Lately several international newspapers have covered the fact that Sweden welcomes large numbers of Iraqi refugees. A recent article in the New York Times asks: how can the US, ultimately responsible for the outflow of refugees from Iraq (or at least deeply involved, depending how you see it), let other countries bear the burden?
Extracts:
Many are restarting in Sweden. Between January and August this year, Sweden took in 12,259 Iraqis fleeing their decomposing country. It expects 20,000 for all of 2007. By contrast, in the same January-August period, the United States admitted 685 refugees, according to State Department figures. The numbers bear closer scrutiny. In January, Sweden admitted 1,500 Iraqis, compared to 15 that entered the United States. In April, the respective numbers were 1,421 and 1; in May, 1,367 and 1; and in August 1,469 and 529.
When Tobias Billstrom, the migration minister, says, “Yes, of course the United States should do more”, you can feel his indignation about to erupt like milk boiling over. He notes that given the huge population difference, Sweden’s intake of Iraqis “is the equivalent of the U.S. taking in about 500,000 refugees".
Full article here.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I live in the Greatest City in the World!
Not just by me, but also according to Reader's Digest, which has ranked Stockholm the world's No 1 in eco-friendliness and environmental thinking and calls it "the world's greenest, most livable city". At the other end of the 72 place-long list is Beijing. The magazine is basing its ranking on a range of criteria such as public transport, air and water quality, local environmental laws, energy prices, waste management and green areas. The governor of Stockholm, Per Unckel, thinks the city's green thinking in its housing development is a key factor and markets the area of Hammarby Sjöstad. And he's probably right, because many governments - the British being one of them - have visited Sjöstaden to learn about sustainable housing. (Almost as many have visited Stockholm to study the congestion charge scheme.)
Stockholm can do at least one thing better though. It did not - and I can't understand why - participate in the European Car Free Day last week. If Rome can manage to ban cars in the city centre for a day, Stockholm definitely could!
Stockholm can do at least one thing better though. It did not - and I can't understand why - participate in the European Car Free Day last week. If Rome can manage to ban cars in the city centre for a day, Stockholm definitely could!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Unequal Numbers
Sweden is supposed to be - and probably is - one of the most gender equal countries in the world. Yet,
Sigh.
- Only 8% of companies controlled by the Gender Equality Ombudsman live up to the 13 year-old legal requirement to do a survey of salary levels once a year
- Only 9 of the 296 companies on the stock exchange have a female CEO
Sigh.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Swenglish
I read a quote from Swedish linguist, comedian, film director and TV presenter Fredrik Lindström about Swedes and the English language:
When people say that they speak fluent English, as well as they speak Swedish, then I want to take them out in the kitchen, pull out a kitchen drawer and say: Talk about these things now!
I think he's so right on! Swedish politicians and officials working at EU institutions and international organisations often turn down the possibility to receive simultaneous interpretation with the argument that their English "is perfectly fine, I don't need it", when they are really not at the level needed to discuss matters properly, or run their own cooking show in English for that matter. They don't realise that they are limited in their comprehension, vocabulary, creativity in using the language, etc.
I have lived in English-speaking countries for five years and work in an English-speaking working place, but I'm still aware of my limitations and feel that I learn new words, expressions and subtlities of the language every day.
When people say that they speak fluent English, as well as they speak Swedish, then I want to take them out in the kitchen, pull out a kitchen drawer and say: Talk about these things now!
I think he's so right on! Swedish politicians and officials working at EU institutions and international organisations often turn down the possibility to receive simultaneous interpretation with the argument that their English "is perfectly fine, I don't need it", when they are really not at the level needed to discuss matters properly, or run their own cooking show in English for that matter. They don't realise that they are limited in their comprehension, vocabulary, creativity in using the language, etc.
I have lived in English-speaking countries for five years and work in an English-speaking working place, but I'm still aware of my limitations and feel that I learn new words, expressions and subtlities of the language every day.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Just a Thought
It seems to me that people (read: the government) think that the worse thing you can ever do is to misuse welfare benefits (e.g. staying home from work even though you're not that sick or getting payments for caring for a sick child in the home even though the parent is the one sick as it pays better) while to cheat the system by not declaring (paying) taxes on labour and services (e.g. building work or cleaning services in your home) is permissable and in fact quite understandable and normal*.
But isn't the latter as bad since both scenarios in effect mean that you cheat the taxpayer? Either by trying to milk the system or avoiding to pay taxes you are supposed to pay.
* Especially among the centre-right government ministers.
But isn't the latter as bad since both scenarios in effect mean that you cheat the taxpayer? Either by trying to milk the system or avoiding to pay taxes you are supposed to pay.
* Especially among the centre-right government ministers.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I'm a Dinosaur
I really thought I was going to be Monica but for some reason I am like Ross...
I have always thought Ross was a much better character than how they just described him though.
Which Friends Character Are You? | |
 | You are Ross. You're intelligent and adored by your parents. However, your lack of social skills causes you to talk too much and try too hard. While your friends pick on you for your nerdiness, they better watch our for your rage. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
I have always thought Ross was a much better character than how they just described him though.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Democracy à la China
I read in (Swedish broadsheet) Svenska Dagbladet the other day that Chinese school kids are choosing class reps in free elections. Perhaps a good sign for the future, or not...
The article tells the story of some third graders who are choosing a class constabulary, a story that is the subject of a coming documentary "Please Vote for Me" looking at how free elections take place in an autocracy (presumably to be shown in the non-Chinese world). The election campaign is a tough one and seems to centre around pointing out the opponent's bad sides. "You don't have any self-confidence", says one eight-year-old and points out to the class that his opponent cried again recently. "You won't be able to control the class if you're that sensitive."
The Chinese director Chen says he wanted to do the documentary because he expected to see unrepressed, naive longing for freedom, but the third graders, pushed hard by their parents to win the attractive position, turn out to be shrewd political players. One father supports his candidate son by buying the class gifts and excursions and says to his son: "[Opponent] Cheng Cheng will probably say that you hit your classmates. Then you must say 'I have supervision over the class and if I'm not strict they will not obey me'".
The director argues that the Chinese one-child policy means that the children are always surrounded by adults and therefore very early on absorb the rules of the social game. And thus also those of the dictatorship. In this way children provide an interesting reflection of the adult world's values. According to Chen the school elections demonstrate how long the road to democracy in China is. "The dictatorship's values sit deep down in the Chinese society and free elctions are far from the same as when a country is governed by democratic ideas."
Who won the election? The little dictator Luo Lei with the bribing father. The bribes, the tough hand and the speech about the good leader who punishes his subjects seem to have been a hit with the classmates.
The article tells the story of some third graders who are choosing a class constabulary, a story that is the subject of a coming documentary "Please Vote for Me" looking at how free elections take place in an autocracy (presumably to be shown in the non-Chinese world). The election campaign is a tough one and seems to centre around pointing out the opponent's bad sides. "You don't have any self-confidence", says one eight-year-old and points out to the class that his opponent cried again recently. "You won't be able to control the class if you're that sensitive."
The Chinese director Chen says he wanted to do the documentary because he expected to see unrepressed, naive longing for freedom, but the third graders, pushed hard by their parents to win the attractive position, turn out to be shrewd political players. One father supports his candidate son by buying the class gifts and excursions and says to his son: "[Opponent] Cheng Cheng will probably say that you hit your classmates. Then you must say 'I have supervision over the class and if I'm not strict they will not obey me'".
The director argues that the Chinese one-child policy means that the children are always surrounded by adults and therefore very early on absorb the rules of the social game. And thus also those of the dictatorship. In this way children provide an interesting reflection of the adult world's values. According to Chen the school elections demonstrate how long the road to democracy in China is. "The dictatorship's values sit deep down in the Chinese society and free elctions are far from the same as when a country is governed by democratic ideas."
Who won the election? The little dictator Luo Lei with the bribing father. The bribes, the tough hand and the speech about the good leader who punishes his subjects seem to have been a hit with the classmates.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Impending Career Change?
Back from a week of sun and swimming in Malta, pictures coming soon. In the meantime, I may have made the wrong move by getting a political science degree...?
| Your Career Type: Investigative |
 You would make an excellent: Architect - Biologist - ChemistDentist - Electrical Technician - MathematicianMedical Technician - Meteorologist - PharmacistPhysician - Surveyor - Veterinarian The worst career options for your are enterprising careers, like lawyer or real estate agent. |
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sweden: Safe Destination for Tourists
Sweden advances in tourism ranking and places high in the international honesty index. Are the two linked?
