What Could Go Wrong?

The Olympics are over and all events have been completed and evaluated. Competitors trained for years to reach their peak and expected a successful ‘finish’. After all that work, what could go wrong?

A high-diving athlete had trained for years, perfecting a polished routine. The graceful approach to the board was as expected and the diver poised and tested the board with little bounces.Then, something unexpected happened. The diver slipped, falling off the the board, and attempting to regain control, plunged into the
water much as a common cannonball . After all that practice and expecting to score highly, the scoreboard recorded “Zero”. With high expectations, what went wrong?

- - - - -

The US men’s relay confidently ran their event after long hours of perfecting their time and technique and were happily expecting to, at least, qualify for a medal. Looking at their scoreboard, they were shocked to see “DQ”- “Disqualified” . Electronic monitors detected that

the baton was,at one time, exchanged  outside of the designated exchange area. After all that practice, how could that happen? No one could possibly expect these results. All preparations and routines seemed to be progressing smoothly.  Who knew?

- - - - -

This has been a very unusual year. Record-high temperatures in one area, floods caused by unusually extreme rain amounts for others while  another area suffers drought conditions all within our US boundaries. While some will say “There’s the way it goes. Just a cycle”, others suspect “There’s something in the air.”  Climatologists have recorded changes in the atmosphere and the presence of heavy smog at times.  We enjoy the products and tend to think these good conditions will never end. But, perhaps, the unexpected is happening.

- - - - -

Smog is a type of air pollutant. The word "smog" was coined in the early 20th century as a combination of

the words ‘smoke and fog’ sometimes known as 'pea soup' fog, a familiar and serious problem in London from the 19th century to the mid 20th century. Much like our Olympics, factories around the world have been accelerating their production  for public consumption and profit . Cars and traffic have provided happy travelers and all is well until we begin to see air quality change and problems grow. Who knew this could be a problem?

- - - - -

Our politicians protect constituents' business interests and are naturally slow to suggest changes,

but changes are ‘in the wind’. Solar and wind energy have been topics of discussion to lessen the need for fossil fuel, but even Wisconsin is reported to be at the bottom in both projects according to the American Wind Energy Association. Electric cars are being produced and improved. Drivers of these ‘electric powered ‘ vehicles comment on high horse-power, but disappointed in range of travel and improvements are desired. The change from ‘fossil fuel’ is slow. Our ‘overseas’ relatives seem to be more highly ‘energized’ to make the change. They seem to know!

- - - - -

The Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven, has announced that his country will work towards becoming "one of the first fossil fuel-free welfare states in the world," in a speech to the UN General Assembly.

- - - - -

 Nordic countries already lead the world in renewable energy, with Sweden generating around two-thirds of its electricity through renewable sources.
On one unusually windy day in July, Denmark produced 140 per cent of its electricity needs through wind power alone, exporting the rest of the energy to its neighbors, Germany, Sweden and Norway (one of the biggest oil producers in the world).

 - - - - -

 Almost 100 per cent of Iceland's electricity comes from renewable sources, due to its investment in hydropower and geothermal energy production.Nordic countries already lead the world in renewable energy, with Sweden generating around two-thirds of its electricity through renewable sources

- - - - -.

 But the change is not cheap nor easy.

Making the jump to eradicating fossil fuels entirely in Sweden is a much more difficult task altogether.

In a speech to the Swedish Parliament in which he announced these green policies, Löfven said: "Children

should grow up in a toxin-free environment. The removal of dangerous substances and the idea that the polluter should pay are the basis of our politics."

- - - - - 

In Sweden's planned budget, the government announced it would allocate 4.5 billion kronor next year to  funding  solar panels and wind turbines that will utilize a smarter energy grid and energy storage system. They are getting serious!

- - - - -

Perhaps this will send an "important signal" to the West. In 1917, Alexander Graham Bell suggested the use of  ethanol from corn, wheat and other foods as an alternative to coal and oil, stating that the world was in ‘measurable distance’ of depleting these fuels. Biofuel and Ethanol are plant-derived gasoline substitutes for powering vehicles.Even algae can be a biofuel  derived from algae( produced quickly in Olympic diving pools, much to the chagrin of RIO Olympic officials). Geothermal energy of the earth's internal heat can be used  to boil water for heating buildings or generating electricity. There are several sources of alternative energy available to replace our fossil fuels.

