CPH POST 11-24 January 2019 by The Copenhagen Post

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CPHPOST.DK 11 - 24 January 2019

NEWS Some CBS employees don’t prefer blondes

NEWS

Scandinavians slain Dane and Norwegian beheaded by extremists

DANE OF THE YEAR

Queen wins NY speech battle Rasmussen’s message fails to resonate as much NEWS Dangerous skateboards and sprays now permitted

6 OPINION

Because Lars said so! PM assures Brits they’ll still have a home after Brexit

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HE QUEEN has been praised for her New Year speech – and not just for keeping her cool when she muddled her pages up – but the PM not so much. Tough gig EVEN ARCH republicans feel sorry for the queen given she has to walk a narrow tightrope of not saying anything that could be construed as political whilst still saying something meaningful. But this year she cut loose, aiming a sideswipe at rapacious bankers – or as she put it, “those in responsible positions who don’t know the difference between what is mine and what is thine”.

Connecting with young SHE ALSO drew praise for commending young people on their concern about climate change, reasoning we need to listen to them carefully. Nevertheless, she did warn them not to succumb to the ‘look at me’ culture, urging them to use social media responsibly. The PM is Eric Idle IN CONTRAST, PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s speech on New Year’s Day was a little too self-congratulatory for some, and then way too reflective, like he was writing a new verse for ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’. If life seems jolly rotten, he advised “that is how the world is – not only bright and shiny but also disturbing and marked by history.”

Flooded and grey

Train crash kills eight

ARE HIGH water levels becoming a standard staple of the wet Danish winter? A high of 172 cm above normal was measured on January 2 and 3, as potent winds brought flooding, with similar conditions expected on January 8 and 9. In other weather news, the ten days without sunshine before Christmas was the longest barren spell for quite a while.

A TRAIN crash on the Great Belt Bridge at around 07.35 on January 2 killed eight people and injured 16 after a freight train wagon was blown off the rails by high winds into its path. The train was travelling from Odense to Copenhagen, and five of the victims were from Funen. The incident coincided with the arrival of Storm Alfrida.

Obsessed with death?

Very own Silicon Valley

THE WORLD Cup was the most searched item on google. dk in 2018, followed by Kim Larsen. In fact, four of the top ten passed away this year: Larsen, Prince Henrik (4), Swedish DJ superstar Avicii (5) and US rapper Xxxtentacion (8). In related news, ‘hvidvask’, which means money-laundering, was the Danish word of the year.

THE GOVERNMENT is planning a massive business project that will include building nine artificial islands off Avedøre Holme in Copenhagen. It is estimated the 3 million sqm area will be able to generate 12,000 new jobs. Dansk Erhverv told TV2 that it could “develop into a kind of European Silicon Valley”.

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NEWS

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11 - 24 January 2019

CBS: no blonde girl song ban!

ONLINE THIS WEEK Footballer shot at home

OPENHAGEN Business School has sought to clarify that it has at no point banned the song ‘Den danske sang er en ung blond pige’. Just an apology TWO YEARS ago, a manager apologised to a female researcher who privately complained she did not feel included when the song was performed – a revelation uncovered by the P1 radio station and subsequently jumped on by the Danish-speaking world – due to her not being ethnically Danish. Several MPs suggested the woman was depressed and needed to take some ‘happiness pills’.

Appealed again LOYAL to Familia leader Shuaib Khan has appealed his six-year expulsion order to the European Human Rights Court. Meanwhile, a LTF member got 20 years for shooting at two people last September in Mjølnerparken, who turned out to be plain-clothed police officers.

Urban forest taking root

Airport hits 30 million PIXABAY

ALL THREE suspects have been arrested following a robbery at the Sluseholmen home of 30-year-old footballer Nicki Bille Nielsen on December 25 in which the former international was shot in the arm. It is believed the trio, two men and one woman, needed money to buy drugs.

ONLINE THIS WEEK

Madsen’s sub destroyed

What? They banned the theme tune for ‘Baywatch’?!

PM concerned EVEN PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen weighed in on Facebook. “I’m all for latitude and wouldn’t dream of judging some-

one based on the colour of their skin or religion, but it simply can’t be right that we can’t sing a song from the old high school songbook at CBS,” he wrote.

Fitting name for contemplative bridge

Town hall attic collapses

ET ANOTHER new Copenhagen fixture opened to the public shortly before Christmas. Named after the famous Swedish chemist and engineer, the Alfred Nobels Bridge spans the harbour, connecting the areas of Teglholmen and Enghave Brygge in the Sydhavn district.

A benchmark that even Nobel would be proud of

70-metre bench THE BRIDGE, which includes a 70-metre bench where visitors can sit and take in the harbour, will alleviate the heavy traffic on

Vasbygade, which has developed a reputation for being noisy and unsafe. It is the final bridge planned for the Harbour Ring’s 13 km

KK.DK

THE URBAN forest in Rådhuspladsen, the city hall square, is taking shape. All the trees have been planted in the area in between H C Andersens Boulevard and Vester Voldgade, which will include a cycle path snaking through the foliage.

New link connecting two areas of Sydhavn to bear the name of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel

Hate crime rise THE NUMBER of hate crimes against sexual and religious minorities in Copenhagen rose from 60 to 101 in 2017, reports the Rigspolitiet state police – a trend that has been observed in other countries.

Mayors summit confirmed MAYORS from 96 cities across the world will convene in Copenhagen in October next year to take part in the C40 Mayors Summit. The event urges action in the face of climate change towards a more sustainable future.

Cold storage calamity

Personal info stolen

Editorial offices: International House, Gyldenløvesgade 11, 1600 Copenhagen Denmark

THE ‘UC3 Nautilus’ submarine, on which its owner Peter Madsen murdered Swedish journalist Kim Wall in August 2017, has been destroyed by the police.

A 28-YEAR-OLD Polish man nearly died before Christmas in a cold storage unit at the orchard where he works in Odsherred in northwest Zealand. It is unknown why he was in the room, which has a very low oxygen content (around 1 percent) in order to preserve the fruit.

AN ATTIC collapsed at Hvidovre Town Hall on December 18, injuring a visitor to the building as a ceiling believed to be 80 sqm in size collapsed.

COPENHAGEN Airport welcomed over 30 million passengers in 2018 – the first time it has exceeded the mark. In total, 800 million have passed through since it opened in 1925. The numbers have grown steadily from 233,000 (1946) to 1.8 million (1960) to 16.8 million (1998).

route. Initially, it will only be open to cyclists and pedestrians, but when Sydhavn gets its Metro station in 2024, it will also open up for cars.

THE CONFIDENTIAL information of 20,000 citizens in Gladsaxe Municipality has been accessed by a third party after a security blunder and a burglary. The data included their CPR number and employment status.

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11 - 24 January 2019

CPH POST 2018 TOP 5: Unveiling our Dane of the Year 1 Dedicated diver who nearly died: ROBERT EYFJORD

OT ALL heroes wear capes, some wear scuba gear. More than six months ago, a dozen Thai soccer teammates and their assistant coach found themselves trapped inside the Tham Luang cave. Entering it had become a post-practice ritual for the boys, who were very familiar with its Delphic interior. When heavy rainfall unexpectedly flooded the entrance of the cave, however, the boys swiftly realised the danger they were in. Monsoon season had come earlier than anticipated, and the team crept further and further into the cave. The government initially recruited their native Royal Thai Navy SEALs to rescue the team, but as the gravity of the situation became clearer, and with the rain continuously pelting down, they soon had to call on the world for help – and help came quickly. Professional divers from Australia, Belgium, the UK, and the US all made their way to the Chiang Rai province within the following days, along with two Danes: Claus Rasmussen and Ivan Karadzic. Dane on the inside UPON LEARNING of the circumstances, Karadzic immediately closed his diving centre in Thailand and cancelled all courses for the next three weeks. He and his fellow instructors mobilised and quickly offered their services. Danish-born Ivan Karadzic is a professional scuba diver and has lived in Thailand for the past 12 years. The owner of a technical diving center on the island of Koh Tao, Karadzic was one of the first volunteers when the news broke in June 2018. And he was part of the courageous rescue effort that saw all 13 ‘Wild Boars’ saved from the flooded Tham Luang cave. It took nine days before contact with the boys was established. Until then, the only indication of their

subterraneous presence were the bicycles parked in front of the cave and a pair of flip-flop sandals in the muddy water by the entrance. The team had taken refuge in the 9th chamber, which runs approximately 4.5 km into the Tham Luang cave. With only half a packet of toast bread and no water, it all seemed a hopeless predicament. A decline in clean air in the chamber confirmed time was working against them. Fatal mission ON THE outside, matters were looking equally difficult. The divers – whether military men or volunteers – all had intricate knowledge of cave diving. However, with no antecedent to draw inspiration from, and the dark and desolate conditions inside Tham Luang, the operation was planned and executed through trial and error. The thick, ubiquitous mud deprived Karadzic and the other divers of their vision, compelling them to study maps of the cave intensively and then navigate by instinct once inside. Saman Kunan, an experienced diver and former Thai Navy SEAL, died after delivering three tanks of oxygen to the children. His death was a tragic awakening; the other divers were reminded of the risks involved in such a mission. Karadzic had never met Kunan before, but was nevertheless still affected by his demise. An uncommunicated pact was made between all the divers then and there: not a single other life was to be lost on this mission. Engineers, soldiers and doctors also rallied together, and every conceivable way to retrieve the children was considered in unison. To anesthetise and transport the children out of the cave four at a time was ultimately declared the safest, most humane way to rescue them. Close to death THE RESCUE mission had

One of several honours he received, and now he can add this one!

near-fatal consequences for Karadzic. After extensive labour on July 8, which saw the first four boys rescued, the spirited Dane went to bed at 2 am knowing the work was far from done. Waking up the next day, Karadzic managed to throttle the urge to sleep on despite feeling horrible. His entire body ached; he was sweating profusely and suffering from an intense dizziness. Nevertheless, he managed to hail a cab and make his way to Tham Luang, with his condition only worsening en route. Karadzic was admitted to the makeshift hospital by the cave, where his heart rate was recorded at 188 beats per minute. He was completely dehydrated and had little to no glucose left in his blood. Bedridden and dependent on intravenous fluids, Karadzic was not allowed back into the cave by the doctor, yet he remained in the area until all the children and their coach came out alive on July 10. Mission completed ALL 12 TEAM-MATES and their coach were saved from the flooded cave in a distinctive, painstaking joint rescue effort that left the world in complete astonishment. As Thailand celebrated the successful conclusion to the mission, most of the hired divers returned to their respective countries. Karadzic, however, did not travel far. He was born and raised north of Copenhagen, but relocated to the idyllic Koh Tao island more than a decade ago and now proudly calls Thailand his home.

Returning hero INSTANTLY hailed as a hero, returning to Koh Tao was an unusual experience for Karadzic. Upon his arrival at Suvarnabhumi, Karadzic was guided into a luxurious suite at the airport. Inside the massively impressive room – which was covered in golden décor with huge, royal paintings on its walls – stood a personal servant of King Rama X. The assistant wanted to thank Karadzic on behalf of the kng and the people of Thailand, and he presented him with a gift. Innumerable photos and a free airplane ticket later, Karadzic landed in Chumphon, where he was taken out for drinks and dinner to celebrate the success of the mission, and naturally Karadzic was also offered a complimentary stay at an ample hotel in the city. With a slight hangover the following morning, Karadzic was finally on the ferry back to Koh Tao, longing for a few hours of undisturbed sleep. Instead, he was welcomed home by virtually all of the island’s inhabitants. A salvo of applause, singing and celebration awaited Karadzic as his ferry packed with unsuspecting tourists came ashore. Friends, monks and even the mayor of Koh Tao were present, all beaming with pride as their foreign neighbour returned. Pick up our next issue of Diplomacy on February 21 to read our exclusive interview with Karadzic in which he reflects on his life and recalls his involvement in 2018’s most daring mission.

