Finland's ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE
SixDegreeS
F
D i r e c t i ng I r o n S k y page 18
INLAND'S UTURE
page 14
Meet who may know what lies ahead
TIMO VUORENSOLA
INTEGRATING IN SWEDISH
A n of f i c i a l p os si b i l i t y page 10
Issue3/2012 www.6d.fi 30.3. - 27.4.2012
rature Lite
evenings
Flush !
The historical sanitary facilities of the City Hall gain a new dimension in the form of FLUSH! Art Exhibition. The facilities are for all, regardless of their age, social class or condition. Nevertheless, their use is strictly regulated: women may not enter the men's toilet and vice versa. Public places are closed and limited on the basis of gender, so the visitors to art exhibitions are bounded by gender. Will a visitor dare flush down border fences created by gender like art does? A public sanitary facility is a space between the public, the private and the intimate. It is space for art as its best. No wonder then that the toilet, art and the everyday interlace in many ways. In FLUSH! Exhibition, the glorious tradition of toilet art is continued by
Petri Ala-Maunus, Sasha Huber, Päivi Koskinen, Heidi Lunabba, Juhana Moisander, Petri Saarikko and Minna Suoniemi.
Juhana Moisander
Virka Gallery's exhibition at Helsinki City Hall
Evening with Uudenmaan kirjoittajat ry. Sat 31.3. at 5 pm, free entrance Literature and culture of Australia. Sat 28.4. at 5 pm, free entrance
Russian
poetry and music
Poems and guitar music. Sat 31.3 at 6 pm, free entrance Evening with Russian troubadours. Sat 21.4 at 6 pm, free entrance
Bollywood
Musical play
A true love story. Bollywood disco afterwards. Sat 5.5 at 7 pm, 10/7
Beat of
23.3.-30.9.2012
Music Station
Club
Hossni Boudali Live Collection. Concert and Club. Sat 14.4 at 8, tickets 5
Flu sh !
Petri Ala-Maunus
Turkey
Flush!
Minna Suoniemi
inland F
Exhibitions,seminars and workshops. 10.4.-22.6, free entrance
Meets Meets
International
Living Room
Azerbaijan Culture and women's lives. Registrations to oge.eneh@hel.fi Mon 23.4 at 4 pm, free entrance
Women's
Helsinki
200 years
celebrations
Big Move The play Fri 30.3 at 7pm, free entrance
Fashion Show: African Designers Sat 7.4 at 6pm, free entrance
Virka Gallery, City Hall, Sofiankatu 1 Open Mon-Fri 9-19, Sat-Sun 10-16 Free entry · www.virka.fi
International Cultural Centre Mikonkatu 17 C, www.caisa.fi facebook.com/caisa.kulttuurikeskus
12
29 MARCH 4 APRIL 2012
HELSINKI TIMES
Women's careers on the rails began with conducting
Photo courtesy of Helsinki City Museum photo archives.
The first female tram conductors in Finland, 1917.
The first female conductors in Finland began work a century ago. Since then, the whole range of positions in public transport have become open to women. The first trams came into operation in Helsinki in the 1890s, and for the first two decades the industry was entirely male-dominated. The tram company recruited its first female conductors in 1917. The main reason for employing women was economic: whereas male conductors demanded a monthly salary of 185 Marks a month, women settled for 140. At the time, employing women conductors caused a scandal, and the men feared that soon they would all be out of work. At first there was widespread scepticism of women's ability to cope with the work, since the job description included keeping order on the trams. It was feared that the presence of female staff would only act as further temptation for males to misbehave on board. To avoid any risk of scintillation, the female conductors wore ankle-length skirts and keenlength boots.
Female drivers
During the war years, a need for women drivers arose when the men were off fighting on the front. The training was rushed, and the work was hard: the women had to drive through blacked-out parts of the city at night, and when air raid sirens went off they had to direct passengers to the nearest shelter. Conducting was cold, uncomfortable work, since the shortage of vehicles was made up for with open-backed trams with no heating and thin, uninsulated walls. When the men returned from war, the women returned to their work as conductors, and there were no more female drivers on Helsinki's trams until 1966. Nowadays, a full one-third of tram drivers are women. There are fifteen traffic supervisors, of whom six are women. Based on her long experience of trams, director of HKL Tram transport Eija Tuomonen takes the view that women do well on the rails, often even better than men. "Nowadays steering the trams is not physically demanding. Women drivers tend to be more patient, and are flexible when it comes to customer service."
HSL introduces eco-bonuses for bus operators
Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) will start to grant credits to bus operators who implement effective emissions-reducing measures. The bonus model will take account of carbon dioxide emissions and harmful related emissions. Transport operators can showcase their proposed measures in a bidding process which will be held annually. The first such competition will be held during the spring, and the bonuses will come into effect in the autumn. HSL has reserved 600,000 euros for the initiative. The criterion for awarding the bonuses include use of biological fuels, i.e. biogas, biodiesel, or bioethanol. The bonus will only be awarded for using biofuels made from recycled materials, however. The effects of emissions are calculated according to the sustainability criteria set out in European Union directives. The bonus may be granted for reduced fuel consumption, and for more efficient exhaust gas cleaning.
Break in metro service in July
The metro service will be out of service from 14 July through 22 July. The Kulosaari-Ruoholahti line will be completely closed during that period, on account of the excavation work carried out with explosives during that time. On and between these dates, there will be metro service only between Mellunmäki to Kulosaari, and Vuosaari to Itäkeskus. The connections to eastern Helsinki from the city centre will be replaced with additional bus routes. Helsinki city centre can be reached from Itäkeskus by bus 99 and from Herttoniemi by bus 99B. In addition, Herttoniemi, Roihuvuori and Laajasalo feeder buses will run to and from the city centre (Railway Station) during the time the metro is out of service.
Electronic cigarettes not permitted on public transport
HSL does not permit the use of electronic cigarettes on any of its vehicles, in HSL offices or service points, nor in HSL staff break rooms. The ban is due to the risk of the electronic cigarettes being mistaken by other passengers and customers for regular cigarettes, which would inevitably lead to difficulties. There is also a risk of respiratory symptoms in nearby persons from the release of steam and glycerol fumes from the liquid cartridge of the cigarettes. The use of electronic cigarettes has earlier been prohibited or restricted by airlines, the national railway company VR, some municipalities and in restaurants.
6
Issue 3 2012
Starters
Top 5
things on our mind this month...
Spending cuts and tax increases
In an attempt to balance the country's books, the government has announced a package of tax increases and spending cuts worth billions of euros. Not up for discussion, unsurprisingly, were the ministers' own salaries (12,410 euros per month, 15,246 euros for the prime minister!).
Young Swedishspeaking Finns now all out of Papper
Local publication switches off the presses.
Mika Oksanen
Spring's upon us
The phrase "lumi sulaa" ("the snow is melting") may only be two words long, but hundreds of thousands of entire conversations have been built around it in the last few weeks.
Ice hockey playoffs
From September to March each team in Finland's premier ice hockey league SM-Liiga plays 60 matches in order to find out who will play whom in the playoffs. Couldn't they just draw names out of a hat?
Minister almost gets sacked
But this is Finland, so he got to keep his job despite having "given the wrong impression" and "concealed information" (i.e. lied, in common parlance, but calling an politician a liar is generally avoided here, so creative terms have to be invented to help us describe the phenomenon).
Bully-boy trade unionists
After sacking an employee while her allegations of having been bullied were still under investigation, Transport Workers' Union AKT has now sidelined the alleged bully, the organisation's chairman Timo Räty, and reinstated the sacked employee, Hikka Ahde. Who took this enlightened decision? The AKT board. Who sacked Ahde in the first place? The AKT board. Compiled by Allan Bain.
WHEN the Finnish government imposed value added tax on magazine subscriptions beginning from this year, media houses were concerned about the future, given the expectable drop in subscription income. There is grotesque life irony, however, in that the first casualty should be a publication that is handed out free of charge not your typical VAT bait per se. This publication was Papper, a Swedish-language monthly. "It wrote about people, phenomena, music, theatre, culture, what not," says Jeanette Öhman, Editor-in-Chief of Papper for almost five years until the closure. "The paper targeted young adults, between 18-35 years." It was established in 2006 as an independent project subsidised by the Kulturfonden fund, and some 18 months later it was sold to KSF Media, a media group spearheaded by Hufvudstadtsbladet. At this time, Öhman took up her position. "Money was an issue all along," Öhman recounts. "We relied on ad sales and funding from Kulturfonden. With the diminutive number of regular staff, we sort of had to be jacksof-all-trades, supported by a pool of freelance contributors. But I really loved my independent role." One of the key strengths of Papper was the online community that evolved around it. "Swedish-speaking Finns have been keen bloggers for a long time, and the community featured up to 1,500 bloggers, who came up with restaurant and theatrical reviews and other good stuff." Eventually, the project funding Papper had received from Kulturfonden came to an end. KSF Media would have had to compensate for this, and with the new VAT and the economic low tide, it turned out to be a game of "editorial musical chairs", without one for Papper. "At best, our print run was up to 130,000 copies, distributed in Swedish-speaking parts of Finland," laments Öhman, who remains with KSF Media in another role. "Personally I fret about our readers who now have no publication aimed exactly for them in their language."
Jacek Walczak
to... How
Best celebrate Easter?
Jenni Toriseva
Sniffing old winds
Get out of town for a few days, and if the weather allows, get into the forest and feel the summer coming. If you stay around the house, you're going to be moving towards your computer and your work desk and the holiday will be lost. Joe Davidow, filmmaker and composer
WHILE Nokia hopes to rival Apple's domination in design with its new Lumia phone which aims to win the approval of the masses with cutting-edge design a trend has emerged that seems to be nodding towards a wholly different temporal direction. Fashion is a sector of very few winds, meaning that it has to bring back the past every now and then. Be it called vintage or
retro, we all love to reminisce about all things old, however garish and uncomfortable they may look and feel like. Many camera manufacturers have already realised this, bringing beloved classics such as Leica's 1950s M3 back to life, only this time in a digital form. As mobile phone manufacturers seem to still be completely unaware how fashion works, it has been the phone case manufacturers instead who have plunged into this newly (re) opened niche. iPhone owners in a need of an urgent retro-fix should worry no more, being able to choose from a wealthy abundance of cases imitating retro phones, cameras, cassettes, TV-sets and who knows what more. Someone has even come up with the idea to manufacture brick-sized iPhone cases that will give that dear Apple phone of yours the `80s Gorba-look you've surely longed for, ever since the appearance of palm-sized mobile phones. As we may to be on the verge of re-living the 1980s economically, you might want to accessorise yourself with something that fits the era.
FINNISH AFTER DARK
Learning the Finnish they don't teach in school
David Brown and Mimmu Takalo
Finland shuts down at Easter, as it does during every major holiday. So the best way to take advantage of this is: stockpile lamb and chocolate, and don't emerge until Tuesday. Zoë Chandler, theatre director Definitely with an egg hunt! No matter your age, gingerly hunting around the house with the family for hidden chocolate is top of the list. Tomas Whitehouse, photographer
Suomeksi: juosten kustu English equivalent (literal): To....um....piss while running
Although you may not have a lot of experience of urinating while out running, this saying can still make sense. Kind of. It is used to mean something completely screwed up as screwed up as the idea of trying to take a leak without stopping. Hopefully you can imagine that without having to actually try it out. · · · · Tääkokoprojektionihanjuostenkustu!Mikääneitoimi! Joo,seonaikasyvältä,mutkoitakestää! Thiswholeprojecthasbeentotallyscrewed!Nothingworks! Yeah,it'snotlookinggood,buthanginthere!
Starters
7
SixDegrees
Happy Ostara!
A mythical birth of Easter traditions
VR
Tell me about your city...
<
nedin! Du
The woman behind the voice
Who is that announcing your arrival to the next station?
Nicklas Smith
Beth Morton
MOST of us have heard her voice, but just who is the woman coming from the speakers on the trains in Finland? 52-year-old Eija Ahlberg is married and has one daughter and lives in Vartiokylä, Helsinki. And if you want to know even more about her please continue reading. How did you get chosen as the train announcer here in Finland? I was given this opportunity as I can speak English, German, Swedish and Finnish. Now I am also studying Russian. What are your other responsibilities at work? I'm working as a sales manager for international sales. I'm responsible for all the big tour operators selling our products through to our online application internationally. What do you think about setting up some special effects on the announcements? For example some police sirens for those passengers who do not pay for their ticket? The most important reason for doing these announcements is that all the passengers, including tourists, know where they are going and when they reach their destination. Do you travel by train yourself and how does it feel to hear your own voice over and over again in public? I do not use the train very often, but the truth is that you never get used to your own voice and I'm also very critical about what I do. What are your hobbies? My favourite hobby is scuba diving. My last diving safari was in the Red Sea, diving with hammerhead sharks. I also love to cook. Your favourite food? I love mostly everything if it is done with heart. Favorite drink? I love old Calvados. And finally, what kind of music do you like? Rammstein is one of my favourite bands and then again most jazz playing artists, Pat Metheny etc.
EASTER, the deeply significant Christian festival, has become steeped in many traditions and rituals. I'm sure we are all aware of the religious connotations of many of these customs but I don't remember a bunny in the Bible or children painting eggs with all the colours of the rainbow. So what is all this about? Saxon goddess Ostara, goddess of spring and dawn, brought the end of winter in with her each year and made the days grow brighter and longer. With the rabbit as her sacred animal and her passion for new life it's no wonder that she created pagan traditions with her story. Feeling guilty for her late arrival one year, and as an apology to a bird whose wings had been frozen by the harsh winter, she turned it into a snow hare and made him her pet. Uniquely, as a homage to his previous state as a bird, Ostara also kindly granted the hare the gift of being able to lay colourful eggs once every year. Eventually however, he managed to anger the goddess, forcing her to cast him into the skies forever as the constel-
lation Lepus, being guarded at the foot of Orion. The hare's only saving grace was that he was permitted to return to earth once each year, but only to give away his technicolour eggs to the children celebrating the Ostara spring festivals. So the poor thing may have, understandably, been feeling hard done by at the time but he managed to become a variant of the legendary character that we all know and love as the Easter Bunny and brought the iconic convention of making, receiving and eating those deliciously decorated eggs.
ItsLassieTime
Simon Wylie
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW EASTER IN FINLAND?
Global movement
James O'Sullivan
RESPONSIBLE for the murder, slavery, rape and prostitution of thousands African children over the last 20 years, Joseph Kony's reign of terror in East Africa has finally caught the attention of the wider international community. Utilising the internet to create awareness of the issue and rallying support in an attempt to convince the American government to use their considerable political muscle to bring Kony to justice, the campaign of NGO Invisible Children has captivated the world's attention recently for a variety of reasons. Whether or not you feel it is a belated movement by the West that has arrived much too late, one can't deny its effective example of rallying people online in an attempt to make a difference.
1. Feather 3. Daffodil
4. Chick
2. Maundy Thursday 5. Rye grass
MY hometown is Dunedin, a city around the same size as Oulu, on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. Dunedin is a university town and is famous for its student culture. During the academic year, from February to November, the local population swells by more than 15,000, as students (known as "Scarfies") from around the country head south to Otago University to experience its unique lifestyle. However the university is not the city's sole defining feature. Dunedin is also renowned for the rich variety of wildlife, which can be found on the beaches along the Otago Peninsula. Colonies of royal albatrosses, yellow-eyed penguins (the world's rarest penguins), Hooker's sea lions and New Zealand fur seals are all less than an hour's drive from the city centre. The peninsula is the location for New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, too. Sport features heavily in the lives of Dunedinites. Surfing is popular and many choice spots can be found along the city's numerous beaches just twenty minutes drive from the centre. The Black Caps, New Zealand's national cricket team, play a couple matches during the summer at the University Oval. And of course there is rugby a new 30,000-seat permanently roofed stadium was built for last year's Rugby World Cup and this year will be the new home for Dunedin's Super 14 rugby team The Highlanders. The stadium also doubles as a concert venue and saw Elton John play a sold-out show in November. Alternatively, if sport isn't your thing, you might be more interested in a Willie Wonka-style experience including complimentary chocolates with a tour of the Cadbury World chocolate factory. Or perhaps enjoy a glass or two of the region's best-known beer on a tour of the Speight's Brewery. For a tasty lunch or dinner, head to one of the city's four Thai Food restaurants in my opinion Thai Kar Tom on George Street has the best Thai food outside of Thailand. And if you're there on a Thursday evening, after your meal head next door to "The Robbie", a pub famous for it's Thursday Jazz Nights. The Robbie is named after the famous Scottish bard Robert Burns, whose nephew was one of the city's founding fathers. In fact a statue of Burns stands in the Octagon right in the heart of the city and Dunedin is sometimes referred to as the "Edinburgh of the South" due to its Scottish roots (the Scottish Gaellic name for Edinburgh is "Dún Eideann"). If you're near the Octagon don't be surprised if you suddenly hear a rendition of a traditional Scottish tune on the bagpipes! Finally, Dunedin can also lay claim to a Guinness World Record - the World's Steepest Street. Baldwin Street's steepest gradient is 1 in 2.86 and every February it hosts "The Gutbuster", a two minute race to the top and back which I can confirm from personal experience lives up to its name! The best time for Finns to head down under to Dunedin is summer! Summer is from December to February, with the hottest temperatures normally in February (in the mid-tolate 20s, sometimes in excess of 30 degrees Celsius). Most of the university students have returned to their home towns, so the city is a bit quieter. Check out the wildlife along the peninsula, go for a dip or ride the waves at a local beach, or relax in the sun with a few beers at a game of cricket. If you go in December, you can also enjoy the novelty of Christmas Day on the beach complete with a barbecue lunch!
www. kony2012 .com
Test your knowledge of Finnish vocabulary by using the local equivalent.