- - - - -

Perhaps concentrating on these sources might improve our environment before we find our aquatic athletes diving into pristine green water while‘scoring a zero’ and track-runners unable to see in the smog and we realize that we can no longer cleanly ‘hand off the baton’ to the next generation.

Maybe we already know!

Poky-what?

What’s going on?

There I was, propped against a tree with a my geo-cache GPS in my hand. I just found the cache in the tree knot-hole above me and sat down to rest. Looking around, I thought of  Rip Van Winkle waking up after his long nap.( Believe that?)

Things have changed!

My hand-held GPS is getting old, but cache-finding is still popular. But now, there’s this “Poke-something". In the news, I heard this poky-thingy is causing anxiety due to certain convicted people using it as a lure to get youngsters to their location! Others are wandering out of the country using this thing! I must be the only one who has been sleeping. Time to check this out.

- - - - -

 Back in "The Day”, a great computer, Commodore came out, at that

Mario!

time a fun hand-game with the Atari name and our fingers were busy! Mario jumped from one wall to another, and soon every one one of us had to play Pong. Nothing dangerous about that, but loads of fun! Soon, rockets put satelites in the air and things got complicated. That’s when I must have gone to sleep.

Pong!

- - - - -
This poky-thing came up at the Super Bowl and current newspaper readers are concerned about this new video game.Time to see what’s happening.

It’s  called POKEMON!

( Sure not English!) As usual, it comes from overseas. POK-E-MON is not new coming from a Japanese combination of Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures!. The name comes from contractions of the Japanese “Poketto” and “Monsut”  or “Pocket Monsters”in English  around 1990, and now the second-most

Satoshi Tajiri

 successful video game-based media in the world ( behind Nintendo’s Mario). The original Pokémon was a role-playing game created by Satoshi Tajiri  in 1995. His concept of the game stemmed from the hobby of insect collecting, one of his favorite pastimes. Players use cards, attempting to defeat their opponent by “knocking out” opponents cards while the captured is added to the winner’s collection. The game is widely popular, however not without some concerns.

- - - - -

In the USA, there seems to be little social concern, however, while the games have been released at the same time in Norway, they are not in Norwegian, but in English. The only Norwegian language game is their practice of trading cards online.At it’s original viewing in Norway, the series was accused of marketing Pokémon merchandise due to commercials and marketing towards children being illegal in Norway. It took some time before unedited versions were allowed  in Norway while most episodes of the series were simply the American versions with an added Norse dub track.

- - - - -

In Norway the anime is available on Netflix. In the year of 2000 the soundtrack album Pokémon 2.B.A. Master was translated into Norwegian under the title Pokémon Du må fange dem alle!.

- - - - -

In the latest news, American players are noticing  changes to the game that omits features that aid players' awareness of what distance they may be from  their objective.Some players are not enthusiastic about the current versions.

- - - - -

Critics of the games have noted that back in December 1997, more than 635 Japanese children were admitted to hospitals with epileptic seizures caused by watching an episode of Pokémon "Denno Senshi Porygon", or "Electric Soldier Porygon". In this particular episode, there were bright explosions with rapidly alternating color patterns. Researched, it was determined that the strobe-light effects caused some individuals to have epileptic seizures, even if the person had no previous history of epilepsy.

- - - - -

 Two youths unaware of their surroundings when they were playing Pokémon  GO on their cell phones made an illegal border crossing  from Canada into the United States in a remote part of Montana. Border officials said the two youngsters were found  with their attention riveted on their phones while they were trying to hunt down cartoon characters on a journey that took them over the border."Both juveniles were so captivated by their Pokémon GO games that they lost track of where they were," said Michael Rappold, a spokesman for the agency”.

- - - - -

In 1999, two nine-year-old boys from  New York sued Nintendo because they claimed the Pokémon Trading Card Game caused their problematic gambling.

But, the game’s popularity continues to grow.

.As of May 2016, the Pokémon media franchise has grossed revenues of  $46.2 billion USD. The franchise celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2006 and the twentieth anniversary was celebrated with a commercial at the 2016 Super Bowl using the theme: "I can do that".

So far, I haven’t heard any great complaint about my old geo-cache,

 So, on with the games!

Who Knew?

I don't believe it!