5 Margrethe Vestager: With her tough stance on multinational tech companies such as Google, Apple and Facebook, Denmark’s EU Competition Commissioner has garnered a lot of respect in Europe. It has also been pointed out that Vestager is the template for Birgitte Nyborg in the successful TV series ‘Borgen’. Now Vestager could reach even greater heights, as she is tipped for the top job when Jean-Claude Juncker steps down as president of the EU Commission. 4 Crown Prince Frederik: May 26 saw the 50th birthday of the popular royal, with over a week of events including a concert, portrait unveiling and the Royal Run. The latter took the form of four one-mile runs in Aalborg, Aarhus, Esbjerg and Odense, culminating in a 10 km run through Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. As if to emphasise Frederik’s ‘man of the people’ status, over 70,000 people took part across the five cities, making it the eighth largest running race by participation ever. 3 Eske Willerslev: With academic honours and letters after his name a mile long, the professor belongs to the true elite of scientific research. His pioneering work on evolutionary genetics has included sequencing the first ancient human genome. This year he led a research team that examined bones and bone remnants found in Brazil in 1840 and found traces of DNA from the Pacific, which poses new questions about the origins of the first people in America. 2 Nedim Yasar: They say that crime doesn’t pay and, to start with, Yasar was not one of Denmark’s most law-abiding citizens, with convictions for robbery, violence and drug dealing to his name. He was also a leader of a gang affiliated to Bandidos. However, his life took a turn for the better through a 2013 exit program, and he began the year as a well-liked radio host, student pedagogue and author. Unfortunately, the role model was shot dead after a book-signing for his autobiography in December. (SG)

NEWS

11 - 24 January 2019

Extremists kill Dane in Morocco Widespread condemnation greets terror-related murders BEN HAMILTON

HE BODIES of a Danish woman and her Norwegian travelling companion were found in the Atlas mountain range south of Marrakech on December 17. The murders of Louisa Vesterager Jespersen, 24, and Maren Ueland, 28, were terror-related. The women, who had their throats slit and were decapitated, were targeted by an extremist group, and 20 arrests have been made so far, including a Swiss-Spanish man accused of training the killers. While the attacks were made in sympathy with Islamic State, it is not believed the terror group orchestrated them.

A video of the killings quickly surfaced online, but its poor quality initially made it hard to identify the victims. However, it has since been confirmed as authentic, and its content is harrowing.

Solidarity on the streets THE KILLINGS were greeted with widespread disapproval in Morocco as thousands took to the streets to express their sympathy.

Beat it Bookseller! IN RELATED news, Said Mansour, the ‘Bookseller from Brønshøj’, was deported back to his native Morocco on January 4. Mansour, 58, was found guilty of terror charges and stripped of his Danish nationality back in 2015 – his second such conviction, following one in 2007 for inciting terrorism. Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen brought up the matter on a trip to Morocco in early December, where he argued Mansour “had no place in Danish society”. Mansour moved to Denmark from Morocco in 1983 and became a Danish citizen in 1988. He has five children in Denmark and has largely lived on unemployment benefits since 1994.

An approval, a rejection

Road gets bumpier

THE MEDIA has been scrutinising the similar residence applications of two Asian girls in their early teens, questioning why one was approved and the other rejected. Both Yiming from China (successful) and Mint from Thailand (not) have an Asian mother with full custody, a Danish stepfather and a biological father in their homeland who they don’t have much contact with.

JUST BEFORE Christmas the EU Court of Justice ruled that the European Commission should not have approved the Danish plan to finance the building the Fehmarn Belt Link between Denmark and Germany, which enabled borrowing at a low interest rate. The case was taken to court by Scandlines, which views the link as a major threat to its ferry routes in between the countries.

Randers in China

Islanders eye independence

TWO CITIES in the Shanghai area are negotiating to obtain the rights to construct an exact copy of Randers city square. If approved, a Chinese contractor, Andersen Paradise, will carry out the construction, which will include the old city hall and the Randers Rainforest building – possibly by 2020.

SOME 67.8 percent of Greenlanders want independence from Denmark in the future, according to the Greenlandic Perspectives Survey, with 2037 the most desired year to break off. Nearly 40 percent want independence right now, and 62.7 percent said independence would benefit the island.

Danes oppose Brexit

New program for warzone

ACCORDING to a new Epinion survey for the national broadcaster DR, a majority of Danes would prefer the British to ditch the Brexit plan and just remain in the EU. Almost 60 percent want the Brits to stay, 16 percent back Brexit and 25 percent were uncertain or didn’t answer.

THE GOVERNMENT has revealed that it has launched at new regional peace and stabilisation program for war-torn Syria and Iraq. The program, which will last from 2019 to 2021, aims to reduce regional insecurity, terrorism, migration and alleviate the long-standing refugee crisis in the area.

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NEWS

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ONLINE THIS WEEK Rare turtles recovered

Treble and bass THE NATION’S new F-35 fighter jets will emit a louder, deeper noise when they fly, according to Krista Hoffart, an expert familiar with the aircraft who is based in Utah. “While the F-16 has more of a treble sound, the F35 is more bass,” she told DR.

New year brings in new laws

Teens start station fire PIXABAY

JUTLAND tropical zoo Randers Regnskov has recovered the three rare turtles stolen from its premises in early November. Three of its eight Burmese star turtles were stolen on November 4 when an organised group efficiently kicked down several barriers to whisk them away during opening hours.

11 - 24 January 2019

Vehicle-owners and the vulnerable among those affected by 2019 legislation CHRISTIAN WENANDE

HERE’S more to January 1 that coming up with a resolution to quit smoking or get into shape to finally win that underwater yoga competition. It’s also about the law. Or, more precisely, numerous laws – all passed by Parliament over the past year or two, which came into effect on the first day of 2019.

13 public holidays

Spray away unwelcome intruders

kroner every day until suitable liability insurance is acquired.

Socially-vulnerable boost BENEFICIARIES of the kontanthjælp unemployment benefit and other social benefit recipients can now receive a so-called ‘social free-card’. Card-holders can earn up to 20,000 kroner a year without any money being deducted from their social benefit payments. The aim is to provide society’s most vulnerable citizens with a better opportunity to contribute and urge more companies to employ more socially-vulnerable people. Meanwhile, the Danish guardianship law has been amended so that people with psychological handicaps or mental disabilities will be able to vote. The authorities will have the final word on whether individuals will have the right to vote, but it is estimated that about 1,900 Danes will benefit.

Watch out cyclists! SMALL motorised vehicles with a potential speed of up to 30 km/h – such as electric skateboards or scooters – can now be driven on bicycle paths. Safety advocates and the police are concerned. Meanwhile, owners of electric cars worth upwards of 400,000 kroner will completely avoid paying registration tax on their vehicles in 2019. For more expensive electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars and biogas vehicles, the 10,000 kroner deduction in registration tax is also extended by one year, with Parliament decreeing that the registration fee is 40,000 kroner cheaper. Another new law means that the authorities can now claim daily fees in connection with missing vehicle liability insurance. Registered vehicle owners without legal liability insurance will be forced to fork out 250

Shares, sprays, Støjberg AMONG the other changes, there was good news for investors as a new law came into effect making it more affordable to invest in shares. Profits will be taxed at 17 percent, down from 27 percent. As of January 1, the fine for digital defamation will be far more stringent – an increase from 1,200 to 5,000 kroner. It is now legal for adults to obtain and keep pepper spray in their own homes. Again the police are concerned, arguing that citizens trying to defend themselves will put themselves at more risk. And finally, the minister Inger Støjberg has made her 100th amendment to the Immigration Law in just three and a half years. But unlike her 50th change, there was no cake to mark the milestone this time.

Less festive misery

Three killed in crash

Inger at Lindholm debate

Dagpenge criteria changed

THERE were fewer Christmas burglaries and New Year firework injuries than in previous years. Between December 20 and 23, there were 282 reported break-ins – down from 328 in 2017. And on the night of December 31, there were 22 people seriously injured, compared to 28 last year and 25 in 2016. Some 19 of the 22 injured were male.

A MOTHER and two children were killed when a drunk driver ploughed into her car on Hodsagervej near Holstebro in central Jutland on December 16. The crash killed the woman’s nineyear-old son and a seven-year-old girl, a friend of her daughter who survived. It transpired the drunk was a 24-year-old Latvian and had an alcohol blood test reading of 1.46 – way above the 0.5 limit.

INGER Støjberg, the immigration minister, was among the attendees at a debate in Vordingborg on December 17 to discuss plans to convert the nearby island of Lindholm into a prison for asylum-seekers and foreign criminals awaiting deportation. Local opposition remains fierce. The island is currently being used by the DTU Veterinary Institute as a quarantined area.

THE GOVERNMENT has loosened the dagpenge unemployment insurance criteria following uproar that the requirement to work seven of the last eight years in the EU or EEA was penalising Danes working outside the zone. By raising it to seven of the last 12 years, it is estimated 80 percent of those impacted will come from non-EU countries – up from 60 percent previously.

Daycare vegan concerns MAI MERCADO, the minister for children and social affairs, has said the notion that the nation’s daycare facilities will one day offer vegan menus is unlikely, given the amount of time it would take to prepare the meals, along with nourishment concerns. Mercado voiced concern to DR that very young children were “getting caught up in their parents’ lifestyle”.

Free funerals for some DEPENDING on your diocese, your funeral could become free – providing you are a member of the folkekirken state church. While membership numbers continue to fall – opting out saves around 133,000 kroner in tax payments over a lifetime – several dioceses are no longer charging for funerals, which tend to cost around 8,500 kroner.

TWO 15-YEAR-OLD girls and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with starting a fire on a train at Fredericia Station on December 17, which resulted in several carriages becoming engulfed in flames. It is believed they filmed another incident on Snapchat, and that this made it easy for the police to track them down quickly.

THIS YEAR, workers in Denmark will get 13 public holidays – the same as last year, but six more than in 2016 when Christmas and New Year fell on the weekend. Granted, two of the days off are Labour Day on May 1 and Constitution Day on June 5, which are only holidays for public workers and companies generous enough to grant the time off.

Lesbian landmark ruling THE SUPREME Court must rule whether a lesbian woman can be struck off the official records as the co-mother of a child following the end of her relationship with the biological mother. Both women consent to the change, but the city and national courts ruled that her motherhood is binding, arguing that it is in the interest of the child to have two parents.

Duck breasts recalled A DUCK breast package has been recalled amid fears they may be harmful. The 1,500-gram Fersk Frilands Oscar packet – which was produced on December 12, 13, 14 or 15 and bears the barcodes 5701012125396 or 5706911008511 – was sold at Bilka, Netto and Føtex until December 23.

