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Arts & Culture Features « Bøkene er magiske hester Meet the og kameler, som på et blunk Two Norwegian tar oss dit vi vil—hvor som real Vikings helst i hele verden! » comics artists Read more on page 22 – Tor Åge Bringsværd Read more on page 6 Norwegian American Weekly

Vol. 126 No. 28 July 24, 2015 Established May 17, 1889 • Formerly Western Viking and Nordisk Tidende $2.00 per copy Welcome to NAW’s reading guide Summer is a time for relaxing, and for us at NAW that means reading. In this issue you’ll find enough of our favorites to get you through the lazy weeks of summer

What’s inside? News 2-3 Opinion 4-5 Features 6 Puzzles 7 Business 8 Sports 9 Fiction 10 Summer Reading 11-15 Roots & Connections 16 Obituaries & Religion 17 Taste of Norway 18 Travel 19 In Your Neighborhood 20-21 Arts & Entertainment 22 Norwegian Heritage 23 $1 = NOK 8.173 updated 07/17/2015 In comparison 06/17/2015 7.7233 01/17/2015 7.5593 07/17/2014 6.1932 Photo credits: (book) Kate Ter Haar / Flickr; (beach on Lofoten) CH / Visitnorway.com 2 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly Nyheter fra Norge Nyheter Hytter lånes bort til andre familier 21 toppbloggere får refs for ulovlig reklame Nordmenn fra nord til sør Mange av landets største bloggere bry­ låner bort hyttene sine til ter loven, mener Forbrukerombudet. Dette får ikke konsekvenser for blog­ familier med dårlig råd gerne, selv om de påståtte lovbruddene har pågått lenge. Forbrukerombudet VG har gjennomført tilsyn med landets Eileen Steinnes (31) hadde fortalt mest populære bloggere for å se om eldstedatteren på elleve år at den lille famil­ merkingen av reklame var god nok. ien også i sommer måtte belage seg på å være Tilsynet viser at bloggerne har blitt hjemme i sommerferien. Datteren beroliget dårligere på å merke reklameinnlegg moren og sa at det ikke var så farlig. siden sist Forbrukerombudet hadde Familien hadde jo tross alt aldri vært tilsyn. Av de totalt 40 bloggerne som bortskjemt med noen Syden-turer eller ble sjekket var det 21 som har brutt hytteturer. Likevel visste alenemoren at det markedsføringsloven flere ganger. kanskje stakk litt ekstra for sine små, å nok Dette er bare i tilfeller der Forbruker­ en gang skulle komme tilbake på skolen i ombudet har klar dokumentasjon på august uten noen spennende historier å for­ regelbrudd. Nå har Forbrukerombudet telle til klassekameratene som hadde vært på sendt brev til disse bloggerne for å be storslåtte ferieturer. Foto: Pixabay de om å skjerpe seg. Men så kom Steinnes over Tom Elias­ Nå kan barn fra lavinntektsfamilier få en sommerferie i slike hytter. (Aftenposten) sens annonse. Han er en av flere nordmenn som har hevet seg på trenden med å låne mange barn som gruet seg til sommerferien, samme følelsen som hun og hennes fire barn To av ti kvinner sjikaneres i jobbfylla ut hyttene sine gratis til de familiene som la ut en Facebook-status der de tilbød å låne har fått. Hver femte kvinne har opplevd sek­ trenger det aller mest. bort hytta i Finland i en uke til en barnefami­ — Det skulle vært flere som Tom og suell trakassering fra fulle kollegaer på Riksrevisjonen la i fjor frem rapporten lie som skulle ønske det. kona hans. Vi er evig takknemlige for det de jobbfest. Dette viser en undersøkelse som fastslo at 78,000 norske barn lever i Innlegget ble delt over 700 ganger på har gjort for oss, forteller Steinnes, og legger som TNS Gallup har utført for rus­ lavinntekstfamilier. Det offentlige har fått bare noen minutter. gledesstrålende til: feltets samarbeidsorganisasjon Actis. refs for at det gjør for lite for at disse barna — Vi fikk henvendelser fra Stavanger til — Penger betyr lite i forhold til den Undersøkelsen viser at 11 prosent av skal få delta i sosiale sammenhenger. Nå trår Finnmark. Det viste oss hvilket behov det er kjærligheten man har til hverandre, men å få alle spurte har opplevd uønsket sek­ nordmenn fra Troms til Aust-Agder til for at for dette. Nå har vi fått så mange henven­ beskjeden at vi skulle på hyttetur, gjorde hele suell oppmerksomhet i forbindelse barn fra lavinntekstfamilier får en sommer delser at vi har valgt å låne den ut en uke til. sommeren for barna. Vi har levd i en boble med alkoholbruk i jobbrelaterte situas­ som de vil huske. Dessverre kan vi ikke låne den ut til alle som av lykke den siste uken. joner. I tillegg svarer syv prosent at de Tromsøværingen Tom Eliassen (54) spør, forteller han. har opplevd utrygghet, trusler, trakas­ hadde ikke forestilt seg interessen han fikk Familien Steinnes drar tilbake fra hytte­ English Synopsis: Norwegians around the country are loaning their cabins to families with less money. sering eller vold på jobbarrangement­ da han og kona, etter en samtale om hvor ferien med ny energi. De håper flere får den er, skriver Dagsavisen. — Dette bør gi grunn for bekymring og vi mener arbeidslivet må ta mer på alvor de ut­ fordringene som ligger i alkoholbruk, sier Actis’ generalsekretær Mina Ger­ Ingen rom Vil ha et hjelmpåbud hardsen. Hun oppfordrer NHO, LO og de andre store arbeidstakerorgan­ Trygg Trafikk vil ha et isasjonene til å gjøre mer for å holde orden i egne rekker. Hun ønsker også i fengsler hjelmpåbud, en alders­ klare retningslinjer for hvor og når det grense og opplæring er akseptabelt å drikke alkohol på ar­ Kriminelle slipper unna beidsplassen. Både NHO og LO svarer for elsyklistene at bruk av rusmidler i jobbsituasjoner fordi fengslene er fulle er problematisk, men begge mener de NRK tar problemet på alvor. NRK (VG) Årsaken ser vi ulykkesstatistikken, Politiet på Romerike løslate kriminelle forteller Mette Magnussen, distriktsleder i Fra økonomisk nedtur til stor opptur på grunn av manglende varetektsplasser. Trygg Trafikk Vestfold. for Norwegian Norske fengsler aldri har vært så fulle som — Hodeskader er det mest alvorlige i Norwegian hadde et resultat før skatt nå. forhold til sykkelulykker, sier hun. på 456 millioner kroner i årets andre — Det merker vi flere ganger hver en­ Trygg Trafikk vil at et hjelmpåbud også kvartal. Flyselskapet tjener stadig mer este uke, sier politiadvokat Peter Ristan i skal gjelde vanlige sykler, men mener det er på tilleggstjenester som bagasjegebyr Romerike politidistrikt. spesielt viktig når det er snakk om elsykler. og setevalg. Resultatet er en kraftig Han sier at det som oftest er vinnings­ — Du kommer raskt opp i fart. Etter bedring fra samme periode i fjor, da kriminelle og rusmisbrukere som blir løslatt. bare noen få tråkk, er du oppi 20 kilometer i Foto: Aleksander Joyce / NRK selskapet gikk 137 millioner i minus. Det er den type kriminalitet som folk flest timen, sier Magnussen. I Norge bruker nesten 50 prosent av syklistene hjelm. — Dette har vært et godt kvartal for legger merke til. Hun har snakket med politiet i Dan­ oss, med en positiv utvikling jevnt — Vi må prioritere de mer alvorlige mark, og kan fortelle at danskene er bekym­ over hele rutenettet, ikke minst på sakene som vold, sedelighet, og eventuelt ret i forhold til utviklingen i antall dødsulyk­ Syklistenes landsforening syns ikke det langdistanserutene. Vi har fylt flyene, drap når det skjer. ker på elsykler. er nødvendig med et slikt påbud fordi de lansert nye ruter til spennende desti­ Aldri før har norske fengsler vært så — I årets seks første måneder hadde de mener at elsyklistene ikke er mer utsatt enn nasjoner og ikke minst fått gode til­ overfylte som nå, viser tall fra Kriminalom­ ti dødsulykker på elsykkel. andre. Magnussen mener imidlertid at det er bakemeldinger fra kundene i form av sorgsdirektoratet. Dermed blir det lengre De fleste som var involvert i dødsulyk­ for tidlig å si noe om dette nå. to Skytrax-priser, sier administrerende soningskøer og færre varetektsplasser. Hit­ kene i Danmark, var eldre. Derfor ønsker — Vi har omtrent akkurat fått elsyklene direktør Bjørn Kjos i en kommentar til i år har fengslene hatt en gjennomsnit­ Trygg Trafikk også en form for opplæring til til Norge. På slutten av året, når ulykkesstatis­ til kvartalstallene. Flyselskapets om­ tlig kapasitetsutnyttelse på 98.1 prosent, det elsyklistene. tikken er klar, vil vi se om det er flere ulykker setning i andre kvartal i år var 5.86 høyeste tallet noensinne, skriver Bergens — Det kan være lenge siden de satt på et på elsykler. milliarder kroner, en økning på drøyt Tidende. sykkelsete, sier Magnussen. Informasjonssjef Hulda Tronstad i 800 millioner fra den samme perioden Politiadvokaten i Romerike politidistrikt Magnussen har også fått med seg argu­ Syklistenes landsforening ønsker at folk skal i fjor. forteller at det til tider er ganske frustrerende mentene mot et hjelmpåbud—at det ikke lar sykle mer, men er redd det motsatte vil skje (Aftenposten) å ikke ha nok plasser til alle kriminelle som seg håndheve, og at det kan føre til at det blir dersom det blir et hjelmpåbud. Hun har mer skulle vært varetekstfengslet. færre som velger å sykle. tro på andre tiltak, som bedre sykkelveier. Hun avviser imidlertid begge. English Synopsis: The Police in Romerike are — Vi som mennesker ønsker å gjøre English Synopsis: The road safety organization releasing criminals—mostly burglers and drug ad­ ting riktig. Er det et påbud om bruk av syk­ Trygg Trafikk wants to enforce helmets, an age limit, dicts—because there is no more room in the prisons. and training for those riding electric bikes. kelhjelm, tror jeg at langt flere vil bruke det. Norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 3 news page Arctic nations This week in brief “Speed cells” found Oslo Airport gets fresh coffee on wheels “Flintstones car” helps in fishing pact American company Starbucks introduc­ es a mobile facility for travelers on their neuroscientists discover Coastal states agree to way out of Norway. “Norwegians love coffee and over critical part of the brain’s combat unregulated the course of one day more than 6,000 navigation system cups are consumed here at the airport fishing in Arctic Ocean alone. We are therefore pleased to be able to offer coffee from a mobile unit,” Nancy Bazilchuk Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Gitte Erlandsen, department man­ NTNU ager for business development. Norway and the other coastal states to Erlandsen estimates that over 25,000 NTNU Nobel Laureates May-Britt and the central Arctic Ocean—Canada, Den­ passengers will travel abroad from Oslo Edvard Moser of the Kavli Institute for Sys­ mark, Russia, and the U.S.—have signed Airport Thursday, July 16, and believes tems Neuroscience won international recog­ a declaration on research cooperation and the kiosk will be well received. “Since nition for discovering grid cells, which act measures to combat unregulated fishing in we have little space in the terminal due like the brain’s inner GPS. Now they and the international part of the central Arctic to the expansion project, we have chosen colleagues Emilio Kropff and James Car­ Ocean. a mobile solution because the areas we michael report the discovery of speed cells, “Climate change is affecting the mi­ have available must be used for the many which provide a critical piece of information gration patterns of fish stocks. Norway and thousands of travelers that are here every to the brain’s navigation system. the other coastal states to the central Arctic day,” she explains. The find was published in the July 15 Photo: Geir Mogen / NTNU DMF Ocean have a particular responsibility under The portable International Depar­ edition of Nature magazine and has received May-Britt Moser. the law of the sea to follow developments tures-located coffee cart, which opened international attention, including reviews in in the central Arctic Ocean closely. The de­ on July 13, is available daily between Nature and Science. scientists to control how fast the rat ran on cision of the coastal states to cooperate on 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and will primar­ “This is a big step forward,” Edvard a treadmill. research to better understand these develop­ ily be in the area near the Foodmarket. Moser told Adressavisen, a Norwegian Edvard Moser described speed cells “as ments, as set out in the declaration signed Gardermoen’s Arrivals area Starbucks is newspaper based in Trondheim. “This has a kind of speedometer. The activity in the today, is important,” commented Minister of open between 5:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. been the missing puzzle piece in our research cells increases when the speed with which Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. Norway’s first Starbucks opened at on the brain’s sense of place.” the rat moves increases. This find is an es­ The five coastal states will prohibit fish­ Oslo Airport in February 2012. The Mosers record brain activity in spe­ sential part of the internal map that we have ermen from their countries from fishing in (Sarah Bostock / The Foreigner) cially trained rats for their research; to study worked with over the last decade. The map is the international part of the central Arctic speed cells, the researchers created a kind of dynamic and can’t be updated without infor­ Ocean. Tall Ships Races 2015 arrive in “Flintstones car,” a box with no bottom in which they placed the rat, and that allowed See > brain, page 4 See > arctic, page 4 Norway Fifty ships and around 2,500 crew from 17 different nations have arrived in the harbor city of Ålesund on the west coast of Norway, as part of the Tall Ships The trick that pleases readers Race 2015, which this year started in Belfast. We want to believe The fleet then sailed north past the Outer Herbrides and Shetland Islands translations are the and across to Ålesund, where they ar­ rived on Wednesday, July 15. Leaving original text, UiO there on July 18, the fleet enjoyed a sce­ nic cruise in company through the Nor­ researcher says wegian fjords to Kristiansand in South­ ern Norway, before the final race down Silje Pileberg to Aalborg in Denmark. University of Oslo Every port will be hosting an open­ ing ceremony, crew parade, prize giv­ Perhaps the author was actually Latin ing, crew party, crew sports, and a Tall American. Or French. Or Arab. And perhaps Ships Parade. she wrote some passages that really would (Norway Post / NRK) have been beyond us. But what does it matter, when translators and publishers wave their More participants in introduction magic wand and provide us with the world’s program for immigrants literary legacy in our own language, formu­ lated in fully understandable sentences? In 2014, 14,700 persons participated in Cecilia Alvstad, leader of the research the introduction program for new immi­ project Voices of Translation believes that grants, an increase of nearly 7 percent all parties involved have entered into a pact from the previous year. More than 70 percent of the participants came from that enables us as readers to blindly disre­ There’s a world of difference between “Menn som hater kvinner” (men who hate women) and its Eng- gard the intervening stages and read a short lish translation, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan, story by Dostoyevsky as though that is ex­ and Sudan. Seventy-one percent of the actly how Dostoyevsky had written it. Real­ strong imprint on the end product,” Alvstad Nordic countries have translated books. participants in 2014 were still registered ity, however, is different. explains. Eva Refsdal, PhD scholar, found such in the program at the end of the year. “The reader wishes to read Dostoyevsky Researchers have studied literature trans­ examples when studying the translations of Nineteen percent completed the full du­ or Shakespeare; she isn’t interested in the lated into Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and three Latin American books from the 1960s. ration of the program, while 5 percent Norwegian translator. But the translator and Danish, examining the translator’s role. Their completed early to transfer to work or all other involved parties obviously leave a topics include how translators in the different See > translation, page 17 education. The introduction program consists of several types of schemes or courses, theforeigner.no is one of the top sources for English-language news the most important being Norwegian There are no foreign and features from Norway. Subscriptions start at NOK 49 per month with social studies. Eighty-nine percent participated in this course during 2014. «lands. It is the traveler Thirty-two percent participated in lan­ guage practice, which was the second only who is foreign. most attended course. – Robert Louis Stevenson » (SSB) 4 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly opinion ole & lena, page 16 Ole and Lena The opinions expressed by opinion writers featured in “On the Edge” are not necessarily those of Norwegian American Weekly, and our publication of those views is not America’s favorite Norwegians! an endorsement of them. Comments, suggestions, and complaints about the opinions expressed by the paper’s editorials should be directed to the editor. Just the right amount of NAW

