer of 2014 to rebuild the building of Friedrich August Stüler into Sweden's most modern museum. By the end of 2017, SFV will leave the building to the tenant, i.e, the actual museum, which will work for about a year on installations and exhibitions before the museum re-opens in the fall of 2018. Modern technology and innovations are creating a modern museum building while care has also been taken to preserve the inherent cultural heritage values. /Ed. As for ABBA: The Museum, we've written bits and pieces on it, but we'd love to hear from our readers about their experiences. Please share the highlights from your ABBA: The Museum visits to editor@nordstjernan.com Who Wore What When Dear Editor, Regarding the article “Who Wore What When” on page 7 in the October 15 issue, the picture of the little girl, Carl Larsson’s daughter, is wearing a “Sundbornsdräkt” not a "Falun Folkdräkt.” I was born in Sundborn, Sweden and have several “Sundbornsdräkter” now hanging in mothproof bags in a bedroom closet. They were left over from my now deceased daughters Ingrid and Christina, as well as my also deceased wife Birgit. These garments were purchased around 1960-1970 from a seamstress in Sundborn. Respectfully, Erik Ingvar Lindberg, CA
Thank you Erik, you are correct. To be clear, the incorrect information did not come from curators of the event, and after a bit of our own research we haven't even been able to locate a "Falun costume." The Sundborn folk costume was also composed as late as the early 20th century with Carl Larsson and his wife Karin actively engaged in the project. Some changes have occurred since; a striped apron in red and white has been replaced by the Mora-inspired red apron. A frame cap with under-lace was first used; the soft red bonnet was added later. In the 1930s a men's costume was also designed, with yellow knee breeches, blue stockings and striped vest in red, black and green. /Ed.
Welcome to the Swedish Christmas Bazaar in Washington DC Hosted by SWEA, the Embassy of Sweden and House of Sweden Saturday December 2, 2017 11 am – 5 pm @House of Sweden 2900 K Street NW Swedish crystal, textiles and food for sale Raffle with amazing prizes Lucia procession at 5 pm Swedish Café
God Jul!
www.washingtondc.swea.org sweapr@gmail.com
Hej Redaktörn, Grattis till senaste upplagan som hade en artikel av Ottosson. Tjusigt for oss som kommer ihåg honom. Hoppas du kommer att publicera flera. Firade 60 år i det har landet i förra veckan. Anlände med en DC-6B. Tog lika lång tid som Ottosons resa. Lyckades få en plats i en compartment alldeles bakom piloterna. Det var fyra säten på var sida om gången. Tjusigt tyckte jag, som var ensam tills vi kom till Shannon. Ombord kommer en irländsk mamma med fyra ungar! De kräktes, slogs och skrek hela vägen till Gander. Jag var ett vrak när vi landade på Idlewild. That was my introduction to this country. Bengt Fasth, NY Tack för goa rader. Det kommer mer av Lars O. längre fram. 60 år! Då vore det definitivt läge för ytterligare svenska minnen från 50-talets Amerika. Ett tips Bengt! /Ed. Dear Editor, Very good paper, thank you!
Don Sundvik, WA
Goes without saying, we had to include at least one, albeit short, of our favorite feedbacks too! /Ed.
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 11
local events
Local Events California
San Diego 11.16, 7 AM-5 PM Green Connections: The annual clean tech conference invites leaders from the Nordic countries and California to share and exchange ideas, this year under the theme “Renewable Energy & Smart Water.” SACC-San Diego, 858.262.1986 / www.sacc-sandiego. org/green-connections.html
Pepparkakshus
Kick off the holiday season with a gingerbread (pepparkakor) house workshop. Decorate a pre-built gingerbread house with an array of treats provided in the Candy Shop Stuga. Choose from two opportunities on Nov. 25: at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. RSVP to the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, 612.871.4907, www. asimn.org
Florida
Miami 12.09, 10 AM-5 PM Stockholm School of Economics visit: Book a one-on-one meeting to share information and find out about programs and offerings. Make an appointment at www.hhs.se/meetus to meet at The Langford Hotel, 121 SE 1st St. 12.09, 5-6:30 PM Stockholm School of Economics Network Mingle: Searching for a European graduate school out of the ordinary? SSE will present their program portfolio, admission requirements, scholarships, etc. for 2018 or beyond. Sign up at www.hhs. se/meetus to mingle at The Langford Hotel, 121 SE 1st St.
Georgia
Atlanta 12.05, 6:30-9 PM Glögg-mingle: Join SACC-GA for a traditional christmas glögg-mingle. Glögg and Christmas-inspired treats will be served at the offices of Arnall Golden Gregory, 171 17th St NW #2100, 231.633.0776 / sara.vonsydow@saccgeorgia.org Illinois Chicago 11.17, 11 AM Hejsan: Learn about Sami music through stories and crafts. All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver for this free (with admission) program. RSVP to snyman@samac.org. Swedish American Museum, www. swedishamericanmuseum.org / 773.728.8111
11.19, 4 PM Candle making and Christmas crafts. Make hand-dipped candles, heart baskets, Christmas ornaments and a traditional Swedish Christmas treat. Swedish American Museum, www. swedishamericanmuseum.org / 773.728.8111
Massachusetts
West Newton 11.18, 1 PM Screening of The New Land (Nybyggarna, 1972). Light refreshments will be provided with lunch for purchase from our Kaffestugan. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www. scandicenter.org
Minnesota
11.16, 11:30 AM-5:30 PM Lutfisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner: Traditional holiday smörgåsbord starring the famous Swedish lutfisk served with cream sauce and melted butter and accompanied by meatballs, red potatoes, pickled beets, herring, fruit soup, rice pudding and more. After dinner, head to Gammelgården’s Butik gift shop for the annual sale. $20/seating at 11:30, 1 p.m., 4 p.m. or 5:30 at Elim Lutheran Church, Scandia. RSVP to Gammelgården Museum, 651.433.5053 / www. gammelgardenmuseum.org
New York
New York 12.03, 10 AM-5 PM Stockholm School of Economics visit: Book a one-on-one meeting to share information and find out about programs and offerings. Make an appointment at www.hhs.se/meetus to meet at Soho Grand Hotel, 310 West Broadway. 12.04, 7-8:30 PM Stockholm School of Economics Network Mingle: (Searching for a European graduate school out of the ordinary? SSE will present their program portfolio, admission requirements, scholarships, etc. for 2018 or beyond. Sign up at www.hhs. se/meetus to mingle at Soho Grand Hotel, 310 West Broadway.
Oregon
Portland Now through Dec. 29 Winter Comes: Oregon’s Nordic Ski History: Learn about the history of Nordic skiing, from its roots in Scandinavia to its prominence in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest! Includes reproductions of both historical and contemporary ski equipment. Free. Nordia House Gallery, 503.977.0275 / www.scanheritage.org
also took photographs, emphasizing his exploration of the camera as an expressive medium. Through March 5, at Scandinavia House:, 212.847.9727 / www.scandinaviahouse.org
Washington
11.17, 9 AM–3:30 PM Nordic Woodcarving: Learn Baroque Acanthus, Rococo and Viking/Dragon woodcarving styles! All levels are welcome, no tools or experience necessary. Tool sharpening and basic carving techniques will be covered for beginners; continuing students will develop their own projects. Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, 206.789.5707 / www.nordicmuseum.org 12.02, 4-7 PM Happy Hour & Tour with Steve Jensen: Delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music and a special guided tour with the artist, plus the chance to buy and win a piece from the gallery. A portion of the sales go to the construction of the new Nordic Museum. $25/members, $50/general admission. Nordic Heritage Museum. 206.789.5707 /www. nordicmuseum.org
Pennsylvania
Swedish Yuletide The SWEA Fair and Holiday Celebration
Saturday December 9, 2017 • 10a.m to 4p.m. Cyclorama - at the Boston Center for the Arts | 539 Tremont Street, Boston Swedish Cafés Music Unique Gifts Foods Crafts Children’s Corner And much
Lucia Processions at 11.30a.m and 2p.m.
more!
