I will celebrate in style! Boyfriend in tuxedo and I in a new frock bought for the occasion.
Some tips on what to do in 2007 - one for each day if you wish!
Happy New Year / Gott Nytt År!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
2007 Wishlist (UPDATED)
I have been challenged by Tora to list five things that I want or know will happen during 2007.
1. World peace and reversal of climate change and all that, but sadly I know that won't happen. But I'm hopeful that the international community will make some progress.
2. I hope my American friends will come and visit me in Sweden (I've been there almost every or every year since I was an aupair ten years ago but they have never been here) - I know that if I present a "specific" reason they will come! But it's not all up to me...
3. I hope that a friend's friend will get rid of her cancer.
4. I hope that Margot Wallström will change her mind and become chair of the Social Democratic party, however, I'm quite certain that she won't. I'm not convinced - unfortunately - that any of the other candidates are up for the job, but I hope they prove me wrong.
5. I hope I will get a high-flying job at the UN! :)
UPDATE: Forgot that I'm supposed to tag three new people. I challenge Marianne, Nonna (you need to get your blog going again!) and Skolfröken.
1. World peace and reversal of climate change and all that, but sadly I know that won't happen. But I'm hopeful that the international community will make some progress.
2. I hope my American friends will come and visit me in Sweden (I've been there almost every or every year since I was an aupair ten years ago but they have never been here) - I know that if I present a "specific" reason they will come! But it's not all up to me...
3. I hope that a friend's friend will get rid of her cancer.
4. I hope that Margot Wallström will change her mind and become chair of the Social Democratic party, however, I'm quite certain that she won't. I'm not convinced - unfortunately - that any of the other candidates are up for the job, but I hope they prove me wrong.
5. I hope I will get a high-flying job at the UN! :)
UPDATE: Forgot that I'm supposed to tag three new people. I challenge Marianne, Nonna (you need to get your blog going again!) and Skolfröken.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Christmas Manners
It seems like people forget their manners completely when they are out Christmas shopping. I don't understand why, when it is soooo obvious that there is one, single queue for the till, people suddenly think they can skip the queue and start queuing behind someone who's being served at one of the tills? Do they think the rest of us are just queuing for fun? Do they pretend not to see, motivating to themselves that "I have so many things to buy still, I'm in a hurry"? Like the rest of us don't... It also annoys me that cashiers do not (want to) see this and tell people off.
Anyway, despite my shopping difficulties I had a pretty good day. Won a Kosta Boda bowl and two crates of beer in the Christmas draw at work today! (Also managed to buy my last X-mas present in the end.)
Anyway, despite my shopping difficulties I had a pretty good day. Won a Kosta Boda bowl and two crates of beer in the Christmas draw at work today! (Also managed to buy my last X-mas present in the end.)
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Under the Weather
I've caught a very unfriendly stomach bug and hasn't been feeling very well, to say the least, for the last few days. When I'm not even checking e-mail or blogging, I'm pretty sick. So since I'm here again, I'm feeling much less under the weather.
Last night Christer Fuglesang was supposed to become the first Swedish - and Scandinavian - astronaut in space but unfortunately bad weather postponed the launch to Sunday (too many low clouds). He's been waiting since 1992 when he joined the European space programme and 1996 when he joined NASA, so maybe another few days won't kill him. Rocket launchs are perhaps regular activity for some (although that has changed a bit since the Columbia disaster) but here in Sweden media have been pretty exstatic about this historical event for Swedish space discovery. With the Esrange space centre in northern Sweden, Swedish space industry is growing bigger every year.
Fingers crossed that Fuglesang gets to fulfil his childhood dream on Sunday!
Last night Christer Fuglesang was supposed to become the first Swedish - and Scandinavian - astronaut in space but unfortunately bad weather postponed the launch to Sunday (too many low clouds). He's been waiting since 1992 when he joined the European space programme and 1996 when he joined NASA, so maybe another few days won't kill him. Rocket launchs are perhaps regular activity for some (although that has changed a bit since the Columbia disaster) but here in Sweden media have been pretty exstatic about this historical event for Swedish space discovery. With the Esrange space centre in northern Sweden, Swedish space industry is growing bigger every year.
Fingers crossed that Fuglesang gets to fulfil his childhood dream on Sunday!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Friday Four
Theme: It is about yourself
1) My biggest disappointment in life is...
nothing of a serious nature. I'm still young so there's still time to achieve a lot of things. But perhaps I would've liked to have had more brothers and sisters. And even though I really like my present job and that there is still time to get these jobs, I would have wanted to have worked for the European Commission or the UN already.
2) I was the happiest when...
I was a small innocent child (probably, not knowing of the horrors of the world), when I got into Oxford, and when Peter said he loved me.
3) The most embarrassing thing I have experienced so far was when...
I as a small child for some weird reason pushed my grandmother into the counter (she wasn't hurt but she - and I - of course wondered why I did it; I guess children don't always display affection in the right way) and when I spoiled the surprise by telling my (other) grandmother what she was getting for her birthday (I was 7 or 9 years or so and still had a problem keeping secrets I guess. I still have no poker face what-so-ever). These are things I still remember. But as a adult I haven't had as many embarrassing moments, or perhaps I've dealt with them better because I'm more confident in myself. Other little things are when I didn't realise that my skirt was stuck in my nylon stockings at a party and I was showing everyone my behind (yes, I was wearing knickers at least!) or when I did a quite deliberate hands playing football.
4) What I most of all wish for right now is...
nice Christmas presents! And in the more long-term perspective, perhaps a job at one of the Swedish government departments (as a step to the European Commission or the UN) and a bunch of kids!
1) My biggest disappointment in life is...
nothing of a serious nature. I'm still young so there's still time to achieve a lot of things. But perhaps I would've liked to have had more brothers and sisters. And even though I really like my present job and that there is still time to get these jobs, I would have wanted to have worked for the European Commission or the UN already.
2) I was the happiest when...
I was a small innocent child (probably, not knowing of the horrors of the world), when I got into Oxford, and when Peter said he loved me.
3) The most embarrassing thing I have experienced so far was when...
I as a small child for some weird reason pushed my grandmother into the counter (she wasn't hurt but she - and I - of course wondered why I did it; I guess children don't always display affection in the right way) and when I spoiled the surprise by telling my (other) grandmother what she was getting for her birthday (I was 7 or 9 years or so and still had a problem keeping secrets I guess. I still have no poker face what-so-ever). These are things I still remember. But as a adult I haven't had as many embarrassing moments, or perhaps I've dealt with them better because I'm more confident in myself. Other little things are when I didn't realise that my skirt was stuck in my nylon stockings at a party and I was showing everyone my behind (yes, I was wearing knickers at least!) or when I did a quite deliberate hands playing football.
4) What I most of all wish for right now is...
nice Christmas presents! And in the more long-term perspective, perhaps a job at one of the Swedish government departments (as a step to the European Commission or the UN) and a bunch of kids!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Role Models
I was tagged ages ago by Skolfröken to list four role models. I've been thinking about it a lot but haven't actually sat down to blog about it. Last night I went to a Mentor Sverige event on the theme role models and I was yet again reminded of the task. The kids (12-16-year-olds) together with their mentors and other sponsors of the organisation (business people mainly, and Queen Silvia, who's patron of Mentor Sverige), discussed what a role model is and who can be a role model. The result was a list of key words:
* Trust
* Respect
* Accessability
* Mother (it was interesting to hear that both boys and girl list their mother as their first role model)
* Friend
* Ties
* Courage
* Parents
* Time
My role models
This is by no means an exclusive list, but a few people who have had influence in my life and whom I admire for what they have achieved.
1. My mother
My mum and I are very similar in many ways and she has passed on her interest in politics and society to me. Already at a very early age I was invited to join in discussions at the dinner table and to voice my opinions. I was never "forced" to study hard and go on to university but I always had support and was positively reinforced in a way that wanted me to aim higher. By seeing my mum be very active in local politics, work and take care of a family, I had a very good role model at home. It wasn't always that easy for my parents, having another child with a handicap (my brother) who required a bit of extra or special attention, but both of them have managed very well and I have to admire both of them for it.
2. A friend - Åsa
I didn't know Åsa when growing up and only met her six years ago. But she's a person who's done a lot in life and who I get inspiration from. Like me, she doesn't come from an academic home but decided pretty early on that she wanted to get a higher education. Like me, she went abroad for her degree and eventually ended up in Oxford, which is where we met. One thing I really admire her for, and which is probably something I wouldn't have the courage to do, is that she (twice I think) volunteered in refugee camps in Africa. Åsa's main areas of focus is gender equality and women's issues - from a gender perspective on Swedish asylum policy to violence against women in Sweden or abroad. I wish we had more people like her who works to advance women's rights and safety around the world.
3. Anna Lindh
I didn't know her personally of course but I know a lot of persons who did and I also admired her from afar. Anna symbolised a path in life that I would be interested in taking, should I opt to become politically active again. And if I don't go into politics, I still hope to have the opportunity to work for some of the issues she burned for, mainly in the international arena but also at home. I really hoped she would take over the leadership of the Social Democratic party - and the prime minister post - but fate wanted otherwise. However, she can still serve - and she does - as a role model for many young people, especially women, in Sweden and beyond.
4. The Green Movement
To go with my "climate theme" of late, I have to bring attention to all the people out there who devote their lives to saving the environment. Especially organisations like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, which have been around for a while, but also all individuals who try to change their everyday behaviour to make it a bit less destructive. In a recent survey 8 of 10 Swedes indicated that they are prepared to pay 5 % more for a product or a service if it's manufactured ecologically. 66 % said that they prefer to buy goods from companies that work to prevent the greenhouse effect, while 86 % find it important that companies decrease their greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can do their bit by purchasing emission rights in the EU's trading system via the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Every emission right means that one tonne less of carbon dioxide is released within the EU area. DHL is selling carbon dioxide-neutral package deliveries and oil company Statoil has launched a service for its customers wishing to be more environmentallyfriendly. Some airlines also offer paying a few extra per cent to ofset the damage done to the environment by air travel.
* Trust
* Respect
* Accessability
* Mother (it was interesting to hear that both boys and girl list their mother as their first role model)
* Friend
* Ties
* Courage
* Parents
* Time
My role models
This is by no means an exclusive list, but a few people who have had influence in my life and whom I admire for what they have achieved.
1. My mother
My mum and I are very similar in many ways and she has passed on her interest in politics and society to me. Already at a very early age I was invited to join in discussions at the dinner table and to voice my opinions. I was never "forced" to study hard and go on to university but I always had support and was positively reinforced in a way that wanted me to aim higher. By seeing my mum be very active in local politics, work and take care of a family, I had a very good role model at home. It wasn't always that easy for my parents, having another child with a handicap (my brother) who required a bit of extra or special attention, but both of them have managed very well and I have to admire both of them for it.
2. A friend - Åsa
I didn't know Åsa when growing up and only met her six years ago. But she's a person who's done a lot in life and who I get inspiration from. Like me, she doesn't come from an academic home but decided pretty early on that she wanted to get a higher education. Like me, she went abroad for her degree and eventually ended up in Oxford, which is where we met. One thing I really admire her for, and which is probably something I wouldn't have the courage to do, is that she (twice I think) volunteered in refugee camps in Africa. Åsa's main areas of focus is gender equality and women's issues - from a gender perspective on Swedish asylum policy to violence against women in Sweden or abroad. I wish we had more people like her who works to advance women's rights and safety around the world.
3. Anna Lindh
I didn't know her personally of course but I know a lot of persons who did and I also admired her from afar. Anna symbolised a path in life that I would be interested in taking, should I opt to become politically active again. And if I don't go into politics, I still hope to have the opportunity to work for some of the issues she burned for, mainly in the international arena but also at home. I really hoped she would take over the leadership of the Social Democratic party - and the prime minister post - but fate wanted otherwise. However, she can still serve - and she does - as a role model for many young people, especially women, in Sweden and beyond.
4. The Green Movement
To go with my "climate theme" of late, I have to bring attention to all the people out there who devote their lives to saving the environment. Especially organisations like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, which have been around for a while, but also all individuals who try to change their everyday behaviour to make it a bit less destructive. In a recent survey 8 of 10 Swedes indicated that they are prepared to pay 5 % more for a product or a service if it's manufactured ecologically. 66 % said that they prefer to buy goods from companies that work to prevent the greenhouse effect, while 86 % find it important that companies decrease their greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can do their bit by purchasing emission rights in the EU's trading system via the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Every emission right means that one tonne less of carbon dioxide is released within the EU area. DHL is selling carbon dioxide-neutral package deliveries and oil company Statoil has launched a service for its customers wishing to be more environmentallyfriendly. Some airlines also offer paying a few extra per cent to ofset the damage done to the environment by air travel.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Practice Makes Perfect
The Economist has appointed Sweden the world's most democratic country. Sweden gets 9.88 of 10 possible points. The Economist calls it "an almost perfect democracy". Sweden is followed by Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
Factors taken into account are how the electoral system and the political administration works, level of political participation, the nature of the political culture and the status of civic rights. Sweden gets top grades in all categories except for one: political culture, i.e. the number of politically active citizens and how losers in an election accepts the results. But the points were still 9.38 in that category.