Want to try NAW on for size? Name: ______Phone: ______Looking for a lower-priced gift Address: ______for the Norwegian in your life? Here’s a secret: we’ll pro-rate City/State/Zip: ______subscriptions to fit your budget. Visa / Mastercard: ______Expiration: ______CVV: one year: $70 Email: Questions? Call us at (206) 784-4617 or email [email protected]. Or buy part of a year for less! You can also subscribe with a credit card over the phone! or mail check to: Norwegian American Weekly, 7301 5th Ave NE Ste A, Seattle, WA 98115 norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 5 opinion Letters to the Editor Norwegian American Weekly Published since May 17, 1889 Do you have something to say? 7301 Fifth Avenue NE Suite A, Seattle, WA 98115 Toll-free: (800) 305-0217 • Local: (206) 784-4617 W rite to us at Norwegian American Weekly, Letter to the Editor, 7301 Fifth Avenue Fax: (206) 448-2033 • Email: [email protected] NE, Suite A, Seattle, WA 98115, or email us at [email protected], subject line Letter to the Editor. Letters may be edited for style, clarity, or length. Publisher Norwegian American Foundation Editor-in-chief Emily C. Skaftun [email protected] Editorial Assistant NAW’s on summer vacation! Molly Jones [email protected] Taste of Norway Editor Each year, the Norwegian American Weekly takes time off in the Daytona Strong [email protected] summer (historically four weeks; this year three), and it starts now. Advertising Drew Gardner [email protected] We will not be checking emails and voicemails (please don’t Subscriptions leave multiple messages!) until we return around Aug. 10 (don’t John Erik Stacy [email protected]

expect responses before Aug. 12). We hope you’ll be out fishing Contributors or hiking or digging your toes into a sandy beach, and too busy to Larrie Wanberg Grand Forks, N.D. miss us. Heck, by the time you read this we’ve already been out Lina Aas-Helseth Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Patricia Barry Hopewell Junction, N.Y. of the office for a week! Melinda Bargreen Everett, Wash. M. Michael Brady Asker, Norway NAW returns to your mailbox Aug. 21. In the meantime, if you Carla Danziger McLean, Va. / Albany, Calif. Daughters of Norway Members Various need something to read, this issue is filled with suggestions. Gary G. Erickson Sunburg, Minn. Rasmus Falck O oslo, Norway Enjoy it, and have a great summer! Marit Fosse Geneva, Switzerland Sunny Gandara Beacon, N.Y. Shelby Gilje Seattle, Wash. Heidi Håvan Grosch Sparbu, Norway Lunch Rosalie Grangaard Grosch Arden Hills, Minn. by Børge Lund Line Grundstad Hanke Seattle, Wash. Kari Heistad Edina, Minn. Then we’ll Victoria Hofmo Brooklyn, N.Y. give it a miss. Leslee Lane Hoyum R rockford, Minn. Roy Jorgensen Hopewell Junction, N.Y Inger-Torill Kirkeby Miami, Fla. Scott Larsen New Westminster, B.C. Thor A. Larsen Fishkill, N.Y. Jerry Larson Zimmerman, Minn. Solveig M. Lee Seattle, Wash. Darin Lietz Seattle, Wash. Richard Londgren Thousand Oaks, Calif. Whitney Love Stavanger, Norway Donald V. Mehus New York, N.Y. Christine Foster Meloni Washington, D.C. David Moe Sun City, Calif. David Nikel Trondheim, Norway Ken Nordan Batavia, Ill. Finn Roed West Bloomfield, Mich. Barbara K. Rostad Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho G irls! Have you John Erik Stacy Seattle, Wash. got time to come The standard waste of time? No N o, no! This is a working Rolf Kristian Stang New York, N.Y. to a meeting? fixed agenda, with small talk and meeting! No balderdash, right Judith Gabriel Vinje Los Angeles, Calif. coffee drinking as the main activity? to the point! I guarantee it! N orwegian American Weekly strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a Hjalmar by Nils Axle Kanten question or comment about news coverage call (206) 784-4617. • Norwegian American Weekly Mumble chortle urgle reserves the right to edit any and all submissions ...sh... hiccup!!! Weep! for style, grammar, accuracy, and/or space, and E xcuse me? the right not to print submissions deemed libelous, in poor taste, or not suited for publication in this newspaper. • The opinions expressed by opinion I think he says: writers and letter writers are not necessarily those My wife doesn’t of Norwegian American Weekly, and our publica- understand me... tion of those views is not an endorsement of them. Comments, suggestions, and complaints about the opinions expressed by the paper’s editorials should be directed to the publisher. • Norwegian American Weekly (USPS 679-840) (ISSN 1942- 1389) is published weekly except the first week of the calendar year, the week after Easter, the last week of July, and the first two weeks of August by Norwegian American Weekly, INC. • Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, Wash. and at additional mailing offices. • POSTMASTER: Please send ad- dress changes to 7301 Fifth Ave. NE Suite A Seat- tle, WA 98115 • Annual Subscription Cost: US $70 Domestic, US $94 to Canada, US $212 to Norway and all other foreign countries.

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Don’t forget to vote on which new comic we keep! By Jiminy, we forgot Are you This is beyond my L a-a-a-rs! La-a-a-rs! to stack our barley! Details & interviews not finding I can’t figure understanding. Where are you at? Lars, Per? No sign of him what’s become By shucks we have too! We are bound here in the pigsty. of him. to do it before we go to the fair. on page 6. 6 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly features

rained as an animator, Nils Axle Kanten worked for two of Oslo’s top animation studios before movingT on to illustration and comic strip creation. In 2008, Kanten created his first comic strip, Firekanta, which takes its inspi­ ration from the state of society—with a bit of fantasy thrown into the mix. He then cre­ ated Hjalmar in 2009, which is based on his own experiences as a father to four young nspired by his own experiences in the ing all my strips. Never heard him complain. children. workplace, Børge Lund created the Here, Kanten shares his thoughts with Icomic strip Lunch in 2007. This popu­ MJ: Do you create your comics with a Nor­ NAW on the differences between Hjalmar NAK: It started with trying to bring life to lar strip features the unmotivated and some­ wegian audience in mind, or do you feel that and Firekanta and his experiences as an il­ the modern Norwegian family man. It’s re­ times foolish Kjell and his interactions with they are relevant for a global audience? lustrator and animator. ally cool to see that families in Switzerland his coworkers. Lund has found that Kjell’s BL: I create the stories according to my own and Finland also recognize themselves. experiences resonate with readers world­ experience. Some of it may be closely linked Molly Jones: How would you describe the wide, and Lunch is now published in over 90 to typical Norwegian topics, but I think a lot themes of Hjalmar and Firekanta? MJ: What is it like to see your work trans­ publications. of situations could happen anywhere. Maybe Nils Axle Kanten: In Hjalmar I must keep to lated? Have your comics been translated to In this interview with NAW, Lund dis­ the typical Norwegian non-hierarchical busi­ the rules of the Hjalmar universe; I cannot languages other than English? Do you feel cusses his experience incorporating his own ness structure may seem a bit strange to for­ stretch jokes as far as I can in Firekanta. In like the comic’s message is preserved, or reality into a comic strip and having his work eign readers. Firekanta I am playing with everything pos­ does translation alter the content? published around the world. sible from cavemen and cowboys to satire. NAK: It’s pretty cool to see translations and MJ: What is it like to see your work translat­ people from other countries giving feedback Molly Jones: How would you describe the ed? Do you think it’s weird that, for example, MJ: Why did you choose to develop these on jokes they thought were good. Pretty in­ theme of Lunch? Kjell becomes Dave for an English-speaking comic strips? Are they modeled on your spiring! Børge Lund: The theme is life in the office. audience? [Note that NAW has kept the life? If so, how do the people in your life It’s a strip about people trying to work to­ name Kjell, as most of our readers are famil­ feel about that? MJ: Before creating Hjalmar and Firekanta, gether, despite obvious differences in per­ iar with Norwegian names.] NAK: I had some ideas for a strange guy you worked for animation studios in Oslo. sonality, ambitions, and skills. BL: It’s fascinating. It’s like exploring the who listened to 80s rock. He needed to have How does film animation compare to comic strips a second time. I hope Dave sounds the a mate who was more of a normal fam­ strip production? Which do you prefer? MJ: Why did you choose to develop this way Kjell does in my ears. ily man—it was Hjalmar. I found out that I NAK: A comic requires a bit of reader, one comic strip? lived a hectic life as a family man and based who can envision what happens between the BL: I chose a theme that I knew well, after MJ: Have your comics been translated to the Hjalmar character on my life. Most of panels. People can read a strip as slowly or having worked more than 12 years in an of­ languages other than English? If so, what are the strips are only fantasy, but many are also quickly as they want. In animation, one must fice environment for four different compa­ the character names in other languages? inspired by real events. My brother is the be spoon-fed; one cannot rewind to dwell on nies. My motivation was simply to try to see BL: Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, inspiration for Hjalmar’s brother, Uncle B. the point. I think both industries are fun to if I could pull it off. I had always dreamed among others. In the Nordic countries he is Obviously quite caricatured. He finds it fun work with. The advantage of comics is that about drawing comics, but I didn’t do any­ also called Kjell (actually Kjeld in Denmark). to be a cartoon character, I think... it takes a short time from idea to finished re­ thing about it before I noticed there was a Firekanta is not based on my own life, sult. strip competition for a newspaper. MJ: Do you feel like the comic’s message is but I try to see situations from the society preserved in translation? we live in. MJ: Is there anything else you’d like to share MJ: I read that you worked as an industrial BL: It seems that most of the message is pre­ with our readers? designer prior to creating Lunch. Is it mod­ served. My writing is straightforward and MJ: Do you create your NAK: It’s very cool to be in your newspa­ eled on that experience? shouldn’t be too hard to translate, I think. comics with a Norwegian per! Hope you like it! BL: Absolutely. Real experience and a link to Obviously some of the content may be al­ audience in mind, or do reality are key elements of the strip. I don’t tered (maybe sometimes for the better?), but you feel that they are break any physical laws. It almost could in general the link between text and drawing relevant for a global au­ have happened in the real world. I think most is strong, so I’m not afraid that the humor is dience? of the characters could be found out there. I lost in translation. know a few of them myself... MJ: Is there anything else you’d like to share MJ: How do the people in your life feel with our readers? about that? For example, are there people BL: I’m very proud to be presented to an who know they inspired a character? American audience this way, and it actually BL: Sure! A friend I used to work with has must be the perfect way of doing it, with a been a big inspiration for the character called smooth introduction to readers with a special Nico. He knows it, and as far as I know he is connection to Norway—and Kjell. proud of it as well. Actually he is proofread­

This is theDon’t last week we’llforget All votersto willvote! be entered into run both Lunch and Hjalmar in a drawing to win a copy of NAW’s NAW (page 5 this week). You’ve “final” issue or a visit from Nils seen two months of each strip. Anders Wik (one entry per email You’ve met the artists behind address). Final tally and drawing them. You now have all the data will be made on Aug. 11, 2015. you’re ever going to have in order Please vote! So far we’ve to cast your vote! received two responses, and they To vote, send an email to both say “neither.” We like both Illustrations by Nils Axle Kanten (Hjalmar) [email protected] with the comics quite a bit, but if we don’t and Borge Lund (Lunch) subject line of either LUNCH or get a few positive responses we Top: Self portraits of both comic strip creators. HJALMAR. won’t keep either one. Bottom: The primary casts of characters for Hjalmar and Lunch (with Kjell to the right). norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 7 puzzles

Norwenglish Crossword by Andrew R. Thurson Puzzles by Sölvi Dolland Directions: Translate English words to Norwegian, or vice “På landet” versa, before posting in the puzzle. #4 / 92

A VcrOSS/ annrett 48. Sketsj 1 Regn 49. Le 5. Hun 50. Idé 8. Also 51. Frozen ground 12. Dyktig 52. Gjøre feil 13. He 53. Sydd 14. Snuble 15. X-mas table Down/Loddrett 17. Rooster 1. Raja 18. Spiste 2. Grense til 19. Rød 3. Bad 20. Commotion 4. Født 21. Bucket 5. Sko 22. Father 6. Hard 23. Skjegg 7. Slutte 26. Jordmor 8. Ellers 30. Inn i 9. Grave 31. Arrow 10. His, hers 32. Irishman 11. Open 33. Bivoks 16. Bread 35. Unseen 20. Gutt 28. Fat 40. Spiker 36. Øre 21. Reise tiltale 29. Pea 41. Otter 37. En 22. File 31. Pair 42. Ness 38. Fantasi 23. Spisesmekke 34. Vei 43. Tegnet 41. Ofte 24. Alone 35. Til 44. Dekanus 42. Rar 25. Spiste 37. Tilbud 46. Howl 45. Esau 26. Blande 28. Feast 47. Rice 46. Challenge 27. Vrede 39. Ash

Norsk-Engelsk Kryssord by Ed Egerdahl of the Scandinavian Language Institute

Ed Egerdahl wrote these puzzles for Scandinavian Language Institute’s classes at LODDRETT 53. Kurvball hull 68. Grunnlovens måned Seattle’s Nordic Heritage Museum. It’s possible a few of the clues will make more 1. Trappetrinn 55. Hvor fort, hvor mye, hvor godt 69. Dekke med måling sense if you remember that—there may be some Seattle-centric answers. There’s 2. Påskeegg aktivitet 57. Tresko 71. Liten fugl definitely some wacky humor, and if you find yourself uncertain about a two-letter 3. Førekort eller pass f.eks. 58. Adjektiv for et svensk hode? (Jeg 72. Låne for en viss tid answer, try “Ed.” 4. Ert kan ikke tro jeg sa det!) 74. Blomster hage (N) = skriv på norsk. Otherwise, the answers are in English. 5. Folk med nesene til værs 59. Slutter å sove 75. Borgerkrig general 6. Kaste 61. Grønnsak rot 77. Velge VANNRETT 49. Lager smørbrød 7. (n) Bare skriv 4 loddrett 62. Forby 80. To ganger er noe barn ikke skulle 1. Oseberg eller Gokstad 51. (n) Seattle smørbrød eller norsk 8. To tredjedels av et egg? 63. Engelsk kongehus eller byggestil gjøre? 5. Sitte bak rattet ukedel 9. Gå til sengs 64. Et sted man drikker med magen 82. (n) Norsk utetoalett 10. Små hytter 52. Ikke! 10. Kjærlig hilsen opp mot disken 84. USAs nest største by (bokstaver 14. Sjøvannets inn og ut 53. Hodeklær 11. Heis knapp 65. Boller og skåler forkortelse) 15. (n) I annen plass etter USA for folk 54. Må ha 12. Dyrehage dyr 66. (n) Heyerdahls båt født av norske foreldre 55. (n) Lyserød eller kvinnenavn 13. Ofte kjedelig hastighet 67. Tidsbegrenset (fork.) 16. Øyesvart 56. Én gang til 16. Et stort hull i jorden 17. Uten ham ville ikke dette ha vært 58. Opp i årene 19. En veldig stor forsamling nødvendig mulig 59. Sette pengene der munnen er 22. Bleier som må skiftes 18. Lyd som kommer når du er ferdig 60. Den stive saltdamens mann 25. Amerikansk forkortelse for 33 med kryssordet 61. Jevnt vannrett 20. (n) Norsk pålegg med 81 vannrett 62. Griffey Juniors våpen 27. Én Cincinnati ballspiller 21. Tynn kvist 63. Spissen 28. En jyllender 23. Reise, dra 64. Hamiltons uheldige fiend 29. Kortene du spiller med 24. Energi 65. (n) Kringlemann 31. Forkjølelse 26. Runde ting (ofte kongelige) 67. En taubåt 32. En på tog, fly eller buss 28. Prøve å miste noe? 68. Den første kvinnen til graven 33. En som har gjort noe stygt mot 29. Skjære med en kniv påskemorgenen deg 30. Gårdbrukers mål 69. Iskjeks 35. Synonym for 6 loddrett 32. Hodestripe (for de som har hår) 70. Hull-lagende redskap 36. Juan, Carl G. eller Harald 33. (n) Norsk onkel eller tantes bror 73. Og tredje gangen er for 37. Ryggrad 35. (n) En rar manns fornavn sjarmereren? 38. Mere på? (Det var dumt! Nei, det 35. Sukker stokk 74. (n) Norske unger var veldig dumt!) 36. Slekt 75. Kuens sang i Betlehem 39. Om ett (minutt) (to ord) 37. Vise tennene 76. To ganger er bare middels bra? 40. Klipper, slutter 40. Tjuefire brune flasker 78. (n) Du gjøre det tre ganger med 41. Godt hjertet 41. Tenne ild din norske båt? 42. Leie for en viss tidsperiode 44. En liten dam 79. En viktig del av en Norges tur!? 43. Første navn av Bergen? 45. Å bruke slemme, stygge ord 81. (n) Flatbrød merkenavn 45. Hunkjønns pen 46. Et stykke forkost pølse 83. Ja eller nei i retten 46. Sa noe som ikke var sant 47. (n) En annen gang for dette vittige 85. Gå eller en ku med en stokk 49. (n) Rett under en norsk nese trollet 86. De som skriver rim (herre)!? 48. Irske kjempere eller en slags 87. (n) Norsk smil viser 50. Klarinett, obo eller lignende sparekonto 51. Mannens beste venn Mystery and Romantic Subscribe to NAW! S u m m e r s a l e : Suspense in Norway K i n d l e e d i t i o n Hidden Falls $ 2 . 9 9 ! by Carla Danziger Kindle edition $5.00 $2.99 • www.amazon.com Print edition $18.95 • iUniverse 1-800-288-4677 Call (206) 784-4617 or email [email protected] www.carladanziger.com 8 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly Business Business News & Notes

