"We are the World" Swedish Style

Last night Swedish artists collected money for the refugees by putting on a 4-1/2 hour musical extravaganza called "Hela Sverige Skramlar".  40 million Swedish krones were collected!  That's 

4,755,648.00 US DOLLARS!  

Wowsers Swedes, you really outdid yourselves, congratulations!  That's just amazing and so heartfelt. I feel so proud to be Swedish right now.   Here's where Americans can help: UNHCR.  It's photos like this one that started the wheels turning.  Did you know that half of the 60 million people now in flight are children like the one pictured?  Post World War II more people are fleeing strife now than ever.

Pictures like the one above which I found on UNHCR's site have helped us really empathize with the refugees' plight.  Last night at "Hela Sverige Skramlar" Hans Rosling, Swedish academic and Gapminder founder,  said though that we really can't understand war.  His explanation of the tragedy of Syria was riveting - basically half of all Syrians have fled - about 80 million people have left their homes, 4 million have left the country, 300,000 (3%) of all Syrians have made their way to Europe and 80,000 have made it to Sweden, Welcome, he said.  
The numbers are enormous, basically the tip of the iceberg and the money just isn't there to help.

Hans Roslings speech (in Swedish)

Please listen to one of the artists that performed last night to help bring money for the refugees, Laleh, singing her hit "Some die young" acapella.  Again, wow!

http://tv.aftonbladet.se/abtv/articles/92319

So again, please consider helping, here again is the US information to donate to UNHCR.  

To pay by mail, please send checks or money orders to
1775 K Street NW Suite 580 Washington, DC 20006
To donate by phone class toll-free 1.855.808.6427

USA for UNHCR is a non-profit 501 (c) (3). All donations are tax-deductible.

Things Sweden Does Right

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/10-things-sweden-does-right

In Sweden health - both mental and physical - is taken seriously.  Here are some perks that MNN (Mother Nature Network) highlights in the above link.  This one is my favorite -

1. New parents are awarded great perks: Taking time off to have a baby? No problem. Sweden offers one of most generous parental leave programs in the world. New parents are entitled to 480 days of parental leave; of those, 60 days are reserved for the new dad.

Swedes have permission to pick blueberries in the woods as a right of public access. (Photo: Måns Fornander/imagebank.sweden.se)

And second for me if of course:
5. Vacations are big business: The average Swede get five weeks of paid vacation and works only 1,644 hours each year. That compares to an average of 1,776 hours annually in the 34 countries (including the U.S.) that belong to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Yet even with all that paid time off, Sweden still ranks sixth in the Global Competitiveness Index.

Read more: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/10-things-sweden-does-right#ixzz3n2uZK52n

Stopping and shopping in Newport, RI

Hi!  As my post on shopping in Stockholm was so popular I thought I'd do another on shopping in one of my favorite New England coastal town, Newport RI.

Newport is the great mix of tourists and locals; everyone from sailors to heiresses to hairdressers; all intending to have a good time, with lots of beautiful service personnel and retail staff ready to help them do just that.  To say that there's a lot of stores is an understatement.  I took it as my personal mission to walk all of Thames, the main shopping street, and even I had to turn around after steeling myself with an iced latte to help me on the way back.

So much to choose from, and to be honest, lots of tchotchkes and t-shirts.  But never fear, I am here to help with my minimalist list of fun places to hit up for interesting Newport items!

1. Scrimshanders: 14 Bowen's Wharf, 401-849-5680, scrimshanders
Just like you wouldn't leave Venice without looking at the Venetian glass nor should you leave the Newport without seeing its scrimshaw.  A sketching on whalebone scrimshaw is a past art that is part of the New England heritage.  I thought that this store was interesting and stuffed to the gills!

2. Shore Soap - 302 Thames Street, 401-846-0305, http://shoresoapco.com/
This is a handcrafted soap store with yummy smelling scents and great, affordable gifts for everyone on your list.  I especially liked Sea Goddess hard perfume and at only $10 for a little tub it would make a great stocking stuffer.

3. Style Newport, 305 Thames Street, 401.847.1470, http://www.stylenewport.com/
Jewelry with a distinctive nautical twist, here they use the nautical flags as an ingenious way to custom make your cuff links, rings, bracelets and more.  I thought it was unique, and as much as I like rope bracelets it was fun to see something new.

4. Lemon & Line, 421 Thames St, see website for more http://www.lemonandline.com/
The best of the rope bracelet stores with different styles of line, bracelet clasps and themes.  The service was gorgeous but nonchalant so I ended up not getting a rope belt that I had my eye on.  A mirror would be a definite improvement but otherwise the store was gorgeous and low key.
Time to eat!

