Finn2FinnFun

So This is Supposed to be Fun!

2011-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

What is Air Guitar...
"Playing air guitar is a form of dance and movement in which the performer pretends to play rock or heavy metal-style electric guitar, including riffs, solos, etc. Playing an air guitar usually consists of exaggerated strumming and picking motions and is often coupled with loud singing or lip-synching. Air guitar is generally used in the imaginary simulation of loud electric guitar music." (excerpted from Wikipedia)

...and what do Utubers think of all these gyrating gen-iuses?
As one viewer put it: "Well, can someone explain to me, and I know this may sound really dumb, but...why can't they just use all this energy to put into playing a real guitar?"

Nordic Walking - Heard of it?

2009-05-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Cross-country skiers do it for summer training.

Because of the extra involvement of muscles involved in applying force to the poles at each stride, leading to higher oxygen intake and more calories burned (up to 20% more than walking), Nordic Walking has been described by some as “Walking Aerobics”. It is an excellent cross-training exercise. You can easily reach 75% max. heart rate, and easily stay in your fitness zone.

Scientific research suggests that everyone can benefit physically from the exercise.

In a summary of the research done on the benefits of walking with poles as compared to walking without, Professor Raija Laukkanen (Director of Exercise Science at Polar Electro Oy, Finland) concluded that “walking with poles improves mainly aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, deceases neck-should area disabilities and pain, and can have positive effects on mood state. In order to improve muscle power, uphill walking is required. Pole walking affecting body coordination and motor fitness has not been published. Walking with poles is a safe and fun exercise mode and fits everybody."

It’s an affordable, fun, and easy sport if you have the right equipment.

You’ll need just a minimal amount of equipment: Nordic Walking poles with hardened steel tips for use on grass, trails, the beach, and with snow (plus removable rubber tips (paws) for hard surfaces); comfortable demi-gloves. No club membership; no ‘regular’ classes, though an introductory class is a good idea just so you get the basics down; no special “duds”; and you can walk pretty much anywhere! Using poles to walk up hills reduces the weight on your legs by as much as 25%! People who know say that Nordic Walking is great fun, and feels easier and less tiring than normal walking! Even walking up hills is easy. Makes sense! Using poles to walk up hills actually reduces the weight on your legs by as much as 25%!

Nordic Walking is becoming quite the popular sport.

More than seven million Europeans (including 19% of Finns) Nordic Walk daily. According to some estimates Nordic Walking is “the worlds fastest growing exercise method”, and is growing in popularity in USA, Canada, Australia.

Exercise “therapy?”

Many chiropractors / physiotherapists / osteopaths and GP's as Nordic Walking an exercise therapy, often following a course of treatment.

And how about “Nordic Running!”

It’s true! There’s apparently a whole new breed of “Nordic Runners,” and this is fast becoming a sport in itself.

Associations:

INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) http://inwa-nordicwalking.com/
CNWA (Canadian) http://www.cnwa.info/

International Coverage in blogs:

David Downer: http://nordicwalkingnewsblog.blogspot.com/ and www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com
In his Blogger profile, Downer introduces himself as "an INWA Nordic Walking Instructor, author and publisher, who is passionate about serving the worldwide Nordic Walking community and providing quality information and services.”

Claire Walter: http://nordic-walking-usa.blogspot.com/
Walter describes herself as “a Colorado-based, award-winning travel, food and snow sports writer who was just bitten by the blogging bug late in 2006.”

Food For Thought:

"Nowadays popular also in Japan."

“And in China; pole manufacturer Exel is building a new factory there."

Surfing Comments On Nordic Walking:

“My dad came back from Finland with a set of these poles. One day when he was walking around the block one of the neighbors called out ‘Hey Pentti, you forgot your skis.’”

“Anyone in China nordic walking? I am in Shanghai and surrounded by high buildings, where can I nordic walk?”

“Although some people in the US have expressed the opinion that walking with two poles is silly, my question is whether walking with one pole, or a cane looks better? The answer is an unequivocal - No way! “

“As an American Nordic walker who lives in Norway, I see, even here, one of the biggest drawbacks to the sport becoming more widespread: it's seen as an 'old people's' sport.”

