Archive for April, 2009
Churches fly rainbow flags in Nordland Posted by kari on Apr 30, 2009
If you have limited knowledge about Norway’s tolerance of outsiders (perhaps if you only know about Norway in history and not modern Norway), you might be surprised by Norway’s tolerance of homosexuals. Historically, Norwegians were fairly intolerant of outsiders. I think I have explained in one or more earlier posts that outsiders ruled Norway for much…
The new influensa virus-Det nye influsensa viruset Posted by kari on Apr 29, 2009
The NEW influensa virus. Det nye influensa viruset. Not the swine flu or the pig flu. I feel that I must do my part and inform as many people as possible that public health officials have said over and over again that humans cannot get sick from eating pork products. Keep eating pork. If you…
Vikings-the beginning of international relations in Scandinavia Posted by kari on Apr 26, 2009
In response to a comment on a recent post about Norway’s involvment in the Sri Lankan conflict, I would like to address Norway’s relationship with the rest of the world through the lens of history. As most of you already know, the Vikings were a seafaring people who traveled great distances to loot, trade and colonize. …
Sri Lankan conflict hits Norwegian newspapers, not US Posted by kari on Apr 22, 2009
Upon perusing the Norwegian newspaper “Aftenposten” online, I came across a headline (with 4 or 5 subheadlines) and a large picture telling recent news of the conflict in Sri Lanka. For those of you who are unaware, the Sri Lankan government has been in conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (AKA the Tamil Tigers) since the early 1980s. �Norway has a long-standing…
Mandatory military service Posted by kari on Apr 18, 2009
Norway is a small and peaceful country and therefore you don’t hear about the Norwegian military very often. I assure you that Norway’s military history is quite interesting. As I may have mentioned before in previous blogs, I love history and am particularly interested in wars. I would like to share some basic information with you…
Hydro power Posted by kari on Apr 16, 2009
As I was running through the woods this morning with my dog, although it was beautiful, I became nostalgic about the waterfalls (fosser) in Norway. At this time of year, especially, there is an abundance of fosser running down the sides of hills, cliffs, and mountains. It is so peaceful to wander through the woods and observe the…
Russeknuter Posted by kari on Apr 14, 2009
Knots. No, not the kind you tie. Or the measurement for nautical speed. Or the kind that make your back hurt. I’m talking about more or less badges of fulfillment of some kind of task or dare by a Russ during the festivities leading up to Syttende Mai. The knot itself is usually an item…