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says that global tourism grew by some 80% between 1995 and 2006, and that worldwide receipts from international tourism reached USD 735 billion last year. Population gains, greater prosperity and budget airlines are just three of the factors that lie behind the increase in growth. According to UNWTO, Sweden's receipts from tourism rose to USD 9.1 billion in 2006, up 23% on the previous year. Sweden now ranks 20th in the rankings, up 4 places from the previous barometer. Apparently Sweden has passed even a sunny and hot place such as Portugal.
The magazine Det bästa has tested people's good will by "losing" mobile phones in 32 cities around the world. According to the test, the world's most honest people live in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where 29 of 30 mobile phones were returned. But Ljubljana was followed closely by Toronto, Seoul, and Stockholm.
So maybe another reason why tourists come here is because the feel safe and don't have to worry about losing their belongings!
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says that global tourism grew by some 80% between 1995 and 2006, and that worldwide receipts from international tourism reached USD 735 billion last year. Population gains, greater prosperity and budget airlines are just three of the factors that lie behind the increase in growth. According to UNWTO, Sweden's receipts from tourism rose to USD 9.1 billion in 2006, up 23% on the previous year. Sweden now ranks 20th in the rankings, up 4 places from the previous barometer. Apparently Sweden has passed even a sunny and hot place such as Portugal.
The magazine Det bästa has tested people's good will by "losing" mobile phones in 32 cities around the world. According to the test, the world's most honest people live in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where 29 of 30 mobile phones were returned. But Ljubljana was followed closely by Toronto, Seoul, and Stockholm.
So maybe another reason why tourists come here is because the feel safe and don't have to worry about losing their belongings!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The World's 50 Most Popular Attractions
And I have been to 24! Out of 50! Not bad at all! Inspired by Skolfröken (as often).
1. Times Square, New York
2. National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington D.C. Sort of...
3. Disney World, Florida
4. Trafalgar Square, London
5. Disneyland, California
6. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada - Canadian side
7. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
8. Disneyland, Tokyo
9. Notre Dame, Paris
10. Euro Disney, Paris
11. The Chinese Wall, China
12. Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
13. Universal Studios, Osaka
14. Sacré-Coeur, Paris
15. Le Louvre, Paris
16. Everland, South Korea
17. Forbidden City, Beijing
18. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
19. Universal Studios, Florida
20. Sea World, Florida
21. Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
22. Lotte World, Seoul
23. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama
24. Disneyland, Hongkong
25. Centre Pompidou, Paris
26. Tate Modern, London
27. British Museum, London
28. Universal Studios, California - well, the outdoors part
29. National Gallery, London - Six hours without getting bored!
30. Metropolitan Museum, New York
31. Grand Canyon, Arizona
32. Tivoli, Copenhagen
33. Ocean Park, Hongkong
34. Busch Gardens, Florida
35. Sea World California, San Diego
36. Statue of Liberty, New York
37. The Vatican, Rome
38. The Opera House, Sydney
39. Colosseum, Rome
40. American Museum of Natural History, New York
41. Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood - Well, outside
42. Empire State Building, New York
43. Natural History Museum, London
44. London Eye, London
45. Versailles, Paris
46. Yosemite nationalpark, California
47. The Pyramides in Giza, Cairo
48. Pompeji, Italy
49. The Hermitage, St Petersburg
50. Taj Mahal, India
1. Times Square, New York
2. National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington D.C. Sort of...
3. Disney World, Florida
4. Trafalgar Square, London
5. Disneyland, California
6. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada - Canadian side
7. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
8. Disneyland, Tokyo
9. Notre Dame, Paris
10. Euro Disney, Paris
11. The Chinese Wall, China
12. Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
13. Universal Studios, Osaka
14. Sacré-Coeur, Paris
15. Le Louvre, Paris
16. Everland, South Korea
17. Forbidden City, Beijing
18. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
19. Universal Studios, Florida
20. Sea World, Florida
21. Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
22. Lotte World, Seoul
23. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama
24. Disneyland, Hongkong
25. Centre Pompidou, Paris
26. Tate Modern, London
27. British Museum, London
28. Universal Studios, California - well, the outdoors part
29. National Gallery, London - Six hours without getting bored!
30. Metropolitan Museum, New York
31. Grand Canyon, Arizona
32. Tivoli, Copenhagen
33. Ocean Park, Hongkong
34. Busch Gardens, Florida
35. Sea World California, San Diego
36. Statue of Liberty, New York
37. The Vatican, Rome
38. The Opera House, Sydney
39. Colosseum, Rome
40. American Museum of Natural History, New York
41. Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood - Well, outside
42. Empire State Building, New York
43. Natural History Museum, London
44. London Eye, London
45. Versailles, Paris
46. Yosemite nationalpark, California
47. The Pyramides in Giza, Cairo
48. Pompeji, Italy
49. The Hermitage, St Petersburg
50. Taj Mahal, India
Friday, July 20, 2007
Friday Four
Theme: Favourite quotes
What is your favourite quote about...
1) ...love?
Love doesn't sit there like a stone. It has to be made like bread; remade all the time,...made new. - Le Guin
2) ...life?
Play for more than you can afford to lose and you will learn the game.
- Winston Churchill
3) ...death?
'til death do us apart.
4) ...happiness?
Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.
- Leo Tolstoy
What is your favourite quote about...
1) ...love?
Love doesn't sit there like a stone. It has to be made like bread; remade all the time,...made new. - Le Guin
2) ...life?
Play for more than you can afford to lose and you will learn the game.
- Winston Churchill
3) ...death?
'til death do us apart.
4) ...happiness?
Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.
- Leo Tolstoy
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The World Is a Sick, Sick Place
I read in Financial Times the other day that the World Food Programme, the UN's organ to fight starvation in the world, has difficulty to balance its budget. One reason is that the price of grains is increasing, as a result of increased demand for bio-fuels in the developed world. Crops that earlier have gone to starving people in countries such as Chad and Etiophia now go to changeover the western world's transport to environmentally friendly.
I.e. the West is now going to burn what others want to eat.
The changeover from oil dependance to other fuels is of course important, but are we going to do it at the expense of efforts to alleviate starvation? There must be some way to reconcile the work to reduce poverty and starvation and the work for a better environment!
I.e. the West is now going to burn what others want to eat.
The changeover from oil dependance to other fuels is of course important, but are we going to do it at the expense of efforts to alleviate starvation? There must be some way to reconcile the work to reduce poverty and starvation and the work for a better environment!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Listed
Entertained myself with these questions at work today.
1. What did you think when you saw yourself in the mirror for the first time this morning?
I look tired. Why do I never go to bed at a decent hour on Sundays.
2. How much cash do you have on you?
200-300 kr which is rare because most of the time I carry hardly any cash
3. What word rhymes with "test"?
Quest
4. Favourite planet?
Tellus
5. Who is no 4 on your missed call list on your mobile?
Some number I don't recognise and they didn't leave a message...
6. What is your favourite ring tune on your mobile?
I just use one of the complimentary. Not too bothered about changing ring tunes.
7. What are you wearing on your upper body right now?
One of my favourite summer tops, bought at Principles in the UK. It's aubergine with green and pink flowers
8. Do you put lables on yourself?
No, and not on other people either
9. What is the brand of the shoes you are wearing right now?
Oscaria or similar (the tag has been somewhat worn out)
10. A light or a dark room?
Design-wise I like light rooms, both light coming through the windows and light base colours but with elements of colour through pillows, curtains, paintings, etc. I don't like the completely white design style! I can also sleep pretty well when it is light if I make myself used to it.
11. What did you do at midnight?
Slept, but I went to sleep just half an hour or so before midnight
12. What does it say in your last received text message?
"Okay, I'll be in touch"
13. Where is the Seven Eleven nearest to you?
Artellerigatan at the corner of Valhallavägen
14. Which expression do you use most?
I use "like" and "I mean" way too much
15. To whom did you say "I love you" most recently?
Peter. But one of my favourite little girls, Ester (friend's daughter) said to her mum "I love Anna" the other day! So sweet!
16. Which furry thing did you touch most recently?
A cat at Peter's parents old summer house on Saturday
17. How many different kinds of drugs have you used in the last three days?
White and red wine and some Bacardi Apple
18. How many rolls of film are laying around waiting to be developed?
None
19. What age has been the best so far?
It's just getting better every year!
20. Your worst enemy?
No one that I know of
21. What is your desk top image right now?
At work, the required background (cannot choose), at home some Stockholm archipelago picture
22. What was the last thing you said to someone?
Talked about some remote place in the archipelago with a colleague
23. One million dollars or the ability to fly?
The money. Then I could donate to worthwhile causes, pay off my student debts, travel to all the places I haven't been to yet, and buy my dream house.