“Until Nordic Walking gets itself out of this stereotype and is positioned along the same lines as skiing and other more 'youthful' sports, it won't become anything but the marginal sport it is. It doesn't matter if there is an excess of 'stick choice' or tiffs about nomenclature, once people see what the sport DOES they'll make their own choices. It needs to become trendy. It needs to be marketed as a total body workout, with no mention of age or infirmity. And, after all, it's just walking, it's not brain surgery or anything. Sometimes the Nordic Walking sites make it look so much more complicated than it is.”

So is this Fun?

2009-05-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

PS: Was hoping for some response to this one! Could have had an interesting discussion! Ah well...

Today's "video gem" shows some imagination...or not...what do you think? Would love to hear your opinion. Just write a message in the message box (Finn2FinnFun Chat) in the right (lower half) sidebar!

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL0g5eERZu4

Setting Morley Safer Straight!

2009-02-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Melancholic, pessimistic, taciturn (and 'alcoholic') Finns! I just love this video satire (right: today's "video gem" by KalervoOtso) of the TV news feature done by reporter Morley Safer for the US news program "60 Minutes" in the 1990s.

The usually eminently credible Mr. Safer certainly put together some entertaining, if totally one-dimensional - not to mention, mis-leading - evidence of what he observed to be the pervasive mentality of Finland - my Finland.

Response to the Youtube clip is fierce into the 21st century! :

yankeejake wrote:
"Hahaa, this is some bleep bleep bleep. Bit of truth there too, but I don't agree with any of it. To Merthville I strongly suggest to visit Finland. It aint so bad and we do say "I love u " every now and then. Right now I live in southern Germany and I see no difference. Even the faces on the street and in the underground are the same or even worse occasionally. :D Peace!"

VesqVj wrote:
"Well, I really didn't recognize my country :P, but as you might see, the documentary had only one issue, so it's really one sided view. They also filmed just elder people. And "the backyard of russia", eh..? But yeah, a lot was true in this clip."

talvikki81 wrote:
"Wow...filmed in the early 90s. A bit of a biased report from 60 minutes! It's not all doom and gloom, Finland is a gorgeous place, we just like our privacy--and we never say I love you! All my American friends are horrified when I tell them my parents have never said it to me :P. We know it without having to say it."

_________

Hey - I just got this sinking feeling that maybe I was reading something into our "video gem" that wasn't there! Maybe that little guy and girl practising the tango really were feeling terribly melancholic and pessimistic, and "gloomy!" Sure fooled me if that's true!

Then there's the fact that I'm a Finn, and I say "I love you" quite easily to people I love (mind you, my dad found hugs distasteful...or was he just shy, as Safer might say?); still, that proves my point, doesn't it, and that of many of the commentators on the Safer video! You can't paint the whole of Finland - or the whole of any country or nationality one color - any way you look at it!

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0E7CzrpCBU

Frustrated with your Cell Phone? Hurl it for Fun & Fame!

2009-01-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

Planning a trip to Finland this summer? Why not consider spending a couple of days in Punkaharju, Savonlinna?. That’s where (August 22/09) the 10th Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships (MPTWC) will be held this year, and you wouldn’t want to miss that good bit of zany Finnish family fun, now would you?

Finland, as probably the whole of ‘cyberville’ knows, is home to Nokia, one of the foremost cell phone manufacturers /suppliers on the planet, a company renowned for its regular introduction of new models to the market. Is it any wonder then, that many fashion conscious Finns make an annual habit of chucking out their old mobiles for new?

"Where Have all the Cell Phones Gone?
So where do all these hundreds of thousands of old mobiles – once, so ‘in’ – end up? Rumor has it that the bottoms of Finland’s myriad lakes are lined with the wrecks of these discarded cell phones, but I understand this is indeed, only rumor. Finland is, after all, an eco-conscious country, and its people appreciate the need to protect the beauty and pristine quality of their homeland’s lakes and forests.

