Sons of Norway Remembers Alexander Dale Oen.

Last week the world learned of the tragic death of Norwegian Olympian Alexander Dale Oen. On April 30th , while participating in his national team’s training camp in Arizona, he was found unconscious in his hotel bathroom after having suffered a cardiac arrest. At the same time, the Olympics, Norway and the world of competitive swimming lost one of their brightest stars.

Oen’s list of accomplishments included medals in the FINA Shour Course World Championships, European Swimming Championships, European Short Course Championships, Summer Olympics and, most recently, a gold medal at the 2011 World Championships.

Recently Sons of Norway had interviewed Oen for a Viking magazine segment meant to lead in to the summer Olympics. From his comments, it was clear to see that his family and his country were things he held closest to his heart. We at Sons of Norway feel his recent comments stand as a testimony to his character and the legacy he left behind and want to share some of them with you.

“In my free time, I try to spend as much time as possible with family and friends.”

“My brother has been the greatest influence in my career. He always cheered me up with a smile, even if my races were not good. He was always the one who woke me up in the morning so that I wouldn’t miss practice.”

“It’s always an honor to be able to represent Norway and carry the flag on my shoulder. My mindset for the Olympic Games is all about having great fun, and to push myself past every limit, both mentally and physically.”

On behalf of all Sons of Norway members our thoughts are with Oen’s family as they get through this most difficult time.

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

Sons of Norway Foundation Lends a Hand to Minot Flood Relief

As everyone is probably aware, there is a Sons of Norway community in great need right now. Minot, ND has spent much of its summer, so far, dealing with a once-in-a-century flood of the Souris (Mouse) river and the monumental cleanup now that the waters have begun to recede. So far, we are aware of up to 75 Sons of Norway families who have been affected by this natural disaster.

The Sons of Norway Foundation is currently working to assist as many of these families as possible through its Humanitarian Fund, from which $1,000 Helping Hands to Members Grants can be awarded to aid members who are victims of natural disasters, like this one. The grants assist our members in their time of great need, helping them purchase items, like bottled water, groceries and other severely needed supplies to keep them going during the clean-up and re-build.

In true fraternal spirit, the Foundation is calling on all Sons of Norway  members and lodges who can help with this relief effort by making a tax deductible donation* to the Humanitarian Fund.  This will ensure that the Fund stands ready to help with current and future disasters. You may donate on-line or send your checks with "Minot" in the memo line (no cash please) to Sons of Norway Foundation, Att: Minot, 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the victims who will benefit from your generosity.

Lutfisk on the Radio

In keeping with this weeks tasty, though totally unintentional, food theme, let's talk lutefisk. A curious food, to be sure; rarely will you find a culinary dish that is so widely, and vocally, debated by supporters and critics alike. For example, Jeffrey Stengarten once compared it to a weapon of mass destruction, while many others spend great amounts of time searching for and attending as many lutefisk dinners in their area as possible.

If you follow my Twitter feed (@SonsofNorway)then you probably saw the tweet earlier this week about KCRW, a public radio station in California, doing a piece on Sons of Norway and the making of lutefisk. During its "Good Food" segment, contributor Eddie Lynn visited Norrona lodge 6-050 in Van Nuys, California. While there, he interviewed lodge members, including VP Gerald Rowe, about lutesfisk and the tradition of lutefisk dinners.

To listen to the entire story, click here and fast-forward to the 15:20 mark. For me, the highlight of the story was when the interviewer called lutefisk "a poor man's lobster." Sounds to me like there's another lutefisk convert waiting in the wings!

NATB on WCCO!

I just got word that there will be a story on WCCO about the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast this afternoon! Apparently the NATB is the winner of today's Good Neighbor Award and it will be broadcast at 12:40 CST! You can listen for yourself by clicking here to stream WCCO News Radio. Otherwise, I am going to try to put a link up to the archived audio when it is available.

This is exciting news, to be sure. But even more, it is a testament to the hard work of the all the volunteers, board members and benefiting charities!