24. Do you like someone special a little bit extra right now?
Besides Peter, a British MP who sent me a very nice letter as a thank you for organising such a good study visit for them in Stockholm.
25. The last song you listened to?
Don't know the name of the song but something on one of Peter's 2,000 LPs!
1. What did you think when you saw yourself in the mirror for the first time this morning?
I look tired. Why do I never go to bed at a decent hour on Sundays.
2. How much cash do you have on you?
200-300 kr which is rare because most of the time I carry hardly any cash
3. What word rhymes with "test"?
Quest
4. Favourite planet?
Tellus
5. Who is no 4 on your missed call list on your mobile?
Some number I don't recognise and they didn't leave a message...
6. What is your favourite ring tune on your mobile?
I just use one of the complimentary. Not too bothered about changing ring tunes.
7. What are you wearing on your upper body right now?
One of my favourite summer tops, bought at Principles in the UK. It's aubergine with green and pink flowers
8. Do you put lables on yourself?
No, and not on other people either
9. What is the brand of the shoes you are wearing right now?
Oscaria or similar (the tag has been somewhat worn out)
10. A light or a dark room?
Design-wise I like light rooms, both light coming through the windows and light base colours but with elements of colour through pillows, curtains, paintings, etc. I don't like the completely white design style! I can also sleep pretty well when it is light if I make myself used to it.
11. What did you do at midnight?
Slept, but I went to sleep just half an hour or so before midnight
12. What does it say in your last received text message?
"Okay, I'll be in touch"
13. Where is the Seven Eleven nearest to you?
Artellerigatan at the corner of Valhallavägen
14. Which expression do you use most?
I use "like" and "I mean" way too much
15. To whom did you say "I love you" most recently?
Peter. But one of my favourite little girls, Ester (friend's daughter) said to her mum "I love Anna" the other day! So sweet!
16. Which furry thing did you touch most recently?
A cat at Peter's parents old summer house on Saturday
17. How many different kinds of drugs have you used in the last three days?
White and red wine and some Bacardi Apple
18. How many rolls of film are laying around waiting to be developed?
None
19. What age has been the best so far?
It's just getting better every year!
20. Your worst enemy?
No one that I know of
21. What is your desk top image right now?
At work, the required background (cannot choose), at home some Stockholm archipelago picture
22. What was the last thing you said to someone?
Talked about some remote place in the archipelago with a colleague
23. One million dollars or the ability to fly?
The money. Then I could donate to worthwhile causes, pay off my student debts, travel to all the places I haven't been to yet, and buy my dream house.
24. Do you like someone special a little bit extra right now?
Besides Peter, a British MP who sent me a very nice letter as a thank you for organising such a good study visit for them in Stockholm.
25. The last song you listened to?
Don't know the name of the song but something on one of Peter's 2,000 LPs!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Making Up For Old Sins
Since I have been neglecting my blog lately, due a new-found love, eh...addiction, to Facebook, I feel like I have to post twice in the same day.
Today's Friday Four - Theme: Current Opinions
What do you believe/think/feel about...
1) ... Paris Hilton getting out of jail?
I don't care too much except that I'm glad she had to go to jail like a non-celebrity would have had to do, had s/he been guilty of drink driving (wihout a license!). It felt rather short though but hopefully she learned a lesson and will never do it again.
2) ...Spice Girls temporarily getting back together for a reunion tour?
Great! Probably the tickets will be impossible to get and/or obscenely expensive, but it would be fun to witness it. I once saw them in concert back in...1999 I think, just a little bit before they split up. Didn't really plan it but a friend of mine called me 3 days before the concert and asked if I would go instead of another friend. We pulled up the average age in the arena by far but it was fun!
3) ...the release of iPhone in the USA?
Fun for those who want it but I don't care. Don't think I will get one this year. I would never queue for days for anything.
4) ...that it seemed to have rained so far this summer?
Well, lately it has but before that it was pretty nice. Even 30'C for a while. I don't complain too much about the weather - hot or cold, dry or wet - what's the point? You just get annoyed and stressed in vain.
Today's Friday Four - Theme: Current Opinions
What do you believe/think/feel about...
1) ... Paris Hilton getting out of jail?
I don't care too much except that I'm glad she had to go to jail like a non-celebrity would have had to do, had s/he been guilty of drink driving (wihout a license!). It felt rather short though but hopefully she learned a lesson and will never do it again.
2) ...Spice Girls temporarily getting back together for a reunion tour?
Great! Probably the tickets will be impossible to get and/or obscenely expensive, but it would be fun to witness it. I once saw them in concert back in...1999 I think, just a little bit before they split up. Didn't really plan it but a friend of mine called me 3 days before the concert and asked if I would go instead of another friend. We pulled up the average age in the arena by far but it was fun!
3) ...the release of iPhone in the USA?
Fun for those who want it but I don't care. Don't think I will get one this year. I would never queue for days for anything.
4) ...that it seemed to have rained so far this summer?
Well, lately it has but before that it was pretty nice. Even 30'C for a while. I don't complain too much about the weather - hot or cold, dry or wet - what's the point? You just get annoyed and stressed in vain.
Is It Just Me...
...or aren't Gordon Brown and Monty Python member Terry Jones really the same person?!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
High Up In the Sky
Luckily we had our adventure already a week before Upp & Ner really lived up to its slogan "go on the adventure of your lifetime"! (For those of you who don't understand the Swedish in the article, the balloons were caught in sudden bad weather) Our trip went really smoothly, we hardly had any wind even and made it 2 km in 1 hour! But it was fun anyway, everything from having to put the balloon together to the view from 400 metres up in the sky!
Friday, June 01, 2007
When Is It Going to Be Summer?!*
Theme: Summer feelings
* The weather has been very autumn-like lately
1) Do you feel bad if staying inside on a sunny day?
Definitely! I have to take a walk, at least. It's okay if I'm at work but on the weekend I get very anxious.
2) When does summer begin and end according to you?
Summer starts around this time. I can't really go after when I take summer vacation because that's towards August. I like to take vacation towards the end of the summer because there are so many holidays in the spring anyway, like a Friday or Monday off here and there. In autumn there are none so taking vacation in August is perfect. Usually the weather in Sweden is pretty good in August while it can be rather chilly still in May-June. In September it starts being late summer and October is definitely autumn.
3) What things are a must for you for it to be a "real" summer?
Long days with sunlight until midnight, swimming, skirts and summer shoes, lots of grilled food, cutting the grass
4) Did you ever not long for summer?
Not that I can remember, perhaps when I had to leave a boyfriend behind and have a long-distance relationship for a while.
* The weather has been very autumn-like lately
1) Do you feel bad if staying inside on a sunny day?
Definitely! I have to take a walk, at least. It's okay if I'm at work but on the weekend I get very anxious.
2) When does summer begin and end according to you?
Summer starts around this time. I can't really go after when I take summer vacation because that's towards August. I like to take vacation towards the end of the summer because there are so many holidays in the spring anyway, like a Friday or Monday off here and there. In autumn there are none so taking vacation in August is perfect. Usually the weather in Sweden is pretty good in August while it can be rather chilly still in May-June. In September it starts being late summer and October is definitely autumn.
3) What things are a must for you for it to be a "real" summer?
Long days with sunlight until midnight, swimming, skirts and summer shoes, lots of grilled food, cutting the grass
4) Did you ever not long for summer?
Not that I can remember, perhaps when I had to leave a boyfriend behind and have a long-distance relationship for a while.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Phew!
| You Belong in the UK |
 Blimey! A little proper, a little saucy. You're so witty and charming... No one notices your curry breath |
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Competitive Sweden
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2007 was published last week. IMD ranks Sweden no 9 out of 55 countries, a pretty good grade in my opinion! The comparison is based on 323 competitiveness criteria. The US comes in first like last year and in the EU Luxembourg scores highest (no 4 overall). In the Nordic region Denmark beats Sweden by four places and Norway can be found at no 13, followed by Germany (16), the UK (20) and France (28).
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Name Game
Name theme that I "stole" from Skolfröken:
1. What does your name mean?
The name Anna is biblical and comes from the Hebrew Hannah. It means mercy or the endowed. In several languages the name is used as slang for mother. Virgin Mary's mother was the holy Anna.
2. How old is it?
Old. It originates from before biblical times and has been one of the most common names in the Nordic countries since the Middle Ages.
3. How many share your name?
Loads. It is the most common name in Sweden at the moment. For women that is. There are 310,000 women and 5 men called Anna. It's one of those names which may not be the top name given to newborns every year but it keeps being in the top hundred throughout generations.