There are many, many restaurants to whet your appetite but I recommend the classic Clarke Cooke House right on Bannister's Wharf.  One of the best known establishments it is the place to see and be seen, and the food is good if a little pricey.  If the pocketbook is light after all your shopping just head to the patio where they serve lighter fare, and sometimes even music like this delightful Dixie Land jazz band that was playing around town last weekend!  Of course if was the Newport International Boat Show so that may not happen all the time.  Into boats?  Me, not so much. Although I did take some great pictures of them, I wasn't into the $19.00 entrance fee and didn't really have the time to explore all that too!

I'm leaving you with one more suggestion in case you need new pants after all that good food, or a new outfit to hit the town. The quintessential shop for preppy must-haves that I found in my wanderings was this little place on Bowen's Wharf  called Chace n' Lulu.  Chace n' Lulu at 17 Bowen's Wharf (401-847-9151) will have everything that you need before hitting the Boom Boom Room.  (Like we did, but that's another story.) ;-)  And we enjoyed a great dinner before going out at Fluke which has delicious signature cocktails and a friendly staff that helps you feel right at home in Newport.  Pleasant shopping and Bon Apetit!

Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen - 41 Bowen's Wharf, Newport RI

Heja Sverige! Some Swedish big shots 2015

Swede of the year - Max Martin - awarded by SVIV (Swedes Worldwide)

This music producer, and songwriter garnered Swede of the Year at a ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm this August.  Max Martin whose real name is Martin Sandberg has created music thats topped world charts for more than 20 years, and this year marks his 21st first-place hit on the US Billboard Charts.  Have you heard of Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Jessie J, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry?  Yeah he's written songs for them, and more.  Check it out here.

SWEA Woman of the year - Petra Wadström - 2015

Petra Wadström from Stockholm created "Solvatten" which gives developing countries access to clean water by warming and purifying polluted water using the help of the sun's ultraviolet rays.  It's cheap, easy to use and is designed for women to use on their own.  The jury said "Petra Wadström's outstanding creativity and philanthropic ingenuity makes her a shining example of a Swedish international woman."  Agreed!

Swedish stamp of the year - Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman (1915 - 1982) This renowned Swedish actress got another "stamp of approval" (as if three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards and the Tony Award for Best Actress weren't enough) by the American Postal Service this August.   For more "Jag är Ingrid" is the new documentary drama that will help you understand this talented woman better with the US premier planned for November.

All inspirational, these Swedes help us remember to go for our dreams and be true to ourselves.  You can do something as self-serving as acting and still change the world, or make hit songs and do good. It's all in the intent and the choosing to use your talents for good, not evil. Right  Batman?  ;-)  

New Scandinavian Cooking

Wow, not sure why I didn't know about this show other than I'm not much of a gourmand, and hardly ever watch PBS.  I feel so outted!  I hope that you will forgive me if I pass on the news (like 11 series into the making) of "New Scandinavian Cooking".  I am excited to watch this ASAP so please forgive me if I keep it brief.  :)  Salivating here...

The PBS listing for our neck of the woods is as follows below (on WGBH Create) but if you live somewhere else in the States just use this link to figure out your show times.  Honestly I didn't even know about WGBH Create but here's how to get there too using your cable provider - 

WGBH Create: Comcast 237, RCN 95, FiOS 874, Charter 115; digital 44.3

This should lead you to the Vimeo trailer for season 11: https://vimeo.com/85855616
Here's what they say:

In this season of New Scandinavian Cooking, hosts Andreas Viestad and Tina Nordström take viewers on a journey through Northern Europe, where they create tantalizing recipes and discover beautiful locations for adventurous outdoor cooking.

Inspired by their passion for food, Andreas and Tina combine modern and traditional ingredients with a generous amount of humor to serve up great tips on how to make delicious, Scandinavian food.

New Scandinavian Cooking Showtimes

Norwegian Versions of Classic Recipes	Fri. Sep 18 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Norwegian Versions of Classic Recipes	Fri. Sep 18 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
A Journey to the North	Mon. Sep 21 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
A Journey to the North	Mon. Sep 21 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Eat Like The Vikings	Fri. Sep 25 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Eat Like The Vikings	Fri. Sep 25 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Northern Sea Passage	Mon. Sep 28 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Northern Sea Passage	Mon. Sep 28 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Food for a Polar Expedition	Fri. Oct 2 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Food for a Polar Expedition	Fri. Oct 2 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
A Whole Salmon	Mon. Oct 5 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
A Whole Salmon	Mon. Oct 5 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Happy Holiday Food	Fri. Oct 9 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Happy Holiday Food	Fri. Oct 9 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Pale Fish	Mon. Oct 12 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Pale Fish	Mon. Oct 12 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
A Traveller's Bite	Fri. Oct 16 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
A Traveller's Bite	Fri. Oct 16 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Norwegian Versions of Classic Recipes	Mon. Oct 19 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Norwegian Versions of Classic Recipes	Mon. Oct 19 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
A Journey to the North	Fri. Oct 23 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
A Journey to the North	Fri. Oct 23 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE
Eat Like The Vikings	Mon. Oct 26 at 8:30 AM	WGBH CREATE
Eat Like The Vikings	Mon. Oct 26 at 2:30 PM	WGBH CREATE

Can't wait to watch it and try some of the recipes!