10 percent more smokers SOME 23.1 percent of the adult population smoke, according to Sundhedsstyrelsen – up from 21.1 percent in 2016, which represents a trend in direct contrast with the other Nordic states. The Health Ministry called it a “disaster”. However, the figures include party smokers. According to Eurostat figures, only 12 to 13 percent of adults smoke on a daily basis.

NEWS

11 - 24 January 2019

ONLINE THIS WEEK ACCORDING to WHO, only 18 and 20 percent of Danish boys and girls aged 6-9 are overweight and 5 percent obese – both genders. In related stories, Novo Nordisk has allocated 60 million kroner to a new obesity research centre, and Brøndby and Høje Taastrup have been singled out for having the most overweight kids in Copenhagen – compared to 8 percent in Gentofte.

Windfarm approval MUNICIPAL approval has been granted to Vattenfall’s windfarm at Nørrekær Enge by the Limfjord in the northwest of Jutland, which will house 36 wind turbines up to 150 metres in height. In related news, local protests have been held against Vattenfall’s windfarm between Ringkøbing and Nymindegab on the west coast of Jutland.

Water testing scheduled A WATER panel has advised the Nature and Environment Ministry to carry out a more thorough testing of the nation’s groundwater by the end of June, raising the number of monitored pesticides from 39 to 244.

Future foods support THE GOVERNMENT has set aside 130 million kroner for 29 projects focusing on the production of sustainable food products, as well as 88 million kroner for 43 projects that focus on sustainability and the green transition.

Cardboard usage soaring AS PEOPLE increasingly order goods over the internet, cardboard usage more than doubled between 2010 and 2016 from 16 to 36 kilos per household, according to Miljøstyrelsen. In 2017, almost 100,000 tonnes was collected from private homes.

Wait isn’t shrinking THE WAITING time to see a public health psychologist is 11.5 weeks for a consultation – the highest waiting time period for five years.

STEPHEN GADD

CIENCE in Denmark has had a pretty good year, with international recognition the reward for the discoverers of a huge Greenlandic ice crater, the Martian medical case and new drugs to treat Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, good science is not always about making a big splash. The discovery by Aarhus University doctors and researchers that an existing test can be used by GPs to detect colorectal cancer early clearly has the potential to save lives. DTU’s work on the inner eye infection endophthalmitis is also something that ought to contribute considerably to general well-being. All the picks below have been covered in more detail at cphpost.dk.

Kids exposed to gambling PIXABAY

Low obesity figures

CPH POST 2018 TOP 5: Endeavouring like Einstien

Look at those cavemen go – they’re all bones

properly and quickly. Using DNA sequencing to study eye fluid, patients can be given tailored treatments that relate to the specific organism causing the disease. Previous DNA analyses yielded inexact results that often led to erroneous conclusions.

critical work on Alzheimer’s disease. Their research was judged to have provided a foundation for the design of drugs to counter the pathogenic processes and raises hopes that it might be possible to either slow or prevent Alzheimer’s.

2 Critical research: The Brain Prize, which is awarded by the Danish foundation Lundbeckfonden, was handed over to four international researchers for their

Climate change reality

Plastic into diesel

Finally a ban of sorts

SOME 79 percent of Greenlanders say their lives have been affected by climate change, according to a new study carried out by Kraks Fond Urban Research in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the University of Greenland. In contrast, around 10 percent believe climate change is benefiting Greenland and a further 9 percent predict it will do so in the future.

A PLANT owned by the Norwegian company Quantafuel will shortly be able to convert 60 tonnes of plastic waste a day into diesel, new plastic products and products for the oil and chemical industry. Situated in the GreenLab Skive business park at Kåstrup north of Skive, the factory is expected to be up and running by the end of the summer and employ 20 people, reports Ingeniøren.

THE EU has effectively banned phthalate esters – chemicals used in softening plastics that Danish researchers working a decade ago proved were harmful to the hormonal development of children. It took the EU six years to concur and a 0.1 percent limit has been placed on the chemicals – which is academic as they need to constitute more than 5 percent to be effective.

4 Shedding light: Research conducted as part of a PhD study at the DTU Food Institute has led to a breakthrough in the treatment of endophthalmitis, an inner eye infection that can cause blindness if not treated

THE BØRNERÅDET children’s body and the gambling concern organisation Center for Ludomani fear a number of computer games currently being played in Denmark give kids a taste for gambling, reports Berlingske. So-called ‘loot boxes’ and ‘skins’ have been identified as being of particular concern.

Muscle link to politics

1 Martian gravitas: A group of Danish students from the University of Copenhagen won a gold medal at the international iGEM competition in Boston in October for devising a medicine case to combat the effects of Martian gravity on bones and muscle tissue. The case is in effect a mini laboratory full of intestinal bacteria that can be used to ‘grow’ medicine that the students hope will aid the astronauts on their mission. As well as producing medicine, the case can also clean medicine before use, thus alleviating the need to carry large stocks of medicine on board or wait months for new supplies to be sent up from Earth.

5 Ice-cap crater: In November, a team of international researchers led by the University of Copenhagen found a 31 km-diameter crater beneath the Hiawatha icecap in Greenland created by an iron meteor of around 12 billion tonnes around 12,000 years ago. The discovery was nominated for Science magazine’s ‘breakthrough of the year’ award.

3 Put out a stool: An Aarhus University team discovered that GPs can use an existing test to see whether patients who come to them with vague, non-specific symptoms have colorectal cancer. The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) looks for hidden blood in stools that can be an early sign of cancer. The FIT is particularly useful for testing patients who don’t appear to have any of the usual symptoms that cause alarm bells to ring with GPs.

RESEARCHERS from the Aarhus School of Business and Social Sciences claim that physical strength amongst men is often related to political convictions. Men with muscular torsos are more inclined to favour social inequality even if they’re poor, claims their article in Political Psychology.

Dire effect of plastics AALBORG University and the Velux Fund are heading a 20 million kroner research initiative to better understand the effect of microplastics and maritime plastic waste on nature, with a particular focus on its effect on the ocean’s foodchain.

Livestock losses DESPITE state-sponsored efforts to the contrary, a number of old Danish breeds of cows and pigs are dying out – the red cow and the bacon pig, for example. Experts warn that the country risks losing key genetic building blocks to breed new animals that can cope with climate change.

Tuberculosis fears AALBORG University Hospital called 440 patients in for a check-up after it transpired they had been treated by an employee who had tuberculosis. In related news, a salmonella outbreak confirmed in early December affected over 30 people across the country. The authorities remain uncertain about the source.

Sniffer drones at work THE EUROPEAN Maritime Safety Agency has plans to use large ‘sniffer’ drones to monitor air pollution from shipping – specifically sulphur emissions. Danish company Explicit will operate the Swedish-made long-range drones.

CULTURE

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ONLINE THIS WEEK

SUSANNE Bier’s latest film ‘Bird Box’ was streamed 45 million times over the seven days following its release on December 21 – the most successful ever opening week for a film shown on Netflix. Meanwhile, ‘Ternet Ninja’ sold 345,947 tickets in the week following its release on December 25 – a new one-week cinema record for a Danish film.

Mrs Obama coming MICHELLE Obama will be promoting her new autobiography ‘Becoming’ at the Royal Arena on April 9. Meanwhile, Cher (RA; Oct 15), Nicki Minaj (RA; March 1), Phlake (RA; Nov 9) and Angie Stone (Store Vega; Oct 26) have all confirmed concert dates.

Oscar winner dies ACCLAIMED animator Børge Ring has died at the age of 97. He won an Oscar in 1984 for a Dutch short film and made onstage visuals for Pink Floyd. In related news, fashion designer Camilla Skovgaard, 45, pornography pioneer Ole Ege, 84, and traveller Troels Kløvedal, 75, have also passed away.

CPH POST 2018 TOP 5: Culture movers and shakers BEN HAMILTON

T’S ASTRALIS I feel sorry for. I bet you bottom dollar they haven’t made it into the sports top five, even though they’re world leaders at what they do. But is it sport? Because it sure ain’t culture. A lot of things are, though, which makes compiling a list of the top five movers and shakers hard. For example, does cinematographer Dan Lausten make the list for his Oscar nomination for ‘The Shape of Water’? And how about Kim Bodnia, brilliantly understated for once in ‘Killing Eve’? In the end, I’ve taken the ‘cobble them together’ approach to include as many mentions as possible. After all, these top fives should, above everything, be informative, so if anything tweaks your interest, look it up at cphpost.dk.

ONLINE THIS WEEK NIELS JANSEN FACEBOOK PAGE

‘Bird Box’ sets record

11 - 24 January 2019

Tønder’s gender bid FOLLOWING a strong female contingent at its 2018 edition, where four out of ten performers were women, Tønder Festival (August 22-25) has set itself a target of 50 percent this year. It has already recruited The Savage Rose and British singer Kate Rusby … as well as a few men.

Soft porn, light on plot

Brains before brawn and beauty as Niels wins Mr Gay Denmark

neither could compete with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, even though this was the first year since 2010 not to feature a ‘Game of Thrones’ season. Not only did he get his first Emmy nom, but he was also featured on a British postage stamp.

of Netflix’s Scandinavian output, and Claes Bang, who’s capitalised on starring in ‘The Square’ to snag the part of Dracula in a big budget miniseries. ‘Den Skyldige’, down to a shortlist of nine, is waiting in the wings to capitalise.

A DR REVIEW has laid into the HBO series Vikings, accusing it of being “sexist, macho shit”. Reviewer Kasper Lundberg concluded that it is “soft porn without any real plot”, is “unconcerned with accuracy” and gives the female characters “nothing to say”.

Instalment robbery SMUKFEST has been called out for bumping up the price of its tickets when they are paid in instalments. Normally 2,695 kroner, they cost an extra 200 kroner. NorthSide and Roskilde, in contrast, only take an extra 55 and 60 kroner respectively.

5 Resurrection: Yes, you read that right – it’s been a good year for the non-living. While the poetry of Tove Ditlevsen (died 1976) and music of John Mogensen (died 1977) have never been more popular, our super mummy of 2018 is none other than the daddy of Danish fiction: Hans Christian Andersen (died 1875). Plans are afoot to reinvent him as a Victorian era detective.

3 Realm-serving: Finally, the world’s biggest television show came calling, and no, we’re not talking about ‘The Great British Bake Off’, which selected ‘Danish’ as one of its theme weeks (entirely thanks to an insider, the host Sandi Toksvig). Some 29 seasons and 20 episodes since its debut, ‘The Simpsons’ finally graced Denmark with a visit in ‘Throw Grampa from the Dane’.

4 Recognition: Actors Johannes Lassen and Lars Mikkelsen notched up a Monte Carlo TV Festival award and an international Emmy respectively, but

2 Reward-reaping: Oscars are the ultimate leg-up. Just ask Susanne Bier, the Academy’s latest board member, two-time winner Kim Magnusson, who’s in charge

1 Redemption: From fearless Nicolai Fuglsig choosing to make his directorial debut with a Hollywood action film (‘12 Strong’) to indomitable Celina Riel finishing fourth in Miss Danmark despite missing the upper part of her left arm, 2018 was the year of the underdog. Niels Jansen, the first transgender winner of Mr Gay Denmark, led the way and he did not mince his words in the build-up: “A gay man is desirable if he is young, muscular and cisgender, and I am none of these things.” Fortunately, the swimwear category was discontinued in 2017 and the prize was his.