Presented by: Boston Chapter
Admission $10. Children under 13 free. Proceeds go towards scholarships and local charities. www.boston.swea.org. • Find us on Facebook
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Philadelphia 11.21, 7 p.m. Opening reception for The Experimental Self: Edvard Munch’s Photography exhibit. Internationally celebrated for his paintings and prints, Norwegian artist Edvard Munch
For more local events in Swedish America see our online calendar at www. nordstjernan.com/calendar or download the free app Nordic in America-Events from App Store or Google Play www. nordicinamerica.com
Zacharius Topelius’s “Läsning för barn” in English: “Reading for children” This book is a treasure trove of historical significance with emphasis on nature, the simplicity of daily life, spirituality and morality. Brilliantly translated by Judith Gustafson to English, the book is the perfect gift for every child. Available at Amazon.com
local events
Christmas in Swedish America Arizona
Phoenix 4 Nov: Scandinavian Jul Bazaar at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Scandinavian food and handcrafts. Valley-wide Scandinavian Cultural Clubs and Lodges 602.942.5180 Scottsdale 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Market, Lucia pageant, jultomte, crafts and gifts, Café Swea and kids’ activities. www.arizona. swea.org / Arizona@swea.org
California
Burlingame 8 Dec: Annual Julfest and Lucia procession. Julbord. Entertainment. The Swedish Club of San Francisco, lindairiz@ comcast.net / 650.344.8144 Huntington Beach 19 Nov: Swedish Christmas Fair. Swedish handicrafts, Lucia pageant, jultomte, Swedish food, traditional music and dancing. SWEA-OC / www.orangecounty.swea.org Kingsburg 2 Dec: Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Santa Lucia Celebration. Festival of lights, Parade on Draper St at 5:30 PM. www. kingsburgchamber.com / 559.897.1111 Los Angeles - San Pedro 17 Nov - 19 Nov: Scandinavian Christmas Fair. Christmas decorations, handmade goods and fresh homemade food and a café. More info at Norwegian & Swedish Church, www.sjomannskirken.no/ los-angeles-san-pedro or 310.832.6800 3 Dec: 1 Adventmässa. Kören medverkar. Kyrklunch serveras. www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles or Email: losangeles@ svenskakyrkan.se 9 Dec: Svenska Kyrkans’s Julbord. Info and RSVP at www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se
13 Dec: Svenska Kyrkans’s Lucia Celebration with pageant and Lussefika. www. svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se 25 Dec: Svenska Kyrkans’s Julotta. www. svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Los Gatos 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration. The Swedish School in Silicon Valley, www.swedschool.org / swed_school@yahoo.com Petaluma 10 Dec: Lucia Fest. Swedish food and drinks, Lucia Pageant, Santa anda dancing around the Christmas tree! Linnea Lodge #504, llinnealodge@gmail.com / 415.990.3882 San Diego - Balboa Park 1 Dec - 2 Dec: Annual Christmas Fair. Lucia procession, Swedish crafts, vendors, Swedish food and drinks. www.sandiego. swea.org / msvedlund@gmail.com San Francisco 17 Nov - 18 Nov: Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar. Christmas decorations, Norwegian food, gifts and crafts. Norwegian Seaman Church, www.sjomannskirken. no/san-francisco / 415.775.6566 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia, crafts, gifts, Swedish music and activities for kids. www.sanfrancisco.swea.org / julmarknad@sweasanfrancisco.org 7 Dec: 2017 Christmas Gala. Lucia procession, live music and amazing Julbord from Chef Pelle. Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, www.sacc-sf. org / events@sacc-sf.org 10 Dec: Lucia performance, Swedish Church Advent Service with Swedish Church Choir and coffee. 415.632.8504, www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
Ann Assarsson proudly presents the 14th Annual
Another holiday season is upon us! Let’s gather with friends for a cozy evening of hot cider, cookies, and music of the holiday season! We look forward to sharing music and laughs with our beloved Christmas in the Ballroom family!
Monday December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Universalist Unitarian Church of Paolo Alto 505 E Charleston Road Paolo Alto, CA 94306
Suggested donation - $20
For more information email aassarsson@gmail.com or call (650) 704 4211
16 Dec: Scandinavian Christmas dinner. The Young Scandinavians Club, www. ysc.org / info@ysc.org 24 Dec: Swedish Church Julbön. www. svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco / 415775-6566 Santa Cruz 2 Dec: Lucia Festival with Zaida singers, dancing around the Christmas tree and kids’ activities. Scandinavian Cultural Center, www.scc-santacruz.org / santacruz@gmail.com Torrance, Los Angeles 3 Dec: SWEA LA’s Annual Christmas Fair with Scandinavian crafts, food and Christmas collectibles, Santa’s Workshop, a raffle and Lucia program at 12 and 3 p.m. 747.222.9102 / www.losangeles. swea.org/swea-la-xmas-fair Thousand Oaks - Samuelson Chapel 7 Dec: Lucia celebration at California Lutheran University, elohrmyers@callutheran.edu / 805.493.3228
Colorado
Denver 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Market. Traditional Swedish food & crafts, bake sale, flowers, glögg, Lucia and Santa. www. denver.swea.org / denver@swea.org
Connecticut
Florida
Boca Raton 2 Dec: Christmas Bazaar. www.southflorida.swea.org / florida@swea.org Clearwater 1 Dec: Lucia Pageant with harpist Victoria Garcia and Christmas sing-a-long. Suncoast Scandinavian Club, blekinge93usa@gmail.com / 732.546.7756 Lake Worth 10 Dec: Swedish Julfest and Glögg Party. Annual party with great food, desserts and coffee. $10, holiday raffles! Nordic Heritage Club of South Florida, carolrune@aol.com / 561.737.6476 Sarasota 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration with pageant, coffee, glögg and baked goods. www. swedishclubsarasota.org / info@SwedishClubSarasota.org
Georgia
Atlanta - Sandy Springs 3 Dec: Svensk Julmarknad. Baked goods, flowers, handicrafts, Swedish delicacies, Lucia and activities for kids. www.atlanta. swea.org / sweaatlanta@gmail.com Atlanta 5 Dec: Glögg Mingle with glögg and Christmas inspired treats. www.saccgeorgia.org / info@sacc-georgia.org
Fairfield 2 Dec: Holiday Fair and Bake Sale. Nordic gifts, handmade crafts, baked goods and a Scandinavian lunch. www.thescandinavianclub.com / scanclubnews@ hotmail.com
Atlanta - Druid Hills Golf Club 16 Dec: Lucia Gala 2017. Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, Lucia procession, dancing and singing. www.sacc-georgia. org / info@sacc-georgia.org
Westport - Christ & Holy Trinity Church 9 Dec: Lucia Celebration with glögg and Swedish delicacies served after the Lucia program. Swedish School of Connecticut, www.svenskaskolanct.com / svenskaskolanconn@gmail.com
Batavia - Bethany Lutheran Church 2 Dec: Swedish American Children’s Choir Swedish Christmas and St. Lucia Festival with Swedish gifts and baked goods. swedishsoprano4@aol.com / 630.414.9700
Illinois
INGEBRETSEN’S
NORDIC MARKETPLACE
1601 EAST LAKE ST M I N N E A P O L I S, M N P. 8 0 0 . 2 7 9 . 9 3 3 3
W W W. I N G E B R E T S E N S . C O M NOVEMBER 15, 2017 13
local events Bishop Hill 24 Nov - 26 Nov / 2 Dec - 3 Dec: Julmarknad, Swedish Christmas Market: Music, handmade items, antiques, folk art and other gift items. www.bishophill. com / 309.927.3899 8 Dec – 9 Dec: Lucia Nights, Festival of Lights. Coffee and sweets are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia. www.bishophill.com / 309.927.3899 Chicago 17 Nov: Got Glögg? Who really has the best glögg in Chicago? Tasting and competition. Swedish American Museum, www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / museum@samac.org 19 Nov: Candle making and Christmas crafts. Make hand-dipped candles, heart baskets, Christmas ornaments and a traditional Swedish Christmas treat. Swedish American Museum, www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / 773.728.8111
Swedesburg 7 Dec: Swedish Smörgåsbord with traditional Swedish foods. Info and RSVP Swedish Heritage Society, swedish@ iowatelecom.net / 319.254.2317
30 Nov - 4 Jan 2018: Lantern Lit Glögg Tours. Glögg complimented with lite appetizers. www.asimn.org / 612.871.4907
11 Dec: Lucia festival. Singing, cookies and a potluck dinner. Swedish Heritage Society, swedish@iowatelecom.net / 319.254.2317
2 Dec – 3 Dec: Christmas Market at American Swedish Institute. Outdoor Handcraft Fair with wares by local artisans, musical performances and activities. www.asimn. org / 612.871.4907
Kansas
Lindsborg 11 Nov: Välkommen to Christmas in Lindsborg! Scavenger hunt and more. mdauer@amfam.com / 785.227.8687 Lindsborg - Bethany Lutheran Church 9 Dec: Lucia Festival. Holiday music and festivities, Lucia processions and traditional folk dances. www.visitlindsborg. com / cvbdir@lindsborgcity.org 25 Dec: Julotta.Traditional Swedish Christmas Lutheran Church service. www.visitlindsborg.com / triciac@ lindsborgcity.org
Chicago - Andersonville 1 Dec - 3 Dec: Julmarknad. Scandinavian handicrafts and kaffestuga, children’s crafts, games, Santa, Lucia and folk dancers. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / 773.728.8111
26 Dec: Annandag Jul. Experience a traditional Lutheran Church service in Swedish. www.visitlindsborg.com / cvbdir@ lindsborgcity.org
Chicago 8 Dec: 35th Annual Lucia Luncheon. The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-Chicago, www.sacc-chicago. org / sacc@sacc-chicago
Potomac 4 Nov: Swedish Bazaar. Swedish gifts and foods, homemade Swedish baked goods, smorgasbord lunch and live music. Drott Lodge #168, www.drott-lodge. org / info@drott-lodge.org
Chicago - North Park University 9 Dec: NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies Sankta Lucia Celebration. Smörgåsbord following the pageant, 773.244.5615 / www.northpark.edu/lucia Chicago 9 Dec - 10 Dec: Breakfast with Tomten. Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree. RSVP www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / museum@samac.org
Maryland
Michigan
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15 Dec - 17 Dec: Julbord with traditional Swedish Christmas smorgasbord. RSVP American Swedish Institute, www.asimn. org / 612.871.4907 Scandia 16 Nov: Lutfisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner. Traditional holiday smörgåsbord. www.gammelgardenmuseum.org / 651.433.5053 18 Nov - 19 Nov / 16 Dec - 17 Dec: Gammelgården Museum’s Girls and Dolls Tea Party with Lucia. Bring your dolls and girls and enjoy lunch, stories and crafts. RSVP www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
1.800.827.9333 Ext 10
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to continental U.S.).
