* The town's slogan
The world looks toward Södertälje - that has been the gist of many articles in foreign media in recent weeks. Södertälje is my hometown and the place I spent 19 years of my life, so naturally I take an interest in what is written about this medium-sized town (semi-suburb) southwest of Stockholm.
The last few months Södertälje has been invaded by international journalists because the town receives more Iraqi immigrants than the whole of North America put together. Södertälje welcomed 1,268 refugees last year of which 95% were from Iraq, a figure that is expecting to rise to 2,400 this year. Here it is appropriate to mention that Sweden took in over 9,000 Iraqi asylym-seekers, or almost 50% of all Iraqis coming to Europe. The USA in comparison took 202.
The reporters are coming to Södertalje to see how the process of integration is going and how they can learn from the successes and problems of the whole experience. So far, correspondents from the BBC, the New York Times and Le Monde have reported from the city and this week, the Washington Post is to publish a major report. There is much surprise amongst foreign correspondents as to how a city the size of Södertalje can cope with the influx. There are of course many problems such as the shortage of pre-school and childcare facilities and other infrastructure.
Anders Lago, the mayor of Södertälje (whom I interviewed for once) is actually going to Washington DC on 9 April to speak in front of the US Congress on the matter. The hearing is for the Commission on Security and Co-Operation in Europe. Lago has been asked to account for the strategies Södertälje uses to meet the challenges associated with Iraqi refugees.
Before this latest celebrity factor, Södertälje was mostly famous for the two multinational companies Scania and Astra Zeneca and the tennis player Björn Borg (who happened to have gone to my old school, not at the same time though). For a longer history of Södertälje, read here, and for more info on the international character of the town, here.
Some links
SÖDERTÄLJE SPECIFIC
BBC news
NYTimes January 2008
SWEDEN GENERAL
International Herald Tribune March 2008
Washington Post March 2008
International Herald Tribune March 2008
Le Monde March 2008
NYTimes September 2007
NYTimes June 2007
NYTimes January 2007
(To read some of the articles you may need to sign up - for free.)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Show & Tell: Big and Small
I seem to be making a habit of using the Show & Tell theme on Fridays (Saturday for me this time) to show my South Africa pictures, but I'm sure nobody will complain!
My favourite of all the animals we saw on safari (or game drives, as they say in South Africa) is the elephant. Such a magnifient creature. You can't probably tell from these pictures but they were as big as the jeep we travelled in. In the last picture the elephant got really close to the car, maybe 7 metres away, before it "obeyed" our guide's warning shouts and moved away (while we were sitting quiet without moving, a bit scared and very excited at the same time).
In the first two photos I hope you can spot the little newborn elephant to the right in the picture. It's the tiny one that's crossing the railtracks with his mum and other family members. That one was around 3 hours old according to our guide. They can walk already at that "age", albeit a bit wobbly. When it stopped right on the tracks all the other elephants stopped too and didn't move again until they had got the little one to move forwards again. When elephants have newborns they are really protective (you would be too if you had carried it in your womb for 22 months) and would rather risk being hit by a train than leaving the baby behind. Since they - the females that is, the male are the ones we encountered solo in the bush - are so protective, we did not want to get any closer at the railtracks.
You have probably spotted another baby at the front of the the herd - that one was a couple of weeks or months old, can't remember exactly. But still a baby.
The newborn is to the far right surrounded by his or her family.
Taken after they managed the get the little one moving again. Before they even started crossing the railroad they listened and felt the tracks - they are clever animals with a very good memory so they know that it is dangerous.
As long as we sit still and stay in the jeep, he thinks that we are just another animal, though a big one of course. This guy only has one tusk and doesn't want to pick a fight with an enemy that is as big as himself unless he has a good reason. So after a while he moved away from the road and let us pass.
My favourite of all the animals we saw on safari (or game drives, as they say in South Africa) is the elephant. Such a magnifient creature. You can't probably tell from these pictures but they were as big as the jeep we travelled in. In the last picture the elephant got really close to the car, maybe 7 metres away, before it "obeyed" our guide's warning shouts and moved away (while we were sitting quiet without moving, a bit scared and very excited at the same time).
In the first two photos I hope you can spot the little newborn elephant to the right in the picture. It's the tiny one that's crossing the railtracks with his mum and other family members. That one was around 3 hours old according to our guide. They can walk already at that "age", albeit a bit wobbly. When it stopped right on the tracks all the other elephants stopped too and didn't move again until they had got the little one to move forwards again. When elephants have newborns they are really protective (you would be too if you had carried it in your womb for 22 months) and would rather risk being hit by a train than leaving the baby behind. Since they - the females that is, the male are the ones we encountered solo in the bush - are so protective, we did not want to get any closer at the railtracks.
