Sons of Norway Blog

Is There Room for One More?

2012-02-28T08:34:00.000-06:00

Recently I was skimming through some media mentions of Sons of Norway when I came across a short piece in the Las Vegas Weekly. Specifically, it was their annual "Rivalry Issue" and I was surprised to see Sons of Norway mentioned (in the article's third slide).

The piece discusses both of the Las Vegas Lodges, Vegas Viking and Desert Trolls, as well as how they both promote Norwegian heritage and culture in the greater Las Vegas area with events, lodge programs and lutefisk dinners. It then goes on to ask the question "is this town big enough for both?"

Rarely has such a short article given me cause for such pause for thought. Should any city have more than one Sons of Norway lodge? I've heard arguments on both sides of the issue.

Some say that any given city should only have a single lodge because it provides a focal point for Norwegian heritage and culture. Those who ascribe to this line of thought believe that having two or more lodges in a city fractures the efforts of everyone involved, creates unnecessary competition and dilutes the message of Sons of Norway. Essentially the argument is strength in numbers; that all Sons of Norway members in a city should work together toward common goals, and for a common purpose.

However, those who are proponents to the idea of multiple lodges within the same city believe that more lodges means a wider reach for the organization, while allowing each lodge to be unique and offering different pursuits to members with different interests. In essence it's still the argument of strength in numbers, however in this case, the strength is a little different (variety as opposed to unity).

In my humble opinion I think both arguments have their merits, but I think there is a third option. Why not take the best elements of both and build a hybrid model?

In the interest of full disclosure, I live in a metro area where there are as many as 10 lodges (depending on how you define "metro area") with five of them in the same city. But I think that what the lodges here have done is a great example.

You see, while each lodge has it's own identity that's made up of its strengths and pursuits, be they lodge programming, community involvement, fundraising, etc., they also work together for common goals. Thanks to a "Joint Committee" that is made up of members from each of the lodges, all the lodges in the Twin Cities can work together towards common goals, assist one another when needed and pool their resources together to increase their effectiveness in promoting and preserving Norwegian heritage and culture.

Overall it's been an effective way to consolidate our efforts when appropriate, while allowing each lodge to maintain its own identity. It's something I think could be very beneficial to any city where more than one lodge resides. If you'd like to learn more about how lodges can work together or start their own Joint Committee, contact the Sons of Norway Headquarters at 800-945-8851.

With Las Vegas as the current example, I think they are going to do just fine! If you are a member of either Vegas Viking or Desert Trolls, leave a comment. I'd love to hear about how your lodges differ and how they work together.

Norwegian Peacemaking at Augsburg

2012-02-21T14:43:00.012-06:00

Norwegians are known around the world as peacemakers. Next month those of us living in the Twin Cities metro area can be a part of this peacemaking effort by participating in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, March 1–3. A civic learning experience that brings Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, civic leaders, and scholars together with students and other citizens, the peace prize forum is the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s only program or academic affiliation outside of Norway. It's mission: to inspire and engage students and citizens to become full participants in peacemaking efforts around the world.

Hosted this year by Augsburg College, in partnership with the Humphrey School for Public Affairs, the event rotates each year between Augsburg and four other colleges with Norwegian roots in the Midwest: St. Olaf, Luther, Augustana and Concordia. Featured speakers and guests this year include Naomi Tutu, Nobel winner FW de Klerk, CNN’s Jonathan Mann, hip hop artist Dessa and Harry Potter Alliance founder Andrew Slack, in addition to some 40 local, national and international workshop presenters.

The event explores the relationship of stability and peace to business, to arts and music, to education, and to international policy, and offers four unique programming tracks over the 3-day forum. For more information or to register, visit the Nobel Peace Prize Forum website.

UPDATE: I've just been notified that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, will deliver a special message to attendees of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum during the closing ceremonies on March 3 at Ted Mann Concert Hall.

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

Viking Interviews Ray Kay

2012-02-21T12:23:00.009-06:00

The February issue of Viking features music video and film director Ray Kay. Kay has hit the big time—directing music videos for the world’s biggest stars: Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Steven Tyler, Britney Spears and more. Despite his growing success, he is every bit the humble Norwegian whose journey shows that dreams can become reality with hard work and motivation. Read on to see the extended interview between Viking Associate Editor Anya Britzius and Kay.

Viking: What was your life like growing up in Norway? 

Ray Kay: I grew up in a small town on the West Coast of Norway, called Haugesund. It’s a beautiful and peaceful town. My dad was a hobby photographer and was interested in painting when I was a kid, so I must have picked up some of his passion for art when I was growing up. I was always running around with his mirror reflex camera and shooting pictures of my friends and developing them in a small dark room we built in the basement.    

V: How did you get started in the business? 

RK: During most of my teens, I was aiming to work with some kind of tech business. Art, photography and directing was merely a hobby for me. When I was 16 years old, I started working at the regional TV station as an assistant. It was just a part-time job I could do when I wasn’t at school—not something I considered a career back then. But I had a lot of fun learning everything about TV production, so after a year I had pretty much tried everything I could there: camera work, editing, computer graphics, sound engineering, producing, and even hosting a youth program. Also, in Norway it’s mandatory for guys to spend a year in the military, so when I was 18 years old I was in the military for a year and ended up in a video production unit in the Navy. It was a lot of fun, so I decided to take a break before doing my studies, and work with TV production for a little while. Well, I’m still on that break! After a few years of directing entertainment TV shows, documentaries, TV promos and segments for the Norwegian TV channels, I decided I needed a new challenge. I had always loved music videos, so I decided that I wanted to direct music videos and try to make it in Hollywood. At that time most people didn’t believe that it was possible, especially since I wasn’t even living in the U.S. It seemed almost impossible for me too, but I wanted to try. So I started doing music videos on shoestring budgets in Norway, and built my way up from the bottom.    

V: How did you make the transition to the United States?  

RK: After spending a few years learning the craft in Norway and building a portfolio of music videos, I signed with a U.S. rep and shot my first U.S. videos in spring 2004. When I realized that I could get continuous work in the United States, I moved to New York in the summer of 2004. I stayed there for half a year, and then moved to Los Angeles, where I’ve lived and worked since then. One year ago, I made the move to Miami, and will probably be based in both New York and Miami from now on.

V: What is your favorite part about working with some of the industry’s top people and making music videos? 

RK: It’s always been really important to me to surround myself with amazing people, be it friends, mentors or colleagues. If you have successful people around you, you can pick up on their mindset and have a better shot at becoming successful yourself. So working with the industry’s top people has obviously influenced me in a very positive direction and helped sharpen my own mindset.

V: To what do you attribute your success? 

RK: A lot of people tell me they think I’m so lucky to be doing this, or that I’m lucky that made it in this industry. Making it in the entertainment business is mostly due to working harder than the competition, although it takes a lot more than simply hard work. The only thing I’ve been lucky with is that I knew that I wanted to direct at a very young age, which helped me plan and head in that direction from early on.

V: Is there a favorite musician you’ve worked with and a favorite video? 

RK: Being a part of creating Lady Gaga’s success has been one of the best parts of my career so far. No one knew who she was when I shot her “Poker Face” video, so it was really interesting to be there at the moment when she broke through and see the transformation happening.    

V: Justin Bieber’s video “Baby” has over one billion views on YouTube! How was it working with him, and what was your concept for that video? 

RK: Justin wasn’t very well known when we did the “Baby” video. When they sent me the “Baby” track, I fell in love with it and thought this is going be huge, so we got on the phone and pitched that we should do a modern twist on Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel“ video, where Justin pursues his love interest in a bowling alley that’s lit to look like a nightclub. He was fun to work with, although I mostly related to his manager and the record label. Justin seemed to have fun on set, and he entertained the crew and dancers between takes.

V: You are making you feature film directorial debut with Paramornalcy. How is that going so far?  

RK: It’s a very exciting project, and will hopefully be my way into the feature world. I have an amazing team for Paranormalcy. There’s a lot of buzz about the project in Hollywood, and I’m glad the industry is as excited as me about this.    

V: Is directing a film something you’ve always wanted to do?  

RK: Yes, absolutely. It’s the most challenging task a director can get. I’m really looking forward to this. But I know it’s completely different than directing music videos, so I’m going to make sure that I’m properly prepared. I will do my homework!  

V: Do you go back to Norway often to visit family and friends? What are some of your favorite places in Norway? 

RK: Yeah, I go to Norway several times a year to see my old friends and family. I usually go to Oslo and Haugesund when I go home. I think the most beautiful place in Norway is Lofoten. It’s a chain of islands that people usually refer to as the “Isles of the Midnight Sun.” Go there one night in the summer when the midnight sun is up. It’s simply amazing.

More Notable Norwegian Americans

2012-02-10T09:10:00.013-06:00

We've had some great reader feedback on our "Nine Notable Norwegian Americans" article in the February issue of Viking. In addition to those we've featured in the article, readers have written in with these nominations:

John "Snowshoe" Thompson (b. 1827–1876) Remembered as "The Viking of the Sierra," Thompson's claim to fame was as a mail carrier in the Sierras. Between 1856 and 1876, he delivered mail two to four times a month, regardless of the weather, on a five-day route. Despite his 20 years of service, he was never compensated for his mail delivery.

Bernt Balchen (1899-73) One of the greatest aviators in American history, Balchen is also remembered as an explorer, participating in several Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. He was the first pilot to fly over both the North and South Poles and served the U.S. Air Force as an expert Arctic aviator.

Jan Stenerud (b. 1942) The Pro Football Hall of Famer was discovered at Montana State University, where he was attending on a skiing scholarship. His 19-season career in pro football, first with the Kansas City Chiefs and later with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, includes an impressive list of achievements, including 1,699 points, 373 field goals and six Pro Bowl games.

Are there other notable Norwegian Americans who didn't make our list? Send your suggestions to vikingeditor@mspcommunications.com. You'll find our original list, including Ole Evinrude, Ole Rølvaag, Knut Rockne and others, in the February 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.

Nordic Lights Film Festival Is Underway

2012-02-07T09:30:00.005-06:00

If you live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, you're in luck. There are still a few days left of the Nordic Lights Film Festival, which runs through Thurs., Feb. 9. at St. Anthony Main Theater in Minneapolis.

The Viking team attended the festival as a group last year and enjoyed it so much that we're doing it again this evening, when we'll take in this year's eclectic offering of Nordic short films.

Of special note is one of the Norwegian feature films, "King of Devil's Island." If you're a regular reader of Viking, you may remember this movie was highlighted in Ann Pedersen's award-winning article on Norway's progressive prison system, "Beyond Crime and Punishment," featured in our May 2011 issue. The film tells the story of the 1915 uprising of the inmates at the Bastøy juvenile correctional facility, which preceded today's prison on the island. The movie will be shown as the festival's last screening on Thurs., Feb. 9 at 7:45 p.m.

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

Sons of Norway Welcomes New Travel Partner

2012-02-07T09:10:00.003-06:00

Sons of Norway is proud to announce that it is welcoming Borton Overseas as an official Sons of Norway Travel Partner!

Well known for their expertise in creating unique, unexpected journeys throughout Scandinavia, Africa and other regions throughout the world, Borton Overseas thrives on planning trips to satisfy most budgets, timing and most of all—an appetite for adventure.

This latest sponsorship is a continuation of a longstanding relationship with Borton Overseas with past examples being the travel provider’s discount program for members, their support of the Norwegian Experience recruitment contest and their partnership in last fall’s Presidential Tour of Norway.

If you’d like to learn more about Borton Overseas, their 5% discount for members, or any of the adventures they have planned for 2012, you can visit them on the web, or meet with their staff at the International Convention in Fargo, ND this August.

A Conference for ALL: The Innovative Leadership Conference!

2012-02-06T09:12:00.001-06:00

If you haven’t heard the exciting news yet, there’s going to be an exciting addition made to the 2012 International Convention in Fargo, ND this summer, called the Innovative Leadership Conference (ILC)!

It’s going to be an exciting time in Fargo, for sure, as hundreds of members from throughout the organization come together to learn how to strengthen their leadership skills. During the two day conference, ILC attendees will learn about a variety of topics, including effective communication styles for leaders, problem solving with collective visioning, new techniques for engaging new members and retaining current members.

The entire time, attendees will be lead by professional speaker and trainer, David Mann. David has worked with companies, like General Mills, Mayo Health System, Boston Scientific, Merrill Lynch, The Hartford, and many others, helping them build and strengthen leaders from the bottom up. He is also on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, teaching persuasive technique through storytelling to attorneys and law students nationwide. Attendees are sure to benefit from David’s expertise and unique style of presenting important information!

If that weren’t enough to convince you that the ILC will be an extra-special event, consider that this new event is brings a number of firsts to the century-old International Convention. It’s the first time that a major convention event is open to ALL members, whether they are registered for the International Lodge Meeting or not; it’s also the first time that the ever-popular educational component is a stand-alone event; last, but not least, this is the first time Sons of Norway is offering leadership training that will help attendees in their roles as lodge members as well as in their professional lives.

As you can see, the Innovative Leadership Conference is sure to be a huge event and you can be part of it! Registration is now open and all you have to do to reserve your spot at this first-ever event is call 800-945-8851 or download a registration form by clicking here. Also, if you want to learn more about the event, be sure to visit the 2012 International Convention website, which has information about the ILC, the International Lodge Meeting, the Folk Art competition and more!

In the meantime, if you need more convincing that this event is right for you, keep checking back here on the blog. Over the coming weeks and months I’ll be posting more information about what attendees can expect and all the exciting additions we’re making to the convention! Until then, leave a comment below and let me know what kinds of things YOU would like to learn about at a leadership event.

