Educating Norway

As summer transitions to fall, heading back to school is top of mind for many families. The September issue of Viking magazine is all about education. In the issue, we cover topics such as Nordic colleges stateside, tips on hosting an exchange student and a spotlight on global educators and explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft. On page 38, check out our interview with Norway’s Minister of Education and Research Torbjørn Røe Isaksen. Isaksen was appointed to his role in October 2013 and is responsible for implementing government policy from nursery school through higher education in Norway. Here’s one more question and answer that didn’t make it into the article.

Q: How does having a strong primary education affect higher education?
A: Achieving better outcomes in education, health and economic productivity depends on developing a wide range of skills. The ability to acquire and retain knowledge is just one skill. Character, including perseverance, motivation, self-esteem, self-control, conscientiousness and forward-thinking behavior, is another set of skills. According to research done by Nobel laureate James Heckman, the most economically efficient time to develop skills and character is in the very early years, when developmental support is most effective. To quote Heckman: “Early learning begets later learning and early success breeds later success.”

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

International Convention: Immersed In Dedication

Today is going to be a great day! It's the first day of Sons of Norway's 2014 Invernational Lodge Meeting and you can tell from the buzz in the air that the delegates are ready to go.

For those who don't know about Sons of Norway, the International Lodge Meeting is our highest level of governance that brings together insurance-owning members from throughout North America and Norway. During the meeting these delegates hear reports from a variety of sources, internal and external, they discuss matters of importance to the organization and then vote on resolutions and law changes that are brought before them.

On the surface it may sound a little stiff and old fashioned, but I personally find it to be fascinating. I think I'm fortunate to be able to spend two days listening to members voice their opinions and discuss issues that will affect the entirety of Sons of Norway. It's an amazing experience to spend so much time completely immersed in dedication and surrounded by passionate members.

If you ever want to experience the best of Sons of Norway, I wholeheartedly recommend you attend a future district or international convention!

The Art of Salmon Smoking

In the August 2014 issue of Viking, we highlight 4th generation salmon smoker Ole-Martin Hansen. The Norway native uses his great-grandfather’s recipe, which includes beech wood and juniper, and runs acclaimed London smokehouse Hansen & Lydersen.

Check out this video to learn more about his art of salmon smoking.

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

Apply and Earn Today!

This month, U.S. Bank, one of the sponsors of this year’s International Convention has a special offer! This is a great opportunity for Sons of Norway members who haven’t yet applied for this wonderful member benefit!

Apply and get approved for the Sons of Norway Visa Signature® Card and earn 2,500 bonus points with your first purchase!* Redeem points for your choice of rewards including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more!

Apply Today!

*Apply, get approved, make a purchase and receive 2,500 bonus points.  Only new accounts qualify for bonus rewards points.  Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem points.  Full terms and conditions are provided to cardmembers. The creditor and issuer of the Sons of Norway Visa Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. © 2014 U.S. Bank National Association.

Behind the Scenes: Smørbrød Photo Shoot

Have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes of a Viking magazine photo shoot? Here’s your chance! In the August issue, we feature three tasty smørbrød (open-faced sandwich) recipes from award-winning food writer and recipe developer Lynda Balslev. It took an entire day and a whole team of people to make it a success! Read on to get a glimpse of our photo shoot day.

Issue: Viking, August 2014
Date: May 5, 2014
Location: Blue Ox MPLS, Hopkins, Minn.
Photographer: Tom Thulen 
Art Director: Amy Armato
Food Stylist: Betsy Nelson

Viking art director Amy Armato pulled inspiration food photographs and mocked up a cover to share with photographer Tom Thulen before photo shoot day.

   

The first shot of the day was the ingredient spread from page 18. It took three hours to get the perfect shot! Food stylist Betsy Nelson made sure every ingredient was placed perfectly by using her tiny food tweezers.

The Gravlax Smørbrød with Linie Aquavit and Svalka Snaps Glasses from IKEA.

Each photograph transferred directly to a computer in the layout. This allowed us to make sure everything was looking good on screen as we snapped photos.

Watch for another behind-the-scenes photo shoot blog in October. We will have a special guest cover star! For more great recipes, including Smørbrød, check out the Sons of Norway Recipe Box.

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

Norwegian Actors in "Hercules"

On July 25, the action-packed thriller “Hercules” hit American big screens. The film stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Hercules. Did you know the film also features three actors from Norway? Keep your eyes peeled for Aksel Hennie, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal and Tobias Santelmann.

You may recognize Hennie from the May 2012 issue of Viking. He starred in popular Norwegian films “Headhunters” and “Max Manus: Man of War.”

Berdal was featured in Viking’s November 2013 issue. In addition to acting on stage at The Norwegian Theatre and in Norwegian films, last year, she had a role opposite Johnson in “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.”

Catch our upcoming interview with Santelmann in Viking’s October issue!

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