You have probably spotted another baby at the front of the the herd - that one was a couple of weeks or months old, can't remember exactly. But still a baby.
The newborn is to the far right surrounded by his or her family. 
Taken after they managed the get the little one moving again. Before they even started crossing the railroad they listened and felt the tracks - they are clever animals with a very good memory so they know that it is dangerous.
As long as we sit still and stay in the jeep, he thinks that we are just another animal, though a big one of course. This guy only has one tusk and doesn't want to pick a fight with an enemy that is as big as himself unless he has a good reason. So after a while he moved away from the road and let us pass. Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Waffled
Today it is Annunciation or Jungfru Marie Bebådelsedag as it's called in Sweden. This "holiday" always takes place on 25 March, nine months before Christmas, to celebrate the "conception" of Jesus Christ. On this day Gabriel foretold the birth of Jesus.
Back when Annunciation used to be a holiday it was called "vårfrudagen" after "vår fru" (our madame/wife/Mrs) instead of "jungfru" (virgin) Mary. Over time Vårfrudagen has become "våffeldagen" (the waffle day), which has given rise to the customs to eat waffles on this day.
The plan today was to make savoury-style waffles for dinner followed by some sweet ones for dessert. But when the ingredients had already been purchased and I was almost home I remembered that we threw out my (inherited, bright orange, 1970s) waffle iron few months ago...
Back when Annunciation used to be a holiday it was called "vårfrudagen" after "vår fru" (our madame/wife/Mrs) instead of "jungfru" (virgin) Mary. Over time Vårfrudagen has become "våffeldagen" (the waffle day), which has given rise to the customs to eat waffles on this day.
The plan today was to make savoury-style waffles for dinner followed by some sweet ones for dessert. But when the ingredients had already been purchased and I was almost home I remembered that we threw out my (inherited, bright orange, 1970s) waffle iron few months ago...
(Photo: Tasteline)Oh well. Luckily we had lots of sauce left from last night's Thai take-away so I just threw in some new chicken (quorn actually) and some vegetables and put the rice cooker on, and voila, dinner was ready.
I still want those waffles with spinach, avocaco and bacon some day soon though.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Instead of Show & Tell
Easter is a time to catch up on some reading! Happy Easter!
English summary: you probably read more than almost everybody in the world. Surprisingly you have a long way to go before you become a real "book geek". Does it make you disappointed? Dr Geek prescribes one week at a book camp, purchase of at least one pair of reading glasses and a literary guided tour a month.
English summary: you probably read more than almost everybody in the world. Surprisingly you have a long way to go before you become a real "book geek". Does it make you disappointed? Dr Geek prescribes one week at a book camp, purchase of at least one pair of reading glasses and a literary guided tour a month.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Global Talk with Miliband
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband was in Sweden yesterday, a visit that I helped to set up. The Minister of course met with his Swedish opposite number, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, and the Leader of the Opposition, Social Democrat Mona Sahlin, but he also took part in two interactive sessions, one at a local upper secondary school specialising in globalisation and sustainable development and one at Fryshuset, a social project centre.
At the upper secondary school he discussed globalisation and climate change with pupils in year 2 (17-year-olds). The whole event was webcasted and you can hear both Miliband's short introductory speech and the Q&A session between him and the students. (If you look carefully you might spot me at the back of the room towards the door!)
In his speech Miliband said that globalisation has benefited - especially countries such as Sweden and the UK - substantially. Trade has made us richer, cultural exchange has given us a much more dynamic society, and co-operation with other states makes our countries stronger and more influential.
But it has also brought a new type of uncertainty within both the economy and politics that forces states to act in a new way. Issues that belonged to domestic politics have now become "foreign policy". Environmental issues reflects this phenomenon very well. Earlier the problems were local, e.g. the smog in London caused by industrialisation. Today there are global problems that must be solved with global solutions. The environment is a very important issue also on the agenda of foreign ministers.
Miliband said - and this is one of the most interesting points - that climate change is not just or mainly an environmental problem. Environmental problems is a symptom while the problems are those of conflicts (over resources) and forced migration. These are issues that have consequences for other countries since large groups are forced to migrate. In that way climate change is strongly linked to both economic issues and foreign policy.
Another interesting point Miliband made is that it is important to see that the solutions (i.e. reducing carbon emissions) are not strictly technical. It is about ethics and values. The technology exists but the problem is who should pay, who should bear the burden.
Also, if you take it down to the individual level, Miliband said that we all have an individual responsibility to reduce our personal carbon footprint. But governments have to make it easy for people to raise their awareness and change their behaviour, for example by regulating against fossil-high cars and low-efficient lightbulbs.
I will post the link to the Fryshuset event once it is up.