International Convention: Bringing Good People and Great Ideas Together

2012-02-05T09:09:00.002-06:00

Sons of Norway is proud to unveil the new International Convention logo for 2012! Throughout the rest of the year whenever you see this logo on the blog or any of Sons of Norway’s other online properties you’ll know that the content is all about the International Convention. Also, if you are planning to attend the International Convention in Fargo, ND, this summer you’ll see it on a lot of different things, from signs to printed materials, to some of the gifts we’ll be giving delegates and ILC participants. I’m really excited to share it with you because it’s something that the Sons of Norway creative team has been working for some time now.

The initial idea behind this year’s logo was “bringing good people and great ideas together.” If you think about it, that’s what an International Convention is really about. During a convention members come together to celebrate our organization and make decisions for the future and, in doing so, bring great ideas to the table for discussion and voting. From there the creative team began exploring ideas that visually represented “bringing good people and great ideas together.”

From that came the idea of using a light bulb to represent the good people and great ideas with the puzzle pieces representing how they all come together for the common good! The creative team then took the idea one step further by creating a similar logo for the Innovative Leadership Conference and the International Lodge Meeting. The end result being a cohesive brand for all elements of this year's important event!

Above all, we feel these new logos are fun, yet accurate representations of the convention and hope you do, too!

As always, if you are interested in learning more about the 2012 International Convention in Fargo, ND, all you have to do is visit the official event website!

Inspired Design

2012-02-02T15:56:00.010-06:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, sometimes I'm really affected by the Viking magazine stories I'm working on. And while it's still only in the planning stage, our upcoming May cover story exploring Scandinavian Modern design has become one of those stories.

When the Viking team needed a writer on Scandinavian Modern design, we knew that our colleague Melinda Nelson, home editor for Mpls. St.Paul magazine, would be the perfect resource. In addition to her own expertise, she knows a ton of people in the design field and has a veritable library of design books and magazines for inspiration.

A couple of weeks ago, Melinda lent me "Decorate: 1000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home" for the weekend, and I was completely bitten by the redecorating bug. In addition to the pages devoted to Scandinavian-inspired design, the book is crammed with tips and photos from a range of designers with very different styles.

Before the weekend was over, I had transformed my family's dark, crowded "playroom" (as we have called it since the kids were little) into a much more inviting and spacious room. Away went the teal drapes that were blocking out precious sunlight. Up went two fresh coats of paint to brighten things up. Out went the loveseat with the torn upholstery and an occasional chair that was making the room cramped. In came the IKEA couch (which seats my family of four comfortably—perfect for movie-watching). I was even inspired to frame a couple of pieces of art that had been in storage way too long.

As demonstrated by my weekend project, a little inspiration can go a long way. I hope readers find our upcoming Scandinavian Modern design feature as inspiring as I have!

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

It's a Convention Year!

2012-02-02T07:11:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-27T10:58:00.010-06:00

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

2012-01-25T08:38:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-23T10:21:00.036-06:00

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

2012-01-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-16T21:47:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-16T07:15:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-12T14:20:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-08T21:42:00.015-06:00

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!

2012-01-01T13:24:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-31T08:36:00.012-06:00

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.

2011-12-21T10:29:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-15T14:45:00.006-06:00

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

2011-12-15T08:01:00.011-06:00

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

2011-12-07T15:06:00.006-06:00

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.

Holiday Decorating: Inspired by Norwegian Nature

2011-11-27T08:40:00.010-06:00

There's a rule in our house: No Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It came about, in part, because I'm a big fan of Thanksgiving and I don't want it to get lost in a jumble of Christmas preparations, shopping and media. But after the family has enjoyed some turkey leftovers, washed the last of the dishes and traveled safely back from Grandpa's house, we're ready to begin thinking about and decorating for Christmas.

I was looking for a little holiday inspiration in the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens yesterday when I came across an article that I think many Viking readers would enjoy. It's called "Natural Sparkle," produced by Paul Lowe. A food and prop stylist who was raised in Norway, Lowe said his work for this feature was inspired by the Norwegian winter light. "It's all blue and silvery, quite stunning," he writes in his blog. If you like what you see, there's good news: Lowe produces a quarterly digital magazine, called Sweet Paul.

Inspired to get crafty? Why not try these easy felted heart ornaments, featured in "Gifts from the Heart" in the November issue of Viking. Happy holiday decorating!

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

Snowman to become Scorsese Film

2011-11-26T09:54:00.000-06:00

In the Viking summer reading guide (July, 2011), we featured Jo Nesbø's crime novel "The Snowman" as one of 15 recommended reads. Apparently we weren't the only ones excited about this book: Nesbø recently reached an agreement with acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese to bring his story to the screen.

Nesbø agreed to sell the film rights to his story on the condition that he could choose the director, he said recently in an interview with Norwegian newpaper Verdens Gang (VG). He gave his agent a list of 5 filmmakers, with Scorsese's name at the top. Nesbø has long been a fan of the filmmaker's work, since seeing his movie "Taxi Driver" when he was young, he told VG.

Nesbø says he won't dictate how the film is made, or who will play his protagonist, Inspector Harry Hole, although the Norwegian press has already begun to speculate. It's not a surprise that suggestions have included Scandinavian superstars Viggo Mortensen and Stellan Skarsgård, but even Bruce Willis and Russell Crowe made the list. If you're a Nesbø fan, I'd love to hear whom you would cast!

For the entire Viking recommended reading list, check out the July 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.

Alt for Norge: Season 3 Auditions

2011-11-18T11:16:00.000-06:00

This just in--the producers for Norway's top-rated reality show, Alt for Norge, are looking for a new cast!

The program, which brings a group of people with Norwegian ancestry to explore Norway and compete for a cash prize, announced a call for auditions earlier this week. According to one person who is involved in the casting process, the show is looking for people who have a deep curiosity or passion for their Norwegian heritage, and want to have a life-changing adventure.

The casting call says the shoot dates are scheduled for late April through late June of next year. Last season’s contenders said everyone involved was there for at least two weeks before eliminations began.

This could be a great opportunity for Sons of Norway members, so consider auditioning yourself. If you're interested, click here for casting/audition information.

Queen Debuts as Visual Artist

2011-11-10T14:02:00.007-06:00

Her Majesty Queen Sonja was back in the news recently, this time making her debut as a visual artist. The queen attended the official opening of the exhibition “Under Pressure: Master prints from Atelje Larsen," where eight of her own works are on display. The exhibition features 1,000 works by 80 artists, all produced at Atelje Larsen, one of the world's leading printmaking studios.

The purpose of the project is to raise starting capital for The Foundation for Her Majesty Queen Sonja's Art Award, which she established earlier this year to promote paper-based arts. You can read more about the show and the queen's foundation in a press release on the palace's website. And you can view the queen's work in this slideshow on the Aftenposten website. Aftenposten's readers gave Her Majesty mixed reviews, but I agree with those who applaud the queen for being a "modig kvinne"—a brave woman. With the whole country scrutinizing her talent, I think "Under Pressure" is the perfect name for this project. After all, creative risk-taking is never easy, even for a queen.

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: Rolf M. Aagaard, The Royal Court

Hagen's Role of a Lifetime

2011-11-07T21:27:00.005-06:00

After editing an interview with Norwegian actor Pål Sverre Valheim Hagen in the November issue of Viking, I've become inordinately excited about the new "Kon-Tiki" movie, scheduled for release by Nordisk Film in July. Hagen's star is rising these days, thanks to his role as Roy Nilsen in the blockbuster "Max Manus" (2008) and his leading role of Jan Thomas in "Troubled Water" (2008). He now stars as Norway's famous explorer, Thor Heyerdal, who in 1947 led an expedition from Peru to Polynesia.

For a preview of the film, here's a behind-the-scenes look on YouTube. While the commentary is in Norwegian, I think non-Norwegian speakers also will enjoy taking a peek at the making of Norway's biggest film production to date, directed by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Rønning of "Max Manus" fame. You also can check out the film's Facebook page for more production footage and a teaser for the movie.

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

Nordic Food Day

2011-11-04T10:11:00.002-05:00

Last week, 45,000 students in 125 of D.C.’s public schools found a very different type of meal on their school lunch tray: Nordic cured meats, pickled vegetables and fresh fruit.

These special Scandinavian meals were served as part of the DCPS International Food Program and a longstanding Embassy Adoption Program between the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and the D.C. Public Schools, with the goal of encouraging wholesome eating and sharing international cuisine.

On Nordic Food Day-the first of several planned international food days-students sampled Swedish meatballs, Norwegian salmon with dill sauce, roasted root vegetables and wasa crisp bread and lingonberry juice. The food was produced locally with the help of some of the world’s best chefs and donated by many Scandinavian businesses, including Ikea and a Norwegian fishing council.

The program’s cultural immersion doesn’t end with the food; students also enjoyed visits from six ambassadors, seven Scandinavian chefs, performances by four musicians and a special visit by HRH Prince Daniel of Sweden.

To learn more about Nordic Food Day or to see a slideshow of photos from the event, click here. To learn more about the benefits of a Scandinavian diet, check out the “New Nordic Cuisine” feature of the August issue of Viking magazine.

Sights and Frights in Norway

2011-10-31T08:27:00.007-05:00

Happy Halloween! In the spirit of the day, Visit Norway has provided some ideas for exploring the spooky side of Norway. You might try to spot Norway's most famous ghost at Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral, learn about Bergen's history of witch burnings or check into a haunted hotel near Geiranger.

For more travel tips, stay tuned for the annual Viking travel issue, coming in January! We'll take readers on a tour to Telemark and explore art nouveau architecture in Ålesund. And we'll share what we've learned in our conversations with Scandinavian travel specialists, so that your Norwegian travel experience doesn't have to be scary!

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 courtesy of Flickr user Kim Joar.

Heartfelt Felt Hearts

2011-10-24T08:31:00.008-05:00

Has your November issue of Viking arrived? When it does, you'll notice that the annual holiday gift guide has an alternative twist this year. "Gifts from the Heart" emphasizes simple gifts with special meaning, whether its a handmade item, a donation to a charitable cause or a heritage-inspired present.

Special thanks goes to my husband, Doug, and son, Halvor, who made the hand-felted heart ornaments featured on the November cover. You can make them, too! Check out Doug's step-by-step instructions here.

Looking for more heartfelt gift ideas? You'll find them in the November 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.

Cold Recall Opens with a Royal Flourish

2011-10-19T08:24:00.002-05:00

Tuesday of this week was a big day because it marked the official opening of a new exhibit, Cold Recall: Reflections of a Polar Explorer, at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja were on hand to kick off the exhibit in royal style.

The exhibit, which details Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition to the South Pole, is on display through November 14th and is expected to be viewed by more than 6 million visitors during its stay.

In addition to Their Majesties, the audience for the opening included modern polar explorers Will Steger, Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, who each gave a presentation, and Sons of Norway CEO, Eivind Heiberg and International Board members. There's a great story about the event here and here.

This is the first time the exhibit has been shown in the United States and has been a project that Sons of Norway has been working on, in partnership with the Honorary Royal Norwegian Consulate, Destination Bloomington and the Airport Foundation MS, for a number of months.

If you are planning on traveling through the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport before November 14th, take a few minutes and detour to Concourse C to view the full exhibit in all its glory. If, however, you don't have any travel plans, you can view a PDF of the exhibit here. It's very informative and tells a story in Amundsen's own words about the reality of exploration in the early 20th century.

About the exhibit:
Norwegian Roald Amundsen led the historic featured expedition from 1910 to 1912. In addition to illustrating the challenges of arctic exploration in the early 20th Century, the display also provides a unique look at the daily lives of polar explorers. There is no admission charge for the exhibit; however it is located past the terminal’s security checkpoints, so access is limited to ticketed passengers.

The exhibit, purchased by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and on loan until November 14th, is being displayed as part of the airport’s Arts and Culture Program, which is administered by the Airport Foundation MSP, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing travelers’ airport experience. The exhibit was secured through with a partnership between the Honorary Royal Norwegian Consulate, Sons of Norway (a Norwegian-American fraternal life insurance organization dedicated to preserving Norwegian Heritage and Culture), Destination Bloomington and the Airport Foundation MSP. This is the first time the exhibit has appeared in the United States.

Sons of Norway and the Royal Visit

2011-10-18T08:06:00.001-05:00

As you may have heard, the last couple of days of the Royal visit to Minnesota have brought very big news for Sons of Norway.

On Sunday, at the Grand Dinner in Minneapolis, King Harald V gave a speech about his personal bonds to the United States and his fondness for the U.S. and Minnesota in particular. In that speech he actually took time to refer to Sons of Norway by name (the only organization specifically recognized in his speech). He said:
"And I am grateful to the Sons of Norway and the many other organizations that preserve Norwegian heritage and traditions. Norway looks to its Sons and Daughters in the United States as a bridge between our two cultures."

If that weren't exciting enough, the next day he went to Duluth for a rededication of Enger Tower, took time from his busy schedule to visit the Nortun Sons of Norway lodge! The lodge had spent much of the last year preparing for this event and spent $50,000 to update the lodge and get it ready for Their Majesties. During the invite-only event, King Harald V and Queen Sonja were treated to special remarks from our International President, Dan Rude and a musical performance by Arna Rennan. Then Their Majesites were escorted around the room and introduced to the 60 lodge and International Board members. In fact, if you click here, you can see video of His Majesty King Harald V, walking and talking with our International President as they arrived at the lodge.

There is also a great photo series, which can be found here, showing King Harald V and Sons of Norway officers/members together.

This was a very exciting event for Sons of Norway and its members in Duluth who worked so hard to make the event possible. If you know a member from Nortun lodge, make sure and congratulate them on their efforts!

Check back later for more about the Royal Visit and Their Majesties opening of the Cold Recall exhibit.

The Royal Visit Continues

2011-10-16T18:01:00.013-05:00

Here in Minnesota it's been a big week for Norwegian Americans. And it's not over yet!

Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja arrived in the Twin Cities last Tuesday. Since then, the royal couple has wasted no time hitting many Norwegian hot-spots in the area, leaving goodwill and a bit of royal fever in their wake. The king and queen have visited three Norwegian-American colleges—Luther, St. Olaf and Augsburg—and Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa. They've even squeezed in a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. And on Sunday night they were the guests of honor at a banquet for 1,100 at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel.

On Monday the king and queen will travel to Duluth for the rededication of Enger Tower, originally dedicated in 1939 by King Harald's father, who was then Crown Prince Olav V.

On Tuesday, before departing for New York, the king and queen will open an exhibit honoring Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen at the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. The exhibit, on loan from Oslo's Fram Museum, is called "Cold Recall: Reflections of a Polar Explorer," and will be on display for a month in the Concourse C gallery.

In a Minneapolis Star Tribune interview, Kim Ode asked King Harald if there was a particular Norwegian tradition he hoped was kept alive in Minnesota, and whether it had anything to do with lutefisk. "It's much broader than that, thank goodness," the king answered. "There are all the things with the sciences—we visited the Mayo Clinic and met several Norwegian doctors studying there. There are lots of exchange students, so much is about education."

The king added: "It's very important to get to know each other better, because more people here are calling themselves Norwegian-Americans than we have Norwegians in Norway," referring to the almost 20 percent of Minnesotans that identify themselves as Norwegian.

From here, it's on to New York, where the king and queen will visit Ground Zero and the Norwegian Seaman's Church. They'll also attend a luncheon hosted by the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce and a centennial gala for the American-Scandinavian Foundation, along with representatives from the other four Nordic nations.

To read more details about the royal visit to the Midwest and New York, check out the current issue of Viking magazine.

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

Royal Visit Video

2011-10-14T15:11:00.001-05:00

If you've been reading any newspapers or websites in Minnesota, then you're sure to have heard about the Royal visit of Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway. During their visit, they'll be traveling all over Minnesota and even making a short trip to Decorah, Iowa.

If you aren't able to make it to any of Their Majesties events, I encourage you to check out this video of their visit to St. Olaf college. It includes a great address by His Majesty himself.

In addition, here's a link to a TV interview that our CEO, Eivind Heiberg gave about the Royal Visit.

Sons of Norway in the news

2011-10-11T06:06:00.001-05:00

This morning the King and Queen of Norway are arriving in Minnesota and it's going to be an exciting 8 days for everyone around here. In the run up to the Royal visit a number of news organizations have reached out to us to learn more about the Norwegian American community. In fact, our CEO, Eivind Heiberg was interviewed by the local CBS affiliate yesterday and I was interviewed by their sister radio station.

For you early risers, my interview should be on sometime between 6 and 6:30 on WCCO 830 and Eivind's interview can be found here.

Christmas in October

2011-10-09T22:03:00.007-05:00

If you are a Midwesterner like me, you might be having trouble deciding what time of year it is these days. My front yard, full of fallen leaves, certainly looks like October, and yet the high temps have climbed into the eighties this week, making it feel more like July. To add to my confusion, I've just finished editing the stories for the December issue of Viking.

It can be a little jarring to work on issues two or three months before their publication date—particularly leading up to the holidays. But luckily I was introduced to some photography this week that really put me in a holiday mood. The photos were the work of Norwegian photographer Per Breiehagen. In addition to assignments for clients such as National Geographic, Disney and Patagonia, Breiehagen has pursued his own creative projects, like his "Winter Magic" and "Winter Magic II" series. What started out as a single Christmas card photo of his daughter for family and friends has evolved into a wonderful, other-worldly experience. Enjoy!

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

Sons of Norway on the Radio

2011-09-30T19:38:00.000-05:00

It's Norsk Hostfest time again, and Sons of Norway is again sponsoring Oslo Hall. That in and of itself is pretty big for us; having a platform in front of a crowd that can swell to more than 20,000 people per day is really exciting.

But what's even more exciting is that as part of this year's largest Nordic festival in North America, Sons of Norway took to the airwaves yesterday! Well, to be more accurate, Fraternal Director Linda Pederson did. Linda was interviewed at Norsk Hostfest by Merrill Piepkorn, host of Prairie Public Radio's "Hear it Now."

To hear her interview, click here and forward to the 17:00 mark to listen to Linda talk about Sons of Norway and our flood relief efforts in Minot, ND.

For those of you listening online or in North Dakota, tune in live tonight because Linda, as well as a number of Norsk Hostfest performers, will be on the air raising money for Minot flood relief.

Barnehage Programs Begin

2011-09-30T16:05:00.006-05:00

Have you had the chance to read "The Bilingual Boost" in the September issue of Viking? In her article, writer Holly O'Dell features the innovative programming at Barnehage, Concordia Language Villages' (CLV) Norwegian immersion preschool in Edina, Minn.

For those who live in the Twin Cities, Barnehage offers a couple of programs that are just starting up. Tussetroll, a parent-child class for 2-1/2 to 4-year-olds, begins Oct. 20. Valerie "Magne" Borey, who teaches at Barnehage, says "the Norwegian language is something a lot of us associate very intimately with our families, so it's a great way for little ones to start learning the language, when that connection to parents—and grandparents—is so firmly central to who they are."

Norge Rundt, for children ages 4-11, meets one Saturday a month, beginning Oct. 8. "This is a wonderful opportunity for young children who can't attend Barnehage during the school week, or Skogfjorden villagers who want to continue what they've begun during the summer." Borey says. She adds that she's excited about the theme they've chosen for the year: norske helter (Norwegian heroes).

For more information on Barnehage programs, visit the CLV website or call 1-800-222-4750 to register.

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

Response to July 22 Tragedy

2011-09-23T13:52:00.014-05:00

Skogfjorden, Concordia's Norwegian Language Village, is collaborating with Nordmanns-Forbundet to respond to the July 22 terror attacks in Norway. The event will take place on Fri., Oct. 7 at 7 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Edina, Minn.

Hallgrim Berg, President of Nordmanns-Forbundet, will discuss the impact the attacks have had on Norway and the role the royal family has played in helping the country in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Skogfjorden villagers will share their perspectives on the attacks and will work with staff members to create a program featuring narrative, poetry and song. This event is free and open to all.

Viking will remember the events of July 22 with a special commemorative article. Look for it in our December 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.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Elitatt.

Norwegian Experience: Day 4, 5 & 6

2011-09-19T13:56:00.016-05:00

It has been a busy couple of days for Norwegian Experience winner, Nancy Madson, but it sounds like she is loving every minute. Last time I spoke with Nancy was on Thursday, so we had quite a bit to catch up on this morning. Since then Nancy has visited six stave churches, the emigrant museum, the historic Kvikne's hotel and the Flåm railway and more. So here goes!

In Lillehammer we visited the ice arena for 1994 Olympics. The arena roof is shaped like an upside down Viking ship. We didn’t go inside but it was interesting to see the building. The most notable part of that day was the emigrant museum in Hamar. We had traditional rommegrot and dried reindeer and sausage with flat bread. The curator at the museum was wonderful too and very interesting. He dispelled so many myths about immigration! One myth was that traditionally we think of Norwegian emigration happening beginning in 1825 but many left prior to 1825. He also talked quite a bit about the number of emigrants who returned to Norway. It was also interesting to hear that the most Norwegians emigrated in 2010—30,000 last year. Which is the most ever in absolute numbers. The curator was very thought provoking, a bit of a philosopher, it was very educational.

Later we drove through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. I know everyone thinks of Norway for the fjords but this valley is a real contender to the fjords, it is so beautiful!

So far we’ve been able to see eight different stave churches in various stages of remodeling, reconstruction and restoration. When the churches were first constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries they were very basic and dark, changing to be more ornate during the Catholic years, and then changing again after the reformation. It was wonderful to see these churches and hear about the changes they went through over the years. On Sunday we saw the Borghund stave church in Lærdal, which is currently undergoing a restoration. We were able to climb the scaffolding and actually see many of the areas being repaired in detail. It was the best. I can’t imagine having a better tour of the stave churches!

We had a wonderful time in Undredal on Sunday evening as well. We had dinner at a goat cheese factory. We enjoyed a delicious course of cheeses as well as my favorite brown cheese, geitost. I love that cheese! We also participated in some Norwegian music and folk dancing.

When I visited in 2000 I didn’t participate in any organized tours. However, I can’t stress enough how wonderful this tour has been. I have learned so much more. Linda McCormick and Borton Overseas have done a fabulous job putting this together. If Sons of Norway decides to do another tour, I would so highly recommend it, not only because of the things you see but also because of the camaraderie with tour members. I’ve made quite a few connections with members I wouldn’t have otherwise met. It is a totally different experience than when our members get together for the convention, a tour like this helps you meet those everyday members. It really is a fabulous tour. I just hope Sons of Norway and Borton Overseas does this again!

Don’t forget to check the blog later for more updates, and be sure to visit the Sons of Norway website if you’d like to be the lucky recipient of this amazing contest for 2011!

September 19th: International Talk Like a Pirate Day

2011-09-19T13:36:00.000-05:00

If you didn't already know, today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! That means that people around the world will spending the day gleefully saying YARRRRR and AVAST in celebration of this parodic holiday that was created back in 1995.

Now, I'm sure you're probably wondering why the Sons of Norway blog is playing host to this mirthful holiday, right? I mean, pirates were localized to the South Seas and Caribbean islands only, like in the movies and Disney rides, right?

WRONG!

The North Seas, especially throughout Scandinavia, actually played host to their own pirate culture. While southern oceans were the home of colorfully named pirates, like Blackbeard and Calico Jack Rackham, the North Sea was sailed by pirates named Otto Stigsson and Knut Ellingsen. In fact, North Sea Piracy was such a developed culture in the 14th and 15th century that the oceans were ruled by an organized group, called Fataljebrødrene. In fact, they even codified their behavior with strict rules of conduct, called “Likedelere”, which means “Those who share equally”.

So, now that you've had your pirate lesson for the day, join me in saying YAAARRRRRR!

Geitungen Begins North American Tour

2011-09-18T22:00:00.004-05:00

Fans of Norwegian folk music, take note: Geitungen, an energetic instrumental trio that's brimming with talent, is touring North America this month. I had the good fortune of hearing these guys play last summer at Nisswa-stämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival, and I became an instant fan. The group, which plays traditional tunes from the Rogaland area in southwestern Norway, has released three albums: "Langt Ute" (2010), "Bra Kast" (2005), which won a Norwegian folk music award for best album, and "Vaniljesaus" (2001).

Geitungen (pictured here, from left) is Christer Rossebø on fiddle, mandolin, mandola and guitar; Håvard Ims on melodeon and accordions; and Vidar Skrede on hardanger fiddle, fiddle and guitars.

The group began its tour earlier this week in Calgary, Alberta. Their next stop is British Columbia and then Washington state before playing at Norsk Høstfest in Minot, North Dakota. They'll be playing a few gigs in Minnesota before heading back to Norway in October. You'll find a detailed tour itinerary on Multe Music. Check out their website for a sampling of their infectious tunes.

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

Presidential Tour 2011: Day 2 and 3

2011-09-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I spoke with International President Dan Rude about the presidential Tour of Norway to see how it’s going so far. I caught up with him as he was just finishing lunch at the Hadeland Glassworks, but more on that in a bit. Here’s what Dan had to say:

SofN: So, Dan, how’s the tour going? Last time we chatted you’d had a long day, but were looking forward to the excursions to Akershus and the Storting. How’d they go?

DR: Oh, it was so interesting! Akershus and the Norwegian Resistance museum were amazing. Going through the museum, it really this home how much Norwegians sacrificed when fighting the Nazis. Their homes, their families, and in some cases their lives. It really puts things in perspective.

SofN: Wow, that sounds really moving. I’m glad you got to see it. Now, after the Akershus trip, you went to the Storting, right?

DR: Oh yes! That was last night and it was fantastic! We met with a good friend of ours who is a MP and he took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Storting. We were able to go places within the building that most citizens never see in person, like the Main Chanber, where the MPs meet. Looking around, I was so amazed at the level of technology they employ.

Then we went down on the main floor of the chamber, where people are rarely allowed to go. It was a great experience because the whole building has some great architecture and design.

SofN: That sounds like a lot of fun and a rare opportunity. Was there a favorite part of the tour?

DR: I think it would probably have been seeing the room where HM the King waits prior to opening the Storting every year.

SofN: Very cool. I bet there aren’t a lot of people who get to see that. Now wasn’t there a dance performance as well?

DR: Yes! We met up with a bunch of our old friends who live in Oslo. They are in a group called Steinsgardskroken, and they have an accordion group that plays for the dances. It was awesome! I even learned some new dances and, best of all, made some new friends.

SofN: Sounds like a lot of fun. So with all that activity yesterday, are you enjoying some down-time today?

DR: Not at all. I’m still full of energy! We spent part of the morning on the bus, going to visit the Heddal Stave Church. That was quite an experience for us since it’s the largest stave church in Norway.

Then we came here to the Hadeland Galssworks. We’ve just finished lunch and are about to take a tour of their glassblowing area, then do some shopping for gifts and souvenirs.

SofN: Hadeland Glassworks are a great place to visit. We’ve sent a number of past Norwegian Experience winners there. They’ve all had a great time and learned a lot about the art that goes into making glassblowing and the resulting artwork.

DR: I’m sure it’s going to be very educational for everyone. Then once we wrap up here, we’re going on to Eidsvold where we’ll visit Constitution Hall. That’s going to be a very special part because it’s such an important part of Norway’s history. Unfortunately because it’s under renovation we won’t be able to see much inside, but it’s still an important stop on the tour.

