Fancy Pants

Photo: Scanpix Sweden/Reuters

Once or twice a week I drive past the St. Paul Curling Club near my home in St. Paul. It’s an unremarkable building and home to a sport most of us don’t know much about. But that’s changing, thanks to the unlikely—and highly visible—team uniform of Olympics-bound Team Ulsrud, Norway’s curling team.

Casting aside standard curling attire of team shirts and black pants, the four team members of Team Ulsrud added whimsy and a big a splash of color to the sport when they competed at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. It started when the team was shipped the wrong uniforms with just weeks to go before opening ceremonies. Team member Christoffer Svae went online and found red, white and blue diamond patterned pants by golf wear designer Loudmouth. At the time, he wasn’t trying to prove a point, says Svae. “It was just feeling comfortable with what we were wearing to represent our country.” Though his team members hestitated at first, he ordered the pants and the rest is curling history.

Since then Team Ulsrud has added variations to the theme, sporting red, white and blue stripes, zigzags and a Norwegian flag pattern. That’s not all they’ve added: the uniform has its own Facebook page with over 540,000 likes. Last week the team unveiled one of Loudmouth’s designs for their 2014 Olympic bid, a departure from the geometric motifs but no less distinctly Norwegian: red, yellow and blue rosemaled flowers on a black background.

In just a few weeks the Norwegian team hopes to turn their 2010 silver medal into gold at Sochi. Read about Team Ulsrud and other Norwegian medal contenders in Viking’s 2014 Olympics Preview in the February issue.

Ann Pedersen is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in St. Paul, Minn.

Sons of Norway Job Opening

Sons of Norway, an international fraternal benefit society, is looking for a Cultural Coordinator. This position is responsible for administering and promoting assigned programs, and for supporting various levels of leadership in the execution of those programs. The position will also be responsible for researching and writing for various publications and programs, including NorwayConnects, a website focused on college students and young professionals.

Key responsibilities include:

• College Website (30%)
• Research and write articles for the website.
• Co-manage social media for the website via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
• Contact businesses and organizations to facilitate their involvement in the site.
• Answer questions about site utilization (customer service for site users).
• Participate in promotional activities.

• Cultural Skills Program (25%)
• Actively promote the Cultural Skills Program to lodges and members, and provide guidance on incorporating Cultural Skills into lodge programming.
• Provide guidance on the use of the Cultural Skills Program for recruiting and retention.
• Lead processing and evaluation of completed pin applications.
• Maintain program records for periodic reporting to leadership.
• Provide member assistance; answer questions, help find resources, etc.
• Develop program enhancements and administrative improvements as needed.
• Maintain inventory and ship program materials; pins, unit printouts, CDs, etc.

• Sports Medal Program (15%)
• Actively promote the Sports Medal Program to lodges and members, and provide guidance on incorporating Sports Medals into lodge programing.
• Provide guidance on the use of the Sports Medal Program for recruiting and retention.
• Maintain program records for periodic reporting to leadership.
• Provide member assistance; answer questions, help find resources, etc.
• Develop program enhancements and administrative improvements as needed.
• Maintain inventory and ship program materials; pins, record cards, etc.

• Member Communication and Reference (10%)
• As requested, generate and coordinate articles and information for Newsletter Service, Viking Resource, blog, etc.
• Answer questions from members, staff and the public regarding Sons of Norway programs and resources.
• Refer members and the general public to other resources regarding heritage and culture.
• Assist with answering calls about travel, genealogy, heritage, etc, emphasizing the benefits of Sons of Norway membership.
• Help members with lodge programming; suggest ideas, resources, assist with research.
• Greet visitors to Sons of Norway Headquarters.

• Ornament and merchandise sales (8%)
• Receive and, in coordination with the Supply Department, process orders.
• Maintain stock and records of orders.
• Coordinate with Accounting Department processing orders.

• Barneløpet Events (5%)
• Actively promote the program to lodges and members, and provide guidance on incorporating barneløpets into lodge programming.
• Provide guidance on the use of the Barneløpet Program for recruiting and retention.
• Coordinate with the design staff on the development of program materials.
• Maintain records of participation for periodic reporting.
• Provide member assistance; answer questions, help find resources, etc.
• Coordinate with the Supply Department on providing banners and medals to lodges for their programs.
• Develop program enhancements and administrative improvements as needed.

• Event Support (2%)
• Assist with event activities (NATB, Folk Art Competition, etc.) as needed.

• Membership Services (2%)
• Provide backup for member services.

• Other duties (3%)

Qualifications

•     Bachelor's degree in communications, English, education or similar.
•     Excellent writing & verbal communications skills.
•     Excellent customer service skills (phone & email).
•     Experience using Excel, Word, a database program and email.
•     Experience with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Hootsuite, etc.).
•     Attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

•     Knowledge of Norwegian heritage and culture.
•     Experience marketing and promoting programs and events.
•     Experience with creating and/or developing learning programs.
•     Experience in event planning.
•     Outbound sales (cold calling) experience.