The batteries of old cell phones are clearly toxic waste, but…before landing in the growing graveyard of yesterday’s high-tech ‘Top 10’ as do almost 99% in the USA, these hot little handhelds will have a final fling at fun & fame, thanks to the creative imagination of Christine Lund, managing director of Fennolingua, a small Finnish translation/interpretation company. Lund conceived the mobile phone throwing competition in 2000 as a public relations event for the opening of Fennolingua’s Savonlinna office; since that time, mobile phone throwing madness has spread to a number of other countries, including Norway, Estonia, UK, and the USA.

Does Competition Encourage Recycling? One Would Hope So!
Now, it is not entirely true that you can get rid of your old cell at the MPTWC, because in fact, competitors must use phones provided by competition organizers (why?); however, you are definitely encouraged, if you are fed up with your old cp, to chuck it in the appropriate, eco-friendly fashion – recycle it! Studies in the USA alone, suggest that over 65,000 tons of waste could be eliminated if all the people with cell phones today recycled their ‘old’ cells before purchasing new ones.

The whole notion of recycling is, I believe, becoming more acceptable to people the world over. In the USA at least, an obscenely bloated marketplace has, curiously, made consumers slaves of what should have been a really 'good thing' - choice! Well, have we taken it all too far? Perhaps in the 21st century, for our own good and the good of our planet, we need less, not more, choice!

Time to Bring on the Product that Endures?
Perhaps, the truly terrifying global recession will make wiser consumers of us all, and bring us back to an appreciation of the product that ‘lasts’, rather than the one that is ever more fashionable than the one we happen to have at the moment.

Nokia’s fourth-quarter sales in 2008 dropped 19 percent to $16.5 billion compared with the same period a year earlier with a drop in profits of 69 percent. That’s not good news for Nokia, its shareholders, or the ‘tech-shion-istas,’ but ultimately it may teach some that ‘holding on’ – though perhaps not as much fun – is healthier for us and our planet - than ‘hurling!’

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3MYC97M4uM
by s60online
(Markku at Finnish Mobile Phone Throwing Competition)

"Finland Suddenly Has Humour!"

2009-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

In August 2007, Finnish pop singer Gregorius (a.k.a Esko Nick), together with choreographer Jari Sumulin, and the Noel Lahti Orchestra, made a video parody (today's gem) of the Village People's (left) huge 1979 hit - YMCA!

"Finland", reported YLE News. "suddenly has 'humour', a strong export product."

The music video, posted on Youtube, MySpace and Google, quickly became the world's most popular netvideo.

Gregorius NMKY, as the video was called, is still in cyberspace today, but where is pop star Gregorius? Rumor has it that he is working as a librarian somewhere in Espoo!

"Sic transit gloria..."

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glxlfq1yzVU

Gregorius NMKY (Finnish YMCA cover)

FinnFest 2008 | President Halonen Degree Ceremony

2009-01-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am ashamed to admit that I have NEVER attended a Finnfest event! I have Finnish friends who go every year and report that it's a fabulous affair - in short, a heck of a lot of 'Finn2Finn Fun!' that's been going on all around North America with crowds of up to 7,000 and more every year since 1983!

In fact, the location for Finnfest 2010 is going to be in my own Canadian province - Ontario! I say 'my own' because it's sort of where I grew up; I went to high school and university (where I met my husband) there, and I lived there until I was in my early 20s. Got married and moved to Hong Kong (where I gave birth to twins - a phoenix and a dragon - a girl and a boy!). So...God willing...see you in Sault Ste. Marie in 2010?

Hey, what about Finnfest 2009? Anyone out there reading this know where that is going to be held?