Then, after Eidsvold, we are off to Hamar, which is a very special place for me. It’s where my grandmother came from, so there is a deep familial connection with the area. When we’re there we are also going to visit Mjørsa, which is the largest freshwater lake in Norway. The scenery there is so beautiful, I know everyone is going to love it!

After that, we are ending the day with a nice dinner for everyone on the tour and we’re going to be visited by International Director Ernst Granly, his wife and his brother. It’ll be great to see him and I know that everyone will enjoy meeting with him.

SofN: Wow, Dan, it sounds like you’ve had a full couple of days! Is everyone on the tour able to keep up?

DR: Oh, yes! Everyone is still really excited to be here. We’ve walked a lot of miles so far, but everyone is having a great time!

SofN: Great, Dan! Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on everything that’s going on with the Presidential Tour!

Norwegian Experience: Day 2 & 3

2011-09-15T16:18:00.010-05:00

Both Wednesday and Thursday have been fun-filled days for Nancy Madson, 2010 Norwegian Experience contest winner. Nancy visited the Oslo Folk Museum, Gol stave church, the Viking Ship Musuem, Parliament and much more! Let’s hear how she’s enjoying the trip!

Walk me through your day on Wednesday…did you have any favorite stops?

Wednesday was great! Last night especially! Our visit to Parliament was really interesting and the folk dance group afterward was wonderful and very large! There were dancers and musicians of all ages, from 10 to 70. There were even young children playing the accordion. Afterward we were served dessert and coffee and the dancers went out into the audience and encouraged us to dance a waltz with them. It was a great time!

I also did a bit of shopping with Luella. She wanted bunad shoes. (Of course this prompted my active imagination. So to prevent myself from picturing ornate, heavily embroidered shoes, I just had to ask. Nancy was happy to put my curiosity to rest, “special shoes you wear with a bunad-dancing shoes.”)

What did you do on the tour on Thursday?

A little bit of driving, we visited Heddal stave church, which is absolutely beautiful. Very large and decorated and it is currently in use, from April to October. They can’t open the church in winter because the electric heat would damage the interior since the church is 800 years old.

We also stopped at Hadeland Glassworks, which was very interesting and educational. I have watched freeform glassblowing before but at Hadeland today they used molds instead. I watched an artist use 3 molds in one piece today. I also did a bit of Christmas shopping for my family in their gift shop. (Nancy did give me the details on the nifty gifts she picked up--which sound wonderful--but I won’t spoil the surprise for the lucky recipients!) I also received a wonderful gift from Hadeland for being the contest winner, a beautiful cobalt blue Christmas ornament set of three hand-blown kings.

We also made a surprise stop in Eidsvoll to Eidsvollsbygningen, the manor house where the Norwegian constitution was written. Unfortunately the building was closed for restoration but it was nice to stop and see it from the outside.

When I visited in 2000 I didn’t participate in any tours, but this visit has been so much more of a learning experience. The tour guides with Borton Overseas have been wonderful. I’ve been taking notes and trying to remember everything. One of the things I learned was that Norwegians have a triangular flag as well as the rectangular flag. The triangular flag is used more for everyday use and what we would consider the “traditional” Norwegian flag is used for more official occasions. I was also surprised by the amount of sod roofs and stabburs I saw today. You think of them being “of the past” but you still see them in use in Norway. I’m hoping to find a stabbur souvenir to take home with me. I really enjoy those little buildings-some are so ornate and others are fairly plain.

I also was interviewed by John Granly, journalist and brother to our International Director Ernst Granly, for the local paper in Eidsvoll. So who knows, my picture might be in the local paper!

Don’t forget to check the blog later for more updates! On Friday Nancy will be off to Hamar and Lom to visit the Emigrant museum and the Ringebu and Lom stave churches, ending with a stay at the historic Fossheim Hotel. So, if you’d like to be the lucky recipient of this amazing contest for 2011, be sure to visit the Sons of Norway website and check out the contest details here!

Norwegian Experience : Day 1

2011-09-14T06:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to check in with Nancy Madson, the 2010 Norwegian Experience recruitment contest winner, via Skype. A member since 1990, Nancy has held numerous lodge leadership positions and is currently vice president of Solskinn 6-150 and a zone director. As the 2010 winner, Nancy will be spending the next week visiting some of Norway’s most scenic and historic places, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and several stave churches, courtesy of Borton Overseas and Sons of Norway. I caught up with Nancy after a busy travel day to Oslo, complete with an orientation city tour and a welcome dinner and dessert with Sons of Norway district 8 members.

How has the trip experience been so far? Are you enjoying taking part in the Presidential Tour with Sons of Norway members?
The hotel is really beautiful and the flight went well…although it was very long. I think I will probably be asleep within a minute of my head hitting the pillow! Half the fun of the trip is enjoying it with fellow members. Having common connections and interests just adds to the trip and I’ve really enjoyed meeting other members.

What are you most excited to see?
The Stave Churches! I was able to see 2 of them during my visit in 2000, but seeing 8 of the 28 of them is really something special. I’m also really looking forward to the food! I’d like to try some new things as well as enjoy the food Norway is known for, like seafood and reindeer. I am also really looking forward to trying whale during our stop in Bergen.

Any highlights from the Oslo city tour?
I really enjoyed seeing all the amazing architecture. Everything is so old and intricate. Where I live in Palm Springs everything is new, you don’t get to see carvings and stonework like this there. While others looked at the stores, I was looking up at the great buildings. I did stop into one store…a bunad shop! It almost made you drool to see all those great bunads.

On Wednesday you will be visiting the Oslo Folk Museum, the Gol stave church and the Viking Ship Museum. Have you visited these heritage sites before?
Yes, I was able to see many of these places when I visited Norway several years ago for the International Convention. However, this time I am looking forward to being able to visit with a good friend of mine who actually works at the Folk Museum in Oslo. We’re also going to experience a behind-the-scenes visit to Parliament Wednesday afternoon and a performance by a folk dancing group. Later in the day I’d like to explore the area a bit and do some shopping.

Is there anything about the city that surprised you or looked different since your visit in 2000?
I had forgotten a lot. Last time I visited I was under the weather and so it made it a bit more difficult to really enjoy the city, so everything really looks brand new to me! I did notice all the construction that seems to be happening in the city and I love the new Oslo Opera House, it is so beautiful!

Visit the blog later this week to see more updates from Nancy and exciting trip details along the way! And don't forget, you, too, can be eligible to win the Norwegian Experience! For contest details, click here.

Presidential Tour 2011: Day 1

2011-09-12T18:47:00.001-05:00

This morning a group of Sons of Norway members landed at Gardermoen airport in Oslo, kicking off the 2011 Presidential Tour of Norway! If you haven’t heard about this already, you’re really going to be bummed about missing out on it. The tour of Norway is being led by Sons of Norway International President, Dan Rude and our amazing travel partner, Borton Overseas.

Over the next week or so those on the tour will visit a number of cities in Norway, including Oslo, Bergen, Balestrand and more! They will be taking in the sites at a number of cultural and heritage-related locations, like stave churches in Lom, an emigrant museum and the world famous Hadeland Glassworks!

This is going to be such an exciting trip for everyone involved, and we wanted to do what we could to share the trip with all the members (myself included) who weren’t able to attend. So, over the next week there will be a number of blog posts, where we interview Dan Rude to recap the excitement of the day and share as much as possible with you, our respected readers.

In addition, my colleague, Melissa, will be posting interviews with Nancy Madson who is this year’s Norwegian Experience Recruitment Contest winner. Thanks to our partnership with Borton Overseas she and a guest have been awarded two of the coveted spots on this year’s Presidential Tour. So be sure to check back on the blog to get her insight and thoughts on the trip.

So, with that, here’s the first interview with our International President, Dan Rude:

SofN: So, Dan, I know you’ve just gotten into Oslo today after traveling from Montana. That’s a long trip. How are you feeling?

DR: I’m jacked! (Sidenote: No, seriously, that’s a direct quote.) It was a long trip, but as soon as my feet hit the ground in Oslo I was ready to go! I’m so full of adrenaline on trips like this. I figure I’ll sleep for a couple of days when I get home, but right now I don’t want to waste a minute.

In fact right after we arrived, we took a nice tour of Oslo that gave everyone a good taste of old Norway. We went past the palace, the opera house, Oslo Fjord, and Akershus castle. It was a great way to kick off the week.

SofN: That’s great, Dan. It’s good to hear you’re excited. How are the rest of the tour participants feeling after the long journey? Are they as excited as you?

DR: Oh yes! Everyone has been talking about this tour for a long time and are now very excited to actually be here!

SofN: So, tonight was the welcome dinner, right?

DR: Yes, it was a great time and it gave everyone a chance to get to know each other. Then, after dinner we had dessert with some Sons of Norway members who live here in Oslo. That was a real treat!

SofN: That sounds like a lot of fun, Dan. I’m sure everyone is pretty tired today, but what have you got planned tomorrow?

DR: Tomorrow is going to be a big day! First are visiting Vigeland park, which I think is a must for anyone traveling to Oslo. Then, after the park, we are going to the Oslo Folk Museum where we’ll see our first stave church and see the Viking ships they have on display.

In the afternoon I’m planning on going back to Akershus fortress to visit the WWII Norwegian resistance museum. It was built since the last time I was here, so this’ll be the first time I’ve seen it. I’m really excited about that.

Then tomorrow night we are all going to visit the Parliament to meet with my good friend Terje Bekkedal, who is a MP. He’s going to give us a behind the scenes tour of Parliament, then he is leading a dance presentation by the group, Steinsgardskroken. It’s going to be a very full day!

And, with that, we close the first day of the Presidential Tour. It’s going to be a full week for everyone, so be sure to keep coming back for daily updates!

Decoding—and Creating—the Primstav

2011-09-11T12:02:00.009-05:00

Have you read "Decoding the Primstav" in the July issue of Viking? In it, Keith Homstad presents a history and explanation of the primstav, Norway's medieval calendar stick. Before the days of printed calendars or clocks, the simple but highly accurate primstav served as a religious guide and farmers almanac for seven centuries.

Homstad is the president of Nordmarka 1-585 in Northfield, of which I'm also a member. Last night Nordmarka members gathered to try their hand at making their own primstavs. We met over the supper hour and enjoyed snacking on hjerte vafler and meatballs while Homstad (pictured below on the left) led us in the activity.

If you'd like to learn more about primstavs, check out the July issue of Viking, where you'll find instructions for making your own on page 24. Homstad encourages readers to personalize their primstavs to include their own "red letter days," such as holidays and important family events. In addition to a fun lodge activity, it sounds like a wonderful Christmas gift idea to me!

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

Ready! Set! Study!

2011-09-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

If you've been keeping up with Viking magazine, then you probably read the great article, called "Ready, Set, Study!" in the September issue. For those that haven't read it yet, it's a great resource for learning about educational exchange programs in Norway for both young students as well as those looking to attend a college program overseas.

For the article Viking photographed three students, Kristina Boe, Danielle Taylor and Solina Bressler, who all attended the Oslo International Summer School this year thanks to Sons of Norway Foundation grants. The reason I mention this is that we've learned that Danielle has been keeping a blog and writing about her time studying at the OISS.

It makes for some great reading and gives a great insiders-view of the the program. If you've ever thought about participating in the program, or wanted to see how the Sons of Norway Foundation makes real and significant impacts in the lives of young people, I definitely recommend you take a look at what Danielle has to say.

Also, don't forget that the next week we begin our blog coverage of the Sons of Norway Presidential Tour as well as the Norwegian Experience winner's trip to Norway. Over the course of following 12 days the blog will bring you daily posts about what our International President, Dan Rude, and Norwegian Experience winner, Nancy Madson, are up as they both explore all the wonder that Norway has to offer!

Norwegian Teachers' Resistance

2011-09-01T13:59:00.007-05:00

When I think about dangerous jobs, teaching isn't the first thing that comes to mind. During World War II, however, teachers in Norway found themselves under threat. One of these teachers was Edvard Brakstad, an instructor at Eidsvoll Landsgymnas.

In the spring of 1942, Brakstad was one of 1,100 teachers arrested by the Germans for refusing to join a teacher association, designed to educate Norwegian students in Nazi ideology. After Brakstad's arrest in April, he was sent to a prison camp near Kirkenes, in northern Norway. While a prisoner, he wrote letters to his family and kept a journal, which he kept hidden from prison camp guards.

These writings formed the basis for Carter Walker's article "The Norwegian Teachers' Resistance," in this month's education-themed issue of Viking. While Walker's article features excerpts of Brakstad's writings, a larger collection can be found online, along with commentary from Brakstad's son, Olav.

Despite serious illness, Brakstad survived his ordeal. He returned home in late August of that year and later took over as headmaster of his school. If you'd like to learn more about Brakstad and the Norwegian teachers' resistance, be sure to check out the September 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.

Ready, Set, Study

2011-08-28T21:07:00.010-05:00

September is almost here, there's a hint of fall in the air, and students are returning to school. Norway's Crown Prince Sverre Magnus, age 5, started school last week as well. He was accompanied on the first day by his parents, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. His grandmother, Queen Sonja, was also with the family on her grandson's big day. The prince will attend Jansløkka school in Asker, where his sister Ingrid Alexandra is also a student.

Viking magazine is celebrating the beginning of the academic year with an issue focused on education. Our cover story, called "Ready, Set, Study," provides students everything they need to know to begin exploring study abroad options. In "The Bilingual Boost," we highlight the benefits of learning a second language, featuring a Norwegian-language preschool in Edina, Minn. We also tell the story of the Norwegian teachers' resistance in WWII, based on the letters and journals of Edvard Brakstad. A teacher at Eidsvoll Landsgymnas, Brakstad was arrested by the Nazis in March of 1942, along with 1,100 other Norwegian teachers. Finally, our Q&A interview this month is with educational psychologist Tove Dahl, the long-time dean of Skogfjorden, Concordia College's Norwegian Language Village.