As our Sons of Norway meeting drew to completion, the President asked “ Is there anything else before we close?” One of our members replied? ”Yes, Next week there will be a horse show nearby, and it will have fjord horses in the competition. You are welcome to come and see them up close.” She went on to say that all of the horses would be entered in a jumping event. Fjord horses jumping?  This, we had to see! We were going to a horse-show!

Gracie on Sandy

   Searching the websites, no publicity could be found, but we knew the location and the address was just a few miles from our house. We found the farm at 9 AM that next Saturday and saw very few people amidst incoming horse  trailers.

- - - - -                          

While talking to the people getting their horses ready, we learned that the event was actually a club event for horse owners and riders who were “learning the ropes” and were going to compete in a practice competition not really open to the public. So, we had all the owners and riders to ourselves!

- - - - -

 Our Sons of Norway lady came over to talk with us. Her thirteen-year-old granddaughter was to be the rider on their young fjord horse! And me, being “not vastly knowledgeable” of this event despite having been around horses on “Grandpa’s Farm” years ago, had tons of questions!
 With very few other spectators around, owners, riders, and grandma seemed to enjoy answering. We had a great time on this horse-farm watching action on the “dressage arena”, French for the “training exhibition” area, and all our questions were answered.

Before they began the first event, instructions were given to each rider, such as " At point X, canter to point C..Right turn to V and trot to point S, Left turn and...etc)". This had to be memorized. It seemed like Sandy, the fjord was listening!

Sandy in competition

                                 - - - - -
The 'dressage' event apparently was a favorite of the horses as they went through the trot, canter, half-whatever event with no verbal commands. The horse knew what to do by sensing the rider's motions while under the eyes of two judges. One owner explained that the horses liked the drill, because they knew “they looked pretty!”. As we watched, the grand-daughter and her dun-colored horse combination looked like a winner! They really are pretty.

- - - - -

The Fjord is not a big horse. The height is measured in ‘hands’ of between 13 and 14 hands; (which is 53 and 59 inches) at the withers  (the area right in front of the saddle) and weight normally ranges from 400 to 500 kilograms (880 to 1,100 lb). Though some may fall under the traditional cutoff between horses and ponies, the Fjord  is considered a horse, regardless of height. However, this animal is a  very strong horse breed from the mountainous regions of western Norway.

- - - - -

A Fjord at home in Norway

 It is an agile breed of light work-horse build. All Fjord horses are dun in color which is usually a sandy tan, but the distinctive white mane with a dark center is the universal  fjord  trademark.  Amongst Fjord Horse aficionados, the dark section of hair in the middle of the mane is described by the Norwegian terms as midtstol, and darker hair in the middle of the tail is called the halefjær.The Fjord horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds and known to have existed in Norway since the end of the last ice age. It is believed that the ancestors of the modern Fjord horse migrated to Norway and were domesticated over 4,000 years ago.

 - - - - -

 The Fjord horse and its ancestors have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway.Today, the Fjord horse is a favorite at Norwegian riding and the therapeutic schools, as it’s mild temperament and small size make it suitable for children and disabled individuals. These horses can even be therapeutic to fellow horses.

- - - - - 

 At this event, “Tucker”, another fjord, did not compete, but came along as a horse’s companion. Right now, it’s ‘lunch-time’ as they pull hay out of the feed-bag. The competitor buddy was getting it’s “tack”, or bridle, saddle, etc  ready for the show.
- - - - -

Sandy in action

But again, can a fjord jump?
The ‘jumping-arena’ was covered by an array of piled logs, with jumps ranging  from a foot high to approximately 2-3 feet, including a  length of black tires, which according to one owner “All horses hate” but they all made it over the dreaded tires, sometimes with repeated efforts. All were given ratings in their own experience classifications. Apparently, three days of competition was packed into one day and horses and riders  had a very busy day. As for jumping, maybe not  very high, but Fjords can jump!  We left before the final event but were impressed by how this Norwegian animal handled it all.

- - - - -

At our next meeting, this grandmother come to us and exclaimed  “Sandy ( the Fjord) and Gracie  (The thirteen-yr-old rider and granddaughter) came in fifth place after all the events!” This, in competition with about 30 competitors is quite a feat! 

Good Show!

...

It Was A Long Day!

It was only June, but it was a hot July-type day and we were out under the sun with a crowd of people who were impatiently maneuvering to better their position and everyone around us was looking westwardly at the setting sun.