Don't forget! There's still time to purchase individual tickets or entire tables! All you have to do is call (800) 945-8851!

American Wins Holberg Prize

If you've seen the August issue of Viking magazine, then you've probably read our Q&A with Natalie Zemon Davis, the recent winner of Norway’s Holberg Prize. If you are looking for more information on Davis and her work, I encourage you to check out this New York Times blog post.

A New Type of Ecology

We all know Norway is often at the forefront of most any ecological topic of discussion. However I just came across a video that takes the country's commitment to sound ecological endeavors into a whole new arena.

Prisons.

That's right, apparently Norway is the first country to have an eco-prison.

Check it out here:




Anyone have any thoughts? Leave a comment and discuss it.

Is Oslo's Bysykkel Program in Jeopardy?

I found a real interesting article over at my favorite Norwegian news site (in English!), newsinenglish.no, about Oslo’s popular bysykkel program. Apparently the program is experiencing some difficulty due to vandalism and theft.

The reason I'm interested in this article is that Minneapolis, my fair city, has recently begun a similar program. In fact, there's a half dozen of these bikes stationed just across the street from the Sons of Norway headquarters.

I think this kind of offering is a great idea. It cuts down on traffic and pollution, while encouraging folks to be more active. However I have to wonder if we are having a similar experience? Does your city have a program like this? What's it like? Is it similar to Oslo's program? Leave a comment and let me know.

Since we're on the subject of bikes, have you seen this?

$30 omlette? Ouch!

These days I hear a lot of people complaining about the price of food (myself included). Everyone's grocery bill seems to be getting bigger, while their grocery bags are getting smaller. It can be frustrating, for sure.

But, it could be a lot worse.

According to the Statistics Norway website, Norway has the highest food prices in all of Europe! As of 2009, Norway's food and non-alcoholic beverages were 54% above the average price level of the 27 EU member countries. Milk, eggs and cheese products were as much as 70% higher (which is ironic considering that Norway was once a heavily rooted in agrarian society).

To put that in perspective, the other day I bought some groceries for a Saturday breakfast, including a loaf of white bread, a gallon of milk, bacon, a dozen eggs and some cheese. All told, I spent about $16. Now, had I made this purchase in Norway, my bill would have been closer to $27.

I guess I won't complain so much the next time I head to the supermarket.

Attack of the Marlboro Man

As reported in the June Viking magazine, Norway's Ministry of Finance excluded 17 tobacco companies from its Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), deeming the companies unethical. In addition, Norway also banned the displaying of tobacco products in stores. This obviously was the straw that broke the Camel's back.

Get it? See what I did there? Oh never mind.

Well, these turns of events have sparked something even larger than the U.S. Tobacco cases of the late 90's. Apparently Phillip Morris, maker of the popular Marlboro cigarette, is fighting back.

By suing Norway.

According to this article, Phillip Morris contends that the ban is unfair to consumers because they can’t see all of the available products, it restricts competition and contravenes Article 11 of the EEA agreement by limiting free movement of goods within the area.

As en ex-smoker I have mixed feelings about this whole situation, which I'll gladly keep to myself, however I am curious to see what the result it.

Any readers have a thought on the matter or want to speak out for either side? It's what the comment link is for!

International Director Awarded King's Medal of Merit

This just in: Long-time Sons of Norway member and District 8 International Director Ernst Granly has been awarded the silver Kongens fortjenstmedalje for his years of community service and efforts in promoting Norwegian culture.

At a special ceremony in Oslo last Thursday, County Governor Hans J. Røsjorde presented Ernst with the medal and a personal citation and greeting signed by King Harald V. As tradition dictates, Ernst and his wife will also go to the Royal Palace in Olso to thank the King in person for the great honor.