The staff at Viking wishes the crown prince—and all students—an excellent start to the school year!

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

Ten Year Anniversary for Kronprinsparet (the Crown Prince couple)

2011-08-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked the Kronprinsparets (Crown Prince Couple’s) tenth wedding anniversary. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrated their decade of marriage with a church service at Oslo Cathedral and a program at Universitetsplassen.

The church service was attended by the entire royal Norwegian family, Mette-Marit’s mother and siblings, the couple’s children, the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg as well as other state officials. In addition to official invitees, 200 Norwegian people received tickets to share in the occasion. The couple’s two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra (7) and Prince Sverre Magnus (5), and Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby (14), were all involved in the ceremony, the two eldest reading bible verses.

After the church service, the celebrations continued at Universitetsplassen (University Place). Met with cheers from the crowd, the royal couple gave a speech and enjoyed a hip hop concert. The celebration at Universitetsplassen was not just a celebration of the couple’s wedding anniversary, it was also a celebration of the Royal Couple’s Humanitarian Fund, Kronprinsparets Fond, which, according to the Royal Website, “identifies and supports projects for young people at risk.”

August Is Ripe for the Nordic Diet

2011-08-21T10:46:00.003-05:00

It's August—one of my favorite times of year, and hands down the best month in my culinary calendar. The tomatoes and cucumbers are finally starting to ripen in my garden. The herbs, planted from seed so many weeks ago, are the size of small bushes and the fall crop of raspberries will soon be ripe in my yard. What isn't plentiful outside my door can be found at the local farmer's market: beets, cabbage, garlic and more. It's a great time to be a locavore. And as a Minnesotan, I can't help notice the similarities between a local diet and the Nordic diet.

The Nordic diet, as outlined in the August issue of Viking magazine, includes six main elements: grains; fish and seafood; cold-weather vegetables; game, meat and poultry; herbs; and native berries. Danish chef Trina Hahnemann, author of "The Nordic Diet: Using Local and Organic Food to Promote a healthy Lifestyle," said in a recent Viking interview "the Nordic diet is about eating a lot of local vegetables in season, eating local fish, cutting back on meats and eating grains."

If you'd like to learn more about the Nordic Diet, check out Trine Hahnemann's website, including these ideas for creating delicious Danish smørrebrød. And if you haven't done it already, be sure to check out Kari Diehl's article on New Nordic Cuisine in the August 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.

Photo courtesty of Flickruser CharlesFred

Nordic Diet and Fitness

2011-08-11T10:45:00.001-05:00

Have you had a chance to read about the new Nordic diet in this month's issue of Viking? In it, Kari Schoening Diehl asks the question: Could the diets of Scandinavians play a major role in their health and well-being?

This is a question that I've wondered about for a couple of years, after reading an article on the topic in Women's Health magazine back in 2009. Called "Land of the Lean," the article explores why Norwegians are among the fittest, leanest people in the world. The writer credits Norwegians' lifestyle, combined with healthier food choices and smaller portion sizes, as factors that contribute to Norwegians' fitness.

However, Norway isn't immune to the health challenges the rest of us face. As highlighted in "Tipping the Scales," in Viking's February issue, Norway's obesity rate has risen from 7 percent to 11 percent since the early 1980s. Though the rise in Norwegian obesity is significant, it pales when compared to the rate in the United States, which was 32% in 2008.

You'll find Diehl's article, including a recipe for gravlax, in the August 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.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user plindberg.

Nordic Heritage Inspires Author

2011-08-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

In the July issue of Viking, we featured 15 favorite summer reads by three Nordic books experts. One of the books featured was Eric Dregni’s “Vikings in the Attic: In Search of Nordic America.” Dregni, a fourth generation Scandinavian-American, has authored and co-authored 16 books, many of which explore the history and culture surrounding his Swedish, Danish and Norwegian heritage. Viking writer Carly Schramm talked with Dregni recently about his latest book and how his Scandinavian heritage influenced his writing and shaped him as a person.

Viking: What inspired you to write “Vikings in the Attic”?

Eric  Dregni: After living in Trondheim for a year, I came back to the United States and saw so many subtle things that are directly related to the Scandinavian immigrants. I had taken the Midwestern culture for granted and just assumed that everyone lived this way, until I lived in Italy and Norway.

V: How would you summarize the book?

E.D.: It’s about the unknown history of things that have a Scandinavian influence in the Midwest and throughout the United States. It’s about growing up with things that I didn’t know, but that I wish that I had known.

V: What do you hope readers will gain from reading “Vikings in the Attic”?

E.D.: To understand who we are, essentially. Personally, I hope people see that the idea of being Scandinavian is not all lefse and lutefisk. There’s a lot more to it.

V: How has your Norwegian heritage shaped you as a person?

E.D.: My great-grandfather Ellef was a blacksmith, and therefore very handy. I was brought up with this idea that if you own something, you must learn how to fix it. No matter what you do for your job, working with your hands is important. Also, my dad insisted on having "Norwegian dinner" about once a month, which was always white food on a white plate. For a little kid who liked bland food, this was perfect, but as a teenager who wanted some spice, I dreaded Norwegian dinner. However, as an adult living in Norway, I found that Norwegian foods outside of the Midwest, such as rakfisk and gravlaks, gammelost, salt licorice, moose, whale and cloud berries are full of unusual flavors.

You can find Dregni’s book at your favorite Nordic bookseller, or online at amazon.com. For more summer reading recommendations, check out the July issue of Viking!

Do You Remember: Viking magazine Q&A with Ane Brun

2011-08-01T08:00:00.005-05:00

In the August issue of Viking magazine there’s an interesting profile and Q&A with Norwegian singer-songwriter, Ane Brun. Though I had never heard of her before reading the early drafts of the article, I’ve quickly become a big fan of her work. In fact, her latest single is so catchy that I predict it’s going to be a big hit for her.

Check out the video for that single, “Do You Remember” below. The video definitely has a Nordic feel to it, in its simplicity and sparing use of visuals, but it adds a whole new facet to the song as well.

If you’d like to learn more about this great, though somewhat lesser-known Norwegian singer, click here to visit her webpage.

One Student's Story

2011-07-29T22:37:00.017-05:00

Soon after learning of the Oslo and Utøya attacks last Friday, I began to wonder about the students and staff of the Oslo International Summer School. Three of this year's summer school participants are Sons of Norway Foundation scholarship winners, and they were on my mind because I had just finished editing an article about them for the October issue of Viking. Later that day I was relieved to read on Facebook that all the students and staff were accounted for and unharmed.

One of those scholarship recipients is Danielle, an international studies major at Colorado State University. This summer I've been following her blog, Passport to Adventure. In addition to the experiences she shared prior to the events of July 22, this week she's posted some thoughtful reflections on the attacks and the country's response.

This isn't the last you'll see of Danielle. She, along with two other Oslo Summer School scholarship winners, will be on the September cover of Viking. In that education-themed issue, we've created a go-abroad guide for students that gives the scoop on a variety of programs, including folk schools, university study and youth exchange programs.

You can visit the Sons of Norway Foundation website to learn more about their scholarships, and be sure to check out the October issue of Viking, where we'll be profiling the Foundation's work and this year's 27 scholarship winners.

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 Johannes Grødem via Wikimedia Commons

Prime Minster Jens Stoltenberg's Memorial Service Address

2011-07-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

Today we have a very moving video of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's memorial address at the Oslo Cathedral. English subtitles have been included. As always, the thoughts and prayers of Sons of Norway continue to be with those affected by this national tragedy.

Tragedy in Oslo Update

2011-07-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

So, here we are, less than 36 hours after a bomb exploded in central Oslo, killing at least seven people. Now, we have come to learn that this may have been the first of a two part attack against Norwegian citizens, the second being a mass shooting on the island of Utoya.

So far, what is known is that yesterday at 3:26 Oslo time a car bomb exploded outside of the Prime Minister's office, leaving at least 7 dead and dozens injured. A little over an hour later, there are reports of gunfire from a political youth camp on the island of Utoy, where a Norwegian counter-terrorism team was dispatched. Over the next hour or so the gunman proceeded to shoot and kill at least 84 people on the island. As the day went on, information began to come out that the gunman may also have been seen at the location of the bombing earlier in the day.

Last night and today teams have begun to search the wreckage of the bomb blast area, looking for trapped survivors and further casualties. So far it is still somewhat unclear what the motive behind these two heinous acts may have been, though a number of speculations have been offered by different sources.

Sons of Norway is focusing on those who have been affected by these tragic events and how best to help in Norway's healing process as it recovers from the largest loss of life in a single day since world war II. It's not just the staff of Sons of Norway, either; it's the members, too. Those of us at the Headquarters have been receiving numerous calls from members asking for confirmed information and wanting to know what they can do to help.

It really makes me emotional to see this kind of outpouring of love and support for a country that is thousands of miles away across land and sea. I think it's a real testament to the commitment that Sons of Norway members have to our mission and to our namesake nation.

In addition to calls from members we've also been receiving a number of calls from media to provide commentary on how this story is being received by, or affecting, the Norwegian American community. In fact, the media has been reaching out to members and lodges throughout the U.S. and Canada. For those who are interested, I'm providing a list below, which will be updated as I get more information.

WCCO (MPLS) talked about Sons of Norway and interviewed our CEO Eivind Heiberg,
Duluth News Tribune spoke with members involved with the upcoming Royal visit.
Montreal Gazette spoke to our Edmonton lodge
Milwaukee members react to the tragedy
Sonoma gets local reaction from members and leaders
Santa Barbara lodge president speaks with Fox News affiliate
Baltimore members spoke with their ABC affiliate
Arizona District 6 officer spoke with local affiliates.

As I hear of more stories, I will update as much as I can. In the meantime, Sons of Norway asks everyone who is reading the blog today to keep Norway and its citizens in their thoughts and prayers as they work towards a brighter tomorrow.

Also, if you have a kind thought you'd like to share, or talk about how this event has made you feel, please feel free to do so in the comments section.

Sons of Norway Response to Tragedy in Oslo

2011-07-22T11:28:00.001-05:00

Sons of Norway was shocked to learn of this morning’s bombing in Oslo. As an international fraternal benefit society, our members, leaders and staff all have many loved ones in Norway, so this news comes with an even heavier sense of sadness.

Our collective thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy as well as their families and friends.

As we receive more information about this event, we will provide further updates on the Sons of Norway blog. In the mean time, information can be found at cnn.com, Aftenposten and NRK the BBC. You can also follow the following twitter hashtags to follow the story as it develops: #Oslo, #Osloblast, #Prayforoslo.

Norwegians Dominate Tour de France

2011-07-20T10:52:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was a proud day for Norwegians, when cyclists Thor Hushovd and Edvald Boasson Hagen took first and second place, respectively, in Stage 16 of the Tour de France. The race came down to a sprint between the two Norwegians in the final seconds of the race. Amazingly, Hushovd and Boasson Hagan were the only Norwegians competing in the event. Third place went to Canadian Ryder Hesjedal, who also claims one-quarter Norwegian heritage.

“It’s surreal," Hushovd said in an interview with NRK. "We are the only two Norwegians here, and we're fighting it out against each other. It’s incredible.”

Since going pro in 2000, Hushovd has competed in 11 Tour de France races.

“I just think I’m lucky to part of this big event,” Hushovd told Viking in an interview this spring. "Everyone's in their best form, so you have to be ready for that," he continued.

To read the interview with Thor Hushovd in its entirety, check out the June issue of Viking!

Note: This entry was updated to reflect clarify Hushovd's victory in Stage 16 of the race.

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 courtesty of Global Ref, via Wikimedia Commons

Sons of Norway Foundation Lends a Hand to Minot Flood Relief

2011-07-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

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.

Norway Goes Continental

2011-07-10T14:26:00.004-05:00

The buzz in Norwegian newspapers this week is that Norway is now investing in some upscale properties in France and England. Why would the Norwegian government be buying up properties on Paris's Champs-Élysées or London's Regent Street? Because the managers of Norway's mammoth oil fund recently got permission to invest as much as 5 percent of its total assets in real estate.

The fund, officially known as the Government Pension Fund Global, has a current value of around NOK 135 billion (approx. USD 25 billion), and in June was named the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world. As of March, the fund had invested only 0.1 percent of its assets in real estate, according to an article from News and Views from Norway. This means the country is in the market for more property, and the article predicts Germany's largest cities are also considered prime real estate by fund managers.

Since the goal of the fund is to spread risk by diversifying the country's wealth, current law requires all but 4 percent of its value be invested outside of Norway. Some Norwegians disapprove of this policy, and would like to see more of the money spent on Norwegian infrastructure, education, research and tax relief.

To read more about Norway's ongoing oil fund debate, look for Jack Gordon's feature story in the upcoming August 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 1-58.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Enzo Ferrante.

A Cross-Cultural Celebration

2011-07-03T16:58:00.008-05:00

Ever wonder how Americans living abroad celebrate the Fourth of July? If you were in Oslo today, you might have celebrated in Frogner Park with entertainment, dancing, games and, of course, American food. The annual American Independence Day celebration, now in its 26th year, was hosted by the American Coordinating Council of Norway (ACCN) and attracts about 20,000 event goers.

The ACCN is an umbrella organization for nearly 20 American non-profits based in Norway, including the American Embassy, Sons of Norway's Christiania 8-4, and Nordmanns-Forbundet. "One of our goals is to work together as American organizations to show the Norwegian people that we enjoy having fun, and we enjoy working together," said Bruce Allen, Sons of Norway member and event founder, in a recent interview with Viking. Allen added that ACCN gives profits from the event to charities and grants in Norway.

Want to learn more about Oslo's Fourth of July celebration? You can read the rest of Allen's interview in the July issue of Viking.