The Economist divides the world in four categories:
- 28 countries are complete democracies (in Eastern Europe, only the Czech Republic and Slovenia belong here) (two Latin American states qualify: Costa Rica and Uruguay)
- 54 are deficient democracies (Italy is the only EU country in this category)
- 30 are called hybrid regimes
- 55 are authoritarian regimes
USA gets 8.22 points and lands in place 17 of the complete democracies. It would have scored higher if citizenship rights had not been hollowed out as a result of the war on terror. The UK does not score very well either - place 23 - which depends on a substantial decrease of e.g. voter turnout and membership in political parties.
Russia is a hybrid with weighing in at 5.02 points and North Korea gets a full 1.03 points.
Factors taken into account are how the electoral system and the political administration works, level of political participation, the nature of the political culture and the status of civic rights. Sweden gets top grades in all categories except for one: political culture, i.e. the number of politically active citizens and how losers in an election accepts the results. But the points were still 9.38 in that category.
The Economist divides the world in four categories:
- 28 countries are complete democracies (in Eastern Europe, only the Czech Republic and Slovenia belong here) (two Latin American states qualify: Costa Rica and Uruguay)
- 54 are deficient democracies (Italy is the only EU country in this category)
- 30 are called hybrid regimes
- 55 are authoritarian regimes
USA gets 8.22 points and lands in place 17 of the complete democracies. It would have scored higher if citizenship rights had not been hollowed out as a result of the war on terror. The UK does not score very well either - place 23 - which depends on a substantial decrease of e.g. voter turnout and membership in political parties.
Russia is a hybrid with weighing in at 5.02 points and North Korea gets a full 1.03 points.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Proud of Sweden (but so lucky to be born here and not in Niger)
Sweden has climbed one step and is now no 5 in the UN's Human Development Index (HDI), which measures prosperity. HDI measures three dimensions of human development: life expectancy, educational level and income (GDP per capita).
HDI top 10
1. Norway (nothing beats that oil)
2. Iceland (tiny country)
3. Australia (oh, that sun)
4. Ireland (thanks the EU millions)
5. Sweden (paradise)
6. Canada (about)
7. Japan (happy to see that Japan is making a comeback)
8. USA (but major inequalities)
9. Switzerland (duh, banking!)
10. The Netherlands (Holland is just a part of the NL)
At the other end of the spectrum in place 177 is Niger, followed by Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau.
According to the report the distance between the world's richest and poorest countries is growing fast - sadly. HDI is a part of the UN's development programme's (UNDP) yearly Human Development Report. This year the report focusses on the growing water and sanitary crises in great parts of the world. The situation south of the Sahara desert in Africa is grim. No progress has been made and the HDI for these countries is roughly the same as the beginning of the 1990s, mainly due to the HIV/Aids pandemic. The average life expectancy is just 46, which is lower than 30 years ago (and almost half of Sweden's 80+). Norwegians are 40 times richer than the unfortunate inhabitants of Niger. Swaziland's life expectancy is only 31.3 years on average. That's my age at some time next year.
God, I feel so lucky having been born in Sweden!
HDI top 10
1. Norway (nothing beats that oil)
2. Iceland (tiny country)
3. Australia (oh, that sun)
4. Ireland (thanks the EU millions)
5. Sweden (paradise)
6. Canada (about)
7. Japan (happy to see that Japan is making a comeback)
8. USA (but major inequalities)
9. Switzerland (duh, banking!)
10. The Netherlands (Holland is just a part of the NL)
At the other end of the spectrum in place 177 is Niger, followed by Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau.
According to the report the distance between the world's richest and poorest countries is growing fast - sadly. HDI is a part of the UN's development programme's (UNDP) yearly Human Development Report. This year the report focusses on the growing water and sanitary crises in great parts of the world. The situation south of the Sahara desert in Africa is grim. No progress has been made and the HDI for these countries is roughly the same as the beginning of the 1990s, mainly due to the HIV/Aids pandemic. The average life expectancy is just 46, which is lower than 30 years ago (and almost half of Sweden's 80+). Norwegians are 40 times richer than the unfortunate inhabitants of Niger. Swaziland's life expectancy is only 31.3 years on average. That's my age at some time next year.
God, I feel so lucky having been born in Sweden!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday Four
There's a Swedish blog called Fredagsfyran (Friday Four), which helps you blog on a Friday when/if you're out of ideas or don't really have the time to blog about anything longer. Admittedly I don't blog every day (sometimes not even every week) so it's not like I need ideas for Fridays while I always have ideas the other days of the week. But Friday Four poses some interesting questions - sometimes just picking up on the week's gossip but often also touching upon more serious topics, like this week. So I think that this week is a good time to start.
(I will already apologise for next Friday when I probably won't blog since I'll be in St Petersburg, Russia)
Theme: Moral questions
1) If a homeless person begs you for money, what do you do?
Very, very, very rarely give any money. I like to think that I contribute directly to shelters, etc. instead but I have to admit that happens only once a year or so.
2) If you see someone standing with a broken down car by the side of the motorway and waves his/her hands, what do you do?
If I was alone in the car I probably wouldn't stop because you never know, but if I was with a friend or with my boyfriend, we would at least stop and ask whether we could call some services for him/her.
3) If someone rings your doorbell and asks you to take care of a kitten that would otherwise be put to sleep, what do you do?
I would love to take care of it but my boyfriend is a little allergic and I don't really feel like I have the time to take care of a cat right now. So Id probably recommend he/she to call a animal shelter.
4) If a friend asks to borrow 5,000 SEK (€550, £380, $715), but absolutely does not want to say for what, what do you do?
Sorry friends, but you would have to tell me what the money is going to (I would keep your secret). Then I would consider lending out the money.
(I will already apologise for next Friday when I probably won't blog since I'll be in St Petersburg, Russia)
Theme: Moral questions
1) If a homeless person begs you for money, what do you do?
Very, very, very rarely give any money. I like to think that I contribute directly to shelters, etc. instead but I have to admit that happens only once a year or so.
2) If you see someone standing with a broken down car by the side of the motorway and waves his/her hands, what do you do?
If I was alone in the car I probably wouldn't stop because you never know, but if I was with a friend or with my boyfriend, we would at least stop and ask whether we could call some services for him/her.
3) If someone rings your doorbell and asks you to take care of a kitten that would otherwise be put to sleep, what do you do?
I would love to take care of it but my boyfriend is a little allergic and I don't really feel like I have the time to take care of a cat right now. So Id probably recommend he/she to call a animal shelter.
4) If a friend asks to borrow 5,000 SEK (€550, £380, $715), but absolutely does not want to say for what, what do you do?
Sorry friends, but you would have to tell me what the money is going to (I would keep your secret). Then I would consider lending out the money.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Anna's ABC
Another list taken from Skolfröken.
A is for age: 30
B is for booze of choice: A glass of nice red wine or a bitter
C is for career: Political scientist with a European studies direction (now working as desk officer at an embassy)
D is for your dad's name: Lars-Gunnar
E is for essential items to bring to a party: A bottle of something drinkable or a nice gift for the hosts; and a great party mood
F is for favourite song at the moment: Tired of all the summer hits that are still being played!
G is for favourite game: Trivial Pursuit
H is for home town: Stockholm
I is for instruments you play: Played violin for a year or two when I was little and took a few months of piano lessons back in 1996, but now nothing
J is for jam or jelly you like: Lemon curd, homemade jams made of Swedish berries
K is for kids: Hope so, preferably 2, maybe 3 even
L is for living arrangements: Flat, partly at my own and partly at my boyfriend's
M is for your mother's name: Elisabet
N is for name of your crush: Peter, but I think he knows it :)
O is for overnight hospital stays: When I was born (of course), when I was 1 or 2 and operated my eye, when I was 3-4 and had croup, and when I had appendicitis in the summer of 1996 while I was living in the US
P is for phobias: None really but I don't like the slimey bugs that sometimes appear in my bathroom
Q is for quotes you like: Carpe Diem (boring, I know, but it's true)
R is for relationship that lasted the longest: Former American boyfriend but I'm hoping my current one will overtake by far!
S is for sartorial style: Usually dressy trousers or skirt and a nice top or a jacket for work, and jeans or skirt at the weekend
T is for time you wake up: 7 am (weekends around 9-10 am)
U is for underwear: Once I didn't
V is for vegetables you love: Broccoli (British kids would say chips)
W is for weekend plans: Celebrating a friend's 30th, going to a X-mas market, eating an early X-mas buffet
X is for x-rays you've had: Some at dental appointments and once or twice otherwise
Y is for yummy food you make: Enchiladas, different pasta sauces, salad dressing
Z is for zodiac sign: Aquarius but I don't believe in it
Swedish bonus letters:
Å är åt dem du vill skicka listan vidare till / Who you want to send the list to: Anyone can "steal" it but tell me so I can read your lists!
Ä är för älsklingstrend / Trend you love: Blogging
Ö är för en önskan just nu / A wish right now: If I tell you it won't come true!
A is for age: 30
B is for booze of choice: A glass of nice red wine or a bitter
C is for career: Political scientist with a European studies direction (now working as desk officer at an embassy)
D is for your dad's name: Lars-Gunnar
E is for essential items to bring to a party: A bottle of something drinkable or a nice gift for the hosts; and a great party mood
F is for favourite song at the moment: Tired of all the summer hits that are still being played!
G is for favourite game: Trivial Pursuit
H is for home town: Stockholm
I is for instruments you play: Played violin for a year or two when I was little and took a few months of piano lessons back in 1996, but now nothing
J is for jam or jelly you like: Lemon curd, homemade jams made of Swedish berries
K is for kids: Hope so, preferably 2, maybe 3 even
L is for living arrangements: Flat, partly at my own and partly at my boyfriend's
M is for your mother's name: Elisabet
N is for name of your crush: Peter, but I think he knows it :)
O is for overnight hospital stays: When I was born (of course), when I was 1 or 2 and operated my eye, when I was 3-4 and had croup, and when I had appendicitis in the summer of 1996 while I was living in the US
P is for phobias: None really but I don't like the slimey bugs that sometimes appear in my bathroom
Q is for quotes you like: Carpe Diem (boring, I know, but it's true)
R is for relationship that lasted the longest: Former American boyfriend but I'm hoping my current one will overtake by far!
S is for sartorial style: Usually dressy trousers or skirt and a nice top or a jacket for work, and jeans or skirt at the weekend
T is for time you wake up: 7 am (weekends around 9-10 am)
U is for underwear: Once I didn't
V is for vegetables you love: Broccoli (British kids would say chips)
W is for weekend plans: Celebrating a friend's 30th, going to a X-mas market, eating an early X-mas buffet
X is for x-rays you've had: Some at dental appointments and once or twice otherwise
Y is for yummy food you make: Enchiladas, different pasta sauces, salad dressing
Z is for zodiac sign: Aquarius but I don't believe in it
Swedish bonus letters:
Å är åt dem du vill skicka listan vidare till / Who you want to send the list to: Anyone can "steal" it but tell me so I can read your lists!
Ä är för älsklingstrend / Trend you love: Blogging
Ö är för en önskan just nu / A wish right now: If I tell you it won't come true!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Citizens of Different Value
With the Democrats having regained power in (what it looks like now) both houses, hopefully they will reverse this decision: the Bush administration has decided that children born in the US to illegal immigrants with low incomes will no longer automatically be entitled to state (Medicaid) health insurance. This is despite the fact that they are Americans citizens. Previously these children have had access to health care during their first year of life - a time when it is especially important with check-ups and vaccinations - and their mothers have been entitled to Medicaid during labour and delivery. Now parents will have to prove the child's citizenship (that it is born in the US) before getting access to health care, which can take some time - weeks or months - with applications and documentation, etc. Parents, being illegal immigrants, may be afraid to go through this process because of fear of deportation.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Listed
Following the lead of Skolfröken...