Scherfig premiere date set

New head of DR drama

Oscar hopes raised

Homeless mannequins

Shown on TV – finally

LONE SCHERFIG’S new film, ‘The Kindness of Strangers’, which had a test screening on June 28 at the Empire Bio to an audience of internationals, will open the 69th Berlin Film Festival on February 7. For a long time, Scherfig could not settle on a name for her film. Originally called ‘Secrets from the Russian Tea Room’, ‘Love Freezes Over’ was also suggested.

DR HAS named Henrik Bo Nielsen as its head of culture, children and young people’s programming, which will also see him take charge of the production of DR drama, the broadcaster’s ensembles and DR Koncerthuset. The former head of the Danish Film Institute, the ROMU museum group and Dagbladet Information newspaper will assume the role on April 1.

‘DEN SKYLDIGE’ (‘The Guilty’) is on the nine-film shortlist for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, while another Danish film, ‘The Distant Barking of Dogs’, is one of 15 in contention for Best Documentary Feature. Bold Film has bought the rights to make an English-language version of ‘Den Skyldige’ with Jake Gyllenhaal tipped to star.

KRISTIAN von Hornsleth has confirmed another project involving homeless people – this time at a location in Hellerup. He has recruited homeless people to stand like mannequins for two hours every day from 12 pm at his Strayfield gallery on Strandvejen, so the public can come and gaze at them and contemplate how poverty and inequality are growing.

A WEEK after it was confirmed that ‘Dinner for One’ has made its UK debut at a film festival in Scotland, Sky Arts confirmed it would be showing the one-off comedy sketch on New Year’s Eve. In Denmark, it has been shown every December 31 since 1973 – with one exception. In 1985, DR1 pulled the show, only to be met with a deluge of complaints.

“Looks like shit” KASPER Eistrup, a former member of Kashmir, has talked to DR about his experience painting a portrait of Crown Prince Frederik. “For a long time, it looks like shit,” he said. “I wanted to paint the man – [sitting alone] on a large sofa as he has some big shoes to fill.” Frederik apparently approves.

Supermodel turns 50 HELENA Christensen has turned 50. Since winning Miss Denmark in 1986, the supermodel has never been far from the limelight. Christensen, whose mother is Peruvian, achieved fame in the video for the 1990 Chris Isaak song ‘Wicked Game’ and dating Michael Hutchence later that decade.

Joachim the narrator PRINCE Joachim has landed a job as the narrator of a new DRK documentary series about Danish identity, which is scheduled to broadcast next autumn.

SPORT

11 - 24 January 2019

ONLINE THIS WEEK A WEEK after crashing out of the Europa League, FC Copenhagen signed Uruguayan right back Guillermo Varela, a two-time starter at the 2018 World Cup and former Manchester United player, from Penarol. Meanwhile, FCK have sold Slovakian midfielder Jan Gregus to MLS side Minnesota United.

Cycling talent accused AN UNNAMED junior national team cyclist tested positive for a banned substance in 2018 whilst competing abroad. According to the cycling federation, the male rider has been suspended pending an investigation. Jyllands-Posten claims he is a big talent.

Astralis take grand slam DANISH eSports side Astralis have become the first Counter-Strike winners of the Intel Grand Slam – a title given to a team that has won four of the ten ESL or Dreamhack titles in one season. Astralis received a 6.5 million kroner bonus.

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI/TWITTER

FCK land WC star

CPH POST 2018 TOP 5: Sports stars striking success CHRISTIAN WENANDE

S ESPORT a sport? It’s a hot debate these days as more and more fans flock to see gaming wizards battle it out – they packed the Royal Arena recently. Officially, though, it isn’t despite eSports making a major breakthrough in Denmark this year – underlined by the new eSuperliga kicking off and eSports team Astralis enjoying a banner year that saw them become the first team to win the coveted Intel Grand Slam title in Counter Strike. Nevertheless, there were plenty of outstanding achievements in Danish sports this year, and just missing out on the top 5 are Magnus Cort, who became the first Dane to win a Tour de France stage since 2009, and Maja Alm, who notched up three medals at the world championships in orienteering.

Decent draw for under-21s It could only be Woz, the wizard of Oz

on his promise to get a tattoo should the Europeans win. Apparently, it is located in an area only his missus can see.

4 Thomas Bjørn: The golf legend captained the European team to a Ryder Cup championship – and a historically dominant one at that. All his four wildcard picks went on to deliver, and Bjørn came through

2 Pernille Harder: Denmark’s top women’s footballer did her best to finish top this year. She finished top scorer of the German Bundesliga with champions Wolfsburg and was voted the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year.

In the hosts’ hands

Nadim joins PSG

AT THE time of going to press, Denmark were just hours away from playing their first game in the men’s 2019 World Handball Championship, which it is co-hosting with Germany. Denmark are marginal 5/2 favourites to win the tournament, with star player Mikkel Hansen due to return to the squad following the birth of his first child on Sunday. First up is Chile.

MANCHESTER City has terminated the contract of striker Nadia Nadim, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain. She scored eight goals in 28 games. Moving in the opposite direction is Katrine Veje to Arsenal after seeing out her contract at French side Montpellier. In related news, Middlesbrough forward Martin Braithwaite has joined La Liga side Leganes on loan.

Handed three hidings DENMARK crashed out of the 2018 Women’s Handball European Championship in France in the second group stage following heavy losses to Serbia, France and Russia. They finished eighth.

FC NORDSJÆLLAND has the youngest team in Europe, according to the CIES Football Observatory. Their average age is 21.56. SønderjyskE had the oldest average in Denmark with 28.22, followed by Hobro (27.38) and FC Copenhagen (27.05).

THORBJØRN Olsesen and Lucas Bjerregaard have both received invites to play in the US Masters in April courtesy of finishing 2018 in the top 50 – ranked 43 and 45 respectively. Olesen finished sixth on his Augusta debut in 2013, but has not played since 2014.

5 Michael Valgren: Aside from helping Cort win the stage in France, the cyclist enjoyed a massive breakthrough year thanks to wins in the two classics, Amstel Gold Race and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and top ten finishes in five other races. The 26-yearold’s stellar year saw him secure a move to Team Dimension Data.

JESPER Møller, the chairman of DBU, has announced he will be a candidate for the UEFA committee election on February 7. Meanwhile, DBU chief executive Claus Bretton-Meyer has been sacked after five year in the role.

FCN the youngest

Eyes on Masters

3 Lars Eller: In perhaps any other year, the ice hockey star would have finished top of the pile as the first Dane to win the Stanley Cup. The forward was inspirational in the playoffs for the Washington Capitals, racking up an impressive 18 points in 24 games to help his team to its first ever NHL title. He celebrated by bringing the coveted cup to Copenhagen to show the fans.

Boss wants UEFA seat

Ultimately, however, Harder lost the Champions League final, finished second in the Ballon D’Or vote and also comes second in this ranking, but only because of a certain bit of magic Down Under.

DENMARK’S under-21 men’s football team have been put in a group with Ukraine, Romania, Finland, Northern Ireland and Malta for the Euro 2021 qualifiers – a draw that head coach Niels Frederiksen described as “decent”.

FCK to avoid UAE

1 Caroline Wozniacki: It had to be Wozzy at the top. The nation’s tennis darling became the first Dane to win a singles grand slam event at the Australian Open last January. Finally winning a major final at her third attempt, Wozniacki completed one of the greatest sporting accomplishments in Danish history – a magnificent turnaround by a player that had almost tumbled out of the top 100 in the world rankings just 18 months earlier. The win saw her regain the world number 1 ranking following a record gap of six years.

FOLLOWING fan pressure, FC Copenhagen has scrapped future winter training trips to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Fans complained about the country’s human rights record. Brøndby has experienced similar fan criticism, but said it would rather not mix football and politics.

Eriksen nets double

Sports star of the year

Confident of NFL draft

A SUBLIME strike against Cardiff City on January 1 earned Christian Eriksen two Premier League records. He has overtaken Jan Mølby as the highest scoring Dane in English top flight history with 45 goals and set a new record of 19 for the most goals scored from outside the penalty area. Meanwhile, the Guardian has named him the fifth best attacking midfielder in the world.

CAROLINE Wozniacki won Årets Sportsnavn, the Danish sports person of the year, on Saturday – her second triumph following her win in 2010. She has also been named Tennis Player of the Year – for the 11th time in 12 years. On court, she lasted just two matches at the ASB Classic in Auckland, bowing out to eventual finalist Bianca Andreescu.

HJALTE Froholdt, an offensive lineman with an uncanny ability to protect his quarterback, is confident he will become the first Dane since Morten Andersen to be selected in the NFL Draft this year. The big Dane, who recently finished his collegiate career with the Arkansas Razorbacks, told NordicBet he was “sure” he would be drafted.

Five Danes start EPL game A RECORD five Danes started a Premier League match when Huddersfield hosted Southampton on December 22. Jonas Lössl, Philip Billing and Mathias Jørgensen represented the Terriers, and Pierre Emile Højbjerg and Jannik Vestergaard played for the Saints.

10 BUSINESS

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ONLINE THIS WEEK

DESPITE the recent money-laundering scandals, Fitch has followed the example of two other US credit giants, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, by giving the Danish economy an ‘AAA’ rating. Fitch contended that the Danish banking sector was strong enough to absorb the fallout.

Business shopping day DECEMBER 21 was the busiest day for Christmas shopping, with 1.865 billion kroner spent using Dankort, reports Nets. In total, 30 billion kroner was spent on Dankort from December 1-23 – around 10 percent down on 2017. In related news, PostNord reported a record 11 million shipments in the period around Christmas – up 10 percent on 2017.

Rambøll buys rival ENGINEERING firm Rambøll has acquired US rival OBG, which specialises in water, energy, environment and advanced manufacturing. In other takeover news, the Japanese technology group NEC has acquired Danish IT group KMD for 8 billion kroner.

Pass on this parcel

CPH POST 2018 TOP 5: Startup scene sizzlers CHRISTIAN WENANDE

HERE WAS a time when the term startup related to igniting some fallible engine that had conked out on a country road out in the sticks somewhere – probably near Ølstykke. But it’s all about the tech now, and 2018 saw a host of exciting startups hit their stride in Denmark across a broad spectrum of sectors, from business and healthcare to public service and sports. There were plenty of bids to make the top 5, such as wine app Vivino, the tattoo booking platform Tattoodo and Peergrade, the electronic platform that allows students to evaluate each other’s assignments. But our top 5 was as follows: 5 Corti: Founded in 2014, Corti has developed an app that implements AI to use sound-recognition software to help emergency dispatchers recognise that someone is suffering from a heart attack, even if that person is not the caller. The AI can spot a heart attack in 95 percent of cases, compared to 73 percent of cases identified by Danish dispatchers.

Positive India trip CAROLINE WOZNIACKI/TWITTER

‘AAA’ rating unaffected

11 - 24 January 2019

THE FOREIGN minister Anders Samuelsen visited India in December to reopen the Indo-Danish Joint Commission in co-operation with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. Samuelsen said the move was a key component to Indo-Danish bilateral collaboration, as Denmark bids to gain a foothold in the world’s fifth-largest economy.