We at Sons of Norway are all very proud of Ernst and his accomplishments. In a recommendation that was sent last year from Sons of Norway CEO, Eivind Heiberg, said "I have had the distinguished pleasure of getting to know Ernst as he has taken on various leadership roles in Sons of Norway. Ernst has a level of energy and enthusiasm that is second to none when it comes to strengthening ties between Norway and the United States. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of Sons of Norway and has always been engaging and positive when given the chance to promote our international organization."

Sons of Norway International Director Ernst Granly is shown here being decorated with The King’s Medal, by The King’s representative County Governor Hans J. Røsjorde.

Ernst Granly (Center) celebrating after the medal ceremony with the Mayor of Eidsvoll Terje Teslo, County Governor Hans J. Røsjorde, District President Ole Hillestad, and Mayor of Ullensaker Harald Espelund.

April 9: Never Forget

Today is an important day in the history of Norway, as it marks the 70th anniversary of an event that would have a major impact on Norway’s national identity as a country that believed in freedom and independence above all else.

On April 9, 1940 Nazi Germany launched Operation Weserübung, the full invasion of Norway. By the end of the day, citizens of Norway would see German warships in the fjords leading to Oslo and hear the voice of Vidkun Quisling making the first-ever radio-effected coup d'etat. In memorial coverage of the invasion, Aftenposten recently wrote that, “Norway was woefully unprepared for the attack by the forces of Adolf Hitler. Norway had been neutral during World War I but reports of its horrors gave rise to widespread pacifism in Norway that extended through the 1930s. By the time Hitler’s aggression was finally recognized, it was too late to build up a military defense.”

It was a dark day for Norwegians to be sure.

But today, 70 years later, the event is memorialized in places like Oscarborg fortress and elsewhere throughout Norway. Many Norwegians are participating in some form of ceremony today, in remembrance of the events that kicked off Norway’s now famous resistance movement which led to the eventual reclaiming of their homeland. Additionally, Norway’s state archives, the Riksarkivet marked the anniversary by releasing thousands of pages of war documents, which reveal new details about the resistance effort, the deportation of Norwegian Jews and plans by Vidkun Quisling to set up a Norwegian Aryan colony in the former Soviet Union.

Events like this should never be forgotten, if for no other reason than to prevent them from happening again. That said, I’d like everyone reading this today to join Norwegians around the world in taking a moment to pause in reflection of the horrors of what happened in 1940, and during the war years that followed.

Sons of Norway members in New York in 1940, drawing up papers for a formal protest of Germany's invasion of Norway.

If Norway circa World War II, or its resistance movement are of interest to you, I highly recommend you check out the October 2008 issue of Viking magazine, or click here to read stories from the resistance that we posted on the blog last year. There's also some great articles over at newsinenglish.no on the remembrance and the release of war documents this year.

Eurovision

Here's another post from Nichole about the 2010 Eurovision competition!

Is it really that time again? Indeed, Eurovision qualifying competitions are heating up all over the world, with a lot of action seen in Norway. Contestants are starting to compete for a spot in the Melodi Grand Prix, which qualifies a Norwegian contestant for the international Eurovision competition. You can follow Norway’s progress here.

You’ll recall that the Sons of Norway blog followed last year’s competition, won by Norwegian Alexander Rybak. (Archived posts here and here). But there’s even more reason to keep our eyes on the 55th annual contest as the days progress – the lucky national winners all head to Oslo for the final competition in May!

Check back for updates on Norway’s progression in this fun contest of song.

Shared Nordic Heritage = Fryktinngytende!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE any news story that starts out "In a scene reminiscent of the Viking age, two bearded men in fur robes and leather armor instructed children in swordplay."

Let's take a minute and break it down. Not one, but two full grown men dressed in leather armor are teaching kids to play with swords. What's the Norwegian word for "awesome"? Uh...how about...fryktinngytende! Yeah...I think that's right...yeah.

Anyhow, that's not the point. The point is that the link goes to a nice story about a Nordic festival that happened down in Kansas and involved folks from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark. I always like to hear about these kinds of festivals because they show how all the Nordic countries can come together in celebration of a shared heritage and common vision of the future.