Application Procedure

Send a letter of application, resume and one page writing sample to Linda Nelson at lnelson@sofn.com or to her attention at: Sons of Norway, 1455 West Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

This position will remain open until filled. Review of resumes will begin immediately.

A Conversation With John Vinnem

Did you see Viking’s interview with menswear designer John Vinnem in the January issue? Vinnem hails from Trondheim, Norway, and started a Scandinavian men’s fashion line in 2006 called JohnnyLove. Here's more from our interview.

Viking: Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
John Vinnem: From anything that I see around me that I find aesthetic or otherwise inspiring—architecture, cartoons, movies, materials, colors. The environments surrounding our business are also inspiring, I have always been drawn to the industrial areas, where I have had my studios. The industrial feeling of something rough and reliable is important, and the industrial and man-made is more interesting to me than nature. I find the grittiness in nature–not the idyllic and picturesque–to be more interesting. For the next winter collection I want to explore the colors in oil puddles.

V: How does it feel to have your designs available to people around the world?
JV: It feels pretty great, thank you! I'm happy with any success we can have, of course. We have come this far without paying for traditional marketing, and by letting the clothes speak for themselves. It has taken an insane amount of hard work for both my team and me, so it's gratifying to see people who use our clothes get hooked to the brand.

V:  What are a few must-have items a man should have in his closet?
JV: A good trench coat, raw denim jeans, a nice pair of leather Chelsea boots and a casual jersey or wool blazer that you can dress up or down with other items and accessories.

V: What does the JohnnyLove line have coming up this winter?
JV: We always have a huge selection of outerwear, of course. This winter we are expanding our collection with down parkas, which are pretty lightweight compared to traditional down parkas, yet really warm. Also, we're adding duffel coats with modern cuts. We are complementing our blazers with suit pants and a line of wool ties. We are also shipping heaps of our tube necks–made of baby alpaca wool–to the states. So you don't need to freeze this winter!

Anya Britzius is associate managing editor of Viking. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and enjoys baking, reading and keeping up on modern Norwegian trends.

Sweet Winter Ride

Photo courtesy: Fjellpulken AS

It’s time to get out and enjoy winter activities as a family! Cross-country skiers looking to tackle rugged terrain but don’t want to leave little ones trailing behind, should check out the Fjellpulken Children’s Sled from Norwegian company Fjellpulken AS.

Company founder Egil Rustadstuen conceived the design in the 1960s. Today, with the help of Mosa Design Lab, the sled is lighter and better than ever. In fact, it received the Norwegian Design Council’s 2013 Award for Design Excellence in the Industrial Design category.

Photo courtesy: Fjellpulken AS

The Norwegian Design Council recognized the sled for its improved ergonomics, increased mobility and enhanced safety features for children—including roll bars to prevent overturning. The skis elevate the boat-shaped sled with fibre-glassed hull above the terrain, which keeps children safe and warm.

Fjellpulken AS offers sleds in a variety of styles and sizes and also sells outdoor gear and accessories for expeditions.

Be sure to check out other companies and products that have received awards from the Norwegian Design Council.


Anya Britzius is associate managing editor of Viking. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and enjoys baking, reading and keeping up on modern Norwegian trends.

Akershus in a New Light

Photo: Forsvarsdepartemente/Erik Selmer

There’s a familiar face with a new look on Oslo’s night skyline. As we headed for the darkest day of the year, finishing touches were being put on renovations to Akershus Castle, including an exterior lighting system that casts the historic building’s façade in a new light against the city’s night sky. On the evening of December 8, Norway’s defense minister flipped the switch for the first time, lighting up this 700-year-old symbol of Norway’s royal and medieval history.

One of 14 historic fortresses in Norway, Akershus is just one among many renovations along Oslo’s waterfront. Viking’s February issue takes a look at the city’s concerted effort to revive its harbor area in our feature “The New Oslo.” Read about the dynamic mix of old and new, like the cutting-edge financial district development Barcode alongside restored warehouse buildings, museums and parks. Oslo’s ongoing Bjørvika development combines futuristic architecture and historic restoration in a cultural cocktail of business, arts and entertainment, residential and green space.

Lest Oslo’s nightlife forgets where it all started, Akershus stands at the heart of it all, a glowing reminder of the city’s ancient beginnings.

Ann Pedersen is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in St. Paul, Minn.

Founder's Day!

It's January 16th, and for Sons of Norway members around the globe today is a day of celebration. You see, today is our Founders' Day, which marks the 119th anniversary of the founding of Sons of Norway!

On this date back in 1895, 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, MN came together and formed a new group whose goals were to protect its members and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. A noble purpose, to be sure, but over time the mission grew to also include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture. It was clear that our founders and earliest members were great leaders and, I believe, also men of great vision. 

