Sweden without Volvo

Many don't know for the past few years iconic swedish car maker has been owned by Ford. As Saab is owned by GM.

In face of the world financial crisis and in particular concerns about the survival of the US automakers there is much talk in Sweden about the car industry here.

The Local (a online news site) reported last week that Rolf Wolff, dean of the school of business at Gothenburg University, had called on the government to nationalize Volvo and Saab to safeguard the pool of knowledge within the Swedish auto industry."If Volvo Cars disappears as a base for industrial knowledge and skills, then Sweden will never again be a part of the auto industry. All the knowledge and skills would be lost, and with it all future associated development potential would be gone. Forever," Wolf warned.

A new survey has shown that 68 per cent of Swedes would like to see the State take temporary control over the firm.

It is hard to imagine the world without Volvo, let alone what impact it would have on the economy in Sweden.

On a sad note, Joern Utzon the Danish architect responsible for possiblity one of the most recognised landmarks in the World. The Sydney Opera House, dies at 90.

First snow fall of 2008

Snapshot of Jönköping

• Local bus fares have increased from 20 kronor to 25 kronor
• Tabergstoppen is for sale...popular restaurant on top of Taberg with great views of surrounding Jönköping
• Boat restaurant on the Piren is for sale
• New Scottish pub opens on Jönköping centrums west side
• Huskvarna factory lays off 250 workers
• Kabe, makers of caravans, lays off 71 people

Sweden

• Famous author turns 150... it is 150 years since Selma Lagerlöf was born
• Banks doubtful over stablisation plans
• Stockholm is bigger than ever ....... 808800 inhabitants

Downunder Sweden

New
Now available on Swedejoey in Jönköping for those Aussies and Kiwis living in Sweden is a community link.
If you are one of the above join Downunder Sweden now.
I have some ideas for this community but really would like to hear from you.
When joining just leave the part of Sweden you are living in and your email address.
Can not wait to add you to the 20+ I already know about

Open Coffee - for those living in Jönköping

Opencoffee is a weekly gathering of entrepreneurs, developers and people interested in business. They meet in comfortable locations in a "un-conference" location. No host speakers, programs, official presentations or name-badges. Just conversations on "matters business."
I went along to this gathering last night. The atmosphere was certainly relaxed and there was an energy in the air. We were ably hosted by Jose and whilst the group was small in number the conversations were engaging.

Time: Every Thursday at 16,00. Location Science Park Jönköping 5th Floor (use entrance B).
Map link

Web site link

Fantasilösa hus på Kålgarden

Opinion-
Unimaginitive houses in Kålgarden. Kalgården is a new development area on the east side of the centre of Jönköping. Separated by a road from the waters of Munksjö(lake) this is prime real estate. The headline is that of a letter sent in by a reader of Jönköping Posten, Johan Mannergren. It was printed in the newspaper on the 3rd September 2008.
In many ways it reflects my own thoughts of the design of new buildings in the city. That many new developments be they residential or commercial are unimaginitive square boxes with little to endear them to future generations.
But let me point out a couple of things. Firstly I love Jönköping it is a great university town with many great things to do in the surrounding area. Secondly I acknowledge "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Having said that it is no secret the interesting architecture in Europe and Scandinavia receive a lot of attention from money spending tourist.
So is it as Johan asks " Can our architects really not come up with something better" or "is it that politicans want to speed up the building process giving building companies more profits".
Finally I would say I have visited numerous other Swedish cities and towns who are building interesting and creativity environments for their citizens to live in.
Please Jönköping planners lift your game and give the people now and of the future places that we deserve.

Old Fire Station
View over lake
Kålgarden

Sweden's National Aussie Rules Team

The Swedish Elks.
Last weekend I was invited to the Swedish Elks Australian RulesTraining camp held at Konstgräs Huskvarna. Thanks go to Philip (Manager) and Ryan (National Coach).
After crunching my way through frost frozen grass although it was 3 in the afternoon I got my first glimpe of a sight I had not seen for awhile. A mixture of Aussie club football jerseys. One from the Tigers, several from the Bombers and one thankfully the Blues. One or two of the guys had on Elks jerseys also.
Ryan was putting the boys through different drills and ball skill exercises. The thing the struck me firstly was the shouting was in English with a springling of Swedish. The sound of Ryan screaming vänster (left), vänster (left) was great. Secondly the enthusiasm that everyone had for this very different sport for Sweden.
Finally the cold got the better of me and the layers of clothing were not preventing freezing of the extremities of my body, so I headed for the warmth of the car. But not before looking over my shoulder to see these guys marking and kicking the "pill" around just like you would see at any Victorian footy field.

For more about Aussie Rules in Sweden click on this link

http://www.aflsweden.com/

Alla Helgons dag - All Saints Day

Alla Helgons dag is an important celebratory day in Sweden. Observed on the first Saturday of November this is a private affair where many Swedes visit graves of loved ones. It is usual to adorn the grave with a wreath made from (because of the lack of flowers due to the cold weather) typical flora of the forest such as moss, pine needles and cones and some leaves of winter plants.
Gina and I will visit her morfar(maternal grandfather) John's grave at Fiskeback in nearby Habo.