Three names I listen to: Koheden, Ans, sötnos
Something I like about myself: I'm very tolerant
Something I don't like about myself: I'm sometimes too nice and avoid bringing up an issue even though I should; I let people get away with stuf
I'm afraid of: Dying young
Three things I want to have every day: TLC, Internet access and food
Three things I absolutely can't do: Be quiet, roll my tongue, draw/paint
I like to do: Buy books, take long walks, travel, dine
Right now I want to: Go to sleep
Best feeling: Happiness
Worst feeling: Being deserted
My partner is: Kind and unselfish, funny and indecisive
Three things I want to do before I die: Have children, visit all continents, experience the world community reversing climate change
My dearest possession: The bracelet I received when I was christened
Something I want as a present: iPod
What I wearing right now: Jeans, red sweater
Favourite clothes: Jeans, skirts, my boots
Star sign: Aquirius but don't believe in astrology
Favourite smell: Spring, freshly baked buns, my boyfriend
Colour of my eyes: Blue
My lenght: 168 cm
Favourite quote: It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried - Sir Winston Churchill
Weird/odd characteristic: Remember stupid facts
Three names I listen to: Koheden, Ans, sötnos
Something I like about myself: I'm very tolerant
Something I don't like about myself: I'm sometimes too nice and avoid bringing up an issue even though I should; I let people get away with stuf
I'm afraid of: Dying young
Three things I want to have every day: TLC, Internet access and food
Three things I absolutely can't do: Be quiet, roll my tongue, draw/paint
I like to do: Buy books, take long walks, travel, dine
Right now I want to: Go to sleep
Best feeling: Happiness
Worst feeling: Being deserted
My partner is: Kind and unselfish, funny and indecisive
Three things I want to do before I die: Have children, visit all continents, experience the world community reversing climate change
My dearest possession: The bracelet I received when I was christened
Something I want as a present: iPod
What I wearing right now: Jeans, red sweater
Favourite clothes: Jeans, skirts, my boots
Star sign: Aquirius but don't believe in astrology
Favourite smell: Spring, freshly baked buns, my boyfriend
Colour of my eyes: Blue
My lenght: 168 cm
Favourite quote: It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried - Sir Winston Churchill
Weird/odd characteristic: Remember stupid facts
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
European, Swede, World Citizen
Feelings of 'Europeanness' are apparently on the rise, according to a new study published in the journal Science. Despite gloomy analyses over the EU's failure to connect to its citizens, Europe's younger generations are increasingly feeling "European" next to their national identities.
A team of Austrian sociologists found that older generations of citizens who only feel attachment to their nation – not to "Europe" - are dying out. The sociologists based their findings on European Commission's Eurobarometer studies from 1996 to 2004, which contain the question whether respondents feel, for example, only Swedish; Swedish and European; European and Swedish; or only European.
The group of respondents who express that they have "multiple identities" is on the rise, i.e. European identity is not replacing national identity. In 2004, 58 percent had some sense of feeling European, a number which is set to rise to 68.5 percent by 2030 if the current trend continues. Luxembourgers are the most "European" with 78 % feeling some sort of European identity. The Italians came second at 72 %, followed by the French (68 %) and the Spanish (64 %) while Swedes (45 %), Finns (43 %) and Brits (40 %) are at the other ends of the spectrum.
The study thinks that increasing media reporting at the European level, increasing mobility within the EU - across national borders - both among students and workers, and the fact that we live in the information communication age are factors contributing to Europeanness.
The study covers neither the period following the rejection of the EU constitutions in France and Netherlands nor the enlarged union of 25 member states, so we'll have to wait for new studies to find out what the present mood is. Being the ever European I think we'll have even better figures in the next study!
If you want a taste of European politics, play the "Be a MEP" game!
A team of Austrian sociologists found that older generations of citizens who only feel attachment to their nation – not to "Europe" - are dying out. The sociologists based their findings on European Commission's Eurobarometer studies from 1996 to 2004, which contain the question whether respondents feel, for example, only Swedish; Swedish and European; European and Swedish; or only European.
The group of respondents who express that they have "multiple identities" is on the rise, i.e. European identity is not replacing national identity. In 2004, 58 percent had some sense of feeling European, a number which is set to rise to 68.5 percent by 2030 if the current trend continues. Luxembourgers are the most "European" with 78 % feeling some sort of European identity. The Italians came second at 72 %, followed by the French (68 %) and the Spanish (64 %) while Swedes (45 %), Finns (43 %) and Brits (40 %) are at the other ends of the spectrum.
The study thinks that increasing media reporting at the European level, increasing mobility within the EU - across national borders - both among students and workers, and the fact that we live in the information communication age are factors contributing to Europeanness.
The study covers neither the period following the rejection of the EU constitutions in France and Netherlands nor the enlarged union of 25 member states, so we'll have to wait for new studies to find out what the present mood is. Being the ever European I think we'll have even better figures in the next study!
If you want a taste of European politics, play the "Be a MEP" game!
More Climate Change
Continuing on the same theme (picking up where I left a few weeks ago), several estimates of the cost of environmental destruction have been published. Turns out climate change may become more expensive than expected. According to a British study published on Monday, the Stern review, the world economy may shrink by 20 per cent. The cost for Sweden may be several billion SEK.
The Swedish government has launched a few studies to find out what needs to be done to decrease emissions and cope with the effects of climate change as well as estimate some of the costs. An initial report from one of the inquiries into the effects of climate change was published today. Tom Hedlund, principal secretary of the inquiry, predicts that global warming will increase rain and snow falls, which will threaten the waterways and coastal areas. Warmer weather will have an effect on agriculture and forestry.
So what can the individual citizen do? S/he does not need to stop driving but must look at what kind of car to drive and as soon as possible change to environmentally friendly fuel. Citizens should also demand that politicians increase access to and benefit green fuel in different ways. The individual can also look at trying to save energy at home, maybe by changing the old oil burner to a more environmentally friendly alternative.
At the global level it is about putting in extensive measures against the reasons for the climate changes, which foremost depends on the emissions of greenhouse gases. The new Swedish environment minister wants Sweden to be active and lead the global work in this area. He's planning a environment ministerial meeting in Sweden in June next year. One problem to solve is how to deal with the fast-growing economies, such as India, China and Brazil, which will be responsibnle for the biggest emissions in just a few years' time. Another problem is the USA.
I'm not expecting too much from the new Swedish government - in their election campaign the main coalition party downplayed the climate threat - but I'm hoping that these recent and forthcoming reports will give them the right push.
The Swedish government has launched a few studies to find out what needs to be done to decrease emissions and cope with the effects of climate change as well as estimate some of the costs. An initial report from one of the inquiries into the effects of climate change was published today. Tom Hedlund, principal secretary of the inquiry, predicts that global warming will increase rain and snow falls, which will threaten the waterways and coastal areas. Warmer weather will have an effect on agriculture and forestry.
So what can the individual citizen do? S/he does not need to stop driving but must look at what kind of car to drive and as soon as possible change to environmentally friendly fuel. Citizens should also demand that politicians increase access to and benefit green fuel in different ways. The individual can also look at trying to save energy at home, maybe by changing the old oil burner to a more environmentally friendly alternative.
At the global level it is about putting in extensive measures against the reasons for the climate changes, which foremost depends on the emissions of greenhouse gases. The new Swedish environment minister wants Sweden to be active and lead the global work in this area. He's planning a environment ministerial meeting in Sweden in June next year. One problem to solve is how to deal with the fast-growing economies, such as India, China and Brazil, which will be responsibnle for the biggest emissions in just a few years' time. Another problem is the USA.
I'm not expecting too much from the new Swedish government - in their election campaign the main coalition party downplayed the climate threat - but I'm hoping that these recent and forthcoming reports will give them the right push.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Ecological Clock
Three days ago, on 9 October, it was the Day of the Ecological Debt. For 20 years, the British organisation New Economics Foundation has kept count of our consumption of natural resources and every year they select an "overshoot day", on which we start overdrawing our natural supplies. What is scary is that this day enter earlier and earlier every year. In 1987 it was on 19 December; in 1995 21 November; but today, 2006, it was 9 October.
The ecological debt keeps on ticking, year after year. From 9 October we are living beyond the earth's means. Humanity has already consumed its quota of resources that can be renewed during this year, and we're draining on the ecological capital, and on the future of our children and children's children. To put it differently, it takes a year and three months to re-create what we have already consumed during the year. What's worse is that it is those who are least responsible for the consumption who suffer the most.
The ecological debt keeps on ticking, year after year. From 9 October we are living beyond the earth's means. Humanity has already consumed its quota of resources that can be renewed during this year, and we're draining on the ecological capital, and on the future of our children and children's children. To put it differently, it takes a year and three months to re-create what we have already consumed during the year. What's worse is that it is those who are least responsible for the consumption who suffer the most.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Oink, Oink
Draw a pig and find out about your personality! Sorry about my not-so-pretty pig but it's hard to draw with a mouse!
You are a realist. Sure, but I'm quite the idealist too, usually more optimistic than pessimistic.
You are direct, enjoy playing devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussions.
Not sure about the playing devil's advocate bit.
You are emotional and naive, care little for details and are a risk-taker.
I think the pig got it wrong on most of those.
You are secure, stubborn, and stick to your ideals.
If I'm discussing politics, yes...
You are a good listener. I'd like to think so, yes.
The quality of your sex life is good. More is better! Yes!
You are a realist. Sure, but I'm quite the idealist too, usually more optimistic than pessimistic.
You are direct, enjoy playing devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussions.
Not sure about the playing devil's advocate bit.
You are emotional and naive, care little for details and are a risk-taker.
I think the pig got it wrong on most of those.
You are secure, stubborn, and stick to your ideals.
If I'm discussing politics, yes...
You are a good listener. I'd like to think so, yes.
The quality of your sex life is good. More is better! Yes!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
They Did It My Way (Not)
Well, you have probably heard that it didn't go my way in the election. Eric Sundström gives an excellent analysis of why the Social Democrats lost, looking for answers both in the opposition's strategies but also within the party itself.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Vote Social Democrat!
Tomorrow 17 September is the Swedish general election (local, regional and national). I will vote for the Social Democratic party; to give them a new mandate for the next four years. Here's a list of blogs telling you why:
Eric Sundström
Tora Hansjons
Jonas Morian
Nisha & Krister
Nina Unesi LO
Bäst i världen
Motallians
Skolfröken
Eric Sundström
Tora Hansjons
Jonas Morian
Nisha & Krister
Nina Unesi LO
Bäst i världen
Motallians
Skolfröken
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Anna Lindh Professorship at Harvard
Harvard University has established a permanent professorship in honour of Sweden's former foreign minister Anna Lindh. Researcher and author Samantha Power is the first to be awarded the prestigious position.
The professorship was the idea of S. Allen Counter, amongst others. S. Allen Counter is a professor in medicine at Harvard and has also been a visiting professor at the Karolinska Institute and is the Swedish consul-general for Boston and New England. It is the the first time a professorship has been named after a Swede. Samantha Power is currently working on a book about the UN's reform work. She did not know Anna Lindh personally, but admire her work and the fact that she was a strong supporter of human rights.
Donors funding the post include Ericsson and the Riksbank's jubilee fund. Minister for Foreign Affairs Jan Eliasson was also involved in drumming up support. He is pleased that the post has been awarded to Ms Power. "Power is a world authority and important opinion maker and whatever Harvard does gets publicity all over the world. It sends a message about what Anna Lindh stood for. The professorship is important for the multilateral debate in the USA, if only in a small way," says Mr Eliasson.
The professorship was the idea of S. Allen Counter, amongst others. S. Allen Counter is a professor in medicine at Harvard and has also been a visiting professor at the Karolinska Institute and is the Swedish consul-general for Boston and New England. It is the the first time a professorship has been named after a Swede. Samantha Power is currently working on a book about the UN's reform work. She did not know Anna Lindh personally, but admire her work and the fact that she was a strong supporter of human rights.
Donors funding the post include Ericsson and the Riksbank's jubilee fund. Minister for Foreign Affairs Jan Eliasson was also involved in drumming up support. He is pleased that the post has been awarded to Ms Power. "Power is a world authority and important opinion maker and whatever Harvard does gets publicity all over the world. It sends a message about what Anna Lindh stood for. The professorship is important for the multilateral debate in the USA, if only in a small way," says Mr Eliasson.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Oxford First
I have promised pictures from my Oxford trip so here's a first (if I can't manage more I will give you pics from my trip to Spain instead).
Sunday, August 13, 2006
They Come in Fours
I’ve been challenged by Nina Unesi as well as an old friend in the US, Kelly Jo, to answer a set of questions about myself.
4 jobs I have had in my life
Consultant
Pro-euro campaigner
Supply Controller
Shop Assistant
4 places I’ve lived in
Stockholm, Sweden
Brussels, Belgium
Oxford, UK
Pittsburgh, USA
4 TV series I enjoy watching
Friends
Scrubs
Lost
Desperate Housewives
4 places I've been on vacation
Turks & Caicos, Bahamas
Marmaris, Turkey
Bormes les Mimosa, France
Bologna, Italy
4 places I’d like to visit
China (preferably Beijing)
Iceland
Kenya (safari)
Easter Island
4 places I would rather be right now
Round-the-world trip
At the UN HQ just having landed a high-flying job
On a luxury all-inclusive romantic get-away with my boyfriend
Travelling back in time to see how the Easter Islanders built their statues
4 websites that I visit daily
Tjuvlyssnat
Pink Is the New Blog
Dagens Nyheter
Hotmail
4 favourite foods
Lebanese meze
Chicken korma (Indian)
Salad with chèvre, beetroot and walnuts
Ice cream
4 places where I feel at home
At home
London
A nice pub
Rooms with many books
4 things that I wish for
A great career
Children
A long and healthy life
Travel the world
4 concerts I've been to
Sheryl Crow
Michael Jackson
New Kids on the Block
Sting
4 persons I want to challenge
Marianne
Nonna
Marina
Edina
4 jobs I have had in my life
Consultant
Pro-euro campaigner
Supply Controller
Shop Assistant
4 places I’ve lived in
Stockholm, Sweden
Brussels, Belgium
Oxford, UK
Pittsburgh, USA
4 TV series I enjoy watching
Friends
Scrubs
Lost
Desperate Housewives
4 places I've been on vacation
Turks & Caicos, Bahamas
Marmaris, Turkey
Bormes les Mimosa, France
Bologna, Italy
4 places I’d like to visit
China (preferably Beijing)
Iceland
Kenya (safari)
Easter Island
4 places I would rather be right now
Round-the-world trip
At the UN HQ just having landed a high-flying job
On a luxury all-inclusive romantic get-away with my boyfriend
Travelling back in time to see how the Easter Islanders built their statues
4 websites that I visit daily
Tjuvlyssnat
Pink Is the New Blog
Dagens Nyheter
Hotmail
4 favourite foods
Lebanese meze
Chicken korma (Indian)
Salad with chèvre, beetroot and walnuts
Ice cream
4 places where I feel at home
At home
London
A nice pub
Rooms with many books
4 things that I wish for
A great career
Children
A long and healthy life
Travel the world
4 concerts I've been to
Sheryl Crow
Michael Jackson
New Kids on the Block
Sting
4 persons I want to challenge
Marianne
Nonna
Marina
Edina
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Ford of the Ox
Am off on holiday to England for a week so I won't blog for a while but lately my blogging has taken on a weekly or fortnightly habit anyway so not a big change.. I promise to tell you all about my adventures though, should there happen anything of interest in Oxford or London, which is where I'm spending my well-deserved annual leave (and to Spain, later on in August).