China blamed

Terriers on and off the pitch: Tonsser inked first PL deal in 2018

to 1,000kr) and are paid a dividend four times a year that is based on the rent income generated by the property in question. The firm has a goal to have 1 billion kroner in capital by the end of 2019. 3 Monsenso: Founded in 2013, Monsenso has developed an app solution that seeks to optimise the treatment of mental disorders by connecting patients with carers and clinicians. The startup has already attracted millions of kroner from investors, and it was among the nominees for Best HealthTech Startup at the recent 2018 Nordic Startup Awards. This year, the firm has also partnered with the University of Cambridge to help identify the possible causes of behavioural problems for those with mental disabilities.

cured over 100 million kroner in investment over the course of the year. The firm, which promotes synergy at the office through its user-friendly solution for managing company templates, has tripled its turnover in 2018 and sold over 600,000 licences to customers. It also recently raised an additional 100 million kroner to further its accelerated growth.

CHINESE stockpiling has been blamed for an expect 30 percent dip in mink production in 2019. Since 2013, the price of a mink pelt has fallen from 600 to 250 kroner, even though it costs 300 kroner to produce them.

Third Lalandia planned PLANS have been announced for a third big Lalandia holiday park – this time in Søndervig on the west coast of Jutland. The new park will generate 300 jobs. The other big Lalandia parks are situated in Rødby in Lolland and Billund in Jutland.

Borgen again

2 Templafy: Founded in 2013, Templafy enjoyed a sterling year in 2018. Not only was it named the Startup of the Year at the 2018 Nordic Startup Awards, but it se-

1 Tonsser: Founded in 2014, the football app Tonsser recently raised 41 million kroner in investor funding, allowing it to consolidate its position as the top youth football player and performance app in Europe. With around 850,000 users in eight countries so far, Tonsser helps connect aspiring footballers to clubs based on a scouting approach with the aim of increasing the chance of tomorrow’s stars being discovered. So far, eight professional clubs have signed on to the app, and the startup recently landed its first Premier League client in Huddersfield Town.

Season for scandals

Bad year for shares

Massive tax write-off

Early pension shunned

CONCERNS have been raised at Danmarks Statistik over employees receiving gifts from a customer. A scandal has also engulfed Akademikernes A-Kasse, leading to the resignation of three board members over the top table’s profligate spending on wine. Also on the move is Jonas Keiding Lindholm, whose contract as general secretary of Red Barnet has been terminated.

THE C25 index of the country’s leading shares fell 14 percent last year, as a good summer’s gains were wiped out by a horrid autumn. In related share news, a Pandora shareholder has accused the jewellery chain of cheating him out of over a billion kroner by hiding its profits. And Bang & Olufsen’s shares fell by 34.3 percent in one day in late December – an all-time record.

IN A BID to draw a line under problems with its public debt recovery system, the Skattemyndighederne tax authorities have written off 5.8 billion kroner from the bills of 485,000 people, reports Politiken. Most of the people are benefit recipients, early retirement pensioners and people on early retirement. The majority were informed in mid-December.

IN 2010, HALF the members of 3F’s unemployment fund aged 30-39 paid into an early retirement scheme so they could stop working three years before the state pension payments kick in. Today less than 10 percent do. In related news, 3F staged a protest outside the Tivoli Food Hall on December 14 on behalf of 14 people who work there without a collective wage agreement.

POSTNORD has built a new hall at Copenhagen Airport solely to handle parcels from China, and it isn’t happy. Chinese customers only pay 6.50 kroner to send parcels to Denmark because a century-old postal agreement treats China as a developing country. With parcel traffic constantly increasing, this in no way covers Postnord’s costs.

4 Brickshare: Founded in 2016, Brickshare is the first digital platform for property investment in Denmark. Over the past year, the company has seen ten-fold growth in staff and now has over 1,100 investors (70 percent which are first-time investors) in its portal. Investors can shoot in a minimum of 10,000 kroner (soon to be reduced

Bankruptcies galore AROUND 300 farm owners lost their livelihoods last year, as 159 farmers went bankrupt and nearly as many were forced to sell, according to a DR survey. In related news, Qudos Insurance has gone bankrupt – only some of its customers’ compensation payments will be honoured – and Top-Toy, the owner of Fætter BR and Toys”R”Us, has also gone belly up.

FORMER Danske Bank chief executive Thomas Borgen has started his own consultancy: ‘Borgen’. But ten former employees at the Tallinn branch of Danske Banke, where 1.5 trillion kroner was laundered between 2007 and 2015, will have no such luxury as they have been arrested by the Estonian authorities.

IT security concerns A DIGITALISERINGSSTYRELSEN report has found that more than every third public worker isn’t aware of the rules concerning IT security in their workplace.

CHINA

11 January - 24 January 2019

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

To China with Sichuan Airlines

Amt photo, Jam Aagaard

A direct flight to Chengdu is Copenhagen Airport’s latest route to China. CPH POST was on board the inaugural flight, reviewed here. By Jan Aagaard Translator: Stephen Gadd

ir traffic from Denmark to China is experiencing massive growth and in 2018 alone, four new air routes from Copenhagen Airport to China were opened. This increases the number of seats on direct flights between Copenhagen and destinations in China in 2019 by 88 percent on the year before and compared to five years ago, the increase is 230 percent.

Sichuan Airlines flies from Copenhagen twice a week – on Mondays and Fridays. The plane to Chengdu departs at 13:10 and the flying time is around 9 hours 50 minutes. On this route the company uses modern Airbus A330’s, with space for 301 passengers – 36 of them business class. On the inaugural flight from Copenhagen only around 60 seats had been sold, so there was a great deal of space on board the fouryear-old aircraft.

The latest route to China is Sichuan Airlines’ flight to Chengdu in the southwest of the country. CPH POST was on board the inaugural flight from Copenhagen Airport on December 10, where the route was officially opened before departure from the airport’s Gate 37 on Finger C. At the inauguration Deng Ying, China’s ambassador in Denmark, and the CEO of Copenhagen Airport Thomas Woldbye took part, along with a number of representatives from both Sichuan Airlines and the airport.

We checked in at the airport’s Terminal 2, where on the inauguration day there was only a short queue to the desk when I arrived around three hours before departure. Shortly afterwards the checkin procedure ground to a halt due to what was apparently a technical problem. However, after about 10 minutes things got going again and after that, it all went quickly with effective and friendly service from the personnel. The queue at the airport’s security check was short and the same applied to passport

control, so I was in good time for the boarding and the inauguration ceremony at the gate.

FLEXIBLE BOARDING PROCESS

The ceremony consisted of a number of speeches, an official ribbon-cutting and coffee and cakes for everyone, after which boarding started on schedule at 12:40. With the comparatively few passengers, the procedure was easy and flexible, with no queues or pressure in either the jet bridge or cabin. I was welcomed on board by two smiling Chinese stewardesses dressed in the smart red uniforms of Sichuan Airlines and quickly found my window seat in economy class. The cabin was equipped with seats in the same distinctive red colour as the uniforms and appeared modern, inviting and clean. Pushback on the aircraft was on time and around 10 minutes later, the plane took off from Copenhagen Airport.

12 CHINA

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

11 January - 24 January 2019

REAL SICHUAN CHILLI WITH THE FOOD

Food started being served around an hour after take-off. The cabin personnel’s grasp of English was somewhat limited, but I understood that you could choose between a meal with potatoes and one with rice. I chose the rice option and it proved to be a chicken curry with vegetables and rice and in addition, there was salad, fresh fruit and a little cake on the tray. The salad was crisp, fresh and tasty, just as the main course was freshly-made and tasted surprisingly good. Sichuan Province is renowned for its strongly spiced cuisine and there was a good bite to the curry. Shortly after serving, the stewardess came round offering a genuine Sichuan chilli sauce that after a little hesitation, I said yes to and was given a decent-sized spoonful. The thick chilli sauce proved to be really tasty and not too strong for the Danish palette. This was a nice authentic detail considering we were on our way to Sichuan Province. Whilst the food was served quickly, I had to wait a long time for my drink that only arrived around 10-15 minutes later, when the first passengers were finishing their meals. As well as fizzy drinks and beer it was possible to have red and white wine. After dinner the cabin lights were extinguished and I decided to try and get some sleep as I had a full program the following day in Chengdu, where we were scheduled to land early in the morning local time. Throughout the flight the cabin personnel were very friendly, smiling and service-minded and frequently came by offering water or jasmine tea.

BREAKFAST BEFORE LANDING

Around two hours before we landed the cabin lights were lit again and breakfast was served. Before that, warm face flannels were distributed with a couple of bags of Chinese snacks. For breakfast you could choose between either noodles or a rice porridge. I chose the noodle option, which tasted fine. Again there was also a fresh green salad on the tray, as well as fruit and an organic yoghurt from the Danish producer Øllingegaard. Juice, coffee or tea was served with the meal. However, the coffee was ready-made with lots of milk and sugar in it, and to my taste was almost undrinkable. The plane landed on schedule at Chengdu at 05:40 and was parked at a bay away from the terminal. The steps arrived quickly and 5-10 minutes later, I could leave the plane and board the bus that brought me to the airport terminal in a couple of minutes. All in all I’d had a very pleasant flight and despite almost 10 hours flying economy class, arrived in Chengdu rested. The food and service on board exceeded my expectations, but the in-flight entertainment system and the selection of drinks were a bit of a minus.

The Middle Kingdom offers a wealth of tourist attractions, with that in mind the People’s Parks in big cities should especially be mentioned. Behind the walls of the Fu Xing Park in Shanghai, the elderly really let their hair down at the same time as looking after their grandchildren. A ‘must see’ if you want to experience the true soul of the Chinese people in a no-nonsense way

Text and photo: Gitte Ørnkow Translator: Stephen Gadd

y night, Shanghai looks almost like a giant fun-fair when the lights on the city’s skyscrapers and towers are lit in the evening. A walk along the most famous street and waterfront promenade The Bund, that stretches along the Huangpu River and is a tributary of the mighty Yangtze, can almost seem with the festive firework display, and colour and light that gives one a real thrill. Here it’s safe to walk the streets and at no time do you feel alone, because there are people everywhere. The side-streets vibrate with life, and the smell of exotic spices and scents from the many street kitchens piques the senses and the entire body, so it is not difficult to fall in love. Shanghai is nothing less than a cornucopia of ultra-modern shopping centres with every major brand and luxury goods item from around the world. But for tourists, probably the most interesting thing is to experience the countless small restaurants and shops in, for example, the French quarter, with its cosy alleyways and beautiful buildings. The Jewish museum on Shanghai Road and China’s tallest skyscraper Shanghai Tower – the second-largest building in the world only surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai – are amongst the ten most traditional sights in Shanghai. But if you want to forget the historical sights for a moment, it is a good idea to visit one of the many parks in the city, which by comparison, can make parks in Europe appear like waste-grounds.

TAI CHI AND CALLIGRAPHY

For example, there is Fu Xing Park which is definitely a wonderful experience. Here, the Chinese show themselves from their creative side, with song, dance, sport, tai chi and calligraphy from morning to evening, so the park is a ‘must see’

CHINA

11 January - 24 January 2019

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

A sensory bombardment of light and rhythms: dancing China!

DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHINESE DANCE

Dance is an important part of the old Chinese concept ‘Yue’, that includes a number of elements such as dance, poetry, song and playing music. Chinese dance has its own vocabulary, meaning and structure that make it possible for a dancer to express their thoughts and feelings. Every nationality, every region and every type of dance has its own form of folk dance with unique qualities and styles. Folk dancing reﬂects the way people live and their customs and every single dance reﬂects part of China’s cultural heritage. Amongst the special styles are the popular Yangge, Uygur folk dance, Tibetan dance, Miao dance, Dai dance and Gaoshan dance. Southern China, the site of Mao tse Tung’s birthplace, can also be recommended.

if you really want to experience Chinese culture in a no-nonsense way. It is here behind the park’s closed walls that the Chinese dare to open up to strangers. But because of the linguistic and cultural differences that can arise between tourists and the Chinese, from time to time communications can only be effected as a comic circus language. But the main thing is that there is contact. Chinese folk dancing, the dominant form of dance in Fu Xing park, takes place on the paths under the soft French plane trees. The music is supplied on makeshift systems that must not play too loudly in order that the other activities taking place close by – and the neighbours – are not disturbed. But the dancing takes place in a quiet, orderly fashion, and it is almost a meditative and blissful experience to feel the atmosphere in the park. Two middle-aged ladies throw themselves into dancing a kind of tango, unaware that they are being observed by tourists and other casual passers-by. A man and woman dance just as energetically with a swing in their hips, all the while making sure to look each other deeply in the eyes. A dance instructor, who has been giving a lesson to a special dance troupe on the square a bit further along, finally seems satisfied with the efforts of his dancers. Unfortunately, he has had to raise his voice to an elderly gentleman who has

been having diﬃculty learning the dance steps. But ﬁnally, he has succeeded.

REVOLUTIONARY SONGS

A group of singers goes the whole hog and sings revolutionary songs from the Maoist-era. They are accompanied by a pianist playing an electric keyboard and a flautist. All the singers and the audience surrender completely to the rhythms, but in a controlled and polite way. This is perhaps understandable as a police officer has just parked his scooter behind their backs to make sure that all is as it should be. There are lots of creative activities going on in the park. An elderly man is standing behind a hedge practising tai chi while he looks after his grandchild who lies asleep in the pram. And round the corner, a man is squatting and writing Chinese calligraphy on tiles. He is very accommodating and really wants to tell us about his art. But it is a little difficult to understand what he is saying as he only speaks Chinese. In any case, it is clear that the Chinese use the park in a way that we might use an allotment plot, where they let their hair down artistically and creatively. Everybody appears to be allowed to join in. Even so, it is primarily only the older people and grandparents

who are here and who have to look after their small grandchildren while the parents are at work. In that way, the park functions as a sort of nursery, at any rate during the daytime. Fu Xing park is indisputably a fantastic place, with a lovely warm atmosphere. It is almost impossible not to be impressed by the energy shown by the older Chinese people in letting their talents unfold. So if one day you are lucky enough to be able to take a trip to China, remember to visit the city’s parks. They can provide you with a fantastic experience and tell you a little about everyday life amongst the Chinese. What a pleasure it must be to grow old in an environment like that.

14 CHINA

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

11 January - 24 January 2019

A ‘great leap forward’ on the Chinese railways Text and photo: Judith Betak Translator: Stephen Gadd

25,000 KM OF NEW TRACK

It was raining in Beijing when we made our way to the station and we’d hardly left the platform before a cleaning lady came through the train with a mop and removed any footprints from the central aisle. Afterwards, a trolley came around with mineral water and fizzy drinks and bags of snacks. Later, we were served a hot lunch – good and tasty – and it’s all included in the ticket price. Another stewardess distributed a little pamphlet in English to us tourists. It’s all about “the speedy development of China’s high-speed railway system.”

Aerodynamic, gleaming white and almost futuristic, Fuxing waits by the platform in the Beijing East Railway Station

It goes into detail about the political decisions, the 11th, 12th and 13th Five Year plans in connection with high-speed trains and the entire development of the HSR system, with four northsouth and five east-west corridors and where the new railway network with bridges and stations for the new trains has been constructed that was finally begun in 2007.

High-speed trains have well and truly arrived in China. Over the last couple of years, the Middle Kingdom has taken the lead when it comes to fast and effective train transport that has more than halved the journey time between the country’s largest cities. And that is only the first phase of development. Even more track for high-speed trains is on the way. We took a trip with Today, the corridors are connected with 25,000 kilometres of newly-laid high-speed train track. Fuxing from Beijing to Shanghai. It looks totally futuristic – aerodynamic and gleaming white – as it waits by Platform 1 in the new highly-polished marble extension of the Beijing East Railway Station. This is where the new high-speed trains depart from. The train is called Fuxing and we are taking it to Shanghai.

EFFICIENCY AND COMFORT

Before reaching the platform we’ve been in several queues for security checks in the station building. We were effectively ushered through by personnel, who shouted commands – that’s at least what it sounded like – in Chinese through pale blue megaphones. Fortunately, there is also English text on the information boards. Stewardesses stand by the long white train bidding us welcome. In the smartness stakes, they can easily compete with their airborne colleagues in their red uniforms with a chic little hat on hairdos where not a single hair is out of place and with perfect make-up. They help us with our luggage and show us to our seats. We’re travelling first class. Here there are two seats on either side and lots of legroom. Later, I take a peek into second class, where there are three seats on one side and more space for the passengers than you get on a Danish IC train. The whistle blows for departure. Precise to

a minute, the train rolls away from the platform and soon we begin to notice a difference between this and other train journeys. The train is completely still. Here, there is no swaying from side to side or monotonous bumps from the joints on the rails. We glide smoothly through the suburbs of Beijing and without noticing it, we’re suddenly at marching speed – 350 kilometres per hour.

Statistics in China are mind-blowing and it doesn’t stop here. The next target is eight corridors throughout the country with the fast trains. I read that the stretch of high-speed train track between Beijing and Shanghai was opened in 2011 and that it was also on this stretch that they test-drove the fasted recorded train so far – at 486 kilometres per hour. The final leg of the stretch between Nanjing and Shanghai, China’s most denselypopulated area, had in fact already been opened for high-speed trains the year before. In September 2017, the new generation of the high-speed train, Fuxing that we are travelling on, was taken into service on the route. They can make the trip at 350 kilometres per hour. We whizz past endless winter-green wheat fields. Later, the landscape changes to soft limestone mountains with small villages. We go through tunnels and industrial areas and stop at a couple of big cities before we near Shanghai. It’s strange to think that where it previously took 11 hours and 22 minutes to make the 1,318 kilometre trip, today we are arriving at Shanghai’s Hongquin Railway Station after only 4 hours and 20 minutes. It’s only then that you begin to realise just how fast a high-speed train is.

11 - 24 January 2019

BUSINESS OPINION

NEIL SMITH DANISH CAPITAL IN 2019 Neil is a Scottish-educated lawyer with 15 years’ experience in corporate structuring and general commercial matters. Based in Copenhagen, he primarily advises on international deals. Out of the office his interests include sport and politics. His column explores topical international financial and economic issues from a Danish perspective.

Brexit, bumps, Beijing FIRSTLY, there are some domestic macroeconomic issues. The current American upswing has lasted for a decade, making it unusually lengthy already. When the four recent rate increases from the Federal Reserve are factored in, there is genuine concern about the future of the US economy – particularly whether it can transition from a prolonged period of low interest rates. Added to this, there is concern about economic performances outside the US. Of the major European economies, the UK is

Trump’s ups and downs HEREIN lies a much larger point: that markets have not been effective at factoring in the medium to long-term risk posed by the unprecedentedly erratic Trump administration. Delighted by talk (and action) of tax cuts and deregulation, the Dow soared in 2017, increasing by 25 percent. This was the financial upside of President

OST DANISH companies, small or large, have horizontal cultures. Most leaders genuinely listen when subordinates have improvement ideas, while co-workers tend to be team-orientated and support one another in tasks. Yes, everything is awesome… when you’re part of a team.

apply even though I know I’m not qualified for it – yet. If your dream is a life dream, does it matter if you’re rejected? Does it matter if you fail? Does it matter that you might have to work for half a dozen shit companies, doing shit work, to learn the skills and gain the experience to get your dream job?

21st Century Alchemy is a column for career-minded professionals, entrepreneurs and small businesses written by David Parkins, a business (re) development specialist, company culture strategist, career coach and IMCSA speaker (ep3.dk)

What’s your dream? SADLY, I’m not part of a team – at least not yet. I recently applied for my dream job doing my dream work at my dream company – for the third year running. I don’t have the skills or experience or right education. But this is my dream. And every time this position comes up, I need to

Coping with rejection SO HOW do you respond when faced with opposition, rejection and failure? Tragically, a lot of us take what we can get. Others bitch, whine or moan to their friends and this negativity becomes a toxic odour that follows them everywhere, tainting their friendships, future jobs, and even

NEXT ISSUE

IN 2 ISSUES

Mind over Managing

UK-DK Trade

DAVID PARKINS 21st CENTURY ALCHEMY

The bold and the pitiful: Making sense of Trump’s first two years

Trump’s mercurial, transactional approach. Yet it was clear, even at the time, that this approach had significant downsides. Trade wars launched by presidential decree over Twitter, along with presidential criticism of Amazon, seemingly prompted by a personal dislike of the CEO, hardly provide a stable long-term business environment. Taken as a whole THESE concerns moved front and centre in 2018 as the presi-

dent openly mocked the Federal Reserve chair (amongst others). A more nuanced approach from investors at the start would have factored these issues in earlier, leading to a more modest 2017 increase and, consequently, a shallower fall-off. Because of this link, Trump’s first two years need to be considered together: an overall increase of 18 percent over that period gives a more realistic picture of the health of the leading stock index. PIXABAY

moving sideways thanks to uncertainty over Brexit; Germany has hit a bump; and Italy continues to stagnate, with long-term concerns about competitiveness, and short-term ones about political instability. The major worry, though, is China – partly as many view previous growth rates as unsustainable, and partly due to worries that a Chinese-US trade war will prove problematic for both countries.

PIXABAY

FTER A spectacularly successful 2017, the Dow Jones had a difficult 2018, ending with the worst December performance since the Great Depression. This turnaround has gathered a lot of attention, but what is the reason behind it?

family relationships. So here’s the secret that separates the winners from the losers: Prepare to fail but never fail to prepare. Don’t lower the bar. Don’t whine. Take it like a champ and learn from it. Learn – Do your homework EVERY time I fail to get a job, I find out who got it (Linkedin stalking). I read their resume and ask how are they better. I look into what I can do to earn the merit badges I’m missing. And then I do my best to get them.

Take it like a champ, chump

Plan – Make a schedule LIFE DREAMS are a long game, not a short one. Always have a plan. You’ll get there, even if it takes a lifetime.

Persist – Never give up MARTIN Luther King Jr once said: “If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” I would take this further: A life dream isn’t just something you’re willing to die for, it’s something you’re willing to live for, striving every day to achieve, even though it may take a lifetime.

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IN 4 ISSUES

IN 5 ISSUES

Living in an Expat World

Union Views

We're Welcome – Honest!