Massachusetts
17 Dec: Traditional Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord. Lucia procession, dancing around the Christmas tree and Santa. RSVP www.swedishamericanmuseum. org / 773.728.8111
Elk Horn 24 Nov - 26 Nov: Julefest. Danish food, glögg and tasty treats. Gift shops, specialty stores and craft fairs. Christmas concert and Father Christmas. Danish Villages, www.danishvillages.com / 800.451.7960
12 Dec: Lucia Celebration for ASI members in the mansion. www.asimn.org / 612.871.4907
NORDSTJERNAN
Sveaborg 9 Dec: Lucia. www.sveaborgsociety.com / info@sveaborgsociety.org Boston 9 Dec: Swedish Yuletide. Food, crafts, gifts, Swedish café, musical entertainment, Lucia and activities for kids. www. sweaboston.org / swedishyuletide@ sweaboston.org
Iowa
9 Dec: Lucia with concerts featuring the ASI Lucia Choir. Info and tickets American Swedish Institute, www.asimn.org / info@ASImn.org
Through
Rockville - Saint Elizabeth’s Church 11 Nov: Danish Bazaar. Crafts, Danish baked goods, decorations, candles, jewelry. Danish Club of Washington, DC www.danishclubdc.org / danishclubdc@yahoo.com
13 Dec: Lucia Celebration in Andersonville. Lucia celebration with holiday songs, readings, and Lucia procession with Chicago Cultural Center and Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org
Geneva 1 Dec: The Annual Christmas Walk. Santa Lucia and her attendants arrive by horsedrawn carriage. www.genevachamber. com / lrush@genevachamber.com
7 Dec: SACC-MN Scandinavian Christmas Julfest. www.saccmn.org / info@ saccmn.org
Farmington Hills 18 Nov: Christmas Fair. Lucia pageant, craft and goods from Sweden, Swedish food, children’s activities, entertainment. SWEA-Michigan, www.sweamichigan. org / president@sweamichigan.org Grand Rapids 2 Dec: Lucia Celebration with music and candlelight in a beautiful setting. Saffron buns, cardamom bread, pepparkakor and craft. www.sahswm.org / info@ sahswm.org
Minnesota
Minneapolis 25 Nov - 26 Nov: Julglädje. A kickoff to Making Traditions at American Swedish Institute - songs, stories and smiles are the hallmarks. www.asimn.org / 612.871.4907
God Jul
Food f Gifts f Decor And so much more Celebrating 30 Years!
1.800.851.3466 1116 Commercial Street Astoria, Oregon Follow us on Facebook!
All-new website coming in 2018 We ship all over the U.S.
National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street Rock Island, IL | 61201-2296 309-794-7204
www.augustana.edu/ swenson
local events 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration. Swedish Prayer service and Lucia Fest Breakfast. www.gammelgardenmuseum.org / museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org
Missouri
Kirkwood 12.09: Lucia and Jul Festival. Celebrate a Swedish Christmas with Lucia with Nordic folk dancing, caroling, Swedish Santa Claus, gingerbread boys and much more. www.swedishcouncilstlouis.org
New Jersey
Budd Lake - Vasa Park 25 Nov: Juldans. Dancing around the Christmas tree with traditional music. Scandinavian specialties, glögg, Sankta Lucia pageant and Santa. www.Juldans. org / 973.691.8637 New Providence 18 Nov: Scandinavian Import & Gift Sale. Scandinavian Christmas holiday products and food for sale. Lodge Linne#429 VOA, jenshoejfam@msn.com / 908.665.1292
ebration at restaurant Aquavit. Swedish smörgåsbord and Lucia. www.saccny.org / info@saccny.org New York - Scandinavia House 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Children’s Workshop. Kids learn the secrets of making traditional holiday crafts. www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@amscan.org New York 8 Dec: Christmas Ball at The Metropolitan Club. Dinner, Lucia, silent auction. www. americanscandinavian.org / info@ americanscandinavian.org New York - Scandinavia House 10 Dec: Holiday Concert & Lucia featuring Scandinavian and American holiday favorites and traditional Saint Lucia procession. www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@amscan.org New York - Church of the Incarnation 16 Dec: Lucia Celebration with procession and choirs. Tickets www.svenskakyrkan. se/newyork / newyork@svenskakyrkan.se
Upper Montclair 19 Nov: Swedish Christmas Fair – Swedish handicrafts, food, glögg, café and Lucia pageant. SWEA-New Jersey, newjersey@ swea.org / www.swea.org/newjersey
West Hempstead - St. Andrew’s Lutheran 3 Dec / 9 Dec: Lucia Festival with pageant, folk dancing, coffee, dessert, glögg and gifts. Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1, Elsarix1@ aol.com / 917.363.9885
New York
North Carolina
Bronx 2 Dec: Glögg party and Lucia at Manhem Club. www.SmorgasBandet.com / Dragspel@aol.com Brooklyn 10 Dec: Christmas Party & Luciafest at The Danish Club. Glögg, Dancing around the Christmas tree. Music & entertainment by Smörgåsbandet. dragspel@aol. com / 718.415.0602 Melville 2 Dec: Julfest at Lindberg Lodge. www. SmorgasBandet.com / Dragspel@aol.com
and crafts, Nordic food, Lucia and kids’ entertainment. New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society, www.scanheritage.org / 503.977.0275 Portland 2 Dec - Broder Nord 15 Dec - Nordia House Julbord dinner. Nordic-style with Broder Restaurant’s take on a traditional Julbord dinner with spiced glögg. Nordic Northwest, www.scanheritage.org / 503.977.0275 Portland - First Presbyterian Church 9 Dec: Lucia Fest with Tomte, ring dances, Swedish bakery, coffee and glögg. www. newsweden.org / 503.977.0275
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia 1 Dec: Julbord. Cocktails, Christmas smörgåsbord dinner, Lucia procession and Christmas Market. www.americanswedish.org / info@americanswedish.org 2 Dec: Lucia Fest and Christmas Market with holiday deli items, decorations, gifts, SWEA bakery and Swedish Christmas Café. www.americanswedish.org / info@ americanswedish.org
LINGONBERRIES • Fresh Frozen • Preserves www.sturdiwheat.com 1-800-201-9650
Raleigh - State Fairgrounds 2 Dec: Scandinavian Christmas Fair. Authentic celebration with food and glögg, Nordic folk dancing, music, children’s activities, gifts and Lucia. http://scanfair. org / 336.541.5072
North Dakota
Bismarck - Lord of Life Lutheran Church 10 Dec: Santa Lucia Celebration. Dancing, food and other goodies. Three Crowns Swedish American Association of Bismarck-Mandan, 3crownsswedish@ gmail.com / 701.516.2979
Ohio
New York - Svenska Kyrkan 17 Nov - 19 Nov: The Swedish Church Julbasar. Swedish crafts, Christmas music, Swedish food, glögg, etc. www. svenskakyrkan.se/newyork / newyork@ swedishchurch.net
Indian Hill 10 Dec: Lucia Fest. Lucia dinner party. Info and tickets Scandinavian Society of Cincinnati, www.scandinaviansoc.org / 513.889.5306
New York - Aquavit 1 Dec: Christmas Luncheon & Lucia: Cel-
Portland Memorial Coliseum 2 Dec - 3 Dec: ScanFair. Scandinavian arts
Oregon
Please place your Order early. Last day to order Swedish ham: December 3.
349 Main Ave. | Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 203-529-3244 Email: info@scandinavianbutik.com www.scandinavianbutik.com
JULMARKNAD Christmas Market Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ST. LUCIA DAY CELEBRATION Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon at Daley Plaza, 4:45 p.m. at Swedish American Museum, 7 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church SVENSK JULGUDSTJÄNST Christmas Service in Swedish Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church JULMIDDAG Christmas Dinner Sunday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m. SHOPPING Get your Swedish items for the holidays in the Store or online 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640 SwedishAmericanMuseum.org
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 15
local events Philadelphia - Gloria Dei Church 8 Dec - 10 Dec: Sankta Lucia and St. Eric’s Fair. Celebrating 80th Lucia Fest! Christmas bazaar with Scandinavian imports. www.old-swedes.com / info@ old-swedes.org
Rhode Island
Cranston 11.05: Swedish Holiday Brunch in the Swedish Kaffestuga with Swedish baked goods for sale. RSVP 401.739.3530 / marlenehaglundhatch@gmail.com
South Carolina
Columbia 16 Dec: Lucia Celebration. Enjoy the fellowship, food and fun. The Nordic Club, wcui2@aol.com / 843.324.8076
South Dakota
Dalesburg 10 Dec: 40th Annual celebration of the St Lucia Tradition in Dalesburg. www. dalesburg.org / 605.253.2575
Texas
Austin 10 Dec: Annual Lucia and julbazar. Bake sale, raffle, coffee, glögg, Lucia procession. http://austin.swea.org / austin@ swea.org Dallas 2 Dec: JulBasar and Lucia. Swedish crafts, gift items, baked goods, glögg and sweets, Lucia procession. www.dallas. swea.org / dallas@swea.org Houston 10 Dec: SWEA Houston’s Lucia celebration with procession, julfika and dance. www. houston.swea.org / sweahouston@ hotmail.com
Virginia
Virginia Beach 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Bazaar. Traditional decorations- Gifts and Crafts Swedish Crystal-Baked Goods- Café. www.virginiabeach.swea.org / virginiabeach@swea.org
Vermont
Landgrove 16 Dec: Sankta Lucia at the Landgrove
Inn. Delicious julbord, traditional Jul songs, Nordic Harmoni chorus, Lucia, glögg and more. RSVP 802.824.6673 / Vtinn@sover.net
Washington, DC
House of Sweden Washington 2 Dec: Christmas Bazaar. Scandinavian crafts, cafe and Lucia procession. SWEA Washington DC or Embassy of Sweden and House of Sweden, www.washingtondc.swea.org / sweapr@gmail.com
Washington
Seattle - Kirkland 13 Dec: Glögg and meatballs. SWEA women’s choir, Christmas songs and Lucia. www.sacc-seattle.org/events/gloggand-meatballs / julie@sacc-seattle.org Seattle 18 Nov - 19 Nov: Yulefest. Scandinavian Christmas food and drinks, handicrafts, music, dancing, Santa. Nordic Heritage Museum, www.nordicmuseum.org / nordic@nordicmuseum.org Seattle 7 Dec: Nordic Stories. Children’s Christmas stories from the Nordic countries, along with fun craft projects. Nordic Heritage Museum, www.nordicmuseum. org / nordic@nordicmuseum.org Seattle 15 Dec: Swedish Christmas Julbord. Delicious and authentic Christmas smörgåsbord. Info and RSVP info@sacc-seattle. org / 425.952.6299
the Christmas tree, Santa, Coffee and treats. swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@ gmail.com / www.sahswi.org 25 Dec: Julotta. Hymns and liturgy in Swedish and English. Coffee and treats. swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail. com / www.sahswi.org Madison - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 2 Dec: Julfest/Christmas Party with traditional Swedish dinner (julbord) and Lucia procession. The Scandinavian American Club (SAC) www.madsac.org / madisonsac@gmail.com Sister Bay 8 Dec – 9 Dec: Traditional Swedish Christmas Smörgåsbord. A multi-course Christmas smörgåsbord. RSVP www. aljohnsons.com / 920.854.2626
IKEA
USA 15 Dec: Swedish Christmas Julbord Celebrations at all IKEA restaurants with an all you can eat buffet! Contact your local IKEA store for more information. www. ikea-usa.com/StoreLocator No Celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all over the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com.