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Team Aiko
I wrote earlier about Japan's delight that Prince Akishino of Japan and his wife are expecting a child, as the child, if it is a boy, would save the blood line of the Japanese monarchy. Without a boy they are left with having to change the order of succession to allow Princess Aiko, daughter of the Japanese Crown Princess and the real heir(ess) to the throne one could say, to become Crown Princess and eventually queen.
While awaiting the birth, Japanese history professors are emphasising the long unbroken male line of emperors (choosing not to mention the fact that in the middle ages eight female emperors reined Japan). The danger with allowing female succession is that a queen has to marry a non-royal person, in effect a commoner. A Japanese prince has a solution to this problem: 1) restore the royal status of the old prince sovereign families; 2) allow the emperor to adopt a male member of one of these families; 3) revive "extinct" sovereign families by letting their rites be performed by someone from the royal family; and 4) reintroduce royal concubines. All this just to avoid a woman to inherit the throne.
While awaiting the birth, Japanese history professors are emphasising the long unbroken male line of emperors (choosing not to mention the fact that in the middle ages eight female emperors reined Japan). The danger with allowing female succession is that a queen has to marry a non-royal person, in effect a commoner. A Japanese prince has a solution to this problem: 1) restore the royal status of the old prince sovereign families; 2) allow the emperor to adopt a male member of one of these families; 3) revive "extinct" sovereign families by letting their rites be performed by someone from the royal family; and 4) reintroduce royal concubines. All this just to avoid a woman to inherit the throne.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Good Hair Day?
Letter to the Economist from Alexander Ferworn, Toronto:
Sir - Thank you for letting us know that Hillary Clinton was "decked out in an orange trouser-suit" during a recent conference (Lexington, June 17th). I am using this information in conjunction with economic policy I have gleaned from various fashion magazines to make up my mind about her candidacy. Perhaps in the future you could report if Al Gore's tie matched his trousers and if George Bush wore shorts on a hot day.
Ferworn highlights a very typical thing - it seems to be very important to add what women are wearing, what hairstyle they have, etc. as if this somehow tells us how good of a politician or a business leader they are or would be, whilst this wouldn't even be considered when it comes to men.
Sir - Thank you for letting us know that Hillary Clinton was "decked out in an orange trouser-suit" during a recent conference (Lexington, June 17th). I am using this information in conjunction with economic policy I have gleaned from various fashion magazines to make up my mind about her candidacy. Perhaps in the future you could report if Al Gore's tie matched his trousers and if George Bush wore shorts on a hot day.
Ferworn highlights a very typical thing - it seems to be very important to add what women are wearing, what hairstyle they have, etc. as if this somehow tells us how good of a politician or a business leader they are or would be, whilst this wouldn't even be considered when it comes to men.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Kids Say the Darndest Things
From the site tjuvlyssnat.se with conversations and encounters overheard, which I wrote about earlier:
(A very hairy man in shorts and sleeveless shirt enters the train on the Stockholm underground)
Boy 5+: "Mum, why does that man have fur?"
The mother: "But schhh!"
Boy 5+ (screams): "But why does he have fur?"
(Everybody on the train start smiling, the man looks angrily at the kid)
Boy 5+ (a little scared): "Mum, the bear is looking at me angrily now!"
(A very hairy man in shorts and sleeveless shirt enters the train on the Stockholm underground)
Boy 5+: "Mum, why does that man have fur?"
The mother: "But schhh!"
Boy 5+ (screams): "But why does he have fur?"
(Everybody on the train start smiling, the man looks angrily at the kid)
Boy 5+ (a little scared): "Mum, the bear is looking at me angrily now!"
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
More Amazing Talent
An 11-year-old with an amazing voice and a new Whitney Houston. We also have a little girl with attitude!
* Thanks to PJ for the links
* Thanks to PJ for the links
Monday, July 10, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Domestic Bliss
Swedish Social Democrats are very divided on the issue of household or domestic services (e.g. hiring someone to clean windows or perform regular cleaning services in one's home). At the moment there are no subsidies for such services although a couple of years ago Sweden experimented with a tax deductible for carpenting and other building services (mostly as a market stimulation measure). In a debate article in yesterday's DN, two local Social Democrats (Lena Micko and Mattias Ottosson) in the region of Östergötland demand tax deductions for domestic services. Not just cleaning but a wide selection of services in the home such as changing curtains or gardening should be included to make it easier for families with small children in their every-day lives or allow elderly to stay in their own homes longer. Micko and Ottosson estimate that a tax reduction could create 10,000 new jobs (the figure is based on estimates based on Finland where tax subsidies on domestic services were introduced a few years ago). I am very much in favour of their proposal.
In "Give us household services instead of moralising" they argue that Sweden (mainly the Social Democrats and the left) needs to move beyond arguments that is it wrong or obsolete to hire help in one's home. Society legitimises childcare as a perfectly normal service parents buy (of course pre-school is mainly about providing our children with education but part of the day is plain care) but if parents rather want to spend some time with their children and contract out building or cleaning, they are "punished" by having to pay a firm quite a substantial amount (unless they find someone on the black market). Moreover, the government has created so-called "plus jobs" where unemployed people are hired by the municipalities (subsidised by the government) to in effect perform domestic services for e.g. elderly.
Like Micko and Ottosson I do not believe that providing domestic services is a second class job and that it would mean going back to a situation with masters and servants. What is the difference between cleaning an office or a classroom and a private home? As long as workers are treated as professionals and have rights, I do not see a problem. It is also still a fact that women are more likely to cook, clean, etc. - in many ways women are working double - and if a tax subsidy could facilitate the lives of many women and ultimately lead to more equality in the home and in the labour market, I am all for it.
Presently there are too many regulations and means testing for domestic services. Not all people work for benevolent employers who offer domestic services as an extra benefit (which for the company is deductible). Many use "gray" or "black" services, i.e. persons that they can hire and fire arbitrarily from one day to the other.
Jonas Morian has also blogged on this topic. He thinks that the issue may even decide the outcome of the September elections, basing his argument on the fact that the party or political bloc able to gain the most trust for its ability to create jobs will win the election. A substantially decreased employment payroll tax for the services sector or a similar tax deduction would in all likelihood stimulate the private demand for white services. A political initiative that would limit the black market for these services, create more white jobs and increase tax revenues would win many votes.
In "Give us household services instead of moralising" they argue that Sweden (mainly the Social Democrats and the left) needs to move beyond arguments that is it wrong or obsolete to hire help in one's home. Society legitimises childcare as a perfectly normal service parents buy (of course pre-school is mainly about providing our children with education but part of the day is plain care) but if parents rather want to spend some time with their children and contract out building or cleaning, they are "punished" by having to pay a firm quite a substantial amount (unless they find someone on the black market). Moreover, the government has created so-called "plus jobs" where unemployed people are hired by the municipalities (subsidised by the government) to in effect perform domestic services for e.g. elderly.
Like Micko and Ottosson I do not believe that providing domestic services is a second class job and that it would mean going back to a situation with masters and servants. What is the difference between cleaning an office or a classroom and a private home? As long as workers are treated as professionals and have rights, I do not see a problem. It is also still a fact that women are more likely to cook, clean, etc. - in many ways women are working double - and if a tax subsidy could facilitate the lives of many women and ultimately lead to more equality in the home and in the labour market, I am all for it.
Presently there are too many regulations and means testing for domestic services. Not all people work for benevolent employers who offer domestic services as an extra benefit (which for the company is deductible). Many use "gray" or "black" services, i.e. persons that they can hire and fire arbitrarily from one day to the other.
Jonas Morian has also blogged on this topic. He thinks that the issue may even decide the outcome of the September elections, basing his argument on the fact that the party or political bloc able to gain the most trust for its ability to create jobs will win the election. A substantially decreased employment payroll tax for the services sector or a similar tax deduction would in all likelihood stimulate the private demand for white services. A political initiative that would limit the black market for these services, create more white jobs and increase tax revenues would win many votes.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Boring but Wonderful
No, she's not totally right but there's probably some truth to it :)
(Thanks to Mats Lindén for the link)
(Thanks to Mats Lindén for the link)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The Rapist Among Us
Every week there is one murder as a result of domestic violence in Sweden. The equivalent number in the UK is two, but the UK has six times more inhabitants (9 and 60 million respectively), indicating that we have a serious problem in Sweden (though I will not attempt to answer "why").
Lately Swedish media has given much attention to rapes and other sexual assaults as a result of the catching of a serial rapist in the northern city of Umeå. The so-called Haga man, who is on trial right now, is charged with the rapes and very violent abuse of six women from the end of the 1990s onwards. People expect rapists to be crazy weirdos that would be easily recognisable in the street, but the Haga man, to the surprise of many, was a married father of two with a permanent job and described by friends and family as a regular guy.
We need to highlight and create awareness that most rapes and sexual violence occur in the home, within families or by a person the victim knows in some way already. Only a small share of rapes is the sort of attack rape in the middle of the night. This means that most rapists are in fact seemingly “normal” men.
In a recent column in DN, Katarina Wennstam, reporter on Swedish television and author of the book “A Real Rapist”, writes about "the human being behind the demon". She says that the Haga man is a mystery and that he probably will remain so.
It certainly looks like a demon has been forced out of the shadows and has been given a face, a name, even ascribed personal characteristics. But at the same time a shudder goes through the Swedish collective consciousness. We do not see a connection between the man and the demon.
According to Wennstam, who is very critical of how the media focuses on group rapes or assault rapes, all news media give insufficient attention to the by far most common rapes, those committed in the home. The greatest risk for a woman is in the home, not in a dark park. Wennstam argues that journalists have painted a picture of rapists in too black-and-white contrasts. The perpetrator that we meet in the media is almost always a monster, a man who is not of this world. He may be a monster in some people’s eyes but
most victims see the nuances. They may know their perpetrator, even like or love him, think that he has his good sides, or [they] succeed at least to see both the monster and the human being in the same person.
Most of the women who are subject to sexual violence in the home do not report what has happened to them. If the man is well adjusted, liked and handsome, the woman has an extra barrier to overcome before she dares to report him, mainly because she doubts that anybody will believe her.
The Haga man is not the first family father to be charged with serious sexual violence. But it is the first time a man charged with rape is described as father, friend and colleague in addition to his role as the Haga man, i.e. not in the usual black-and-white extremes. It is not “us and them” anymore, but one of us. Wennstam concludes:
This is one of society’s oldest and most tenacious myth, that men rape of sudden, exploding lust and because they cannot get sex in some other way. Rape is not about sex and lust, but about power and oppression.
Lately Swedish media has given much attention to rapes and other sexual assaults as a result of the catching of a serial rapist in the northern city of Umeå. The so-called Haga man, who is on trial right now, is charged with the rapes and very violent abuse of six women from the end of the 1990s onwards. People expect rapists to be crazy weirdos that would be easily recognisable in the street, but the Haga man, to the surprise of many, was a married father of two with a permanent job and described by friends and family as a regular guy.
We need to highlight and create awareness that most rapes and sexual violence occur in the home, within families or by a person the victim knows in some way already. Only a small share of rapes is the sort of attack rape in the middle of the night. This means that most rapists are in fact seemingly “normal” men.
In a recent column in DN, Katarina Wennstam, reporter on Swedish television and author of the book “A Real Rapist”, writes about "the human being behind the demon". She says that the Haga man is a mystery and that he probably will remain so.
It certainly looks like a demon has been forced out of the shadows and has been given a face, a name, even ascribed personal characteristics. But at the same time a shudder goes through the Swedish collective consciousness. We do not see a connection between the man and the demon.