Puzzle by Ona Siurua
8
Issue 3 2012
We Met
NO ORDINARY JOE
American composer and filmmaker Joe Davidow shares his perspective both on home and abroad.
We Met
Text James O'Sullivan, photos Tomas Whitehouse.
9
SixDegrees
MOVING to Helsinki after meeting a Finnish woman whilst studying at the Moscow Conservatory in the late 1970s, American Joe Davidow's work as a musician and composer soon led him down the path to filmmaking. Initially known for his documentary work that highlighted important issues occurring in his homeland America, his focus turned to creatively filming dance in the early 1990s, and he was bestowed with the prestigious Prix Italia in 1998 for The Man Who Never Was, based on the work of the national poet of Portugal, Fernando Pessoa. However, his frequent visits back to America over the years have witnessed a great number of social changes there. It was perhaps Davidow's most striking observation that ended up consuming four years of research, filming and postproduction. Dreams Deferred: legacy of American apartheid sees him returning to The Bronx, the New York City borough of his childhood, to document the growing distance that exists between the "haves" and the "have-nots" in the African American community. With African Americans making up half of the prison population, yet only 12.5 per cent of the American population, Davidow documents the cycle that sees the poorer members of this community restricted under the weight of mass incarceration, discriminatory drug laws, crime, extended prison sentences and loss of voting rights, and uncovers the reduced opportunities that occur as a direct result of having done time in prison. Arriving to a Helsinki café early one Monday afternoon, Davidow extends a firm handshake. Taking a seat and ordering a latte from a passing waitress, he is polite yet initially reserved, as he gradually relaxes into the less familiar role of interviewee. After initially working here as a composer, what eventually drew you towards visual expression? I was making music for an animated film for Epidem in the early `80s when the director suddenly disappeared. I was going back and forth wondering when I was going to get paid. The company said basically that when the TV accepts it only then will you get the money. Finally they said that if you are in such a hurry to get paid then take the material and edit it yourself. So I did. That was the first time I did anything in cinema. Your subject matter over the years has been quite broad; from dance performance capture, to AIDS and the plight of the underprivileged in America. Where do you find your subjects? Is there a particular spark that sets you off? Most of the time I am searching for projects where I can use my own music and stories that I like. On the artistic side, I started working a lot with dance in the `80s and `90s; I did a lot of work with Jorma Uotinen, who was the artistic director of Finnish National Ballet from 19922001. I was also working with the theatre school here. I just liked the expression of dance. With documentaries I feel like they are social issues that need to be dealt with, this is something that people should know about; a social responsibility. Why have you returned to the USA as the focus of your documentary work on so many occasions? Living in Europe you can usually see the misconceptions about the country, and also that the States is in everyone's face. You know, the wars are basically being started by the US [laughs]. It's a big, powerful country. I feel that I know the psychology of the Scandinavians and Europeans, to an extent, as I have been living in Europe for a very long time. I know what the image is that they have of the United States. I feel that when I am doing things about the States that I am doing it in a way that the European public can understand. Talking about my country in a way, here. That's the stimulus. Do you seek a desired outcome from the viewer when you are making a documentary? Not really, I'm not going that far. I don't look at it as a propaganda tool or anything like that. There are 300 million people in the States. There are many different truths and many different lives. I'm showing one that I know, that's part
of my life. For example, I did four films on HIV. While I've never had HIV, the people working in that community are people that I know people actively supporting human rights. Where did the idea for Dreams Deferred come from? I'd been thinking about that for a while. With the racial history in the United States the role of having many different races and the role of slavery and that kind of thing it's very complex. It's one thing to read in a newspaper what's going on in a country, but it's another thing when you come home. You see what people living there don't see as they are living there every day. I've been seeing this for many years. So, it's an idea that I had sitting on my table for a long time: what's been occurring in the United States after the giant change through the mid-`60s and `70s with the end of segregation laws and the Vietnam war. The African American community went from being a community that was pushing to change the segregation laws, to moving into a very dominant role in the anti-Vietnam War movement. These issues affected the entire country. Everything started changing to the point where you'd have Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Obama, academics; you definitely saw the change in that direction. In the other direction you saw the whole perspective change toward the poorer community and how they were viewed. In the poorer community, people who before were symbols of a progressive community demanding change suddenly became the symbol of the criminal. Well, not suddenly, but how the fuck did that happen? When you look at documentary films of the Motown artists from the `60s going into the `70s, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, you see these really dignified images of the community making progressive demands to where today the image is the rapper who's talking about gangster rap. So I started reading and researching. The more I read it became clearer and clearer. Then I read this book by Michelle Alexander. She put 40 years into perspective. I had already done some filming on a community level, what's going on in the community areas, and then the structure of the film started coming, especially when I started reading her stuff and when I met her. Land of the free, home of the brave, but is America still a racist country? You're talking about a history of hundreds of years. There are different tendencies. Obviously there's been a change in the United States as Obama won 53 per cent of the population which in Europe may not sound like a lot, but in the United States it is. I think he won by nine million votes; won absolutely every community except for white men over the age of 45. There has been a big change, but that was not the point of the film. The point of the film was dealing with a question of discrimination against a segment of the population that not too many people see, where in a way the change has been for the worse. As one of the guys from the film says, "Nobody sees this because no one from middle class America goes into these areas." It's like the Zen idea: there are many truths. There are many people dealing with that particular truth. It is a truth that many people don't know about. So, how to break the cycle of 50 per cent of the male prison population being black in America? The issues that the documentary is dealing with are being raised in the States at the moment. For two reasons: the black community are no longer not talking about it. They are no longer not talking about crime. They didn't want to talk about prisons. That's what they were being blamed for and they didn't want to add on to it. Now the discrimination of the justice system is being examined. As you can see in the film there are a hell of a lot of African American academics, very, very sharp, brilliant people. They are starting to discuss the issue in this way: Why are African Americans being sentenced to prison ten times for using crack, the poor man's cocaine when expensive powder cocaine use gets a 100 times lighter prison sentence for the same amount? And this is just one example. On the other hand, even right wing politicians are touching it, as so much money now is in the prison system. The question comes: how can we have a system that costs so much? Newt
"W
ith documentaries I feel like they are social issues that need to be dealt with."
Romanian beggars, would that be something that sparks your interest? Yeah, absolutely. That's a real failure of the European community. If you remember Nokia, they moved from Germany to Romania almost immediately, as Germans have higher salaries. You move over to Romania where they are paying them 400 euros per month. You move the whole factory over there, so they can make a buck on Romania. But they have no jobs in Romania, they are in a really bad situation right now, especially the Roma population. They don't have any jobs at all, and they open the EU borders and they come here looking for work. Then you have little old ladies here in the winter, sitting outside when it's -30. Finns do have a history of begging. If you go to a Finnish church in many areas you have the wooden statue with the man with his hand out and the hole in his stomach where you give coins, and that's money that goes to the needy. Finland also has a history of indebted peasants working the land as in other countries. After World War II, when all the eastern Karelians came here, the Finns had lost the war, they had no food and suddenly they had all of these people they are supposed to house. The government said to put them in your house. There was a big backlash against that Finnish tribe. There have been problems in Finland, that's for sure. These Romanian women who now come to Finland to beg, Finnish society doesn't know what's going on with them in their country when they see them sitting in the cold. Of course, it can make them angry because they don't understand. And when you don't understand you get confused, and then you start to get aggravated and irritated. That's a real failure of the European Union. In Finland it is on a really small scale there is a tremendous amount of Bulgarian and Romanian people running to Italy and France, which causes a big backlash in those countries. Thousands looking for work as there's no work in their own countries. And the local population gets really pissed and the issue can be used by racist reactionary bastards. The right wing can use it. It is a failure of the European community that they set it up so that companies can make money in Eastern Europe, but they didn't prepare for these problems when they opened up the borders. Would you be interested then in perhaps exploring this issue further? Maybe, now that you mentioned it. Obviously I am interested in the issue of the EU now that you've asked me, it's quite clear that you touched a nerve.
Gingridge [2012 Republican Presidential candidate] was saying something about that the other day: Should we change the drug laws because we are arresting so many people? He obviously in his mind wasn't thinking because we are arresting so many black people or Latinos. In general he was thinking of the cost when the economy is such a big issue in the election. What kind of feedback did you receive here in Finland after the recent premiere screening of the film? Everyone was very positive. What I found interesting was when we had the screening there were a bunch of kids in their 20s there. They took it straight to heart. And we realised because of the culture the hip-hop, the music videos, the lyrics, style of dress and the hat there seems to be a close identification with that community. I was really interested how so many Finnish kids, and a couple were foreign kids, really were like, `What's going on with our guys, how can that be?' What are your views on Finnish society? How has the country changed since you moved here? When I first came, if you were a foreigner, it was 99.9 per cent sure that you had a Finnish wife. It has changed quite a bit. There are a lot more foreigners here and Helsinki is more cosmopolitan. I live as a Finn here. From the foreigner point of view, well, I sit at my house and I work, you know what I mean. That's what I do. You could have people here that look foreign who are feeling it everyday because they are in certain positions, whereas I'm more in the house working on my own. Even after living here for so many years do you still feel like an outsider in Finland? My role of doing my own projects, music and film that keeps me on the outside. Things I do, usually have to do with my idea of the United States, or art in general, so I'm not usually touching Finnish themes. I'm not competing with Finnish filmmakers to make stories about Finland. On the other hand I speak Finnish and I've lived here for 100 years and I feel like this is my home also. Is there any social issue that exists here in Finland that you'd like to investigate further? There was the idea that we would do with four foreign-born film directors. We were thinking about doing something on the school shootings. What is the basis for it, how it ties in internationally. We thought that it might be interesting for Finnish society for outsiders to give their view. I still have that on my desk How about other issues, for example, the current situation here in Finland with the
Place of birth: Born in Ohio, moved to New York when I was a few months. Family: Married with two daughters. Education: Music, studied at NYU, Moscow Conservatory, Sibelius Academy. When I was young I wanted to...do what I do: music When I look at Finnish society I see... society in transformation, but slow. When I look at American society I see... it's complicated, very complex.
Filmography as director Dreams Deferred legacy of American apartheid (2012) My Madness is My Love (2006) Search For Answers (2002) Hidden Passion (2000) The Man Who Never Was (1998) Shadows of Concealment AIDS and the Pharmaceuticals (1996) And many more films dating back to 1983.
10
Issue 3 2012
Lifestyle
INTEGRATING
in SWEDISH in the capital
Tomas Whitehouse
region
A foreign possibility?
Above: Swedish culture centre Luckan offers information regarding all aspects of the Finland-Swedish community here. Right: Chairman of IFISK, Gerd-Peter Löcke, remains sceptical about the possibilities in future of integrating in the capital region in Swedish.
WHILE the pathway into Finnish society for a foreigner is one that is beset with challenges, one option for immigrants that receives very little in the way of support in the capital region is that of integrating in Swedish. Being as it is a smaller community with a closer network of contacts, coupled with the fact that Swedish is traditionally seen as a much easier language to learn than Finnish for immigrants from many countries, on paper one could say that integration into the Finland-Swedish community in the Uusimaa region might provide a swift option to settle into life here. But at this stage, it seems, this potential pathway has yet to be comprehensively paved. "If you come here to Helsinki there isn't much on offer, unfortunately," explains Christina Gestrin, Member of Parliament for the Swedish People's Party. "Currently, the municipalities perhaps think that the easiest way, or the normal way, is to only offer integration in Finnish." While the law states that there should be the possibility to integrate in both languages, the reality sees official structures in place in the capital region that support one's integration path only through the majority language. "This doesn't work well enough in the Helsinki region," Gestrin continues. "The municipalities in the Helsinki region should enhance the possibility to integrate in Swedish, for example, by organising courses. It is unfortunate that the civil servants have not been active in this matter and understood the need for these kinds of initiatives."
Possibilities arise Recent years, however, have seen gradual developments towards creating the possibility for foreigners integrating in Swedish, with the movement of immigrants from Finland's Swedishspeaking areas into the capital region accentuating the lack of official support for such. "People are now working on how to create a good way to integrate in Swedish," Gestrin observes. "The Finland-Swedish information centre Luckan provides a very good service in Swedish, with information about everything you need to know concerning how things function here. They help newcomers to find a job, to find a place to study, somewhere to live, and inform about the possibility to integrate in Swedish. But it's not an official service of the municipality." Receiving its funding from organisations and the community, Luckan has been increasingly tailoring their services to meet the needs of foreigners, who currently make up 20 per cent of their customer base. "When a foreigner comes in there is a connection, being a minority," Luckan Helsinki's Centre Manager Sebastian Weckman explains. "We're in a similar social space. I myself did not know how to speak Finnish until I was 19 when I went to do military service and I grew up in Espoo. For foreigners it's important to know that there are lots of places where you are accepted and you get help, and that this is one of them." The BRIDGE service at Luckan specifically assists foreigners with a wide range of issues regarding life in Finland, along with offering insights into Finland-Swedish culture and support for those who wish to integrate in Swedish. "I think it's important for the whole country that we try to help people into the system as fast as possible," explains BRIDGE coordinator Anna Jakobsson. "We need foreigners in this country. For example, in the healthcare sector we need a lot of employees who know Swedish. But it is not enough in the capital region that you only know Swedish, as you cannot always choose Swedishspeaking cafes or shops to visit. We would like that people would see that you have to know both official languages here."
Lifestyle
Photo
11
SixDegrees
Ann-Jolin Grüne, Project Manager of Delatktig i Finland i huvudstadsregion, seeks to develop official structures to enable people the choice between Finnish and Swedish integration in the Helsinki region.
"P
eople are now working on how to create a good way to integrate in Swedish."
Official integration pathways Recent changes in the immigration law have seen the implementation of the Osallisena Suomessa (Delaktig i Finland) project. Made up of ten larger projects around the country with the common aim of enabling immigration to run more smoothly here in Finland, each of these contain a number of regionally specific projects. One of ten official projects in the Helsinki region, Delaktig i Finland i huvudstadsregionen (DiFih), seeks to develop official structures to enable people the choice between Swedish and Finnish integration in the Helsinki region. Headed by Arbis, the Swedish Adult Education Centre, along with participation from Luckan, DiFih is one of four projects around the country seeking to develop integration in Swedish. "In a way nobody thought about the whole picture: how people tend to move to different regions," explains project manager Ann-Jolin Grüne. "If you integrate into one part of the country in Swedish and want to transfer, how will it work out so that you can manage in Swedish in different parts of the country?" Upon its completion in 2013, the project's findings will then be presented to the ministry, with the aim that it will be officially possible to integrate in Swedish in larger cities that are bilingual. However, while this development will inevitably enhance these possibilities, Grüne is also aware of the limitations of only learning one language to live in the Helsinki region. "Unfortunately, Finland's bilingualism has been eroding," she continues. "There has been a problem in the attitudes towards the two official languages. Therefore as an immigrant who only knows Swedish, it could be a challenging path to take. Finland-Swedes are aware of this and should take responsibility and do our best to open up and share our networks, and give opportunities to people that come from different backgrounds. We should be grateful and happy for those who choose Swedish." Critical thinking However, not everyone in the Swedish-speaking community here is positive about the current advances in assisting with integrating in Swedish. "Integration is okay in Finnish here in the capital region, but not in Swedish," states Gerd-Peter Löcke, Chairman of IFISK, International Finland-Swedish Culture Forum. "School kids are okay with integration in Swedish and university level is okay but
everything else does not work." Establishing the Swedish-language network back in 2000 to assist foreign Swedish-speakers in finding one another, Löcke's experience working with foreigners through IFISK has given him a different perspective on the issue: he remains sceptical that the current integration initiative will be successful. "It's built up in the wrong way they gave it to Arbis," he exclaims. "It's only NGOs that can do it. If you have someone like Arbis, it won't work as they are closing next month for the summer. Integration is 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The only way it can work is if the head of the group is a foreigner who knows what they are talking about." However, Grüne staunchly stands by the validity of not utilising NGOs in this instance. "This project can't be administered by an NGO," she claims. "None of the Osallisena Suomessa projects are. They had to be administered by the municipality and are projects of the municipalities and the state, because they are supposed to develop the structures of the municipalities and the state, making them better for immigrants. It is tied to the law, and the municipalities and the state have the responsibility to implement the law. Therefore these projects are aimed to develop their structures so that the law can be followed." Foreseeing little change in future, Löcke firmly believes that integration in Swedish is really only possible in the areas where the language is more commonly spoken. "Integration here in the capital region is only in Finnish. I have hundreds of cases why it doesn't work in Swedish. Of course, if you are good at business, or good at football, for example, then you can integrate in Swedish in the capital region, but it is very difficult." A cultural insight Whatever criticism the official project faces, however, perhaps the fundamental outcome will be is that the spotlight is shone more brightly on the Finland-Swedish community, as they learn of the role that they can play in integrating foreigners in the Helsinki region. Enjoying a more culturally diverse background themselves, historically the Finland-Swedish living here have been welcoming in their attitude towards foreigners. "Finland-Swedes are excited and smile when I speak Swedish to them," explains Andrey Moiseenko a Program Manager at Nokia. "It's really nice." Having moved to Finland from Germany four years ago and initially studying Finnish, Moiseenko is currently learning Swedish and believes that the Finland-Swedish culture has a lot to offer for foreigners in Helsinki. "It's easier to get to know people and make friends, according to my experience," he observes. "I have a newborn baby and I want him to study Swedish in kindergarten and in school, and of course he will learn Finnish as well." With the number of immigrants arriving to Finland increasing each year by around 10,000 individuals, if this current project is successful for the Finland-Swedish community, there will be many others who share the same view of embracing bilingual Finland in the capital region.
12
Issue 3 2012
Society
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.
Peace, love and misunderstandings
David Brown
From the
Ghosts in Finland Reality or fiction?