Bishop Hill On October 28, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association celebrated the gift of the Bishop Hill Tapestry, recently installed at the Steeple Building Museum. The large tapestry depicts the Bishop Hill Colony in the mid-19th century and is part of a series of nine tapestries telling the story of Swedish immigration to the USA. It was designed by Swedish artist Åsa Bengtson of Stockholm and sponsored by the late gallerist Carl Axel Valén. The American Daughters of Sweden made this gift possible thru a generous donation. Organized in 1926 in Chicago by a group of women of Swedish heritage, the American Daughters of Sweden has worked for over 90 years to promote and maintain an interest in Sweden and Swedish culture. When the American Daughters of Sweden became aware that the tapestry depicting Bishop Hill’s history was available for
Tacoma - Pacific Lutheran University 3 Dec: Sankta Lucia Festival of Light, reception to follow. Scandinavian Cultural Center, www.plu.edu/scancenter / schroejm@plu.edu
Wisconsin
Dodgeville - Folklore Village 9 Dec: St. Lucia Ceremony. Swedish songs, candlelight and aromatic saffron buns. Potluck and dancing. www. folklorevillage.org / programs@folklorevillage.org Hales Corners - Whitnall Park Lutheran 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration. Dance around
Our 29th
Scandinavian Traditions
Sunday, December 10, 2-5 p.m.
Gifts, crafts & more! 800-779-3344 | www.hemslojd.com Call for free catalog! Downtown Lindsborg, KS 16 NORDSTJERNAN
local events
Celebration purchase, they decided this would be a most worthy use of funds and arranged for the purchase as a gift to the Bishop Hill Heritage Association. More than 40 people attended the installation ceremony and open house, hammered dulcimer music was provided and light refreshments were served immediately after the formal ceremony. State Representative Dan Swanson spoke about the importance of Bishop Hill to the area. Gerd Sjögren, Chicago’s Honorary Consul General for Sweden, talked about the strong ties between Bishop Hill and Sweden. Both Mattias Hallendorff, president of the Carl Axel Valén Foundation and Janet Nelson, president of the American Daughters of Sweden
God Jul Merry Christmas
Your one-stop shop for all things Jul
described their organizations’ roles in bringing the tapestry to Bishop Hill and the BHHA.
SWEA’s 32nd Annual Traditional
Sunday November 19, 2017 10 am - 4pm
Commonwealth Club 26 Northview Avenue Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 Donation $1
Gathered in front of the new addition to the Steeple Building, L-R: Todd DeDecker, administrator, Bishop Hill Heritage Association; Illinois State Legislator Dan Swanson; Sweden’s Honorary Consul General Gerd Sjögren; Attorney Mattias Hallendorf, Pres. Carl Axel Valen Foundation; Janet Nelson, President American Daughters of Sweden; Kerstin Lane, chair, Bishop Hill Heritage Association; Karin Abercrombie Moen, director, Swedish-American Museum, Chicago.
Advent Candles, Tomten, Linens. Christmas Cards, Carl Larsson Swedish ham, Kalles, Herring, Glögg, Lingonberries, Caviar, Bulk candy, Chocolate bars, Licorices Stop in, call in, or order on-line www.woodenspoon.ws gwen@woodenspoon.ws
WOODEN SPOON, 1617 K Avenue, PLANO, TX 75074 972-424-6867
BARNKLUBBEN ELSA RIX #1 97th Annual Lucia Festivals
Home Baked Goods • Swedish Food • Café Handcrafted Swedish Holiday Decorations Lucia at 11am and 2pm
Lucia Bride – Liv Maredith Abrahamsen
Hosted by SWEA New Jersey Chapter Inc. For more info: 815.861.2760 or newjersey@swea.org
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 54 Nassau Blvd. West Hempstead, NY
www.newjersey.swea.org • facebook.com/sweanewjersey
Sankta Lucia Pageant & Smörgåsbord Saturday, December 9, 2017 4 p.m. Anderson Chapel
This beloved annual tradition features the North Park University Lucia choir, star boys, and the 2017 Lucia Queen. Following the pageant, join us for a smörgåsbord buffet in Hamming Hall. Tickets for the pageant are $5 per person; $10 per family. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Smörgåsbord tickets (includes the pageant): $20 per adult; $10 for children under 12. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Dec. 2 online at www.northpark.edu/lucia or make your reservation by calling 773-244-5615.
Sunday Dec. 3, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Lucia pageant & folk dancing. $15/adult, $5/child 5-12, Children under 5 free. Light Smörgåsbord, coffee & desserts included. Glögg and gifts available.
Music by Smögåsbandet
Directions: Southern State Pkwy. Exit 17N. 2nd light left onto Nassau Blvd.
Cross Hempstead Tpk., right onto 8th St. & right onto Kilburn Rd. to parking lot.
AND
Saturday December 9, 2017 at 6 pm St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church See address and directions above
Lucia pageant & folk dancing. $10/adult, $5/child 5-12, Children under 5 free. Coffee & desserts included. Glögg & gifts available. Reservations & Advance Payment Requested (indicate which Lucia). Information/reservations: (516) 565-2091 • Elainedance@aol.com Send reservations & check payable to Barnklubben Elsa Rix: Elaine McGrath 252 Wellington Road South, Garden City, NY 11530 NOVEMBER 15, 2017 17
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the most popular films and tv shows from sweden
swedish dvd releases Order Swedish language movies on DVD. All videos are in the original language with English subtitles.
A Swedish infused apple pie “As American as apple pie” ... here’s an apple cake infused with almond paste and cardamom, straight from (where else?) Sweden.
As American as apple pie, the saying goes. But here’s an apple cake straight from Sweden. A festive variation of a popular dessert this We found this apple Thanksgiving. cake among the Swedish recipes and were intrigued since it has yummy ingredients like mandelmassa (almond paste) and cardamom in it.
Ingredients Piecrust: 2/3 cup butter 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar 1.5 cups all-purpose flour 1.5 tablespoons water
Sweden’s selection for the Oscar’s
Immerse yourself and family in swedishness with the latest dvd releases from Sweden. A Man Called Ove ($29.95 = _______ The Last Sentence $29.95 = _______ The 100 Year Old Man $29.95 = _______ The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy Extended Boxed Set $39.95 = _______ Wallander Series 2 Boxed Set $74.95 = _______ Max Manus: Man of War (in Norwegian) $19.95 = _______ Jackpot (in Norwegian) $24.95 = _______
Please send me:
Total = _______
Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
Name ____________________________________
Address __________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________ Telephone Number ___________________________ Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan
Please charge my credit card:
Filling: Topping: 1/2 cup almond paste 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 lemon peel, finely 1 ounce almond slivers grated 1/2 cup butter 2 eggs 2 oz sugar 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 4 apples
Instruction 1. Mix butter, confectioner’s sugar and flower with a mixer until you have a crumbly dough. Add the water, and continue to mix until you have a smooth dough. Press the dough into a pie dish with removable bottom. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. 2. Pre-heat oven to 400° F. Grind the almond paste, but not too fine. Grind the lemon peel on the fine side of the grater. Melt the butter and beat the eggs, and add them to the melted butter along with the sugar. Let simmer until thick, stir often. Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the almond paste, lemon peel and cardamom. 3. Peel and core the apple, and cut into thin slices. Take the pie crust from the fridge and add small holes with a fork. Pour the almond cream in, arrange the apples slices in a pretty pattern, pour over the sugar and the almond slivers. 4. Bake the cake in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.