According to Wennstam, who is very critical of how the media focuses on group rapes or assault rapes, all news media give insufficient attention to the by far most common rapes, those committed in the home. The greatest risk for a woman is in the home, not in a dark park. Wennstam argues that journalists have painted a picture of rapists in too black-and-white contrasts. The perpetrator that we meet in the media is almost always a monster, a man who is not of this world. He may be a monster in some people’s eyes but
most victims see the nuances. They may know their perpetrator, even like or love him, think that he has his good sides, or [they] succeed at least to see both the monster and the human being in the same person.
Most of the women who are subject to sexual violence in the home do not report what has happened to them. If the man is well adjusted, liked and handsome, the woman has an extra barrier to overcome before she dares to report him, mainly because she doubts that anybody will believe her.
The Haga man is not the first family father to be charged with serious sexual violence. But it is the first time a man charged with rape is described as father, friend and colleague in addition to his role as the Haga man, i.e. not in the usual black-and-white extremes. It is not “us and them” anymore, but one of us. Wennstam concludes:
This is one of society’s oldest and most tenacious myth, that men rape of sudden, exploding lust and because they cannot get sex in some other way. Rape is not about sex and lust, but about power and oppression.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Offside Rule - Women's Style
In the spirit of the World Cup but with the risk of being politically incorrect and offending members of my own sex, I give you the "offside rule" for women (I used to play football myself for many years so I have a pretty good understanding of the rule already):
You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till. Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have. The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire. Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes. The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.
Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma. She prepares to throw her purse to you.
If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes!
At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and "whilst it is in flight" you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes!
BUT, you must always remember that until the purse has "actually been thrown", it would be plain wrong for you to be in front of the other shopper and you would be OFFSIDE!
You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till. Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have. The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire. Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes. The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.
Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma. She prepares to throw her purse to you.
If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes!
At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and "whilst it is in flight" you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes!
BUT, you must always remember that until the purse has "actually been thrown", it would be plain wrong for you to be in front of the other shopper and you would be OFFSIDE!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Social Mobility - A Product of the Welfare State
In its May 27th edition, the Economist presents two research papers* on social mobility, which both confirm that European society is far less stable than America's.
The aim of the European welfare states and their redistribution of wealth and income is to rid society of class and move people up the ladder. At the same time Europeans maintain a static view of society. They dislike the extremes of wealth and poverty in America and believe that too much job mobility leads to insecurity. In addition, they are wary of capitalism and market powers. Social stability is thus desirable even if it comes for a price: inflexibility when it comes to market competition and the labour market.
Yet, in reality, European society - and especially in the Nordic countries - is far more mobile than America's. The two research papers define mobility as the difference of income between children and their parents or how long people in one income group stays there. Based on this factor, Nordic countries stand out.
The studies found that it is mobility at the bottom rather than overall social mobility that is most significant. And it is here where the difference between the Nordic countries and America is greatest. In the Nordic countries (as well as in Britain) over 70 % of the poorest childrens escaped from poverty within one generation. In America that figure is around 50 %. Furthermore, in the Nordic countries the link between the earnings of parents and children near the bottom is almost non-existent. However, when it comes social mobility at the middle-class levels the difference between Europe and America is not that big.
So what explains this situation? The first explanation is the tax and welfare systems (redistribution) in the Nordic countries.
One might expect social mobility and economic flexbility to go together - in fact, to be two sides of the same coin. But to the extent that redistribution is an explanation, it implies the opposite: that social mobility is a product of high public spending, a bit like the low incidence of poverty or longer life expectancy (on both of which Europe also does better than America). But greater public spending tends also to be associated with less economic flexibility - which is why Nordic countries have sought to limit the more arthritis-inducing features of their tax-and-spend programmes.
But redistribution is not the whole explanation. Education is the next crucial factor for social mobility, especially an education system that is less class-divided than the American one (or the rest of Europe for that matter). All four Nordic countries fair very well in international comparisons (e.g. OECD) of their education systems.
Eric Sundström provides some political commentary on these research findings and the article in the Economist (in Swedish).
* "Non-linerarities in Inter-generational Earnings Mobility" and "American Exceptionalism in a New Light" (multiple authors)
The aim of the European welfare states and their redistribution of wealth and income is to rid society of class and move people up the ladder. At the same time Europeans maintain a static view of society. They dislike the extremes of wealth and poverty in America and believe that too much job mobility leads to insecurity. In addition, they are wary of capitalism and market powers. Social stability is thus desirable even if it comes for a price: inflexibility when it comes to market competition and the labour market.
Yet, in reality, European society - and especially in the Nordic countries - is far more mobile than America's. The two research papers define mobility as the difference of income between children and their parents or how long people in one income group stays there. Based on this factor, Nordic countries stand out.
The studies found that it is mobility at the bottom rather than overall social mobility that is most significant. And it is here where the difference between the Nordic countries and America is greatest. In the Nordic countries (as well as in Britain) over 70 % of the poorest childrens escaped from poverty within one generation. In America that figure is around 50 %. Furthermore, in the Nordic countries the link between the earnings of parents and children near the bottom is almost non-existent. However, when it comes social mobility at the middle-class levels the difference between Europe and America is not that big.
So what explains this situation? The first explanation is the tax and welfare systems (redistribution) in the Nordic countries.
One might expect social mobility and economic flexbility to go together - in fact, to be two sides of the same coin. But to the extent that redistribution is an explanation, it implies the opposite: that social mobility is a product of high public spending, a bit like the low incidence of poverty or longer life expectancy (on both of which Europe also does better than America). But greater public spending tends also to be associated with less economic flexibility - which is why Nordic countries have sought to limit the more arthritis-inducing features of their tax-and-spend programmes.
But redistribution is not the whole explanation. Education is the next crucial factor for social mobility, especially an education system that is less class-divided than the American one (or the rest of Europe for that matter). All four Nordic countries fair very well in international comparisons (e.g. OECD) of their education systems.
Eric Sundström provides some political commentary on these research findings and the article in the Economist (in Swedish).
* "Non-linerarities in Inter-generational Earnings Mobility" and "American Exceptionalism in a New Light" (multiple authors)
Monday, June 12, 2006
Underground Etiquette
Jonas Morian Promemorian gives tourists or others who don't travel on the Stockholm underground that often some tips on how to behave and what to avoid in order not to annoy fellow passengers. These could be equally applied to underground systems elsewhere (with some moderation).
(Free translation)
Stockholm underground system is starting to fill up by people who apparently are unfamiliar with the city's unwritten rules. Since I like tourism, but hate lack of respect for social codes, I give you - in an eagerly awaited and updated repeat from June 2005 - some tips for you who visit our beautiful capital:
(Free translation)
Stockholm underground system is starting to fill up by people who apparently are unfamiliar with the city's unwritten rules. Since I like tourism, but hate lack of respect for social codes, I give you - in an eagerly awaited and updated repeat from June 2005 - some tips for you who visit our beautiful capital:
- One cannot swipe all sorts of tickets through the automatic barriers and expect them to open. They only work with tickets with a magnetic stripe.
- Find out where you are going before approaching the ticket booth. Admittedly staff are expected to provide tips on nice sites in Stockholm and how you can get there with the underground and other means of public transportation, but striking up a long conversation is not appreciated by those queueing behind you.
- On the escalators people walk to the left. Preferably in a fast pace. You stand to the right - but we prefer that you still move forward albeit in a slower pace than in the left lane.
- When you are at the top of the escalator (or at the bottom for that matter) keep on going in the same direction. If you are unsure where you are going, yield immediately and let the people behind you pass. Don't stop and look around you. Observ that this rule applies equally to lifts and underground trains.
- Respect your co-passengers' personal spheres. In plain terms: don't stand too close. Sure, it can be difficult in rush hour on a full train, but always try to at least avoid body contact.
- It is good to keep a low, relaxed profile. Your fellow passengers are not potential new friends. On the other hand it is of course alright to ask for directions. But don't count on Stockholmers to understand what you mean if you ask for track or line numbers.
- On the underground maps the different lines are marked in blue, green and red. This has nowadays no direct correlation with the colour of the actual underground car. You don't need to sit and wait for a red train to be certain that the train really to Ropsten really takes you to Ropsten.
- Occupy one seat on the underground. Your bag does not need its own seat. If you choose to stand instead of sitting, take off your backpack. Okay, many Stockholmers don't always follow this rule but I promise that we appreciate you more if you do.
- Let people get off the train before you try to get on. See also the comment to rule 8.
Finally Promemorian points us to this site on underground etiquette in London for further inspiration.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
From Honour Killings to Suicides
As part of its bid to meet EU membership requirements, Turkey in 2005 approved new legislation making "honour killings" - the practice of men killing their female relatives for perceived immoral behaviour - punishable by life in prison. So far so good. However, growing numbers of female suicides raise suspicion that women are now being forced or pressured by relatives to kill themselves instead. An estimated 70 women die in honour killings in Turkey every year, mostly in the south-east, the country's poorest and most conservative region, and now suicides seem to reach similar numbers. The real figure may be higher as in remote villages, deaths (or births) are not always recorded. In a survey conducted in this region in 2005, 40 % of males said a women guilty of adultery should be killed. And violence against women is accepted across Turkey. Domestic violence is considered a family matter.
Hopefully the prospect of future EU membership will create enough political willpower to enforce further legislation and lasting positive change.
(Earlier post about Turkey)
Hopefully the prospect of future EU membership will create enough political willpower to enforce further legislation and lasting positive change.
(Earlier post about Turkey)
Saturday, June 03, 2006
The Status Syndrome
I went to a very interesting book launch and seminar on 30 May. Sir Michael Marmot presented his book The Status Syndrome - How our social position affects our health and life expectancy.
Genes, lifestyle and access to healthcare are important for health, but other factors matter even more; how we live in society and what our situation at work is like. Michael Marmot has examined the relation between status and health - the status syndrome - and highlights the importance of e.g. education, income, parents' background and occupation. Based on three decades of research he presents evidence for how subtle differences in social position can lead to important differences in health and life expectancy.
The Status Syndrome is not about illness for the poor and good health for everybody else, but about a continuous variation, a so-called health gradient. Already in the 1970s Marmot studied British civil servants and found that illness frequency and mortality increased the further down the social ladder he looked. The same pattern is found all around the world, including in Sweden. (Marmot also studied baboons and found a similar pattern of mortality depending on dominance or subordinance.) In Washington D.C. the average life expectancy between a black person in the inner city is over 20 years shorter than a rich white person 15 metro stops away in Maryland. In the industrialised countries we think that we have solved everything, but we have huge inequalities in health. The so-called Swedish paradox is that Sweden has the widest inequalities in health in Europe (except in absolute terms), e.g. the mortality of manual v. non-manual labour.
Over a certain level of resources it is what people have in comparison to others that is decisive for their health. Money by itself does not matter - it is what you can do with the money relative to other people that matters. According to Marmot's research people prefer relative standing rather than more money in absolute terms. One anecdote from Marmot's studies is that Oscar winners on average live four years longer than colleagues who have been "just" nominated. Another example is that mortality is higher among people with a Masters than among people with a Doctorate.
Supporting relations in the private sphere and the degree of trust and social solidarity in the society are central dimensions for health. Control, social participation and health are fundamental needs that are linked. As people are different, inequalities will always exist, but the scope of their effects on health can be controlled according to Marmot. If we understand the link between inequalities and health, we can do something about it.
** Sir Michael Marmot is Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health at UCL and Head of the International Centre for Health and Society. He is also Chairman of the WHO's Global Commission on Social Determinants of Health. In 2004 he was awarded the Balzan Prize in epidemiology and in 2000 he was knighted for his efforts within epidemiology and the understanding of inequalities in health.
Genes, lifestyle and access to healthcare are important for health, but other factors matter even more; how we live in society and what our situation at work is like. Michael Marmot has examined the relation between status and health - the status syndrome - and highlights the importance of e.g. education, income, parents' background and occupation. Based on three decades of research he presents evidence for how subtle differences in social position can lead to important differences in health and life expectancy.
The Status Syndrome is not about illness for the poor and good health for everybody else, but about a continuous variation, a so-called health gradient. Already in the 1970s Marmot studied British civil servants and found that illness frequency and mortality increased the further down the social ladder he looked. The same pattern is found all around the world, including in Sweden. (Marmot also studied baboons and found a similar pattern of mortality depending on dominance or subordinance.) In Washington D.C. the average life expectancy between a black person in the inner city is over 20 years shorter than a rich white person 15 metro stops away in Maryland. In the industrialised countries we think that we have solved everything, but we have huge inequalities in health. The so-called Swedish paradox is that Sweden has the widest inequalities in health in Europe (except in absolute terms), e.g. the mortality of manual v. non-manual labour.
Over a certain level of resources it is what people have in comparison to others that is decisive for their health. Money by itself does not matter - it is what you can do with the money relative to other people that matters. According to Marmot's research people prefer relative standing rather than more money in absolute terms. One anecdote from Marmot's studies is that Oscar winners on average live four years longer than colleagues who have been "just" nominated. Another example is that mortality is higher among people with a Masters than among people with a Doctorate.
Supporting relations in the private sphere and the degree of trust and social solidarity in the society are central dimensions for health. Control, social participation and health are fundamental needs that are linked. As people are different, inequalities will always exist, but the scope of their effects on health can be controlled according to Marmot. If we understand the link between inequalities and health, we can do something about it.