Cute picture from "New Scandinavian Cooking" - first up "Norwegian Versions of Classic Recipes"

Hire the Swede!

Looking for a good worker?  The Swedes have a good reputation for being punctual, innovative, cooperative, hard working and good listeners.  I found that someone had taken the attributes of a Swedish employee and made a fun webflow with all these reasons and more to hire her!

Susanne Axelsson

Susanne Axelsson did a great job!  I have no idea how it's done, but as you can tell my techy side just isn't at that level.  But check her site out, http://hire-the-swede.webflow.io/, and her CV too, and maybe you will want to "hire the Swede"! And by the way, this Swede is looking for work too.  Any ideas?  Something that you'd like to see more of on the blog?  I am open to ideas, and would greatly your appreciate comments.  Tack!

Illustration by Stina Wirsén.

Migrants or refugees

Refugees Welcome Event in Göteborg, 9/9/15.  Helsingborg's event is today, 9/11.

The refugee crisis is on everyone's mind in Europe.  The war in Syria has resulted in increasing numbers of people fleeing the country for refuge elsewhere.  If you are confused about what to call them, use the word refugee.  As Queen Rania of Jordania clearly states:
"A migrant is somebody who chooses to go to another country, they want a better job, education, or to unite their family," she said. "They can choose to go back to their own country and have protection from their government, whereas refugees are literally running for their lives."
To date Germany has taken in the most refugees registering over 450,000 this year alone.  Austria closed the train line to Hungary because there were so many refugees on the rail that there was massive congestion.  The islands of Greece have been overwhelmed, as well as Italy.  It is those countries closest to the crisis that have been most taxed but as the refugees struggle through those countries northward other lands such as Denmark, and Sweden are faced with the question too of how many refugees to assist.

Some people in those countries are reaching out them, such as my friends in Southern Sweden who are helping to welcome the refugees, others just want them to move along.  Denmark will be tightening restrictions on asylum seekers they announced.  Danish Minister Inger Stojberg is quoted as saying:

"I wish to change that because we cannot simply keep up with the present flow," she said. "In light of the huge influx to Europe these days, there is good reason for us to tighten rules and get that effectively communicated."

Denmark ran ads in Lebanon to discourage refugees.  Again to quote CNN:  The ads run in Lebanese newspapers state that Denmark has passed a law to reduce social benefits for newly arrived refugees by as much as 50%.

Other measures include ensuring that foreign nationals granted temporary protection in Denmark will not have the right to bring family members to Denmark during the first year; and that they can only be granted a permanent residence permit after a minimum of five years.

To get a permanent residence permit, refugees must also meet certain requirements in terms of learning the Danish language, the advertisement said. Anyone whose asylum request is rejected will be swiftly returned.

Opinion: Europe reaps what it has sown

Please read more here on this important issue: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/10/europe/europe-migrant-crisis/ and watch the clips which will give you a clearer understanding of the situation.  As you may understand from the photo many Syrian refugees said "no thanks" to Denmark and wanted to get off in Sweden where they appear to be getting a warm welcome.

Journalist Susanne Gargiulo reported from Copenhagen, CNN's Laura Smith-Spark wrote from London, and Michael Martinez from Los Angeles. CNN's John Dear, Kim Norgaard, Pierre Meilhan, Chris Liakos, and Tobias Grimm contributed to this report.

CNN 9/10/2015

A life is a terrible thing to waste

This says "A house that's too clean is a sign of a wasted life." That's true don't ya' think? ;-)  Happy belated Labor Day everyone!  All I did was lie on the beach, swim and eat leftover pizza.  What about you?

fashion week in Stockholm 2015

Björn Borg's look - not flattering

Everyone is buzzing about Björn Borg doing the moon walk...

Ok, maybe not figuratively but his models did at Stockholm's latest fashion week on his Mars runway!  (Check it out http://www.bbss16.com/media/show)

Borg's clothes seem very sporty and simple.  That's often the case in Swedish fashion design - clean lines, sophisticated and lots of black and white is standard.  At Filippa K for example, the bucket bag made the biggest statement while the clothes were beautiful foils for the bag, and extremely wearable. Nothing too fashiony but minimalism at its best.  Here's what they say from the field about the fashion week in Stockholm.

Although there are exceptions to the rule, for example see Jumperfabriken for example, which I fell in love with during our last trip to Sweden, and BACK.

BACK design

Fun stuff, check it out http://fashionweek.se/designers/back.  "And fellow artists, worry about how you feel at the time".  Be confident like Kanye. ;-) Check it out kanye-wests-blunt-poignant-vma-video speech. "It ain't about me, it's about ideas."  Soooo, how's this link back to fashion?  Umm, ask him, I guess he thinks he's a designer?  But really not too different from Borg it seems. ;-)

Kanye West's look - also not flattering!