New Shop Items

Swedish Freak Shop Update

Due to limited amount of time (don’t we all have that issue), I can only do so many things. I realized that the shop hasn’t been updated in forever (since Christmas). So I decided it was time to do a little design and update the shop! I’m excited about the new designs that have come out … Read more

Swedes happiest or loneliest

Swedishness Podcast: Swedes – Happiest or Loneliest People in the World? (episode 3)

SI’s podcast all about Sweden, Swedishness, in podcast #3 looks at the question: Are Swedes the happiest or the loneliest people in the world?

Swedes are known as one of the happiest people on earth, and why not? With 5 weeks paid vacation, and a state that takes care of you (and you take care of it back), there is no wonder.

But are Swedes becoming too independent? Some argue yes.

What are your thoughts Swedish Freaks?

Will Sweden be run by robots?

Swedishness Podcast: Will Sweden Be First to Be Run by Robots? (episode 2)

Swedishness is the newly released podcast from SI, Swedish Institute. Last time Kattis Ahlström and her co-host and Swedish resident for 12 years, Philip O’Connor, discussed parental leave in Sweden.

This time they discuss the point to which Swede’s adapt to technology. They are already headed to be the first cashless country. Now robots?

Kattis and Philip interview Amy Loutfi, a Canadian professor in AI and robotics who specializes in human-robot interaction at Örebro University and Andreas Ekström, a journalist at Swedish daily Sydsvenskan, and an advocate for digital equality.

What do you think? Share your thoughts below!

Olle-the-Coop-chickling

Swede Hatches Egg From Grocery Store

Even though this happened in January (and I’m just posting it now), but now every time I cook eggs I think of this story! Supposedly this Swedish women, Agneta, heard somewhere that some grocery eggs are fertile and can be hatched if warmed. She gave it a shot with a 6 pack of eggs from Coop … Read more

Swedishness Episode #1 Parental Leave

Swedishness Podcast Parental Leave in Sweden (episode 1)

Sweden knows its awesomeness, and is ready to share it with the world!  Has been for awhile, with great sites like Sweden.se.  This year the Swedish Institute has launched a new podcast called Swedishness.

Here is a little information about the podcast:

Together with co-host Philip O’Connor, an Irish journalist who has lived in Sweden for 18 years, Kattis Ahlström interviews Swedish and non-Swedish experts. The podcast is in English and will be released in seven episodes about everything from parental leave and digital technology to Swedish tradition, Swedes and happiness.

In this first episode, Philip and Kattis tackle parental leave in Sweden.

In Sweden, parents of a newborn are given 480 days of leave to split between them to look after their child. Most of the days are paid up to 80 per cent of the parent’s salary and can be taken until the child turns eight. Paid by the state, the system encourages both parents to take time off to spend time with their child. What is it like to have all that time with your child, and what is it like to get back to work after so many months away? Soundcloud

What do you think, Swedish Freaks, about this episode and the new podcast in general?

Swedish Dads

Swedish Dads

One of my favorite things about Sweden is that maternity leave is referred to paternity leave, because it is for both parents, not just mothers.

One of Sweden’s photographers, Johan Bävman, is showing off the Swedish stay-at-home dads with his photo book “Swedish Dads”, which portrays 25 fathers who stay home with their children for 6 months.

Check out the video above, and read more about Johan’s work at his website.

Face Tomorrow Like a Swede

Start to Work Like a Swede

Swedes are so awesome, they are willing to share their awesomeness with the rest of the world.

The Swedish Part Model is a labor union model where workers and employers work together in order to optimize the labor force. I will let the website, LikeASwede.se, founded by a group of Swedish unions, explain the model itself.

The Swedish Part Model

 

 

 

In order to promote the Swedish part model, the TCO Sverige has created a video (above) to show what the future might be like if we are all using the Swedish part model… except for AI.

Poor AI are back in the ancient times where they have to fight for the rights to work.

What do you think about The Swedish Part Model? Do you want to work like a Swede?

Swedish Music

A Quick History of Swedish Music

While stalking Sweden online (it is what I’m doing for a living, woot!), I came across the amazing American Swedish Institute.  It is actually a museum, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a museum I managed to completely miss when I was visiting family in Minneapolis!

If you are in Minneapolis, do not miss out on the American Swedish Institute. Throughout the year they offer various events and exhibitions.

In 2015, the Gothenburg Combo partnered with the American Swedish Institute to help make this great video to show you a quick overview of Swedish music. Enjoy!