2010 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
2009 (To be announced)
2008 Duluth MN (University of Minnesota - Duluth)
2007 Ashtabula, OH (Kent State University)
2006 Astoria, OR & Naselle, WA (City of Astoria/Naselle High School)
2005 Marquette, MI (Northern Michigan University)
2004 Lake Worth, FL (Bryant Park)
2003
2002 Minneapolis, MN (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities)
2001 Philadelphia, PA (Villanova University)
2000 Toronto, Ontario (Mel Lastman Square)
1999 Seattle, WA (University of Washington)
1998 Gorham, ME (University of Southern Maine - Gorham)
1997 Minot, ND (Minot Fairgrounds & All Seasons Arena)
1996 Marquette, MI (Northern Michigan University)
1995 Portland, OR (Lewis and Clark College)
1994 DeKalb, IL (Northern Illinois University)
1993 Thousand Oaks, CA (California Lutheran University)
1992 Duluth, MN (University of Minnesota - Duluth)
1991 Lake Worth, FL (Bryant Park)
1990 Hancock, MI (Suomi College-Finlandia University)
1989 Seattle, WA (University of Washington)
1988 Newark, DE (University of Delaware)
1987 Livonia, MI (Schoolcroft Community College)
1986 Berkeley, CA (University of California - Berkeley)
1985 Hancock, MI (Suomi College-Finlandia University)
1984 Fitchburg, MA (Fitchburg State University)
1983 Minneapolis, MN (Leamington Hotel and Loring Park)

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmhwfxGetWA

Finns Invented Skates?

2009-01-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

A recent study co-authored by human bio-mechanics specialist Federico Formenti at the University of Oxford, provides evidence that Finns were the first people to use skates - 5000 years ago! - and they made them out of BONES? Anyone who has lived in the boonies of Finland through a winter can understand why Finns might well lay claim to what is today a wildly popular snow sport in many parts of the world. Five thousand years ago, however, it was not for 'fun' that resourceful Finns invented 'bone skates'. It was, according to Fomenti, to save travel time!

Finland is a land of lakes. Lakes freeze over. Snow is deep. Ice is sleek. Get stuck in snow walking, or glide swiftly over the ice? Glide - good idea! How to do that? Brainstorm! Bones! And from a pile of bones (horse? reindeer?), and dried leather (straps), the first skates were fashioned.

For more on the evolution of the "skate", click here.
Photo credit: Federico Formenti

Video Gem: Ever tried cross-country skating? Now this does look like fun!

If you would like to discuss this entry, please post a comment on Finn2FinnChat (right sidebar).

Happy New Year Everyone! Yippee! It's 2009!

2009-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

So...what did you do New Year's Eve? Hope you had a good one, wherever in the world you live!

What is a Sauna - Really?

2008-12-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Okay. Let's get serious here. Those of us Finns who have actually experienced a sauna - and even maybe have one at home - know what a splendid experience heating your blood to the boiling point can be...and then running out into the frigid air to do 'snow angels' in the buff!

We know - don't we? - that it's fun, fun, fun! Not painful, as in the competition video (right). I mean, I've been taking saunas since I was 4 years old and I can't remember any of the folks in my sauna set ever going 'extreme'! But then, I guess that happened when sauna became a 'sport'! Competition!!!

Did you notice? Men? Women too smart maybe?

FINNISH SAUNA FACTS

Finland's population = 5 million; saunas? 2 million!
Saunas were utilitarian inventions - best place to wash in cold winters when houses had no running water.
Women did - and some actually do today - birth babies in saunas!
Even apartments come with saunas in Finland.
The 'smoke-sauna' is the original (heated by wood burned in a stove) and is still considered the best.
You are supposed to be totally naked in a sauna (I remember wearing a swim suit, along with the rest of the folks)
One of the best parts of sauna is the 'vihta' (birch branches). You dip these in water and slap yourself with the bunch. The birch smells wonderful and the self-flagellation along with the rising heat, get the blood circulating...
Cleansing and healing - now THAT's a sauna!

So, if you haven't already - do it soon! A sauna is a 'good thing!'

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omzQCFEzZKw

Who Knew??? Got a Beef? Join a Choir!

