It's a Convention Year!

For a lot of people in the blogosphere January marked a new beginning; a time to celebrate the year to come with all its inherent excitement and mystery. For me, that time is February.

Oh sure, I could have jumped on that bandwagon, but the truth is I was pretty darn busy putting 2011 to bed. Now that February has arrived I can look forward to the year to come. And what a year it’s going to be!

If you didn’t know already, 2012 is going to be HUGE for Sons of Norway because it’s a convention year! Starting this month lodges throughout North America and Norway are considering issues they feel are important to their members, their districts and to the organization as a whole. In the coming weeks they’ll be voting on resolutions to bring to their district conventions, choosing delegates to represent them and then participating in the governance of Sons of Norway. All very important and heady tasks, for sure.

If you’ve never been to a district or international convention, I strongly urge you to go. There are two ways you can get to a convention, the first is to run for and be elected as a delegate and the second is to attend as an event guest.

Being a delegate is probably one of the most important jobs a Sons of Norway member can have. In doing so, you will represent the wishes and needs of your fellow lodge members. But, in a grander sense, you will also be a steward of the organization because it will be your job to help chart the course for Sons of Norway’s future. The decisions you make, the votes you cast, the statements you give will all be part of our lush history and our great future!

For those who wish to simply attend as a guest of the event, you have an important role to play as well. You will serve as a witness to everything that happens and learn a great deal more about Sons of Norway than you ever have before. You will also be the ones who help support delegates, volunteer to make the convention great and take part in many of the wonderful cultural and educational elements of a convention.

Above all, though, everyone who takes part in a convention is there for a single, unifying reason: to keep Sons of Norway a vibrant, relevant organization for years to come. That’s something that everyone should be proud of and the reason why the most common words that cross my lips at conventions is “thank you.”

So with that, we’ve officially kicked off the 2012 convention year! In the coming days, weeks and months I’ll be posting a ton of convention-related info, especially about the international convention, so be sure to keep checking back. Also, if you’d like to learn more about your district convention, or the international convention this August, here are some links you might like to check out.

• 2012 International Convention
• District 1 Convention 
• District 2 Convention (website coming soon)
• District 3 Convention
• District 4 Convention
• District 5 Convention
• District 6 Convention
• District 7 Convention
• District 8 Convention

Hot Off the Press: Viking's February Issue

I'm always a bit surprised when the newest issue of Viking appears on my desk. The other day I was in the middle of checking final proofs for the upcoming March issue when the February issue arrived, hot off the press. When I saw the lush cover photo it was like a breath of fresh, tropical air—a treat on a cold winter's day in Minneapolis!

I enjoyed working with Anna Klenke on our eco-fashion cover story, featuring the work of Norwegian designer Leila Hafzi and NICE (which stands for Nordic Initiative, Clean and Ethical). I must be the target audience for this article, because it really had an affect on me. It made me a more careful label reader and reaffirmed my commitment to buy recycled clothing when possible.

Our second feature highlights nine notable Norwegian immigrants that every Sons of Norway member should know. How does our list stack up against yours? Share your thoughts by emailing me at vikingeditor@mspcustomcontent.com.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

ISO Cultural Coordinator

In case you didn't see the blog post from last week, Sons of Norway is looking to hire a new Cultural Coordinator at its Minneapolis Headquarters. We will be accepting applications through the 27th for an individual who will be responsible for managing media resources, developing new member programs, administering and promoting assigned programs while supporting various levels of leadership in their execution.

Specifically, they will be responsible for Sons of Norway's Media Lending Library, member communication and reference, Sports Medal program, Barneløpet events, Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast, and communications support.

This is an exciting position for someone with a Bachelors degree in Scandinavian studies/languages, education or communications.

The perfect candidate must have:
•    Excellent customer service skills (phone & email).
•    Excellent written & verbal communications skills.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian culture
•    Experience using Excel, Word, a database program and email.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Ability to be flexible, adaptable, proactive and to take initiative.

The preferred qualifications for this position include:
•    Basic competency in Norwegian.
•    Experience in event planning.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian literature and history.
•    Experience marketing and promoting programs and events.
•    Experience directing and working with/coordinating volunteers.

