CPH Post Newspaper - 15 - 28 October 2021

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CPHPOST.DK 15 - 28 October 2021

LOCAL

Top hood in the world Time Out names Nørrebro as planet’s coolest community

2

LOCAL Noma recaptures title of world’s best restaurant

2 FEATURES

The Irish are coming!

New bar and elusive football title cap epic week for community

4-5

Denmark qualify for 2022 WC Fair play award and new European record for consecutive clean sheets complete an awesome week for the national team

CULTURE When theft is art: The visionary who took the money and ran

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HISTORY

Masked by mundane motif Historian claims Margrete movie ignored a better story

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CHRISTIAN WENANDE

E

IGHT WINS in eight games, with 27 goals scored and zero goals conceded.

Yeah, that's right. ZERO. Denmark qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday with a gritty 1-0 win over Austria at Parken Stadium (see above) thanks to a goal from Joakim Mæhle.

The win gave the Danes an unassailable lead, leaving them seven points clear of Scotland with two games to go.

In total, 17 different goal scorers have contributed to the

campaign. And in total, keeper Kasper Schmeichel only faced four shots on target in eight games.

Honours aplenty IT IS THE sixth World Cup they have qualified for, and fittingly the man who took them to their first, in Mexico in 1986, was at Parken.

Sepp Pointek was celebrated before the kickoff after retiring as the coach of the national team’s ‘Old Boys’ last month.

Earlier in the day, the Danish team was awarded the CIFP World Fair Play Trophy for how they responded to Christian Eriksen's collapse during Euro 2020.

And Denmark now has the European record for most World Cup clean sheets in a row. With eight, they are just four short of the world record set by Iran four years ago.

Hit hard by fuel hikes

Roskilde targets youth

ELECTRICITY and petrol prices are soaring: primarily due to the high price of oil and natural gas. The average household might end up paying 5,000 kroner more for electricity this year as there has been 10 percent less wind. Meanwhile, petrol prices are 0.08 kroner short of the alltime record of 13.97 per litre set in September 2012.

THE 2022 ROSKILDE Festival has confirmed British singer Dua Lipa, Danish songstress Jada and US rapper Tyler, the Creator as headliners. In light of how many young people missed the opportunity to experience the festival in 2020 and 2021, an extra 5,000 festival tickets are available exclusively for under-25s.

A nation of optimists

Labour shortage solution

DENMARK is the second most optimistic country in the EU, according to a Eurofound report that assessed levels prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Denmark, which only trailed Ireland in the rankings, had the highest proportion of people expressing optimism about the future and the highest level of life satisfaction.

THE STATE has reached an agreement with labour market leaders and local government association KL to tackle the current labour shortage by cutting red tape and giving more assistance to companies. The initiatives should enable them to more easily target unemployed, mature and European workers.

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LOCAL

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

COVID praise COPENHAGEN ranked 15th in the Deep Knowledge Group report ‘COVID-19 City Safety Ranking Q2/2021’. It was commended for its low infection and death rates, rapid governmental response, free health services and public reaction. Abu Dhabi topped the ranking, ahead of Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv and Dubai.

Conker tree wipeout CITY HALL is cutting down 13 horse chestnut trees by the Lakes. A proliferation of leaf miner moths, whose larvae are fatal for the trees, has occurred in recent years. The pests are almost impossible to eradicate.

112 staff shortages

Praise for Amager park CHOSEN by the readers of AOK and Berlingske, the municipalities of Tårnby, Dragør and Copenhagen have co-shared the ‘City's Best Experience’ award with Naturstyrelsen and By & Havn in recognition in realising the potential of Naturpark Amager.

Lake to be filled in AN ARTIFICIAL lake created in 2016 in Naturpark Amager next to Kalvebod Fælled will shortly be emptied and filled in.

Its creation was illegal, explained the authorities.

Editorial offices: Holbergsgade 24 kld 1057 Copenhagen Denmark

CHRISTIAN WENANDE

N

ORDIC cuisine trailblazer Noma has again been named the best restaurant in the world.