2008-12-28T21:36:00.001-08:00

Complaints Choir is a community art project that invites people to sing about their complaints in a choir together with fellow complainers. The first Complaints Choir was organized in Birmingham (UK) in 2005 followed by the Complaints Choirs of Helsinki, Hamburg and St. Petersburg in 2006. The project was initiated by artists Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen. A video installation comprised of the documentation of the public performances of the four choirs were shown at Kiasma (Helsinki, Finland), S.M.A.K. (Ghent, Belgium) and Museum Fridericianium Kassel (Germany) among other venues. When the video clips of the choirs were distributed through online magazines and video sharing websites, the idea spread quickly to many other countries. To date additional Complaints Choirs have been organized in Bodø (Norway), Poikkilaakso primary school (Helsinki, Finland), Budapest (Hungary), Juneau (Alaska), Gabriola Island (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), Jerusalem (Israel), Breslau (Poland), and Philadelphia.

(excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATXV3DzKv68

Finnish "sisu" and brrrrrrrr!!!! winter 'fun'!

2008-12-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Sisu is a Finnish term that could be roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. The equivalent in English is "to have guts", and indeed, the word derives from sisus, which means something inner or interior. However, sisu has a long-term element in it; it is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain the same. To anthropologists^{[citation needed]}, it is an appropriate invention for a cold northern land, dotted by thousands of lakes, and long under threat of being overwhelmed, militarily, linguistically and otherwise, by more powerful neighbours. Similar concepts exist among other cold-weather peoples, such as the Inuit and Chukchi.^{[citation needed]}

^{(excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)}

Video Gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqz3_5ekjBw

We love Santa's Spirit of Giving...but...

2008-12-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Santa Visits Once a Year!

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. And then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas

And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

Coming Tonight! My Favorite Glögg Recipe!

2008-12-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

Gotta run. A few last minute things to do before Christmas Eve. Family is coming in by plane - Praise God!!! - this time the flight actually took off! More later...

Well, family arrived safe & sound. Hope you are surrounded by your loved ones as well this evening!

Here we go!

Professor's Glögg
(serves 20 to 25)

2 quarts dry red wine
2 quarts muscatel
1 pint sweet vermouth
2 tablespoons Angostura bitters
2 cups raisins
Peelings of 1 orange
12 whole cardamoms (bruised in a mortar with a pestle)
10 whole cloves
1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger
1 stick cinnamon
1 1/2 (12 ounces) aquavit
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups whole almonds (blanched & peeled)

1. In a 6 to 8 quart enameled or stainless steel pot, mix together the first 10 ingredients.
2. Cover and let stand at least 12 hours so flavors will develop and mingle.
3. Shortly before serving, add the aquavit and sugar.
4. Stir well and bring to a full boil over high heat.
5. Remove at once from heat, stir in almonds and serve hot - in mugs.

Delicious!!! I have converted many a non-Finn to glögg over the years with this 'failure-proof' (and should I add 80% proof - just kidding!!!) recipe.

Just remember - do not let your guests get in their cars inebriated (and a couple of mugs of this could do it). Set up some pillows and blankets on couches etc., and encourage them to stay the night if they have no 'designated driver' (non-drinker) to drive them home safely!

Enjoy!!!

Tab Section Content Coming Soon - Arts, Style, Education, Travel, Shop, Forum!

2008-12-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I think I have finally found a Blogger Template that will do all I want it to do - without too much messing with code!

I will be posting almost daily while contorting the template to F2FF requirements! Fun! Fun! Fun!

Have a great day, everyone!

Let's Make Pulla!

2008-12-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Joulukinkku (Christmas Ham) Recipe #3

2008-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

This recipe comes by way of Beatrice A. Ojakangas, who introduced it in The Finnish Cookbook (1964), as "directions for preparing a fresh ham...taken from an old Finnish cookbook."

Start 2 weeks before Christmas Eve (you still have just about enough time to make it!!!).