Since then, Sons of Norway has grown significantly in every way. We are now nearly 60,000 strong with lodges and members residing throughout all of North America and Norway. We have become a recognizable brand with reliable financial products that benefit our members. We have also grown into a large philanthropic organization that annually provides more than a hundred thousand dollars in scholarships and grants while members give more than half a million hours of volunteerism every year.

It's been said that from the smallest of seeds can grow the largest of fruit. I think Sons of Norway is a prime example of how true that saying is. So much so, in fact, that I keep a large photo of our 18 founders over my desk as a source of inspiration and perseverance. When I look at it I always think "Well, if a group of 18 can create all this, just imagine what a group of 60,000 can create when every Sons of Norway member works together toward a common goal." Just a little food for though.

For Sons of Norway members reading this, there's three things I'd love to hear about throughout the day: 1) Sons of Norway members wearing Norwegian colors or their membership pin all day 2) members taking advantage of the day to recruit someone new into their lodge and 3) all members taking a moment to reflect on all our Founders have created, then considering what you could do to build upon that.

I hope everyone has a great Founders Day and I encourage you to post your Founders' Day activities and reflections on the Sons of Norway Facebook page.

Nordic Films on the Big Screen

Are you a fan of Nordic films? Here are three upcoming film festivals happening in the United States this winter. The festivals showcase documentaries, feature-length films and shorts from Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden.

What: Nordic Lights Film Festival
When: Jan. 17-19, 2014
Where: SIFF Film Center, Seattle

What: The Scandinavian Film Festival L.A.
When: Jan. 18, 19, 25, 26, 2014
Where: Writers Guild Theater, Beverly Hills

What: Nordic Lights Film Festival
When: Feb. 28-March 6, 2014
Where: St. Anthony Main Theater, Minneapolis

If you aren’t able to attend one of these film festivals, Scandinavia House in New York shows Nordic films year-round. There’s also a growing number of Norwegian tiles on Netflix. Also, Sons of Norway members can check out the media lending library for a selection of great films. Log in to your Sons of Norway account to learn more. Happy viewing!

Anya Britzius is associate managing editor of Viking. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and enjoys baking, reading and keeping up on modern Norwegian trends.

The Magic Continues

It’s been just over a year since Viking featured the photography of Per Tore Breiehagen in the December 2012 cover story “Norway’s Nisse,” featuring magical winter landscapes and Breiehagen’s nisse-like daughter Anja in red felted hat and reindeer slippers. In the year since, Breiehagen and his wife and writer/collaborator Lori Evert paired the photos with a tale of a little girl’s quest to help Santa, written by Evert, then went in search of a
publisher—without an agent.

Turns out they didn’t need one. The charming photos and whimsical text of A Christmas Wish spoke for themselves. Random House picked up the title and printed 70,000 copies in their first printing. A Christmas Wish made #5 on the New York Times bestseller list and by Christmastime the first printing was sold out.
A wish come true, and maybe a little nisse magic.

Read former Viking editor Amy Boxrud’s past blog posts on Breiehagen and the December 2012 cover feature.

Ann Pedersen is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in St. Paul, Minn.

Founder's Day is Almost Here!

Next Thursday is Founder's Day! January 16th marks the 119th anniversary of the founding of Sons of Norway. We were organized as a fraternal benefit society by 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 16, 1895. The purposes and goals of the Founding Fathers were to protect members of Sons of Norway and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. Over time, the mission of Sons of Norway was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our Society. We have grown since our beginning and are now the largest Norwegian organization outside Norway.

Next week lodges throughout the organization will be marking the date in a number of ways. Some will be holding celebrations, others will be encouraging their members to wear their red vests or membership pins all day and talk to people in the community about Sons of Norway. What will your lodge be doing to celebrate Founder's Day?

Let us know by posting your activities and ideas on the Sons of Norway Facebook Group! 

"Lilyhammer" Returns for Season 2

The hit Norwegian comedy “Lilyhammer” is back for a second season!

Steven Van Zandt (from HBO’s “The Sopranos” and member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band) reprises his role as an American mobster who’s hiding out in Lillehammer, Norway, under the witness protection program.

“Lilyhammer” is Norway’s most-watched show in television history. With Season 1, it became available to American audiences as the first original show for Netflix. It’s the first series to return for a second season.

Here’s a peek at the Season 2 trailer of “Lilyhammer.”

Check out our interview with Norwegian actress Marian Saastad Ottesen, who plays Van Zandt’s love interest, Sigrid, in the
March 2013 issue of Viking. You can also check out the
interview here.


Are you a fan of the show? Share your thoughts!

Anya Britzius is associate managing editor of Viking. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn., and enjoys baking, reading and keeping up on modern Norwegian trends.