There are lots of these kinds of Nordic events happening around the country. If you know of one, share it with us in the comments section below!

Production has Started on a History Channel Documentary about the Kensington Runestone

I just got confirmation that there is a new documentary, focusing in part on the Kensington Runestone, in production over at the History Channel. According to reports Committee Films, along with a crew of about 30, spent the day at Kensington Runestone Park recently – filming the story of the Kensington Runestone.

From what I understand about the documentary, the main story revolves around a new theory that the Kensington Runestone may have been a coded message related to the Knights Templar, rather than Viking explorers. Apparently stones with similar markings have been found on the east coast and across the Atlantic, implying that there may actually be something to the authenticity of the artifact.

Supposedly this documentary is even speculating that if the Templars are behind the Runestone there may be a chance that they also brought the Holy Grail over with them.

Yeah, I think it’s a stretch, too. But whatever, if researchers can prove the stone is actually from the 1300’s as has been posited, then it’s one more example of pre-Columbian exploration of the new world. An idea that science has been slow to recognize as both possible and probable.

What’s that? You aren’t familiar with the Kensington Runestone? Oh, well here’s the skinny:

The Kensington Runestone is a slab of greywacke covered in runes on its face and side which, if it is genuine, would suggest that Scandinavian explorers reached the middle of North America in the 14th century. It was found in 1898 in the largely rural township of Solem, Douglas County, Minnesota, and named after the nearest settlement, Kensington.

Depending on who you ask, it could be a 19th century forgery or an important archaeological find from the 14th century. Those who ascribe a Scandinavian origin to the stone claim it shows evidence of obscure medieval runes and intersecting word forms that would have been unknown to potential forgers in the 1800s. These advocates tend to be enthusiastic but often lacking in professional credentials (Viking-origin proponent Keith Massey holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Erik Wahlgren taught). Interested professional archaeologists, historians, and Scandinavian linguists generally question the stone's provenance.

Here's a good video on the Runestone and some info on its possible link to the Knights Templar. Anyone have any thoughts on what the Runestone could be? Share them in the comments section.

Russ (Rhymes with Moose), or You Thought Senior Prank Day Was Bad?

We've got a really interesting article today from Nichole about the yearly Norwegian happening, called Russ. Enjoy!

As schools across the US begin to wind down, we thought it might be an apt time to expose our members to an interesting Norwegian end of schooling tradition…

Right about now, you’ll see stories on Aftenposten, detailing the fall out from the annual Russ celebrations.
Q: What is this Russ celebration?
A: One of Norway’s most confusing (IMO) and entertaining pastimes.

This annual tradition (russfeiring or russ celebration) surrounds the graduation of students from secondary school, who are preparing to enter university. The most striking visual component to this celebration is the red (for school of arts) and blue (for economics) coveralls that the graduates wear. Tradition dictates they wear these for over two weeks at the beginning of May.

While the donning of the coveralls marks an important rite of passage for these young adults, it can often mean mayhem for the communities of the graduates. These youngsters receive knots, which dangle from their russ caps, that connote the completion of different outlandish tasks (examples can be found in the articles).

In recent years, Russ have spent thousands of dollars outfitting party busses and pulling elaborate pranks. Communities, which would otherwise condemn their loud and constant partying seem, for the most part, to accept the weeks as an earned tradition for the students.

Next time you see Fraternal Director Eivind Heiberg, ask him about his experiences with as a Russ. Most certainly, he’ll have a yarn or two to share…

Russ in pictures:

• Typical Russ outfit
• Red and blue Russ with curious bystanders
• Russ visit the Royals

(search hard and you can even find a picture of young HRH Crown Prince Haakon!)

*Some of this information was obtained from Culture Shock! A Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Elizabeth Su-Dale.