To learn more about this position and the application process, click here or go to: http://www.sonsofnorway.com/highlight/Cultural_Coordinator.html

Travel Lessons from Telemark

I've always wanted to visit the Telemark region of Norway, and last summer I was able to make this dream a reality. When my family traveled to Norway last August, we managed to squeeze in a two-day trip in the area that included cruising the Telemark canal and overnighting at one of the region's many guest farms. Like any good travel experience, I learned a few lessons along the way.

Lesson #1: Rent-A-Wreck is not for everyone. It's easiest to get around Telemark by car, and renting a vehicle is really expensive in Norway, so you might be tempted (like I was) to look for cheaper alternatives. While the Rent-A-Wreck office looks like it's conveniently located near Akerbrygge in the heart of Oslo, it's actually situated in an industrial neighborhood and it's a hike from the waterfront. As you might expect, travelers are not really their target market. This became very apparent when we had to circle the warehouse a couple of times to find the correct entrance. We were traveling to Telemark with friends from Oslo, so we needed a big vehicle. And while the van was indeed large enough to hold seven of us, it came with only six shoulder belts and definitely had seen better days. The fact that there was no air conditioning had me momentarily panicked, too. But then I remembered I was in Norway, where AC is rarely needed. It all worked out fine, and we did save a bundle, but I can't recommend Rent-A-Wreck to most Viking readers.

Lesson #2: Allow extra time to get to your destination. When looking at a map of Telemark, you might think, wow...there's really no direct route to where I'm headed. This is an understatement. As a gal from the Midwest, where life is laid out more or less on a grid, I'm usually unprepared for Norway's winding and twisting (in other words, slow) mountainous roads and this was no exception. When you get off the main highways, don't be fooled into thinking you can keep driving at normal highway speeds.

Lesson #3: Don't forget Dramamine. The charming mountain roads and amazing scenery come with a price: car sickness. This is especially true when you're in a hurry because you're trying to catch a boat. By the time we reached Ulefoss, our destination along the canal, we were all looking a bit green. I can only imagine what would have happened had we not all popped some Dramamine. Later in the trip, we learned that it's not as easily available as it is in the states, so definitely bring an ample supply if you think you'll need it.

Does it sound like I didn't enjoy my time in Telemark? Not true! Even when I was cruising through the countryside in a shabby van, late and nauseated, I couldn't think of anywhere I would rather be. And as the day went on, things only got better.

Lesson #4: The Telemark Canal is wonderful way to see the countryside. After speeding through mountainous byways, a slow, smooth ride on a canal boat was a welcome change of pace. We took a 2-1/2-hour excursion on the Telemark canal, from Ulefoss to Lunde, which was just about right for the kids. If I do this trip again, I might consider a longer trip, perhaps biking one direction and cruising the other. There's also an opportunity to get out and hike along the canal route—a great option for those looking for a bit more activity than the boat provides.

Lesson #5: Farm stays are fun! We visited the idyllic Nordigard Bjørge in Seljord, operated by the warm and welcoming Bjørge family. The kids loved exploring the farm and getting acquainted with the animals there. My daughter loved the fact that the guest house felt so homey and my son was excited to find a trampoline. I was happy to find a well-equipped kitchen in the charming old farm house, since we had planned to make our own meals.

Lesson #6: Happy cows = great ice cream. The folks at Nordigard Bjørge produce their own gourmet ice cream in mouthwatering flavors like kiwi and black current. It was simply the best ice cream we tasted in Norway, and we tasted a lot!

For more information on what to see and do in Telemark, check out my article, "The Best of All Worlds," in the January issue of Viking.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

All photos by Doug Bratland.

Sons of Norway Wins National Award

Sons of Norway, in conjunction with Destination Bloomington, the Airport Foundation MSP and the Royal Norwegian Honorary Consulate, were recognized with a Shop America Salutes Innovation (SASI) Award at the 15th annual ONE Travel Conference for Shopping, Dining and Cultural Tourism. The award ceremony, which was held on January 17, 2012 recognized marketing excellence in promoting shopping, dining and cultural tourism. 

The Gold SASI award was presented in the Heritage and Culture category for the “Cold Recall: Reflections of a Polar Explorer and Their Majesties of Norway Departure Event”.