The staff of Viking wishes Americans living on both side of the pond a happy Fourth of July!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-58.

Photo illustration by Doug Bratland from an original image by Flickr user Marionzetta.

Marking Time

2011-06-26T23:56:00.005-05:00

This week, Norwegians celebrated Sankthansaften, or St. Hans Eve, on June 23. Also known as Jonsok, or "John's wake," the day was originally a pre-Christian celebration of midsummer, marked by feasting and dancing around bonfires. With the coming of Christianity in the 11th century, the day was rededicated to St. John the Baptist (aka St. Hans) and the church required attending mass on this day.

"If you weren't in church on saints' days, you were fined," says Kathleen Stokker, professor of Norwegian at Luther College, in a Viking magazine interview. "So it was important to know when they were."

Norwegians kept track of the days by using a calendar stick called a primstav. Each day was represented by a notch on the stick and the year was divided into two halves, a winter side and a summer side. Symbols were carved into the calendar as a reminder of important dates. For example, the symbol for St. Hans was an hourglass or the sun.

While medieval Norwegians embraced their newer Christian practices, they also hung on to their traditional folk culture and continued to celebrate Jonsok the night before with bonfires and dancing.

For more information on primstavs, including directions on how to make your own more modern version, check out the July issue of Viking magazine!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-58.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Signe Karin.

Norwegian Coastal Voyage: LIVE

2011-06-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

Like a lot of folks this year, vacation and travel plans have probably been curtailed due to tighter finances. More people than I can count have told me, wistfully, that they’d love to go to Norway this summer, but just can’t afford it. It’s a common tale, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the beauty of Norway.

If you haven’t heard about this yet, you need to check it out: Norway’s state broadcaster NRK and Hurtigruten, The NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE is making history with 134 hours of round-the-clock LIVE television coverage of the voyage up the Norwegian coast. The journey is considered the “world’s most beautiful voyage” by several top travel publications.

This is an amazing fete in that it’s 5 and a half straight days of video being broadcast! The scenery is awesome and it’s definitely worth checking out. I know it’s not the same as seeing it all in person, but it’s definitely better than a post card and, if what I’m hearing is correct, it will be watchable over and over again via the web. This means you can visit Norway any time you like.

Sons of Norway sponsors active, healthy lifestyles

2011-06-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

This past Friday Sons of Norway sponsored the Uptown Minneapolis Criterium, which is the 4th stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix/Bicycle Festival. This was a great event for because it brought together some of the country’s most elite cyclists and thousands of people who are interested in leading active and healthy lifestyles.

The event was important for Sons of Norway because we, also, believe in the importance of active and healthy lifestyles. So much so, that we have redeveloped our Sports Medal program to better reflect the fun and excitement that comes with being active. We’ve already rolled out two new medals and every quarter we will introduce another new design for our program.

Combined with this new look, we have also added a new sport, swimming, to the list of activities that are eligible for medals. If you’d like to learn more about this new svommerke medal, or any of the redesigned programs, don’t hesitate to contact culture@sofn.com or call 800-945-8851.

Hurtiguten: The World's Most Beautiful Voyage

2011-06-19T23:57:00.005-05:00

There's been a unique live TV broadcast coming out of Norway this week. NRK, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, is streaming a broadcast of Hurtigruten, Norway's coastal express. The program, called "Hurtigruten—minute by minute" began on June 16 and continues for a six-day voyage along Norway's coast.

Hurtigruten means literally "the fast route," and for many years it was the most reliable link between Southern to Northern Norway. The express route began making runs along Norway's northern coast in 1893, carrying passengers, mail and cargo. Today, a ship leaves the city of Bergen every day, traveling north to Kirkenes, near the Russian border, stopping at 34 ports of call along the way.

It's been more than a dozen years since my husband and I took Hurtigruten from Bergen to the polar circle. Being land-locked midwesterners, neither of us had much experience traveling by boat and we weren't sure what to expect. We were mesmerized by the incredible scenery and the long, sun-filled evenings. In fact, the only hardship I experienced while on Hurtigruten was forcing myself to go to bed each night—I hated to miss a minute of it!

If you haven't traveled via Hurtigruten, now is the chance to experience it. Or, if you've been lucky enough to take the "world's most beautiful voyage," it's a great time to relive some of those incredible memories. If you'd like to read more about Hurtigruten, check out "Of Sled Dogs and Snow Crabs" by Colleen Friesen 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 1-58.

Dance Your Way Through Summer!

2011-06-09T16:58:00.006-05:00

Have you had a chance to check out the June issue of Viking? After reading our cover story about Hallgrim Hansegård and his innovative FRIKAR dance company, you might be inspired to bust some Nordic moves. Luckily for you, there are plenty of opportunities to improve your dance skills or learn some new ones in the summer months ahead.

For instance, here are three upcoming events in different regions of the United States:

Nisswa-stämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival, June 10-11, in Nisswa, Minn.
Scandia Camp Mendocino, June 11-18, near Mendicino, Calif. 
Nordic Fiddles and Feet, June 26-July 3, near Littleton, N.H.

And if you happen to be in Norway this June, you can enjoy watching the country's best folk dancers at Landskappleik, the national folk music and dance competition, held this year in Seljord.

Keep an eye on the Viking Kalender, as well as the events on Sons of Norway's website, for more opportunities to enjoy Nordic dance this summer!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user hythlodaeus.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-58.

Eclipse of the Midnight Sun

2011-06-01T11:15:00.007-05:00

For most of us, the idea of a solar eclipse at midnight would sound impossible. However, to those living in northern Norway, Sweden and Finland a solar eclipse at midnight is not only a possibility, it is an event set to occur tonight.

At midnight, Norwegians will be treated to their first midnight solar eclipse since 2000. Rarer still is the depth of the eclipse, at almost 50%; tonight’s eclipse will not be surpassed until 2084.

In the Land of the Midnight Sun, spectacular displays of light phenomena aren’t uncommon. Recently, Norwegian artist Terje Sørgjerd captured one of these light displays with an incredible time-lapse film created in the Lofoten Islands from late April to mid May. Terje describes what he calls “Arctic Light” on his Vimeo.com page by saying, “My favorite natural phenomenon is one I do not even know the name of, even after talking to meteorologists and astrophysicists I am none the wiser. What I am talking about I have decided to call The Arctic Light and it is a natural phenomenon occurring 2-4 weeks before you can see the Midnight Sun. The Sunset and Sunrise are connected in one magnificent show of color and light lasting from 8 to 12 hours. The sun is barely going below the horizon before coming up again. This is the most colorful light that I know, and the main reason I have been going up there for the last 4 years, at the exact same time of year, to photograph.”

For those of us who won’t be able to experience the eclipse firsthand, visit astro.viten.no/english.htm at 5:00 P.M. CST, Knut Joergen Roed Oedegaard, astrophysicist with the Norwegian Centre for Science Education in Oslo, will be documenting the eclipse.

Update: Interested in taking a closer look at last night's midnight solar eclipse? Check out these fantastic photo submissions from Norway, Russia, China and Finland. You can also click here to see reader submitted eclipse photos on NRK.no. Enjoy!

The Arctic Light from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

So You Think You Can Dance?

2011-05-30T17:24:00.011-05:00

Have you read Anna Befort's cover story in the June issue of Viking magazine on Hallgrim Hansegård and his groundbreaking FRIKAR dance company? If so, you know Hansegård, originally from Valdres, began playing Hardanger fiddle and dancing the halling at the age of 7. His exposure skyrocketed in 2006, when appeared on the popular TV program "Danse Feber," Norway's version of "So You Think You Can Dance?" Here's a clip of his appearance, when he wowed the judges with his traditional laus (literally "loose," or solo) dancing.

While Hansegård's group is solidly rooted in Norwegian folk dance traditions, lausdans is just the beginning of what you'll experience in a FRIKAR performance. Hansegård's influences also include breakdancing, ballet and martial arts. Check out FRIKAR's YouTube channel to see dozens of clips of FRIKAR performances, including their winning "Fairytale" performance in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest.

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

World's Best Beard Proudly Sports Norway's Flag

2011-05-23T11:11:00.003-05:00

If you live with a facial-hair enthusiast, like I do, you might already know about the World Beard and Moustache Championships held recently in Norway. My husband dropped some heavy hints about visiting Trondheim this spring for the event, which was temptingly scheduled on May 15, just two days before Norway's national day celebrations. While our family budget couldn't accommodate a spontaneous beard-inspired jump across the pond, there were plenty of photos taken to document the event. And I must admit, there were some truly impressive displays of facial hair.

The biennial contest offers competition in 17 different categories and this year attracted contestants from 15 countries. While a world beard championship might seem frivilous, Ole Skibnes, president of the host Norwegian Moustache Club, warns that there's more to this event than meets the eye. "This is not a circus," Skibnes said in a recent CNN interview." You can't just judge the size of the moustache—you have to see if the hair is well-groomed, see if it suits the person, see if it makes them look good."

This year's winner, Elmar Weissar, a hairdresser from Germany, took the coveted title of "best beard" for a third time. With a not-so-subtle nod to his Norwegian hosts, he sculpted his gravity-defying whiskers to include a moose and a Norwegian flag.

After the event, participants were invited to stay in Trondheim to participate in the city's Syttende Mai parade.

While the next world championship is still two years away, it's not too early to start growing that beard. Anyone up to the challenge of representing Sons of Norway in the 2013 competition in Germany?

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

Gratulerer Med Dagen!

2011-05-17T14:08:00.000-05:00

It's Syttende Mai, and that means that Sons of Norway communities throughout North America and Norway are waving their Norwegian flags, hosting parades, church services and all manner of celebrations to commemorate Norway's constitution day.

This is a great day of unity and celebration for Norway, so please join me and all of Sons of Norway in saying Hurrah for Syttende Mai!

Hurrah for 17. Mai

2011-05-17T09:54:00.004-05:00

Today is Norway's Constitution Day. Happy 17. mai, or as they say in Norwegian, gratulerer med dagen!

As this festive day is beginning on our side of the ocean, celebrations in Norway have been well underway for hours. The weather in Oslo early this morning was chilly and threatened rain, but the sun broke through later to shine on the celebrations.

Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra was up early, dressed in her finest, with the rest of her family. By 8 a.m. they were on the front steps of their estate in Skagum, where they greeted parading schoolchildren. Later, she and her family joined her grandparents, the king and queen, on the balcony of the royal palace, where they waved to the thousands of participants in the country's largest parade.

To watch a recap of the celebrations in Norway and around the world, check out NRK Nett-TV. You can read more about the day's events in English by visiting Views and News from Norway. And if you haven't seen it yet, check out "The Rites of Russ" in the May issue of Viking.

No matter where you're celebrating today, the staff of Viking magazine wishes you a very happy Syttende Mai!

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 courtesy of Flickr user Geir Halvorsen

Eurovision 2011: Semi-Final 1 Results

2011-05-12T10:52:00.000-05:00

If you tuned in on Tuesday to Eurovision.tv’s live coverage of the Eurovision song contest you enjoyed the musical stylings of contestants from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and Norway.

Despite an infectious chorus and beat, Norway’s entry entitled “Haba Haba” by Stella Mwangi didn’t make the final cut to advance to the finals on May 14th. (To learn more about Stella, click here) In spite of the loss, Stella remains positive saying, "I'm fine. It was a great atmosphere in the arena, everyone seemed to be singing Haba Haba." Eurovision 2009 winner, Alexander Rybak, showed support for Stella during an interview with Aftenposten saying he believes that Norway’s second place in the performance order may have been challenging. He also went on to say that due to broadcast malfunctions, viewers in Spain were unable to hear any sound during Stella’s performance.

All is not lost, however, as two of our Nordic neighbors, Finland and Iceland succeeded in the first semifinal to advance to the finals on Saturday, May 14 with fellow contestants from Serbia, Lithuania, Greece, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Switzerland, Hungary and Russia. You can also follow Denmark and Sweden’s performances in the second round semifinals today on eurovision.tv at 2:00 PM (CST).

Norwegians as Role Models for Peace

2011-05-09T13:14:00.007-05:00

"When more women are involved in politics, there will be more peace," says Norway's former Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik. It's a statement that some concerned Minnesotans took to heart when they planned an event called "Empowerment of Women Through Education and Economics." The symposium, held last week at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, was hosted by Norway House, Minnesota International Center, the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights - U.S. Foundation.

With Mr. Bondevik (pictured here) as keynote speaker, the event focused on how Norway can serve as a role model to the rest of the world when it comes to gender equality and the role women play in shaping society. And how can we as Americans work within our society and political systems to make a difference? I'm hoping to learn more about this at a follow-up session the organizers are planning for October.

You can read my interview with Mr. Bondevik about his peace efforts, formerly as prime minister and now as founder of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, in the May 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.

Photo courtesy of Norway House

Tuning in for Eurovision 2011

2011-05-09T09:19:00.009-05:00

The month of May marks many exciting events within the Norwegian community, primarily the celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day. However, this year Norwegians have yet another event to celebrate: Eurovision 2011.

In it’s 56th year, the Eurovision song contest is an international broadcasting event—coordinating simulcasts in 43 participating nations as well as Australia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Korea, and New Zealand. From May 10th through the 14th, viewers across Europe will be tuning in to this year’s live song contest to watch and vote for their favorite contestants. Hosting the event this year is Germany, the home country of last year’s Eurovision winner, Lena Meyer-Landrut.

Norway’s contestant, Stella Mwangi, received a winning 280,217 votes in Oslo’s Melodi Grand Prix with her song “Haba Haba” to win the nomination for her adopted county in February. Mwangi’s energetic pop song takes cues from her African roots and centers heavily on the words of encouragement Mwangi received from her grandmothers, who encouraged her to be whatever she wanted to be. Commentators from Aftenposten suggest that Mwangi may have good chances of winning Eurovision since recent winners—including Alexander Rybak—have succeeded with upbeat songs.