4. Why did you get this name?
The working name was Vilda Matilda (because I kicked so much) but luckily my parents came to their senses. Nothing wrong with Matilda but I think I'm much more an Anna. There have been Annas in the family (obviously, considering the history of the name mentioned above) and I suppose they just thought it was pretty too.
5. What do you think about your name?
Have never really reflected on it too much. I remember thinking when I was little that I was happy with a simple, common but beautiful name, especially since I had a very rare surname. But I want to give my future children more unusual (or less common) names.
6. Do you have a nickname?
Not really. I guess Anna Panna as a child and variants of my surname but nothing that has stuck. My British (Armenina) friend Anoushka calls me Ans.
7. What do you want to be called if you could choose?
I'm pretty happy with Anna. When I was little I probably wanted to be called all the different names I gave my dolls and Barbies.
1. What does your name mean?
The name Anna is biblical and comes from the Hebrew Hannah. It means mercy or the endowed. In several languages the name is used as slang for mother. Virgin Mary's mother was the holy Anna.
2. How old is it?
Old. It originates from before biblical times and has been one of the most common names in the Nordic countries since the Middle Ages.
3. How many share your name?
Loads. It is the most common name in Sweden at the moment. For women that is. There are 310,000 women and 5 men called Anna. It's one of those names which may not be the top name given to newborns every year but it keeps being in the top hundred throughout generations.
4. Why did you get this name?
The working name was Vilda Matilda (because I kicked so much) but luckily my parents came to their senses. Nothing wrong with Matilda but I think I'm much more an Anna. There have been Annas in the family (obviously, considering the history of the name mentioned above) and I suppose they just thought it was pretty too.
5. What do you think about your name?
Have never really reflected on it too much. I remember thinking when I was little that I was happy with a simple, common but beautiful name, especially since I had a very rare surname. But I want to give my future children more unusual (or less common) names.
6. Do you have a nickname?
Not really. I guess Anna Panna as a child and variants of my surname but nothing that has stuck. My British (Armenina) friend Anoushka calls me Ans.
7. What do you want to be called if you could choose?
I'm pretty happy with Anna. When I was little I probably wanted to be called all the different names I gave my dolls and Barbies.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Hong Kong photos!
We have FINALLY posted the photos from our Hong Kong (and Macau) trip! There are lots of them so I advise you to look at the index pages and just loading the ones you think look interesting. Enjoy!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Five Books
I hardly read these days (just look under the heading "Reading" to the right, which hasn't changed for ages...) but I want to get back into the habit and I used to read a lot a few years ago...so I guess I can continue the list of five weird books that Malin has created (reached me via Skolfröken).
So the theme is "weird" or "wacko" books. Name five books that you thought were the most curious, different, stranger or crazy in terms of content or language or both. They do not have to bad but made you raise your eyebrow or smile in pure astonishment.
1. A heartbreaking Work of a Staggering Genious by Dave Eggers - One of the best books I have ever read! Don't miss reading the small print on the title page or even before that in the book, and look out for a picture of a stapler! It's also a biographical account which makes it all the more interesting. His second book about two friends travelling to Senegal is not as good but probably stranger.
2. Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer - Just saw the film last week and it was good but not as good as the book, of course. The Ukrainian guide's (ab)use of the English language is priceless! I haven't read his second book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close but it's sitting on the shelf waiting to be read.
3. The Narnia series by C. S. Lewis - Didn't really like them. I guess I'm not much for fantasy in general and I just thought animals with human heads and other weird creatures were scary.
4. Rabbit is Rich by John Updike - I think Updike can write the longest sentences; often more than a page long. The things Rabbit does or thinks are pretty strange too.
5. The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk - Pamuk starts telling a story but digresses so many times so the next part of the story comes a couple of chapters later. But I guess that's why he is a Nobel prize winner.
So the theme is "weird" or "wacko" books. Name five books that you thought were the most curious, different, stranger or crazy in terms of content or language or both. They do not have to bad but made you raise your eyebrow or smile in pure astonishment.
1. A heartbreaking Work of a Staggering Genious by Dave Eggers - One of the best books I have ever read! Don't miss reading the small print on the title page or even before that in the book, and look out for a picture of a stapler! It's also a biographical account which makes it all the more interesting. His second book about two friends travelling to Senegal is not as good but probably stranger.
2. Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer - Just saw the film last week and it was good but not as good as the book, of course. The Ukrainian guide's (ab)use of the English language is priceless! I haven't read his second book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close but it's sitting on the shelf waiting to be read.
3. The Narnia series by C. S. Lewis - Didn't really like them. I guess I'm not much for fantasy in general and I just thought animals with human heads and other weird creatures were scary.
4. Rabbit is Rich by John Updike - I think Updike can write the longest sentences; often more than a page long. The things Rabbit does or thinks are pretty strange too.
5. The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk - Pamuk starts telling a story but digresses so many times so the next part of the story comes a couple of chapters later. But I guess that's why he is a Nobel prize winner.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Dailies
Today's I Want: Book trip to South Africa
Today's outfit: Jeans, green top and black sweater on top
Today's makeup: Usual, bluish-greyish eyeshadow, black mascara
Today's hairstyle: Up
Today's event: Peter's purchasing a grammophone/LP player so now he can start going through his 2,000 LP collection and sell the unwanted one, allowing us some new space for books!
Today's song: The fame theme song on the new LP player
Today's plans: Well, the day is almost over and I don't think I will join Peter and friends clubbing (getting too old)
Today's I am missing: Work, nah, just kidding!
Today's most stupid: I have to reiterate what Johanna said: the American arms legislation
Today's sickest: The Swedish house prices
Today's drug: Saturday sweets
Today's funniest: Peter preparing to go to the gym with a friend and then arriving there just when they close; major anti-climax (the friend is exercise addicted and had to go across town to an open gym, while Peter came home to share some red wine and cheese with me)
Today's favourite: Sleeping in
Today's purchase: Nothing for me but Peter's wallet was busy on behalf of both of us (new rug to the hallway and the afore-mentioned LP player)
Today's sweet: My regular Saturday intake
Today's mood: Happy, a bit weekend tired
Today's word: Windy (it was super-windy today!)
Volunteers?
Today's outfit: Jeans, green top and black sweater on top
Today's makeup: Usual, bluish-greyish eyeshadow, black mascara
Today's hairstyle: Up
Today's event: Peter's purchasing a grammophone/LP player so now he can start going through his 2,000 LP collection and sell the unwanted one, allowing us some new space for books!
Today's song: The fame theme song on the new LP player
Today's plans: Well, the day is almost over and I don't think I will join Peter and friends clubbing (getting too old)
Today's I am missing: Work, nah, just kidding!
Today's most stupid: I have to reiterate what Johanna said: the American arms legislation
Today's sickest: The Swedish house prices
Today's drug: Saturday sweets
Today's funniest: Peter preparing to go to the gym with a friend and then arriving there just when they close; major anti-climax (the friend is exercise addicted and had to go across town to an open gym, while Peter came home to share some red wine and cheese with me)
Today's favourite: Sleeping in
Today's purchase: Nothing for me but Peter's wallet was busy on behalf of both of us (new rug to the hallway and the afore-mentioned LP player)
Today's sweet: My regular Saturday intake
Today's mood: Happy, a bit weekend tired
Today's word: Windy (it was super-windy today!)
Volunteers?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Missed the Deadline
Another tag, which is way overdue, but better late than never. (And yes, I promise that HK photos are coming soon!)
Three Things That Scare Me
* Being subjected to some sort of violence (although I think the risk is pretty small and I try to eliminate it as well by not walking alone in the middle of the night or similar)
* Dying young
* The rate at which we are destroying the planet
Three People Who Make Me Laugh
* Peter (boyfriend)
* My British colleagues when they get going (or set of people)
* My cousins when they get going
Three Things I Love
* The appetite and search for knowledge in myself and in others
* Spending time with friends and family
* Travelling, and then coming back to beautiful Stockholm
Three Things I Hate
* War and violence of all kinds
* Intolerance and narrow-mindedness
* "Unsolidarity"
Three Things I Don't Understand
* All of the above under what I hate
* Cynicism
* The new Swedish government
Three Things On My Desk
I don't have a desk but next to me on the couch are:
* Pile of post from my other flat
* New beautiful pillows
* My embroidery that I pick up when I need to relax (sort of meditation)
Three Things I'm Doing Right Now
* Watching an old episode of "House"
* Boiling eggs
* Waiting for a delivery of a new grill for the balcony
Three Things I Want To Do Before I Die
* Have children
* Have a interesting, successful career, allowing me to work with something I really love and think is important
* See Africa and South America
Three Things I Can Do
* Talk constantly
* Bake cheesecake
* Spell (as opposed to many Swedes these days it seems)
Three Things I Can't Do
* Parallel park (I can manage but I don't like it!)