The Cold Recall exhibit was a month-long photo display on concourse C of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport that commemorated the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen’s journey to become the first explorer to reach the South Pole.  As part of the airport’s Arts and Culture Program administered by the Airport Foundation MSP, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the travel experience, this exhibit gave viewers an inside look into the daily lives and hardships of polar explorers. 

The exhibit and event were created and secured through a partnership between Sons of Norway, the Honorary Royal Norwegian Consulate, the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Airport Foundation MSP.  The exhibit was brought to MSP Airport to coincide with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway visit to Minnesota October 14-18, 2011.  Minnesota has one of the largest Norwegian heritage populations outside of Oslo, Norway.  Norway is one of the top 5 incoming tourist markets for Minnesota.

Enchanting Ålesund

Since editing Carter Walker's article on Ålesund for the Viking travel issue, I'm seeing mentions of the city everywhere. For example, I came across a link in the Huffington Post, featuring 10 Hotels in the Most Unlikely of Places. Among the list was Ålesund's cozy Molja Lighthouse, which Walker also highlights in Viking. Accommodations in the 150-year-old lighthouse can be booked as room 47 of the Hotel Brosundet, which—if their website is any indication—appears to be an appealing destination in and of itself.

I also came across a program on NRK's website called "Norsk Attraksjon" (Norwegian Attractions), a slightly off-beat travel show featuring interesting sites and travel destinations around Norway. One episode called "Huset som ikkje brann" (The House that Didn't Burn) features an old wooden building in the center of Ålesund that was spared in the 1904 fire that destroyed most of the city. According to local legend, the owner of the house was warned by an angel prior to the fire. The program doesn't include subtitles, but it does offer some footage of the city and an entertaining reenactment of the event.

If Walker's article inspires you to plan your own adventure in Ålesund, check out the wealth of information found on the city and its surrounding area on VisitNorway.com. You'll find expert advice on how to get there, what to do, and where to eat, shop and sleep.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Happy Founders 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 117th 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 more than 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.

Job Opening: Sons of Norway Seeks New Cultural Coordinator

Sons of Norway is currently accepting applications for an open Cultural Coordinator position at its Minneapolis Headquarters. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for managing media resources, developing new member programs, administering and promoting assigned programs while supporting various levels of leadership in their execution.

Specifically, they will be responsible for Sons of Norway's Media Lending Library, member communication and reference, Sports Medal program, Barneløpet events, Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast, and communications support.

This is an exciting position for someone with a Bachelors degree in Scandinavian studies/languages, education or communications.


The perfect candidate must have:
•    Excellent customer service skills (phone & email).
•    Excellent written & verbal communications skills.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian culture
•    Experience using Excel, Word, a database program and email.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Ability to be flexible, adaptable, proactive and to take initiative.

The preferred qualifications for this position include:
•    Basic competency in Norwegian.
•    Experience in event planning.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian literature and history.
•    Experience marketing and promoting programs and events.
•    Experience directing and working with/coordinating volunteers.



To learn more about this position and the application process, click here or go to: http://www.sonsofnorway.com/highlight/Cultural_Coordinator.html

Oslo's Opera House Doesn't Disappoint

Working on our annual travel issue is always inspiring for the Viking staff. Last January's travel issue gave me such a serious case of wanderlust that I began planning a long-postponed trip to Norway for my family. We spent two weeks in August exploring Oslo, Bergen, the Sognefjord and Telemark.

One of our must-see attractions in Oslo was the new opera house, since it had so quickly become a top tourist destination after it was opened in 2008. This new attraction, designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, has generated a lot of buzz, and I must say: it did not disappoint. The whole family enjoyed exploring, picnicking and people-watching on the building's sloping white marble roof. My kids loved the building's playful exterior so much that we could have almost skipped going indoors. But I'm glad we did, as it was equally impressive. (My kids thought the bathrooms were the coolest they had ever seen.) If time had allowed, I would have enjoyed taking a guided tour of the building, since the facility includes three stages, 1,100 rooms and covers the area of four football fields!

You'll find a list of Oslo's other top attractions in the December issue of Viking. And you'll find all the advice and inspiration you'll need to plan your own Nordic adventure in our annual January travel issue!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photos courtesy of Doug Bratland.

Happy New Year from Viking!

Happy new year from the staff of Viking magazine! The year may have just started, but our staff has been busy thinking about 2012 for months. We started planning our editorial calendar back in September, and we're excited about what we've got in store for readers this year.