Viewers in Canada and the U.S. can follow along by visiting eurovision.tv at 2:00 PM (CST) on Tuesday, May 10th to watch Mwangi in the first of 2 semi-finals, where she will compete against contestants from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey. The second semi final will take place on the 12th, the final on the 14th.

Spotlight on Bastøy Prison

2011-04-30T10:13:00.009-05:00

Have you had a chance to check out Ann Pedersen's article on Norway's progressive prison system in the May issue of Viking? This article has already generated some interesting reader feedback, both from those who admire Norway's approach to incarceration and from others who feel this philosophy could never work in the United States. If you've got an opinion to share, I'd love to hear it. Write me at vikingeditor@mspcustomcontent.com.

Viking readers aren't the only ones talking about Norway's prisons. If you'd like to learn more about Bastøy prison, one of the two facilities featured in Pedersen's article, you can watch these reports from Deutsche Welle TV and AlJezeera's English Channel.

While Bastøy today is a model of progressive justice, it hasn't always been the case. If fact, for the first half of the 20th century, Bastøy was home to a notorious bording school for disadvantaged boys. The 2010 film "King of Devil's Island" (Kongen av Bastøy) dramatizes the true story of a violent uprising led by the youth in 1915. The Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, (Norsk Folkemuset) has collaborated with the filmmakers with their current exhibit, called "Bad Boy? Bastøy Boys' Home." If you're in the Oslo area, check it out!

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 courtesy of Ulf Larsen, Wikimedia Commons.

Grete Waitz: Legendary Athlete, Role Model

2011-04-22T10:47:00.003-05:00

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Norwegian runner Grete Waitz this week. In the November 2010 issue of Viking, Åge Dalby of the Norwegian Olympic Museum calls Waitz the most influential long-distance female runner of all time. In addition to winning the title of marathon world champion in 1983 and a silver medal at the 84' Olympics, she won the New York City marathon an astounding nine times.

In Norway, Waitz's accomplishments made her a hero. Her statue, pictured here, stands outside Bislett Stadium in Oslo and a Norwegian postage stamp was issued in her honor in 1997.

But while Waitz became famous for her athletic prowess, she also will be remembered as a role model to a generation of female runners. She was a spokesperson for corporate health and wellness and organizations such as CARE International, the Special Olympics, and Aktiv mot Kreft (Active Against Cancert), the foundation she started in 2007.

To learn more about Grete Waitz and nine other great Norwegian athletes, check out "10 Athletes Who Shaped a Nation" in the November 2010 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.

Photo courtesy of Flickruser aktivioslo.

A Royal Visit

2011-04-18T11:22:00.002-05:00

The Palace in Oslo recently made the official announcement that Norway's King Harald and Queen Sonja will visit the United States this fall. The 12-day trip, scheduled for Oct 11-22, will include stops in New York, Minnesota and Iowa. While in New York, Their Majesties will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Scandinavian Foundation, in addition to attending other business and cultural programs. In the Midwest, the king and queen will visit Norwegian-American cultural organizations and communities.

To learn more about the royal family, check out the feature story "A Thoroughly Modern Family" in the December 2010 issue of Viking magazine. The article includes a royal family tree and a history of the modern monarchy.

To get you in the spirit of this historic event, we thought you'd enjoy this video clip of the 1968 royal wedding of King Harald and Queen Sonja in the Oslo Domkirke. And stay tuned for more details on the royal visit!

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

Finding Norwegian Film

2011-04-14T09:26:00.004-05:00

If you're a fan of Norwegian film and you live in the Twin Cities, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival begins today and runs through May 5. This year's festival, which includes more than 170 films from 50 countries, will feature several Norwegian films and an appearance from Norwegian filmmaker Bent Hamer.

The good news—no matter where you live—is that it's never been easier to watch Norwegian films. A number of cities, such as Seattle, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Austin, are host to Nordic film festivals. Scandinavia House in New York shows Nordic films year-round. There's also a growing number of Norwegian titles available on Netflix. Finally, don't forget the Sons of Norway media lending library, available as a benefit to membership! (Log in as a member on Sons of Norway's website to read more about it.)

Want to learn more about the past, present and future of Norwegian film? Check out Rob Nelson's article in the August 2010 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.

The Mystery Behind IKEA Product Names

2011-04-05T14:25:00.003-05:00

Swedish furniture retailer, IKEA, is often known for its affordable and Scandinavian-inspired products, do-it-yourself assembly and large showroom stores. But, perhaps almost as well known, are their product’s distinctive names. A simple google search brings up numerous articles on the topic, a game dedicated to matching IKEA’s product names with the item type, even an interactive product name generator application. What might seem to be a mishmash of unfamiliar words and characters to the average shopper is actually much more. With product names ranging from “Billy” to “Snitta” and everywhere between, IKEA actually employs a complex Scandinavian naming system to the over 10,000 products they sell.

For instance, in my home there is an Aneboda, Bjursta, Malm, Aläng and Mongstad, or in other words, three locations in Sweden and two in Norway. So how do a dresser, dining table, bed frame, lamp and wall mirror turn into place names? Here are just a few of the Scandinavian naming rules that apply to IKEA’s many products:

• Beds, wardrobes, and hall furniture: Norwegian place names
(e.g. Elgå - “Location in Norway” - wardrobe)

• Children’s items: mammals, birds, and adjectives (e.g. Mammut - “Mammoth” - wardrobe)

• Bathroom articles: Scandinavian lakes, rivers and bays
(e.g. Boasjö - “Swedish lake name”- 5 piece bathroom sink set)

• Chairs, desks: men’s names (e.g. Gustav - workstation desk)

• Textiles, curtains: women’s names (e.g. Felicia - throw blanket)

• Upholstered furniture, coffee tables, bookshelves, media storage: Swedish place names (e.g. Ektorp - “Location in Sweden” - upholstered sofa)

• Kitchen utensils: foreign words, spices, herbs, fish, mushrooms, fruits or berries, functional descriptions (e.g. Snitta - “To cut”- knife set)

• Carpets and rugs: Danish place names (e.g. Gåser - “Location in Denmark” - floor rug)

Now you are probably asking yourself, “where did the idea for these IKEA names come from?” Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA’s founder, created the naming system in the hope that naming the products with words and proper names rather than numbers would be easier for the shopper to remember. It was also helpful for Kamprad, as he is dyslexic.

While IKEA’s unique naming system is certainly one of the most well known, it is hardly the beginning of the trend toward retail product naming. Furniture Chairman at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Antonio Larosa, pre-dates the idea much farther, saying, “Throughout history, furniture pieces were given the name of a monarch, such as Queen Anne or Louis XIV, to gain favor and influence.” Giving proper names to retail items creates a visceral connection and many retailers have taken cues from these early ideas in an effort to lure shoppers.

No matter the reason behind IKEA’s product naming procedure, one thing is certain, knowing the nomenclature makes a trip to IKEA all the more interesting, and perhaps even informative.

Itching for some additional examples of IKEA items with a Norwegian moniker? Here are a few to get you started…
• Trondheim: Collection of bedroom furniture
• Tromsö: Collection of loft and bunk style beds
• Stolmen: Collection of wardrobe furniture
• Fåvang: Collection of foam mattresses
• Figgjo: Decorative bathroom mirror
• Nidelva: Bathroom storage tins

Sweet Treats

2011-04-03T18:44:00.007-05:00

It was a pleasure to work with Kari Diehl on "Sweet Talk," Viking magazine's cover feature for April. I came across Kari's Scandinavian food blog a few months ago and have been a fan ever since. If you enjoyed her article on Nordic coffee celebrations, then you'll enjoy this expanded post on the same subject, with plenty of recipes for cakes, tortes and cookies.

As if that weren't enough, Sons of Norway's website is loaded with dozens of great Norwegian recipes for breads, desserts and baked goods as well. When the treats come out of the oven, all that's missing is good coffee and conversation!

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

Northerners Say It Best

2011-03-26T14:44:00.005-05:00

Can one dialect sound more appealing than another? For Norwegians, this seems to be the case. In a recent survey conducted by InFact AS, Norwegians chose nordlendingene—those living in the far north of Norway—as most attractive sounding.

More than ten percent of respondents chose Norway's northernmost dialects as their favorite. It's perhaps a bit surprising, then, that sørlandsk—the dialect spoken in the far south—came in second place. The dialects spoken in Trondelag and Bærum (an community southwest of Oslo) tied for third place.

Why not judge for yourself? You can hear samples of all these dialects and dozens more on this audio database. The instructions are in Norwegian, but you can hear a sample by clicking the map of Norway. When the larger map appears, chose any location. Each dialect is identified by place (sted), municipality (kommune) and county (fylke). Listen to the sample by selecting one of the audio files (.wav or .mp3).

Want to learn more about Norwegian dialects? You can check out my feature story "What Did You Say?" in the March 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.)

Map image by NordNordWest.

Presidential Tour 2011

2011-03-24T11:30:00.003-05:00

If you’ve been reading the last few issues of Viking magazine, then you’ve probably seen the ads promoting the 2011 Presidential Tour of Norway, which departs this fall and is hosted by International President Dan Rude. This is only the second time we’ve done a tour like this in the decade-plus that I’ve been with Sons of Norway, so it’s obviously a very special trip.

But what makes this trip even more special is that those who go will get to see the very best that Norway has to offer! From 800-year-old stave churches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to modern cities and upscale accommodations throughout, tour participants are in for a trip of a lifetime. Thos who decide to jump at this amazing opportunity will experience:

Local culture and cuisine in a number of Norwegian cities, including Oslo, Bergen Sogndal and more
The Oslo Folkemuseum
Seven stave churches, including Gol, Heddal, Lom, Urnes
The Viking Ship Museum
Hadeland Glassverk
The famous Flåm railway

Over the next week or so I’ll be blogging about all the great places the tour will visit. Join me as we begin tomorrow with the first day in Oslo. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about the tour, be sure to contact Linda McCormick at Borton Overseas by calling (800) 843-0602 ext. 12.

You, Too, Can Speak Norwegian!

2011-03-19T12:00:00.004-05:00

I came across a blog post this week that highlighted many of the cognates between Norwegian and English. It's a great reminder of how approachable Norwegian is for us speakers of English. (Although my personal favorite cognate was omitted: egg.) You don't speak Norwegian yet? Learning it is easier than you might think!

As a student at St. Olaf, I was required to study three semesters of a foreign language. And while I chose Norwegian out of an interest in the culture and my heritage, there were others who picked it for its reputation of being the easiest language to learn. In addition to its similar vocabulary, the grammar and sentence structure are, indeed, very English-friendly.

Another reason to learn Norwegian: it's really three languages for the price of one! By learning Norwegian, you'll also find Swedish (especially when spoken) and (written) Danish quite understandable, giving you linguistic inroads to 20 million people.

You can learn a new Norwegian word or phrase each month by checking out Spread the Word, a bite-sized language lesson found in each issue of Viking magazine. You'll find language-learning resources on the Sons of Norway website, too.

So why not take a few minutter (minutes) to brew yourself en kopp kaffe (a cup of coffee), find yourself a comfy place å sitte (to sit), and do a little looking through an ord bok (literally "word book," or dictionary) to see just how easy learning Norwegian can be!

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

Glass Act

2011-03-12T10:23:00.007-06:00

When Karen Hansen was researching "A Glass Act," the Viking cover feature for March, she came up with more glassblowing resources than we could pack into the available pages. For glassblowing enthusiasts, here are a few more sites to check out.

Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington and Pittsburgh Glass Center offer classes for students at a wide range of experience levels. And if you're really serious about finding a glassblowing program, here's an article that can help you find the right one for you. To see artisans in action, you can watch live streaming video of glassblowers from The Hot Shop at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington. The live video is streamed during the museum's normal hours of operation.

Can't get enough of Norwegian glass? Join Sons of Norway International President Dan Rude on a Presidential Tour of Norway in September. The tour includes a tour of the Hadeland Glass Factory. For more information, contact Borton Overseas.

You can read Hansen's article about the history of glassblowing and southern Norway's "glassblowing belt" in the March 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.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user crankyuser.

Meet the 2010 Norwegian Experience Winner

2011-03-07T11:12:00.004-06:00

Sons of Norway and Borton Overseas are very excited to announce the latest winner of the Norwegian Experience recruitment contest, Nancy Madson! As the 2010 winner, Nancy and a guest will be spending nine days visiting some of Norway’s most scenic and historic places, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and several stave churches.

A member since 1990, Nancy has held numerous lodge leadership positions and is currently vice president of Solskinn 6-150 and a District 6 zone director. I had an opportunity to speak with Nancy and learn more about her as well as the upcoming trip.

What do you like most about your lodge?
“We really are planning some great activities at the lodge. We have several cultural skills groups in hardanger, music and rosemaling, a literature blog and a folk dancing group as well as a lunch and supper club. We also are doing some great succession planning for our lodge leadership.”

Why did you join Sons of Norway?
“I grew up in Mankato, Minnesota and had always been surrounded by other Norwegian-Americans, but I never had any exposure to Sons of Norway until I moved to Southern California and saw an ad in the paper for a lodge that was just starting. I was so surprised that there were other Norwegians in that part of the country that I decided to attend the event. I had always had an interest in my heritage and had attended Nordic Fest in the past, but my interest really increased after the loss of my parents—when it is too late to ask questions about bunads and family recipes.”

Were you recruited?
“No, I attended a lodge meeting after seeing an ad in the local paper. It turns out that the meeting that I attended was only the 2nd meeting the lodge had ever held and they asked me to become the publicity director for the lodge—I hadn’t even officially joined yet but I said yes!”