Lodges in the News

As you may remember, I posted about a lodge discovering a time capsule beneath one of its old lodge buildings There's a nice article online about the District 2 lodge that opened it up this past Saturday. According to the article, "Doug Dixon, a member of the Sons of Norway, Leif Erikson Lodge, with good-natured groans hammered at the box with a chisel, the lid gave way revealing Dec. 29, 1950, copies of what was then known as The Seattle Daily Times, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Washington Posten Norwegian newspaper; newsletters from Valkyrien Lodge Daughters of Norway; and documents related to the founding of the Leif Erikson Lodge, the Norwegian Men's Chorus and others."

Pretty cool stuff. I'd be interested to hear what kinds of lodge documents they found.

New American Embassy in Oslo Clears Legal Hurdle

We've got a post today from Colin about the ongoing story of the proposed move for the American Embassy in Oslo.

In a decision handed down Friday the Norwegian Supreme Court ruled that an Oslo municipal development committee had not acted improperly when in 2005 it gave its approval to move the American Embassy from the capital’s center to the less-crowded Huseby area. The court’s ruling effectively ends the legal challenge brought against the move by a local citizen’s group Vern Husebyskogen (Protect Huseby Forest) and should clear the way for further planning.

The American embassy has been located in the heart of downtown Oslo since 1959. After 9/11 increasing concerns, shared by Embassy staff and Oslo citizens, jump-started the search for a new location. Plans were eventually drawn up to move the building to Huseby, a wooded neighborhood a few kilometers outside of the city center. Local residents, concerned that the development and increased traffic would harm their neighborhood, sued the Norwegian government and the Oslo local government, charging that approval had been given without making an appropriate impact study. The Norwegian Supreme Court ruled that no such impact study was legally necessary and moreover that the citizen’s group had had its day in court.

American Ambassador Benson K. Whitney told the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet that “Building a new Embassy is the right step for our national relationship, for Oslo’s citizens and for the American and Norwegian employees of the Embassy. We are ready to continue our dialog and look forward to being good neighbors.” Margrethe Geelmuyden, head of Vern Husebyskogen, was disappointed by the court’s ruling but said the group would respect it.

The ruling doesn’t mean that construction will begin right away. Next, concerns about the compound’s planned architecture have to be addressed. You can read the Embassy’s statement about the ruling here, and read about some of the eco-friendly features of the planned building here.

Lodges in the News

It looks like this year's Syttende Mai celebrations were especially successful. There were parades, lodge events and special meals enjoyed by communities throughout the North American and Norway. Congratulations to everyone who hosted a Syttende Mai event this year!

As a little recap I've found some news stories about Sons of Norway lodges and their Syttende Mai celebrations that are great examples for other lodges who are thinking of hosting their own in the future.

Here's one about Nordkap lodge in Detroit, MI.

This one comes from Løven lodge in Eau Claire, WI.

And here is a photo album of images from the Petersburg, AK lodge's celebration.

Norwegian Director Takes Tribeca by Storm

This week Norwegian film director Rune Denstad Langlo was named Best Emerging Filmmaker at Robert De Niro’s prestigious Tribeca Festival in New York City. Langlo received the honors for his first narrative feature film “Nord (North)” described as “a road movie without a road.” Starring Anders Baasmo Christiansen (who played a key role in the 2003 romantic comedy “Buddy”), “North” tells the story of a has-been athlete who discovers he may have a child and so undertakes a long journey via snowmobile across Northern Norway to confront his past. While no North American release has been planned yet, the prize reportedly kicked off a bidding war for distribution rights in Europe.

While Nord is Langlo’s first fiction film it’s hardly his first project. The Trondheim-born director also directed the feature-length documentaries “Alt for Norge (Too Much Norway)” and “99% ærlig (99% Honest).” You can read an English-language interview with the director here and see the trailer (in Norwegian, with no subtitles) here.

And remember: even though Nord isn't set for a U.S. release yet, all is not lost. You can still get your Anders Baasmo Christiansen fix by calling the Sons of Norway Media Lending Library and requesting "Buddy".