* Speak Mandarin or Arabic, two useful languages
* Play an instrument
Three Things I Think You Should Listen To
* Salem al Fakir
* Sofia Talvik
* Yourself
Three Things I'd Like To Learn
* Arabic or Mandarin
* More cooking (though I think I am okay)
* Anything and everything
Three Favourite Foods
* Chicken korma
* Most vegetarian
* Haloumi cheese
Three Wonderful People to Inflict My Meme On
* Nonna
* Tora
* Skolfröken
Three Things That Scare Me
* Being subjected to some sort of violence (although I think the risk is pretty small and I try to eliminate it as well by not walking alone in the middle of the night or similar)
* Dying young
* The rate at which we are destroying the planet
Three People Who Make Me Laugh
* Peter (boyfriend)
* My British colleagues when they get going (or set of people)
* My cousins when they get going
Three Things I Love
* The appetite and search for knowledge in myself and in others
* Spending time with friends and family
* Travelling, and then coming back to beautiful Stockholm
Three Things I Hate
* War and violence of all kinds
* Intolerance and narrow-mindedness
* "Unsolidarity"
Three Things I Don't Understand
* All of the above under what I hate
* Cynicism
* The new Swedish government
Three Things On My Desk
I don't have a desk but next to me on the couch are:
* Pile of post from my other flat
* New beautiful pillows
* My embroidery that I pick up when I need to relax (sort of meditation)
Three Things I'm Doing Right Now
* Watching an old episode of "House"
* Boiling eggs
* Waiting for a delivery of a new grill for the balcony
Three Things I Want To Do Before I Die
* Have children
* Have a interesting, successful career, allowing me to work with something I really love and think is important
* See Africa and South America
Three Things I Can Do
* Talk constantly
* Bake cheesecake
* Spell (as opposed to many Swedes these days it seems)
Three Things I Can't Do
* Parallel park (I can manage but I don't like it!)
* Speak Mandarin or Arabic, two useful languages
* Play an instrument
Three Things I Think You Should Listen To
* Salem al Fakir
* Sofia Talvik
* Yourself
Three Things I'd Like To Learn
* Arabic or Mandarin
* More cooking (though I think I am okay)
* Anything and everything
Three Favourite Foods
* Chicken korma
* Most vegetarian
* Haloumi cheese
Three Wonderful People to Inflict My Meme On
* Nonna
* Tora
* Skolfröken
Monday, April 02, 2007
Home Sweet Home
I'm back (on Friday, but didn't get around to blogging over the weekend because the weather was so sunny and nice!). A blog challenge and posting photos from HK await!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Made in Hong Kong
Sitting at Arlanda waiting for my flight to start boarding. Was supposed to go via Zurich at 19.35 but it was delayed so they re-booked me for Helsinki. I feel very lucky, since the layover in Zurich was only 45 mins and I would have missed my connecting flight to Hong Kong otherwise. Now I will only be arriving in HK 2 hours later than planned.
I expect a lot of sight-seeing and shopping but I'm also excited about 22 degrees instead of the recent chill in Stockholm. And most of all, to see Peter again after ten days! :)
I expect a lot of sight-seeing and shopping but I'm also excited about 22 degrees instead of the recent chill in Stockholm. And most of all, to see Peter again after ten days! :)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Days of Our Lives
I've been challenged (what would I blog about if people didn't keep challenging me I wonder?!) by Skolfröken to write about the years that I have experienced that end with a 2 or a 7.
1977 - I was 1 and don't remember too much. I do have a memory of standing in a big field (I know now that it is Öland) and getting afraid because my parents were ahead of me (they were probably not very far away but at that age even 10 metres is probably an abyss). This must have been in the summer of 1977 so I was a year and a half.
1982 - I was 6 years old, in pre-school and longing to start school. We had Kindergarten classes once a week but I mostly remember learning how to light matches (some sort of safety lesson I guess) and drinking coffee with lots of sugar and milk (some sort of becoming-an-adult lesson?). My parents contemplated putting me in school one year early but decided against it as they wanted me to stay with the friends I already had and let me play for another year. I started school in 1983 instead, which is perfectly fine with me now because otherwise I wouldn't have the same friends I have now.
1987 - A highlight this year was that I got a new cousin and was able to play with her instead of my dolls (now she's 20 and wild!) We had a caravan in the yard of our little country house that I pretended was my own home (much bigger than my little playhouse) - mostly playing with my friend Malin who used to spend a lot of time with us there.
1992 - I finished compulsory school. I think the end-of-year party both at the end of eight and ninth grade was at Folkets Park, where we tried - unsuccessfully - to get in for free. I had been madly in love with the same guy for the last three years of school but nothing never happened between us, not a few years later when he was interested in me either. By that time I had moved on.
1997 - I started university in January that year, after having been an au pair in the USA for a year and worked at a pre-school for a few months. I spent one term at Stockholm University before moving on to Uppsala in the autumn of 1997. At Uppsala I met two girls, Jenny and Lena, who talked about studying in the UK, an idea that really appealed to me. In an interesting twist Lena ended up staying only for six months or so and Jenny went to the US instead, while I remained in the UK for four years.
2002 - I finished my MPhil at Oxford and did an internship at the European Commission - two really important milestones in the beginning of my career. After the period in Brussels, in March 2003, I moved back to Sweden, something that took a while to get used to. It probably wasn't until 2004 I felt that Sweden was truly my home again.
2007 - The best time is always the present. I am madly in love with a guy who seems equally in love with me, so I think this is the beginning of the rest of my life!
I challenge Johanna and Karin!
1977 - I was 1 and don't remember too much. I do have a memory of standing in a big field (I know now that it is Öland) and getting afraid because my parents were ahead of me (they were probably not very far away but at that age even 10 metres is probably an abyss). This must have been in the summer of 1977 so I was a year and a half.
1982 - I was 6 years old, in pre-school and longing to start school. We had Kindergarten classes once a week but I mostly remember learning how to light matches (some sort of safety lesson I guess) and drinking coffee with lots of sugar and milk (some sort of becoming-an-adult lesson?). My parents contemplated putting me in school one year early but decided against it as they wanted me to stay with the friends I already had and let me play for another year. I started school in 1983 instead, which is perfectly fine with me now because otherwise I wouldn't have the same friends I have now.
1987 - A highlight this year was that I got a new cousin and was able to play with her instead of my dolls (now she's 20 and wild!) We had a caravan in the yard of our little country house that I pretended was my own home (much bigger than my little playhouse) - mostly playing with my friend Malin who used to spend a lot of time with us there.
1992 - I finished compulsory school. I think the end-of-year party both at the end of eight and ninth grade was at Folkets Park, where we tried - unsuccessfully - to get in for free. I had been madly in love with the same guy for the last three years of school but nothing never happened between us, not a few years later when he was interested in me either. By that time I had moved on.
1997 - I started university in January that year, after having been an au pair in the USA for a year and worked at a pre-school for a few months. I spent one term at Stockholm University before moving on to Uppsala in the autumn of 1997. At Uppsala I met two girls, Jenny and Lena, who talked about studying in the UK, an idea that really appealed to me. In an interesting twist Lena ended up staying only for six months or so and Jenny went to the US instead, while I remained in the UK for four years.
2002 - I finished my MPhil at Oxford and did an internship at the European Commission - two really important milestones in the beginning of my career. After the period in Brussels, in March 2003, I moved back to Sweden, something that took a while to get used to. It probably wasn't until 2004 I felt that Sweden was truly my home again.
2007 - The best time is always the present. I am madly in love with a guy who seems equally in love with me, so I think this is the beginning of the rest of my life!
I challenge Johanna and Karin!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
That Explains It
I may have misheard - I really hope I did - but it sure sounded like Göran Persson said (in the documentary about him on TV tonight) that Helmut Kohl used to eat butter. Plain butter. Not plenty of butter on bread, but just butter. With a spoon. Especially when he was nervous.
Yuck!
No wonder he was so fat.
Yuck!
No wonder he was so fat.
New Times
The Social Democrats selected their new leader this past weekend, the first woman chair in its history. Eric Sundström has written very well about Mona Sahlin here. Let's hope she becomes Sweden's first female Prime Minister (yes, for some peculiar reason we haven't had a woman leader yet) in 2010! We also said goodbye to Göran Persson after almost eleven years at the post (and as prime minister for over ten).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The European Story
One of the professors from my Masters programme at Oxford, Timothy Garton Ash, has started an interesting web project ahead of the EU's 50th anniversary encouraging people to contribute to the "story of Europe". Garton Ash has written a first draft around six goals that he thinks most Europeans aspire to: Freedom, Peace, Law, Prosperity, Diversity and Solidarity.