World’s first subsea wet gas assumptions at the basis for the project deci­ Safer fish cages for compressor installed sion. “Subsea wet gas compression is a game After several years of technology develop­ changer for subsea processing, and an im­ ment, construction, and testing, the first sub­ portant technology to increase recovery also increased aquaculture sea wet gas compressor in the world is now on other fields,” Konradsen emphasizes. installed at the Norwegian Gullfaks C plat­ The protective structure and compres­ Aqualine heads the school in net cage design form in the North Sea. Subsea wet gas com­ sor station were installed in early May by the pression at Gullfaks C will add 22 million heavy lift vessel Oleg Strashnov. On June 26 barrels of oil equivalent and extend plateau the compressor and cooling modules were production by about two years. lowered into place. The plant will be tied “The installation campaigns have been back to the Gullfaks C platform in the late successfully performed by Subsea Seven,” summer and autumn. says project manager Bjørn Birkeland. The The Gullfaks technology solution is a project has now entered the last phase, test­ wet gas compressor, which does not require ing and preparing for hand-over and start-up any treatment of the well stream before in the last quarter of this year. compression. Subsea compression provides “This is the first compressor of its kind a greater effect than a conventional topside in the world. It is a milestone, not just to­ compressor. In addition, the platform avoids wards the compressor start-up, but also for the extra weight and space required by a top­ Statoil’s subsea factory visions,” says Stein­ side compression module. ar Konradsen, representative for the project. Statoil is currently implementing two Testing of the complete compressor sta­ subsea compression projects at Åsgard and tion still remains, but this work is underway Gullfaks on the Norwegian continental shelf and the project is on schedule. (NCS) together with its license partners. The The compressor represents a robust and projects represent important pieces of the flexible measure to improve oil recovery jigsaw puzzle of designing the subsea facto­ (IOR) for the Gullfaks license. ries of the future. This may have benefits far beyond the (Norway Post / Statoil) Photo: Thomas Bjørkan / Wikimedia Commons Fish cages in Velfjorden, Brønnøy, Norway. LEWIS O. TITLAND Quality Accounting & Tax Services for: Certified Public Accountant Small businesses Rasmus Falck veloping and supplying a predator preven­ (206)789-5433 Individuals Oslo, Norway tion system that works. Analysis and product development in 221 1st Ave. W. Ste. 400 Specialized Assistance Seattle, WA 98119 Norway’s long and jagged coastline sur­ consultation with the customers has always rounded by cold, fresh seawater provides been part of the company’s process. Every excellent conditions for fish farming. More year they invest 4-5 percent of their turnover than half of our largest fish farming compa­ in research, as it is of great importance so Vesterheim nies are located on the West Coast. The de­ that they supply safe and suitable equip­ the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center velopment of commercial aquaculture began ment to all types of locations. Lately they • The largest collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world around 1970. Since then fish farming has have been testing new and existing con­ • A national center for folk-art classes • Open all year in Decorah, Iowa developed into a major industry. Salmon is cepts within cages, nets, and moorings at the by far the most important. Today Norway is Marintek tank in Trondheim. The model test the leading producer of Atlantic salmon and of extreme currents, waves, and winds pro­ the second largest seafood exporter in the vides the company with detailed information MULLAVEY, PROUT, GRENLEY & FOE world (only China is larger), and fish farm­ about forces and movements in every part of ing accounts for close to 50 percent of fish the cage. This makes it possible to optimize production. the configurations and minimize the risk pro­ A ttORNEYS and counselors at law One company that has taken part in this file for the customer. expansion is Aqualine. The company has Aqualine has a complete net cage sys­ been supplying net cages to the fish farms in tem in which all components work together Advice regarding maritime and civil claims, disputes, the toughest and most demanding maritime to protect the fish and personnel. They have commercial transactions and estate planning. areas of the world for over 35 years. Every­ worked to reduce the risk of escape and to thing they do is based on local conditions improve working conditions. Their new sys­ determining the composition of the elements tem, introduced two years ago, has proven 2501 NW 65th St, P.O. Box 70567 Seattle, WA 98107 they use to create a safe net cage. The com­ that even during extreme weather conditions pany is located in Trondheim, Hamarvik, at very exposed locations the interaction be­ Telephone: (206) 789-2511 Fax: (206) 789-4484 Fosnavåg, and Haugesund, as well as in Aus­ tween fish net, sinker tube, and cage flota­ tralia and Chile. In 2013 revenues reached tion collar functions optimally. Over 270 fish 336 million NOK and gross profits 28 mil­ nets have been sold over the two last years, lion. which is probably why Aqualine was named In various global “hot spots,” preda­ the Company of the Year in Mid Norway last tors such as seals are the number one prob­ year! lem when it comes to farming fish. Double Rasmus Falck is a strong net systems are not new to the aquaculture innovation and entrepre- industry, however the key issue has always neurship advocate. The been in maintaining adequate separation be­ author of “What do the tween the predator and the fish net and main­ best do better” and “The taining sufficient tensioning on all nets, even board of directors as a under the most challenging environmental resource in SME,” he re- conditions. Aqualine, through its global net­ ceived his masters degree work, is very in tune with the seal predator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He issue and has worked extremely hard in de­ currently lives in Oslo, Norway.

Exchange Rates Oslo Børs: Week at a Glance (July 17, 2015) Winners Losers Norsk Kr. 8.1728 Name NOK Change Name NOK Change Dansk Kr. 6.8794 Tomra Systems 78.50 12.54% Apptix 1.43 -19.66% Itera 2.77 11.24% Skiens Aktiemølle 96.00 -8.13% Svensk Kr. 8.6384 Schibsted ser. B 272.00 9.46% Seadrill 74.05 -6.21% Islandsk Kr. 135.71 Havila Shipping 9.40 9.30% Fred. Olsen Energy 45.56 -5.77% Canadian $ 1.2996 Schibsted ser. A 282.70 7.37% Reach Subsea 2.45 -5.77% Euro 0.9220 For detailed information about the Oslo Børs, visit www.dn.no. norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 9 sports 2015 US National Kubb Championship The Kubb Capital of North America hosts the ninth annual “Viking Chess” battle

Molly Jones Norwegian American Weekly

In mid-July, hundreds of people gath­ ered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to play the Nordic game of kubb, the lawn game that Photos courtesy of the U.S. National Kubb many call “Viking Chess.” But it wasn’t all Championship fun and games; it was the 2015 U.S. Nation­ Left: The ninth annual kubb tournament saw 376 al Kubb Championship! players on 108 teams competing for the title. The kubb tournament in Eau Claire be­ Below: Furor Celtica won the honor of having gan modestly in 2007 with just 36 players and their names added to the meter-high Stapp King. 15 teams. But the tournament grew rapidly; by the second year it was the U.S. Midwest Championship, and in 2010 it officially be­ came the U.S. National Championship. It is now the largest kubb tournament outside of Europe, and Eau Claire became the official made up of a minimum of three people and “Kubb Capital of North America” in 2011. at least half of the team must be from North As a fundraiser, the Kubb Champion­ America. ship donates profits from the event to Girls • The objective is to knock down all of on the Run of Eau Claire County, a girl em­ the kubbs on the opposing team’s baseline powerment initiative operating programs in by throwing the batons. Each team mem­ elementary schools, as well as We Help War ber can throw no more than two batons per Victims, a non-profit working with villages turn. When a kubb is hit, the opposing team in Southeast Asia. In addition, it raises mon­ must throw it to the other side of the field ey for the Steven Anderson Kubb Set Grant, and knock it down before continuing to aim which provides free kubb sets to organiza­ for the baseline kubbs. Once all of the oppos­ tions that are promoting kubb. ing team’s kubbs are knocked over, the team The ninth annual tournament welcomed must knock down the king to win. (But note 376 players from 14 states—and even one that hitting the king before the kubbs will re­ from Sweden—forming 108 teams. Held at sult in an automatic loss!) Eau Claire Soccer Park on July 11 and 12, At the start of the National Champion­ the event was open to all: novice or pro. ship, the teams were formed into groups of remainder of the game, as usual. Stockholm of Eau Claire, Wis., and Stock­ This year also marked the second Kid Kubb four. They played three round-robin matches All teams then entered the playoffs and holm, Sweden championship, held on July 10, to get kids with the teams in their group. To win the went into either the Championship Bracket, • Bronze: Damage Incorporated of Des interested in the game. match, the team had to win two of three Consolidation Bracket, or 2nd Consolidation Moines, Iowa; Eau Claire, Wis.; and Wauke­ If you haven’t played kubb before, here games. Bracket depending on their results. On Sun­ sha, Wis. are the basics: For the first time this year, the U.S. day, the final eight teams in the Champion­ • Fourth: Kubbitz of Eau Claire, Wis. • The playfield is a five- by eight-meter Championship used the 2-4-6 open. After ship Bracket then returned for the finals. The As the champions, the team of Furor rectangle. There are ten kubbs (split between the team that won the opening king toss top four teams received medals. The winners Celtica will be celebrated with their names the two baselines), six throwing batons, a had decided which side to start on or which of the 2015 U.S. Kubb Championship Finals added to the Stapp King—the meter-tall king king placed in the middle, and six pins to team would start, two members of the first were: piece used as the trophy. mark the field’s corners and center line. team threw two batons. Then three or more • Gold: Furor Celtica of Roscoe, Ill.; Next year, the stakes will be even higher • Each match is played by two teams. In members of the second team threw four ba­ Fitchberg, Wis.; and Des Moines, Iowa when the teams return for the 10th anniver­ the U.S. Championship, each team must be tons. The six batons were then used for the • Silver: Ringers ft. Rekubblikanerna sary of the Eau Claire Kubb Tournament! Sports News & Notes The Scandinavian Hour Swimming: Gold for Sarah Louise Rung The return match in Amenia was held Celebrating over 50 years on the air! Sarah Louise Rung swam into the gold in the following week. the 50-meter butterfly in the International (Norway Post / NRK / Aftenposten) KKNW – 1150 AM Paralytic Committee World Championships on July 16. This is Rung’s second gold and Track & Field: Norum fifth in Juniors Saturdays 9 – 10 a.m. PST third medal in the championships. Emily Rose Norum set a personal record Streaming live on the internet at: (NRK) when she ran in to the fifth place spot in the 400-meter race at the European Athlet­ www.1150kknw.com Football: Victory to Odd ics Junior Championship on July 17. The Two goals by Oliver Occean gave Odd a 2-0 19-year-old finished in 53.78 for the best victory over the Irish Shamrock in the first performance of her career. match of the second qualifying round of the (NRK) WOODEN SPOON Europa League. SCANDINAVIAN SHOP (NRK) Football: RBK signs Yann-Erik de Lanlay 1617 K Avenue, Plano, TX 75074 • (972) 424-6867 Rosenborg confirmed on its website that the Football: Molde-Pyunik 5-0 club is buying Yann-Erik de Lanlay from Vi­ Christmas in July Sale king. The midfielder could make his debut in Norwegian club Molde FK defeated Pyunik Monday, July 20, Jerevan of Armenia 5-0 in their qualifier for the Tippeligaen match against Sandefjord on the Champions League on Tuesday, July 14. July 26. The 23-year-old has signed a con­ to Saturday, July 31. Molde led 2-0 at half-time. tract that extends through the 2019 season. All Christmas items 20% off! (NRK) Includes candles, candleholders, Funeral Home Christmas linens, ornaments, SOlie and Crematory plates, and Christmas books. Honoring • Caring • Serving 3301 Colby Ave. Everett, WA 98201 (425) 252-5159 [email protected] • www.woodenspoon.ws 10 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly fiction the bear facts fiction by Jane Sibley

a scene of pure slaughter. prints near the base of the tree, and It was Bamse had strolled into a Bamse gently sniffed at them, memoriz- smallish clearing, to see hordes of yellow ing their shapes and odor. He had a very and black bodies zinging through the air, keen nose, which picked up the minute frantic to chase down the criminal who traces of the scent of a deer. But deer had plundered and destroyed their home. don’t go around attacking beehives. Bamse was on good terms with these bees; A hint of wood smoke was also he had on several occasions led his father there, and deer avoided fire. Plus, away from their hive, and the bees appre- the footprints were much larger ciated that fact. Now someone or some- than those made by a deer. Bamse thing had come and wrecked their home. now had his first real case. Six bees danced to Bamse what they knew; The gashes in the old tree were and Bamse, who had spent hours watch- clean cuts, not like those of animal claws. ing them and learning their “talk,” nodded Sniffing at them, he detected the cold gravely. Apparently it had been a night at- smell of iron. A man-made tool had done tack, when the bees were all asleep. By the this, not anyone who lived in the forest. time they awoke and flew to attack their Bamse figured that if he followed his enemy, it was too late. Most of their honey nose, he could track down the perpetra- had been ripped from the old hollow tree, tor, especially since droplets of honey which showed deep gashes where the at- were scattered on the ground next to the tacker had dug into the rotting wood. It footprints. He nodded once again and set would be up to Bamse to discover the off, carefully examining the ground as he facts of the case and bring the criminal to went, and trying to not make any noise. A justice. number of the bees followed him, ready white-faced hornets. Bamse picked up Bamse had always wanted to be a to report back to the queen what Bamse two largish pebbles, and waited for the Illustration: Liz Argall detective. He loved to figure things out, discovered, so that her warriors could bees to return. But before they did, a tall and he had spent much of his short life then deal with the hive’s bane. bearded man, clad in a tunic and baggy heard a lot of screaming and crashing rambling around in the deep woods, learn- The trail was long, and eventually led trousers tucked into deerskin boots, came about, and he grinned. Score one for the ing the ways of those who lived there. to another clearing, in which stood a log out of the house and headed toward the bear cub and zero for the Viking. He nodded again, and slowly padded up house with a turf roof. Smoke wafted up woodpile. Bamse carefully aimed and to the remains of the hive to sniff at the from the central chimney, but nobody was threw, each pebble smacking into a hornet Jane T. Sibley, Ph.D., is the author of Norse deep slashes in the wood and to peer at in sight. Bamse cautiously approached the nest. He then curled up, pretending to be a Mythology...According to Uncle Einar, The any footprints at the base of the tree. The woodpile next to the house, and sniffed rock. The hornets, furious at having been Hammer of the Smith, The Divine Thun­ derbolt: Missile of the Gods, and A Differ­ bees continued their circling, but did not at the axe laying on a large stump next to disturbed, homed in on the man. ent Dragon. Her fifth book, The Way of the disturb him as he studied the evidence. it. Yes, that was what was used; it smelled Revenge was sweet. By the time the Wise: Traditional Norwegian Folk and Mag­ They knew that he wished them well, and of honey and dead bees. Some of Bamse’s bees returned, the hornets had inflicted ic Medicine, is at the publisher, and should that he would do his best to find out who escorts dashed back to the hive, where major punishment on the criminal, who appear later this year. This will be her sec- or what had done this deed. they would get reinforcements, while sev- had dashed into his house, followed by ond story published in NAW; the first was Yes, there were scuffed large foot- eral others located two nearby nests of at least seventy of their number. Bamse “Treet som Bli” (The Tree Who Became). Excerpts from Richard Londgren’s Arc of Conflict

“Interesting to meet another member of Harold in on what Jakob referred to—that your family,” Harold declared. “And I heard Nazi insult.” Chapter 1: what you said, and I’ve been there too.” “It does haunt our family,” admitted “Sorry that I exploded like that,” said Karl. “I’ll give you the short version now, Rude Welcome Jakob, “and I’m glad to meet you. American, and you may or may not want to learn more aren’t you?” later. “I will not apologize to Olaf, no matter “Even after I’ve been working with your “Our cousin Hanna, daughter of our what you say, Mom!” shouted Jakob, as he brother, you don’t think I sound like I’m dad’s sister Gerta, had a German officer as a threw his backpack and jacket toward the Norwegian. Guess my Swedish name gave father,” explained Karl. “Gerta insisted that closet. “I’ve had it with him and his insults, me away,” laughed Harold, as Jakob and he was an outstanding German, not a Nazi. so I gave him a dose of his own language!” Karl joined in the ethnic humor. Said he was an architect and engineer sent “Well, I just got a call from Olaf’s moth­ “Well,” said Jakob, “I’d better head for to direct the coastal gun emplacements here er,” said Mrs. Onstad, “and she was plenty my room…or get in even more trouble. I’m and all up and down the Atlantic coast. Ac­ mad about how you cursed at him and threat­ curious about the problem you mentioned. cording to her, he was a kind and considerate ened to beat up on him. They’re our friends, Maybe later we can talk over our troubles.” companion to her in those dire times. Even so why are you acting that way?” “Helps to talk about it,” said Harold. taught design to some of her best students. “I thought he was too, but then suddenly “Some of that frustration I felt as a kid still And handsome as well. Not greatly surpris­ he starts the Nazi-lover accusations again. upsets me, and I want to go back and kick ing…that, unfortunately, led to romance.” And some of the other kids join in. But I some butt. And now I’m big and tough “And, also unfortunately, she became didn’t curse him. Just called him a bunch of enough to do it,” he laughed. pregnant,” added Olga. “Maybe you know— obscenities.” As Jakob left, Mrs. Onstad joined Karl Harold—that in Norway, fraternizing with “I can guess,” said Mrs. Onstad. and Harold. “First,” she said, “my name is Norwegians even from other towns is resent­ “You can think about it in your room, Olga…sometimes ogre…to my family,” she ed. So fraternizing with the enemy is strictly and we’ll talk about it later. First, I want you chuckled. “And you can stay for dinner, I forbidden.” to meet Karl’s friend from the oil platform.” ing to defend our honor. I’ve been there too, hope. Maybe it’ll be a calm meal, though From the living room, Karl shouted for so you’ll get used to it and get over it. Jakob, Karl and their dad do become a bit Arc of Conflict is available via Amazon’s Jakob to join them. “Now say hello to Harold Shostrom, my agitated at times. Kindle e-book and paperback from Amazon’s “Sounds like you had a bad day—again, fellow oil tycoon,” laughed Karl, with an “But before I go—back to work in the CreateSpace. Jakob,” grinned Karl. “Well, thanks for try­ echoing chuckle from Harold. kitchen, maybe you and I, Karl, should fill Norwegian American Weekly

Summer Reading GuidePhoto: Sunil / HDImage.com My NORLA summer reading wish list

Christine Foster Meloni Washington, D.C.