It was the longest day of the year, a day called The Summer Solstice. We had just left the Minneapolis area whose residents were expected to celebrate the day with songs, dances and delicacies while circling the annual Maypole. A day to celebrate the sun after a long cold winter. But at this time, we were on the highway having left the celebrations , finding ourselves in a mass of cars heading south,  most likely trying to get back to work and earn more money in order to be able to return to the north next weekend! Sun worshipers of a different nature. It truly was the longest  day of the year!

- - - - -

There has been many examples of  catastrophic episodes in history and it is easy to imagine 'Early Man' observing eclipses , meteorites, comets and other phenomena and connecting it with the sun disappearing in dark clouds and wild weather. All controlled by an apparent invisible god-the Sungod.

- - - - -

The sun has been given an extraordinary position in early human culture , possibly as social leaders used their knowledge of seasons to maintain their own power and status through the ignorance of the masses. After a long winter of little or no sunlight, everyone would welcome and celebrate the anticipated season of growth and renewal. The word 'solstice' comes from the Latin 'sol' ( sun) and 'steare' ( to stand and stop) while  it's celebration dates back to ancient pre-Christian tradition. For the Greeks, it would mark the start of the new year. Our Native American tribes celebrate the longest day of the year with a Sun Dance.

- - - - -

Songs and dancing around the maypole are traditional Midsummer fare. This with handcrafts, and flowery wreaths help create a joyous time. Midsummer, also known as St John's Day, is the period of time centered upon the summer solstice on a day between June 19 and June 25 , beginning on the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different cultures.
                      - - - - -
Scandinavian celebrations included everyone. Sweden residents celebrated their "Midsummer" with games after dancing around the Maypole..a Maypole in July!?
Raising and dancing around a maypole (majstång or midsommarstång) is an activity that attracts families and many others. Greenery placed over houses and barns was expected to bring good fortune and health to people and livestock; This old tradition of decorating with greens continues,  though most don't take it seriously. att maja' (to may) be the origin of the word.  Other researchers say the term came from German merchants who raised the maypole in June because the Swedish climate made it impossible to find the necessary greens and flowers in May, but continued to call it a maypole. Today, however, it is most commonly called a "midsommarstång" (literally midsummer pole).. To decorate with greens was called 'majstång,

- - - - -

The night before would be marked by fires. Early fires must have been used as warning signals to friends making them award of invaders. In this case, the highlands would be the first to welcome the new sun. These fires are known today as bonfires and enjoyed even by today's celebrations in annual events.Scholastic students annually gather anything burnable in a great heap and enjoy the burning spectacle of  'The Bonfire' before the Homecoming Game.

- - - - -

The "piling" of material to burn is  noted in history .  In Norway and Denmark, the man event is and was the Jonsok" or the birth of "John, The Baptist". Mock weddings between adults and even children were meant to symbolize the blossoming of new life.When Christianity entered pagan areas, these celebrations came to be transferred into these traditions.At nightfall, the traditional mountain fires would be lit on June 23rd anticipating the coming celebrations.

- - - - -

 The celebration of Midsummer's Eve came from ancient times in festivals of the summer solstice. Bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits which were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southward again. A 13th century English monk recorded that St. John's Eve ceremonies were to include cleaning the area of winter rubbish and bones and then burn them. The smoke from these bonefires were expected to drive away all evil spirits of the cold winter season. As time went on, the 'e' disappeared, but the bonfire remained to this day.

- - - - -

June is marked on our calendar as the beginning of summer and, more importantly, vacation-time and outdoor activities that often include traveling long distances. Even Finnish people are known to mass-exist their cities for countryside cabins for days. Americans crowd the beaches, lakes, nightly bonfires; then hurry home on Sundays to prepare for the next weekend's return trip to the country to enjoy the sunshine.

There is an old saying "Very little changes, under the sun".

Hard To Believe

A joke, right?

Ole and Sven are two characters who, forever, have been the brunt of jokes . These two seem to be the ‘Best of Buds” while at the same time both appear “ dumb as a couple of  posts”. Their everyday life experiences are built on friendship, while each believes his buddy is not too smart.

" Have you heard the one about.."

Ole is a Norwegian, while Sven is from “that other country!” To this day, Scandinavians enjoy the humor and friendly banter when a Swede and a Norskie meet. They seem to ‘get along’, no matter what!