A FRIEND of mine seems to be becoming a terrorist. OK, he's not exactly Al-Qaeda, but he is starting to talk about setting fire to banks. HE is furious about the role of banks in the global economic meltdown, and feels they need to be held accountable. I totally agree with him on this, and anyone who has read the details of the debt swap deal done between Goldman Sachs and the Greek Government some years back will be as well. Both parties set out to cheat the EU, the financial markets and the Greek people, and both should face serious consequences. BUT my anger does not extend to torching the nearest bank branch. For one thing, I do not think that all banks cheat and lie. Most may pay too much in salaries and bonuses, and some should consider making their bonus systems more transparent. As a customer I do have choices, and I'm quite comfortable with the bank I deal with. If I hear scandals concerning their incentive programs in future, I'll have no hesitation in ditching them.
"T
he main reason to oppose violent protest is because it does not work."
ULTIMATELY, I don't think targeting banks with violence works. It may even make matters worse, as they seek to recoup costs through higher fee structures, and become even more covert in the way they do business. Tainting all protests with the stain of violence plays right into the hands of the extremists within the banks `See, these protestors are just mindless thugs!' LIKE all battles, this one is ultimately fought for hearts and minds, in which case a far better response is a well-articulated position. A protest group called The Yes Men provided a wonderful example of how to incite change when they staged a news conference in which they pretended to be from the US Chamber of Commerce, admitting that the organisation had been wrong to deny climate change science, and would now lobby the government to adopt environmentally sustainable policies. The fall-out so embarassed the department that they did, in time, do just that. Humiliation, it seems, may be a more effective weapon than the baseball bat. THERE is a time and a place for violent protest and resistance. But that time, to my mind, is limited to the appearance not of a George Bush, a Timo Soini or even a Björn Wahlroos, but of a genuine Adolf Hitler or Josef Stalin; someone who will not hesitate to use violence against orindary people. THE main reason to oppose violent protest is because it does not work. Banks will not stop paying absurd bonuses to themselves because someone smashes up one of their branches. And oil companies will not desist from raping the Nigerian delta because someone throws paint at their CEO. Ultimately things change because it simply makes sense to do so. SHAREHOLDERS and consumers also believe in a world of fair salaries, sound environmental policies and respect for human rights. As consumers, we have a role in reminding them of that; but armed more often with a carrot than a stick.
SixDegrees
13
SixDegrees
other side
Nicklas Smith
I N T E G R AT I O N
etons, given her experience in researching and then documenting 13 different ghosts for a younger audience, does Kanto actually feel that these supernatural beings actually exist? "I don't believe in ghosts," she states. "But I once had a feeling of a ghost in Villa Salin, Helsinki. Curiously the other woman in the same room had the same feeling. It was probably Ida Salin, the former owner of the house." Close encounters However, there are many others who are much more convinced about the reality of paranormal activity. "There are more ghosts around us than most of us think," explains Irene Harnesk Lundqvist. "But it's still a kind of taboo to believe in the supernatural. The most common thing for them to do is to turn on/off the lights, change channels on TV, hide things from us and give us warnings etc. All ghosts can be experienced as a mass of light that flits." A psychic since she was young while growing up in Sweden, Lindqvist is also a medium, a spiritual course
WANDERING the streets of Vaasa, on Finland's west coast, one could be forgiven for thinking that not much controversial happens here. Proudly bilingual, the population of the regional capital of Ostrobothnia swells considerably each year with an influx of students attending its three universities and two polytechnics. But what is lurking in the shadows of the city proudly touting itself to be the sunniest in Finland? Quite a lot it seems. If you find yourself at the former Hotel Central, located close to the railway station, keep an eye out for the white lady ghost that has been seen on occasion around the Schauman cabinet. By all accounts she moves chairs around, turns on the lights at night and unlocks doors, making her something of celebrity on the ghost scene in Vaasa. And how about professor Hedman, the guardian spirit of the Ostrobothnian Museum? His ashes were buried at the entrance of the museum so that he could continue to guard it according to his last will. So proficient is he, security cameras inside the museum often indicate that something is moving even if no one actually seems to be there. And these are just two examples. In fact, there has been so much apparent paranormal activity through Vaasa's long history that it is now possible to take a guided tour of the many haunted places around town. Furthermore, a book has
recently been published, The Ghosts of Vaasa, compiling these paranormal phenomena and just where to find them about town. But this supernatural activity in Finland is not just restricted to the west coast. There have been many more ghost stories over the years that are indigenous to other cities in Finland, such as the ghost of Emma Lindroos whose antics moving objects around in the late 19th century were witnessed by many in a small village outside Tampere. Elsewhere,
"T
he history of sharing ghost stories depicting experiences with the supernatural in Finland continues to this day."
leader, an energy balancing therapist and a social worker. And so, is the potential presence of ghosts something to be afraid of, or are they more commonly a friendly spirit, something akin to Casper? "Naturally there are evil spirits to be found," Lindqvist offers. "It's when those people try to scare others that stories become more and more bizarre." Perhaps the most famous ghost legend here in Finland is that of Liekkio, the ghost of an unwanted child who had been secretly buried in the woods. It is said that it appears as a dancing flame, its presence pronouncing death. "I don't believe these sorts of spirits to be particularly unhappy children, unborn or not," Lindqvist offers. "These unhappy spirits are reborn quite soon into the right families and to the right existence. An unborn child or an infant is a pure spirit and why they should walk on earth like that is inexplicable for me. I think the tales of scared people play a
big role in other people's fears. There are only a few ghosts who are downright evil and who are able to put a death curse on someone or on some area. I don't believe those kinds of spirits/ghosts can be driven out or helped to the other side." Currently living in Sweden, but visiting Finland over the coming summer to continue her work, Lindqvist conducts séances as well as visiting the homes of people who feel that they have bad energies in their houses or apartments. While she is there, she makes a reading inside the house in order to uncover what kinds of energies exist there. "Most of the time it is close relatives, who want to be seen and heard and who want to guide us," Lindqvist explains. "In cases like that, it's possible for me to mediate messages from them. Sometimes it's about negative energies, in other words: some spirit who is trapped between the worlds who doesn't know if they are dead or not. These are often spirits who did not have the time to say farewell before they passed away, or had some unsolved situation with somebody. Then I help them over to the other side, cause it's not meant that they shall be here with us." Remaining skeptical? But doubt inevitably lingers for skeptics of such supernatural beliefs, weaned on lingering historical encounters with the spirit world that are punctuated by tales of bored children pulling pranks to scare others. How do we know that Lindqvist isn't just making this up, in order to make herself a living? "It's hard for myself to criticize my own work, but I couldn't possibly have that good an imagination to make up what I experience through the messages I get from the other side," she explains. "And sometimes people come back to me and confirm that the things I have predicted have taken place." With such a film belief in the spiritual world, it comes as no surprise then that Lindqist pledges allegiance to the presence of reincarnation and angels. One begins to wonder, however, just what is her view is on Heaven and Hell amidst all of the paranormal, do they still exist? "Yes, there is a Heaven, if that's how you want to call it. Hell is something we create ourselves here on earth. I am convinced that the more bright, positive and loving thoughts we have and give to our fellowmen, the less chance we give to the dark side to get to us."
Are you lost in the Finnish bureaucracy? Do you need help in finding a job, a place to study or a language course? We offer assistance and advice!
Welcome to visit our service point on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11-16 or call or send us an e-mail with questions concerning integration.
Seminars
4 April at 15-17 How to start up a business in Finland?
Are you planning on starting your own business? Elie El-Khouri, EnterpriseHelsinki, will give you information on forms of enterprise, business idea and plan, financing, taxation, start-up gran and insurances. Register by 30 March.
16 April at 15-16.30 How to create a video-CV?
Video-CV is a new way of making your job search more efficient. By using a video-CV you have a chance to stand out from other job seekers and complement your CV and application letter. Come and find out more about video-CV! Lecturer from Palmenia Centre for Continuing Education. Register by 13 April.
25 April 15-17 Explore the backstage life of Svenska Teatern
Come and see what's happening behind the scenes of the Swedish Theatre (Svenska Teatern)! The tour begins promptly at 15.00 at the entrance on Pohjoisesplanadi 2. The tour lasts about 2 hours and provides an informative view of the theatre. Register by 23 April. The events are free of charge. Registrations to bridge@luckan.fi More information: www.luckan.fi/bridge or 040-485 96 36
the 1940s saw the ghost of Mäkkylä throwing stones and other objects. Then there was the ghost of the Jyväskylä Stoneworks in 1954 and the ghost of Lahti in 1974, knocking on windows and throwing stones. A novel approach The history of sharing ghost stories depicting experiences with the supernatural in Finland continues to this day. "I wanted to write a creepy book for teenagers and remembered how we used to love ghost stories when I was young," explains Anneli Kanto, author of Kuollut kulkee Tarinoita kalman majoilta ("The Dead Are Walking Stories From the Afterlife"). "The ghost stories are in a way `real' for I have found them in archives - I have not invented them. I have only written them anew in a way that is interesting for the young reader. In a way they are Finnish tradition." Covering everything from car-driving ghosts, to the ghosts of animals and skel-
7 May at 15-17 Guided tour to the Finnish Parliament Guided tour and presentation by the Member of Parliament Astrid Thors. Venue: Eduskunta/Parliament of Finland, Mannerheimintie 30, Helsinki. Register by 30 April. All registrations to kansliet@helsingforsmartha.fi For more information: kansliet@helsingforsmartha.fi.
LUCKAN Simonkatu 8, 00100 Helsinki Contact: bridge@luckan.fi / 040 485 9636 / www.luckan.fi/bridge
14
Issue 3 2012
Feature
GET READY
Futures studies may have existed before at the fringes of the scientific world, but it has since evolved into an influential societal force. SixDegrees looks into how the mysterious-sounding study came to have its own research centre in Finland and parliamentary committee.
SixDegrees
Teemu Henriksson
15
SixDegrees
IF you ever meet a futurist, make sure not to ask him or her about "predicting the future". You'll be swiftly and determinedly corrected. "We don't predict the future that's for a wholly different type of professionals," Anita Rubin, adjunct professor at the Finland Futures Research Centre, instructs. "What we work on is foresight of the future." It turns out that the difference is more than semantical. Futures studies is not concerned with trying to anticipate one certain kind of future, Rubin says, but uses a set of methodologies and tools with the intention of mapping out the different kinds of potential futures that lie ahead hence the plural in the name. It acknowledges that our actions in the present determine which of the envisaged scenarios will eventually play out. This may still sound suspicious to the uninitiated, but in fact, Finland has been in the forefront of the field: the Finnish Society for Future Studies was founded already in 1980, and the Finland Futures Research Centre, Rubin's workplace, was established in 1992 at the Turku School of Economics. But perhaps the most striking fact is that since 1993 when no comparable bodies existed in other countries Finnish Parliament has had the Committee for the Future as one of its committees. But to go back to the Futures Research Centre, what do Rubin and her colleagues actually do there? In short: futures researchers examine contemporary trends, events and phenomena, and try to deduce from them the major future trends that will affect our society. One of the central concepts in this is what futurists call "weak signals". These are seemingly minor occurrences, ideas and developments that, when observed carefully, turn out to have a different, more significant meaning than what was commonly presumed. They can also be signs that something unprecedented and unpredictable will take place. A parallel term to weak signals is the "wild card" a massive, unforeseen event with major consequences. As a concrete example of one, Rubin mentions what is perhaps the single most momentous event of the previous decade: the attacks of 11 September 2001. "I remember that reporters were completely baffled by the strikes initially, struggling to make sense of them." But soon after it was discovered that some of the hijackers had taken flying lessons in the US and that US intelligence services had had knowledge of this. So there had been weak signals that had preceded the events, Rubin says, but no one had joined the dots to discover their real significance. As for the major consequences of this "wild card" event, the two wars in the Middle East that have started since are rather obvious. But Rubin points out that the effects have also been felt far more widely: after the strikes, seeking security has become a central, possibly the most important factor driving today's political, international and economical interactions. However, it is rare that such exact historical moments are anticipated as a result of futurists' work. More commonly, the benefits that come through futures studies are indirect, Rubin says, and sometimes they can be hard to discern. The main advantage of foresight activities is that they highlight possibilities: there are always alternative ways of doing things, but if they're not brought out, usually the most obvious, and not necessarily the best option is chosen. Olli Hietanen, Head of Development at the Finland Futures Research Centre, compares futures studies to philosophy: both help us in understanding the world in a more profound and multifaceted way, helping us live our lives, on a small and big scale, better. "Futures studies is not essentially about speculating about the future, but about creating that future. It
"F
innish futures studies is valued internationally."
more and more companies invest in future analysis services partly because of the legacy of the `90s crisis. Hietanen points out that futures studies and active anticipation has become more common in general within Finnish society over the last 10 years: several public centres and agencies have their own experts, and some private businesses have ventured into the field. He wonders if it is possible anywhere abroad to study the subject as extensively as in Finland, thanks to the Futures Academy. "However, in the academic journals Finns are not strongly represented. I think it's because the Academy of Finland has not officially recognised the discipline which is why basic research in the field receives no funding." Roadmaps for steering the nation The outstanding example of futures studies having a degree of authority within Finnish society must be the Committee for the Future. Upon its founding in 1993, it was the first parliamentary committee in the world dedicated to future-related issues. Back then, globalisation and its consequences began to enter public consciousness and discussion, fuelling the worry over the already dire economic situation. With such new challenges to tackle, futures studies offered a compelling alternative for making sense of a changing and ever more complex world. The Committee started as a temporary one, but it was made permanent in 2000, when the new constitution came into force. This was not a smooth transition: the debate over the Committee's fate was fierce, as some questioned the Parliament as the appropriate home for it. Such suspicions exist still today among some Members of Parliament and civil servants, says Osmo Kuusi, who is adjunct professor of futures studies at Aalto University, and who acted as the Committee's expert between 1999 and 2011. Oras Tynkkynen, a Greens MP and the Vice Chair of the Committee for the Future, confirms that opinions over the Committee are still divided. "The way to get our colleagues' and citizens' appreciation is through highquality work and effective results." As an example of the Committee's work, Kuusi mentions an initiative that relates to a very topical issue: the Government's plans to drastically reform municipalities. During Jyrki Katainen's chairmanship, which Kuusi sees as a high point in the Committee's history, it prepared a report on the future of healthcare. "In that 2006 report, the solutions suggested for regional healthcare were promising. If that model had been pursued, we could have avoided a lot of the on-going brouhaha that the proposed municipality reform has caused." Tynkkynen sees the Committee complimenting the Parliament's work, thanks to its dedication to foresight and long-term planning. "The Parliament's ability to take a long view is often limited, from a few years to maximum of ten, and only rarely up to a few decades. But tackling issues such as climate change requires a point of view that reaches much further
21 December 2012
The end of the world?!
Nicklas Smith
helps to envision the kind of future we want to strive towards, and gives tools for that purpose." Foresight in Finland The fact that futures studies gained a significant foothold in Finland in the early `90s, as evidenced by the founding of the Futures Research Centre and the parliamentary committee, is partly explained by the historical context. Rubin explains that during the economic boom of the `80s, even some authoritative economic experts claimed that there would never be another slump. When the crisis did arrive, a lot of people and companies faced it unprepared. Disillusioned with the old ways of planning for the future, the general mood was ripe for a new approach. Benefiting from that momentum, Finnish futures studies made progress quickly, and it is nowadays advanced also from an international point of view. "It often happens that at international seminars, we discover that we have already worked on topics that others are beginning to think about," Rubin says. "There's always room for improvement of course, but Finnish futures studies is valued internationally." What is particular about the work done in the field in Finland is that it has a particularly scientific approach. "We abide by the requirements for research quality developed within the sciences in general. Finland is well known for this abroad," says Sari Söderlund, coordinator at the Finland Futures Academy, a network of nine universities that functions as a platform for futures studies education and research programmes. It comes as something of a surprise, then, that futures studies is not an officially recognised scientific discipline not in Finland, or apparently anywhere else in the world. Söderlund sees the paradox, and says that futures studies in Finland is as academic as a scientific field can be without being a recognised discipline. She also gives examples of futures studies being discussed in the same context as "official" disciplines, showing that it is not far from the mainstream these days. "I think we have done all we can in this respect. If futures studies were to become an official discipline, I'd say that the next step would have to be taken by the scientific community in general." Together with the scientific circles, an increasing number of businesses have warmed to the kind of long-term view that futures studies represents. Many people working in the field are not only academics but work also as consultants for companies and organisations. However, when I bring up the close ties with the commercial world, Rubin points out that futures studies is a cross-disciplinary subject, business being only one of many areas. Moreover, researchers come to futures studies from various academic fields (Rubin's background is in sociology). She says that is largely because the Futures Studies Research Centre was founded at the Turku School of Economics, for practical reasons, that the field still carries business connotations. But it is true that
NEVER has doomsday been so close, according to certain predictions about 21 December this year. The Maya calendar ends on this date and at the same time the Earth and the Milky Way will align. This occurs every 26,000 years, bringing with it predictions that Earth will undergo a magnetic field shift, reversing the polarity of the planet. In short: the end of the world. So, with this in mind, how are people coping with this less than rosy prediction for the future? SixDegrees caught up with a few to hear their views.