Join in the debate or vote for your favourite story!
Join in the debate or vote for your favourite story!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Challenge
Rules - Each player starts by listing six weird/curious things about themselves. S/he must write down the rules of the game and choose six new bloggers to challenge by listing them here and posting a comment on the challengees' blogs so that they know that they are being tasked.
1. My boyfriend says I'm the least loyal employee there is, the reason being that I'm always looking for a new job (though only applying for the occasional one) even though I'm perfectly happy with the one I have (for now at least).
2. I like embroidery. In fact, I've been taking it up again after two years' break. It's a really relaxing pastime while watching TV or keeping Peter company while he has to work from home at night. I hear knitting is in but I'm really bad at that.
3. I like paying taxes. I actually don't mind at all, even if I pay 50 %. I figure that if I earn that much that I'm required to pay over 50 % tax, I probably have enough to share it with the less fortunate. And I feel I get pretty good stuff for my money: education, healthcare, aid to the world, etc.
4. When I was little I used to have a recurring dream when I was sick (usually when I had a fever) that I was in a hospital in 19th century (or early 20th century; don't think I knew too much about different time eras to be accurate) England (hadn't been to England back then but I must have watched the Forsythe saga too much or something) and that my mum was a nurse at the hospital but since she was working she wasn't able to take care of me. I think it was probably dealing with having a little brother that competed with me for her attention.
5. I'm afraid of the dark even though I'm an adult. I often sleep with the lights on if I'm at home by myself (like now and for another 9 days).
6. I cannot count to 6 so I will only list 5 things...
Challengees
Aunty Marianne, Nonnka, Perfume girl, Beverly, Johanna and Karin.
1. My boyfriend says I'm the least loyal employee there is, the reason being that I'm always looking for a new job (though only applying for the occasional one) even though I'm perfectly happy with the one I have (for now at least).
2. I like embroidery. In fact, I've been taking it up again after two years' break. It's a really relaxing pastime while watching TV or keeping Peter company while he has to work from home at night. I hear knitting is in but I'm really bad at that.
3. I like paying taxes. I actually don't mind at all, even if I pay 50 %. I figure that if I earn that much that I'm required to pay over 50 % tax, I probably have enough to share it with the less fortunate. And I feel I get pretty good stuff for my money: education, healthcare, aid to the world, etc.
4. When I was little I used to have a recurring dream when I was sick (usually when I had a fever) that I was in a hospital in 19th century (or early 20th century; don't think I knew too much about different time eras to be accurate) England (hadn't been to England back then but I must have watched the Forsythe saga too much or something) and that my mum was a nurse at the hospital but since she was working she wasn't able to take care of me. I think it was probably dealing with having a little brother that competed with me for her attention.
5. I'm afraid of the dark even though I'm an adult. I often sleep with the lights on if I'm at home by myself (like now and for another 9 days).
6. I cannot count to 6 so I will only list 5 things...
Challengees
Aunty Marianne, Nonnka, Perfume girl, Beverly, Johanna and Karin.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Broody
No, not me. But there seems to be no end to Brangelina's baby-making, eh, baby-acquiring (don't want to say buying). Do they even have time for the three they already have? Maddox was all alone for over three years and then a new dad and two sisters in less than a year's time. I wonder how he will look back on that as an adult. I'm not saying that they are bad parents, just that I hope that they have time for each individual child. It's difficult to be adopted in the first place, and having über famous parents is probably not easy-peasy either.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sick Memories
I stayed home from work today. I've had this terrible cough for about a week and over the weekend it got worse and even though it feels a bit better now I decided I needed some extra rest. I should probably have stayed at home already last week but there you go.
Laying in my bed this morning I remembered that when I was sick as a child I used to always do the same jigsaw puzzle. I used to sit in bed and do the puzzle on a big tray while drinking tea or hot chocolate and eating sandwiches. The puzzle was a three-in-one set and featured animated scenes from the life of a cat family (animals in clothes, living in houses, you know the type). I remember that the pieces were really thin and soft. I liked doing (and still do) puzzles a lot but when I was sick I particularly liked this one.
I also remember hearing the radio somewhere in the distance in an otherwise quiet flat/house. I couldn't hear any distinct voices, just a sort of buzzing or humming noice. To this day I associate very low radio or TV sounds with being sick or home from school/work for some other reason. I think there's something special about silence during daytime when most people are at work.
Laying in my bed this morning I remembered that when I was sick as a child I used to always do the same jigsaw puzzle. I used to sit in bed and do the puzzle on a big tray while drinking tea or hot chocolate and eating sandwiches. The puzzle was a three-in-one set and featured animated scenes from the life of a cat family (animals in clothes, living in houses, you know the type). I remember that the pieces were really thin and soft. I liked doing (and still do) puzzles a lot but when I was sick I particularly liked this one.
I also remember hearing the radio somewhere in the distance in an otherwise quiet flat/house. I couldn't hear any distinct voices, just a sort of buzzing or humming noice. To this day I associate very low radio or TV sounds with being sick or home from school/work for some other reason. I think there's something special about silence during daytime when most people are at work.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Book Frenzy
With the yearly book sale having started this week it's seems very fitting with a book challenge (thanks to Skolfröken)!
Favourite book as a child: I read a lot as a child (I wish I did now too) so I really can't choose one favourite. The books that I re-read the most are probably Astrid Lindgren's. My mum tells me that when I was very little I liked "Lisen cannot sleep", "Grandpa and me" and lots of nurseries rhymes and music (I used to sing all the time!). Also, and this I remember myself, I had this favourite book about a boy whose dog died and he was so sad. My dad used to cry when he read this too me and I used to make him read it to me for this particular reason. My dad has always been a soft guy but apparently I wanted him to be even softer! :) In general I liked when my parents read to me even though I learnt how to read myself quite early.
Favourite genre today: For fiction, mostly crime novels or just regular drama/fiction (not romantic Danielle Steele crap and I don't read too much chick lit either). For non-fiction I like books about science, society, language, etc. (e.g. Bill Bryson, Jared Diamond).
Types of books I don't like: Science fiction or fantasy, or romance (I have to admit to having read some Harlequin crap in my youth). Never read Lord of the Rings but I would like to read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Underestimated genre: Maybe non-fiction in general
Authors that have meant something special to me: Astrid Lindgren for writing about really independent, go-get-it girls.
New authors I would like to read more of: Swedish new authors in general
Favourite character in a book: Going with the above team, I guess I would have to say Pippi Longstocking or Ronja then.
Character in a book that resembles me most: I hope my friends and reader will answer this one! Probably some studious and rational character :)
If I wrote a book, what would it be about: Well, I tell you. I would write about my lovely but crazy host family (from my aupair year) in the US. Highlights are deceit, infidelity, bigamy... can't tell you more now.
Favourite blog with a literature connection: Well, none with that focus specifically. But I like when people do reviews or list the books that they are currently reading.
Favourite book as a child: I read a lot as a child (I wish I did now too) so I really can't choose one favourite. The books that I re-read the most are probably Astrid Lindgren's. My mum tells me that when I was very little I liked "Lisen cannot sleep", "Grandpa and me" and lots of nurseries rhymes and music (I used to sing all the time!). Also, and this I remember myself, I had this favourite book about a boy whose dog died and he was so sad. My dad used to cry when he read this too me and I used to make him read it to me for this particular reason. My dad has always been a soft guy but apparently I wanted him to be even softer! :) In general I liked when my parents read to me even though I learnt how to read myself quite early.
Favourite genre today: For fiction, mostly crime novels or just regular drama/fiction (not romantic Danielle Steele crap and I don't read too much chick lit either). For non-fiction I like books about science, society, language, etc. (e.g. Bill Bryson, Jared Diamond).
Types of books I don't like: Science fiction or fantasy, or romance (I have to admit to having read some Harlequin crap in my youth). Never read Lord of the Rings but I would like to read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Underestimated genre: Maybe non-fiction in general
Authors that have meant something special to me: Astrid Lindgren for writing about really independent, go-get-it girls.
New authors I would like to read more of: Swedish new authors in general
Favourite character in a book: Going with the above team, I guess I would have to say Pippi Longstocking or Ronja then.