- - - -

Looking back through the history of these two countries, it is a wonder that these two should be friends, as, should their countries, after all their fights. Back in ‘The Day’, early Norwegians were known as  the Northmen, or Vikings, who, soon as they learned to row a boat, began to ravage the coasts of northwest Europe causing trouble for everyone.

- - - - -

 In the 8th century, conquered territory was ruled by conquering chieftains. Territorial power-struggles  created new kingships, tribes combined for strength in battles intermingled across country lines, and countrymen found themselves controlled by foreign rulers.Sweden seemed to be on one side while Norway was on the other.Hardly, friends!

- - - - -

 Nearly 70% of Norway is uninhabitable, covered by

mountains, glaciers, rivers and  deep fjords. All of this provides beautiful scenery, however, fewer countrymen, limited mobility and scattered population hampered military defense. Due to this, Norway desired to avoid war, or whenever necessary, made arrangements with neighboring tribes or forces. Adding to Norwegian problems, the spread of the dreaded Black Death weakened the country. Alliances with neighboring countries became a necessity and wars were constant.

 - - - - -

Denmark, due to it’s geographical location to Western Europe became an important ally. Early conflicts found Denmark to be the superior force, naturally gaining political control over Norway. Later, more conflict found the forces of Norway-Denmark being attacked by Swedish forces.  Norway frequently was ceded to the winner while the warring contests varied when country alliances changed in the Middle Ages.
                                 - - - - -

In 1814, Denmark and it’s ally Norway were again on the losing end when involved in the Napoleon War and Norway was ceded to the king of Sweden who was supporting the French. Norwegians finally had enough!  

In an attempt to take control of their destiny, the Norwegians convened a constitutional assembly at Eidsvoll and on May 17, 1814, signed the Constitution of Norway, but the old political influence of Denmark had an effect. The viceroy and heir to the thrones of Denmark and Norway, prince Christian Frederik, was elected by the assembly .Norway would have their independence..with a Danish ruler!

- - - - -

 Sweden didn’t agree, and more war resulted until Sweden agreed to allowing Norway to maintain a

“Personal Union” with Norway choosing their own governing body. Norway finally was successful in ending the union and also ending over 500 years of monarchs who resided outside the country! With this history of constant wars and political foreign dominance, one would think Norway would be content to enjoy their independence and freedom from other Scandinavian countries. However, both countries came from the same Teutonic race and shared culture connections ran deeply.

The borders between these two countries  changed several times because of war. Currently, both countries virtually have no immigration controls, only  customs checks performed by both countries, sometimes by only one person. These checks are sporadic along the Norway–Sweden border and cars are usually not forced to stop. For flights and ferries between the countries, there are no formal passport checks at airport and ferry ports, but identity cards are needed to board. The border is marked only by mountains, water, fjords or open ground. Stone markers, called cairns, mark many parts of the border.

 One of these stone markers is The Riksrösen  and it divides Norway and Sweden. 

 Streets may have a line to cross to the other country.

  - - - - -

 Due to the extremely high food prices in Norway, about 30 percent of the total Norwegian population,  go on one-day trips to Sweden to buy groceries. A Norwegian family can save up to 40 percent due to a strong Norwegian krone when purchasing goods of low Swedish food prices. The small Swedish border town Tocksfors (1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Oslo), is completely dependent upon Norwegian shoppers to survive.

  A typical ad reads:.We have shopping buses to Sweden (Storlien) every day (morning routes – Tuesday to Sunday and afternoon routes – Monday to Friday).

- - - - -

Reaping the benefits, the Nordby Center on the Swedish side of the border posted record sales results this summer. Located just off the motorway from Oslo,  Norwegian shoppers  stream over the border in record numbers to avoid hefty domestic prices by  stocking up on groceries in Sweden.

Nordby is always packed with Norwegians and is much bigger than any shopping center in Norway, 

- - - - -

Many people living in Trondheim travel east and across the border into Sweden for two reasons: shopping or skiing. Just minutes across the border travelers travel to Storlien, known for its shopping centers and the free bus that runs every day from Trondheim. Meat and alcohol are among the items that is cheaper in Sweden

Free buses daily

Citizens of either country have easy access to cross over to visit or shop.After many years of warfare, border and political changes, and dominance of foreign princes and kings, these two countries have developed bonds of cooperation, friendship and shared commerce.

 - - - - -

 Perhaps Ole and Sven are not so dumb after all! 

They know how to ‘get along’.