Ed Rogers, International Consultant/Trainer/Coach
Do you think the end of the world will occur on 21 December 2012? This depends on what will actually happen. I tend to believe that it will be the end of one era and the beginning of another. There are many theories about this as well: 1 The earth will enter an electromagnetic null zone which will result in wide spread disasters as the earth is cut off from the galactic center by the sun. 2 The sun's evil twin (brown dwarf sun sometimes called `Nibaru') will wreak havoc on the solar system. 3 A new age of increased consciousness and spiritualism. 4 The earth will have a polar shift it has already begun over 100 miles of movement already and the devastating effects of that to our electromagnetic shield and the possible sliding of the earth's crust in the process will result in wide spread earthquakes and extreme weather, etc. I am one-quarter Cherokee Indian and this new age has been talked about a lot to mean that the human race will enter a new period of enlightenment and a golden age. It is a matter of perspective really. Like the famous `Year 2000' crisis that never was, I try to stay away from the classic `doom and gloom' predictions that are being talked about so much now. Do you any backup strategy plans to survive a collective earth catastrophe? Try to stay on the good side of things, first of all. Safety, security and making sure the needs of my family are met if a catastrophe happens. Food storage and back up plans for power are always a plus. I plan on buying food kits and a power generator and/ or make my own solar panels. I have started a food storage program, but I have a lot to still obtain.
Timo Vuorensola, film director
Do you think the end of the world will occur on 21 December 2012? I would say, according to quantum immortality theory, the world ends constantly in the mirror of the universes. So in that way I'm sure that on 21 December 2012, one reality will end. But it does not affect us, because nothingness is not a possible state of existence, so we will continue in the remaining realities. Do you any backup strategy plans to survive a collective earth catastrophe? If the world ends then it doesn't help with survival kits anyway. But, say that the world will end up in non-complete mass destruction like nuclear war or a zombie apocalypse I think I would be one of the first to go in that case. I have no survival skills or survival instincts. I'm only good at doing stuff with the computer and if I'm offline I'm almost half dead anyway.
Heidi Von Wright, author and freelance journalist
What should we prepare for?
Futures studies anticipates several future trends with worldwide consequences. Here are some of the most significant ones. Globalisation Europe's influence will be diminished by the growth of rising economies in Asia and elsewhere. This may have ramifications also for global food and water security. Climate change if its effects will be as wide as feared by some, climate change could stop or even undermine the human developments of the past decades. Population ageing the whole Europe will have to adapt to its changing demographics. Network society organisations and popular movements are becoming more complicated and more difficult to monitor and control.
Do you think the end of the world will occur on 21 December 2012? Ha, ha! No, I don't think the world will come to an end. I've read about the speculations but we'll be safe. I have a thing for the number 22, so perhaps something will happen the day there are only twos in the date.
Do you have any backup strategy plans to survive a collective earth catastrophe? Actually, I talked about it with a couple of friends after watching the movie The Road, and the TV-series The Walking Dead. To make it through a catastrophe, I think that the best place to live is somewhere in the countryside, cut off from the outside world. So I guess the best thing to do to prepare for that is start growing your own food, keep some cows and hens and grow a bit of muscle and have good friends.
16
Issue 3 2012 into the future. That's where the Committee can be helpful." And so, what are such potential issues that require futures perspective? Kuusi highlights the process of globalisation, which is linked to the shift in the centres of power as Asia and newly advanced economies become more influential. Both Kuusi and Tynkkynen also bring up climate change Tynkkynen says that if climate change causes a vast environmental crisis, it could stop or even reverse the significant improvements in human development over the last decades. Kuusi says that in dealing with the issue, a lot will depend on how climate change eventually becomes a reality in people's lives: if there are dramatic changes, the measures will be dramatic as well, otherwise the reaction will only be incremental. As for Finland, the aging population will be a challenge, Kuusi says. This is one of the threats to maintaining and developing the Nordic welfare model, as are the rising economies around the world. On a national scale, Tynkkynen says that these challenges will require big and brave reforms. On a more hopeful note, technological advances offer "tremendous possibilities", Tynkkynen believes, as new possibilities become reality, from nanomaterials and genome-based personalised healthcare to more effective energy storages and sustainable biofuel. But if far-reaching thinking and planning is crucial in making decisions about our country's future, is a single Committee enough to guarantee that such a point of view is included in decisionmaking processes? Kuusi, with over ten years of experience from the Committee's work, is optimistic. "Together with other bodies that focus on foresight, I would say that there are enough institutions. But how they function and what kind of influence they have is another question. I think that in futures studies we should now concentrate on critical evaluation of our research and work to improve its quality. If futures studies
SixDegrees
wants to become an officially recognised science, as I think it should, it needs to clarify its own identity." Even if this doesn't happen, the field and, more importantly, the long-term view it represents seem to be here to stay. And as the world becomes ever more global, and the issues we face on a national and international level become ever more complex, an approach that strives to help us navigate safely forward surely has an increasing appeal. In highlighting the fact that there are several possible futures, futures studies also brings forward an important message: it is up to us to make the desirable future the real one.
Foresight institutions in Finland
The Finnish Society for Futures Studies, established in 1980, has twenty schools, universities and institutions as members, in addition to over 700 individuals that have joined the society. Its aim is to influence the long-term development of Finnish society by promoting futures studies and its utilisation in the country. The Finland Futures Research Centre is the biggest academic futures research organisation in the Nordic countries, founded in 1992. It is a special unit of the University of Turku, but has offices also in Tampere and Helsinki, having a staff of more than 50 in total. The Finland Futures Academy is a national network of nine universities, providing a platform for academic education and research programmes in futures studies and a gateway to international futures research networks. The Committee for the Future, created in 1993 and made permanent in 2000, is the Finnish Parliament's committee dedicated to futuresrelated matters. Among its tasks is the preparation of parliamentary documents entrusted to it, including the Parliament's response to the Government's Report on the Future. It also assesses technological development and its consequences for the society.
Tastebuds
17
SixDegrees
A taste of Turku
Turku has a lot to offer when it comes to dining out. SixDegrees brings you four different places to satisfy your hunger.
mends Recom
Soppabaari
Mika Oksanen
eader R
Stefan's Steakhouse
OWNED by former American Top Chef finalist Stefan Richter, Stefan's Steakhouse is almost all about meat. The steaks are big mostly 300 g and you can choose between eight different cuts and nationalities, including the Kobe-style steak. Stefan's also has deer, reindeer and rabbit on the menu, along with duck and lamb. The steaks are priced around 30 euros, but the meat is of really good quality. Grilled exactly as you wish, each selection is tender, juicy and eaten with a Crocodile Dundee-size steak knife. Greens, sauces, butters and potatoes are all available as side orders at 3 or 4 euros apiece, so a main course might end up around 40 euros, which is a bit on the high end.
Jorma Rajamäki
Karen Witt Olsen
Restaurant Sikhar
SIKHAR means "mountains" in Nepalese and this Nepalese restaurant has photos of Annapurna and Mount Everest on the walls along with little glass lamps. The menu here is extensive: 63 dishes, with 13 starters, 10 vegetarian choices and the rest divided between lamb, chicken and seafood. All are cooked with abundance of chilli, masala, ginger, garlic, curry, cumin, cardamom and cinnamon and from scratch in the restaurant's kitchen, which also features an original tandoor oven. In here all skewered meats are grilled and the restaurant's outstanding naan bread is baked. Lunch is 8 euros and includes soup, dish, lassi, salad buffet and coffee or tea. Evening prices are around a mere 13 euros for a main course, which includes rice, salad, raita (tzatziki's Nepalese cousin), beans and wonderful, freshly baked naan bread.
Restaurant Sikhar Kristiinankatu 9 20100 Turku tel. 02 250 1025
As the name suggests, this is a good place to go if you enjoy your soups. One of the frequenters is Arja Liinamaa. "Since I don't do meat, I'm looking for nice veggies and fish," she explains. "They have 2-3 different soups on offer every day, plus at least pasta." On the day, Arja's lunch soup featured cauliflower, blue cheese, sour cream and spinach oil, with a beetroot garnish. "It was just as flavoursome as it was filling," she touts. "And I like the ambience; the music that plays and the quaint décor." Soppabaari Väinönkatu 26 Jyväskylä
In this series, 6D readers tell about their local favourite place to grab a coffee, sip on a beer or enjoy a bite to eat. Send a brief email to james@6d.fi, and let us know what you recommend!
The interior is kept in dark cozy tones and the owner is ever present with his photographs on the walls including the ones in the ladies room.
Stefan's Steakhouse Turku Läntinen Rantakatu 37 20100 Turku tel. 010 4233 248
Kasvisravintola
KASVISRAVINTOLA is an all-vegetarian lunch place run by The Seventh-day Adventist Church but don't worry, there is no preaching here, just tasty vegetarian food. Seating is at long tables. There is a big painting of Jesus on the end wall dating back to 1936 and the lighting is a bit bright, but the atmosphere is warm and friendly and the food is great fresh, tasty and topped up all the time. A whiteboard informs of today's menu. Every day is different, but there are always three warm dishes, a soup and salad buffet on offer. Selections are written on the board with different colour markers to let you know which are vegan or without lactose and gluten. Prices start at 6.70 euros for soup and go up to 10 euros for the lunch buffet, which includes everything on offer and as much as you can eat, plus herbal tea. Dessert can be enjoyed for 80 cents. Bread and buns are baked daily and are excellent.
Betel Church Yliopistonkatu 29A 20100 Turku tel. 050 326 5122
What Finns a re ea t ing
THIS MONTH
Mämmi
One of the more divisive items on the Finnish menu each Easter is that of this dessert. Made from water, rye flour, and powdered rye malt, with a touch of molasses, salt and powdered Seville orange peel for taste, its rather unfortunate appearance can be overcome, however, with the addition of cream and sugar.
Smör
Ravintola Smör
tizer free of charge along with different kinds of homemade bread. The menu consists of four starters priced around 12 euros each, four different main courses each for 25 euros and four different desserts at 13 euros apiece, as well as a tasting menu for 44 euros. Lunch is 16 euros, or 24 euros for three courses. Smör sources locally when possible and is not shy of offering items such as horse pastrami with truffle pudding and Parmesan sorbet. Every dish is composed as a beautiful firework of tastes and texture which surprises, challenges and eventually pleases the taste buds. The restaurant has its own sommelier, along with a fine selection of wines, and the knowledgeable, friendly and ever-attentive staff are happy to offer guidance. Smör is an excellent choice if you want to try first class cooking at very reasonable prices.
Smör Läntinen Rantakatu 3 20100 Turku tel. 02 536 9444
RAVINTOLA SMÖR is the place for foodies and fans of gourmet food in Turku. It's located in the cellar of a building from 1899, where
the raw white walls along with real napkins and pepper grinders signal their focus on food. And what food it is! The kitchen offers an appe-
18
Issue 3 2012
Cultitude
Photos by Essi Suomela and ironsky.net.
Iron Sky is released on 4 April and is reviewed on page 21.
The
Sky's no limit
photos by
Nazis, the moon and modern life come together in the latest film from director Timo Vuorensola.
we first mentioned it there were concerns, but when they got the script they liked it. They found it funny and I think that the angle we chose appealed to Germans. Did you think then about the German audience when writing the script? Maybe so. I guess I had in mind that the Germans should like it. Their history is so sad and horrible, but the generaSo, how much influence did the public actually have on the final version? People had many different opinions and some were harsh on us, so I was clear: if you want to help then help, if not then you'd better look for another project. Such cooperation is only possible with dictatorship, not democracy. It is the only way it can work, I think. Especially when we are dealing with art. Having German actor Udo Kier appear in your film gives an immediate seal of approval for fans of cult cinema worldwide. Was it difficult to get him involved? Not really, no. We sent him the script and when he finally read it, which took some time, he liked it. It was just frustrating because we had to postpone the actual shooting a couple of times. Perhaps he was concerned if Iron Sky would even get finished, like so many good, interesting projects that run into difficulties. But when we finally told him that we would start shooting he was willing to participate. Did you anticipate this current positive buzz that the film is enjoying back when you were making the movie? Well, yes and no. We were not prepared for all of it. We knew of course that the community built around it was big and once the word gets spread it will be noticed. But we didn't expect it to get so much attention. Were you confronted with any criticism after premiering at the Berlin Film Festival? Of course there was criticism. It is a double-edged sword when you go with your movie to a festival. Some critics were harsh, but the audience liked it and that's what I care about.
Kaisa Herd
TAKING the Berlin Festival by storm when it premiered there earlier this year, Timo Vuorensola's Iron Sky is hardly the type of film that seasoned cinemagoers have become accustomed to. Following up his acclaimed Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning, here Vuorensola's wild sci-fi/historical mash up sees the Nazis emerging from their hiding place on the dark side of the moon, where they have been residing since 1945, to wreak havoc on Earth. SixDegrees spoke with Vuorensola to hear about his film's origins, encouraging creative input from the online community when making Iron Sky and just how Arnold Schwarzenegger assists people with letting off steam. Nazis? Outer space? Where did the idea come from? It was not an original idea actually. While sitting in a sauna, my friend Jarmo
Puskala had this thought about making a movie with moon Nazis. It sounded familiar so we checked it online and it turned to be well-known conspiracy theory. But with the plot we knew that we could do whatever we wanted. We tried a couple of things, some didn't work, and then the one we chose was the best. How did you convince YLE and other local companies, such as Nordea, to get involved in funding such a wild project? Tero Kaukomaa, our producer, loved the idea of the movie and went on a mission to make it possible. He is an old fox and he knows his ways. It was not easy as the theme of the film was scary to some, but in the end we managed to get the right partners to finish it off. How about acquiring funding from Germany? Very difficult actually. When
"I
think that the angle we chose appealed to Germans."
Iron Sky certainly looks spectacular, yet it cost far less money to make than a Hollywood film. Why are other movies so expensive to make? I discovered that nothing is easier than spending money, and nothing is harder than saving. I guess if you go to Hollywood then you need more people and that costs a lot. I don't get how people can waste millions of dollars so easily, but maybe I'll learn that. It takes devotion and the right people to work with a tight budget and make it happen.
Was it a conscious decision to screen the movie in Berlin? It was my biggest dream to go to that particular festival. It is very open and has a sense of humour. It was a good place for us. Even though Iron Sky was not exactly the right kind of movie for this festival, we got a good airing time and good places as well and it worked. It stole the attention from other movies and the tickets sold out so quickly it was hard to believe, so the organisers were happy as well. After this, what lies ahead for you? A sci-fi TV series. I want to make a follow-up of Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. Has sci-fi always been your passion? I guess it has. Science fiction was sort of always there. I read a lot as a kid, and then the movies came and TV programmes also, so I guess it was always there. It's a fantasy version of our world so it is a perfect place to inspect problems of today outside the box. Finally, what is your all-time favourite film quote? It's Arnold Schwarzenegger's line from Commando, when he pierces a guy with a pipe: `Let off some steam, Bennett!' It's just cool.
tion of my age had nothing to do with it. So we wanted to respect history, but at the same time we didn't want to blame them for their past. You encouraged the online film community to share their creative input when making the movie. How did it go? It was difficult, but fun. It's a wild community with a lot of diverse opinions and it took us a long time to organise, but it was very effective. Whenever we had a problem, an issue, or we needed money, we were able to turn there for help and we always got many answers.
Taking it to the street
Who are the buskers on our streets and what kind of music do they perform?
Nicklas Smith
STEPPING into Sörnäinen metro station on a rainy day, I came across two students performing Latin American tunes for passers-by. Coming from Columbia and Chile, 18-year-old Daniel Piedrahita, and 19-year-old Pascual Sofo explain that it's a good way to chill out with their guitars and also that they also used to perform at Rautatientori. When I ask which are their favourite
Latin-American artists they like to perform songs of, they both tell me that Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Juana Fe are good examples of the kind of music they sing on the streets of Helsinki. Sofo has been performing since September last year and Piedrahita joined him last week. They are going back to their respective home countries in July, and until then you can see and hear these guys perform at either Sörnäinen metro station or Rautatientori.
Cultitude
discovered that there was a lot more to this shy, exacting personality than meets the eye. "Art is a skill first of all, so you learn by doing," Kei states. From her early days of drawing people from photographs, Kei went on to teach herself how to paint, photograph and, most recently, graphic design. Entrancingly rich in colour, her paintings depict faces, undulating naked bodies and pantheistic dream-like scenes encrusted with astral symbols. After discussing colours and ideas with a customer, Kei works on creating a unique "vision" for them. Kei's photography skills lie in the precise and the spontaneous. From blueberries sumptuously lying in a bowl to portraitures of musicians in woods and fields, Kei makes use of everyday props to bring a je ne sais quoi to her art: dustbins, walls, stones, a toadstool. "It is important to free your mind from thinking that there are certain types of `acceptable' art", she advises. Offbeat perhaps, but it works. Kei is currently compiling a portfolio of photographs and paintings for an upcoming exhibition.
www.firewaterspace.com
Eric Richmond Jiri Soukup
19
SixDegrees
ARTISOKKA
onscreen
James O'Sullivan
Need a vision?
Everything except the painting of your pet, that is.
Tania Anderson
IN light of increasing competition from fellow artists, one wonders how easy is it to make a living as an artist without any formal credentials. Michaela Kei, a young self-taught photographer, painter and graphic designer, says she won't paint
Sarah Barrick
your pets but she will offer you a "vision". Kei moved to Finland for love in 2003 from the Czech Republic. I recently met Kei at a photo-shoot for up-andcoming singer-songwriter Lucie Niemelä. Although one of many freelance photographers in Helsinki struggling to make a living with her artistic skills, I soon
The music
overfloweth
Aleksi Teivainen
LEGENDARY drone giants Earth return to Finland on 6 April alongside two exciting indie names from North America Mike Elverum's Mount Eerie (US) and Geneviève Castrée's who is also known for her graphic novellas Ô Paon (CAN). Formed in 1989 in Seattle,
USA, Earth have released six studio albums the highly anticipated seventh, Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light: II, due release in February 2012. After a prolonged hiatus, the band re-grouped in 2005 and have thereon drifted toward more folksy, yet dark, organic and sumptuous soundscapes. Mount Eerie expands on the Elverum's previous experimentations as The Microphones introducing a spectrum of tones from dinning to mellifluous. Ô Paon, meanwhile, endears with ambient modern folk, not entirely dissimilar to that of Silver Mt. Zion. An evening of such overwhelming haunting lulls is one not to miss.