Rene Redzepi and his crew learned the news at the 2021 World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards in Antwerp on October 5.

Noma previously won the award in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Geranium second GERANIUM, another Copenhagen restaurant, finished in second place – a rise of three places on last time.

Two other Copenhagen es-

tablishments made the top 100: Alchemist (58) and Amass (89).

The top 100 were selected by an academy comprising more than 1,000 international industry experts.

Reassuringly expensive COPENHAGEN and Noma are the capital’s only restaurants with three Michelin stars, but another four have two.

And according to a Chef ’s

Pencil report, Copenhagen is the most expensive city in the world to dine in a restaurant with two or three stars.

The average price for a tasting menu in Copenhagen is 450 US dollars (2,840 kroner) per person. Shanghai (406), Kyoto (401), Singapore (364) and Paris (358), Stockholm (335), Hong Kong (324), Amsterdam (320), New York and Milan (both 309) completed the top 10.

Nørrebro the world’s coolest hood Timeout hails district’s “dazzling blend” BEN HAMILTON

N

ØRREBRO has been hailed as the coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out magazine.

Last year it only placed 28th.

Time Out reasons that coolness is not just about a district’s restaurants, bars, nightlife and culture, but also its common spirit and sustainability.

The ‘it’ factor “HOWEVER you define ‘cool’,

ONLINE THIS WEEK

Crossing work to begin WORK WILL begin during the autumn half term holiday on establishing an island in the middle of Østerbrogade by Sionsgade to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road – some seven years after funds were found to make it possible. Islands will be laid in the cycle lanes and the middle of the road.

Surplus mountains

Microphone broth: the foraging continued onstage

FORGEMIND ARCHIMEDIA

A QUARTER of the staff at Hovedstadens Akutberedskab, the 112 emergency number centre for the capital, have stopped working over the last year, reports Berlingske.

The upshot is that emergency callers often have to queue.

Copenhagen eatery tops World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards list, with Geranium close behind in second

• SCREENSHOT

Noma rules the world again

ONLINE THIS WEEK

15 - 28 October 2021

MOUNTAINS of earth have accumulated in Nordhavn – more than is needed to build the ongoing expansion of the district.

The surplus will be used to build Lynetteholm. In related news, an official complaint has been lodged regarding the proposed island’s impact on maritime life, which could delay the final approval to build it.

Still hunting shooter A 25-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with complicity in the murder of a 22-year-old Christianite over the summer, who was shot dead in Pusher Street. Police are still looking for the shooter: a man of African descent.

Work on school begins WORK HAS begun on a new home for Prince Henrik's School on the corner of Rolighedsvej and Bülowsvej in Frederiksberg. Large enough to accommodate 800 students, it should be ready in 2023.

And the best Red Square too, Moscow

Life sentence upheld

Nørrebro has it,” enthused Time Out. “This diverse district is a dazzling blend of historic landmarks, ultramodern architecture and food and drink joints.”

For the perfect day, it recom-

THE SUPREME Court has upheld the life sentence handed out to a 27-year-old for murdering radio host Nedim Yasar, a former gang member, in the Copenhagen district of Nordvest in 2018.

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INTERNATIONAL

15 - 28 October 2021

ONLINE THIS WEEK ‘Danes’ win German seat

“Win-win” with Nigeria

THE SOUTHERN Schleswig Holstein Voters' Association – a party of Danish and Frisian minorities – is tipped to win a seat in the German parliament, reports ARD. Stefan Seidler, who will take the seat, wants to "offer Scandinavian solutions in Berlin and thus strengthen the region", according to Der Nordschleswiger.

DURING the recent UN General Assembly, the Danish foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod, met with his Nigerian counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama, to discuss how to combat criminal activities on the west African coast. According to Onyeama, Nigeria and Denmark have a "win-win relationship" and are keen to further develop import-exports.