The annual travel issue—a January tradition—has already arrived in many members' mailboxes. Check it out! It's packed with information, advice and gorgeous photos to inspire your own Norwegian adventure.

We're currently working on our February issue. In it, we'll take a look at Norway's growing eco-fashion industry and the work of designer Leila Hafzi. And if sustainable fashion isn't your cup of tea, we know readers will enjoy learning about nine notable Norwegian immigrants.

In March, we'll be exploring the world of the Vikings and taking a look at international development in the Arctic region.

What else can you expect from Viking in 2012? Shipwrecks, Scandinavian design, modern-day explorers, Norse mythology, summer Olympians, mouth-watering recipes and much more!

While our calendar is brimming with ideas, we'd still like to hear from you. What topics would you like to see in Viking in 2012? Send your suggestions to vikingeditor@mspcustomcontent.com.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Travel Tips from Harald Hansen

As we begin the new year, it’s time to starting thinking about 2012 travel plans. We hope the January issue of Viking—our annual travel issue—will inspire you to set out on your own Nordic dream adventure. We've packed the issue with advice from travel experts, including Innovation Norway's Harald Hansen. You’ll find our interview in the January issue, and you can read the extended conversation here:

Viking: What new attractions are drawing tourists to Norway?

Harald Hansen: The traditional attractions and destinations have, of course, been Oslo, Bergen and the fjords—and still remain so. We see also that more and more Americans are visiting further north and south of Bergen to the Stavanger area and to the Ålesund region. There’s increasing popularity to visit northern Norway above the Arctic.

V: What's drawing people there?

HH: Arctic experiences—they want to see the Northern Lights and the winter. They want to see the Midnight Sun and do more of a soft-adventure type of vacation. That’s something we see all over Norway actually—hiking, biking, dog sledding, snowmobiling and king crab safaris.

V: Are there any new trends in Norwegian travel? Do you recommend any smart phone apps or websites?

HH: We recommend our website, visitnorway.us. We are on Facebook and Twitter. And in all the advertising we do, we put up apps where you use your cell phone to get onto our website. More people are using the new apps to get information. Check out our Visit Norway app. We’ve just been doing an advertising campaign with Iceland Air and Scandinavian Air the past year, where we have billboards up on bus stops on subways and trains, where people use their iPhones to enter a competition, or just to access information. So it's becoming more and more important for us to use all the new gadgets that are out there.

V: Do you have any money-saving travel tips to share?

HH: A lot of people think that Norway is very expensive. It is expensive compared to the United States or Canada, but there are ways to work around that. If you go to our website, you can look at the accommodations, and there’s a lot of hotel passes. For example, there's an excellent pass called the Fjord Pass where you can get up to 40 percent off hotel rates. And the same thing with train passes and bus passes. Norway bus express has its own pass, and there are ways of avoiding those high costs. Scandinavian Airlines and Iceland Air are always running specials. It’s important to follow that. Be active and be online to find deals. We put out all of those offers on our website. Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim now have city passes, which gives you free entrance to all attractions and museums, free public transportation within the cities, even reductions on restaurants and sightseeing. That is something you should always look into and either talk to your tour operator or travel agent. Or buy it when you get to Norway. They are sold at tourist information offices, so it's not something you necessarily have to purchase ahead of time.

V: Are the Northern Lights a big draw?

HH: Yes, the Northern Lights are the most popular attraction in the world for travelers now. And Norway is the best place to see it. This year is actually the best cycle in 50 years to see them!

V: What are some of the top sites to see?

HH: The Oslo Opera House opened three years ago and has become the most visited attraction in Norway. You can walk up on the roof. The Opera House is actually built into the fjord, like an iceberg. The roof is made of white marble, so you can walk all over it and there are restaurants there. In addition to housing the National Opera and Ballet, it has also become a place where people meet up and sun bathe up on the roof. In the summer, they have rock concerts and set up stages out on the fjord where people sit on the opera house itself and the performances are on floats out in the fjord. The new Holmenkollen Ski Jump has also become a very popular destination. In February, Oslo will host the world championship in snowboarding, which is a big attraction for Americans. And 2013 is the 150th anniversary for the birth of the painter Edvard Munch, so that's going to be a big deal.

V: Are there things to do with kids when visiting Norway?