At the upper secondary school he discussed globalisation and climate change with pupils in year 2 (17-year-olds). The whole event was webcasted and you can hear both Miliband's short introductory speech and the Q&A session between him and the students. (If you look carefully you might spot me at the back of the room towards the door!)
In his speech Miliband said that globalisation has benefited - especially countries such as Sweden and the UK - substantially. Trade has made us richer, cultural exchange has given us a much more dynamic society, and co-operation with other states makes our countries stronger and more influential.
But it has also brought a new type of uncertainty within both the economy and politics that forces states to act in a new way. Issues that belonged to domestic politics have now become "foreign policy". Environmental issues reflects this phenomenon very well. Earlier the problems were local, e.g. the smog in London caused by industrialisation. Today there are global problems that must be solved with global solutions. The environment is a very important issue also on the agenda of foreign ministers.
Miliband said - and this is one of the most interesting points - that climate change is not just or mainly an environmental problem. Environmental problems is a symptom while the problems are those of conflicts (over resources) and forced migration. These are issues that have consequences for other countries since large groups are forced to migrate. In that way climate change is strongly linked to both economic issues and foreign policy.
Another interesting point Miliband made is that it is important to see that the solutions (i.e. reducing carbon emissions) are not strictly technical. It is about ethics and values. The technology exists but the problem is who should pay, who should bear the burden.
Also, if you take it down to the individual level, Miliband said that we all have an individual responsibility to reduce our personal carbon footprint. But governments have to make it easy for people to raise their awareness and change their behaviour, for example by regulating against fossil-high cars and low-efficient lightbulbs.
I will post the link to the Fryshuset event once it is up.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Show & Tell: Change
This week's theme is change. Two different things sprung to mind:
- Climate Change - the change happening and the change we need to make
- Gender equality and the change achieved and the lack of change
I have chosen the second topic this time around. It would have probably been the perfect post for last Saturday, which was International Women's Day, but six days late isn't too bad!
8 VOICES ON GENDER EQUALITY IN SWEDEN
First, some thoughts from Swedish personalities on the best and worst with being a woman in Sweden today*.
Jan Guillou, author:
- The best is that we live in the world's most gender equal country. The worst is that the gender equality has not come very far. (It's all relative.)
Katrine Kielos, temp. Editor-in-Chief, Dagens Arena, columnist
- That we live the world's most gender equal country according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2007. At the same time the worst thing is that Sweden is not gender equal, just least unequal according to the same report.
Pär Ström, integrity and gender equality debater, author of the book "Mansförtryck and kvinnovälde" (Oppression of men and female empire):
- The best with being a woman is that there is great understanding and great interest in society for women's problems and difficulties. The worst is that Sweden to an unusual high degree has typical female and male professions. This has to do with people's free choice, but a consequence is that it is more difficult for the average women to have a career.
Anitra Steen, CEO Systembolaget [state monopoly alcohol stores]:
- The absolute best thing is that there is an infrastructure that makes it possible to have children and at the same time develop your career and yourself. That there are childcare, parental leave allowance and other tools helping one to manage family life in parallel with a career. I don't want to point out the worst things; I think that the most dangerous a woman can do is to see herself as a victim, then I rather see the advantages.
Thomas Bodström, Chair of Parliament Justice Committee:
- The best is that we probably live in the most gender equal country. The worst is that women are being abused and sexually assaulted in Sweden today.
Ebba Witt-Brattström, Professor in Literature, feminist
- That we have a global task to before the world's women show that it is possible to achieve our relatively high degree of gender equality, and at the same time combat the increasing contempt for women within and outside the country. The worst is that we right now have a meaningless debate about feminism directed by the media and with little relevance to women's reality.
Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration
- We live in one of the world's most gender equal countries. But there are still informal barriers, for example that womens labour market is so limited to the public sector.
Dilsa Demirbag-Sten, journalist and author
- The best is that me and my male fellow beings are equal before the law. That I live in a country where the state is obliged to protect me from oppression on the basis of religion, opinion, gender or sexual orientation. The worst is cultural relativism, that women are still oppressed in the name of culture and religion.
A FEMINIST GOVERNMENT VOICE
Second, some thoughts from the Swedish Finance Minister Anders Borg**. I didn't vote for them and I don't agree with most of the stuff they are doing, but Borg is one of the most sensible members of the Cabinet and he's not afraid of calling himself a feminist.
Why do you call yourself a feminist?
- Because I think it is one of our time's greatest restriction on freedom that men and women are limited by gender roles, that say what they should do and shouldn't do. Freedom is about shaping your own life, and the fact that gender roles endure is one of the greatest barriers.
It has been a bit taboo to call oneself a feminist in your party [Moderates/Conservatives], why is that?
- Historically it's been like that, but I think the attitude has changed a lot. Young people want to have the right to shape their own lives and young fathers want to be part of family life. If you want to live a good life you must take responsibility for your children and then you cannot let gender roles hinder that.