You need one fresh ham with skin on.
Make gashes over entire surface of ham.
Rub with mixture of equal portions of salt, sugar and saltpeter.
Force the salt from the bony end of the ham as far as possible into the meaty portion.
Allow to stand in a cool place overnight.
On following day, place ham in 20% salt solution.
Let stand in salt solution for 2 weeks.
Check water and turn ham over several times during this period.
After 2 weeks, remove ham from water, and drain - discarding water.
Make a very thick dough using rye flour and water.
Roll dough out to 3.4 inch thickness.
Completely encase the ham with the rolled out rye crust.
Make sure ham is well sealed with crust.
Bake in slow oven for 1 hour for 1st two pounds, and 45 minutes for each additional pound.
When ham is done, remove rye crust and remove skin with a sharp knife.
Spread the surface of ham with a 1/8th inch coating of Finnish-style mustard (see below).
Sprinkle with bread crumbs and brown sugar, patting them down firmly.
(At this point, I would add cloves, as in recipe #2).
Brown ham in moderate oven for about 30 minutes.
After removing ham from oven, you could garnish with cooked prunes.
Each pound of ham serves about 3 people.

I actually made my ham this way several Christmases - when I could get hold of a nice "fresh" ham from a reputable butcher. Must say it was absolutely delicious! So juicy and flavorful!

Finnish-Style Mustard

In our house, it was my dad who always made the Finnish mustard, which we used not only to baste the ham, but also as an accompaniment to it, together with lingonberry sauce.

4 tablespoons powdered dry mustard
2-4 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons boiling water
1 tablespoon vinegar

In small bowl, combine mustard, sugar and salt.
Mix water and vinegar together and stir into dry ingredients.
Place over hot water (double boiler).
Stir slowly to make a smooth paste, but do NOT beat.
Cook until smooth and thickened.
The mustard will be slightly 'runny'.

Makes about 1/3 cup.

Joulukinkku (Christmas Ham) Recipe #2

2008-12-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Finnish Christmas Ham the way my mother used to do it!!!
Excerpted from Kutri's Kitchen!

"Joulukinkku is the star of the Finnish Christmas meal. Its preparation is time consuming, but the results are well worth the trouble. No other ham in the world tastes quite as good as the Finnish joulukinkku, prepared as directed here. For busy people, baking a ham in foil will do just fine, but it will not taste the same.

1 raw shank-in ham, 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs)
3 Tbs salt
2 Tbs sugar
5 l (1.1 gal) water
1/2 l (2 c) course salt
250 g (2 c) sugar
water
rye flour
1 Tbs mustard
3 Tbs bread crumbs
1 Tbs sugar

1) Rub the shank with the salt and sugar.

2) Bring to boil the water, salt and sugar. Skim off foam and let cool.

3) Place the shank in the brine and leave to marinate for 2 weeks.

When the ham is to be cooked

1) Cover it with paste made of water and rye flour.

2) Place in a shallow baking dish with water on the bottom so that the bottom of the ham will not burn.

3) Bake in a hot oven, 250°C (450°F), for 3 hours.

4) Remove the rye crust.

5) Baste the ham with mustard/breadcrumb/sugar mixture and quickly brown.

Store the ham under the rye crust. The ham can also be baked covered with foil, but the rye paste adds a very special flavor and "maturity" to the taste."

Joulu Kinkku (Christmas Ham) Recipe #1

Pikkujoulu to Joulu - "Little Christmas to Christmas"

2008-12-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

My search for a Pikkujoulu "video gem" turned up nothing I would like to share - apart from an interesting but badly made little piece featuring old songs and national costumes. Not sure anyone would spend time watching it - so...alas.

Most of the other videos I found had to do with drinking parties, and personal alcoholic binges. Not very enlightening.

Odd! My memories of "pikkujoulu" had to do with church basements lined with banquet tables laden with all kinds of Finnish Christmas food fare - rice pudding with berry sauce was my favorite! I recall barely being able to see the table top - must have been 4 or 5 years old. I think we were in Fitchburg, PA. Aiti was a soloist with the choir.

What a different picture from the one I found in videos spreading across cyberspace! I am sure that there are still little girls reaching for the rice pudding in church basements around the world where Finns celebrate "pikkujoulu". Those images are just not making it onto Youtube!