Economics Explained

The Valley of Life

Startup Community

Brexit Border-Dash

Give Yourself a Chance

16 OPINION

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

PETER KENWORTHY BREXIT BORDER-DASH

HE EU IS leaving it to member states like Denmark to ensure that Brits like me can stay after Brexit, so I wrote to Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen and on January 5 he replied! “Of course you can stay. We are preparing legislation that we hope won’t be necessary,” Rasmussen replied to a tweet I sent him. True to his word RASMUSSEN had told Parliament in October that “no matter the end result of the negotiations, we will of course look after the thousands of British citizens living in Denmark today.” In December, he had replied to other tweets from concerned British citizens that Denmark would “take care of ” British citizens if there was no deal. Following Italy’s lead LAST WEEK, Italy became the

Plan B is aborted! AS A BRITISH citizen born in Denmark to a Danish mother, who lived in England between 1973 and 1979 and then in Denmark ever since, I must say it is a relief. I had already started contemplating what it would be like to lose some of the rights I have become accustomed to as a third country citizen living in the EU and Denmark – especially if we had ended up with a no deal Brexit. Now I look forward to an official announcement from the Danish government along the lines of what the PM tweeted. But it is certainly a relief to know I (probably) won’t have to ask my father to make up the spare bed for me in his apartment in Cambridgeshire.

KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN

A Dane Abroad Born and raised in Denmark and a resident of New Zealand for over 14 years, Kirsten has lived a pretty nomadic life since her early 20s. A physiotherapist, yoga teacher and keen home cook, she is passionate about food, good living and natural health. Follow her on Instagram @kirstenlouiseyoga

PIXABAY

Peter is a British/Danish journalist and Master of Social Science. He has worked for two Danish newspapers, an NGO and a municipal press department, is a contributing author to ‘African Awakening: The emerging revolutions’, and has written articles for an array of Danish and English-speaking newspapers and magazines.

first EU country to confirm that British citizens would be able to stay, even if Theresa May doesn’t get her withdrawal agreement with the EU through Parliament later this month. In December, the EU Commission said in its plan for a no deal-Brexit that leaving the EU without a deal “would have an impact on [British citizens in the EU’s] right to stay and work where they currently live,” and that it “invites Member States to take a generous approach to the rights of UK citizens in the EU, provided that this approach is reciprocated by the UK”. The website of the Ministry of Immigration and Integration still says Denmark will consider how to secure the rights of British citizens in Denmark in the event of a no deal-Brexit, after negotiations are concluded.

11 - 24 January 2019

ANUARY is famously a month for various resolutions and knee-jerk reactions following the booziest season of the year. Yet, as Danes we are never far from a good excuse to crack open a bottle, as we are both officially and historically a nation of big drinkers. Booze in the blood IN HER book ‘Den Danske Vinhistorie’ (history of wine in Denmark) Annette Hoff explores the drinking habits of the Danes and how we have had a tendency to drink more than average since the times of the Vikings. Throughout the Middle Ages it was perfectly normal for the king to walk around half-cut on a fairly regular basis. Historical accounts drafted by various state advisors, diplomats and visitors to the country reveal entertaining anecdotes about the regular consumption of huge amounts of alcohol at the Danish court. It is evident the Danes were known abroad for their heavy drinking. One bewildered English diplomat described a particularly boozy banquet hosted by Christian IV during the 1600s, which lasted from 11am to midnight. During the festivities the king proposed no less than 35 toasts, after which he was so toasted himself that he had to be carried away in his chair. Today, statistics tell us that on average we still drink more than most of our fellow earthlings, and not so coincidentally we share first place with Russia and Greenland for the highest rates of alcohol-related deaths and alcohol-use disorders in the world. Beersie o’clock! ACCORDING to Hoff, the

Sunrise or sunset: it doesn’t really matter in Denmark

Danes’ love affair with alcohol began in ancient times with mead, with beer taking over as their most popular tipple during the Viking heyday. While wine has been drunk since about the year zero and is undeniably popular today, it cannot compete culturally, and the nation’s love of beer is reflected by the endless occasions to drink it. Feel like a beer in the morning? Why not have a ‘godmorgen bajer’ (goodmorning beersie). And if you stuff something up, you can simply offer a ‘kvaje-bajer’ (screw-up-beersie). If you have a hangover you may like a ‘reparations bajer’ (restorative beersie). Builders have their own beersie: the ‘håndværker bajer’ (builders beersie). After work you can grab a ‘fyraftens bajer’ (after-work beersie), and if you are moving house you might want a ‘flytte bajer’ (moving beersie). There’s more, but I just don’t have the word count to include all of the occasions on which Danes like to drink beer. Habits abroad COUNTRIES like New Zea-

land and Australia practise ‘alcohol ban zones’ in the hope of curbing out-of-control drinking. Yet it might just be covering up the problem, as the alcohol statistics for Down Under are the same, or in some cases worse than liberally beer-swigging Denmark. The tendency to ‘conceal’ alcohol in those countries and the US can be seen in the compulsory brown paper bag that accompanies any liquor store purchase. I always found this custom rather humorous. I mean, it’s a bag without handles and the only way you can really carry a big bottle is by its neck. The brown-bagged ‘item’ looks like what it is: a bottle of booze. In a brown paper bag. Cultural heritage ALCOHOL seems to be woven into the very fabric of our culture, traditions and identity, carrying so many meanings and reasons that it may not be so easily changed – unless you change the culture itself. Oh look, is that the time? Might head down for that fyraftens bajer.

OPINION

11 - 24 January 2019

NEXT ISSUE

ZACH KHADUDU

Mackindergarten

Straight Up

ADRIAN MACKINDER

Zach Khadudu is a Kenyan by birth and a journalist by choice. He is a commentator and an activist with a passion for refugee and human rights. He may share a heritage with a certain US president, but his heart lies elsewhere – in the written and spoken word.

PIXABAY

and you realise the extent of the horrors and injustices meted on innocent people whose only crime was claiming their legal right of asylum.

Danish hands intent on ripping them up, no doubt

IKE 2018, 2019 promises to be another year of political intrigue in Denmark.

Abyss of nationalism THE COUNTRY that takes pride in being a high priest of human rights is slowly but surely descending into the abyss of nationalism. Not that this is new. The last few years have seen the once hyped happiest nation erode her guiding principles of freedom and adherence to international solidarity. Instead, this nation is fading into another ethnocentric state. With all the contraventions perpetuated by the Danish government – particularly against refugees – this country has lost the moral authority to dictate to other nations on the matter of minority rights. That is why it was absurd, if not laughable, when Denmark threatened to cut aid to Tanzania for perpetuating homophobia, while it continues to infringe on the basic rights of many of the minorities living here. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Too old for broccoli WHEN TRUMP caged immigrant children, the Danish media was awash with condemnation. But turn around and what do we discover: right under our noses, innocent children continue to be caged at the Sjælsmark centre. The latest exemplification involved a five-year-old boy being denied boiled potatoes and broccoli by the centre staff on the grounds that he was overage. Yes, you can be too old for broccoli. According to the authorities running Sjælsmark, broccoli and potatoes are reserved for younger children. At the age of just five the kid was automatically disqualified. Neither the tears of the young boy nor the pleadings of his father were enough to move the kitchen staff and the guard on duty. Broccoli rules are broccoli rules. That is how low this nation has sunk. The only reason this incident gained any attention is because it was captured on video. Speak to refugees confined at the Sjælsmark or Kærshovegård centres

Detached in their dream THE VENSTRE-LED government has made it crystal clear that nothing will change its xenophobic gravitation towards refugees and other ‘undesirable’ migrants. But while the government is intent on pushing this populist agenda, the real tragedy of this nation is its middle-class youth. Self-serving, educated and indifferent, they mostly live in the metropolis, chiefly concerned with the Danish dream: get a job and mortgage, raise a family and book at least two holidays a year. Politics and the afflictions of the ‘foreign other’ are distant concerns. The days when young Danes took to the streets to protest against the plight of the Palestinians or the Vietnam War, or occupied a vacant military area and created an alternative communal living quarters, are long gone. The radical revolutionary spirit of the young Dane, hungry for a better world, is quickly diminishing. What’s left is a handful of keyboard warriors hoping change will come via a few Facebook likes and angry tweets. That is the real tragedy of the western world: the silence of the many. They have allowed their future to be shaped by a few self-serving politicians whose only agenda is the consolidation of power. In this picture, the words of John Stuart Mill ring true: “Bad [people] need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good [people] should look on and do nothing.”

Straight, No Chaser STEPHEN GADD

An Actor’s Life

IN 2 ISSUES

IAN BURNS

Living Faith REVD SMITHA PRASADAM IN 3 ISSUES

The Road Less Taken JESSICA ALEXANDER

Mishra’s Mishmash MRUTYUANJAI MISHRA IN 4 ISSUES

Crazier than Christmas VIVIENNE MCKEE

Early Rejser ADAM WELLS

18 COMMUNITY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ABOUT TOWN

11 - 24 January 2019

PHOTOS BY HASSE FERROLD

Chinese ambassador Deng Ying and Hans Hermansen, the CEO of the Copenhagen Post, were among those in attendance at the official opening of a new route between Copenhagen and Chengdu offered by Sichuan Airlines on December 10

UN City hosted a debate on modern slavery along with a screening of ‘Selling Children’. Among those on the panel were producer Mette Heide (left), the wife of actor Ian Burns, director Søren Klovborg (second left) and François Zimeray (second right), the former French ambassador

Kristian von Hornsleth has opened another exhibition involving the homeless, this time presenting them as live mannequins, at Strayfield venue on Strandvejen in Charlottenlund (see page 8 for more details)

Bertel Krarup, the rector of the Danish Royal Academy of Music, welcomed US ambassador Carla Sands and other diplomats to a year-end concert on November 23

Jerusalemskirken was the scene for another fabulous St Lucia procession on December 9

Science & Cocktails, an engaging English-language presentation series in Christiania, has launched a new season

COMMUNITY

11 - 24 January 2019

Among those in attendance at a pre-Christmas celebration at the Cypriot Embassy on HC Andersens Boulevard on December 13 were the host, Cypriot ambassador Penelope Erotokritou (centre right), and Georgian ambassador Gigi Gigiadze (right)

UK ambassador Dominic Schroeder (left) was the guest of honour at the British Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas reception on December 5, which took place at the British Embassy. Pictured with the ambassador is BCCD president Gareth Garvey

F R E E T R I A L D AY

W W W. S C E N E K U N S T S KO L E R . D K

Pakistani ambassador Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi and his wife welcomed guests to his Hellerup residence on November 12 to enjoy an evening of qawali music

DRAMA, SINGING, DANCE! SceneKunst is a theaterschool for everyone in the age of 4-18 yrs. HELLERUP (International) * LYNGBY * ROSKILDE SYDKYSTEN * ØSTERBRO (International) * VESTERBRO

This year’s royal reception for the diplomatic corps took place at Christiansborg Slot on January 3. Extensive coverage of the event will be included in the next issue of Diplomacy, which comes out on February 21

NEXT TRIAL DAY

12/01 19/01 SceneKunst

Do you want to be a part of Mulan this summer? Join one of our trial days / sign up here: info@scenekunstskoler.dk

20 COMMUNITY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

OUT AND ABOUT

went from Friday night all the way through to the late-night hours of Saturday, but still found time to include two big rugby games. In the first match, a President’s select 15 (top left) – with shirts painted on because there were none that fitted – took on

a team made up of all-time Exiles greats, followed by the dirtier of the two games: a clash between the current and former ladies players (bottom left). The Saturday was concluded with a dinner, drinking, dancing and more drinking, and of course some speeches from some

ALL PHOTOS:EXILES

HE EXILES rugby team, the official rugby club of DTU, celebrated its 50th anniversary of drunkenness recently. The big night started with a pub crawl that contained no less than 200 people. And then the celebration

11 - 24 January 2019

of the legends down through the years, which included Liv and Fransico (second left) and a table of former French players (centre right), who in true club fashion were sitting in some kind of exile. Our contact from the Exiles, Becky Jensen let us know that there were also a series of photos

International House CPH is holding a welcome reception for internationals. The mayor for culture and leisure will give a welcome speech and there will be kransekage for all (Gyldenløvesgade 11, Cph K; Jan14, 17:00; free adm).