** Sir Michael Marmot is Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health at UCL and Head of the International Centre for Health and Society. He is also Chairman of the WHO's Global Commission on Social Determinants of Health. In 2004 he was awarded the Balzan Prize in epidemiology and in 2000 he was knighted for his efforts within epidemiology and the understanding of inequalities in health.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Congestion Charge Update 2
It would actually be quite nice if the American ambassador in Britain could pay the charge...and not actually try and skive out of it like a chiselling little crook.
Ken Livingstone, London's Mayor, on the US embassy's refusal to pay the toll levied on cars driven in central London. Some foreign 50 embassies say they are exempt under the international diplomatic law.
In Stockholm this is not an issue since the congestion is theoretically and legally a tax, which diplomatic services are automatically exempted from. Considering the small sums involved in the scheme of things, it is very disappointing that the US embassy in London doesn't just pay.
Since my last update, a poll has shown that Stockholmers are very much in favour of the trial and that the reduction of traffic seems to be constant.
For April:
Ken Livingstone, London's Mayor, on the US embassy's refusal to pay the toll levied on cars driven in central London. Some foreign 50 embassies say they are exempt under the international diplomatic law.
In Stockholm this is not an issue since the congestion is theoretically and legally a tax, which diplomatic services are automatically exempted from. Considering the small sums involved in the scheme of things, it is very disappointing that the US embassy in London doesn't just pay.
Since my last update, a poll has shown that Stockholmers are very much in favour of the trial and that the reduction of traffic seems to be constant.
For April:
- Car traffic in central Stockholm was 22 % lower than the same period in 2005
- Traffic on Essingeleden (bypass) has increased 4-5 % compared to 2005
- The number of public transport passengers to and from the inner city increased with 65,000 which is equivalent to 30,000 more passengers per day compared to April 2005
The recent Sifo poll showed that 6 out of 10 people are in favour of permanent congestion charges although to a even more recent survey published today 60 % are against the charge. So who knows! Will be interesting to see May's traffic results and further polls on the issue.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Future of the EU
Yesterday I attended a very interesting seminar with Professor Sverker Gustavsson, Swedish political scientist, and Annika Ström-Melin, head of the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies. Each approached the topic of the future of the EU and especially the future of the constitution from quite different angles:
Sverker Gustavsson
- The EU does not have to create clarity by writing down or bringing together the existing treaties into one. That would do more harm than good to the EU. Clarity is not always a good thing.
- Compare the Swedish constitution. The Swedish constitution does not provide clarity on matters that are regulated outside politics, albeit matters covered by the principle/freedom of assembly (e.g. the labour market and unions). This makes it a "living constitution". In reality nothing important is clear from the Swedish constitution except how to elect and appoint a government.
- There are two forces: the right to vote v. capitalism (or the right of ownership). It is the use of the rights in the constitution that decide politics, and that is very far from any sort of clarity.
- There is a similar "terror balance" between free trade and the right to vote / freedom of assembly in the EU. One result from this struggle is that free trade and the four freedoms are not applied to the same extent on services or on goods and services paid by taxes. This is an issue that could potentially be contested in the ECJ but since all or most of the EU member states have similar systems, the EU does not want to take on that conflict and disturb the balance. There is a a "mutual insight that either 'side' could destroy each other if the principle [of free trade] was applied fully".
- Instead of writing down the EU should decide where the breaking point between the two poles (rights) ought to be. In other words the EU should engage in a debate about basic values and concentrate on how to create more flexibility and reform. That is the real constitutional debate.
- In addition, the EU and its member states should iron out the formal aspects of the constitution and concentrate on the content of politics. Formality is not that important. It does not hinder further enlargement of the EU. If the EU wants to bring in new members, it will do so irrespective of any imagined formal restrictions. What is important is that the lawyers dare to do.
Annika Ström-Melin
- The period of reflection that the EU has announced is worrying because the conflicts in Europe are still just under the surface. And the European countries have not even started dealing with the years of communist oppression. In other words, one cannot be sure that Europe will continue to be peaceful.
- Europe should not underestimate the potential destructive force of nationalism. European integration has grown out of the fact that nationalism led to horrific events and circumstances. European leaders "tricked" countries to co-operate. Compare with the Council of Europe which is mostly about proclamations and solemnity.
- The EU is very good and effective - but lack of clarity is a huge problem. And it is linked to the question of democracy. In Sweden we have regulated basic freedoms and rights but in the EU democracy is only indirect. The member states have delegated more than free trade, areas coming very near to the inner core of the right to vote.
- The constitutional treaty was good because it summed up what European co-operation looks like today. Civil freedoms and rights must be engrained in a constitution in order to place limits on the expansion of the EU's power. For example, Sweden would not want the issue of abortion to be decided by the Polish government. Swedes' right to vote on that issue must remain in Sweden.
- The EU cannot continue as before, according to the usual method. The EU we have today functions pretty well; neither more nor less is needed. However, Europe needs clarity on what is it we have today.
- The democratic deficit is the price we pay for keeping conflicts out. Europe for peace is not an obsolete idea.
- The EU is the best available method. European co-operation is a method for our time. Decisions must in many areas be taken on another level than by the nation-state. But we will never have full franchise at the European level.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sigh...
"I think, like, it is already dead, what's the harm."
Victoria Silvstedt, about her chinchilla fur coat. Swedish model who fulfils the stereotype of a stupid blonde.
Victoria Silvstedt, about her chinchilla fur coat. Swedish model who fulfils the stereotype of a stupid blonde.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
For a very special person
Blue eyes
Happy frame of mind
Oh, so blue
In times of despair
Shades of grey
Glimpse of your soul
If only eyes could tell
Happy frame of mind
Oh, so blue
In times of despair
Shades of grey
Glimpse of your soul
If only eyes could tell
Gangsta' Style
A few weeks I went to a 30th birthday party with a 1930s/gangster theme. Here are some pics for
you to enjoy!
you to enjoy!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Eavesdropping
There's a great new Swedish site with things people have overheard on the tube, at work/school or when out and about, Tjuvlyssnat (inspired by Overheard in New York). Unfortunately it's only in Swedish but I'll treat you to a sample:
On the Stockholm tube
High school girl #1: I can't wait to the summer holidays, I'm going to Greece again
High school girl #2: Oohh, nice, I would also like to do that, I have never been there. By the way, Greece is not in Europe, is it?!
High school girl 1 #1: Yes, it is.
High school girl #2: No, I'm quite sure it isn't.
High school girl #1: (irritated): Yes, I know it is, they had euros there.. and you haven't been there. So I know I'm right!
High school girl #2: Okay, but it wasn't in Europe before they joined the EU at least.
High school girl #1: No, that's probably true. But no country was.
On the Stockholm tube
High school girl #1: I can't wait to the summer holidays, I'm going to Greece again
High school girl #2: Oohh, nice, I would also like to do that, I have never been there. By the way, Greece is not in Europe, is it?!
High school girl 1 #1: Yes, it is.
High school girl #2: No, I'm quite sure it isn't.
High school girl #1: (irritated): Yes, I know it is, they had euros there.. and you haven't been there. So I know I'm right!
High school girl #2: Okay, but it wasn't in Europe before they joined the EU at least.
High school girl #1: No, that's probably true. But no country was.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Tom Tits Experiments
Despite a name that may lead your thoughts to something else, Tom Tits Experiment is actually Sweden's largest science park and it is located in my hometown Södertälje. Over the weekend Tom Tits won the Micheletti prize at the European Museum Forum, awarded to the most promising technical or industrial museum. The jury stated Tom Tits as one of Europe's most interesting museums and highlighted the museum's ambition to attempt to explain basic scientific principles to a broad general public.
(The Museum of the Year Award went to Cosmocaixa in Barcelona and Churchill Museum in London received the Council of Europe Award.)
(The Museum of the Year Award went to Cosmocaixa in Barcelona and Churchill Museum in London received the Council of Europe Award.)
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Iraq? Nah, never heard of it
National Geographic reports that young Americans do not where Iraq is. Despite the US having invaded the country twice and having fought a war there for the past three years, a war that features in the news basically every day, two of three or 63 % youths between 18 and 24 could not point out Iraq on a map. Even fewer knew where Israel or Iran are situated. Moreover, and maybe this is the most scary result, only 50 % could locate New York...
And these are the people that will run that country in the future...
And these are the people that will run that country in the future...
Easter Bunnies
It's long overdue but here's the picture of Marianne (right) and me when we met up at in Brussels at Easter, which I promised her I would post.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The Society for Threats to Western (American) Thinking
Posted in the St Antony's college (Oxford) JCR (Junior Common Room) newsletter:
Society for Threats to Western (American) Thinking – Monday April 24
The Society for Threats to Western (American) Thinking is proud to announce a special screening of “The Rock” (1996). Monday 24 April 20:00 in the CCR.
Dear friends,
As Trinity Term opens for business and we all get down to the serious regime of examinations, theses, jobs, or procrastination it is - above all - a time for reflection. We have come a long way since SARS and, in the spirit of reflection, it is time we redefine the paradigm surrounding terrorism. Once upon a time we actually UNDERSTOOD this debate, however, as global events conspired against us, academics had to ruin it for everyone with lecture series, books, articles, journals and laborious debates. Through the infinite glory of Hollywood we will engage and defeat this tangental thinking.
The Rock delves into the disgruntled mind of the military machine, threats from deadly biological agents, and a man's search for justice in the face of statist domination. Set in San Fransico and Alcatraz the subtle comparison between liberal freedom and state oppression.
Starring: Connery S., Cage N. and Harris E.
Director: Bay M.
Producer: Bruckheimer J.I
t is time to reclaim the knowledge we have lost. Join us. Threats to Western (American) Thinking is a strategic think-tank, operating from Oxford, dedicated to simplifying debates into soundbite analysis. We aim to destroy subtle discussions with crass generalisations, simplisticanalysis, and overblown PR.
Society for Threats to Western (American) Thinking – Monday April 24
The Society for Threats to Western (American) Thinking is proud to announce a special screening of “The Rock” (1996). Monday 24 April 20:00 in the CCR.
Dear friends,
As Trinity Term opens for business and we all get down to the serious regime of examinations, theses, jobs, or procrastination it is - above all - a time for reflection. We have come a long way since SARS and, in the spirit of reflection, it is time we redefine the paradigm surrounding terrorism. Once upon a time we actually UNDERSTOOD this debate, however, as global events conspired against us, academics had to ruin it for everyone with lecture series, books, articles, journals and laborious debates. Through the infinite glory of Hollywood we will engage and defeat this tangental thinking.
The Rock delves into the disgruntled mind of the military machine, threats from deadly biological agents, and a man's search for justice in the face of statist domination. Set in San Fransico and Alcatraz the subtle comparison between liberal freedom and state oppression.
Starring: Connery S., Cage N. and Harris E.
Director: Bay M.
Producer: Bruckheimer J.I
t is time to reclaim the knowledge we have lost. Join us. Threats to Western (American) Thinking is a strategic think-tank, operating from Oxford, dedicated to simplifying debates into soundbite analysis. We aim to destroy subtle discussions with crass generalisations, simplisticanalysis, and overblown PR.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Royal Stats
In honour of Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday on 21 April (though officially celebrated in June), the Royal Court has published 80 more or less essential facts about the British Head of State. A selection of her "accomplishments":
- Has modelled for 139 official portraits (even a hologram one)
- Inaugurated 25 ships and 15 bridges
- Sent her first e-mail from an army base in 1976
- Treated her staff to 78,000 Christmas puddings
- Has sent 280,000 telegrams to couples celebrating diamond their anniversary
- Travelled on the London tube for the first time in 1939 (perhaps the only time?)
Perhaps telling of her age and her early succession to the throne; there have been ten British PMs and ten American presidents as well as six Archbishops of Canterbury during her reign.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Kid Fun
You can learn a lot from spending the day with a six-year-old:
- Kids get pretty cranky when they haven't eaten for a while (don't let the kid at the table next to yours stare too much at your kid before he or she has a stabilised blood sugar level)
- Kids talk (and laugh) all through the film while at the cinema (at least when seeing Ice Age 2)
- Kids can eat a huge box of popcorn and drink a supersize soda just after having had lunch (okay, I helped but still)
- Not all kids like spaghetti and meat sauce - at least one Swedish girl wanted black pudding (or pancakes - more normal) for dinner on a Saturday
- McDonald's face paint itches a lot and needs to come off five minutes from home, not a minute later
- Six-year-olds can be surprisingly good at sudoku
- Three bedtime stories and two sudokus later the kid is still not tired ("I'm not tired at all") - as soon as she's allowed to sleep on the sofa in the living room, she's out in three seconds
- It's good to have a few household chores to do as an excuse to get out of playing a fifth boardgame in an hour
- Six-year-olds are already familiar with the local slang
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
On the Rocks
"You have to be pretty drunk to want to sleep here."
Ryszard Kapuściński, literary journalist visiting the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi in the very north of Sweden. He felt the hotel's beds were a bit too chilly for his taste.