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NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan, CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 Ext. 10
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Life made Sweder with NORDSTJERNAN 1.800.827.9333 Ext. 10
Swedes know time spent in nature is good for their well-being, and they are no strangers to picnics and dining al fresco, even in the Nordic climate. A special project is making it possible to dine in nature - with nature, even during the coldest months of the year: KC Wallberg and his staff invite you to Stockholm’s most spectacular dining hall in the esteemed Biologiska museet (Biological Museum). NOVEMBER 15, 2017 19
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T
The Biological Museum, located near Skansen on Djurgården in Stockholm, has been closed for renovation since August 31, 2017. And while the late-19th century building can’t welcome daily visitors as it undergoes needed maintenance, renowned chef KC Wahlberg, who has been running the popular Gubbhyllan Restaurant (“The Old Man’s Shelf”) on the Skansen premises for years, is using it for an occasional weekend pop-up restaurant. His so-called Restaurant Biology avails itself of the unique environment within the museum. As a guest you’ll settle down at a table in a glass room, from which you have a 360-degree view of the Swedish biotope, a diorama of north and south, while eating food from forest, lake and land. The menu at Restaurant Biology is created from seasonal raw ingredients. All dishes are cooked with certified products, all wines have been cultivated biodynamic. All fish is MSC certified. (MSC, the Marine Stewardship Council, works with partners to encourage sustainable fishing practices.) The idea is that guests get a lesson in biology, a lesson of life, while enjoying the taste of the food. 20 NORDSTJERNAN
KC Wallberg sees a restaurant visit as a whole experience, in which food is only one part. “The last thing you do at a restaurant is actually taste the food,” he said in his opening speech. The restaurant will primarily be for special events and parties. On three occasions, however, Restaurant Biology will be turned into a pop-up restaurant, open to the public. That’s when guests can opt for a dinner with four courses and a total of nine dishes. The evening will offer time for mingling, a presentation of the menu and an address by KC Wallberg himself. Three theme nights and seasonal chapters are on the calendar for November, January and March: Chapter 1: Leading up to Christmas with a focus on autumn produce and the summer’s harvest, pickled and refined. Chapter 2: Midwinter. Here is the challenge finding raw materials in season, and the menu will contain parts that were prepared already in the summer. Chapter 3: Spring is coming, nature wakes up! Wahlberg collaborates with Alexander Meier of Icehotel with inspiration from nature’s early spring growth.
About the biological museum
The Biological Museum opened in 1893 on Djurgården island in Stockholm. It is still a unique museum of its kind, celebrating 125 years in 2018. The founder of the museum, Gustaf Kolthoff, was a conservator and amateur zoologist. The magnificent building was designed by architect Agi Lindegren, who used the Norwegian stave churches as a model for his design. The backdrop environment murals were painted by, among others, Bruno Liljefors, one of most influential wildlife painters of the late 18th century. Kolthoff’s ambition was to create something new and different, and it resulted in an exhibition making use of diorama techniques. Thus an ecological theater with animal taxidermy recreated Nordic natural environments. Never before had stuffed animals and birds been presented in this way, surrounded by their natural environment. Both England and the United States later started presenting animals in museums in this fashion. For more info, see www.restaurangbiologi.se. Already in Stockholm? Call 08-66 44 200 to inquire about menu and available evenings.
At September’s Restaurant Biology opening ceremony, Wallberg grilled blinis served with freshly chopped apricot and sour cream. The trick of his blini is browned butter in the batter, which gives the little cakes a delicious, nutty taste. (Other taste samples from September’s fall menu were grilled, lightly cured breast of duck with sea buckthorn on lettuce, cod with yellow carrots, truffle puree and herb salad, legume salad with peas and beans or a royal casserole topped with consommé on wild porcini mushroom. A dessert of blueberries rounded out the dinner.)
Blini a la KC Wallberg
1 dl (1/2 cup) buckwheat flour 1 pinch salt
Sour cream 3 dl (1 cup) heavy cream 1 teaspoon of acetic acid / vinegar
Mushroom mix 300 g (1 cup) chanterelle 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter 1/2 yellow onion 1 spring onion 1 pinch salt ground white pepper 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Serves 4
Blini 1 egg 50 g (1/4 cup) butter 5 g (1-3/4 tsp) yeast 2 dl (3/4 cup) lukewarm milk 1/2 dl (1/8 cup) all purpose flour Sour cream Stir the vinegar into the cream and place at room temperature for about 4 hours. Mushroom mix - Cut or chop the mushrooms into smaller pieces. Finely chop the yellow onion and shred the spring onion. - Put the mix in a cold cast iron pan and heat it up. Lower the heat to medium and let the liquid boil off. - When the mushroom mix begins to feel dry, add the butter. Fry the mushroom for a while then add the yellow onion. Fry until the mushroom has a nice color. - Add spring onion and stir in the parsley. Blini - Divide the egg into yellow and white. - Put the butter in a cast iron pan and heat it up. Sprinkle until the butter smells of nut and caramel.
You also need: electric mixer and piping bag Pour into a bowl and allow the cured protein to sink to the bottom. - Heat the milk to lukewarm, dissolve the yeast in some of the milk, stir in the rest of the milk and at last the egg yolk. Add the browned butter with a spoon and mix well. - Mix together wheat flour, buckwheat flour and salt and stir into the batter. Beat the egg white hard and gently turn into the batter. - Fry the blinis on one side in butter until they color. To serve Pour the sour cream into a liquor bag. Place the blinis with the un-fried sides up and top with mushroom mix, sour cream and finely chopped red onion. Text & Photography: Gunilla Blixt
Blinis are a great, more interesting alternative to using regular toast for a variety of dishes. Here served with another Swedish classic, Kalix löjrom (Swedish bleak roe) with lemon, sour cream, dill, chives and a bit of red onion. Per person: 1 small blini 2 tbsp (30g) Kalix löjrom 1 lemon slice 2 tbsp (30g) sour crean 1 dill twig 1/4 red onion finely chopped 1 tsp chopped chive Heat the blini in the oven prior to serving. This image is from the Lisa Elmqvist store and restaurant at Östermalmshallen market hall in central Stockholm. When visiting Stockholm, this is one of the dishes you can eat at the restaurant (priceless ambience!) or order to pick up and bring home. For more info, see www.lisaelmqvist.se NOVEMBER 15, 2017 21
feature
Sweden’s Honorary Consuls in the U.S. Who are they? In an effort to find out more about the Swedish consuls in America, the work they do and the people they represent, contributor Helen Teike interviewed each of them, published here throughout the year.
TEXAS
Honorary Consul: Astrid Marklund, Houston How long have you been the Swedish consul? I have held the position since 2012.
About Swedish food: I like surströmming (my husband is from Norrland), but I really enjoy Swedish shrimp and crawfish. These are true Swedish summer dishes for me.
What is your full-time occupation? I am the CFO for a chemical company in Houston.
Most admired Swede: Astrid Lindgren and Selma Lagerlof.
How much time do you spend on consular matters? Do you have help? I have an assistant who takes care of the consular activities. Usually, I spend two days a week at the consulate but the main part of my time I spend representing Sweden at various functions, promoting Swedish business and culture, and arranging for upcoming events. I also visit Swedish citizens in prison on a regular basis and interview foreign nationals applying for visas to Sweden. How many Swedish citizens are in your area? The territory includes southern Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and it is hard to know for sure since many with Swedish passports are for immigrants who have acquired Swedish citizenship. These individuals are not involved in any Swedish organizations. Our estimate is 5000-6000. How many Swedes visit the consulate? For what purpose? We have mainly two categories of visitors: Swedish citizens and other nationalities. The consulate also offers office space and a permanent address for SACC-Texas with its three chapters in Houston, Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth. We assist Swedish citizens with passports, registration of babies born abroad, certification of documents for retired Swedes abroad, name changes, etc. During election years the Consulate serves as voting place for Swedish citizens abroad. We assist foreign nationalities with visa information and interviews for their visa applications as well as general information about Sweden. Lately we have also received many inquiries about how to move to Sweden. Swedish Honorary Consulate General River Oaks Tower 3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 805 Houston, TX 713.953.1417 houston@consulateofsweden.org 22 NORDSTJERNAN
On being Swedish: Everybody has a say: In a workplace there is a boss, but everyone can contribute. Swedes are honest, perhaps too trustworthy … we expect people to be like us. We like nature and are more active outdoors than the general American public. Explaining Sweden to others: Many people mix up Switzerland and Sweden, but some know about ABBA and the Vikings. I try to give more basic information, about free trade or immigration and government. School kids also want to know if there are kings and queens and Vikings. What the general population knows about Sweden: The comments I currently get are about the Millennium books, Ingmar Bergman, Bjorn Borg, and of course business such as Mindcraft, Spotify, Skype and IKEA. Thoughts on whether Sweden is better known today than 10 years ago: Yes absolutely! Mainly due to the fact Sweden is very big on creative industries, like music and the companies mentioned above, the gaming industry, etc.
Sweden recognized the United States on April 3, 1783, when the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Sweden was signed in Paris. The Swedish minister in Paris approached Benjamin Franklin in 1782 with the suggestion of concluding a treaty between the two entities, remarking that he hoped it would be remembered that “Sweden was the first power in Europe which had voluntarily and
without solicitation offered its friendship to the United States.” Franklin informed Congress of this initiative and was then empowered to negotiate with Sweden. Diplomatic relations were established in 1818 when the United States named David Erskine as the first Consul to Stockholm on May 22. On September 20, 1947, H. Freeman Matthews was appointed to be the first U.S. Ambassador to Sweden.
PENNSYLVANIA
Honorary Consul: Ulf Aakerblom, Philadelphia How long have you been the Swedish consul? 3-1/2 years What is your full-time occupation? I am a business consultant. How much time do you spend on consular matters? About 5-10% of my time. How many Swedish citizens are in your area? It’s a wild guess: approximately 1,500. How many Swedes visit the consulate? For what purpose? About 80-100 visit each year, mostly to pick up new passports. Some come for driver’s licenses or for notarizing documents. Are there other local Swedish institutions or organizations you cooperate with? The Swedish American Chamber of CommercePhiladelphia, Swedish Colonial Society, American Swedish Historical Society and SWEA are in the area. Does your district differ from the other Swedish honorary consulates? Not really. I’m trying to be proactive by working through other organizations like Select Greater Philadelphia, a part of Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Also, Philadelphia has the oldest Consular Corps Association in the country, which is quite active. How much are you guided by directions from the embassy in Washington, DC? Philadelphia and Boston are under the Consulate General in New York. There is not much guidance, but if there is an issue I talk with NYC or DC. What made you choose to accept this position? A friend of mine in Sweden suggested my name to our ambassador in DC. It’s an honor to represent Sweden in this important region.