Browsing through the spring 2015 cata­ logue of NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad), I found many Norwegian books translated into English that I wanted to read. I narrowed my choices down to six and cre­ ated a Summer Wish List for myself, which I would like to share with my NAW readers.

Seven Days in August (Sju dagar i august) by Brit Bildøen The following comment about the au­ thor caught my attention: “Brit Bildøen is Dead Heat (Dødt løp) by Kurt Aust Studies of Evil (Studier i ondskap) by Arne one of Norway’s most beloved and well ac­ I am hooked on Scandinavian crime Johan Vetlesen claimed authors.” This author, I thought, is novels and Kurt Aust’s bio interested me. He Vetlesen has been a professor of philos­ one I should become familiar with. has won two prestigious literary awards: the ophy at the University of Oslo since 1998. In The summary of Seven Days in August Glass Key for best Scandinavian crime novel this book he considers the act of evil com­ sparked my interest. Sofie and Otto were and the Riverton Prize for best Norwegian mitted in Norway on July 22, 2011, and other greatly affected by the terrorist attack in Oslo crime novel. historical examples of atrocities in order to and Utøya in 2011. They shared their grief In Dead Heat, Norwegian Erik Norse is answer difficult questions such as What is for eight years but now their marriage seems riding in the Tour de France, not as an ordi­ behind acts of evil? and Should we forgive to be cracking up. Can grief be shared only nary cyclist but as a secret agent for Interpol. cruel perpetrators? for a certain period of time? They realize He is charged with identifying four riders in­ Only Human (Bare et menneske) by Kris- that they must reevaluate their relationship volved in race fixing and gambling. Needless NORLA—Norwegian Literature Abroad pro- tine Næss before they can move forward. to say, his assignment is fraught with danger. motes the export of Norwegian literature. I was impressed with Karl Ove Knaus­ The organization disseminates knowledge gård’s praise of Næss: “Few writers other Manual (Manuell) by Cathrine Knudsen Knut Hamsun: Journey to Hitler (Knut about Norwegian books and authors abroad, than Kristine Næss succeed in getting lan­ Critics considered Knudsen’s Manual Hamsun. Reisen til Hitler) by Tore Rem and operations are financed by the Norwe- guage so close to life itself; she is one of the one of the best literary works of 2014. When I saw the title, I immediately gian Ministry of Culture. For more info, visit very best of our generation.” The protagonist of this novel is Cara classified this non-fiction book as a “must- norla.no/en/pages. I also found the plot intriguing. A Alona. Now a mother, she begins to reflect read.” Rem focuses on Knut Hamsun’s au­ Christine Foster Meloni is 12-year-old girl disappears and, when her on family relationships and decides to write dience with Hitler on June 26, 1943. Hitler professor emerita at The backpack is discovered in Bea Britt’s gar­ her life story. Her grandfather is her starting was aware of Hamsun’s fame as “the greatest George Washington Uni- den, she becomes the primary suspect. Britt point. As a child she only saw him when her living writer of the Germanic Peoples, a con­ versity. She has degrees lives alone in her grandmother’s house and family drove through his toll booth where he temporary Goethe. He also knew of Ham­ in Italian literature, lin- her grandmother’s story lives within her. manually operated the cash lane. No words sun’s support. The meeting began well but guistics, and international Næss has been nominated along with were ever exchanged. ended badly as Hamsun dared to talk back education. She was born Jon Fosse for the Nordic Council’s Liter­ She struggles to answer fundamental to Hitler. in Minneapolis and cur- ary Award for 2015. The winner will be an­ questions such as What is belonging? and In the epilogue of the book, Rem in­ rently lives in Washington, DC. She values her nounced on October 27. What is identity? cludes Hamsun’s obituary for Hitler. Norwegian heritage. 12 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly summer reading Book review: Blood on Snow Capitalism revealed Christine Foster Meloni M. Michael Brady Washington, D.C. Asker, Norway

Jo Nesbø, Norway’s reigning King of This entertaining book, 23 Things They Crime, has a new protagonist. After ten nov­ Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Cam­ els starring the flawed but likeable Inspector bridge University Professor and Guardian Harry Hole and two stand-alones (The Head- columnist Ha-Joon Chang, punctures the prin­ hunters and The Son), Nesbø introduces cipal myths about capitalism that free-market Olav Johansen. economists would like to have us believe. Olav is a “fixer,” a professional killer. As Prof. Chang points out, our failure He works for Daniel Hoffman, one of the to understand economics is due in part to its most powerful drug bosses in Oslo, who has basic nature. Despite there being a “Nobel an endless list of people to be eliminated. Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences,” he Olav accepts each assignment without hesi­ persuasively maintains that “economics is tation. That is, until his boss orders him to not a science like physics or chemistry, but kill his unfaithful wife. Olav initially agrees, a political exercise” (p. 10). So as in politics, but after he lays eyes on his intended victim, there often are disparities between what’s he does hesitate. He is not suddenly troubled said and what actually happens. by a guilty conscience; he is simply quite The book has no chapters in the conven­ taken by the woman’s beauty. He opts not tional sense. It’s rather like a collection of 23 to kill her and this decision will, of course, short stories devoted to things relative to capi­ greatly complicate his life. talism or the myriad theories about it. Each ernment planning does not interfere with This novel differs considerably from “thing story” starts with a short paragraph on capitalism and may actually promote it (p. Nesbø’s previous ones. In fact, it might be because of his abusive father. In fact, at a the received knowledge, entitled “What they 205). Likewise, in Thing 21, it’s pointed out considered a long short story or a novella certain point, he could tolerate the abuse no tell you.” Then comes the truth of the matter, that European countries with big welfare rather than a novel. It is not Nesbø’s usual longer, especially that directed against his entitled “What they don’t tell you.” states—Norway, Sweden, and Finland— multi-layered, fast-paced crime novel with a mother, and he killed his father. He then dis­ Readers of this newspaper may appreci­ have enjoyed economic growth rates as fast complex plot and a rich cast of characters. covered that, after killing one person, killing ate the high standing of Norway among the as or faster than those of the U.S. (p. 222). Some readers may welcome a break others came easily. He readily fell into his “What they don’t tell you” truths. In Thing Along the way are many revelations. from Nesbø’s lengthy novels. This is an en­ job as a hired assassin, claiming that it was 10, it’s observed that the U.S. is not the rich­ Most surprising is the observation that Karl joyable read that can captivate the reader for his destiny since his violent streak was in his est country in the world anymore. Seven Marx, regarded as the founding father of a few hours. Olav tells his story in the first genes. European countries have higher per-capita communism, was right about capitalism. person and sheds abundant light on what After refusing to kill his boss’s wife and incomes, starting with Norway as the highest Though he was wrong in assuming that the makes him tick. The plot is quite straight­ deciding instead to protect her, Olav must (p. 104). In Thing 12, the government’s shap­ joint-stock company would pave the way for forward with a handful of interesting charac­ remain alert and be proactive, eliminating ing and direction of industrial development socialism, “his prediction that the new institu­ ters—Olav, Hoffman, his wife Corinna, the people before they eliminate him. Blood and ventures in State-Owned Enterprises in tion of generalized limited liability would put Fisherman, and Olav’s love interest, the deaf on Snow keeps the reader engaged with its four countries—Norway, France, Finland, the productive forces of capitalism on a new and dumb Maria. twists and turns until it reaches its evitable and Austria—is held responsible for bolster­ plane proved extremely prescient” (p. 15). Olav is far from being a hardened crimi­ end. ing national economies. The equivalent in the This is a book that dispels the gobbledy­ nal. One might even feel sympathy for him. Leonardo DiCaprio may produce and U.S. is the Federal Government’s subsidies gook and illuminates the simple truths about He had a difficult time at school because of star in a film adaption. A sequel,More Blood of research and development (p. 132). how the economy of the world works, in his dyslexia. He had a miserable home life on the Water, is in the offing. In Thing 19, it’s pointed out that gov­ plain language. Recommended reading. Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks

The first of the Flavia de Luce detective Through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Horst is one of Norway’s best crime A couple returns from surviving an ava­ stories, this is a delightful light summer read. Miles Newell, Minnesota author Will Weav­ novelists. The Hunting Dogs is a real page- lanche on the ski slopes to learn that they’re Flavia de Luce is a precocious eleven-year- er paints a picture of survival, determination, turner as Inspector Wisting races against the only people left in the entire alpine vil­ old girl with a passion for chemistry. A series and hope in this YA novel. Escaping the cha­ time to find a young woman who has gone lage. As they remain alone—and unable to of unusual events around her family’s Eng­ otic aftermath of global volcanic eruptions in missing. leave—they begin to notice other strange lish country manor in the 1950s propel her the city, Newell and his family head to a cab­ things and face uncomfortable truths. Beau­ on a quest to solve the mystery. Norway and in in the north. In the process they discover Recommended by Christine Foster Meloni tifully written, this novel will probably make Stavanger get a shout-out in the book. that people are not always what they seem. you cry.

Recommended by Patricia Barry Recommended by Heidi Håvan Grosch Recommended by Emily C. Skaftun norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 13 summer reading From lutefisk to chocolate habanero: Midwest ingredients infuse delicious novel

Daytona Strong Norwegian American Weekly

As a writer at work on my own book, DS: What’s your personal (and honest!) take I would buy if it already existed, and one of I follow news of book deals pretty closely, on lutefisk? Do you eat it? the things most important to me was to write particularly when they involve food. When JRS: Growing up, we ate lefse regularly a book set in the part of the world I grew up the sale of Kitchens of the Great Midwest during Advent, but lutefisk was much less in, populated with the kinds of people I grew was announced some months back—a work common—I don’t think enough people in up among. There are many amazing Mid­ of fiction whose hook happened to men­ my family liked it! I believe that my great- western writers and books set in the Mid­ tion lutefisk—I kept it on my radar. J. Ryan grandfather Gust Johnson may have been the west, but I still feel that it’s underrepresented Stradal’s debut novel will be released this keeper of that flame, and he died while I was as a setting. month, and it’s perfect summer reading. in preschool, so other than the occasional I’d also be curious if people tried any The story traces the life of Eva Thor­ Lutheran church dinner, it was largely absent of the recipes. Five of the eight are based vald, a contemporary chef whose pop-up from my upbringing. Two Christmases ago, on recipes found in the 1984 edition of the dinners—often in extraordinary locales— in the name of research for this novel, I ate church cookbook from my great-grandmoth­ garner years-long waiting lists. The story it­ lutefisk for the first time in about 25 years. er’s Lutheran church in Hunter, North Da­ self is intriguing, and the book combines the I may have changed since I last tried it, but kota. I just made the chicken and wild rice page-turning appeal of a narrative arc with I was relieved to know that lutefisk has re­ hot dish the other day. an atypical structure that leaves the reader mained the same. feeling intimately acquainted with each and DS: What is the book about, to you? every one of the characters as they help tell DS: Why food? The story is obviously about JRS: To me, Kitchens is a love letter to my Eva’s story. By the end, it becomes clear that so much more than food, so why was this the home state, to the people I grew up with, while food creates the structure and the rea­ thing that you chose to tie it all together? and also to the people I knew like myself son for the story, it’s only the beginning of a JRS: Food ties a lot of people together who from small towns, who wanted to be part of tale of so much more. otherwise may not have much in common. a larger world without repudiating or forget­ Stradal shared with me the origins of the No political party or religion has a monopoly ting their background. I hadn't seen a lot of story and his own experiences with Scandi­ on healthy, interesting, or delicious food. Es­ ery POV character ends up at the dinner, and characters in fiction that resembled the peo­ navian and Midwestern food. tablishing a narrative that emphasized each there are several people at the dinner who ple I grew up around, and I really wanted to character’s relationship to food meant that do not have their own chapters), I remained dramatize the range of Midwesterners I’ve Daytona Strong: What was your inspiration I could write about many different kinds of interested in how the dinner guests, and the known and loved over the years. Kitchens is for the characters’ Scandinavian roots? people. ingredients to the meal itself, formed their not a food novel; it's a story about family and J. Ryan Stradal: My grandmother on my own narrative over the timeline of the chef’s how a person like Eva develops and nurtures mom’s side is Swedish and Norwegian, and DS: How did the idea of the book—and its life. When it became clear early on that Eva a family of choice from among the people growing up in Minnesota, a person is exposed structure—develop and unfold? was the focal point, I adjusted the narrative closest to her. to some Scandinavian culture whether or not JRS: When I first sat down to write the book, to emphasize her story. they share the heritage. To me, to set a novel I had it in my head that I’d start with an opu­ See the Taste of Norway page (18) for a rec- largely in Minnesota meant that my charac­ lent, elaborate dinner party and work back­ DS: What do you hope readers take away ipe from the author’s family. ters would encounter Scandinavian food and wards, telling the stories of the guests at that from the book? traditions, and considering that Eva Thorvald dinner party—all of whom would be friends JRS: I hope they find something to like about Kitchens of the Great Midwest, by J. Ryan ends up as a celebrated contemporary chef, it of the chef—either members of her family it and at least one character they relate to, Stradal, will be released July 28, 2015 (Vi- was important to me that she also be rooted in or of what I’d call her family of choice. Al­ particularly if the reader is a Midwesterner. king/Pamela Dorman Books). her home state’s culinary history. though I veered from that structure (not ev­ Like a lot of writers, I set out to write a book Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks

A terrific book about life in the small A biography of the fish that changed the This delightful and engrossing memoir After a childhood spent in the foster care town of Haines, Alaska. Heather writes for world. Were the Basques of northwestern by the 80-year-old award-winning novelist system, Victoria finds it difficult to get close Haine’s Chilkat Valley News and is also a Spain fishing for cod off the coast of today’s Penelope Lively accomplishes everything to anyone. But she realizes she can help oth­ contributor to the Christian Science Monitor Massachusetts and salting it, rather than dry­ one could wish for in autobiographical writ­ ers (and herself) through the flowers she un­ and NPR’s Morning Edition. It is filled with ing it to a tough bark as the North Atlantic ing. It is thought-provoking, evocative, mas­ derstands so well. A compelling, engaging, real news from small-town Alaska. Scandinavians did? The impact of this one, terly, deeply human, and—at a mere 234 romantic story from start to finish. protein-rich fish in the Catholic world was pages—also succinct. Recommended by David Moe extraordinary. Recommended by Rosalie Grosch Recommended by Melinda Bargreen Recommended by Rolf Kristian Stang 14 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly summer reading Lit by poetry: Dinerstein’s The Sunlit Night illuminates the world” sends them all to Lofoten, where Lofoten for many years, long enough to learn the lovable crew of Norwegian miscreants the language (she has also written a bilingual Emily C. Skaftun running a fictional Viking Museum (which collection of poetry, Lofoten) and absorb Norwegian American Weekly we are assured is not the Lofotr Vikingmu­ much of what makes the country compelling seum…but which is clearly based on it) have and quirky—yet not so long that she’s lost Frances grew up in a tiny New York agreed to help. the ability to see it from the outside. Some of apartment with her parents and younger sis­ Family is a major theme of this book. my favorite moments in the novel are these, ter, where they all still live even though both Both families are so clearly dysfunctional like when Yasha speculates about a charac­ girls are in college. “Everything about my as to sometimes seem unbelievable—yet ter’s grandmother, “likely named Gerta, or family was small,” she tells us, enumerating there is real love between many of the char­ Blorg,” or Frances marveling at the various the smallness of their aspirations, physical acters, particularly between Yasha and his uses Norwegians have for brunost—not all stature, and living quarters: “Our apartment father. Frances Skypes with her parents, of which involve eating it. unfurled itself…the sofa bed opening up for who continue to appear together in the apart­ The Norwegian characters function al­ Don’t Cry,my parents, fillingPappa the living room until it ment even as it empties of their possessions, most like a chorus, popping up frequently was nothing but a man and a woman in bed, united in their vitriolic rage that their young­ to impart imperfectly translated wisdom and The youngest son of a Norwegianwith no room left, the foot of the immigrantmattress family,est daughter would dare to marry, and with kindness. Gunnar grew up feeling alienatedreaching just to the knob of the andfront door.” lonely. her sister,After who becomes more and more dis­ Like the brightness of a months-long One can just imagine a loving family sur­ traught even as she prepares to marry the summer day, the power of Dinerstein’s de­ becoming a father, he experiencedviving such conditions, the but the loveultimate is gone. nightmareman she hopes is her true love. scriptive prose carries this lyrical, literary of having two of his children dieFor in Yasha’s father,separate Vassily, love would incidents.Between Frances and Nils is an enig­ novel through when plot alone won’t suffice. In his powerful and inspiring newnever die. Yasha’s mothermemoir, had encouraged Don’tmatic, Cry, unfinished relationship, with a more The characters, well-drawn and sometimes them to move to the U.S. from Russia some defined romantic relationship between her even surprising, make realistic choices as Pappa, Gunnar Skollingsbergten yearschronicles ago, promising she’d be along his journeyand Yasha emerging. Every male besides summer finally comes to an end and their from devastating depression tosoon, tentative, and Yasha, now nearly 18 years old, fellowshipfragile in painting—to study withhealing, Nils Yasha seeks a relationship with Olyana, who complicated lives go on. eventually finding a new missioncan barely rememberin her.life: brighteningand help with his Yellow Room, a KORO stays on afterother the funeral to play a Valkyrie Emily C. Skaftun, your In travel, getting there is half the fun, (Public Art Norway) project painted entirely at the museum—and attempt in her self-cen­ children’s lives through laughter. trusty Editor-in-chief and Dinerstein is in no hurry for her charac­ in shades of yellow. tered way to forge a relationship with the son by day, is by night a ters to get from New York to the destination Yasha takes a more circuitous route. she abandoned. “This story shows us writer of fiction. She we all know they’re heading for—Lofoten, Vassily wants to reconcile with his wife, In fact, under the relentless summer sun, has an MFA from Roos- that no matter the depth Olyana, so they close up the bakery and fly of despair, no matter north of the Arctic Circle, in the endless days most of the characters behave like teens ex­ evelt University and is a how tragic the loss, it is of summer. to Moscow. But before they can leave Yasha perimenting with love for the first time. The graduate of the Clarion possible to survive and Family turmoil spurs Frances on. When is approached by a very strange woman—his two youngest are, in many ways, the most West and Taos Toolbox come out the other side.” her sister announces her engagement, her mother. She wants a divorce. She asks Yasha emotionally mature. What they will do with writing workshops. Her fiction—mostly involv- - Robin Don’tparents counterCry, with news of their Pappa divorce— to tell Vassily, and when he refuses she en­ that maturity is another theme. With no ing robots, evil gnomes, and flying tigers—has “I was inspired by the and raise her with angry, ugly disapproval. lists Vassily’s brother in Russia. This proves homes to return to, what now? appeared in Strange Horizons, Clarkesworld, honesty I found in this The youngest sonTheir tinyof home a isNorwegian splitting apart, so withimmigrant too much for Vassily’sfamily, heart, and he dies. Of course, Norway plays a major role in Daily Science Fiction, and Asimov’s, among book. It is well written, nowhere else to go Frances accepts a strange Vassily’s wish to be buried at “the top of The Sunlit Night. Dinerstein herself lived in others. For more, visit www.eskaftun.com. easy to read, hard to put Gunnar grew up feeling alienated and lonely. After down.” - Carolyn C. becoming a father, he experienced the ultimate nightmare “The book is also an of having two of his children die in separateStaff incidents. Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks Staff Picks amazing celebration of Don’t Cry, Pappa life.” - Pricilla B. In his powerful and inspiring new memoir, Don’t Cry, “For all who struggle, Pappa, Gunnar TheTheSkollingsberg youngestyoungest sonson ofof a NorwegianNorwegian immigrantchronicles family, his journey there is hope.” - Ingunn S. Gunnar grew up feeling alienated and lonely. After from devastating becomingfamily,depression Gunnar a father, grew he experienced up feeling to thealienated tentative, ultimate and nightmare fragile healing, “This is a very powerful lonely. After becoming a father, he experienced the read and it is one that eventually findingof having a twonew of his childrenmission die in separate in incidents. life: brightening other you, like me, will be Inultimate his powerful nightmare and inspiringof having new two memoir, of his children Don’t Cry, die children’s lives throughPappain two ,separate Gunnar laughter.Skollingsbergaccidents. chronicles his journey recommending to from devastating depression to tentative, fragile healing, others.” - Beverly C. eventuallyIn his powerful finding and a newinspiring mission memoir, in life: Don’tbrightening Cry, other “This story shows usPappa, Gunnar Skollingsberg chronicles his journey that no matter the depthchildren’s lives through laughter. Available in Paperbackof despair, $12.95 no matterDon’tfrom devastating depression Cry, toand tentative,Pappa fragile Kindle $3.49 “Thishealing, story eventuallyshows us finding a new mission in life: Order through your localhow tragic thebookstore loss, thatit nois matter the depth or from many ofbrightening despair, no matter other children’s lives through laughter. online booksellers, includingpossible to survive Amazon andhowThe tragicyoungest the loss, son it is of a Norwegian immigrantstores family, worldwide. come out the other side.”possibleGunnar togrew survive up and feeling alienated and lonely. After - Robin comebecoming out the a other father, side.” he experienced the ultimate nightmare Visit the author’s website/blog-of“For Robin having all who two struggle, of his childrenthere is hope.” die in -separate Ingunn S.incidents. at: “I was inspired by the“I was inspired by the www.norwayliving.comhonesty I found in thishonestyIn“This his story powerfulI found shows in thisand us inspiring new memoir, Don’t Cry, book.Pappa It ,is Gunnarwell written, Skollingsberg chronicles his journey book. It is well written,easythat tono read, matter hard the to put easy to read, hard todown.”fromdepth put devastating of- Carolyn despair, C. no depression to tentative, fragile healing, “Theeventually book is findingalso an a new mission in life: brightening other down.” - Carolyn C.amazingmatter howcelebration tragic of life.”children’sthe loss,- Pricilla it livesis B.possi- through laughter. “The book is also an“For all who struggle, 06-15 Viking Gunnar.indd 1 ble to survive and 4/8/15 10:43 AM amazing celebration there“Thiscomeof isstory outhope.” theshows - other Ingunn us S. life.” - Pricilla B. “Thisthat no is matter a very thepowerful depth readofside.” despair, and - Robinit nois one matter that “For all who struggle,you,how tragiclike me, the will loss, be it is recommendingpossible“I was inspired to survive to by and there is hope.” - Ingunnothers.”come out -S. theBeverly other C. side.” -the Robin honesty I found “This is a very powerfulin this book. It is “IAvailable was inspired in by Paperback the $12.95 and Kindle $3.49 This imaginative novel of hostages and read and it is one thathonestywell written, I found easy in this A book full of surprises about the emer­ While digging through her late mother’s you, like me, will be book. ItOrder is well through written, your local bookstore or from many terrorists discovering their better sides while gence of modernity in northern Europe, from possessions, crime writer Erica Falck finds a easyto read,online to read, hard booksellers, hard to putto put including Amazon stores worldwide. recommending to down.”down.” - -Carolyn Carolyn C. C. spending four months together in a small fic­ the Vikings to beginnings of modernity. Was Nazi medal. She consults a WWII historian, others.” - Beverly C.“The book is alsoVisit an the author’s website/blog at: tional South American country, was inspired, it on the shores of the North Sea that our way but when he is found murdered and Erica amazing“The book celebrationwww.norwayliving.com is also anof life.”amazing - Pricilla celebration B. the author says, by the real-life 1996 Lima of thinking changed from medieval to mod­ learns he was her mother’s childhood friend, “For all who struggle, Available in Paperbackthereof life.” is hope.” - Pricilla - Ingunn B. S. $12.95 and Kindlecrisis, when terrorists$3.49 took over an embassy ern? A true revelation about the revolution she realizes she’s uncovered something far Order through“This“This isisyour a a very very powerful powerful local read and bookstore it is one that you, like me,or frombuilding many there. Unlike the real event, the that was going on up in “our” corner of the more dangerous than she realized. With her 06-15 Vikingread Gunnar.indd and it is one that 1 4/8/15 10:43 AM online booksellers,you,will belike recommending me, including will be to others.” -Amazon Beverly C. stores“glue” worldwide. of this novel is a famous, irresist­ globe, the book is beautifully written, with detective husband, Erica works to solve recommending to ible, talented European opera singer, one of the eye of a journalist and the authenticity these mysteries—past and present. others.” - Beverly C. Visit the author’s website/blog theat: hostages. Resisting the urge to find out of an historian. You’ll be saying to yourself, I admit it: this crime novel is Swedish, Available in Paperback $12.95$12.95 and Kindle $3.49$2.99 what happened in Lima, I allowed myself to “Oh, that’s how that got started.” And it was but the WWII plot and Norwegian storylines www.norwayliving.comOrder through your local bookstore or from many online booksellers, including Amazon stores worldwide. be absorbed into this charming story to the in the North! will undoubtedly intrigue Norwegian-Amer­ bitter end. ican readers. Visit the author’s website/blog at: Recommended by Judith Gabriel Vinje www.norwayliving.com Recommended by Carla Danziger Recommended by Molly Jones 06-15 Viking Gunnar.indd 1 4/8/15 10:43 AM

06-15 Viking Gunnar.indd 1 4/8/15 10:43 AM norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 15 summer reading Exploring Nansen’s Book review: humanitarianism The Moral Is...

Uncover the multifaceted life of Fridtjof Rosalie Grosch Nansen in Nansen: Explorer and Humanitarian Arden Hills, Minn. From 1972 to 2010 Thomas Thorsen, a Mechanical Engineer who loved books and Molly Jones writing, began creating a variety of stories Norwegian American Weekly and fables, some ending with a moral he wished to share. As a reader I can’t help but Not only an explorer and scientist but believe that Thorsen was chuckling as he put also a diplomat and humanitarian, Fridt­ words together to tell his imaginative, far- jof Nansen was an extraordinary man with fetched, and sometimes difficult to under­ a lasting legacy. In Nansen: Explorer and stand short stories. The picture on the cover Humanitarian, authors Marit Fosse (NAW of his book reflects a mischievous personal­ contributor) and John Fox seek to explore ity. Writing stories and fables was his hobby. the impact of Nansen’s life, specifically in Laughter bubbles up through the pages. regards to his longstanding support of dis­ During the last two years of Thorsen’s placed persons. life his wife, Inge, found the stories and Nansen: Explorer and Humanitarian fables on his computer and promised to put covers the wide range of Nansen’s experi­ some of them together into a book others ences—from a dedicated oceanographer and could enjoy. Thomas Thorsen passed away an Arctic explorer to a Nobel Peace Prize in 2013. laureate—with a focus on his role as a hu­ Although we are all gifted with words, reality and things that make sense can be manitarian as the League of Nation’s High not everyone knows how to creatively con­ even more fun. Commissioner for Refugees. Devoted to pro­ nect words and thoughts in ways that make We are learning that when children hear tecting the most vulnerable, Nansen stood a reader question, wonder, and laugh. Some­ words and stories at an early age they do bet­ up for those displaced by conflict. He helped times Thorsen’s connected words make no ter in school. We also know that writers are prisoners-of-war in remote areas of Europe sense at all but are still just plain fun to read also readers. While words can communicate and Siberia and refugees from Russia and writing, “It portrays the many dimensions while the mind wanders aimlessly. important information, words can also be Armenia, among others, and developed the of a man who was one of the most interest­ In one of the early short stories, “Ama­ playful and woven together into anything we Nansen Passport for stateless persons. ing personalities of his time. And it shows, teur Logic,” Thorsen writes, “This page in­ want them to be. The idea for Nansen: Explorer and Hu- through that man’s struggles, setbacks and tentionally left blank. But, the page is ob­ Mr. Thorsen has inspired and chal­ manitarian began when the authors worked overwhelming victories on behalf of hundreds viously not blank, hence leading us to the lenged a reader to use his or her imagination. together on a book about the League of Na­ of thousands of people in need, the fundamen­ Thorsen Paradox.” His moral statement: Consider a couple of his morals: tions and discovered that the foundations of tal importance of having a strong international “Not all paradoxes are logical.” • “On the highway of life, deceiving current international organizations originated system in place for their protection.” Wouldn’t you like to read “Battle In The oneself is easy.” in the 1920s. And just as the interwar period Nansen: Explorer and Humanitarian Apple,” labeled by Thorsen as either rhyme • “I have always wanted to write some­ was a time with high numbers of refugees is a well-researched book intended for the or poem? A note at the end of the piece states: thing I couldn’t understand.” and prisoners-of-war, we continue to face general public as well as students of interna­ “The composition cannot possibly be called Perhaps Thomas Thorsen has done just the same situations in our current society— tional politics. It is scheduled to be published a poem because: 1) it seems to make sense. that. only at higher rates. By looking into the life in the U.S. and is available for pre-purchase 2) it didn’t write itself.” of Nansen, Fosse and Fox hope readers will through University Press of America/Hamil­ The tongue-in-cheek, laugh-provoking, Rosalie Grangaard Gro- feel encouraged to follow his lead and effect ton Books. and thought-stimulating short literary pieces sch was born into a Nor- change in these international crises. became so intoxicating to me that it was dif­ wegian/American fam- ily in Decorah, Iowa. A As the preface states, “In difficult times To preorder Nansen: Explorer and Humani­ ficult to put the book down. I would often graduate of Luther Col- we all need encouragement and see that ac­ tarian, customers in the Americas should ask myself, “What is Mr. Thorsen going to lege, she taught music tion by an altruistic organization or, in this call 1 (800) 462-6420 or fill out the prepub- tell me in his next short story?” and English in American lication order form (found with this article case, by a single man can make a tremendous Because these are short stories and fa­ schools, taught English difference. This is what we wanted to show online at www.na-weekly.com) and email bles it was easy to pick up the book at any and developed a team teaching program at by looking into the life of Fridtjof Nansen.” it to [email protected] or fax it time, a nighttime read or a coffee table book. Trinity School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was a Nansen’s selfless actions prove that a solu­ to 1 (800) 338-4550. International custom- Who would think of writing about socks and drama/music/English teacher at Balob Teach- tion always exists where there is an idea and ers can call +44 (0) 1752 202301 or send clocks, or the carpenter and the poet, or the ers’ College, Lae, Papua New Guinea and Ac- a will to persevere. to the form to [email protected] princess and the tennis balls? tivity Director/Consultant for a long term care United Nations High Commissioner for or fax it to +44 (0) 1752 202333. The cost Once again I was reminded that a story facility in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN. She is a Refugees António Guterres emphasizes the is $28.99; 135 prepublication orders are re- can be written about anything. Words are contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul and significance of the book in the foreword, quired prior to printing. fun. Stretching words and thoughts beyond has written numerous articles for publication.