Ryszard Kapuściński, literary journalist visiting the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi in the very north of Sweden. He felt the hotel's beds were a bit too chilly for his taste.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Vanity
Would you do it?
Top Five Female Ops
Top Five Female Ops
- Breast surgery. Resizing or reshaping under full anesthetic; 1 or 2 nights in hospital, stitches out in 7-14 days
- Rhinoplasty. Nose reshaping, needs an overnight stay and 7-10 days for the swelling to subside
- Liposuction. Fat removal under local anesthetic takes 1-2 hours; anoterh week or two for the area to heal
- Blepharoplasty. Excess tissue around the eye is surgically removed; stitches removed in 3-7 days
- Abdominoplasty. Surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the belly; needs 2 weeks off work and lots of bed rest
Top Five Male Ops
- Rhinoplasty. Nose reshaping is the most popular op
- Liposuction. To reduce breast size or get a flatter belly
- Blepharoplasty. Men also dislike saggy, baggy eyes and laugh lines
- Otoplasty. Ear reshaping by removing skin and cartilage and restitching into place. In bandages for a week
- Penis enlargement. A small incision at the base can extend flaccid size by about 2,5 cm; body-fat cells can be implanted to increase girth. Expect a week off work and no heavy lifting for a month
* Source: Harley Medical Group / Time
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The right to own a pet
You might have seen this being reported the other week...
Americans know more about Simpsons than about their basic rights and freedoms
McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum in Chicago is a new museum aimed at informing the American public about the Constitution. The museum did a survey of Americans' knowledge of their basic rights and freedoms and found that:
Americans know more about Simpsons than about their basic rights and freedoms
McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum in Chicago is a new museum aimed at informing the American public about the Constitution. The museum did a survey of Americans' knowledge of their basic rights and freedoms and found that:
- 28 % were able to list two out of five basic freedoms in the First Amendment
- 69 % knew that freedom of speech is one of the five freedoms
- 24 % knew about freedom of religion
- 11 % were aware of freedom of the press
- 10 % were familiar with the freedom of assembly
- only 1 % knew about their right to appeal
This can be compared with the fact that 52 % could name at least two members of the Simpson family.
Another finding of the survey is that many Americans think they have constitutional rights that are not found in the Constitution:
- 1/5 thought the right to own a pet was part of the First Amendment
- As many believed the right to drive a car was in the same amendment (even though the car was invented a century after the establishment of the Constitution
Thursday, March 09, 2006
If only it was that easy!
Italian PM Berlusconi has advised his country's poor to make more money. Italy's richest man apparently started his business by picking up paper off the streets and crumpled them to little balls that he sold to people who used them to light their stoves. And when someone gave the young Berlusconi a camera he started taking pictures at funerals and weddings.
All good ideas...hm...unsurprisingly Berlusconi's popularity is falling as a result of his government's difficulties to get the Italian economy going. The latest opinion polls show that Berlusconi's centre-right alliance will lose to former Commission President Prodi's centre-left bloc - I hope so!
All good ideas...hm...unsurprisingly Berlusconi's popularity is falling as a result of his government's difficulties to get the Italian economy going. The latest opinion polls show that Berlusconi's centre-right alliance will lose to former Commission President Prodi's centre-left bloc - I hope so!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Petition against Trafficking during the Football World Cup
With International Women's Day coming up on Wednesday I want to highlight a very important fight.
A petition against trafficking during the Football World Cup in Germany in June.
As prostitution is legal in Germany and plans are under way to set up mobile brothels, it is very likely that trafficking of women and forced prostitution will significantly increase during the event.
Let's help protect women from such exploitation.
A petition against trafficking during the Football World Cup in Germany in June.
As prostitution is legal in Germany and plans are under way to set up mobile brothels, it is very likely that trafficking of women and forced prostitution will significantly increase during the event.
Let's help protect women from such exploitation.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Olof Palme
I wanted to blog about Olof Palme already on February 28 (the anniversary of his murder) but haven't gotten around to it until today. But instead of writing about him myself I will link to tributes from my fellow bloggers:
Olof Palme...and Bruce Springsteen
En märklig känsla av vemod (Swedish)
And a news article.
For those of you who need an introduction, here's his life (and death).
I was 10 when Palme was murdered. Having grown up in a Social Democratic home I was already very familiar with who he was and with his politics. And it's obviously not every day a country's Prime Minister is murdered (though sadly it happened in Sweden yet again in 2003 when Foreign Minister Anna Lindh was knifed down; fortunately that case has been solved) so it's one of those things you remember forever. I had spent the night at my grandparents' and turned on the radio in the morning to listen to a radio play. We couldn't understand how the writers could joke about such a thing, before it started to sink in that it had actually happened. I remember that my grandmother cried but I don't think I did. I also remember that they cancelled all TV shows and just played sad music on TV all day. I will also always associate Palme's murder with getting my ears pierced. I hadn't had it done that very day but two days earlier and I guess my ears were still hurting. Weird how one's memory works.
Olof Palme...and Bruce Springsteen
En märklig känsla av vemod (Swedish)
And a news article.
For those of you who need an introduction, here's his life (and death).
I was 10 when Palme was murdered. Having grown up in a Social Democratic home I was already very familiar with who he was and with his politics. And it's obviously not every day a country's Prime Minister is murdered (though sadly it happened in Sweden yet again in 2003 when Foreign Minister Anna Lindh was knifed down; fortunately that case has been solved) so it's one of those things you remember forever. I had spent the night at my grandparents' and turned on the radio in the morning to listen to a radio play. We couldn't understand how the writers could joke about such a thing, before it started to sink in that it had actually happened. I remember that my grandmother cried but I don't think I did. I also remember that they cancelled all TV shows and just played sad music on TV all day. I will also always associate Palme's murder with getting my ears pierced. I hadn't had it done that very day but two days earlier and I guess my ears were still hurting. Weird how one's memory works.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Olympic Success
Sweden had its best Winter Olympics ever in Turin! We finished 6 in the "medal league", after:
1. Germany 11-12-6=29
2. USA 9-9-7=25
3. Austria 9-7-7=23
4. Russia 8-6-8=22
5. Canada 7-10-7=24
6. SWEDEN 7-2-5=14
7... R.o.W
Most Swedes would say that winning the Gold in ice-hockey was the best, but I'm the most excited - and proud - about the women's curling team who actually have to work for a living (e.g. one team member is a consultant, another an accountant) and train in their spare time. A reality quite far from the luxury life of the ice-hockey players who are almost all professionals playing in the NHL. The curling team even had to finance part of the trip themselves. Of course, the ice-hockey players have worked hard to get where they are today, but it doesn't make them bigger stars or their gold worth more than the curling ladies' golden medal.
1. Germany 11-12-6=29
2. USA 9-9-7=25
3. Austria 9-7-7=23
4. Russia 8-6-8=22
5. Canada 7-10-7=24
6. SWEDEN 7-2-5=14
7... R.o.W
Most Swedes would say that winning the Gold in ice-hockey was the best, but I'm the most excited - and proud - about the women's curling team who actually have to work for a living (e.g. one team member is a consultant, another an accountant) and train in their spare time. A reality quite far from the luxury life of the ice-hockey players who are almost all professionals playing in the NHL. The curling team even had to finance part of the trip themselves. Of course, the ice-hockey players have worked hard to get where they are today, but it doesn't make them bigger stars or their gold worth more than the curling ladies' golden medal.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Congestion Charges Update
I wrote earlier about the congestion charges introduced in the centre of Stockholm at the beginning of the year. I am very pleaset to tell you that so far they have been a huge success! Such a success that the political debate has if not died out but almost disappeared. The parties that were against charges (or "tax" as they call it) are still against (though they were the ones that had launched the idea in the first place, as I mentioned in my previous posting), but they are not as vocal about it in the fear of (I think) alienating voters.
The results so far:
But so far so good! I really hope the continuous success of the trial period leads to Stockholmers voting for a permanent (or as long as congestion and the environment so require) introduction of congestion charges!
The results so far:
- Substantial decrease in congestion on the streets of Stockholm - halving of travel times in rush hour and buses having to hold for a minute at bus stops not to get ahead of their timetable
- 25 % decrease in traffic on weekdays
- No significant increase in traffic on ringroads (e.g. Essingeleden)
- 40,000 more people commuting by public transportation, without any major problems for SL
- Well-functioning technical and administrative system and not total chaos as critics feared
But so far so good! I really hope the continuous success of the trial period leads to Stockholmers voting for a permanent (or as long as congestion and the environment so require) introduction of congestion charges!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Good Point
This New York Times article about the film Brokeback Mountain makes an excellent point regarding the belief of many right-wing Christians in the U.S. that homosexuality is essentially a disease or a phase that one can recover from.
"If anyone believes that gay men can actually become ex-gay men, I have just one question for you: Would you want your daughter to marry one?"
"If anyone believes that gay men can actually become ex-gay men, I have just one question for you: Would you want your daughter to marry one?"
Friday, February 17, 2006
One Step Back for the Japanese Monarchy
Earlier this week Japan announced that they are scrapping the plans to change the rules of succession. Without a male heir to the throne - the Crown Prince has only one child, Princess Aiko, and his brother, Prince Akishino, has two daughters (Princess Sayako married a "commoner" and is out) - the Japanese monarchy will end with the present Crown Prince unless Japan allows women to succeed the throne. Reform was under way until it was announced last week that Prince Akishino and his wife are expecting again. The sex of the baby is not known yet but everyone is hoping for a boy.
Suits them right if it's another girl!
Conservatives in Japan also argue that since women are closely associated with blood through menstruation and childbirth, woman cannot ascend the throne since blood is strictly forbidden in sacred places.
Sounds like something Aristotle (or was it Plato?) would have said, who believed that a woman's emotional life and her lack of control over her feelings made her blood boil, forcing her to let it out once a month...
Suits them right if it's another girl!
Conservatives in Japan also argue that since women are closely associated with blood through menstruation and childbirth, woman cannot ascend the throne since blood is strictly forbidden in sacred places.
Sounds like something Aristotle (or was it Plato?) would have said, who believed that a woman's emotional life and her lack of control over her feelings made her blood boil, forcing her to let it out once a month...
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Islam on the Outskirts of the Welfare State
...is an excellent and very interesting article about Muslims in Sweden in the New York Times, written by Christopher Caldwell. It's long but really worth while reading.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Poem for my Valentine
En varm kittlande känsla
Jag glömmer allt
Tänker inte
Svävar
Dina ögon ler, skrattar
De tycker om mig
Jag blundar
Flyter
Ett leende, en hand
Jag faller handlöst
Tycker om dig
Lyfter
Jag glömmer allt
Tänker inte
Svävar
Dina ögon ler, skrattar
De tycker om mig
Jag blundar
Flyter
Ett leende, en hand
Jag faller handlöst
Tycker om dig
Lyfter
Monday, February 13, 2006
Habits and Oddities
I've been tagged by Natalie. The task this time is to make a list of five weird habits or pecularities and then challenge five other bloggers to do the same and continue the chain. I have to include these short rules (and here they are) and list who I challenge at the bottom of the post. I also need to inform them on their blogs that they've been tagged!
Okay, here goes:
1. (Dis)organised?
I've always felt that I'm very organised and orderly, and in a way I am. I have a very good memory and I remember a lot of facts and details. Most people see me as very organised, especially at work, but at home I have lots of piles of papers and post laying around. My flat is always clean but it can be a bit messy and I don't really mind. At the same time I like to keep the books on my bookshelf in alphabetic order, like the blogs on the right, so while I'm a bit messy I'm also a control freak if that's possible.
2. Saver-spender
Like Natalie I would say that I'm a saver if I had to choose between saving and spendthrift. But really, I spend most of my salary every month. I can't help myself! Sure, I'm not extravagant; on the contrary, I rather go to H&M than Gucci, but I do spend a lot on clothes, books, trips, etc. Actually, I probably don't go to Gucci because that would entail having to save for a while in order to spend. However, lately I've been pretty good, joining a private pension saving scheme and buying stuff for the flat that were needed.
3. Don't ask me about proverbs!
I have a habit of using slang and I don't like it. Swedish words I use too often are "ba" and "liksom" and in English I say "like" a lot although I'm getting better. One of my colleagues at my new job is so well-articulated and I really wish I were like her. I hardly curse at all so that's good. My mum always told me that swearing is a sign of bad vocabulary and that really stuck to me.
4. TV freak
I follow too many TV series. No, not docu soaps because I absolutely loathe them! I'm talking about Lost, West Wing, Desperate Housewives, O.C., Six Feet Under, CIC... and then there are all the sitcoms and Swedish shows... Good thing I'm pretty good at multi-tasking and can zip channels when three shows are on at the same time at three different stations.
5. So perfect
My last bad habit must be that I think I'm so perfect that I cannot think of a fifth one! ;)
Okay, I challenge Marianne, Nonna, Marina (will all five have to do with a certain perfume addiction?), Nina and Ester!
Okay, here goes:
1. (Dis)organised?