Do you have any family in Sons of Norway?
“I have a sister and niece that are both members. At one time I had purchased gift memberships for all of my siblings and a distant relative in Norway. My nephew and niece both have a strong interest in their heritage. My nephew wants to learn how to make lefse and my sister has been teaching my niece and grandniece Norwegian baking. It’s really important to pass our heritage and traditions on to others. I don’t have any children, but I enjoy passing on those traditions to my nephew, niece and grandnieces.”

What do you like best about Sons of Norway?
“Many things…mostly the camaraderie. Getting together with people with a shared interest. Membership in Sons of Norway was also good for me on a personal level. I used to be terrified of public speaking! But, when I first became a cultural director I had to learn how to give presentations. Several leadership positions later, I’m much more comfortable and I now give leadership workshops.”

How did you find out that you’d won the Norwegian Experience contest?
“Dan Rude, our International President, left a message on my answering machine saying he would like to talk with me and that he would call back at a different time. My first thought was, ‘oh no something is really wrong in my district!’ Luckily, it was good news and a definite surprise!”

What are you most looking forward to when you travel to Norway?
“I’m really looking forward to seeing so many stave churches. I traveled to Norway in 2000 to attend the International Convention in Stavanger, but that was 11 years ago. I’m really looking forward to seeing the differences and things that have changed since the last time I was in Norway. I’m also looking forward to enjoying the trip with others. We’ll be joining attendees of the Presidential Tour so it will be a lot of fun to experience Norway with other members.”

The contest is open to anyone who recruited at least one new member last year. How many new members did you recruit and do you have any tips to share about recruiting?
“I didn’t recruit that many, 4. I know there are people who recruited many more people than me--it really is all the luck of the draw! Over the years we’ve tried a few recruiting ideas and letter writing campaigns, but simply asking others in your community works. Just recently I was at a Chamber mixer and someone overheard a conversation I was having with another person about lutefisk and that peaked the person’s interest. I always have copies of Viking magazine in my car, so I went out and grabbed them a copy and showed them what they’re missing.”

Be sure to check in with us in the coming months as we continue to blog about the big trip, and don’t forget you, too, can be eligible to win the Norwegian Experience! Check out the Norwegian Experience 2011 ads in the March and upcoming April issue of Viking to learn more or call 800-945-8851.

Norway's Skiers Dominate Nordic Worlds

2011-03-06T18:08:00.011-06:00

Congratulations to Norway on their spectacular showing in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships! When the games came to a close in Oslo on Sunday, Norway had amassed a whopping 20 medals, including 8 golds. The nearest competitors were Austria with 10 medals and Sweden with 5.

There were plenty of exciting moments during the championships, but one I found particularly moving was when 22-year-old Therese Johaug won gold in the Women's 30 km (18 mile) race. After a week of foggy weather, the sun broke through and helped energize the crowd of 100,000 fans to add an extra boost to the home-field advantage.

For more coverage of the FIS championships, check out this summary from the English language website "News and Views from Norway."

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

Lifelong Learning

2011-02-25T09:33:00.005-06:00

While scrolling through my Facebook feed yesterday, I noticed that Vesterheim Museum is promoting their upcoming Lifelong Learning classes. I checked out their website and was really impressed to see the variety of classes they're offering this year. The museum offers classes in woodworking, metalworking, fiber arts, rosemaling, writing, and traditional Norwegian cooking and baking. Want to make a wooden bowl? Or a traditional Norwegian corner cabinet, including the metal hinges? How about improving your overshot weaving technique? Or learning the style of rosemaling from Rogaland or Valdres? You can even build your own Hardanger fiddle! It's a good thing I don't live any closer to Decorah. If I did, I would want to register for all of these classes—my family would never see me!

Several of Vesterheim's upcoming woodcarving classes are taught by Professor Emeritus Harvey Refsal, who recently retired from Luther College. Check out an interview with Harley in the October 2010 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.
Photo courtesy of Vesterheim Museum.

Marvelous Mythology

2011-02-19T11:04:00.012-06:00

If you're a fan of Marvel Comics' take on Norse mythology, you're soon in for a treat. The trailer for the movie "Thor" was released this week, and the film is scheduled for release May 6, 2011. Here's a synopsis of the film from the Marvel website:

"Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin and is forced to live among humans. ... It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth."

In the meantime, if you'd like to brush up on your Norse mythology as told by a master storyteller, get one of Dag Rossman's six books on the subject, including "The Dragonseeker's Saga: New Tales of the Nine Worlds," (Skandisk, 2009) or "The Northern Path: Norse Myths and Legends Retold...And What They Reveal" (Seven Paws Press, 2005). Rossman, who got his start as a storyteller at District 5 Masse Moro language camp, is a member of Valdres 1-503 in Decorah, Iowa, and was featured in the February 2010 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.

Focus on Fosse

2011-02-12T11:07:00.005-06:00

One of the things I enjoy most about editing Viking is researching topics that we cover in the magazine. When writer Karen Hansen pitched a story on Jon Fosse, Norway's best-known contemporary playwright, I—like many Americans—knew almost nothing about him. If you haven't had a chance to read it, be sure to check out Hansen's article, "Focus on Fosse," in the current issue of Viking!

If you'd like to learn more about Fosse and his work, you can read this interview in The Brooklyn Rail published in 2004, just prior to his U.S. premier. And whether or not you understand Norwegian, you'll enjoy seeing the light-hearted side of Fosse in this video interview, produced in 2007 by the Norwegian Broadcasting Company (NRK). (Sorry, no subtitles!)

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

Don’t Feed the Bears

2011-02-09T09:00:00.006-06:00

If you’ve ever visited a zoo or a state park, you’ve probably heard these words: “Don’t feed the bears.” However one adventurous Norwegian, named Ragnar Thorseth, threw caution to the wind and fed open-faced salmon and mayonnaise sandwiches to a polar bear—by hand. This amazing feat, filmed during a family sailing trip in Svalbard in 1987, has just become available online. Check out Thorseth’s run-in with one of Svalbard’s polar bears below.

So who is this gutsy Norwegian? Ragnar Thorseth is best known for his adventuring spirit. Often called “The Last Viking,” Thorseth completed several notable sailing expeditions, retracing the paths of both Leif Eriksson and Roald Amundsen. All the more incredible is that Thorseth set out on many of his famed journeys in replica Viking ships. Completing a 2-year trip around the world in “Saga Siglar,” a Viking merchant ship, in 1986 and a 6-month expedition from Norway to New York as part of the “Vinland Revisited” expedition sponsored in part by the Norwegian and Icelandic government in 1991. In fact, our own Viking magazine chronicled Thorseth’s journey on “Gaia,” a replica of the famous “Gokstad” ship, in the August and October 1991 issues. Thorseth also has the distinction of being the first Norwegian to reach the North Pole by land.

Despite setbacks from a serious horseback riding accident in 2000, Thorseth welcomes his newest adventures as a grandfather, hobby fisherman and golfer. He has also continued to produce films, including a recent NRK documentary with photographer and friend, Trygve Berge.

If you’d like to learn more about Ragnar Thorseth or the “Vinland Revisited” journey on “Gaia” visit http://www.gaia.no/crew/history.html. You can also reserve “Viking Voyage,” a VHS film chronicling the journey, from our media lending library by calling 800-945-8851.

Tubfrim Winner Announced!

2011-02-07T09:34:00.004-06:00

As you may, Sons of Norway is an annual contributor to the Norwegian Tubfrim program, which raises money to help children. For the past 27 years, our members have been clipping canceled postage stamps and sending them to Tubfrim, who then turns around and sells them to dealers and collectors.

Originally the money went to assist children afflicted by tuberculosis. Today, however, the organization also works to improve the quality of life for children and youth living with a variety of handicaps. Sons of Norway members play an integral role in providing this much-needed assistance.

Here's some of fun facts about Sons of Norway's participation in Tubfrim:

From January 1, 2010 to January 31st 2011, Sons of Norway members contributed more than 4,000lbs (1,835 kilos)! That's nearly 2 TONS of postage stamps!
Sons of Norway's contribution equals nearly 50% of all stamps sent to Tubfrim in a given year!
Tubfrim has a Facebook page.
Tubfrim is owned by the Norwegian Health Association (Nasjonalforeningen for folkehelsen).
Today the profits are used to help handicapped children and youth in Norway, and to finance the efforts to eradicate tuberculosis.

While helping children is probably incentive enough for our members, Sons of Norway does something to thank those who participate by holding an annual drawing for a free plane ticket to Norway. For every pound of stamps collected, the member or lodge is entered into the drawing which is held every January.

This year’s winner was drawn during an installation ceremony held at the Sons of Norway Valhall lodge 6-025 in San Diego, California. I’m pleased to announce that the winner is Lollo Sievert, a member from Vegas Viking lodge 6-152! Congratulations, Lollo and have a great time in Norway!

If you’d like to participate in the Tubfrim contest and get the chance to win a free ticket to Norway, visit the Tubfrim page on the Sons of Norway website.

Divine Design

2011-02-04T13:39:00.003-06:00

Viking readers already know that Oslo is a beautiful city. And the folks at Wallpaper magazine, a British journal of design and style, are in full agreement. They recently listed Oslo among five best cities worldwide in their 2011 Design Awards. They cited the city’s livability, natural beauty and great new architecture—including the newly reopened Holmenkollen ski jump, pictured here—as reasons for the recognition.

Want to learn more about the new Holmenkollen? Check out Stephen Regenold’s article, “Airborne Over Oslo,” in the current 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.

Image courtesy of Flickr user puzzled.

Genealogists: Have You Tried the Digitalarkivet?

2011-02-04T07:11:00.000-06:00

Exciting news for genealogy researchers—I received an e-mail the other day from a colleague about the Norway’s National Archives. Apparently the NNA has created a free, online, searchable archive of census information dating back to 1910!

Admittedly I’m no genealogist, but after spending a little time playing around with the archive interface, I can see how it would be super-helpful to anyone researching family history in Norway. The website allows you to search by inputting as much or as little info as you have. Some of the standard search fields include name, gender, marital status, occupation, DOB and DOD. But, if you have more information, there are other fields you can add to the search, like assumed residence, habitual residence, ethnicity, language and year of emigration. Even cooler than that is that the search doesn’t stop when your ancestor left Norway—the digital archive also allows you to search by last known residence in America and occupation in America.

Also, the searchable archive allows you to narrow your search by geographic region or fylke. This would probably be helpful for people doing geological research who are unsure about the specific city or farm where their ancestors came from.

I know there's already lots of great tools our there for conducting genealogical research, but from what I hear there’s always room for more. This reminds me, I’ll have to make sure this site gets added to the Genealogy Cultural Skills unit. If you aren’t familiar with it, its one of the many Cultural Skills units that Sons of Norway offers to members. Other units include rosemaling, hardanger embroidery, Norwegian language and folk dancing. If you’ve never taken the time to check them out, I highly recommend it!

Ok, that’s all for today, now go try out the digital archives and let me know if its helped you make any breakthroughs in your familial search!

This Winter, Too, Shall Pass

2011-01-29T10:41:00.002-06:00

For those of us living in wintry places, January can be a long, cold month. Sometimes we need a reminder that this season, too, shall pass. Check out this video clip—you’ll enjoy seeing the changing seasons in an Oslo backyard.

Whether you like it or not, winter will be with us northerners for a while, so I recommend reading Colleen Friesen’s feature “Of Sled Dogs and Snow Crabs” in this month's issue of Viking. It’s a great reminder that winter—like the rest of the seasons—is better when you get out there and embrace it. Enjoy the rest of the winter, and remember: Spring is right around the corner!

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

Airborne Over Oslo

2011-01-24T08:42:00.002-06:00

The Nordic World Ski Championships begin in just a few weeks in Oslo. The event, expected to attract a TV viewing audience of hundreds of millions around the globe, will give Norway the opportunity to showcase its newly redesigned Holmenkollen ski jump facilty, which reopened in March of 2010.

If you’d like to learn more about the new Holmenkollen ski facility or the Nordic Worlds, look for Stephen Regenold’s feature “Airborne Over Oslo,” in the upcoming February issue of Viking. In the meantime, to get you into the spirit of things, check out this ski jumping game that Stephen shared with me. It’s tricky! I’ve crashed every time, but maybe you’ll have better luck!

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 courtesy of Flickr user aktivioslo.

Ice Music

2011-01-19T09:19:00.006-06:00

If you are like those of us living in the Midwest, you’re probably suffering the pains of winter. You know the gusting winds, driving snowstorms and subzero temperatures? Well, one Norwegian is trying to make the best of this wintry mix by playing instruments made of ice.

That’s right, ice.

Norwegian musician, composer and percussionist Terje Isungset has been creating music for years but it wasn’t until he was commissioned to compose and play in a frozen waterfall during the 2000 Lillehammer Olympics that he first gained notoriety for creating music with ice. Then, in 2006, Isungset founded the world’s first ice music festival with instruments—harp, guitar, drums and fiddle, just to name a few—made from 600 year old glacial ice.

In talking about his musical adventures with ice, Isungset said:

“The instruments are made from top quality ice. It must be free of any air bubbles. The instruments are carved using saws and knives. So far these instruments have been created and recorded: Iceofon, Ice Harp, Ice Horn, Ice trumpet, Ice percussion, Ice bass drum carved from one block of ice. In addition, all stands, supports and tables are also made from ice. Only the bass drum pedal, fish line for suspension, and the strings on the Ice Harp are made from materials other than pure frozen water.”

This month, Isungset is bringing his talents to the Geilo Ice Music Festival. After that he plans to take his unique music on the road with an Ice Music Tour that will make stops in Germany, India, Australia, England and France with plans to visit the U.S. in 2012.

If you would like to learn more about Terje Isungset, the Geilo Ice Music Festival or the Ice Music tour, visit http://home.online.no/~isungz/, www.icefestival.no/en/ or www.icemusic.no.