Earth, Mount Eerie, Ô Paon 6 April Tickets 32 Nosturi Telakkakatu 8, Helsinki
SCREENING over 20 films, Artisokka Film Festival is being held in Helsinki between 29 March and 1 April. Focussing once again on female directors, filmmakers and actresses, this year sees director Andrea Arnold as a guest of the festival, presenting her film Wuthering Heights, as well as an appearance on Friday by Swedish documentary filmmaker Jessica Nettelbladt, who will be attending the screening of I Am My Own Dolly Parton. Luc Besson's biopic of Burmese pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady, is a highly anticpated feature on the programme, as is Iranian drama Circumstance. Elsewhere, the variety of films on offer during the festival includes differing perspectives on Indian culture, ranging from the art house Mumbai Diaries to the Bollywood extravaganza of Ladies Vs. Ricky Bahl. Meanwhile, The Rum Diary finally enjoys an appearance on the big screen here in Finland, after its release date was postponed late last year. By all accounts, this Johnny Depp-led adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's hilarious novel will be worth the wait. We Need to Talk About Kevin depicts Tilda Swindon and John C. Reilly as parents whose son's unusual behaviour becomes increasingly worrying, and Young Adult sees director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody teaming up once again after their successful colloboration earlier with Juno. A Woman and Film seminar is being staged at Bio Rex on Friday, asking the question: Does sex matter in he Finnish Film Industry? Those seeking more local input can look out for a series of Finnish short films that are being screened on Saturday. The festival will finish up on Sunday evening, with a club being staged at mbar.
Artisokka Film Festival 29 March-1 April www.artisokka.fi
All that Jazz
Annual festival swings its way into Espoo.
Beth Morton
Love songs and monster songs
fullsteamrecords.com Aleksi Teivainen
THE founder of the quirky revolutionary lo-fi outfit Half Japanese in 1975, Jad Fair is set for his début performance in Finland on 12 April. He will perform alongside a long-time associate, Gilles Rieder. Telling of his meandering creative urge, Jad Fair has released a galaxy of albums some collaborative, with Teenage Fanclub and Yo La Tengo, for example and other side projects in addition to some 30 Half Japanese releases. The music of can be described elusively as mini-
malist monster rock with raw energy and emotion due to campy science fiction inf luences (prevalent especially in Half Japanese). The seemingly uninterested, mundane yet poetic manner of presentation also bears resemblance to Lou Reed. 15 euros to see one of the most influential contemporary unsung pop heroes of the American underground sounds a fair deal.
Jad Fair & Gilles Rieder 12 April, tickets 15 Kuudes Linja Hämeentie 13, Helsinki
IN its 26th year, and remembering its late founder Mape Lappalainen, April Jazz promises an explosive line up this year. Tapiola will be the jazz hub of both Finnish and international artists performing mainly their own original music, with the bill also seeing some exclusive album release concerts. The highly successful Espoo Big Band is, of course, gracing the stage and will be performing with headlining act Patti Austin. Conducted by Antti Rissanen, the creative collaboration will showcase material of legend Ella Fitzgerald as heard on Austin's Grammy Award-winning album, Avant Gershwin and Grammy nominated album, For Ella. Also on the programme is jazz elite trio Tim Garland, Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis who will perform tracks from their upcoming album Lighthouse, Finnishrooted pop-jazz with punk
attitude group Elifantree, and salsa influenced award winning Afro-Cuban All Stars with their 14-strong group of players. Iiro Rantala will be luring the audience to journey through his interpretation of the history and glimpse the future of jazz in his performance, and for those more practically inclined among you there are three jazz workshops on offer to participate in. The ultimate treat of the festival will take place at Kino Tapiola where the new film, Stars Above, will be shown and fused beautifully with live jazz performances of the soundtrack for a unique experience especially devised for April Jazz 2012. So, merely scratching at the surface of the tantalising programme, I urge you to check out the website for more.
April Jazz 25-29 April www.apriljazz.fi
Study in English while learning Finnish
Study
Create
· Peruskoulu The Matriculation Examination (ylioppilastutkinto) is taken First Steps in Finland · Finnish Lukio in Finnish whereas the University of Cambridge AICE Diploma is taken in English. This upper secondary program is for people with English skills who also need to develop their Finnish.
Apply for peruskoulu 2.57.8.
Our peruskoulu is taking new students starting The AICE Diploma is recognized entrance qualification for also offer beginner's courses in Finnish and Eng Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland and Universities limit for daytime studies 1725 yea evening. Age Permanent residence permit needed on all cou around the world. Come to the school's office and apply!
Information session on High School studies on Thursday Office hours: 3 May at 17:00 on school premises. Next entrance test on Mon-Tue 1018:30, Wed 1016:00, Thu 1116:00 Monday 4 June.
Further information and entrace test registration: high.school@eira.fi.
Eiran aikuislukio · Eira High School for Adults · Tel: 09 4542 270 · Laivurinkatu 3, Helsinki
Eiran aikuislukio · Eira High School for Adults · Tel: 09
www.eira.fi
Kisa Kissa
www.finnishcourses.fi
HELSINKI ESPOO VANTAA KAUNIAINEN
Information on Finnish Courses because you want to learn Finnish Tietoa suomen kielen kursseista sinulle, joka haluat oppia suomea
In cooperation with Amiedu Axxell Monikulttuurisuuskeskus Edupoli Espoon työväenopisto Familia Club Helsingfors Arbis Helsingin aikuislukio Helsingin aikuisopisto Helsingin seudun kesäyliopisto Helsingin työväenopisto Kielipalvelut Kielikeskus, Helsingin yliopisto Kalliolan kansalaisopisto Kauniaisten kansalaisopisto Laajasalon opisto Vantaan aikuisopisto
Cultitude
21
SixDegrees
Movie premieres
Theatre "It's called a play for a reason"
Helsinki-based English speaking amateur drama society, the Finn-Brit Players, is a tight-knit community. Their new comedy Single Bride comes out in April and deals with modern issues of independency.
Jacek Walczak Tiiamari Pennanen
Tilda Swinton can't belive her eyes in We Need to Talk About Kevin.
Rouva Presidentti
Premiere 30 March
Recently having departed her post after 12 years as the President of Finland, the final year of Tajra Halonen's tenure was spent with a camera in tow for the creation of this timely documentary.
CREATING a solid group of friends out of thin air in a new country is an overwhelming task for anyone. When you add to the mix a solitary job and a strange language, it might feel like trying to open an iron door with no key. For Finn-Brit Players the missing key is a theatre hobby. "It differs from activities where you see people maybe once a month or so," states Zoë Chandler, writer and director of the upcoming production. She moved to Finland 14 years ago from the United Kingdom and has been with the group for 10 years. "We rehearse up to three times a week. It creates a sense of community". The language of theatre unites It's almost 7 pm on a Sunday evening and Finn-Brits have just finished a five-and-halfhour rehearsal. Isn't that exhausting? "Well, it's called a play for a reason. It's fun and different from work", says Josh Steinberg from Washington DC. He has lived in Finland for a year and has only been with the group for a few weeks. This is his first play. "It's been great meeting people and getting tips for cafés and places I wouldn't be able to find on my own." Regardless of what the name Finn-Brit Players suggests there are people from many different nationalities and ages, with the oldest active member pushing 80. "Everybody brings their own take to a script depending on their unique perspective on things", says Steinberg. Little differences such as, "I keep my shoes on" get cast aside for the play. The language of theatre is universally interpreted through the process of negotiating the challenges presented by performing. "It is fun and terrifying. It takes a certain mind set to be into this." Chandler has been keen on performing since childhood. "I love getting into a character and performing in front of people. Theatre makes things come to life in a way prose just can't. Or maybe I am just a stage junky." Stage junky or not, the best moments for her are when "you realise oh, I have all these friends".
Iron Sky
For those who like their cheesy flicks packed wth Nazis invading from outer space, then you are in luck! Here director Timo Vuorensola has created one of the most original Finnish films since, well, ever, with oodles of action, memorable one-liners and a welcome appearance from cult legend Udo Kier.
Premiere 4 April
A Dangerous Method
Premiere 13 April
Canadian master director David Cronenberg swaps body horror for psychoanalysis for this tale of Jung and Freud butting heads as they deal with unusual patient Keira Knightly.
We Need to Talk About Kevin
Premiere 20 April
Based on the lauded novel by Lionel Shriver, Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly come to terms with the fact that their little boy is growing up to be something of a monster. Highly recommended.
Upcoming play The Finn-Brits players' upcoming production is a story about a woman who desperately wants a wedding. Tired of waiting for her boyfriend to propose, Scarlett decides to have a single wedding on her own. "The characters lose their grip on reality," Chandler explains. "For instance Scarlett is so preoccupied with her dress and looks that she forgets what a wedding should be about." The play deals with modern issues, such as independence and individualism in an amusing way. There are also other ways to take part in the Finn-Brit players than acting or directing. With two major productions per year and events such as the upcoming Poetry and Jazz evening and English-language theatre festival, everyone willing to help is welcome.
Single Bride premieres on 19 April PuoliQ Tunturikatu 16, Helsinki www.finnbritplayers.com
DVD
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN
Messrs. Spielberg and Jackson combine to bring us one of the most entertaining animated adventures in recent years. The animation is crisp, the tongue is in cheek and their imagination has run wild as our boy reporter teams up with Captain Haddock and Snowy for a highly entertaining hour and a half. JO'S
GAMES
SSX (XBOX 360, PS3)
Finally the SSX franchise returns, but how does it compare to the classics of yesteryear? Very well is the welcome answer, as two of the three main strands of the game are sure to take you back to the halcyon days of flipping insane über tricks and hair-raising racing down precipitous slopes. The third type of event, Survive It, is often an exercise in frustration rather than
uninhibited joy, but SSX should in any case be on your to-buy list. 9/10
SHOGUN 2: FALL OF THE SAMURAI (PC)
A standalone expansion to Shogun 2, FotS gives Total War fans more of what they crave: national strategy elements combined expertly with amazing RTS battles. The series is a firm favourite amongst PC gamers, and
rightfully so. Be prepared to sink dozens of hours into this title. You should also be aware, however, that crashes to desktop and game freezes are not unheard of, which is all that prevents this title getting better marks. 8.5/10 NB
BOOK
NOAM CHOMSKY: MAKING THE FUTURE
For those familiar with Noam Chomsky's views on US foreign and economic
policy, his latest book may come as a slight disappointment. Making the Future: Occupations, Interventions, Empire and Resistance comprises 51 of his columns for the New York Times Syndicate from April 2007 to October 2011. Why I say "disappointment" is because columns by definition are short and relatively superficial, whereas Chomsky's main strength is his referencing a multitude of sources to back up even the tiniest detail. For the uninitiated, however, Making the Future is a very accessible means for discov-
ering Chomsky. Moreover, by being forced to stick to column-length essays, Chomsky avoids going off on too many tangents, which makes his argumentation here far more coherent than in the monographs for which he's most famous. As with the majority of his work, US foreign policy in the Middle East looms large, particularly US-Israeli opposition to justice for Palestinians and the hypocrisy of demanding Iran to remain free of nuclear weapons. His criticisms of President/Saint Obama are also well worth reading. AB
22
Issue 3 2012
Out&SeeixDegrees 21 MARCH 2012 S Greater 15 4 Helsinki
By Anna-Maija Lappi
DOMESTIC N
COLUMN
Music _ Clubs
30 Mar. DDT (RUS) // Russian rock. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 40-55. www.thecircus.fi 30 Mar. 1974 Tribute to ABBA // ABBA classics performed by the 1974 band. Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 34. www.savoyteatteri.fi 30 Mar. Kuullos Orchestra & Joakim Berghäll // Jazzy moods and saxophones. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 7-9. www.korjaamo.fi 30 Mar. Seminaarinmäen Mieslaulajat // Energetic male choir. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 23/25. www.korjaamo.fi 30 Mar. Harmaja // Lyrics and melodies influenced by Finnish folk traditions. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 8. www.virginoil.fi 30 Mar. Symphonic Metal Night: Amberian Dawn, Kivimetsän druidi, Brymir // Symphonic metal. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 12. www.elmu.fi 30 Mar. Melrose // Classic rock. Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets 10/12. www.barloose.com 30 Mar. UMO Rytmi: Stevie Wonder Night // Key works of Stevie Wonder interpreted by Finland's top soul musicians. Vuotalo, Mosaiikkitori 2. Tickets 14/16. www.vuotalo.fi 31 Mar. Cunninlynguists (USA), Tonedeff (USA) // Hip-hop. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 25. www.kuudeslinja.com 31 Mar. The Zombies (UK) // Psychedelic rock. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 26/29. www.korjaamo.fi 31 Mar. Poets of the Fall // Rock. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 18/20. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 31 Mar. White Hills (USA) // Space rock. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 15. www.kuudeslinja.com 31 Mar. The New Tigers // Turku-based pop group. Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets 6/8. www.barloose.com 31 Mar. Progressive Music Evening // Esa Kotilainen, Strandberg Project and Paidarion. Sello Hall, Soittoniekanaukio 1 (Espoo). Tickets 15. www.espoo.fi 31 Mar. Club Balkan Fever: DJ SUPERSTEREO (HUN) // Balkan beats. Le Bonk Music Machine, Yrjönkatu 24. Tickets 8. www.lebonk.fi 31 Mar. & 1 Apr. Chisu // Brilliant Finnish pop. Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 28. www.savoyteatteri.fi 1 Apr. Church of Misery (JAP) // Doom metal. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 17/20. www.kuudeslinja.com 1 Apr. Zola Jesus (USA) // Indie electro influenced by art pop, classical music, industrial and gothic rock. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 20/22. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 4 Apr. Example (UK) // British singer and rapper. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 19-29. www.elmu.fi 4 Apr. Den Svenska Björnstammen (SWE) // Pop. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 8/10. www.korjaamo.fi 4 Apr. Stella // Pop rock from Eastern Finland. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 15/17. www. tavastiaklubi.fi 4 Apr. Iiris (EST) // Unique pop. Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets 6/8. www.barloose.com 4 Apr. Rödsögården // Rock. Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 5/6. www.semifinal.fi 5 Apr. Evening of Klezmer Music // Klezmer night with the band Freilach mit Kneidlach. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 6. www.korjaamo.fi 5 Apr. Mustasch (SWE) // Heavy rock. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 25/28. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 5 & 6 Apr. Renegade presents: Knife Party (AUS/UK) // Side project of Pendulum's Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, based on dubstep, electro bassline drops and anthemic rave sounds. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 24-45. www.thecircus.fi 5 Apr. Action Bronson (USA) // Hip-hop. Virgin Oil CO., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 15. www.virginoil.fi 5 Apr. The Wrecking Queens // Rock. Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 6/7. www.semifinal.fi 5 Apr. Iceage (DNK) // Punk rock. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 12. www.kuudeslinja.com 5 Apr. OM (USA) // Doom/stoner metal. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 25. www.elmu.fi 6 Apr. Earth (USA) // Doom/drone metal legends. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 32. www.elmu.fi 6 Apr. Mokoma // Finnish metal. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 16/18. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 6 Apr. Jontti, Lossi T & Juoksut // Hiphop. Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 7/8. www.semifinal.fi 6 Apr. Rättö & Lehtisalo, Hidria Spacefolk // Unique pop and progressive space rock. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 12/14. www.korjaamo.fi 6 Apr. Norther // Metal. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 10. www.virginoil.fi 7 Apr. Emilie Autumn (USA) // Glam violinist. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 22. www.elmu.fi 7 Apr. Agalloch (USA) // Metal, folk, ambient and post-rock influenced group from Portland. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 24/28. www.korjaamo.fi 7 Apr. French Films, Big Wave Riders // Fresh indie rock. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 12. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 7 Apr. The Black Explosion (SWE) // Band combining garage, space rock, blues and soul. Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets 5/7. www.barloose.com 8 Apr. VNV Nation (UK) // Industrial soundscapes combined with synth pop melodies and electro beats. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 25/28. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 8 Apr. The Blanko // Rock. Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets 8/10. www.barloose.com 10 Apr. Stoytellers´ Club: Anssi Kela // Rock. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 12/14. www.korjaamo.fi
Sophie Calle: Take Care of Yourself Until 10 Jun. EMMA
Olavi Uusivirta 11 Apr. Tavastia
Zola Jesus 1 Apr. Tavastia
Regina 25 Apr. Sello Hall