What is the Swedish Consulate’s most important job for the community in your area? To be present and represent my country at various events - cultural, commerce, entertainment. What is your most important task? If you had more funds what would you do in your region to spread the word about Sweden? To organize one big SWEDEN DAY every year with visitors from Sweden, the media, entertainers, speakers on commerce/science/culture etc.
Consulate of Sweden in Philadelphia 522 Sprague Road Penn Valley, PA 19072 610.812.9134 philadelphia@consulateofsweden.org
What is your personal connection with or fondest memory of Sweden? I have dual citizenship. I was born in Stockholm and lived most of my life there. I moved to Philly in 2005. It’s hard to pick one specific memory, but something I miss is boating in the Stockholm archipelago. About Swedish food: I don’t drink glögg, but I do like lutfisk. I would probably have to go to Sweden for Christmas for that. I also enjoy herring and a shot of aquavit. Explaining Sweden to others: I mention features of Sweden that I like: It’s a modern country that loves nature. Its population of 10 million makes it smaller than the state of Pennsylvania, but it’s sophisticated in many ways, has clean cities and is environmentally friendly. Sweden’s biggest achievement in history: It became a modern, sophisticated society in less than 50 years after WWII. It very rapidly became a welfare state. A misconception about Sweden: That is has a high rate of suicide and free sex. President Eisenhower stated this, but it is not true. What Sweden could teach America: Improved public transportation, better care of the environment, district heating (fjärrvärme). Sweden’s exposure in the general population: It has increased in the last 10 years, for good or bad with the most recent election. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton mentioned Sweden, and of course Donald Trump recently mentioned Sweden. Also, the movie “A Man Called Ove” exposed Sweden in good ways. On being Swedish: “Jantelagen” - Swedes are quite humble and don’t like to brag.
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.). Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840
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are there limits to free speech? Freedom of speech’s authority was enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution on December 15, 1791. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Each year, the Sather Symposium is co-sponsored by the Consulates General of Norway and Sweden at the University of California, Berkeley. The lectures commemorate the contributions of Peder Sather, a prominent Norwegian-born American banker, whose widow Jane K. Sather donated two beloved university landmarks — Sather Gate at the entry to campus, and the Sather Tower (known as The Campanile). Both consulates sponsor the lecture because during Sather’s lifetime, 1810–1886, Sweden and Norway were united. In a time of great political polarization, fake news and contesting protests, it was appropriate for this year’s topic on free speech to be at the site of the nation’s Free Speech Movement (1964-1965). Again this year University of California, Berkeley has been challenged with this topic. Violence has occurred on campus between anti-Trump and pro-Trump protestors, particularly as a result of alt-right, white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Several spring events cost the university hundreds of thousands of dollars, to repair damaged facilities and to control crowds. More were planned but cancelled in the fall. The United States of America is unique among nations for enshrining in its First Amendment to the Constitution that all speech and expression by the public and the press are tolerated. This was underscored in the lecture on September 29, which opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Carla Hesse, dean of the College of Letters and Science. She thanked Consul General of Norway Jo Sletback and Consul General of Sweden Barbro Osher for continuing the lecture tradition with such an appropriate topic, and she then introduced the university’s recently appointed 11th chancellor, Carol T. Christ.
Chancellor Christ
It was particularly meaningful to have Chancellor Christ attend and welcome the speakers, because a month earlier she kicked off the campus-wide “Free Speech Year” with a discussion describing this issue and the campus. Of all places, a university (and this one in particular) welcomes debate and discussion, controversial views and rational response, as the means of educating oneself on any topic. She wants to be clear that students and public alike know unfettered free speech and an inclusive, diverse community are welcome here. To her point about the First Amendment, Christ said, “The United States offers greater protection 24 NORDSTJERNAN
to free speech than any other liberal democracy,” adding that only the U.S. promotes and protects absolute freedom of speech, regardless of how loathsome or intolerant the speech or the speaker may be. Public or private offense is no defense. The only rational alternative is more persuasive arguments; and while others in Europe and the English-speaking world prohibit hate-speech, such laws do not exist here. We are more interested in the free exchange of ideas. The only legitimate restriction recognized by the Supreme Court is if talk is directed at a particular person or group that may cause imminent and predictable harm.
Free Speech: Fundamental to our Democracy
Of interest was the timing of the symposium — during the two-week run of Ken Burn’s visual epic, Vietnam, and the comparison of the free speech protests during that long war and those during the McCarthy HUAC hearings a generation earlier, were both contrapuntal, historical rhymes with today’s national discord. Our press has come under continual attack, from President Trump and others who don’t like it when media disagrees with them, or that the media poses alternative interpretations, as our First Amendment was designed to do. We see how these opponents disregard impartial news reporting and editorial or columnists’ opinions. This is partly a result of the internet’s role as a platform for alternative points of view — because of the many independent blogs and podcasts that represent individual opinions, and because few perspectives on social media have editorial standards or journalistic ethics other than personal opinion, but most of all because our views have become polarized because we choose, understandably, to tune in to agreeable channels, which reinforce our own points of view. The symposium also occurred while our government is investigating the manipulation of one of our most cherished freedoms by an opponent nation, at a time of great national polarization about different opinions on free speech. A big part of this issue was the role that several giant computer companies played in these significant recent challenges to our democracy, campaigns and our election. Questions arose: 1) Could the public judge whether there was truth to any of the information being presented by these messaging companies; and 2) What is the source of the information by
which to judge its authenticity and purpose? This becomes more significant when we appreciate that Facebook controls the exchange of information with nearly one-third of the world’s population. And both Facebook and Twitter use algorithms and scanning routines to gather and dispense information, whose sources only now are being reluctantly divulged. The problem is that these robotic routines are independent and self-regulating but affect all of us, whether or not we subscribe to these services. You can bet that all large companies with such a wide reach and effect will resist any form of regulation. Another problem with these companies’ technologies affecting our freedom is how their algorithms and bots (digital robots combing the internet for information and combining it with information they have already mined or received) infer each person’s motivating opinions and tastes. Their broadcasts, based upon such assumptions, results in propaganda that can affect (infect?) our minds and interpretations of events. What is most significant and dangerous here is that neither the source nor the assumptions are disclosed for us to evaluate their messaging. In effect, this is the worst scenario: libelous or misinformed messages lurk in the public realm from this toxic gossip. [For more on this powerful cabal, read Franklin Foer’s new book, World Without Mind: The existential threat of Big Tech.] Yet another significant parallel for this symposium was the fast approaching anniversary of the greatest example of such manipulation of free speech that affected our whole nation on October 7, 2016. On that date — within 90 minutes but with lasting effects — three newsworthy events occurred in swift succession during the final month of our national election campaign, with a national effect still being analyzed: 1) The Obama administration announced a dozen of its top intelligence agencies unanimously agreed that Russia had hacked into both campaigns’ emails and strategic documents earlier that year; 2) News was quickly overwhelmed by another story: of Trump’s crude chat with a friend about his ease in groping women; and 3) Wikileaks dumped a trove of embarrassing emails hacked from the head of the Clinton campaign, as predicted by a member of the Trump campaign with access to Russian informants. Each of these news flashes overwhelmed the previous story, diverting attention to itself. What was significant in this test of our national right of free speech — apart from the foreign actors — was the speed and extent to which each of them aroused the nation, and how they focused attention and critical analysis upon themselves rather than upon the unique, sequential timing and effect the clashing news items had. It was in this context that the symposium speakers addressed the topic of free speech from their own perspectives.
Ambassador Azita Raji
Dean Hesse introduced former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, Azita Raji, as the symposium’s first speaker. She was born in Iran and was the first female U.S. Ambassador to Sweden. Being raised under the ayatollah’s regime in Iran, she had a particular appreciation for the topic of the freedom of speech. She had lived under a highly censorious government, where her choices were very limited; were she to be caught reading the wrong books, she and her family could be subject to severe punishments. So her parents chose to send her to Switzerland for higher education. There, in a liberal democracy she learned how political conversations tolerated all and varied opinions without consequences. She later came to the U.S. to earn her MBA from Columbia University in New York and then entered banking and politics, where ultimately she became Obama’s ambassador. The ambassador appreciated being assigned to Sweden, learning that it was the first nation to guarantee freedom of the press on December 2, 1766, in the Freedom of the Press Act. While it abolished censorship and guaranteed Swedish citizens the right to access public documents, there were some limitations on religious beliefs, the power of the king and using demeaning language about members of parliament. Yet, everything not expressly prohibited was permitted to write and print, an “unrestricted freedom to present their thoughts on all matters that concern both the rights and duties of the citizens.” This law was constitutional until 1772 (when King Gustav III assumed dictatorial powers), but regained its authority under the new Constitution of 1809. The ambassador pointed out the freedom of opinion and expression is also internationally recognized and included as Article 19 of the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
Even before speech, press or assembly, the Constitution protects the people’s choice of any and every (or no) religion; however, it prefers none over any other and constitutes a secular government, where everyone has the right to criticize and protest the government or others’ opinions, individually, or as published, or when assembled with others. Neither the government nor any individual or group has the right to prevent or intimidate unpopular opinions, how ever offensive the message may be. This cherished right is the world’s longest unabridged right for public expression and inquiry, and the world’s broadest, most protective right to independent thought and expression. We can be proud of our First Amendment, but it has not been as universally revered as we might wish. As the ambassador reminded us, less than a decade after the Bill of Rights was approved, President John Adams and his Federalists in 1798 passed the Alien and Sedition Acts to make it harder for immigrants to become citizens — for fear of national security. Sound familiar during our debate on DACA? Then, as today, the bills were promoted to protect political power of one party. And one of those four acts, the revised Alien Enemies Act, remains in effect, though inapplicable, today. Ambassador Raji was especially concerned with the current vilification of the press (“fake news”), both here and abroad, citing facts from Freedom House (monitoring freedom of speech worldwide), which indicates that populists and autocrats present a dual threat to global democracy by increasingly restricting freedom of speech and press. Today we need to protect everyone’s right to hold his or her own opinions. Even we in the United States need to attend to our constitutional rights and obligations: that is, there is no limit upon our freedom of speech in the United States, which applies to all people at all times. Please don’t yawn at this statement as though all Americans know that fact — citing our constitutional rights anonymously, every year another survey of Americans shows that many, if not most, believe that such an extensive liberty as our First Amendment is un-American. And protestors today act upon their misinterpretation.