Character in a book that resembles me most: I hope my friends and reader will answer this one! Probably some studious and rational character :)
If I wrote a book, what would it be about: Well, I tell you. I would write about my lovely but crazy host family (from my aupair year) in the US. Highlights are deceit, infidelity, bigamy... can't tell you more now.
Favourite blog with a literature connection: Well, none with that focus specifically. But I like when people do reviews or list the books that they are currently reading.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
New Concepts
Apparently the EU is talking about older people's contribution to economic and social development as the so-called silver economy. Maybe it's an old concept and it's probably not the EU that coined it but was new to me! I like it!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Good Ratings for Sweden
Some good news about Sweden in a new study by the European Commission. The report, a collection of statistics and comparisons of the different EU countries' results when it comes to poverty, employment, lifelength and healthcare, forms the basis for a discussion on European social policy in March.
A sixth of Europeans live below the EU's poverty line, that is, they have an income less than 60 % of the median income in their country of residence. In Sweden 10 % are considered poor by this definition, the lowest share in Europe, to be compared to 20 % of the population in Latvia and Poland respectively.
The number of elderly who works has increased in the whole of the EU - very positive considering the demography with ageing populations across the EU. Sweden has with full measure fulfilled the EU's target that half of the citizens between 55-64-year-olds should be employed by 2010 - 70 % of 55-64-year-old Swedes work. In Italy this figure is less than 33 %.
Sweden is also the country where men are expected to live the longest: c. 78 years, which can be compared with Latvia or Lithuania where the average lenght of life is 65-66 years. The average life span has increased across the EU with three years for men and two years for women between 1995 and 2005. When it comes to women Spain leads and the differences between the EU countries are not as big.
Many of the 16 % poor in the EU are persons and families that do not work - 10 % live in households where no one works, a problem especially prevalent in the UK where this figure is 16 %. 19 % of the children risk living in poverty, also as adults. That is however not true for the Nordic countries, where the poverty rate for children and adults are the same.
Update - A new study by the Swedish Save the Children has found that although within the figures given above child poverty in Sweden has in fact increased. Children of non-Swedish backgrounds living in single parent households have the highest risk to end up poor. In reality they also feel poorer than their poorer friends in other parts of the world - see my earlier post on the status syndrome.
A sixth of Europeans live below the EU's poverty line, that is, they have an income less than 60 % of the median income in their country of residence. In Sweden 10 % are considered poor by this definition, the lowest share in Europe, to be compared to 20 % of the population in Latvia and Poland respectively.
The number of elderly who works has increased in the whole of the EU - very positive considering the demography with ageing populations across the EU. Sweden has with full measure fulfilled the EU's target that half of the citizens between 55-64-year-olds should be employed by 2010 - 70 % of 55-64-year-old Swedes work. In Italy this figure is less than 33 %.
Sweden is also the country where men are expected to live the longest: c. 78 years, which can be compared with Latvia or Lithuania where the average lenght of life is 65-66 years. The average life span has increased across the EU with three years for men and two years for women between 1995 and 2005. When it comes to women Spain leads and the differences between the EU countries are not as big.
Many of the 16 % poor in the EU are persons and families that do not work - 10 % live in households where no one works, a problem especially prevalent in the UK where this figure is 16 %. 19 % of the children risk living in poverty, also as adults. That is however not true for the Nordic countries, where the poverty rate for children and adults are the same.
Update - A new study by the Swedish Save the Children has found that although within the figures given above child poverty in Sweden has in fact increased. Children of non-Swedish backgrounds living in single parent households have the highest risk to end up poor. In reality they also feel poorer than their poorer friends in other parts of the world - see my earlier post on the status syndrome.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
New Look!
Need to fine-tune it a bit but I think I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted to keep the pinkish theme.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Friday Four: Motion
Theme: Travelling & Trips
1) If you could go at least 100 km in any direction, where would you go and what is so good with that place?
At the moment I really want to visit China and am hoping that our trip (through Peter's work) will actually materalise! China has such history and is also entering a new phase as (hopefully) a benign superpower so I really want to go there!
2) Do you any favourite route that you take by foot, bicycle or car?
I like talking walks around Årsta (and Årstaviken) and Djurgården. As for driving I like taking the country roads instead of the motorways, time permitting, for the breath-taking views.
3) What mode of transport is most fun? Bicycle, car, bus, train, boat, plane or your own legs?
Well, it depends where I'm doing of course. If I'm on a plane I'm probably going somewhere fun (and sometimes new) (unless it's on business). Train is nice because it's green and also allows you to see much more than a plane.
4) What's more fun: to go somewhere or to go home?
Both. I love travelling but coming home is also nice, sometimes just to get rid of those creased clothes in the suitcase. Home sweet home or "borta bra men hemma bäst" as we say in Sweden. (Having lived in four countries home can mean different things at different times though.)
1) If you could go at least 100 km in any direction, where would you go and what is so good with that place?
At the moment I really want to visit China and am hoping that our trip (through Peter's work) will actually materalise! China has such history and is also entering a new phase as (hopefully) a benign superpower so I really want to go there!
2) Do you any favourite route that you take by foot, bicycle or car?
I like talking walks around Årsta (and Årstaviken) and Djurgården. As for driving I like taking the country roads instead of the motorways, time permitting, for the breath-taking views.
3) What mode of transport is most fun? Bicycle, car, bus, train, boat, plane or your own legs?
Well, it depends where I'm doing of course. If I'm on a plane I'm probably going somewhere fun (and sometimes new) (unless it's on business). Train is nice because it's green and also allows you to see much more than a plane.
4) What's more fun: to go somewhere or to go home?
Both. I love travelling but coming home is also nice, sometimes just to get rid of those creased clothes in the suitcase. Home sweet home or "borta bra men hemma bäst" as we say in Sweden. (Having lived in four countries home can mean different things at different times though.)
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Feminine and Masculine
I have to reiterate Skolfröken: This type of categorisation and stereotyping can be seriously questioned, but tests are always fun so... :)
My female side
[x] Bought a hairdryer?
[x] Put on make-up for other purposes than to look funny?
[x] Accompanied as fashion advisor on a shopping trip?
[x] Talked feelings?
[x] Thought to match my clothes?
[x] Praised a man for his looks?
[x] Called a person without a specific aim? Well, I'm not really a "phone person" but it happens that I just call for a chat
[x] Thought about names for my children?
[ ] Realised Barbra Streisand's greatness?
[x] Had a Cosmopolitan? I think so, but probably just once or twice
[x] Watched an episode of "Sex and the City"?
[x] Seen two episodes of "Sex and the City"? But not that many more
[x] Felt like a cup of tea? I'm a major tea drinker!
[x] Felt happiness over being given flowers as a present?
[x] Done something romantic at own initiative? Nothing major, but little things
[x] Got angry without reason? Probably
[x] Cried beyond the age of 9?
[ ] Cared about H&M's choice of model? Unless you count from a feminist perspective
[x] Gossiped?
[x] Been angry without letting the person know? Sometimes it's not worth it, but when it's about a close relation I cannot keep it in for long
[x] Hugged a guy?
[x] Danced?
Total: 20 points
My male side
[x] Lied about how much I have drunk?
[x] Eaten a bloody steak? But not necessarily by choice
[x] Read a car magazine?
[x] Successfully used a drill, hammer and various other tools? Not often, but I have
[ ] Promised to call the next day and then haven't? If the question means after a one night stand, no, because I don't do those, but I have been given a guy's number in a bar and then never called.
[x] Been responsible for the barbeque at a party? Occasionally
[x] Read a book by John Grisham?
[x] Read a men's magazine? The Swedish men's magazine King is excellent!
[x] Pounded someone on the back to make him/her to feel appreciated? Well, more for fun
[ ] Felt hungry after having eaten a whole pizza?
[ ] Been to a Bob Dylan concert ?
[ ] Used your hands to hit someone in the aim to hurt this person?
[ ] Seen all Die Hard and Rocky films? Die Hard, yes, but not Rocky
[x] Discussed breasts?
[ ] Did military service? No, but spent a week on a school workplace internship in the military at age 15
[x] Read Nick Hornby?
[x] Felt compelled to beat someone in arm wrestling?
[x] Felt cool by going very fast in a car?
[ ] Only stared up when visiting a urinal?
[x] Repaired something by yourself?
[x] Yelled "go guys!" on a footbll field?
[ ] Partipated in a beer-drinking contest?
Total: 14 points
My female side
[x] Bought a hairdryer?
[x] Put on make-up for other purposes than to look funny?
[x] Accompanied as fashion advisor on a shopping trip?
[x] Talked feelings?
[x] Thought to match my clothes?
[x] Praised a man for his looks?