HH: Yes! Go to the fjord region for some kayaking, hiking and biking. The Bergen Aquarium is very popular, and there is the new science center called VilVite. Of course the funicular and the cable car overlooking Bergen are cool. They have just opened up a new restaurant up there which is a great experience. In Oslo, there’s the reptile park and the International Museum of Children’s Art. At the Noble Peace Center, you can learn the history of all the winners, and it’s very interactive so kids can use technology to learn about peace efforts. It’s a great center—one of my favorite places to go.

V: Is there a language barrier?

HH: Not a problem whatsoever. Everybody speaks English.

V: Anything you caution against while traveling?

HH: Not really. We are a pretty safe destination. Nobody has to be afraid of anything. But you always have to pay attention and be aware when you travel anywhere. We always say there's no bad weather, there's just bad clothing. When you travel in Norway—especially during the summer—bring a light raincoat, layers and be prepared for everything.

Eighth Annual Christmas Concert from Norway Broadcast in the U.S.

I love this time of year for so many reasons. Everyone is in a cheerful mood, despite the weather turning colder and the days darker, the world is adorned in colorful decorations that are straight out of a child's dream, and I get to share in the holiday cheer with my family and loved ones .

What I love most about this time of year, though, is the music. Ever since I was a child I've loved Christmas music, especially the traditional music of carols. Songs like Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, The First Noel, etc. always bring warm and welcome memories from the past.

That's why it's so exciting to announce the 2011 Christmas Concert from Norway! For the eighth year in a row the Vang church in Hamar, Norway is the home of a beautiful musical broadcast that brings together world-renowned singers and musicians to perform a concert of traditional holiday and classical music! This year, thanks to PBS and Public Broadcasting channels across America, millions of Americans will be taken into the historic church for this glorious musical event.

Viewers will be treated to an American Christmas music medley, works by Handel, Vivaldi, Morricone, Piazzolla and a number of traditional Norwegian songs. In addition, Princess Martha Louise, will host this year's concert and share Christmas memories from her childhood.

The concert is being broadcast in a number of cities throughout the U.S., like New York, Minneapolis, Miami, San Diego and more! I've included a broadcast schedule below, but if you don't see your city listed then make sure to check with your PBS station to see if they will be broadcasting the event. 

New York WLIW 21       

Sun. Dec. 25  10:00 AM

Los Angeles KCET  28         

Sat. Dec. 24    2:00 PM

                                                           

Chicago WTTW 11         

Sat. Dec. 24   9:30 PM

                                               

San Francisco KRCB 22          

Tues. Dec. 20    9:00 PM

Washington WETA 26         

Sun. Dec. 25    2:00 PM

                                                           

Phoenix KAET  8           

Fri. Dec. 23   11:00 PM                                              

Tampa WUSF 16         

Sat. Dec. 24    4:00 PM

                                                           

Minneapolis KTCA 2            

Sat. Dec. 24    8:00 PM

                                                           

Miami WLRN 17        

 Sat. Dec, 24    8:00 PM

                                                           

Cleveland WEAO 49         

Sat. Dec. 24    8:00 PM

Orlando WDSC 15         

Fri. Dec. 23     8:00 PM

                                                           

Raleigh Durham UNCMX           

Sat. Dec. 17    9:00 PM

San Diego KPBS  11         

Thurs. Dec. 22    11:00 PM

Commemorating the Amundsen Expedition’s 100th Anniversary

If you were following our blog during the royal visit in October, you know that Sons of Norway recently partnered with the Honorary Royal Norwegian Consulate, Destination Bloomington and the Airport Foundation MSP to bring Cold Recall: Reflections of a Polar Explorer—an exhibit detailing Roald Amundsen’s historic South Pole expedition—to over 6 million travelers during its stay.

What you may not know is that the festivities surrounding Amundsen’s historic expedition have been underway for weeks. That’s right, almost 20 expeditions from around the world have been vying for a commemorative 100th anniversary arrival at the South Pole on December 14th. In fact, it is believed that this historic gathering will cause the number of people to reach the South Pole to double.

While some expedition teams seek to successfully retrace Amundsen’s route, others sought to follow the path of another famed, albeit ill fated, polar explorer Robert Falcon Scott. Other teams in the hunt for polar success had different milestones in mind like becoming the youngest person to reach the South Pole.