 Beyond the Cold:   An AmeriCAn’s WArm PortrAit of norWAy     At age 11, Michael Kleiner spent 1969-70 in Norway with his family.    During subsequent trips as an adult, his affection for Norway grew;  the people became a second family; the country a second home.    “He tells with warmth and enjoyment about his encounters with Norwegians,  our customs and Norwegian nature. This is not a guidebook, but a personal   portrait of a country.”   - Per Roger Lauritzen, Fjell og Vidde, largest outdoor magazine in Norway     1st Prize, 2009 Beach Book Festival • Great book to give and get!  www.beyondthecold.com       Subscribe to the Norwegian American Weekly! (206) 784-4617 • [email protected] 16 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly roots & connections

31. juli Harold Johnson Ishpemig MI White Plains MD B. A. Bengtsen St Petersburg FL Ida Marie Johnson Kenmore ND Gustav M. Gordham Olympia WA Belva Brende Sioux Falls SD Dorothy Jurgensen Dallas OR Johan O. Kaland Surrey BC Liv Berg-Johannessen Temple PA Dennis Sorheim Inger Grove Heights MN James L. Todd Danville KY Irwin Dahlstrom Chicago IL Karen Vigsnes Batavia IL Olaf Fjeld Maple Creek SK Canada 14. august Clara Mathisen Oksvoll Norway 7. august Henry Alvestad Staten Island NY Beret Vassdal Bellingham WA Eyvind J. Evans Kasson MN Fredrik Giæver Morristown NJ 24. juli A. Melvin Hagen Starbuck MN Glen Johansen Greenacres FL Aagot Solheim Tacoma WA 1. august Patty Bakken Schafer Yakima WA Claire Loken Bradenton FL John Viken Sioux City IA Lillian Edmunds Tolley ND Vivian L. Sletten Salem OR Werner Sund Ketchikan AK Gary G. Erickson Sunberg MN Norm Werner Issaquah WA Anne-Lise “Issa” Jentoft Valenzwel 25. juli Clarence T. Hove Hot Springs SD Tucson AZ Kathy Andrus Bothell WA Jon A. Johansen Honolulu HI 8. august Grethe Bennett Chewelah WA Alice Theodorson Richardsen Babylon NY Andreas Arntsen Seattle WA 15. august Gunhild Bjaland Bradenton FL Magnus Rugland Hot Springs MT Norma E. Berke Park Ridge IL Nils Christensen Olianna I. Larsen Åheim Norway Helge Svendsen Northridge CA Norris A. Bruflot Tacoma WA Salt Spring Island BC Canada Carl M. Larson Spokane WA Runa Ariella Donofrio Frazier Park CA Thorvald Madland Arlington Height IL Louie Osmundson Fosston MN 2. august Lilly Forsythe Hollywood CA Julie O. Svendsen Seattle WA Maren Sather Stone Minneapolis MN Janice Braaten Hettinger ND Johan G. Høidal San Diego CA Ingrid G. Bruflot Tacoma WA Dorothy Jurgenson Dallas OR 16. august 26. juli Stephanie Edgett Ft. Worth TX John Kjelden Hendricks MN Finn Haavard Aas Larvik Norway Else Bakke Bellingham WA Karen Gilje Santee CA Hanna Sætermoe Detroit MI Dagney Samuelsen Seanor Andrew Bakken Minneapolis MN Bill Injerd Washington MI Sigurd Thorson Tyler MN Cashmere WA Ragnar Engebretsen Mission Viejo CA David Larson Cambridge MN Gerald Twete Brookfield WI Marie Meling Johnson St James MN Helen F. Nelson Tacoma WA 9. august J.B. Kvinlog Volga SD Virginia (Windedahl) Hart San Angelo TX 17. august Diane Nelson Edgewood WA 3. august Janet Hestoy Gig Harbor WA Mons Erstad Øystese Norway Else Dahlstrom Chicago IL Thore Mathison Morris MN Bjørn Gakko El Granada CA 27. juli Jeff Hubbard New Milford NJ Leif M. Oas Lafayette CA Arna Hildre Ketchikan AK Nels Nelson Bellingham WA Mrs. Ronald Olson Jerome ID Bjarne Venos Helena Jordheim Columbia MO Betty Peary Sarasota FL Olav I. Otheim Kennewick WA New Westminster BC Canada Anna Knutzen Los Angeles CA Ann Maren Sather Minneapolis MN Anna Moen Sublimity OR 28. juli Liv Sheldon Lynnwood WA 10. august Mary Ann Rolf Radcliffe IA Margretta Barckert Seattle WA Selma Belcher Port Angeles WA Gerd Sollie San Francisco CA Olaf Larvick Rugby ND 4. august Bertha Dismore Gupowski Manorville NY Knut Lilletvedt LaConner WA John Eide Baltic SD 18. august Esther Sando Lacey WA Earl Finden Pepin WI 11. august John S. Andersen Seattle WA John Winther Vancouver WA Kaia E. Grobstok Kirkland WA Alice Olson Minneapolis MN Rose Bertelsen Hayward CA Carrie Hammer Fargo ND Ann L. Olson Olympia WA Leona Fillingsness Beresford SD 29. juli Mary Beth Ingvoldstad Ruty Ryland-Harrison Lynnwood WA Edna P. Bugge Lancaster PA Hidden Valley Lake CA 12. august Esther Thornton Olmste Township OH LaVerne Bugge Tuscarora PA Kari Kjelling Westport WA Eugene Aaroe Des Moines WA George Bjaland Bradenton FL Julane Lund Mooresville IN Capt. Fred B. Anderson San Francisco CA 19. august Manford S. Christianson Blair WI Bettie Wennevold Salem OR Clara Bjelland Merrillan WI Donald Andersen Centerburg OH Jon D. Engebretson Greensboro NC Egil Dalaker Emerson NJ Runa Renee Donofrio Frazier Park CA Judith Johnson Wheaton MN 5. august Ruth Ecklund Wood Dale IL Dale Erickson Baltic SD Bernice Lashua Marysville WA Stella Westlie Anderson Tacoma WA Corinne F. Johnson-Lind Aase Marie Miller Redmond WA Sofie Selsvik Jondal Norway Ellen Gjerde Seattle WA Anaheim Hills CA Trygve Oas Forsyth MO Olga Sorvik Seattle WA Jennie Gronning Marysville WA C. O. Melby Watford City ND Karen Sund Ketchikan AK Daniel Nikuls Cochiti Lake MN Kjell Skipsnes Seattle WA 20. august Arne Thorvik Michigan City IN Ernest R. Svendsen Princeton NJ Shannon Thunder Menominee MI Lillian Haugland Damato Stuart FL Mrs. Lee Tubbs Portland OR Christine Gjevre Fairdale ND 30. juli 13. august Sylvia Sorensen Hausvik Pine Bush NY Britt Irene Duke Palmer AK 6. august Arne Bamer Oslo Norway Allis Dahl Johansen Pompton Plains NJ Olaf Helland Los Angeles CA Ken Barkimo Iola WI Genevieve Aubul Doherty Gunder Oliml Minot ND Bjørg Opdahl Drammen Norway Robert Firing Northfield MN Rolf Haugen South River ON Canada Want to see your birthday in the Norwegian American Weekly? John L. Helgeson Chicago IL Email [email protected] or call (206) 784-4617. Must be submitted one month in advance. Martin Hjelmeland Estherville IA NB: Has someone on our birthday list passed away? Please notify us! norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 17 obituaries & Religion

In Loving Memory Pastor Larson’s Corner Do you have a loved one or friend who has recently passed? Contact us at (206) 784-4617 or [email protected] to place an obituary. Pastor Jerry Larson retired to his cabin in Zimmerman, Minn., after 39 years in parish ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2011 he published a book entitled “Speaking the Word Freely: Writing with purpose, Mildred Alsaker preaching with power.” Contact him at [email protected] October 7, 1917 – July 2, 2015

Nora Mildred Hjelmeseth Alsaker, 97, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2015; be­ Follow the leader loved wife of the late Allan K. Alsaker. It always amazes me how early can­ way, or they might get discouraged and She was born in Rimbey, Alberta, Cana­ didates start lining up to run for President simply drop out. More than anything else, da, on October 7, 1917, growing up in a two- of the United States. They all want to be a good game of “follow the leader” de­ room log cabin. Her parents, Reinhart and our leader, but leading isn’t always an pended upon having a good leader. Elizabeth, were farmers from Nordfjordeid easy task. I learned this truth as a child When Jesus called His disciples and in Norway. playing the popular game called “follow asked them to follow Him, they were very Mildred and her only sister, Elinor, were the leader.” This was everyone’s favorite fortunate. They choose to follow the best orphaned in 1930 and brought to Chicago to game, and we played it a lot. Remember, leader who ever lived. The disciples were live with their uncle, Eilert Hjelmeseth, and we didn’t have things like video games such great followers because they had a his family. Mildred attended Austin High and computer devices to keep us busy in leader who knew how to lead. Jesus knew School prior to working for her uncle Har­ the house. the way, and He helped His disciples ry Jacobsen’s Coal Company and later she The best part about playing “follow whenever they needed help for the jour­ worked for United Airlines. the leader” was being the leader. Being ney. In 1940 she married Allan and they a good leader, however, was not a simple Today, Jesus calls us to be His fol­ moved to New York City where she worked matter. When you were the leader, you had lowers. Like the original disciples, we can for Eastern Airlines. In 1945 they returned to to be careful not to lead where others could follow Him because He is such a good Chicago and in 1952 settled in Northbrook, not follow. If you did, your turn as leader leader. Jesus cares deeply about His fol­ Ill., to raise their children, Robert and Nora. would soon be over. You also had to know lowers, and He will not abandon us when Mildred was a loving caregiver to Nora who singing in the choir. where you were going. This often took the going gets rough. As we set out on the passed away in 2004 following a long illness. The family is grateful to the staff at hours of careful planning and explora­ journey of faith, we know that our leader Mildred is survived by her son Robert Covenant Village in Northbrook for the lov­ tion. Finally, you had to be willing to stop will show us the way and help us become (Evy), nephews Christopher (Cathy) Olson ing care and respect provided to Mildred and help some of your followers along the faithful followers. and Eric Berg, and niece Bette Joondeph. during her time there. A memorial service will be held at a fu­ In lieu of flowers the family suggests a ture date at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in donation, in her name, to Gloria Dei Luther­ Northbrook of which Mildred was a Char­ an Church, 1133 Pfingsten, Northbrook, IL Community Connections tered Member. She was active in the church, 60062 or to your favorite charity. Gratulerer med Dagen! < translation name is written in small type inside the cov­ From page 3 er. Occasionally, the translator chooses to Happy birthday / write a paragraph discussing difficulties en­ Here, the Norwegian translators had toned countered in the translation work. Although down feminine features of male characters. previous studies have indicated that this engagement / etc! A man who in the original version “spoke may help make the reader more aware of the like a woman” with a soft, squeaky, and translator’s role, Alvstad claims that it might false voice became a man with an “ugly, rather serve to reinforce the impression that Your name and wheezing” voice. Indications of homosexu­ the text has been translated from the original ality were also toned down in the Norwegian language without any major changes. message here! translations. Such patterns were not ob­ “For example, we saw that one transla­ served in the other Nordic countries. tor had written that the word ‘centro’ was “Perhaps this could mean that homosex­ difficult to translate, and he explained the For more information, call uality was a more sensitive topic in Norway background for his choice of words. As a us at (206) 784-4617 or email than in other Nordic countries in the 1960s. reader, one is easily left with the impression [email protected]. Or it could mean that more pronounced no­ that this was the only troublesome word, and tions about Latin American men were preva­ that the rest of the job was fairly simple. In lent in Norway. We do not mean to say that this way the translator can play a little trick the translator has made a mistake; on the on the reader, and thereby reinforce the contrary, it shows that translation work often pact,” Alvstad explains. Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church includes an element of adaptation and cre­ She points out that this is exactly what ativity,” Alvstad says. the reader wants: to be tricked. Den Norske Lutherske Minnekirke She believes that even today’s translat­ The average reader is not the only one The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church offers the best venue in Chicago for Norwegians ed texts bear the stamp of culture and social to disregard the translator’s role; critics and and Scandinavians to gather and celebrate Norwegian traditions. We welcome you to our warm and friendly family of members. Unless otherwise noted, all services begin at 11am. expectations. “It’s difficult for us to see how textbook authors do so too. Previous stud­ Please visit us soon! translators adapt texts, because we’re part of ies have indicated that the translator is often it. The work that translators do is based on overlooked: critics may for example refer to our own expectations,” she says. specific formulations as though they were August 2015 A current example could be that of an the author’s own, while they may equally August 2 Pastor Tore Skjaeveland experimental language with alternative well be the work of the translator. grammar and spelling being translated into Alvstad most certainly does not want August 9 Pastor David Schoenknecht / completely standard Norwegian. to put an end to this pact, but nevertheless Holy Communion “If the experimental language is trans­ points out that it may have certain negative August 16 Pastor David Schoenknecht lated directly, there is a risk of the reader aspects. For example, we risk perpetuat­ believing that the translator doesn’t know ing social prejudices. She also believes that August 23 Pastor David Schoenknecht / proper grammar. Thus, translators who ren­ translators remaining near-invisible may Holy Communion der the text with no regard for cultural ex­ also cause readers to regard their work as August 30 Pastor David Schoenknecht pectations may end up by drawing attention quite mechanical and simple. to themselves.” “If one looks really closely at what The book’s cover helps maintain the translators do, one can see that they are in­ pact. The book’s title and the name of the ventive co-creators and have a major impact 2614 North Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 • (773) 252-7335 • www.minnekirken-chicago.org author are highlighted, while the translator’s on the text,” Alvstad concludes. 18 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly Taste of Norway Family history in church cookbooks Author J. Ryan Stradal shares his great-grandmother’s recipe for potato patties

Daytona Strong Norwegian American Weekly

Countless stories and memories live be­ drain. Combine a tablespoon or two of butter tween the lines and hide between the pages and a good pour of cream in a small saucepan of church cookbooks. In my quest to find any to heat, then add to the potatoes and mash, remaining recipes from my late grandmother, taking care to not overwork the potatoes. Agny, I’ve had better luck in those old com­ Taste and adjust salt if necessary, then refrig­ munity cookbooks than anywhere else, man­ erate until cold. You’ll have enough mashed aging to track down two of the three recipes potatoes for the patties with a little left over I now have to her name. for the next day’s lunch. For this week’s issue I interviewed au­ The patties themselves are simple, too: thor J. Ryan Stradal about his debut novel, just mashed potatoes with a handful of sea­ Kitchens of the Great Midwest. The book sonings, comfort in a palm-sized disk. When weaves lovingly-crafted portraits of Mid­ I tested the recipe, I took the butter almost westerners as they encounter everything from to the point of browning, and as I placed the lutefisk to chocolate habanero into a story patties in the pan to bathe in the butter, the of family as the protagonist, Eva Thorvald, aroma filled my kitchen with a scent that grows up to become a celebrated chef (see countless home cooks have inhaled over page 13). When I asked Stradal for a recipe centuries. The base of much of cooking, that to feature in Taste of Norway, he pointed me warm, nutty scent of butter, always promises to the potato patties in a church cookbook in something delicious to come. his own family’s history. These potato patties are credited to his great-grandmother, Lois Bly Johnson, in the Daytona Strong is a Se- attle-based food writer 1984 edition of the First Lutheran Church and recipe developer. She Women Cookbook (Hunter, North Dakota). writes about her fam- They start with a base of cold mashed po­ ily’s Scandinavian heritage tatoes, which if you don’t have leftovers al­ through the lens of food ready, can be made easily: A couple of hours at www.outside-oslo.com. before you want to start, peel and cut two Find her on Facebook russet potatoes into 1 1/2-inch cubes, then www.facebook.com/OutsideOslo; Twitter @ place in a pot of cold, salted water and bring daytonastrong; Pinterest @daytonastrong; and to a boil. Simmer until absolutely tender, and Instagram @daytonastrong.

Photos: Daytona Strong These simple potato patties are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Potato Patties Recipe from Lois Bly Johnson, First Lutheran Church Women Cookbook, 1984 edition

2 cups cold mashed potatoes 1/2 tsp. salt 1 beaten egg dash of pepper 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 2 tbsps. melted butter 1/4 cup finely chopped celery

Mix all ingredients together. Form into patties and brown in the hot butter. Makes six patties. Good way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Good Summer Reading

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Molly Jones Norwegian American Weekly