[x] Called a person without a specific aim? Well, I'm not really a "phone person" but it happens that I just call for a chat
[x] Thought about names for my children?
[ ] Realised Barbra Streisand's greatness?
[x] Had a Cosmopolitan? I think so, but probably just once or twice
[x] Watched an episode of "Sex and the City"?
[x] Seen two episodes of "Sex and the City"? But not that many more
[x] Felt like a cup of tea? I'm a major tea drinker!
[x] Felt happiness over being given flowers as a present?
[x] Done something romantic at own initiative? Nothing major, but little things
[x] Got angry without reason? Probably
[x] Cried beyond the age of 9?
[ ] Cared about H&M's choice of model? Unless you count from a feminist perspective
[x] Gossiped?
[x] Been angry without letting the person know? Sometimes it's not worth it, but when it's about a close relation I cannot keep it in for long
[x] Hugged a guy?
[x] Danced?
Total: 20 points
My male side
[x] Lied about how much I have drunk?
[x] Eaten a bloody steak? But not necessarily by choice
[x] Read a car magazine?
[x] Successfully used a drill, hammer and various other tools? Not often, but I have
[ ] Promised to call the next day and then haven't? If the question means after a one night stand, no, because I don't do those, but I have been given a guy's number in a bar and then never called.
[x] Been responsible for the barbeque at a party? Occasionally
[x] Read a book by John Grisham?
[x] Read a men's magazine? The Swedish men's magazine King is excellent!
[x] Pounded someone on the back to make him/her to feel appreciated? Well, more for fun
[ ] Felt hungry after having eaten a whole pizza?
[ ] Been to a Bob Dylan concert ?
[ ] Used your hands to hit someone in the aim to hurt this person?
[ ] Seen all Die Hard and Rocky films? Die Hard, yes, but not Rocky
[x] Discussed breasts?
[ ] Did military service? No, but spent a week on a school workplace internship in the military at age 15
[x] Read Nick Hornby?
[x] Felt compelled to beat someone in arm wrestling?
[x] Felt cool by going very fast in a car?
[ ] Only stared up when visiting a urinal?
[x] Repaired something by yourself?
[x] Yelled "go guys!" on a footbll field?
[ ] Partipated in a beer-drinking contest?
Total: 14 points
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Picture Time!
At the beginning of January Peter and I spent a short weekend on an island in the Swedish archipelago, Sandhamn. It's one of only two sand islands in the Baltic Sea. Admittedly most people go there in the summer but it was both cozy and interesting to go their in the winter. It's such a pittoresque little village - see for yourself! I wouldn't want to live there - it's a 2 hour-ferry ride from the centre of Stockholm - but I really recommend it for a winter weekend excursion or a summer trip to the beach.
Last weekend Peter had his housewarming party - pictures here!
Last weekend Peter had his housewarming party - pictures here!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Friday Four: Meet the Family
This week's theme: Family ties
1. How far back can you trace your family?
I haven't actually conducted any serious searches but I can at least go back to my grandparents' parents.
2. What is the most interesting or weird you've heard about your family?
Maybe that my (maternal) grandmother's mother (I think, or even a further generation back) was the result of a extramarital relationship with a nobleman. I also think it's pretty cool that my (paternal) grandmother played football in her youth (1940s)!
3. Does your family get together often?
Pretty often. Mostly with my aunt and uncle and my cousins on my dad's side. My cousins have started families of their own now as well, so there are quite many birthdays to celebrate. And we usually have some sort of Christmas lunch or similar together too and sometimes we just socialise without any special reason. But I don't even remember the names of all my second cousins on either side as I hardly ever see them.
4. Does your family have any traditions that you don't want to pass on to your children?
Nothing that springs to mind right now so I guess it can't be that serious.
1. How far back can you trace your family?
I haven't actually conducted any serious searches but I can at least go back to my grandparents' parents.
2. What is the most interesting or weird you've heard about your family?
Maybe that my (maternal) grandmother's mother (I think, or even a further generation back) was the result of a extramarital relationship with a nobleman. I also think it's pretty cool that my (paternal) grandmother played football in her youth (1940s)!
3. Does your family get together often?
Pretty often. Mostly with my aunt and uncle and my cousins on my dad's side. My cousins have started families of their own now as well, so there are quite many birthdays to celebrate. And we usually have some sort of Christmas lunch or similar together too and sometimes we just socialise without any special reason. But I don't even remember the names of all my second cousins on either side as I hardly ever see them.
4. Does your family have any traditions that you don't want to pass on to your children?
Nothing that springs to mind right now so I guess it can't be that serious.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Answer You've All Been Waiting For
A few weeks ago I challenged my readers to pick the odd one out from my past. I will now reveal the truth:
Yes, I did go to the same school as Björn Borg, not at the same time though.
I used to iron my underwear during a period of my teens (I know, I was a bit weird).
I have indeed been to (a work) dinner with the Swedish Crown Princess. We were not seated at the same table but there were only about 25 people there so I did meet her, albeit very briefly.
It was very painful so I will never forget when that nail went through my foot!
But, no, I have never met the King but he did help my boyfriend get up after he had fallen on his skis - he was 5 years old when it happened (my boyfriend, not the King).
Yes, I did go to the same school as Björn Borg, not at the same time though.
I used to iron my underwear during a period of my teens (I know, I was a bit weird).
I have indeed been to (a work) dinner with the Swedish Crown Princess. We were not seated at the same table but there were only about 25 people there so I did meet her, albeit very briefly.
It was very painful so I will never forget when that nail went through my foot!
But, no, I have never met the King but he did help my boyfriend get up after he had fallen on his skis - he was 5 years old when it happened (my boyfriend, not the King).
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Update
I've been a bad blogger this month. Since I wrote last I have:
- Been working (of course)
- Spent a week in London on a conference and a training course (such an excellent course on political lobbying and negotiation!)
- Been joined in London by my mum for some shopping and sight-seeing (can recommend Borough Market)
- Celebrated a birthday and had friends over for drinks and dinner
- Enjoyed the first snow in Stockholm since the beginning of November
- Sewn curtains
I think that's about it! :)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Dads, Take your Responsibility Now!
A new study has shown that the extension of a second so-called "daddy month" in Sweden in 2002 did not have any effect on gender equality in the labour market. Out of 16 months (480 days) of parental leave (390 days at 80 % salary subject to a cap and remaining days granting a small guarantee amount per day), two months cannot be transferred to the mother but must be taken by the father before the child turns 8. Of course, fathers can take more than the two earmarked months - a right that they have had for over 30 years - but that is not that common as you would think in this supposed land of gender equality. On average fathers take out 20 % of the days but less than 3 % of fathers are considered to be sharing the leave allotment equally, defined here as fathers taking at least 40 %, i.e. at least 6 months.
A reason for the limited impact on gender equality is that the second daddy month was introduced at the same time as the total days of allowed parental leave were increased (probably a good idea in theory but those experts didn't really think about all factors, did they). The added days are usually taken by the mother, off-setting the increased outtake of daddy days. The introduction of the first daddy month on the contrary, led to a substantial increase of paternal leave, with a clear effect on the labour market. In general though, men tend to take most of their parental leave after the child has turned 2 and around Christmas time and in the summer.
Com'mon dads, you can do better than that! I vow not to let Peter take less than half once we go down that road!
A reason for the limited impact on gender equality is that the second daddy month was introduced at the same time as the total days of allowed parental leave were increased (probably a good idea in theory but those experts didn't really think about all factors, did they). The added days are usually taken by the mother, off-setting the increased outtake of daddy days. The introduction of the first daddy month on the contrary, led to a substantial increase of paternal leave, with a clear effect on the labour market. In general though, men tend to take most of their parental leave after the child has turned 2 and around Christmas time and in the summer.
Com'mon dads, you can do better than that! I vow not to let Peter take less than half once we go down that road!
Monday, January 08, 2007
The Odd One Out
Karin has found a fun blog challenge - to list five things about myself, preferably stuff that people don't know, and one of them must be fake. Your job is to guess which one.
1. I went to the same school as Björn Borg.
2. As a teenager I used to iron my underwear.
3. As a child I was helped by the Swedish King when I fell on the ski slope.
4. I have been to dinner with the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria.
5. I once stepped on a nail that went through my foot.
Good luck!
1. I went to the same school as Björn Borg.
2. As a teenager I used to iron my underwear.
3. As a child I was helped by the Swedish King when I fell on the ski slope.
4. I have been to dinner with the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria.
5. I once stepped on a nail that went through my foot.
Good luck!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy New Year!!
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!
Some tips on what to do in 2007 - one for each day if you wish!
Happy New Year / Gott Nytt År!
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!
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