Which teams succeeded in their polar aspirations? Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

Norway - While Norway’s expedition team succeeded in reaching the pole in time to celebrate the anniversary with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, two of the four skiers (Jan-Gunnar Winther and Stein P. Aasheim) had to be flown in. Olympian Vegard Ulvang and Harald Dag Jølle completed the trek on skis. To learn more and to read diary entries about the expedition, click here.

Australia – James Castrission (Cas) and Justin Jones (Jonesy) hope to set a new polar record by successfully walking from the edge of Antarctica and back unaided. Currently the two Australians are 408 kilometers from reaching their halfway mark, the South Pole. To track Cas and Jonesy’s daily progress and watch video of their expedition, click here.

Britain – A freelance travel writer, Felicity Aston was 100 miles from reaching the South Pole yesterday. Aston hopes to become the first woman to ski across Antarctica, a 1700-kilometer feat, alone. For more on Aston’s progress, click here.

Looking for a way to learn more about Amundsen’s historic polar expedition? Be sure to check out the latest stop of the Cold Recall: Reflections of a Polar Explorer exhibit at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle. Not in the Seattle area? Be sure to check out the exhibit in February at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma or in April at the University of North Dakota.

Norwegian Butter Drama Unfolds

The drama continues to unfold over Norway's butter shortage. Early reports of trouble appeared in the Norwegian media last month. A fat-rich, low-carb diet craze sweeping the country, combined with a year of below-average butter production, resulted in a demand 30 percent higher than average in November.

With butter prices going through the roof in Norway and a Russian butter smuggler caught with 90 kilos (that's nearly 200 pounds!) at the Swedish border last week, the crisis has become international news and great material for satire. "Saturday Night Live" featured the story on its Weekend Update and even The Colbert Report has picked up on the news.

The whole situation leaves many people wondering what creative solutions Norwegians will come up with to bake their traditional sju slags (seven types) of Christmas cookies. I've seen Facebook updates from friends in Norway who were making do with—believe it or not—margarine. Maybe I should point them toward the Recipe Box on the Sons of Norway website. Among recipes for such butterific holiday favorites as sandkaker and berlinerkranser, there's a recipe for Tiny Almond Pies, which actually calls for margarine instead of butter!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photo by cyclonebill (Smør), via Wikimedia Commons.

An Interview With Mikkel Bang

This month we profiled Norwegian snowboarding sensation Mikkel Bang. The 21-year-old Oslo native is living his dream, jet setting around the world to find the freshest powder and compete on the pro circuit. You'll find the interview in the December issue of Viking, and you can read the rest of the conversation here:

Viking: Where do you live now, and what is life like as a professional snowboarder?

Mikkel Bang: I still live in Oslo. I stay at home and do my thing—skateboard, play music and work on house stuff. The season starts in December. I compete, film and travel until the beginning of May. Then I go where the snow is good—like Whistler. This year I have Burton as my main sponsor, and I'm in their movie "Standing Sideways." I didn’t get a chance to have a big part because I broke my ankle last January. I managed to get in a couple of tricks in though.

Viking: How do you feel about being on Team Burton and what's it like to have big companies sponsor you?

MB: They have given me the opportunity to travel around the world and have a job, which is pretty crazy. Snowboarding is not really a job to me because I enjoy it so much. I don’t take it for granted, and I’m really happy. The best part about being sponsored is that I get to see so many places.

Viking: What has been the hardest thing to overcome in your career?

MB: Injuries are always challenging. I think you need to get hurt to understand that some stuff is risky.

Viking: What are your career goals?

MB: I want to try to become a little bit more of a big mountain rider. I’ll still ride in contests as long as I’m able to do well.

Viking: Where are your favorite places in Norway and the world?

MB: There are so many beautiful places in the world—I don’t have one specific favorite. There’s a surfing spot on the West Coast of Norway called Stad. It’s probably one of my favorite places. There’s no phone reception—just beach and mountains. It’s not too warm, but it’s really beautiful and they have a really scenic route.

Viking: What are your other hobbies aside from snowboarding?

MB: I enjoy playing music with my friends. I like the guitar, bongo and drums. I really enjoy all kinds of music, especially classic rock and reggae.

Want to see Mikkel in action? Here’s a video of him catching some major air.