Finland's english language magazine
SixDegreeS
rosa karo
Embracing fairytales page 28
Keeping the peace page 16
BisHop AsKolA
A foreign occurance page 20
Moving for lovE
prEsidEntiAl ElEctions
Who's next? page 15
Issue 10/2011 www.6d.fi 9.12.2011 - 26.1.2012
ibrar y L
services for all
There is an increasing number of free library services here in Finland that cater to those who do not speak Finnish or Swedish as their first language. "Some of our branches have courses in other languages," explains Tiina Tarvonen, Head of Adults' Department at Pasila Library. "Different branches also have story hours for children in Somali, Arabic, Russian and in English, along with courses in other languages on how to use the internet, or how to use the library system." Pasila Library is also one of many libraries that host a weekly language cafe. Held every week on a Wednesday, these have proven to be very popular with those seeking to improve their Finnish skills. "It's an informal discussion group, where we use spoken language instead of the formal language," Tarvonen states. "We try to familiarise people with the spoken language here by talking about different subjects. You don't have to commit yourself to it every week. We have had people from every continent at our language café." Furthermore, different groups of students who are learning Finnish pay a visit to Pasila library every week with their teachers as a part of their language courses. During these one-off visits, students practice their Finnish by learning about the library's services from information specialists. Also, for those who are not living in Helsinki, the collection of books at Pasila Library currently includes titles that are available in almost 100 different languages, and are available for hire via the nationwide inter-library network.
Sun 1/22/2012 Lasipalatsi Square, Helsinki
2-6 pm Lion and dragon dancers · Chinese market and food stalls · Tricks by skilled Chinese magicians · New Year's show live from Beijing on video screen · And much more!
Free e ntrance!
Further information on services can be found at:
www.lib.hel.fi/en-GB
6.20 pm Chinese fireworks over Töölönlahti. Welcome to celebrate the Year of the Dragon!
Organizers:
SUOMI-KIINA-SEURA KIINAN KANSANTASAVALLAN SUURLÄHETYSTÖ Partners:
A number of libraries in Helsinki offer services in different languages.
HELSINKI TIMES
1 7 DECEMBER 2011
11
Affordable public transport next year also
Travelling with Helsinki Region Transport's (HSL) Travel Card will remain affordable in the new year.
Prices for internal tickets in Vantaa will be reduced to the same level as for internal travel in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, Kerava, Kirkkonummi, and Sipoo. This means that the price of a 30-day season ticket, for example, will drop by twelve per cent from the beginning of the year. The price of a 30-day season ticket within the other municipalities will increase by less than one per cent. Next year all city internal 30-day season tickets will cost EUR 44. For commuters, a season ticket is the most affordable option, and is the choice of almost eighty per cent of HSL customers. Season tickets can be purchased for periods ranging from 14 to 366 days in length the longer the period, the bigger the saving. There will be a small price increase for season tickets on regional services: next year a 30-day season ticket valid for the entire capital region will cost EUR 92.10. The price of single ticket for travel within a municipality next year will be EUR 2.70, a 20-cent increase. Next year the price of a regional single ticket will go up by 50 cents, bringing the price to EUR 4.50. City internal value tickets will cost EUR 1.84 next year. Thanks to price harmonization, this will also be the price of a value ticket within Vantaa next year. The penalty fare for travelling without a ticket will remain EUR 80.
More ticket options
From next year on there will be a broader range of options for singlecharge card within the entire HSL area. From the start of 2012, two-hour tickets and day tickets (1-7 days) will be available throughout the HSL area as city internal tickets, as regional tickets, as two-zone extended regional tickets, and as three-zone extended regional tickets. Children's tickets are also available. Single-charge cards can be purchased from a variety of outlets, including R-kioski shops. The ticket becomes valid from the first journey as soon as it is shown to the card reader.
Commuter vouchers becoming popular
More and more companies are offering their employees employer-subsidized commuter tickets. Companies can support sustainable travel in a number of ways, for instance by providing employees with HSL commuter vouchers. The tickets are ideal for larger companies, and for temporary employment contracts. Commuter vouchers work similarly to lunch voucher, with the employee using them to charge their personal Travel Card. Each voucher is worth ten euros. In addition to commuter vouchers, employers can make an invoicing contract with HSL for employer-subsidized commuter tickets. This option is most suitable for small- and mediumsized companies with longterm employees. Employer-subsidized commuter tickets are completely tax-free up to their maximum value of EUR 300. For more information, see the section Tickets and Fares Employer-subsidized commuter tickets on the HSL website, www.hsl.fi/EN
Extra night buses for the Christmas party season
The Christmas party season means a larger than usual volume of night-time travel. Because of this, from 17 December there will be additional services on FridaySaturday and Saturday-Sunday nights. In addition to the regular services, there will be extra bus services in Helsinki on routes 85N, 90N, 94N, 96N, and 097N, and on the regional routes 210N and 220N. There will be additional buses serving the regular schedules on routes 18N, 39N, 02N, 04N, 05N, 06N, 08N, 09N, 130N, 140N, 400N, and 700N. Early-morning weekend services on commuter trains will operate as normal.
Tram 8 to Jätkäsaari from next year
From the beginning of 2012, the route of tram 8 will be extended from Ruoholahti to Jätkäsaari. The route will cross Crusell Bridge to the new end stop at Saukonpaasi. The current end stop at Salmisaari will be taken out of use. Two additional stops will be added to the route, one at the intersection of Länsisatamankatu and Itämerenkatu, and the other on Jätkäsaari close to the bridge. Route 8 timetables will also be changed to accommodate the route changes.
HELSINKI TIMES
LIFESTYLE
24 30 NOVEMBER 2011
15
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Issue 10 2011
Starters
Top 5
things on our mind this month...
Fake doctors
In the last month two people have been revealed as having worked as doctors after using forged documents to gain employment. The public's been shocked by the amorality of these men putting people's lives at risk as a result of their inadequate expertise has been treated with disgust. Can't some MPs be excused of exactly the same thing, though?
Class warfare avoided
Central labour market organisations averted a crisis by coming to a deal over the so-called framework contract for employer-employee relations. Nothing was achieved to reduce the wage gap between the sexes, but everyone celebrated nonetheless.
New ice hockey penaltyminute record set
During a game between the teams HIFK and Pelicans, fights broke out here, there and everywhere, resulting in a new one-game penalty-minute record in Finland. If they keep it up, they could be playing for an NHL team this time next year!
Finnish MEP accused of sexual harassment
An ice hockey world championship victory, parliamentary elections and a record lottery jackpot shared. 2011 had it all, except for those things it didn't.
Allan Bain
A year in the life of Finland
Mitro Repo, an Orthodox priest by trade, has been called up on his behaviour towards women working at the European Parliament. Some say it's a question of commenting on their looks, others claim that he's guilty of more serious acts like groping. Who would've thought a celibate priest could do such things?
JANUARY Turku was crowned European Capital of Culture for 2011 along with Tallinn. Snobby Helsinki dwellers and Turku-hating Tampere loyalists may have scoffed at the idea, but after 199 years Turku was once again a capital of something other than the province of Southwest Finland. FEBUARY A little jealous of Turku's newfound cultural sophistication, the City of Helsinki embarked on a bit of one-upmanship: a muchdiscussed feasibility study into housing a Guggenheim museum. Where the city's leaders found it's 1 million euro share of the 2 million euros needed for the study is anyone's guess. MARCH Silvio Berlusconi came to Finland and liked the country's food. He should come more often now that he'll have some free time of his hands. APRIL In the country's parliamentary elections, the True Finns (now known as The Finns Party, tomorrow, who knows?) came third but won, the Centre came fourth but lost and the Christian Democrats came eighth, and neither won nor lost. Confused? MAY Some country won the ice hockey world championships. JUNE Finland finally got a new government. In more important news, a competition to see who could sit the longest in a digger began, with the digger itself as the prize. A full six months later and the organisers, concerned for the competitors' health, decided to end
the competition, with the two remaining contestants declared joint winners. What was more harmful, though: being confined to such a small place, or doing so in the middle of a shopping centre? JULY Sixteen German rowers spent a night at someone's summer cottage without permission. The whole country was up in arms like it was the Lapland War all over again. AUGUST The massacre in Norway started a debate here about hate speech. Cries of "infringement of free speech" were depressingly predictable. August also saw Finland become an international pariah in its demands for Greek bailout collateral. SEPTEMBER Jussi Halla-aho MP suggested that Greece should be ruled by a military dictatorship. No, he didn't it was all a big joke! Why, oh, why didn't we all get it, Jussi? OCTOBER Two people shared Finland's biggest-ever lottery jackpot. Put another way, tens of thousands of us lost 10 million euros. NOVEMBER Low-carb diets were spoken about in the media and throughout society like they were going out of fashion. Unfortunately, they're not. DECEMBER The amount of gossiping known as "analysing" in highbrow circles about next year's presidential elections reached astronomical proportions. And it'll continue into the New Year for good measure. Yippee!
The Presidential Ball
Before December the questions on "everyone's" lips were: Who's been invited? What will they be wearing? Who'll they be taking with them? The answers: Some people you've never met and may never have even heard of, some clothes you'll never be able to afford, and some more people you've never met and may never have even heard of. Compiled by Allan Bain.
to... How
best celebrate New Year's Eve?
Either in the countryside with friends, with wool socks on, pop-out to blast some fireworks and get back in to make some spells for the New Year. Or then again spend it in a lovely city like Paris or New York and just enjoy the collective enthusiasm and atmosphere. Rosa Karo, filmmaker
Finnish AFter DArk
Learning the Finnish they don't teach in school
David Brown and Mimmu Takalo
This New Year's Eve there will be a big celebration at Senate Square to celebrate Helsinki Design Capital 2012. There will be all sorts of music and artists and all kinds of things. Irja Askola, bishop
Suomeksi: Portsari/Poke English equivalent: Doorman, Bouncer
In case you were wondering why so many bars have a huge gorilla standing just inside the door extorting money out of people, they are actually doormen. It's a way for off-duty wrestlers and steroid addicts to earn extra money collecting and selling coats. The tradition dates back to a time when punters used to sneak their own booze into bars to save money these days it seems more to ensure nice people aren't fooled into entering dodgy bars. · · · · · · Kato! Vähä toi portsari on söpö! No jaa. Vois kai sitä kokeilla. Hih hih! Mut sillä on varmaan joku missi- tai mallityttöfrendi, joten meillä ei oo mahiksia. Hey! That doorman is quite cute. Yeah, maybe. We can always try, anyway! He's no doubt got some top model-type girlfriend, so we won't stand a chance.
With the family and as many mates as possible. Good music, fine booze and a big sing song. Tomas Whitehouse, photographer
Starters
SixDegrees
WElcomE,
cold comfort
Joseph Knowles
(and 4709, 5773, 2005, 1391...)
In the excitement that precedes the change of the year, it's easy to forget that 1 January doesn't mark the beginning of 2012 everywhere in the world.
Teemu Henriksson
The forthcoming winter brings another feather in the bow of the Finnish psyche.
JUST when do nose hairs freeze solid? Last winter, I think it happened for me at around -25C, not counting the dagger of wind chill slicing its way off the Töölö Bay and stabbing the lungs of anyone foolish enough to try breathing. Or maybe it was after the 10th minute of waiting for the tram by the opera house at 11 o'clock at night, as I palpably felt my heart slow down to the tempo of a funeral march. Let me be clear: I do not much enjoy being cold. Yet I love winter all the same. Maybe it's all the books that Finns read curled up through the long months of darkness, or maybe it's the psychological equivalent of rubbing your eyes until you see stars, but in winter the imagination has a way of flaming into being. You can hear yourself think as you crunch along the snowpack, your thoughts crystallising like snowflakes above the silent metropolis. Ideas come in flurries in winter, along with the solitude and indoor focus needed to nurture them into being. It took a Finnish winter for me to complete my first screenplay. Summer may be for dreaming under the midnight sun, but in winter the dream becomes lucid. Winter, as nature's concerted attempt to kill you, is what helps Finns summon the humour and inner strength to punch above their weight internationally in everything from education and absurdist cinema to Formula 1 and air guitar. Without so much cold and darkness, Finland would be... what? Some ordinary place? That is to say, a place without Finns? It may not feel like it the next blustery morning when your nipples are sharp enough to cut glass, but winter is Finland's gift to itself.
The simpler the better
Selkokieli helps make Finnish easier to understand.
vocabulary and structure so that it's easier to read and understand." Plain language avoids long sentences and complicated grammar structures. In addition, vocabulary is simple and common, and the language on the whole is concrete and logical. News and books in plain language have already been available for decades, and the bi-monthly Selkouutiset, for example, is read by between 15,000 to 20,000 people. YLE also broadcasts news in plain language several times a day on different radio channels and on the internet. In addition, Kela nowadays provides all its printed brochures in plain language, with only one longer and more specialised brochure produced in standard Finnish. Those Finnish teachers might be on to something after all!
For more info on The Plain language centre: http://kehitysvammaliitto. fi/en/tietoa/yksikot/plainlanguage-centre.html
WHAT YEAR is it? "2011 of course!" you probably say, sneering at the question. And you would naturally have a point like most Western countries, Finland follows the Gregorian calendar and is prepared for welcoming 2012 at the turn of the year. But take a more global look and one realises how the answer to the question depends on your home country. In China, for instance, the New Year will this time fall on 23 January, the date varying each year according to the moon cycle (a new moon marks the beginning of each month in the Chinese calendar). But will the over 1.3 billion Chinese be welcoming the year 2012, nevertheless? Not at all to start with, the Chinese calendar is based on a 60-year cycle, not on continuously numbered years. However, outside China the years are often numbered, but as there is no generally agreed upon "starting point", scholars use at least three different years for the first year, making our 2012 either the year 4709, 4708 or 4648 in China. In India, on the other hand, different regions celebrate the New Year at different times because of cultural differences within the country. The
Hindu calendar has as its "year zero" the year 3102 BCE, which is when Krishna is said to have left earth for his heavenly abode, making 2012 the 5113th year since. And as for the Jewish calendar, in use in Israel, most of our year of 2012 will fall in the year 5772 of that system, the Jewish New Year being in September 2012. It is also in September on the 11th to be exact when the Ethiopian calendar has its New Year's Day. Because of a seven-to-eight year gap between that and our calendar system, the date will mark the beginning of the year 2005 for Ethiopians (and some Eritreans). Much further behind is the Iranian calendar, which is the official calendar in Iran and Afghanistan: according to that system, 20 March next year will be the first day of the year 1391. For a yet another perspective into the practice of numbering years, have a look at the San Francisco-based Long Now Foundation, which was established in 1996 to "creatively foster longterm thinking and responsibility in the framework of the next 10,000 years". Appropriately, the foundation uses five-digit dates for years, making the coming one 02012. Whatever your answer to the original question, have a happy New Year!
January on the wagon
Aleksi Teivainen
Practice your seasonal Finnish vocabulary
Aino Bain
"FinniSH isn't a difficult language, it's a different language" is a phrase much beloved of Finnish teachers. There's a lot of truth contained within, but it can't be denied that Finnish, due to its words' malleability and awkward sentence structures, can be extremely confusing at times.
It's not only immigrants but also certain groups of disabled people and the elderly who can find written Finnish challenging, so it's a relief for many to realise that official information can often be accessed in what is called "plain language", or selkokieli in Finnish. The Plain Language Centre defines it as language that "has been adapted in its content,
TipaTon tammikuu is a Finnish tradition when Finns and some likeminded souls vow to abstain from alcohol in January. Literally translating to "dropless January", the tradition dates back to 1942 but did not become popular until the 1980s. According to Finnish Centre for Health Promotion, 2025 per cent of Finns plan an alcohol-free January, a majority of which actually manage to stay sober. The effects of tipaton are visible in many sectors: Alko sales reach their nadir in January, while the demand for non-alcoholic drinks in bars, correspondingly, peaks. But why January of all months? New Year's resolutions surely partly explains the phenomenon. Moreover, the peak in alcohol consumption in December, and the consequent adverse health effects, may encourage many to abstain. Indeed, a month on the wagon may promote weight loss, enhance endurance and improve the quality of sleep. Meanwhile, the financial benefits are similarly notable. But soon after, it's off the wagon again!
1. Bell 2. Ginger cookie 3. Star
4. Party 5. The night before Christmas
Issue 10 2011
Starters
e sanoi? Mitä S
The TUT Foundation that operates as Tampere University of Technology (TUT) is an active scientific community of some 2,000 employees and 12,000 students as well as a sought-after cooperation partner
AT THE LEADING EDGE
Making it less of a formality
Knowing how to address people in Finnish is not as easy as it seems.
James O'Sullivan
among research institutions and business life. Many of the University's disciplines and research fields play a key role in addressing global challenges. Internationality is an inherent part of all the University's activities. Welcome to join the TUT community!
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WITH the rigors of learning Finnish as a second language no doubt seeing it becoming an Olympic sport at some stage in the near future, keep in mind the fact that aside from the regular jumble of consonants and lack of prepositions and exceptions to many a rule, it's probably of no surprise that the spoken language out on the streets is another kettle of fish altogether to what is generally being taught in language classes. While the usage of both Stadi slangi (Helsinki slang) sees various words being
poached from both English and Finnish and incorporated freely, there are also a number of other peculiarities on offer. Take the usage of te for example. Typically utilised to indicate either plural or formality when addressing an elder, its usage is being increasingly overlooked for something more casual by younger generations. Spare a thought then for an old lady at the supermarket checkout being referred to as sä by an underage girl, nonchalantly chewing on gum at the till. No need to be polite, we are all in the same boat apparently. Furthermore, while English-
language etiquette demands the use of a person's name at regular intervals to maintain a level of politeness, there's no such need in Finnish. A simple hän will do. However, one should also keep in mind the versatility shown by the word se. Now, not only does the word mean "it", it also can be substituted for he or she, without anyone batting an eyelid as to how awkward that may sound to your ears. Give it a try, everyone else is using it!
These, and many other linguistic quirks, can be found on the streets of your city or town.
www.tut.fi/masters
Slow Food
Heather Sunderland
An antidote to our fast food, throw away culture?
WHaT we eat is not just an important part of our daily lives but, especially for those of us that have moved abroad or have blended families across cultures, of our heritage. It's something we pass down to our children as part of who we are and where we come from. Strange then that we live in a world that has never been more disconnected from the origins of our food. "Learning about and recognising the food you eat and where it comes from brings strength to your individual identity," explains Jarmo Ake, leader of Slow Food Helsinki. "Food is part of our culture and a part of our identity that we should all protect." The international, non-profit organisation, Slow Food, is all about counteracting this disconnection by organising
events such as farmer's markets, educational seminars, taste education, field trips and dinners to spread the message about the origins of food. "We believe that everyone should have the right to good, clean and fair food," Ake continues. "Taste and aroma should be good and prepared without artificial f lavour enhancements or additives; production should be clean in the sense that it does not harm the environment, animal welfare or human health. The whole food chain should be fair so that all producers on every level receive an equitable remuneration for their work." Slow Food began in 1989 to counter the rise of the fast food culture, the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, and how people's food choices affect the rest of the world. It now has over 100,000 members in over 150 countries including twelve local chapters around Finland. "Slow Food members want to protect the traditional and cultural methods of food preparation and support the farmers and small food producers," Ake explains.
www.slowfood.com www.slowfoodhelsinki.com
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studEnts havE powEr in a
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So, what are the practical implications? According to the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY), "the Student Union assists with questions concerning studies, accommodation, welfare and legal issues" and more. Student unions have had numerous famous and inf luential alumni over the years. Finland's oldest one, HYY, boasts a number of household names from Finnish history such as Elias Lönnrot and J.V. Snellman. Thus it comes as no surprise that student unions have been integral in shaping Finnish culture. "Many people may not be aware of the fact that such national emblems as the Finnish national anthem and Finland's coat of arms were originally introduced by students for their own purposes, and only later became adopted for state use," Styrman points out. Looking back through history, an instructional film, The Golden Book of the Fatherland's Finest, produced by HYY in the 1950s, once showed how the student union helped the students in certain aspects of life. But what is the situation today? Membership has its perks "Please have a copy of our pocket planner for the study year," says Oskari Rantala, the PR Officer of JYY in Jyväskylä. The pocket planner, with all its useful information, and the ultimate discount generator that is the student card, are the basic tools handed to student union members as tokens of their membership, which is mandatory for university students in Finland. Why is signing up required? "In technical terms, student unions have the right to appoint student reps into the university's administrative bodies, in which capacity they wield power along with the staff," replies Rantala. Anyone peeved about having to pay the fee should remember that the benefits will definitely dwarf the sting on your hip. Take the health services, for one. "One of the main landmarks in the course of our operations was the establishment of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) in 1954. The FSHS today offers basic health care services for all university students, and in the future may encompass the students of universities of applied sciences as well," states Jarno Lappalainen, Vice President in charge of communications for the Helsinki-based National Union of University Students (SYL). Just think of the avoided acrimony or expenditure in case of, say, a toothache during the exam period. SYL was founded in 1921 as the central organisation for the country's student unions, "initially to co-ordinate international interac-
Besides uniting and helping their members, student unions also participate in university administration.
Mika Oksanen
"s
tudent unions have been integral in
shaping Finnish culture."
social activities and interaction Student unions co-operate with their subject associations and student organisations on many echelons, one of which is the provision of a plethora of activities. "JYY owns the restaurant Ilokivi at the campus, arranges musical concerts, cinema, club nights and various sports, to begin with," Rantala explains. "For international students we have plenty on offer, such as Café Lingua, where students get together informally to socialise in any language they want, and the Buddy programme, where foreign and Finnish students jointly form small groups that engage in any activity they find interesting." And the subculture around student parties is a thing in itself, such as the
QuEstion: What do the oftseen acronyms HYY and JYY and others like them stand for? Well, the correct answer is "student unions", and all universities are obliged to have one. "The purpose of student unions, as provided by law, is to serve as a link between their members and to facilitate the growth of students into active and responsible citizens," states Katariina Styrman, Secretary General of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY).
tion for student unions, but later with a broader task of guarding the interests of member students in the society," says Lappalainen. SYL's twofold administrative structure consists of the board of seven student members and the secretariat featuring employed staff, with a division of responsibilities between political decisionmaking and running the dayto-day operations, respectively. The member unions are governed along similar lines. Lappalainen and his fellow board members represent a total of about 135,000 students who belong to the member unions of SYL. If there are good social benefits in place, then what about the social life of students, and how do the student unions figure in with this?
10
Issue 10 2011
Education
in the future work of student unions. "The university degree reform was effected to reduce study times, and in many cases this has meant that our members have opted for quick graduation over active participation, which obviously has left its mark," Styrman laments. New active people are thus in want, and those of foreign origin are equally welcome, not just to fill in but also chip in. "Finnish universities have become increasingly international, and the numbers of international students in Finland have been on the ascendance. I would encourage international degree students to be more active within student unions, so that they can be better represented and have a say in matters that concern them," offers Lappalainen.
1 May celebrations, and the ubiquitous overalls in a wide array of colours that distinguish the partying students on the streets. The study road ahead Being a student is a temporary stage in life, albeit an important one. This places challenges for the work of student unions as well as their umbrella organisation, for the bright heads are on their way out virtually as soon as they are in. Fortunately, everything must not be temporary. "One of the main roles of SYL is to facilitate the distribution of good practices and information amongst student unions. SYL also maintains contacts with its previous reps," says Lappalainen. Changes in requirements for students can have a major effect
·
Student unions in Finland are autonomous public entities regulated by law. All higher education students in Finland are required to belong to a student union. The purpose of student unions is to guard the interests of students and help students. HYY in Helsinki was the first one, established in 1868. Currently there are 17 student unions in Finland, with an aggregate total of more than 135,000 members. The unions' central organisation is SYL.
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The debate continues whether international students should have to pay for their tuition in Finland.
ered," she states. Her opinion receives further support from a recent OECD study, which reports that the presence of tuition fees does not result in an increase of students in higher education, or improve the graduation percentage. In Finland the graduation percentage is higher than the average in OECD countries, whilst many countries that have traditionally had tuition fees have poorer graduation figures than the average. Swedish example sweden implemented its nonEU tuition fees commencing from the current academic year. As universities are free to choose their rate, many fees have rocketed to Ivy League levels, seeing degrees such as architecture and medicine being priced at 40,000 euros per year. Therefore it is not much of a surprise that the number of applications of international students has dropped dramatically. Compared with last year, the number of international applicants for master's degree programmes has dropped by 73 per cent. Finland should take a keen interest in the swedish example. some commentators believe it could have a detrimental impact on the quality of higher education in sweden. Furthmore, some have cited the example of certain master's degree programmes where Asian students make up more than half of the class; without these international students, certain programmes may become increasingly scarce, reducing the options available to the native population.
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APPLY NOW
Jenni Toriseva
PRESENTLY some Finnish master's degree programmes have fees for non-EU students, being part of five-year-trial period, a governmental initiative that began in 2010 and will end in 2014. But what will happen after this trial? This remains to be seen. According to a new study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Finland is at the bottom of the list when it comes to the proportion between international and native students in higher education. While over 20 per
cent of university students in the UK are foreigners, in Finland this figure is a meagre 4 per cent, which is more or less equally divided between universities and polytechnics. In fact, the Minister of Education Jukka Gustafsson (sD) believes that Finland should try to attract more foreign students. To achieve this, the government has set itself a target to raise the amount of international students by 20 per cent. Luciana Pölönen is one of the 15,700 international degree students in Finland. The 25year old Brazilian is a master's student in English Philology
and Teaching at the University of Helsinki. "A multicultural educational environment is important in providing new points of view," Pölönen explains. "It could do wonders for encouraging quiet and hard-shelled Finns to open up as well." Free for all Contrary to its 20 per cent aims, the government is discussing and trialling the implementation of tuition fees for non-EU students. Pölönen does not agree with this. "Education should be free for all. We pay a lot of taxes in order for it to be cov-
Admission for 2012 closes on March 1, 2012.
READ MORE AT WWW.HANKEN.FI/MASTERS
English-language degree programmes in Finland
Polytechnics
Bachelor's programmes Master's programmes Doctorate programmes
Universities 2 217 31
101 31 0
Altogether there are 382 study programmes in English in Finland.
14
Issue 10 2011
SixDegrees
Com e a nd e nj oy l e a rni ng t he e a s ie st l a ng u ag e in th e world! Fi nnish for Fo re i gne rs
S e e ou r va st a nd a bs ol ute l y fabu lo us cou rse pro gram me !
H e l s i n g i n Ai k u i s o p i s t o. f i
I nst itu te of Ad ul t Edu c at io n in He ls ink i Tö ölöntul link at u 8, 0 0 250 Hel s ink i
APPLY 9.27.1. 2012
VOCATIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION
IN HAAGA-HELIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES The HAAGA-HELIA School of Vocational Teacher Education in Helsinki provides pedagogical education for teachers who work or intend to work in vocational education. The extent of vocational teacher education is 60 credit points and the 1,5 year long part-time studies will start in May 2012. Basic requirements: In most cases a relevant university or polytechnic degree and a minimum of three years of work experience in the vocational field corresponding to the degree. Application period January 927, 2012. Guidelines and application form: www.haaga-helia.fi/aokk/en
For further information: HAAGA-HELIA School of Vocational Teacher Education opehaku@haaga-helia.fi 040 488 7521 and 040 488 7520 Ratapihantie 13, 00520 Helsinki
Society
15
SixDegrees
presiding
over a nation
Allan Bain
Just who will be elected as Finland's next president?
The race for the presidency is heating up. Although there's been a lot of talk about it since the summer, now that all the main parties have named their candidates, election campaigning has stepped up a gear. At the moment, the National Coalition's candidate, Sauli Niinistö, is way out ahead of the rest, consistently chalking up opinion poll ratings in excess of 40 per cent, and that's with around a fifth of Finns still undecided as to whom to vote for. Niinistö's closest rivals are the Centre's Paavo Väyrynen, the Social Democrats' Paavo Lipponen and Timo Soini of Perussuomalaiset (a.k.a. the Finns Party). Yet these figures can be a little misleading. Unless a candidate wins over half of all valid votes in the first round of voting, the two candidates who gained the most votes go through to a second round. Therefore, the popularity of a candidate who only made it to the second round by the skin of their teeth can suddenly be given a boost simply because they're the only alternative to the first-round winner left. The other candidates running are Green MP Pekka Haavisto, the Swedish People's Party's Eva Biaudet, leader of the Left Alliance and current Minister of Culture and Sport Paavo Arhinmäki, and the Christian Democrat European parliamentarian Sari Essayah. The job of the President is most associated with foreign policy decision-making, although he or she has a number of domestic responsibilities as well. According to the Constitution, the President should work with the Prime Minister and the Government (especially the Minister for Foreign Affairs) on matters pertaining to foreign policy, but if disagreements arise they're not so easy to resolve. Yet focusing on the formal responsibilities of the President is to overlook the other roles that they fulfil. The President is the father or mother of the nation, whose job it is to show Finland in the best possible light on the international stage and to act as a guiding light to Finns.
"T
he race for the presidency is heating up."
Introducing the main candidates Niinistö is a former finance minister and leader of the National Coalition. He is smooth and doesn't offend anybody's sensibilities but also doesn't set anyone's heart on fire. Niinistö lost in the second round to Tarja Halonen in 2006, but it's looking like 2012 is going to be his year. Väyrynen, on the other hand, is the diametric opposite you either love him or hate him. His is a bit of political hard-luck story: he narrowly missed out on becoming the Prime Minister in 1987 and had his 1994 presidential campaign somewhat sabotaged by misleading press stories circulated suspiciously close to the first round of voting. In spite of his tale of woe, Väyrynen is famous for his "never say die" attitude. A gimmick some of Lipponen's supporters have taken into use is likening their man to rock music. Hard, lacking in subtlety and the proud owner of a pair of big, sexy hands (according to his wife), "rock" sums Lipponen up pretty well. The former Prime Minister isn't afraid of ruffling a few feathers, and as an unabashed supporter of the EU and the euro, his thick skin has come in handy over the last few months. Soini is the quintessential underdog the political elite doesn't like him and neither does high society, but average Finnish citizens do. However, the down-to-earth charm that has served him so well in domestic politics may rule him out in many Finns' minds for a job where the country's international reputation is at stake. Haavisto and Soini are like chalk and cheese. The former leader of the Greens is gay, internationally minded and environmentally conscious. Upon being named Minister of the Environment in 1995, Haavisto became the first representative of a European Green party to hold a cabinet position, and he's also worked for the UN Environmental Programme and was involved in negotiations surrounding the 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement. The female perspective Disappointingly, Biaudet is one of only two women running for president from the biggest eight parties. On top of a 15year career as an MP, she has also been the OSCE Special Representative on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and is currently Finland's Ombudsman for Minorities. She's also the only Finland-Swede of the eight main candidates. Essayah, the other female candidate, is a Finnish-Moroccan former world championship-winning walker. After hanging up her trainers, she joined the Christian Democrats and became an MP a few years later. At present, she's a European parliamentarian, known for her controversial views on abortion and opposition to Palestinian membership of the UN. Lastly, Arhinmäki, the youngest-ever presidential candidate in Finnish history at 34-turning-35, has become something of a poster boy in radical political circles. An avid football fan, he supports the English club Chelsea a team owned by a Russian oligarch, somewhat ironically.
presidential elections will be held on 22 January 2012.
Column
David Brown is a language consultant and journalist, regularly covering stories in Africa, Asia & the Middle East. He has lived in Finland for 10 years.
I pad, therefore I can
David Brown
The other day I made a terrible mistake I bought a new computer. Well, an iPad actually, which as I eventually found out, is less a computer than a 600-euro piece of glass. Once home, I found it didn't work. The instruction booklet amounted to a single piece of card and a single line of text turn it on and connect it to a computer. But when I did this, nothing happened. Back at the shop I was treated with complete condescension by two seventeen-year-old nerds, both of whom apparently figured that I didn't know how to connect the two devices with the cable provided. hOme again still nothing. I did everything I could think of to make iTunes recognise my iPad, but without success. In desperation I tried the online Tech Support, who rejected my product registration number and declined to help.
"c
omputer technologies have become a battlefield on which the customer is the ultimate loser."
AfTer a few hours of online study, I used a tool called MSConfig to close those programs which were clearly frightening my iPad. It now worked but I had lost all email and internet connections from my PC. Worse still, I now could not access the online tutorials. ThuS followed a 24-hour period familiar to those who have been denied their email. I drank heavily, vowed to use my iPad as a Frisbee and sent scornful anti-Mac text messages to everyone in my phone's address book. evenTuAlly I did manage to sort the internet issue out, although this meant once again that my iPad became computa non grata to my PC. I was also underwhelmed to find the next day at work that my iPad could neither connect to a projector, show slides nor video. Back at the store for a third time, it was suggested I upgrade my iPad operating system and then download a tool called Keynote, which would make all of my dreams come true. Although how I upgrade my OS without internet access to my computer even the tech store geek could not answer. I wAS finally forced to use a friend's computer to upgrade my OS, buy Keynote and then load everything onto my iPad. All in all, around 10 hours of work to do what the advertising suggests is instant. And all largely avoidable, had Apple thought to provide better instructions. whAT I found so frustrating about this episode was the realisation that in these days of endless choice, compatibility may be a thing of the past. The products that we buy will not talk to the products we have already bought, and even if they want to Flashplayer or an itchy firewall will stop them. cOmpuTer technologies have become a battlefield on which the customer is the ultimate loser, and where only slavish devotion to a single brand provides any hope that the expensive toys we buy might actually get along. In the end, although I still cannot project pictures or video, my iPad does work almost like in the ads. And there is still another month before my new Nokia Lumia phone arrives in stores.
Ha
ns
Eis
ko
ne
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16
Issue 10 2011
We Met
Photos Tomas Whitehouse
Keeping the faith
The Bishop of Helsinki sees the Church in 2011 as a part of an ongoing evolution.
We Met
James O'Sullivan
17
SixDegrees
A
RRIVING to the top floor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland Diocese of Helsinki building, after being warmly greeted by Bishop Irja Askola it comes as a mild surprise to discover that her office appears to have embraced a stark, Scandinavian style. Furnished with an abundance of bare wooden surfaces, a small collection of books rests on the bookshelf, with a plant, a desk and a long meeting table struggling to fill the available space. Cultural differences aside, I had anticipated perhaps a little more iconography and decoration for a person of her position. The reason for this sparse decoration becomes clear though, when Askola informs me with a smile that she has recently moved back into this office and her wall hangings and religious artefacts and books have not yet been fully unpacked. Life has certainly been about movement and change in recent times for Askola. The first female bishop in Finland, she was elected to the position last year to a chorus of applause for the Church's forward-thinking decision, coupled with the negative mumblings of some of the more traditional areas of the community, less comfortable with the changing role of women in the Church. SixDegrees sat down with Askola to hear about the road to her current position, her views on promoting tolerance for members of society who are subject to hate speech and how gay families can also successfully raise children. When did you first encounter God? I was eight years old when my father died very suddenly. He left to work in the morning and never came back, after suffering a heart attack. We then had to move. It was not too far away, but seven kilometres is a lot when you are that age. I was very lost. I didn't know anybody in the area. But I found my way to the parish hall, where I met many wonderful, caring people. Although they were adults, they had all sorts of activities for children. They really cared and were so creative. They were Christian people. We would pray and learn to sing religious songs and all sorts of fun things. The church was really a living room for me. It was very informative. While back then I was very naïve, through this naïveté I thought that if these people call themselves Christians, if God's people are so wonderful and caring, then God must also be wonderful and caring. That was my logic to become a Christian. Also my concept of the church now is very much the same as back then: the church should be like a living room, also for those who are a bit lost and who don't know where to go. The doors should be open, hearts should be open and it should be an inclusive welcoming community in the midst of a hard life. When did you learn of your higher calling? It came gradually over the years. I started at eight years old and then I became an assistant Sunday school teacher. Then I became a Sunday school teacher and I went to the different youth camps where I received all kinds of responsibilities. Somehow, year-by-year, I grew up with these responsibilities and with that kind of commitment and also enjoyment. It was a lot of fun. It was not a controlling community where you were told what to do. We were given space and somehow it became then a natural thing. I had received so much from The Church that I wanted to give back somehow. Also during my study years I experienced some doubts and rather sharp criticism, but it was also good to have this kind of rebellion. What brought you back to the Church after this? Somehow I just felt that I belong there; that's my home. How do you feel about the status of women in the Church? In many ways you can say that the role of women in the Lutheran Church is good. We have women in so many levels of our structure. In my diocese half of the priests and pastors are female. This is a different situation to that of many other countries, in Eastern Europe for example, in some parts of Africa and so on. On the other hand if I compare with other Nordic countries, we only introduced female ordination 23 years ago, and in other Nordic countries they initiated it much earlier. Is God male or female? Neither-nor. I think God is not like you or I not in these gender terms, I think that when we describe, or have images of, God, it is always difficult because God is something else other than human beings. When Jesus tried to explain what kind of God we have, he tried to find images that could help people to understand. In the culture back then it was very understandable that he said that God is like a good father who takes care of you. But there are also female images that you can find in the Old Testament, saying that God is like the mother hen who takes care of the small chickens. So he is not only the guy with the big bushy beard? No, no [laughs]. People also have their own way of dealing with the images. Have you heard about that the feminist movement that went and changed all the references of God in the Bible from `He' to `She'? Oh, I have heard of that, of course, but I am very happy that in Finnish language we don't have that problem and I don't have to have this difficult theological dispute in our church! [laughs]
The Church is changing, generally adapting to society by turning a blind eye to gay issues and now there is a female Bishop of Helsinki. When does the evolution end? I hope that it will never end. There have always been changes. As a faith community of Christians we have to live out the message of the Gospel in a given context. Each time we have to find what is the right expression now for our faith so that people will find God and find the churches here. It's always about relationships and it is always about community. The church takes a different shape in different countries and in different contexts. A lot of members of the Church in Finland have left in recent years. How can you stem the flow of people leaving? First of all, it is almost funny because some people leave the Church because we are too liberal, and some people leave the Church because we are too conservative. Being a member of the Church has been part of the culture here. In another era it would be almost social suicide if you lived in a small village and you decided not to be a part of the church. It has been a part of our way of life, regardless how much you actually care about the Church or the gospel. I think people these days are more aware of their own choices. Younger people may feel that, `if I have no relation with the religion why should I be a member?' One can somehow also respect that kind of honesty. But as a Christian who feels that the faith community has given me so much, of course I have to look in the mirror and ask if we are doing something wrong. Are we talking about a welcoming God and at the same time acting as an exclusive community? Are we talking about love and care, but the way we are acting as a church we are sending out a message that is contrary to the people? I think we are sometimes too much of an organisation rather than a community. We should see more the value of faith in ordinary life and support our members to be Christian. Have years of financial growth and prosperity here created harder attitudes towards those less fortunate, and also contributed to racism? I think that if you have personally no experience whatsoever about what it means to be excluded or unwanted, or somehow needy or ashamed that you haven't `made it'; if you have had such a safe life journey then sometimes it is difficult to understand how it really feels like when you're not doing well, and you don't have the tools and instruments to get out of that desperate situation. That's why it is so important that Church communities don't have exclusive clubs that just have rich people in them and marginalise poor people in the community. In our Church statistics it is often really the poor who are giving their money away, with the elderly often making donations. On the other hand, recent statistics also show that people in Finland, such as some of the supporters of The Finns Party, are often people in our suburbs who are poor themselves, and who feel that life is very threatening. For them there is not too much promise for the future and they may become racist or very tough about anything that is different from themselves. There are a lot of fears behind hate speech. How do you promote tolerance? Whenever I have changed my mind concerning different things it has never occurred when I read statistics or some kind of sociological theory. It has happened when I met the person; when I first spoke with the very poor African person and when I first met people who later told me they were homosexual. You realise that most people are not stereotypes. You cannot put all homosexuals into one box, just as you cannot put all the Germans into another box. Human stories will change people's views, so stereotypes will fade and then the communities and interaction begins. Another thing about hate speech or aggressive behaviour is that it is clearly racist; I think that all adult people should somehow react immediately when it happens in public, also for bad jokes that are racist.
"W
hen Jesus said `love your neighbour', that neighbour might also be a Muslim in your neighbourhood."
I don't think that it would work that Muslims would use the places where we share sacraments. But I do see it happening in our diocese that parish halls and clubrooms are used by youngsters, and for mother's clubs and summer camps. When Jesus said `love your neighbour', that neighbour might also be a Muslim in your neighbourhood. The Christian attitude is about hospitality and creating space for people to get to know one another. One of my slogans is that we need to actively move from hostility to hospitality. How do you see the status of the family unit here in Finland? It's a difficult question. Each of us needs a safe space to grow and to belong to. The word `family' means so many different things nowadays. It would be ideal if everybody would have the opportunity to live all of their lives within a traditional happy family but we also know that this ideal model of family is not always paradise they can also be a living hell. I think we should not idealise the traditional family. Of course it would be lovely if people were able to live in that sense nowadays. But now we have children who have a weekend home with their father's new family and weekdays maybe with the mother or with her new family. And then you have a family that is statistically normal, but where the mother or father may be travelling all week doing business. Then you have these rainbow families, same-sex families. Some of them have children and some of those families are doing just so well, and it is a safe place for children to grow. I think for me as a Christian and as the Bishop it is more important to ask how our lifestyle and our value system are supporting the space for children to grow. There should have at least one adult person to relate to the child if the situation does not allow them to have the ideal model of the family. We are also sacrificing too much of our own health and the safety of our children for the market economy. I think that the family life is more threatened by that than by the Muslims or homosexuals. How do you see the future? We will see a lot of changes, as all the institutions will. The institution of our church will probably have less clergy employed and so on, less finances and resources. But we are a exceptionally rich church in the global perspective. Some changes might be positive and some might be negative. As a faith community we have a great future. The more complicated life becomes, the more we provide places where everybody is accepted, where there is mercy. You don't have to worry about being evaluated all the time and you do not need to be successful and win all the time. It is a place where you are really accepted as you are. The tougher that life becomes, we face more moral guilt and loneliness; we have to try to cope with the idea of our own death, or the death of a beloved one. The church has the space and vocabulary to help cope with these, and hope and God.
Do you have anything that you would like to say to these people who may have racist views concerning these newcomers to Finland? I don't think that I would be very helpful if I would only preach to them, saying, `oh you are wrong, Date and Place of Birth: 18 December 1952, Lappeenranta. you are condemned,' but I would really like to personally commit Family: I live on my own, and I have a younger sister. myself to a discussion and hear more. Tell me more. I'd like to Education: Theology. make them think about what they are saying and ask if they I admire...people who are committed to justice. really mean that what they are saying? I dislike...dishonesty. Also, if there were Christians God is...wonderful. I would say that I think that this type of speech is not Christian behaviour, it is against our Gospel. You have also said that you could see Muslims or people of other religions using the facilities of the Church. How does this work in practice?
18
Issue 10 2011
Lifestyle
Valtteri Kantanen
Food for thought
What happens if you'd like to experience a FinnishSwedish Christmas but don't actually belong to a FinnishSwedish family? Well, SixDegrees has found a couple of recipes that will help to give your Yuletide festivities a Swedish twist. Of course, any Swedish grandmother will have her own ideas on how to make these....
St. Lucia Buns
Ingredients: 300 ml milk 1 g saffron 50 g baker's yeast 150 g sugar 125 g unsalted butter 700g all-purpose flour 1 egg salt raisins 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Melt butter in a pan, add milk and saffron Warm the mixture to 37° C. Pour over yeast, then sift the sugar and flour onto the mixture. Mix into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Knead, divide into 24 pieces or so, and form each piece into a round bun. Cover and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Roll each bun into a cylinder about 15 cm long, then form into S-shaped coils. Lay raisins in the curls of the S. Cover and let rest for 40 minutes. Whip the egg with a pinch of salt and paint the buns with the mixture. Heat the oven to 250° C, then bake for 510 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with coffee or glögg.
9. 10. 11. 12.
Julskinka
Ingredients: 1 1 4 4 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ham, 3-4 kilos egg tbsp mustard tbsp breadcrumbs tbsp brown sugar Preheat oven to 175° C. Wash and drain the ham. Place ham rind side up in a roasting pan in the upper rack of the oven. Roast for about one hour per kilo. Remove ham from oven, turn temperature up to 250° C. Mix egg, mustard and sugar. Glaze ham with mixture and then coat with breadcrumbs. Return ham to oven for 15 minutes or until glaze is golden brown. Watch carefully not to let it burn. Serve at julbord with more mustard.
God Jul!
The Finland-Swedish community has its own special take on Christmas celebrations.
Kenneth Quek
CHRISTMAS may come but once a year, but it comes in different ways for different peoples. There are many ways of celebrating this festival, and even within a single country there can be a lot of variation. In Finland, the Swedish-speaking community shares many of the national Christmas
traditions, but it also has a few twists specific to itself. Illuminating tradition The most famous of the Finland-Swedish Christmas traditions is Lucia, a celebration of St. Lucia's Day, 13 December. In the old calendar, this was the shortest day of the year, which meant the turning of the season and thus that the
days would be getting longer again. Unsurprisingly, the name "Lucia" is derived from the Latin for "light". The canonical St. Lucia was a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, but in modern observance each community selects a girl to portray Lucia. In some families, she is the eldest daughter, who puts on a white dress and a crown of
lingonberry stalks, and wakes the family by serving breakfast of coffee or glögg mulled wine, and saffron-spiced Lucia buns with the appropriate help from the grownups, of course! Schools and towns may also select a Lucia, who dons a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles. She leads a procession of women, all clad in white and
Lifestyle
19
SixDegrees
Hannes Victorzon
I N T E G R AT I O N
Are you looking for a job, study place, language course or leisure activity? We offer assistance and advice.
You are welcome to visit our service point on Mondays and Wednesdays 11-16 or call or send us e-mail with any questions concerning integration in the capital region. You can also book an appointment with our Information Officer.
St. Lucia's Day is celebrated every year on 13 December.
holding candles, who sing a Lucia song as they go on their way. The traditional song has a Neapolitan melody and lyrics in Swedish describing the light with which Lucia overcomes the darkness. The largest such procession is led by the official Lucia of Finland, the first of whom, Barbro Reine, was chosen in 1950 by the Folkhälsan community association. The event was supported by Hufvudstadsbladet, the Swedish-language newspaper. Nowadays, other corporate partners include the Swedishlanguage television station FST, and YLE's Radio Vega. Aside from its cultural significance, it is also a fundraising event for Folkhälsan's charitable works. The current tradition is to crown the year's Lucia in the Helsinki Cathedral at 5 pm on 13 December. The Lucia procession then winds its way along Aleksanterinkatu to Parliament House and thence to Svenska Teatern, where a party is held. The advertising space on the FORUM shopping centre along Mannerheimintie then sprouts a giant picture of the newest Lucia, who gazes on the busy shopping crowds for the rest of the Christmas season. Home is where the feast is Aside from the Lucia celebration, most Christmas traditions are quite private and family-oriented, as tends to be the case in the Nordic nations. It is a time for the family to get together, as the young visit their elders, and it is when grandparents get to spoil the little ones! Christmas trees are usually set up a couple of days before the day itself, and although nowadays the usual plastic tat is all too common, there is still room on the tree for the altogether more charming oldstyle candles, apples and straw ornaments. Christmas Eve, or Julafton, is time for a big dinner, which in many families features julbord, a special Christmas smörgåsbord. It is typically
eaten in three courses, the first comprised mainly of fish items, especially pickled herring and cured salmon gravlax. Unique family traditions abound regarding what is eaten or drunk with each, and classic pairings include herring with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, perhaps with a nip or two of strong akvavit liquor. The second course is usually a selection of cold sliced meats, the star of which, in most families, is the julskinka or Christmas ham. Emil Lindfors, a student from Turku, describes his family's version: "Every year we must have the same thing. It's a big ham, and we stick cloves in it and cover it with mustard before putting it in the oven. It's very good!" Other choices may include turkey, sausages and processed organ meats, which are deeply evocative of the times when families feasted on the livestock that had been slaughtered at the end of autumn and made into cured products that would keep over the long cold winter. The third course is when the warm dishes come out of the oven, beginning with bread dunked in the stock from cooking the ham, and continuing with a spread of roast meats and root-vegetable casseroles, including perhaps the famous Janssons frestelse, or "Jansson's Temptation", a mouthwatering concoction of sliced potatoes layered with cream, pickled sprats and onion. For the sweet tooth Dessert is most often risgryngröt, or rice pudding, made with milk and sugar and sprinkled with cinnamon. A single almond is stirred into the pot, and whoever ends up with it is considered to be lucky. This lineup of delicacies may seem familiar to many, because Finland-Swedish cuisine has had such a strong influence over Finnish culinary tastes in general unsurprising, given that the Swedish-speaking community tended to be more
"T
he Swedish-speaking community shares many of the national Christmas traditions, but it also has a few twists specific to itself."
by the front door rather than the chimney. The presents are often handed out accompanied by a funny little rhyme that hints at their contents. Once the excitement has died down, however, it's soon time to go to bed, as many families will still wake up for early Christmas morning service. Even those who don't usually attend will make their way to church, if only for good fellowship and carols. Often it is not so much for religious purposes as it is community and identity, but even so they are made welcome. Wrapping up The end of the Christmas season for most Finns is Epiphany, or Loppiainen, which falls on 6 January. But for some of the Swedish-speaking community, that's not quite enough celebration so they slap on another week's worth of festivities, making them last until Knutsdagen, 13 January. That is when friends get together to "plunder" the Christmas tree, stripping it of ornaments and even occasionally tossing it out the window: something that's perhaps less common in the modern era of apartment blocks! So while many of the Christmas traditions in Finland are common to everyone, the Swedish-speaking people do have some fascinating and fun practices of their very own so much so that even members of other communities have taken them to heart.
Events
12 December at 11.30-12.30 Lucia celebration for young and old The music class from the Minerva primary school sings Lucia and Christmas carols. Join in to have some ginger biscuits and mulled wine. Drop in! 17 January at 15.30-17.00 Job opportunities in the municipal sector Are you searching for a job? Come and find out what the public sector has to offer you. Maria Wendell, Kuntarekry, gives useful information about the career opportunities in the municipal sector. The Swedish Adult Education Institute Arbis provides information about Swedish and Finnish language courses in Arbis. Register by 15 January. 18 January at 16-18 Residence permits Are you lost in the Finnish immigration legislation? Do you have questions about registration of EU citizen's right of residence? What is required for an extended residence permit for employment or studies? Sakari Harju, Head of Immigration Affairs at the Immigration Police in Helsinki, answers your questions and gives helpful information about residence permits. Register by January 16. 6 February at 17-20 Baking Runeberg's cupcakes Learn how to bake the famous cupcakes named after the Finnish national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. Martha Association, Lönnrotinkatu 3 A. Register by 2 February. All registrations to bridge@luckan.fi or 040-485 96 36. All the activities will be held in Luckan, Simonkatu 8 and are free of charge, unless mentioned otherwise. More information about upcoming events soon on our web site www.luckan.fi/bridge Information service closed 26 December to 8 January.
well-off and influential, and hence led the way in determining tastes, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. That said, many of the traditional food items are redolent of an era lacking the conveniences of refrigeration or supermarkets. Fresh items are few and far between: the fish tends to be pickled, cured or smoked, as does the meat, and the vegetables on offer are similarly treated or else of the sort that tends to keep well in sacks cabbage, potatoes, carrots, even rutabagas. The most celebrated of these preserved items is, of course, lutfisk, which most often makes its appearance on the Christmas or Boxing Day table. For those who have not had the pleasure of acquainting themselves with this famous delicacy, it is made with dried whitefish usually cod that has been soaked for days in water and lye. It takes on a gelatinous consistency, and is then boiled and served in a white sauce. It tends to have a rather aggressive perfume, and a tendency to stick irredeemably to crockery and utensils; it permanently ruins silver as well. For these qualities, despite its mild taste when properly prepared, it has been described by renowned food writer Jeffrey Steingarten as "a weapon of mass destruction". Replete with dinner, the family settles down while one of its members (father, most likely) dresses up as jultomte, the Christmas gnome. Unlike Santa Claus, he rides a goat, and enters
LUCKAN Simonkatu 8, 00100 Helsinki Contact: bridge@luckan.fi / 040 485 9636 / www.luckan.fi/bridge
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Issue 10 2011
Feature
Feature
21
SixDegrees
Love the way you move
Does going the distance make the heart grow fonder?
Text James O'Sullivan, illustration Hans Eiskonen.
ARRIVING to a new country to live, as many of us know, is an often confusing cocktail containing one pinch of excitement mixed with a splash of uncertainty and a generous portion of conflicting emotions. Having packed up your old life back home and bid a tearful farewell to loved ones, it's not long before life has turned itself on its ear, as you soon become acquainted with a multitude of cultural differences on offer here in Finland. Why is it getting dark at 3 pm? Why do people wait on empty streets for the green man before crossing the road? Why do waiters here often wear sandals and socks? Just what is a name day? Why don't people talk on the bus? Is there ever a space between Finnish words, or are all sentences constructed with blocks of impenetrable compound words? Approximately 3,000 Finnish citizens marry foreigners each year, with more than one in four marriages in Helsinki between a Finn and a foreign partner. Furthermore, approximately 60,000 foreign nationals living in Finland have moved here due to marriage. While Finnish men predominantly marry women from Thailand, Russia and Estonia, statistically Finnish women marry men from Britain, the United States and Turkey. SixDegrees spoke with four people who have moved here for love, hearing their stories of following their heart to this land of the ice and snow, and crucially, just what insight they have when you find yourself stuck in a conversation involving your partner's friends or family and everyone is speaking in Finnish, except you.
What advice do you have for people wanting to move here for love? It depends on what country they come from. I would say learn the language as much as you can, be prepared that the weather here in the winter time is not very nice. Be open-minded. Sometime Finnish people can be silent and not very open, but if you have a Finnish friend, you will have a friend forever. Does love conquer all? In the end it does. You have to believe. You have to go all in when you decide to do something. You have to be open-minded when you come, try to accept the culture, learn the language. If everything fails, your home country will also still be there When I decided to move here I lost a job that I had as an international A&R man for a German company. In that sense it was tough to do. You throw yourself out into the great unknown. But it has been worth it. I would do it again.
Have you found that there are there many cultural differences with your partner's family? Not that I've noticed. There's a language barrier, definitely. The conversation often goes on, I sit there and I understand parts of it, but not enough that I can engage, yet. I find that if we're at the dinner table, then I'll eat more, or eat faster. `Oh, what do I do now...I'll have another portion!' [laughs] I might watch the television, or take a book. I don't feel uncomfortable, though. It's Finland and they are Finns, and everyone is kind of used to people being silent. So I don't feel awkward, like I might feel in a similar situation at home. I just bear in mind that it's okay, it's normal. Advice for those thinking about moving here for love? Even though you hear a lot of negative stories about how hard it is here and how you'll never find a job and there's so much bureaucracy and all that, I would say to still give it a go and come here. There are still positive stories. Also, Finns are quite willing to help out. Does love conquer all? I'm quite cynical, so I would have to say no. But in my case, so far, it has worked out quite well! How did you meet your partner? Back in 2001 when I was in high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, there was a foreign exchange student from Helsinki. Her name was Marja. We became good friends. She was only there for a year. She moved back and we kept in touch throughout the years. In 2009 she came back to visit me in California and brought her friend Minna with her. We spent a week together; we hit it off pretty well. My first impression of her was `wow'. She was beautiful. She had style, class and ass [laughs]. We had got along well and liked a lot of the same things. Then, as I got to know her more she was like the yin to my yang. She had all the qualities I wanted in a woman. It felt real natural being with her. We kept in touch with Yahoo Messenger and Skype. We spoke almost every day. Then I took a trip out here for two-and-a-half weeks, for my first time abroad, for Christmas 2009. That was a nice experience, although it was extremely cold [laughs]. Minna and I have been in this long distance relationship for two years, and before we decided to marry we lived together in the States for six months. I made the decision to move to Finland, to get married. I wanted to become familiar with her culture, and travel the world together. How have you found life in Finland? Well, I've only been here for two weeks. I like the country; it's beautiful. I haven't seen the summer as yet. As I'm a self-employed artist, hopefully I will be able to find avenues to get some artworks displayed. Minna has some friends who work in the arts, as well as a friend who works in a shoe store. I'm a sneaker head, I love shoes. Possibly there could be some part time job work there. I'm planning on going to school and taking lessons to learn Finnish. It's all about learning the language so I can communicate and become more adapted to the culture.
"A
Roger, Sweden
pproximately 60,000 foreign nationals living in Finland have moved here due to marriage."
Antoine, America
How did you meet your partner? I travelled to Finland many times over the years. Then I was invited here as an international guest at a music trade fair in 2007. There I met a woman, and we got involved, and after going back and forth for some time between the two countries, I decided to stay here in Finland. Was it difficult to settle here? From the beginning it was pretty tough moving here because of a lack of work. For two years I was doing a lot of different things, but not really not my real work. Then all of a sudden I received an offer from a Vaasa company. I am based in Helsinki even though I am a co-owner of a Vaasa company, working in music production and music publishing. How did you manage with the language, for example, if you were seated at a table where everyone was speaking Finnish except you? If you are going out and there is a whole gang and after some time people start to speak their mother tongue, then you are totally gone [laughs]. You are really out of the situation. You have to change the language yourself. You have to be very active yourself, and never give up. In one way, I have been lazy in learning Finnish, as I already speak one of the official languages here. I can receive my healthcare in Swedish and all the paperwork. In that sense it is easier for a Swede to move to Finland because I can demand service in Swedish.
Grace, Australia
How did you meet your partner? I was living in England, doing some teaching and whatnot. Then I went on holiday to Berlin where I met a Finnish boy who was also on holiday there. He was friendly, albeit a little quiet, and his accent when he spoke English was quite monotonous, almost like the voice produced by a speech synthesizer. We decided to stay in touch, and then it turned into a long distance relationship. After about a year, back in January, we were sick of going back and forth back and forth, so I moved here. Was it difficult to move to Finland? It wasn't so much of a big deal as I had already moved from Australia to Manchester. I had already done one across the world move. I knew what's involved in getting set up in another country. At first it was really exciting, it was January and there was snow everywhere. I hadn't really experienced playing in the snow, sledding, cross-country skiing and walking on the ice. But, after a while, I started to become frustrated with the long winter. I managed to find a job within four days, and I was working within ten days. I was lucky. I have about three years of teaching experience in the UK and in Australia; I applied to an ad at an English-speaking kindergarten. Though, I'm aware that if I ever wanted to leave this job, or if something happens, I may have difficulties finding another.
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Issue 10 2011
Feature
Lluvia, Mexico
How did you handle yourself in a group of friends who were all speaking Finnish? It is hard. I was fascinated at first, I didn't understand a word; I just liked hearing the language. At certain events it got really bad, but my husband has always been considerate. I think you should be honest and say if you don't understand. It's hard. It isolates you a lot. Advice for those thinking about moving here for love? Learn to compromise. Otherwise it just won't work. I have met failed multicultural couples. It mainly failed because the other couldn't give up certain things. They thought life would be the same as back home. Does love conquer all. In my case I think it did! It's not that it's just there you have to work at it.
Do you have any advice when you are surrounded by a group of people who are all speaking Finnish and you don't understand what they are saying? I would recommend just to listen. Just try to pay attention and catch a few words. It's kinda hard as the Finns speak so fast. I just listen and try to relate to the body language. Maybe find out about what they are talking about, or how they feel when they are talking. A lot of times when people speak Finnish around me. I just sit there and look and listen, and in the middle for the conversation I'll go "niin" and everyone will just laugh. At least just to make myself part of the conversation. Try to stay known, make them know that you're there; you want to know what they are talking about. Any advice for those thinking about moving here for love? Follow your heart. If you definitely have feelings for someone, don't let a language barrier, or a country barrier hold you back from that, as everything can be overcome. You just have to have the willingness to learn and be a part of something different. There's more to it than the neighbourhood that you grew up in, there's a lot more in the world that you can be a part of. Also be prepared and do research, it takes a lot to become a part of another country. To become married you need to take a lot of steps and have a lot of information, so if you can save anything that you have dealing with the relationship, it will help in the progression of being with one another. We have just put in my paperwork for my residency. We put in plane tickets, Skype conversations, everything we've had with each other that we have kept. Either for memories, or for this purpose, it helps. I think it's important for people to know who exactly the other person is before they get married and move to another country. Try living together if possible before making the ultimate step. Does love conquer all? Definitely. There are always hardships in everything that you do. But if you love them and they love you, it can make it easier to overcome obstacles.
How did you meet? Basically we met at a club in Cancun. Not really the place where you meet the love of your life [laughs]. It was Independence Day in Mexico, and I was celebrating, it was noisy and I actually thought he was from England. I thought his name was Adam, but it turns out he was Erkki from Finland. I only discovered it the next day when I asked him how to spell his name! I felt like I had known him all my life. We were the same age and studying the same thing and liked the same music. It was really nice coming from two different worlds. The next day he asked to meet me and I was three hours late! Fortunately for a Finn, he was really interested because he actually waited for three hours for me. We exchanged emails and after three months I came to visit him in England, where he was studying. I remember being at the airport wondering if this is going to work, but it was really nice. We came here to Finland to spend Christmas; it was the first of eleven that I have spent in Finland. Finally, after he came to visit my family five months later in Mexico, and I finished my studies, I moved to Holland as an au pair, as he had started to study there. Then he moved back to England. After he graduated we had been together for 2-3 years. We moved to Finland in December 2004. What was your first impression of Finland? There was a lot of snow. I liked it, it was really exotic and the people were really nice. I like cold weather; I prefer it to the extreme heat. I noticed some cultural differences. We celebrate Christmas at midnight in Mexico. But in Finland when it was ten to six and Erkki came to knock on my door, to say we're ready to eat, I was so surprised. It was a small party. In Mexico you are with your family, around 80 people, and you're up all night. Here it was only five people. By midnight people were sleeping, in Mexico the party is just starting.
Past relationships
Whathappenedtothelove migrationclassof2003?
EIGHT years is a long time. Back in 2003, SixDegrees was a new publication on the scene, with its October issue featuring an article on four foreigners who had moved to Finland for love. We recently caught up with the writer Joel Willans, originally from England, whose own experiences were also featured in the piece, to hear how life has treated him since his article came out. "I can't believe it's been that long actually," exclaims Willans down the phone line, as the sound of children playing erupts in the background. "It seems like one of the first things I did when I came to Finland. I remember when I arrived here in 2002 it was the hottest summer in something like 10,000 years; it was ridiculous [laughs]." After moving to Peru for a year to volunteer as art teachers for children, Willans and his wife Anna Maria eventually settled back into life in Finland. "We have since moved to the countryside, which is something that has changed since the article, and we got married and have had children." Now running his own communications agency, Willans has also been focusing on writing fiction, with a collection of his short stories due to be published early next year, Five Reasons for Leaving and Other Stories of Love, Lust and Loss. "I consider Finland home," he states. "I have no intention to move back to the UK." Love at first sight Of the four stories documented back in 2003, perhaps the most memorable was that of Darren. Having met his wife-to-be at Storyville in Helsinki while here on holiday, and promptly cancelling his flight back to Australia the next day as a consequence, soon he was making plans to get married and live in Finland. Sadly, however, Willans reveals that his friend's marriage broke down a few years ago, with Cowell reluctantly returning to the land down under. "It was a bit of a whirlwind romance, so it was not surprising that it all went tits up," Willans recalls. "The thing about Darren is that he really, really tried with the Finnish language. He was a stockbroker in Sydney. He had a lot of knowledge that could have been useful, but he could not get a job working in finance, as he couldn't speak Finnish. He still comes to Finland, actually. He is still very enthusiastic about it here." Willans hasn't kept in touch with the other two interviewees, so it is unsure if they have remained here to endure eight more Finnish winters. But you never know, love can make you do some crazy things.
Think you're alone?
Approximately 3,000 Finnish citizens marry foreigners each year. Finnish men predominantly marry women from Thailand, Russia and Estonia, whereas Finnish women marry men from Britain, the United States and Turkey.
Approximately 60,000 foreign nationals living here have come here due to marriage. More than one in four marriages in Helsinki are between a Finn and a foreign partner.
SixDegrees hit the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to find out if people there would move to Finland for love.
1. What comes to mind when you think of Finland? 2. What do you expect from life in Finland? 3. Would you move to Finland for love?
Photos Anna O'Sullivan
Mark, Russia
1. I don't know; I've never beentoFinland. 2. ThepeopletherearesimilarthaninRussia. 3. Maybe.Whynot!
Martin, Nigeria
1. Very cold country. I know the University of Helsinki as I have a cousin there. Beautifulgirls. 2. I haven't been to Europe before, but I imagine it is abetterplaceforaperson fromathirdworldcountry. 3. Ofcourse!
Marieke, Holland
1. Suomi!Alotoflakes.Alot ofmosquitoes. 2. Very healthy. A lot of people do a lot of different stuff. A lot of darkness. Good,butcold. 3. I think so. I'm open to all of that as I moved to Australia for a man thoughI'dwanttomove home after a little while whereit'sabitwarmer.
Tine, Belgium
1. Cold!Ijustmetaguyfrom Finland. 2. Pretty normal. Like anywhere else, but more winter jackets. Lonely villages andmorespreadout. 3. I moved to Germany for a man,soprobably.Thelove hastobebigenough.
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Issue 10 2011
Travel
A visit to Istanbul
Turkey's largest city offers a variety of experiences.
SixDegrees
"Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Nijat and I will be your guide to Istanbul." These are the first words we hear in a bus that has picked us up for a tour of the city. The bus is full of people from different parts of the world; many of them here for the first time. Nijat, a common name in Turkey and in neighbouring countries, actually means saviour a pretty good name for a tour guide. Although the city is safe and people are friendly, you do need a saviour in Istanbul. The city is huge and there are lots to see. Also called the city of seven hills, Istanbul is an ancient urban area located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Once called Byzantium and Constantinople, the city has a rich history from Greek to Roman, and to the Othman Empire times. This history can still be seen in every corner of the city. Not only in historical remains, but also in architecture, culinary trends, language, names and faces. We soon arrive to one of the most known places in Istanbul, Topkapi. A palatial visit Topkapi Palace is one of the major attractions of Istanbul that you wouldn't want to miss. The palace, which is a UNESCO world heritage site today, used to be the primary residence of Othman Sultans and their families for 400 years. The palace includes a vast yard and garden, special places for the harem and a huge kitchen and bakery, where food was prepared for the Sultans, their families and the hundreds of servants and guards. The palace has several gates, courtyards and buildings that were constructed in different times and with different styles. The collection of arms, cloth, furniture and jewellery on exhibition in the former imperial treasury houses in Topkapi is considered to be one of the largest and best-preserved collections of Islamic treasures in the world. At the very end of the garden, down the stairs is the Konyali restaurant where we have lunch enjoying a beautiful view of the Bosporus and the sea of Marmora. Back on the bus and moving on to our next destination, Nijat amuses us with his sense of humour: "A priest and a Turkish driver are waiting for their judgment after their death. God sends the priest to hell and the Turkish driver to heaven. The priest is, of course, not happy about this: `Why?' he asks God. I devoted my life to you and preached and prayed every day. All he has been doing is driving a bus around Istanbul. `When you were preaching, people were sleeping but when he was driving, everyone was praying,' answers God." Driving around in Istanbul is not really as bad as its reputation would lead you to believe. Things have calmed down. Previously, cars would swerve each other's way, drivers would ignore the lanes totally and the sound of the horns filled the air constantly. A few years ago something happened. Nobody really knows what,
but drivers started to behave and horns remained silent. Nijat thinks that it was probably the outcome of people travelling more to other countries and being positively affected by more subtle styles of traffic abroad. Public transport also works well nowadays, with modern metro and tramlines topped up by numerous bus routes. Still, the large amount of yellow coloured taxis tells of a vibrant city where people are constantly moving from one spot to the other for business or free time. After all, however, for a metropolis with a population of over 13 million people, the traffic is rather tolerable. Bridges over the Bosporus Beautiful views of the Bosporus can be enjoyed from different vantage points around the city. Currently there are two bridges crossing over the Bosporus, and a third one is being planned. Also, two bridges link different parts of the city divided by The Golden Horn, a river-like gulf branched from the Bosporus up to the northern part of the city. The Galata Bridge is known for its queue of men leaning on the fences side-by-side and holding on to their fishing rods. In between the serious hunting-for-food faces of the fishermen, are entrepreneurs renting out fishing rods and selling bait and other necessary equipment. Someone in our group asks, "Who are these men, and are they really catching food for their families?" Nijat laughs at the question. "You probably don't expect this, but women rule in a Turkish family," he explains. "When men are finally home on the weekend, getting out of the house without their wife's permission is not that easy. So what they tell their wives is, `Honey, I'm going to go and fish some food for the kids.' So they go to the bridge and mingle with friends, but they don't really catch anything. At the end of the day, after a visit to the bar they go to the fish market beside the bridge, buy some fish and take it home as their catch. Everybody is happy!" The Fish market is indeed close to the bridge in the Galata side. There are also numerous fish restaurants around the bridge and in the lower floor of the bridge itself. The Grand Bazar small boutiques or the new malls? The Bazaar in Istanbul one of the largest covered markets in the world is huge and you can easily get lost inside, but that really doesn't matter if you have time to wander around. The salesmen are neither friendly nor aggressive, and will only use their salesmanship skills if you stop and show interest. They know their customers. Every lane and corridor of the Bazaar is dedicated mainly to one group of merchandise, so the gold and jewellery, textile and spice areas are in different corridors. There are coffee shops and small restaurants here and there, where shoppers can stop for a rest or grab a bite to eat. Bargaining skills are necessary, but don't overdo it, especially if the item is not of high value. In some cases the prices are marked
From the top: The Bosphorus Bridge The Topkapi Palace The Hagia Sophia interior The Hagia Sophia exterior
Travel
Clockwise from top left: The Ortaköy Mosque Fishermen on the Galata Bridge The Grand Bazar Istiklal Street
25
SixDegrees
ISTANBUL INFO
Istanbul is basically a safe city, but there a few occasions where one may feel uncomfortable. The slightly aggressive methods of selling booklets and postcards in the tourist areas is one of them. The other instance known to most who have travelled to Middle Eastern countries is the bargaining in the Bazaar. The third, and almost inevitable one, is being cheated by taxi drivers. Its almost impossible not to pay too much for a ride. One way of decreasing the risk is to avoid taxis that are queuing in front of tourist attractions and stop a passing one on the street. But if you don't know the rates and directions, it's hard to recognise the right fare. The best time to visit Istanbul is in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant. Turkish airlines flies direct to Istanbul from Helsinki every day. The flight time is around three hours.
probably one of the most highend shopping places in Turkey, where the richest locals go shopping or spend time in the fancy cafeterias. The upper back door of the mall is where a steady stream of luxury cars deposit eager shoppers. Istiklal Street stiklal Avenue, or Istiklal Street (Independence Avenue), is probably the most famous avenue in Istanbul. The street is said to be visited by nearly three million people in a single day each weekend. Located in the historic Beyolu (Pera) district, it is around three kilometres long, with modern boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, and elegant cafés and nightclubs side-by-side. This is where the local youth head to on week-
clearly and are probably the same for locals and tourists. There are plenty of beautiful items you might want to take home, but it's wise to think of the logistics of taking
souvenirs home intact before shopping. If you are not after local handicrafts, you can visit one of the new, modern shopping malls where global brands are
sold. Kanyon Mall, built in 2006, won the 2006 Cityscape Architectural Review Award for its interesting design, which resembles the Grand Canyon. Built in 2007, stinye Park is
end evenings to have a beer, smoke a water pipe and listen to live music. Istiklal Street starts from the Taksim Square and curves down towards the Bosporous to the medieval Genoese neighbourhood around Galata Tower. The avenue, surrounded by interesting old and modern architectural pearls, is the only place where the historical red tram is still running. stiklal Avenue, and especially the Istiklal square at its upper end, are popular places for all sorts of protests, and gatherings in the city. No wonder there is a constant, but low profile riot police presence in Istiklal Square. Arriving back to our hotel in the evening, Nijat is ready to take those who still have the energy to continue for a visit to the nightlife in and around Istiklal street. "So go take a shower, and meet me down here," he announces. After a quick freshen up, soon we are on our way to the vibrant night life of Istanbul.
FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE BRAIN.
Alina, a cosmopolitan from Moscow, studies International Business at Arcada. This highly efficient girl enjoys spending her spare time on tennis courts, working hard on her aces and forehands.
Theory or practical skills? Lectures, e-learning or hands-on workshops and workplacements? Why choose when you can get the whole package! At Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki we encourage you to grow and become a modern professional, who is not afraid of testing new ideas and exploring the unknown. At our friendly, international campus we see the students as our greatest asset. Study in English for a Bachelor's degree in International Business, Nursing or Plastics Technology. For studies in Swedish, please see arcada.fi
Joint application 9.114.2.2012.
UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED LIFE.
www.arcada.fi
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Tastebuds
27
SixDegrees
Baobab
A beaming yellow jewel in the heart of Kallio.
Text and photos Jenni Toriseva
The newest dining experience to arrive in Kallio is Baobab, a small and strikingly yellow restaurant that grew out of the friendship of two Gambians who had pleased their friends and wives' Finnish families with their saucy cooking for the past decade. They knew they had a hit on their hands, and it was time to release it for all to enjoy. Having opened Baobab less than a month ago, owners Max Mane and Masally Jagne, aka "Chally", have seen their restaurant experiencing an unexpected surge of hungry people eager to get their teeth into Chally's cooking. A taste of culture Aiming to be a bit of a revolutionary dining experience, Baobab uses the best of African dishes complemented with Gambian technique, seeking to make African food more known among the Northern hoi polloi. Both owners have taken part in a multitude of cultural activities in Helsinki, standing witness to the promotion of a wide span of cultures in Finland. "I felt that the Gambian culture was lagging behind," says Max, prompting the two to make plans to correct this. Owner of a travel agency that organises trips to and within Gambia, Max also realised that many people who had visited his
native country had been searching for Gambian food in Finland as well, unable to find it. Armed with the basic idea of serving good food and promoting their own culture, they came up with Baobab. With customers numbering up to 70 per day in the small 18-seater restaurant, the two are already contemplating spreading their concept further, in the form of a chain. "We see that people like it, so we want to expand it all over the country," Max states, seeing it as the natural next step. Considering the dearth of African cuisine on the Finnish restaurant scene, the two are also looking to house a wide variety of food from across the continent. "We don't have only Gambian food, but also Nigerian, Ghanan, and we're also thinking of adding Somalian and Congolese food," Max envisions. With the expansion of their business idea they are hoping to represent also other African cuisines, by bringing in chefs of other nationalities as well. They describe their food as African, though most dishes are of Gambian origin, with an occasional nod to neighbouring Nigeria in one direction and Ghana in the other. It is solid, gutsy food without deeper dogma and with quite a lot of chicken. Yum's the word I tried a whopping three dishes,
which was a lot for me considering my meek size. The first was Domoda chicken in a peanut butter based stew complemented with sweet potato and carrot. Just to give you more of an idea, I immediately perceived it as the African cousin of Indian Butter Chicken with a hint of Korma. If you happen to have a taste similar to mine, you're certainly in for a treat. The buttery peanut sauce being the best part, the dish was well accompanied with plain white rice. Second in line was Yassa, also a chicken dish. Having been prepared with a hefty bunch of onion and spices it went perfectly along with a bowl of plain jasmine rice. This was the dish most closely resembling cosy home cooking the type that warms the tummy and makes you feel like you're at home. All in all, a tasty plate of goodness indeed. Last, and also least, Piripiri a creation of their own and prepared following the Gambian cooking style consisted of huge king prawns, spices and chilli (which can be added according to how brave you're feeling at the moment of making your order). Piripiri is one of the most popular dishes in this toddler of a restaurant, although I must say that for my palate it was ultimately less satisfying next to the two other dishes that flattered my finicky taste buds more successfully. But this may also just be me,
Chicken enjoys a ubiquitous presence on the menu.
BAOBAB
as according to the owners, Piripiri has been a constant hit since opening. I'm also a bit of a penny pincher; unlike Piripiri costing a rather daring 18 euros a dish Domoda and Yassa were definitely better value for money, with the moderate price of 12 euros each. If I had to decide between the two, I would choose to order Domoda the next time I visit, as I begin to salivate just upon the thought of it. Sure, there may be prettier restaurants in town, but Baobab wins out on pure zest. While the people of Kallio should be pleased to have it within reach, the branch of High and Mighty should consider stretching out of their comfort zone and take a hike to this bohemian part of town they may just find something they like here too.
mon-Thu 11:30 20:00 Fri-Sat 11:30 22:00
Kolmas linja 36 helsinki tel. 09-728 900 29
what Finns are eating this month
Joulutorttu
These flaky, buttery treats emerge each year as December draws near, being available right up until the chubby man from up north makes his way down your chimney. Enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, these windmill-shaped pastry tarts with prune jam filling are also a popular addition to the joulupöytä.
review Christmas beers
David Brown
Sinebrychoff Jouluolut 1.27 This is being marketed as a local product, with the company claiming the barley travelled only 13 kms to the brewery. That is a reassuring sign that the company is up to speed on environmental issues, but the resulting beer is bland. It is easy drinking and not too sweet, but it lacks spice and character. For all intents and purposes it is a dark lager.
Olvi Jouluolut 2.25 This is an interesting product from Olvi, it pours a glorious deep red, and actually tastes of something not always the case with Finnish beer. Given it lacks most of the traditional spice notes, I'm not sure how it qualifies as a Christmas beer, but I give it points for being easy-drinking but full of hops and excellent value for money. Some nice caramel flavours.
Stallhagen Julbock 2.69 This is the first beer I've had from the tiny Åland-based brewery, and it is always nice to see boutique beers in our supermarkets. This is quite good, too, with some dried fruit notes. It is very malty, but there are the touches of chocolate and caramel here that make it Christmasy, without being too sweet.
Lapin Kulta Luomu Jouluolut 1.39 I love organic beers, which I am convinced produce milder hangovers. I also love to see major mainstream breweries producing interesting beers. Although this might not pack the taste punch of some of the boutique Belgian beers, it pours a beautiful ruby red, and has some tasty caramel notes without being too sweet. Worth a try.
ChriSTmAS or winter beers are quite an old tradition, but one that hasn't spread very far from its origins in Belgium. Although they occasionally appear all over the world, it is only really in Scandinavia that the style has become as looked forward to as the arrival of the big man himself. More lyrically titled Nisseöl (Elf Beer) in Denmark, the style is known for the addition of Xmas pudding-like spices, such as cloves and cinnamon. Also look out for subtle hints of dried fruits and caramel. The result is dark and aromatic, with a sweetness that should be warming, but never sticky or cloying. Either way, Christmas beers are a tradition well worth trying.
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Issue 10 2011
Cultitude
Jukka Rapo
Jenni Toriseva
FAIRYTALES have become rather rare in today's world, where films that portray uttermost misery seem to be the most applauded. Cinema houses are packed with works that although possibly cinematic masterpieces will make you cry, shiver, or simply bring you down for hours, sometimes even for days. Finnish writer-director Roosa Toivonen also known as Rosa Karo has decided not to add to this growing pile of agony-laden flicks by writing and directing her first fictional film, The Italian Key. With its graceful setting in the Italian countryside in the summer, it might be just what you need to escape the less than alluring Finnish weather. SixDegrees sat down for a cup of tea or perhaps five? with Karo at a Chinese restaurant in downtown Helsinki, interrupted occasionally by momentary aromatic distractions wafting over from the kitchen. The Italian Key was filmed in the UK, India and Italy. How did you end up choosing Italy as the main location for the film? My husband and I spend around four months of the year in Italy; we have our own place in Cabella [north of Genoa, the location of the film], so yes, it's a real town! We've been spending lots of time there since the beginning of the mid `90s. As the place is so small, owners of restaurants and hotels in the area know us pretty well by now, so we didn't have any problems with getting good deals from them when organising the filming! You're known as a documentary filmmaker, what made you write and direct a fictional film like this? It's actually quite a funny story, as I used to be a big supporter of documentary films. I used to say that invented people are banal and it's rather the real people whose stories should be filmed. I never felt like making a fictive film. I even found actors somewhat weird! Sorry actors! A few years ago, however, we were talking with some friends about how great it would be to do a project together, and we decided to try filmmaking.
A fairytale for all
Rosa Karo's latest film offers a light alternative for cinemagoers.
Place of Birth: Helsinki Education: MA in Film. Speaks: Finnish, English, Swedish, French, Italian and Spanish. Has lived in: Finland, Germany, France, US, Ecuador, Italy and India. Favourite Italian film: Fellini's films in general, for the aesthetics and the world he creates within them. Visually most beautiful film: Days of Heaven by Terence Malick, which is quite exceptional as it was filmed only during sunrise and sunset. Most impressive film: The Lord of the Rings trilogy, for the amazing attention to detail and for succeeding in compressing the book so well into a film. When I want to relax I prefer watching: Classy and aesthetically pleasing "chick flicks" such as Branagh's Much Ado about Nothing, A Room with a View by James Ivory or even Jeunet's Amelie.
"I
myself don't want to bring more anxiety into this world; I'd rather make a small and beautiful bundle of cotton candykind of a film."
and invite our friends, rent some villas and live there and eat together. It was more of a project where we could have fun. Later some investors joined us, as well as The Finnish Film Foundation, that we naturally are forever grateful for! So, many of the people seen in the film are acquaintances of yours? Yes. All the houses and the castle are all either through contacts or we know the owners. We gathered lots of our friends together to plan the film, so it was kind of a fun project between us with a small budget! We didn't have the budget or infrastructure to take on important actor divas so the young actors we cast for the film are actually regular summer inhabitants of the village. And you also had your husband, composer Tuomas Kantelinen, working on the film with you. He composed the music for the film and was also one of the
three producers. The film is actually quite a family production, as my father was also one of the producers. Tuomas and Seppo handled most of the operative chores, like paying the bills and got to complain about different things to me! What was it like to make your first fictional film? Did it match your expectations? Making a film already in itself is an enormous challenge. What is particularly challenging for the director is the fact that there are so many decisions to be made all the time. Especially in this film, which was a bit of a DIY project I'd be washing the toilets and making people's beds! I definitely didn't have a big line of assistants doing everything for me while I just sat there! This kind of a situation makes you a bit of a control freak where you notice every single detail. The film itself is quite anarchistic for a Finnish film; if you know what kind of films they make here, anxiety drama
etc. I'm pretty sure critics will think, `What! How dare anyone make such a film!' How did you end up writing a fairytale in the first place? For me the most important thing is to leave the audience feeling good at the end of the film, hopefully with a smile on their face. I do admire directors who make dramatic films where everyone cries and are sad for three days after. But I myself don't want to bring more anxiety into this world; I'd rather make a small and beautiful bundle of cotton candy-kind of a film. How would you compare the making of a documentary film with the making of a fictional one? Perhaps contrary to what one might think, directing a fictional film was more relaxed. With fiction, you just follow the script that is already split into parts. In the case of a documentary, if there's a main character that you are following, you have so
much responsibility, because you are the one presenting this person to other people. Naturally you have to choose which things to show others, and which to leave out. It has a big impact on the life of the person portrayed in the documentary, whereas when it is the case of a fictional character, it doesn't matter. However, logistically you have much more responsibility when making a fictional film, because everything costs a lot of money when you have dozens of people working towards your vision. Which direction will the future take you? Towards documentaries or fictional films? I have some scripts for fictional films, but I wouldn't exclude making documentaries entirely. I think the two actually form a good balance. Right now I'm more excited about fictional films, so my next film will be one!
The Italian Key premieres on 16 December.
Many of us were already working or studying in the field of film/entertainment, but we felt that movies nowadays are too commercially geared and it would be nice to make something a bit different, while still keeping the audience entertained. When we started making the film we didn't have any outside funding. We just decided that okay, let's film next summer
Take a peek at merry old Christmas
Jenni Toriseva
IN anticipation of the event nowadays debated for its commercial aspect, the City of Helsinki organises its annual Christmas Path event for children and families at Seurasaari, to remind us of what Christmas once used to be like. The event boasts a colourful program awash with activities such as plays, face painting, a horse and cart, singalong songs, a straw labyrinth and much more. When you find yourself hungry you may want to seek out the bun
roasting campfire or a serving of Christmas porridge. If you're not the orienteering type and get lost, you may still encounter rather large animals walking around the forest handing out tasty gingerbread cookies and cinnamon buns.
Seurasaari Christmas Path 11 December, 13:00-17.00 Free entrance www.joulupolku.net
Cultitude
Live Nation
29
SixDegrees
Live Nation
Return of the Macca
Kaisa Herd
the trumpeted Mastodon
Aleksi Teivainen
ON 12 December one of the most popular rock legends all time will perform in Helsinki. Having last visited Finland some seven years ago, Sir Paul McCartney, performs at Hartwall Areena, armed with his signature Höfner bass and impressive songbook that contains some of the most influential cuts in the history of popular music. After leaving John, Ringo and George at the start of the `70s in acrimonious circumstances, resulting in global despair, McCartney went on to release two successful solo albums, before founding the band Wings. Along with his wife Linda on keyboards and backing vocals, and guitarist Denny Lane, the band spent the best part of the next decade at the top of the charts, before splitting up and McCartney going solo once again. Fresh from his recent marriage to Nancy Shevell, the 70-yearold McCartney continues to write and perform, as well as being an advocate for various foundations. Over the years, Sir Paul has played almost 3,000 gigs, either in a band, or as a solo artist. Soon he will be adding a Helsinki concert to this impressive list.
paul McCartney 12 december, 19:30 tickets 89-149 Hartwall areena areenankuja 1, Helsinki
UNdispUtably one of the giants of contemporary metal, Mastodon, return to Finland for two highly-anticipated shows 11-12 January. The shows, of which the latter marks the Atlantabased quartet's tenth performance in Finland, take place at Pakkahuone, Tampere and The Circus, Helsinki. Since the band's inspired début Remission in 2002, the restless experimentalists have rejected stagnation and exhibited their knack for crafting rhythmic and melodic complexities. Released earlier this year, Mastodon's highly acclaimed fifth studio album,
The Hunter, further bolsters the band's position at the forefront of contemporary metal. A distinguished combination of aesthetics of traditional heavy metal and elements of stoner rock, progressive metal and hardcore, Mastodon delivers a musical rampage with bestial impetus.
Mastodon 11 January, pakkahuone, tampere 12 January, the Circus, Helsinki tickets: 39 www.mastodonrocks.com
Kiasma
it's all about the money!
Tracing the history of Finland's currency.
Irja Samoi Beth Morton
Hats off to abba and other pop idols
Aleksi Teivainen
dance Fusion
Beth Morton
ZOdiaK, Finland's most significant production centre for contemporary dance, are closing their season with a cutting edge performance from Kirsi Saastamoinen. The Kainuu-based choreographer fuses her compelling style with modern ideas and social attitudes to comprise AmazinGRace. For three days, Saastamoinen not only offers the visual wonder of dance, but juxtaposes it with a recorded documentary from people of varied backgrounds and cultures, providing a commentary on the world, existence, happiness and worry. Forming a dynamic duo with Heikki Törmi, Saastamoinen builds a bridge into the lives and thoughts of the audience through this unique performance of genre fusion. A post-performance discussion will be held on 11 December.
amazinGRace 10, 11 & 12 december Zodiak tallberginkatu 1 b/154
MONEy such an everyday routine concept for most of us. Thanks to it we can be clothed, housed and fed, but who'd have thought it would come with so much baggage and history of its own? In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Bank of Finland, the ongoing exhibition Three currencies, two centuries, one Bank of Finland is continuing until 30 March next year. Founded in 1811 to oversee the transition to Russian roubles, the Bank of Finland has had an eventful passage to today. From Swedish riksdalers to euros, the exhibition maps the chronology and history behind Finland's many changes in currency, examining the impact of each on its population and their everyday lives. In addition to the history lesson, you are also invited to journey through the changing faces and meanings behind the various tenders, learn the language of a bank note and get to know the people who are displayed so proudly on them.
three currencies, two centuries, one bank of Finland Until 31 March 2012 bank of Finland Museum snellmaninkatu, Helsinki
tHE interplay of contemporary visual art and popular music is at the epicentre of the Kiasma exhibition, Thank You for the Music. Similarly to the ABBA original, the exhibition artists pay tribute to their teen idols, at times flirting with parody and humour. First and foremost, music is acknowledged as a source of inspiration, as the force urging the hand of an artist. Beyond artistic inspiration, however, music stirs emotions and stimulates the memory. Meanwhile, musicians are trendsetters influencing not only our appearance but also our values. As a result, this theme is approached from various perspectives and via several media. The exhibition works display (abandoned) dreams of rock stardom, discuss the function of women in music videos and examine with fascination and awe the collective trance of a concert audience, so utterly deprived of restraint. Music is, quite naturally, a fundamental part of the exhibition. However, it is not present merely as source of inspiration but also as an element supporting, or contradicting and challenging, the visual works. In addition, many artists have adopted aesthetics of music videos and rock stardom in their works, thus evoking memories, flashbacks and connotations. Thereby, the significance of music is truly realised, and hopefully appreciated. Thank you for the music.
thank you for the Music 20 January 17 June 2012 Kiasma Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki
Paavo Arhinmäki
The Left Alliance presidential candidate: The President should lead the way into a society that values the difference and diversity among people. Everyone should be equal regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. The Finnish society has taken a wrong turn. Hatred, discrimination and contempt of diversity are gaining ground. The level of civility in a society is measured by how it treats its minorities.
Volunteer in the campaign!
Please get involved in the Left Alliance presidential campaign and let us know what you are willing to do. Do you want to distribute the election newspaper, leaflets or badges? Please let us know at vas@vasemmistoliitto.fi. Do you want more information about the campaign? The newsletter tells you all about it. Please subscribe to the newsletter at vas@vasemmistoliitto.fi. You can also support the campaign by donating money. You can pay the sum of your choice into the account FI25 1521 3000 0014 63 by giving the index number 1025 (please remember to include the index number).
Left Alliance licence to collect money 2020/2011/2232
Do you really know what Islam is about?
Subscribe to Salam magazine and get informative, accurate and up to date information about Islam in Finland 4 times a year.
Salam magazine is published by Resalat association, a non-profit organization registered in Finland. Yearly subscription costs 12 . The magazine can also be purchased from the Academic bookstore for 4.20.
Salam
2009 Hinta Helmikuu/
1/09
4,20
For more info and subscriptions go to: www.resalat.fi or send an e-mail to: salam@resalat.fi.
The word Salam means peace and is used as a greeting in most of the Muslim world. The Salam magazine is mostly in Finnish.
Reviews
31
SixDegrees
In cinemas over the coming weeks
Christmas Games
The year's end is bringing with it the lion's share of 2011's best gaming.
Nick Barlow
To say there has been an embarrassment of
gaming riches this year is something of an understatement. But which releases are worth spending your hard-earned Christmas cash on? Here at SixDegrees, we sort the wheat from the chaff. All games have been tested on PS3 or Xbox 360 unless otherwise stated. First off let's consider sports fans. Codemaster's F1 2011 is obviously the choice for formula fanatics, but be warned that this is no game for the impatient. It's a quality simulator but is unforgiving, and as such isn't the best choice for a more casual gamer. 7/10. In a similar but not quite so hardcore vein, the official World Rally Championship game, WRC 2, puts the player in a slightly different driving seat. The options allow beginners to have a fair crack, but at higher difficulty fast reactions and a good memory are vital. This is also no arcade game, and the realism might put off those who just feel like wantonly burning some rubber. 7/10. The aforementioned rubber-burners might want to turn their attention to NFS: The Run, where EA over-egg the NFS pudding. A 3000mile race across America is an intriguing premise and the graphics do a great job, but the gameplay can't match the visuals. The extra challenges are dull; handling is poor; and the AI fairly laughable. 5/10. Finally, racing-wise, Forza 4 (Xbox 360 only) appears in its regular pre-Xmas slot, and this is as good an iteration of the title as any. The gameplay is natural and fluid, and the in-car camera is top-notch. On the negative side Jeremy Clarkson's in it, but don't let that dissuade you too much from a great game. 9/10.
Blondes have more fun. Michelle Williams stars as Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn.
been taking all the headlines, and chances are you've made up your mind which one you'll prefer. The SP campaign is rubbish in BF3, and slightly better in MW3, but online MP is where it's at. BF3 feels almost identical to Bad Company 2, just with added vehicles. The graphics and sound are brilliant. We'd say BF3 is the more complete MP experience, but PC users be warned that you have to install EA's terrible Origin software. MW3 is the choice for pre-teens judging by the screeching on Xbox Live mute that sucker and is faster-paced and twitchier than BF3. Last but not least, a few titles worth mentioning. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is a fast and exciting flying shoot `em up with a nonsensical storyline but varied action and classy online modes. 8.5/10. Volition's Saints Row The Third takes some of the outrageous action of the first two games and sets you the task of retaking control of your city. The game doesn't look awesome, but the gameplay is just daft and entertaining enough, if ultimately repetitive, to hold your attention long enough for you to finish it. 7.5/10. More entertainingly, the fantastic Rayman Origins is a superb old-school 2D platformer, packed with humour and insane playability, as well as its fair share of falling to your doom frustrations. The "just one more go" vibe is in full effect: one of the most fun games we've played this year. 9/10. Finally, you've probably heard about how difficult Dark Souls is. Well, it is, but when you learn how to play this moody RPG it becomes both challenging and deeply rewarding, and will give you many hours of dungeon-crawling goodness. 9/10.
Strap on your boots
Football-wise, PC and Mac gamers might want to consider Football Manager 2012. The series has always been insanely addictive, and the joy of taking Brentford to the Champions League final is one I will never forget. But FM 2012 is also notable for a bevy of improvements made to last year's version. If you're looking for a present for the football-mad in your life, we can whole-heartedly recommend this one. 9/10. The final sports title Mario & Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii, 3DS only) comes out only half a year too early. Like most Wii games the emphasis is on family-friendly casual gaming. Loads of events are available, although they're not all very good. I'm not sure if we'll still be playing this come next summer, but as an option to while away the dark winter evenings it could be worse. 7.5/10.
SixDegrees games of the year 2011
Batman: Arkham City
James O'Sullivan
AS daylight progressively dims and bedtime draws even closer to 6 pm, what better way to try and keep the eyelids open than to head down to the cinema and see what's on over the forthcoming couple of months. First up to the plate is Joe Cornish's Attack the Block (9.12), as a gang of hoodies overcomes the confines of their social class to fend off a group of invading Martians. Next up, ever wondered about the history of the humble vibrator? Then look no further than Hysteria (16.12), as Hugh Dancy and Maggie Gyllenhaal star in an amusing tale set in the Victorian era. The following week sees perhaps the most anticipated movie event of the year's end, when David Fincher's adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (21.12) makes its way into the multiples. Not to be outdone, a couple of days later and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (23.12) makes for hopefully a better viewing experience than the rather tepid original. 50/50 (30.12), on the other hand has been winning praise as it deftly walks the line between comedy and drama as Joseph Gordon-Levitt learns he has cancer, with pal Seth Rogan one of the few remaining by his side as his friend battles the odds depicted in the title. My Week With Marilyn (30.12), charts a week in the life of the infamous blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier, during the making of The Prince and the
Showgirl in the 1950s. Released on the same day, The Darkest Hour (30.12) sees Russian director Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night Watch) in the producer's chair for this effects heavy tale of Emile Hirsch battling aliens who are invading Moscow. The New Year awakens with a trip back to the America of yesteryear with Leonardo Di Caprio decked out in heavy makeup, depicting the cross-dressing exploits of J. Edgar Hoover in director Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar (6.1). Sex addict Michael Fassbender's rhythm of life in New York City comes under strain when his sister comes to live with him in the highly acclaimed Shame (13.1). And finally, George Clooney dons his actor-director cap once again for the political backroom drama The Ides of March (21.1), teaming up with actor-of-the-moment Ryan Gosling. See what you can find!
Rayman Origins
Comics are us
Moving on, superhero-orientated gamers have some choices to make, but X-Men Destiny probably won't be one of them: button-mashing combat, irrelevant "moral" decisions and zero chance to actually play as one of the X-Men gives a 4/10. Another disappointment is Spider-Man: Edge of Time, which refuses to capitalise on the brilliant Shattered Dimensions of last year and introduces mindless gameplay that would make Peter Parker hang his head in shame. If you were a fan of SD don't expect anything too much. 6.5/10. By far the best comic-book title this year is Batman: Arkham City, which does improve on an already brilliant game. Arkham City really allows Batman to spread his wings in a beautiful environment. The gameplay is so graceful and balletic in nature, and the story so well-crafted, that Arkham is well worth 9.5/10.
Dark Souls
Ico/Shadow of the Colossus
Come get some
Attack the Block
In the genre loosely defined as "blowing stuff up", the year's two heavyweights of Battlefield 3 (8.5/10) and Modern Warfare 3 (7.5/10) have
Portal 2
32
Issue 10 2011
Reviews
Lauri Hannus Joseph Knowles
spinefarm.fi
FaBulouSly ConFuSED
The pleasures of Finland's pop cults in 2011. CD
Jouluyö RaJaton
R a j a t o n (Boundless) is a well-known Finnish a cappella-singing group. The six permanent members are Essi Wuorela (soprano), Virpi Moskari (soprano), Soila Sariola (altto), Hannu lepola (tenor), ahti Paunu (bariton) and Jussi Chydenius (basso). The New Jouluyö (Christmas night) CD is a pleasant addition to the group's catalogue of high quality recordings. The CD contains a good collection of Finnish and international Christmas compositions, including the fantastically melancholic, and always nice to hear, Walking in the Air by Howard Blake from the movie Snowman, and The Little Drummer Boy, composed by Harry Simeone, Henry onorati
EVER since Michael Jackson's 1982 global blockbuster Thriller, we've been living in the Long Tail of the popular music business, that evermultiplying, ever-narrowing matrix of cult niches "a society in a state of fabulous confusion," as the Scottish artist and musician Momus once put it, "exploding into fragments." As such, any one person summing up "the year in music" is bound to tell you more about him or herself than about, well, the year in music. But let's try anyway. In my case, 2011 was the year when a friend invited me to go see Kauko Röyhkä, who I'd never heard of. Why not, I said. It turns out the grizzled veteran of the Finnish folk scene had just released Kaksi lensi tuulen mukaan, his 26th album; a majority of the packed house appeared to have followed him since the 1980s. Alone with a guitar, he drew all of us in, myself included, with his remarkable storytelling charisma, even though I had to ask my friend several times to clarify the Finnish lyrics.
That's another thing that happened to me this year: After untold hours of banging my head against grammar workbooks, this thing called the Finnish language just might be starting to sink in. I was already a fan of the experimental pop group Eleanoora Rosenholm before I came to Finland, but when they released their third album, Hyväile minua pimeä tähti, I realised just how dark their lyrical content actually is. Disco for serial killer housewives exactly what my iPod has been missing! TV-Resistori and Regina, two rather more upbeat, offkilter indie pop acts that each released very fine records this year, likewise lit up my brain's language organ as well as my dancing shoes. So too did Vaikenen laulaen, Yona's second full-length album of lush, moody chamber pop. All of these records would make appearances on my 2011 list, were I to catalogue my peculiar journey through the year in pop cults, as I usually do for a certain UK-based music publication. But I wonder if I should bother this year. There are
plenty of non-Finnish discs on that list too, but perhaps my taste has tipped over from being merely "subjective" to "most readers won't ever be able to pronounce half of these titles, and wouldn't know where to get them even if they wanted to." My ears and I have migrated to a country that economists are in the unfortunate habit of calling part of the "European periphery." Here, the niche fragments of what used to be popular culture are even smaller. But in some sense, the periphery has always been where I have been most comfortable and productive in life. And now it is home.
Everyone look busy! TV-Resistori released their self-titled long player to critical acclaim earlier this year.
fonal.com
and Katherine K. Davis. Rajaton is heading out on a tour performing the songs from this new CD, the schedule of which can be found in their webpage: www.rajaton.net AK
QuiEt PlEaSE
Music therapy is nothing new; but it's not common for such CDs to be sold in drugstores. Quiet Please, a Danish record company, has introduced a series of relaxing, therapeutic and meditational CDs you can buy form your local pharmacy. The music is not just another ambient pan flute collection; it has been developed in cooperation with music therapists and doctors to ensure optimal relaxing and therapeutic effect.
The CDs are distributed in Finland by Naxos music, known for its quality classical music. The first series of CDs includes: Quiet Conversations by Jacob Gurevitsch, Break of Day by Sara indrio and Shh... by various Scandinavian artists. Each of the records has its own theme and particular instruments. The soothing music of Quiet Please is currently utilised by 900 Ambulances and a few hospitals in Denmark. AK
DVD
MElanCHolia
Emerging earlier this year in the unfortunate shadow of director lars von trier's controversial comments at Cannes, Melancholia is a masterpiece. Here the relationship between two conflicting sisters (played by Kirsten Dunst
and Charlotte Gainsbourg) unravels against the backdrop of a wedding and the impending doom of the end of the world. But it isn't all downtrodden and downbeat, however, with a wonderfully dry humour peppering the first half of the film that is before the inevitability of future events wrestles the smile from your face, as the film begins to churn with often unbearable tension. Sure, the pacing will hardly satiate those seeking a quick fix, but those who persist will be rewarded with a shattering climax from one of the most original directors working today. Highly recommended. JOS
tHE FaMily Guy SEaSonS 1-11
A mainstay for those who like their humour served both
black and irreverent, this animated series from Seth MacFarlane continues gathering both critical accolades and audience approval. Set in the fictional city of Quahog, Rhode Island, this dysfunctionwal family has well and truly shrugged off its early Simpsons comparisons to become one of the most popular animated series in television history. After being cancelled in 2001 before being brought back in 2004 due to popular demand, here the show's eleven seasons are gathered in one handy box ready for a marathon sitting. Lampooning American culture for some 170 episodes thus far, the series' irreverent tone is yet to be watered down by tired ideas. With no plans to hang up their hat just yet down, the recent news of a forthcoming film will see the Family with us for some time yet. JOS
Never one to hurry with releasing a film, fresh after winning the Palm d'Or at Cannes earlier this year, behold terence Malick's fifth feature film in 38 years. After being pushed back from its original 2009 release date, here the duo of Brad Pitt and Sean Penn lead us on a journey of existential musings, filled with stunning visuals, thoughtful reflection and more of that pensive existentialism. After dividing critics upon its theatrical release with its controversial nonlinear narrative, here the pause button will come in handy as a middle-aged man looks back to his childhood living in 1950s Texas, in between chewing on the origins of the universe and wondering just how it all began here on Earth. JOS
tHE tREE oF liFE
Are you lost in Finland?
FIND ANSWERS
www.infopankki.fi
TO ALL SORTS OF QUESTIONS AT
Your guide to Finnish life, culture and customs.
Out&See Greater Helsinki
By Anna-Maija Lappi
33
SixDegrees
Music _ Clubs
9 Dec. Damn Seagulls // Soulful rock. Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets 9/11. www.barloose.com 9 Dec. Poets Of The Fall // Acclaimed rock group. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 16. www.virginoil.fi 9 Dec. Remu & Hurriganes, Robert Gordon (USA) // Finnish rock veterans and the American rockabilly artist. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 25/28. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 9 Dec. Joose Keskitalo & Mirel Wagner // Interesting singersongwriters. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 7-10. www.korjaamo.fi 9 Dec. Swinging Christmas Antti Sarpila Swing Band feat. Johanna Iivanainen // Swinging Christmas concert. Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 26/29. www.savoyteatteri.fi 10 Dec. Within Temptation (NLD) // Symphonic metal. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 45. www.thecircus.fi 10 Dec. Raskasta Joulua // "Heavy Christmas". Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 20-35. www.elmu.fi 10 Dec. Dark Tranquility (SWE) // Melodic death metal. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 25/27. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 10 Dec. 22 Pistepirkko // Famous pop rock group. Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 25. www.savoyteatteri.fi 10 Dec. Club We Jazz: Jo Stance // Soulful grooves. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 16. www.kuudeslinja.com 10 Dec. Red Snapper (UK) // Pioneers of trip hop. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 13/15. www.virginoil.fi 10 Dec. Club Tusovka: Capital Beat, Addis Abeba (BLR) // Sunny ska-reggae. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 8. www.korjaamo.fi 10 Dec. Club Balkan Fever Little Christmas Party: DJs Borzin & Levy feat. Vladimir Kekez (SRB) // Wild beats and sweaty rhythms. Le Bonk Music Machine, Yrjönkatu 24. Tickets 8. www.lebonk.fi 11 Dec. YES (UK) // Legendary rock group. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 48-129. www.thecircus.fi 11 Dec. Wolf Gang (UK) // Alternative rock. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 18. www.elmu.fi 11 Dec. Haavisto Livenä Tavastialla ("Haavisto Live at Tavastia") // Cavalcade of Finnish pop/rock musicians supporting presidential candidate Pekka Haavisto. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 20/23. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 12 Dec. The Bronx (USA), Mariachi El Bronx (USA), Tim Kasher (USA) // Punk rock and mariachi-songs. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 20. www.elmu.fi 12 Dec. Katatonia (SWE) // Swedish metal. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 26. www.thecircus.fi 12 Dec. Paul McCartney (UK) // One of the most successful musician and
Jukka Poika & Sound Explosion Band 31 Dec. Tavastia Club for Five 16&17 Dec. Savoy Theatre
composer in popular music history. Hartwall Areena, Areenankuja 1. Tickets 89-149. www.hartwall-areena.com 12 Dec. DMX (USA) // Rap legend in Finland for the first time. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 39-45. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 13 Dec. Hardcore Super s t ar (SWE), Avatar (SWE), Ammotrack (SWE) / / Hardcore. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 28/31. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 13 Dec. Comus (UK) // Enigmatic rock. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 21-25. www.korjaamo.fi 13 Dec. Samettiklubi 10 Years // 10 years of local singer-songwriters. Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 5/6. www.semifinal.fi 14 Dec. Big Wave Riders // Waves, echoes and experimental rhythms with an electronic touch. Alakerta, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 5/6. www.alakerta.fi 15 Dec. Gotham O.D. // Rock with a twist of metal soundscapes. Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 6/7. www.semifinal.fi 15 Dec. Chaosweaver // Blend of gloomy metal, cinematic landscapes and the dramatics of classical music. Dom, Fredrikinkatu 42. Tickets 7. www.domhelsinki.fi 16 Dec. Infected Mushroom (USA) // Electro rock legends. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 26-29. www.thecircus.fi 16 Dec. Anna Puu // Lyrical folk pop. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 11-14. www.korjaamo.fi 16 Dec. Melrose, Tuomari Nurmio // Rock and blues. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 15. www.virginoil.fi 16 Dec. Negative // Melodic hard rock. Dom, Fredrikinkatu 42. Tickets 12. www.domhelsinki.fi 16 Dec. Joris Voorn (NLD) // Renowned house and techno DJ and producer. Venue, Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu 21. Tickets 16.20-26.20. 16&17 Dec. Club For Five: Christmas Concert // Christmas songs a cappella. Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 30. www.savoyteatteri.fi 17 Dec. Metalorgy goes Xmas: Turmion kätilöt, Shade Empire, Fear of Domination, Rage My Bitch // Heavy Christmas Party. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 18. www.elmu.fi 17 Dec. Lassi Valtonen // Lyrical retro pop rock. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 11-14. www.korjaamo.fi 18 Dec. Motörhead (UK) // Heavy rock legends. The Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1. Tickets 55. 21 Dec. Don Johnson Big Band // Brilliant group mixing hip-hop, funk, jazz and Latin house with electronic influences. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 15/17. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 27 Dec. "Wild Xmas 2011": Children of Bodom // Gloomy modern metal. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 35/37. www.thecircus.fi 28 Dec. Metsatöll (EST) // Metal influenced by Estonian folk. Dom, Fredrikinkatu 42. Tickets 10. www.domhelsinki.fi
30&31 Dec. The End Of The World -Party: Michael Monroe, Imperial State Electric (SWE) // Last days of the year filled with heavy rock. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 2750. www.elmu.fi 30&31 Dec. PMMP // Energetic pop rock. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 25. www.virginoil.fi 31 Dec. Rockabilly Jamboree On Tour feat. John Lindberg Trio (SWE), Hillbilly Casino (USA), Flatbroke Trio & Shoebox Revue // New Years Eve full of rockabilly. Dom, Fredrikinkatu 42. Tickets 20. www.domhelsinki.fi 31 Dec. We Love Helsinki New Year's Eve Ball // Welcoming the New Year with a traditional urban ball. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 12-15. www.korjaamo.fi 31 Dec. Hello 2012: Super8 & Tab, Orkidea, Alex Kunnari, Heikki L // Techno, house etc. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 15-25. www.thecircus.fi 31 Dec. Jukka Poika & Sound Explosion Band, Asa, DJs V.G. & Andor // Reggae rhythms. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 22/25. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 1 Jan. After Hours & Aftherapy: 23 Hour New Year Morning // DJs Milla Lehto, Unik, Paul Easy etc. Club Playground, Iso Roobertinkatu 10. Tickets 11.2025. www.playground.fi 1 Jan. Venue New Year Morning Party // Dance `til you drop. Venue, Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu 21. Tickets 11.20-25. 5 Jan. Kaamos, Ageness // Progressive rock. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 18/20. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 11 Jan. Rhys Chatham (USA) Guitar Trio Is My Life Helsinki // Minimalistic guitar music. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 15. www.kuudeslinja.com 12 Jan. Mastodon (USA) + support // Unique metal. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 39. www.thecircus.fi
Fullsteam Records
16 Dec. Zodiak, Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1 B. Free entrance. www.zodiak.fi
Mamuska Helsinki
On Friday 16 December, Zodiak will host an exceptional multi-disciplinary art event, club night and social gathering, Mamuska Helsinki. This unique event offers a forum for short performances, wild ideas, masterpieces, tentative steps, musical adventures, visual experiments and all kinds of physical and performative expression. While watching surprising performances in a relaxed atmosphere, the audience may enjoy a drink from the bar and meet new people. Mamuska Helsinki is in partnership with the international Mamuska Nights Network, an independent organisation dedicated to the creation of socially meaningful arts events and supporting multidisciplinarity in arts. With the thrilling unexpectedness and comfortable informality of the performances, Mamuska Night is really an unforeseen adventure worth joining.
20 Jan. UB40 (UK) // British reggae legends. The Circus, Salomonkatu 13. Tickets 49-125. www.thecircus.fi 21 Jan. Chisu // Brilliant contemporary female pop. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 16. www.elmu.fi 23 Jan. Dream Theater (USA) // Progressive metal legends. Helsinki Ice Hall, Nordenskiöldinkatu 11-13. Tickets 52-59. 24 Jan. Scream (USA) // Hardcore punk. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 18/20. www.tavastiaklubi.fi
Mötörhead 18 Dec. The Cable Factory
PMMP 30&31 Dec. Virgin Oul Co
Tuomari Nurmio 16 Dec. Virgin Oil Co
Giselle
Aki Suzuki Spirits plays Noh theatre version of Giselle, the romantic classical ballet. Noh is traditional Japanese theatre with music, dance and masks. The Noh manuscript has been translated in Finnish by Kai Nieminen. 12 January at 7 pm (premiere) and also 14, 19 and 21 January, at 7 pm, 18/15
Planet Earth No.2
Tickets (09) 310 12000 and Lippupalvelu kanneltalo.fi, Klaneettitie 5, Helsinki
34
Out&See Greater Helsinki
Out&See Turku
By Christina Saarinen
Issue 10 2011
Theatre _ Dance
10-12 Dec. Kirsi Saastamoinen: AmazinGRace // Documentary material on today's society, existence, happiness and worry has been brought together by using dance, video and theatre to form an effective entity. Zodiak, Cable Factory, Tallberginkatu 1 B. Tickets 12/20. www.zodiak.fi 15&16 Dec. Circo Aereo: Espresso // One of Circo Aereo's most successful pieces combining traditional circus expression, cabaret and contemporary circus. Stoa, Turunlinnantie 1. Tickets 10/18. www.stoa.fi Until 17 Dec. Salong Giraff: Euphoria (SWE) // Colourful variety of humorous and enchanting circus characters. Cirko Centre, Kaasutehtaankatu 1. Tickets 30-80. www.cirko.fi Until 18 Dec. Sanna Kekäläinen: The Beast A Book in an Orange Tent // Contemporary dance piece of exaggeration and catastrophe. Kiasma Theatre, Mannerheiminaukio 2. Tickets 10/15. www.kiasma.fi Until 6 Jan. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Wayne Eagling and Toer van Schayk Petr Tchaikovsky) // The Christmas favourite at the Opera. Finnish National Opera, Helsinginkatu 58. Tickets 14-72. www.opera.fi Until 8 Jan. Talvisirkus Nenä ("Winter Circus Nenä") // Legendary annual contemporary circus winter show. Brilliant circus art by international artists. Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, Tallberginkatu 1. Tickets 16/17/27. www.hurjaruuth.fi Until 22 Jan. Liisa Pentti + Co: The Weight of My Heart // Dance piece exploring the themes of remembrance and memories. Galleria G18, Yrjönkatu 18 + Liisa Pentti + Co studio, Henry Fordin katu 6. Tickets 8/17. www.liisapentti.com
9 Dec. Mimmifestarit // Amazing performances of pole art acrobatics, female punk and rap etc. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 15. 17&18 Dec. Korjaamo Christmas Fair // An opportunity to find unique clothes, accessories, homewares and artwork by interesting Finnish brands. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. www.korjaamo.fi From 25 Jan. DocPoint-Helsinki Documentary Film Festival // Annual documentary film event. Various venues. www.docpoint.info
Music _ Clubs
9 Dec. Jo Stance, Rubber // Soulful female vocals and a vintage sound, complemented by soul-funk and "the Barry White of Finland", close out the year's Flame Jazz series. Klubi, Humalistonkatu 8 A. Tickets 14. www.turku2011.fi 9 Dec. Ode to Joy // Turku Philharmonic performs Beethoven's classic. Turku Concert Hall, Aninkaistenkatu 9. Tickets 20/25. www.tfo.fi 10 Dec. Veto (DEN), Ewert and the Two Dragons (EST), Cosmobile & Ike Chime // Veto's grandiose electro rock opened Roskilde this year; Ewert and the Two Dragons contribute lyrical, strippedback indie rock. Klubi, Humalistonkatu 8 A. Tickets 12. www.klubi.net 16 Dec. Turku Philharmonic's Christmas Concert // All the holiday classics to put you in a festive mood. Turku Concert Hall, Aninkaistenkatu 9. Tickets 8/15/20. www.tfo.fi 16 Dec. Salsa Christmas Party // Music by DJ Norlan, fusion salsa and reggaeton instruction, plus a performance by Mike Faya & Julio Muratte and Rueda con Marco. Come early for the Christmas buffet! Kupittaa Pavilion, Pyhän Henrikin aukio. Tickets 10, 40 including dinner. www.salsamor.fi 17 Dec. Hardcore Superstar (SWE) // Thrash metal met sleaze rock over ten years ago their love child is still rocking and celebrating the recent release of a "best of" album. Klubi, Humalistonkatu 8 A. Tickets 20. www.klubi.net 19 Dec. Tarja Turunen's Christmas Concert // The former Nightwish vocalist is joined by former Apocalyptica cellist Max Lilja and a score of other top musicians. Turku Cathedral. Tickets 29, 32 at the door. www.tarjaturunen.com 25 Dec. Bellman Ensemble's Christmas Concert // Enjoy Christmas music of the 1700s in a historic milieu, with a serving of hot glögi and gingerbreads. Vanha Raatihuone, Old Great Square 5. Tickets 15. www.turku.fi/vanhasuurtori 26 Dec. Boxing Day Mumming // Boys from a local school perform traditional Christmas and Boxing Day carols originating from the historic Turku neighborhood. Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, Vartiovuorenkatu 2. Admission 4/6. www.turunmuseokeskus.fi 29 Dec. John Lindberg Trio (SWE), Hillbilly Casino (USA), Flatbroke Trio, Shoebox // Rockabilly Jamboree On Tour. Tickets 20. www.klubi.net 5 Jan. Look to the Sky, Challenge the Universe // Turku Philharmonic and its new conductor perform Sibelius's Scene with Cranes and Luonnotar and Holst's the Planets. Turku Concert Hall, Aninkaistenkatu 9. Tickets 20/25. www.tfo.fi 13-14 Jan. Killing the Legacy Fest // A killer line-up of real deal hardcore from Finland, Denmark and Sweden. S-Osis, Rehtorinpellonkatu 4-6 B. Tickets TBA. www.facebook.com/ killingthelegacy 25 Jan. Amaranthe (SWE) // Fresh off the release of their debut album, this power metal band is making
Julia Degerkvist
The event listings in the Out&See sections are based on the available information at the time of printing the issue. SixDegrees is not responsible for possible changes, mistakes, cancellations or lack of information concerning the events mentioned.
Wolf Gang 11 Dec. Nosturi
16 Dec. Klubi, Humalistonkatu 8 A. Tickets 3. www.klubi.net
Criminal case?
If you are on a low income, you may get free trial
Tiger Bell (SWE)
Check out this energetic female garage punk band at this year's Shampoo Club. They might call themselves "just another pop-rock band", but these girls from the far north of Sweden pack a punch and make a ruckus with their rocking, cheerleader-punk attitude. The line-up also includes Värikäs, The Mindos and Marlon ja Rakkauden Apostolit a full night of music at the cost of a coat-hang!
waves with three vocalists and a spectacular stage show. Tickets 12. Klubi, Humalistonkatu 8 A. Tickets 12. www.klubi.net 11 Dec. Open Skate // St. Michael's congregation sponsors a free open skate 2-3 p.m. HK Areena, Artukaistentie 8. Free. hkareena.fi 30 Dec. TPS - FBT Pori // Men's floor hockey. Caribia, Kongressikuja 1. Tickets 4-10. www.tpssalibandy.fi 10 Jan. TPS - HIFK // Men's ice hockey. HK Areena, Artukaistentie 8. Tickets 10-32. hc.tps.fi
Contact: Attorney-At-Law Asianajotoimisto Streng Ky Lapinlahdenkatu 27, 00180 Helsinki Tel (09) 7269 6730, mob 040 565 8146 joonia.streng@icon.fi, www.strenglaki.fi
Exhibitions
Until 8 Jan. YOUNG ARTISTS 2011 // Traditional exhibition with "a freshness guarantee". Kunsthalle Helsinki, Nervanderinkatu 3. Tickets 5.50/8. www.taidehalli.fi Until 8 Jan. The Magic of Lapland // The exhibition focuses on the impressions of Finnish Lapland given by art. Ateneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu 2. Tickets 0/8/10. www.ateneum.fi Until 8 Jan. Jump In! 100 Years of Finnish Comic Strips // Exhibition tells the grand narrative of Finnish comics, how they are read today, and in the near future. Design Museum, Korkeavuorenkatu 23. Tickets 0/3/8. www.designmuseum.fi Until 15 Jan. The Power of Colour Works from the collections of the State Tretjakov Gallery // Early 20th century Russian art featuring the beloved masters Marc Chagall, Kasimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky. Helsinki Art Museum Tennis Palace, Salomonkatu 15. Tickets 0/8/10. Until 15 Jan. Akseli Gallen-Kallela European Master // In addition to Gallen-Kallela's central paintings, the exhibition will also present his designs. Helsinki Art Museum Tennis Palace, Salomonkatu 15. Tickets 0/8/10. Until 15 Jan. Raakel Kuukka : Re trospec tive / / The retrospective shows Kuukka's works from the 1980s up to the present day, with vintage prints, new works and a number of videoworks. The Finnis h Mu s eum of Photography, The Cable Factor y, Tallberginkatu 1. Tickets 0 /4/ 6. w w w.valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi Until 29 Jan. Juhani Linnovaara - T he Power o f Fan t a s y / / Retrospective exhibition of an artist with a distinctive visual world of his own includes paintings, graphics, sculptures and jew elle r y. Didrichsen Museum of Art and Culture, Kuusilahdenkuja 1. Tickets 3/7/9. www.didrichsenmuseum.fi
Exhibitions
Closing 18 Dec. Tom of Finland, Alice in Wonderland, Only a Game?, Fire! Fire! // Last chance to check out the Capital of Culture exhibits covering an icon of gay art, contemporary photography, football around the world, and the science and history of fire. Logomo, Köydenpunojankatu 14. Admission 8-20. www.turku2011.fi Closing 8 Jan. Le Voyage // For the 100th birthday of Finnish modern music pioneer Erik Bergman, an exhibit describing his life as a traveler and instrument collector. Sibelius Museum, Piispankatu 17. Admission 1/3. web.abo.fi/fak/hf/musik/ Ongoing. Juha Mäki-Jussila Suddenly Last Summer // A video installation where plants explore the human themes of Tennessee Williams' classic 1958 play. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, Itäinen Rantakatu 4-6. Admission 5.5/7/8. www. aboavetusarsnova.fi
Others
Ongoing. Light therapy // Fight off the winter blues with half an hour in front of a therapeutic light box. Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2; University of Turku Main Library, University Hill; Employment and Economic Development Office, Linnankatu 52 B. Free. www.turku2011.fi 16 Dec. English Comedy Club // Louis Zezeran (AUS), Keiu Kriit (EST), Robert Pettersson (FIN), Ahmed Perhan (SWE). Monk, Humalistonkatu 3. Tickets 8/10. www.monk.fi Through 18 Dec. Christmas Market at the Old Great Square // The classic spot to see Santa and load up on traditional Christmas handicrafts and foods. Free. www.suurtorinjoulumarkkinat.fi
Sports
English language monthly for only 25 / year (10 issues) subscribe@6D.fi
Others
Out&See Tampere
By Jutta Vetter
35
SixDegrees
Music _ Clubs
9 Dec. Soul evening // Live music: Tuomo, The Northern Governors and Jaana. Yo-talo, Kauppakatu 10. Tickets 8/10. www.yotalo.com 9 Dec. Hi-Lo & In Between // With Verka. Showtime at 22:00. Irish Bar O'Connell's, Rautatienkatu 24. Free entry. www.oconnells.fi 13 Dec. Tuesday Special // Sami Kukka and band live on stage. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Free entry. www.telakka.eu 14 Dec. Pikkujoulut at Amadeus// PreXmas party spiced with rock`n'roll. Music Bar Amadeus, Tammelan puistokatu 34. Free entry. www. amadeusbar.fi 16 Dec. Christmas show // Lift your holiday spirits in a cosy atmosphere. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Free entry. www.telakka.eu 18 Dec. Tribute to Juice Leskinen // A musical performance honouring Juice Leskinen, one of the legends of Finnish music. Show starts at 17:00. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Tickets 15. www.telakka.eu 19 Dec. Jamming at Huurupiilo // Jam session starts at 19:30. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry. www.huurupiilo.fi/jamit.html 20 Dec. Tuesday Special // DJ Laurila on stage. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Free entry. www.telakka.eu 21 Dec. Vince's VIP// Jann Wilde performing at 22:00. Music Bar Amadeus, Tammelan puistokatu 34. Free entry. www.amadeusbar.fi 23 Dec. Disco at Huurupiilo// DJ Tropiikin Matti and his music bring summer into the midwinter coldness. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry.
www.huurupiilo.fi/disco.html 26 Dec. Boxing Day Bigpop // Music by DJs Sami & Riku. Yo-talo, Kauppakatu 10. Tickets 5. www. yotalo.com 28 Dec. Vince's VIP// Jussi "Jimmy Rebel" Ojanen performing at 22:00. Music Bar Amadeus, Tammelan puistokatu 34. Free entry. www. amadeusbar.fi 30 Dec. Latebird's New Year Bash // Telakka goes party. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Tickets 10. www.telakka.eu 30 Dec. Disco at Huurupiilo// Stereopekat play Finnhits. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry. www.huurupiilo.fi/disco.html 20-21 Jan. Tampere Beatles Happening// Third Annual Tampere Beatles Happening. Tampere Hall, Yliopistonkatu 55. Various events & ticket prices. www.tampere-talo.fi, www.beatles.fi
Every Tue-Sat, 900 years of Finnish Police // This permanent exhibition presents the history of the Finnish Police from the Middle Ages to the police activities of today. National Police Museum, Vaajakatu 2. Free entry. www.poliisimuseo.fi/poliisi/ p o lii s im u s e o / h o m e . n s f / p a g e s / indexeng Every Tue-Sun until June 2012, Full Throttle at Pyynikki // Exhibition about the Pyynikki Road Racing motorcycle race that was held in Tampere 34 times during 19321939 and 1946-1971. Museum Centre Vapriikki, Alaverstaanraitti 5. Tickets 3/6/8. www.vapriikki.net/ tayttakaasua/en/
and Tarot card reading. Bring your own towel. Sauna starts at 17:00. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Entry fee starting from 6. www.telakka. eu/ravintola/naistenillat Until 23 Dec. Tampere Christmas Market // Idyllic Christmas market brings cheerful holiday spirit right into the heart of the city centre. Open every day 10:00-19:00. Keskustori Central Square. Free entry. http://tampereenjoulutori.fi Until 23 Dec. Tallipiha Christmas Market // Traditional Christmas market for the whole family. Small shops, cafeteria, stable and programme. Open every day 10:00-18:00. Tallipiha Stable Yards, Kuninkaankatu 4. Free entry. www.tallipiha.fi
8 - 11 Dec., Tampere-Hall, Yliopistonkatu 55. Tickets 40 / two children under 13 years -50% with one adult / school children and students 32
Sports
Every Tuesday Trotting races // Horse trotting at the Teivo track at 18:00, for driving instructions see website. Free entry. www.teivonravit.fi
Theatre _ Dance
12 Dec. Studio Move's Christmas Show // Dance recitals by Studio Move, shows at 18:00 and 19:30. Tampere Hall (Small Auditorium), Yliopistonkatu 55. Tickets 5/10. www.tampere-talo.fi, www.studiomove.net 14&16 Dec. Studio Razzmatazz's Christmas Show // Dance recitals by Studio Razzmatazz, shows at 18:00 and 20:00. Tampere Hall (Studio), Yliopistonkatu 55. Ticket prices TBA. www.tampere-talo.fi, www.razzmatazz.fi
Others
Every Thursday pub quiz // Pub quiz in an authentic pub atmosphere, starting at 21:00. Questions in Finnish. Gastropub Soho, Otavalankatu 10. Free entry. w w w.gastropub.net / soho / tapahtumat.php Every Wednesday bilingual pub quiz // Questions in Finnish and English. Starting at 19:00. Irish Bar O'Connell's, Rautatienkatu 24. Free entry. www.oconnells.fi 12 Dec. Women's sauna evening // Original Finnish wood-heated sauna. Also peat treatments, reiki,
The Snowman
Tuomo 18 Dec. Yo-talo
Exhibitions
The event listings in the Out&See sections are based on the available information at the time of printing the issue. SixDegrees is not responsible for possible changes, mistakes, cancellations or lack of information concerning the events mentioned.
Get ready for some traditional Christmas spirit as the Snowman dances its way to Tampere all the way from London! Performed by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, this fascinating story about the true friendship between a young boy and the Snowman touches children and adults alike. The fairytale begins when the Snowman and the boy start their adventure towards the wintery night sky. During this musical dance performance they will meet dancing penguins, reindeer, Santa and other friends. But will they make it back on time for Christmas?
City of Tampere
ImmIgrant advIce centre
Multilingual information and guidance services
The centre is closed 24.12-8.1.2012 Starting 9.1. we have new schedules for guidance services.
Check the new schedules at www.tampere.fi/maahanmuuttajaneuvonta or find us on Facebook with updated information. At the information desk you can use your own language to ask about any issues of your daily life or about unclear documents.
Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu 12. Telephone: 040 806 2526 / 040 806 2527 E-mail: maahanmuuttajaneuvonta@ tampere.fi www.tampere.fi/maahanmuuttajaneuvonta
Guidance services in the following languages on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays*
Mondays: Desk 1 Desk 2 Desk 1 Desk 2 9:30-12:00 10:30-13:00 12:30-15:30 13:30-16:30 Azeri, Turkish, Russian Dari, Pashto Urdu, Hindi Persian, Kurdish Bulgarian, French, Spanish Guidance on Finnish language courses Arabic, Kurdish Azeri, Turkish, Russian English Spanish Somali Estonian, Russian Chinese Russian French, Arabic
Tuesdays: Desk 1 9:30-11:30 Desk 2 Desk 1 Desk 2 Desk 1 Thursdays: Desk 2 Desk 1 Desk 1 Desk 2 Fridays: Desk 1 9:30-12:30 11:30-13:30 13:00-15:00 14:00-16:00 10:30-12:30 11:00-13:00 13:30-16:30 14:00-17:00 12:00-15:00
You can find us now also on Facebook: www.facebook.com /tampereenmaahanmuuttajaneuvonta
*until 23.12.2011
The staff of the Tampere Immigration Advice Centre wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Euroopan unioni Euroopan sosiaalirahasto
36
Issue 10 2011
Out&See Oulu
By Marko Kainulainen
Music _ Clubs
9 Dec. Before the Dawn + Support // Popular Finnish metal band that plays gothic and melodic death metal. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 10. www.nuclear.fi 9 Dec. Manna // Vaunted female vocalist Manna sings in English. Club 45 Special, Saaristonkatu 12. Tickets 16 per night. www.45special.com 10 Dec. Sielun Veljet // Legendary Finnish rock band that made its come back last summer. Best known for its frontman Ismo Alanko. Club Teatria, Rautatienkatu 24. Tickets 30. www.teatria.com 11 Dec. French music // Rare free of charge concert of Oulu Symphony. Music by composers like Françaix, Saint-Saëns, Jacinto, Ravel, Jolivet, Brophy and Piazzolla. Oulu Music Centre, Lintulammentie 1-3. Free of Charge. www.oulusinfonia.fi 16 Dec. Tuomas Henrikin Jeesuksen Kristuksen Bändi // Rock music with original touch in Finnish. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 8. www.nuclear.fi 16 Dec. Oranssi Pazuzu // Oranssi Pazuzu plays their unique mix of black metal, psychedelia and krautrock. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 8. www.nuclear.fi 16 Dec. Holy Christmas Mourning: Eternal Tears of Sorrow, The ManEating Tree, Black Sun Aeon, Dark Flood // Four heavy metal bands performing live. Club Teatria, Rautatienkatu 24. Tickets 15/20. www.teatria.com 31 Dec. Children of Bodom // New Years Eve concert by Finnish metal giants Children of Bodom, one of the best known Finnish bands abroad. Supporting by Medeia. Club Teatria,
Children of Bodom 31 Dec. Club Teatria
Rautatienkatu 24. Tickets 33/40. www.teatria.com 12 Jan. Conductor Aino Koskela's Diploma Concert // Von Weber, Strauss, Ibert, Janácek. Oulu Music Centre, Lintulammentie 1-3. Tickets 6/15/19. www.oulusinfonia.fi 19 Jan. Johannes Brahms & Antonin Dvoak // Leo McFall as the conductor,Minna Pensola violin and Tomas Djupsjöbacka cello. Oulu Music Centre, Lintulammentie 1-3. Tickets 6/15/19. www.oulusinfonia.fi
Asemakatu 37. Free Entrance. www.neliogalleria.com
/www.pohjoinenvalokuvakeskus.fi
Sports
9 Dec. Kärpät - Jokerit // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi 27 Dec. Kärpät - Jokerit // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi 3 Jan. Kärpät - Blues // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi 7 Jan. Kärpät - Ässät // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi 13 Jan. Kärpät - Tappara // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi 17 Jan. Kärpät - JYP // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi 24 Jan. Kärpät - TPS // National Ice Hockey League. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi
Theatre _ Dance
13 & 14 Dec. Dance Show // Dance teacher students performing. Oulu University of Applied Sciences (concert hall), Kotkantie 1. Free Entrance. www.oamk.fi/kulttuuri/ 5-15 Jan.Tango Week Festival // A ten day all-around and high-quality international Tango Festival in Oulu. Check ticket prices on the website. Oulun Lyseon lukio, Kajaaninkatu 3 Oulu. http://www.tangonjuhlaviikko.fi
Until 8 Jan. Northern Photographic Centre, Hallituskatu 7. Free Entrance. www.pohjoinenvalokuvakeskus.fi
Exhibitions
Until 11 Dec. Hannu Leimu: MADE IN HONG KONG // Hannu Laimu's paintings that have been inspired from the artist's childhood when most toys were made in Hong Kong. Galleria 5, Hallituskatu 5. Free Entrance. www.arthouse.oulu.net/ galleria5/ Until 31 Dec. Terttu Häkkilä // Art by Terttu Heikkilä. Oulu Museum of Art, Kasarmitie 7. Free of Charge. www.ouka.fi/taidemuseo/ Opening 8 Jan. Niina Kestilä // Painterly sculptures made by Niina Kestilä. Neliö-Galleria,
Juha Suonpää: Holy Melancholy
In Holy Melancholy, artist, researcher and teacher Juha Suonpää borrows cultural layers of the past and uses their root value to reconstruct a visual identity. As a starting point for a study, Juha Suonpää is staging pastiche photographs that imitate the national stereotypical ideas, taking their form from the original paintings. Instead of plagiarism he adds inconsistent or inappropriate details, makes interruptions, and even jokes and witticism to the original ones in order to recreate new root photographs of stereotypical Finnishness.
Others
13 Dec. Remakka Open Mic Stand Up // Are you the next stand up sensation? This is your change at the Open Mic Stand Up night! Student party after the Stand Up Show. Club 45 Special, Saaristonkatu 12. Free of Charge. www.45special.com
Manna 9 Dec. Club 45 Special
MULTILINGUAL INFORMATION SERVICE IN OULU
Chinese Russian Turkish Thai Monday Tuesday Thursday
Finnish and English
VILLA VICTOR A VIBRANT MULTICULTURAL CENTRE OF OULU
The city's International activity centre and the Oulu Settlement's multicultural Friendship House can now be found under the same roof in Villa Victor. The house offers language courses, information sessions on living in Finland, cultural festivities as well as various clubs. You can also meet cultural mediators or order them to your school or working place. The activities are open for all. Welcome!
3-5 p.m. 3-5 p.m. 3-5 p.m.
Wednesday 3-5 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m-5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
City of Oulu information desk Oulu10
Address: Torikatu 10
www.ouka.fi/oulu10/english
Villa Victor Address: Kirkkokatu 54, Heinäpää www.ouka.fi/villavictor/english www.ystavyystalo.fi
Out&See Jyväskylä
By Marko Kainulainen
37
SixDegrees
Music _ Clubs
9 Dec. Ghetto Party Christmas Special // Live performance by Finnish gangsta rapper OG Ikonen and the GP All Star DJs, playing funky soul and hip-hop records all night long. Open Mic after the gig! Musta Kynnys, Hannikaisenkatu 16. Tickets 4. www.facebook.com/ghettoparty 10 Dec. Noctem (ESP), Corpolith // Live metal music from Spain and Finland. Ravintola Rentukka, Taitoniekantie 9. Tickets TBA. www.rentukka.fi 10 Dec. Before the Dawn, Black Sun Aeon // Two Finnish heavy metal bands taking the stage. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 0/8. Free entrance for Jelmu members. 10 Dec. Mirel Wagner, Joose Keskitalo // Two Finnish singer-songwriters performing. Wagner sings in English, Keskitalo in Finnish. Musta Kynnys, Hannikaisenkatu 16. Tickets 7. www.mustakynnys.com 5 Oct. Bird is Alive! Charlie Parker's music // Jyväskylä Symphony presents Jukka Perko (saxophone), Kirmo Lintinen (piano),Ville Herrala (bass) and Teppo Mäkynen (drums) playing the music of jazz legend Charlie Parker. Jyväskylän teatteritalo, Vapaudenkatu 36. Tickets 25/23/10. www.jyvaskylasinfonia.fi 14 Dec. Hardcore Superstar (SWE) // Swedish glam metal/hard rock band. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 18/20. www.jelmu.net 16 Dec. Oranssi Pazuzu // Oranssi Pazuzu plays a unique mix of black metal, psychedelia and krautrock. Pub Katse, Väinönkatu 26. Tickets TBA. www.pubkatse.fi 16 Dec. Mokoma, Disease of the Nation // Popular Finnish metal band Mokoma plays acoustically.
Supporting act is Disease of the Nation. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 12/14. www.jelmu.net 26 Dec. Tapsan tanssit // Are you bored after Christmas? This Boxing Day party with quality DJs will change that! Musta Kynnys, Hannikaisenkatu 16. Tickets 7. www.mustakynnys.com 31 Dec. Ghost Brigade // The gig is over before midnight and DJs are laying down party music for the rest of the New Years Eve. Musta Kynnys, Hannikaisenkatu 16. Tickets 10. www.mustakynnys.com 21 Dec. Hey Ho Let's Go: Himanes, Neuroosiliitto // Two punk rock gigs in the spirit of the Ramones. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 0/8. Free entrance for Jelmu members. www.jelmu.net
Opening 14 Jan. Matti Happonen // Sculptures made by Matti Happonen. Galleria Becker, Seminaarinkatu 28. Free Entrance. www.jkltaiteilijaseura. net/
are-f.com
Sports
10 Dec. JYP - Lukko // National Ice Hockey League. Synergia arena, Rautpohjankatu 10. Tickets 5-30. www.jypliiga.fi 16 Dec. BC Jyväskylä - Forssan Koripojat // Men's basketball at the second highest level. Monitoimitalo, Kuntoportti 3. Tickets 5-20. www. bcjyvaskyla.fi
Mokoma 16 Dec. Lutako
Until 22 Jan. Jyväskylä Art Museum / Holvi, Kauppakatu 23. Tickets 3/6, Free Entrance on Fridays. www.jyvaskyla.fi/taidemuseo
Theatre _ Dance
9 Dec. Hienostokissojen seikkailut // Jyväskylä Dance Academy presents a dance theatre fairy tale about cat mother and her kittens. Jyväskylä City Theatre, Vapaudenkatu 36. Tickets 10/12. www.jyvaskyla.fi/ kaupunginteatteri
18 Dec. HoNsU - Forssan Alku // Women's National League Basketball. Monitoimitalo, Kuntoportti 3. Tickets 2-7. www.honsu.fi 3 Jan. JYP - TPS // National Ice Hockey League. Synergia arena, Rautpohjankatu 10. Tickets 5-30. www.jypliiga.fi 7 Jan. HoNsU - Äänekosken Huima // Local derby with two rivals from central Finland. Women's National League Basketball. Monitoimitalo, Kuntoportti 3. Tickets 2-7. www.honsu.fi 7 Jan. JYP - Pelicans // National Ice Hockey League. Synergia arena, Rautpohjankatu 10. Tickets 5-30. www.jypliiga.fi 13 Jan. JYP - HIFK // National Ice Hockey League. Synergia arena, Rautpohjankatu 10. Tickets 5-30. www.jypliiga.fi 15 Jan. BC Jyväskylä - Tapiolan Honka // Men's basketball at the second highest level. Monitoimitalo, Kuntoportti 3. Tickets 5-20. www.bcjyvaskyla.fi
Jaana Partanen:
Mental Alchemy Harry Potter Layer
Jaana Partanen's exhibition Mental Alchemy Harry Potter Layer at Jyväskylä Art Museum is concerned with the riddles of the human mind and consciousness. Like the series of films from which the exhibition takes its name, the works on display address questions that have always fascinated us: Is there something mysterious and eternal lying behind our visible world? Can human beings have inexplicable powers? Can there exist alongside our ordinary everyday world an invisible level on which the supernatural can become quite natural? Jaana Partanen has approached her subject in the manner of a scientist, but presents her results, discoveries and new ideas through the language of art.
Exhibitions
Opening 15 Dec. Ibrahim Miranda // Art work from Cuban artist who has gained international attention for his prints and paintings. The poetry and songs of Cuba provide literary and philosophical ideas, deepening the meaning and impact of his prints and paintings. Galleria Harmonia, Hannikaisenkatu 39. Free of Charge. www3.jkl.fi/taidemuseo/ grafiikkakeskus/harmonia.htm
Oranssi Pazuzu 16 Dec. Pub Katse
Column
From zero to hero...and back again, hopefully
"I'M an ordinary man, nothin' special, nothin' grand..." Ordinary Man is a mournful piece of cheesiness best performed by Christy Moore, Ireland's favourite troubadour. In recent years there's been a remarkable revival in the well-worn notion of the "average," "ordinary," or "common man," the mythical figure who supposedly represents the majority and whose taxes, so the updated version of the legend goes, put food on the tables of all the uppity, ungrateful parasites minorities, immigrants, in short anyone's who's not "normal" who never stop biting the hand that feeds them. OrdInary Man is back in business for various reasons, mainly because politicians of different stripes find him so incredibly versatile and useful. The ongoing success of populist movements in many countries, including Finland, is proof of this. A remark the philosopher Judith Shklar made nearly a half-century ago on the political uses of the idea of the "average man" is as relevant as ever: "The unquestioning mind is taken as the best index of public opinion, morality is then identified with this opinion, and the survival of society is made to depend upon its being the sole guide for public policy, with no further need to check the facts of the case." THIS idealisation of mediocrity makes the Ordinary Man vital to populist movements. He's a simple sort who don't need no education to know what's what, and so the politicians who claim him as their ideal constituent can also feel free to abandon argument in favour of emotion, and something mysterious they call "values" in less politically correct language, just glorified prejudices. Ordinary Man has plenty of these, so he'll do fine without fancy facts, thank you very much. There's no patience here for the wishy-washy view that things might be slightly more complicated than Ordinary Man extraordinaire Teuvo Hakkarainen's infamous diagnosis of the state of the nation: Neekeriukko tulee ja sanoo turvapaikka ja heti ollaan sisällä. OrdInary Man is also driven by a strong sense of what you might call competitive victimhood. Life seems little more than a struggle to ensure that nobody robs him and the group he identifies himself with their cherished claim to be the Most Oppressed People Ever. Acknowledging that someone somewhere might be worse off sends him into a demented fit of blogging and other hi-tech equivalents to foaming at the mouth. The list of the Finnish Ordinary Man's oppressors is long and elastic: it includes Swedish-speaking Finns, most women, environmentalists, refugees, Muslims, homosexuals especially dancing ones vegetarians, "kukkahattutädit" and other "maailmanparantajat." The American expression bleeding heart liberal captures the combined meaning of these two Finnish terms, which are used loosely by Ordinary Man to refer to anyone whose moral concerns foolishly extend beyond their own navel. BuT surely this is all just a parody, not something any self-respecting person would aspire to, and therefore not something that politicians could get much mileage out of? Well, not really. The Ordinary Man image seems to work perfectly as a source of consolation for many people who feel downtrodden. This might have something to do with the fact that it makes a virtue out of inverted snobbery Ordinary Man takes a resentful form of pride in being simpler, plainer, cruder and, in his own mind, more honest than anyone else. It is these same attributes, so he is flatteringly told by the Timo Soinis of this world, that make our man the undeserving doormat of all those who are not like him, not ordinary with a capital O. 2012 will surely bring more exciting developments in the saga of Soini's Perussuomalaiset, the most successful attempt so far in Finnish politics to capitalise on the idea of appealing to the lowest common denominator to all the ignorant prejudices, dogmatism, self-righteousness, and sheer mental laziness that are stuffed into the shabby figure of the Ordinary Man.
Message from the editor
SOMEOnE has been using SixDegrees to convey a message to our readers a message we don't agree with, or find acceptable. Some of our readers have complained to us that they have found a leaflet hidden inside some copies of our magazine located at certain distribution spots. The piece of paper, written in English and lacking an author's name or signature, campaigns against the Swedish-speaking minority and bilingualism of Finland. We respect freedom of speech and opinion, when done in a correct manner without abusing other people's rights. If this issue is of such great importance for the ghost campaigner, they could stand in a public place and distribute their leaflet to those who want to take it, write a blog on the internet or offer their opinion to the media for publication. Most importantly, using their own name and title. Shouting something from the shadows and blaming it on others is a cowardly act. We at SixDegrees disagree with the message slipped into our magazines. We believe that the bilingual nature of Finland adds richness to the culture and should be preserved. The Swedish-speaking minority in Finland are natives of this country with historical rights, and they have been a great model for and supporters of multiculturalism. Bilingualism is a part of this country's constitution and laws protecting it are a result of the democratic process. Those wanting to change these regulations should use their right to vote to affect the outcome. If they want to campaign to change other peoples mind, they should do it in their own name and with their own tools. We are sorry for the disturbance and hope that this abuse will end. We have asked the police to investigate. Alexis Kouros
James O'Connor is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Jyväskylä and is working on his PhD thesis at the Centre Of Excellence for Global Governance Research at the University of Helsinki. He is a long-time resident of Finland.
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Oulu: 1st Bar, Amarillo, Bar&Cafe Milou, Coffee House, Cumulus Hotel Oulu, Galleria Harmaja, Hemingways/Kirkkokatu, Hesburger/Isokatu 32, Hesburger/Citytalo, Holiday Club Oulun Eden, Holiday Inn Hotelli, Kahvila Humus, Maailmankauppa Juuttipukki, Makuuni/Hallituskatu, Makuuni/Torikatu, Neliö-Galleria, Nuoriso- ja kulttuurikeskus Valve, Nuorten tieto- ja neuvontakeskus Nappi, Nuortenkeskus Bysis, Oulun ammattikorkeakoulun osakunta/OSAKO, Oulun elokuvakeskus, Oulun kaupungin matkailupalvelut, Oulun kaupunginkirjasto, Oulun lyseon lukio, Oulun vastaanottokeskus, Oulun yliopiston keskusaula Linnanmaa, Oulu-opisto, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa-museo, Radisson SAS Oulu, Ravintola Amica, Ravintola Torero, Robert's coffee, Tiedekeskus Tietomaa, Subway, Uusi seurahuone/Petrellin Saluuna. Jyväskylä: Agora, Anttila/Forum, Anttila/Sammontie, Bar 68, Cafe Libri, Coffee House/Kauppakatu, Elosen Konditoria, Hemingways, Hennes & Mauritz, Ilokivi-baari, Intersport Megastore/ Tourula, Jyväskylän AMK/Mankolan kampus, Jyväskylän taidemuseo, Kahvila Eeden/Viherlandia, Kasvisravintola Katriina, Kaupungin kirjasto, Kulttuuriravintola Ylä-Ruth, Kumppanuustalo, Kuntokeskus Elixia, Kuokkalan Messi, Lozzi, Luontaiskeskus Torikeskus, Matkailuneuvonta, McDonald's/Jyväkeskus, McDonald's/Keljon keskus, Memphis, Monikulttuurisuuskeskus Gloria, Nuorisoasiainkeskus, Old Corner, Parnell`s/Gummeruksenkatu, Parnell`s/Väinönkatu, Piato, Pizza best/Lutakko, Ravintola Idea, Ravintola Memphis/ Kauppakatu, Ravintola Rentukka, Sohwi, Tanssisali Lutakko, The Old Brick's Inn, Vakiopaine, Wilhelmiina, Yliopiston pääkirjasto, Yliopiston päärakennus, Ylistö, YTHS. Muu Suomi: Diakonia AMK:n kirjasto/Järvenpää, Etelä-Karjalan ammattikorkeakoulu, Etelä-Savon Ammattiopiston aikuiskoulutuskeskus/Mikkeli, Haaga-Helia Porvoon yksikkö, HAMK Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu/Riihimäki, Hanken/ Vaasa, Helsingin Business School/Mikkeli Business Campus, Hyvinkään Kirjasto, Joensuun Carelicum Kainuun monikuttuurinen toimintakeskus/Kajaani, Kokkolan koulutuskirjasto, Kotkan vastaanottokeskus/Karhula, Kuopion kirjasto, Lahden Multi-Culti, Lappeenrannan kaupunki Maahanmuuttajat, Mikkelin Monikulttuurikeskus Mimosa, Mikkelin AMK/Kasarmin kampus, Seinäjoen AMK/ Kampustalo, Työväen akatemian kirjasto/Kauniainen, Vaasan yliopisto/Kansainväliset Asiat.
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