I've always felt that I'm very organised and orderly, and in a way I am. I have a very good memory and I remember a lot of facts and details. Most people see me as very organised, especially at work, but at home I have lots of piles of papers and post laying around. My flat is always clean but it can be a bit messy and I don't really mind. At the same time I like to keep the books on my bookshelf in alphabetic order, like the blogs on the right, so while I'm a bit messy I'm also a control freak if that's possible.
2. Saver-spender
Like Natalie I would say that I'm a saver if I had to choose between saving and spendthrift. But really, I spend most of my salary every month. I can't help myself! Sure, I'm not extravagant; on the contrary, I rather go to H&M than Gucci, but I do spend a lot on clothes, books, trips, etc. Actually, I probably don't go to Gucci because that would entail having to save for a while in order to spend. However, lately I've been pretty good, joining a private pension saving scheme and buying stuff for the flat that were needed.
3. Don't ask me about proverbs!
I have a habit of using slang and I don't like it. Swedish words I use too often are "ba" and "liksom" and in English I say "like" a lot although I'm getting better. One of my colleagues at my new job is so well-articulated and I really wish I were like her. I hardly curse at all so that's good. My mum always told me that swearing is a sign of bad vocabulary and that really stuck to me.
4. TV freak
I follow too many TV series. No, not docu soaps because I absolutely loathe them! I'm talking about Lost, West Wing, Desperate Housewives, O.C., Six Feet Under, CIC... and then there are all the sitcoms and Swedish shows... Good thing I'm pretty good at multi-tasking and can zip channels when three shows are on at the same time at three different stations.
5. So perfect
My last bad habit must be that I think I'm so perfect that I cannot think of a fifth one! ;)
Okay, I challenge Marianne, Nonna, Marina (will all five have to do with a certain perfume addiction?), Nina and Ester!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Social Democratic Sweden (and Eric Sundström)
A fellow Social Democrat who I have linked to in my blogs list, Eric Sundström, is excellent at highlighting why most Swedes continue to vote for the Social Democrats (sure, the opposition is leading - or tied - in the polls at the moment but there are still seven months to the election). See his latest post about Sweden's new goal to become the world's first oil-free economy (by 2020).
See also an example of Eric's excellent writing, about the Vaxholm (Laval) conflict) relating to the EU's Service Directive.
See also an example of Eric's excellent writing, about the Vaxholm (Laval) conflict) relating to the EU's Service Directive.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Having difficulties choosing which book to read next?
Don't worry, there's help! www.whichbook.net lets you put in a few values for what you want from a book and then generates a list for you. Don't forget to move the yellow arrows towards the degree of [value] that you prefer!
Selecting funny, unpredictable, larger than life and unusual generated, among other books:
John Dory
By John Murray
An offbeat tale with some hilarious accounts of the narrator's schooldays; his ongoing war with his teacher, and his scrapes with his friend, Squinty Bar Radish. Underlying the reminiscences is a spiritual quest for meaning, and we are left to decide how far George Singer's enlightenment, through his encounter with the fish, has led him.
It also allows you to choose characters, plots and settings.
So my fellow book-a-holics out there - make your choice!
Selecting funny, unpredictable, larger than life and unusual generated, among other books:
John Dory
By John Murray
An offbeat tale with some hilarious accounts of the narrator's schooldays; his ongoing war with his teacher, and his scrapes with his friend, Squinty Bar Radish. Underlying the reminiscences is a spiritual quest for meaning, and we are left to decide how far George Singer's enlightenment, through his encounter with the fish, has led him.
It also allows you to choose characters, plots and settings.
So my fellow book-a-holics out there - make your choice!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Interesting stats
67 - Average number of children between the ages of 7 and 15 who visit British casualty wards each weekend with broken bones
55 % - Percentage of average dropped on weekends after the two most recent Harry Potter were released
55 % - Percentage of average dropped on weekends after the two most recent Harry Potter were released
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Know your Stockholm
Random facts about the most beautiful capital in the world:
* Built on 14 islands connected by 52 bridges
* The archipelago has 24,000 islands, rocks and skerries
* 77 nationalities presented
* 70,000 people within the city every year (out of 1 million inhabitants; 2 million with suburbs)
* 20,000 people move to Stockholm every year
* 63 churches
* Has the world's first and only national city park
* The city of Stockholm employs 55,000
* 2,500 restaurants
* Stockholmers and Swedes are the second greatest consumers of coffee
* The underground is the world's longest art exhibition
* The City Hall organ is the largest one in Northern Europe with 10,000 pipes
* 106 hotels and youth hostels
* Only major city where hot-air balloon traffic is allowed over the centre
* The tallest building is Kaknästornet, 155 m
* Has more theatres than any other European city
* No downtown water is polluted, allowing for fishing and swimming
* The city seal, St Erik, from 1376, is the world's oldest
* 70,000 pupils attend school; 25,000 pre-school
* Stockholmers and Swedes buy more tulips than anywhere in the world
* The Globe is the world's largest spherical arena
* Regent Birger Jarl founded Stockholm in 1252
* The oldest buildings are Storkyrkan and Riddarholmskyrkan, both dating back to the 13th century
* 8 daily newspapers are published here
* Has 42 public libraries
* Stockholmers and Swedes are the leading consumers of bananas in the world
What about that?!
* Built on 14 islands connected by 52 bridges
* The archipelago has 24,000 islands, rocks and skerries
* 77 nationalities presented
* 70,000 people within the city every year (out of 1 million inhabitants; 2 million with suburbs)
* 20,000 people move to Stockholm every year
* 63 churches
* Has the world's first and only national city park
* The city of Stockholm employs 55,000
* 2,500 restaurants
* Stockholmers and Swedes are the second greatest consumers of coffee
* The underground is the world's longest art exhibition
* The City Hall organ is the largest one in Northern Europe with 10,000 pipes
* 106 hotels and youth hostels
* Only major city where hot-air balloon traffic is allowed over the centre
* The tallest building is Kaknästornet, 155 m
* Has more theatres than any other European city
* No downtown water is polluted, allowing for fishing and swimming
* The city seal, St Erik, from 1376, is the world's oldest
* 70,000 pupils attend school; 25,000 pre-school
* Stockholmers and Swedes buy more tulips than anywhere in the world
* The Globe is the world's largest spherical arena
* Regent Birger Jarl founded Stockholm in 1252
* The oldest buildings are Storkyrkan and Riddarholmskyrkan, both dating back to the 13th century
* 8 daily newspapers are published here
* Has 42 public libraries
* Stockholmers and Swedes are the leading consumers of bananas in the world
What about that?!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
It's a Dangerous World - for Half of the Population
Despite reports that the world is as peaceful as it's ever been, this is certainly not true for most women around the globe.
When looking at the female half of the global population, a depressing and bleak picture presents itself. According to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces, the world is still very violent, and not just during times of war. Men still fight (and die in) wars but according to the Centre's new report "Women in an Insecure World", women and girls are subject to a 'hidden gendercide'. The report refers to everything from infanticide to rape, dowry related deaths, sex trafficking, rape and domestic violence.
The Centre estimates that up to 200 million women are demographically "missing", as a result of abortion and infanticide of girls; lack of food and medical attention; honour-killings and dowry deaths; and domestic violence in general. This is equivalent to 1.5-3 m women and girls perishing a year. In fact, females between the ages of 15 and 44 are more likely to be killed by men than through cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or general warfare.
So, no, the world is not a peaceful place, not even for women in the Western world, though it's obviously far more dangerous to have had to misfortune (from this perspective) of being born in Africa or Asia.
When looking at the female half of the global population, a depressing and bleak picture presents itself. According to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces, the world is still very violent, and not just during times of war. Men still fight (and die in) wars but according to the Centre's new report "Women in an Insecure World", women and girls are subject to a 'hidden gendercide'. The report refers to everything from infanticide to rape, dowry related deaths, sex trafficking, rape and domestic violence.
The Centre estimates that up to 200 million women are demographically "missing", as a result of abortion and infanticide of girls; lack of food and medical attention; honour-killings and dowry deaths; and domestic violence in general. This is equivalent to 1.5-3 m women and girls perishing a year. In fact, females between the ages of 15 and 44 are more likely to be killed by men than through cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or general warfare.
So, no, the world is not a peaceful place, not even for women in the Western world, though it's obviously far more dangerous to have had to misfortune (from this perspective) of being born in Africa or Asia.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
One for the Environment
Today at 6.30 am Stockholm introduced congestion charges to limit the traffic to and from the centre of the city. I think it's a great idea! It's just a try-out period for six months, after which a referendum will take place, but I hope the charges are here to stay, considering they are needed and the investment made in the system, etc. Unfortunately it seems that most people do not share my enthusiasm for environmental tolls, so unless the trial is very successful, the vote will be negative... I will keep you posted.
The first day was a hit though! Apparently the traffic in and out of the central areas during the morning rush hour (6-10.15 am) was reduced by 16 %. However, there was a large, albeit not equal, increase of traffic (11 %) on Essingeleden, which is the main highway outside the congestion zone. Essingeleden is already heavily trafficated so this could potentially be a problem, but I'm hoping that it will cope, and also that more people will use public transport.
The computer system seems to have coped with the first day too. Those sceptical about the initiative are arguing that "it's so complicated!". What is so complicated?! You either use what they call a transponder, a sort of Easy pass, which bills you automatically, or it registers your license plate and sends you a bill which must be paid in 5 days. Bidding at eBay is more complicated! Most people would say "yes" to the question "do you want to save the environment?", but when it comes down to actually changing one's behaviour, people have so many excuses.
Sure, one could argue that this is just a small step and doesn't save the environment at all, or that it's the wrong method, or that we already pay taxes to use our roads, etc., but the fact is that we need to do something to alleviate both the problem of congestion, and its effects on the environment. I get especially annoyed with the Swedish Conservative Party, Moderaterna, which actually started the process with tolls back in the late 70s and supported them as part of the Dennis deal (transport plan; only part of the deal materialised), but today demonstrated against congestion charges together with the Swedish Automobile Association.
If you want to read more about the congestion charges, with a bit of humour thrown in, visit the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation's special site: Smit från trängselskatten (available in Swedish only unfortunately) where you can get tips on how to avoid the charges or send in your best slogan for the charges (and chance at winning a scooter!)
The first day was a hit though! Apparently the traffic in and out of the central areas during the morning rush hour (6-10.15 am) was reduced by 16 %. However, there was a large, albeit not equal, increase of traffic (11 %) on Essingeleden, which is the main highway outside the congestion zone. Essingeleden is already heavily trafficated so this could potentially be a problem, but I'm hoping that it will cope, and also that more people will use public transport.
The computer system seems to have coped with the first day too. Those sceptical about the initiative are arguing that "it's so complicated!". What is so complicated?! You either use what they call a transponder, a sort of Easy pass, which bills you automatically, or it registers your license plate and sends you a bill which must be paid in 5 days. Bidding at eBay is more complicated! Most people would say "yes" to the question "do you want to save the environment?", but when it comes down to actually changing one's behaviour, people have so many excuses.
Sure, one could argue that this is just a small step and doesn't save the environment at all, or that it's the wrong method, or that we already pay taxes to use our roads, etc., but the fact is that we need to do something to alleviate both the problem of congestion, and its effects on the environment. I get especially annoyed with the Swedish Conservative Party, Moderaterna, which actually started the process with tolls back in the late 70s and supported them as part of the Dennis deal (transport plan; only part of the deal materialised), but today demonstrated against congestion charges together with the Swedish Automobile Association.
If you want to read more about the congestion charges, with a bit of humour thrown in, visit the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation's special site: Smit från trängselskatten (available in Swedish only unfortunately) where you can get tips on how to avoid the charges or send in your best slogan for the charges (and chance at winning a scooter!)
Monday, January 02, 2006
Backward Progress
From the New York Times on December 30th:
FORBIDDEN VACCINE Ever year, about 500,000 women throughout the world develop cervical cancer. In the United States alone, the disease kills about 3,700 women annually. This year, scientists developed a vaccine against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease that is the primary cause of cervical cancer. The vaccine produced 100 percent immunity in the 6,000 women who received it as part of a multinational trial. As soon as the vaccine is licensed, some health officials say, it should be administered to all girls at age 12. But the Family Research Council and other social conservative groups vowed to fight that plan, even though it could virtually eliminate cervical cancer. Vaccinating girls against a sexually transmitted disease, they say, would reduce their incentive to abstain from premarital sex.
Arrgh! This is just one of many areas where the US seems to be going backwards.
FORBIDDEN VACCINE Ever year, about 500,000 women throughout the world develop cervical cancer. In the United States alone, the disease kills about 3,700 women annually. This year, scientists developed a vaccine against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease that is the primary cause of cervical cancer. The vaccine produced 100 percent immunity in the 6,000 women who received it as part of a multinational trial. As soon as the vaccine is licensed, some health officials say, it should be administered to all girls at age 12. But the Family Research Council and other social conservative groups vowed to fight that plan, even though it could virtually eliminate cervical cancer. Vaccinating girls against a sexually transmitted disease, they say, would reduce their incentive to abstain from premarital sex.
Arrgh! This is just one of many areas where the US seems to be going backwards.
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