11 Apr. Eric Sardinas (USA) // Talented tional Labour Organisarock and blues guitarist. Virgin Oil Todd Cooper tion (ILO). The deadline for Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. applications was Monday. Tickets 20/25. www.virginoil.fi 11 Apr. Olavi Uusivirta // Finnish The position will be filled in rock/pop singer and musician. May. Under United Nations Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. and ILO rules, no candidate Tickets 12/14. www.tavastiaklubi.fi may apply for the position 11 Apr. Väsen (SWE) // Internationally The folk music group. Sello without the support of his renowned Central Organisation or her home country. Prime Hall, of Finnish Trade (Espoo). Soittoniekanaukio 1 Unions Tickets 10/15. www.espoo.fi (SAK) stated on Tuesday Minister Jyrki Katain11 Apr. Jungle Brothers (USA) // prothat the government's Hipen (NCP) had pledged govhop. Venue, Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu posed plan to cut spend- ernmental support for 21. Tickets 13-15. www.clubvenue.fi ing and increase taxes to Halonen if she wished 11 Apr. Karma to Burn (USA) // Stoner the combined value of 21. to apply for the post. metal. Bar Loose, Annankatu fi ve Tickets 14/16. www.barloose.com billion euros would have The favourite for the posi11-15 Apr. 18th unsustainable' Funky Elephant `socially tion is tipped to be Britain's Festival // From funk to afrobeat with effects.as The Coup (USA), Guy Ryder, who is currentAccording to some estimates, there is inf artists such The statement by the ly vice director of the ornet user in at least tens, possibly even hu Terry Lynn (JAM) and Gracias. Organisation's board ganisation. STT / HT Various venues. Tickets 23-40. JUSSI L ANKINEN S T T track said that austerity measwww.funk.fi HT 12 Apr. Wimme // Shamanisticgovernvisiti ures which the chanting 11-15 Apr. Various venues Tickets meets modern soundscapes. Sello ampl ment must finally decide 9-40 www.funk.fi Hall, Soittoniekanaukio 1 (Espoo). ONLINE companies such as purc upon within the next two Tickets 10/15. www.espoo.fi Google and Facebook know ucts weeks must not have the 12 Apr. Jad Fair & Gilles Rieder (USA/ more about you than the au- er. W FRA) effect of stifling alternative // Members of lo-fi economrock ic recovery and growth. group Half Japanese. Kuudes thorities. They know where more Linja, Hämeentie 13.save by15. you live, your hobbies, what es th Rather than Tickets inwww.kuudeslinja.com food you like and who you Man troducing cuts on the pro12 Apr. The Original Elvis Tribute know at least if you are brow posed scale, SAK urged In an interview published (USA) // Production that attracted in today's Kauppalehti, logged into their services By c huge the government to tour audiences on its European imin spring 2011,what itincalled a MinisterElephant, the loud and proud urbansurf the net. Com- tion, for Finance Jutwhile you festival dedicated plement arrives Finland. Funky Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatuscheme tato Urpilainen (SDP) said be rocking the city from 11 to 15 panies also save all this in- peop more just taxation 46-48. black rhythm music, will Tickets 30/32. www.savoyteatteri.fi formation in their line-up of Fa which would increase capi- that the possibility tax18th birthday with a colourfuldatabases. April and celebrate its re12 Apr. Treadstone (SWE) // Rock. Mikko Hyppönen, Chief has tal gains tax, taxes on large ductions for investors in artists. Funky Elephant's theme this both local and international Bar Loose, Annankatu 21. Tickets small-sized, but grow- and look at inequities and F-Secure, its us Research Officer at hot spots pensions, and 8/10. www.barloose.com property year is to draw attention to ing, the world of will be discompanies today by presenting artists that have an is infor- logge estimates that there attitude tax. 12 Apr. Wolves Like Us STT / HT (NOR) // in Alternative rock. Semifinal, Urho cussed during government music, be it funk, soul, afro beat, mation on every internet us- cord to change the world with their Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 9/10. development or electro. er in at least tens, possibly ly wa hip-hop, folk negotiations www.semifinal.fi next week. will be taking place on different venues throughout even hundreds of databas- by no The festival The practice 12-15 Apr. Stompin at the Savoy // wouldcity, with Tavastia and Semifinal being the mainis usually es. Information stages on In the be helpful, UrpilainBlues and roots event. Savoy Theatre, en said, and Saturday. On Friday, the stage will be taken over by collected for marketing pur- line Friday because young enKasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 1045. www.savoyteatteri.fi trepreneursfemale artist Terry Lynn,poses. The electro they dance to " Jamaican have difficulties combining more with know 13 Apr. Lauri to earlierFinnish Contrary Tähkä // spec- inhall reggae. nancing from powerful and intense as her mesgetting fi Her sound is as about the target of their ad- ence pop rock musician. The Circus, sage; coming from incenulation, former President the markets. Similaran impoverished area in Kingston, her lyrics vertising, the better compa- forbi Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 22/24. uncover the to side of Tarja Halonen will not be tive schemes"other"encour- Jamaica. Other able toon Friday are nies are artists personalise er's www.thecircus.fi Hannibal and are Roti Mafia and focus their advertising. among (USA) // Acid rap. con- age investmentJoku already and Kuningasidea among others. little 13 Apr. Esham the candidatesVirgin sidered for Mannerheimintie inSaturday's France, Britain, will be Oakland-basedthere are hipplace in main attraction To simplify, political two it. H Oil Co., Kaivopiha, the position of hop group and are (USA). 5. Tickets 28/30. www.virginoil.fi Director-General of the and Ireland, The Coupbeing In addition toonline monitoring. Omb kinds of "organic" hip hop, 13 Apr. Caspa (UK) // Dubstep. Venue, Saturday will be dedicated United Nations' Interna- planned in Sweden. STT / HT also to afro beat and soulful urban In the lighter form, websites woul Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu 21. Tickets groove of the new generation bringing on stage artists such as 13.20-23.20. www.clubvenue.fi The Northern Governors, Buddha Surfers and Vibraltar. 13 Apr. Lassi Valtonen // Acoustic Funky Amigos, the organisation behind the festival, is a nonfolk rock. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. profit association with an objective to develop the black rhythm Tickets 13. www.elmu.fi music scene, promoting the local artists in Finland and helping 14 Apr. Timati (RUS) // Russian dance QUESTION OF THE WEEK in a multicultural society. increase tolerance act. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Tickets 30-55. www.thecircus.fiUnion AKT's sacking of Hilkka Ahde The Transport Workers' 14 Apr. Hosni Boudali //the Finnish media's headlines last week. dominated Interesting SINIK K A SUOS A L MI S T T "I Moroccan-born musician. Caisa, HT Mikonkatu 17. Tickets 5. www.caisa.fi healt Do 2012 // Scandinavia's of Apr. Ahde Helsinki! pop giant. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen alwa 14 Apr. Whiteout you think the sacking 14 HilkkaHaloo from the // Pop Transport Workers' rock. Korjaamo Culture Factory, katu 4-6. Tickets 28/30. www. areas leading dance event with DJs such Union was justified? ACCORDING to the National Intavastiaklubi.fi as Sister Bliss (UK), Chicane (UK) Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 13/15. stitute for HealthKlas & Ensemble have and Welfare and Claudia Cazacu (UK). The Cable www.korjaamo.fi 17 Apr. Angelika Factory, Tallberginkatu 1. Tickets 16 Apr. Juurilla Club feat. Johanna (THL), the provision Fuego // One says Recordanza: Danza del of social 46.20. Yes 33.3 % www.labyrinth.fi Försti // Jazz club hosted by Juki andFinland'sstandby (or on-call) of health most charismatic and tiona 14 Apr. Russian Circles (USA) // PostVälipakka and the Rooty Toot Toot services young singers. Kanneltalo, Welf talented is highly fragmented metal. Virgin 66.7 % Kaivopiha, band. Kanneltalo, Klaneettitie 5. in many areasTickets 5/10. www. the p Klaneettitie 5. of the country. No Oil Co., Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 15/17. Free entry. www.kanneltalo.fi kanneltalo.fi Many patientsCobranow treated plain are (USA) // Punkwww.virginoil.fi 16 Apr. Simple Plan (CAN) // Rock. 17 Apr. Black by temporarily employed doc- conti 14 Apr. Von Hertzen Brothers // Rock. The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. and hardcore-influenced sludge tors, orKuudesby graduate-level13. caus Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 20. question at 32. www.thecircus.fi Tickets www.helsinkitimes.fi. metal. even Linja, Hämeentie View details and this week's www.elmu.fi 16 Apr. Of Montreal (USA) // Indie medical15. www.kuudeslinja.com Tickets students. pens
SAK criticises government's savings target as `socially unsustainable'
Online se everythin
Kauppalehti: Tax breaks likely for investors in growing companies
"The hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory"
Halonen passes up on ILO opportunity
Health authority on-call healthcar
English Driving School in Helsinki!
Esami Driving School
www.esami.fi I info@esami.fi Student comments
"A great place to learn driving!" "I would recommend this as the first choice driving school in Helsinki"
A
R
d
Call 0400 720 405
T is h a
Out&See Greater Helsinki
Out&See Tampere
By Jutta Vetter
23
SixDegrees
18 Apr. Thåström (SWE) // Swedish rock icon. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 32/34. www. tavastiaklubi.fi 18 Apr. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain // Orchestra that escapes all categorisation. Savoy Theatre, Kasarmikatu 46-48. Tickets 38. www.savoyteatteri.fi 19 Apr. Sólstafir (ISL) // Atmospheric metal. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 18. www.elmu.fi 19 Apr. Samuli Edelmann // Finnish actor and singer. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 18/20. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 20 Apr. Amorphis // Progressive metal. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 25. www.virginoil.fi 20. Apr. Viikate // Finnish metal. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 17/19. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 20 Apr. Spinefarm Young Guns 2012: Profane Omen, Carnalation, CB Murdoc (SWE), Deals Death (SWE) // Metal. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 10. www.elmu.fi 20-21 Apr. Folks Festival // Two days of contemporary Finnish folk with American special guest, Michael Gira. Korjaamo Culture Factory, Töölönkatu 51 B. Tickets 11-20. www.korjaamo.fi 21 Apr. Pelican (USA) // Instrumental post-metal. Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 22. www.elmu.fi 21 Apr. Jukka Poika & Sound Explosion Band // Top Finnish reggae. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 16/18. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 21 Apr. Looptroop Rockers (SWE) // Bright stars of Scandinavian hip-hop. Virgin Oil Co., Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 5. Tickets 20. www.virginoil.fi 22 Apr. Judas Priest (UK) // Heavy metal legends. Helsinki Ice Hall, Nordenskiöldinkatu 11-13. Tickets 56 22 Apr. Immortal Technique (USA) // "Underground hip hop". Nosturi, Telakkakatu 8. Tickets 28. www.elmu.fi 23 Apr. The DØ (FIN/FRA) // Bubbly pop. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 22/24. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 24 Apr. Red Fang (USA) // Heavy metal. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 18/20. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 25 Apr. Regina // Light and bright pop. Sello Hall, Soittoniekanaukio 1 (Espoo). Tickets 15. www.espoo.fi 25 Apr. Imperial State Electric (SWE) // Rock. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 18/20. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 26 Apr. Tribute to Bob Dylan: Songs of Heaven and Earth // Jukka Gustavson, Anssi Kela, Jukka Orma, Uffe Krokfors, Thomas Törnroos, Vesa Kemi, Jukka Leppilampi, Popp Gustafsson and Elna & Christopher Romberg will present the revolutionary songs of Bob Dylan. Sello Hall, Soittoniekanaukio 1 (Espoo). Tickets 15/20. www.espoo.fi 26 Apr. Buzzcocks (UK) // Punk. Tavastia, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. Tickets 25/27. www.tavastiaklubi.fi 26 Apr. Sir Richard Bishop (USA) // Interesting American musician best known from the Sun City Girls. Kuudes Linja, Hämeentie 13. Tickets 8. www.kuudeslinja.com
Theatre _ Dance
30 Mar.-1 Apr. Aki Suzuki Spirits: Giselle // Noh-theatre interpretation of the ballet classic. Stoa, Turunlinnantie 1. Tickets 15-18. www.stoa.fi 30 Mar.-27 Apr. La Bayadére // One of the masterpieces of 19th-century Russian ballet. Finnish National Opera, Helsinginkatu 58. Tickets 14-77. www.opera.fi 31 Mar & 1 Apr. The Spring Recital of the FNO Ballet School // Alexander Theatre, Albertinkatu 32. Tickets 8/15. www.opera.fi 31 Mar. & 1 Apr. Liisu Risu: Huono (Fail) // Dance piece based on The Piano Teacher (1983), Elfriede Jelinek's incisive novel portraying sexuality, sadism, power and a twisted mother-daughter relationship. Zodiak, Cable Factory. Tallberginkatu 1 B. Tickets 12/20. www.zodiak.fi 31 Mar.-4 Apr. Tanssiteatteri ERI: Passio // Dance piece depicting the suffering of Christ. Stoa, Turunlinnantie 1. Tickets 12/20. www.stoa.fi 9-28 Apr. Pelléas & Mélisande // Debussy's dreamy opera. Finnish National Opera, Helsinginkatu 58. Tickets 22-99. www.opera.fi 11-14 Apr. Jan Lauwers & Needcompany: The Art of Entertainment (BLG) // Pitch-black cynical comedy which tries to find the line between art and popular entertainment. Espoo City Theatre, Revontulentie 8. Tickets 15/27/32. www.espoonteatteri.fi 11-18 Apr. Kosei Sakamoto: HAIGAFURU Ash is falling // Choreography based on a Japanese poem. Zodiak, Cable Factory. Tallberginkatu 1 B. Tickets 12/20. www.zodiak.fi 11-18 Apr. Chipmunk Forge: PHÅGEL the best Cat and Bird show ever // Contemporary circus piece based on the determination of two independent girls to do their own thing. Cirko, Kaasutehtaankatu 1. Tickets 12/20. www.cirko.fi 14-19 Apr. Susanna Leinonen Company: Blinded Mind // Dance piece dealing with the conflicts with interpersonal relationships. Stoa, Turunlinnantie 1. Tickets 12/20. www.stoa.fi From 20 Apr. Purge // Opera based on Sofi Oksanen´s renowned novel about the painful episodes in Estonian history. Finnish National Opera, Helsinginkatu 58. Tickets 22-99. www.opera.fi
artist. Ateneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu 2. Tickets 0/10/12. www.ateneum.fi Until 29 Apr. Timo Kelaranta: Strange love // As a photographer Kelaranta is a poet, a master of the abstract image and of minimalism for whom the most important thing in a picture is its form. The Finnish Museum of Photography, The Cable Factory,Tallberginkatu 1. Tickets 0/4/6. www.valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi Until 6 May. Designworld // Exhibition looks at international contemporary design with broad strokes, giving an overall picture of today's design. Design Museum, Korkeavuorenkatu 23. Tickets 0/3/8. www.designmuseum.fi Until 13 May. Taryn Simon Photographs and Texts // Internationally acclaimed artist's photographs and writings underscore the invisible space between language and the visual world. Art Museum Meilahti, Tamminiementie 6. Tickets 0/8/10 Until 20 May. Of Toys and Men // Exhibition presents the history, design and aesthetics of toys from several centuries. Helsinki Art Museum Tennis Palace. Tickets 0/8/10 Until 10 Jun. Sophie Calle: Take Care of Yourself // Video films and photographs inspired by the last words of an e-mail sent by Calle's ex-boyfriend ending their relationship. EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Ahertajantie 5. Tickets 0/8/10. www.emma. museum Until 17 Jun. Thank You for the Music - How Music Moves Us // Exhibition on how the experiences of listening to music, watching music videos or going to a concert can appear in the life and work of an artist, a music lover, a fan. Kiasma, Mannerheiminaukio 2. Tickets 0/8/10. www.kiasma.fi Until Aug. Outi Heiskanen: Primordial Sea // Outi Heiskanen is best known for the sensitive line work of her graphics, but the artist's 75th anniversary exhibition also presents works lesser known to the public; paintings, sculptures and installations. Didrichsen Museum, Kuusilahdenkuja 1. Tickets 3/7/9. www.didrichsenmuseum.fi
Music _ Clubs
Every Saturday Disco & Karaoke // Modern hits and evergreens. Bistro 10, Hämeenkatu 10. www.bistro10. fi/club10/ 30 Mar. Small Axe - A Tribute to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh & Bunny Waller // Presented by Dreadline & Wentus Posse. Klubi, Tullikamarin aukio 2. Tickets starting from 10. www.klubi.net 30 Mar. Disco Huurupiilo // Disco by DJ Jogi. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry. www.huurupiilo.fi/disco.html 30 Mar. Apulanta // Pure Finnish rrrrrock! Pakkahuone, Tullikamarin aukio 2. Tickets 20/23. www.sauna-open-air.fi/keikat 30 Mar. Getawaycab// Acoustic music. O'Connell's, Rautatienkatu 24. Free entry. www.oconnells.fi 31 Mar. Gracias Live // Presented by the rap club Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop. Yo-talo, Kauppakatu 10. Tickets 7. www.yotalo.com 31 Mar. Soul Power // Dj's Kallio & Okapi. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Free entry. www.telakka.eu 31 Mar. BluesQ // Live music. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry. www.huurupiilo.fi/ 5 Apr. Stella // 10 year anniversary tour. Yo-talo, Kauppakatu 10. Tickets 10/12. www.yotalo.com 6 Apr. Mustasch // Hard rock from Sweden! Pakkahuone, Tullikamarin aukio 2. Tickets 25/28. www.sauna-open-air.fi/keikat 9 Apr. Jamming at Huurupiilo // Music session starts at 19:30 and lasts for about three hours. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry. www.huurupiilo.fi/jamit.html 10 Apr. Tuesday special meets Vapaat äänet // Das Kapital + Rasa Lila. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Free entry. www.telakka.eu 11 Apr. The Original Elvis Tribute 2012 // Original Elvis-musicians on stage! Tampere Hall (Main Auditorium), Yliopistonkatu 55. Tickets starting from 32. www.tampere-talo.fi 13 Apr. Picnic with Lulu // Live music on the Guinness stage. O'Connell's, Rautatienkatu 24. Free entry. www.oconnells.fi 13 Apr. Spinefarm Young Guns // Live on stage: Profane Omen & Carnalation. Yo-talo, Kauppakatu 10. Tickets 10/12. www.yotalo.com 14 Apr. Black Motor Club // Jorma Tapio on stage. Telakka, Tullikamarin aukio 3. Tickets 7. www.telakka.eu 17 Apr. Jamming at Huurupiilo // Music session starts at 19:30 and lasts for about three hours. Huurupiilo, Nyyrikintie 4. Free entry. www.huurupiilo.fi/jamit.html 20 Apr. Bookends // Live music on the Guinness stage. O'Connell's, Rautatienkatu 24. Free entry. www.oconnells.fi
Juan Carlo/John Mazlish
18-22 Apr. Various venues & prices. www.tamperemusicfestivals.fi/biennale/
Tampere Biennale 2012
Challenges and charms for the inquisitive ear.