So...I will begin the Christmas Food Fare posts with an interesting Finnish-type ham recipe from a Youtube guest chef (right). It will be the first of several ham recipes for your consideration.

If you have one of your own, I would love to share it. Send it to me by email. Or if you have a talented cameraperson in the family - why not film it and share it with Youtube! They could use some more ideas!!!

Cousin Tuiri Aho's Paintings in my Home!

2008-12-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

(click on any painting to enlarge all)

Contact (?): Design Tuiri Atelje, Vaasanpuistikko 15, sisäpiha
(KappAhlin talo), puh. 06-317 9058/Tuiri Aho.

Tuiri also used to custom design extraordinary jackets! Hope she's still producing out there in Vaasa!

My Cousin Tuiri Aho, Artist in Vaasa, Finland

2008-12-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Vaasalaistaiteilija Tuiri Aho

You will note that this blog entry from http://vaasalaisia.blogspot.com/ is from 2005!!!. Yes, it is true that I have not seen my cousin (this is my eldest cousin on my mother's side) since 2004. Perhaps she will read this blog and contact me!

Rakennusten kivijalassa ja sisäpihoilla toimivat työpajat ja ateljeerit ovat aidointa kaupunkikulttuuria. Tuiri Ahonateljeeri ja pieni sympaattinen näyttelytila sijaitsevat Vaasanpustikko 15. sisäpihalla. Helpoimmin paikan löytää kun menee rohkeasti rakennuksessa sijaitsevan Härön silmälasiliikkeen vieressä olevasta porttikongista sisäpihalle ja jatkaa siellä kunnes löytää oven ja kyltin missä lukee Design Tuiri Aho.

Pelkistettyjä kukkia
2005 - 7.6 - 18.8, paitsi 1-11.7.
arkisin klo. 13-18.00 la. 10-14.00

Tuiri Aho on pitkänlinjan vaasalaistaiteilija. Tänä kesänä Tuiri on koonnut kesänäyttelyksi kukka-aihaeisia tauluja vuosilta 1997- 2005. Tuirin kukat ovat kaukana perinteisestä vaasi-asetelmista.

-Kiinnostuin orkideoista joskus 90-luvulla ja ryhdyin maalaamaan niitä. Pian aihemaailma käsitti kaikki kukat ja viimein muodoksi tuli pelkistetyt kukat, selittää Aho.

Taulut on maalattu öljy- ja akryylitekniikalla.

Uniikkijakkuja
Taulujen ja kollaasien lisäksi Tuiri valmistaa uniikkijakkuja kaikenkokoisille naisille. Jakkuja syntyy n. 2 jakun viikkovauhdilla.

-Minun jakkujani ostavat rohkeat, persoonalliset ja luovat naiset, määrittelee Aho.

Samassa yhteydessä Aho kiittelee, että onneksi tällaisia ihmisiä ei ole kovin paljon. Oudolta tuntuva toteamus johtuu vain siitä, että jakkujen tekemiseen käytetty aika tulee vastaan.

Toinen Tuiri Ahon havaitsema ongelma liittyy tiloihin.

-Tekisin enemmän kaikenlaista jos olisi tilaa. Nyt joudun jarruttamaan itseäni tilan puutteen vuoksi, joka on tietenkin kauhea asia taiteilijalle, mutta sen kanssa on vain elettävä, sanoo Aho posted by Vaasalainen @ maanantai, kesäkuu 06, 2005

Happy Finnish Independence Day!

2008-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

Finland's Independence Day (Finnish itsenäisyyspäivä, Swedish självständighetsdag) is a national public holiday held on 6 December to celebrate Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian empire. The movement for Finland's Independence started after the revolutions in Russia, caused by the disturbances from the defeats of the First World War. This gave an opportunity for Finland to withdraw from Russia. After several disagreements between the non-socialists and the social-democrats about the matter of who should have the power in Finland, the parliament, led by Pehr Evind Svinhufvud, finally declared Finland as an independent state, on 6 December 1917.