Our press has come under continual attack, from President Trump and others who don’t like it when media disagrees with them, or finds that the media poses alternative interpretations, as our First Amendment was designed to do. what one says is innocuous or offensive to others. Much public speech here today is intolerant and designed to manipulate public opinion. For Mme. Raji, our First Amendment is best summarized by Justice Brandeis’ maxim that “Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” encouraging transparency and civil debate of ideas. Unfortunately, in our highly polarized nation today, we seem to thrive in information bubbles or echo chambers. We only listen to friends with similar opinions, or to social media reinforcing our thoughts. So, actually, we are less informed today than in the past. We hear champions of free speech declaim: “I disagree with my opponent but I will defend his right to have his say.” Today we are too fragile. Some protestors assume they have a right to silence their opponents, but in our country it is unpopular speech that needs to be protected; we need more discussion and a wide range of views. Perhaps unanimity and uniformity of opinion should be suspect. We must listen carefully to each other, and then only answer with alternate and more persuasive opinions. Colleges and universities must educate students and society about our First Amendment.
Dr. Knut Olav Åmås
Following appreciative applause for Ambassador Raji’s perspective on our American and Swedish heritage, Dr. Knut Olav Åmås, executive director Continues on next page
Comparing time and place
Our rights were contrasted with those in Iran, where the government decides what is permitted. While Iran’s constitution states the protection of citizens’ free speech, in actuality, the government decides what is permitted. And that tacit fact supersedes the explicit statement. Iran’s constitution allows for freedom of press and of public opinion, as long as it does not contradict the Muslim religion or the acts of the government of Iran, as decided in this theocracy by the ultimate authority, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran (and of the Islamic Revolution), currently Ali Khamenei. In Europe, too, we are seeing new restrictions, against hate speech. In contrast, though not understood by many American protesters, in the U.S. the First Amendment does not distinguish whether NOVEMBER 15, 2017 25
people Continued from previous page of the Fritt Ord Foundation was introduced. This Norwegian foundation is dedicated to the protection and promotion of speech and expression. Dr. Åmås is the former culture and opinions editor for Norway’s leading newspaper, Aftenposten, and the former editor of Samtiden, Scandinavia's oldest cultural and political journal. He has also served as State Secretary for the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs. Dr. Åmås holds a degree in philosophy and a PhD in media studies from the University of Bergen. He began by stating that in Europe as here, liberal publications and liberal academia are under fire. Currently there is great skepticism among some of the public and U.S. government officials against science, research, education, law and journalism. Not long ago the media were more trusted or even revered, but the standards of rational discussion have deteriorated, replaced by shouted speeches and intemperate tweets. Social media and free speech suffer from a lack of personal discrimination and restraint. In the past, editorial discretion and the ethics of impartial reporters were distinguished from a newspaper’s business concerns or of its editorial opinions.
Is there an absolute?
According to Dr. Åmås, hate speech is no longer anonymous on either side of the Atlantic; its speakers have become celebrities because of their cant. He heartily approved of Chancellor Christ’s advice to students and visitors that rather than shout down our opponents, we should respond with more reasoned discussion. The university must again become a sanctuary and public platform for all points of view. He admired her explanation of America’s unique freedom: that we do not defend against offense to any. He said that extremism tries to strangle discussion and abort conversation. In referring to France’s Charlie Hebdo cartoon controversy, which a couple years ago inflamed Muslim radicals against publications and the public, Dr. Åmås noted that the cartoonists moderated their work to be less offensive. However, for America the
Did you know: The Swedish Freedom of the Press decree of 1766 was the first law in the world that made freedom of the press a right. It also paved the way for the principle of publicity, which means that all citizens have the right to access protocols and other documents from government, parliament and authorities. Every third person on earth lives in a country without freedom of the press. Freedom of speech is yet another matter.
Sweden had a special government branch called Biografbyrån (literally The Movie Theater Bureau) between 1911 and 2011, which was responsible for censuring movies. In reality, the censuring in later years was mainly through setting age limitations for films—the last film to be cut by the government agency was the 1995 Scorsese film Casino.
question would be: What does such intimidation do to the right of free expression? The question we must all ask is the value of free speech and the cost for the survival of this freedom. Yet, as a European, he questioned whether free speech should be absolute, and whether one should equate action and speech, as we do in the U.S., since speech can have “a criminalizing intent,” as he put it. However, he agreed trying to control the imagining and thinking of a people is authoritarian. He finally came to the conclusion that words and actions must be subject to human judgment of the many, not the select few. As can be imagined, all his views on European sensitivities — for those who experienced the despotism and cruelty of World Wars I & II in their own nations — raised questions among his American hosts. How do we defend our liberal values? He agreed it is very different in such a heterogeneous country as the U.S., compared to the more homogeneous societies of Sweden and Norway. When asked how Sweden and Norway deal with their immigrant populations (note: per capita among European nations, Sweden has accepted the greatest number of Muslim immigrants from the Middle East), it was noted that many are less integrated than in the U.S. and that religious tolerance is becoming an issue in Scandinavia. Sweden and Norway outlay great public expense to monitor protests on both sides of an issue.
Fulfilling our mandate
The very discussion of this topic at this symposium at this time, although the audience was uniformly polite and appreciative, was very important for the history of these lectures and contributing to this discussion on this campus, which is such a landmark of the Free Speech Movement. However, it emphasized how much more we all have to learn about living up to the highest ideals of our founding concepts and fundamental constitutional principles. Perhaps if we can all do more to perpetuate these ideals we can heal our own country and people. The Swedish Freedom of the Press decree of 1766 was the first law in the world that made freedom of the press a right. It also paved the way for the principle of publicity, which means that all citizens have the right to access protocols and other documents from government, parliament and authorities. Every third person on earth lives in a country without freedom of the press. Freedom of speech is yet another matter. Sweden had a special government branch called Biografbyrån (literally The Movie Theater Bureau) between 1911 and 2011, which was responsible for censuring movies. In reality, the censuring in later years was mainly through setting age limitations for films—the last film to be cut by the government agency was the 1995 Scorsese film Casino. Ted Olsson
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‘Me Too’ i Sverige ”Me too” har utvecklats till omfattande rörelse också i Sverige. Såväl unga, välformade kvinnor som tanter med väl tilltagna rumpor och paraply i händerna träder fram och demonstrerar mot opassligheter i form av närgånget tafsande på deras kroppar. Sexuella trakasserier tillhör tydligen vardagligheterna. På Sergels torg samlades nyligen tusentals förtretade kvinnor och protesterade. Självaste utrikesminister Margot Wallström snörpte på munnen och fick fram: Me too. Exempel påtalades i vilka kamrater och manliga chefer på jobbet betett sig ouppfostrat illa och förnedrande. Det är således inte bara kanalchefer, moguler i Hollywood eller programledare i Amerika som gör dumheter. Det förekommer överallt om man ska tro rubrikerna. Förr skämtades det om stiliga springpojkar som klev av sina cyklar och stämde upp fräcka, högljudda visslingar, när de såg någon välformad donna på gatan. Tiderna förändras. Nu har det tydligen blivit vanligare att använda oförskämda metoder. Sexuella trakasserier, närgånget tafsande på rumpor och lår. Det är högst förståeligt att utsatta kvinnor ger hals. Annorlunda var det förr. I en av Albert Engströms historier om dåtidens kolingar berättas det om en Hötorgsmadam som sålde
grönsaker på torget. Vid något tillfälle anklagade hon en karl för att ha tafsat på hennes sköte. I pungen som hängde på hennes sköte förvarade hon sin handels pengar. På poliskonstapelns fråga till henne : ”Varför gav du inte hals när han närmade sig ditt sköte? Svarade hon: ”Nej, Varför det? Jag trodde förstås han hade ärliga avsikter”! Jag tar för givet att de flesta håller med mig om, att vi bör uppträda hövligt mot varandra. Män bör vara artiga och förekommande mot kvinnor. Samma sak gäller givetvis kvinnors beteende mot män. Män bör enligt min uppfattning gärna visa sin uppskattning och förtjusning över den charm det kvinnliga könet ibland utstrålar. Sådan uppskattning är mänsklig och naturlig. Den tillhör naturens villkor. Tillvaron skulle vara tråkig och utan spänning om sådana reaktioner icke fanns. Uppenbarligen överskrider många män denna gräns i dagens samhälle. Eftersom deras beteende väckt sådana våldsamma protester. Mängder av kvinnor protesterar och visar sin avsky. Vår finansminister sägs överväga behovet av att öka budgeten för att bekämpa nesligheter. Kanske poliser skall få mera makt att ingripa mot syndarna. Som representant för det manliga släktet känner jag det som en plikt att ge följande, allvarliga varningar och råd till dem som ägnar sig åt dylika förbrytelser och kriminella handlingar.
Uppträd på ett höviskt sätt mot alla. Var artig mot såväl män som kvinnor. Tafsa inte på någon! Kärlek är någonting helt annat än sexuella trakasserier. Visa gärna Din uppskattning på ett tilltalande sätt! Bete dig som den gentleman du egentligen är. Egentligen är grundreglerna så enkla att de aldrig skulle behöva poängteras.
* “Me too” är en rörelse som startade i USA för över 10 år sedan när aktivisten Tarana Burke startade organisationen Just Be, Inc. och rörelsen Me Too för att hjälpa offer för sexuella trakasserier. Begreppet tog nyligen fart i sociala media när skådespelerskan Alyssa Milano gick ut med ett upprop efter att anklagelserna mot filmproducenten Harvey Weinstein blivit offentliga. Hon använde då hashtag #MeToo för att så många som möjligt skulle träda fram och visa omfattningen av trakasserier i underhållningsbranschen. Bara efter några timmar hade den använts av över 50,000 och nu av över en miljon från alla tänkbara områden.
not my time to die Titanic and the Swedes on Board by Lilly Setterdahl The 123 Swedes on board made up the third largest ethnic group on the Titanic after the American and the British. The book profiles each of the Swedish passengers; including the 34 survivors... Perfect bound, large size paperback, 296 pages. Richly illustrated.
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news in brief
Swedish News Ancient Roman relics on Öland
Swedish archaeologist Clara Alfsdotter made an exciting find while excavating in Sandby Borg, a ring fort on Öland off Sweden’s south-eastern coast. She discovered two 5th-century gold rings and a gold coin that link Rome to this island. The excavation, which began in 2011, is only 8 percent complete, leaving the potential for many more exciting discoveries. In the meantime, researchers will use Alfsdotter’s find to learn more about how Rome and Sweden came to be connected, probably shedding light on a theory that the island was in close contact with the Roman Empire.
Border checks continue
Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said in an October 26 address at Uppsala University that border checks are needed “as long as order and security can’t be guaranteed,” adding they’ve been “a necessary evil for some time.” Systematic ID checks on every traveler are banned in the 26-nation passport-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. But Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Germany and (non-EU country) Norway received permission to introduce them in 2016 after more than 1 million migrants entered Europe the previous year, saying border checks are needed for security reasons.
Sundby ring fort has been subject of excavation since 2011, reavealing it was the site of a 5th century massacre. Photo Sebastian Jakobsson
Quality fair creates smart cities
Kvalitetsmässan, largest trade fair in society development is in Gothenburg on Nov. 14-16. With the prediction that 85 percent of the world’s population will live in cities within 20 years, city planners have teamed up with businesses to unveil their solutions for a “smart city.” More than 7,5000 visitors are expected to see how digitization will transform everyday life for those who reside in the cities of the future.
Frogs go free
A project in the works since 2009 to restore the green spotted frog to Öland is a success. Frog eggs have been collected every year and then raised in incubators before being released into the wild. This year, 3,000 frogs will spend the winter hibernating in safety then hopefully restoring the dwindling population, enriching the environment and benefiting birdlife.
Small Architecture Workshop.
Small impact, large health benefit
A small sauna that appears to be floating in the lake near the property of a bed and breakfast in Åmot, Sweden, was actually built on an existing wooden pier, causing minimal impact on the environment. The compact structure sits on the lakefront site where guests enter through a small private space, but the front is entirely glass, offering a full view of the lake. Two rows of tiered benches accommodate up to eight people inside. 28 NORDSTJERNAN
New Sustainability Act affects 1,600
In 2017 the Sustainability Act was passed to require companies with more than 250 employees and turnover of SEK 350 million to file annual reports indicating the measures they take toward sustainability. More than 1,600 companies are affected by the law; one of the biggest sources of environmental impact are IT-related products, so Inrego, which will reuse, refurbish and recycle tech equipment, is poised to help companies comply with the Sustainability Act. www.inrego. se/sv-se/hem
The secret life of coprolites
Coprolite is the scientific term for fossilized feces, a fairly common find in the science world but until recently difficult to study. Now researchers in Uppsala, Sweden are studying fossilized dinosaur feces using 3D scanning technology. Skeletons and teeth give some information about carnivores and herbivores’ lives, but even at 200 million years old, the perfectly preserved coprolites show dinosaurs consumed a remarkable variety of foods. Now scientists can uncover other secrets and insights about dinosaurs through the use of 3D scanning and other cutting-edge tools.
Property market may crash
While many complain that even in the current housing boom Sweden can’t build new housing fast enough to meet demand, the reality is new construction comes at a price many aren’t able to afford. Citing the fact that increases in Swedish population are from refugees and immigrants who often struggle financially, many fear this building boom will be a bust.
Sweden cuts plastic bag use in half
After an initiative to encourage shoppers to cut down on using plastic bags, data shows that more than 50 percent of retail shoppers now bring their own bags when they purchase items. The new law requires stores to charge for plastic bags, and as the number of people using their own bags rises, it’s considered a huge environmental and social success.
Sami film festival
With films for both children and adults available for viewing, the focus of October’s Filmmaávvo, the Sami film festival in the northern city of Luleå, Sweden, was aimed at providing more awareness and support for Sami culture. The success of the festival has organizers hoping to hold festivals every other year.
news in brief
Foreign officials meet
Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallström, above, met for the first time with the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley in New York. They discussed the situation in Afghanistan and South Sudan and several other issues, but the conversation centered on children in armed conflicts, an issue both Sweden and the U.S. are concerned with.
Thais mourn in Sweden
A special ceremony on Oct. 26 provided closure for Thais in Sweden who wanted to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016 after a long illness, and a year-long period of mourning followed. Thailand and Sweden have a strong relationship, and some 70-80,000 Thais call Sweden home. The Serafimerringningen procession, celebrated on the same day of the royal cremation in Bangkok, took place near the Royal Palace in Stockholm. King Carl XVI Gustaf took part, walking alongside the Thai ambassador clad in ceremonial uniform. The ceremony drew thousands of people and lasted more than an hour.
If not broccoli, maybe spinach?
Dr. Noor Liyana Yusof, researcher at Lund University has found a way to help the youngest Swedes make sure they eat their spinach — safely. Spinach, one of the most popular greens for healthy diets, isn’t so safe for infants and small children because the levels of nitrates found in the leafy greens are too high for small bodies to process. Dr. Yusof’s simple method of “placing the leaves in a sugar solution and then vacuum-treating them forces the sugar molecules to get into the leaves, stimulating their metabolism, so that nitrates are reduced” up to 70 percent, so it remains safe for all to enjoy. Not Popeye, but a Swedish Lund University based researcher is making spinach safer for young kids.
NOVEMBER 15, 2017 29
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The Carlstad Crusaders celebrate winning the Swedish championship July 8 after defeating Örebro in the final of the Swedish American Football League.
The mythical Joe Jackson of “Field of Dreams” isn’t the only one who believes “if you build it, they will come.” The Carlstad Crusaders are out to prove just how true those words can be. The top American football team in Northern Europe and two-time European champion Carlstad, of Karlstad, Sweden, has its sights set on building a stateof-the-art training facility. The facility will make the club the focal point of the sport’s development in the Nordic region and open the door for players around Europe to play for top collegiate programs in the United States. Crusaders General Manager Robert Sundberg was in the United States October 23-30 as he made the rounds in the heart of Swedish America to raise the final funding the club needs to complete its project. Their potential new home would feature a lighted, all-season artificial turf practice facility, clubhouse, classrooms and meeting spaces. The projected cost is $3 million, of which Sundberg said he has secured roughly two-thirds in the form of grants and sponsorships. The grants, however, come with at least one caveat: “We have to raise private funds to match the grants.” Sundberg came to Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota to meet with groups and individuals “who think it is important for the sport to grow and to give kids the chance to experience American football.”
The nearly dozen youth teams Carlstad currently runs and the Crusaders A team currently rent space at various indoor facilities to conduct short field drills, but a year-round facility would allow players to take the steps needed to advance. “Right now, we don’t even have locker rooms,” Sundberg said. “The players have to change at home and come to practice dressed, then go back home again to get cleaned up. We don’t have any lights, so in the winter when it is dark for longer periods we only have a very short period when we can train.”
Creating opportunities
Sundberg met with Swedish American Chambers of Commerce as well as officials from the Green Bay Packers, North Park University in Illinois and the University of Minnesota. “We want to spread the word about our club and what we are trying to do,” Sundberg said. “We want to create connections for players coming to Sweden after they graduate from American universities and for Swedish players going to universities in the U.S.” American football is among the fastest growing sports in Sweden. Much of the reason for the growth is the accessibility of the NFL. “It is hip to follow the NFL in Sweden,” Sundberg said. “The internet and TV have made it easy. The interest is exploding.” Although it is growing in popularity, American football in Sweden continues to face some hurdles. Liberty University’s Alpha Jalloh, who played for the Crusaders last season, said Swedish players often lack
a step or two when compared to those in England and Germany. “It is definitely a little bit slower, but the level is still good,” Jalloh said.
Other rules for Swedish football
Part of the reason lies in the rules under which Swedish football operates. Clubs such as Carlstad can only have two “import” players (Americans) on their roster, although they can have up to six European (non-Swedish) players. Sundberg said while every team has the two American players, most are unable to attract the six non-Swedish players … probably because of the facilities. The proposed facility would allow them to implement a year-round training program that would not only help develop skills but it would also serve as an enticement to non-Swedes to come to Sweden to further their careers. A crowdfunding page was established a to allow the Crusaders to take donations from the global American football community, with special recognition for anyone donating more than $1,000 to the project: www.indiegogo.com/projects/carlstad-crusaders-sport-center# The project exemplifies not just the growth but the ambition of American football in Sweden. “It is a huge project for us,” Sundberg said. “We want this to be the go-to place when you talk about American football in northern Europe or have the NFL look at Nordic players or have [tryout] camps at our facilities, we want this to be the place for the sport.” Chipp Reid NOVEMBER 15, 2017 31
Bidlbyrån photo/Johan Bernström
Carlstad launches crusade for American football
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