The lack of gender equality is one of Sweden's and Europe's biggest problem. When did you have your feminist awakening?
- I have worked with gender equality issues for a long time, but it becomes more concrete when you have children. More practice and less theory.
What can you as Finance Minister do to reduce the gaps between women and men?
- At the moment there is a positive development, women's salaries are increasing and women work more so that their incomes are growing. The one with the power over the money has great influence over the family; if women earn 40% less than men it has consequences. I work for getting women into the labour market, and making it easier for them when they are there.
What development has been most important during the 2000s from a feminist perspective?
- I think that the gender equality work has stood still. The positive exception is that I think I'm seeing that young men are more active as parents. When I took parental leave for the first time people laughed and said "now he's going on vacation". But the next time I saw a change in attitudes.
What is the most important feminist issue for you right now?
- The gender equality bonus. When a couple share the parental leave, and the lowest earner go back to work and the highest earner stay at home, they get 3,000 SEK in tax reductions each month.
What is required from the feminists of the future?
- You have to make yourself aware and discuss these issues with others. You have a personal responsibility.
* Source: Svenska Dagbladet 8 March 2008
* Interview in Dagens nyheter 2 March 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Compact Living
My fellow blogger Skolfröken is planning to fix up her bathroom ahead of the arrival of a little baby in the family. One piece of equipment that she and her husband will really need is a washing machine. But their bathroom isn't big enough - what do to? Skolfröken is looking into alternatives, notably to put the machine in the adjacent walk-in-closet.
But Skolis, I have found the solution:
The two-in-one washing machine and sink!
It also comes in baby blue!
But Skolis, I have found the solution:
The two-in-one washing machine and sink!
It also comes in baby blue!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Sunday Fun
My Sunday: big brunch buffet at Enskede värdshus with friends, some shopping in Sickla and weekly cleaning of the flat.
For you, a funny list if you haven't had a laugh today (my favourites in italics):
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of cheques.
12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
14. Men are from earth, Women are from earth... Deal with it.
15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
16. A balanced diet is a biscuit in each hand.
17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognise a mistake when you make it again.
22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy fridge.
24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
25. It's not the jeans that make your bum look fat.
26. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings".
27. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness".
28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
29. You should not confuse your career with your life.
30. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
31. Never lick a steak knife.
32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we put the clocks back.
34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
35. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
36. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
37. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
38. Your friends love you anyway.
39. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
For you, a funny list if you haven't had a laugh today (my favourites in italics):
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8. It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.
9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of cheques.
12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
14. Men are from earth, Women are from earth... Deal with it.
15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
16. A balanced diet is a biscuit in each hand.
17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognise a mistake when you make it again.
22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy fridge.
24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
25. It's not the jeans that make your bum look fat.
26. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings".
27. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness".
28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
29. You should not confuse your career with your life.
30. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
31. Never lick a steak knife.
32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we put the clocks back.
34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
35. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
36. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
37. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.
38. Your friends love you anyway.
39. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Show & Tell: Favourite Clothes
This week's theme for Show & Tell is favourite item of clothing. That's a really easy choice for me. My favourite garment is the dress jacket. I counted to 16 jackets in my wardrobe:
- 2 black thin striped
- 1 light gray thin striped
- 1 dark blue thin striped
- 1 grey thin striped
- 1 thin striped
- 1 bright pink
- 1 moss green in some sort of felt material
- 1 green, sort of mix between regular green and turquoise
- 1 brown in velvet
- 1 pink in velvet
- 1 brown in corduroy
- 1 white
- 1 mint
- 1 checkered in white and pink
- 1 speckled in black and white (appears grey)
Some are part of a two-piece but most of them are just excellent attire on their own, especially with jeans.
I don't have a red one though....
* Picture from Enter Annie's World
...maybe I should get one?! But my boyfriend says I can't buy anymore for a while...
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Centre of Chocolate
I took Dr Phil's personality test through Facebook and found that the results were pretty accurate actually:
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who will always cheer them up and help them out.
Maybe not the centre of attention part. I mean, I'm not shy and I like to talk, but it's not like I'm looking for attention for the sake of it. I'm a good listener and I think those who know me think I'm a pretty good friend!
P.S. I can report that Peter did bring some chocolate back from Brussels for me! And even more luxurious one than I had asked for!
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who will always cheer them up and help them out.
Maybe not the centre of attention part. I mean, I'm not shy and I like to talk, but it's not like I'm looking for attention for the sake of it. I'm a good listener and I think those who know me think I'm a pretty good friend!
P.S. I can report that Peter did bring some chocolate back from Brussels for me! And even more luxurious one than I had asked for!
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