Independence Day was first celebrated in 1919. However, during the first years of independence, 6 December was in some parts of Finland only a minor holiday compared to 16 May, which was the day of celebration for the Whites who prevailed in the Finnish Civil War.^[1]

During the early decades of independence, Independence Day was a very solemn occasion marked by patriotic speeches and special Church services. From the 1970s onwards, however, Independence day celebrations have taken on livelier forms, with shops decorating their windows in the blue and white of the Finnish flag, and bakeries producing cakes with blue and white icing. Today, rock stars and entertainers have been accepted as worthy interpreters of Finnish patriotism.

It is traditional for many Finnish families to light two candles in each window of their home in the evening. This custom dates to the 1920s, but even earlier, candles had been placed in windows on the birthday of poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg as a silent protest against perceived Russian oppression. A popular legend has it that two candles were used as a sign to inform young men on their way to Sweden and Germany to become jägers that the house was ready to offer shelter and keep them hidden from the Russians.

(excerpted from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)

Tarja Turunen video link: (copy & paste URL into your browser search bar)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WnvXsvVSQ

So Who was this Sibelius Guy?

2008-12-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Who was Sibelius? I'm almost certain that many Finns don't know the answer to this question. And why should they - especially if they were born in America or somewhere else as first-generation Finns in a new country?

If you're one of these folks, and you are not familiar with the name Sibelius, I want to say that - in my opinion at least - you are really missing out on something!

Sibelius - if you didn't already know - you will have guessed from today's "video clip gem" (right sidebar), was a composer. Not just "a composer"...but one of the most famous in the world - even today!

Sibelius had a very interesting life, and you can read about it at one on of my favorite websites covering Finnish topics of interest.

So what do you think of the man an his music? Share your opinion via "comment"!

Sibelius Finlandia video link: (copy & paste URL in your browser search bar)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XojVmivqDrA

"Joulu" Preparations: Share Your Recipes!

2008-12-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas is just around the corner. Can't believe I don't even have my tree up yet. Christmas shopping is all done though. I did a lot of it via internet this year. How about you?

We are really looking forward to having the whole family together again for Christmas - first time in three years!!! We will be sharing the cooking this year. I will, as always. do the Finnish ham, the roast turkey, and "pulla." The girls will take care of the American and Canadian side dishes and the rest of the baking. I will do the Finnish Christmas sides.

Speaking of Finnish Christmas sides - any of you out there have some recipes to share? If you do, please post a comment! You only get 300 "characters" (not room for a lot of "words") so just give the name of the recipe, and email me the details: mrobi43448@aol.com. I will post your recipe. If you attach a photo - yourself, the dish, your family, whatever! - I will post that as well.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Hope you enjoy our video gem for today (right sidebar).

Calling all Finns!

2008-12-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

Okay, all you fellow Finns out there in cyberspace - let's hear from you! A one liner would do just fine. It won't hurt, I promise. Let's get some exchange going on here even if it's only through posts for the time being.

I think I have found a fabulous theme for our site. Want to research a wee bit more, however, because it has to be dynamic...engaging...contemporary - etc.

By the way, you can read a brief bio of me - Marita - on
www.theartoftheconductor.com/family.html

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day!

Welcome Finns From Around the World!

2008-12-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know that what you will find here over the coming weeks and months is a whole lot of useful information and - each other! I want this blog to become a "hub" for Finns around the world! Here is where you can connect, tell your stories, share experiences through words and images - photos, videos, art.

My family emigrated from Finland to Canada when I was 4 years old. I grew up Canadian - but "Finnish" Canadian. I speak and write (albeit somewhat poorly) my native tongue. I love Finland and all things Finnish - well, almost "all" things Finnish...and we can talk about that!!!

On this site, I will have a link to a "Finn Forum" where we can have ongoing discussions about issues of interest. I will also have a "Finnish Market" where I will be offering for sale my selection of products made by Finns around the world.

If you have any ideas as to other items that you think Finns would like to see on this site, please share them with me. I want to make this site as interactive as possible for all the Finns who visit from around the world.

So...more to come! This blog theme is rather boring I know. Bear with me - I will soon come up with something far more exciting!