You’re daydreaming about that sandy beach, where you can spend your summer days lounging under the warm sun with a captivating novel in hand. You’re probably imagining yourself in a tropical destination, maybe Mexico or the Bahamas. (Don’t deny it; we know it’s true!) But what if the beach of your daydream was located much farther north, in the land of the midnight sun? You may just be fanta­ sizing about Solastranden, the one and a half mile long beach located on Norway’s south­ ern coast, sometimes called Stavanger’s Riv­ iera. With a shallow shore ideal for swim­ ming and a sandy beach perfect for curling up with a book, it’s no surprise that Solastran­ den was named Norway’s best beach by Femina.no. In fact, Sola­ stranden has even been ranked as the world’s Photos: CH / Visitnorway.com sixth best beach by the The beach at Solastranden is perfect for swimming, relaxing, or even kiteboarding. British newspaper, The Sunday Times, surpass­ attraction. This 18-hole seaside course is learn about the conditions during WWII at ing the shores of Spain open all year round, unlike most Norwegian the Rogaland Krigshistoriske Museum. and Thailand. Journalist golf clubs, and the winds from the sea make Whatever your interests, make sure to David Wickers praised it a challenging game. consider Solastranden the next time you’re Solastranden, the only If golf isn’t really your thing, you might picturing yourself on that imaginary beach! Scandinavian destination enjoy exploring the historical artifacts in the It’s located just over a mile from the Stavan­ to make the list, for its region, dating back to the Stone Age. Ex­ ger airport, and it might just be the perfect beautiful historic hotel plore burial mounds from the Bronze Age or spot to catch up on Jo Nesbø’s latest novel. and long, summer days. The Sola Strand Hotel, situated right on the the beach, was of course thrilled to receive this Hearthstone recognition in a foreign publication. “With its full-page spreads and three million readers, The Sunday Times has re­ ally put Rogaland and the Stavanger region on the map for British tourists,” said Hotel Managing Di­ rector Gisle Steffensen. At 101 years old, the Sola Strand Hotel spot for small groups. The 139 guest rooms boasts a rich history and is part of De Histo­ provide breathtaking panoramic views of the riske Hotel og Spisesteder, the organization North Sea and easy access to Solastranden. for historic hotels in Norway. The original To treat your taste buds, you can visit 1914 fireplace welcomes guests into the the first-class restaurant inspired by local reception area in addition to the Mathilde ingredients and the food traditions of Nor­ Welcome to the Neighborhood! Christiane figurehead from the Swedish way. Or, if you just can’t find it in yourself ship that was shipwrecked nearby in 1822. to leave the sand, there’s a beach bar serv­ Mathilde certainly isn’t the only artifact ing drinks, homemade fish soup, and more. from ships of the past, though. The dining Throughout the month of July, you can even room was built from the frigate Kong Sverre, have the chef pack you a basket of food and Norway’s largest naval sailing ship, and the beverages for you to enjoy a delicious picnic smoking lounge was recreated from the on the beach. What could be better? cruise ship Montroyal. The artwork found Sandy beaches and gourmet meals are throughout the hotel also emphasizes the a must, but you can’t really experience the region’s maritime connections: large can­ ultimate relaxation vacation without a spa. vasses inspired by the surrounding beaches Luckily, the hotel’s Nordsjøbadet Spa of­ by Ole Nesvik, copies of watercolors by fers the wide variety of services necessary the ship-owner Mons Gabriel Monsen, and to provide that ultimate serenity. In addition paintings from the local maritime painter to professional massages and facials, the spa Ivan Storm Juliussen. contains a counter-current pool, three sau­ the During WWII, Sola Strand was used as nas, a cold plunge pool, and relaxation areas Hearthstone quarters for Norwegian Air Force officers, with views of the sand dunes. These services and the hotel continues to use the bunkers are a hot commodity though, so Nordsjøba­ Retirement Living 6720 E Green Lake Way N located on the south end of the beach—for det suggests that you book well in advance! Seattle, WA 98103 whiskey and wine tastings. Although the ho­ If you’re looking for more to do around at Seattle’s Green Lake www.hearthstone.org tel is often used for business meetings and Sola (maybe you finished your book?), the (206) 517-2213 conferences, it is recommended as a vacation Solastranden Golf Club is another popular 20 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly in your neighborhood What’s going on in your neighborhood? Calendar of Events califria o n Luncheon and Sweater Presentation tions: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland,- Nor and Gina Boyd at Leif Erikson Hall. The event Northern California Kretsstevne Aug. 30, 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. way, and Sweden. Catch a Scandinavian moment is sponsored by Leikarringen of Leif Erikson Aug. 29—Sept. 1 Des Moines, Iowa at the 31st annual festival in rustic Vasa Park. Visit Lodge No. 1 and Norsk Folkedans Stemne. Alta, Calif. Vesterheim is honored to invite you to attend www.scanfest.org for more info. Proceeds benefit the educational programs All members of District Six Sons of Norway The History of Norwegian Sweaters, a luncheon of Norsk Folkedans Stemne. Afterwards, there Lodges are invited to Camp Norge for a week- presentation by Laurann Gilbertson, Vesterheim new york is dancing for everyone. Seating is limited so end of fellowship, friendship, and fun. Come in Chief Curator. Enjoy a delicious meal while learn- Prize Prints: The Queen Sonja Print Award buy your tickets early: www.brownpapertick- your RV, stay in the dorms, bring tents, or stay ing about the history of Norwegian sweaters, now—August 1 ets.com/event/1888139. in a local motel! Call Sandy at (530) 389-2508 including Setesdal, Fana, Marius, and Olympic. New York, N.Y. for Camp Norge room accommodations; the Gilbertson will also talk about the symbolism be- Prize Prints celebrates The Queen Sonja Print Geocaching with Norwegians rooms fill up quickly. For meal packages, con- hind some of the patterns and colors. Tickets are Award, a prize established to encourage young Aug. 12, 4:00—6:00 p.m. tact Mary Beth Ingvoldstad at (707) 987-2404 $35 per person. Please RSVP by Aug. 20. Contact artists. The exhibition features recent work by Seattle, Wash. or [email protected] by Aug. 22. Stephanie Johnson at [email protected] the 2012 and 2014 prize winners, Tiina Kivinen Norwegians are gathered in Seattle to join or (563) 382-9681 for more info or to make res- (Finland) and Svend-Allan Sørensen (Denmark), the GIFF, Block Party, and APE. Why not meet c onneCTICut ervations. At the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. as well as works by the prize’s founders, print- them close to the Fremont Troll? You will get the opportunity to meet and greet geocach- Scandinavian Landscape & Waterfront Oil makers H.M. Queen Sonja of Norway, Kjell Nu- ers and get a small taste of Norwegian tra- Paintings by Odd Andersen M a iNNESot pen, and Ornulf Opdahl. At Scandinavia House. ditional food. The host Arne Vigerust will be now—Sept. BBQ Picnic dressed in his bunad from Vest Telemark and Fairfield, Conn. July 28, 6:00 p.m. Interpretative Realms by Cecilie Galtung Doesvig will tell stories about the visit. The Scandinavian Club of Fairfield, Conn., Minneapolis, Minn. July 31—Aug. 20 has extended this exhibit. The seafaring tra- Come join Vonheim Lodge and enjoy BBQ chicken New York, N.Y. Norsk Folkedans Stemne dition runs deep in Odd Andersen’s blood, and ribs from Caps with baked beans and cole Chelsea’s Agora Gallery will feature the original Aug. 14—16 and many of the subjects of his maritime slaw. Cost is $13 per person. Reservations re- work of Bergen artist Cecilie Galtung Doesvig in Mt. Vernon, Wash. paintings come from black and white photo- quired to Marilyn at (763) 420-9980. At Wabun Interpretative Realms. Her graphic and assertive Join Norsk Folkedans Stemne as they reach graphs. Andersen says his process is as simple Park on the east side of Minnehaha Park. There works mix media and moments to create compo- back to their Norwegian, North Dakotan, and as seeing a photo, generating an idea, and will be various activities for young and old. sitions that are at once preservations of a single Minnesotan roots! Norsk Folkedans Stemne painting it. Odd’s paintings are available for moment and full of energy. This duality lends un- 2015 welcomes dance and music instruc- purchase. Contact (203) 259-1571 or scaqn- Sognefjord Stevne deniable life to her works, whether rendered dig- tors: Carol Ann Sersland, Steven Petersen, Art [email protected] for more info. Aug. 13—15 itally, in acrylic, or in some combination of media. Northfield, Minn. The opening reception will take place Thursday, Bjorngjeld, Loretta Kelley, and Jane Johnson. illins oi The Sognefjord Stevne will be held at St. Olaf August 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visit www.seattlestemne.org for registration College. For more info, contact Kathy Johnson at and more information. At Camp Brotherhood. Vikings exhibition [email protected] or (608) 238-1785. oro eg n now—Oct. 4 Keep Clam and Carry On: The Ivar Haglund Chicago, Ill. Thor Lodge Picnic Hallinglag of America 108th Stevne Story Were the Vikings seafaring invaders and Aug. 9, 1:00 p.m. Aug. 13—15 Aug. 14—Nov. 8 plunderers? Or were they also innovative Rickreal, Ore. Willmar, Minn. Seattle, Wash. explorers, traders, and craftsmen? Through Lodge member and winery owner Dag Sundby This stevne begins with a bus tour to Ness Church Keep Clam and Carry On: The Ivar Haglund new archaeological discoveries and hundreds has invited the Thor Lodge to have their picnic on Aug. 13 at 2:00 p.m. The next two days, start- Story consists of objects, film, and photos of rare artifacts, explore the symbolism of at Johan Vineyards. Members should bring pot- ing at 9:00 a.m., are devoted to programs on that document seafood magnate and global Viking ships, gain insights into domestic life luck food along with necessary serving utensils. “Norwegian Sweaters,” “Scandinavians in the Civ- adventurer Ivar Haglund’s extraordinary life and death rituals, and understand the impor- Serving tables will be set up and there are tables, il War,” and meeting a “Norse Queen, 1000 A.D.” and accomplishments—emphasizing his Scan­ tance of travel and trade. View Viking work- chairs, and benches to sit and eat. Bring your own A picnic will be held on Aug. 14 and the annual dinavian heritage, innovation, and entrepre- manship in jewelry, metalwork, and objects plates, utensils, cups, and beverage. Coffee will Bunad Parade and Banquet on Aug. 15. Music neurship. At the Nordic Heritage Museum. made from glass, bone, and amber; marvel at be provided by the lodge. And of course there offered each evening. Vendors and a demonstra- swords and armor from 750-1100 AD. Virtu- will be wine available for purchase. There will tion by a Fabric Farmer are on site all weekend. Viking Days 2015 ally excavate a boat grave, and play a Viking also be games to entertain all age groups. Registration for non-members is $45 (includes a Aug. 23—24 game. The exhibition was organized by the one-year membership) for the entire stevne, with Seattle, Wash. Swedish History Museum in Sweden, in part- pnns e ylVANIA additional costs for the bus tour, picnic, and ban- Join the Nordic Heritage Museum for Viking nership with MuseumsPartner in Austria. At Northern Lights: Scandinavian Design quet. Walk-ins are $10 per day. Contact Tom at Days! This family-friendly festival features the Field Musuem. now—Oct. 4 (651) 731-5402 or Sandra at (651) 402-5045. delicious Nordic foods, lively entertainment, Philadelphia, Penn. a Viking Encampment, and so much more! Visit the Viking Ship Drawing from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Summer Walk, By George! For the second year in a row, they’re kicking Aug. 15, 1:00—4:00 p.m. exceptional holdings, Northern Lights surveys Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m. off Viking Days with the Run Like A Viking 5K! Geneva, Ill. Scandinavian design from the 1900 World’s Fair Oak Grove, Minn. Dress in your Viking best for this race at near- Visit the Viking ship, a real, full-size replica of in Paris to the present, with special emphasis on Join other Trollheim members and guests at a by Golden Gardens Park. Gun Time for the a ninth-century Viking ship that sailed across objects made mid-century, when an appreciation walk around beautiful, renovated Lake George. race is 8:00 a.m. Find more information and the Atlantic in 1893. Docent-led tours begin for Scandinavian design reached new heights The enclosed area is rented in case of rain. Park register for the run at www.nordicmuseum. every 30 minutes. You’ll learn of Viking con- both in the United States and internationally. in the large lot that is across the street from Clark org/VikingDays.aspx. struction, journey, and significance. Cost is Visit www.philamuseum.org for more info. Field; the building is on the southwest corner of $5 to enter the park and $5 for adults, $3 for the large parking lot with signs on the door. We Wscsini on teens to tour the ship. will gather at 6:30 p.m., walk however long you viiargin Tre Lag Stevne choose, and share some refreshments around Summer Picnic Aug. 5—8 Rosemaling Program 7:30-7:45 p.m. Join us! For questions, call Troll- Aug. 16, 5:00 p.m. Eau Claire, Wis. Aug. 16, 3:00—5:00 p.m. heim Sport/Rec Director Tolly at (320) 252-6230. Fairfax, Va. Tre Lag Stevne is an annual gathering of Arlington Heights, Ill. The Sons of Norway Washington, D.C., lodge will friends and descendants of the Gudbrands- Skjold Lodge will discuss rosemaling, and in- Revivers of the Church be holding a summer picnic at Norway House. dal, Trønderlag, and northern Hedmark re- vites you to bring one or more of your pieces Aug. 31—Sept. 3 gions of Norway. The meeting offers seminars to share. At the AUYA Ukrainian Center. Alexandria, Minn. Wsna hi gton on Norwegian history, heritage, and culture; Hear about the lives of Lina Sandell, Elisabeth Nordic Stories: Troll Swap research on ancestors; and opportunities to iowa Fedde, and Thea Ronning, and how they changed Aug. 6, 10:00 a.m. meet other descendants from this area of Skål! Scandinavian Spirits the world. Gracia Grindal and Dr. Mark Granquist Seattle, Wash. Norway. At The Plaza Hotel and Suites. now—Oct. 25 are speakers at this three-day Elderversity. Enjoy Join the Nordic Heritage Museum for Nordic Sto- Elk Horn, Iowa a Scandinavian dinner, a hymn sing, or visit the ries, geared toward preschool-aged children and Stoughton Coffee Break Festival Denmark, Norway, and Sweden share a “spir- Runestone (famous Viking artifact) Museum and their grown-ups. This month’s book is Troll Swap Aug. 15, 9:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. ited” tradition of enjoying beer and akevitt— take a picture with Ole, the Viking Statue in this by Leigh Hodgkinson. This is a free program, no Stoughton, Wis. sometimes together, sometimes separately. beautiful lake community. Call Shelli at (320) 846- reservations are necessary. This will be the 18th year of celebrating The Skål! Scandinavian Spirits exhibition ex- 2744 or visit www.MountCarmelMinistries.com. Stoughton’s invention of the modern coffee plores the cultural history of these beverages, At Mount Carmel Camp & Conference Center. Wild Salmon Dinner & Folk Dancing break! Join in the fun with a coffee roast-off, follows those drinking traditions to Scandina- Aug. 11, 6:00 p.m. craft fair, car show, beer tent, 5K run, inflat- vian-American communities, and answers newe jers y Seattle, Wash. ables, raffles, pig roast, corn roast, and bean questions like “What IS akevitt, anyway?” and Scandinavian Fest Enjoy a wild salmon dinner buffet and perfor- spitting contest! There truly is something for “How do you ‘skål’ correctly?” Fun, informa- Sept. 6, 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. mances by Midwestern artists Carol Ann Sersland everyone. For more info, visit the Stough- tive, and engaging, this exhibition will travel Budd Lake, N.J. and Steven Petersen with Art Bjorngjeld and lo- ton Chamber of Commerce website: www. to Scandinavian museums across the United Scandinavian Fest is an all-day celebration of cal musicians Jane and Jeff Anderson and Bill stoughtonwi.com. States between 2015 and 2017. Scandinavia, where you’ll discover the customs, history, and ethnic variety of the six Nordic na- Send your event to [email protected] or call (206) 784-4617 to be added to the Norwegian American Weekly! Check www.na-weekly.com/events for complete listings Event listings are free, but space is limited. Please contact us at least one month prior to event. norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 21 In your neighborhood Connecting the past with the present Jazz-inspired Scandinavian folk music quartet Åkervinda tours North America