The Globe holds it bi-weekly quiz night with big cash prizes, bonus drink rounds and fun questions. The service is always hospitable and warm (Nørregade 4345, Cph K; Jan 24, 19.30; 30kr entry per person; max 5 people per team) ICC

Experience a great night of dancing with swing music. Dance lessons are available during the first half an hour, and afterwards the dancefloor is open. There’s room for everyone! (Købmagergade 52, Cph K; every Tue, 19:30; free adm)

THE-GLOBE.DK

Copenhagen Theatre Circle proudly presents its eighth annual panto ‘Treasure Island’. Enjoy high-energy theatre, singing, dancing, audience participation and even some cross dressing (Krudttønden, Serridslevvej 2 , Cph Ø; Jan 23-Feb 2; 250kr) IHCPH.KK.DK

The Dubliner’s Burns Night celebration includes whiskey tasting, haggis, neeps & tatties, bagpipes and a live show with the one and only Angus Rollo! (The Dubliner, Amagertorv 5, Cph K; Jan 26, around 19:30; 180kr)

PAUL MCNAMARA

CTC

COMING UP SOON

taken at their recent Christmas Party, where she received this year’s Captains Cup & Bob Wilkie Memorial Cup (right). But apparently they’re not suitable for the light of day, let alone a newspaper… whatever that means.

PRESS PHOTO

1WAY.FAITH

STEINDY

The Men’s Handball World Championship 2019 is starting in Denmark and Germany. The Copenhagen games are at Royal Arena (Hannemanns Alle 18-20, Jan 11-27)

Improv Comedy Copenhagen presents Comedy and Cocktails night. Enjoy the Murder of Crows team on stage and then stay and enjoy a signature cocktail, which are included in your ticket price (ICC Theatre, Frederiksholm Kanal, Cph K; Jan 11 & 18, 20:00; 150kr)

The House of International Theatre presents ‘The Lover’ by Harold Pinter, a story about of infidelity with a few twists (Rådhusstræde 13, Cph K; Jan 30-Feb 2; 160kr)

Experimental band Algiers mix elements of post punk, no wave, blues and gospel (Hotel Cecil, Niels Hemmingsens Gade 10, Cph K; Jan 15, 20.00; 130kr) PAUL MCNAMARA

11 - 24 January 2019

Wait, what!? You didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t choose Studieskolen? Ask anyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where do you get the best Danish classes? We know the answer. We have been teaching Danish to foreigners for more than 40 years with great results. If fast progression, outstanding teachers and the best study environment is what you are looking for - go for the best. Go for Studieskolen. Find our new courses on studieskolen.dk/dansk Follow us /studieskolen

22 CULTURE

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

11 - 24 January 2019

BEN HAMILTON

NOTHER strong year for English-language theatre has concluded in Copenhagen – and notably there were more candidates than ever to choose from for this list of trailblazers. Down the Rabbit Hole and Manusarts are still going strong despite their unexpected eviction from the House of International Theatre at Huset – next up is Harold Pinter’s ‘The Lover’ from January 30 – while another newish group, Leftfield Theatre, are upping the ante this coming year with a program packed with promise, starting with a trio of taboo plays in March. Factor in steady hands Copenhagen Theatre Circle (‘Treasure Island’ from January 23; ‘An Inspector Calls’ from April 3), Why Not Theatre Company (‘Mairead’ from February 15), That Theatre Company (‘Art’ from February

20) and London Toast Theatre (‘Oh Baby – It’s Cole’ from May 15) and 2019 is shaping up to be busier than ever. 5 Zimba: Comedies are supposed to make you howl with laughter, not laugh at howling, but Zimba, on the arm of owner Dina Rosenmeier in the HIT late-winter production of ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’, stole the show with an impromptu yowl following the revelation that an off-stage character was gay. It was the kind of magical moment that only live theatre can deliver. Is that the rin tin tin of future canine stardom beckoning? 4 SceneKunst: With so many anniversaries to choose from, it was difficult narrowing them down to two, but in the end TTC, some 20 years and nearly 40 plays old, just missed out … to a dog. Musical theatre school SceneKunst, which turned 10,

CTC

CPH POST 2018 TOP 5: Top theatre trailblazers instead got the nod thanks to the breakout performance of seven-year-old Ella Daisy Anthony-Collins, the daughter of its founders, in the TV2 historical drama ‘Håbet’, which screened in December. 3 Kevin Kiernan-Molloy: In the WNTC spring production of ‘The Art of Falling’ – CPH Culture’s 2017-18 Best Foreign Play no less – Australian actor Kevin Kiernan-Molloy pulled off the feat of making all six of his roles so memorable (including an inspired turn as Jackie O) it was effortless recalling the exact order. Could the same even be said about Alec Guinness’s eight-character turn in ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets’? Next up for the Aussie is ‘Mairead’ in February. 2 Hinrik Kanneworff: In Leftfield Theatre’s ambitious summer production of ‘Queers’, this young Icelandic actor stole the show with his coming-of-age

Come to Krudttønden old chum, indeed

monologue, expertly mastering a Nottingham accent whilst transporting the audience to a different era. Giving him a close run was his compatriot Atli Benedikt, a fellow student at CISPA. Both are expected to audition for Leftfield’s 2019 season. 1 Copenhagen Theatre Circle: The CTC turned 50 this year – and in some style, staging two

of its most impressive productions in years. Favourite son Jens Blegaa returned to direct ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in April, reaching the heights he achieved with ‘With the Importance of Being Earnest’ in 2013, but he hadn’t reckoned on ‘Cabaret’ ‘bowling’ everybody over in October, with Kristian Husted stunning as the Emcee. We can’t wait for the next anniversary.

23 While you were talking to me, Marty stole your taxi 11 - 24 January 2019

BEN HAMILTON

MAGINE if you’d directed 21 films, but written 22. That doesn’t sound too bad, right: maybe you started your career with the one that got away. After all, Oliver Stone wrote the scripts for Midnight Express and Scarface, and then a decade later bought Natural Born Killers off a video store worker – one of several scripts Quentin Tarantino sold to oil the wheels of success. Passing on the best BUT HOW would Tarantino feel if he hadn’t directed Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs? Step forward Paul Schrader, a genius of cinema who has written 22 films, directed 21, but only adapted his own work ... 12 times. Among the scripts he handed over were Taxi Driver and Raging Bull – two of four scripts he entrusted with Martin Scorsese, leaving a gaping hole in what should be an almighty body of work. So it’s good to hear that Schrader’s latest, First Reformed (85 on Metacritic; released Jan 10), is his best film this century – and possibly his finest since Blue Collar. After all, we don’t want the man who gave us lines like “You talkin’ to me” and “I gotta problem if I should fuck him or fight him” to be remembered alongside the likes of Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects followed by a Tom Cruise wankfest), Frank Miller (Sin City and then The Spirit, his career

a mere ghost), William Monahan (The Departed, last seen off London Boulevard) and Dustin Lance Black (Milk followed by cheese) as masterful screenwriters who couldn’t cut it as directors. Toller meet Travis HIS NEW film First Reformed has been compared to Taxi Driver, but with a cleric called Toller as the central character, not a cabbie named Travis. Normally best suited to playing a teenager in a man’s body, its star Ethan Hawke is enjoying a midlife renaissance – possibly aided by the crisis of Chris O’Donnell (also 48), the only actor of his generation to challenge him for the wet-behind-the-ears roles he one favoured – appearing in popular Nick Hornby adaptation Juliet, Naked and directing acclaimed passion project Blaze. Like Schrader, this is his best work this century. Just like 1999 GIVEN the stars fronting films this month, it could just as well be 1999, with Clint Eastwood, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Bruce Willis all in action, with the latter again joining forces with erratic director M Night Shyamalan for a sequel fully 20 years after one of his biggest hits. No, not to The Sixth Sense, but Unbreakable, the superhero with a difference tale in which Willis discovers he is just that. Glass (Not Released Worldwide; Jan 17), with his nemesis (Samuel L Jackson) in

the title role this time, welcomes James McAvoy into the fold, and judging by the trailer he’s dialling in his performance from the set of Split. The same can’t be said of Clint in The Mule (58; Jan 10), who for once isn’t typecast as the grumpy old man you don’t want to mess with – think Grand Torino (2008) and The Trouble with the Curve (2012), his only notable parts over the last decade. But the vulnerability comes easy when you’re 88. Equally bypass-able are Destroyer (62; Jan 3) and Second Act (49; Jan 17). In the former, Kidman has been hailed for a startling transformation that has earned her an umpteenth Golden Globe nomination. But like with Charlize Theron in Monster, you wonder why the casting agents make it so hard for the make-up department. J-Lo, meanwhile, is again co-starring with Manhattan, but this time not as a maid, but on the make. Make a swift exit! Tinsel city limits THE LINE-UP offers proof of Hollywood’s limits – 20 years on, it is the same stars, skylines and stories. Bucking the trend, perhaps, is Beautiful Boy (63; Jan 17) starring Timothée Chalamet, an actor just four years old when Bruce was one of a multitude of dead people and Clint could still ride a horse – just. The clamour is strong for him to take the best supporting actor Oscar, but there’s something all-too

Mr Schrader assured me it would be okay. Hell’s Kitchen, please

familiar about the storyline. Chalamet should be careful as he is developing a type, and so is Noomi Rapace, the original Lisbeth Salander. She reportedly declined playing the role again because she didn’t want to be typecast, but in the feisty-looking Close (Netflix from Jan 18) she plays a bodyguard who beats up a lot of men … let’s just say it’s familiar territory. The Last Laugh (Netflix from Jan 18) looks promising, with both Richard Dreyfus and Chevvy Chase on board. It feels like a long time since we saw either, and the potential of Chase being cast against type (so neither cheesy nor smug, and funny since the mid-80s) and really delivering is actually quite exciting. And finally, has a movie ever been better timed than Brexit (HBO Nordic from Jan 7) starring Benedict Cumberbatch? Ali, bomaye OVER IN TV land, three new series stand out, although one is a returning anthology. Noting the success of Ozark, and the

rustic setting of its own opener, S3 of True Detective (75; HBO Nordic from Jan 14) is also set in the same area of Missouri, telling a story via three time-lines starring Stephen Dorff and a magnetic Mahershala Ali. Don Cheadle looks on the money in the US miniseries Black Monday (HBO Nordic from Jan 21) depicting the 1987 Wall Street crash, while Gillian Andersen lends Hollywood clout to the British series Sex Education (Netflix from Jan 14), which looks a cut above the normal US high school fare. But with Gracie and Frankie (S5, Netflix from Jan 18), S3 of Crashing, S2 of SMILF and S3 of High Maintenance (all on HBO Nordic from Jan 21), as well as S4 of The Magicians (HBO from Jan 24), there are plenty of returning shows should risk-taking not be on your agenda. It’s not like Schrader is averse to risks – he made Cat People after all – but if only he’d insisted on helming Taxi Driver. Instead his pal Scorsese stole his cab and tore off out of sight.

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