The Tampere Biennale offers a wide variety of cultural programme at various venues all around the city. The Polytech Choir, the Tampere Philharmonic and the UMO Jazz Orchestra will be performing at evening concerts, while the lunch concerts will feature more intimate delicacies as the sounds of early music instruments lends itself to the musical imagination of modern composers. The event's international guest, the Argentinian-American Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo will be celebrating the centenary of Conlon Nancarrow, a pioneering polyrhythmic visionary. The club programme of the festival ranges from chamber-music-like new folk music to symphonic progressive rock, with everything in between. Saturday is family day, providing an opportunity for children and parents to make music and otherwise engage in arts together.
smaller rooms incapable of providing the space commonly needed for the sets and choreographies featured in children's shows. Dance Theatre MD (Hällä stage), Hämeenkatu 25. Tickets 6 www.tanssiteatterimd.fi
Others
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 Every Friday Crocheting workshop // Crocheting together in any language so far people aged 4-70 have attended, both male and female. At 15:00-17:00. Media Museum Rupriikki, Väinö Linnan aukio 13. Free entry. http://rupriikki.tampere. fi/in-english/ 2&23 Apr. Women's Sauna evening // Original Finnish wood-heated sauna. Also peat treatments, reiki, 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
Exhibitions
Until 10 Apr. Art by Mirva Valvanto // Art exhibition. Mältinranta Artcenter (studio), Kuninkaankatu 2. Free entry. http://tampereen-taiteilijaseura.fi/en/ Until 6 May Art by Erik Enroth // Erik Enroth's style has been described as expressionist and cubist. Motifs such as depictions of factories and workers, urban scenes, landscapes, portraits and still lifes, along with scenes from the circus and sporting events are recurrent themes in his repertoire. Sara Hilden Art Museum, Laiturikatu 13. Tickets 3/5/7. www. tampere.fi/english/sarahilden/exhibition.html
Others
Until 1 Apr. Artisokka Film Festival // Festival focusing on women on screen as directors, filmmakers and actresses. Bio Rex/Maxim, Mannerheimintie 22-24/Kluuvikatu 1. Tickets 5/8. www.artisokka.info
Exhibitions
Until 22 Apr. Lauri Laine: Paintings of Light and Space // Retrospective exhibition presenting Laine's paintings from the mid-1980s to the present. Kunsthalle Helsinki, Nervanderinkatu 3. Tickets 0/5.50/8. www.taidehalli.fi Until 29 Apr. Carl Larsson - In Search of the Good Life // Exhibition featuring the works by the beloved Swedish
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.
Theatre _ Dance
10, 11, 12 Apr. The Magic Box // Two ordinary thieves find a map and head for the treasure. The X marks a magic box capable of conjuring up all kinds of characters and visions. A compact-sized show tailor-made for
Sports
Every Tuesday Trotting races // Horse trotting at the Teivo track at 18:00, for driving instructions see website. Free entry. www.teivonravit.fi
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.
City of Tampere
ImmIgrant advIce centre
Multilingual information and guidance services
Check the 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: Desk 1: 040 806 2526 / Desk2: 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 10:30-12:30 9:30-11:30 13:00-16:00 12:00-16:00 Russian Arabic, Kurdish Persian, Kurdish Bulgarian, French, Spanish Guidance on Finnish language courses Russian Arabic, Kurdish Estonian Chinese Thai English Dari, Pashto, Urdu, Hindi Somali Russian
Information session series for newcomers in Tampere!
Immigrant Advice Centre and Tampere työväenopisto organise information sessions for newcomers in Tampere between 16 April and 31 May 2012. Information and discussion about life in Finland twice a week: Mondays at 16:30-19:00 Wednesdays 15:00-17:30.
No Finnish skills needed, interpretation available. When you register, let us know your mother tongue. More information: www.tampere.fi /maahanmuuttajaneuvonta or tel. 040 8016642
Tuesdays: Desk 1 10:00-12:00 Desk 1 Desk 2 Desk 1 Thursdays: Desk 1 Desk 2 Desk 1 Desk 2 Desk 1 Desk 2 12:00-14:00 14:00-16:00 14:30-16:30 9:00-12:00 9:00-11:00 12:30-14:30 11:30-14:30 15:00-17:00 15:00-17:00
You can find us now also on Facebook: www.facebook.com /tampereenmaahanmuuttajaneuvonta
Euroopan unioni Euroopan sosiaalirahasto
24
Issue 3 2012
Out&See Turku
By Leonard Pearl
Out&See Oulu
By Marko Kainulainen
Music _ Clubs
3 0 Mar. L enny Pe arl / / Singers ong w rite r play s c o mp elling originals and unique covers on acoustic guitar. Musiikkikahvila S ointu, Linnankatu 2 7. w w w.youtube.com /lennypearl 31 Mar. 1974 Tribute to ABBA // The world's No.1 ABBA Tribute Show with something for everyone from Dancing Queen to Waterloo! Turku Concert Hall, Aninkaistenkatu 9. Tickets 34. www.1974abbatributeshow.com 31 Mar. Dynamo 15 Years // Solina Records presents Magenta Skycode Plays Iiiii, Nightsatan, Burning Hearts + Vj Visiotek. Dynamo, Linnankatu 7. Tickets 5. www.dynamoklubi.com 31 Mar. Club O'gay // Come dance and have a good time at the only LGBT party in town! Klubi (ILTA) Humalistonkatu 8a. Cover 5/7. www.tuseta.fi 3 Apr. Clannad (IRL) // Legendary, internationally renowned group touching on folk, rock, ambient, jazz and world music. Logomo, Köydenpunojankatu 14. Tickets 48. www.clannad.ie 5 Apr. Rento Goes Latino // Start off a spicy Easter with salsa band Grupo Kaney. Rento, Yliopistonkatu 23. grupokaney.blogspot.com 6 Apr. Club Syndrome // Industrial, ebm, dark electro featuring DJ Solter, DJ Autopoietic and DJ Bastard. Klubi (ILTA), Humalistonkatu 8a Tickets 5. www.myspace.com/clubsyndrome 6 Apr. Turku Easter Special // Come listen to jazz, Latin, soul, funk and Afro music with DJs Åbo (UK) and Snorkkeli. Monk, Humalistonkatu 3. www.monk.fi 12 A p r. J u n g l e B r o t h e r s ( U S A ) / / Str aight out the Jungle Sp ring Reunion Tour! Fe aturing DJs Re sup ekka and D oubleM. Klubi ( ILTA ) , Hu m a li s t o nk a t u 8 A Ticket s 12 in a dv ance, 15 at the do o r. 13 Apr. Italian and Russian Candies / / Gioachino Rossini's William Tell Overture, Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2. Conducted by Markus Huber and Nikolai Tokarev on piano. Turku Concer t Hall, Aninkaistenkatu 9. Tickets 8 / 15 / 2 0 . www.turku.fi /konserttitalo 14 Apr. Fest-O-Rama // Featuring Finnish bands The Magician and Regina as well as DJs Sheikki Sheikki and Sussudio. Klubi (LIVE, ILTA), Humalistonkatu 8 A. Tickets 15 in advance, 20 at the door. 14 Apr. Reggaematic // Featuring Puppa J Trio and Selector Dread Lion. Pikku-Torre, Yliopistonkatu 30. Tickets 6. www.pikkutorre.fi 19 Apr. Viennese and Latino in Full Measure // Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Manuel de Falla's The Three-Cornered Hat, suites 1 and 2. Conducted by David Gimenez Carreras. Turku Concert Hall, Aninkaistenkatu 9. Tickets 8/15/20. www.turku.fi/konserttitalo
Euroentertain AB
Music _ Clubs
30 Mar. Viikate // Finnish metal band Viikate on stage. Club Teatria, Rautatienkatu 24. Tickets 15/20. www.teatria.com 30 Mar. Church of Misery (JPN), Madhatter, Projekti 15 // Metal from Japan with Finnish support Madhatter and Projekti 15. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 18. www.nuclear.fi 31 Mar. Dark Buddha Rising, Mother Susurrus // Two metal bands. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 8. www.nuclear.fi 3 Apr. Salsa Party // On Tuesdays, NGO is turned into a tiny Cuba, where the dance floor is taken over by salsa dancers starting at 8 pm. Vamos a bailar! Never Grow Old, Hallituskatu 17. Free Entrance. www.ngo.fi 5 Apr. PMMP // Popular Finnish female pop/rock duo. Nightclub Tähti, Pakkahuoneenkatu 19. Tickets 18 www.nightclubtahti.fi/ 5 Apr. theFallen (GBR), Severe // Live music by theFallen from UK and local band Severe. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 6. www.nuclear.fi 7 Apr. Mustasch (SWE) // Swedish rock band. Club Teatria, Rautatienkatu 24. Tickets 15/20. www.teatria.com 7 Apr. Kotiteollisuus // Hugely popular Finnish metal band. Nightclub Tähti, Pakkahuoneenkatu 19. Tickets 17. www.nightclubtahti.fi/ 10 Apr. Salsa Party // On Tuesdays, NGO is turned into a tiny Cuba, where the dance floor is taken over by salsa dancers starting at 8 pm. Vamos a bailar! Never Grow Old, Hallituskatu 17. Free Entrance. www.ngo.fi 13 Apr. Nieminen & Litmanen // This band's much vaunted music has been described as Scandinavian action jazz. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 9. www.nuclear.fi 17 Apr. Salsa Party // On Tuesdays, NGO is turned into a tiny Cuba, where the dance floor is taken over by salsa dancers starting at 8 pm. Vamos a bailar! Never Grow Old, Hallituskatu 17. Free Entrance. www.ngo.fi 19 Apr. Oulu Symphony presents: Exoticism from south // Anna-Maria Helsin as the conductor and Riina Seebeck on cello. Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Edouard Lalo and Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov. Oulu Music Centre, Lintulammentie 1-3. Tickets 20/28. www.oulusinfonia.fi 20 Apr. Apulanta // Legendary Finnish rock band. Club Teatria, Rautatienkatu 24. Tickets 15/20. www.teatria.com 20 Apr. Rättö ja Lehtisalo, Tommi Saha ja vapaat kuviot // Experimental psychedelic rock from Pori by Rättö ja Lehtisalo plus support by Tommi Saha ja Vapaat kuviot. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 10. www.nuclear.fi 21 Apr. Fear of Domination, Tora // Two heavy metal gigs. Hevimesta, Torikatu 11. Tickets TBA www.hevimesta.com/
Sakari Piippo
21 Apr. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets TBA. www.nuclear.fi
17 Apr. Turun Konserttitalo, Tickets 39. www.killerqueenonline.com
Siinai, Tndramatiks, Neondad
Three very interesting rising Finnish rock bands are performing at the Nuclear Nightclub, a venue that has offered the most diversified range of live music for the past months in the city of Oulu. Siinai has earned a reputation of being one of the most promising new bands in Finland and has already received some attention abroad. Their instrumental rock is hypnotic but also raises the pulse rate like their Olympic Games-themed album should. Tundramatiks plays a unique mix of rock, punk and Balkan vibes with an energetic live performance and has just released their new album. Neondad is the newest of the three on stage but consists of experienced musicians. so if you want to know what's going on in Finnish music scene you should check these bands out! Especially if you want to see something else other than metal gigs in this town!
Killer Queen
Since starting at London University in 1993, the UK tribute band Killer Queen, fronted by Patrick Myers, has been hailed as a "living jukebox" and "as near to the real thing as you're likely to get". With Myers as Freddie Mercury, it's like you will be right there watching and listening to the legendary singer. The music, the set, the costumes and spirit, you're sure to relive the best of Queen with the champions of tribute bands.
Exhibitions
Beginning 30 Mar. Hertta Kiiski // Turku Art Museum's Studio series features an exhibition called Primavera on the artist's surroundings and questions about growing up and letting go. Turku Art Museum, Aurakatu 26. Admission 0/4/7. www.turuntaidemuseo.fi Beginning 30 Mar. Milica Tomic// Turku Art Museum's Darkroom series features the streets of Belgrade in the work entitled One day, instead of one night, a burst of machinegun fire will flash, if light cannot come otherwise. Turku Art Museum, Aurakatu 26. Admission 0/4/7. www.turuntaidemuseo.fi Until 15 Apr. The Mutual Factor of Extremes // Photography exhibition with no less than 26 artists. Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, Itäinen Rantakatu 38. Admission 0/4/6, family ticket 15.50. www.wam.fi
happening at the same time as the Turku Art & Antique Fair and Handicraft Fair all with the same ticket! Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13. Tickets 14. 1 Apr. Loiskis Trio // An acoustic set of children's music from old favourites to brand new pieces. Seikkailupuisto, Kupittaankatu 2. Tickets 8. www.loiskis.fi 15 Apr. Rokki-Kokki // For both children and adults alike, come see what this exhilarating band from Raisio is cooking up. Seikkailupuisto, Kupittaankatu 2. Tickets 10. www.rokki-kokki.com/ 20 Apr. Comedy Finland Presents: The English Comedy Club Turku // Featuring Ben Kersley (UK), Aretta Vähälä (FIN), Henry Lehto (FIN), hosted by Louis Zezeran (AUS). Monk, Humalistonkatu 3. Tickets 8/10. www.monk.fi 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.
22 Apr. Solstafir (ISL), Hexvessel // Icelandic heavy metal with Finnish supporting act. Nuclear Nightclub, Uusikatu 23. Tickets 15. www.nuclear.fi
hockey league playoffs. Oulu Energia Areena, Teuvo Pakkalankatu 11. Tickets 7.50-21. www.oulunkarpat.fi
Others
3 & 17 Apr. Remakka Open Mic Stand Up // Are you the next stand up sensation? This is your chance to shine 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 20-22 Apr. Construction Fair // All about construction, renovation and furnishing. Ouluhalli, Ylioppilaantie 4. Tickets TBA. www.pohjois-suomenmessut.fi
Exhibitions
Until 5 Apr. Jaakko Mattila A Year of the Dragon // The paintings of the Oulu-born artist Jaakko Mattila combine in a subtle manner the systematic and the random. Their relationships of form and colour create unique geometric thinking, while his present work also contains physical-material expression of an increasingly liberated kind. Although Mattila's works are mainly abstract, he has also been inspired by the diversity of nature and the simple, uncluttered aesthetic of the landscape of Northern Ostrobothnia. This exhibition is the artist's first major museum show. Oulu Museum of Art, Kasarmitie 7. Tickets 0-3. www.ouka.fi/taidemuseo/
Others
31 Mar to 1 Apr. Turku Design Week 2012// A relaxing event full of fun ideas and people. For all those interested in design. The event is
Sports
17 Mar. 21/26 Apr. Ice Hockey Playoffs // Kärpät playing the Ice
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.
Helsinki Times English Programme
Teach and learn in English with Helsinki Times
Helsinki Times has created an English-language learning package, the Helsinki Times English Programme, to provide English teachers with inspirational teaching material for their lessons.
Take 8 Helsinki Times subscriptions with this special offer and you will get 8 ready-to-use English lessons during 2012 sent to you by email free of charge. The English exercises are based on selected Helsinki Times articles. In addition, you will also get a Gummerus FinnishEnglish-Finnish pocket dictionary!