Victoria Hofmo Tour dates: Brooklyn, N.Y. Danish Lutheran Church, Toronto Aug. 2, 2015, 5:00 p.m. Åkervinda is a quartet of four Scandina­ vian women who sing traditional Scandina­ Canada’s First Community Radio Station vian folk songs. They have a pure, authentic Aug. 3, 2015 sound: ethereal harmonies, ancient tones, Silvana, Harlem, New York City joyous jubilation, and haunting pain can be Aug. 8, 2015, 6:00 p.m. heard in their voices. Although they work Pianos, New York City with folk music, it is interesting to note how Aug. 9, 2015, 8:00 p.m. these four women also have training in a very different style and modern form of mu­ The Scandinavian East Coast Museum, sic—jazz. It sounds counterintuitive, but it at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, works. Many of us in the U.S. will have the Brooklyn, N.Y. good fortune to hear their unique sound this Aug. 10, 2015 summer, as they are touring through parts of The Contented Cow, Northfield, Ill. North America. Aug. 14, 2015, 5:00 p.m. I had an opportunity to interview a member of the group, Lise Kroner. Gammelgårdens Spelmansstämma, Photo: Emma Engström / Svengström Musik & Illustration Scandia, Ill. Aug. 15, 2015 Victoria Hofmo: How would you describe Åkervinda is reinventing the Nordic folk tune. Åkervinda’s music? Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Ill. Lise Kroner: Gracefully entwining melodies, Nordic Folk tune. We are not singing vocal VH: You recently met up with Jaron Free­ Aug. 16, 2015, 4:00 p.m. arrangements in a purely traditional manner; man-Fox, Canadian fiddle player and singer. rock solid groove, and ever-intriguing har­ The Swedish American Museum, monies. The core of the group’s repertoire we are doing it in our own way. Can you speak about your partnership? Chicago Ill. is the traditional Scandinavian folk tunes, as LK: We have a recording session with him Aug. 17, 2015, 7:00 p.m. well as melodies from the instrumental part VH: You recently participated in the Aarhus in Toronto [this] August. We met Jaron of the tradition. Through improvisation orig­ Vocal Festival. Tell me about that experience. Freeman-Fox in Malmö in Sweden last sum­ For more info on Åkervinda, visit www. inal arrangements are created, with a distin­ LK: Aarhus Vocal Festival is an internation­ mer, where he was playing a concert with his akervinda.com guished touch of jazz influences. ally acknowledged festival for vocal mu­ band, “Jaron Freeman-Fox & the opposite of sic—choirs as well as vocal groups. We met everything.” VH: How did the four of you come together? a lot of talented singers from all over the He’s a great fiddle player and an inter­ Linda Bergström: I am a jazz singer who LK: The four singers in Åkervinda met at a world. It was an amazing experience for us, esting singer. Visit his homepage: theoppo­ recently graduated from the music academy Swedish “Folkhögskola”—a traditional way seeing that we are a fairly new group in this siteofeverything.com/site. of Malmö. I am now active in many bands of going to school in Scandinavia in a cre­ environment. A lot of great opportunities for in Sweden as well as Germany, Åkervinda ative environment. collaborations with talented singers around VH: Can each of your members speak a little being one of them. the world opened up to us. about their musical background and what be­ Agnes Åhlund: Although I have been VH: What does the group’s name mean? ing part of Åkervinda means to them? studying jazz for many years, I grew up with LK: The group’s name, Åkervinda, is inspired VH: At this year’s festival you received a LK: I grew up in a family where singing folk music around me and it has always in­ by a Swedish wildflower whose roots spread second prize for vocal groups and a special was a natural part of being. Later in life I de­ fluenced my work. Being a part of Åkervinda far and wide like rivers under the ground. prize for innovative arrangement. Can you cided to take my love for music and singing has been very important for me, enabling me speak about these awards? to a professional level. With an educational to develop within a music tradition that’s VH: Does the group sing things besides tra­ LK: Out of 26 applying vocal groups we background from some of the best music very dear to me. ditional Scandinavian music? were selected to participate in a competition schools in Denmark and Sweden, I am now LK: No, but we are planning to incorporate at the festival. And out of the five selected focusing my time and energy on the musi­ VH: What are the group’s future plans? some original tunes written in our native lan­ groups we won the second prize. In our opin­ cal projects combining the traditional music LK: We’re planning on touring in Scandina­ guages. ion, competing in music is kind of weird, and the improvisational music. To sing with a via spring and summer 2016. We also have seeing that you can’t really measure music in group like Åkervinda is a dream coming true. some connections in South Carolina, so VH: Your website describes you as “jazz that way, so for us it was just a great experi­ Not only is it a great honor to be able to share maybe in 2016 a trip down south is on the singers at heart.” How does that translate ence to meet other vocal enthusiasts from all this beautiful music with the other members menu as well. We are constantly developing into Nordic Folk Music? over the world. Everyone in the competition of the group, as well as with the audience, it’s our sound as a group and are open to influ­ LK: Every one of us has been going to were really great singers. a blessing that a lot of people find the music ences from around the world. school with a focus on the improvisational We won a prize for “The Most Innova­ so touching, that they allow themselves to let music—in other terms: we’ve all been sing­ tive Arrangement of the Compulsory Piece,” the music carry them away emotionally. VH: Is there anything you wish to add? ing a lot of jazz during our careers as singers. which was a task that every one of the groups Iris Bergcrantz: Jazz has always been a LK: We have our first album available It’s like learning a language, and as it is with were given. The tune was by the Danish natural part of my life, since I grew up in a on iTunes as well as Spotify. Buying it on languages; when you know them, it comes Singer/Songwriter Mads Langer. The text jazz music family. I have studied music in iTunes will of course support us even more natural to you to express yourself with them. didn’t really fit our style, so we came up with Ireland and there found a love for the Irish than streaming it on Spotify. But feel free to To incorporate these two genres with our own text in old Swedish language, and folk music. I have been composing my own do whatever you like. Though, we do well as one another is not as far out as it may sound. discovered that we’d made a song about im­ songs and performing them all over Europe a live group, so please come see us while we In Åkervinda it is our goal to re-invent the migration. for many years. are in the neighborhood! Advertise in the Weekly! 2709 SAN PABLO AVE — BERKELEY, CA 94702 Reach a targeted audience of Reasons to advertise: Phone: (800) 854-6435 — Email: [email protected] Norwegian-American readers • Affordable! $12/col inch for EVERY week! B&W, $18/col inch for color Featuring great Nordic products • Competitive ad design Books • Candy and Chocolates • Canned goods • Condiments • Support the only Norwegian- Cooking wares • Dry Goods • Gift items • Specialty meats American newspaper! and more! For details, call (206) 784-4617 or email [email protected] Visit us online: www.nordichouse.com 22 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly arts & entertainment Almost Scandinavian: The real Viking Age Shetland’s “Red Bones” Vikings exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum episodes connect

Photos: Arthur Andersen Photo: Mike Pennington The poster for the Vikings exhibit currently on display in Chicago, next to its apparent inspiration, an actual ship Right: Revelers preparing for Up Helly Aa in 2005. that’s part of the collection.

Victoria Hofmo Nancy Andersen that showed some of the treasure of the Mid­ Brooklyn, N.Y. Chicago west and Chicago area’s rich Scandinavian heritage, besides a curated visit to the Vi­ I just finished watching the “Red Bones” gusted by high taxes. According to the sagas Does the term Viking conjure up vi­ kings exhibit. episodes of Shetland on PBS, based on one that is what drove some to first settle here. It sions in your mind of fearsome raiders with Some of the groups exhibiting were the of four books by author Ann Cleaves. I was is wonderful to see how this history could be horned helmets? The Vikings exhibit at Chi­ Norwegian National League, Vesterheim delightfully surprised how much Norse his­ interwoven into this British television series, cago’s Field Museum aims to improve your National Norwegian-American Museum and tory was involved. From the start the influ­ a truly entertaining history lesson. understanding and give a hands-on learning Heritage Center of Decorah, Iowa, Friends ence is palpable. The main character, De­ Back to the story. Connecting the Viking experience to all ages. of the Viking Ship (seeking to preserve and tective Inspector Jimmy Perez, is having a past to the present is a necklace of Freya that Most people in the Viking age were ac­ properly display the replica of the Gokstad conversation with his daughter Tosh who is the young archaeologist wears. It was given tually farmers, traders, or craftspeople, and ship that was sailed from Norway to the 1893 off to a class on Norse mythology, donning a to her by Mima, a local, who tells her Freya the term Viking was only applied to a trading World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago), horned Viking helmet and Norwegian sweat­ is the protector of lovers. We later learn that ship or a raid. And as you probably know, Illinois Norsk Rosemalers Association, Chi­ er. (Yes, I know horned helmets are histori­ Mima had received this necklace from the there never were horns on Viking helmets: cago’s Swedish American Museum, Micel cally inaccurate—but what can you do; they Norwegian traitor. Like all good sagas, jeal­ this was a fanciful idea created relatively Folcland demonstrating living history of have taken hold of the popular imagination.) ousy, passion, and greed move the plot for­ recently. The exhibit features evocative dis­ the Viking period, and Sons of Norway Po­ A novice archeologist uncovers human ward. I will not reveal any more of the story, plays with many artifacts to show a total pic­ lar Star Lodge 5-472. There were even Vi­ remains. Not so surprising. However, they so you can enjoy it yourself. ture of life in the Viking era. A replica of a kings in chain mail and helmets with shields. are not so ancient, perhaps only 60 years old. I will however, shed some light on other small Viking ship from Sweden is also fea­ Guests were treated to entertainment by the This shocking revelation opens the door to Scandinavian finds in this part of the world. tured. Norland Band, a Swedish choral group, and skepticism and fear when the townsfolk and One was discovered in Sandwick, by a boy On March 18 the Vikings exhibit at the a colorful show by the Nordic Folk Dancers police try to uncover to whom they belong. chasing a rabbit down its hole. Here he un­ Field Museum was officially opened with of Chicago. We learn that the Shetland Bus is piv­ covered a horde of silver ring pieces. A Vi­ an evening event called “Passport to Scan­ The Vikings exhibit at the Field Muse­ otal to this mystery. The Shetland Bus was king ship burial and its finds, excavated at dinavia.” Many Scandinavian organizations um is open daily through October 4, 2015, the name given to an effort to halt the Nazis, Scar Beach on the island of Sanday, included in the Chicago area were invited to partici­ and is really worth a trip. comprising about 30 fishing vessels crewed a double-headed dragon made from whale pate. People who came to the opening event mostly by Norwegians sailing between bone, which can be seen at the Orkney Mu­ were treated to a buffet of tasty Scandinavian Visit fieldmuseum.org for prices and to pur- Western Norway and Shetland. The boats seum in Kirkwall. Over 30 longhouses were treats, and an array of interesting displays chase tickets. transported refugees, instructors for the re­ discovered at Unst in Shetland. A significant sistance, intelligence agents, and military Viking settlement existed at the Brough of supplies. It proved to be a costly mission, Birsay, on the Isle of Orkney, which even as 104 lives and 10 boats were lost during contained a sauna. its 104 trips. We discover that the owner According to the website Historic UK, of these bones may be a young Norwegian Norse superstitions are still the custom, sailor who was part of the Shetland Bus and “For example in Orkney, urine is smeared labeled a traitor in this town. on the plough before cutting the first furrow But the history of the Norse in Shetland in spring, in order to promote fertility in the stretches back much further than 60 years. soil. At harvest time, the first sheaf used to 1,100 years ago this island served as a Nor­ be made into a kind of porridge, and the last wegian colony, incorporating their laws and household to finish harvesting had a straw their language, which on the island is known dog, called the ‘bikko,’ placed on its chim­ as Norn. The former existed until 1611 and ney stack. A great insult and humiliation! It the latter continued until the 18th century. is said that the secret society of the ‘Horse­ Although their rule ended centuries ago, man’s Word,’ whose initiates are told a word their influence continues. These can be seen that gives them power over horses, is still in place names, many spoken words, archi­ strong in Orkney.” tecture, archeological sites, land manage­ Perhaps the most spectacular Norse find ment, genetics, superstitions, and traditions. in “Red Bones” is the backdrop for Perez The Earldom of Orkney, which included and Tosh’s chase to capture the murderer: Shetland, remained a Viking stronghold for Up Helly Aa, Europe’s largest fire festival. Photo: Arthur Andersen over 700 years. There is even a Norse saga Up Helly Aa, an annual event held at the end The exhibit’s official opening in March featured costumed reenactors (shown here about to be mauled by a skeletal about this part of the world. Like the Ameri­ dinosaur—which probably isn’t historically accurate). can colonists many Norwegians were dis­ See > shetland, page 23 norwegian american weekly July 24, 2015 • 23 norwegian heritage < shetland dinavian Shetland is coming full circle. An From page 22 article in the Huffington Post from 2013, Norwegian Language Corner (when it aired in Britain), even credits its of January in Lerwick, Shetland, is a jubilant tone and temperament to Scandinavia, as it NORWEGIAN FOLK TALES, FAIRY TALES and TROLLS festival marking the end of Yule. The Jarl, “leaned heavily in a Scandinavian direction his crew, and a Viking ship lead the proces­ for its slow, languid approach to the tale, and sion, which is followed by close to 1,000 was all the richer for it.” Boyd Tonkin in The guisers (costumed people) carrying torches. Independent, July 2015, describes the Shet­ There are over 40 squads, each like a Mardi lands as “almost Scandinavian” and states Gras crew. At the burning site the ship is set that the new wave of Nordic Noir is coming Volume 2 ablaze by 800 thrown flaming torches. This from within the UK. This circle is coming With 21 classic folk tales, fairy tales, and trolls from Norway in Norwegian and English, “Tuss og Troll” is now is followed by the squads entertaining and even closer as a Scandinavian Crime Fiction serialized in the Norwegian American Weekly’s Norwegian Language Corner. The stories are from the collections of Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, and retold by Øyvind Dybvad, Gard Espeland, Velle Espeland, performing sketches around town. Festival—Iceland Noir, held from Novem­ Johannes Farestveit, and Nana Rise-Lynum. Translated by Alexander Knud Huntrods and Odd-Steinar Dybvad This series is well worth watching just ber 13 to 15—will be moved to Shetland this Raneng. Illustrated by Solveig Muren Sanden, Jens R. Nilssen, and Ralph A. Styker. “Tuss og Troll” was edited, to see this spectacle—a burning ship, march­ November, becoming Shetland Noir. The designed, and published by Deb Nelson Gourley of Astri My Astri publishing. Copyright © Norsk Barneblad. ing Viking tribes, and horned helmet specta­ impetus for this seems to be Cleaves’s Shet- tors. And it’s authentic. land series. Ann Cleaves incorporates Scandina­ It was a pleasure to see how Shetland’s vian influences in her Shetland books so Scandinavian history could be so well inte­ seamlessly that it leads me to believe they grated into two episodes of a British televi­ are a matter-of-fact part of Shetland life. Of sion series, and how much Cleaves’s books course, there is some poetic license in the and the television series it inspired are not television version. Cleaves has “Red Bones” only shedding a light on Shetland, but also its taking place in spring and included Up Helly rich Scandinavian history. At the end of “Red Aa in another story from this series, “Raven Bones,” Perez is asked by his daughter, Tosh, Black,” which occurs in winter. Cleaves is if he still feels Shetland is the best place on relaxed about the series’ interpretation of her earth to live, and he says yes, mentioning the books and wisely states, “Prose and film are sky and local birds. He also points out that different forms. Besides, the book stops be­ on a clear day you can see Norway to the east ing mine every time someone reads it. Each and Iceland to the west. This brings us back reader brings their own imagination, history, to how geographic proximity evolved into and prejudice to the story and each writer has the countless cultural connections that are to learn to let go. Adaptation just takes the continuing to this day and why this two-part Fleskeskinka the ham shank process a bit further.” series is one in which Scandinavians should del 6 part 6 Incredibly, Cleaves’s focus on Scan­ definitely be invested. Så sette dei seg ned og gjorde opp So the thieves sat themselves down varme. — No skal det verta godt å få mat! and made a fire. “It is going to be so good Subscribe to NAW! sa den eine. to eat!” said the one. one year: — Det er bra vi har denne fleskeskin- “It is good we have this ham shank,” $ ka, sa den andre, — og den har vi ærleg said the other, “and the ham shank we fortent! Så skar dei flesk og steikte over have rightly deserved!” So they cut off 70 elden og gav seg til å eta. some of the ham and fried it over the fire 9.NAW.Trolls.2VolSet.CMYK.21March2014.qxp_Layout 1 3/21/14 12:40 PM Page 1 På same tid streva bonden seg fram and began to eat. Call (206) 784-4617 or email [email protected] etter fara, og då han hadde gått langt At this same time, the farmer was og lenge, fekk han sjå at det lyste borti striving through the forest searching, and skogen. Då han kom nærare, såg han at when he had gone both far and wide, Norwegian Folk Tales, Fairy Tales and Trolls: det var tjuvane som sat der ved bålet og he noticed a light in the forest. When smatta og åt på kvar si steikte fleskeskive. he came closer, he saw that it was the •Vol 1 — 18 stories, 192 pgs — Eg er åleine mot to, men det er thieves who sat by the fire, smacking •Vol 2 — 21 stories, 192 pgs betre å vera livlaus enn rådlaus, tenkte their lips and each eating a slice off the NEW OFF THE PRESS bonden. Han tok av seg trøya og buksa, ham shank. •Bilingual English Norwegian text in each book og stod der berre i dei kvite underkleda. “I am alone against the two, but it •Hardcover, Smyth sewn, over Så bøygde han seg ned til hovudet kom is better to be lifeless than mindless,” 600 full colored illustrations in mest ned til føtene, og slik hoppa han thought the farmer. He took off his jacket each 7″x10″ book •Based on the collection of bortover mot tjuvane. and trousers, and stood there just in his Peter Christen Asbjørnsen Båe tjuvane stirte så augo mest stod underclothes. Then he bowed down so and Jørgen Moe ut av hovudet på dei då dei fekk sjå denne far that his head was near his feet, and •For of all ages on both sides of the Atlantic kvite skapningen som kom hoppande. thus hopped towards the thieves. •Classic series is published Bonden hadde stansa litt, men no tok han Both the thieves stared so that their every year in Norway by til å hoppa att, og kom nærare og nærare. eyes nearly popped out of their heads Price = $29.95 each or $49.95 for 2-vol-set Norsk Barneblad SAVE $10 + FREE shipping in the USA Call, send check or visit website Snart var han komen mest bort til bålet. when they saw this white form come — Å, hjelpe oss, det er skrømt! rop- hopping towards them. The farmer had Astri My Astri Publishing www.astrimyastri.com Deb Nelson Gourley Phone: 563-568-6229 te den eine av tjuvane. — Det er beste- stopped a bit, but now he started hop- 602 3rd Ave SW, Waukon, IA 52172 [email protected] mor mi som går att, eg kjenner andletet! ping again, and came closer and closer. Dermed rømde dei av stad over stokk og Soon he was nearly at the fire. stein så fort føtene kunne bera dei, og “Oh me oh my, it’s a ghost!” yelled Rebecca Snow’S lyRical debut novel sprang frå fleskeskinka og alt i hop. one of the thieves. “It’s my granny walk- Då tok bonden skinka si att, og traska ing again, I know the look!” With that Shortlisted for the 2015 heimover så fort han kunne. Han var så they ran off over sticks and stones as fast utsliten og trøtt av å bere på den tunge as their little legs would carry them, and International Rubery Book skinka at han kom ikkje heim før langt left the ham shank and everything else Award utpå dagen. Men etter den turen fekk behind. både han og dei andre i bygda ha flesk- The farmer picked up his ham shank “Glassmusic draws the eskinkene sine i fred. again and trudged towards home as quickly as he was able. He was so worn reader in with deceptive out and tired from carrying the heavy simplicity.” ham shank that he did not get back home — Annie Dawid until late in the day. But after that excur- sion both he and the others in the district had their ham shanks left alone. Available from conundrum-press.com, Miss the beginning? Sign up for our digital edition and get Amazon & other retailers access to back issues! RebeccaSnow.co $29.95 with FREE shipping in the U.S.A. www.astrimyastri.com 24 • July 24, 2015 norwegian american weekly back page

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