Archive for 'Culture'
Alla hjärtans dag Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 15, 2009
That’s what Valentine’s Day is called in Sweden. alla – all hjärta (def. hjärtat, pl. hjärtan, def. pl. hjärtana) – heart dag – day You’d know immediately that something is up by all the chocolate hearts at the supermarkets. And for those on a strict budget there are boxes of red geléhjärtan (as Mats has…
Yes, Sweden Is a Neutral Country Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 28, 2009
I am very behind when it comes to entertainment news in the US, and only today finally managed to catch up on the whole Jessica Alba hullabaloo. And even then, it was only thanks to a very astute reader who sent me the story. Thanks! You know who you are. What surprised me was just…
When Daddies Take Care of Kids – Gender Equality Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 24, 2009
I am back from my Caribbean adventure and it was indeed lovely. We didn’t meet any Swedes along the way. Instead, we ran into two Norwegians while driving to Half Moon Bay in Antigua. So that was our Scandinavian connection for the week. It was an interesting trip, but the most interesting bit happened in…
Sveriges ekonomi i kris Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 16, 2009
Recently people have been asking me how the global economic crisis is affecting Sweden. It seems to me that many foreigners are under the impression that a state with a cradle-to-grave welfare scheme should be immune from the worldwide tumble. Well, that impression is very mistaken. Welfare benefits don’t grow on trees, as some people…
Jokkmokk marknad 2009 is almost here Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 14, 2009
As Gimena pointed out it’s almost time for the Sami market in Jokkmokk. And darn, this year I won’t be able to go. I went in 2005 when the market celebrated its 400-year anniversary, and let me tell you, it was really something. Unfortunately, I lost my camera that time… And finding a place to…
Allt om reflexer Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 12, 2009
If you don’t mind, I’d like to continue with our little road safety awareness message. Today’s topic – reflectors. The kind you wear on your clothing. Now, don’t laugh! This is actually a serious matter. You think you’ve seen dark, but unless you’re from Alaska, you haven’t seen real dark. The kind of dark that…
Remember – hjärnan kan inte gipsas! Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 8, 2009
The shortest day of the year is behind us, but that doesn’t mean that the days are getting all that much longer. While it’s not pitch black at 3PM anymore, it’s still dark. Add to this snow and ice, and driving can be very unpleasant. And dangerous. I drive, and I can’t even imagine how…