Contact us now and we will send you the first English learning package free of charge by email! Contact us at opetus@helsinkitimes.fi or tel. 09 689 67422 Read more about Helsinki Times ready-to-use English lessons at www.helsinkitimes.fi/htep
SixDegrees Out&See Jyväskylä
By Marko Kainulainen
25
SixDegrees
Music _ Clubs
30 Mar. LUPI! // DJ Club LUPI! plays indie rock, disco and electronic tunes that will make you dance. Student Union Building Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2. Tickets TBA. ilokivi-onstage.com/ 30 Mar. Jukka Poika & Sound Explosion Band // Number one Finnish reggae name Jukka Poika with distinguished live group the Sound Explosion Band. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 14/15. www.jelmu.net 31 Mar. Club Kaappi // "Club Closet" organised by SETA - the main LGBT rights organisation in Finland. Student Union Building Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2. Tickets 3-6. www.ilokivi-onstage.com/ 31 Mar. CyCy Club // New talents taking the stage at Ruma and DJ Joniveli and many more playing good music. Ruma, Yliopistonkatu 40. Tickets TBA. www.ruma.fi 31 Mar. Church of Misery (JPN), Woodrue, Pigeon Hunt // Metal bands from Japan and Finland. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 14/15. www.jelmu.net 5 Apr. Mokoma, Rebelhead // Big Finnish metal name Mokoma with supporting gig by Rebelhead. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 14/15. www.jelmu.net 6 Apr. Efekti Club // Club night by Efekti organisation. Student Union Building Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2. Tickets TBA. ilokivi-onstage.com/ 7 Apr. Holoo Helsinki // Pop rock in Finnish. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 14/15. www.jelmu.net 7 Apr. Dreadmark // Finnish bass music collective Dreadmark gets the par t y together. Student Union Building Ilokivi,
Keskussairaalantie 2. Tickets TBA. ilokivi-onstage.com / 8 Apr. Von Hertzen Brothers // Popular Finnish alternative rock band with vocals in English. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 14/15. www.jelmu.net 13 Apr. Stig // Diverse Finnish folk and rhythm music singer. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 9/10. www.jelmu.net 13 Apr. The Rivers of Mars // Record release gig. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Free Entry. www. jelmu.net 14 Apr. Nieminen & Litmanen // Praised Finnish action jazz duo Nieminen & Litmanen. DJ Olento spinning discs. Musta Kynnys, Hannikaisenkatu 16. Tickets 8. www.mustakynnys.com 18 Mar. Jy väsk ylä Symphony presents: Flowing Dreams // The music of Jouko Tötterström, Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. Patrick Gallois (conductor), Denitsa Laffchieva (clarinet), Sanna Hihnala (bassoon) and Isa Katharina Gericke (soprano). City Theatre, Vapaudenkatu 36. Tickets 10-20. www.jyvaskylasinfonia.fi 19 Apr. Amorphis // Internationally well-known Finnish metal band. Lutakko, Schaumaninkatu 3. Tickets 19/20. www.jelmu.net 19 Apr. Salaiva // Rock band with a twist of Jazz. Freetime, Kauppakatu 30. Free of Charge. www.ravintolafreetime.fi 21 Apr. Jyrock Afternoon Club: Barry Andrewsin Disko, Eva & Manu (FIN/FRA) // Jyrock Afternoon Club starts the second day of the festival. Barry Andrewsin disko plays dreamy dance music and Eva & Manu delivers soulful folk melodies. Vakiopaine, Kauppakatu 6. Tickets 4. www.jyrock.fi
Exhibitions
Until 1 Apr. Tristan Trefoil: Herbarium // Photo exhibition. Galleria Harmonia, Hannikaisenkatu 39. Free Entrance. www3.jkl.fi/taidemuseo/ grafiikkakeskus Until 11 Apr. Juhani Järvinen // Exhibition. Galleria Becker, Seminaarinkatu 28 Free Entry. http : //w w w.jkltaiteilijaseura.net / galleria.htm Until 22 Apr. Kirsi Tapper // Wooden sculptures by Kirsi Tapper who is especially known for her horse themed sculptures. Jyväskylä Art Museum Holvi, Kauppatu 23. Tickets 4-6. Free entry on Fridays. www.jyvaskyla.fi/taidemuseo
Marika Kokkinen
20-21 Apr. Student Union Building Ilokivi, Keskussairaalantie 2. Tickets 18-28 www.jyrock.fi
Sports
17 Mar. 21/26 Apr. Ice Hockey Playoffs // JYP playing in the ice hockey playoffs. Check the game dates from the web page. Synergia arena, Rautpohjankatu 10. Tickets 5-34. www.jypliiga.fi 3-8 Apr. WMA 2012 Indoor Championships // Track and field world championships for age 35+ women and age 40+ male participants. Hipposhalli, Kuntoportti 3. Tickets TBA. wma2012.jyvaskyla.fi
Jyrock 2012
Since the year 1985 Jyrock, the oldest indoor festival in Finland has been a sure sign of the beginning of spring in Jyväskylä. After 27 successful and eventful years Jyrock is known especially for its open-minded attitude towards new and fresh underground music. This year's line-up is a wild mix of various different genres like indie rock, rap, jazz, black metal, pop, Balkan, electro and ska. 22 bands in all are taking the stage in Ilokivi and at the afternoon club in Vakiopaine. Groups like Magyar Posse, Husky Rescue, The Irrationals, Azure Blue (SWE), The Megaphone State and Siinai are performing just to name few. Check the full line-up from the festival website.
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.
Jyväskylä is easily accessible by car, train, or air. The city sits at the intersection of all the major motorways in Finland, and is an important hub for the transportation of people and goods. Pendolino trains run between Helsinki and Jyväskylä in around three hours, and several trains serve the route every day. Helsinki-Jyväskylä flights last only forty minutes, and Tallinn-Jyväskylä just one hour. Jyväskylä Region Travel is there to help you with your travel plans: jyvaskylanseutu.fi/travel
jyvaskyla.fi
PHOTO BY SUOMEN ILMAKUVA OY
Jyväskylä, only an hour from Tallinn!
26
Issue 3 2012
SixDegrees
Column
Where to find SixDegrees
Helsinki: Aalto Univeristy, Aasialainen ruokakauppa/Kolmas linja, Amarillo, Amiedu/Valimotie, Arabianrannan kirjasto, Arbis Hfors Kansalaisopisto, Arcada, Aussie Bar, Bar 9, Bar Loop, Belge bar&bistro, Berlitz-kielikeskus, Brooklyn Café, Bruuveri Panimoravintola/Kampin keskus, Cafe Antell, Café Bulevardin Kahvisalonki, Café Ekberg/Bulevardi, Café Esplanade, Café Java/Hakaniemi, Café Jugend, Café Talo, Café Johto/Kamppi, Café Mascot, Café Tin Tin Tango, Café Ursula, CAISA Kulttuurikeskus, Cantina West, Chico`s/Sibeliuksenkatu, Corona Bar, Diakonissalaitoksen Opiskelijakirjasto, Cuba!, Dream Catcher Oy, ECHA Kemikaalivirasto, Espoon työvoiman palvelukeskus, Espresso Edge, Etelä-Haagan kirjasto, Eurohostel, Filmtown/Hämeentie, Finn Britt Society, Flada 13, Forum, Stockmann/parkkihalli, Grande Grill, Haaga Helia Haagan yksikkö, Haaga Helia Pasilan yksikkö, Halal-liha, Hanken, Heinon Pikatukku, Helsingin Aikuisopisto, Helsingin luonnontiedelukio, Helsingin tekniikanalan oppilaitos, Helsingin yliopisto/Kielikeskus, Helsingin yliopisto/Opiskelijakirjasto, Helsinki Business College, Henry's Pub, Herttoniemen kirjasto, HKL/Kauppatori, Holiday Inn/Pasila, Hotelli Artturi, Hotelli Finnapartments Fenno, Hotelli GLO, Hotelli Helka, Hotelli Rivoli Jardin, Hotelli Scandic Simonkenttä, Indian Market/ Hakaniemen torikatu, Itäkeskuksen kirjasto, Jakomäen Kirjasto, Juttutupa, Kaapelitehdas, Kaisla ravintola, Kallion kirjasto, P-Kamppi, Kannelmäen kirjasto, Kanneltalo, Kauppakeskus Malmin Nova, Kauppakeskus Ruoholahti, KEPA, Kiasma, Kieliavain, Kirjasto 10, Kluuvi, Kokomo, Kontulan Kirjasto, Kulosaaren Kirjasto, Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo, Kuvataideakatemia, Kämp Galleria, Käpylän Kirjasto, Laajasalon Kirjasto, Lauttasaaren Kirjasto, Luckan/Simonkatu, Lucky Nine Bar, Maahanmuuttoyksikkö, Makuuni/Kamppi, Makuuni/Kruununhaka, Masabi/Froum, Malmin Kirjasto, Malminkartanon Kirjasto, Malmitalo, Mandarin Court, Maunulan Kirjasto, Marian Leipomo/Sörnäinen, M-Bar, Metropolia/Hämeentie, Metsälän vastaanottokeskus, Molly Malone's, Motellet, Munkkiniemen Kirjasto, Musta Pörssi/Itäkeskus, Namaskaar/Bulevardi, Namaskaar Express/Aleksanterinkatu, Namaskaar/Railwaystation, Bar Nolla, Noodle Bar/Kaisaniemi, Norisushi Bar, Nosturi, Oulunkylän Kirjasto, Paloheinän Kirjasto, Pitäjänmäen Kirjasto, Pohjois-Haagan Kirjasto, Pub O'Malleys, Public Corner/Mikonkatu, Puistolan Kirjasto, Pukinmäen Kirjasto, Pääkirjasto/Pasila, Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel, Raffaello, Ravintola Grecia, Ravintola Lappi, Ravintola Lasipalatsi, Ravintola Singapore, Ravintola Sävel, Rikhardinkadun kirjasto, Robert´s Coffee/Citykäytävä, Robert's Coffee/Kamppi, Robert's Coffee/Itäkeskus Piazza, Roihuvuoren Kirjasto, Rotterdam Kamppi, Southern Fried Chicken, Sport Pub Chelsea, Stadia, Stadion Hostel, Stoa Itä-Helsingin Kulttuurikeskus, Suomalainen Kirjakauppa/Aleksanterinkatu, Suutarilan Kirjasto, Tapanilan kirjasto, Tapulikaupungin kirjasto, Teatterikorkeakoulu, Tennispalatsi/Steam Coffee, Työvoimatoimisto/Haapaniemenkatu, Työvoimatoimisto/Kluuvi, Töölön Kirjasto, Töölön tornit, Ulkomaalaispoliisi, Vallilan Kirjasto, Vastaanottokeskus/Kyläsaarenkatu, Verohallinto/Salmonkatu, Viikin Kirjasto, Virgin Oil Co., WTC Plaza, Vespa, Yobot, Vuosaaren Kirjasto, Zetor Espoo: Bar Fennia/Sellokeskus, Espoon Kulttuurikeskus, Kauppakeskus Iso Omena Kirjasto, Mattildens Gymnasium, Maahanmuuttajatyön Palveluyksikkö, Teknillinen korkeakoulu/Maarintalo, Teknillinen Korkeakoulu/Kansainvälinen kilta huone Vantaa: Hakunilan kirjasto, Hakunilan YPP, Hakunilan Kansainvälinen Yhdistys, Havukosken nuorisotalo, Heinon Pikatukku, Helsinki-Vantaa airport tourist info, Hiekkaharjun kirjasto, Hämeenkylän kirjasto, Järjestörinki, Koivukylän kirjasto KIRNU, Länsi-Vantaan monikulttuurinen kohtauspaikka, Länsimäen kirjasto, Maahanmuuttajien Yhteispalvelutoimisto, Martinlaakson kirjasto, Mikkolan kirjasto, Monikulttuurisuusasiain yksikkö, Myyrmäen kirjasto, Pointti kirjasto, Ramada Airport Hotel, Rosso Jumbo, Silkin Portti (Vantaan kansainvälinen keskus), Tapiola/Sampokuja, Tikkurilan kirjasto, Tikkurilan YPP, Vantaan seurakuntayhtymä, Verotoimisto. Tampere: Ammattikorkeakoulu, Antikvariaatti Lukulaari, Anttila, Asematunneli/Rautatieasema, Elokuvakeskus Niagara, Galaxie Center, Galleria Rajatila, Hervannan ammattioppilaitos/Kirjasto, Hervannan kirjasto, Hotelli Ramada, Kahvila Valo, Klubi, Lenin-museo, Maailmankauppa Tasajako, Makuuni/Asematunneli, Messukylän kirjasto, Punnitse ja Säästä/Tullintori, Pyynikin Näkötornin Kahvila, Pääkirjasto Metso, Ravintola Artturi, Ravintola El Toro, Ravintola Katupoika, Sara Hildénin Taidemuseo, Taidekeskus Mältinranta, TAMK Taide ja Viestintä, Tampereen Ammattioppilaitos, Tampereen Kansainvälinen Naisten Tapaamispaikka, Tampereen Teknillinen Yliopisto, Tampereen Ulkomaalaistoimisto, Tampereen vastaanottokeskus, Tampere-Pirkkalan lentokenttä, Tampere-talo, Tamy/Kv-toimisto, Telakka, Toimintakeskus Vuoltsu/Nuorten palvelu- ja tiedotuspiste, Työväen Keskusmuseo, Työväenopisto Sampola, Unipoint, Vanha Vanilja, Vapriikki, Wayne's Coffee/Siperia, Pinni B aula, Yliopisto Pääaula, Yo-talo. Turku: Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, Assarin Ullakko, Aurinkotehdas, Bar Bristol, Blue Cow, Cantina Azteca, Galleria Titanic, Hotelli Holiday Inn Turku, Ilpoisten kirjasto, Itäkeskus, Juhana Herttuan lukio, Kahvila Fontana, Kauppakeskus Forum, Kirjakahvila, Konservatorio kirjasto, Konservatorio Sigynsali, Maailmankauppa Aamutähti, Macciavelli, Makuuni/ Kaskenkatu, Makuuni/Kristiinankatu, Myssy ja Silinteri, Nummen kirjasto, Panini ravintola, Proffan Kellari, Ravintola Bar Cafe Erik-29, Ravintola Laituri, Ravintola Uusi Apteekki, SPR, Taideakatemia, Tehdas Teatteri, Turku Daisy Ladies ry, Turku Labour Force Service Center, TUAS/Arts Academy, TUAS/Sepänkatu, TUAS/ Lemminkäisenkatu, Turun Kansainvälinen Kohtauspaikka, Turun kauppahalli, Turun kaupungin matkailutoimisto, Turun kaupungin musiikkikirjasto, Turun kaupungin pääkirjasto, Turun lentoasema, Turun Taidemuseo, Turun ulkomaalaistoimisto, Valokuvakeskus PERI, Wäino Aaltosen Museo, Yliopiston päärakennus. 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, PohjoisPohjanmaa-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, HaagaHelia 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.
Finnair management under fire
ONLY the most observant readers would have noticed it. It was a footnote to a footnote, buried deep in Finnair's 2011 financial report. Yet when it was discovered, it unleashed a storm that cost the majority of the national airline's board of directors their jobs. FINNAIR is under severe financial pressure, under competition from low-cost carriers. Several years ago their CEO Jukka Heinonen departed in anger, saying it was impossible for him to reduce employee costs. There were fears that the majority of management would follow him, so Finnair's board decided to offer them a "loyalty bonus" to convince them to stay. "SPECIAL bonuses totalling 2,773,143 euros were paid to 18 key individuals on 15 February 2011," read a note on page 80 of Finnair's 90-page annual report. "The purpose of these one-time bonuses was to commit Executive Board members and certain other key individuals to the company during the transfer period related to the President and CEO change and to ensure the continuity of Finnair's operations." LOYALTY bonuses, sometimes called retention bonuses or golden handcuffs, are not unusual in the corporate world. They are designed to keep key executives at a company. Sometimes they are offered to all employees, not only members of management. THE problem with Finnair's bonus plan was that it was kept secret when it was implemented late in 2009. Simultaneously with the management bonuses, the company was shedding employees and forcing those that remained to accept lower salaries. THE bonuses were small in relation to the company's overall expenses only a fraction of a per cent of their employee expenses but it sent a bad signal. The State of Finland owns about 56 per cent of the company, and some politicians were outraged that managers were getting special bonuses while they fired employees. UNIONS were incensed and cut off continuing cost-cutting negotiations with the airline. The current contract with the Cabin Crew Union ends in 2013. "IT is surely understandable that after this kind of news there is little, almost zero enthusiasm for further cuts," the union's head Thelma Åkers told YLE. HEIDI Hautala, the minister in charge of the state's corporate holdings, announced that all Finnair board members who voted for the bonus would lose their jobs. As the state holds a majority of voting rights, her decision was final. Elina Björklund, Sigurdur Helgason, Satu Huber, Ursula Ranin and Pekka Timonen will all lose their board seats. FINNAIR'S CEO Mika Vehviläinen escaped the bonus row, but he has his own problems. It was revealed that he sold his flat to the insurer Ilmarinen, continued to live in it, and let Finnair pick up the rental bill. To make matters worse, Vehviläinen was a member of Ilmarinen's board of directors while it agreed to contract the construction of Finnair's head offices, raising a host of questions about corporate ethics and conflicts of interest. The police have opened an investigation to determine if a bribery crime has been committed.
RAISING THE
FLAG
What is being celebrated this month with a lippupäivä? 9 April Mikael Agricola's Day, Finnish Language Day
Journalist David J. Cord is also a private investor with over ten years of experience.
The first developer of the Finnish written language, Mikael Agricola completed the first Finnish "ABC book" in 1543, after which, in 1548, he translated the New Testament into Finnish.
The world's largest travel company for students and young adults STA Travel now in Finland
ABSORB DISCOVER EXPERIENCE EXPLORE
RELAXATION LOCAL CULTURE THE OPEN ROAD A BREATHTAKING VIEW
FACE TO FACE WITH THE WORLD
FLIGHTS GAP YEAR
ROUND THE WORLD ADVENTURE TOURS
HOTELS AND HOSTELS VOLUNTEERING
WWW.STATRAVEL.FI 0200-18300 Eerikinkatu 5, Helsinki
SixDegrees
mpia www.hamk.fi/yle mk
27
SixDegrees
Develop your business competences in global markets
Come and get your Master's degree in Business Administration
Degree Programme in Business Management and Entrepreneurship (BME) 90 ECTS
The degree programme responds to the requirements of international business communities and prepares students especially for challenging development projects in international markets. The specialization areas of the degree programme include: !" global business environment !" strategic management and innovations !" multi-cultural competences and networking !" customer focus in international business Master's Degree in Business Administration !" starts in Autumn 2012 !" part-time studies for 2.5 years !" contact lessons in Hämeenlinna, e-learning, distant learning !" studies are conducted in English Requirements for eligibility: !" Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (or equal academic degree) !" at least three years work experience after the Bachelor's degree
Application period: 5th March 3rd April 2012
Further Information: ylempiamk@hamk.fi
Friday 6.7.
PULPMUSTASCH REFUSED
(UK) (SWE)
(SWE) (SWE)
RIVAL SONS
Saturday 7.7.
(USA)
AZEALIA BANKS (USA) EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY (USA) EWERT AND THE TWO DRAGONS (EST) HERRA YLPPÖ & IHMISET KAUKO RÖYHKÄ & NARTTU VON HERTZEN BROTHERS
VERONICA MAGGIO
NIGHTWISH MONROE THE CARDIGANS MICHAEL
(SWE) (UK) (JAM) (UK)
APOCALYPTICA CHILDREN OF BODOM CHISU FINTELLIGENS GG CARAVAN HUORATRON NOTKEA ROTTA PARIISIN KEVÄT PMMP REGINA SCANDINAVIAN MUSIC GROUP STAM1NA
Sunday 8.7.
BLOC PARTY JIMMY CLIFF TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB METRONOMY
EPPU NORMAALI ELOKUU FRENCH FILMS JUKKA POIKA & SOUND EXPLOSION BAND
(UK)
www.ruisrock.fi
3 DAYS ...................................... 115 2 DAYS FRI-SAT/SAT-SUN .......... 100 1 DAY FRI/SAT/SUN .................... 70
+ Service Fee
TICKETS AVAILABLE: