AROUND LA WITH AVA®: HILLS, VALLEYS, & CLEAVAGE

February 22nd, 2015

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: HILLS, VALLEYS, & CLEAVAGE

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

Heights, Achievements, and Awards—LA Has What the World Wants

There is something about California that brings the dreamers and the overachievers [sometimes even underachievers who get lucky] to pursue their schemes, to showcase their personae and products, and to defy the STAR odds in amazing and surprising ways.

In January/February the ‘Hollywood’ beautiful people are out en force. It is Awards Season. In other parts of the world, the season is called “winter” and snow falls. Here, ‘star dust’ is sprinkled with massive publicity campaigns that, when successful, yield ‘gold drifts’ that easily surpass the big Boston piles this winter.

The beautiful people and the ‘wanna-be’s are on their treadmills, at their plastic surgeons &/or stylists, and priming their publicists with juicy tidbits [or outrageous headlines, if necessary] as the fans are bombarded with look-at-me commercials on all media sources. Each year—at this time of year, there is a fantasy land favorite that keeps running that has the tag line: “…make your body into your personal work of art!”. The ad features a perfectly shaped sculptress putting the final touches to a perfectly shaped female clay sculpture. That is all well and good for an advertisement for plastic surgery, a gastric bypass process, or the like, but it sure takes the steam out of mere mortals’ vows to be healthier and thinner in the New Year.

Most of us real people need to have some tailoring tune-ups to good garments we buy—in Hollywood, the stars have their bodies sculpted to fit the designer gowns they borrow for the Red Carpet parades!

—in Hollywood, the stars have their bodies sculpted to fit the designer gowns they borrow for the Red Carpet parades!

[Of course, LA is world headquarters for the newly fashionable transgender plastic surgery. Earlier this month, I had a scare when an out-of-town friend called to ask if I would pick up her adult son from a procedure he was scheduled to have here. The doctor had to change the date schedule so Mom could not be here in time. Having agreed to be a ‘responsible adult’ for patient pick-up, I did an Internet check to be sure I had the right address and enough time to be at the doctor’s clinic for the discharge. I admit to more than mild panic when I recognized the physician as a premier Beverly Hills plastic surgeon noted for, among other things, transgender innovations. I could not shake the image of the little boy whose diapers I had changed—now 6’ 4”, emerging from the recovery room on 6” heels and a dress! Whew!! He was still an adult male who was happy to see his mom’s old friend. Maybe next time?? It does take some adjustment to do favors for friends as the world’s parameters change.]

Red Carpet Time

Watching the Awards Shows, especially the Red Carpet entrances prior to the ceremonies where most all of the women look like stick figures with exaggerated cleavage, it is fascinating to ponder how do they do it –how they achieve that perfection. Hard work, determination, deprivation, plus lots of time and money are committed to feed this society’s ideal of feminine beauty.

Watching the Awards Shows, especially the Red Carpet entrances prior to the ceremonies where most all of the women look like stick figures with exaggerated cleavage.

The Changing Shape of Beauty

My recipe to share this month was going to be a low calorie spinach concoction I serve with salmon. I was ‘sipping the Kool-Aid’. Then, I remembered that currently The Getty Center Museum features an exhibit by the painter Reubens. If you have not reached your diet goals this Award Season, have a look at a Reubens painting. Then, go eat a reuben sandwich as you watch the next Fashion Police Red Carpet review and critique of the beautiful people –you will feel better.

Rubens’ Jupiter and Callisto

Super Bowl/Birthday Bash = Oscar Party Practice

My steamed spinach recipe was temporarily put on hiatus because my party preparations for the Super Bowl ‘made’ me detour to bring you award winning wings. And, it is time to plan for your Oscar party. The City of Angels Award Winning Wings are perfect! You can even make them now and freeze them –a perfect party food [even if Birdman were not nominated] for a busy party host.

My steamed spinach recipe was temporarily put on hiatus because my party preparations for the Super Bowl ‘made’ me detour to bring you award winning wings.

As usual, I have no idea how many will be at my home for Oscar Night viewing, but I am ready. You see, I practiced on Super Bowl Sunday with a willing crowd who assembled to watch the game, eat some good food, celebrate 2 birthdays, eat some good food, welcome East/West Coast family, eat some good food, celebrate 4 generations of family/friends together, and eat some good food.

A LA Perspective on Heights

I find it amazing to learn what people set as goals to achieve. As a frequent visitor to one of California’s natural wonders, Yosemite National Park, I was awestruck recently by the gumption of two young men determined to climb the face of El Capitan –a 3,000 foot tall vertical granite wall.

Picture of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson at their hanging camp on El Cap at Yosemite

For perspective, just imagine standing at the foot of the Library Tower (some call it the US Bank Building) in Downtown LA. It is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Look up and imagine a smooth-faced rock 3 times that height! [I get dizzy just being inside that building. The last time I was there I was on the 19^th floor doing depositions at a law office. I had to face ‘inward’ to be able to maintain focus.] Now, imagine climbing for 19 days to reach the top using only your hands and feet. At night, you sleep in a tent hanging suspended in midair from the largest piece of granite the world. You watch as a rope and pulley system moves supplies up and down, but the only ropes you use in your climb are safety harnesses to keep your falls from smashing you back to ‘ground zero’. Occasionally, you take time off from climbing to let your raw finger tips re-grow skin so you can grip yet another crevice in your climb. A 3 week life of freeze dried meals and baby-wipes.

Is that Sisu –or something else that starts with the letter “s”?

Finns in the Hollywood Awards Spotlight

Were you tuned in to the Golden Globes presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association when our Finnish superstar members were personally mentioned in a speech on global TV?

Recent weeks have been huge for Finns in Hollywood, starting with the Golden Globes. We Finns are proud of our Finnish members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association: Erkki Kanto and Kirpi Uimonen. The HFPA is known to be super exclusive. Erkki and Kirpi are active, influential voting members who, this year, were recognized by The Grand Budapest Hotel Golden Globe winner Wes Anderson in his speech of thanks. The whole world heard the names “Erkki” and “Kirpi” –and we cheered our friends!

Kirpi Uimonen

Scandinavian Film Festival

Finnish films were showcased on January 2-12 at the International Film Festival in Palm Springs. This exciting venue is the first of the year where international films are presented for Oscar consideration. Fond memories of Finland’s Klaus Haro were conjured from a few years back. Klaus had spent Thanksgiving with us and he wowed the crowd in the desert with his film contribution that year (Letters to Father Jacob).

Fond memories of Finland’s Klaus Haro were conjured from a few years back. Klaus had spent Thanksgiving with us and he wowed the crowd in the desert with his film contribution that year (Letters to Father Jacob).

The annual SFLA Film Festival in LA was held on January 17 to 25. Finnish films presented were Concrete Night, Heart of a Lion, and Raspberry Boat Refugee.

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) has a Finnish nominee this year. Cinematographer Peter Finchenger is nominated in the Spotlight Award category for his work in Pirjo Honkasalo’s Concrete Night. That awards event takes place on February 15^th in LA.

Music

This January, Esa-Pekka Salonen was named the Marie-Josée Kravis New York Philharmonic Composer-in-Residence for the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons.

When Esa-Pekka Salonen was Music Director of the LA Philharmonic, he wrote LA Variations. It has become a modern classic and will be featured at the New York Premier in the fall of 2015.

Food

Finland rocked the food world in this years’ ranking—its best ever! Finland won the prize for the Best Meat Platter and Antti Lukkari was awarded as the competition’s best Commis.

The most noted chefs’ competition in the world, Bocuse d’Or, welcomed Finland’s best placement at fourth when Matti Jämsen represented Finland along with his Commis Antti Lukkari and Coach Eero Vottonen.

Matti Jämsen represented Finland along with his Commis Antti Lukkari and Coach Eero Vottonen.

Designer Pekka Palkkari was responsible for the platter’s breathtaking design. The Finnish team’s theme was a story of ‘the Finnish forest on a plate’ starring forest berries, mushrooms, caviar, and reindeer in the dishes. Ohhh!! Yes!!

Designer Pekka Palkkari was responsible for the platter’s breathtaking design.

Sports

Teemu Selänne was celebrated on January 11^th on “Teemu Tribute Night” when he was the first Anaheim Ducks player to have his game jersey retired. Known as the “Finnish Flash”, the 44 year old retired after 21 remarkable seasons as one of the best players in the National Hockey League where he still holds the Rookie Record for Most Goals and Points. His career 684 goals are the 11^th highest total in NHL history.

Teemu Selänne –just another humble Finn with awesome achievements.

American Sport’s Biggest Event—The Super Bowl

The annual Super Bowl has become so big, it is as if it has become part of Awards’ Season. All of America stops for this grandest of sports/friends/family/communal celebrations. They say it is the second biggest eating day of the year—after Thanksgiving.

Over 1/3 of all American households are tuned in to the Super Bowl on their televisions. The commercials are as watched (or more) than the game itself. Air time alone went for $4.5 million for a 30 second spot!

Tomi Hinkkanen and Nina Sallinen starred in H-E-B’s 2015 Super Bowl Commercial: “On the Road” (which did not play in California, unfortunately)What Has Chicken Got to Do With Anything

Now, Finland is not as into American jalkapallo football as it is into soccer. Nor is it into chicken so much. Food stores in Finland may have chicken (though not so much), but if you find chicken, it is usually in a tub of some strange orange colored marinade. When Finns come to visit, they often ask me to cook chicken since that is what they have heard America does best as far as cuisine.

Things to Ponder Category: Chicken Wings

Chicken wings (kanan siivet) –no, we are not talking about the chicken legs or the thighs [legitimate parts with meat on them], but wings (siivet). Think about it. Have you ever seen a chicken fly? As a lawyer, I rest my case. This is a useless, ‘non-purposeful’ part of the animal with no more meat than a runway model! Sorry, precious little hens and vegan friends—no harm intended.

Yet, the fact is chicken wings are a standard item on Super Bowl menus around the country. According to the National Chicken Council, 1.25 billion wings were to be eaten during Super Bowl XLIX. For my Grand Canyon fanatic Finnish friends [Pertti, are you listening], 1.25 billion wing segments laid end to end would circle the Grand Canyon 120 times!

[There is more than you will ever want to know at the National Chicken Council website.]

If Finns do not even favor the meaty pieces of chicken, why do Americans obsess over chicken wings?

It is like algebra. Chicken wings are to Americans like crayfish are to Finns. Being a lawyer (word person) rather than something else (numbers person), I hope that my effort at an algebraic formula makes sense:

If:

A = y/rapujuhla (crayfish party) and

B = x/chicken wing feast (super bowl party)

Then:

A + B = Fun aka a virtually nonexistent-meat promoted thing to put into your mouth to suck on and to wash down with adult beverages for hours while pursuing communal camaraderie. [Caution: Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours. This has been rumored to cause a condition called “a hangover”.]

A most popular chicken wing in America for sporting events is the Buffalo Wing. It is cooked with butter and hot sauce; then, served with a blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. Yum!! [Note: BWs have nothing to do with the ’buffalo that roam’ who have no useable wings either, but are named for Buffalo, New York where it originated at the Anchor Bar.]

Super Bowl/Birthday Bash Extravaganza

My Super Bowl Sunday this year included human guests ages 2 to 92, 1 dog, two birthday heroes (one a football hero), their fans and loved ones. Finger food items including the City of Angels Award Winning Wings created a game time ‘groaning board’ on the Aalto table in the Library. Drinks: hard, medium, and soft were set up for self-service on the back patio. Greta’s “Chasin’ Chili”, with all the ‘fixins’, and Tamale Pie waited for the half time main course. Desserts included 2 birthday cakes and three varieties of homemade cookies.

Super Bowl Helmet Centerpiece

Scaling the Heights to the Hollywood Sign to Visit a Finnish Award Winner and Hero

We Finns have heroes still in our midst.I saw both of our Lottas recently. Elma Maisack was at the February Veteran’s Meeting at Suomi Kerho.

Elma Maisack was at the February Veteran’s Meeting at Suomi Kerho.

A privilege for me this month was a long-anticipated/oft postponed visit with Sirkka Toth –one of the other remaining Finnish Lottas in Southern California. Sirkka is a remarkable oral poetry historian/performer, a Finlandia Foundation Honoree –a wonderful person of talent and positive Finnish energy. And, Sirkka lives as close to the Hollywood Sign as anyone I know. Getting up Beachwood Canyon to the city’s most enduring icon [the Sign, not Sirkka !] has become quite an ordeal. Residents in that area have had it with all the cars and tourists now that mobile Internet connections and navigation systems readily reveal ‘secret’ ways known only to locals in decades past. Of course, everyone wants that ‘selfie’ to memorialize their conquest of the urban maze. It is not El Capitan, but crowds are clamoring to make that climb!

A privilege for me this month was a long-anticipated/oft postponed visit with Sirkka Toth –one of the other remaining Finnish Lottas in Southern California (pictured with her longtime friend, Irene Yaro).

Sirkka is lovingly cared for by her longtime friend, Irene Yaro, in a house filled with adoring pets eagerly vying for a turn on Sirkka’s lap. We shared coyote stories –apparently tourists aren’t the only pesky problem in the neighborhood. The little dog in the photo was actually snatched by a coyote that Irene had to chase up the street with some neighbors who joined the rout. Fortunately the coyote dropped the Chihuahua mix in order to jump the fence where it was cornered. The little dog needed stitches [no, no plastic surgery], but has recovered well from her injuries –not usually the fate for small animals in the hills.

Sirkka lives as close to the Hollywood Sign as anyone I know.

Speaking of Meals…

AFTER WORD

Super Bowl/Birthday Bash Menu

Homemade Guacamole in Morcajete with Chips

Homemade Guacamole in Morcajete with Chips

Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl

Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl

Ceviche Style Shrimp

Ceviche Style Shrimp

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Rolls

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Rolls

Blue Cheese Garlic Sauce

Greta’s ‘Chasin’ Chili

City of Angels Award Winning Wings

City of Angels Award Winning Wings

Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

Charcuterie/Pickle Plank

Charcuterie/Pickle Plank

Cheese Board

7 Layer Sunset Beach Dip

7 Layer Sunset Beach Dip

Tamale Pie Bake

Macaroni and Cheese

Vegetarian Butternut Squash, Bean, and Kale Chili

Green Garden Salad

Acanto Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Garlic Fingerling Potatoes

Hot Off the Grill LA Bacon Wrapped Street Dogs with Peppers and Onions

Hot Off the Grill LA Bacon Wrapped Street Dogs with Peppers and Onions

Kiwi, Blackberry, Blueberry Angel Food Dessert

Kiwi, Blackberry, Blueberry Angel Food Dessert

Chocolate Cake with a Homemade Chocolate Dipped Lemon Truffle Crown

Chocolate Cake with a Homemade Chocolate Dipped Lemon Truffle Crown

Ava’s Cookies: Candy Corn Ginger Blocks, Meyer Lemon Bars, Chocolate Coconut Squares

Ava’s Cookies: Candy Corn Ginger Blocks, Meyer Lemon Bars, Chocolate Coconut Squares

Finnish Chocolates

Icelandic & Belgian Beer, Chalk Hill & Geyser Peak Chardonnay, Niebaum-Coppola Claret

Recipe

Award Winning City of Angels Wings

A foody friend once asked me for this recipe. He won a contest with it!
4-5 lbs of chicken wings*

1 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup Marsala or sherry

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1 cup soy sauce

2-4 cloves of garlic, minced

Place wings on baking sheet [11” x 15” rimmed pan] in a single layer (jelly roll pan) and bake at 350º F for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the sugar, Marsala, mustard, soy sauce, and garlic in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.

Pour over wings and continue cooking for 1½ to 2 more hours, turning occasionally, until sauce has been absorbed and wings are deeply glazed. [Yield: about 50-60 pieces.]

* Butchers/markets sell whole chicken wings which have three sections to them: two with meat and the tiny wing tip. You can cut them up yourself with poultry shears and use the two portions with meat to please your friends’ appetites. Discard the wing tips or save them to make stock. I usually buy the wings already in pieces called “drummettes” or “party wings” –they look like baby drumsticks. Four packets fit perfectly in a pan.

January 9th, 2015

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: Saying Goodbyes

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

Candles From Above

Sometimes saying goodbye comes with a ‘wink from above’.

About a year and a half ago, I wrote a column entitled Pennies From Heaven to describe a phenomenon my father and I experienced when my dear mother passed away. Then, shiny new pennies suddenly began appearing in places and at times that ‘meant’ Ӓiti was with us and paying attention. Goodbye 101 is on the record.

Penny from heaven

Well, it has happened again.

Before you write me off as being a little off, let me tell you what has happened that looks an awful lot like Goodbye 102!

A few years ago while visiting in Minnesota, I saw realistic, wax, battery operated, ‘flameless candles’ for the first time. Like all Finns, I have always loved candlelight, use candles as a decorating statement, and look for interesting ways to place candles to enhance the mood of a party. Since my home is in a high fire risk area, ‘cool candles’ seemed pretty cool to me. I resolved to look for some flameless candles back home.

I saw sets of flameless candles at Costco many months later. Of course, I bought the box of various sizes. I had no real candle plan in mind so I just placed the candles up high on the open rafters of my parents’ suite just to get them out of the way. I never put batteries in them, tried to see if they worked, or read any directions. There they sat, out of the way, and virtually forgotten.

The night after the day of my father’s passing, the strangest thing happened. I walked by the darkened suite where he and my mom had lived for 10 years and the shortest of the candles on that open beam was lit! Each time I checked that evening, that candle was still lit. It stayed on all night.

The very next night, the tallest candle [–the one next to the shortest candle] had come on too! Those who knew my parents know that my mother was 5’2” and that my father was 6’2”. The message seemed clear: my mother was saying “I am here –and, then the next evening, Isä is now with me. All is good.” Those two candle lights […only those two] continued to come on every night for a month. I smiled –and was comforted.

As an educated professional woman, good sense suggested I show this unique happening to others for personal confirmation that my mind was not playing tricks. Just to be ‘safe’, I took pictures which do show the lighted flameless candles on the rafter. The calm, the peace, and the majesty of the original occurrence and the repeated reprieves are not captured!

Life Goes On

Even with death, life goes on.

In the year just passed, our local Finnish community said goodbye to many including: Alvar Kauti, Anja Reynolds, Dave Larsen, Eino Nurminen, and Marjatta Coughlan –a longtime staff member of the Finnish Consulate who taught me how to make her famous sourdough rye bread with her parrot, Pepe, on her shoulder.

May each of us leave values, memories, a recipe, and/or a technique true to our heritage for the following generations to cherish and to sanctify with loving use.

Holiday Happenings

The Finnish community’s social calendar was chock-a-block starting right after Thanksgiving.

The grand and glorious Finnish Independence Day Reception at the Consul General of Finland’s Residence was both respectful and fun. December 6^th was on a weekend this year so it coincided with many other local Finnish and non-Finnish festivities.

Finnish Independence Day Reception at the Consul General of Finland’s Residence .

I began the ‘season’ that day at my friend Mona’s Annual Luncheon at the Valley Hunt Club [creator of the original Rose Parade] which always kick-starts me into the holiday spirit. On the weekend schedule was Finnish artist Seija Gerdt’s annual glass sale, the Marimekko store’s holiday event and sale, my legal colleagues at Holland & Knight’s “Shopping at Bloomingdales” fundraising party with a significant portion of the proceeds going to the Downtown Women’s Shelter, and some of my own ‘what do I want to give—or get’ looking. We were not even to Sunday yet and, already, I had missed SWEA’s Annual Santa Lucia Pageant and Sale (which was at a new location on Broadway this year). There was just too much to do! I rationalized that making salmon sandwiches for the next day’s Finnish Church “Most Beautiful Christmas Carols” program was more urgent than spending money buying SWEA’s Scandinavian ‘goodies’ even if it was for a good cause.

The Most Beautiful Christmas Carols were as advertised. From my usual place in the back of the church pew section [a good site for counting heads], it looked like more than 140 of all ages were in attendance. As I sat there looking up to the forward, center aisle place my dad always sat so he could better hear the Pastor, the Lessons, and the music—and so he did not have far to walk to take Communion, my heart and my eyes welled up. The contemplation of my vision from just weeks ago was interrupted by the banter of the youngsters seated with their parents in the pew behind me. My pending melancholy was aborted by hearing young children excitedly explaining to each other “…in Finland, at Christmas… !!!”. The music of the season began before the music of the season began! The music was beautiful indeed!

The Most Beautiful Christmas Carols at our local Finnish Lutheran Church

Even without the preamble above, hearing those Most Beautiful Christmas Carols in Finnish would have gotten my ‘waterworks going’! Thanks to a comforting hand from Barbara Tuuri sitting to my right and a fresh hankie handed to me from my left, I made it through the service.

The music was beautiful indeed! HALLELUJAH!!

And the Beat Goes On

The following weekend was equally jam-packed. Our Annual Bel Air Christmas Dinner with friends was scheduled for the same evening as the Suomi Kerho Annual Bake Sale and Christmas Party. I got to the North Hollywood clubhouse where the SK fun was just starting. While I arrived at the announced ‘start time’ for their famous Bake Sale, half of the prized Finnish delicacies had been ‘captured’ already by ‘early birds’. I knew I could not stay for the Christmas dinner and festivities, but I did have a flashback to several years ago when my dad and I attended the same event together. Then, my father’s prankish Finnish sense of humor got the best of him—and me. Without warning, he had secretly bought, wrapped, labeled, and handed over a present with my name on it for joulupukki to hand out to me as if I were his 5 year old daughter. Santa called my name and insisted that I sit on his lap to get my present. Fun —and a few good laughs, were had by all! Well, almost all.

Suomi Kerho Annual Bake Sale and Christmas Party

Reflections on my dad’s impish sense of humor occupied my thoughts as I headed off to participate in a tradition of over 25 years, the ‘so-called’ Bel Air Dinner. Through the years, the same 4 or 5 couples scheduled a ‘start of the Season’ dinner together where good food, good wine, and good humor made for good friendships and good fellowship. The Bel Air Dinner was traditionally held at the restrained Bel Air Hotel where the elegant main dining room tolerated our disruption of their traditional tranquility because we had become one of their traditions, their normally staid clientele seemed to enjoy our fun, their normally stuffy staff did enjoy our fun, and our end-of-evening bill reflected our enjoyment.

When the Bel Air Hotel closed for a year for major facility renovations, our dinner moved to the Peninsula in Beverly Hills

When the Bel Air Hotel closed for a year for major facility renovations, our dinner moved to the Peninsula in Beverly Hills for that year—and for additional years. I am sure there are Congressional leaders, Presidential advisors, TV news anchors, and the like at the Bel Air who are happy not to have to find an excuse to decline invitations to join our table revelries—just as I am sure there is a ‘bean counter’ somewhere in a Bel Air backroom wondering what happened to their early December profits without our ‘contribution’ for the past several years!

More 2014

The week after Suomi Kerho held its tradition laden Finnish Christmas and the ‘Bel Air’ Dinner happened at the Peninsula, the Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation held its Pikku Joulu and the Suomi Koulu and Katirilli held their special Christmas Party in Costa Mesa.

Friends from law school whom I had not seen in decades were in town the following week. So, of course, we found ourselves at a window table overlooking the Pacific having lunch at The Lobster in Santa Monica. What a fun afternoon of ‘catch-up’ on old times and colorful ‘war’ stories.

..we found ourselves at a window table overlooking the Pacific having lunch at The Lobster in Santa Monica

The three of us were tempted to have our picture taken on the Santa Monica Pier where there was a guy with the big yellow eight foot boa constrictor offering ‘pay for pose’ opportunities to tourists. But, time was running short and the ‘clock was running’ to get those rutabagas boiling in preparation for what we Finns long for: Christmas Peace.

But, time was running short and the ‘clock was running’ to get those rutabagas boiling in preparation for what we Finns long for: Christmas Peace

Memorial Preparations

A Celebration of Life suits my preference over the term Memorial Service. While some may say that is just semantics, I feel the difference is in focus. ‘Memorial’ suggests ‘done’/ready to be ‘filed’ under history. ‘Celebration’ suggests that we will put the spotlight on your life’s accomplishments and rejoice in your qualities, your accomplishments, and your contributions to our lives and the lives of others.

Either is so hard for people who lose loved ones –especially at this time of year. It is difficult to sing Joy to the World when all you feel is a great sense of loss. If not for the candle incident, the flickering winks, and the pennies from heaven, I might not have been able to cope with all that needed to be done to properly honor my father. With out of state family in town, it made sense to do something while they were here. If we were going to do anything, it had to be put together quickly.

Thanks be to God for Pastor Jarmo Tarkki, for Sirpa Welch with her new Scandinavian Kitchen in LA catering business, and for Michael Armstrong (my Dad’s favorite pianist from the old Finnish Church in Van Nuys)—all of whom rose to the occasion to create the most wonderful, warm, and comforting Celebration of Life imaginable. So many friends from the Finnish community and organizations came together, shared their memories, and brought such love and good feelings to the day.

A delicious Finnish luncheon with all of my dad’s favorite foods followed, especially: pea soup, smoked salmon, delicious salads, scalloped potatoes, karjalanpiirakkas, a majestic pullakranssi with spoon and fork cookies and blueberry pie.

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb, photographer and photo editor for Finntimes, made a beautiful pictorial tribute from old photographs from my dad’s albums. Tomi Hinkkanen, international journalist and Finntimes editor, memorialized the Celebration Service on video. My children, now accomplished adults with families of their own, spoke with loving and touching words describing the impact and value Iso Vaari had in shaping their lives. A delicious Finnish luncheon with all of my dad’s favorite foods followed, especially: pea soup, smoked salmon, delicious salads, scalloped potatoes, karjalanpiirakkas, a majestic pullakranssi with spoon and fork cookies and blueberry pie. The special foods were expertly homemade by Sirpa and beautifully presented with the help of Sirpa’s professional staff including table stylist extraordinaire, Brain Gandolfo.

Everyone present had to feel my father’s presence, his modest appreciation at being Celebrated, and his smiles from heaven.

Eino Nurminen Has Left Us Too

All of this talk of celebrations, of food, and of Sirpa carrying on the Finnish/Scandinavian catering tradition in Los Angeles reminds me of the legacy she is following. I wanted to share some memories of another Finnish culinary legend who passed on last year.

The Finnish American community in Southern California has lost one of its most remarkable icons. Eino Nurminen was a community leader, a businessman, a chef, a novelist, a columnist, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and, for all of us expatriate Finns, an influence beyond description. I labored over the order of those descriptors until I realized that the ‘order’ was dependent solely upon the hat(s) that fit the circumstances in which he found himself—often more than one was appropriately worn!

Eino Nurminen was a community leader, a businessman, a chef, a novelist, a columnist, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and, for all of us expatriate Finns, an influence beyond description

Anja, otamme osaa (we take part in your grief). You were Eino’s great partner in a life of adventures and accomplishments. You were a fantastic team.

Kiitos Eino for your friendship, joy, inspiration, and the Finnish spirit you demonstrated to (and for) all of us. We will miss you. We thank you for all you did for the Finnish American community when you were here in Los Angeles. Your contribution is permanent and indelible.

One of my last memories of Eino was when Anja and he attended one of my father’s “big” birthday gatherings at the lake cabin in Finland a few years ago. Eino was wearing a snazzy fedora to shade him from the long day’s Summer sun. With the hat tilted at a rakish angle, he looked a bit like Indiana Jones! But, his Hollywood days were behind him. Anja and Eino had come to the party from their home in a neighboring Finnish village where they were enjoying their retirement.

As always, Eino brought that warm smile and twinkle in his eye that we all had experienced for so many years when he was evolving as a Renaissance Man during his ‘prime time’ in Southern California. Those who knew Eino, know what I am talking about.

Eino had the best qualities a Finn could have: a happy hard work ethic, perseverance, a quiet sense of humor, humility backed with significant accomplishment, a vision for the future, a willingness to do whatever needs to be done, and an appreciation for Finnish culture and tradition—and a desire to make sure those values were passed on.

Most knew Eino had talent as a chef—they had eaten at his restaurant (The Nordic Inn on Ventura Boulevard), been to a party at the Finnish Consulate that Anja and he catered, or participated in a Finnish community event where he volunteered his considerable talents. Some simply bought his Chef Eino’s Finnish Mustard to impress their friends. Eino’s creativity served many of us well when entertaining since we were able to order his laatikkos, karjalan piirakkas, and the special Christmas hams for our Finnish festivities.

Others knew Eino as a writer: he had novels published and wrote media/by-line articles in Finnish and English for international publications. Anja and he were supreme Finnish folk dancers (Katirilli) sharing and passing on this joyous tradition to everyone who would watch. When Finnair commissioned a film special on The Naked Truth About the Finnish Sauna, there was Eino sitting on his Finnish porch demonstrating the proper techniques for preparing a hand-made vihta from fresh birch branches.

Others knew Eino as a writer: he had novels published and wrote media/by-line articles in Finnish and English for international publications

Eino was always there at whatever Finnish event was going on with whatever organization. One of my favorite and definitive Eino memories occurred at Suomi Kerho many years ago. I had volunteered to make Finnish Field Marshall Mannerheim’s favorite food (vorschmak) for an event being held at the clubhouse. My now daughter-in-law was game to have a real Finnish exposure—and did she ever! We brought the enormous pot that had been cooking for literally days [54 hours is prescribed by the General’s favorite Savoy Restaurant in Helsinki] and the large oven baking potatoes to be prepared on the premises. We were quite proud of ourselves because we had done all of the hard work. All we had to do was set the huge SK gas stove ovens for potato baking and wait—we had planned our time well and were quite pleased with ourselves.

Fate takes care of smugness quickly! We could not get the monster gas stove and its cavernous ovens lit! My panic at the prospect of serving ‘candle-baked’ potatoes to demanding Finns was compounded by the Finnish National Costume I was wearing so proudly. Literally, I could not move or take a deep breath because of the cinched laced waist of my grandmother’s kansallispuku from Ikaallinen. I did not want to risk a ripped lace or a bodice ‘malfunction’. Figuring out how to fire up that recalcitrant potato baking machine was a punishing time-line challenge I was losing. Then, like the Lone Ranger to the rescue, Eino arrived, laughed at the quirky oven he knew so well [and us!], and quickly solved our problem by crawling on his back to get under the stove to light it successfully. Eino always went the extra mile—with a smile.

Eino mastered working with his hands and with his mind. For so many years generations of us were amazed at his many and varied talents. I can remember so many events and so many dishes that made me proud to be a Finn. Some of the dishes that remain in my memory are the Salmon Rice Pie in a Crust, the Dried Plum Mousse, a Whitefish Gravlax! Eino’s food was exquisite before anyone in LA knew what a “foodie” was!

Celebrate Being Alive In Two Oh One Five

As we remember those who have gone beyond last year, it is always good to get perspective on our own mortality. I was abruptly reminded of mine when my perceptive little grandson who is always full of questions said: “Iso Vaari died, right”? Yes. “And, that is because he was really old, right?” Yes. His third and final volley: “I guess that means you are almost dead!!!”

Out of the mouths of babes!

Preparing for and participating in A Celebration of Life helps us realize that “…life is not a dress rehearsal”. In looking to another’s aspirations, accomplishments, and influences we are reminded to live our own lives every day, helping each other and ourselves in striving toward our greatest good in the best way we can.

AFTERWORD

Oh yes, as I was clearing out a clean white box of receipts from my dad’s medical expenses in 2014 just after finishing the first draft of this article, there at the bottom of the storage box was another of those shiny new pennies smiling up at me! You tell me!!

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Helpful New Year!!!!

January 6th, 2015

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

sibelius902

SIBELIUS & GÓRECKI

Music from the Heart with the Los Angeles Philharmonic

Friday, Saturday, January 16-17 @ 8:00 PM & Sunday, January 18 @ 2:00 PM

Walt Disney Concert Hall

111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

(Conductor: Andrey Boreyko)

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE:

Górecki’s Fourth Symphony, which was left unfinished at the composer’s death and now receives its American premiere in a completion by his son Mikolaj, pays homage to the composer’s Polish colleague Alexandre Tansman. Tansman’s own tribute to Stravinsky opens the program, followed by Sibelius’ mercilessly beautiful Violin Concerto, performed by the Danish-Israeli master Nikolaj Znaider.

Friday’s performance is part of our new series “Inside the Music with Brian Lauritzen,” in which you’ll get access to pre-show videos and talks, post-show Q&As with the musicians, and even an online game.

insidethemusic_head

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Andrey Boreyko, conductor

Nikolaj Znaider, violin

TANSMAN Stelè in memoriam Igor Stravinsky

SIBELIUS Violin Concerto

GÓRECKI Symphony No. 4 (U.S. premiere, LA Phil commission)

For tickets and more information, visit http://www.laphil.com/tickets/gorecki039s-fourth-symphony/2015-01-16?utm_source=consulate&utm_campaign=MFTH

The LA Phil’s Concertmaster helps you find the perfect performance based on your unique tastes. Try it: http://laphil.com/concertmaster.

December 8th, 2014

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

LOS ANGELES FINNISH INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION 2014

Kiitos Consul General Juha Markkanen and Tuula Markkanen for hosting such a beautiful celebratory event in Los Angeles.

Quoting from Ava Anttila’s most recent ‘AROUND LA WITH AVA®: Hail and Farewell’ (dedicated to her father Finnish Veteran Ari Anttila who I missed so very much at this year’s celebration):

‘There is a long legacy of individuals and organizations continuing in the Finnish tradition that will make sure that what is true, righteous, and proud in our history, heritage, and national treasure will live on. We will share our history; we will work hard; we will never forget; we will honor your Sisu and sacrifice.’

Here are some pictures of the the event by photographer Jonny Kahleyn:

Vintage Jewelry and Natural Parfums Sale Until 12/15 (Use code HIMOM15 for a 15% discount)

December 5th, 2014

Ava Anttila

FINNISH INDEPENDENCE

6 December 1917

ARI J. ANTTILA 1925-2014

This column is dedicated to the memory of my dear Veteran father, Ari Anttila.

He heard me give this speech at the 95^th Independence Day Gala.

Independence Day Gala 2012 Speech by Ava Anttila:

Welcome everyone (Tervetuloa kaikille)

Thank you for being here!!

As we begin the Suomi 95 celebration, a special thanks is due to all of our sponsors—and, especially to our principal sponsors: the Finnish Consulate and Suomi Kerho. Thanks too to Riikka Jyrälä and her hard working Suomi 95 Committee.

We all are here tonight to celebrate Finnish Independence. But what does that mean? Everyone here tonight has some connection or interest in Finland. That, by itself, is reason to celebrate!

The 95^th anniversary of Independence is more than a date and a reason for a party. How did we get here? Why are we here? What is our connection with Finland’s history? Why should you or you or you or you—Why should we care about our history and connected heritage?

Olen varma että kaikki tässä salissa ovat kiitollisia perinteisistä historiastamme. Olet läsnä tänä iltana isoisienne, isoäitienne, isienne ja, äitienne muiston kunniaksi.

Miksi olemme täällää? Mikä tämän tilaisuuden tarkoitus ? Olette myös juhlimassa suomalaisuuttanne ja mitä se on merkinnyt omassa elämässänne.

What is this box —-mikä tämä rasia on?

This box holds our history. This box is why we are here! This box is a gift from the heroes and heroines we honor tonight.

I saw this box every day of my life as a little girl –literally, as long as I can remember.

As the daughter of a Finnish war Veteran and a Lotta, I am honored to be standing here tonight to share a few thoughts with you. As a proud citizen of Finland and of the United States, I have noticed the difference in the way Independence is celebrated. The 4^th of July is a joyous, yankee-doodle-dandy, beer and barbeque party—appropriate to a freedom celebration earned by the blood and treasure of distant kin almost 250 years ago.

Finnish Independence Day on December 6^th is a solemn, reverent homage to the SISU of our fathers and mothers who ‘told’ Russia they could not take back Finland in 1939 –independent only since 1917. Finns do not like change—and they certainly do not respond well to being told what to do!

… the combination of heavy woodland, strong defence layout and veterans of the Finnish legion fresh from the European war held the Russians at bay.

You may recall that in 1155, the first missionaries arrived in Finland from Sweden. Finland became part of the Swedish realm. In 1809, Sweden surrendered Finland to Russia, with the Czar declaring himself as a constitutional monarch over an autonomous Duchy. In 1917, Finland declared its independence and was recognized as a new state by Russia, France, Germany, and Sweden. Finland soon became a Republic with a President as its Head of State.

Russia invaded Finland in 1939—after only 22 years of Finnish Independence, and the Winter War began. My Mother was 13—my Father was 14 when he saw the Russian bombers hitting his Helsinki neighborhood! Both were active participants in the Continuation War from 1941 to 1944. Finnish Independence is not only Finnish History—it is family history. It is very personal!! My parents survived. Many others did not. They were people my parents –and yours, knew and loved. Yes, Finnish Independence is personal, indeed!

Finland stood alone when on November 30 1939, Stalin, believing he could rapidly crush the Finns opened hostilities with a bomber raid over Helsinki.

Fifteen years ago—when we were planning the 80^th, it seemed only proper to cast that Los Angeles Independence “Gala” as a dignified celebration featuring the Veterans and Lottas who fought to preserve Finnish Independence and who were living in our midst. Yesterday I pulled out the photos of the 1997 celebration where the Veterans and Lottas posed for a formal portrait before they proudly marched into the Ballroom to thunderous applause. What a proud assembly!! Tonight their numbers are significantly fewer, but our gratitude and pride in their courage, commitment, and accomplishments forever remains

Books and movies have attempted to capture the grim reality of the Winter War and the Continuation War. Truth be known, only those who were there really know why “…war is hell”. Our honored guests—the Veterans , know from personal experience. The Lottas were right alongside of them on the battlefields, in the medical triage, and in the mess halls as the bullets were flying. Thank you!!

On a lighter note: A number of years ago when my boys were younger, I encouraged them to learn about Finnish Independence from two who were part of that heritage of the valiant fighting Finns—their Grandparents. My older son asked my dear Lotta Mother: “What did the Lotta’s do?” Her answer lost a little in translation when she replied “…we serviced the troops!”

So, what about this box?

At this time of year everyone is all about the holiday season, the celebrations, and the pikkujoulus. Remember ‘Black Friday’ this year with its accelerated commercialism? It worked. People are buying presents like crazy. Decorations are up, music is playing, but most seem to be in a holiday mood for fun and folly. Lots of fancy boxes will be wrapped in pretty paper and pretentious bows.

Not today! Not in this moment! Not on Finnish Independence Day! For the younger generations here tonight, you need to know that this is a solemn day of great respect to ponder the incredible Finnish heritage you have been given. It is your obligation to pass the heritage on. You are the last generation who will have personally known the very real and wonderful people who fought to keep Finland independent!

I saw this box every day of my life as a little girl –literally, as long as I can remember. Isä brought this simple contraption to the U.S. from Finland. It was part of my dear Veteran Father’s daily routine. He looked at it—he held it—he put treasured items in it. One day, many years ago, I asked him about the box. He showed me 2 papers folded up inside, but did not say much that I understood. Those papers were leaflets in Finnish and Russian urging the Finns to surrender because the war was “lost”. [The Russians never did understand the Finns—or Sisu!]

A few years later, I came to understand what this box was –and what it represented. It was a gift from him—and his generation, to me and mine. Just a plain box—no ribbons here!

This is a land mine from the Continuation War! Among the duties my Father had doing during the war was clearing these from our homeland. The mines were put on the Russian border by the Germans and were meant to kill and maim. As you can see, these mines were cleverly made of wood [not Finnish wood] so they could not be detected by metal detectors. Filled with explosives, they were deadly if tripped! My Dad and his mates used a long stick to probe ahead of their paces. With each step you held your breath, not knowing what was to come. You never knew what or whom you would lose. Mine clearing is not for the faint of heart!

What does this box symbolize? This box is the gift of Independence brought to all of us by our brave forefathers and mothers.

A Finnish lotta, a member of the Lotta Svärd women organisation, watching the skies for Soviet aircraft during January 1940 in northern Finland.

So, as you go through this season of giving, I hope you will remember this little box and the great gift we have all been given by our Finnish heroes and heroines!

Thank you dear Veterans and Lottas for our precious gift of freedom. And, as we thank you this evening, we remember those patriots, the aseveljet who were not able to be here tonight, those who have gone before, and those who lie in the cemeteries in Finland who paid the ultimate price for us.

We stand and honor our Heroes and Heroines—our Veterans and Lottas .Thank you for your service!!! Thank you for Finland!!!

Thank you dear Veterans and Lottas for our precious gift of freedom.

There is a long legacy of individuals and organizations continuing in the Finnish tradition that will make sure that what is true, righteous, and proud in our history, heritage, and national treasure will live on. We will share our history; we will work hard; we will never forget; we will honor your Sisu and sacrifice.

Haluan luvata Teille, rakkaat Veteraanit ja Lotat että me suomalaiset, jälkeläisemme ja tulevat sukupolvet eivät ikinä unohda työtänne. Tulemme yhdessä pitämään uhrauksenne ja perinteenne aina elossa.

Finnish war veteran Ari Antiila with daughter Ava

December 1st, 2014

thinkkanen

Antti Kiljunen reinvented the Christmas calendar.

Christmas, or Advent calendars have been around as long as anyone can remember. Antti’s digital Christmas Calendar especially customized for Finntimes readers can be found at the end of this story.

An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count or celebrate the days in anticipation of Christmas. Many take the form of a large rectangular card with “windows” of which there are usually 24: one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Day. The doors are opened starting with the first one. Consecutive doors are opened every day leading up to Christmas. The calendar windows open to reveal an image, poem, a portion of a story or a small gift, such as a toy or a chocolate item. Some calendars are strictly religious, whereas others are secular in content.

An Advent calendar.

Now Antti Kiljunen has come up with an updated version of this timeless classic. Finntimes is proud to announce that our readers have been chosen as test subjects for Antti’s Christmas Calendar of the 21st century. And here is the man behind the invention:

-I’m 33 year-old guy, originally from Paimio, southwest Finland. I graduated from Turku University, earning a B.S. in Business Administration. I now live in Espoo and work in Helsinki in the Financial/IT sector. My current job title is “Solutions Specialist”. I live with my fiancée and two crazy dogs. Right now I am anxiously waiting for our child to be born. That should take place in about two weeks from now.

Antti Kiljunen brought the Advent Calendar to the 21st century.

For the past three years Antti has been fine tuning his invention.

-In the beginning there was no software component in the concept. It was all about the physical calendar. Then I realized you can use either the physical or digital version of the calendar, or both. The idea was to create the ultimate Christmas calendar. It would be something different from the ones on the market – educational and as customized as possible. So, I ordered luggage locks from China and bought hinges and lots of wood from a local hardware store and built the first prototype.

Antti the inventor.

Antti has already had some publicity for his invention in Finland.

-I contacted a radio reporter from the Finnish Broadcasting Company, the channel that I listen on my way to work. Why him? Because by coincidence one morning he was talking about his tradition of making a Christmas calendar “box” for his kids every year – a big locked box that has a new surprise in it every morning. That’s sweet, I thought. This guy will like my idea for sure. And he did. We met and I gave him a prototype for testing. It was a huge hit with his three boys. This Christmas the reporter will pilot the current version of calendar.

A nativity scene.

Antti is currently testing his calendar.

-Last Christmas I got nine more pilot families to test the physical calendar. Now that I have the software too, they will use that with the physical calendar. A few companies, families and communities will pilot the digital only version, since it can be used as “stand alone”, without the physical calendar. Companies can insert digital sales coupons, company info, or season’s greetings for their customers. Families can insert texts like “Good Mike! That is the right answer. Now look in to the upper left closet in kitchen.”

A lock box.

Parents have hidden candies, coins, or small items to be found by kids who know the right answers. The questions are adaptable to the children’s skill level, so the calendar can be used with kids of all ages. Questions can be educational or social, like: “What is the register number of Granddad’s car?” Seldom do kids remember that kind of things, but they must either visit Grandpa, or call him. Either way, Grandpa will be very happy that his grandchildren contact him. Using the combo of physical and digital calendar, when a kid has the correct answer to the day’s question in the digital calendar, he or she gets the right lock combination number : “Way to go Paul! Good job. Open the day’s lock with code 344.”

Antti Kiljunen in New York.

The inventor got some help from friends and colleagues in creating the software and drawings. He hopes his invention will catch on and be found in stores – both brick and mortar and the internet kind in the future. And how is Mr. Christmas Calendar himself going to spend the holidays?

-We are probably going to stay home with our newborn and ask our relatives to visit us at Christmas.

This is the front page of Antti’s calendar. DON’T CLICK ON THIS BUT THE LINK BELOW!

HERE’S ANTTI’S CHRISTMAS CALENDAR WITH CONTENT FROM FINNTIMES. HAVE FUN!

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND ANSWER THE QUESTION EACH DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE. THE PASSWORD IS FINNTIMES. www.virikekalenteri.fi

November 21st, 2014

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: Finnish Root Touch Up

November signals the start of the Holiday Season. Are you ready?

Now is the time to take inventory, make lists, set up calendars, plan events, figure out where the appropriate decorations were stored last year, and do the necessary ‘touch-ups’ so our homes, offices, and we, ourselves, will look ‘just right’ when the multitudes arrive or we step out.

It is time to get in touch with our heritage. Before the ‘whirlwind’ of events hits, be sure to take a few reflective moments where you pay special attention to your original Finnish roots including our grand religious, economic, and political freedoms and traditions that deserve to be ‘passed on’ with the Thanks, Reverence, and bounty inspired by the calendars of the Church, the State, and the stores (street or ether-based).

Before the ‘whirlwind’ of events hits, be sure to take a few reflective moments where you pay special attention to your original Finnish roots including our grand religious, economic, and political freedoms and traditions that deserve to be ‘passed on’…

Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years even if we just sit and breathe. In the blur that is our lives as they are lived here in Los Angeles, it is easy to press forward without looking back. “To every season turn, turn, turn…”

Finland’s Centennial

Finland’s Centennial is almost here. Late November/early December are filled with Thanksgiving, Pikku Joulus, and Christmas parties. Nonetheless, there is still time and the perfect opportunity to create your own Finnish family tradition or add to the ones you have already. Highlight the celebration of Finnish Independence with an infusion of national pride! And, share that pride with others—especially those who are not familiar with our fascinating history and heritage.

Somehow, the proximity of Finnish Independence Day (6 December) with Thanksgiving reminds us of the immigrant experience we and/or our forefathers and foremothers shared with the first European settlers who came to America centuries ago. Once here, the early Pilgrims had to learn the ways of the New World from the Indian natives if they were to survive and prosper in a demanding foreign land. Yet, the Pilgrims retained their history and culture even as they adapted and learned new ways. So, too, do we immigrant Finns retain the deep, everlasting roots of our Finnish heritage woven into our life tapestries.

Three Finnish children write America on the chalk board in a class held for children of immigrants detained at Ellis Island in 1947

In just a few years, Finland will celebrate its 100^th year of Independence. There will be a bevy of publications, events, and proclamations highlighting our trip through history at that time. The period preceding the Centennial presents an opportunity to study the centuries of relationships with our Swedish and Russian neighbors, to review the role that the Lutheran Church had in shaping our national culture and character, and to learn about Finland’s modern transformation from an agricultural, iconoclastic society to a global paragon of technological and educational wizardry! This is an excellent time to involve our youngest generations in noting and honoring our homeland as part of a Finnish family tradition. As Americans, they will learn about how the United States evolved in school. ‘They came, they saw, they conquered—and, they wanted to live happily ever after!’

As we celebrate Finnish Independence on 6 December, Americans remember the surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor on December 7^th. The Finnish Continuation War was the American equivalent of Pearl Harbor. A reluctant participant in World War I—“The War to End All Wars”, the US was more than hesitant to become involved in World War II until the Pacific attack. In December 1941, Finland was 24 years old—the US was 165 years old. [The ‘new’ world was old, the ‘old’ world was new.] If the US had not entered WW II, we Finns would still be blue-eyed and blond, but we would speak German, not Finnish. Then, again, if it were not for the Sisu of our parents and grandparents who fought Russia to a ‘stand still’, we would speak Russian, not Finnish.

… following the Battle of Vuosalmi on the Karelian Isthmus during the Continuation War. The battle ended with a decisive Finnish victory

Modern History Can Be Fun While You Live It!

Suggesting a fun, modern, LA-style approach to Finnish Independence Day is in no way meant to denigrate the solemnity, dignity, and reverence of the occasion honoring those who made Finland possible. That is always important to do.

However, this is the time of year to have some fun with your heritage. Modern Finland (with its unique, beautifully innovative spirit) is a source of pride and inspiration for many of us in the way we live, how we present ourselves, the clothes we wear, how we decorate our homes, and how we share our heritage with our friends and the world. For me, food is fun—and can be expressive in its own way.

When I entertain, I always try to have a number of interesting desserts for guests to experience. This year, my personal quest for a dessert theme at the Finnish War Veterans’ Suomi Sisu Summit was to create a blue and white dessert. It was meant to be a tasty, colorful, patriotic salute to those heroes and the heroine present that day. The effort was successful. The result was a fun conversation piece, easy to make, colorfully Finnish, and a big hit.

This year, my personal quest for a dessert theme at the Finnish War Veterans’ Suomi Sisu Summit was to create a blue and white dessert. It was meant to be a tasty, colorful, patriotic salute to those heroes and the heroine present that day

My party meal conclusion inspiration was born of a T-shirt—would you believe? Try this for your Independence Day party—or any future Finnish celebration. It is easy, made-ahead, and festive for all busy Finn-Angelenos. The blue and white striped treat is based on the Tasaraita Marimekko T-Shirt which was a ‘classic’ from the ‘60s—1960s, of course.

The blue and white striped treat is based on the Tasaraita Marimekko T-Shirt

Fashion Note: My long-term favorite ‘go-to’ outfit is that same Marimekko T-Shirt under a tailored blue blazer with my Finnish grandmother’s [Pih-Mummi] pearls or a Tapio Wirkkala Lapponia gold necklace. A pair of jeans (if that is your thing) or nice slacks and great Palmroth loafers (or slinky heels) will ‘suit you up’ properly and comfortably for any event this City of Angels has to offer.

The Tasaraita T-Shirt has been a staple in practically every Finn’s closet for decades. The blue and white stripes are a reminder of Finnish flag colors that reflect the water and the sky of our homeland. The elegant nautical colors always make for a fun and festive party theme and décor. I have blue and white striped table toppers that I used for this year’s Finnish War Veterans’ Suomi Sisu Summit. So, the dessert matched the drapes! The colorful Finnish dessert was such a hit—my Father ate 5!

Festivities for Finnish Independence

Invite your favorite ‘Finnophiles’. Virtually every Finnish home (and many ‘wired’ Finnish homes around the world) are tuned to the Red Carpet arrivals of Finns prominent in science, literature, sports, government, and industry. As in Hollywood, a Finnish favorite ‘sport’ of media and ‘fans’ is critiquing the outfits of the guests as they exit the Receiving Line after greeting the President of Finland. I just read that the official invitations for 2014 have been sent out in Finland. The social world there is all ‘a-buzz’ in anticipation.

Have Your Own Red Carpet Party

Finnish Independence Day is ‘party-perfect’ this year because it falls on a Saturday. The time difference [10 hours] will allow you to have your own version of an LA Red Carpet Convergence as Finnish Independence is celebrated in Helsinki. In years past when the receiving line occurred during working hours, many of us here sat at our desks covertly trying to catch glimpses of what was happening ‘on the Red Carpet’ in Helsinki.

In years past when the receiving line occurred during working hours, many of us here sat at our desks covertly trying to catch glimpses of what was happening ‘on the Red Carpet’ in Helsinki

[My Grandparents were regular guests at the Independence Day Reception back in the ‘40s when my Grandfather was a Dean at the University in Helsinki. They lived right on Hallituskatu by Senate Square, but were driven to the Reception. The Finnish men always wondered why my Grandmother would not walk the several blocks to the Reception, but, as women in formal wear on formal occasions know, you need to “arrive properly” for such grand events.

People watching, attire critiquing will be ‘de rigueur’ as each Finland Finn is glued to their TV and smart devices. Our recently, dearly departed Joan Rivers (or Mr. Blackwell) would have a ball watching as the procession of Finnish political, sports, business, journalistic, and literary glitterati arrive at the Presidential Palace.

Mr. Blackwell by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

Finnish Activities Around LA

A recent visit by Dr. Pertti Rintahaka from Helsinki was a reminder of the Finnish Red Carpet Independence Day procession prior to the glorious Reception held at the Presidential Palace on December 6^th each year. An Around LA With Ava three years ago chronicled the most “romantic Independence Day evening” when Pertti proposed to his beautiful Diana Cavonius on the way to the Independence Day Gala. Pertti (a former Angeleno and FACC Board Member) was back in town for a medical conference. He is a renowned neurologist/psychiatrist in Finland who worked at UCLA for a number of years. His bride Diana is an international expert and practitioner on adolescent issues.

Pertti (with his eclectic taste for American music) had just been to a John Fogerty concert in Las Vegas. Anxious to take some rare recordings home, Pertti wanted to head for Tower Records on Sunset. His disappointment at their demise disappeared when I told him that Amoeba Records had replaced Tower as the mecca for everything in recorded music in Los Angeles. He was excited to be introduced to such a favorite source of hard-to-find sounds for even classical conductors here in LA.

Full Circle

My month of covering Finns began and ended at the same location. On a beautiful So Cal evening, I was back across the street from Amoeba Records at a movie screening featuring none other than……. (read on to find out who—this is a ‘Hollywood tease’).

I was back across the street from Amoeba Records at a movie screening featuring none other than……

A busy few weeks followed starting with:

Snow Leopard’s Den –an espionage farce built on the Edward Snowden ‘information release’, hit the boards in an intimate Santa Monica theater. The Funland Comedy Ensemble presented the play. Opening Night festivities were sponsored by the Consulate General of Finland. The show was written by Finn Markus Leikola and directed by Finn Katarina Laurila—Saara Wacklin produced. Opening Night was a sold-out delight.

now Leopard’s Den –an espionage farce built on the Edward Snowden ‘information release’, hit the boards in an intimate Santa Monica theater

Elsewhere

For years, I have been busy with the various European communities here in LA. Again this year, I was excited to attend the Austrian National Day where I met up with old friends from the Austrian community, the Sheriff’s Department, the LA Consular Corps, and, most especially, our own Consul General JP Markkanen and his lovely wife Tuula. The scene around the Austrian Consul General’s residence was quite an event onto itself with helicopters overhead, blocks of cars, long lines of LA’s politicians and EU social notables waiting to enter and to be greeted by the ever gracious Ulrike Ritzinger, Consul General of Austria.

Again this year, I was excited to attend the Austrian National Day where I met up with old friends from the Austrian community, the Sheriff’s Department, the LA Consular Corps, and, most especially, our own Consul General JP Markkanen and his lovely wife Tuula

[I did not catch a glimpse of Austrian former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He lives in the same area. The ‘Arnoldnator’ is always a topic of comment at Austrian events.]

Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation

LAFF held its Annual Honoree Luncheon at the Sportsmen’s Lodge. This year’s Honoree was Howard Rockstad. The Lodge was filled with pre-holiday joy and warmth.

This year’s Honoree was Howard Rockstad. The Lodge was filled with pre-holiday joy and warmth

A silent auction to benefit the LAFF scholarship fund included some special books that had been donated by the Consulate General of Finland. I was delighted with my winning bid as those books will find their way under my Christmas tree for my Grandchildren who will learn some more about their Finnish roots. And, they will be pleased to learn some more about their Great Grandfather who is mentioned in one of the books.

A silent auction to benefit the LAFF scholarship fund included some special books that had been donated by the Consulate General of Finland (pictured here co-presidents Valeria Jokela and Larry Soronen with Consul General JP and Tuula Markkanen)

Co-presidents Valeria Jokela and Larry Soronen with Consul General JP and Tuula Markkanen

Supporting LAFF (its work and its scholarships) is important for promoting Finnish heritage here.

An Evening of Jazz and the Launch of Finlandia Foundation National’s Sibelius 150^th Celebration at the Consular Residence

The Finnish Consulate and FFN co-sponsored an Evening of Jazz with the Olli Soikkeli Band launching the upcoming Sibelius 150^th Anniversary Year in 2015. Esa Pekka Salonen and his wife Jane were present. It was a great night of cool music, good food, and grand plan announcements. Fun was had by all.

The Finnish Consulate and FFN co-sponsored an Evening of Jazz with the Olli Soikkeli Band launching the upcoming Sibelius 150th Anniversary Year in 2015

[The Markkanen’s delightful son was celebrating his 20^th birthday the same weekend. He captured some great shots while honing his photographic skills at this star-studded event.]

Film Screening

The very next night following the Jazz/FFN Launch was a private screening of Drifting. There I was—right where the month started for me, across from Amoeba Records at Sunset near Vine. On the big screen before me was none other than Tomi Hinkkanen (FinnTimes Publisher) in a major acting role in the movie! BRAVO on your performance Tomi!

The very next night following the Jazz/FFN Launch was a private screening of Drifting. There I was—right where the month started for me, across from Amoeba Records at Sunset near Vine. On the big screen before me was none other than Tomi Hinkkanen..

The range of successes talented Finns have never ceases to amaze me. Here in Los Angeles you can be a journalist, a researcher, a professional, a photographer, an actor, an entrepreneur, a chef, a designer, an author, an inventor, a nanny, a politician, a teacher, an artist, a playwright, a musician, a scientist, a composer, an expert in different fields—or all of the above, and at the same time do it all well.

Thespians Tomi Hinkkanen and Marc El Khoury

That is what modern Finland prepares people to do I guess. And, as the Creative Finns who have flocked here have found out, LA embraces talent—no matter what your ambition!

Giving Thanks

We have so much to celebrate and to be thankful for each Thanksgiving: family, friends (old and new), our Finnish heritage, warm weather, opportunities for growth and success—and so much more.

Let’s have Finnish fun and be thankful for our many blessings as we come into this season of celebrations of things good.

Let’s have Finnish fun and be thankful for our many blessings as we come into this season of celebrations of things good

Please always reserve December 6^th to remember the sacrifices of the Veterans and Lottas who preserved Finnish Independence. Put out the blue and white décor, light the candles, recite the history of the brave, and celebrate the wonders of modern Finland. Rejoice in your Finnish-American heritage.

Rejoice in your Finnish-American heritage

RECIPE

Finnstripe Parfaits*

Finnstripe Parfaits ingredients

For Blue Stripe Layers:

6 oz. package blueberry Jello
2 cups boiling water
2 cups cold water

Pour and stir pack of Jello in boiling water until dissolved. Stir in cold water. Pour into pitcher for use in layering. Do not refrigerate. Pour small amount from pitcher on bottom of shot glasses to make first stripe. A plastic box or tray containing all glasses will ease transport back and forth as you continue layering. Refrigerate glasses until first layer is firm—about an hour.

For White Stripe Layers:

2 teaspoons gelatin powder
½ cup cold water
cup boiling water
15 oz can cream of coconut (Coco Lopez brand easiest to find at wine shops)

Soften gelatin powder by sprinkling over the cold water in a bowl. Add boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Add can of coconut cream and stir. Pour into clean pitcher for use in layering.

Assembly:

Alternate blue and white layers, letting each set before adding the next layer. Chill for at least one hour. Can be made up to 3 days ahead. If desired, top with whipped cream, blue sprinkles, a miniature Finnish flag, or whatever. [You will have lots of blue Jello left over if you use ‘even’ stripes. Enjoy.]

Alternate blue and white layers, letting each set before adding the next layer

Serving:

Provide a little demitasse spoon that fits into the small glass. This dessert is good to the last drop!

*Add or interchange colors for other occasions or nationalities!

Serving:
Provide a little demitasse spoon that fits into the small glass. This dessert is good to the last drop!

AFTERWORD

Super easy ideas for your menu while you watch the Red Carpet Helsinki happenings:

Traditional Finnish pea soup

Finnish open faced salmon sandwiches, or sliced cheese and sausage with Finn Crisp Scandinavian Beer (Carlsberg), Lingonberry Juice, and/or Koskenkorva Vodka

A Pot of Finnish Coffee

and, by all means:

An order of karjalanpiirakkas or any other of the delights you can get your hands on from the Scandinavian Kitchen, Chef Sirpa’s new catering company.

REMEMBER

Do As Finnish Households Do On Independence Evening

LIGHT A BLUE CANDLE AND A WHITE CANDLE IN THE WINDOW AT DUSK

October 23rd, 2014

thinkkanen

Irina Björklund’s brand new 4th album is called La vie est une fête (photo by Richard Dumas)

International actress and singer-songwriter Irina Björklund has appeared in over 50 films and TV shows and released four albums. In the Hollywood thriller the American she played opposite to George Clooney and in the war film Ambush she was paired with her true life husband, actor Peter Franzén.

For 14 years the couple was a familiar sight in the L.A. artistic circles. Many in the Finnish community went to see Irina perform on stage at the Hotel Café in Hollywood. She would sing songs from her albums and play the saw. Irina Björklund and Peter Franzén were also regular stars at the annual Scandinavian Film Festival in Beverly Hills, where many of their movies were shown.

A year ago the couple, along with their 7 year-old son Diego, moved to Southern France. Her latest album is called La vie est une fête. Exclusively to Finntimes Irina Björklund now talks about her new album and life in France.

Irina Björklund's 4th album consists of old and new Finnish songs sung in French. (photo Jonny Kahleyn Dieb)

Irina Björklund’s 4th album consists of old and new Finnish songs sung in French. (photo by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb)

1) La vie est une fête is the name of your latest album. It consists of Finnish songs from 1940 to 2012 that you have translated into French. Tell me about this album?

A few years ago, while still living in LA, one of my favorite song writers, Timo Kiiskinen contacted me, asking whether I would be interested in recording one of his songs, Kaiken Nähnyt, in French, one day. That triggered an idea in me: why not translate a selection of my own favorite Finnish songs through time to French language? So I started doing it, and asked the producer of one of my favorite French bands, Nouvelle Vague, to produce it – Marc Collin, along with the band’s singer, Liset Alea. Them having a 100% objective view and not knowing any of the tunes before, said it was like “opening a treasure chest of untouched pearls” that the world hadn’t heard before. That, to me, proved that Finland has some absolutely gorgeous, international caliber tunes, that have only been held back by language barriers. The arrangements of the album are the result of a truly international collaboration – my Finnish band along with French Marc Collin, and Cuban Liset Alea. To my great delight, my favorite French label, Naïve Records (Pink Martini, Carla Bruni, Tanita Tikaram) embraced the idea, and is now releasing the album world wide.

In this picture caption Irina Björklund is performing the song La vie est une fête by Samuli Putro in a music video directed by Maarit Lalli and photographed by Rauno Ronkainen.

In this caption Irina Björklund is performing the song La vie est une fête by Samuli Putro in a music video directed by Maarit Lalli and photographed by Rauno Ronkainen.

2) In the video for the title song you are laying on sawdust in a circus tent, dressed as a circus performer as camels walk by – tell us about this video and its production?

The title song, La vie est une fête (= Life is a party, originally Elämä on juhla by brilliant song writer Samuli Putro) , describes in one song a human’s life, from birth to the last breath, in a nut shell. Just an amazing text, sharp and honest as a razor. For the video, it gave me the idea of showing a dying person, going through her life in flashes. I find the circus ambience visually entrancing… and just thought of this idea of a tightrope walker who have slipped off her rope… together with Pete Eklund, my partner in crime at my Finnish label Kaiho Republic. Circus Finlandia gave us the beautiful tools to make the video happen. And director Maarit Lalli along with DP Rauno Ronkainen gave it life.

Irina Björklund (photo by Richard Dumas)

3) Are you performing songs from this album to live audiences in France, Finland or elsewhere and do you have future plans of performing them – if so, what has the reception been like?

Yes, we have been doing quite a few live concerts in Finland – the album has done amazing in Finland, and to my great awe the concerts have been sold out – what a treat to be performing for full venues – very gratifying. We are still starting out with the international scene, but have so far performed in France a couple of times – the international release was depending on the French critics, so I was happy to find out it made the cut, and that the French liked what they heard.

4) In Los Angeles you collaborated with Peter Fox on your previous albums – is he still in the picture or have you found new collaborators in France?

Peter Fox and I stay in contact, and the songs we created live on (currently in commercials in Finland and such) – however the distance between us makes active collaboration hard – he lives in New York now, and me in France. But I simply see us as in being on hiatus – I’m sure we’ll find an opportunity to work together again.

Irina played the saw at the opening of the Marimekko store in Beverly Hills in 2012. (photo Tomi Hinkkanen)

Irina played the saw at the opening of the Marimekko store in Beverly Hills in 2012. (photo by Tomi Hinkkanen)

5) Do you play the saw on this album?

The saw is on hiatus for this album, too – however, I like to bring it out now and then during live shows, for a song or two.

6) You have released four albums now but many people don’t know about your music career – what about your collaborations?

I have collaborated on quite a few albums or soundtracks as either a composer, singer or saw player with artists/bands such as Miranda Lee Richards, Garbage, Samuli Edelmann, Olavi Uusivirta, Latebirds, Edu Kettunen, Mikko Kuustonen, Phoebe Killdeer & the Shortstraws to mention a few.

Last year Irina Björklund and family moved to South of France. (photo Jonny Kahleyn Dieb)

Last year Irina Björklund and family moved to South of France. (photo by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb)

7) I think many people were taken by surprise that about a year ago you and your family packed up after 14 years in L.A. and moved to South of France – why did you make the big move?

We just finally woke up to the fact, that LA is extremely far away from family and work in Europe – something had to be done for the family’s sake. And my French record deal had a lot to do with it – I also wanted to be available when my big dream of releasing an album in France suddenly came true. And honestly – we’re quite conveniently located for traveling everywhere now – I’ve been working a lot in New York and Finland this last year. Not too far for going anywhere, really. We do visit LA regularly for work and friends, too.

Irina spent her teenage years in France. (photo Jonny Kahleyn Dieb)

Irina spent her teenage years in France. (photo by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb)

8) How is life treating you in France in terms of work, people, friendships and what do you like and dislike about living there?

Even if I spent years of my childhood/teen years in France, everything is still new what comes to the region we live in, work scenes, friendships etc. But we take a day at the time, and are enjoying pretty much everything except the French traffic habits. Not that I very much enjoyed LA traffic, either:)

9) How have Peter and Diego settled in France?

I couldn’t be prouder of them – after all, the French language wasn’t new to me, and they are the ones who must work the most.

Irina Björklund performs at the opening gala of Marimekko store in Beverly Hills, 2012. (photo Tomi Hinkkanen)

Irina Björklund performs at the opening gala of the Marimekko store in Beverly Hills, 2012. (photo by Tomi Hinkkanen)

11) What are your future plans – any new movies in the works?

This year I’ve spent a lot of time in New York shooting a film by Emilia Ferreira – The Erotic Fire of the Unattainable. I was lucky to work with brilliant and fun actors such as Harry Hamlin, Kevin Kilner, Caprice Benedetti, Edoardo Ballerini and Margot Bingham.

I’m also preparing to play the lead in a Finnish/European movie about a historically important Finnish lady – Aurora Karamzin. The movie is to be directed by Maarit Lalli, who also directed my music video.

Irina Björklund (photo by Richard Dumas)

12) What would you like to say to your friends and fans in Los Angeles?

Happy Thanksgiving!! Merry Christmas!! …..and hope to see you very very soon, again!!!

LINKS:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/la-vie-est-une-fete/id838277163
Physical copy:
http://www.amazon.com/La-vie-est-une-f%C3%AAte/dp/B00FJAKW4U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413322895&sr=8-1&keywords=irina+bjorklund
Merchandise department, order in the USA:
http://www.recordshopx.com/merch/bjorklund_irina/la_vie_est_une_fete/
Music video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwSxU7ySkhE
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/IrinaBjorklundofficial

Irina Björklund’s albums:

Oh l’Amour – 2006

Vintage Espresso – 2007

Chanson d’Automne – 2011

La vie est une fête – 2014

October 7th, 2014

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

The Unrelenting Heat

In Finland and in much of the rest of America, Fall has arrived. There is a snap in the air. Take a deep breath and the crisp ozone fills your head—it puts a bounce in your step and sends you out looking for properly colored Pom Poms to take to a football game! In some corners of the upper Mid West, the first snows have fallen and people are airing out their Raccoon coats for next week’s big game.

Here in our City of Angels we are sweltering in triple digit heat (over 100º F or 37º C).

Back in the days before Jimmy Fallon or Jay Leno kept people up past their proper bedtime, THE Tonight Show host was Johnny Carson. For years, he had a running line in his monologue where he interacted with the audience about the heat in Los Angeles that went something like this:

Carson: It was really hot today in LA!

Audience in unison: How hot was it?

Carson: It was so hot that … [insert whatever funny punch line]

Mr. Carson could have had a zinger for material this week:

Carson: It is so hot that even in Bel Air, the maids are going topless!

Picture that! If you were in the west end of Bel Air recently, at the corner of Moraga and Bellagio, there was a pink van beckoning business. This blight on the neighborhood was parked advertising its provocative topless maid service for over a month. I was surprised that the parking authorities had not ticketed or towed the darned thing away.

This blight on the neighborhood was parked advertising its provocative topless maid service for over a month.

LA Finns and other students of exclusive [read: outrageously expensive!] Los Angeles real estate enclaves will recognize Moraga Drive as one of the premier ‘high rent’ neighborhoods in the mega-million dollar market. Moraga Drive recently received attention when global media mogul Rupert Murdock purchased the vaunted Moraga Vineyard property close to the Finnish Consular Residence which sits just inside the gates guarding the eastern end of Moraga. VIP visitors to the Consular Residence (or others in the beautiful residential area) could hardly miss the shocking pink van parked at the head of the Moraga corridor. Business must be good.

Colossus Flameout

There was more heat out in Castaic at Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park where Colossus [once the worlds’ tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster] caught fire. The 36 year old venue had completed its last customer thrill-ride on August 17^th. Almost 70 million riders experienced its iconic breath-defying transport. KaChinggg!!!

Colossus [once the worlds’ tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster] caught fire.

Apparently the fire was caused by a spark from a welder’s torch. Spectacular pictures of firefighters aiming their hoses at the fire on the abandoned super-structure from fully extended ladder trucks were timely released to the TV and print media! Jaded Angelinos will need to be forgiven the suspicion that the fire sparked at the very top of the wooden structure was nicely coincidental with the announcement that Colossus is being replaced with a new steel track ‘coaster’ that will have rolls, spirals, and steep banks. The new ride will reopen with the name Twisted Colossus. The Red Carpet guest list for the Grand Opening has not been released just yet.

Blond, Blue Eyed Snake

Another ‘breaking news’ story from up in the lovely, very ‘Scandinavianly’ populated area of Thousand Oaks was the blond snake on the loose. No, really, LA County Animal Control had ‘alerts’ out for an Albino Monocle Cobra that had bitten a dog. News crews clamored, helicopters hovered, and intrepid paparazzi were able to capture images as the cobra was secured after a woman reported it slithering on the hot pavement near Rancho Road.

A County Animal Control had ‘alerts’ out for an Albino Monocle Cobra that had bitten a dog.

Fire, Fire, Fire Everywhere…

Another fire at a landmark in our tinder-box-of-a-town was caused by a spark from another welder’s torch. A dock at the massive Port of Los Angeles was triggered by the torch and smoldered for days. News crews clamored, helicopters hovered, and intrepid paparazzi captured images of the flames requiring evacuation of hundreds of workers and restricting nearby local school functions for several days. Along with its sister Port of Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles handles 40% of all of America’s import trade. No ‘Red Carpets’ here!

A dock at the massive Port of Los Angeles was triggered by the torch and smoldered for days.

I hope that the re-inflated 61’ Rubber Ducky that had been hanging around nearby Port of San Pedro did not have a meltdown. Rubber Ducky a l’Orange has never been on any restaurant menu I have seen—here or on the Continent!

I hope that the re-inflated 61’ Rubber Ducky that had been hanging around nearby Port of San Pedro did not have a meltdown…

“S” is for September

September was also for singing, Santa Monica, Simojoki, Sirpa, Sibelius, Sunset Strip, and Selänne

September 2014 started with celebrations of and in song. The Finnish Church of Santa Monica held its first service of the Fall with the St. Thomas Mass featuring the music of Pekka Simojoki. A choral workshop on Saturday preceded the Sunday Service with Terhi Miikki-Broersma and the Choir from the San Diego Suomikirkko. This event was topped off by a performance by the great granddaughter of Finnish Composer Jean Sibelius, Ruusumari Teppo! What blessings we find in Church.

The Saturday choral workshop featured a catered lunch by Chef Extraordinaire Sirpa Welch whose delicacies the Finnish American community has enjoyed at the Consular residence through the years. Sirpa has started her own catering business: Scandinavian Kitchen in Los Angeles. Sirpa has been so impressive at a broad range of events, including wonderful and informative cooking demonstrations at the recent Finnfest in San Diego. She worked with my nephew-in-law, Great Chefs of 2014 Troy Clayton out of Old Towne Alexandria VA, on my son’s wedding over a dozen years ago. [Troy and Sirpa prepared and served a 4 course, gourmet, sit-down feast for 150 in my back yard out of my kitchen—with some help from some ‘friends’.] Sirpa follows in the footsteps of another Finnish culinary master, the late beloved Eino Nurminen.

The Saturday choral workshop featured a catered lunch by Chef Extraordinaire Sirpa Welch.

Speaking of Sibelius, LA Finlandia Foundation held its meeting on September 7^th in Pasadena. It was great to see and get caught up with everyone after the long Summer. An enthusiastic crowd including Valerie Jokela, Larry Soronen, Ellen Harju, Al Jokela, Aino Lustig, Elida Mäki, Elissa Della Rocca, Anita Finifrock (who brought her special “apron cake”) welcomed speaker Professor Michael Hart. Professor Hart from Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks made a spirited and informative presentation on the life of Jean Sibelius which delighted everyone. What a great program in anticipation of Sibelius’ 150^th. [While there is a Finnish Sauna on the grounds of the Pasadena Historical Museum at the Tupa, I felt like I was getting into a personal, portable sauna on wheels for the ride home as the interior temperature in my car registered 114º F!]

LA Finlandia Foundation held its meeting on September 7th in Pasadena. It was great to see and get caught up with everyone after the long Summer

With the heat still on, is there a better place to be in our City of Angels than on the sand in Santa Monica? Then, if you are an opera buff, the season started with a free live cast ‘simulfeed’ of La Traviata broadcast from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in ‘high def’ captured by 9 cameras! This was part of a new biannual series of live video broadcasts. Picnicking was encouraged. A bike “valet” was available. No Red Carpet needed!

Special slick solicitations arrive at my home regularly. One such promo that arrived by mail was apparently tailored for a younger generation and/or ’newbies’ to opera. While showcasing the 2014-15 Los Angeles Opera Season, the mailing was splattered with interesting factoids for statistics buffs including:

< 130 pieces of jewelry and two disco balls were used for La Traviata

< in Dido & Aeneas/Bluebeard two gold fig leaf g-strings were to be worn, and

< 18 ounces of golden glitter is used in each performance

Sunset Strip

There is nothing more wonderful than an early morning weekend drive along Sunset Boulevard –taking those curves without any traffic, feeling the air on your face, and actually making it from the 405 into Hollywood in about 15 minutes. The sights along the quiet Strip are almost serene (even with debris from the revelries the night before). Rarely is the Strip ever closed off requiring one to take frustrating detours –unless the recent rash of 100 year old water pipe bursts continues.

The Sunset Strip Music Festival –now a two day event in its 7th year.

One planned weekend exception where people take precedence over cars and when Sunset is closed between San Vicente Boulevard and Doheny Drive is for The Sunset Strip Music Festival –now a two day event in its 7^th year.

The event makes the Roxy and the Whisky A Go-Go the epicenter(s) for groups such as The Doors, Guns ‘N Roses, The Byrds, and Van Halen where they got their starts. Jane’s Addiction was featured this year.

Among Those Sounds of Saint-Saëns

Meanwhile, in another neck of our LA woods, the classical music Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen performed Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra on their season-opener that same Saturday night. Music Director Jeffrey Kahane conducted.

Classical music Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen performed Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra on their season-opener.

Special Stops on Sunset

Probably one of the most famous stretches along Sunset Boulevard is just as you begin to enter Beverly Hills. Heading east on Sunset at Carolwood, almost directly across from the house where Michael Jackson died, there is a house on the right with many statues: children playing, a security guard, a park bench ‘napper’, even children scaling the fence for a peek … . The tour buses all slow down so their tourist customers can snap pictures of what has become a local landmark on the sightseeing tours. Everyone must wonder who lives there and what it is like behind the fence (like the statute of the children peeking over the wall). I know I always point out the property when giving a tour to friends new to Los Angeles. Truth be told, I never drive by that property without checking to see if the population has grown—again. Quite often, I will spot something new. Only in Beverly Hills do you use a ‘drive by’ for a Museum!

The tour buses all slow down so their tourist customers can snap pictures of what has become a local landmark on the sightseeing tours.

My friend Elizabeth Von Schlesinger (multimedia personality and founder of the European American Sheriff’s Advisory Council) was at the home where we were to meet. When I went to pick her up one day, I was let in through the gates onto a grand circular drive. [Like with Pandora’s Box, it is natural to wonder what is inside.] The answer: beautiful, manicured grounds and (you guessed it) more statues! The interior site presented a beautiful and breathtaking vista showcasing an even more extensive collection of statues by various artists. There was one figure that looked like Finland’s Lasse Viren* (the great Olympic Gold Medals distance runner) enjoying the cooling fountain in one area of the garden. It was so hot that day, I was ready to join ‘Lasse’ in the fountain!

My friend Elizabeth Von Schlesinger (multimedia personality and founder of the European American Sheriff’s Advisory Council) was at the home where we were to meet.

In this entertainment wonderland of a city, it is always fun to get a peek behind the scenes.

[* Lasse was sculpted in LA and cast in bronze for The Final Meter by Finnish sculptor Eino Romppanen. The sculpture was commissioned for and was a focal point of attention during the Atlanta Olympics. That sculpture remains in Atlanta. Greta Peck was an Eino collector. She had a scaled replica of The Final Meter in her yard on Summit Drive in Beverly Hills.]

The Final Meter by Finnish sculptor Eino Romppanen.

Around LA with Super Heroes: Behind the Scenes

Only in a place like LA where “you know people who know people” do you have the chance of attending a monthly book club meeting where the author shows up –or of attending a film festival where the director and/or the writer are right there seated beside you. This month I went to two events where the actual subjects (the protagonists of the works themselves) were there too!

Whale Warrior

War of the Whales, written by Joshua Horowitz, is a great nonfiction read. An Amazon Best Book of the Month [July 2014] and a NY Times Bestseller List work was the chosen book for an evening hosted by friends Joanne Jackson and Carlyle Hall. Carlyle is one of the three founders of the Center for Law in the Public Interest. Carlyle’s friend and fellow environmental lawyer is the actual hero of the book [Joel Reynolds; Western Director and Senior Attorney of NRDC –the Natural Resources Defense Council]. Discussions for a film based on the book are in the works.

War of the Whales group photo

The riveting ‘save the whales’ tale tells of the battle for balance between national security and environmental protection. The connection between naval sonar and deadly mass ‘stranding’ of whales is revealed. The book chronicles the twenty year battle against military sonar by environmental activists seeking to protect dolphins and whales from the assault of Navy sonar. The suits and legal maneuvering all the way to the Supreme Court of the US are discussed.

Joanne Jackson and Joel Reynolds

You may have made a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. As a Member and a Director of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce, I helped with a Finnish Independence Day event one year under the big Blue Whale that ‘floats’ over the main lobby. The sheer size of that ‘statue’ is awesome. Over a hundred feet long and weighing over 200 tons [in ‘real life’], the Blue Whale is the largest ‘animal’ ever to have lived on Earth. Standing in the Lobby and looking up, it is only natural to say “Wow, that whale is big!”

The Blue Whale still travels just off the Southern California coast in the Channel Islands chain. The War of the Whales issues are close to home for us here on the Pacific Coast. The man who raised the issues that became the book sat with us that evening to answer questions and to provide insights.

Joshua Horwitz’s book War of the Whales.

Now, that is a Book Club meeting worth attending!

The Finnish Flash

Another evening in LA, I was at a film viewing where the starring hero was personally present! The movie: SEL8NNE is a documentary about Teemu Selänne –the best Finnish hockey player of all time. Teemu’s life is followed from childhood to the latest NHL season. His story is revealed through his own words and those of his family members and colleagues.

Teemu and Sirpa Selänne at the screening of his biography, Sel8nne at USC. The movie is a part of the first EUphoria Film Festival.

SEL8NNE is about our own Teemu Selänne. The film presents a fascinating view of the life and hockey career of our hockey phenom. The word “our” is used here because Teemu and his delightful wife Sirpa have been such generous, kind, long standing, supportive members of the Southern California Finnish community. From their support of charitable events to Finnish Independence Day celebrations, their warm and enthusiastic presence has been appreciated.

The film gave a great look into the public and private life of a talented, hard working, determined Finn.

The film gave a great look into the public and private life of a talented, hard working, determined Finn. [SISU is the appropriate Finnish descriptor.] The Finns in the audience roared with approval as Lord Stanley’s Cup was used to pour water onto the rocks in a sauna! In the unique traditions of the Stanley Cup, the name of each winning team member is engraved onto the silver trophy and each winning team member gets to ‘…take the Cup home’. In Teemu’s case, that was Finland for 3 days. Teemu confirmed that the Cup has many tales to tell—taking a sauna is not its most unique experience! [I wonder if anyone checked the melting point of silver before ‘cranking’ the sauna?]

Consul General of Finland, Juha Markkanen chats with Teemu Selänne after the screening.

Teemu was his usual gracious self. He willingly spent time with each person who wanted a private moment, an autograph, or a picture. I cannot wait to read the book that has just been published!

Post Autumnal Equinox

We are now past the Autumnal Equinox. It is getting cold and dark in our native homeland. Even though we will have warm, light evenings here and probably another hot spell or two (at least until November 2 when daylight savings time ends), we can imagine ourselves coming home from the Finnish forest with a basketful of wild mushrooms. Closing our eyes, our minds can savor a taste of Finnish Autumn on our tongue.

While mushroom soup usually has chunks of mushrooms, the soup presented is pureed to be smooth and to extract more mushroom flavor. This soup is healthier and more figure-friendly because it has very little cream and butter. If you are healthy enough already—or just nostalgic, you can kick it up a notch by adding a tiny drizzle of truffle oil to bring you even closer to the actual Finnish forest primeval.

aka

Finnish Fungus ‘Amongus’ Soup

Finnish Fall Mushroom Soup aka Finnish Fungus ‘Amongus’ Soup.

Ingredients

1 lb wild mushrooms, sliced

(Hard to find Chanterelles or fresh Porcini preferred—here, Shiitakes were used. If using Shiitakes, remove the stems and discard.)

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon oil

I large carrot, chopped

1 large onion (or 1 leek, white part only), chopped

1 small (or ½ large) parsnip, chopped

3 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon tomato paste

4 cubes vegetable bouillon

6 cups water (alternatively, substitute 1½ quarts liquid vegetable broth for the cubes/water)

¼ cup cream

1 tablespoon sherry

1 tablespoon truffle oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Double click on pictures above for full size view

Double click on image for full size view

Process

Peel and chop root vegetables. Sauté the ‘veggies’ in oil and butter until golden and soft.

Peel and chop root vegetables.

Sauté the ‘veggies’ in oil and butter until golden and soft.

Sauté mushroom slices in a hot pan until they exude liquid. Save about 4 slices to chop for garnish.

Sauté mushroom slices in a hot pan until they exude liquid.

Combine broth, vegetables, garlic, and tomato paste. Boil until vegetables are soft –about 20 minutes.

Combine broth, vegetables, garlic, and tomato paste. Boil until vegetables are soft –about 20 minutes. (double click on for full size view)

Puree with an immersion blender (or in a food processor) gradually adding cream and sherry. Cook an additional 5 minutes.

Puree with an immersion blender (or in a food processor) gradually adding cream and sherry. Cook an additional 5 minutes. (double click on image for full size view)

Taste for seasoning.

Pour into Finnish bowls and garnish with sour cream, chopped mushrooms, and herbs.

Add truffle oil to finish.

Serving Suggestions

Begin preparation during the 1^st LA blizzard of the season—or, at least, wait until the Santa Ana’s stop blowing! A ‘marine layer’ evening party will get off to a great start with a nice warm soup serving. This tasty liquid Finnish Forest is great to put into a thermos and take to your Fall concert or picnic—perfect for an Opera at the beach!

Fall Is Here, The Calendar Tells Me So!

It is officially Fall in LA. The way you know is you look at the calendar and ignore the thermometer! For confirmation, you go to Costco where Christmas decorations are for sale already. A trip to any local grocery store confirms that, indeed, they do have pumpkins and bales of hay as their front door displays. Starbucks is trying to tempt us into the Fall mood by running full page ads for their pumpkin spice lattes.

A trip to any local grocery store confirms that, indeed, they do have pumpkins and bales of hay as their front door displays

The real ‘tell’ is that ‘everyone’ is back in town and the Fall buzz of activities has started. Calendars are filled with events for the next several months.

See—the calendar tells you so!

Pumpkins Know It’s So

It takes pumpkins to celebrate an LA Autumn. One of our suburbs is even called “Pumpkins” in Spanish. Yes, Calabasas, home to the ubiquitous Kardashian clan is named for the large orange orbs. In fact, to have a real LA moment, there is a Pumpkin Festival there with live entertainment, costumes, food, beer, and pumpkin carving. [calabasaspumpkinfestival.com]

..to have a real LA moment, there is a Pumpkin Festival there with live entertainment, costumes, food, beer, and pumpkin carving.

And, if you want more Kardashian in your Calabasas celebration, you can see renderings of the visages of the frighteningly popular Kardashian sisters in pumpkin among 5,000 hand-carved Jack-o-Lanterns of celebrities, dinosaurs, and more. This Rise of the Jack-o-Lanterns is debuting and lighting up the Descanso Rose Garden. [therise.org or descansogardens.org]

END NOTE

Now that the Moraga maids have cleaned your house and the pot of soup is hot, it is officially LA Autumn! “…The frost is on the pumpkin” even if it is generated through air conditioning!

Enjoy our Autumn.

And, have a Happy LA Halloween!!

September 27th, 2014

thinkkanen

Teemu and Sirpa Selänne at the screening of his biography, Sel8nne at USC. The movie is a part of the first EUphoria Film Festival.

The all time greatest Finnish ice hockey player Teemu Selänne, 44, ended his illustrious career in August. “The Finnish Flash” began his career in Finland in 1989. He then played 21 seasons in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jest, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche. Selänne is the highest scoring Finn it the NHL history. Now he has come home to live at the Selänne family home in Coto de Caza, California.

Teemu Selänne in front of an audience. Programming Director Alex Ago moderated the Q & A after the screening of the documentary Sel8anne.

Teemu Selänne and wife Sirpa Selänne are sitting in the Ray Stark Theater of the University of Southern California, watching for the first time a full-length documentary “Sel8nne” , directed by JP Siili. The screening is part of the very first Euphoria Film Festival organized by the Finnish Consulate General headed by Consul General Juha Markkanen along with 12 other EU consulates. There are about a hundred people in the audience – most of them local Finns. After the screening there is a Q & A with Teemu Selänne and the audience. USC’s Programming Director Alex Ago served as a moderator.

Q: What made you decide to agree to this documentary?

TS: -At first I didn’t know how much I would want to open up my life. Then I thought it would be a nice memory when I’m old. I’m happy I did it. It’s a pretty honest story. I didn’t want the documentary crew to be around too much. I had a job to do too. the whole process took almost 2 years.

A bulk of Teemu’s interviews were done in the Summer at his house in Kirkkonummi, Finland.

TS: -Summer time was easier, I was able to be more flexible. We were landing in Helsinki (coming from California), and I told my family there was going to be a camera crew waiting. They are going to do the story of my life and you are going to be part of it. They looked at me like, seriously?

Q & A with Teemu Selänne

Selänne says the filming didn’t interrupt too much of the family’s life. The Selännes have four children – three teen-age boys Eemil, Eetu, Leevi and a six-year-old daughter Veera.

TS: -the cameras weren’t there all the time, just a couple of days here and there. Our life hasn’t been so private anyway, that’s why it was pretty easy to do.

The Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007. In one scene Teemu is seen pouring water from his Stanley Cup onto the rocks of a sauna stove.

TS: -There are some crazy stories about what people do with it. I heard some people let their dogs eat from it!

Q: How hands-on were you in the making of the movie?

TS: -I wanted to know what was going to be in the movie but did not want to involve myself too much. I didn’t want to open my garage door, but they wanted it. I’ve been very lucky to be able to collect those cars. Actually we drove my wife’s car here. (I only have one, Sirpa quips from the audience), It’s too fast for her anyway.

Teemu Selänne saw the Sel8nne documentary for the first time at the EUphoria Film Festival, USC.

Selänne is said to have about 30 antique cars in his garage. In the 90’s Teemu also used to drive rally in Finland under a pseudonym because the team owners didn’t want him to jeopardize his life. He was involved in a serious accident in 1999 in which no one died but his friend Kalervo Kummola, the Vice President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, was seriously hurt.

TS: – I haven’t driven after the 1999 incident. I don’t have time for it from playing golf.

Q: What are you going to do now?

TS: -I played such a long time and lived a disciplined life with a schedule. For a little while I’m not going to do much. I like it that when I wake up in the morning I really don’t have to go anywhere. I can travel and be more part of the kids’ lives. After a while I want to find something that is going to be more challenging. I have a restaurant in Laguna Beach which is going to keep me busy. For a little while I’m just going to enjoy life.

Teemu then jokes that his wife Sirpa better not boss him around too much.

TS: -If the to do list gets too long she knows I can always go back playing hockey!

Sirpa Selänne watched her husband’s Q & A from the audience. She is happy to have her husbad at home after years of living on the terms and conditions of his hockey career.

Q: How were you able to overcome a bad game?

TS: -Bouncing back from a bad night was the most difficult thing to do. It’s the same with golf. When you hit a bad shot, forget that, stay positive and focus on the next one. Hockey is all about confidence, staying positive and believing tomorrow is going to be another opportunity. That’s the only way to move forward.

Q: Would you have liked to have played in a town more into hockey?

TS: -I really enjoy the fact that people don’t recognize me all the time. I can live a normal life and enjoy privacy. Orange County and LA have been happy places for us. You can surf in the morning, play golf in the afternoon and go skiing at night if you want – it’s only a couple of hours away. That’s my kind of life!

Teemu says he would leave his work in the hockey rink.

TS: -My family couldn’t tell whether I played well or not. Some players don’t talk on game days. I can watch Baywatch before the game starts. That’s my approach.

Q: Would you like to do more charitable work?

TS: -I think so. It’s something I really enjoy doing. I am going to start a hockey academy in Finland and probably here too.

Q: There was some talk of you retiring after the Stanley Cup victory – was it the right choice to continue?

TS: -I am happy I didn’t retire in 2007. There were still many great years left. Obviously last year was pretty tough for the Ducks and Sochi Olympics were important to me. I am thankful the Finnish team gave me one more chance to play a big role. It was important to me.

Consul General of Finland, Juha Markkanen chats with Teemu Selänne after the screening. Markkanen was instrumental in bringing the Sel8nne movie to LA.

Q: You were on a book tour in Finland, promoting your biography Teemu written by sports journalist Ari Mennander – are there plans to translate the book into English?

TS: -There are no plans right now to translate the book into English. Obviously I have to take some comments off (Ducks Coach), Bruce Boudreau – I’m just kidding. There are too many stories about Finnish games for American audience. It’s better I remain a mystery man here.

Q: There has been some talk about you going to Finland to play for the Jokerit – is there any truth to that?

TS: -Our oldest son is going to go to college next year. My middle one is going to play junior hockey in Wisconsin. So, going now to Finland knowing my family can’t come with me sounds selfish. Of course a part of me still wants to play but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Or something weird has to happen if I wake up one day and decide I’m going to play on that level again. I think it was the perfect time to go out. I’m ready for another chapter in my life.

From the left: Pascal Ladreyt, Juha Markkanen, Sirpa & Teemu Selänne, Heidi Luukkonen and Alex Ago at the EUphoria Film Festival screening of the documentary Sel8nne at USC.

September 11th, 2014

thinkkanen

A group of about 20 people is about to embark on a journey to Finnish history in Minnesota. Our bus leaves Minneapolis promptly in the morning for a small town named Cokato some 50 miles to the west. Most of the passengers are Finnish-American retirees. We traverse trough rolling hills, fields and small woods. Then the bus pulls in front of the Cokato Museum. Inside, there are exhibits depicting life in the olden days, when Finnish settlers arrived 150 years ago. Next door at Gust Akerlund Photo Studio there are some old photographic equipment, a backdrop for studio portraits and black and white photos in which serious looking people look straight at the camera. A four-year-old boy in a coffin is also memorialized in a photograph before his final voyage to the beyond.

Lunch at the Temperance Corner

Our trip continues to the Temperance Corner – no boozing here! There is an old school house, a church and a smoke sauna there. We enjoy a box lunch of pasties and (non-alcoholic) refreshments.

Old Finnish Church in Pioneer Village

Many of the Finns who arrived 150 years ago came from the Tornio River Valley in Northern Finland and the prominent religion there was the Lestadian brand of Christianity. But Finns are Finns and notoriously we require our own little groups where ever we go. Thus there are not one but two Lestadian churches in town – The Lestadian Church and the Apostolic Lutheran Church. Both look exactly alike and I never got a clear explanation as to what dogma or feud divided the congregation into two – something vague about the role of the clergy. Then it’s off to the cemetery, where many of the headstones bear Finnish names – some misspelled.

Ben Wheeler, whose mother is Finnish, tours Cokato Cemetery where many Finns are buried.

What brought Finnish immigrants here starting 1864 was the Homestead Act that gave free land to settlers who were willing to clear the forest and start a farm. The area was a remote wilderness then that had no railroad access. In that sense the past has returned, since there is no public transportation whatsoever in Cokato. So, if you don’t have a car, you are out of luck getting around.

The oldest smoke sauna in Minnesota can be found in Cokato.

Cokato is advertised as the oldest continuous Finnish settlement aside from Delaware that was settled by Swedes and Finns in the 1600’s. In all reality, there is no longer Finnish being spoken here and no Finns that I could see, unless you count the descendants of the early Finnish settlers 150 years ago. I call them Americans. Traditions however, are alive. There is a quaint atmosphere here. You never get a short ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to any question, but a long-winded explanation. People speak the same way they do in the Coen Brothers black comedy Fargo. And they call us Finns ‘Finlanders’ here. To me the old-fashioned word evokes images of Aleksis Kivi’s novel The Seven Brothers set in 1800’s rural Finland.

Pioneer Village, where old buildings have been relocated.

Back in Minneapolis I look in on the preparations of FinnFest and attend the opening gala patronized by the Finnish Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde, her husband, Dr. Hidde Ronde and the Consul General of New York Jukka Pietikäinen.

Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde and her husband, Dr. Hidde Ronde nad Consul General of New York Jukka Pietikäinen attend the opening gala of FinnFest 2014 in Minneapolis.

Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde and her husband, Dr. Hidde Ronde and Consul General of New York Jukka Pietikäinen attend the opening gala of FinnFest 2014 in Minneapolis.

It’s a fun program of little bit of everything that was to come in the festival itself. I won’t bore you with details but just pick out one outstanding act – the Roman Hilja Grönfors Trio, which performed traditional gypsy songs.

Hilja Grönfors Trio – from the left Kiureli Sammallahti (accordion), Hilja Grönfors (soloist), Valtteri Bron (guitar)

Minneapolis on the Mississippi River has been called the Helsinki of The United States. There are similarities. Both cities are clean and progressive with excellent public transportation systems and a pedestrian friendly downtown.

The golden hour at Nicollet Mall

Things missing from Minneapolis compared to Helsinki are old historical buildings and the sea. But there is a new convenient tram that takes me from downtown to my hotel in Midway in a half an hour.

Minneapolis from the Mississippi River

In my brand new rental car Dodge Avenger I head up north in search of Findians – descendants of Finns and American Indians. I have managed to locate two but they have not responded to my interview requests, so I decide to pay them a visit. The first one is an Ojibwe physician Dr. Arne Vainio, who practices medicine at the Fond du Lac Reservation near Cloquet.

An Indian gas station at the Fond du Lac Reservation near Cloquet

I arrive at the Indian clinic on a Friday afternoon. There are about 20 patients in the waiting room. After stating my business, Dr. Vainio’s assistant comes out. No, the doctor will not see me even to shake hands. No use waiting until his shift ends either, the assistant says. I get a hand-written email address but when I write the good doctor a note, my email comes back undeliverable! Later on I hear Dr. Vainio had delivered a lecture next day at the FinnFest. Why he refused to see me, I suppose I’ll never now.

The home of artist Carl Gawboy near Lake Superior

Undeterred, I move on to my next victim…eh, potential interviewee. He is a Findian artist Carl Gawboy, who lives in a breathtakingly beautiful spot by Lake Superior. It’s a rural area but I manage to find it with a help of the navigator. Gawboy’s compound consists of six red cottages that are scattered on a lush green garden. I knock on every door but the only answer I get is from a tan colored cat meowing at me from behind a glass door. There are chicken and quails in the chicken house – but no Carl Gawboy. His neighbors tell me they normally see a car parked on the yard but it is absent now. I stick around for an hour, leave a note on the door and leave. I never hear back from either Dr. Arne Vainio or Carl Gawboy, but here’s a watercolor Mr. Gawboy painted. He specializes in nature and indigenous peoples scenes.

A Carl Gawboy watercolor

Duluth on Lake Superior is a spectacular looking town with many historical buildings on a hill. The town was the center of the timber industry and many timber barons built their mansions in town. Winters here are especially harsh because of the lake effect that generates snow storms. I take a short cruise on the lake.

On a cruise on Lake Superior

The young guide tells us Lake Superior is the third largest lake in the world and holds 10 percent of world’s fresh water. We could use some of that in California, I think to myself. But there are also 350 ships at the bottom of the lake – victims of brutal and deadly storms. Duluthians have gathered to the shores to enjoy this beautiful summer day. Some are entertained by a blues festival on the waterfront.

Duluth from Lake Superior

As the sun is setting I head north and drive through some beautiful forests with lakes glistening with the last rays of the sun. A deer and her fawn look at me and then run away to the safety of the woods.

A deer and her fawn in a forest near Ely

As I arrive in Ely it is already dark. Jim Bettcher is the proprietor of Shagawa Inn, my home for the next three days. He hands me the key to my cabin. The resort is by Lake Shagawa. Some late night fishermen return from their fishing trip on a boat equipped with lights.

You can rent a cabin at Shagawa Inn in Ely.

The next day one of the fishermen is filleting a Walleye fish in the fish room. I have a date with David Kess, a local Finnish-American. Dave is a retired schoolteacher, who is active in a myriad of Finnish organizations.

David Kess in downtown Ely

We go to the Vermilion Community College, where Ely Winton Historical Society has a museum. It is compact and nicely organized in different sections that show how people here lived some hundred years ago. Finns came to Ely to work in iron mines. There were five of them in their heyday. All of them are closed now.

A 1920’s kitchen in the Ely Winton Historical Society Museum

Some people would like to start mining anew, since it was discovered that this land holds the world’s largest copper deposits. I see signs on people’s lawns that proclaim “I support mining”. I wonder if they would still support it if they saw what happened in Sudbury, Canada some 700 miles west. There mining destroyed the nature and the area suffered near total loss of vegetation, permanently charcoal black stained ground and acid rain. Ely on the other hand, is a paradise perched next to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – a million acre (4400 square kilometers) area in Superior National Forest. So my plea to Elyans: Don’t let mining destroy your pristine wonderland!

A view of Lake Shagawa

David Kess takes me to his vacation house aptly named Camp David. His brother Paul takes us on a boat ride on beautiful Burntside Lake.

David and Paul Kess on Burntside Lake

Later that day I meet Sally Koski Fauchald, a nursing professor based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. She commutes to Duluth 75 miles away several times a week. Sally plans to one day retire in Ely, where she and her brother own a cabin. In the winter there are days when the weather gets so bad that classes are cancelled. That’s when Sally turns her car around and returns home.

Sally Koski Fauchald teaches nursing in Duluth.

But not tonight. On this beautiful summer night Sally, Dave and I dine at a marvelous Grand Ely Lodge’s restaurant overlooking a lake. It is my best meal on the whole trip – a green salad with blue cheese dressing, chicken soup with local wild rice and prime rib with potatoes au gratin – hold the dessert! A beautiful woman in a designer gown and with an air of a socialite walks up to our table and makes our acquaintance. She had heard us talk and that I was an out-of-towner. After a little chat she glides away with her entourage. Later on Dave tells me she is the wife of a supermarket chain tycoon. Well, that’s never happened to me in LA!

A sunset in Ely

On my last day I visit the towns of Aurora and Embarrass. The latter too has a Finnish heritage museum – this one run by the Sisu Society. On my way back to Ely I see a sign “North American Bear Center” and pull into the parking lot. They have four live bears there. They live on a 2.5 acre spread that has a woodsy area, caves, a pond and a waterfall.

Lucky is the star of the North American Bear Center.

This is Lucky, a seven-year-old male bear. Lucky gave us quite a show, after which he disappeared into the woods. That last night, as I have retired to my cabin it starts to rain. I hear loons make a commotion on the lake.

My cabin at Shagawa Inn

I take my last swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Shagawa and head back to Minneapolis. As interesting as the whole trip to Minnesota was, I must say I lost my heart to Ely and its lovely people and nature. I will be back – some day.

The writer waves farewell to beautiful Minnesota.

September 9th, 2014

Ava Anttila

ava234

DREAMS CAN TURN INTO NIGHTMARES THAT DO NOT GO AWAY

Summer in our City of Angeles has been unnerving with unexpected danger, violent death, and tragic loss. Shark attacks, dangerous riptides, lighting strikes, and the shocking death of a comedic icon have left their mark. The familiar, comfortable, reassuring routine of back to school, back to work, and back to the fall season was knocked off stride.

This will not be a fun season to look back on.

We ache and are left reeling with what was not a normal, carefree summer. Paradise was lost. This will not be a fun season to look back on. Like American born kids, this little Finn always looked forward to the last day of school. Kids enjoy summer—they energize, they exercise, and they explore. As adults, vacations give us a chance to decompress, decompose, and disappear from the normal frenetic pace that tries our psyche, drains our stamina, and leaves us frazzled. If we are lucky to have enough time—and/or the right circumstances, we have the luxury of contemplation, reflection, and appreciation of the life lessons learned in the year just past.

Sometimes things do not work out the way we would like.

Suicide Is Painless—NOT!!!

“Suicide Is Painless” is one of those TV sitcom theme songs that becomes a “brain worm” not unlike a toothpaste commercial or a pop song ditty that ‘loops’ in your mind for no good reason and at ‘inconvenient’ times.

Mash Opening and Closing Theme 1972 – 1983

That song was the theme for the ever-long TV series MASH, starring Alan Alda, that went on forever in the US. Just as MASH was a popular part of life for decades of family evenings in the US, so too was Mork and Mindy featuring the fun, loveable, comedic genius Robin Williams.

Just as MASH was a popular part of life for decades of family evenings in the US, so too was Mork and Mindy featuring the fun, loveable, comedic genius Robin Williams.

Robin Williams committed suicide.

I do not remember the Mork and Mindy theme song.

Sometimes things do not work out the way we would like.

On Sunday I drove to the Laugh Factory on LA’s Sunset Strip where Robin Williams got his start in comedy. I wanted to get a photo of the memoriam sign they posted:

ROBIN WILLIAMS

REST IN PEACE

MAKE GOD LAUGH

I was too late. The sign had been taken down. The message lingers on.

zzs

Driving along the Sunset Strip was suddenly different than those thousands of other times I cruised through. With my intent came a new focus that made it eerily obvious how close in proximity [just a few blocks] the Laugh Factory is to the Chateau Marmont Hotel where Robin’s good friend and fellow comedian John Belushi died of a drug overdose so many years ago. Robin had drug issues too.

For anyone remotely familiar with divorce and custody situations, Mrs. Doubtfire brought humanity and poignancy to personal pain with a rare comedic flare

What a dossier of accomplishments and what a range of talent they shared—TV, film, animation—drama, as well as, comedy. I particularly liked Robin’s Goodwill Hunting—a touching drama with Matt Damon, a star of Finnish ancestry. For anyone remotely familiar with divorce and custody situations, Mrs. Doubtfire brought humanity and poignancy to personal pain with a rare comedic flare. Robin’s character disguised himself as a woman and worked as his children’s nanny [unbeknownst to them or his estranged wife] just to be with them.

A career review will highlight the number of diverse roles Mr. Williams played that showed ‘caring’ through varied, often comedic persona. How sad that someone who cared so much and brought so much joy to others had such despair in his own life—whatever the source.

A career review will highlight the number of diverse roles Mr. Williams played that showed ‘caring’ through varied, often comedic persona.

Suicide is painless? NOT…NOT…NOT!!!

Suicide is a pain that goes on and on and on though generations.

How can wonderful, talented individuals so full of promise suffer such despair that they choose their end, ultimately breaking everyone’s heart? They are not alone, of course. Suicide is reported as the cause of death almost 37,000 times a year in the US. The actual number of suicides is unknown, as are the number who tried and failed, or the number who deferred the decision. If media reports and the drug companies’ massive depression drug advertising expenditures are any gage, we are in for a rocky future.

This Land Was Made For You And Me

All of the world has a vision of California: “This land was made for you and me!” The Pacific Ocean, the redwood forests, the Hollywood Sign, the Golden Gate Bridge—all of those bastions we saw on postcards defined California.

Ah, yes, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Ah, yes, the Golden Gate Bridge. It was the iconic symbol of the end of the earth, the pot at the end of the rainbow of dreams. For those of us non-natives (as most of us are), our vision of the Golden Gate Bridge from the old postcards included a ‘memo’ side factoid that the bridge was built in 1937 to traverse the only navigable opening into the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. For merchant sailors plying their trade and wares—and to immigrants from across the ocean, this entry was like a pot of gold at the end of their rainbow of dreams. For immigrants, it meant a positive, welcoming “…you have arrived at the American dream”. For merchant sea Captains like Finland’s Gustav Niebaum who made his fortune as a ‘trader’, the ‘pot of gold’ was filled with real gold. He liked what he saw so much that he ultimately settled and became one of the reasons Napa Valley symbolizes California wines of quality [Inglenook/Niebaum-Coppola].

Golden_Gate_Bridge_

The Bridge itself is beautiful in its grand design. It also provides a dramatic ‘backdrop’ for San Francisco—one of the most beautiful cities anywhere in the world. For many, the Bridge was their first vision of the US—much like the Statute of Liberty for those immigrants entering the United States through New York. The regular Bay fogs present phenomenal photo opportunities —some of which make the Bridge look as if it were ‘sailing’ on the bank of fog!

As a fourth-grader and as (or, in spite of being) a recent émigré, I was assigned a class project to build a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge out of toothpicks. The real Bridge is HUGE. A project of that magnitude can be overwhelming for any 9 year old—to say nothing of one who had seen the actual Bridge only one or two times on postcards or ‘for real’!

Many many boxes of toothpicks, lots of orange paint [the ‘Golden’ Gate is not golden!], jars of glue, many many hours of work, and lots of ‘breath holding’ and some ‘huffing/puffing’ later, the miniature ‘giant’ creation was done! My nine year old mind [probably thinking in Finnish] pondered the purpose of this painstaking task. Was there a teachable moment (other than patience testing) or purpose to this assignment? Or, was it a busy teacher’s ‘busy work’ assigned to keep idle hands and minds equally busy? While I was proud of my final product—and it was good, it was not of the professional quality that brings top $ from San Francisco tourists’ shops. Besides, I understood we got to keep our product once presented and graded. It was a mystery.

Balancing my Bridge on its pedestal on the walk to and from school was a real challenge each way—with added pressure ‘to’ because my performance had not yet been graded. While most school projects stayed on in our home for just a short period, this one was put on the bookshelf for ‘eternity’ because of all the labor that went into it.

My very cool, single aunt Pirkko then lived on Nob Hill in San Francisco.

As I got older, I got to see the object of my project more often. My very cool, single aunt Pirkko then lived on Nob Hill in San Francisco. It was fun to spend many weekends with her. I took the Greyhound bus from San Jose at the south end of the Bay to San Francisco at the north end of the Bay where I actually got to go to and on the real Bridge. In the continental western United States, the Golden Gate Bridge is the quintessential symbol of America and ‘arrival’. No one in our family had been here before. It was the end of our “Westward Ho!” and symbolized our arrival at the end of the rainbow in our American dream.

Suicide ReDux

All grown up at 17, choosing the University of California at Berkeley was a great—and easy, decision for college. Since leaving Finland, my US life had developed around the San Francisco Bay—home in the south/fun in the north. I skied in the mountains just east and dipped my toes in the ocean just west. Life was good. I knew my territory—and I was comfortable with it.

Part of growing up (and an important function of education) is learning about, facing, and dealing with the ‘real world’ with all its dimensions.

The truth is, the Golden Gate Bridge is made of steel and cables, not toothpicks. It is huge, not cute. The Bridge is an engineering and construction marvel, not a monument to a 4^th grader’s patience. The Bridge spans high above icy cold ocean water with surging currents and tides to permit cars, trucks, busses, and pedestrians to get from land on one side of the Bay to land on the other side of the Bay. It does not sit on a bookshelf in my living room.

People have jumped from the Bridge to commit suicide.

The shocking reality of the Bridge as a suicide destination hit like ‘a ton of bricks’ in my freshman year at Berkeley.

The shocking reality of the Bridge as a suicide destination hit like ‘a ton of bricks’ in my freshman year at Berkeley. A friend took her life by jumping. The real world is harsh. I was at Berkeley to learn—life lessons often happen outside the classroom. I was not ready. Is anyone?

My lost friend was the girlfriend of my boyfriend’s best friend. We often ‘hung out’ as a foursome. Berkeley and Oakland are east of San Francisco—connected by the Bay Bridge which is even longer than the Golden Gate, but the elevation is not as high, nor the water below as treacherous as the Golden Gate which is the portal to the Pacific. The bridges (both the Bay and the Golden Gate) were visible from our school locations. The brilliant young jumper from the Midwest had shown no indication of problems—at least to this wide-eyed 17 year old. I was devastated. We coped. I coped. We moved on, as you must. The scars stayed. Innocence denied.

The bridges (both the Bay and the Golden Gate) were visible from our school locations

How Do We Cope?

Education is supposed to prepare us for life. Actually, learning is the byproduct of informed experience. Concepts are of little value until they are put to the test of ‘doing’. If we pay attention, it is strange how often things come back around for our ‘re-consideration’ later in life. Did we learn, or are we destined to repeat the same results?

A few years after Berkeley, I was directing a stage play on the East Coast called Please No Flowers. The play setting was a funeral home, the characters all deceased—one by suicide from the Golden Gate Bridge. All went well with rehearsals until one day when the real caskets I had ordered as props arrived. Reality is so real when it is real, even in make-believe. One of the actors got cold feet when I asked him to stay in a closed casket until the lights came up from a darkened stage. Fear is fear, no matter what. Nothing was going to help—other than a stubborn and determined Finnish Director setting the example. The play was a dramatic success.

I still get claustrophobia thinking about my casket stay demonstration. The emotions of a good play and life are often linked. My Berkeley friend did not die again, but the poignancy and sadness of a life lost never leave.

At the time when my Berkeley friend ended her life by jumping from the Bridge she was one of a few hundred before her. While official leap ‘counting’ has stopped, the ‘unofficial’ count through 2012 exceeded 1,600. The trip from steel to sea takes 4 seconds at achieved speeds of 75 miles an hour (120 km/hr). Significant ‘cow catcher’ type barriers have been installed—with many other deterrents, to protect all but the most determined leapers.

hqdefault

It is hard not to think about Robin Williams who regularly crossed that Bridge from San Francisco to Marin County where he lived. Could he see the Golden Gate from his Tiburon home? What thoughts ran through his head? A recent Time Magazine memorial had a photo of Mr. Williams framed under that Bridge in the background. He had a pensive look. And, he had a Golden Heart as his belt buckle!

The Pain of Suicide

Modigliani’s Portrait de Jeanne Hébuterne assise dans un fauteuil, an image of his girlfriend painted in 1918, two years before his death and her suicide.

The pain of suicide lingers for the survivors, each in their own way and from their own experiences: the “whys?”, the “what ifs?”, and the “if I could have only…” thoughts that haunt the hollow space in the heart. No one else can give those answers—or fill that gap. It is too personal. It is OK. It is … experience. Time helps. The questions remain. It is OK.

My experience is greater than I wish—at least a dozen people that I know for certain have met this fate. They include family, a childhood friend from Finland who moved to San Francisco, a best “big sister” type friend and legal mentor, the mother of a legal colleague, the husband of a friend, children of best friends, members of volunteer organizations, and so it goes. If you have had such experiences, you know it is personal. It is OK. It is … experience. Time helps. The questions remain. It is OK.

I knew my big sister/legal mentor had been having problems after being raped in downtown LA one night after work. Her marriage fell apart. When I visited her just a week before, it seemed she had a new life and things were looking up. I was in the midst of a move, between telephone numbers [before cell phones were ubiquitous] and, therefore, ‘unreachable’ when she may have needed me most. Her family had been unable to reach me. The news came by way of a postcard of the Grand Canyon—the size of the hole in my heart. I still carry that postcard in my legal briefcase in her memory. And, I still ask “what if?…” At least the postcard picture was not of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Finns and Suicide

Finland has the highest suicide rate of the Nordic countries. A few years back, there was a Finnish researcher on the topic working at UCLA. I don’t remember his name. I do have a comprehensive dissertation study on suicide RAPPEUTUMINEN, TIEDOSTAMATON VAI YHTEISKUNTA [medical suicide research in Finland until 1985—presented in 2014] by Mikko Myllykangas from Oulu University.

Through the decades, Finns have arrived here excited to realize their dreams. They find that it never rains in Southern California, the winter temperature rarely goes below 15º C, people smile and talk with you, bars are open until at least 22:00 and when you figure out how to get into the clubs—well, they never close.

Just like with earthquakes, preparedness is the key. Recognize potential problems, prepare properly, and get help when (preferably before) you need it.

Soon, ‘newbies’ find out that Los Angeles>California>the United States are bigger, faster, ‘trickier’, smaller, slower, and ‘easier’ than anticipated. It is bewildering, confusing, and frustrating. Often following is disappointment, disillusionment, homesickness, legal problems, relationship troubles, and drug/alcohol issues. Without a good support system, friends ‘bail’, and family is too far away to help.

Just like with earthquakes, preparedness is the key. Recognize potential problems, prepare properly, and get help when (preferably before) you need it.

Finns are good at so many things, but asking for help is not one of them!

A Summer of Scary Seas

There was a shark attack near the Manhattan Beach pier. Fortunately, the victim survived.

ss_wg

Not so lucky were others enjoying a summer day on Venice Beach when a sudden and unusual lighting strike killed one and injured others at ocean’s edge.

The Pacific Ocean has been treacherous this summer with twice as many rescues by lifeguards as last year. We had a week of 15-25 foot waves. Dangerous riptides kept many out of the water at Zuma Beach and many other ‘unknowledgeables’ still got into trouble all along our Pacific coast. There have been over 8,000 rescues by lifeguards just since Memorial Day (end of May). And, there are several months still left in this beach season. The Baywatch babes and hunks have had to work their butts off this year!

There is an active hurricane season this year. The hurricanes are born down near Baja, Mexico where the water is warm, but LA’s ocean water is cold enough that the hurricanes stall and the wind hardly ever bends our palm trees. The waves do get ‘gnarly’—as the surfers say, and big waves can break surfboards, bones, and spirits. Riptides can cause even strong swimmers to panic when caught in an ‘out-draft’.

Our beautiful and beloved lifeguards in the City of Angels have some advice when you find yourself caught in the troubling riptide waters

Our beautiful and beloved lifeguards in the City of Angels have some advice when you find yourself caught in the troubling riptide waters:

Take a Deep Breath

Know help is coming [if you are in a Guard protected area]

Swim parallel to the Tide—don’t swim in the wrong direction [against the Tide]

Hang in going parallel to the shore until you round “that corner” [end of the Rip]

This editorialized version is good for difficult life times, as well.

Even the world’s largest [61’ tall] floating ‘rubber duckie’ launched as an attraction in the San Pedro waters lost air due to the large waves. It will get refilled and will be back at work soon pleasing kids and adults—and scaring sea gulls!

Even the world’s largest [61’ tall] floating ‘rubber duckie’ launched as an attraction in the San Pedro waters lost air due to the large waves

Life Goes On

Sometimes the lives we build are as delicate a ‘balancing act’ and as fragile as that bridge made of toothpicks. Life on a shelf is still a life. Someone loves you. Take a Deep Breath and ride the Tide until you round “that corner”. Know that someone is coming to get you.

Life on a shelf is still a life. Someone loves you.

END NOTE

DREAMS CAN TURN INTO NIGHTMARES THAT DO NOT GO AWAY

911 or http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

September 8th, 2014

thinkkanen

Finnish Concert Mass in Santa Monica on September 7th, 2014 featuring Gospel Star Pekka Simojoki, Music Director Terhi Miikki-Broersma, Concert Pianist Ruusamari Teppo and Pastor Jarmo Tarkki and the. What an absolute treat!

Pekka Simojoen lisäksi workshopissa sekä messussa ovat mukana pastori Jarmo Tarkki, kanttori Terhi Miikki-Broersma ja Dallasin kirkkomuusikko, pianotaitelija Ruusamari Teppo. Jos olet Sibelius-fan, niin tiedoksesi: Ruusamari on Jean Sibeliuksen tyttärentyttärentytär!

September 5th, 2014

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

A blast from the past: A great Finnish silent movie from the 20’s.

Summary (by E. Vickstrom):

“Anna-Liisa is a farmer’s daughter, about to marry Johannes, who comes to visit her at the farm. The god-fearing family is happy for her, but Anna-Liisa has a dark secret, which is revealed in flashbacks. We are moved to a lake where Mikko, the former farm-hand, is working as a log-floater. He remembers when he met Anna-Liisa at a dance. They row home in the moonshine, the girl is seduced beneath a birch tree by the shore…..”

Anna Liisa by Teuvo Puro (1922) from jonny kahleyn-dieb on Vimeo.

Anna Liisa is a based on a Finnish play by Minna Canth and produced in 1895.

Anna Liisa on Minna Canthin näytelmä vuodelta 1895. Se sai ensi-iltansa Suomalaisessa Teatterissa ja sitä on sen jälkeen esitetty toistuvasti eri teattereissa.

Canthin toinen murhenäytelmä käsittelee lapsenmurhaa, jonka Anna Liisa on tehnyt tunnekuohuissa synnytettyään talon rengin Mikon aviottoman lapsen. Tapaus on salattu, ja Anna Liisa on aikeissa mennä talollisen Johanneksen kanssa naimisiin, kun Mikko palaakin takaisin ja vaatii Anna Liisaa vaimokseen uhaten paljastaa lapsenmurhan. Anna Liisa päätyy lopulta jyrkkään ratkaisuun ja kuuliaisjuhlassaan paljastaa tekonsa julkisesti valmistautuneena kärsimään rangaistuksensa. Anna Liisa on Canthin viimeinen näytelmä.

Syyllisyystematiikan osalta Anna Liisassa tuntuu olevan dostojevskiläistä sovitustematiikkaa. Anna Liisan, lapsenmurhaan syyllistynyt naisen, arvo nousee, kun hän paljastaa kaiken ja hyväksyy murhan sovittamisen vankeudella mieluummin kuin menisi naimisiin miehen kanssa, jota ei rakasta. Teoksen lopussa pappi saarnaa hänelle siitä hyvästä anteeksiantoa. Kuitenkin lukija huomaa, että Mikko, lapsen isä, pääsee kaikesta kuin koira veräjästä. Syyllisyys jää yksin naisen kannettavaksi.

CAST:

Helmi Lindelöf as Anna-Liisa
Hemmo Kallio as the lord of Kortesuo
Meri Roini as the lady of Kortesuo
Greta Waahtera as Pirkko, their daughter
Emil Autere as Kivimaan Johannes, Anna-Liisa’s fiancé
Einar Rinne as Mikko
Mimmi Lähteenoja as Husso
Axel Ahlberg as the reverend
Tauno Ensio Järvinen as Matti, the letter bearer boy

August 25th, 2014

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

Joshua Tree National Park video tour with Tomi Hinkkanen, Tiina Purtonen, and Kimmo Heinström

To celebrate wondering Finns Tiina Purtonen and Kimmo Heinström’s return to Los Angeles after a very busy year on the road (http://wanderingfinns.tumblr.com/), Finntimes is releasing an amusing yet informative video tour to Joshua Tree National Park with Tomi Hinkkanen, Tiina Purtonen, and Kimmo Heinström.

In Finnish only for now (English subtitles will be added soon).

Welcome back, buddies.

Cameraman: Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

August 8th, 2014

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: Let Them Eat Cake

Happily, life and its stages involve celebrations. Virtually all cultures celebrate with a cake of some kind. Each of us has childhood memories of cakes as part of celebrations that can bring a smile on reflection. Cakes mark a passage of time, a milestone in life, a welcome for a dear friend… .

“Let Them Eat Cake…” as some other Lady once said!

Some cakes are for show. Some cakes are to let you know. “Let Them Eat Cake…” as some other Lady once said!

Beverly Hills Celebrates 100 Years

Lavish lifestyles and ‘over the top’ celebrations were the operative words to describe the Beverly Hill’s Centennial extravaganza. Select BH dining and shopping establishments joined to donate a portion of their proceeds to a community charitable foundation during the event.

Select BH dining and shopping establishments joined to donate a portion of their proceeds to a community charitable foundation during the event.

A 4,000 pound cake made to feed 15,000 guests on Rodeo Drive stood 10 feet high with a 15 foot width and a length of 20 feet. The cake was modeled after the Beverly Hills City Tower and surrounding buildings. Carnival games and entertainment (including a band and fireworks) were fitting accoutrements. The staff of The Luxe on Rodeo Drive served the largest chocolate cake in the world to the event guests.

A 4,000 pound cake made to feed 15,000 guests on Rodeo Drive stood 10 feet high with a 15 foot width and a length of 20 feet.

Strawberry Fields Forever

While bakeries in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Paris, Helsinki, and other centers of world gastronomy offer most beautifully crafted and exquisite, delicious confections, there is nothing quite as special as a token of love than a good, well-crafted, homemade cake!

The traditional American layer cake that originated in the ‘40s and ‘50s was so delicious—and popular, that it has now been duplicated with ‘store-bought’ cake mixes and ready-made frostings of unpronounceable ingredients. In this Finnish mind, dry crumbly perfect layers of cake with gobs of very thick, sweet (but fake, as if made from ‘scratch’) sugary frostings are best used for photographs, not friends! Some of those ‘manufactured’ cakes are constructed more sturdily than many American houses—some could not be knocked down in an earthquake. They stand lovely and lonely on pedestals in their high glory: the red velvet, the pound cake, the coconut concrete, the lemon whatever… .

The ethereal, unctuous, wet, strawberry field of dreams featured in the special Princess Castle.

If you are making a wedding cake perched on columns for display, go for it!! There is lots of money to be made in the cake ‘construction’ business. [As a former wedding cake hobbyist, I made quite a few tasty ‘show’ cakes as gifts for friends in my new land. From my experiences (good and bad), use a pound cake if you are doing a tiered cake. The ethereal, unctuous, wet, strawberry field of dreams featured in the special Princess Castle version pictured herein is the caveat exception!!] But, back to our focus on the Finnish spirit and sensibility that comes with our LA summer.

Fun Finnish Food for a Sweet Finish

As a token of appreciation and love for our regular readers, I am going to share my most special 5^th generation family (Finns and progeny) celebration secret sweetness.

As a token of appreciation and love for our regular readers, I am going to share my most special 5th generation family (Finns and progeny) celebration secret sweetness.

As with so many parables on the mysteries of life, there is no specific script or scientific scenario to follow. The directions, the techniques, the instructions, and the secrets you will discover are just ‘hints’ gathered along the way from generations of loving hearts and hands that have been assimilated and adapted from across the Atlantic by the best recollections of this FOB [‘fresh off the boat’ 7 year old] who packed her heritage in her heart and brain along with her pinafores in her suitcase. How else could it be? After all, my adult 6 burner/2 oven cooking equipment is not fired by burning birch logs from my front yard. Relax, enjoy, smile, be joyful; fixing fine food should be fun—sharing things we have learned from others and by our own failures (and recoveries) should be one of life’s pleasures!

Recently, I found an old article from the Finnish Kauppalehti blog about Finns’ favorite foods. The usual ‘suspect’ dishes were there such as freshly caught lake fish, new potatoes, and the like. The Dessert category highlight was the märkä mansikkavispikermatäytekakku (wet filled strawberry cream cake). Bingo! Now we are talking the same language!

Recently, I found an old article from the Finnish Kauppalehti blog about Finns’ favorite foods. The usual ‘suspect’ dishes were there such as freshly caught lake fish, new potatoes, and the like.

The märkä mansikkavispikermatäytekakku is a moist, unctuous, fragrant, divinely flavored cake layered with a berries and fruit concoction topped with decorated whipped cream to delight us and our loved ones. Here we can create the freshest and finest flavors and textures to celebrate summer, weddings, graduations, birthdays, family, friends, foreign guests, and everything fun that Finnish nature offers in summer! How can that not be fun?!

How To/To Do

Now in the interest of Finnish greatness, culinary supremacy, and the joy that needs to be spread to make the world a better place, my intent is to share with you what has brought happiness to each and every generation of my family in the US since at least the ‘50s. This is the 7^th decade that this exact same cake has been made in my family for everyone’s birthday cake [unless they ask for something different—no one has, so far]. With all of those same cakes, none was really the same. But, there is a lot of good karma in this kermakakku. I hope your family, friends, and you feel the love.

How High the Moon?

While our project works best as a ‘not-too-high’ layer cake, it has been made into a Castle for a Princess themed birthday party. A cardboard round perched on wood skewers kept the ‘second floor’ steady. This requires a PhD* as a pastry chef—you may want to stay on the ‘ground’ the 1^st time around! *[piled higher and deeper]

To be my special cake, it ‘must’ have fresh strawberries, in season or not. Here and in Finland, June and July are the prime strawberry months. During the season in Finland strawberry sweepers are as bad as the mushroom maniacs in August. At my favorite place in Finland, we drive through prime strawberry field country heading from Lahti toward Jyväskylä. The local farmers of my youthful vision hunched over while berry picking with their straw baskets have aged, but they have been replaced by blond bikini-clad young female Estonian berry pickers—a startling sight the first time around! At work rain or shine, the girls wear raincoats over their bikinis as the weather warrants. Enough ‘eye candy’ for gentlemen customers already; save those crops!

To be my special cake, it ‘must’ have fresh strawberries, in season or not.

Strawberry Cake Success Secrets

Before we get started, there are secrets other than the necessary strawberries you need to be aware of: timing**, some serious cognac is involved, and the supreme secret –as in so many childhood fairy tales, you learn there really is no recipe! However, there is a right way to do things. **As in life, timing is everything when making a cake.

In making Ava’s Finnish Strawberry Fields Forever Whipped Cream Cake you need to “give it time”!! Why? …because: “you can’t hurry love”. Or, as they say in Finnish, the cake must vetäytyä [try saying that three times fast!] .

A direct, functional translation of vetäytyä might be that the cake needs to “suck” or ‘sop up’, but that is not quite correct here. What really happens is an absorption or maceration process involving all of the solids and liquids of the cake, the juices, the cream, and the fruit that results in the ultimate moist and delicious product.

It is important to begin 3 to 4 days ahead of your celebration. On the first day, bake the cake layers. Once cooled, remove the cakes from their pans and wrap. Let the plastic wrapped layers rest overnight –at least.

The next day, cut the layers in half horizontally making two equal circular rounds from each baked cake. Place the first round on the serving plate upon which we are going to build the tower of taste. Follow the same process for each of the first 3 rounds as the tower grows. Moisten each round [once set on the plate or the completed lower round] with cognac and peach liquid; spread on a layer of strawberry jam [homemade, if you have it]; spread a layer of whipped cream; place sliced bananas, peaches, and strawberries onto each round except for the final (top) round. On the last (top) layer or round, drizzle the top with cognac and/or peach liquid. Wrap the whole constructed cake [tower] in plastic wrap and let it sit until the next day, at least.

It is vetäytymisaikä time!!

Who Hosts Oddities

The Finnish Birthday and Name Day traditions have an odd hosting component to them. If you are the päivän-sankari (the Birthday or Name Day person), you automatically become a host. And, you provide your own cake! Forget about being pampered, you get to do the pampering of yourself—but that means you can practice what you are learning here!!

You may get calls from people asking “…is the coffee pot on?” Some folks may just show up at your door, especially if it is a ‘big digit’ Birthday and you have not advised people that you “…are traveling” in the local news where pictures, age notations, and other personal information are freely published. [Good luck trying to stay ‘29’ forever!]

make a nice, wet, juicy Finnish Strawberry Fields Forever Whipped Cream Cake and take it to the Hollywood Bowl when Esa-Pekka is conducting or to enjoy with the Beatles’ 50th Anniversary show this August.

Sometimes there are benefits to staying home in the USA where protocol says you do not ask someone’s age unless they are under 10 or over 80. If, in fact, you are enjoying a Los Angeles “staycation” but dreaming of the Finnish countryside, make a nice, wet, juicy Finnish Strawberry Fields Forever Whipped Cream Cake and take it to the Hollywood Bowl when Esa-Pekka is conducting or to enjoy with the Beatles’ 50^th Anniversary show this August. Of course, you can always crank up your coffee pot (or grab a cold quart of milk) and put on a Finnish CD before going out on your balcony, into your back yard, or to a local beach with your Dream of Finnish Strawberry Fields (Oma Maa Mansikka) Forever —‘poof’ and you are there, just like the Princess!!

Keep on Dreaming Oma Maa Mansikka –and keep on baking.

Ava’s Finnish Strawberry Fields Forever Whipped Cream Cake

Ingredients

Eggs

Sugar

Flour

1 teaspoon baking powder [this recipe]

The first three ingredients are in equal amounts [Practiced pros may use ‘eyeball’ or ‘hand’ measures, but I recommend using 3 matching measuring vessels (see picture). Did I mention that baking is an ‘art form’?]

(click to see full size image)

The cake pictured has 6 large eggs and, therefore, the same equivalent volumes of sugar and flour.

Processes

Cake

Grease and flour two 8 or 9 inch cake pans. Cut parchment paper circles to fit the bottom of the pans. Grease and flour those also. Whip room temperature eggs and sugar until light yellow, voluminous, and airy.

(click to see full size image)

Fold flour and baking powder together gently into the egg mixture with a spatula, lifting as you fold so as not to lose air from the batter.

(click to see full size image)

Pour equal amounts of batter into each pan.

(click to see full size image)

Bake at 350º F for approximately 20 minutes or until tops are golden to slightly brown. Let cake cool in pans. Remove cakes from pans carefully. Then, wrap each cake in plastic wrap. [Cakes can be frozen at this point.] The wrapped cakes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a day or two.

Filling Ingredients

(click to see full size image)

2 cups whipping cream, whipped

½ cup strawberry jam (cloudberry jam is also divine)

2 to 3 bananas, depending on their size and your interest

1 cup sliced strawberries

½ cup cognac (preferable; but juice of fruits can be substituted)

1 15 oz. can of sliced peaches in heavy syrup (saving the liquid and about 6 peach slices for later top decoration, if desired)

Combine cognac (or juices) and peach liquid to make the liquid drizzle (kostutus liemi)

(click to see full size image)

Assembly Instructions

Cut the 2 cakes to make 4 equal circular layers or ‘rounds’ using a serrated knife

(click to see full size image)

Put the first layer round down on a serving plate [Don’t worry if the cake breaks during assembly, just ‘pat’ the piece(s) back in place—the cake is very forgiving at this stage!]

Drizzle cake layer round with approximately ¼ of the liquid (until layer looks slightly saturated) Spread with 1/3 of the strawberry jam; then, with 1/3 of the whipped whipping cream

(click to see full size image)

Slice 1/3 of the bananas and place on the round with1/3 of the peaches and 1/3 of the strawberry slices—distribute evenly

(click to see full size image)

Repeat the same assembly instructions on the remaining cake rounds, except the top round

(click to see full size image)

Place the top layer round and drizzle the remaining liquid over that top segment. Finish top layer with whipped cream Cover the whole cake with cling film Let the cake rest (preferably overnight) covered and refrigerated

Day of the Event

Frosting and Garnishing

2 cups whipping cream, stiffly whipped

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (use powdered sugar for stability if the cake needs to sit out for a long time)

1 teaspoon of vanilla (optional)

Combine ingredients

Frost the top and the sides of the cake, setting aside some cream for piping/decoration, if desired

(click to see full size image)

Use whole or sliced strawberries and/or the reserved peach slices for decoration. Often I use fresh blueberries for ‘writing’ a name or message on the cake top. CONGRATULATIONS! You have made Ava’s Strawberry Fields Forever Whipped Cream Cake now in its 5^th generation of pleasing my extended family! At its core, this is a basic 4 layer cake. Someone [—was it Marie Antoinette or Ben Franklin??] said “…necessity is the mother of invention”. Sometimes you just need a large, special sheet cake for a lot of people. Then, use the same processes, but bake the batter in 4 rectangular baking sheet pans by quadrupling the ingredients—no cake slicing needed! This works well for a huge birthday or other event.

ometimes you just need a large, special sheet cake for a lot of people. Then, use the same processes, but bake the batter in 4 rectangular baking sheet pans by quadrupling the ingredients—no cake slicing needed!

A more adventurous and courageous soul (my daughter-in-law) made a Castle Cake with a second tier built on the standard base for a ‘Little Princess’ birthday party. It even featured a coconut path and a moat. She had fun successfully using her imagination to build on a good/known base, her daughter was ecstatic with the glorious resulting presentation, and her daughter’s friends thought the whole thing was awesome! All of that –and great taste and texture too!!

A more adventurous and courageous soul (my daughter-in-law) made a Castle Cake with a second tier built on the standard base for a ‘Little Princess’ birthday party.

If you do try to tier, be sure to cut and place dowels on the bottom layer to support a cardboard round the size of your top layer. Party on like the little birthday Princesses did!

Family Cake Back Story

I always look forward to visiting my Aunt Kaija’s home in Finland. She is my lifelong culinary muse and idol. She and my uncle are my Godparents. As such, they may have felt obligated to take me under their wing when my parents shipped me off to Finland to spend summers as a child. I was delighted and excited to be there with them!

I always look forward to visiting my Aunt Kaija’s home in Finland. She is my lifelong culinary muse and idol.

My favorite childhood ‘thing’ was to watch my Aunt Kaija in her kitchen. My uncle (as former Head of the French School in Helsinki) is much revered at home and abroad –and was often honored by the French. [He still wears a beret when he gardens.] They often had French visitors, so Aunt Kaija had to excel in French, as well as, Finnish cuisine. And, does she ever! She is the only person I have visited and been served foie gras and Chateau d’Yquem at a Finnish lakeside cottage. Aunt Kaija is tré chic et tré magnifique!

Aunt Kaija always has her special Whipped Cream Berry Cake as the piece de résistance when she has Coffee guests.

Aunt Kaija always has her special Whipped Cream Berry Cake as the piece de résistance when she has Coffee guests. She must have trained for pastry skills under Lenôtre in Paris. The cake she served on our last visit is pictured here. Do you know anyone else who can make a basket weave design out of pure whipped cream? (Try that in LA when we are in “triple digit” heat and you will have “hanging baskets”, guaranteed!! Take it from this ‘basket case’ of an LA baker who tried recently.)

Just as every Finnish hostess has her special pulla recipe, Aunt Kaija has her celebratory cake recipe.

Just as every Finnish hostess has her special pulla recipe, Aunt Kaija has her celebratory cake recipe. These family recipes are usually very secret and are passed on as tradition from generation to generation. Each of you Finnish or Finnish American readers probably has this as part of your inherited tradition and kitchen repertoire —if not, welcome to mine!

When/How/Where to Serve the ‘Prize’

There is so much to be said about the Finnish Coffee tradition. It is the 15:00 [3 p.m.] rival counterpart of/to the British 4 p.m. Tea. In the Anttila family Coffee, the five distinct Courses are not immediately discernible to the novice observer, but they unfold in inexorable fashion culminating in the divine Whipped Cream Cake at the end. My Strawberry Fields Forever version of that special celebration cake is our topic herein.

In another column one day, we will delve into what is also an incredible edible from our Finnish heritage, the celebratory sandwich cake (voileipäkakku). When I served this to my great friend Mona, she was excited to serve it for her San Marino friends at a ladies tea—perfect choice. I can’t wait to share my recipe and special California technique soon.

Back to the special celebration cake from my family: I first learned much of what I know from my paternal grandmother [Pih-Mummi of Makkara fame from a previous column] when I was so small that I sat on the table she used for baking so I could see every fascinating thing she was doing. That table was on the porch of the family summer home—a birch forest ‘path’ away from Aunt Kaija.

Baking day converted into a ‘little bakers’ wonderland. My compatriot toddlers and Pih-Mummi’s sous chefs were my cousins Aarne and Marja. We were all under the age of three. We loved these simple and delicious lessons. And, it was a great way to pass the rainy days so frequent in the Finnish summer. [Somewhere there is an old photograph of three of us sitting topless in our skivvies in the summer heat on the green painted table that was used for meals in the old house. So much for our adult dignity aims!] Aarne (especially) loved the sessions involving pulla dough where he could make long ‘snakes’ out of the dough using raisins for eyes. I was more interested in the piece de resistance with the “wow factor” for the Coffee Ritual soon to follow: the divine Whipped Cream Cake With Fresh Fruit!

I can tell you that as a little kid sitting through the Coffee courses of pulla, cookies, dry Bundt type cakes (all homemade and quite delicious, of course), I behaved nicely knowing that the moist, multilayered, creamy, fruity sweet, beautifully decorated taste of Finnish summer soon to come was worth waiting for—even worth the long plane ride from California. As a child, you felt special and knew that your hosts were really glad to see you if they showed their welcome with this most awesome treat!

The berries (often wild) were usually just handpicked from the forest or newly purchased from the local tori for your arrival celebration. What the Finns lack in words speaking their welcome they certainly make up in communicating with their handpicked, hand chosen, handmade treats that become their special cake for you.

Strawberry season is winding down now in our Homeland. In prime season, not only are the toris (the farmer’s markets) full of berry perfections, literally at the entrance to every grocery store there are booths and stands offering nature’s beautiful bounty picked from local fields, farms, and gardens. The summer harvest cycle moves from strawberries to blueberries, to lingonberries, and, at the end of summer, to the glories of mushrooms.

Strawberries are an essential part of “the cake”, both fresh and as jam.

Strawberries are an essential part of “the cake”, both fresh and as jam. In the off-season, the price of fresh strawberries often seems as if they flew ‘1^st Class’ into town. Frozen berries offer an economical alternative, but I usually splurge for a few beauties to glamorize the top.

LOCAL NEWS

Suomi Kerho Midsummer Party

Birch branches decorated the club house space, divine snap worthy makkara grilled on an open fire, delicious salads were chilled and waiting, while freshly baked pulla graced the buffet table to help make for a great Midsummer celebration party at the North Hollywood Suomi Kerho location. There was a great energy in the room as people gathered to celebrate the bright Midsummer sunshine lasting long into the night. Even non-Angelenos know that the seasonal ‘marine layer’ of high level fog rolling in from the Pacific in many parts of our City of Angels this time of year (sometimes referred to as “June Gloom”) can put a damper on early summer celebrations. Not this year. This special night was calm, balmy, and perfect. While all present thought fondly of nights in our Homeland and our loved ones there, we did not miss the rained out grilling or mosquito invasion experienced this year in Finland for Midsummer.

There was a great energy in the room as people gathered to celebrate the bright Midsummer sunshine lasting long into the night

Strawberry Fields Revisited and Beatle Beetle News

The Hollywood Bowl will commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the Beatles’ first Bowl performance this August 22-23-24. Plan your Strawberry Fields Forever baking schedule now! [Information and tickets @ HollywoodBowl.com]

Did you know the Beetles killed the Beatle tree?

A tree in honor of Brit Beatle George Harrison planted in LA’s Griffith Park has been killed by a beetle infestation. “With a little help from my friends…”, quick response forces were utilized and a replacement tree was planted in its place —“…no worries”, as the songs go!

Suomi Soldiers Summer Session Almost 50 Friends of Finland assembled at my house on Sunday, July 27^th for a casual, fun afternoon. The beautiful Finnish flag flew proudly from our 35’ flag pole to properly greet our Guests of Honor.

This was the second Soldier Summer Session—a follow-up to last year’s luncheon built around a visit and presentation by Olli Kivioja, former Surgeon General of Finland and a President of Pilvenveikot (the Finnish War Pilots’ organization) who was traveling in the US with his daughter and granddaughters last July. The local Finnish War Veterans and Lottas had such a great time last year, a follow-up seemed worth doing. When Jim and Sirkka Aldridge agreed to present a program focused on our Vets’ Russian wars, the party was on!

Sirkka and Jim Aldridge brought much of their extensive archive collection of Finnish military material and memorabilia from the days of the Winter War and the Continuation War for guests to see firsthand. Sirkka wore an authentic Lotta uniform and Jim gave an informative presentation on the history, geography, and tactics of the Wars. Jim’s presentation used an enlarged map of the War Theatres which served as a remembrance trigger for the Veterans and the Lotta who were the honored guests. Consul General JP Markannen extended greetings to the Friends assembled and offered the Finnish government’s special thanks to the Veterans and Lotta for their role in preserving Finland’s independence. One American present suggested that the event was the equivalent of having lunch with the US’s 18^th Century Minutemen who responded to Paul Revere’s cry “…the British are coming!!” What a thought! What a day! Big smiles –and a few proud tears!

End Note

Happy summer celebrations!! I hope you have been busy making memories and Dreaming of Strawberry Fields –wherever you are!

Southern California is a fabulous and fun place to be –if you cannot be in Finland during the summer. Really stimulating things happen here, if you know where. Seek them out. Your scribe has lived, raised my family, and worked in Los Angeles for a lot of years. I learned so much from so many as a youngster in Finland that I cannot look at a strawberry today without thinking of my dear mentors and muses: Pih-Mummi and Aunt Kaija. Still, an escape to the Homeland [even if it happens in my LA backyard with an illustrated Finnish history lesson] permits bridging both worlds and I cherish that opportunity. Sharing the good, the bad, and the fabulous/ugly is what AROUND LA WITH AVA® seeks to do. All things Finnish are celebrated wherever and whenever just ‘because’.

ALWA topics are catholic—history, culture, traditions, work, play, sight-seeing/sightings, local ‘hang-outs’, public/social service, travel, faith, food, people, LA/Finnish life, fun, events past and pending, politics, the history and the future of the world…whatever. Whether you are an intellectual, a food critic or just one of us regular tasty food loving folks; a Strawberry Sweeper or a Mushroom Maniac or just one of us little observers sitting on a baking table; a ‘mover’ or just one of us ‘squiggly’ kids on the table in our ‘skivvies’, welcome to AROUND LA WITH AVA®.

We applaud those who learn how to make the Finnish Strawberry Fields Forever Whipped Cream Cake! We love those who share their final product!

SWEET !

July 3rd, 2014

thinkkanen

Antti Kosunen is selling small plots of land in Salla, the Finnish Lapland.

How would you like to own your little piece of Finland? Now almost anyone can. Antti Kosunen, 48, is an entrepreneur and a dreamer with an absolutely unique business idea: The father of five children is selling small parcels of land in the Finnish Lapland for 399 euros (543 dollars) a piece on the internet. Don’t worry about the paperwork – it’s all taken care of. And anyone can buy, but Kosunen targets his service mainly to ex-pat Finns.

Entrepreneur Antti Kosunen

Finntimes recently interviewed Antti Kosunen while he was on a trip in Thailand. This is how he describes the philosophy behind his idea:

-One should have a possibility to buy a dream – experience a place that you can visit every time you close your eyes. The most important thing is that it is something real – a place of your own that you can visit. This lot is yours – that’s the whole idea.

The name of his real estate business is Unelmaa.

-The word is a combination of a dream and land, Kosunen explains.

Antti Kosunen loves nature.

He is not new to business.

-I’m an entrepreneur. I have founded and the sold software companies. For the past ten years I’ve been a business angel. We also established our own fund two years ago. Currently I’m an investor investing in technology companies.

Marshland near Salla.

How did you come up with the idea for Unelmaa?

-It wasn’t really my idea. We are four guys – friends, and we all have an international background. We’ve been living in different places. I have lived in the United States and Asia.

-In the U.S. I lived a year in Silicon Valley in 2001-2002 and before that I was an exchange student in New York.

Antti Sihlman surveys the swampland in Salla.

Kosunen and his business partners developed the idea together.

-The idea of having something permanent was something we were thinking about. There should be a possibility for people with Finnish heritage to have something by which they can show themselves and their families where their roots are.

543 bucks will buy you this piece of land.

-We decided to buy a big piece of land and divide it into a hundred square meter (1,076 square feet), parcels and sell them. That would give people a feeling that they are closer to nature and Finland and have something real.

Salla borders Russia in the Finnish Lapland.

Unelmaa Company’s land is located in Salla, Eastern Lapland, by the arctic circle and bordered by Russia. The vast municipality covers an area of 5,872.21 square kilometers (2,267.27 sq mi), but only has some 4,000 inhabitants. So, one is basically alone up there.

Salla is vast but sparsely populated.

The partners started the endeavor a few months ago but haven’t marketed it yet. So far they have sold a couple of tiny parcels to friends. They have a capacity to sell a whopping 12 thousand lots!

-Frankly, we don’t know yet whether this is a business or a hobby. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Taiga – or northern forest in Salla.

What is going to happen to that land?

-It’s a piece of nature that stays there whether people visit the place or not. But we would recommend people to visit the land. Salla is a nice place. When you visit your land you form a bond with it. Somebody actually said he would like to place a plaque there – something that would be permanent. It should be a place that anybody could visit – have a cup of coffee, make a fire, camp for a day or just visit with a local guide and perhaps pick some berries on your own land.

A bird’s nest in the forest.

How does a person locate his or her particular parcel?

-With a GPS coordinator. We have been discussing with local people in Salla to provide different kinds of services for visitors – such as locating their parcel. Someone will take you there and help you set up camp, make fire, or have a glass of champagne – whatever you wish. And if there is an item – like a family heirloom – you wish to place on your property, we can also have that done.

Antti Kosunen mountain climbing in Finland.

Let’s say you are flying from the United States to Finland – how do you get to your property?

-You can fly from Helsinki to Kuusamo and take an hour bus or train ride that takes you to Salla. After a half an hour car trip and another half an hour walk and you are on your lot.

Summertime in Salla.

What kind of a connection do you have to Salla?

-I spent quite a bit of time hiking in Lapland as a kid. That’s where I get my warm memories of nature. I enjoy hiking and camping in the wilderness. I love to listen to silence.

What is the nature like there?

-It’s a forest and a swamp. There’s a lake next to it. And when I say forest, it doesn’t look like a forest in Southern Finland, the trees are smaller, but it’s a forest nevertheless.

Visitors can enjoy a lake view on their own land.

What’s a good time to go there?

-Anytime is good. It’s always a very different experience. We acquired the land in the winter time when there was snow on the ground. At that time of the year you see reindeer and snow, hear nothing but silence, everything is white – it’s like a Santa Claus country. In the spring everything wakes up. I personally like the forest the best but foreigners seem to prefer the swamp.

In the fall you can see “ruska” – autumn colors as trees turn. In the dead of winter the sun never rises and in the summer there’s no night but you can experience the midnight sun.

Different seasons offer different treats in Salla.

-One of the most unique experiences there are the northern lights, aurora borealis or “revontulet” in the winter.

-We figure most of the lots would be sold to people with a Finnish heritage. Another group would be Asians – Chinese and Japanese, because Finland is exotic to them. And the idea of owning a piece of land is impossible in many countries. There’s mystique in it.

Kosunen might have just the gift idea for that uncle turning 50 or that aunt who already has everything.

-We are no longer collecting things – we don’t want stuff but on the other hand would like to have something permanent. We are hoping a piece of land would be that “something”.

For more info go to: www.unelmaa.com

June 23rd, 2014

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: Manors and Manners

Most little girls go through their ‘Princess’ stage; pretending they live in a castle where everything is just as it should be.

Most little girls go through their ‘Princess’ stage; pretending they live in a castle where everything is just as it should be.

Finnish Manors

There are lovely historic old Manor Houses in Finland –mostly in the southern areas. The logic of location by population concentration is amplified by the unique historic evolutions of Finnish Church and State. ‘Kings Road’, Lutheran/Swedish/Russian control…: our past is fascinating. Some Manors remain as such; some are now restaurants, museums, and/or hotels.

Haikko Manor

One such Manor is less than 35 miles from Helsinki on the way to the beautiful, historic town of Porvoo right on the Gulf of Finland. Haikko Manor now houses a hotel, conference center, and spa. Haikko sits on breathtaking, seaside grounds. Non-the-less, the crowning glory is the stately Manor House.

Haikko Manor

Arriving at the renowned 5 Star Resort at Haikko is like coming “home” –returning to a familiar place of wonderful past, memorable times. The long entry road that leads to the majestic circular driveway with the white Rolls Royce parked in front of a light blue Manor House is the stuff of dreams.

A sturdy, tall, bright white flagpole stands proudly sporting the Finnish Flag snapping and waving in the ever present breeze that comes from the sea just below. A long, slow, deep breath is needed at this sight. Yes, the blue in the Finnish flag and the blue in the Finnish sky are a perfect match—a fact, not the ‘stuff of dreams’!

A long, slow, deep breath is needed at this sight.

Which Came First: The Manor or The Manners?

“To the Manor born…” is a commonly used phrase with uncertain origins and vernacular. But, should it be to the “Manor” or to the “Manner”? In many languages there are words that are spelled the same but mean something different in context; other words are spelled differently but are pronounced the same—and so goes the linguistic roulette!

Does the phrase refer to the English nobility vernacular about a stately mansion or to the effete, worldly, mannered/cultured people properly trained in etiquette and the social graces?

Haikon Kartano

Finland’s Haikon Kartano chooses “both” as the answer to the question pending. Haikko is a stately mansion and grounds on the seaside coast with superb, exacting ‘white glove’ service and world class cuisine “…where everything is just as it should be”!

Haikko History

Only 50 km from Helsinki, Haikko is one of the oldest and best known Manor Houses in Finland. Its history dates back to 1362 when the Manor was owned by the Dominican Monastery of Vyborg (Viipuri). One of its subsequent owners hosted members of the Russian Imperial Family. Finnish artist Albert Edelfelt was also a guest. For 24 Summers Edelfelt painted in his nearby studio, just a short walk from the Manor.

After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Russian Grand Duke Kiril Vladimirovits fled to Finland. When the exiled Grand Duke, his wife, and daughter were in town, they stayed at Haikko Manor. Son Vladimir was born and christened before they moved on. Vladimir would go on to be head of the Romanov family.

The Vuoristo family bought the Manor in 1965 and opened it as a hotel for the first time. The spa, hotel, and conference center came later in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Today, the old Manor House still brings guests back to the world of the Russian Imperial era of the Tsars and the Russian aristocracy. The oval Yellow Room with paintings by Edelfelt remains a lovely spot to entertain visitors for high tea. It is easy to conjure those days as you look past the terrace outside to the beautiful views of the Gulf of Finland and the Manor grounds.

[On my last Haikko visit, my Dad and I hosted a Finnish couple and their American traveling companions for a spot of tea. Our guests were on their way to St. Petersburg with their Seattle visitors from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I hope we did not spoil the Hermitage for them!]

Back to “Both”

Having made the trip from the modern Finnish highway into the historic Manor grounds, I was warmly and graciously welcomed as an old friend would be.

Here in LA we call that initial interaction “checking in”. As good as it feels, fantasy lasts only so long these days, so I did what I usually do after checking in to a hotel–I plopped on the bed in my room. It felt good. I felt good. Life was good.

After a few good ‘ceiling’ moments, I remembered my room overlooked the sea! I looked out through the treetops and realized that I had been removed from harsh civilization and had been transplanted into a Finnish forest! What had felt good, got even better.

It is always fun to become familiar with the written materials, brochures, room service menu, and the like as you settle in to your temporary home. As I perused the materials about Haikko Manor history, my mind was half a globe from San Diego. Then, a photo of our beloved Southern California resident Armi Kuusela [the original Miss Universe from Finland] jumped off of the page and demanded my attention. Ms. Kuusela was pictured with her husband Albert Williams in the late ‘70s. Among other photos featured were Finnish President Urho Kekkonen laying the Haikko Spa’s headstone in 1973 and President Mauno Koivisto and his wife at a Haikko expansion ‘opening’ in 1983. With such folks in residence, I am sure all guests and staff used their best Manners at the Manor!!

Of course, as a premier resort, Haikko rooms have premier amenities.

Of course, as a premier resort, Haikko rooms have premier amenities. I was interested in something more mundane. I turned on my television set when I remembered that I had not seen Finnish TV in years. I found my fingers longing for channel surfing with the remote that is an everyday occurrence in LA.

Old Home Week

Literally, within the first hour of selective ‘surfing’, it was like old home week. Seemingly with the press of a button, I could go from Porvoo to LA and back—with no evidence I had left! Clicking channel to channel I found: my actress friend Anna Easteden with her new show; LA ‘wonder kid’ and friend Sauli Koskinen with his new show about ‘friends’; and long time friend Lasse Viren’s parents featured in retrospective interviews about their iconic son’s 4 Olympic Gold Medals and his more recent Parliamentary career—oh, incidentally, Lasse and Päivi had their wedding celebration at Haikko ‘back when’.

Clicking channel to channel I found my actress friend Anna Easteden with her new show..

Still within that hour, a program on the TV Station featured Candy Spelling in her special series Selling Spelling Manor (Spellingin Kartano Myynnissä)–of all things. It was like “It’s A Small World” overload hour.

Work Break

I was having way too much fun in my Haikko room—it was beginning to feel like a vacation! So, it was time to plug in the laptop to get caught up on what was happening AROUND LA and elsewhere. Checking e-mail is a pretty routine, almost rote activity in today’s world. Not today. Not the way things were going.

When my mail opened, there was a message from Anna Easteden. She told me she was checking in from Zion National Park to say “HI” and tell me about her latest project. As I read Anna’s e-mail from the US, I was watching that very project [hosting Wipeout] on Finnish TV. Is this fun—or what???

Anna Easteden by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

It is such a pleasure to follow the careers of the young fun Finns in our City of Angels. Anna Easteden has taken Hollywood by storm. She was the MC at the FinnFest Gala in San Diego a few years ago. Lively, lovely, and talented, Anna did a great job as Master of Ceremonies there and now is doing the same on an international TV show. It was such a pleasure getting to know her and her husband Rob. Following her life and career is a delight.

Next on my ‘tube’ watching agenda was Sauli Koskinen’s Finnish show about his ‘best friends’ in LA. This ‘wind-up-toy’ of a show host is already ‘best friends’ or ‘hope-to-be-best-friends’ with all of us who have met him or who follow him on his Ilta Sanomat blog. Since Sauli barely stops to take a breath, his Finnish audiences may come away with the idea that ‘best friending’—and everything else, happens quickly in LA. [And, maybe it will once again once the 405 construction is finished!]

Sauli Koskinen

To complete the ‘friends in strange places’ circle of TV viewing, one more click and there were the Spellings: Candy and Tori. It was somewhat surreal to be at a Finnish Manor watching people I have known since my sons’ childhood talk about selling their home in LA (always known locally as “The Manor”). The Manor is—or was, the largest home in Los Angeles with the ultra-exclusive Los Angeles Country Club and its two golf courses in its ‘back yard’.

A program on the TV Station featured Candy Spelling in her special series Selling Spelling Manor (Spellingin Kartano Myynnissä)–of all things.

Much of the current Spelling episode showed Candy making decisions on how to compress her living space into only two full floors at the top of a new skyscraper being built in Century City—look for the shiny new oval building near where the Finnish Consulate used to be, but south of what was the Century Plaza Hotel. With Aaron’s death and Tori living with her husband and children somewhere on another TV channel, Candy felt it wise to consolidate her space into what is now known as the “Manor in the Sky”.

Candy felt it wise to consolidate her space into what is now known as the “Manor in the Sky”.

It is always interesting to follow the lives of your children’s classmates. I must admit that, even in my strange life, this is not usually the way it happens! I laughed at my tie to fame: Tori’s mother and I shared a page on a school cookbook fund raising project. Her recipe was for popovers, mine for muffins.

I laughed at my tie to fame: Tori’s mother and I shared a page on a school cookbook fund raising project. Her recipe was for popovers, mine for muffins (double click on picture above to view enlarge).

Haikko Pool and Spa

Meanwhile: LA is known for having the most beautiful and spectacular swimming pools. Personal homes and hotels/resorts spare no expense to provide “…the best Poolside experience in the world” and they deliver ambience, service, …, and sunsets daily! For example, after visiting the Playboy Mansion one of my neighbors from the Spelling schoolmate era fashioned their new pool as a replica of the famous “grotto” there. [George Clooney’s aunt now swims in that purloined pool.]

For an AROUND LA girl to go to Finland and ‘go gaga’ over a swimming pool should take some doing, nes’t pas?

The swimming pool at the Haikko Manor took my breath away.

Well, it happened. But, it happened because the pool was so Finnish! The swimming pool at the Haikko Manor took my breath away. The pool is indoors for reasons that need no elaboration. When you get into the Haikko Spa pool, you are instantly in the treetops of a birch forest facing the Bay. You are enveloped in water and are swept away by real currents. There is no edge to the pool, so a moment of panic can set in before you realize that you are not going to be driven out to sea! It is an infinity pool. The heated water moves and caresses you like a newborn just out of the womb. You feel like you are bobbing up and down in a Finnish lake in the Finnish forest while (at the same time) coming to life as a newborn Finn. [Finnish technology being what it is, you can push a button and, violá, you have the ‘swoosh’ of waves—too bad my surfboard would not stow safely in the overhead compartment!]

The Haikko Spa is a real adult playground.

The Haikko Spa is a real adult playground. Since I was almost always by myself when at the pool, I could easily fantasize the Ronanov life—even if the Spa had not been built then. Back and forth to/in and out of …the sauna and the hot tubs with varying temperatures. There is even a minus-110º C Cryonic Treatment—if you dare!

Take it from this LA insomniac, you will sleep like a newborn Finnish baby after a Haikko Spa visit! If not, you can turn on your TV to see some ‘best friends’ from LA!

Treatment of Veterans

I was at Haikko Manor to accompany my Dad [as required by the Finnish government for him] to attend his “rehabilitation” (Kuntoutus).

was at Haikko Manor to accompany my Dad [as required by the Finnish government for him] to attend his “rehabilitation” (Kuntoutus). On behalf of a nation grateful to its sons and daughters who preserved Finnish freedom against the Russian attacks in The Winter War and The Continuation War, the Finnish government has hosted a fully paid* ten day Spa Retreat [several premier locations about the country] with physical therapy and other amenities for its War Veterans.

On behalf of a nation grateful to its sons and daughters who preserved Finnish freedom against the Russian attacks in The Winter War and The Continuation War, the Finnish government has hosted a fully paid* ten day Spa Retreat [several premier locations about the country] with physical therapy and other amenities for its War Veterans. This awesome benefit of gratitude has been offered for decades without great fanfare, as is the Finnish way. I am writing about the grand benefit now because the special program is going away quietly as our heroes and heroines pass the age where travel is safe or beneficial. [*For my Dad, not me!]

The Veterans at Haikko Manor

About a dozen Veterans were at the Manor as part of my Father’s group. Most of the ‘crew’ were from local areas: Helsinki, Espoo, the lake regions … . My Dad was the only one who made the trip from abroad. The War Veterans were all in their late 80s.

About a dozen Veterans were at the Manor as part of my Father’s group.

The Conference Center/Hotel section was the center of Veteran activities with our properly pampered octogenarians shuffling about in ‘uniforms’ of slippers and terrycloth robes as they worked their way through a tough day of saunas, swims, massages, facials, pedicures, and other specialties of the Spa. The mini-platoon moved en masse. Breakfast and lunch were mere steps away from the Spa facilities which were mere steps away from the guest rooms when rest breaks were in order. Conversations were as animated as Finnish men’s conversations get. The volume tended to be loud—whether that was because of hearing issues or enthusiasm was not apparent. There was always a friendly hum and a warm greeting for new friends and familiar staff. The guys were having a really good time—buddies, one and all.

It was great to hear everyone’s stories; their recollections, their thoughts, and their perspectives. Of course, their responses to my interrogation on their family traditions, on fishing techniques, and on preferred food preparation were eagerly absorbed and noted. Most of the conversations I was privy to took place at the dinners at the Manor House dining room.

Manners at the Manor

Dinner at the beautiful Manor House in the exquisite main dining room was the highlight of the day. The Veterans who were received promptly at 17:00 were always properly turned out in jackets and ties. [While my Father and I were there promptly and never late, we were still the last ones to arrive—how can you be on time and be late/last? I guess that is the American way.] Other than Veterans’ family/aides such as me, no one else was in the dining room. The white-gloved staff was there to respectfully serve these beloved War Veterans and Lottas.

Dinner at the beautiful Manor House in the exquisite main dining room was the highlight of the day.

Meals at the Manor proceeded with military precision. Salad, Sir; main course, Sir; dessert, Sir. Everyone evacuated as quickly as they had arrived. No lingering to absorb the ambience or to dally in idle after dinner conversation. The ‘crew’ was out of barracks and on protocol!

Retrospective

My parents had many memorable visits to Haikko through the years. One year, the daily flag lowering ceremony was to be in honor of the gathering Veterans. Apparently my late Mother who had a beautiful singing voice was the only one who showed up. No matter! Nothing was going to stop her Lotta spirit. She started belting out Siniristilippumme with all her might. Needless to say, she gathered quite an appreciative crowd in no time. There was not a dry eye around that flagpole that night. A national representative of the Lotta organization was there for that performance and made sure my Lotta mother was recognized and honored.

Lotta Raija Anttila

Seeing that flagpole each day of our last visit made me smile—and let a tear well up, as well.

The staff at Haikko is always welcoming and gracious. But, somehow, I think they winked at each other in years past when they saw this cute elderly couple (my parents) arriving because they remembered them as the ones who kept regularly sliding out of bed onto the floor and calling for help. My Mother said the sheets were slippery. But, there may be more to the story than needs to be said here.

Things to Ponder

Cultural differences can be fun to observe and ponder. I have written about and been a speaker on cross-cultural differences in customs, processes, and social/business practices. It is a fascinating subject. For example, consider this: one of the most remarkable—and significant, differences between the Finnish and American ways of doing things is “Arrival Time”.

Arrival Time Manners

Finns new to America and Americans going to Finland (business or social—matters not) take heed!

In a Finnish environment (social or business), people arrive early to be polite and to be ‘ready’ when the ‘doors’ open promptly on schedule. Really early, by American practice. It may be as a sign of respect for your host or the guest of honor; it may signal that you are happy to be there; or it may simply be because that is the way Finns do things. Most Finns do not talk unless necessary—and, certainly not about anything they assume you know, or should know. Consequently (and without instruction) plan to be ‘on location’ well ahead of the scheduled hour—do not be surprised to be in line waiting to ‘enter’ at the established hour. Each event has its own ‘life cycle’ or timing—for now, just follow the lead of the natives. Have no fear—they will know when to leave!

If you are invited to a Finnish home for dinner at a specific hour, you are expected to be prompt and you are usually escorted right to the table and served food. But, that is another column for another day!

If you are invited to a Finnish home for dinner at a specific hour, you are expected to be prompt.

If you are invited to an American home for dinner—well, that is a horse of a different color.

There is quite a difference here in the United States, not just here in ‘laid-back’ LA. The general ‘rule’ is that you arrive 15minutes later than the appointed hour—particularly for a dinner party. This 15 minute ‘buffer’ is to give the hostess/host a little breathing time to get herself or himself ‘together’. Do not expect dinner to be served until 1 to 1½ hours later. [However, it is considered impolite to arrive after dinner has been served—particularly for a ‘sit down’ dinner.]

Americans like their ‘social’ aka cocktail hour. Mixed drinks, wine, and hor’s doevres are usually served at a location other than the dinner table for this duration. Back ‘when’, non-alcoholic libations required a special request—now, not so often. Cocktails and socializing usually occur at a free flowing location that facilitates interaction and conversation.

Look carefully at what is being served. Once what I thought was a hot appetizer (bagna cauda) was actually a potpourri mixture of flower petals in perfumed oil with a flame under it to produce a nice aroma! And, keep your shoes on during your visit—unless you see a stack of mixed leather at the door. Usually Americans do not remove their shoes when entering a home.

Usually Americans do not remove their shoes when entering a home.

Manners As “How”

Social Manners are just protocols showing kindness and proper respect for others. (Hyvät tavat) Manners are the way we act, interact, and perform in specific situations—or should. In a different day and in a different way, the ‘rules’ were clear and specific. If you were not certain of the proper way to respond or act, you could actually look up the ‘rule’ in a book or ask an elder. Manners were meant to shape a frame of mind receptive to civil interaction. The ‘rules’—written and unwritten, defined a culture. I guess they still do, but it is harder to be sure! The base concept of kindness and proper respect for others has eroded, dimmed, disappeared, or otherwise become indefinable in a ‘by-the-numbers’ rule. Does rudeness rule by default? Can noblesse oblige survive in some fine form?

Manners and Veterans: Here and There

Finland’s remaining War Veterans are held niinkuin Herran kukkarossa (like in God’s wallet) and like Guests of Honor wherever and whenever they appear. Because Finland is such a young country, many of us today are in the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th generations of free Finns and we feel the recentness of our Independence. Our history is part of how we think and feel as Finns since our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents ‘wrote’ Finland’s story with their blood and treasure. Most Finns alive today know someone who was there when the bombs began to fall. Our freedom is so recent that it can remain ever fresh in our minds.

Our local Finnish War Veterans and Lottas at the 80th Independence Day event (1997)

AROUND LA WITH AVA® took me to the regular June meeting of the Southern California Finnish War Veterans club [Veteraani Tuki]. Suomi Kerho opens its clubhouse to our Veterans, honoring them by giving them a home, a meeting place, a meal together, and even a movie in Finnish. Our hearts are warmed by the Veterans presence even as their own memories of their valor fade. Respecting them and thanking them is ongoing. Future generations will read of their role in our lives—we are privileged to live with them and love them as family.

Gary Maisack with his mother Lotta Elma Maisack at the Veterans' Meeting on 6/11/14

Gary Maisack with his mother Lotta Elma Maisack at June meeting of the Southern California Finnish War Veterans club [Veteraani Tuki].

In the United States, Memorial Day is as sad as Thanksgiving is joyous. Both share the distinction of being focused on gratitude—not “getting” things! Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer in the United States. In many parts of this country that get Finnish type winters, the month of May brings sufficient sun and warmth to permit the snow and ice to melt enough to let folks believe that summer and real warmth will arrive one day soon.

On Memorial Day we follow proper flag Manners and fly our American flag on the 25’ flag pole in front of our house. The flag is set at half staff until noon in memory of those who gave their lives—then, the flag is raised to full staff to fly proudly for the freedoms earned/preserved by those who served. Such is the prescribed protocol. Such is our practice.

There is a National Cemetery near my home—like Arlington Cemetery in Virginia near Washington, DC, that is run by the Veterans Administration. The Cemetery is on Sepulveda Boulevard just off of the 405, north of Wilshire and east of the massive Veterans Administration Hospital campus. Each grave of the thousands there is decorated with a flag placed by hand by Scouts who honor our passed American heroes each year. I drive through the Cemetery as a personal moment of pause as we approach each Memorial Day. Being inside the gates, with or without flags, creates reflection, awe, and honor. It is quite inspiring.

My dear friend, the late Greta Peck had that spirit of honor for the Veterans. Though she was born in Finland, she “…grew where she was planted” here in our City of Angels. Greta was truly a humble, though often secret angel. For 50 years—over half a century, Greta drove from Beverly Hills to the Long Beach Veterans Hospital with sandwiches she had made herself; with magazines and books; with grooming products and special things she bought or made to hand out to the Veterans hospitalized there. Wounded in body and mind, they knew Greta was their friend. Greta’s spirit and smile were irresistible. Most important to the Vets was the knowledge that Greta would be back next week and next week… .

My dear friend, the late Greta Peck had that spirit of honor for the Veterans.

Greta exemplified the perfect combination of committed American volunteer spirit and Finnish hard work, dignity, and humility.

Manors, Manners, or Both

YES

OTHERWORDS OR NOTEWORTHY

Liisa Niemi

We learned over Memorial Day weekend that Patrick Swayze’s widow, our Finnish Liisa Niemi, remarried. Blessings, peace, and joy to Liisa and to her new husband. He will soon know for himself what so many of you already know “…Happiness Is Being Married to a Finn”!

Blessings, peace, and joy to Liisa and to her new husband

FACCLAFF Creatives Night

May 15^th was a record setting heat wave of a night in our City of overheated Angels. A networking event for the Creative Finns, Finlandia Foundation, and the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce was held in the garden at my home.

My philosophy generally (and for this night specifically) is that authentic Finnish home cooking brings out a spirit of bonding, cooperation, and fellowship whenever expatriate Finns assemble.

My philosophy generally (and for this night specifically) is that authentic Finnish home cooking brings out a spirit of bonding, cooperation, and fellowship whenever expatriate Finns assemble. So many are so busy making their way in a challenging new world that they do not have time (even if they have the interest and resources) to pursue preparing our heritage cuisine. Since I have that passion, I took the time because I thought it would be fun and a nice way to facilitate comfortable interaction and stimulate conversation.

I should have checked the weather forecast before I volunteered to do the cooking!

I made gravlax, poached salmon, smoked whitefish with sauces, and various salads. I made pea soup, cabbage rolls with lingonberry sauce, and individual meat pies. There was a large dish of boiled New potatoes with dill, of course. Desserts included: rhubarb crisp, fresh strawberries and blueberries, with a large mound of vanilla ice cream (a must on this hot night).

There was a large dish of boiled New potatoes with dill, of course.

As the meeting hour approached, the temperature kept creeping up. We were now into “triple digits”**. An ‘ice run’ to Smart and Final was in order—for me, if not for the beverages that needed chilling. A trunkful of ice and cases of Carlsberg were loaded up and brought home.

Despite my stated “Philosophy”, I quietly “deep sixed” [i.e., ‘buried’/eliminated] the hot and hearty pea soup from the menu. On this night, even the most imaginative ‘creative’ could not conjure an image of us feeding the Finnish troops on skis in the winter. The cabbage rolls and meat pies even seemed wrong for the season, but there was not enough time to re-do the menu—or my philosophy. Usually LA nights are cool even on the hottest of days, but not this one. It felt like we were in the tropics.

With enough ice and Carlsberg, the stoic Finns carried on.

Let me tell you, there is something special about sitting under a two hundred fifty year old oak tree in LA on a warm summer evening sharing heart to heart with the likes of Niina Sallinen.

Let me tell you, there is something special about sitting under a two hundred fifty year old oak tree in LA on a warm summer evening sharing heart to heart with the likes of Niina Sallinen. Having long been a big fan of Niina, it was fun to hear of her latest news. She was in Macedonia for a One Person Show Award Ceremony recently. I was able to give Niina personal congratulations and good wishes on her latest two Awards!

The event was designed to give locals and newcomers to LA an informal opportunity to meet and to spend a few enriching moments together. Juulia Merisalo and Heidi Luukkonen are two new dynamos working at the Consulate who got to ‘meet and mingle’ with some of their interesting constituents. Their boss, Consul General JP Markkanen shared his vision of teamwork in the Finnish community. We toasted his efforts and service as a catalyst to bring us all together for a productive and pleasant evening.

[**Triple Digits means over 100º Fahrenheit = over 37º C.]

The Scandinavian Center Brown Bag Lunches

The Scandinavian Center at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA concluded its Spring Brown Bag Lunches on May 29^th with Finnish Consul General Juha (JP) Markkanen speaking on “The State of the Finnish Economy”. Quoting Fred Tonsig, he noted that the Finnish economy is “hot”; Finnish international trade is “hot”; innovation and invention in Finland are “hot”; the prospects for the future are “hot”; and the Finnish people are “hot”. Certainly no one who had been in my garden for our earlier quiet assembly was going to argue with his assessment!

The Scandinavian Center rounded up its Spring Brown Bag Lunches Finnish Consul General Juha (JP) Markkanen

The Scandinavian Center rounded up its Spring Brown Bag Lunches
with Juha P. Markkanen

Friends of Finland

Another great event was hosted by Consul General JP Markkanen for what he labeled the “Friends of Finland”. The Consul General invited leaders of various organizations, journalists, artists and other creatives, business people and other professionals, our Lutheran pastor, and others to share their backgrounds, ideas, and visions in a brainstorming roundtable. We liked being called Friends of Finland—and everyone felt that the time spent and the information shared were very worthwhile. Our gratitude and thanks to the Consul General for bringing his spirit of cooperation to the community.

The Consul General invited leaders of various organizations, journalists, artists and other creatives, business people and other professionals, our Lutheran pastor, and others to share their backgrounds, ideas, and visions in a brainstorming roundtable.

Spring Is Breaking Out All Over

You know it is Spring in Los Angeles when the jacaranda trees come alive with bursts of blue all over the city and the adorable hummingbirds are building their tiny nests on the most fragile of branches. My garden path is a blue carpet of fallen blooms. Three tiny, pea sized eggs sit in a golf ball sized nest waiting to come into their tiny lives in this wild, ruthless, gargantuan civilization called Los Angeles. Good luck little ones! I hope those pesky crows and neighborhood cats mind their Manners and do not invade your cute, munchkin Manor.

Three tiny, pea sized eggs sit in a golf ball sized nest waiting to come into their tiny lives in this wild, ruthless, gargantuan civilization called Los Angeles. Good luck little ones!

End Note

Southern California is a fabulous and fun place to be any time of year—even at 105º F. Really stimulating things happen here, if you know where. Seek them out. Occasionally, Finns need a fix of fresh Finnish air, too. Your scribe has lived, raised my family, and worked in Los Angeles for a lot of years. Still, an escape to the Homeland permits bridging both worlds and I cherish that opportunity. Sharing the good, the bad, and the fabulous/ugly is what AROUND LA WITH AVA® seeks to do. Some of our friends even show up on TV. All things Finnish are celebrated wherever and whenever just ‘because’.

ALWA topics are catholic—history, culture, traditions, work, play, sight-seeing/sightings, local ‘hang-outs’, public/social service, travel, faith, food, people, LA/desert/Finnish life, fun, events past and pending, politics, the future of the world…whatever. Whether you are an intellectual, a TV celebrity or just one of us regular folks; a Manor Manner minder or just one of us observers; a ‘mover’ or just one of us ‘shakers’; a seasoned traveler or just one of us wide-eyed wanderers, welcome to AROUND LA WITH AVA®. We applaud those who learn the Manners of the Manors you visit!

Ava Antilla

May 9th, 2014

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: Flower Power

Coachella Bound

The road trip to the Concert venue was complete with psychedelic vans, “magic buses”, cars with signs, RVs side-by-side with stretch limousines –all caravanning out toward the desert for the Easter weekend session of the Coachella Music Festival. It was like Berkeley and the days of Woodstock, all over again!! Those were the days!!!

It was like Berkeley and the days of Woodstock, all over again!! Those were the days!!!

Just like the ‘good ole daze’, the road was crowded with vehicles filled to overflowing with bare-chested, tanned, excited young people with “Coachella” signs and painted slogans—someone’s adventurous progeny sharing rides for the big happening. One car had painted a sketch of a snail and the labeling word “Slowchella” on its side*–an appropriate ‘moniker’ for the state of the traffic out to the desert in Coachella Valley!

* The reference was likely a recollection of last year’s notable art: a 30-foot-tall snail slowly slithering its way across a field.

…the road was crowded with vehicles filled to overflowing with bare-chested, tanned, excited young people with “Coachella” signs and painted slogans.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival [commonly known simply as ‘Coachella’] started in 1999. Coachella takes place over two Spring weekends in Indio, California—near Palm Springs. Continuous music (hip hop, rock, indie, …) takes place on several stages among sculpture installations in the midst of what was once a polo venue in the California desert. It is one of the largest (and most profitable) music festivals in the United States. Last year’s festival has been estimated to have made over $60 million.

Hot Rocks Rock Hard

Apparently this year’s Coachella tickets sold out immediately. They ‘ went like hotcakes’ or niinkuin kuumille kiville (like onto hot rocks) even though ‘regular’ tickets cost $450 per person per weekend [the steerage level cost only $375]! And, boy, were there hot rocks out there in that 100º+F heat even before they cranked the hot rocking music!

Actually, Coachella has become so ‘in’ that premium packages have begun to evolve in our ‘see and be seen’ society.

I was tempted to ask, rhetorically, how people can afford such steep admission rates in this ‘iffy’ California economy, but I remembered that we all choose our priorities, all fun has a price, and making decisions is part of growing up. Actually, Coachella has become so ‘in’ that premium packages have begun to evolve in our ‘see and be seen’ society. Oh well, it is a very well run, well publicized, and social media hyped event.

Who ‘s News/What ‘s New?

This year’s festival included Arcade Fire, Lorde, Outkast, The Replacements, Pharrel Williams, Beck, Queens of the Stone Age, Preservation Hall Band, and many others. [Yes, the old ‘coots’ from Preservation Hall in New Orleans still kick jazz that rocks in the 21^st Century!]

The security for such an event is cleverly designed and involves specially activated bracelets that are sent to you along with your ticket materials in a fancy, cigar box like container. They know you are coming from a mile away—literally!

Crocheted tops, layered long skirts, and floppy sun hats are perfect for the 100º degree weather and seemed to abound

For the adventurous, camping and RV spots have been available on site for the last few years […show me the way to go home!]. Recent additions have included showers, charging stations, and free Internet/WiFi facilities. At Woodstock, the only showers came from the sky—and left lots of mud behind! No mud (but lots of sweat) in the desert.

Ambience and glamour seem to have taken over Coachella. For those dropping in for VIP tents, lawn parties, and late-night mansion soirees seeking to be free of the “carpoolchella” sweat snarled traffic, a $1,500/30 minute flight on SurfAir provided roundtrip convenience. Or, you could enjoy life in a $6,550 “safari” tent (for two) that includes concierge service [whatever that means]. The paparazzi are there to catch photos of ‘whatever’ as long as ‘whomever’ is in frame. Some celebrities try to go incognito—some celebrities bring stylists along for preparing their Coachella wardrobes/styles that will be watched and copied as new ‘trends’. [Doing both when the paparazzi are nearby is the new PR gimmick.] Clothing companies are promoting their lines and their brands. Crocheted tops, layered long skirts, and floppy sun hats are perfect for the 100º degree weather and seemed to abound. It is clear that this has become America’s most glamorous Music Festival and a “must be seen” destination for Young Hollywood.

Sounds like next year’s “…sooo last year” to me!

Old School/New School

Jackknifed trucks, downed motorcycles, and the normal Friday get-away traffic were relatively painless for me since my Son was driving the family van with GPS traffic apps that he actually knows how to use, 4+ freeway lanes our way, and a rolling Cineplex showing Disney movies to the most precious human cargo—the little ones. While he was sweating the details of idiot drivers, alternate routes, and fuel consumption, I stopped video watching long enough to produce a great charcuterie: bacon wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates matched with French cheese (Delice de Bourgogne) on Finn crisp, which I passed front from the back seat. Except for the children wondering what the ‘funny smell’ was, the trip was quite pleasant even with a GPS suggested detour through Chino. The Chino jaunt took us along surface roads lined with prisons on one side and cattle grazing behind their enclosures on the other side.

Was that smell cheese or Chino?? Or, were we just getting close to Coachella???

Splash Down

Jumping into a cool swimming pool at your destination is a nice punctuation point to a pleasant trip. I so enjoy breathing in the lovely desert air—it feels so fresh and ‘light’. Turning down the RPMs for several days makes the ‘voyage’ worthwhile.

I so enjoy breathing in the lovely desert air—it feels so fresh and ‘light’.

The Springs in Spring

An Easter family reunion with my younger generations happened at The Springs in Palm Desert this Spring. I was the only Boomer around and did my best not to spoil everyone else’s fun with ‘been there/done that’ stories. Though I was daydreaming of the past… Flower Power rock concerts attended in the ‘60s and ‘70s: Jimi Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, the Rolling Stones, Glenn Yarborough, Sonny and Cher; in the ‘80s: Oingo Boingo, Poison, the Rolling Stones… .

Spring is the perfect time to make a drive to the desert, or anywhere out of LA. Spring flowers abound. That is what Spring is all about.

The wildflowers put on quite a show. Here, in our City of Angels, orange poppies (the California State Flower) are popping out of cracks in the sidewalk, as well as, exploding on the sides of the freeways. Even with California’s serious drought (and alleged lack of Seasons), Spring is here –and the flowers prove it!

Of Poppies and Flower Power…

Marimekko’s Unikko celebrates its 50^th Anniversary.

Maija Isola’s iconic Unikko (poppy) print pattern dates to 1964. This year is a big celebration.

Maija Isola’s iconic Unikko (poppy) print pattern dates to 1964. This year is a big celebration.

Probably every Finn has some item with the Unikko pattern. Sometimes you cannot stop creative impetus—or “Flower Power”. Apparently Armi Ratia (the founder of Marimekko in 1951) was adamant that there would never be a “floral” pattern in the Marimekko line. Somehow, Maija Isola’s creative spirit won out –and, look where we are now!

I ran into Tuula Markkanen, wife of the Finnish Consul General in Los Angeles carrying (wait for it…wait for it) a Unikko bag, of course!!

Morning coffee comes from a Unikko tin and is drunk from a Unikko cup set on a Unikko tablecloth poured from a Unikko pot held by a Unikko potholder before the day starts but after drying off from our shower with a Unikko towel which we store in a Unikko bag along with our cell phone in a Unikko pouch, next to our Unikko notebook, Unikko cosmetic bag, and Unikko eyeglass holder. Whew!! I am out of breath and worn out—and that was just the first minutes of a Unikko day.

Apparently Armi Ratia (the founder of Marimekko in 1951) was adamant that there would never be a “floral” pattern in the Marimekko line. Somehow, Maija Isola’s creative spirit won out –and, look where we are now!

As I was contemplating all of this glamorous history and composing the ‘clever’ construct, I went to the Post Office on Sunset and Barrington. I ran into Tuula Markkanen, wife of the Finnish Consul General in Los Angeles carrying (wait for it…wait for it) a Unikko bag, of course!!

Consul General Markkanen had the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board for a business breakfast meeting at the Consular Residence recently. We were all inspired and delighted with the lovely Spring table that was set with the pink and green Unikko tablecloth. Darn, I had the exact pattern in matching clogs I could have worn for the occasion! There I was in my new Marimekko Converse ‘high tops’ that matched my outfit. I doubt that the Consul General noticed, however.

Darn, I had the exact pattern in matching clogs I could have worn for the occasion!

So, Unikko is ubiquitous. Don’t you find a smile on your face and feel a twinge of Finnish delight when you get a glimpse of that pattern while out and about anywhere in the world? Someone else loves Finland too—whether they know it or not.

A Marimekko Flower Child Hosts A Global Cultural Event

My Berkeley classmate of ‘then’, Joanne Jackson (famous woman LA architect, ultimate Finnophile, and Marimekko fan) hosted an event featuring international scholar, Kalpana Sharma. Ms. Sharma was in LA by special invitation to speak elsewhere on her decades of writing about women’s issues in South Asia.

My Berkeley classmate of ‘then’, Joanne Jackson (famous woman LA architect, ultimate Finnophile, and Marimekko fan) hosted an event featuring international scholar, Kalpana Sharma.

Joanne’s home is her own beautiful architectural creation with an awesome view and a most interesting visual perspective of LA. That magnificent setting was the scene of the event. Joanne’s assembled friends responded with interest and enthusiasm to Professor Sharma’s presentation. Her research and her vast experience as a reporter, columnist, and author of four books made for an informative session that offered perspective on current day India and its upcoming elections. Ms. Sharma’s lifelong pursuit has been to advance the rights of India’s 500+ million women in a fast-changing society. This world we live in is fascinating, indeed.

LA can be such fun and so stimulating. Spending an evening in a beautiful home as the guest of the person who conceived and executed that beauty would be a great time for most anyone. Add in interesting guests such as, for example, Freida Mock [an Oscar winning filmmaker, producer/screenwriter and co-founder of the American Film Foundation whose documentary on Anita Hill has just been in theaters] and other comparable talents who listen to, consider the work and thoughts of, and pose questions to a UC Berkeley Visiting [from India] Professor from their own perspective and you have to go home thinking: Wow, that was fascinating—can we do this again next week?

pending an evening in a beautiful home as the guest of the person who conceived and executed that beauty would be a great time for most anyone.

While I do not have the capacity to synthesize the evening’s dialogues, unequivocally I can say accept any such invitation you receive. When the focus issue(s) is outside of your expertise, competence, or comfort zone, there is even more reason to be there. I think we all benefit from an occasional reminder of how connected we all are globally –with our cultures and with the issues we face. Our solutions are often disparate because our histories, cultures, and processes are disparate. If we learn nothing else, we learn how important it is to be informed and to stay engaged.

What a wonderful, stimulating life we can live right here in Los Angeles!

THINGS TO PONDER CATEGORY

…who took the first bite of a lobster or a crayfish—and why?

Did you ever wonder how the very first person decided ‘something’ was edible? For example, who took the first bite of a lobster or a crayfish—and why? Dead, they become slimy and they smell. Live, they are really hard, difficult to handle, and they bite back—really hard.

An Edible California Flower: The Artichoke

The same goes for the California artichoke. Some who encounter this ‘armored flower’ for the first time (even now) wonder what to do with it.

Some who encounter this ‘armored flower’ for the first time (even now) wonder what to do with it.

When my family first moved to the Bay Area in Northern California as immigrants, some local people took us to Castroville, the “Artichoke Capital of the World”. There we saw field upon field of tall bushes with strange looking green, spiky flowers. As a kid from Finland, I did not ‘get’ what all the excitement was about. Confusion reigned when ‘they’ talked about eating these strange ‘things’. Then, when I was instructed that to eat one, you had to painstakingly remove each leaf individually and ‘scrape’ the bottom off with your teeth! After all that hard work, you got to the inedible center with a dry, scratchy, hairy thistle inside that needed two handed surgery to remove. [Not exactly a kid-friendly ‘happy meal’ prospect to this then 7 year old!] It took several years before I warmed up to artichokes but, since then, I am fascinated by them. Playing with artichokes can be rewarding if done properly.

When my family first moved to the Bay Area in Northern California as immigrants, some local people took us to Castroville, the “Artichoke Capital of the World”.

When Springtime comes (and the ‘flower’ prices drop) cooking, serving, and eating artichokes is actually a treat. Artichokes are a special California ‘delicacy’ that I often prepare for my Finnish visitors who stop in when they are exploring California. [Yes, that delicacy descriptor is used intentionally, but cautiously!]

When Springtime comes (and the ‘flower’ prices drop) cooking, serving, and eating artichokes is actually a treat.

Once you know how to handle artichokes, there are some fun ways to serve them. Begin with my secret to perfect artichokes: just boil the heck out of them! The rest is easy—and tasty.

Ava’s Way To Play With Artichokes

(aka: ‘Artichokes For Dummies’)

Preparing Artichokes for Boiling:

Pull off the little leaves on the stem and discard

Cut off the stem (optional—keep stem if you are going to cut into quarters)

Cut ¼ of top off of artichoke with a serrated knife.

Trim tips (if desired) of the bottom leaf layers with a scissors
(This will keep the tip thorn from ‘biting’ the leaf remover during dining.)

Put the artichokes in pot with water enough to cover

Add a sprinkle of garlic salt and the ‘squeeze’ of half a lemon

Cover and boil for 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size

Artichokes are done when a skewer or toothpick (poked in the ‘bottom’) meets no resistance and/or a leaf pulls off easily

Remove each choke from the water and cool upside down so the water can drain

If serving hot, keep covered with foil until serving time. Serve individual artichokes with melted or browned butter (bagna cauda is also nice). This makes a nice first course. [Be sure to have a ‘used’ leaf collector dish (known in Finland as a risteiliä) available for the debris.]

For an appetizer [as featured in the photos on the yellow platter], place one artichoke on a serving plate and spread out the outer leaves gently. Remove and discard the light- colored leaves. A hairy hockey puck-like ‘choke’ is left.

Remove the remaining hairy center of the choke by pulling or cutting carefully with paring knife.

Remove any ‘fuzz’ gently with a spoon. Put a container of your favorite homemade dip near or even in the artichoke bottom. [Tell your novice guests that to eat an artichoke you put dip on the bottom of the leaf (wide end) and pull that bottom section of the leaf (inside down) over your bottom teeth to scrape off the dip and ‘meat’ –discard the leaf and repeat as desired.]

The artichoke “money-piece” is the remainder round bottom left after the leaves have been cleared. Many consider this their reward for all of the work. The heart can be cut into small pieces to be eaten with a fork and knife by itself or to enjoy the dip remaining.

Some Recommended Artichoke Dips

Mayonnaise, plain

Mayonnaise, with curry powder

Mayonnaise, with cumin

Mayonnaise, with lemon juice (add dill for a Finnish touch)

Note: In a future column I will share my fabulous, but easy artichoke

tree centerpiece I have been making for years. It will be a fun project !

Vappu Party

LA Realtor Maria Rowe –a new addition to the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board, hosted a Vappu party on May 1 as is Finnish tradition. Consul General and Mrs. Markkanen joined FACC Board members, new and old, for the festivities, the refreshments, and the good company of fellow Finns. Fun was had by all!

LA Realtor Maria Rowe –a new addition to the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board, hosted a Vappu party on May 1 as is Finnish tradition.

It had been a long time since the FACC had a Vappu party. This year’s celebration brought back memories of what had become an annual tradition of fun Finn times: Vappu at Greta Peck’s home, the California Yacht club, and even one at my home that was dubbed “Silli de Mayo” because the celebration day fell between May 1 and May 5 (Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican holiday celebrated enthusiastically by all in LA). No, don’t worry, we did not serve herring tacos!

Those FACC Vappu parties were lots of fun. We had homemade sima, makkara, song sheets, and a great sing-along!!

Thanks to Maria for ‘raking the coals’ and breathing some oxygen onto the embers of the memories. Hopefully, the flames will burn brightly again in future years.

Pacific Council on International Policy

Proving that it takes stamina and a facile mind to thrive as a Diplomat in Los Angeles, Consul General Markkanen quickly shifted gears and led a delegation of local Finnish leaders to a major international policy event in downtown LA the very next day.

The exclusive California Club was a proper setting for what was billed as “A Conversation with The Honorable José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission”. Barroso, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, who is serving his second consecutive term as President of the European Commission, spoke on TRANSATLANTIC TIES THAT BIND: Deepening EU-US Cooperation. The Honorable Mickey Kantor, a former member of President Clinton’s cabinet as Secretary of Commerce, introduced the guest speaker and former United States Ambassador to Finland and to the European Union Rockwell Schnabel moderated the program’s lively question and answer session regarding the current European situation. The large audience was populated by thought leaders and super stars from many local and worldwide endeavors. With the Russian bear licking his chops in Eastern Europe, the titled Cooperation has major consequences for our Worlds. Of course, the local Diplomatic Corps was out en force.

Driving home after such a thought provoking and informative event, I had a moment of flashback to a similar occasion 11 years ago when, as President of the Council of European American Chambers of Commerce, I had the honor to welcome then President of the EU Commission in Washington, Dr. Guenther Burghardt to an event we sponsored with the venerable Los Angeles World Affairs Council. That was at the time the EU was beginning its rapid expansion and Dr. Burghardt’s presentation EU Enlargement: Confronting New Unknowns anticipated some of the possibilities that are today’s realities!

In the interceding decade, the Europe Union has blossomed; it has bloomed, evolved, matured, and survived a multitude of problems and issues. Some were anticipated, some were not. Some were easy, most were not. Going forward will certainly not be challenge free. Where the opportunity occurs to be witness to the movers and shakers as they anticipate problems and grapple with solutions, be there! Connect the ‘dots’ between what you hear and what happens—it is fascinating. And, know that the people who build the ‘roads’ from here to tomorrow are worthy warriors who often work out some of their most difficult challenges just so they are prepared to answer the questions they are afraid some member of their audience may ask!

I remember vividly having breakfast with former President of Finland, Tarja Halonen when she was Finland’s Foreign Minister and was in Los Angeles for a major policy speech to the World Affairs Council. Our small morning ‘coffee clatch’ gave her the opportunity to try out responses to important questions involving Finland’s position on joining the EU and adopting the Euro. Of course, she was exceptionally well prepared before she left Helsinki—after all, she was a major player in the formation of those positions. Still, her response to one of our intimate group’s questions about the pending NATO participation requirement for full EU membership was telling. First, she took a slow, deep breath and smiled. After a pause and a fleeting glance at the ceiling, Minister Halonen bought time by declaring the question to be interesting, important, and difficult—given Finland’s vaunted Neutrality. Without hesitation, but with clear indication that she was thinking of her answer as she was giving it, she smiled broadly and turned off any need for follow-ups with her answer. A few hours later, after her fine speech to hundreds of ‘movers and shakers’ at the World Affairs Council luncheon, the same question was asked by an audience member. Again without hesitation but with clarity of conviction and a twinkle in her eye, the future President of Finland, Halonen gave exactly the same answer she had formulated around the breakfast table—with exactly the same results! Her breakfast audience had smiled approvingly—her luncheon audience roared with applause! Just another fun day in LA.

Living in one of the world’s greatest cities, our own City of Angels, we are fortunate to draw such distinguished leaders to our stage for important discussions. I cannot help but feel that seeds are planted at these occasions. I have been present in the past as the ground was cleared and cultivated, the seeds planted and nurtured, and life cycles evolved into fine, if not perfect, products. As complicated as the world is today, the process really does work over time! So, while Juha (J.P.) Markkanen as Consul General has stated that foreign policy in not on his agenda, he has reaffirmed in his goals and theme of “cooperation”. By fostering Finland’s active participation in events such as the Pacific Council on International Policy program building US and EU ties and by sustaining the relationships with highly visible friends of Finland such as Ambassador Schnabel, the Consul General practices a most effective form of foreign policy. This Spring’s cultivation and seed planting is bound to ‘blossom’ ahead. May a thousand Finnish flowers bloom from each seed planted here in LA!

I admire the ‘sowing’ effort, will help with the watering, and, hopefully, will be around to enjoy the blue and white blooms!!!

Stay tuned. More beautiful things will happen.

End Note

Southern California is a fabulous and fun place to be any time of year. Occasionally really stimulating things happen here, if you know where. Seek them out. Your scribe has lived, raised my family, and worked in Los Angeles for a lot of years. Sharing the good, the bad, and the fabulous/ugly is what AROUND LA WITH AVA® seeks to do. All things Finnish are celebrated just ‘because’.

ALWA topics are catholic—work, play, sight-seeing/sightings, local ‘hang-outs’, public/social service, travel, faith, food, people, LA/desert life, fun, events past and pending, history, politics, the future of the world…whatever. Whether you are an intellectual, a celebrity or just one of us; a diplomat, a visitor or just one of us; a ‘mover’ or just one of us ‘shakers’; a planter or just one of us pickers welcome to AROUND LA WITH AVA®. We applaud those who plough, plant, water, weed, and harvest ideas and actions that make our world a better place. Grow where you are planted. Keep on keeping on—but, do stop to smell the Unikko! Better yet, take a sniff and carry the stem to the next person who invites you to a session where new ideas are explored!

Sharing the good, the bad, and the fabulous/ugly is what AROUND LA WITH AVA® seeks to do.

May 4th, 2014

thinkkanen

REPORTER : TOMI HINKKANEN – SAN DIEGO

Last week 73 inventors from around the world – including Finland – gathered at the annual Response Expo trade fair held at the Bayfront Hilton in San Diego to present their products to the marketing people. They hoped to get their innovations to the consumer market. Only one out of ten ideas succeeds.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office receives over half a million patent applications a year. Approximately 300,000 are accepted.

Dephillia McClenon invented the toothbrush holder.

Larry Moad invented the T-Bone Luggage Handle Extension – a suitcase handle extender.

-Many of the handles for carry-on luggage are short enough to cause lower back pain. Also, you have to turn your wrist around, so that your wrist is facing forward, which is not an ergonomic position. It can create muscle fatigue, carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc.

Inventer Larry Moad and his Larry Moad and his T-Bone Luggage Handle Extension

Inventor Larry Moad and his Larry Moad and his T-Bone Luggage Handle Extension

With his handle the bag is pulled like a garden hose. The idea came to him at an airport cafe.

-I was between flights. I had lower back pain, because I had walked this long concourse with my bag. I was in a café and watching all the people walk by. One guy who stood as tall as I, had a bag similar to mine with wheels. He was carrying it under his arm like a briefcase. I thought he is having the same problem as I. They just don’t make those handles long enough, I thought. Then I looked over to the cash line. There was an older woman who was waiting for her sandwich. Her handle was extended, but she was rubbing her forearm like she has discomfort from pulling her bag, the inventor recalls.

There and then Larry outlined the first draft of his invention on a napkin, then chopped it into pieces and put the cutting in two trash cans – just in case.

-I got home, went to the closet, took out a wire hanger, pliers, tin foil, McGuyvered up my first T-Bone. I still have it.

Then the real work began. Over time he designed and finessed the handle, applied for a U.S. patent and hired an engineer to do a three-dimensional CAD drawing of it. That was used to make the mold and out of the mold the actual handles were produced at a workshop in Mission Viejo, California. The process took eight long years and tens of thousands of dollars.

-I have 950 T-Bones in the garage ready to go. Last year I sold 80 and this year 30 handles at a price of $16.95 a piece, Larry says.

He rented a table at the fair with $300 in hopes of finding a niche on the handle. He got lots of media publicity – like an appearance of the local Fox affiliate morning show.

Telebrands founder and CEO A.J. Khubami invented the slogan ” As seen on TV.”

Over the last 30 years Telebrands has sold hundreds of millions worth of products in a hundred countries around the world. They are impulse purchases, goods which the consumer does not even know they needed, such as the collapsing garden hoses and a three-legged walking canes. At the end of each Telebrands commercial the consumer is asked to call a phone number or to order the item online. This selling method is called direct response advertising.

A.J. Khubani founded Telebrands right after college in 1983. The company finds innovative products, manufactures, markets and distributes them in 100 countries world wide. Some of the recent Telebrands successes include the Trusty Cane and the Pocket Hose.

-People who have an invention can submit to . We have a staff of people who go through all the ideas, A.J. Khubani tells.

He is a dark-haired man with an air of a high-powered CEO.

-If we like anything, we offer them a license agreement. It’s like a book deal for an author. The inventor is like the author and we are the publisher. We never ask the inventor any money at all. We invest all the money. If the product is successful, we pay them a royalty. A.J. explains.

Only a few of the ideas will sell.

– I would say that 10 per cent of them have a chance, AJ knows.

Mercury Media CEO Dan Danielson examines Larry Moad’s T-Bone Luggage Extension Handle.

At any given time one can see 30 to 40 marketing company Mercury Media’s infomercials play on TV channels across America. The company is based in Santa Monica, CA with offices in Philadelphia, Chicago, New York and Boston

-We do media placement with direct response commercials and infomercials on TV. We get a lot of inventors knocking on our door – we probably talk to an inventor once a week, Mercury Media CEO Dan Danielson says.

His company builds an advertising campaign around the product.

-Some inventors have money, some don’t. So, we help them either to find money or with the resources we have, use their money wisely, create an infomercial, figure out what TV station to put it on, work with the telemarketers, credit card processing, creating a website and all the digital marketing that goes on as well.

Danielson’s main job is to decide whether an invention has commercial potential.

-That’s the biggest decision we have to make. It’s a very expensive business to get into. So, if it’s not a product that is suited for TV, we tell them to go do print, radio, internet, multi-level marketing. We direct them to another channel of marketing, if it doesn’t meet the basic criteria of TV.

In order to meet the demands of TV, the product must answer “yes” to the following questions:

-Does the product appeal to a mass audience?

-Does it have a good enough cost –selling margin?

-Has there been success in that genre?

If a product retails for $30 or less, Danielson will sell it with a 1-2 minute TV commercial. If it’s more expensive than that, a half an hour infomercial is required. A commercial costs $100,000 and an infomercial $200,000 to make.

The Multi-Function Glove is for people, such as open market vendors, who want to be able to write down anything quickly. It combines a glove, a pen and a notepad.

Director Jessica Delich from the United Inventors Association advises inventors to do their homework before investing their life savings to the invention.

– Make a Google Patents search to find out if someone else has already come up with the same product. Patent the invention. Do not fall in love with your idea, but ask people what would you change to make it even better. And do not ask for it from your mother, who thinks that everything you touch is as good as sliced bread.

-A good invention has to solve a problem that a lot of people have – a common problem. So, that when you are running media on it, people relate to it immediately.

Inventors should check the United Inventors Association website www.uiausa.org for useful tips.

The Fly Swoop - captures flies without killing them. Once you vae caught them, you can release them back to the great outdoors.

The Fly Swoop – captures flies without killing them. Once you have caught them, you can release them back to the great outdoors.

And now to those other inventions.

Raymond Thomas’ Trunk Savior enables you to hang grocery bags neatly in your car trunk.

Raymond Thomas from New Jersey was trying to sell his invention, the Trunk Savior – a rack to hang your shopping bags in the car trunk. The idea came to him from his own life.

-My wife and I do fresh juicing – vegetables, fruits. They come in a lot of shopping bags. I have a sedan. When we put it in the trunk, by the time we get home, the potatoes and watermelons are all over the place, so you have to dive in the trunk to get them, Raymond explains.

The Trunk Savior installs in the ceiling of your trunk. The hooks bend behind as not to obstruct the trunk space.

Kathryne Walker’s ComfyTape helps women with high heels.

Kathryne Walker invented ComfyTape – an adhesive plastic strip that gets rid of the rubbing shoe pain.

-With my product you can wear your shoes and be comfortable all day. Bandaid is our worst competitor but it only works on the friction part and doesn’t take away the pain. Comfytape is clear and reusable – you get 4-8 uses out of it. It also works on different parts of the foot, Kathryne tells.

Hanger Station promises to keep your clothes on the door and off the floor.

-It’s for or wet, just ironed clothes, or when you are staging an outfit or packing or don’t have a closet. The product is a strip of plastic. Each strip holds 8 articles of clothing. You take off the adhesive tape and stick the strip over your door and you can hang hangers, inventor Mike Owens clarifies.

Wine maker Stephen Sublett from the British Columbia came up with the Ultimate Box Clip. The little plastic clips easily seal and subsequently open any cardboard box.

-One day I was bottling my wine at home and wanted to close the cardboard flaps. I got frustrated tugging the corners in and thought there’s gotta be a better solution. I pondered it for 15 minutes and came up with a simple design.

Christine Charpentier from the bayous of Louisiana became an inventor out of necessity.

-I have a daughter who got poison in her baby milk when she was five months old. She is 35 now. I still have a 160,000 dollar hospital bill left. I’ve been paying it off 100 dollars a month for all these years, Christine reveals.

She invented Microwave Pot Holders – cotton mittens that you can heat your microwave food without burning them. The secret is the material in between the layers, which Christine won’t reveal. She sells them for $20. That gets you a assortment of three pot holders in different sizes.

Andrew Yaros of Solana Beach, CA pitches Trio, his all-in-one toilet paper and personal hygiene wipes system.

Andrew Yaros’ Trio is a combination of two bathroom fixtures. He is looking to get a retail licensing deal for his brainchild.

-It’s a toilet paper and disposable wipe dispenser. You put it in a regular toilet paper mount, Andrew explains.

However, you can’t just use any old wipes – only three companies make biodegradable wipes that you can flush down the toilet, one of them being the Finnish Suominen Company, whose wipes Yaros uses in his dispenser.

Ryo Masukawa presents CordRite – different size sleeves to organize cords.

Ryo Masukawa introduced the CordRite – a sleeve to keep all your electric cords in order.

-I was looking at the mess of my cords. I wanted to make it safer for people so that they don’t trip over cords.

CordRite offers different size sleeves for different size cords. They proved to be useful and easy to install in test use. The product is available at Amazon.

Lunch Sense neatly packs your lunch in a small bag.

Many inventors have tinkered with kitchen items. Lunch Sense organizes food items in plastic boxes that fit neatly in a cube-shaped box. Lid Gripper is a tool to open tight lids.

Handle It – provides a quick to install handle to any bottle.

Handle It provides an easy-to-pour handle to any plastic bottle. Calendar Sponge relies on the idea that the sponge is the dirtiest thing in your kitchen and nobody knows when to change it. Experts agree it should be changed every month, so the way to know when to change it is to write the name of each month to the side of the sponge. Thus a 12-pack covers your full year.

Norman Strohdach and the Cats of Thrones

Norman Strohdach’s eureka moment was to invent Cats of Thrones – a $75 system to train your can to use a human toilet.

-It teaches a cat how to use a toilet in an average of 3-5 weeks. You start with a full litter box and gradually train the cat in the six step system. In the final stage you only have a seat for the cat – a small platform without sand, you don’t share the seat with the cat. We tested this on 1300 cats and we have 100% success rate, Norman beams.

Antti Leppäkorpi introduced his Stem Maid weed guard. You place it around a newly planted tree to prevent weeds from growing around it.

Antti Leppäkorpi introduced his StemMate weed guard. You place it around a newly planted tree to prevent weeds from growing around it.

Antti Leppäkorpi from Jyväskylä, Finland traveled all the way to San Diego to try to distribute his invention, the StemMate weed guard to the American market.

-StemMate prevents the growth of weeds or grass on the base of the tree. When you plant a tree, you put StemMate around the tree. When the tree grows, it will grow along with it and finally breaks down. It does not kill the tree, Antti says.

The product has been tested in cold and snowy Finnish winters. Antti is selling the StemMate for $20 a piece. You can order yours by writing to:

April 24th, 2014

thinkkanen

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2014: ADVANCE VOTING IN THE UNITED STATES

The European Parliamentary Elections will be held in Finland on May 25, 2014. The advance voting is arranged abroad between May 14 and May 17 2014, the exact dates vary in different polling stations.

Entitled to vote in the European Parliamentary Elections in Finland is:

Every Finnish citizen who will reach the age of 18 by May 25, 2014.
Every citizen of another Member State of the European Union, who will reach the age of 18 by May 25, 2014 and whose municipality of residence is in Finland.

Voters are required to present valid photo identification to the election officer. It is recommended to bring along the notice of the right to vote, but that is not a prerequisite.

Information about the advance polling stations in Finland and abroad and their opening hours are published at the elections website of the Ministry of Justice, www.vaalit.fi, and on www.finland.org website. More information about the elections can be obtained also from the Embassy in Washington (+1-202-298-5800), the Consulate General in New York (+1-212-750-4400) or the Consulate General in Los Angeles (+1 -310-203-9903).

The following advance polling stations will be open in the United States:

Washington D.C., Embassy of Finland

3301 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel. +1-202-298 5800
Open:
May 14-16, 2014 4pm-7pm
May 17, 2014 10am-2pm

________________________________________

New York, Consulate General of Finland

866 United Nations Plaza, suite 250
New York, NY 10016
Tel. +1-212-750 4400
Open:
May 14-16, 2014 1pm-7pm
May 17, 2014 10am-3pm

________________________________________

Los Angeles, Consulate General of Finland

Consulate General of Finland
11900 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 580
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tel. +1-310-203 9903
Open:
May 14-15, 2014 12.30pm-3pm
May 16-17, 2014 10am-1pm

________________________________________

Denver (Highlands Ranch), Honorary Consulate

10197 S Stephen Place
Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Tel. +1 303 3462502
Open:
May 16, 2014 5pm-8pm
May 17, 2014 9am-1pm

________________________________________

Ferndale, Polling station

(WECU) Whatcom Education Credit Union
5659 Barrett Rd
Ferndale WA 98248
Tel. +1 360 961 4000
Open:
May 17, 2014 9am-2pm

________________________________________

Honolulu, Honorary Consulate

Chateau Waikiki
411 Hobron Lane
(5th floor party room)
Honolulu, HI 96815
(door code ##352)
Tel. +1 808 943 2640
Open:
May 14, 2014 9am-1pm

________________________________________

Lake Worth, Honorary Consulate

523 Lake Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33460
Tel. +1-561-582 2335
Open:
May 14-16, 2014 10am-5pm
May 17, 2014 10am-3pm

________________________________________

Portland, Polling station

Finlandia Sauna Products Inc.
14010-B SW72nd Avenue
Portland, OR, 97224-0088
Tel. +1 503 684 8289
Open:
May 16, 2014 12pm-8pm
May 17, 2014 9am-3pm

________________________________________

San Diego, Polling station

House of Finland
2212 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel. +1 619 993 4436
Open:
May 17, 2014 9am-1pm

________________________________________

Seattle, Polling station

Living Hope Lutheran Church
Finnish School of Seattle
7305 208th Avenue Northeast
Redmond, WA 98053
Tel. +1 425 885 7320
Open:
May 17, 2014 9am-4pm

April 14th, 2014

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: CREATIVITY

The creative process is fascinating.

Who knows when and how that moment of vision clarity will trigger an avalanche of inspiration that translates into greatness and the sublime satisfaction of an idea fully, properly developed.

Is it a single vision, or is it a glimpse that launches a domino effect? Is it a thought, a sound, or a smell that starts the process—perhaps a memory?

While some have used the ‘thunderbolt’ as a symbolic ‘striker’, I have always associated ‘quiet’—peace as a prerequisite, with the creative process. Imaginative responses may be triggered by attack or impending doom, but grand ideas of consequence require contemplation.

Stress, interruptions, and ‘noise’ block creativity.

Los Angeles Unleashed

In our dear City of Angels, we are truly at the center of a creative universe—and have been for a long time. Visionaries and creatives have come here with their dreams, their talent, and their imagination. Some have found success—and their alter egos continue to come. Here, good ideas are welcomed from any source and the ‘creators’ are rewarded handsomely!!

LA has long been the ‘pot of gold’ for talent—and currently is the ‘gold standard’ for the arts, research, medicine, music, writers, entertainment, high tech industry, and anything fun.

LA has long been the ‘pot of gold’ for talent—and currently is the ‘gold standard’ for the arts, research, medicine, music, writers, entertainment, high tech industry, and anything fun. We have the most awesome temples of artistic greatness [Disney Hall and the Getty Center, to name just a few] and you can find the working locations of literary and artistic greatness in some of the lowliest and unassuming places imaginable [e.g., not too long ago my son got excited when he accidently found the ‘signed’, historic Bukowski house in a back alley – he was looking for a parking place on his way to see his Mummi in her (then) nursing home].

OK! New York, Chicago, and a few other places have edifices and back alleys too. But, our ‘gold’ includes the pleasant warmth of sunshine in the winter and the cooling Pacific breezes in the summer!

Peace, Quiet, … and Warmth

I think often of the Creative Finns who are here doing wonderful things, expressing their genius by creating art, music, theater, film, games, and the like. Things are so different here on the other side of the world. There are cultural differences that can cause loneliness, confusion, and homesickness even though adults are not supposed to admit to that. There is traffic, daylight, and the other irritations of everyday life in this new environment. It is easy to feel like “…a stranger in a strange land”.

Some may attribute Finland’s success to a refined and homogeneous gene pool. Some may even suggest that the harshness of the long winter’s nights and the utter boredom entailed lead to the ‘Angry’ Birds and the macabre Finnish films that enter Hollywood film award derbies.

The World recognizes and celebrates Finnish creativity: art, architecture, music, textiles, education, science, technology, furniture, genetics, and, now, gaming. Some may attribute Finland’s success to a refined and homogeneous gene pool. Some may even suggest that the harshness of the long winter’s nights and the utter boredom entailed lead to the ‘Angry’ Birds and the macabre Finnish films that enter Hollywood film award derbies. Still others who have worn a Marimekko garment or who have watched Esa- Pekka Salonen conduct know that there must be some ‘sunshine and blue sky’ in that great land up north!

Still others who have worn a Marimekko garment or who have watched Esa- Pekka Salonen conduct know that there must be some ‘sunshine and blue sky’ in that great land up north!

“In the still of the night…” the creative juices can flow. With peace and quiet—and time to contemplate, the mind can examine the familiar anew. That, to me, is the genesis of the great Finnish creativity.

Go ‘Home’ Without Leaving Town

Sometimes when you are away, just a little slice reminiscent of home may cheer you up. A few scraps of ‘nothing’ or a familiar scent may provide the alchemy needed to reassure you that you have brought the best of your old world with you to this strange new land.

Sometimes when you are away, just a little slice reminiscent of home may cheer you up.

May I suggest making a loaf of bread.

Making a loaf of bread may not be a Golden Globe production or a Grammy worthy composition, but it does take beginning with a few scraps of nothing and following a simple path to a successful end result that is so satisfying. So what if your creation is not an Oscar winning film, a NY Times bestselling novel, a Pulitzer prize winning Internet column, or a quirky game that spies for the NSA and makes you a ‘kazillionaire’ to boot. You will have created something from nothing (well almost, except a few easily available ingredients). And, your creation will look good, smell like ‘home’, taste great, and make lots of friends –if you choose to share!

May I suggest making a loaf of bread (Ava Anttila making Finnish sourdough rye bread for her father at Christmas)

So, by golly, when you are feeling down, when those crazy outside influences are setting up ‘road blocks’ to your success, or when you are just waiting for ‘things’ to come together, take a ‘time out’ and bake a loaf of rye bread! The bread-making process from beginning to end is great therapy.

The Zen of Motorcycle Maintenance

A simple act such as bread baking can unleash ‘writers’ block’ by providing a sense of accomplishment, a moment of joy, a diversion. Then, the taste of comfort (even if not the perfect re-creation of your Grandmother’s Finnish rye bread) can transport one’s memory and mind to another place. In my experience, the simple, seemingly insignificant everyday act or chore of yore can bring you a sense of transcendence.

A wonderful book I so enjoyed in the ‘70s, The Zen of Motorcycle Maintenance (by Robert M. Pirsig) often comes to mind. You guessed it: the book was not about Zen Buddhism as a religion or accurate factoids about motorcycle parts per se. And, yes, I was at Berkeley ‘then’, but the ‘take-away’ from the book was the transcendence that a simple task can bring. [“Give us this day our daily bread…” has always meant someone had to bake it first—no supermarkets in Judea!] Isn’t it better to feel our spirituality in everyday tasks rather than feeling them as drudgery? This is about the “arki” everyday, i.e., finding your Finnish spirit in a simple act that is performed with such committed focus that the transformative power of the ordinary task provides you with the depth, vision, and clarity that sets you free.

“…Love The One You’re With”

Love The One You’re With [“When you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with…”] was a popular song by Crosby, Stills, and Nash decades ago (the ‘70s again). Before using the lyrics to make my point, I decided I had better look up the actual words just in case [I know someone will hit the Net or someone else will have a better memory than I].

Love The One You’re With [“When you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with…”] was a popular song by Crosby, Stills, and Nash decades ago (the ‘70s again).

Oops!! Good check. It looks like the songwriter was talking more about sexual relationships and not what my innocent Pollyanna brain was telling me at that innocent time in my life.

Soooo:

Bloom Where You Are Planted

I certainly would not want anyone to feel that I advocate infidelity—nor do I want to be listed as “Also Named” in a “dissolution” action or a “Marvin” suit.

The phrase “Bloom Where You Are Planted” has always been a favorite, life affirming theme of mine. There is greater clarity of meaning, as well. The point I wish to make is: make the best of any situation in which you find yourself—make your life beautiful in the ‘world’ in which you are, wherever you are, or in whatever the circumstance you find yourself! [There is some Finnish Sisu in there too, I think.]

Whose taste buds do not remember salmiakki, Fazer chocolate, pulla, Karjalan Piirakkas, homemade licorice, or Alder smoked salmon the way they were/are in the old country?

We Finns are perfectionists; we have high standards for ourselves and for each other; and we are not known for compromising. We like things just as we remember them. Whose taste buds do not remember salmiakki, Fazer chocolate, pulla, Karjalan Piirakkas, homemade licorice, or Alder smoked salmon the way they were/are in the old country?

Our minds celebrate the magnificent Finnish products and their flavors as we remember them. If we are lucky, our taste recollections are enhanced by the memory of the sights, sounds, and aromas that were created along with the ‘goodies’ we cherish! Some ‘hard core’ Finns –like my Dad, seek out sources where favorites can be ordered by Net, call, or mail. Of course, it is always nice when dear family and friends understand our ‘cravings’ and lovingly bring an object of our desire (some Reissumies, a loaf of Oululainen—or whatever) when they visit. Such simple gifts assure warm hospitality and fond memories of their visit! Eikö niin?

Of course, it is always nice when dear family and friends understand our ‘cravings’ and lovingly bring an object of our desire (some Reissumies, a loaf of Oululainen—or whatever) when they visit. Such simple gifts assure warm hospitality and fond memories of their visit! Eikö niin?

Bread

Finnish bread is known to be the healthiest and best in the world. That is a Truth you already know. But, I will try to tell you some things you may not know—and show you something you can do that you did not know you could do!

Finnish sourdough rye bread is a cult onto its own. Most of us who learned to bake (or even eat) Finnish Sourdough Rye Bread [FSRB] are fanatics.

Finnish sourdough rye bread is a cult onto its own. Most of us who learned to bake (or even eat) Finnish Sourdough Rye Bread [FSRB] are fanatics. To the purists, “hapanlimppu” (FSRB) defines our homeland. It must be made with no other flour than rye flour. The leavening must be a sourdough “starter”, not yeast. The most fortunate baker of bread is one who has a wood-burning oven (leivinuuni joulupukki, ole hyvä). [I have made it as far as a charcoal fired ceramic “Green Egg”—but, please, one day… .]

Fundamentals

Believe me, your author has been a FSRB Fanatic since childhood. Making FSRB has been a passion since I was a little kid. I played with ‘starters’ like a ‘lab rat’ using strange liquids acquired from grandmothers, aunts, village ladies with FSRB ‘reputations’–nursing the ‘starters’ along like a mad scientist as my life moved on.

Making the perfect Finnish sourdough rye bread became a quest once my family moved from Finland to the USA. My FSRB dedication was fueled by the recognition that what my dear Father missed most about Finland was the bread!

My FSRB dedication was fueled by the recognition that what my dear Father missed most about Finland was the bread!

Some years, FSRB was the only gift I could think of to give Isä as a gift for Christmas or his birthday. Never once did he complain! The smile on his face at first bite was my delight.

For decades now, I have read everything I could get my hands on regarding traditional FSRB methods. I have watched Finnish ladies in farmhouses and home kitchens—always eager and ready to learn the tiniest new detail of the craft. Each expert emphasized the importance of their ‘starter’—sometimes by the little they said about the importance of their magic elixir!

Frankly, some of my ‘starters’ have come and gone. A move here; a power failure there—no sense in taking a chance with food safety. My current official ‘starter’ is now safely tucked away in a secret location in the bowels of an extra refrigerator. Let’s hope we don’t have any long term power outages.

Even to the most dedicated FSRB fanatics, it seems ‘over the top’ to do as purists do in Stockholm where, for a price, there is actually a “hotel” (like a kennel for a dog or cat) where Swedes take their ‘starter’ for care and safekeeping when they travel!!

But hey, maybe this is a great new business idea. Here in LA we have pet sitters, house sitters—why not ‘starter’ sitters? Do you know where your bacterial culture is spending the weekend?!?

From The Ridiculous To The Sublime Without Slime

Regular readers of AROUND LA WITH AVA® already know that I like fun things. So, it will come as no surprise that I like to ‘play’ with food.

I have been taught by some mighty fine ‘aprons’ and I have learned a great deal from my own experiments and experiences. I have driven past the growing fields on my way to the mill in Vääksy where the farmers bring their harvested grain for grinding into the flour I use for baking. It’s that Zen, again!

I love to learn from the best. They always work hard, but make it look effortless. They know what they are doing—and they love doing it! There is pride in perfection. The real MASTERS rarely work from recipes, so don’t ask for one. Rather, observe the ‘methods’ they use; feel their understanding and reverence for their ingredients [they can see, feel, smell subtle differences in the various ‘grinds’ of rye flour and make adjustments for the terrior, the rain, or whatever]. ‘Notice’ anything ‘different’ that they do. They will appreciate you as a student.

Americans tend to be more ‘paint-by-the-numbers’ cooks, so some of my recipes and techniques have been published in various cookbooks. Preliminary discussions have begun on putting together my process cookbook –one day, maybe.

My fanatic FSRB quest has come from my Finnish heart –with quite good results. So, please don’t call me a ‘sellout’ for what follows. We will deal with the real hapanlimppu –the ‘true rye religion’ another time, I promise.

Look Ma, No …

Imagine I told you that you can make your own rye bread (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) in about an hour –and you don’t need a ‘starter’ (or even yeast) and you won’t get sticky hands. Would that ‘make your day’? Since we live near Hollywood, we get to ‘fake it’ every now and again.

This recipe came to me one day when making the crust for Karjalan piirakkas. That crust requires a rye flour/white flour blend. Then, I thought: “…since buttermilk is often a starter ingredient, let’s see what happens”. What happened was fun!

If you have never made a loaf of bread, this is for you!!

Even though I ‘chickened out’ earlier, you can call this: ‘Love the Loaf You’re With… Bread’. It is a quickie (—quick bread, that is). If you are a FSRB purist and fanatic, you may simply call it:

Blasphemy Bread

5 cups rye flour* [some ground up Finn Crisp* can be substituted for part of the flour]

3 cups white flour

1 ½ tablespoons salt

1 ½ tablespoons baking soda

1 quart buttermilk

Ingredients

Blend the dry ingredients together; pour in the buttermilk; stir with a fork.

Once the mixture comes together as a dough, take half and form it into a rounded ball (or “limppu” shape) and place it on a baking stone or cookie sheet. [No need to “knead”!]

Cut slits across the limppu top in a grid pattern about ½ inches deep to make a decorative surface

With the tip of a knife [I use my favorite one with a Karelian burl birch handle made by a Japanese company], poke holes throughout the loaf all the way to the bottom to allow air to escape as the bread bakes.

Bake the loaf in a preheated 350° F oven.

After about a half hour (when the top has risen and starting to brown), flip the loaf over for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

[This is the hardest part of this recipe! Kill time by baking the 2nd loaf, getting out the butter, slicing a little makkara,making coffee, or whatever you can think of doing to keep from burning your tongue. Sensual sniffing works well—and feeds the memory meter.]

Enjoy the Zen of the bread baking experience.

I hope you had fun! May the aromas of your bread baking hold you over until we get started on the real FSRB Rye Revolution –one day soon.

* Note: Rye flour used to be available in the ‘bins’ at Whole Foods. Now, look in the baking aisle. Also, rye flour is available online. Finn Crisp can be found in LA at most Cost Plus World Market stores and, always, at Vicente Foods in Brentwood (San Vicente @ Bundy). [Psst: Vicente Foods is always good for celebrity spotting –Elliott Gould dropped by the last time I was there.]

Happening Finns

Did you miss Vellamo? Shame on you!

In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea. In March, in the South Bay, Vellamo was the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen [Lapland] and Joni Tiala [Kokkola] who have just released their 1st album. They write songs in English and Finnish—and, they perform traditional ballads from the Finnish, Celtic and Scandinavian folk traditions. Pia combines her love of Finnish folk music with the western story-centric, singer–songwriter tradition. Joni—the skilled guitarist, is also a founding member of the renowned Finnish progressive rock band, Moonwagon.

The Vellamo Concert was such a delight. Friends of the Torrance Library brought this Finnish band for a performance before a nicely large audience. Hardly a spare seat was available. Most of the audience was local, non-Finnish/Nordic. The adults and children (including a few familiar faces) in the audience thoroughly enjoyed the music and the charming tongue in cheek humor of Pia, the female vocalist. The ensemble had the audience eating out of their hands. A bright, fun, engaging audience participation sing-along brought the program to a spirited conclusion. You know the program was a hit when the crowd is eager to meet the performers and to purchase their CDs.

It is always fun to see the Della Roccas and the Covarrubias in the audience. But, the most delightful treat for me was to find the iconic Dr. Tuula Stark and her son seated quietly in the back of the Hall.

Finland made some new friends that day. Old friends had fun, too.

LAFF

The following day, the Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation had its meeting. It was the annual St. Urho’s Day celebration: a unique American Finnish ‘made up’ holiday involving grapes and grasshoppers [Yup, from the ‘70s]. Conveniently, the party date was set for right about St. Patrick’s Day.

About the same time, I happened to hear a feature on the radio where a bartender at St. Urho’s Pub in Helsinki was interviewed about the ‘occasion’. He confirmed that no particular celebration takes place at his establishment. Apparently, fake fun is had only on this side of the pond.

Hauli Huvila

The Hauli Huvila fundraiser was held at the Burbank Spa. The featured event was a sauna night which was appropriate since the proceeds were to go toward a new sauna at the Reedley,CA HV facility. It is wonderful to see that the renovations and improvements are going forward and that the fruits of these labors will serve and preserve the Finnish spirit for generations to come.

The Hauli Huvila fundraiser was held at the Burbank Spa.

–30–

Several FSRB Back Stories

I marveled at how Ulla Saarela [the former wife of prior Consul General of Finland, Tapio Saarela] kept a beautiful wooden Finnish vessel on display in the kitchen at the Consul Residence. The vessel edges were proudly lined with remnants of previous rye bread batches. She told that the family ‘starter’ tradition had been kept that way for generations and that she used that ‘starter’ to make her bread.

And,

While, as you may imagine, there is great pride (and ‘some’ competition) among local FSRB bakers, the word was that Marjatta Coughlan made the “best ever” Finnish sourdough rye bread. [Many of you know Marjatta from her years of work at the Finnish Consulate. She is now retired—from the Consulate.]

I put in a request to watch the “best ever” in action. I wanted to see and learn from a ‘States-side’ FSRB fanatic in action. Marjatta graciously agreed. It took many years before we were able to get together, but the experience was worth the wait!

One day Marjatta invited me to her home on Bonnie Brae. That prime location near downtown LA was where many of the early Finns who came to Los Angeles and Hollywood first made their homes decades ago. It felt as if I were going back in time to a grand era where Finns had found their place in LA.

It was such a treat watching Marjatta at work. I was fascinated to observe her process, part of which involved a full 45 minutes of hand-kneading per loaf. All the while this tiny little lady was kneading, she had her large gray parrot, “Pepe”, on her shoulder! I wish I had brought my camera for that one! Actually, I should have interviewed Pepe to learn what ‘secrets’ Marjatta had kept ‘up her sleeves’.

End Note

Southern California is a fabulous and fun place to be any time of year. Your scribe has lived, raised my family, and worked in Los Angeles for a lot of years. Sharing the good, the bad, and the fabulous/ugly is what AROUND LA WITH AVA® seeks to do. All things Finnish are celebrated just ‘because’. If you ‘sniff the air’, you may learn why there are FSRB fanatics. Better yet, try making the Blasphemy Bread and get a local taste of Finland!! That may spark your Finnish creativity!!!

Welcome to AROUND LA WITH AVA®

March 11th, 2014

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

A Quiz:

What took place in Los Angeles on the recent three day Valentine’s/President’s Day weekend?

The government shut down the 405 Freeway for 3 nights of construction naming the project Jamzilla.
The University of Southern California Marching Band led a parade to a Downtown LA construction site to celebrate a concrete pour.
The LA public transit system ran a Valentine Special rail car with heart decorations and official “facilitators” for citizens on a ‘rolling hook up’ speed dating event.
A person was attacked by a runaway camel on a rampage in a quiet neighborhood.
None of the above.
All of the above. Just another wacky weekend in our City of Angels. The answer is 6.

ON ONE LONG WEEKEND

This is what happened in Los Angeles around Valentine’s/President’s Day:

1 The 405 Freeway was totally shut down. You would think that another weekend would have been preferable to one where thousands descend on our wonderful City of Angels for the cultural, social, and sports events scheduled to attract visitors ready for a long weekend of leisure, fun, and great weather.

The 405 Freeway was totally shut down.

Jamzilla [a sophomoric contraction of traffic jam and Godzilla, I suppose] was well publicized and came off without conflict. Well… unless you were a ‘newbie’ trying to follow a ‘MapApp’ or a knowledgeable native’s directions to the PGA golf tournament at Riviera Country Club […405 to Sunset/west to Capri] or the key PAC 12 basketball game at UCLA […405 to Sunset/east to Pauley Pavilion parking].

Jamzilla Sympathy Sale in Manhattan beach.

2 Downtown LA featured a Guinness World Record Book ‘Concrete Pour Parade’ led by the USC Marching Band. Pourzilla was LA Mayor Garcetti’s Twitter suggestion for memorializing the 20 hour concrete pour on the foundation for the $1 billion hotel that required 2,000 truckloads of cement to ‘fill’ the 18’ deep pit where the Wilshire Grand once stood. Standzilla would have worked just as well because downtown LA traffic was put to a standstill to permit the Guinness World Record for the largest concrete pour in history.

Downtown LA featured a Guinness World Record Book ‘Concrete Pour Parade’ led by the USC Marching Band.

Where else would pouring a building foundation become a ‘made-for-TV’ weekend long competition for the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies?

3 The METRO [our mass transit system; funded by tax dollars] decorated cars with hearts and promoted a Valentine’s “Speed Dating on the Red Line” special train schedule between Union Station and the North Hollywood Station. “Metro staff wearing safety vests will be on board to facilitate the event.”

[No, I don’t make this stuff up—the quote is from the ”How It Works” portion of their promotion!]

[No, I don’t make this stuff up—the quote is from the How it Works portion of their promotion! I did add the underline emphasis to safety vests, however.]

4 And, in the High Desert, a rampaging, runaway camel attacked a man. The neighbor who owns the camel was not available for comment—and the ostrich was not talking.

A picture of the attacker

Yes, God Winters in So Cal—and, He/She (Hän) has a sense of humor!!

We need politicians with a sense of humor—or, at least, some imagination!

TALK ABOUT GOVERNMENT INTRUSION IN OUR LIVES

Every year in the beginning of the year, a new set of laws comes into effect. Some of those in California—and nationally/internationally, are ‘head scratchers’! Government seems to be getting more into the everyday lives and choices of individuals. That is confusing, if not offensive.

I am not talking about NSA storing our telephone conversations for future reference because they assure us they won’t listen to them unless necessary.

I am not talking about NSA storing our telephone conversations for future reference because they assure us they won’t listen to them unless necessary. Nor am I referring to the recent British admission that they have had to issue special warnings to staffers who review Social Media ‘images’ they pilfer from ‘thin air’—it seems the good but naive Brits capture their own racy acts and transmit them via Social Media to such an extent that reviewers could claim a ‘hostile work environment’. So, there really is a difference between “1984” and 2014—HD with vivid color and instant re-play!

HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT/TAX REVENUE SHORTFALLS

Follow my confusion: After decades of quietly and enthusiastically collecting tax revenue from the “adult film” industry which also provided lots of direct and indirect ‘non-performance’ jobs, our politicians chose an extended period of high unemployment and economic Recession to legislate the use of “latex protection” in the films. Result: Last year the adult movie industry (a long time and big economic boon for the area centered in the San Fernando Valley) was chased off to Las Vegas because of the new “latex requirement”. And, of course, “…what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

“…what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

[The politicians did not take a moral stand against sin, they simply dictated how ‘sin’ was to be performed!]

LATEX LAWS EXTENDED

This year, the ‘law’ is about latex in the form of gloves. All food handlers must now have latex coming between them and their craft.

All food handlers must now have latex between them and their craft.

The Sushi Chefs are particularly upset, saying they need to feel each grain of rice on their exquisite creations. Most restaurateurs, as well as, much of the eating public feel washing hands is a more efficient germ foil. “Wax On/Wax Off”…’Gloves On/Gloves Off’. We know where our hands have been—who keeps track of those gloves?

No Pandemics had been experienced, so no Pandemics have been avoided.

Protests and appeals continue.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

Finnish Events and Activities

The month started with Finnish Church services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Santa Monica. What a wonderful opportunity this assembly of Finns and friends has become to worship, to welcome new faces and ‘regulars’, and to refresh the goodness in our lives.

Many were in attendance at 1 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday afternoon despite the 3:30 kick-off.

Many were in attendance at 1 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday afternoon despite the 3:30 kick-off. American football has been called a ‘religion’ onto itself. Over one third of all US households tune in to the game—some to watch the outrageously expensive commercials [$4 million per 30 seconds!!], some to watch the game. Football is a little violent for me, but the ads are usually worth the watch.

Fittingly, this day’s church focus was on love, not ‘war’. Pastor Tarkki emphasized that Finnish Valentine’s Day is actually ‘Friendship Day’—rejoicing in friendships rather than being a romantic celebration.

Also, fittingly, the post-service gatherings have been a special time of friendship and fellowship for the local Finnish community. Wonderfully skilled Finnish bakers/cooks proudly share their treats and talents with a wide range of age groups who come to church from near and far. Nothing like a ‘finnishing’ Coffee to help Finns thoroughly enjoy these special Sundays.

Finnish Veterans

The Finnish War Veteran’s Group (Veteraani Tuki Ryhmä) met at Suomi Kerho on February 15^th. Their meeting was piggy-backed with the Suomi seniors. All enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the vaunted Suomi Kerho ‘Ladies of the Kitchen’. A movie was enjoyed by the whole group. The film was a 2006 Finnish comedy Kalteva Torni [Leaning Tower (as in Pisa)] directed by Timo Koivusalo.

All enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the vaunted Suomi Kerho ‘Ladies of the Kitchen’

Finnish Women and the Entertainment Scene

Nina Sallinen performed her magnificent Poor, Poor Lear on the Suomi Kerho stage on January 23^rd. Nina’s talent has been an ongoing source of pride for the Finnish community.

Nina Sallinen performed her magnificent Poor, Poor Lear.

The first female Finnish filmmaker to be nominated for an Oscar as Director of a Short Film is Selma Vilhunen. Ms. Vilhunen was in our fair city and at the Consular Residence with her screen writer Kirsikka Saari and her producer Elli Toivoniemi.

Selma Vilhunen’s short film ‘Do I have to take care of everything?’ is the second Finnish film ever to receive an Academy Award nomination.

Finnish ‘Football’ on Ice

The Winter Olympics brought us full circle from Super Bowl Sunday.

Hockey is a passion to Finns and Finnish Americans –much like football is to Americans.

Our little homeland beat men’s and women’s international hockey super powers. And, even when the score was not favorable, the Lions and Lionesses performed with beauty, grace, skill, determination, and dignity!!!

Normally in sport, to the Gold goes the Glory. At this Olympics, however, the Hockey Tournament’s Most Valuable Player was our own Teemu Selanne of the Bronze Medal Team Finland. Even a week after the Olympic close, the LA Times put our guy’s performance in the headlines and went on to say “In Russia, Teemu Selanne was hockey’s hero.”

the Hockey Tournament’s Most Valuable Player was our own Teemu Selanne

As I listened to the NBC Olympic commentators and as I read the press summaries wax poetic about the stamina and skill of our 43 year old playing on a much larger rink with much younger players—and out-playing them, it was clear this Finn is a great role model of sportsmanship who made us all proud and in a mood to celebrate. But, that was something I already knew.

Back ‘in the day’ when the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce was the ‘go-to’ organization for Finns needing help in the western States, the Finnish Heart Association was looking for support in a US fund-raising effort. Long story short, the local Finnish groups rallied for a grand event where Teemu and some of his friends showed up to help. By help, I mean Teemu showed up with autographed hockey sticks, jerseys, pucks—and whatever, for auction. He brought his guitar and, though Finnish modest, he played and sang like a professional for the enthralled audience. Meanwhile, one of our regular volunteers was washing dishes in the back of the hall’s kitchen when another ‘guy’ asked where he could find a dish towel to dry. When the washer looked up to point to the towels, there stood Jari Kurri with his sleeves already rolled up! Teemu had brought some of his friends to ‘help out’.

One of our regular volunteers was washing dishes in the back of the hall’s kitchen when Jari Kurri asked where he could find a dish towel to dry.

Needless-to-say, the event was a great success!!

OLYMPIC OSCARS

My life has been blessed in many ways.

High on the list are the friends I have made through the years. The Oscars and Olympics have brought contact from two dear Finnish friends around Friendship Day. Both are great people of accomplishment in their own right, but are better known to the world as the great women behind men of Finnish fame and greatness. My friend Bitte is the wife of Oscar Winner [among many other things] Jörn Donner. My friend Päivi is the wife of Olympic Gold Medal Winner [among many other things] Lasse Viren.

My friend Bitte is the wife of Oscar Winner [among many other things] Jörn Donner.

Great, loyal, lifelong friendships are indeed a blessing. Over the years, events trigger a trail of recollections and connections that line up like dominos ready to lay down their fascinating pattern.

One example should suffice to illustrate the ‘6ºs of separation’ our lives permit. Bitte is a journalist who sends me articles of interest regularly. A recent receipt included a Helsingin Sanomat article about Markku Lähdesmäki, the award winning photographer. Markku’s wife is Anne Kauranen. Anne Kauranen and former Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles Anne Huhtamäki along with Bitte were instrumental in the founding of Suomi Koulu [the Finnish School] here. Any recent reader of AROUND LA WITH AVA® will know the high regard in which I hold Mira Scott and Petra Kess who have done so much to make the Finnish Lutheran Church come to life in Santa Monica for the joy and betterment of all of us Finns. Mira and Petra run Suomi Koulu in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. ‘Dots’ connected—story told. Simple.

Anne Lähdesmäki is printing out an image of Don Rickles, a subject of their recent ad campaign

BAGGIN’ IT

For those of us having experience shopping in Finnish grocery stores, you know you have to bring your Tori Kassit [shopping bag(s)] with you. It has been a long time since anyone in a Finnish store asked you—or anyone, the familiar refrain from American stores: “…paper or plastic?”

No problem—insert a coin to get a grocery cart, bring the ‘take out’ bags in to the store, shop, bag and weigh/price your produce, unload the cart at the checkout, load your bags, return the cart to the ’cart line’ to get your coin ‘deposit’ back, and hope you get out of the parking lot before the person in the ‘check-out’ line behind you shows up to ask why you take so long to bag your goods.

I have felt the ‘pressure to perform’ in the check-out line as a ‘bagger’, but that pales against the pressure I feel trying to figure out what ‘bills’ to use—coins take longer. I think I have finally figured out the ‘bottle deposit’ game—after all of these years.

The City of Los Angeles joined Santa Monica and others in Los Angeles County in the ban when studies concluded that LA residents used and disposed of two billion single use plastic bags annually.

After a few shopping trips in the old country, I do start to feel like a ‘native’ again.

That given, why do I now still leave my empty grocery bags in the car whenever I go into a US supermarket?

After two months of the Los Angeles area bans on ‘single-use’ bags, I should be up to speed but am not. But, I am not alone.

Shoppers at most LA retail grocery stores now have to use their own reusable bags to carry out their purchases even though the ‘checkers’ still ‘bag’ your purchases—at least for now. The City of Los Angeles joined Santa Monica and others in Los Angeles County in the ban when studies concluded that LA residents used and disposed of two billion single use plastic bags annually—more than 110,000 tons of junk to ensnare our birds, clog our drains, and forever line our dumps.

New solutions bring new problems, of course. Without the endless supply of clean, single use bags, food safety has become an issue as consumers use and reuse bags that contain dirt, bacterial salmonella, and ecoli germs. In our warm climate and our constant car culture, such environments can cause bacteria to multiply rapidly. Educating the public to clean, sanitize, and safely discard their used bags is worthwhile. Still, I am not ready for a ‘mandated’ semester course on Managing and Sanitizing Your Grocery Bag Inventory.

There are compulsives among us who are urging us to designate specific bags for meat, fish, veggies, and so on. Of course, you are expected to wash the bags in soapy water after each shopping trip. Following shopping, loading/unloading the car, and putting your groceries away, you are told to give your bags a bath!!

May I take those bags into the shower with me? Must I wear latex gloves?

Hey Legislators: There is a drought in this state! Well, there was until this last whopper of a storm.

CONCLUSION

Last week I went into Hollywood for a party. The pre-Oscar parties were in full swing as traffic came to a standstill on Sunset going east just where you hit the Sunset Strip. I like Cynthia as a good alternate back road to get around traffic in that area—‘she’ did not disappoint.

Oscar tent in Hollywood Blvd during storm before the Academy Awards

The giant Oscar statues were covered in clear “protection” plastic for the rain scheduled right up to Oscar Sunday evening. Even though “…it never rains in Southern California”, “…when it rains, it pours”.

Even though “…it never rains in Southern California”, “…when it rains, it pours” (My party tent crushed by downed trees before the Oscars).

I wonder how many politicians considered claiming Stormageddon or Rainzilla would hit LA with a wallop and drafted an emergency ban on Manolo Blahniks and Jimmy Choos on the Red Carpet without rubbers (galoshes) protection?!?

End Note

Welcome to AROUND LA WITH AVA®.

February 7th, 2014

eltimo

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA®: EARTH SHAKIN’—EGGS BREAKIN’

January 2014 in LA

Blink once; then, again. Two decades gone –it seems like yesterday.

The date was January 17^th 1994. The location was my then house on The Strand in Manhattan Beach. At around 4:31 AM, when the deep sleep is best just before the dawn, I was in the cozy embrace of a pleasant dream. There is something special about sleeping by the ocean—the rhythmic rumble creates a strange stillness over the dark waves that is calming. I was at peace in ‘never/never’ land.

Manhattan Beach homes on the Strand

THEN—the Pacific Ocean seemed to erupt in huge explosions, complete with sharp flashes of brilliant light! Had the bombing started? Was this World War III?? Was Manhattan Beach going to be the next Pearl Harbor??? My Dad watched the bombing of Helsinki. Was his Daughter to witness the same here???? Was this my 1939 in the City of Angels????? Would I become an Angel??????

It is totally amazing to go from ZZZZZZ to such thoughts while your body is catapulting itself out of bed and into the pretend safety of the door frame to hold on for dear life. Holy Shnikey, where are my shoes? I need to find my children!

The human mind has capacities unexplored … .

Californians are so familiar with the ‘rock ‘n roll’ of earthquakes they do not get too excited about a simple ‘shaker’. But, when the shuttering house started twisting with the timbers creaking and the sound of glass breaking all around, it was time to get excited! We have been waiting for the “Big One”—this one felt like “it”.

When an old house at the beach built on a ‘bedrock’ of sand gets whacked with severe, heavy-duty jerking, good sense suggests that it is about to come crashing down at any minute. Turns out, those seismic ‘shock waves’ travel rapidly through all sorts of terrain, but come to a jolting stop when they hit sand—sort of like the car crash tests insurance companies like to put into commercials to convince you to buy a car with lots of air bags. Since the house had been built maybe 70 years before, it did not come equipped with air bags, but it had survived some serious quakes before. Tough timbers—real plaster. Saved from a disaster!

Back In The Saddle Again…

This was not my “first rodeo”. I do not refer to the horse-bucking sport, nor to the shopping venue in Beverly Hills. Earthquakes teach many lessons. After one quake in the late ‘80s in my office downtown where bookcases came crashing down on my desk and the loss of electricity stopped elevators from functioning, I decided having a portable, battery operated radio would be a must. You really do need to find out how bad things are and what actions to take, roads to avoid, and when the ‘all clear’ signal will sound. [Mind you, all this was before anyone knew what a cell phone was, let alone carrying one—no instant ‘AP’s then. Dial phones (transmission line powered) were the norm. Or, if you were ‘outdoorsy’, you might have a set of limited range ‘walkie-talkies’. Going down to the ocean front wall in the yard to watch the sunset in my high heels at the end of a long work day was about as ‘outdoorsy’ as it got for this career girl.]

On that January ’94 morning, 6.7 on the Richter Scale was the most violent ground motion recorded in what would ultimately be the most expensive ($20 billion—with a “B” ) earthquake in Los Angeles to date. Still they say, the “Big One” waits its day!

What is called the “Northridge Earthquake” lasted only about 20 seconds. Maybe that was the time lapse in Northridge, but it felt like 20 minutes in Manhattan Beach. How could my head go from a down pillow to fighting falling down in a doorway with all of those thoughts—and more, running through my head. Yes, the mind is amazing.

Though it was named the Northridge Earthquake, the devastation was all over our City of Angels. The telephone transmission lines were down and the exploding transformers took care of any standard electricity powered equipment, so my battery powered portable radio was really good to have.

For those of you who were not here twenty years ago, a re-cap of what was happening at that moment may be instructive. Freeways were crumbling; homes, apartments, and stores were collapsing; trains were derailing; fire engines were pinned under their own ‘homes’ while over 800 fires were reported starting. Terrible devastation and crumbling buildings in Santa Monica, the collapse of the 10 Freeway in the Fairfax/La Cienega corridor, a CHP (California Highway Patrol) Motorcycle Officer racing to report for duty in the pre-dawn dark drives off of a Freeway overpass that was there when he came home the night before—and so it was. [If it were not real, Hollywood would have been accused of exaggerating in creating this nightmare.] In fact, in the real aftermath, 57 lay dead or dying with more than 9,000 trapped or injured.

The news was not good, but it was good to have the news.

No News Is Good News?

Flash forward: It is now January 2014—a busy news cycle is upon us. Stop the presses! Critical developments need to be heard by all!!

The “Breaking News”: A notorious baby-faced teen scofflaw had been reported to have graduated from driving 40 MPH in his 20 MPH gated neighborhood to throwing eggs at a neighbor’s house. No word yet on whether the projectiles were cooked or raw. “Stay tuned. Details at 11”.

Like a Humpty Dumpty behind a wall about to have a fall, the devilish little celebrity has been formally accused of “egging” his neighbor’s house. As in the children’s nursery rhyme: “All the King’s horses and all the King’s men…” couldn’t put Justin in cuffs again. But, in this ironical scenario, a dozen police officers arrived in an exclusive gated community and, based on evidence, secured and executed a search warrant on ‘star’ Justin Bieber’s home where they seized new evidence and arrested one of the Rock Kid’s friends for ‘public’ possession of a controlled substance [not eggs, so ‘it’ must have been in plain view!].

Sometimes I think that the News writers are trying out for Comedy Central! A dozen eggs—a dozen cops—two felony arrests. I cannot help but wonder if the ‘Keystone Kops’ swept in to the crime scene in vans shaped like the Styrofoam egg cartons chain grocers favor. I wonder what was on the mind of the Security Guard as the gate was opened for the major ‘invasion’?

The human mind has some capacities probably best unexplored … .

The egg ‘egg-travaganza’ was all the over the ‘news’ for weeks. The harassed neighbor claimed $20,000 in damage to his home, thus raising the purported offense to a felony level and earning free-lance legal commentators nice TV guest appearance fees. [Really?? Could $20,000 be an ‘eggs-ageration’??? If not, the neighbor’s housekeeper, gardener, and painter surely cannot complain about their attorneys’ hourly rate!] Apparently the ‘Kops’ had a search warrant to look for evidence of the crime: empty egg cartons, omelet leftovers, brown or white egg shells in the trash perhaps?? This ‘eggs-travagant’ use of Police resources seems a little over-easy …I mean, over the top!

As ridiculous as the prior paragraphs are, the “news” is straight out of the “Bad Boy” Celebrity School of Headline Generation Handbook—and, the ‘noise’ is certainly cheaper than taking out full page ads in the LA Times or signing on for a Super Bowl ad.

The ‘next chapter’ was back to doing 60 MPH in a 30 MPH zone with Daddy Bieber blocking the cross street with a SUV so Sonny can get arrested without dying—or, so it seems. But then, when in Hollywood is anything quite like it seems?

Forecast

They say Southern Cal has a 97% chance of being hit by a quake larger than the Northridge Earthquake in the next 30 years. They keep saying the real Big One is coming—it is not “if”, but “when” they say.

Usually I ignore whatever “they” say. Unfortunately, these “they”s are the smartest people in the World. To work at Cal Tech [California Institute of Technology] rumor has it that even novice janitors must have at least PhDs from MIT! Between big quakes when the red lights of the TV cameras are not blinking in their direction, these “they”s keep studying, analyzing, recording, and discovering supporting data confirming the same things. “They” arrive at the same conclusions. I believe these “they”s because they really know their ‘stuff’.

So, expecting that the Big One will be upon [+ under, around, and beside] us one day or night when we least expect it, what will it feel like? Our Cal Tech experts explain that each whole number on the Richter Scale marks a 10 x increase in quake magnitude. Thus, a Magnitude 7 (considered big) is 100 times bigger than a Magnitude 5 (considered moderate). [7 – 5 = 2; 10 x 10 = 100]

If Northridge At 6.7 Was Not The “Big One” …

Remember when I said the “official” Northridge Earthquake time lapse was 20 seconds but felt to me like 20 minutes that early AM in Manhattan Beach? While Cal Tech does not do the arithmetic this way, my simple mind figures with a 1Richter ‘point’ increase, 20 seconds becomes over 3 minutes [20 x 10 = 200; 200/60 = whatever that equals, but it is over 3] which would feel like more than 3 hours of shaking. Truth be told, I could probably handle a ‘real’ 3 minutes even if it seemed to last forever, but the multiplier refers to force, not time. That is beyond my comprehension –or even contemplation!

So, What Happened Next in ‘94?

Anyone who has experienced a major earthquake (…or any other natural or man-made disaster), knows that the end does not come when the shakin’ is done. After a few deep breaths and a mini-prayer of Thanks, the adrenalin recedes and a different shaking takes over.

If you are still standing, you collect your thoughts and composure enough to reach for the shoes and flashlight you know are [supposed to be] under the bed at all times. You take stock of your immediate surroundings to determine whether there are imminent dangers or other urgencies requiring attention before taking your first steps into your newly shattered world.

I found the shoes quickly, but the flashlight had ‘moved itself’ to a nearby bookshelf. At least it was close by.

Shoes on and light in hand, I began the necessary ‘sniff’ and ‘scan’ tests to determine whether there was fire, a gas leak, or other hazards that dictated an immediate survival response. Only when that hurdle has been crossed do you even notice overtly the shambles surrounding you. Losses/breakage of ‘things’ are noted somewhat abstractly as the ‘emergency checklist’ you never wrote out is traversed as properly progressive as possible under the circumstances. Near the top of that list is finding the battery powered radio to get news reports that describe the facts of the moment—as best they are known. Done.

The news was bad—frightening, to be frank. Southern California was in shambles. The infrastructure lay in ruin. Our little corner of the world was a developing disaster and serious aftershocks were expected. In other words, things were likely to get worse—and, better was not in sight.

Despite urgent Emergency System warnings to stay inside and off of the roads and sidewalks because of debris and downed power lines, a Mother’s “1^st Responder” instinct propelled me to where my children had spent the night—at their Dad’s house a bit over a mile away. With the power off, my garage door opener was worthless but I knew the ‘secret’ cord to pull to manually lift the heavy door. Done.

The car started—and I had a full tank of gas. First light was dawning so I did not have to rely on my headlights to spot the downed power poles or the high voltage wires they were supposed to support. I decided to drive because of my panic-fed urgency, the distance, the danger—and because I could. I figured I would drive as far as I could and walk from there.

Surprisingly, the trip was uneventful. There was no traffic, period. I breathed a huge sigh of relief as I made the final turn and saw that the newly built house was still standing and was not on fire. The entry gate was electric, as were the intercom and the door bell. With no electricity to call in on the intercom and no way to get past the iron gates to the front door to knock, I tried shouting my childrens’ names but the triple pane windows that were meant to keep the street sounds out did just that.

I retreated from the Mom’s Panic Mode when I realized that my ‘babies’ were inside a safe house that had survived the quake. Actually, I learned later that both had slept right through the whole episode!

On the Road Again

A long recovery in the City of Angels left most of us thankful just to be alive. Each time we make it through the experience of a serious earthquake or a wildfire we give Thanks and ‘book’ some more important lessons on preparedness.

New technology presents new opportunities—and new threats. Even with a new, fully charged cell phone we may or may not be ahead in our Wi-Fi world when the “Big One” hits. If cell phone ‘repeater’ towers go down or fiber optic lines are severed, we could be ‘off line’ for some time. Additionally, our dependence on computers and the Internet for so many basic functions could bring horrendous problems. Consider: Having a gas generator to power your computer and charge your cell phone will not help you get cash out of a ‘dead’ ATM. Proper preparation requires that each of us consider how we will operate for 3 to 30 days without anything electric or electronic: —no Clouds—no Net—no nothing.

A Few Personal Hints*

Have a portable battery operated radio, a flashlight, and some hard soled/easy-on shoes under your bed and in your car. [Keep fresh batteries on hand at all times.]

Know how to shut off the gas and water to your house. [Be sure to have any tools needed at the ready.]

Have an ample supply of candles and matches. [Caution: Remember to thoroughly do the “sniff test” to check for any gas leaks before lighting up. Mistakes can be fatal!]

Order medicine re-supplies so that you always have a reserve. [While it is important to keep medications secure, be sure you can get to them when the roof falls in!]

Know how to open your garage door without electricity. [Practice without your car in place so you know how it will work—no need to dent or scratch your vehicle now.]

Know how to use what is in your first aid kit (home and car) and/or add things you may need that you can handle.

Have a sharp knife (puukko) and a can opener that you know works [not electric].

Always have enough gas in your car to get you way out of town.

Have a wad of cash stashed. [ATM/credit card machines will not be working.]

* Get and follow LA City/County disaster supplies recommendations for water and canned goods for each person for more than several days.

An Early Warning System

There has always been talk of developing an early warning system for earthquakes. So far that has not worked out, but progress is being made.

“Now scientists at Stanford University and MIT have figured out a way to use ocean waves to simulate the ground motion that occurs in real earthquakes…
The “virtual earthquake” technique is being used to better understand the effect of shaking…
When the “big one” hits, it could create shaking in Los Angeles that’s three times stronger than in surrounding areas…
Ocean waves create seismic waves billions of times weaker than the seismic waves produced by earthquakes.
Together, these waves are known as the ambient seismic field, but scientists have another word for it: noise.”
LA Times 1/27/14

A Finnish Early Warning System

The best earthquake warning system I have heard of was a cat—a Finnish cat, of course.

Pauli and Marja Uskali (former owners of Design Finland) credit their cat Misu for saving their lives during the Earthquake. Misu’s insistent meowing woke them from a sound sleep and got them out of bed just before a very large armoire crashed onto their bed when the quake hit. But for Misu, they would have been crushed where they lay. The Uskalis’ home and store were near 3^rd and Robertson in Beverly Hills—closer to Northridge than my Manhattan Beach home.

Animals do seem to have a ‘sixth sense’ in predicting earthquakes. Soooo, if you do not have a pet, get to know your neighbors—or, at least be nice to their dogs or cats.

Or, move to the beach and sleep with an ear to the sand!!

Shifting Gears

All this serious talk about natural and numbskull disasters reminds us that we must also occasionally switch gears, ponder our perseverance, chill, and –when all else fails, have a party!

After all, with January temperatures pushing 80º F, there is no Winter in our City of Angels. This is the Season of Awards, Red Carpets, Film Festivals, Super Bowl Parties, and, of course, Valentine’s Day.

This is the Season of Awards, Red Carpets, Film Festivals, Super Bowl Parties, and, of course, Valentine’s Day

When you come to a party at my house, you will almost always find gravlax and deviled eggs on the sideboard. My newest version was inspired by this month’s egg breaking incident and researched with ever-present Finnish spirit.

Deviled eggs are always an ‘any party’ hit because they look nice, are tasty, are compact, are ‘hand held’, and they can be stuffed into your mouth ‘whole’ when that someone you wanted to avoid comes up to talk with you. Besides, they make those cute little plates with ‘indents’ to hold—and show off, your Finnished product we are about to make together.

Rosolli is not just for Finnish Christmas anymore. Last year I used it (finely minced on rye squares) for open-faced sandwiches that I took to the Finnish Lutheran Church for the after-Service social. The new sandwiches seemed to be a hit with the congregation.

This dish is a pretty item to serve at a ladies luncheon, a bridal shower, a Valentine’s party, or even your Oscar bash. It may be too ‘girlie’ in its pink incarnation for the Super Bowl party, but if the game is good/close or the commercials are provocative, the guys will never notice! [Your excuse, if you need one, can be that the rosolli-type garnish makes it very Finnish.]

Deviled “Just(In)”Time Eggs

aka

Red Carpet Rosolli Eggs

1 Dozen Eggs

¼ Cup Mayonnaise

1 Tsp. Horseradish

2 Medium Sized Beets (roasted or canned); Minced Fine

2 Boiled Carrots; Minced Fine

1 Dill Pickle; Minced Fine.

Salt

White Pepper

Vinegar

Fresh Dill

Boil room temperature eggs to hard stage [about 15 minutes]. Plunge into cold water. Peel.

For ‘pink’ eggs: soak peeled eggs for several hours or overnight in a bath of beet liquid (drained from 2 cans of beets) and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

Cut eggs in half length-wise and remove yolks.

Mix yolks with mayo, horseradish, and about a tablespoon of beet liquid –salt and white pepper to taste.

Fill egg white halves with the mixture.

Chop 1 tablespoon of the dill and mix with the minced beet, carrot, and pickle.

Artfully add the mix to the top of the deviled eggs.

Garnish the ‘mince mound’ of the filled eggs with fresh dill sprigs.

End Note

Southern California is a fabulous and fun place to be any time of year. Occasionally bad things happen here, as elsewhere. Your scribe has lived, raised my family, and worked in Los Angeles for a lot of years. Sharing the good, the bad, and the fabulous/ugly is what AROUND LA WITH AVA® seeks to do. All things Finnish are celebrated just ‘because’.

Ava Anttila

ALWA topics are catholic—work, play, sight-seeing/sightings, local ‘hang-outs’, public/social service, travel, faith, food, people, LA life, fun, events past and pending, history, …whatever. Whether you are a celebrity or just one of us; a visitor or just one of us; a ‘mover’ or just one of us ‘shakers’ welcome to AROUND LA WITH AVA®—please proceed with ‘eggs-tra’ caution when the alert sounds and do your best to avoid ‘eggs-tra’ noise.

January 25th, 2014

thinkkanen

STORY AND PICTURES: TOMI HINKKANEN – ALASKA

Kenai Peninsula in Alaska has breathtakingly beautiful scenery

Kenai Peninsula in Southern Alaska offers breathtakingly beautiful vistas.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15^TH, 2013

I am on a non-stop Alaska Airlines flight 157 from Los Angeles to Anchorage. Exciting! The estimated duration of the trip is 5 hours 45 minutes, but we start landing about a half an hour early at Ted Stevens International Airport. From the plane window I see snow-glazed mountain tops everywhere.

Snowy mountaintops near Anchorage.

The weather is crystal clear as we touch down this state billed as the last frontier. There are stuffed animals – a bear and a buffalo – on display at the airport. Not in a million years would you see something that in the politically correct California.

Stuffed animals “greet” travelers at Ted Stevens International Airport.

I march to the rental car counter. After refusing the obligatory sales pitch for insurance, I pull my luggage to a brand new red Toyota Corolla. This will be my sweet ride for the week. The weather outside is about 60 F / 15 C. Although it’s only September, it feels like October in Southern Finland (Anchorage is on the same latitude). I have an appointment in the southern outskirts of Anchorage to meet some local Finns at their club house. The streets are straight, wide and well-maintained. Suburban Anchorage looks like outskirts of any city in the U.S.

I stop for a bite to eat at a fast food restaurant. It is about 4 pm and it looks like the sun is setting. I better get to my destination before it gets dark (As it turned out, the sun wouldn’t set for hours. At this time of the year, the sun in Alaska appears to be in a perpetual sunset position low on the horizon). The Finnish Hall looks exactly like dozens of others around the U.S. It could be a town hall somewhere in rural Finland. Birch trees in front of the building are starting to turn yellow. I park my Corolla and step in.

Alaska Finns have their own club house in Anchorage.

There are about a dozen people inside. Jyri and Riitta Larm are running a cleaning service. The are in their 40’s and have lived in Alaska for 20 years. As a result, their teenage kids don’t speak more than a few words of Finnish. The 70-somethings Seija and Matti Raja have braved the subarctic weather for the past 45 years now. Matti made his career in construction, Seija was a homemaker. Both are now retired. Tuomo Latva-Kiskola, 50, found a wife and career in Alaska. He is a physical therapist, who enjoys fishing and hunting in his spare time. The couple has three children and a beautiful house near a lake. Many of the Alaska Finns – there are said to be about a hundred in all – are from Western Finland. Oftentimes they first migrated to Canada and then found their way to Alaska. Many work or worked in honest-to-goodness blue collar jobs. Many felt they were somehow left behind in the Finnish system.

Inside the Finnish hall.

Winters here are awfully long and cold. One needs to keep oneself busy in order to maintain sanity in such harsh conditions. So people belong to church and different kinds of clubs. Anything to keep themselves occupied on those dark winter days. I am being escorted to my downtown Anchorage hotel by Ulla Rantalainen. More of this interesting woman later. Downtown Anchorage is ugly. There, I said it, but there is no other way to describe it.

Downtown Anchorage

One-way streets are lined with sterile 1970’s hotels and office towers. There is no street life. A massive 9.2 magnitude earthquake destroyed most of Anchorage back in 1964. After that, the city was quickly rebuilt with little thought for aesthetics. The city leaders ought to be ashamed of themselves! Everything quiets down at sunset and this city of 300,000 turns into a ghost town. My hotel is the Econo Inn on one of the main fares. It is a somewhat drab place that has seen its best days but it’s clean and hey, at 70 dollars a night, who’s complaining. Besides, I only intend to sleep in my room and it’s for two nights only. Since there’s nothing else but fast food places open, it’s a Big Mac meal for dinner. After watching the local news I call it a night.

Econo Inn in downtown Anchorage offers modest and cheap accommodation.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16^TH

This morning I have a date with Tuomo Latva-Kiskola, the physical therapist. He and his wife have a comfortable two storey house on the southern edge of Anchorage in the Sand Lake district.

Tuomo Latva-Kiskola in his yard. Tuomo enjoys fishing and hunting.

Tuomo drives us to the lake where rich people have their houses at the water’s edge, complete with private seaplanes docked at the end of their piers, ready to take off at their owners’ pleasure at any time. In fact, other people are clearly uninvited to enjoy the lake. There are signs posted everywhere declaring it’s a private area.

Sand Lake – the stomping ground of the Anchorage well-heeled crowd.

Only winter brings a little bit of equality to this affluent suburb. As the lake freezes over, the locals get to go ice skating and skiing on the lake. Anyway, by that time, most of the rich people have taken off on their planes to Florida or somewhere else for the winter. After I bid adieu to Tuomo, I stop at City Diner for lunch. At $16.95, the old-fashioned pot roast with mashed potatoes sounds a bit pricey but I decide on it anyway. After waiting for what seems like an eternity, my entrée is brought to me. It is delicious. After lunch it’s time to explore the city. Not much to see in Anchorage, unless you’re into a mall or a museum. I find the charming little Elderberry Park at the end of the 5^th Avenue. With a paper cup of hot coffee, I sit down at one of the park tables to write my assignment for that night, watching people walk their dogs and kids play at the playground. Another fast food dinner, TV and bed.

Tomi Hinkkanen in Eldenberry Park, Anchorage.

Tomi Hinkkanen in Elderberry Park, Anchorage.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17^TH

I am up bright and early at 6.30 am, since I have a long drive ahead of me. I am heading to Denali National Park, some five hours to the north. It is the shoulder season, so regular tours of the park are not offered at this time of the year. However, I have reserved a five-hour bus tour with Aramark Company, still offering some of the last tours of the year. I check out of my hotel, since I have another accommodation for that night. It is freezing outside. The rowan trees on the parking lot are full of blood red berries. Old-time Finns know it means it’s going to be a cold, snowy winter.

Rowan trees are full of berries in Anchorage – a sure sign of an upcoming cold and snowy winter.

I head north on Glenn Highway. It’s starting to drizzle. After about 20 minutes I pass Wasilla, a small town perhaps best known for its one-time mayor, Sarah Palin. I fill the tank – wouldn’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank. After about a half an hour, the four-lane highway turns into a two lane country road. There are very few cars anywhere. The fall colors are spectacular. As I get close to the park, I stop at a vista point to take a picture of the mountains.

The tallest peak in the entire North America is here – Mount McKinley. Most days the park is overcast, but I think I manage to capture it before the clouds set in. The Denali National Park is huge – six million acres. That’s over 24,000 square kilometers, folks – larger than the state of Massachusetts. As I enter the park grounds, I feel the same vibe as the in the Stanley Kubrick horror film The Shining starring Jack Nicholson. There’s even a hotel on a mountainside (The Grande Denali Lodge), that looks like Overlook Hotel in the movie.

The Grande Denali Lodge can be seen on the mountainside.

As it turns out, my comparison is not so far-fetched. I and about 25 others that are taking today’s tour are one of the last visitors to the park this season. After that, the tours end for the season, the visitors center, hotel (buu) and most activities shut down. Only a small skeleton crew remains over winter as caretakers.

Denali National Park visitors’ center.

Tour guide Caroline welcomes our group gathered in the visitors center. We are given box lunches and onto the bus we step. Caroline doubles as a driver as well. With a headset on, she narrates through the five hour tour, talking about the flora and fauna of the park.

Denali bus tour takes you through the national park.

The mammals that make their home here include bears, moose and wolves. It is a tough place to live. The temperature hovers around the freezing point and it’s only mid September.

Fall foliage of Denali.

The fall colors in different shades of rust are mesmerizing. Twice we disembark the bus and take a little walking tour through the wilderness. At the end of the tour we spot a moose by the road. Cameras click as everyone jockeys to capture the animal on their memory cards.

Tourists view Denali’s natural wonders from a vista point.

After the tour I thank and shake hands with Caroline, who has been such a knowledgeable guide. The shy woman doesn’t want to be photographed. Even though I had an inkling of Alaska’s vastness, it still took me somewhat by surprise. I booked myself a cabin for the three remaining nights in Cooper Landing, located in the Kenai Peninsula, 200 miles (320 km) away. And we are not talking about freeway miles either. The estimated travel time is six hours.

As it turned out, at this time of the year the road construction workers are frantically trying to finish repaving roads before winter sets in. So, I had to wait about a half an hour in one spot before we motorists were let to proceed. I strike up a conversation with two fellows, who had been moose hunting. Their catch lay in pieces in the back of the guys’ pick-up truck. This topic is definitely out of my comfort zone.

Hunters and their catch in the back of their red pick-up.

Even though it is already pitch dark as I get to the Kenai Peninsula, I immediately realize I have come to a very special place. At 1.30 am I pull in the parking lot of the Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge in Cooper Landing, a township of some 300 residents. The manager kindly comes out to hand me the keys to my two storey cabin named after the late George Nelson, a game warden, hunter and trapper.

Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge sign at night.

My cabin has all the comforts of home. On the first level there’s a bathroom with a shower, a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and a refrigerator and a living room area with a couch, table and chairs.

The cabin has all creature comforts.

A sliding door leads to a balcony overlooking the Kenai River. I stock the fridge with food items I purchased on the way. After a hot shower and a snack I climb upstairs and fall asleep in my queen-sized bed.

My cabin Jack Lean on grounds of the Kenai River Lodge.

My cabin on grounds of the Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18^TH

After yesterday’s long drive, I wake up late. I walk down the path to the green Kenai River flowing fast by. This is a prime area for fishermen. In fact, the Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge organizes fishing expeditions that leave early in the morning. One such trip has just concluded and the happy fishermen walk past me with their catch. I have a chat with one of the lodge maids – a California girl from San Diego. She has spent her first summer in Alaska and intends to stay over winter at another resort. The River Lodge will close in two weeks for the winter.

You can rent a cabin at Kenai River Lodge.

You can rent a cabin at Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge.

Later on I see many places that are already closed. To me it’s a plus. It is peaceful and serene. I feel far, far away from civilization and all its troubles. I take a little drive, keeping the radio turned off, take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery – and take lots of pictures. The clouds hang low on mountainsides. At one moment it’s sunny, the next it rains. A perfect time to cuddle on the sofa with a good book and to just relax.

Kenai River

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19^TH

I am on my way to Seward, a town an hour and a half away from Cooper Landing on the southern tip of the peninsula. Again, I run into some road construction and have to wait, but no worries, I have all the time in the world. Seward was named after the Secretary of State William Seward, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia for 7 million dollars in 1867. Seward was ridiculed for this and the deal called “Seward’s Folly”. It goes down in history as possibly the best real estate deal ever and Seward himself as one of the best secretaries of state because of it..

Seward is located on tip of the Kenai Peninsula.

But Seward the town is a small place of some 2600 people nestled in an inlet surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the nearby small boat harbor there are fishing vessels and tour boats ready to take you for a ride. It’s time for lunch. I settle for Alaska Nellie’s Roadhouse – a modest-looking diner on the town’s main drag. As it turns out, a big mistake. Without thinking twice or looking at the price, I order fish and chips (after all, one should have a sea food meal here). The food is mediocre, but the bill is not – 27 dollars for the meal and a Coke! So, with a small tip that comes to 30 bucks! As I leave, in front of the restaurant I see the manager (Nellie herself, I presume), talking to a friend about her plans to winter in Florida (Yes, with money from suckers like me, I fume to myself). I walk around Seward. At summertime this is a touristy town and also the cruise ships stop here. So there are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants to choose from.

Downtown Seward is small and touristy.

At the waterfront I run into an interesting bearded man. He is working for Nokia’s Here Business, mapping the highways of Alaska. Here Maps is a similar service to Google Street View. The man says it takes him five weeks to map all Alaska highways. Once in a while he runs into a bit of trouble in his business. In certain neighborhoods people don’t appreciate their homes being photographed. Ironically, the resistance normally happens in either very wealthy or very poor neighborhoods.

This man is mapping Alaska highways for Nokia’s Here Business.

I have a date with Tuula Hollmén, a professor at Alaska University and bird researcher at the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward. The center is located in a foreboding-looking concrete building. My guess is it never won any architectural prices. The interior is more interesting. It contains everything you ever wanted to know about Alaskan sea life. Aquariums have different kinds of fish swimming about and there is a large pool for sea birds that the audience can see. Tuula Hollmén is a delightful woman in her 40’s. Like her subjects, she is tiny and bird-like herself. She has made a stellar scientific career researching sea life, sea birds and eiders in particular. I interview her for a newspaper story.

Bird researcher Tuula Hollmén sits outside Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward.

She is married to an American judge. They live in town. She has lived here for ten years and describes summers here as “cold Finnish summers” (Burrrr). The plus side is that since it is windy year round, at least there are no mosquitoes. Alaska is a bird researcher’s paradise.

Tuula Hollmén has carved out a career of researching birds in Alaska.

Tuula can’t wait to embark on one of her bird expeditions that take her to all kinds of faraway places in this huge state. After saying goodbye to Tuula, I decide to take a long drive to the other side of the peninsula, to a town called Homer. After all, this is my last full day in Alaska.

The northern side of the Kenai Peninsula is sparsely populated.

My trip takes me virtually almost completely around the peninsula, the reason being that the road doesn’t go completely all the way around. The northern side of the Kenai Peninsula is even more sparsely populated than the south side. I drive miles and miles without seeing any human habitation, only scrawny small coniferous trees. Caroline at Denali National Park had told us those trees can be 200 years old but remain small due to the subarctic weather. I reach Homer at sunset and stop at a vista point to take this picture, which by the way is not altered or color enhanced in any way.

A view from Homer at dusk.

Next I head to the beach. There are some locals there, walking their dogs, but as it is getting dark, they too hurry to their cars. After my long drive, nature calls. There are plastic lavatories on the beach. I check into one of them. After finishing my business I try the door. It won’t open. I already envision the headlines: A man freezes to death in Alaska restroom. Is this the end for me, in a place that seems to be in the end of the world? Thank goodness, no. The door was just a little tricky. I get out safely.

Homer, Alaska seems like the most faraway place in the United States.

Now I’m hungry. I drive aimlessly the streets of Homer, population 5,000, but everything seems to be closed. There are all kinds of houses of worship to satisfy any creed from Christian Scientists to Jehovah’s Witnesses but no place to eat. There is a roadhouse, but it looks kinda rough, and I don’t think I would fit in very well, so I pass. On the long trip back to my cabin I come to a town called Soldotna. By now it’s late and dark. I stop to ask a local man if there’s a restaurant nearby. He directs me to the Caribou Family Restaurant. There are only a handful of people in this cozy-looking place. I order a chicken dinner. It turns out to be the best meal of my entire Alaska trip. The satisfaction of a good meal washes away bad memories of Alaska Nellie and her outrageous prices. This dinner is half the price and ten times better. Again, I arrive at my cabin late and turn in.

This hungry voyager found a delicious meal at the Caribou Family Restaurant in Soldotna, Alaska.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20^TH

The final day. After packing up I go to the office to thank the manager of the Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge. It turned out to be a wonderful place to stay at a very reasonable cost of 150 dollars a night. The nature around the cabins is beautiful, the sounds of the river soothing and everything is very peaceful. The management didn’t make a fuss but left me alone, which is exactly the way I prefer.

Kenai River Lodge offers a peaceful place to stay.

Kenai Drifter’s River Lodge offers a peaceful place to stay.

My final date is with Ulla Rasilainen. Her story is the most interesting of all the people I met in Alaska. Ulla started her career as a streetcar driver in Helsinki but yearned to be a pilot. At 25, Finnair said she was too old for their pilot training! So, Ulla moved to San Francisco and got her pilot’s license there by taking private lessons. After working as an entrepreneur and flying FedEx cargo planes, Ulla moved to Alaska and worked as a bush pilot, delivering people and supplies in small villages in Alaska. About a year ago she got a job as a medivac pilot with a company contracted by the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage.

Captain Ulla Rasilainen at the helm of her plane.

She rescues sick people from dangerous and faraway places and flies them to the hospital. We tour her twin turbo engine plane at a hangar in Ted Stevens Airport. It accommodates a crew of four and there are two sick beds in the passenger compartment. She has landed this plane in -50 degree temperatures and inclement weather, rescuing among others, elderly cruise ship passengers, who have broken a hip or suffered a heart attack. It takes a special person to do this kind of a job and Ulla is that person. I truly feel we became good friends.

Ulla on a mission in Sitka, Alaska. Photo courtesy Ulla Rasilainen.

Then it is time to head to the passenger side of the airport, turn in my car (no accidents, thank you), and fly back home after a marvelous trip. Looking through the plane window the icy mountain tops disappear into the distance, I say to myself: I will return to Alaska.

December 29th, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

The Christmas Holidays: Not Too Hot; Not Too Cold; …Just Right

by Ava Anttila

The “flurry” around LA this month is not snow, but a whirlwind of activities that began the day after Thanksgiving and will end on January 6^th –the Day of Epiphany. That is the day most people here take down their Christmas decorations, including their trees.

The terms “holiday season” and “happy holidays” are used here in the US as a descriptor and as a greeting. To those of us with European roots, they have an odd sound since “holiday” –to us, means “vacation”. My ‘take’ is that we have mutated “Holy Day” meant for Worship to “time off” –“…and on the 7^th day He rested.”

Unfortunately, you rarely hear “Merry Christmas” as people try to be ‘politically correct’ toward those of other religions who do not celebrate Christmas. Somehow, to me, it seems more respectful to understand, honor, and celebrate the differences in beliefs rather than to deny them. But then, I am a Finn! “On this day a Child was born…”

Pikkujoulu

We Finns are crazy about Christmas! We get our Pikkujoulu on as early as we can. I guess there are some advantages to ‘monotheology’! Thank you, Martin Luther.

Season Settings

This year, the Christmas season news has been all about the hot and the cold. Super cold nights require outer garments and extra blankets for comfort, but daytime trips in the car require the air conditioning to be running. Of course, my temporal reference is to Southern California where 65º F to 75º F is our ‘custom’—not to Minnesota where I almost spent this Christmas. There, everyone is happy if the night or day temperature gets above 0º Fahrenheit, not Celsius!

Minnesota snow

And, despite the cold, YLE News from Finland reported that this last November was the “hottest” in weather history!

Heslsinki in November (2013)

We did get to have our LA Thanksgiving Feast outside in the yard, despite earlier predictions of cold, wind, and rain. A few days later, the most beautiful Christmas carols at the Finnish Church services brought tears to our eyes and our thoughts to our ‘still cool’ homeland. Our minds began and our ‘tummies’ continued the transition of Holidays as we all enjoyed delicious treats [prepared lovingly by Finnish community volunteers] in the downstairs Parish Hall of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

We did get to have our LA Thanksgiving Feast outside in the yard, despite earlier predictions of cold, wind, and rain

Holiday Traditions

Pasadena was already all set up with bleachers for the New Years Day Rose Parade as I hit town for my friend Mona’s Annual Christmas Luncheon at the stately Valley Hunt Club. The historic Club is the originator of the Annual Rose Festival that includes both the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl. The Club’s beautiful décor and Christmas decorations make the perfect setting for a Christmas Season kick-off. The program is always a truly inspirational way to get into the spirit of the holidays. A live concert by the Citrus Valley College choir made it an ‘over the top’ experience.

Pasadena was already all set up with bleachers for the New Years Day Rose Parade as I hit town for my friend Mona’s Annual Christmas Luncheon at the stately Valley Hunt Club

As with most traditional events, mini-traditions evolve. For as long as I can remember, Mona has given an early Christmas present of an elegant tree ornament as a ‘table gift’ to each of her many guests. The Season got off to another perfect start.

my friend Mona’s Annual Christmas Luncheon at the stately Valley Hunt Club.

For as long as I can remember, Mona has given an early Christmas present of an elegant tree ornament as a ‘table gift’ to each of her many guests

Just when you think it cannot get any better, it does. This year, Mona herself received a special Christmas present. Her first Grandchild [part Finnish] was born the very next day!

The Club’s beautiful décor and Christmas decorations make the perfect setting for a Christmas Season kick-off.

Get There Early …Stay For The Fun

Suomi Kerho held its Annual Bake Sale and Christmas Dinner to a packed house. The Hall looked Christmas lovely and was filled with Finns and friends having a wonderful time. Everyone enjoys the delicious traditional foods served, but the Bake Sale sells out way too early!

Everyone enjoys the delicious traditional foods served, but the Bake Sale sells out way too early!

Kids of all ages were excited to welcome Joulupukki [Santa Claus] who was introduced by lovely Mistress of Ceremonies, Liisa Linnala. Liisa asked Santa how his trip to North Hollywood went. Joulupukki happily reported coming from Korvatunturi [the North Pole] via Finnair and was really enjoying the warm California climate.

Kids of all ages were excited to welcome Joulupukki [Santa Claus] who was introduced by lovely Mistress of Ceremonies, Liisa Linnala.

EASAC Turns 10!!

The European American Sheriff’s Advisory Council celebrated its 10th Anniversary at the Annual Holiday Luncheon held at Sheriff’s Headquarters in Monterey Park

The European American Sheriff’s Advisory Council celebrated its 10^th Anniversary at the Annual Holiday Luncheon held at Sheriff’s Headquarters in Monterey Park. As a Founding Member, Finland has provided continuous support and leadership to EASAC.

Consul General of Finland Juha Markkanen

The Annual Holiday Luncheon provides EASAC and the Sheriff an opportunity to welcome the Consuls General of the European nations with representation in Los Angeles and to hear from some interesting speakers. Those speakers included the Consul General of Uruguay who is Dean of the LA Consular Corp, two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stars, and Sheriff Lee Baca himself. As EASAC President, Elizabeth von Schlesinger served as MC, Vice President Jim Lynch reviewed the major events of 10 years, and, as VP, I got to give an overview of the EASAC history, identity, purpose, direction, and priorities. Elizabeth, Jim, and I were given really neat Certificates of Appreciation by Sheriff Baca for our 10 years of work and support of the Sheriff’s Department and our European communities.

Those speakers included the Consul General of Uruguay who is Dean of the LA Consular Corp, two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stars, and Sheriff Lee Baca himself. Elizabeth, Jim, and I were given really neat Certificates of Appreciation by Sheriff Baca for our 10 years of work and support of the Sheriff’s Department and our European communities.

The strong Finnish presence at the EASAC Luncheon included Finland’s new Consul General in Los Angeles Juha “JP” Markkanen, journalist Tomi Hinkkanen, photographer Jonny Kahleyn, and yours truly.

Sheriff Baca got a warm welcome from his important guests and many friends on the Council.

SuomiKoulu/Katirilli Soirée

A cold night in Costa Mesa turned to a warm and welcoming Hall for the joint Suomi Koulu/Katirilli Christmas party. How can you see a large contingence of adult elves with rosy cheeks and not get a smile on your face??

Mira Scott and Petra Kess led the festivities. Children enjoyed crafts and play. A Christmas tree was decked out in Finnish flags. And, delicious Christmas food was served.

Mira Scott and Petra Kess led the festivities. Children enjoyed crafts and play. A Christmas tree was decked out in Finnish flags. And, delicious Christmas food was served. Mira reported a very large attendance this year. Lots of people having fun set the tone for the Season and reminded us all what great joy can be found in the faces of children—even when we are all grown up!

Lots of people having fun set the tone for the Season and reminded us all what great joy can be found in the faces of children—even when we are all grown up!

Speaking of generations, as I was taking a picture of the cutest little girl playing with the bell on her seatmate’s tonttulakki [elf cap], someone identified the munchkin as the Great Granddaughter of Eila Kartiala, the Founder of the Katirilli Dancers. My, how time flies—and what hope plays before us!

How can you see a large contingence of adult elves with rosy cheeks and not get a smile on your face??

After finding some great bargains at the used book sale, it was time to head out for another event in Santa Monica.

I was taking a picture of the cutest little girl playing with the bell on her seatmate’s tonttulakki [elf cap], someone identified the munchkin as the Great Granddaughter of Eila Kartiala, the Founder of the Katirilli Dancers. My, how time flies—and what hope plays before us!

Food Bank Party

‘Back in the day’, the kids who went to U.C. Berkeley were ‘cool’!

Guests were invited to a Foodbank to pack boxes of food for the less fortunate. Each of us made a monetary donation, rolled up our sleeves, and went to work packing—definitely a different LA party!

My friend from Berkeley days [J.J. –now a renowned architect] hosted the most wonderful LA Christmas party in a refrigerated warehouse –brrrrr, it was COLD. Actually, guests were invited to a Foodbank to pack boxes of food for the less fortunate. Each of us made a monetary donation, rolled up our sleeves, and went to work packing—definitely a different LA party!

After the hard work, guests mingled out back on the loading area that was decked out with Holiday décor and a forest of outdoor heaters –ahhhhh, WARMTH. Fabulous refreshments included a punch bar, an artisan ice cream vendor, a hot dog cart, and a huge food truck from the famous “Two Hot Tamales”

Tasty Holiday Traditions

Speaking of tamales, you will see more tamales than rutabagas here in LA. The food cases in supermarkets are filled with masa, the cornmeal paste that is spread on dried corn husks before the yummy fillings of green chile and corn, pork, or chicken are wrapped into pretty packages to be steamed in the Latin American mode. Tamales are fun to make, but are so much work! Still, tamales are definitely fun to eat!

We have been told that on Tapaninpäivä [Boxing Day —the day after Christmas], we will be receiving some of the best homemade tamales anywhere.

We have been told that on Tapaninpäivä [Boxing Day —the day after Christmas], we will be receiving some of the best homemade tamales anywhere. They are being made by the Mother of my late Mother’s helper. I hope to twist her arm to give me a lesson next year –I would like to see a master at work and to learn her secret techniques if she will share them. Maybe she would trade me for a Finnish kaalikääryle demonstration!

tamales fixins’

Fun Holiday Shopping

Shopping at The Farmer’s Market is always a must for me. There is no Stockmann’s Food Hall here, but The Farmer’s Market (3^rd and Fairfax) really has had the best offerings in LA for as long as I have been here—even before The Grove opened next door.

Shopping at The Farmer’s Market is always a must for me

As I entered The Market, a Caribbean steel band was playing. Smiling people were gathering their Holiday meal goodies. A little boy asked his Mother why those green “wastebaskets” were hanging on the tree. If you are a regular, you know the iconic wooden carts that have been used since the early days by shoppers for their purchases as they go from farmer’s stand to farmer’s stand sort of like a golf ‘walking cart’ without the clubs! If you are not a regular, at least you now know that those green things are there for your use—no charge!

If you are a regular, you know the iconic wooden carts that have been used since the early days by shoppers for their purchases as they go from farmer’s stand to farmer’s stand sort of like a golf ‘walking cart’ without the clubs!

My favorite butcher told me of an upcoming Sausage Class he will be teaching this Winter. His last class had a U.S. Supreme Court Justice as a ‘student’. Yes, I know who it was, but I will defer! Maybe I should sign up for that next course.

My favorite butcher told me of an upcoming Sausage Class he will be teaching this Winter

Back to my shopping:

√ Ground beef for Christmas Eve meat pie

√ Center cut salmon fillets for gravlax

√ Valencia oranges for fresh squeezed juice on Christmas morning

√ International sausages for Christmas brunch

√ Primo piece of beef for Christmas dinner

√√ A smile for my face, a bounce in my step, –and a grand lift for my spirit ☺☺☺☺☺

Now, off to see Seija Gerdt [formerly Anttila] for the Finnish artist’s annual pre-Christmas sale. Her studio and home are always so festive and fun. I have been collecting her work for years. Only very ‘good little girls and boys’ get on that list, however. A jolly FACC President, Heidi Crooks, was spotted helping ‘Finnish Commerce’ and doing some good ‘elves’ work!

A jolly FACC President, Heidi Crooks, was spotted helping ‘Finnish Commerce’ and doing some good ‘elves’ work!

Holiday Entertaining: Giving, Guests, and Gifts

While Finnish liqueurs used to make for a wonderful tuliainen or a nice Christmas gift for special friends, the ‘security’ liquid restrictions make it more difficult to bring these delights home these days.

Thus:

Following is a recipe I created many years ago after being inspired by those wonderful Finnish cream candies like Omar and Maija. It is also reminiscent of the after dinner drinks our Irish friends make that our national airline has available to help us ‘off to dreamland’ on those long flights. It does remind me of Finland.

You may recall that earlier I wrote about my dear friend Veli Matti who would come by every now and then after a hard day of studies at the UCLA Anderson School –always with his ‘patented’ inquiry: “What is happening in the Kitchen Laboratory tonight?” Sometimes I was preparing a meal—sometimes I was concocting something new. This concoction was one night’s “…what’s happening?” answer.

And, your humble ‘mad scientist’ correspondent is here to guide you through the process. No special equipment, oven, or stove is needed. Just drag out and dust off those old bottles* you have stored in your attic for next year’s sima and let’s begin:

AVA’S ‘BAILEYS’ HOLIDAY SWEETNESS

This is a great “no cook” recipe you can whip up in minutes.

AVA’S ‘BAILEYS’ HOLIDAY SWEETNESS

1 14 oz can sweetened, condensed milk

1 cup Irish whiskey [or cream soda for a nonalcoholic version]

1 tablespoon chocolate syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract [or 1 teaspoon Finnish vanilla sugar if you have it]

1 teaspoon instant coffee crystals

1 cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon canned, sweetened cream of coconut

ice cubes

Finnish candies for garnish

Combine first 5 ingredients in blender; blend until coffee crystals dissolve.

Add whipping cream and cream of coconut; blend.

Transfer to pitcher or decorative bottle. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.

This makes 8 servings.

To serve: Fill glasses [beautiful Finnish glasses, of course] with ice cubes. Pour stirred, chilled mixture over the ‘rocks’ and serve immediately—and often**, if no one is driving.

Alternatively: Shake with ice and pour into a martini glass with the rim dipped in decorative sugar such as demerara.

For Gifting or Storing: Add a small ‘name card’ or label on the bottle reminding recipient that the contents need to be refrigerated when not ‘in use’.

Actually, small ornate bottles from oils and vinegars decorated with ribbons and ornaments make perfect vessels for giving if thoroughly cleaned. Especially nice is the cobalt blue glass in which some bottled waters are sold –if you can find them.

* Actually, small ornate bottles from oils and vinegars decorated with ribbons and ornaments make perfect vessels for giving if thoroughly cleaned. Especially nice is the cobalt blue glass in which some bottled waters are sold –if you can find them.

**Enjoy responsibly.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!

Whether your Holiday is hot or cold, I hope it is warm with Love.

December 22nd, 2013

thinkkanen

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SONGS

The Finnish Lutheran church services in L.A. culminated this year with the Christmas worship on the 8th of December at the beautiful St. Paul’s cathedral in Santa Monica. The theme of the day was The Most Beautiful Christmas Songs – Kauneimmat Joululaulut. Our pastor Jarmo Tarkki gave an uplifting cermon and the talented Terhi Miikki-Broersma from Washington State served as cantor. Finntimes videotaped the service and offers it now to our readers as a Christmas gift. Here it is in its entirety – The Most Beautiful Christmas Songs – enjoy!

Finnish Lutheran church services in L.A. Kauneimmat Joululaulut.

December 16th, 2013

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA: “ASK NOT…”
by Ava Anttila

Fifty years ago President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated.

President John Kennedy with daughter Caroline.

There was a time when I thought History was something that happened to other people in another era. Now, I know that History is but a record of lives lived, events experienced, challenges embraced, and results accomplished. It is different when you are there.

It was late morning on November 22, 1963 when a little Finnish girl in Mrs. Holdbrook’s class was told by her crying teacher to “…go home, the school is closing—class is dismissed—the President has been shot.” And, home my classmates and I went, not really ‘knowing’ what was happening or what we were to do…or think.

jfk

The details of that fateful morning came back into focus with a new clarity as the World stopped to reflect on a ‘reality show’ like none anyone had experienced in ‘real time’. That weekend the country witnessed the live murder of the assassin on television. Oh, how real it was! For a new immigrant child who thought she had arrived to a place of safety and security, the World turned upside down.

The entire month of November just past seemed dedicated to recollections and reflections on one of the most monumental and earth-shaking events for anyone around on that fateful day.

Time Compression

We all remember where we were and what we were doing at the time of significant events during our lives. This is our History as we lived it: television/color television; the Moon landing; hearing of the death of John Lennon, JFK, RFK, Princess Diana; the Challenger disaster; the Northridge ‘quake; 9/11; and on and on.

In truth, I rather welcome the perspective that is brought by a significant anniversary, memorial, or celebration. When we look back at the 50 years since John Kennedy’s assassination, it does not seem so long ago that another assassinated President [Abraham Lincoln] gave his Gettysburg Address even though that happened 150 years ago.

The original Gettysburg Address

President Lincoln was a great orator. And, History classes taught us that he was responsible for preserving the Union of States and bringing an end to slavery in the United States. ‘In the day’, each American school age child had to memorize the Gettysburg Address. Those words about the greatness of this country were heartfelt by this young immigrant. Your humble correspondent was one who knew and can still [almost] recite “Four score and seven years ago …///…of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth”.

My Father was born four score and eight years ago! Whoooaa!!

Today

Even without the current year’s benchmark anniversaries, this is a memorable and meaningful time of year. Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Finnish Independence Day have calendared close together and force our thoughts to consider the meaning and importance of these themes.

Finnish war veteran Ari Antiila with daughter Ava

We fly the flags to salute our Veterans—here and gone. We feast with friends and family on Thanksgiving, mindful of how truly fortunate we are in our lives. We place the proper candles in our window on 6 December and join Finnish hearts to applaud our remaining Veterans and Lottas for their sacrifice and service preserving Finnish Independence. Of course, December 7^th and the bombing of Pearl Harbor abruptly bringing the US into WWII continues to be “…a day that shall live in infamy” as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt so resolutely stated.

Each November my Father relives the start of the Winter War by describing his witness of the Russian bombing of Helsinki. Each year as I drive my Veteran Dad home from the Consul Residence Independence Day festivities, I am ever-so-mindful that he and my dear, departed Mom [a Lotta] helped preserve Finland! They fought the fight—my parents [and many others we know and love] are Finnish History!

Members of Finnish voluntary auxiliary paramilitary organization for women

“Ask Not…”

“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country… .”

President Kennedy’s Inaugural ‘challenge’ served as inspiration for generations –and continues today in many forms of generosity and giving. While Congress hones ineptitude and the extremes in talk/print media bloviate to/at each other and themselves, the American people continue to reach out with amazing caring and generosity toward folks who need help around the World. That philosophy and way of life describe what I have seen, experienced, and tried to emulate my entire life since arriving here as a young girl.

American Red Cross workers assist at a community run shelter at Bastrop Middle School after wildfires sweep the region, driving thousands of people from endangered neighborhoods and burning hundreds of houses to the ground.

‘Let Them Eat Soup…’

My Dad often reflects fondly on pea soup and his Finnish Army experiences.

Each time I bring him a bowl of Finnish pea soup and he happens upon a piece of meat, he makes the comment: “Oh, look sattumia [special happenings or ‘finds’]”. His delight reflects how special it was for the troops to find a real piece of meat in their nourishment on the cold battlefields of Finland during the war. Despite a current life of comfort, war and all its shortages our heroes experienced left grateful memories of a ‘find’ in the frozen forest.

Heroic resistance: Finnish troops battle against the Red Army.

During the wars, the Finnish Forces [helped by their Lottas] had to set up makeshift kitchens to feed the troops. Dried peas and water cooked in a big pot can feed a crowd. Scraps of meat, a ham hock, a bone, or even a left-over makkara tossed in the pot can add great flavor, aroma, and nourishment. Pea soup is basic, hearty, humble, unassuming, laid back, and enduring –just like the Finns who love it, including our beloved Veterans.

Finnish children being evacuated during the Winter War

Finnish Pea Soup

Although I have made different kinds of pea soup through the years, I love to serve ‘tricked out’, fancy, playful ones with fun garnishes in ‘different’ presentations for dinner parties or elegant occasions. When I am going for a ‘Finnish touch’, the authentic, basic recipe wins out!

Finnish war veteran Ari Antiila with daughter Ava

I make Finnish pea soup for my Veteran Dad each week—or so it feels. I stick with the simplest, most authentic version. My ‘improvements’ are not with ingredients or accoutrements, but in process. After years of watching a pot boiling on the stove and steaming up the kitchen, I moved to cooking in a simple ‘slow cooker’. You can buy one in practically any store in the U.S. for very little money. Sometimes they are referred to by the funny term “crock pot”.

The slow cooker is a California dream for a busy person. All ingredients are thrown in the sturdy pot in the morning. Once temperature and cooking time are set, the ‘batch’ can be left safely unattended for a whole day at the office or on a movie shoot without worry. You will be greeted with an olfactory hug of Finnish nostalgia [without any additional human involvement] upon your return.

Life in the Slow Lane Pea Soup

Recipe

1 one pound bag of split peas (even better, but harder to find are the whole peas)

1 to 1½ quarts cold water

1 meaty ham bone (from leftovers) or a smoked ham hock (can omit for vegan version)

1 tablespoon salt (a few dashes of pepper to taste)

2 teaspoons marjoram

2 tablespoons dried minced onion or one whole onion finely chopped

Put all ingredients in slow cooker. Water should cover everything by several inches. Set on ‘low’ for 6 to 8 hours.

IMG_3916a

Remove bone(s) and discard. Chop meat into bite sized pieces and return to pot.

ava-december2

Stir and serve.

The soup will thicken as it sets. If too thick the next day, add a bit of water and stir.

Soup keeps 2 to 3 days, but also freezes well.

This is a great party dish for a crowd if you double the recipe. My crock pot is a 7 quart cooker and suits a doubled recipe.

For a party, serve in a large, heated soup tureen and ladle into mugs or demitasse cups—with a sliver or crouton of rye bread. Or, simply serve in bowls as a first course.

You can also serve soup ‘Shooters’ as appetizers –as the centerpiece of a celebration or a fundraiser. Or, if you practice enough, as a course in your own restaurant!

Regardless, your soup will be a success if you have Finland –its heritage and history, in your heart and on your table!!

ACTIVITIES IN LA

Veteraani Tuki Ryhma

The local Vets met on November 11 at Suomi Kerho.

The Veteraani Tuki Ryhma has had the ‘behind-the-scenes’ ongoing support of Henri Aspen and Pauli Majamaki in arranging for their events.

Suomi Kerho has always been the stalwart port of Finnish activities. The Veteraani Tuki Ryhma has had the ‘behind-the-scenes’ ongoing support of Henri Aspen and Pauli Majamaki in arranging for their events. It took some wrangling and pleading just to get them to stand still for a photo, but a big kiitos is in order for all their efforts and kindness for our local Veterans and Lottas.

Majamaki Family Greenscapes

The Bulletin Board at the Suomi Kerho facility showcased the Majamaki family and its landscaping successes in a big Daily News feature. What a beautiful greenscape they have created on their property.

Suomi Kerho’s Neighborhood

I wrote recently about the gentrification of the Suomi Kerho neighborhood, including the new Senior Creative Arts Colony nearby. I had to chuckle when I saw the new Salami Studio sign that just went up on the block! Finland and sausage just can’t get away from each other—even in Hollywood!

I had to chuckle when I saw the new Salami Studio sign that just went up on the block! Finland and sausage just can’t get away from each other—even in Hollywood!

Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation

The LAFF meeting on 11/7 featured Ray Halme as Keynote Speaker.

Ray’s program centered on the Finns living and working in Hollywood from 1900-1950s. Ray had previously presented this program at the FinnFest in San Diego. There were so many fascinating programs going on at the same time at the FinnFest, I had to miss Ray’s program. I was thrilled to get a call that Mr. Halme’s presentation was being repeated for the LAFF November meeting. There was a full audience at the Gidding Room and the presentation by Ray gave everyone background that brought that era to life.

The LAFF meeting on 11/7 featured Ray Halme as Keynote Speaker.

The LAFF business meeting followed with various issues.

Maria Kizirian [who was present] was introduced as the replacement for Finlandia Foundation National’s Christina Lin who has returned to the East Coast.

December 5th, 2013

thinkkanen

Join us for a sing along of the most beautiful Finnish Christmas Carols at Santa Monica’s Finnish Lutheran Church on December 8, 2013.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is located at:

958 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 9040

Kauneimmat joululaulut

November 14th, 2013

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA
by Ava Anttila

Esa-Pekka Salonen was in town last month marking the 10 year intermezzo since the building of Disney Hall.

For any Finn living in our City of Angels, Esa-Pekka Salonen is such a source of national pride—a phenomenal icon. It must be hard for him to remain a humble Finn when the entire world is his adoring public gushing with enthusiasm and accolades. But then, who suggested greatness is easy!!

Disney Hall.

One of the fringe benefits of decades of volunteer activities in all things Finnish is that you get to visit with ‘newbies’ before they achieve ‘icon’ status. I am reminded of an informal welcoming event the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce had for the young –and even younger looking, Sibelius Academy star alumnus when he first arrived in Los Angeles. Before the Maestro’s face was a fixture on promotional banners on San Vicente Boulevard—and elsewhere, he told of being ‘carded’ at Vicente Foods when buying beer. Esa-Pekka Salonen shared the story with a good sense of humor and a smile on his then cherubic face. Still, while the tale was funny when told in the self-deprecating Finnish way, it must have been humbling for him. Those were the days….

The ebb and flow of a musical composition. The ebb and flow of the creative process. The reflection between two occurrences. Perspective comes from time to reflect. To get a peek into the minds of two accomplished creative geniuses twice between decades [prospective and retrospective] with the benefit of time passing in between for all of us is quite a gift.

Disney Hall 10^th Anniversary Celebrations

Many years ago when the Disney Hall concept was but a ‘twinkle’, über architect Frank Gehry and Esa-Pekka Salonen came together for an evening of sharing their respective passions for music and architecture—what a special night!

Many years ago when the Disney Hall concept was but a ‘twinkle’, über architect Frank Gehry and Esa-Pekka Salonen came together for an evening of sharing their respective passions for music and architecture—what a special night!

I was lucky enough to be there to hear the magic as a creative genius team came together. The music and the metal melded producing a collective ‘progeny’ we Angelenos now proudly call Disney Hall. That evening over a decade ago was one of many unforgettable times I spent with my dear friend, the late Greta Peck*.

Greta Peck

Greta and I joined others at the Brentwood home of former US Ambassador to Finland Rockwell Schnabel. Esa-Pekka Salonen and Frank Gehry were there to discuss architecture, music, and how they intertwine. What followed was a most inspiring and eye-opening view into their creative minds at the cusp of their respective, momentous works here in LA.

“The rest is history…” as the story goes.

Dejá Vu –Again = Salonen/Gehry Event at the Hammer: a Full Circle Ten Year Intermezzo

Last month news spread that Esa-Pekka Salonen and Frank Gehry would present “a conversation” about Disney Hall at the Armand Hammer Museum in Westwood. L.A. went all abuzz. The October 15^th event was free, but became “sold out” with priority reservations from Museum Members and with a line snaking around the courtyard for available general public seats. The turnout was such that outdoor screens and folding chairs were set up under the stars for the adoring masses that showed up.

über architect Frank Gehry and Esa-Pekka Salonen came together for an evening of sharing their respective passions for music and architecture

With Greta now gone, I was happy to meet up with Finnish American Chamber of Commerce President Heidi Crooks at the Gehry/Salonen presentation. Heidi brought with her newly arrived UCLA Medical Center visitors from Finland, Dr. Heikki Miettinen and his wife Merja Miettinen. FACC Board member Dr. Michael Berlin joined us, as well. The setting was impressive, but significantly less intimate than Ambassador Schnabel’s living room!

The presentation was moderated by Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist Nikolai Ouroussoff [formerly Architecture Critic for the Los Angeles Times and for the New York Times] who pointed out that the auspiciously named corner of Grand and Hope Streets in downtown LA is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Master Chorale where Maestro Salonen was the Conductor for 17 years [between 1992 and 2009].

In the audience that evening was YasuhisaToyota, the celebrated acoustician of Disney Hall. How proud he must have felt with the results he helped achieve.

Architect Gehry kept musicians in mind during his collaboration with Conductor Salonen in order to make “the perfect instrument” –which is what Mr. Salonen calls the Hall.

Salonen told about Ernest Fleischmann’s visit to him to discuss the Utopian idea when Esa-Pekka was in Florence. Mr. Gehry told of then Music Center Executive Fleischmann teaching him about classical music and the idea of a “democratic” hall [“He also scared the….out of me” Gehry said!].

Disney Hall

Looking back at the ten year intermezzo of life since that Schnabel evening with Messrs. Gehry and Salonen [and listening to them both on the same topics after their exquisitely successful collaboration on the Disney Hall project] was fascinating.

Proof Is In Performance

Esa-Pekka Salonen feels the Hall has a beautiful, luminous sound. The Hall creates intimacy, despite the volume [size/space]. Maestro Salonen said the Hall’s intimacy makes it feel like he is playing to each individual who is personally able to experience the music. And, with such personal scrutiny being reciprocal, he professed the need to even pay attention to the type of socks he wears while on the podium!

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Salonen noted that with most music in concerts, you hear it but it lacks ‘intimacy’. In Disney Hall, the same music hits you in the stomach –you ‘feel’ it, like with rock music. The term he used was “psychoacoustics”. The Concert is a personal experience, aided by what is called the Hall’s “vineyard layout”.

[Note to Perfectionists: Salonen described how the orchestra ‘practiced seating’ together at Royce Hall/UCLA. Also, they even ‘tried’ the proposed new Disney Hall ‘risers’ in the Chandler Pavilion at the old Music Center downtown before they were installed in Disney Hall.]

Acropolis at the Top of the Hill

The “Acropolis at the Top of the Hill” is how the panel saw the LA Music Center before the new Disney Hall. And, Mr. Salonen described traditional classical music as a German idea brought to the US. He said the old European Germanic model needed a change to drive LA and he thought of ways to do just that. He said Disney Hall was one way to do it. What was needed was a high caliber “instrument” for the orchestra, not like the Chandler which was a multipurpose hall. Gehry said Disney Hall needed to be a symbol of LA, not like the existing facility which to him was a ‘box’ copying New York’s Lincoln Center.

Rats to Immortality

Esa-Pekka said that Disney Hall has changed the idea of concert halls forever. While there is perfection all around, Frank Gehry still feels the foyer has not lived up to the Hall. He would have liked to open it up to the street with garage-like doors, but apparently the Health Department had concerns about rats entering. Who knew?

Frank Gehry shared his thoughts about Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Finnish heritage and he reflected on his own Canadian heritage. Alvar Aalto was his hero. Mr. Gehry had some classic funny observations on Finnish shyness such as the Finnish extrovert noted for looking at another’s shoes instead of his own during conversation.

Frank Gehry shared his thoughts about Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Finnish heritage and he reflected on his own Canadian heritage. Alvar Aalto was his hero.

Gehry’s and Salonen’s bond and friendship was beautifully consummated as they stood together holding hands as they heard the first sounds in Disney Hall. I will bet each was holding his breath as well! The first sound checks were made even before there was a stage. [Can you imagine Mr. Toyota’s heart rate immediately prior to that initial sound check?]

The pizzicato of Beethoven’s 7^th Symphony was the testing piece. Maestro Salonen described the faces of the players in the orchestra as they christened the solemn ‘air’. With tears streaming, one musician said he had ‘wasted’ four decades.

As the two concluded their most critical design performance test, Esa-Pekka turned to Frank and said simply: “We’ll keep it!!”

Program Post Scripts

During the evening Esa-Pekka Salonen kept referring to the Hall as “my instrument”. Think about that. It speaks volumes.

The juxtaposition of the two events/over 10 years apart—the same people reflecting [before and after] on their collaborative project and views on their creative crafts was marvelous. It was like being a sanctioned voyeur to the creative process of World Class multi-discipline geniuses. And yes, I have attended concerts at Disney Hall. As great as my enjoyment/appreciation was, it had to pale in comparison to Esa-Pekka Salonen’s and Frank Gehry’s personal/mutual experience.

Isn’t it great “…when a plan comes together.”

When asked by an audience member about other places, travels, plans, personal feelings, and Los Angeles, there was a collective sigh when the Maestro said: “LA is home.”

AND, IN OTHER NEWS

European Jazz at UCLA

October was the month for music.

The Consulate General of Finland joined with Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland to present European Jazz in concert.

Olli Hirvonen Trio, Finland

Olli Hirvonen [chosen as Artist of the Year at Pori Jazz, one of the highest awards for a jazz musician in Finland] performed on October 12^th at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s Schoenberg Hall.

The well attended Opening and Reception was held at the Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles in Westwood

The well attended Opening and Reception was held at the Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles in Westwood. Finns intermingled with other Europeans enjoying Italian delicacies, wines, and espresso.

Finnish Consul General Juha Markkanen and wife Tula

Finnish Consul General Juha Markkanen and wife Tuula

FACC Annual Meeting and Election

The Finnish American Chamber of Commerce on the Pacific Coast, Inc. held its Annual Meeting and Election at the Bel Air home of Heidi Crooks, Chief Nursing Officer of the UCLA Medical Center. Heidi was elected President; Ava Anttila, Vice President; Kielo Stevenson, Treasurer; and Heikki Ketola, Secretary. Ulla Bowers will be the new Information Officer. Joann Scott and Dr. Michael Berlin were elected to the Board as well.

The FACC began the celebration of its 50^th Anniversary with a special dessert served at the Annual Meeting.

The FACC welcomes a new FACC, San Diego chapter.

CREATIVE FINNS

The Creative Finns held their monthly meeting at The Next Door Lounge, a Speakeasy style establishment in Hollywood. The well attended gathering (—sharing food, drinks, and catching up) was fun.

Kielo Stevenson, Ulla Bowers, Laura Laaksonen and Liisa Evestiina

FACC Event: Finnish Cardiologist

In the rhythm of life, our beating hearts need healthy attention. Dr. Heikki Miettinen, Cardiologist from Kuopio Hospital [Finland] presented a ‘latest developments’ overview to the FACC at their October Meeting. The program stressed prevention.

Dr. Miettinen was born in Eastern Karelia during what he calls the “black period” when men were dying at early ages from heart related issues. Causal research in the Karelia Project effectuated changes in education and lifestyle. Dr. Miettinen explained that while aging, gender, and genetics present 2/3rds of the risk factors we cannot change, the other 1/3rd are factors that we can and should manage/change. Lifestyle changes such as smoking, obesity, and stress are key factors everyone can work on.

Dr. Miettinen was able to explain the use of statins, various fad diets, herbal teas, and even the use of dark chocolate [Oh yes, bring on the Fazer!] for health improvement!

Responding to audience questions with the latest research, Dr. Miettinen was able to explain the use of statins, various fad diets, herbal teas, and even the use of dark chocolate [Oh yes, bring on the Fazer!] for health improvement!

LAFF Event: Annual Honoree Luncheon
The Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation held its Annual Honoree Luncheon on October 27^th in Glendale. This year’s Honoree was Dr. John Ogren. The event Program featured cellist Pauliina Haustein with her beautiful musical renditions in one of her final performances before moving to Finland. Following her intermezzo, we look forward to Pauliina’s return.

The event Program featured cellist Pauliina Haustein with her beautiful musical renditions in one of her final performances before moving to Finland.

AND, IN OTHER INTERMEZZOS

Some intermezzos are longer than others. For those naïve enough to have believed it when ‘they’ told you that the 405 construction was to be completed in 2013, that bridge to Brooklyn is still available—but the cash price has just gone up again. So sorry.

For those naïve enough to have believed it when ‘they’ told you that the 405 construction was to be completed in 2013, that bridge to Brooklyn is still available—but the cash price has just gone up again. So sorry.

‘They’ just announced construction will require another year and a half before it is done—no reliable $ estimates available. So, sit tight, grit your teeth, turn up the radio tuned to some Sibelius, call on your Finnish resilience, and get ready to “sit-a-spell” a while longer. Those 15 minute runs to the store for a quart of milk or to the salon for a quick hair trim will take the 2 hours you have gotten used to for a while longer.

May your inner Finn enjoy the interchange intermezzo in the interim!

*Greta Peck Redux

Every now and then there is a fun ‘back story’ that would distract from the main theme that is worth telling non-the-less. This is one of those times, but I will do my best to stay focused on relevant events and not attempt a full-on biography—as tempting as that is.

As you likely recall, Greta Peck was a beautiful Finn who was once married to iconic actor Gregory Peck.

Gregory and Greta Peck

Greta and I became good friends. Despite a significant age difference, we shared our mutual Finnish heritage; our experiences as single mothers; and our love of art and culture, fun and good times. Greta loved to attend every possible Finland-related event—and I seemed somehow to be involved with ‘producing’ same in one way or another. As it evolved, we ended up going together often. Arriving early and staying late—which I usually needed to do, was just the way Greta liked it!

Whether I picked her up on Summit Drive in Beverly Hills or she came down the hill to meet at my house, I was always the driver –except for the one Schnabel/Gehry/Salonen night. The reason will become apparent.

Going anywhere with my old, dear, late friend Greta was always an adventure. That particular night was one I will always remember.

Greta was a proud Finn and a patriotic American. She was one of the most dedicated and generous people you could imagine. Her good works on this earth are legendary—but must wait for another column.

As noted, Greta was always up for any Finnish related event. Whether the venue was down the street at the Beverly Hills Hotel or in San Diego, Orange County, or wherever, she was raring to go.

On the Schnabel/Gehry/Salonen event evening, Greta arrived at my house at the agreed hour for the short trip to Ambassador Schnabel’s home in Brentwood Park. Greta had what I call a “land yacht” of a car –a massive, long, wide gold Lincoln Continental she drove for many years. Since she was a diminutive woman who seemed to ‘shrink’ with each passing year, it was hard to even see her behind (and peering under) the huge steering wheel.

I had never been her passenger before so, this time, when she offered to drive to the close-by location in Brentwood, I accepted her gracious gesture. That was before I noticed that one side view mirror was missing and the other was dangling on a lone wire! [When I asked about her mirrors, she dismissed my concern with a casual “…the buses here keep getting bigger”. Had I heard her correctly—what did that mean?? Too late—we were under way.]

Greta was her usual bubbly self as we headed out toward Sunset Boulevard for the half mile or so trip to the Brentwood Park area. In making the right hand turn to go west on Sunset we ended up head-on in the opposing direction traffic lane. Greta was chatting away as the horns blared saying “…it’s OK, we don’t have far to go!” She was always such an optimist—even in and about LA traffic!

Since I am writing this vignette, clearly we made it to the Schnabels and back. Never a dull moment Around LA with Ava—or with Greta!!!

October 3rd, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA
by Ava Anttila

MUSHROOM MANIA

With people shooting up Naval Bases and shopping malls at home and abroad—to say nothing of the ‘dude’ who tried to re-create a video game experience by crashing into things in a real car, why would anyone want to write about Mushrooms??

Chanterelle mushrooms

If you are moving your cursor toward the ‘escape’ button, I know you have never been in Finland during the late Summer when the days are still light, the weather is sunny and warm, and rains are followed with Finnish flag blue skies. School is open, people are back to work, Winter is still a good idea, and the lake-side cottages have not been shuttered against the snow. Then, weekends are special times in Finland—and for August/September vacationers. It is Mushroom Season!!

Nature’s bounty is there for the taking—free! Flowers in May, strawberries and blueberries in June and July, followed by cute red lingonberries in late Summer

Finns are hunters and gatherers. Nature’s bounty is there for the taking—free! Flowers in May, strawberries and blueberries in June and July, followed by cute red lingonberries in late Summer. Gathering the ‘goodies’ is a lovely thing to do. [I have an Uncle who hunts, but hearing the horn starting duck season followed immediately by the ricocheting sounds of small arms fire at mid-day was a bit scary. Hanging around for the opening of moose season was not happening!]

There is nothing that inspires (or obsesses) Finns more than mushroom season. It is like a cult. Mushroom foraging is serious and soul driven. TV programs, flashy magazines, weather reports, GPS‘apps’ for your smart phone, and hints for the forager are everywhere. I spotted a special glossy magazine called Sieni [yes, “Mushroom”!] in its own special display rack with multiple duplicate issues crying out to be snatched up for consumption by the aficionado –whether amateur or professional.

Special maps, accessories, clothing, shoes are all there for those who want to be ‘styling’ while in the woods

Special maps, accessories, clothing, shoes are all there for those who want to be ‘styling’ while in the woods. The local gossip is all abuzz sharing hints about newly found places for the treasured treats. [Actually, the prime locations are carefully guarded secrets—mine is on a moss covered giant granite rock just outside my bedroom window where I can watch the beauties pop up while having an early morning cup of Presidentti.]

The aroma of the woods filled with mushrooms after a rain can set the endorphins pulsing in your brain as you are on the hunt

The aroma of the woods filled with mushrooms after a rain can set the endorphins pulsing in your brain as you are on the hunt. While you feel as if you are already in Heaven just being there, you are aware that you walk the dangerous ‘edge’ knowing that if you pick a ‘wrong’ mushroom (or cook it incorrectly), the mushroom can kill you. This ‘walk-in-the-woods’ makes for a strange obsession, not unlike that Fugu fish sushi you hear about (but the smell is much better).

There is an actual term: sieni höperö for those afflicted with the mushroom addiction. I use the term “addiction” because there is a compulsion to keep at the forage for the thrill of the hunt and the jackpot reward

There is an actual term: sieni höperö for those afflicted with the mushroom addiction. I use the term “addiction” because there is a compulsion to keep at the forage for the thrill of the hunt and the jackpot reward. Like the proverbial ‘little old ladies’ at the slot machines in the Vegas casinos moving from one penny slot machine to another pulling the lever just one more time. The quest of the sieni höperö is to go further into the woods, around the next bend, or over the next boulder to find that ‘pot of gold’, i.e., that bountiful patch of mushrooms for your basket. The endorphins in the brain pulse to the thrilling conquest as the basket fills, rewarding and fulfilling the Finnish soul.

I have heard that some lie awake at night haunted by the thought that there are untouched patches of mushrooms in forest areas that are there for the picking if only they could be found! [Only a small percentage of the wild mushrooms that grow in Finland are ever harvested, in fact.]

qwq2

The search process becomes ‘personal’ the first time you re-trace yesterday’s steps and find a ‘patch of gold’ where none was visible the day before. It is as if the fungi have ‘chosen’ you to pick them and are calling your name! It is kind of like shoe-shopping at Nieman Marcus!

Truth be known, my dear, late Mother was one with the “mushroom madness”. My Father even called her Rouva Sieninen (Mrs. Mushroom). She knew every ‘secret’ trove in our little compound. She loved the ‘hunt’! Even in her later years, she risked life and limb just to get beyond the next hill in her foraging.

Today, we would have had a GPS on her because she knew no limits –or fear, in her ever expanding search. And, remember that despite all the talk about ‘good’ places, the real treasure troves remained ‘secret’. On one of her more recent adventures, she actually took a tumble in the forest and was unable to get up. Fortunately, she had a voice that carried and someone from a neighboring farm came to help.

Ӓiti was a determined soul who knew her daughter loved those chanterelles. She committed herself to bringing them home from her summer vacation in Finland. Each year she would lovingly take needle and thread to each mushroom, creating long garlands that were hung in the rafters to dry. [Fresh mushrooms were prohibited by US Customs.] My annual tuliainen was a jar of dried chanterelles –handpicked/handhung.

This year my appreciation of her annual gift went from “how nice” to “wow!” as I became a forager, stringer, and importer. I lived the labor of love that went into my tuliainen!

The Cult

There are television programs that feature mushroom preparation methods and recipes for one’s bounty. What rational person would miss hours of instruction on mushroom preservation and pickling? Naturally, there are even experts for hire to teach your dog how to hunt mushrooms, just like wild pigs do in France –for truffles! I know Sohvi-koira (as a beagle) would be up to the task!! [She did sniff out a long lost Easter egg in the yard once. Unfortunately, she also proceeded to eat the darn thing!] Sadly, the dry climate here in LA is not conducive to growing wild mushrooms in our own gardens.

LA Alternatives

Finding wonderful wild mushrooms is as simple as a Wednesday visit to the mushroom vendors at Santa Monica Farmer’s market in the Fall. Bristol Farms, Whole Foods, and other upscale grocers usually carry premium mushrooms in season. Their prices are prohibitive for daily consumption. Remember, mushrooms do shrink when cooked. Still, there is nothing like ‘mushroom magic’ to ‘dress’ a dish for a special occasion!

Finding wonderful wild mushrooms is as simple as a Wednesday visit to the mushroom vendors at Santa Monica Farmer’s market in the Fall

FINNISH HAPPENINGS IN LA

September 8: Finnish Lutheran Church Service at St. Paul’s in Santa Monica

The first church service this Fall was very well attended and included a blessing of the school children as they began their new year. The reception following the service was quite festive. The congregation joined in celebrating the 80^th birthday of John (Jukka) Vuorenmaa, a venerable and much loved member of the Finnish community. The Vuorenmaa clan provided a beautifully ladended table of Finnish treats and a birthday cake.

The congregation joined in celebrating the 80th birthday of John (Jukka) Vuorenmaa, a venerable and much loved member of the Finnish community

To add to this fun occasion, the presence of our new Consul General in Los Angeles (Ambassador Juha “J.P.” Markkanen and his family) made for quite a special celebration. The Consul General introduced his wife, Tuula, and children, Maria and Juho. The Consul General told of his Savo background and he shared his enthusiasm for his new post. His motto of “cooperation” will define and be the spirit of his tenure. We welcome these dear people to our Los Angeles community and look forward to much positive interaction in the name of Finnish cooperation and promotion.

September 11: Veteran’s Support Group Veteraani Tuki Ryhmä

Suomi Kerho was the setting for the Veteran’s support group which held its meeting along with lunch and a movie with the Suomi Kerho Senior’s Group. Veteran Mark Salo was presented a beautiful medal from the Finnish Government for his service. After the lunch provided by the Ladies of Suomi Kerho, those present enjoyed a viewing of the film Pohjanmaa.

Veteran Mark Salo was presented a beautiful medal from the Finnish Government for his service

September 15: Finlandia Foundation of Los Angeles Meeting

Finlandia Foundation Lecturer of the Year, Yvonne Lockwood (Hiipakka) was introduced by LAFF President Ellen Harju for her presentation on Traditional Material Culture in Modern Finnish America. Ms. Lockwood’s theme focused on how hand-crafted objects connect us to one another. Her lecture covered food, textiles, woodworking, boat building, ski making, sauna building, bird fans, Christmas ornaments, and looms—quite catholic.

Finlandia Foundation Lecturer of the Year, Yvonne Lockwood (Hiipakka) was introduced by LAFF President Ellen Harju for her presentation on Traditional Material Culture in Modern Finnish America

The topic of ‘rag rugs’ was a particularly interesting area of her research. Ms. Lockwood noted that Finnish frugality, humility, and functional talent made for memorable treasures prized as graduation and wedding gifts. The rugs are made from old clothing –and even other recyclables such as old audiocassette tapes.

It was fun to hear about Finnish American immigrants efforts to duplicate the traditional Finnish Viili (that drippy sour milk delicacy) and “squeaky cheese”.

In Memoriam: Alvar Kauti

The Finnish community has lost a wonderful, long standing member. The passing of Alvar Kauti was sad news to all who knew and admired him. Alvar was an active member of many Finnish organizations, providing service and support to all.

Alvar Kautii with family and friends. Photos by Ellida Maki.

The son of Finnish immigrant parents in Los Angeles, Alvar went on to become a teacher, football coach, and administrator for 38 years at Pasadena City College where he also served as Dean of Students. He founded a Sauna business that he ran for over 20 years. Alvar was devoted to education and served as LAFF scholarship chairman for many years. He gave much of himself to our Finnish American community. We will all miss him.

Golden Globes:Two Finnish Film Screenings

Two Finnish films were presented at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association screening at an official Golden Globes pre-event held at the Real D Theater in Beverly Hills. The Finnish Consulate General was principal sponsor and as Consul General “J.P.” Markkanen introduced the film makers and thanked fellow sponsors and those in attendance.

The Finnish Consulate General was principal sponsor and as Consul General “J.P.” Markkanen introduced the film makers and thanked fellow sponsors and those in attendance.

The Disciple by Ulrika Bengts was shown, followed by a reception. Above Dark Waters (directed by Peter Franzėn and produced by Markus Selin) was presented after the reception, followed by a sit-down buffet dinner in the beautifully decorated grand atrium festively decked out in Finnish blue and white. [Other sponsors included The Finnish Film Foundation, Lumene, Glove Hope, Saintex, Design Paola Suhonen, Amazon Publishing, Fazer, Leaf, and Finlandia Cheese.]

President of Finlandia University Visits LA

Philip Johnson, President of Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan visited our fair city last week. Dr. Johnson and Finlandia’s VP for Business and Finance Nick Stevens had important meetings in the area, but managed to find time to stop by for an evening of conversation, conviviality, and some Green Egg ‘Possum Pork Chops’ […sounds like another column to me].

It was my pleasure to introduce Philip to our new Consul General, Ambassador Juha Markkanen and his wife Tula

It was my pleasure to introduce Philip to our new Consul General, Ambassador Juha Markkanen. JP and his wife Tuula honored us by hosting a lovely breakfast as their first official visitors to the Consular Residence! Much good information was shared about mutual goals. Parting wishes for success and cooperation reaffirmed the value of the meeting and the prospects for beneficial future contacts.

Marimekko Magic

Marimekko Beverly Hills held a presentation of its Fall home collection featuring a fabric workshop on September 21

Marimekko Beverly Hills held a presentation of its Fall home collection featuring a fabric workshop on September 21. Fabric wall hangings and custom tablecloths were the order of the day. The workshop fun was very ably facilitated by the always knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic Marimekko staff: specifically on this occasion, Jasmine, Cheryl, and Caroline.

Mushrooms ReDux

Chanterelle mushrooms have such an exquisite taste. The taste is hard to describe but, as with other wild mushrooms, there is what is described by the Japanese as umami (the 5^th taste) which is an earthy, savory, musky flavor.

There have been books and articles written about chefs –and even ‘death row’ inmates, on what is their most favorite dish [for the latter, their desired last meal]. But, I digress…

Kanttarelli Kastike (Chanterelle Fricassee) served over salmon with potatoes does it for me! [OK, maybe we need to include cheeseburgers, Tapio Serenius’ bouillabaisse, and a few others, but it is right up there!]

Chanterelle Fricassee* over Seared Salmon

*(A fricassee is a meat cooked in its own juices; then, thickened with cream

—since these mushrooms are “meaty” I use this term loosely, but reasonably.)

1 pound fresh chanterelle mushrooms [larger ones torn into strips]

3 tablespoons butter (European, e.g., Plugra, Kerrygold, or Luripak preferable)

1 shallot minced

½ pint heavy cream

dash white pepper

salt to taste

1 filet of wild salmon pre-cut into 1½ inch servings.

Brush any dirt residue off of the chanterelles, but do not wash.

Place in a cold frying pan. Turn heat to medium high. The chanterelles will release their water. Keep stirring until the moisture is reabsorbed. Add butter and shallots, stirring until mixture has softened and become fragrant (about 10 minutes). Add cream and cook until a lovely consistency is achieved. Add pepper and salt to taste.

(Hint: this is great served in a baked potato or worked into a risotto!)

Keep mushroom mixture warm while cooking salmon.

Heat pan over high heat (or prepare your grill). Add 1 tablespoon of butter into pan and immediately place salmon pieces “presentation side” (non-skin side) down and sear for 1½ to 2 minutes, undisturbed.

Flip pieces and cook for another 1½ to 2 minutes, keeping the center of the salmon slightly pink and moist.

Serve Chanterelle Fricassee over salmon with boiled potatoes.

Final Mushroom Musings

If you are missing the mushroom madness of Finland in our City of Angles, do not be dismayed. There are no Sieni Höperös (Mushroom Maniacs) here, like in Finland. Though, after reading this you may think otherwise. You know what they say: “…it takes one to know one!”

If you are truly hardcore, you may be booking a flight to catch the final days of the season.

Oh, did I tell you that I found a place today for you to score your chanterelles that is cheaper than an off-season air flight to Finland: Costco — of all places. These ‘golden globes’ will probably not be there for long and do not match the flavor or aroma of those outside my lakeside window, but they are a mere fraction of the price of the “gourmet” grocery stores. Let this be our little secret!

Happy hunting to all you höperös!

September 14th, 2013

thinkkanen

Gabriella had to memorize 78 pages of dialogue for Ghosts.

Gabriella Nejman as Mrs. Helen Alving in Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Ghosts’.

REPORTER: TOMI HINKKANEN – WEST HOLLYWOOD

PHOTOS: JONNY KAHLEYN

Gabriella Nejman is a lovely and talented 22 year old Finnish actress with an unusual background. Her mother is from Finland and father from Israel. Gabriella has lived in six countries. She is a classically trained dancer, who moved to Los Angeles a year ago to pursue an acting career. For the past year she has studied at the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood. Finntimes recently met with Gabriella and her mother Outi, as the young actress made her theatrical debut at her school’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts.

Gabriella landed the coveted female lead in Ibsen's Ghosts.

Gabriella Nejman as Mrs. Helen Alving in Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Ghosts’.

Gabriella Nejman can truly be called a citizen of the world, she speaks English, Finnish and Hebrew.

She was born in Helsinki, Finland, and at the age of a year and a half moved to Israel. She also lived in South Africa, New Zealand and at the age of 17 she moved to Australia. Gabriella studied dancing at Dance World Studios in Melbourne. Then, when Gabriella was 19 she moved back to Israel. She took dance classes and met choreographers and they booked her for various events. She was in a production for six months, dancing and touring in a production called iFestigal. She describes the production as an amazing experience performing four shows a day.

Gabriella with her mother Outi in the green room after the performance of Ghosts.

Were you always interested in dancing and acting?

“Since I was 15 I wanted to be a professional dancer. So, I went to train full time. I only saw myself as a dancer at the time. Everywhere I went it was dance, dance, dance. I was trained at Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Tap, I did some Salsa and Flamenco as well. It was only after I turned 18 that I discovered I wanted to be an actress. It happened while I was in Australia training to be a professional dancer. I went to a performing art school. We had singing, drama and other classes aside from dancing as well.”

Gabriella’s great uncle was a famous Finnish actor Pekka Niskanen.

Gabriella shows a picture of her late grandfather, Yrjö Niskanen.

Gabriella shows a picture of her great uncle, Pekka Niskanen.

Gabriella tears up when the discussion turns to her beloved late grandfather Yrjö Niskanen. When she visited his house in Kuopio, she found an old photo album that had belonged to her great uncle, Pekka Niskanen.

“I saw the book and suddenly I recollected my grandfather always showing me that photo album as a child. It had pictures of different roles my great uncle was in – Romeo and Juliet, pictures of him in the theater and postcards made of him. They are beautiful pictures. I realize now that my grandfather was always hinting that acting has always been in my blood.”

The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood.

How did you come to study acting here at Lee Strasberg?

“Well, I did my research before I came here. I went to see different acting schools just to get a feel of which one would suit me the best. When I came here, I audited a class – a method class taught by M. J. Karmi.

A French man, Louis-Karim Nébati, who plays Pastor Manders in Ghosts, was on stage that day. He did a monologue about a rapist that I will never forget. He was living it. I believed every single word he said. I got so involved with it that I said to myself, I want to come here.”

Gabriella performing Ghosts with Louis-Karim Nébati. (photo Lee Strasberg Institute)

Gabriella made her theatrical debut in August at her school. Tell me about the production of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts?

“We started rehearsing seven weeks prior. First there was quite a big round of auditions for this. We had to prepare a monologue by Anton Chekhov or Tennessee Williams – one of the classics. I did a monologue from Uncle Vanya by Chekov. I did Sonya as an audition and got a call-back the next day. 20 girls and 10 boys. I got sides got sides for Mrs. Alving but also for Regina Engstrand. I went to the audition thinking I would be playing Regina. Then the director told me I would be playing Mrs. Alving (the female lead). I was thrilled.”

In the play, Gabriella plays a middle-aged woman, although she is only 22. Her birthday was April 5th. Amazingly, she pulls it off with flying colors. Her mannerisms, the way she talks and carries herself are all that of a 50 year old woman.

In Ghosts, Gabriella had to portray a middle-aged woman.

How did you prepare yourself to play a middle-aged woman?

“I started to understand my character by breaking down the whole elements of who is Mrs. Alving – what has she gone through. I created her back story. Then, to be honest, my mother is that age. I was observing her – her actions. I am wearing her earrings right now to feel I am an older lady. That’s my secret!”

After seven weeks of rehearsals, the play was performed for three times only. Do you learn lines quickly?

“I learned the 78 pages with great joy.”

Gabriella emulated her mother and wore her earrings to be able to play a middle-aged woman.

Gabriella emulated her mother and even wore her earrings to be able to play a middle-aged woman.

Tell me about studying at Lee Strasberg?

“Well, my first semester, I was in uncharted waters. I had no idea what relaxation and sensory was. In the first class we did the coffee cup exercise – getting the sense of the smell, weight, temperature, who’s the first person that comes to mind…these tools have become second nature to me now, and I will live and continue to grow as an actress within this working process each day. I’m so very grateful to learn and understand this ‘method venue’, and as actors, I realize our true size as artists is never finished; we simply develop more understanding and skill, as we continue to enjoy and survive real life.

Gabriella Nejman and Louis-Karim Nébati in Ghosts (photo Lee Strasberg Institute)

The method class is four hours long. The first two hours we do relaxation and sensory. We relax the body. Sensory consists of different exercises. Then we do scenes from different plays. I’m here from Monday ‘til Friday. Some days I’m here from 9.30 am to 11 pm. Others are shorter days.”

Where do you live?

“I live in West Los Angeles area with my boyfriend he was a soccer player and now is studying finance and business at Santa Monica College.”

Gabriella Nejman with boyfriend Yarin Ohayon.

When she is not acting, Gabriella likes to dance.

“I did a performance not long ago for the EOTM awards here in LA. It was for upcoming artists. I also just joined a dance company called Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble in Los Angeles.”

Cosmopolitan Gabriella is now on her sixth country. What are your future plans?

“I really want to stay in LA. This is my sixth country. I like it here, I love the people and the weather is perfect. Opportunities are here and I fell in love with this school.”

How often do you see your family?

My family visits me often and I normally go to Finland in the mid summer for Juhannus.

Kuopio, Finland will always be a home base fro Gabriella Nejman.

Gabriella Nejman as Mrs. Helen Alving in Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Ghosts’.

But no matter how many countries I’ve lived in, the one place where I have a base is Kuopio. That house was built by my grandfather’s father and mother. They lived there. I’m very much influenced by their heritage and by the Finnish culture. It is something I put in this play.

Finntimes wishes Gabriella all the best in her life and acting career. Something tells us we are going to hear from this young, lovely and talented woman in the future!

September 10th, 2013

thinkkanen

REPORTER: TOMI HINKKANEN – SAN DIEGO

DATE: Sept 10th, 2013

Jari Juntunen has worked at Nokia’s San Diego R&D for the past two years.

Jari Juntunen, 48, has worked at Nokia virtually his entire professional career – 21 years. The last two years he has been working at Nokia’s San Diego Research and Development Center. Along with his wife Agneta and a nine-year-old son Daniel, the family has made their home in “America’s finest city”.

Now that Microsoft has bought Nokia’s cell phone functions for 7.2 billion dollars (5.4 B euros), Finntimes went to San Diego to ask Jari Juntunen, what he thinks of the deal and how it affects Nokia.

Jari Juntunen’s job description is test manager. His team of about 30 people test out new cell phone apps.

-Many people here read Finnish newspapers, like Kauppalehti and Taloussanomat. All kinds of coffee table conversations have been swirling around for quite some time now, Juntunen acknowledges.

Nokia Research and Development Center in San Diego

A lot is on the line. We are sitting at an outdoor patio of a German coffee shop. At the next table there is a group of Romanians, who have come to work at Nokia’s San Diego R&D Center, having previously worked for the cell phone maker in Finland. Juntunen estimates that people of at least 30 different nationalities work for Nokia here. Among them are some one hundred Finns. Their very livelihood was put to question as Nokia’s fortunes fell.

-We heard the news about the Microsoft deal simultaneously with everybody else. All of a sudden my calendar was filled with different in-house information conferences. They basically told us the same things that had already been stated in press releases.

-The message was that there was an offer to buy Nokia from Microsoft that was accepted. Then, they explained how the regulatory approvals will go and what will happen during the time before the authorities are expected to deliver an opinion. We will continue as before, and so will the design work, the engineer tells.

Juntunen is happy about the Microsoft deal.

There were no Microsoft people at these briefings, nor was there any talk of lay-offs. The mood among the Nokia employees was upbeat.

-I would say that more than 90 per cent of employees were in a very positive mood. This was a very good outcome, if you compare options. We were aware of the cash situation of the company and the fact that there wouldn’t be enough money indefinitely. There was a limited amount of money to invest. And, unfortunately, it was also evident in the phase the Lumia products have spread. Now, we got together with a company that has money. Hopefully, the result is that the Lumia ecosystem will grow and spread further, Jari Juntunen opines.

Juntunen is optimistic about the future.

-I see a lot more positive than negative things . When you have been with the firm for more than 20 years, you’ve seen ups and downs. For me personally the discontinuation of the Symbian operating system three years ago was a bigger shock than this. We’ve been working with Microsoft for about the same time now – three years. Our collaboration has steadily improved. By know we know how each partner operates. Now that we are one and the same company, we can talk freely about everything without certain bureaucracies.

How about possible lay-offs to eliminate duplicate positions between Microsoft and Nokia?

-I see this thing the other way around . Microsoft has always been a software house. I think that people at Microsoft are more confused than us at Nokia. Microsoft has now purchased the knowledge of what Nokia has to offer. The deal comes with hardware know-how and phone factories. They are totally new things to Microsoft. Press statements have told who will be the leaders of a new unit. Joe Harlow and Stephen Elop will continue. Microsoft will probably move people to the new unit. So I think that the confusion is greater there than on our side.

According to Juntunen, this is an unusual business deal.

-This is going to be exceptional to the normal transaction. The fact that the big chiefs from Nokia will continue and not be replaced by Microsoft people, I think, is a clear message that Microsoft has admitted that Nokia can make good cell phones. They don’t want to mess that up. Barricades have been removed and now we will be making phones faster and better.

Juntunen has worked his whole life in the phone business. On his spare time he likes to play golf.

There is also a question of work visas, on which most foreign-born Nokia employees work in the U.S. – what will happen to these employees, including Jari Juntunen himself, when Nokia no longer is their employer but Microsoft?

-Our green card process is so far along that I think I will have it in my hand before the authorities approve this trade. Thus, the visa thing is not to touch me personally. There is no certainty yet how the immigration officials will see this. Since all the functions of the unit will move to another company, Microsoft, the most likely scenario is that the visas would follow along with it.

Juntunen is eager to continue working under the new employer.

– Of course it is a bit bittersweet to lose the Nokia name. After the completion of my studies, with the exception of a few internships, I have worked my whole life at Nokia. The company is familiar and so are the people. But I love the phone sector. It is a fast -paced business that never stops. I like it. If my contract continues, such as the higher-ups are saying, I see no reason why I should get into something else.

San Diego is a home to thousands of Finns. Many were brought there by Nokia. Now that the cell phone maker is no longer headquartered in Finland, will this stream of Finns to San Diego come to the end?

-I don’t think so. It has been stated clearly that the core functions of the phone business will remain here. San Diego is going to continue as one hub, even if the sign on the roof will change. Also in Finland, the R & D centers remain. I do not see any reason why the flow of Finns to San Diego should peter out.

NOKIA FINNS OF SAN DIEGO

Who are these rather insular people? A typical Nokia employee in San Diego is an IT engineer. He is a male in his 30’s or 40’s with a Finnish wife and two small children. The family usually owns a large, comfortable house in the San Diego suburbs, such as Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo or Rancho Peñasquitos. The mother, who oftentimes herself is highly educated and was working in Finland, typically finds herself at home with small children in San Diego. She is instrumental in looking after them, driving them to school, hobbies, etc. There is not a whole lot of cultural or other “city” activities in these sleepy, far-flung suburbs, only houses, strip-malls and business parks. Typically all kinds of exercising is on top of their agenda. These elite Finns’ immigrant experience differs greatly from previous generations and the vast majority of today’s immigrants. The Nokia Finns start out with H-1B-visas (exceptional ability), arranged trough the company attorneys. Later on they will become eligible to receive a green card and citizenship. There is hardly any financial hardship, since the Nokia employees enjoy ample salaries and perks. However, that doesn’t help them assimilate into the American society any faster than anyone else. At least in the beginning, these newcomers tend to stick to other Nokia Finns and organize activities together. They also spend long vacation times in Finland, which prolongs the assimilation process into the American society. Eventually most Nokia Finns end up staying permanently in the United States.

Jari Juntunen chats with other dads while waiting for his son at Rancho Bernardo Suomi-Koulu (Finnish school).

September 6th, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA

A POSTCARD FROM FINLAND

Photographs by Ava Anttila

HERITAGE

The gift of Finnish ancestry brings with it the most abiding love of nature. Mere arrival on Finnish soil completes the spiritual connection, welcomes the heart home, and beckons the Finnish soul to grand adventures available nowhere else on Earth!

The photos of lake scenery I took on my arrival the first night are from the very spot I have stood from the time I was a small child. This is my secret paradise.

Dear reader, I hope this Postcard helps you feel the joy of my time on Finnish soil. The sights, sounds, the gifts of nature… .

Circumstances kept me away for the past 4 years—I missed my almost annual ‘transfusion’.

We each have our own story. It may have been a long time since you have been in Finnish nature and you miss it so, too. Perhaps you have never been in a Finnish forest or dipped your toes in a pristine Finnish lake, but you would like to one day. No matter what the delay, do do it one day!! Find your paradise. You will never be the same!!!

HASSLES

When you are used to full throttle entrances into speeding freeway traffic where you need to be over 4 lanes to exit onto another whizzing mass of cars in mere moments, the idea of getting to the airport 3 hours prior to an international flight presents certain ‘adjustment’ requirements. Of course, we use the same freeways—or the ‘secret six’ alternatives we have learned through the years, to get to the airport. The frenetic pace continues through check-in and security clearance. That is our way—we are in shape and the adrenalin pumps. Then, out of breath and perspiring from the unusual humidity, we are seated outside the gate we will soon enter to fly away. It dawns on us—the flight does not leave for 3 hours! On a good day that is enough time to get from LAX to the LA County Fair in Pomona for a deep-fried Twinkie and back.

inside LAX

No option, vacation must start now. “Almost Heaven…country roads.”

The stresses of life in LA, the urgent pace grinds to a halt. Cares begin to shed like layers from a Tootsie Pop. Patience is certainly required when almost 14 flying hours, 10 time zones, and the usual arrival airport ‘rig-a-ma-rol’ are involved. Once at Vantaa Airport in Helsinki, anticipation builds.

Vantaa Airport in Helsinki

Like any major metropolis at home or abroad, Helsinki is ringed by freeways to whisk you wherever. After all that travel, I always look forward to the trip to the lake. Driving time is 2 hours—the direction is due north! The transition is from super highway to major highway to macadam road with opposing traffic to country road to 2 different dirt roads before we make the turn into the compound my grandfather acquired in 1937 for his bourgeoning family.

As we turn into the two ruts in the grass that pretend to be a road in the birch and pine forest, the car stops for my exit—the final meters are always on foot for me!

The air is so soft; the sounds so silent. The birch and the pines wave their welcoming branches, like greeting a long lost friend home. With eyes closed, the scent of the forest offers a familiar hello/hug. I was literally brought to my knees and overjoyed with excitement at the most beautiful sight welcoming me “home”—the exquisite newborn chanterelle mushrooms, just sprouted after a gentle rain. You must know there is no better taste on earth than newly picked chanterelle mushrooms carefully cleaned and cooked when fresh from the forest. Simple fact. Trust me. [Actually, I will have quite a bit to say, with pictures, later on—it will be worth the wait!]

lovely chanterelle mushrooms

HEAVEN

Shedding my clothes, walking into the lake in my altogether to become one with the water and nature is the moment I have waited for all this time. The Finnish baptism and renewal of body and spirit; this communing with nature is a rejuvenating experience. The battery charging has begun.

This little spot from whence I came has stood through the decades. The same choices for entering the lake remain—dive off of a humongous granite rock or walk gently, gradually into the depth from the tree shaded beach. Each year, the little sandy beach is prepared for the young ones. Just as my parents removed the reeds and leaves that appeared on the shore during the winter for me and I prepared the same place for my little tykes, they will be doing the same next summer for their young ones. My Grandchildren will be the 5^th generation to play in that little patch of water.

When their Grandchildren feed the ducks and catch the frogs, they can be assured even though my body has shed its mortal coil; my spirit will be felt and continue to be on this very spot.

When the water is still, the lake becomes like glass –a real Lapin Kulta ad*. You cannot tell which side is up and which side is down. You are just in the middle loving it like Alice Through the Looking Glass. The reflection becomes a new dimension. A hyper reality and a fourth dimension seem to set in that envelops you as you enjoy such peace, exhilaration, and Finnish spirit. The island across the narrows looks like a giant green Oreo cookie with green filling. [I heard this year’s new Oreo flavor was watermelon –yes, that’s it!] No Mad Hatters here, just the spirit of Vainamoinen and the Kalevala. The Impi is rising from the water.

*[The Finnish beer company packaging and ads feature spectacular sunsets—the beer is good too!]

THINGS TO PONDER: FRIENDS AND THE FINNISH FOREST

There are over 13 million people in Los Angeles County. Each day we are just a little cog in a giant wheel of life in the City of Angeles as we go through our paces pursuing our endeavors. Putting one foot in front of the other (…or on the accelerator of our car to get on the 405 safely), we do our little part in our own little way. We are an infinitesimal speck in our Southern California wonderland –anonymous strangers passing in the day and in the night.

Still, TMZ and Star Tours will show you where the ‘special’ folks live(d)—and you can even find them picking up prescriptions or plums in the same stores where you shop. Of course they pretend to be as anonymous as we actually are unless they are promoting a new project.

Then, again…

Have you ever traveled to “the ends of the earth” –far, far from LA, and run into someone you know from LA? It seems to happen to me all the time. For some reason, the same people/places are involved even though there has been no planning or prior communication.

It used to be the dear, late Vivi Friedman and/or Ernie and Mirja Covarrubias. Year after year, whenever I was far from home, they would be there too. It was so ‘spooky’ we could only laugh. Was there/is there a secret plan with our travel agents, with the great Almighty, or a metaphysical raison d’être that we run into people far from our home?

Several years ago while making a quick stop in Stockmann’s in Helsinki, there was Veli-Matti Mattila, husband of former Deputy Consul General for Finland in Los Angeles, Anne Huhtamäki. Veli-Matti, now CEO of Finnish tele-giant Elisa, used to visit us in LA regularly when working on his MBA at UCLA’s prestigious Anderson School [we were at his graduation]. Is it serendipity when friends from homes 10,000 miles apart meet in the men’s underwear department of a store? Actually, the coincidence was even ‘weirder’ since Veli-Matti and son were waiting for Anne and daughter who arrived almost simultaneously!

Veli-Matti Mattila

Finns claim Stockmann’s has everything—and they are right. The very next year, a visit to the Department Store produced former Finnish Consul General in LA Erkki Huittinen right on schedule –he was shopping for an Oiva Toikka bird for his wife’s birthday gift.

A prior Finland visit brought me to the “boonies” on a very quiet Sunday. As you probably know, in Lutheran Finland there is literally nothing ‘open’ [except Church] on Sunday morning. So, finding a little store open and ready to sell me some groceries and a few other necessities in a little …forsaken grove of pine trees in the middle of “nowhere” was a welcome, but totally unexpected event. As I am searching the unfamiliar aisles for my necessities, I hear a strangely familiar voice calling “Eeva”. Of course, hearing the name is not special since Eeva is a popular female moniker in Finland. It is as common as “Jennifer” or “Kathy” in the US. I barely looked up from my grocery search. The insistent voice calling “Eeva” was familiar because it was that of friend Tuula Stark: long time LA resident, educator, Finnish language guru, and Official California Court translator. Tuula rarely even comes to Finland! A strange and wonderful meeting in a most unlikely place—a little store in a cross-road in the Finnish woods! What is “serendipity’ in Finnish?

This year, a trip to Lahti to look into locally usable cell phones during our stay brought us face to face [actually, side by side since we were in a queue] with a decades old friend from the SF Bay Area –a regular Skype buddy of my Dad’s. Neither knew the other was going to be in the area. [What do they talk about each week???] No, it was a DNA facility, not an Elisa office.

Again this year, minding my own business while taking my Father to the shoemaker in our nearby little village, LA super star Finnish artist Kari Walden’s head pops in to the cobbler’s shop with a “…what ‘s going on”? He had seen me go inside and stopped to say hello. Even the Village Philosopher—the cobbler, was confused. He thought he knew everyone in town! Once again, it was “old LA home week” in the “boonies” of Finland.

Kari Walden

The column is called Around LA –well, LA is quite large sometimes!

These moments happen almost every time I come to Finland –and almost always in the most unlikely places.

When I mentioned these phenomena to a movie producer friend [former head of big studio] in LA, he had the perfect explanation/rebuttal:

Ava, he said in his movie producer way, there are really only 300 people in the world –you see them at the airport or when you travel, the rest are “extras”!!!

How is that for a Hollywood perspective?

Gallery:

The photos of lake scenery I took on my arrival the first night are from the very spot I have stood from the time I was a small child. This is my secret paradise.

September 3rd, 2013

thinkkanen

STORY: PAULIINA HAUSTEIN

REPORTER AND PHOTOS: TOMI HINKKANEN – LOS ANGELES

DATE: SEPT. 3^RD, 2013

Cellist Pauliina Haustein has been a part of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra during its 2013 Summer season.

Cellist Pauliina Haustein is a member of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra this Summer.

Hollywood Bowl’s summer season is soon coming to an end. The spectacular outdoor venue again hosted some of the music world’s biggest stars, starting with the opening concert that starred Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Patti Austin, and John Legend. The house orchestra of the bowl is called the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Finnish cellist Pauliina Haustein won the coveted position as a stand-in player in the orchestra. Finntimes met the young cellist to talk about her life and music career.

Pauliina Haustein, neé Pölönen, was born in Klaukkala, Finland 26 years ago. She was a musical child from the very beginning.

– I have been told that I started to sing before talking. In the morning, when my eyes opened, I started singing and continued throughout the day. At five, I knew lyrics of 60 songs – all the verses, Pauliina laughs.

Music was in Pauliina’s blood from the very beginning.

When she was four, the family moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where her father Ilpo did his doctorate in sustainable agriculture. Meantime back at the ranch, her mother Jaana took care of the children. In the often rainy Oregon, Pauliina became bilingual. A year and a half later the family returned to Finland. To maintain her language skills, Pauliina was enrolled at the Kaivoksela English language elementary school.

Pauliina’s family came to see her perform at the Hollywood Bowl’s opening gala. From the left: Mother Jaana, father Ilpo, brother Perttu and husband Martin.

The Pölönen family has four children – Pauliina is the oldest. Her siblings are also musically talented. Sister Juulia is studying the 36 -string concert Kantele (harp), and brother Perttu film composing – both at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Though he also has an ear for music, second brother Pietu became an economist. Pauliina studied the cello at the Conservatory and then at the Sibelius Academy, graduating with a BA in music.

In the summer of 2009, Pauliina and her cello headed to Sárospatak Christian music festival in Hungary. On her penultimate day, she met a German man named Martin Haustein, who worked there as a volunteer.

– He is a native of Wilkau-Haßlau of the former East Germany. He was 10 years old when the wall came down, Pauliina tells. The couple hit it off at first glance.

-I was living in Finland and Martin in England, where he was making his doctoral dissertation in Neurobiology. He found me on Facebook and Skype. During the first six months we met a couple of times in both countries. We found out that it was serious enough between us to begin to date, even though we couldn’t live together for the first year, Pauliina chuckles.

They married August 6^th, 2011. At the end of the month they moved to Los Angeles, where Martin had gotten a job as a researcher at UCLA. Pauliina began house hunting. In addition to having lived in Oregon as a child, she had toured the United States with the Chamber Ensemble Halo, but had never been to Los Angeles before.

Pauliina practices the cello for several hours a day.

-I got daily panic attacks in the LA traffic. Even the idea of having to leave the house and hit the road kept me awake at nights, she sighs.

Eventually they found a suitable apartment in West LA.

– Two days later I was sitting in the traffic and waiting at a red light. Someone rear-ended me at full speed. As a result, my car crashed into another vehicle.

It was a hit and run – the culprit fled the scene and was never caught.

– We had not yet paid for the car. So, every month we had to make payments on a car, which we didn’t have. Our insurance refused to pay for the damage that incurred to the other car. We had to hire an attorney and fight for almost a year before the insurance company finally agreed to pay, Pauliina fumes.

Pauliina suffered a whiplash injury.

-For several times a week for months I had to see a chiropractor. It took me six months to get back to the rehearsing rhythm, she recounts.

For a year Pauliina biked everywhere and through it learned the traffic patterns in different parts of the city at any given times. As we are driving toward Hollywood, she gives advise on what routes to take to avoid traffic jams as if she had lived here her entire life.

Pauliina has acclimated well to Los Angeles.

Haustein is practicing the cello up to four hours a day. She is also taking music lessons. Having recovered from the accident, she began building her musical career in the City of Angels.

-My friend, an Israeli-French pianist Pascal Solomon had married a woman who had a green card in the United States, and they had moved to Santa Barbara. We started putting together a concert program. Then I met local Finns. I got gigs through them, Pauliina gratefully acknowledges.

She then got wind of a TV series looking for musicians. There was no mention of the name of the show in the advert.

-I sent them an application with my picture attached. A month later, I got a call to come to the set of Glee at Paramount Studios. They sent me the song that I was to play the day before shooting. Based on that I wrote the notes for the cello, Pauliina explains.

Matthew Morrison is one of the stars of Glee.

The scene in question took place at the school’s gym. A string quartet played a song from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. One of the actresses sang.

-The scene was filmed with four cameras from different angles. We worked on that three minute piece for eight hours. We played for real, but what is heard in the final episode was prerecorded somewhere else, the cellist explains.

-The Actors were nice and interested in the fact that I am from Finland. I had not seen the show before, so I wasn’t star-struck. Only afterwards I realized that the guy I spoke with for 15 minutes was one of the main stars.

The gig paid $320. She has revisited the series twice since.

-The compensation was not great, but how else could I have been involved in a Hollywood TV series, Pauliina asks rhetorically.

Pauliina Haustein has gained success in California in a very short time.

She has worked at a steady pace – weddings, retirement parties, church concerts, and as an assistant in local orchestras.

Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater that seats 17,000 people.

Then, Pauliina heard that the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra was seeking musicians. Entrance exams were held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. In the first round, 20 musicians played from behind a curtain, so that their appearance would not affect the jury. Pauliina and five others made it to the finals.

– At the end the jury applauded and congratulated us. Then they offered me an assistant position. I am now on the list as an assistant to the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Pauliina smiles.

The orchestra consists of musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as studio musicians. To play with them at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl with 17 thousand people watching is definitely the greatest accomplishment so far in the young musician’s career. Pauliina played in the orchestra during the opening gala with Steve Tyler. The old crooner took a liking to the young statuesque Finn and winked at her. The summer 2013 season at the bowl concludes later in September.

Pauliina Haustein spent the Summer 2013 performing at the Hollywood Bowl.

July 9th, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

AROUND LA WITH AVA

SUMMER: COMINGS AND GOINGS

Summer is here!!

“No more pencils; no more books; no more teachers’ dirty looks…”

Do you remember those glorious days of yesteryear when the final school bell of the year rang and we burst outdoors for the start of a grand period of “freedom”? Everyone had plans—even if they were going nowhere!

Do you remember those glorious days of yesteryear when the final school bell of the year rang and we burst outdoors for the start of a grand period of “freedom”?

Not much is different today—except we are the ‘teachers’. Now, not only are there people coming and going as part of their plans in Southern California, but new projects and annual rituals are playing out as well in the City of Angels.

June 2013

On Sunday June 2^nd, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Santa Monica was filled with beautiful music and over 70 attendees in the Finnish Congregation. This Mass of Music included kantele, piano, cello, and voice offerings. The sermon was delivered by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, filling in for Pastor Jarmo Tarkki. Bible readings were by Maiju Boele and Jonny Kahleyn Dieb. The Finnish Folk Dance Group Katirilli performed an assortment of delightful dances during the coffee hour.

The Finnish Folk Dance Group Katirilli performed an assortment of delightful dances during the coffee hour

Treats at the coffee table included open faced sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, cakes and Karelian pies, and deep-fried lihapiirrakkas.

Traffic was horrendous in Santa Monica, but the outstanding Finnish Lutheran turnout was not the sole problem. Obviously, the tourists have come to Southern California to celebrate their Summer —and our schools are out! The local “weather-casters” had billed the day as “…perfect beach weather”. An hour of worship, followed by Finnish fellowship and feasting before a dip in the Pacific—now that is a perfect LA Sunday!

More, please!!!!!!

The Bowl

One of the most anticipated events of the Los Angeles Summer season is the Opening of the Hollywood Bowl. From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon—and most villages in between, concerts ‘on-the-lawn’/’in-the-park’/’at-the-Center Square’ are standard fare. Everyone knows they are coming—no big deal—we’ll be there—strike up the band.

The Hollywood Bowl

Well, not in LA. Here Hollywood requires a ‘production’ of some sort. On a recent Saturday at mid-day after wrapping up a FACC Board meeting at a member’s home high on Mountaingate near the Getty, we actually witnessed planes skywriting overhead announcing of the Grand Opening of our favorite, beloved, outdoor venue in the City of Angels—The Hollywood Bowl.

My most favorite Bowl memories are of being in the last row of the Bowl where the $1 seats permitted my then younger boys to take an after-dinner nap on the bench under the starlit sky

Each year when the written Bowl Program arrives in the mail, we quickly scour it for Finnish conductors and soloists—or pieces by Sibelius. What a great excuse to pack a Finnish-themed picnic with your Marimekko tablecloth, Iittala candle holders and stem ware for a fabulous night under the Summer stars. Actually, as glamorous as it is to be in a ‘front and center’ Founders’ Circle box with all of the accoutrements and ‘star power’ neighbors, my most favorite Bowl memories are of being in the last row of the Bowl where the $1 seats permitted my then younger boys to take an after-dinner nap on the bench under the starlit sky while Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra playing Sibelius –how great a lullaby is that??? [Actually, I am not sure if it was the hour of night, a great meal, the classical music, or the ‘funny’ aromas wafting from the bushes behind the last row that brought the ‘nukkumatti’ (sandman), but it worked—and the kids love classical music to this day!]

This year, there is a Sibelius piece on July 11^th: Violin Concerto performed by the LA Phil conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky are also on the program. Also new this year: world famous LA restaurant Patina has just opened a full service tapas and wine bar at the Hollywood Bowl. Chef/Owner Joachim Splichal certainly can cook—and tapas are a perfect start to a perfect Bowl evening.

This year, there is a Sibelius piece on July 11th : Violin Concerto performed by the LA Phil conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas.

Check it out: www.hollywoodbowl.com

LAFF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation held their annual Scholarship Picnic on June 9^th. This fund raising event helps LAFF support Finnish related educational opportunities for worthy young people.

SUOMI KERHO JUHANNUS BLOW OUT

Suomi Kerho cranked up its annual Midsummer celebration on June 22^nd.

Suomi Kerho cranked up its annual Midsummer celebration on June 22nd

Seppo Kotajarvi was at “Makkara Central” manning the grill. Perfection was achieved with the taste and the snap factor on those wieners—an A+. There were a multitude of delicious salads thanks to my favorite ‘Kitchen Ladies’. Freshly baked pulla warmed our hearts. Background music set the mood. Lovely new table runners made by the ‘Sewing Circle Ladies’ decorated the dining areas. Beautiful birch branches hung from the rafters [freshly cut from Eila Korpinen’s tree that morning]. All we needed was a lake to make the transformation to Finland complete.

Seppo Kotajarvi was at “Makkara Central” manning the grill. Perfection was achieved with the taste and the snap factor on those wieners—an A+

A properly adorned hall, traditional Finnish food, music, a libation or so, and, you guessed it, Finns from all around the community were in great spirits!

SUMMER IS NOW OFFICIAL!!

SYMPOSIUM ON FINNISH EDUCATION

As one of her final events as Consul General in Los Angeles, Kirsti Westphalen hosted a meeting in conjunction with the FACC that focused on Finnish Education. The film “Finland Phenomenon–A Documentary” was followed by a Panel Discussion moderated by Andréa Hautala McAleenan, PhD [Special Advisor to the President, Azusa Pacific University]. Dr. McAleenan was joined by panelists Carl Cohn, PhD [Professor of Education, Director of the Urban Leadership Program, Claremont Graduate University], Jaana Juvonen PhD [Professor of Developmental Psychology, UCLA], and Dennis Sheridan, PhD [President of Educational Leadership, California Lutheran University]. A lively discussion followed. With an audience of educators, journalists, film producers, current and former teachers, and some regular people, there were many perspectives aired.

Andrea Hautala McAleenan, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the President, Azusa Pacific University (moderator) Carl Cohn, Ph.D., Professor of Education, Director of the Urban Leadership Program, Claremont Graduate University Jaana Juvonen, Ph.D., Professor of Developmental Psychology, UCLA Dennis Sheridan, Ph.D., Professor of Educational Leadership, California Lutheran University — with Carl Cohn, Ph.D., Professor of Education, Director of the Urban Leadership Program, Claremont Graduate University, Jaana Juvonen, Ph.D., Professor of Developmental Psychology, UCLA, Dennis Sheridan, Ph.D., Professor of Educational Leadership, California Lutheran University and Andrea Hautala McAleenan, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the President, Azusa Pacific University (moderator) at Bel Air, Los Angeles.

The film “Finland Phenomenon–A Documentary” was followed by a Panel Discussion moderated by Andréa Hautala McAleenan, PhD [Special Advisor to the President, Azusa Pacific University]. Dr. McAleenan was joined by panelists Carl Cohn, PhD [Professor of Education, Director of the Urban Leadership Program, Claremont Graduate University], Jaana Juvonen PhD [Professor of Developmental Psychology, UCLA], and Dennis Sheridan, PhD [President of Educational Leadership, California Lutheran University]. A lively discussion followed.

Chef Sirpa Welch served up additional Finnish pride which featured delicious Salmon and rice piirakka, Caesar salad, and sweet bites and berries as refreshments.We were all reminded of the breadth of impact of Kirsti’s tenure here in Los Angeles when Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca had a Certificate of Appreciation presented to our own Dean of the Los Angeles Consular Corps.As Kirsti and Mouf go off to Thailand, we salute them as well. We will miss their enthusiasm, their Finnish focus, their leadership, and their friendship. Kirsti and Mouf: a “fond farewell” and a “welcome back soon” from your many friends.

Ava Anttila, VP of the European American Sheriff’s Advisory Council presenting Consul General Kirsti Westphalen with a Certificate of Appreciation from Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca

[Through the years, I have been fortunate to know and work with many of Finland’s Consuls General in California—even one whose daughter attended the French School in Helsinki with me as a little tyke. It is always sad to see a Consul General and family move away. It seems like they just get here, get acquainted, do their great work in representing Finland and the local Finnish community, make personal and national friends –and it is time to leave. Each is different, each makes their own ‘mark’, each stamps “Finland” with a different hue in this Southern California Finnish tapestry, each is appreciated –and, then, they are gone (not forgotten, however).]

INSPECTOR COMING = STUFF GOING

It is fun to have visitors—many come through. Some amazing people have been here –“…if walls could talk”. One of my most precious possessions is a photograph taken by and given to me by an internationally renowned Finnish photographer. The beautifully framed photograph depicts an old Finnish building with large lettering on its side that says Kansantalo (the house of the people). The sentiment he expressed when presenting it to me means so much: that this is a place where all are welcome –to share thoughts, ask questions, get helpful hints, have strong coffee, eat a home-cooked meal, and to learn something about the ‘American way’ [some So Cal freeway tricks, too] –a place where someone cares. There is always an ear, a shoulder, and a warm hug [for almost everyone].

There are some “visitors” who come who are not as welcome as others. Those who have followed this column for any time probably know that this gal’s plate is normally quite full. Off to many places, doing many things. The daily schedule is highly unpredictable –I may be able to tell you what I am doing for the month of August, but not know where I will be on Monday!

My ‘day job’ is attorney—lots and lots of paper, most of which must be kept for 7+ years. Others may know that my dear, recently deceased, Mom was a dedicated ‘garage sale’ maven who took great pride in her various and sundry collections and clothes—lots and lots of clothes! When my folks moved into my home about 5 years ago, we absorbed the contents of a 4 bedroom/3 car garage home—yes, that is a lot of storage space for 2 people!

So, when my home insurance agent called to say that my carrier wanted to send out an inspector to measure, photograph, and “inspect” every inch of my property inside and out, I thought it best to suggest a delay.

As it turned out, the dreaded inspector was quite a nice fellow

Southern California property owners know that each May 1 the LA Fire Department begins inspections of all properties in any potential fire hazard zones. The requirements are quite specific and quite demanding—and the consequences of non-compliance are equally severe and range from losing your house to fire to thousands of $s in non-compliance penalties/costs. Yesterday, the DWP picked up over 150 45 gallon trash bags (plus allowed loose items) so you know lots and lots of work was done to pass the ‘Fire Inspection’ and that some of my Mom’s stuff did not make the ‘give-to-charity’ cut. Still, the process was somewhat chaotic and took a long time to accomplish. If nothing else, just the sight of 150+ 45 gallon trash bags waiting to ‘go away’ is enough to delay a ‘photo inspection’.

The DWP picked up over 150 45 gallon trash bags (plus allowed loose items) so you know lots and lots of work was done to pass the ‘Fire Inspection’

A persistent “insurance inspector” insisting that he urgently needed to inspect, to measure, to photograph, and to do whatever else both inside and outside my home in order to make a report was about as welcome as a root canal without anesthesia!

The inspector’s coming reminded me of how we need to learn to luopua or give up things we hang onto. Ӓiti did not have luopua in her vocabulary—did I? Could I say goodbye to enough ‘stuff’ to pass a penetrating inspection?

As it turned out, the dreaded inspector was quite a nice fellow. He was so excited about his son’s imminent graduation from UCLA—the teaching job awaiting the son in Italy was at least as important as not having to write any more tuition checks! He told of his recent visit to inspect Eddy Murphy’s place [a 34,000 square foot crib with a shooting range and a bowling alley!]. I thought of telling the inspector man my Eddie Murphy/Ivy restaurant story shared with FinnTimes readers earlier, but things seemed to be going well and I was guessing that Mr. Murphy did not have 150+ 45 gallon trash bags sitting in his yard.

We Finns have always lived “green” with the ‘waste not/want not’ philosophy while Americans have been more a ‘throwaway’ society. Sometimes people carry things too far. For example, an elderly client of mine was so happy when I visited him at his place in Finland because he was able to show off the lampshades he had woven out of used Paulig coffee bags!!

Here is the question: Is it better to use your used coffee bags to make a decorating/fashion statement as my “crafty” Finn did in his living room, or should the trash go directly to a landfill?

Difficult call n’est, pas?

GOING IN LA

One of the most delightful, often breathtaking, Los Angeles sights is the snow-capped mountains that hug the LA basin. You can get a great long distance view heading East on Culver Boulevard in Culver City […someone else should be driving!]. My favorite view is on Santa Monica Boulevard just under the 405 –if you are stuck in traffic, it is a delight. Looking East, past the Century City skyscrapers, as the West setting sun spreads its pinkish glow toward the snow capped mountains, a traffic jam is a welcomed pause in our go-go-go world.

One of the most delightful, often breathtaking, Los Angeles sights is the snow-capped mountains that hug the LA basin

I cannot believe I just voted for a traffic jam to remind us of LA’s favorite boast to non- Angelenos of skiing on a mountain top in the morning and swimming or surfing at the beach in the afternoon.

I love LA!!

GOING, GOING IN LA

Rumor has it that the “snowcapped” part of our wonders of Nature may be going away, forever. By mid-century, scientists say that 30-40% of the snow will disappear from our local mountains. Boo Hoo—traffic jams will turn nasty!

GOING, GOING, GONE IN LA

The Wilshire Grand Hotel [originally, The Statler and, later, a Hilton] in downtown Los Angeles has been a landmark since it opened in 1952. The hotel was a competitor of the glamorous Biltmore as a center of business, legal, and society activities for as long as I can remember. When LA was ‘famous’ for not having a ‘downtown’, the hotel was popular with international travelers and had a near ‘lock’ on the activities on the Southwest downtown business.

Heading up Figueroa on my way to Court the other day, I saw the huge empty pit with lots of demo going on at the corner of Wilshire where the Wilshire Grand once stood. GONE!

Early in my legal career, I worked near downtown and had many meetings, seminars, and meals at the hotel. (Lots and lots of good memories.) Somehow, we expect that places that were always there will always be there.

Heading up Figueroa on my way to Court the other day, I saw the huge empty pit with lots of demo going on at the corner of Wilshire where the Wilshire Grand once stood. GONE!

Currently, they are working on the demolition of the underground garage. Massive digging will begin in August. The $1 billion Korean Air skyscraper will eventually grow taller than the US Bank Tower [what Angelenos still call the Library Tower]. The new structure will become the tallest building West of the Mississippi River. The plans include a hotel, offices, restaurants, and stores. Double-decker elevators and an observation deck will provide views to the ocean—and to my mountains (with or without snow—no traffic jam required).

This Korean Air skyscraper will rise in place of the now demolished Wilshire Grand.

Actually, “GOING, GOING, …GONE” is what Vin Scully et al scream into their broadcast microphones when Yasiel Puig or some other Dodger [or Angel] star hits another ‘4 bagger’ [aka homerun]! While there are some signs of improvement lately, for a while it did not seem as if either local baseball team knew whether it was COMING OR GOING.

COMING OR GOING

The adage of “…justice delayed is justice denied” has been parsed by those trying to explain the latest cuts to the LA County Court System funding. Seven regional Courthouses will be closed and more than 500 jobs will be eliminated. Budget cuts!

California’s largest Court system [here] has about 4,400 employees and approximately 540 Judges. Last year’s operating budget was about $734 million.

Be ready for higher filing fees, longer waiting times, and further travel to your Courthouse. Civil Courts (rather than Criminal Courts) have borne recent cuts more heavily with effects like: lines around the block/waiting for hours to dispute a traffic ticket have become commonplace. If you are anxious to get a divorce, sue your landlord, have a custody battle, settle an inheritance matter, or get a certified copy of an essential document, be ready to pay more, “take a number”, and be patient!

The Clerk who helped me file a critical document looked harried and worried. He has been there forever and really knows his ‘stuff’. He said the latest ‘cuts’ had just kicked in—and more were coming. This guy looks like he could play for the Lakers or the Clippers –I’ll bet he wishes he did!

Pondering:

How can we start building a ‘super train’ no one will ride between Fresno and Bakersfield before we even own the needed land [or have the $ to buy it], but we can take 30 days to process a Probate closing that used to take 3 days?

BEEN THERE/COMING AGAIN

Two hundred eleven (211) Hollywood ‘stars’ have just been sent to “rehab”!! No, I did not just ‘scoop’ TMZ. I am referring to the ‘gold’ stars planted in the Hollywood Boulevard sidewalks, not the ‘humans’. This ‘nip and tuck’ of the famous Walk began in September and will continue for the next 3 years –to the tune of $44 million! As Governor Arnold used to say: “…I’ll be back!!!”

Two hundred eleven (211) Hollywood ‘stars’ have just been sent to “rehab”!!

Stolen Lotus Blossoms Repatriated/Thief Thanked.

Recently, the annual Lotus Blossom Festival at Echo Park has had to be cancelled—no lotus blossoms! For years, the quantity and quality of the lotus blossoms declined as the ‘stank’ and pollution of Echo Lake increased. Finally, there were no blossoms to be ‘festive’ over and the event ‘disappeared’. It was sad. It was sooo sad….

A project was launched to re-do and ‘purify’ the Echo Park lake

Then, a project was launched to re-do and ‘purify’ the lake. Too late—the lotus plants had died a cruel death in the stagnant waters. The lamented loss was remedied when a ‘sheepish’ citizen came to the rescue. It seems that our hero had ‘borrowed’ some of the grand plants when they were still thriving and had propagated more in his own clean pond. Our thief was prepared to share his ‘bounty’ in exchange for amnesty! The Lotus Blossom Festival at Echo Park should be on again soon! No word, yet, on whether the lake will be re-named.

The lamented loss was remedied when a ‘sheepish’ citizen came to the rescue. It seems that our hero had ‘borrowed’ some of the grand plants when they were still thriving and had propagated more in his own clean pond

Echo Park Lake with lotuses and all is now better than ever.

ICONIC/WHO CARES

The TMZ and other Star Tours busses always visit—or at least talk about, the Capitol Records Building in Hollywood as they ply their fantasies about ‘tinsel town’. Tourists from around the world include it as a ‘must see’ sight even if they have never seen a stack of phonograph records that the Building is supposed to resemble!!

The Capitol Records Building in Hollywood

Looking to boost its sagging circulation through controversy—real or imagined, the Los Angeles Times recently ran a piece highlighting the speculation surrounding, and the opposition to, two proposed towers that would “tower over” the iconic Capitol Records Building. Rather than ruminating on the ‘appropriate’ height of the two, tall, circular buildings developers are proposing and architects are drawing, it seems the debate should focus on whether tourists will be attracted more to three ‘stacks of records’ than one when most do not know what a “record” is, was, or could be used for in today’s technology! What is Chinese for “…why are we paying good US$s to look at 3 round buildings?”

WHO CARES/ICONIC

On to more ‘important stuff’! Rumor has it that:

Going down the street in Brentwood, Harrison Ford was stopped for using his cell phone in his classic Jaguar. Despite claiming he was on speakerphone, it did not set well with the officer.

I CARE/CAREFUL

Crows (not Russell or a rock group) have come and they not going—well, perhaps I should clarify:

I know that there is an Alfred Hitchcock movie festival in town and that The Birds was one of his most notable films. If you have seen that film—or even a promo, you already know that crows can be scary in the hands of a master film maker. Let me tell you, they can scare the AH out of you in ‘real life’ too.

My quiet little neighborhood has been invaded. It has been taken over by a loud, ‘swacking’, rowdy invasion of crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). These birds are huge; they are loud; they are scary; and they are destructive. Do we have to live the Hitchcock nightmare on a daily basis when the film is in re-runs???

My quiet little neighborhood has been invaded. It has been taken over by a loud, ‘swacking’, rowdy invasion of crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos).

Seriously, LA, not only do they destroy the lawns we try so hard to keep looking nice, they “decorate” our cars, lawn furniture, and other indiscriminate targets with their output/offerings.

Two crows were fighting on my roof yesterday. Hearing the ruckus, I went to investigate and was almost crashed into during their scrimmage. The crows have gotten so big (like haukkas), I am afraid they are going to swoop down and carry off Sohvi-Koira!

While not quite as big, the crows have become like the coyotes who are not scared of humans –mere ‘shooing’ them away does no good. Both are omnivorous scavenger pirates. The crows have become the bullies of the bird world here lately. Apparently they have become prolific all around LA and are here to stay.

I read recently that pesky birds (seagulls, in that case) are causing similar problems in Helsinki Harbor marketplace. We empathize.

Splat, splat be sure you wear a hat!!!

YOU CARE/CONSIDER CAREFULLY

Tuliaiset: Souvenirs and Hostess Gifts

If you are going to Finland for a visit, you may be thinking of what special things to bring along.

The tuliainen is brought to your Finnish host and presented upon arrival. It is usually a thoughtful souvenir or ‘pre-thanks’ hostess gift for someone you are visiting –especially if you will be staying in their home. It is always nice to bring a little touch of the USA, California, and/or LA with you.

Some like to bring a touch of Finland back home for “someone” –often ourselves when Finnish chocolate is involved!

In the US, wine or a floral arrangement is nice to bring for a dinner party.

In the US, wine or a floral arrangement is nice to bring for a dinner party. Here, a hostess gift can be presented upon arrival or sent after a stay at someone’s home. A handwritten note provides a nice personal touch. [Linens, stationery, a book, or an interesting household item are also appropriate.]

Gone are the days when an Angeleno going to Finland could be a ‘hero’ by bringing a nice bottle of California wine to a Finnish host/aficionado. The new weight and liquid restrictions make the wine next to impossible.

[NTF: You can get ideas from your Finnish friends who visit here from what they purchase to take back home. Recent ‘discoveries’: Victoria’s Secret items are huge, even for the teen set; Apple computer products, especially new releases; cedar wood ‘moth’ balls for closets; and corned beef are among a few of the things I have seen packed for the homeland by Finns. Of course, any official NHL game jersey with a Finnish star’s name on the back is pure gold! When in doubt, ask. As you know, there are some things Finns do not tell you unless asked!]

Whenever I am planning a trip to Finland, I try to remind myself that the best thing anyone can bring is your joy, love, and appreciation –it does not hurt to carry-on the makings of a California celebration for your friends, as well.

Even before I leave, I start to think about what I can bring home –I plan for suitcase space accordingly. We all have our favorite Finnish things that best remind us of our stay: the tastes, the fashions, the art and design for the home, the little ‘reminder-things’ that will keep the memories of experiences alive as long as possible, or that make it easier for you to share with those back home.

‘Tis a shame, but that six pack of Lapin Kulta is better enjoyed while in Finland. Liquids will be hard to transport even if there is a legal way. I cannot help but think of my American friend Mona who is a converted conscientious cloudberry fan. I always brought her a bottle of Cloudberry Liqueur –she now gets a Lumene Cloudberry Face Cream purchased in the US. [Don’t tell her please –this will be our little secret.]

Lumene Cloudberry Face Cream

Things in my ‘coming home’ bag, always: smoking bags (available in any Finnish supermarket), tubes of mustard, Fazer chocolate bars, licorice (best purchased freshly-made from a farmers market), Oululainen’s hapankorppu, tubes of cardamom seeds, and anything not ‘sniffable’ by the NSA beagles […remind me to tell you about the accidentally hidden makkara one day].

Whether you are GOING, COMING, or just HANGING –HAVE A HAPPY SUMMER!!

Or as Arnold ‘Governator’ would say:

“Hasta LA Vista, Baabee!!”

July 5th, 2013

thinkkanen

REPORTER: TOMI HINKKANEN – SANTA MONICA, CA

DATE: 7/5/2013

Crime author Jarkko Sipilä in Santa Monica, CA.

Crime pays – at least if you are a successful crime fiction writer like Jarkko Sipilä. And he knows what he is writing about. Jarkko is also a crime reporter working for the Finnish TV network MTV3. The author is currently on a U.S. tour. He recently appeared at FinnFest in Hancock, Michigan to publicize his latest novel, Cold Trail. Finntimes caught up with Sipilä on Independence Day in Santa Monica, California.

He is a big and tall guy of 6’4’’, who cuts an impressive figure walking down Ocean Avenue. When some writers express themselves better on paper, both in his books and in person Jarkko comes across clear and concise. He is a story teller. Jarkko and the family are about to finish a tour of The United States that took them among other places, to the Great Lakes region.

Jarkko Sipilä’s book tour took him to the Great Lakes region.

-I came to Minneapolis about three weeks ago. We did some book promoting over there. It was ten days of work, work, work. After that, my publisher let me have two weeks off in California, so I’m here now.

-I have written 18 books in Finnish, of which four have been translated into English. In addition, two books have been translated into German and two in Italian.

Which books were you selling at FinnFest?

-I have written four Helsinki Homicide books. The latest one is called Cold Trail, which came out in April. In Finnish they are called Takamäki Books and they are about a detective by the same name, who works at the Helsinki police department’s Violent Crime Unit. Hence the name Helsinki Homicide.

Sipilä’s latest book translated in English.

What is Cold Trail about?

-In Finland, Cold Trail was the seventh in the Takamäki series. It’s a story about a convict, who escapes from his guards at his father’s funeral. It’s up to the Helsinki PD’s homicide unit to bring him back to prison. They start digging into his story and the crime he was convicted of and find strange things. The question that arises is: How far can you go to take the law into your own hands.

In light of the Trayvon Martin murder case, it is a very American as well as current question, isn’t it?

-it is a universal topic.

Sipilä has been touring the U.S. with his family for three weeks.

Scandinavian crime literature is red hot right now in the U.S.. Stieg Larsson’s Millenium trilogy has been made into movies. When are you going to see a movie version of one of your books?

-Hopefully some time. I actually met with some Hollywood producers in Burbank. They have been reading my books, as well as Harri Nykänen’s crime series. They are trying to pitch them to TV networks and film companies. Maybe something will come out of it, or then not.

-The company is called New Wave Entertainment and it is akin to an agency. I met with one of their producers. We had a nice hour long chat.

-They have read Cold Trail and three other books of mine and they like them, but you never know… These are police stories and a lot of such stories have been made into TV series. But at this time we don’t have in the U.S. or anywhere else, for that matter, this kind of very realistic story telling. Stories and characters we see currently on TV are exaggerated and eccentric. In my books, the plot lines and characters are more realistic. The events could happen in real life but are still exciting.

If Cold Trail was made into a movie or TV series, could it be set in the U.S. or would it work better if actually shot in Finland?

-I don’t think it matters where you set it. It could be set in LA, Northern Minnesota, Texas or even Johannesburg, South Africa, because police officers’ mind set is pretty much the same all over the world. Not every cop is corrupt, but want to get to the truth instead. That’s what good cops are made of.

Jarkko Sipilä’s crime fiction has universal appeal.

You have a brother who is your partner in crime – tell us about him?

-My brother Jouko Sipilä used to work as an investment banker on Wall Street in New York and got out of that business in 2008. The next year he moved to Minneapolis started a publishing house called Ice Cold Crime, which publishes Finnish crime fiction in English. In addition to my four books, we have two Harri Nykänen’s books and one by Seppo Jokinen. Anja Snellman’s Pet Shop Girls is coming out this summer and next fall we will probably have Jari Tervo’s Among Saints (Pyhiesi yhteyteen). So, we have very good books coming out.

Jarkko is always on the lookout for good story ideas.

What’s next for you – are you perhaps researching for a new book here in America?

-We did one book with my brother’s friend, who was also a New York banker. It’s a story set in NYC at the eve of the financial crisis. It’s a detective story about two bankers – how they handle the events leading to the crisis. I wrote the Finnish version of it. In the U.S. it is published under Scott Stevenson’s name. It’s called Decay Time. You always think about stories when you are on vacation.

Have you seen any crimes taking place here?

-I saw police helicopters circling above our hotel. You see policemen everywhere here. You don’t see that in Helsinki.

The mindset of police officers is the same everywhere in the word, says Sipilä.

Are there differences that you have seen between the Finnish and American police?

-Like here, in Helsinki every cop has a Glock or another type of a gun. Maybe not the detectives but street cops. In terms of crime, Finland is quite similar to Minnesota. We have about as many people (5.3 million), and homicides as Minnesota does. The cold and snow cool people down, unlike here in LA where it is always warm.

You are not only an author but also a crime journalist – tell us about that?

-It kind of works hand in hand with the writing. You get a lot of ideas from working at MTV3 network’s news. I’ve been doing crime reporting for over 20 years now. At first for the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper and since 1996 for MTV3.

Why is crime so interesting to you?

-It’s not that it is interesting to me but to the TV audiences, readers, web surfers and radio listeners. I think people need and like to know about bad things that are happening in the society. Crime is a little like a magnifying mirror that you have for applying make-up and so on. That makes all the bad things appear bigger as well.

Unlike Wall Street’s Gordon Gekko, Jarkko Sipilä says greed is not good.

-Greed is a big problem these days. You have criminals that are greedier than before. If you have a lot of violence in a society, like in the U.S., with wars going on, then crimes are also more violent. It maybe one of the reasons we don’t have that many violent crimes in Finland or Europe.

What’s your take on gun control?

-Well, of course you have to realize that shooting is an Olympic sport. In Finland it has some historical value with the long eastern border and wars with Russia. Finns used to think it was beneficial to have lots of guns in case of an enemy invasion. Putting up a militia type of resistance would be easier. If you don’t shoot as a hobby or you are not a hunter, maybe you really don’t need a gun.

If you are not a target shooter or a hunter, perhaps you don’t need a gun, the author suggests.

What kind of sentences should be handed for violent crimes – harsh ones like in the U.S. or light ones like in Finland?

-It depends. Maybe we should have tougher sentences for repeat offenders in Finland when it comes to violent or sex crimes. Sentencing should escalate more than it does nowadays in Finland. But being in prison really doesn’t make anyone a better person. The rate at which ex-convicts end up back in jail is high. Maybe the best way to control crime would be prevention, helping some of these people before they commit crimes. They are doing it in Finland. But of course you have high youth unemployment and that can lead into criminal behavior. That and drugs are a big problem in Europe. In my opinion, they are only going to get worse.

Where can people buy your books?

-The best way is to go to Amazon.com.

Are you working on a new book?

-My latest one was published in Finland about a month ago. It’s called Valepoliisi (Fake Cop). It may take until fall before I start working on a new one.

Finntimes publisher Tomi Hinkkanen and crime author Jarkko Sipilä in Santa Monica, CA.

May 29th, 2013

Ava Anttila

AROUND LA WITH AVA

THE MERRY MONTH

May is always fun. It is a mad-cap month of May frolics, Motherly celebrations, Mexican fiestas, and Memorials. May is a long month that always goes by so quickly! Perhaps that is because it begins with back-to-back-to-back parties and, then, before we can recover it melts into what has become a long four day Memorial Day weekend that marks the semi-official start of Summer in America.* Even though Californians have Jacarandas in flower and roses budding instead of the “April showers [that] bring May flowers”, ice tsunamis, or floods to mark our Spring, we do find everyone buzzing with new energy finalizing Winter projects and setting up Summer plans. To those who have lived in Finland […to say nothing of those still there!], the prospect of Summer ‘right around the corner’ is intoxicating.

Jacaranda Trees on Alta Drive in Beverly Hills

Finns sense the impending arrival of Midsummer even without the benefit of a calendar. For those of you going to Finland for the Summer Solstice celebrations, you are lucky! [Have your umbrellas and rubbers handy!]

Here, or there–now is the time to start planning your Finnish Midsummer Night using your ‘inner Finn’ as your guide. Or, if you like, you can get a little LA help from ‘yours truly’.

Actually, if you live in Los Angeles where 70º F and blue sky/sunny by noon is a daily occurrence, a Finnish Midsummer celebration has less urgency to be on a specific date. Here you can party outdoors on almost any night –Summer or not! We can make our own heavenly Juhannus without worrying about whether or not the lake ice has fully melted. [In case you are compulsive—or just like to pretend you are in the homeland, I will give some easy/fun suggestions and a recipe for Juhannus in this column.]

May Day

May Day is not really big in LA. There is always a labor parade downtown, but that is usually pretty grim—more about immigration issues these days than the ‘springing of Spring’. I know of only one May Pole with multicolored ribbons to be braided on the pole by dancing maidens with fresh flowers in their hair. When The Archer School for Girls [Brentwood] bought the ‘old folks home’ on Sunset near Barrington, they kicked the ‘grannies’ and ‘grunties’ out to make their school but they actually kept the May Pole that used to grace the front lawn of the property each May. A beautiful tradition continues to mark May!

Maypole at the Archer School for Girls in Brentwood

Cinco de Mayo

While it has been some time since Southern California was a part of Mexico, each 5^th of May we re-live and celebrate a major Mexican military victory with a blast that has the same party-until-tomorrow ‘enthusiasm’ as Finnish Juhannus. In March, Angelenos become Irish for a day. In May, we all become Mexican for a long, joyous day—and many of us actually speak Spanish!

Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Los Angeles

Mother’s Day

The second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day in the US. Mother’s Day is big. And on the 365^th day, Mother rested—or something to that effect. A day of rest and futile attempts by families to prepare breakfast-in-bed for Mom has morphed into a major shopping spree and a restaurateurs’ retirement plan. But, as a Mother, I have no complaints!!

Mothers Day Brunch reservations are booked early even in ‘walk-in’ places. Grand hotels and country clubs stage celebrations around LA that can be truly “over-the-top” extravaganzas. This year, I got an “E Ticket”! [For ‘newbees’, an E Ticket got you on the very best rides at old-time Disneyland while A, B, C, & D tickets got you onto/into lesser attractions.]

My younger Son made reservations and was host. When I arrived at the designated location at the indicated time, I found myself in a ballroom sized room with numerous buffets, carving stations with prime rib and turkey, presentation tables with delicacies, a made-to-order omelet bar, a French macaroon display, a gravlax table with all the trimmings, a cold buffet, a hot dish table at least ‘a mile long’, a raw bar, multiple cheese platters, appetizer trays, side dishes, and salads! Phew!

The jumbo shrimp on the ice sculpture with “Happy Mother’s Day” inscribed on it was my favorite course

The jumbo shrimp on the ice sculpture with “Happy Mother’s Day” inscribed on it was my favorite course. While such a lavish ‘spread’ could conjure diet-busting guilt, here there were ‘no worries’ –enjoying these myriad delicacies involved a lot of exercise walking to the stations and back!

The food was extravagant and included a made-to-order omelet bar

[I must admit to being a bit apprehensive as I headed toward Manhattan Beach that Sunday morning. This was my first Mother’s Day, ever, without my dear Mother. Still, it was special to be invited to be with my ‘local’ Son and his family. The company was great, the setting was fine, the food was extravagant, and they gave me some cool Marimekko gifts. What a fun experience it turned out to be!]

Finnish Community Happenings

Finnish American Chamber of Commerce and the Creative Finns

On May 15^th, Laura Laaksonen gave a presentation to the FACC about her research on the Creative Finns currently burgeoning in the area. The diverse group has an age range spread from 21 to 60, holds monthly meetings, and is up to 200 members now.

Ms. Laaksonen’s survey received 80 responses. She found that the group is in film, television, and music –most of the members having a high level of education. The Creative Finns are looking forward to working together with local service providers, to taking part in government and private fundraising, and to exchanging ideas with those in the education and scholarship fields as well as their own disciplines.

Laura noted that the next CF meeting would be the upcoming Friday night at the “Pink Taco” in West Hollywood. Needless to say, your intrepid reporter ‘needed’ to be there! While I pride myself in staying in touch with what is ‘happening’ in our tinsel town, I have never really been into the Friday night pub crawling scene. So, first, there was need for some research so I would be at the right place at the right time. As locals know, LA is crazy with multiple locations, several places (and even streets with the same names) in proximity to one another, and the same street changing names as you move from one ‘area code’ to the next.

[Schedule Note: On June 12^th, the Consulate General of Finland and the FACC will present an evening panel discussion event on the Finnish Education System. Mark your calendar and be there to learn why and how Finnish education is ranked #1 in the world!! ]

Creative Finns Monthly Meeting On May 17^th

I had not heard of the Pink Taco where the CFs meeting was scheduled. But, enjoying both the color pink and tacos, I liked the cute name and wanted to be sure I got to the right location. Searching the Internet for proper coordinates, I found that apparently the name is not so cute to some and that there are two locations in LA. Leaving the controversy aside [check it out if you like—it did make the late night talk shows], the two locations presented a challenge to be solved before heading out. [Actually, the’ pink taco’ is a menu item that has pickled onions in a lovely shade of pink as an accoutrement and garnish. An opening promo did feature a poor donkey that was shaved and painted pink with the name “Pink Taco” on its side.]

Creative Finns Meeting at the Pink Taco

Having found the meeting place even without the donkey to wave me in from the street, it was great to be with young, vibrant, Creative Finns. Laura Laaksonen was there, as well as, Pekka Pekkala who writes his poignant observations in a column in Helsingin Sanomat. What fun it was to sit with the ever-charming, effervescent Sauli whose blog about his life in Ilta Sanomat is such a kick to follow.

Truth be told, the hard driving, loud music made it difficult to have a conversation with anyone more than a few feet away. [Ooooh—someone is not a ‘20 something’ anymore!]

Ava and Sauli Koskinen

The afternoon ‘happy hour’ was morphing into ‘Friday night on the Sunset Strip’ as the sun was setting into the Pacific. Having retrieved my car from the valet, I did manage a quick handshake through the car window and an ‘air kiss’ with Kirpi Uimonen who has ‘arrived’ in Hollywood where many CFs dream to be one day! Here was a mentor arriving to share experiences and give insights to the next generation of ‘stars’ –surely there are exciting things ahead for many members of the CF group. We will be proud for their individual and collective accomplishments to come. Finland and the local Finnish community needs to be supportive and helpful to the CFs –and will be, if I have anything to say on the matter.

“Kokko-itis” [Bonfire-Ban-Itis] Comes Home

Celebrating Midsummer [Juhannus, i.e., the Summer Solstice] in LA used to be easier. If you have lived or visited here, you know the vastness of the beaches –our entire West border is the fun, scenic rim of the Pacific Ocean. Southern California Summers are all about singing around a fire and roasting marshmallows at the beach. [Adult beverages are prohibited by local Ordinance, but occasionally consumed nonetheless.] If you have lived in or visited Finland, you know that virtually every person able to be there is at the edge of a body of water at Midsummer to enjoy the “kokko” [bonfire]—and an occasional adult beverage.

The latest buzz on the California bonfires is that some local residents are said to be objecting to the smoke emitted. One of the most popular local LA beaches with fire rings permitting bonfires is Dockweiler State Beach which lies almost directly under the LAX runways. Having lived on the beach a mile or so from Dockweiler, I can testify that the air pollution problems near that beach do not come from 15 or 20 per evening kokko, when 15 to 20 jet planes take-off per hour and 4 lanes of cars stream by on Playa del Vista day and night. Actually, the real offenders are the Scattergood Sewage Treatment Plant which is immediately South of Dockweiler and the Chevron Oil Refinery next door, both of which run 24/7. [Have you noticed that reporters sometimes seek quotes that suit their story and ignore facts that do not? Besides, what would you rather inhale—a burning birch log or the ‘stuff’ that comes from those other sources?? I rest my case!]

One of the most popular local LA beaches with fire rings permitting bonfires is Dockweiler State Beach which lies almost directly under the LAX runways

Next target: home fireplaces. The Winter nights do get cold here—even Summer evenings at the beach. There is something romantic about a bear rug in front of a cozy fireplace. What is a Finn to do? We need our flame!

But –why are we talking about fireplaces when May is about planting and planning “…the start of Summer in America”.

Midsummer in LA “102”

We begin our ‘course’ at102 because just having some Finnish blood justifies skipping the basic introduction materials. Let’s get on with some advanced fundamentals.

One: Heat your sauna –or call a friend who has one and ask them to “crank it”!!

Two: Get some birch branches. We really do see some beautiful birch plantings in LA. If you are Finnish, you know you know where they are! Now, I am not advocating you trespass to get your hands on some prime birch branches. [Use your imagination: You could offer free tree trimming which is always badly needed in this lush growth spurt time and take away the discard.] Do get enough for the vihtas you will need for your sauna and for decorating your doorways, interior and exterior. The local birches lack the signature aroma of the Finnish variety, but topping off your sauna with birch scented shampoo and soap for your ‘wash up’ will give you that shot of olfactory nostalgia you need on this holiday.

sauna birch branches

Three: Take that sauna!

Those lucky enough to have a pool to enjoy know what to do on your Juhannus sauna. Otherwise, improvise: buckets, washtubs, a plastic kiddy pool, a garden hose, or any ready source of cool, clean water. We have a cold water outdoor shower for a quick ‘shot’. If all else fails, try turning on the lawn sprinklers and running naked through the mist. [Don’t knock it until you have tried it! Back yard please, not the front!]

Take that sauna!

Four: Light the bonfire!!

Even if you are not on a fire permissive beach or do not have a fire pit on your back yard, safe substitutes are available. Not long ago at a small Albertson’s, I found Estonian sliced pine trunk mini bonfire kits you can light for your adorable little “mini-kokko”. When all else fails, just put a multitude of candles together and call it a bonfire –and raise a glass to the Finnish Juhannus tradition.

Light the bonfire!!

Five: Drink a beer –maybe more than one if you are going to do the fun sprinkler run!

Just as it is for a Finnish Christmas Eve meal, beer is essential to Finnish Midsummer rituals. [If you are one of those aficionados into sahti, knock yourself out –you are on your own.]

Unless you brought home a case of Lapin Kulta from your last trip to Finland, you will need to settle for what is available locally. Many years ago, there was a beer called Finlandia sold in California. I had a special space in a closet just for my ‘stash’!

Summer Solstice is a cream ale style beer brewed by Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, CA

An adequate Scandinavian substitute we have used for years is Carlsberg, a good Danish beer. I even like Kronenberg (French). Both are hard to find. I get Carlsberg for Finnish dinners at a place on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Berkeley Street in Santa Monica.

An adequate Scandinavian substitute we have used for years is Carlsberg, a good Danish beer

Things to Ponder Category

Why has no one imported some good Finnish beer?

If you are into stronger libations, you can make infused vodkas as schnapps. I like to infuse Finlandia vodkas with various fresh essences such as lemon, dill, berries, and spices. Shelf life is not a problem given the medium. I enjoy serving them in ice encased Finlandia bottles for Midsummer, as well as, other Finn-themed parties.

[If you have a lot of Finnish friends, you probably do not have to wonder when your next empty vodka bottle will appear—you just have to allow enough time for the infusion flavors to mellow and the ice to form encasing the bottle. Hint: rinse out an empty paper juice or milk carton—boil some water and let cool before pouring around the vodka bottle you are going to put in the freezer over night (boiling makes clear ice)—insert some ‘seasonal’ decorations (e.g. birch bark and leaves for Juhannus or holly leaves and berries for Christmas) into the water before freezing.]

Ooops! If you are going to sauna, drink beer and schnapps shots, run naked through the sprinklers, and mellow in front of a kokko, you had better serve some great Finnish food!

The Main Featured Recipe: Pih-Mummi’s Special Sauna Lenkki

Pih-Mummi’s Special Sauna Lenkki

This special recipe is a makkara preparation my Paternal Grandmother used to make. I watched and learned. (There is probably a similar recipe in every Finnish household!) We called her “Helsingin Mummi” or “Pih-Mummi” because she lived on PIhlajatie. Go figure –but, she “rocked”! Pih-Mummi was a grand lady, a concert pianist, and a little Finnish girl’s idol.

Speaking of the Mothers/Grandmothers we celebrate in May, apparently the ‘baby-boomer’ generation here (now becoming Grandparents) are bristling at the titles “Grandma” and “Grandpa”. They are trying to come up with alternatives: something less “old-sounding” and/or more “hip”. NaNa, GaGa, G-Mom, Gummi, NutherMother, BonBon, and such are now becoming popular. The pair that got me is the couple who have actually asked their Grandkids to call then Chablis and Cabernet! Only in California!!

But, I digress.

Speaking of wine….

Buzz in Bel Air

I digress again…but it is worthwhile.

If you have been to the Finnish Consular Residence, you have been by a winery in Bel Air! The most expensive real estate in the world and grape vines are planted on the rocky sloped back yard! If you take the Getty tram to the top, look East SouthEast and you will have a spectacular view of the Vineyards of Moraga. This stunning prize of a Bel Air property was ‘uncorked’ by none other than Rupert Murdoch of News Corp fame. Kippis to you, you lucky fellow!!

Vineyards of Moraga in Brentwood

The 16 acre property brought in the range of USD$30 million. The seller was businessman Tom Jones (no, not the singer with the tight pants) who lovingly created magnificent –and very expensive wines. The expense comes from the exceptional quality and the limited production.

I used to see Mr. Jones in his Prius with wooden cases on the back seat

I used to see Mr. Jones in his Prius with wooden cases on the back seat. Often, he was headed for Wally’s in Westwood making a delivery to one of the best wine shops in the country. [OK, OK –I did follow him once out of curiosity to be sure my hunch was right and to be sure that nectar got to a place it could be found when the time was right.]

Changing of the Guard—and Consuls General

Kirsti Westphalen and Juha Markkanen welcome Andrea Hautala-McAleenan to the residence.

I was thinking of the Jones/Murdoch property transfer while on my way to the Finnish Consul Residence for the official “Goodbye” to Consul General Kirsti Westphalen [and husband Mouf] prior to her posting as Ambassador of Finland to Thailand. The “Hail and Farewell” event at 1100 Moraga Drive was also a grand “Welcome” to Consul-General-In-Waiting Juha Markkanen [“…call me JP”] and his family who will soon hold court beneath the Moraga Vineyard.

[Please see Tomi Hinkkanen’s recent interview of Minister Markkanen for FinnTimes.]

The Finnish Consul Residence is such a proud property. The Residence lends dignity to any event—and Finns are always pleased to be invited there to greet, learn, or celebrate. The grace and dignity of the facility is enhanced by the culinary wizardry of Finnish Chef Sirpa Welch who sets a ‘mean’ table of tasty homeland specialties. I so enjoy her enthusiasm and her skill.

Sirpa Welch oversees the lavish buffet

Now to the Nitty/Gritty Serious Makkara Recipe??

First, another detour.

A Most Important Décor Suggestion

You already have the birch branches absconded from your neighborhood, now go get some river rocks! Since the Los Angeles River (and its kin) is lined with cement, you will have to look for the large, smooth gray pebbles at Home Depot or your local hardware store. Gray is nice, but if you can find some recycled blue ‘sand glass’, that is all the better.

Next, in most any good grocery store produce section they sell cubes of wheatgrass or catnip. You will also need some little tea lights which most Californians have in their household for emergencies and most Finns have just because we Finns must have our candles!

Now, form an undulating creek bed down the length of your table with the stones. Place the wheatgrass alongside of the rocks as if it were the lawn or reed grass along a Finnish stream. Place tea lights strategically in the wheatgrass down the length of your table.

If you can get your hands on those little ‘toothpick’ Finnish flags to place into the wheatgrass “tablescape” for your party, your guests will exhale Oohs and Aahs complimenting you with your creation in tribute to Finnish Summer and Finnish Greatness! The Finnish Tourist Board website will get a ‘kazillion’ more hits from your friends saluting your efforts!!

Finally, The Food: Makkara/Grilli-Linkki with Boiled New Potatoes and Dill

Some Finns like to cook on their sauna rocks. To me, that is like Americans who strap food to their car engines so it can cook while they drive. While these ‘techniques’ may make a great TV Tip Clip on multi-tasking or eco-sustainability, some ideas just don’t work! I prefer to keep the sauna rocks—and my car, as pure and pristine as possible without the stench of burned salmon when I get trapped in traffic on the 405 Freeway! [If you do put the makkara ‘on the rocks’, it should be a ‘no brainer’ to wrap it well in heavy duty aluminum foil. If you strap it to your engine block, watch out for melting cheese—it burns!]

In the oven, makkara is best baked uncovered on a cookie sheet or in a sturdy oven pan.

Pih-Mummin Makkara

(4 Servings)

1 Ring Bologna – This is as close to a Sauna Makkara or Sauna Lenkki as you can get in LA. You can also use a Kielbasa which is spicier, but may be easier to find.

Brown Mustard in a tube or squeeze bottle

1 Onion, thinly sliced

1 Tomato, sliced (Roma preferred because they handle heat better)

3 Pieces of a white cheese, sliced into strips (Finlandia brand, of course)

Ingredients: 1 ring bologna, brown mustard in a tube or squeeze bottle, 1 thinly sliced onion, and 3 pieces of white cheese, sliced into strips (Finlandia brand, of course)

Directions:

Make an incision running the length of the top of the sausage about ¾ of the way down into the ‘flesh’ to create an opening.

Put the top of the tube or the bottle of mustard into the incision and squirt mustard all along the incision bottom.

Put slices of cheese, onion, and tomato all around, stuffing the makkara opening as neatly as you can.

Place sausage on a cookie sheet or oven pan and into a 375º F oven, baking for about 20 to 30 minutes until the sausage begins to brown and the cheese melts.

Serve with additional mustard. New potatoes boiled with dill sprigs make a nice accompaniment.

Ice cold beer is the perfect drink.

HAPPY SUMMER PLANNING!!!!

*Memorial Day in America honors those who sacrificed to make and keep America free. It is not just a day of barbeque and shopping.

To experience the solemnity, pride, and joy that makes Memorial Day so special, visit the United States Veterans Cemetery in Los Angeles that runs from Sepulveda to Veteran between Wilshire and Montana. Worthwhile visiting anytime, it is a sight to behold on Memorial Day weekend each year when the 88,000 graves of the fallen are decorated with flags reverently and precisely placed by local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

May 23rd, 2013

thinkkanen

Kirsti Westphalen and Juha Markkanen welcome Andrea Hautala-McAleenan to the residence.

REPORTER: TOMI HINKKANEN – LOS ANGELES

DATE: 5/23/2013

At the Consul General’s residence in Bel Air, a change of guards took place Wednesday night. Kirsti Westphalen, who has served as Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles for the past five years, bid a fond farewell to the local Finnish community and friends of Finland. Then she introduced the new incoming Consul General, Juha Markkanen. Finntimes was there to record the memorable evening and to interview both the incoming and outgoing Consul Generals.

Outgoing Consul General Kirsti Westphalen introduced her successor Juha markkanen to the audience.

The nature of the event was evident already at the front door. Both the old and new Consul Generals were there to meet and greet the guests. They then mingled in the crowd. People were eager to say farewell to Kirsti Westphalen and to meet her successor.

Susanna Golche and Ava Anttila

Henry and Eeva Syvänen, Kirpi Uimonen-Ballesteros and Tiina Purtonen

Scandinavian Film Festival director Jim Koenig and actress Irina Björklund

David and Mira Scott

The new Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles, Juha Markkanen, will assume his post September 1st, 2013

Juha Markkanen has had a long career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland. He has worked in the EU secretariat and the embassies of Tokyo and Bonn. His latest post was in the Embassy of Stockholm, where he served as Minister. He has also worked as Editor-in-Chief of the trade policy magazine Kauppapolitiikka and as Director of Information in the Department for Communication and Culture. He is married with Tuula Markkanen. She will be working on her Master’s thesis in education while in Los Angeles.

Juha and Tuula Markkanen get refreshments at the residence.

We sat down with Juha Markkanen for a chat.

Please introduce yourself to us.

-My name is Juha Markkanen. I think I’m going to use the name JP Markkanen – it’s easier here. I’m the new Consul General of Finland as of the first of September here in LA.

-I am 50 years old and I’m coming from Stockholm, Sweden. I have been in foreign service for the past 22 years. I hope to be of assistance here in promoting Finland in various ways and deepening the Finnish – U.S. relations. That is my task and I need co-operation with the locals. Let’s make this a win-win situation!

What did you do in Stockholm?

-I’m the number two at the Finnish embassy in Stockholm – the Deputy Chief of Mission. That work entailed a lot of administration and also reporting on various subjects.

-Here in California, I will also deal with Arctic issues, since Alaska is one of the states under the Consul General’s territory. In Stockholm I was evaluating the Arctic perspectives.

-Last week in Kiiruna, Northern Sweden, we had a ministerial meeting that the Secretary of State, John Kerry attended.

Juha Markkanen with Abdellatif Moufakkir, the spouse of Kirsti Westphalen.

You couldn’t come to a more different place than that – Los Angeles – have you been here before?

-No, unfortunately I haven’t. We have only been here since this past Sunday – four days.

What are your first impressions?

-It is an enormously interesting and challenging city and state – huge traffic problems, but very friendly people.

Juha Markkanen will become the next Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles.

Tell me about your family?

-I have two children – daughter Maria, 16, and son Juho, 18. We are now seeking high school options for my daughter and a college or university for our son. We have considered both public and private high schools. I have asked people’s opinions tonight and I also learned about a couple of schools nearby.

Your son could complete his undergraduate studies during your four-year term?

-Yes, that’s his wish. I think Santa Monica City College will be his starting point.

When you formally start this fall, what are the first items on the agenda?

-I need to have a chat at the office, because we have moved to a new, more affordable premises. Kirsti Westphalen fought for the survival of the Consulate General of Los Angeles (that was under the threat of being shut down). I need to meet with many people to gain knowledge on issues in order to start my work.

You don’t come in with a set agenda?

-No, no. I need to learn, I need help from my friends – Finnish and U.S. citizens, the media… This is a collaboration.

Is there anything that surprised you upon arriving here?

-Well, I knew that people would be friendly here, but that turned out to be an understatement. I have been received very warmly – also at the schools I’ve been evaluating for my children. After having spent four days in California, I am starting to understand how it is up to oneself to accomplish one’s work. You are on your own.

-I had a chat with the former Consul General Maria Serenius two months ago in Helsinki and got good advice from her. I highly respect both Maria Serenius’ and Kirsti Westphalen’s work here. We have had two excellent ladies here. Now it is a man’s turn here and I am trying to do my best.

-I am enormously excited!

Honorary Council of San Diego, Kathryn Mautino, gave Kirsti Westphalen a picture depicting San Diego.

An endless stream of well-wishers inundated the outgoing Kirsti Westphalen and her husband Abdellatif Moufakkir. I finally got a change to catch up with Kirsti at the end of the evening.

Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles, Kirsti Westphalen with Finntimes publisher Tomi Hinkkanen.

We are sad to see you go. Thank you very much for the wonderful five years that you’ve been with us here. Now you are heading toward new adventures as the Ambassador to Thailand – your feelings?

-Well, we are going to be really sorry to go. We are going to have wonderful memories of California. And I’ve got to tell you: California is going to follow us in our footsteps. I have a life-long interest in anything that is new, dynamic, progressive, sustainable – that is what California is to the United States and to the world.

-So, I am sure I will be following this sort of dynamics, wherever I will be in the world.

Kirsti Westphalen with real estate agent Janice Hiltunen.

Over the years, what has been the biggest surprise to you here?

-I had lived in California as an exchange student, as a youngster. I was always fascinated by the diversity in California. Through this more professional approach, it has not been a surprise, but I have been so grateful of the fact that I have gotten to know so many talented people. I have learned so much of the direction that the world is going to take in the future – how people are going to consume, how they are going to behave online, what the world is going to look like and what direction it is going to take and what California is going to predict for Finland as well.

Ava Anttila and Christel Pauli from the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce Pacific Chapter handed a plaque of appreciation to Kirsti Westphalen.

-It has been tremendously rewarding working as a liaison, communicating what is best in Finland to California and to the United States – for example, education. But also communicating vice versa, because the world is not a two way street. The world is a place of networks. Where the best brains, that counts. And that’s where the Finns should be.

And indeed you have been very active in communicating with other countries as well, in addition to Finland and the U.S.?

-This has been a particular honor that has been bestowed upon me last year, when I became the dean of the Los Angeles consular core, where we have the representation of 98 countries altogether. Virtually the entire world is present here in Los Angeles diplomatically.

Actress Lisa Niemi and Kirsti Westphalen

-Part of the honor of representing the consular core is that you have the opportunity to take part in so many events and that you meet people from all of these countries. And you meet important Californians. You get to hang out with the mayor and the governor!

Tell me about the new premises of the consulate?

-We, as a part of the Finnish government, are counting our pennies. We want to make sure that where we use money, it is wisely used and invested. So, the premises have been changed to more modest and smaller ones.

-This has brought on important savings of taxpayer money. So, while we can cut down on fixed costs, like rent, we are able to retain the basic core functions of the consulate – servicing our Finnish community nearly ten thousand strong in 13 western states.

-And the important political tasks that we have here, in communicating what is best in Finland, whether it’s education, science and innovation, clean technology, sustainable solutions, whether it is supporting our creative Finns in the “Silicon Beach” kind of thinking that is so important to the growth of Los Angeles, California and Finland in the future.

Is there a particular item that you were able to accomplish that stands out that you are proud of?

-Perhaps I can say that the new way of doing things in a wider Finnish foreign service and Finnish public service – the team Finland thinking, in which all of us have to pull together to achieve results. That is what we have done here in California – not only during my time, but the time of my predecessors.

-I’m very grateful to see that the rest of Finland is going California way!

Abdellatif Moufakkir and Kirsti Westphalen are getting ready to move to Thailand.

And now onto the new challenge – what do you know about your upcoming post as the Ambassador to Thailand?

-Well, I wish I knew more. Our embassy in Thailand covers countries of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. This is a new part of the world and our employer is so kind as to always offer us new challenges, which I really will have in front of me. I have lots to learn.

-You referred to the fact that the consulate here was in danger of closing and we have been able to save the consulate through savings. I want to thank you personally, Tomi and Finntimes and all your efforts in getting the Finnish community organized and in communicating the strong desire of the local Finnish community here in supporting the activities of the consulate. Not only its service functions, but the fact that we are doing important work for the success of Finland here. So, I’m very grateful of that.

And I’m sure I will speak for all Finntimes readers in saying that we are glad we were able to help.

The Finnish community toasts Kirsti Westphalen.

April 30th, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

BEING FESTIVE—A THIN LINE
by Ava Anttila

Los Angeles’ Spring is a time of celebrations and festivals.

Here, we have to go to the mountains to watch the snow melt. We have to turn on TV news to see the rivers and lakes flood the lowlands with the Spring run-offs. Our local skies are clear, blue, and sparkling—with the occasional white cloud reminding us of the Finnish flag. We know we face ‘May gray’ and ‘June gloom’ before Summer sets us free to enjoy our magnificent climate again! Even though we do not really have Winter, Spring is special!!

Spring in Los Angeles

We dust off our Winter cobwebs, do our Spring cleaning, put on a new mindset, come outside to enjoy the sunshine and new growth, gather with like-minded people for meaningful (and fun) activities, cheer the flutter of the birds preparing for their young to hatch soon in freshly built nests, and watch our grass and flowers grow.

BUSY AS A BEE

In the Los Angeles area, particularly during the last two weekends in April, there is a frenzy of huge annual festivals and happenings.

We just had the Los Angeles Marathon—a woman crossed the Finish Line first, by-the-way!

Aleksandra Duliba of Belarus has won the women’s race and $50,000 gender challenge in the 28th Asics Los Angeles Marathon

For the last two years, the LA Marathon has used a new, different route which puts the race into the ‘showcase’ category. Last year, the rain failed to prove anything about the new route other than that the water—and the runners, go downhill to finish at the ocean. [And, that California can be cold if you are skinny and wear short shorts!]

A NOVEL EVENT

This year must have been such a joy for the runners from around the world who got a real ‘tour d’LA’ on a glorious day. Instead of circling around the ‘less lovely’ parts of Los Angeles for a few hours in the ‘smog belt’ as they did in the past, the route now is like reading a great-city novel. The story starts at venerable Dodger Stadium and gets better as it moves through the historic city, down Santa Monica Boulevard, gaining momentum as it presses with urgency toward our ever-green “Champs-Elysée” –a super-wide grass center strip shaded by Coral Trees that is San Vicente Boulevard from Brentwood to Santa Monica. The trail tale makes a beautiful climax and denouement as it ends on a beautiful California beach just as the beautiful sun sets peacefully into the golden Pacific. Phew!!!

Coral Trees along San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood

THE PROS GO—AND MISS THE GLOW

The elite international athletes show up for the race, run, pop their appearance fee checks into the nearest ATM, have a quick shower and a meal before heading to LAX for an airplane snooze on their way to the next event. I would guess that nary-a-one noticed that Los Angeles is ringed with snow capped mountains this time of year! But, the joy of the LA Marathon is that all who can scrape up the Registration Fee are welcome to spend the day in a novel way—running, walking, or spinning their wheelchair through fan-lined streets toward a grand sunset [pot of gold] at the end of a long downhill ‘coast’! If you are slow enough, you can even smell the roses!!

We all share in the joy of those participants who have trained, strained, and made it to the Finish Line. We welcome them and offer our LA to them. We sincerely hope they will take our goodwill and love with them when they head home. Although, it is a mystery as to how they will get home since all of the streets around the Westside are blocked off to motor traffic in the vicinity of the race route and there are detours-aplenty because of the 405 construction.

SORROW AND JOY

The line between joy and sorrow is thin –or so it seems.

The thought sticks in my head this month like one of those ‘brain worms’ that haunt your thoughts for no apparent reason. Actually, the term “brain worm” comes from the effect that a silly slogan, ditty, show theme, or song has on your mind as it plays over and over and over again.

I think my ‘worm’ was from one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most beautiful songs from the ‘60s or ‘70s: “…..the line is thinly drawn ’tween joy and sorrow.” It really rings true for me this month.

Having ‘waxed poetic’ about the joyfully triumphant Los Angeles Marathon and its successful new route, that thinly drawn ‘line’ was crossed in another town in which I once lived—Boston.

The Boston Marathon is the premier, by-invitation-only US distance run. Held each year on Patriots’ Day, this year’s 26.2 miles ended at 26.1 miles for all but the most elite superstars. The bomb blasts at the Finish Line sent people scrambling –or worse.

We Finns know and love the performers and the sport of long distance running. Lasse Viren and Paavo Nurmi are Finnish national heroes—and, I think, a Finnish woman actually won the Boston Marathon some years ago. Many come from many lands for the NY, Boston, and LA events. These Marathons openly embrace the international community whose residents are often the winners. We gladly celebrate the greatness and achievement that comes to our shores.

Lasse Viren

The attack in Boston brought the joy of such a beautiful Boston tradition [celebrating Spring and Patriots past] to a collective national gasp of disbelief and horror. A week went by with prayers, sorrow, worry, hope –and outrage.

The attack in Boston brought the joy of such a beautiful Boston tradition [celebrating Spring and Patriots past] to a collective national gasp of disbelief and horror

When the week was done, good had won out over evil –the good guys got the bad guys. Media [and cell phones] had captured images of the brave, kind, caring people: participants, spectators, and the first responders putting themselves on the line for the afflicted. Vivid, moving images such as that of a 78 year old runner being knocked to the ground by the first blast just before the Finish Line picking himself up for the final 15 steps to complete his journey—not knowing if those would be his last steps, but determined to ‘finish’! The carnage could have been much worse had it not been for the selflessness and good spirit of those who came to help.

BOSTON STRONG DEFEATS TERRORISM

My head and heart reached out to my former Boston neighbors upon hearing the events unfold. I had many memories from living in nearby Cambridge while in graduate school. I taught Scandinavian cooking lessons to a Harvard group –I taught high school drama, English, and rock poetry in the area –I directed plays, one with a coffin … ! Memories flood back at times like this.

I had many memories from living in nearby Cambridge while in graduate school

Watertown (where “# 2 went down” last week) was across “Mass Ave” from where I lived behind the Radcliffe Library. My experience with the Watertown Police was quite positive. Our car had been stolen, but was found/recovered (already repainted) in Watertown.

Despite the casualties, at the end of the Boston Marathon ordeal there was a collective sigh of relief in New England, in America, and in the world. A festival of determination, resolve, and courage erupted as the “Boston Strong” community moved forward celebrating its traditions and the spirit of its people. The horror and sorrow turned to joy as the collective spirit came together.

Terror works only when people are afraid. Terrorist tactics are effective only when people are intimidated. Americans are a curious breed—they can seem to be self-absorbed, selfish, and aloof in their quest for “…life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” which is their “… inalienable right”. They seem not to care sometimes. Then, whether it is Pearl Harbor or the Boston Bomb, there comes a time when “enough is enough”, a ‘switch’ is thrown, and THE YANKS ARE COMING!

Boston’s Defiant Spirit on Display at Fenway Park

That Saturday –less than 24 hours after the lockdown was lifted and the 2^nd suspect captured, “Boston Strong” was what it was about. The Red Sox played baseball for the first time since the bombing and, at the Bruins hockey game, even the opposing goalie wore a Boston sticker on his helmet! At the ball game, legend Neil Diamond showed up to lead the fans in their favorite 7^th inning ‘sing-along’ of his Sweet Caroline, a years-long tradition—Fenway Park rocked!! The Metro re-opened. Boston Common was once more filled with families, nannies pushing strollers, joggers running in memory of the victims and in defiance of potential terrorists, citizens showering law enforcement and first responders with cheers of gratitude, and the entire city of Boston earned the respect from the world. Boston lived its new moniker:”Boston Strong”.

legend Neil Diamond showed up to lead the fans in their favorite 7^th inning ‘sing-along’
of his Sweet Caroline, a years-long traditionFESTIVE IS JOYOUS AND HAPPY

The Boston sorrow had brought forth a Festival of Life.

Collectively the Boston event cast a cloak of fear all across the country. All large cities (including LA) went into heightened mode with security. While the expected ‘copycat’ consequences of a surge in bomb squad calls and an uptick in fake threats and other hoaxes followed, local law enforcement erred on the side of caution and dealt professionally with the increased number of emergency calls that is the pattern after high-profile violence.

Like other major cities in America, LA stood strong, kept calm, and carried on as planned in solidarity with Boston. Great Britain stood tall and successfully welcomed the world to their annual London Marathon which features the best and quickest for 26.2 miles!

Nothing fazed people here—or there. They prayed (and then cheered) for their Boston friends. The message was simple: “You go guys! We’ve got your back!”

Huge events planned for this past weekend went on as scheduled. Just like with Spring cleaning –once done, we dust ourselves off, get up, and start all over again.

WHAT A WEEKEND IT WAS

For the young (and the young at heart) Coachella music crowd in the desert, the annual Spring festival has grown from one weekend to two. This year, a ‘special addition’ was a tent with air conditioning and comfortable seating for the older “baby boomer” group.

Each April, Long Beach closes their local streets to high powered racing cars that roar around temporary barriers at scary and very noisy speeds. The Long Beach Grand Prix is a major motor tour event televised around the world. This past weekend was not a time for a casual stroll and window shopping in our near neighbor, but they do draw a huge crowd.

The Long Beach Grand Prix is a major motor tour event televised around the world.

Spring means the Baseball Season ‘Openers’ in LA with the Dodgers playing under new ownership in the National League and the Angels playing in the American League. Not to be out done, both the Lakers and the Clippers were good enough during the Winter to make it to the Spring NBA Playoffs! Oh yes, the Kings and Ducks are still playing NHL hockey as I write.

Just to be sure everyone not cheering a local pro or college team had a good excuse to be outside exercising while avoiding Spring cleaning or the mandatory Brush Clearance prior to Fire Department inspections which begin May 1^st, many Los Angeles streets from downtown to the beach along Venice Boulevard were closed to motorized traffic for a bicycling event called CicLAvia. Foot powered transit only—I believe!

FESTIVALS ARE FUN

April featured several major festivals: The Festival of Books on the University of Southern California (USC) campus and the Annual Scandinavian Festival on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

What fun it was to participate in the two day Scandinavian Festival held at Cal Lutheran. There was an awesome Finnish presence. I was honored to stand in for Finnish Consul General and Dean of the Los Angeles Consular Corps Kirsti Westphalen who had to be away on Finland business. The recent Finnish national preeminence in international accomplishment rankings made it easy to say some good words about the 700,000 or so American Finns—and to remind folks that ‘we’ have been here for 375 years!

Christina Lin with Finnish flag

Joining in the grand procession to the stage for the Opening Ceremonies was Finland Flag Bearer Christina Lin of Finlandia Foundation National. Christina had recently been instrumental in the amazing success of the 60^th Year of FFN celebration festivities. Christina was dressed in a beautiful Finnish National Costume as she proudly carried the flag in the procession and properly displayed it during the singing of the Finnish National Anthem.

Maria and Christina Lin at reception

Maria Kizirian was our Finnish songbird who so beautifully presented “Maamme” laulu. It was fun to get better acquainted as we made our way to the dais.

The Katrilli Dancers were ‘first up’ on the featured Scandinavian Festival performances. This incredibly dedicated and talented group of dancing people headed by the effervescent Pirkko Satola-Weeres is always a treat to behold. Finnish pride, culture, and talent were on display for all to see, hear, and cheer!

The Katrilli Dancers were ‘first up’ on the featured Scandinavian Festival performances

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

The sorrow and grief of a departed Mother contrasted with the comfort and joy of family, friends, and community coming together on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Remembering Raija turned out to be a festive occasion as we celebrated a good, long life well lived.

Ari Anttila

The day was sorrowful/the day was joyful –at the same time. Tears of sadness/tears of joy flowed as poignant memories and funny stories brought our Dear One to mind and midst.

The line between joy and sorrow was thin and blurred!!

ONWARD…

Tiny Arrival: Incubator in Action

Hummingbird Nest:

It is always such a joy to see the miracle of nature. Sometimes, when you give nature a chance, it makes you pause and takes your breath away.

It had been awhile since our sauna had been heated. Preparations for Ӓiti’s Memorial Service required much attention and sprucing up for other areas in the yard. The clutter that accumulates had been cleared and, suddenly, there it was. Following the “If you have it, use it” adage, it seemed to make sense to follow the ancient ritual of our forefathers and mothers to relieve the stress of events and the busy activities of the last couple of weeks. I told my Dad to get ready, I am going to ‘crank’ the sauna.

On the lowest branch of a small tree in front of the sauna I saw the tiniest, cutest, most precious, little bird’s nest I had ever seen

Rushing toward the sauna building to start the heating routine, I was taken aback –literally stopped in my tracks, with what I saw. On the lowest branch of a small tree in front of the sauna I saw the tiniest, cutest, most precious, little bird’s nest I had ever seen. Apparently a little hummingbird (colibri) had decided that this was a safe and wonderful place for its little one to be born and raised. [I got up on a step ladder to look inside the golf-ball-sized nest and spotted a tiny little egg!]

If I do not answer my phone when you call, it may be because I am in the sauna ‘spying’ through the window to be sure that mamma and baby are OK. Let’s hope that the predators leave our new neighbors alone!

Kiisseli in a Meringue Nest:

Rhubarb has long been a harbinger of Spring. And, there is nothing more quintessentially Finnish than raparperi kiisseli or, as my children called it, “rubberberry slime” [sorry about that!].

Rhubarb grows like a weed in the rainy Finnish climate, is used like a fruit, but is actually a vegetable. [If you grow or pick your own, be sure to remember that the green tops are poisonous!]

I like to make my kiisseli like a compote –more fruit, less ‘jiggly’ stuff. Since rhubarb is borderline ‘super-tart and sour’, it needs lots of sweetening if served in dessert form.

My recipe this month presents the rhubarb in a meringue nest. It is festive in homage and celebration of the arrival of the new hummingbird nest by my sauna.

Kiisseli

6 stalks of rhubarb

1 cup sugar

3 cups water

5 tablespoon potato starch* dissolved in ½ cup water

Cut rhubarb stalks into slices.

Boil rhubarb with sugar and water until just tender; about 10 minutes.

Mix potato starch and water together and pour into boiling mixture while stirring.

Take off heat before it boils again.

Let cool.

*Potato starch may be hard to find. I get it at an Oriental Market, of all places.

Meringue Nests

Preheat oven to 250º Fahrenheit

4 egg whites at room temperature

¾ cup sugar

Beat egg whites with electric mixer adding sugar gradually.

Beat until stiff and glossy so the mixture holds a peak when the beater is lifted.

Scrape mixture into plastic food storage bag.

Cut small opening at the tip of the bag.

Squeeze mixture into small rounds in a circular motion on parchment paper lined baking sheet beginning in the middle and working outward.

When the right diameter size, continue to squeeze as you slightly lift and continue around the edge to make two layers more to form a nest.

Bake 10 minutes and turn off heat.

Leave meringues for several hours (or overnight) in oven until dry.

Assembly

Right before serving, fill meringue nests with rhubarb mixture.

Serve with whipped cream and/or in a pool of strawberry sauce.

Alternative

Warm leftover kiisseli in the micro and pour over vanilla ice cream for a quick tasty sweet treat!

∞

This is life in LA now.

The line is thin.

This month, this is how we roll.

April 8th, 2013

thinkkanen

REPORTER: TOMI HINKKANEN DATE: April 8^th, 2013

-From snowbirds to oddbirds, there’s a Finn for every occasion.

Finns gathered on the grounds of Hauli Huvila near Reedley, California in the early 1970’s.

There are approximately 750,000 Finns and people of Finnish heritage living in the United States today, according to official statistics. It is an understatement to say that it is a very heterogeneous group of people scattered across a vast geographical area. There are Finns living in every state of the union, as well as a handful of pockets with greater numbers, such as in Minnesota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Florida’s Lantana – Lake Worth and the Bay Area. Also big cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles – San Diego have sizable Finnish populations. In a totally unscientific way, I have identified the following six main groups of Finns in the U.S. and given each group a nickname:

1) ORIGINAL FINNS: Those later generation Finns, whose ancestors immigrated to the U.S. between the late 1800’s and 1920’s.

2) POST-WAR FINNS: Finns, who immigrated after WW2 in the 1940’s, ‘50’s and ‘60’s.

3) SNOWBIRDS: Florida Finns, who arrived between the 1960’s and ‘80’s.

4) ODD BIRDS: People like myself, who came to this country between the 1980’s and ‘90’s during low immigration years from Finland.

5) OFFICIAL FINNS: The staffs of the embassy in Washington DC and consulate generals in New York and LA plus other governmental agencies, such as Tekes, Finpro, etc.

6) COMPUTER NERDS: The latest crop to land into the country are the IT-people. They immigrated in the late 1990’s to present day. As you can surmise, these six groups of Finns are very different from one another. Each have some connecting characteristics.

The Simpsons producer Bonita Pietila hails from Minnesota. She grew up in a totally Finnish family but was never taught the language.

The Simpsons producer Bonita Pietila originally hails from U.P. Michigan. She grew up in a totally Finnish family but was never taught the language.

ORIGINAL FINNS: As a rule, they don’t speak Finnish, even though I have run into such Finnish speaking Finns in the oddest of places – like in rural Montana and a mountain village in Utah. Amazingly, also many older U.P. Finns still speak it, though many of them have never even visited Finland. These Finns are as American as Apple Pie and you would never be able to distinguish them from the rest of the population.

Taisto Liski with his alter ego. Taisto immigrated to the U.S. in 1967, built a successful car mechanic business and retired after 30 years. He lives with his wife Helka in Signal Hill, California.

POST-WAR FINNS: They not only speak Finnish but also retain many of their Finnish habits and traditions to date. I have friends who belong to this group. Visiting their house is like going back to Finland. This generation often worked in blue collar occupations, such as maids, mechanics and construction workers and earned their living the hard way. This aging group is disappearing fast. Their children and grandchildren are now adults and usually do not speak the language.

Finntimes publisher Tomi Hinkkanen with singer Eino Grön in Pasadena, California. Eikka has lived in Florida for over 30 years with his wife Marjatta. He still entertains people on both sides of the Atlantic.

SNOWBIRDS: They live in Florida and are mainly retirees, although there are also some entrepreneurs and a few very wealthy business people in this group. They of course speak Finnish but oftentimes the retirees’ English skills are poor. Therefore they tend to stick together and organize activities among themselves.

Jouni Passi’s Burbank Spa & Garden is a luxurious massage parlor in Burbank, California, frequented by Hollywood stars.

ODD BIRDS: This group speaks Finnish, although those of them who don’t practice it, lose it. Oftentimes they tend to be female and married to an American spouse or divorced from one. They can be found across the country in a variety of occupations from governmental positions to private entrepreneurs. They blend in the rest of the population. Many of them never attend any Finnish events.

Kirsti Westphalen is the current Consul General in Los Angeles.

OFFICIAL FINNS: These government officials rotate in and out of the country every four years. Their language skills are excellent in Finnish, English as well as Swedish, they retain all their Finnish habits, build connections with Americans, oftentimes socialize with one another and after their time is up, move to the next country.

Niko Ruokosuo, CEO of P2S Media Group Inc., a photo sharing business.

COMPUTER NERDS: They are mainly men, who bring along their families, highly educated, speak fluent Finnish and English and are employed in the high tech sector in high paying positions. Sometimes they are on an assignment but oftentimes end up staying in the country. They frequently travel between the U.S. and Finland and maintain close ties with their friends and family in the old country. These Finns can be found in California’s Silicon Valley, Dallas – Fort Worth and San Diego areas. These people tend to have families in which the wife stays at home with small children.

The shoe manufacturing mogul Sari Ratsula with husband Jussi and son Aku in Orange County, California.

Epilogue: Finnish-Americans hail from different eras, experiences and socio-economic backgrounds. Like all people, they are a sum of their genes, environment and experiences. Against all odds, many second, third and later generation Finnish-Americans retain surprisingly strong ties to their heritage. For them being Finnish is an inner journey to one self. Understanding their background helps understand themselves – their stubbornness, their quiet ways, their fondness for coffee. The present day Republic of Finland is a totally foreign country to them and in their festivals and gatherings they rather wish to remember Finland as it was in the days of their forefathers.

Actress Lisa Niemi, neé Haapaniemi, was born to a Finnish immigrant family in Texas.

But it would be a grave mistake to dismiss them as merely American. They are as Finnish as members of any other Finnish group. Environment affects political views. You will find that a Finn living in a small Texas town is likely to be more conservative than a Finn living in Hollywood. The whole immigrant experience varies greatly between generations and individuals. Those hard-working original and post-war Finns got the full experience of what it is like to start from scratch. The IT-engineer hired by a Silicon Valley company directly from Espoo, Finland, not so much. But whatever the background, place, experience or generation, all of the above are Finns in the true meaning of the word. It is the task of Finntimes to try to bring all these various Finns together to celebrate our rich history and heritage.

A Finnish gathering in North Hollywood, California.

April 2nd, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

WOMEN

Things to Ponder Category:

Why is there a Women’s History Month when there is not a Men’s History Month?

Women still seem to be considered a minority even though they populate half of the world. Most men will acknowledge that we women have been running ‘things’ for quite a while, even if in a quiet, ‘behind-the-scenes’ way. However, now that so many men now report to women bosses in the workplace, it is best not to press that issue.

Anyway, I am all for celebrating. Any excuse for a party, n’est pas?

The first Women’s Month celebration I can remember was hosted by dear friend Bitte Westerlund, wife of former Consul General Jörn Donner, during their tenure here in LA. It was a remarkable event. Attending were this area’s most prominent women in politics, business, film, and the like. Nothing like this had been held before. All of us attending were so excited to be a part of something new –we felt a universal bond. Connie Rice [no, not the Secretary—she is a civil rights attorney], Beata Pozniak, Elina Vesara, Ruth Goldway, Dr. Leena Peltonen-Palotie, and so many others were brought together by Bitte. It is hard to get Finns together collectively, but Bitte “leaned in” and her personal force has left an indelible mark on the LA scene and on the Finnish women’s dynamic. We are eternally grateful in the Finnish community for her contributions during her time here.

Bitte Westerlund

And…:

This has been a big year for celebrating Women’s History Month.

Easter weekend marked the 100^th anniversary of Suffrage for Women in the US [1913]. Finnish women gained full political rights in 1906, even before our homeland won its Independence. Finland was the first nation in the world to have women elected to its Parliament [1907].

Women representatives at the Finnish parliament in 1907

Finnish women have been particularly on my mind with their awesome accomplishments [no bias—just pride!]. I was led to reflect on the famous Finnish females who have graced our sunny Southern California shores when now retired Ambassador Maria Serenius returned ‘home’ this March. Maria was the first woman Finnish Consul General in Los Angeles.

Ava with Ambassador Maria Serenius

As a ‘fringe benefit’ of being active in local Finnish groups and programs –and, if you are willing to get downtown for a 7 AM breakfast, you get to ‘visit’ with some really neat people. Sometimes those visits are in a ‘small group’ setting as a few of us experienced with the then Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen who went on to serve as Finland’s President for 12 years. I can remember the Finnish pride I felt as Minister Halonen answered a tricky question about Finland’s vaunted neutrality and the NATO participation requirement for membership in European Union that was in final formation stages. The future President proved her diplomatic ‘chops’ with an answer she may have been ‘trying out’ for similar questions from a larger audience in the future: NATO participation is problematic for Finland. Since we have the longest border with Russia, I propose that Finland secure that border and let NATO take care of the rest. Poised, confident, and bold in her answer, there were no follow-up questions on the subject.

Finland’s First Female Ambassador to the United States Visits:

Speaking of famous Finnish females, I hope you got to meet Ritva Koukku-Ronde, Finland’s first female Ambassador to the United States on her recent West Coast visit. The Ambassador joined Consul General Kirsti Westphalen and Honorary Consul Kathryn Mautino in San Diego before being the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at the Finlandia Foundation National’s 60^th Anniversary Celebration in Pasadena.

Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde at Finlandia Foundation’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

Finlandia Foundation National’s Performers of the Year:

Marja Kaisla (FFN Performer of the Year 2013) and Maria Mannisto (FFN Performer of the Year 2007) each performed in concert for the large and appreciative 60^th Anniversary Celebration audience.

Finlandia Foundation National’s Lecturer of the Year:

Dr. Glenda Dawn Goss

As part of the 60^th Anniversary Celebration, FFN showcased their 2012 Lecturer of the Year, Glenda Dawn Goss, on Friday night preceding the Anniversary Gala. Dr. Goss made Finland’s cultural awakening come to life through her unique presentation on the life of Jean Sibelius. She used music, historical slides, and personal descriptions in her scholarly evaluation. Dr. Goss’s personal perspective comes as a scholar from Georgia (in the American South) who has lived in Finland since 1998.

Dr. Goss made Finland’s cultural awakening come to life through her unique presentation on the life of Jean Sibelius

Those of us in the sold-out audience were taken back in time by a description of the life of Sibelius that also detailed how the Maestro came to be such an important and recognized figure in the United States.

She declared that Sibelius created “…what it means to be Finnish” and, thereby, paved the way for the Golden Age of Arts that was to follow. This was the awakening of the Finnish Identity. I think Finns all have the sounds of Sibelius’s music burned in our hearts, minds, and souls –an affirmation of our Finnish pride.

I can’t wait to read Dr. Goss’s new biography: Sibelius: A Composer’s Life and the Awakening of Finland; University of Chicago Press; 2009.

A Little Girl Remembers:

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco

As a youngster my parents would put me on a Greyhound bus, alone, headed for San Francisco from the San Jose depot [no one would dare do that today, I know—different time/different rules]. My Pirkko-täti (a vivacious single lady in those days) would take me to a record shop by Ghirardelli Square on those visits. I remember the shop because Sibelius played in the background, just like home! The owner of the shop had a ‘thing’ for my aunt, I think. Once, he bent down and told me “ …you will never be fit to marry unless you know all of the symphonies of Sibelius”.

That long-buried memory came back as I listened to Dr. Goss’s lecture. Still, I do keep playing those symphonies!

More About FFN Lecturer of the Year Program:

LOY is a national initiative by Finlandia Foundation National started in 2006. The program’s aim is to promote Finland and to explain the Finnish-American connection.

An early FNN/LOY I supported at the Beverly Hills Library was a fascinating presentation by Susan Saarinen (granddaughter of Eliel and Loja Saarinen) and Mark Coir (architectural historian). That too was an excellent program with talks that illuminated the international exhibit on Finnish architect Eero Saarinen’s life and work that toured the US for several years. Saarinen’s work in the US [TWA at JFK/Dulles at Washington, DC—and his LA work with Eames of chair fame] is well known and admired.

Susan Saarinen by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

These programs are so well organized, inspiring, informative, and fun!! When you leave, you want to be sure your fellow attendees know you are Finnish too—even though boasting is not permitted!

FFN Is 60!!:

The crown jewel of activities in the Finnish community this March was Finlandia Foundation National’s 60^th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Concert. Finland’s Ambassador to the United States Ritva Koukku-Ronde was the Honored Guest and Keynote Speaker.

Marvin Suomi served as Master of Ceremonies. With Marvin was his lovely wife Marieclaire even though the whole Suomi family was leaving for Japan the next morning when the children’s Spring Break began.

Ava with Andrea McAleenan of Azusa-Pacific University

The evening was informative and entertaining. It was a delight to meet the many Trustees of FFN. Tarja Silverman (a FFN Trustee from New York) was seated at my table. Between us was one of my favorite local Finns and long time friend Heidi Crooks (Chief Nursing Officer of the UCLA Health System). Andrea McAleenan of Azusa-Pacific University (formerly in charge of the EU Center at the Claremont Colleges) dropped by to say hello and to remind us all to attend FinnFest ’13 being held on the Finlandia University Campus in June on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Finlandia University President Philip Johnson was in attendance, as well.

Hollywood in the Desert:

After Awards Season in LA [aka Winter], the fancy gowns are out and everyone is still in a festive mood ready for the next big party. When Hollywood quiets down, the real fun, social scene moves with the ‘glitterati’ to the California desert. They are joined by the “snowbirds” from colder climates who have the resources and resolve to ‘get out of Dodge’ before the snow flies!

My dear old Hollywood friend (the late Greta Peck) loved her ‘Winter’ time with her ‘crowd’ in the warm and welcoming desert with all the activities and ‘goings-on’. She loved to tell tales—but my lips are sealed. In the sweltering Summer months, the place turns into a ghost town. Now, in high season, the streets are bumper to bumper and dinner reservations at the top restaurants are a precious commodity. The parties go on late into the night in this warm, happy party town.

Ava and Greta Peck

A desert resurgence has taken place as a new generation has taken over with second/third… homes in lavish surroundings. Private jets now vie with commercial airliners for space at the Palm Springs Airport. Those who can do live in leisure and luxury. Even those who still work can carry an electronic ‘office’ and are able to shuttle back and forth depending on the season, the reason, or the event. Smiles, tans, and good moods abound. A strong sense of philanthropy dominates the social world and many charities benefit from those ‘goings-on’.

Golf, Tennis, Pools, and Pageants:

Golf, tennis, and pools have long been desert daytime staples. Professional golf and tennis tours have major tournaments in the desert during March each year. Following an afternoon of watching the professionals play, an evening of talk over cocktails and dinner, a good night of great dreams in the balmy, fresh night air, it is no surprise to find the sweet morning stillness at La Quinta Resort broken by the thuds of tennis balls and ‘grunts’. The morning ‘jocks’ have been inspired by their heroes’ performances from the day [or their dreams of the night] before and seek to duplicate the same perfect strokes. After a short bit, the gardeners take over with their equipment manicuring the grounds before the heat of the midday sun. The sequential noise patterns combine to leave a ‘peace offering’ of grapefruit that have been ‘rattled’ from the trees for the guests to enjoy.

La Quinta Resort

As my friend from Washington, DC [VB] and I were quietly doing water aerobics in a small pool in Santa Rosa Cove at La Quinta we noticed Donald Rumsfeld [Gulf War I Secretary of Defense—among his many other accomplishments] ‘chilling’ on a poolside lounge chair. Just another day at the beach—his war is over.

My concert pianist friend [DP] is also a superb tennis player. The Tour Tennis Tournament was ‘on’ and all La Quinta televisions were turned to the tennis action 24/7 –especially in the pro shop where exquisite tennis gear can dress one for success on the court or in your dreams.

Fashion Week:

Fashion Week is also big during this season in the desert. That grand pageant was about to begin with exhibitions and special events scheduled back to back. The night I was there, my architect friend [JJ] from LA was able to obtain much coveted tickets to The Fashions of Leonore Annenberg at the Visitor’s Center at Sunnylands. [The Walter and Leonore Anneberg Estate Sunnylands is a must see recommendation for everyone.]

Fashions worn by Walter and Leonore Annenberg and modern interpretations of those outfits by designers were the focus of the Nightlife series at Sunnylands Center & Gardens

The Fashion Show on March 13^th was abuzz with the beautiful women of the desert. Each designer shown was interpreting (in their own contemporary perspective) the designs originally worn by Leonore Annenberg. Mrs. Annenberg’s original gowns were on display and a runway presentation of the new designs was featured. Among those guests present was iconic black fashion model Betsey Johnson. A martini tasting of infused vodkas and hors d’oeuvres preceded the runway show.

[The Annenberg Estate ‘Sunnylands’ tour provides a marvelous view into American history, but must be deferred for another column. ‘Sunnylands’ (designed by US architect A. Quincy Jones) now offers tours to the public. Tickets are hard to come by, but are worth the effort if you know you will be in the area.]

Leonore Annenberg:

Leonore Annenberg

Leonore Annenberg fits into the Celebration of Women for her accomplishments in the world of politics and diplomacy not only as the wife of an Ambassador, but because she held the rank of Ambassador herself when she served as Chief of Protocol for President Ronald Reagan. More importantly, she worked quietly ‘behind-the-scenes’ facilitating the movers and shakers of American history, as well as, foreign leaders and royalty in historic preparations/negotiations in her homes.

Female Finnish Conductor Coming to LA Philharmonic at Disney Hall:

Finnish Conductor Susanna Mälkki

Susanna Mälkki, Finnish Conductor and Music Director of the Ensemble intercontemporain, will conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra on April 12, 13, and 14. The Concerts will feature works by Poppe, Stravinsky, and Brahms. www.laphil.com.

Scandinavian Festival:

The Annual Scandinavian Festival in Thousand Oaks at the Cal Lutheran University Campus begins on April 20^th. This is always a fun event. Come meet fellow Finns and other Scandinavians. Shop, taste treats, see friends, and enjoy entertainment. Stand with Finnish pride. Come say hello!

New Los Angeles County Jail Chief Is A Woman:

The largest jail system in the country has a new manager, Terri McDonald

Sheriff of Los Angeles County is an elected position. As we know, politicians are noted for telling constituents whatever they want to hear. We have learned to ‘filter’ statements and responses to questions, withholding judgment of our ‘leaders’ until we see their actions.

Lee Baca has mentioned how much he admires the strength and leadership of Finnish women. Words of a politician—words of a diplomat—words to please a constituent—words to assuage a volunteer? Proof is in performance.

Sheriff LeRoy D. Baca has just appointed a woman to manage the nation’s largest jail system. His appointee (Terri McDonald) has earned a reputation as a tough manager. Previously Ms. McDonald was with the California State Prison System where she helped institute major prison reform.

Other Women Warriors:

As I close this column, the ‘wires’ are humming with the news that Julia Pierson has been named the first woman in charge of the US Secret Service.

President Barack Obama watches as Vice President Joe Biden administers the oath of office to incoming U.S. Secret Service Director Julia Pierson during a swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, March 27, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

YOU GO GIRLS!!!

March 27th, 2013

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

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Her Excellency Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde praised the foundation’s work and achievements throughout the years.

FINLANDIA FOUNDATION NATIONAL CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY

It was a memorable evening. The food and setting were sensational. Can’t forget the beautiful flower centerpieces, classy program books and the delightful entertainers. Outgoing President Anita Smiley begun the celebration with a light yet meaningful introduction, Marvin Suomi emceed the evening with style and grace, and Finland’s most beautiful woman, Armi Kussela, adorned the occasion like an angel dressed in celestial blue.

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Judy Gervais (the Columbia-Pacific Chapter) enchanted the crowd with her contagious smile.

Of course we can’t forget the presenters: such beautiful human beings sharing their hearts and minds in such a joyous occasion. I felt privileged to hear their stories.

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Her Excellency Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde showed much appreciation for the work of the foundation

Her Excellency Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde praised the foundation’s work and its achievements throughout the years.

I loved being part of the event. The glow of the event will be on my mind for a long time—and yours as well, I am sure.

Thanks for inviting Finntimes, and to all involved for combining your unique talents, and hard work to contribute to such a beautiful event.

08-217-finlandia_60_juhannusproductions-217

Singer Eino Grön and his beautiful wife

These are only a portion of the pictures taken. All other pictures were commissioned by Finnish magazine Suomen Silta/Finland Bridge to highlight a cover story that will be published in the near future.

Please help us by naming each person as a ‘comment’ on each picture so that we don’t miss anyone.

About Finlandia Foundation:

Finlandia Foundation’s Mission

To sustain both Finnish-American culture in the United States and the ancestral tie with Finland by raising funds for grants and scholarships, initiating innovative national programs and networking with local chapters.

What Finlandia Foundation Does

As the number of first and second generation Finnish-American immigrants begins to dwindle, it becomes increasingly important to keep Finnish-Americans and their local chapter organizations across the country connected, inspired and committed to maintaining an awareness of their unique and vibrant culture and heritage.

Finlandia Foundation National raises funds to strengthen its endowment and ensure the continuation of its programs. The Performer of the Year and the Lecturer of the Year programs focus attention on the outstanding musical and academic contributions of the Finnish-American community. The winners of these two annual and national competitions travel and perform at Chapter organizations throughout the United States. Finlandia Foundation National also provides scholarships to students with a multitude of unique ties to the Finnish culture. Finally, Finlandia Foundation National makes more than 50 grants each year providing critical and all too rare funding for individuals pursuing the artistic, musical and cultural traditions that represent the heritage of Finland and the diverse interests of Finnish-America. These programs, not offered by any other organization in the United States today, are what make the strengthening of the Finlandia Foundation National organization so compelling.

Finnish heritage and Finnish-American traditions and culture are too rich and too valuable to be lost. By building a solid network of chapters throughout the United States and increasing the number and amount of grants and scholarship for Finnish-American individuals and programs, Finlandia Foundation National will continue to inspire and strengthen the Finnish-American community of the United States for years to come.

Finlandia Foundation National, a California non-profit organization, is governed by a Board of Trustees. Independent Finlandia Foundation National Chapters coast to coast are charted to use the Finlandia Foundation National’s name and logo and operate in support of the Foundation’s Mission.

For more information, visit www.finlandiafoundation.org/

March 18th, 2013

thinkkanen

EASTER 2013

Pastor Jarmo Tarkki

What does Easter mean? What does it mean to you? The answers to these questions are not necessarily the same.

Christian Easter refers to the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning.

Bible’s four Gospels all report the same event, but each in a slightly different way. For example, who were the first Easter morning named guests at the tomb of Jesus?

According to Matthew, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary”, according to Mark, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, according to Luke, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and according to John, Mary Magdalene.

All four gospels mention that Mary Magdalene was at the tomb on Easter morning. For the other women, the stories are different.
This is, of course, a challenge, the reports are not identical. These texts cannot be harmonized. Is the Bible therefore worthless?

The Lutheran church is not fundamentalist, that is, Lutherans do not believe in the Bible literally. Lutherans take the Bible seriously, but not literally.

The Easter morning reports contain so-called “mythos” material, the stories seem to refer to an important issue without a great deal of concern about the details. Easter message is not in its literal description, but in its meaning.

Easter for Christians is a celebration of life and hope. The physical body of Jesus hung on the cross, Jesus life’s work rose from the dead. Paul describes the church as the body of Christ – it is the resurrection. Good Friday’s immense sorrow is turned into Easter morning’s jubilating joy. Jesus’ disciples left grief behind them and they became bold preachers of the gospel. Jesus is alive, the Roman mighty empire could not defeat him.

What does Easter mean to you?

You are most welcome to Easter worship service

Jarmo Tarkki
Pastor, Finnish Lutheran Church of California and Texas

Come to hear the rest of the Easter message on Sunday, March 24, Incarnation Lutheran Church, Poway, 16889 Espola Rd., Poway, CA. We will begin our worship service at 4 p.m., followed by coffee.

PÄÄSIÄINEN 2013

Mitä pääsiäinen merkitsee? Mitä se merkitsee sinulle? Vastaukset näihin eivät välttämättä ole samat.

Kristillinen pääsiäinen viittaa Jeesuksen ylösnousemukseen pääsiäisaamuna.

Raamatun neljä evankeliumia kertovat kaikki samasta tapahtumasta mutta jokainen hiukan eri tavalla. Esimerkiksi, ketkä olivat pääsiäisaamun ensimmäiset nimeltä mainitut vieraat Jeesuksen haudalla?

Matteuksen mukaan Magdalan Maria ja ”se toinen Maria”, Markuksen mukaan Magdalan Maria, Jaakobin äiti Maria ja Salome, Luukkaan mukaan Magdalan Maria, Johanna ja Jaakobin äiti Maria, Johanneksen mukaan Magdalan Maria.

Kaikissa neljässä evankeliumissa kerrotaan Magdalan Marian olleen haudalla pääsiäisaamuna. Muiden naisten osalta kertomukset ovat erilaiset.

Tämä on tietysti haaste, kertomukset eivät ole yhtenevät. Näitä tekstejä ei voi harmonisoida. Onko Raamattu siis arvoton?

Luterilainen kirkko ei ole fundamentalistinen, ts. luterilaiset eivät usko Raamattuun kirjaimellisesti. Luterilaiset ottavat Raamatun vakavasti, eivät kirjaimellisesti.

Ylösnousemuskertomus sisältää ns. ”mythos” –aineistoa, kertomuksilla näytetään viittaavan johonkin tärkeään asiaan ilman suurta huolta yksityiskohdista. Pääsiäisen sanoma ei ole kirjaimellisessa kuvauksessa, vaan sen merkityksessä.

Pääsiäinen on uuden elämän ja toivon juhla. Jeesuksen fyysinen ruumis roikkui ristillä, Jeesuksen elämäntyö nousi kuolleista. Paavali kuvaa kirkkoa Kristuksen ruumiina – siinä on ylösnousemus. Pitkäperjantain suunnaton suru on kääntynyt pääsiäisaamun riemukkaaksi iloksi. Suuren pelon vallassa olleet Jeesuksen oppilaat panivat surun taakseen ja heistä tuli sinnittömän rohkeita evankeliumin julistajia. Jeesus elää, Rooman mahtava valtakunta ei voinut kukistaa häntä.

Mitä pääsiäinen merkitsee sinulle?

Sydämellisesti tervetuloa pääsiäismessuun,
Jarmo Tarkki
Kalifornian ja Teksasin Suomikirkon siirtolaispappi

Tervetuloa sunnuntaina, maaliskuun 24. päivänä suomalaiselle kirkolle, Incarnation Lutheran Church, Poway, 16889 Espola Rd., Poway, CA. Aloitamme messun klo 16.00, jonka jälkeen kirkkokahvit.

March 13th, 2013

eltimo

STAR WRECK, THE MOVIE

Star Wreck is a series of Finnish Star Trek parody movies started by Samuli Torssonen in 1992.The first movie, simply named Star Wreck, was a simple Star Control-like animation with three ships shooting at each other, but later movies featured 3D CGI, animated characters and, in the latest films, live actors. Often Star Wreck is used to refer to the latest and most popular film Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning.

Star Wreck relates the adventures of James B. Pirk (named after the Star Trek character James T. Kirk), Captain of the starship C.P.P. Potkustartti (English C.P.P. Kickstart). Other characters include Mr. Fukov, Mr. Spook (Finnish: Mr. Spökö), Mr. Dwarf (Wuf), Ensign Shitty and Mr. Info (loosely based, respectively, on Star Trek’s Pavel Chekov, Mr. Spock, Worf, Scotty, and Data).

Star Wreck (full–length)

Star Wreck has enjoyed a relatively large niche following among sci-fi fans, but it was only the latest movie that really pushed it into the limelight. Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning was downloaded over 700,000 times during the first week after its release and the current estimates by the hosting service, Magenta sites, are between 3.5 and 4 million downloads, including mirror sites. This has been claimed to make In the Pirkinning the most popular Finnish film of all time, topping the movie theatre viewings for Tuntematon sotilas (approx. 2.8 million viewers); the comparison, however, may not be particularly meaningful. Numerous TV and magazine interviews of the film’s authors have been published, both in Finland and abroad.

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning has also been shown on Finnish national television, YLE TV2, on the Belgian national television channel Canvas, and Italian TV-channel Jimmy.

A new Imperial Edition DVD has also been released by Universal Pictures in Scandinavia. With the Imperial Edition release, all the space scenes with Star Trek or Babylon 5 ship models were removed and completely remade.

In 2012 a spin-off called Star Wreck 2π: Full Twist, now! was released. It is made by Swiss film makers, but Samuli Torssonen and Timo Vuorensola will have a guest appearance in their respective roles. There is also a spin-off animated Star Wreck, created by a different author who has no relation to Torssonen’s team, called Star Wreck Asskicker which tells the story of the C.P.P. Asskicker.

March 4th, 2013

Ava Anttila

Ava Anttila by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN

Have you ever been walking and, out of the blue, looked down to spot a penny on the ground? …On the sidewalk? …In a parking lot? … Insignificant?/Coincidence? …Maybe/maybe not.

As a decades-long fan/reader of the advice columns of the twin sisters Ann Landers and` Abigail (Dear Abby)Van Buren [both now departed], I remember a many, many years ago letter from a reader who wrote about the significance of finding a penny on the ground.

Raija Anttila

Since my last column in January, I have lost my dear Ӓiti. She was the most wonderful, intelligent, inspirational, caring person ever –and I miss her so.

The Candle Day event at the Finnish Church Service on February 3^rd was very special and poignant. Our inspirational Pastor Tarkki reported on the great work of the Western Congregations he is shepherding on behalf of the Finnish Lutheran Church in North America. While Super Bowl Sunday made for a ‘female leaning’ attendance, great fellowship was the order of the day.

When Pastor Tarkki told of my Mother’s passing, the hugs and support of fine Finnish friends (Pirkko, Mirja, Tiina, Linda, Tomi, Jukka, Mira, and so many others — progeny of amazing Finnish Mothers themselves) meant so much to my Father and me.

Dear friends and family in Finland were kind enough to send loving thoughts. I caught my Finland friend Bitte in a ‘warmer climate’. She and her family were in the middle of a paella course celebrating the big 80^th birthday of her husband, Jörn. If you have access to the most recent issue of Suomen Kuvalehti, you will be treated to an eyeful of our former LA Consul General in all his glory in his Helsinki library.

Triumphant Return—Fanfare Forbidden!

A memorable and special recent visit brought Maria and Tapio Serenius back with us in Los Angeles. The time has gone so quickly since their tenure here. Not just the time, but the advances in technology and innovation that have taken place underlined the exciting ‘wireless’ communication revolution that occurred during now-retired-Ambassador Serenius’ term as our Consul General over a decade ago. Finland was in the forefront. Nokia commanded the cell phone market—even introducing the ‘computer phone’ before Jobs and Apple figured out the ‘app’/’touch screen’ formula. Maria made sure the world knew this revolution was Finnish in origin even though she silently subscribed to then-Ambassador Jaakko Laajava’s admonition that Finns needed to learn to “market” [read: “boast”] –one day!

Jack and Ava with Maria and Tapio Serenius

While billed as a drop-in-nostalgia-visit to an old “stomping ground”, I saw it as a true “victory lap”. Just retired, Maria and Tapio celebrated her stunning diplomatic career with an ‘around-the-world’ tour—months of exotic travel for fun, not work, for a change. I am pleased that we in LA were able to be part of an amazing career at a special place and time in California/Finland history. Maria Serenius came to Los Angeles as our first woman Consul General of Finland. The trail she blazed continues to shine brightly.

Maria Serenius and Ava Anttilla

The far too modest, but typically Finnish, duo brightened our hearts with their presence. Their warmth and their ‘specialness’ made their return conjure very wonderful memories for all of us who have known them and who were part of their ‘reign’.

Let Them Eat Soup!

Tapio –the ever charming, dapper, chivalrous “renaissance man” (who also works as a business consultant), was in my cross-hairs for a ‘brain picking’ even before I knew they were on their way to LA. I was on a mission to learn the secrets to his Bouillabaisse. His was a dish that had been in my culinary dreams since tasting it at a party many years ago.

Ava Anttila and Tapio Serenius

We Finns love our fish and, especially, any kind of fish soup. Finnish Salmon soup is on the menus of the finest palaces of culinary delight in Helsinki, as well as, on the menu at the Presidential Palace […or, so I have heard]. It has been a quest of mine to learn to make the best fish soup as ‘locals’ do it whether here on the Pacific Coast, in Marseille in the South of France, or on the shores of a Finnish lake with perch, pike, whitefish, bream, or ‘whatever’ right out of the net or katiska that morning.

Tapio delivered!! The Bouillabaisse was awesome!!! I will share the Serenius adventure soon.

…Or Not

Our current superstar Consul General Kirsti Westphalen is the Dean of the Los Angeles Consular Corps representing almost 100 countries in the Western United States. Last week Consul Westphalen and her husband, Abdellatif Mouffakir, hosted an elegant dinner for the Emeritus Members of the Consular Corps and for the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

Consul General Kirsti Westphalen by Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

Kirsti is the perfect leader of this international group with her background in various countries, cultures, and languages. Her warmth, charm, and inclusion brought leaders from around the World together with important ‘players’ on the Los Angeles scene. For example, I was seated between Chris Vigueria-Crabtree, a former LA County Head of Protocol (now Program Director for the World Affairs Council), and Elga Sharpe, Chief of Protocol for the City of Los Angeles. Elga is a whirlwind- of- a woman who serves as a perfect liaison between Hollywood and politics. Even though no ‘personal/city/state/national/global secrets’ were breached, the back and forth stories and anecdotes at the table would have made for a fascinating article –or even a book or a mini-series! It was especially delicious fodder considering our pending local Mayoral election. But…my lips are sealed!

Finnish Chef Sirpa delivered a lovely and delicious meal, as always. Each course was beautifully presented on the cobalt blue china with Finland’s Gold Lion emblem. The first course was a codfish mousse with quail egg and salmon caviar on a rye crust. The main course was short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes. Dessert was a raspberry pastry with blackberries, berry mousse, and whipped cream. Each was a delight to the eyes and to the palate!

I was proud to be a Finn watching Finland entertain the World with such style and grace—and, beautiful tastes! I was happy, too, that my dear Mother (–a stickler for perfect etiquette) had taught me how to navigate through the myriad knives, forks, and spoons that surrounded the glamorous plates. Talk about a “final exam”—seated between two Protocol experts!

The Beat Goes On

While anyone stricken by the death of a loved one knows, at some point one must go forward with the ordinary tasks of life. Life stops, but after the initial shock, Life resumes “…in its petty pace from day to day.”

The first day out of the house with my Dad required the minimum: stops at the drug store, the bank, and the Trader Joe’s in Westwood. The Rite Aid drug store had several steps to get to street level –waiting on the steps something caught my eye: a penny. A trip across the street to the bank and, you guessed it, there was another penny on the pavement in front of the door. Still, we did not pay much attention. At the last stop, Trader Joe’s where I always buy a lot and use a credit card, I ran in to buy just one item and paid cash. The change equaled one cent. The cashier stuffed my 1₵ into my palm with the receipt. The coin fell to the ground. As I picked it up, there it was: a brand new, freshly minted, bright, shiny penny. I got the message! My Mother was letting us know she was THERE –she had made it: she was now a newly minted Angel in Heaven.

Penny from Heaven

Ӓiti always did have a way of getting her message across.

Looking Back

Something sweet, warm, fragrant, and Finnish coming from the oven can be comforting and help sooth Winter [and other] blues.

In the ‘70s, when our children were little, my neighbor and I were lucky enough to have Finnish Au Peres help out in our homes and with our little ones. These lovely young ladies enjoyed hanging out with the Finnish hockey players then affiliated with the LA Kings –I think the Kings enjoyed their company too!

The girls liked going to the Sunset Strip, dancing there (and around the house) to Cindy Lauper’s “…girls just want to have fun”, and sleeping late. One of the girls, Essi, had attended culinary school in Finland. Her recipe for cookies is several decades old and is almost guaranteed to bring hockey players to your door! [Yes, Teemu Selanne is married—besides, he is a Duck and may be immune to ‘King bait’.]

This is a doubled recipe. Why? Because that is the way Essi did it—and it works! You might as well make the whole bunch batch: freeze some, give some away, send some to someone special in a shoe box, put some on a large platter and call over your friends for a Finnish coffee, or, now while the Kings hold the Stanley Cup, it might be fun to find out just how many it takes to fill the Cup! [Remember to save some for your own eating pleasure!]

Jääkiekko: Hockey Cookies

Jääkiekko: Hockey Cookies

2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted

3 cups sugar

2 cups raisins

3 cups flour

4 cups old fashioned oatmeal flakes

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup cream

1-2 tablespoons Dark Karo Syrup

Ingredients

Mix dry ingredients; then, add in wet.

Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop cookie dough in mounds onto a greased or Silpat-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375º F for about 8-10 minutes.

Open a window to let the Kings catch the aroma!!

Double click on picture above to view it in larger size

Pennies From Heaven

By Georgy

I found a penny today

just laying on the ground

But it’s not just a penny

this little coin I found

“Found” pennies come from heaven

that’s what my Grandpa told me

He said angels toss them down

oh, how I loved that story

He said when an angel misses you

they toss a penny down

Sometimes just to cheer you up

make a smile out of your frown

So don’t pass by that penny

when you’re feeling blue

It may be a penny from heaven

that an angel tossed to you

February 26th, 2013

thinkkanen

BY TOMI HINKKANEN

Tomi Hinkkanen, editor-in-chief, Finntimes

The earth is flat – or at least that’s how it looks like by reading on-line newspapers from Finland. It seems as if some kind of a paralysis has struck the entire nation. There’s no purpose, drive, mission or, to put it in a more fanciful way – raison d’etre in Finland.

Naantali in winter

Finland has a colorful, even a glorious past. The story is familiar to all Finns. It was a small, brave nation, the first country in Europe to give women the right to vote. It managed to gain independence from the Czar’s Russia and later averted the Soviet invasion in WW2, paid its war reparations, hosted the 1952 Olympics, managed to stay more or less neutral during cold war and acted as a liaison between superpowers. Sibelius wrote beautiful music, Lasse Wiren ran Finland to the world map and Nokia spearheaded Finland into the 21^st century. And then what? Nothing. It seems as if the Finnish story got stuck like a broken record somewhere in the turn of the millennium.

Helsinki from the Baltic Sea

There’s a wonderful documentary Reindeerspotting – Escape from Santaland by Joonas Neuvonen, that brilliantly illustrates the blight of the Finnish youth living in Rovaniemi, above the Arctic Circle in Lapland. Left with no hopes for the future, the kids in the movie turn to drugs with deadly results. It’s a must see film to any parent and is available on Netflix. This particular film concentrates on a group of youths in Lapland. There could be another movie made about another group of people that feel left out from the IT-wonder of the modern day Finland, where it seems you have to be a computer engineer, a sports hero or at least a reality star to get anywhere. I get it. I get the hopelessness that many young people there are experiencing. You see, in a stark contrast, in my line of work as a journalist, I mainly meet those Finns who have made it. Indeed, here in Los Angeles, I get the cream of the crop: beauty queens, actors, directors, scientists and sports legends – exceptional individuals who are talented and crazy enough to go for the gold. After meeting them I often wonder about those people, who didn’t make it. And it does seem to me that there’s a big pool of Finns who for one reason or another feel left out in today’s Finland.

Finnish police in Lapland

In a misguided effort to jump start things, Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen ordered a study to be made on how to steer Finland into the future. A memo about the venture went out to various agencies and organizations, many of whom were eager to participate. So they put a lot of time and effort into writing proposals on how they could help. But the Prime Mister had just the person in mind all along. It was a good buddy of his, philosopher Pekka Himanen.

Philosopher Pekka Himanen

So, the two men toured a couple of government agencies, a virtual hat in hand, asking money for the project. And guess what? The government bureaucrats said ‘yes’ to the Prime Minister – of course we’ll pitch in. It was an offer they couldn’t refuse – you don’t say no to the Prime Minister. The finished report, by all accounts, was very modest. Its biggest merit was that it contained a lot of complicated words and sentences. It ended up costing the Finnish tax payers 700,000 euros, or about a million dollars. I would be surprised if the study was worth the paper it was printed on. Most likely it will be buried in a vault deep under the granite bedrock and some researcher a hundred years from now will find it and wonder, what the hell were they thinking! Read the plan for the study here:

http://static.iltalehti.fi/kuvat/liitteet/kestavankasvunmalli_hankesuunnitelma.pdf

The debacle earned the Prime Mister a new nickname Jyrki Käteinen (cash).

Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen

The incidence is hardly worth mentioning – there are much costlier and more wasteful things politicians have sunk tax payers’ hard earned cash into. It is however, indicative of the fact that there seems to be a general lack of direction – the country seems to be drifting. Now, why is that, you may ask. Is it because everything worthwhile has already been accomplished? Today Finns live in an unprecedented wealth compared to the past. Roads, bridges, mass transportation, healthcare and education are top notch. Finland is an open, democratic society, where women are not only equal – in many cases, such as university enrollment – they have surpassed men. If that’s true, why don’t people feel good about themselves or their lives?

Could it be that the sense of equality has lost its meaning now that men and women are more or less equal? What about gays and lesbians? What about foreigners living in Finland – especially those foreigners that look different from us or pray differently from us and people of color in general, whether foreign or domestic? There’s a dirty little secret the official establishment doesn’t want to publicize: There’s bigotry and racism in Finland. The country has never openly dealt with the race or religious issues, nor the struggles of the LGBT-community the way the United States has done. Things are not perfect here either – far from it – but at least Americans don’t sweep their problems under the carpet. Finns are quick to point the finger at other countries (the U.S. being their favorite target), when things are not up to snuff. In the meantime, an ugly movement is taking root in Finland. It manifests itself in the rise of politicians and one party in particular – Finns (Perussuomalaiset) – dedicated to xeno- and homophobia, as well as chauvinism. This movement lures people with romanticized versions of the past when all was supposedly well. If only Finland didn’t have to support those do-good nothings of Southern Europe. If only gays and lesbians went back into the closet and never came back. If only those (expletive), refugees went back to where they came from. If only women knew their place between the oven and the fist. Yes, then what? According to them, all would be well again. Rubbish! Despite of their rhetoric, I bet very few of those politicians would actually like living in that non-existent past.

Markku and Eeva Hinkkanen with son Tomi at an agricultural show in Turku, 1964

If you look at history, you will notice that every time Finland (or any other country for that matter), expanded the rights of their people, good things happened. And every time people’s freedoms were suppressed, bad things happened. You don’t need government studies written by buddies of politicians to know what to do next. You only need to do the right things. Here’s my memo for the Finnish politicians and unlike some other studies, this one doesn’t cost the tax payers one single cent:

-Increase immigration quotas and influx of refugees into Finland, at the same time setting strict limits on governmental assistance and requiring the newcomers to enroll in schools, learn the language, history and political structure of Finland. The aging country needs new blood and workers – especially in healthcare, care of the elderly and manual and low skill labor positions. Immigration also brings new ideas and energy – both which are clearly present in the United States.

-Make entrepreneurship a lucrative option. Right now in Finland (especially unionized) employees have all kinds of rights and benefits but entrepreneurs are left to float or sink on their own. Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees in the U.S. Entrepreneurship creates jobs and wealth.

-By all means support also big business, such as ship building, by granting government loans they need to be competitive.

-Tap an untapped market: Movie tourism. Lure Hollywood productions and other foreign film productions to shoot in Finland by offering tax incentives to filmmakers (look at Canada and New Zeeland as examples).

-Do more programs like Global Access Program, where Finnish high tech companies get help from abroad to expand their businesses. It is money well spent.

-The government doesn’t have to be everywhere. Lower the unbearably high tax rate by getting rid of unnecessary government agencies, bureaucracies and personnel. Ask yourselves: Does the government really need to subsidize sports, arts, literature – not to mention all sorts of studies? Do the Swedish-speaking Finns (who represent about 5% of the population), really need their own schools, universities and TV stations, or could they perhaps support the programs they want out of their own pocket? In the same vein, why can’t the Finnish-speaking people study other, more useful languages instead of the mandatory Swedish?

-Engage Europe and the world. Be very watchful with the EU, don’t let other countries tread on you or treat you as a cash cow. Offer to act as an intermediary in world conflicts. Put Finland on the map!

-The Finnish education system has garnered praise throughout the world. However, not everyone is a born computer nerd. Offer educational choices (even abroad), to differently talented youth.

-Pass the marriage act between two consenting and non-related same-sex adults. It takes nothing away from heterosexual couples but means a world of difference to gay couples and their families, who so far have been treated as second class citizens. It also puts Finland in line with its neighboring Nordic countries.

-Finland is full of bright, talented, intelligent and well-educated people. My final recommendation is: Let those people shine in their chosen field, do whatever it takes!

February 18th, 2013

thinkkanen

REPORTER: TOMI HINKKANEN – JOSHUA TREE, CA

PICTURES: TIINA PURTONEN, JONNY KAHLEYN & TOMI HINKKANEN

Tiina Purtonen and Kimmo Heinström know how to survive in the wilderness.

Tiina Purtonen and Kimmo Heinström are a Finnish couple who live in Los Angeles. Both have their professional lives – Tiina works for the Los Angeles Unified School District and Kimmo is an entrepreneur, who manufactures custom-made furniture. But on weekends they shed their city selves and head out to the great outdoors. And you can come along, for they offer camping trips for people interested in exploring California nature.

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