On the frontline

Denmark the role model

DANISH pharma company PentaBase is testing migrants for COVID-19 at the recently established Zervou camp on the Greek island of Samos. Using extra-sensitive and rapid salivary PCR tests, the aim is to find out in advance the proliferation of COVID-19 variants that are being imported into Europe.

OFTEN alongside one another in the top ten of various country rankings, it's no surprise to learn that the Singaporean Ministry of Health often seeks inspiration from its Danish counterpart, an official admitted in mid-September. The Danish health authorities offered the Pfizer vaccine to 12 to 15-year-olds in July and Singapore is expected to follow suit.

Mette backs Biden

Security toughened

DANISH PM Mette Frederiksen backs the Biden Administration despite criticism of Aukus, the US security pact with the UK and Australia, which scuppered France's sub deal with Australia. "I see Biden as very loyal to the transatlantic alliance ... he is moving US foreign policy away from a very isolationist position," she told AFP.

THE DEFENCE minister, Trine Bramsen, has joined her Swedish and Norwegian counterparts in signing the necessary protocol to strengthen Nordic defence co-operation in line with the NORDEFCO 2025 program. The focus is very much on maritime supply routes such as the Kattegat, Skagerrak and the North Sea.

Swedish artist killed in crash LARS VILKS, the 75-year-old Swedish cartoonist whose appearance at an event at the Krudttønden theatre in Østerbro on 14 February 2015 was targeted by the orchestrator of the Copenhagen Terror Shootings, died on October 3 in a traffic accident in southern Sweden. Two police officers also died in the collision. No foul play is suspected.

Let’s fence it up THE INTEGRATION and immigration minister, Mattias Tesfaye is adamant that “border fences must be an integral part of EU policy". The government, which recently donated 15 km of barbed wire to Lithuania, plans to donate 33 million kroner to strengthening the EU border with Turkey. It has also helped some of the Balkan countries protect their borders.

Iceland trip CROWN Prince Frederik, the foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod, and 11 Danish business organisations visited Iceland from October 12-13 to strengthen business co-operation between the two countries in the arena of the green transition.

Investigation in Greenland POLICE in Greenland recently found a body part at a waste incinerator in Illulissat in the west of the country. Investigators have been joined by colleagues from the capital Nuuk. A request for help has also been submitted to the Danish national police force – particularly for assistance with forensics.

PM in asylum attack IN A SPEECH at the UN General Assembly on September 24, PM Mette Frederiksen levelled criticism at the global asylum system, contending it is not equipped to tackle the challenges being faced, but rather helps promote issues such as human trafficking.

Her government, she said, will work towards better solutions that will eventually bring “safe and neat” migration.

Royals off to Germany QUEEN Margrethe and her son Crown Prince Frederik will join a Danish business delegation travelling to Berlin and Munich from November 10-13. The visit will focus on climate, energy, health, food and sustainable production. Germany receives 14 percent of Denmark's total exports, making it Denmark's largest market.

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Syrian camp families return ‘home’ Evacuated and repatriated in the space of 24 hours BEN HAMILTON

T

who no longer have Danish citizenship remain in camps in Syria.

Five years likely IT IS THOUGHT likely the women will face terror charges that will result in prison sentences of three to five years if they are convicted.

All three travelled to Syria in 2014 to join up with their husbands and the IS movement.

Nine of their 14 children were born in Denmark, and the other five were born in Syria.

Another four women and five children

Two are ethnic Danes TWO OF the three women are ethnic Danes. The first is from Zealand. She has a five-year-old girl, who has been diagnosed with PTSD, and an adopted boy.

The second is from southwest Jutland. She has five children, aged 3-13, of whom four were born in Denmark.

Her husband, who no longer has Danish citizenship, is in prison in Syria.

The final woman is from southeast Jutland. She has eastern European heritage and dual citizenship. She has eight children, aged 2-15, of whom five were born in Denmark and one will remain in Syria. Additionally, another teenage son was evacuated from Denmark in 2019 after he was shot in the back.

HE THREE women and 14 children evacuated from the Kurdish-controlled al-Roj prison camp in northeastern Syria arrived in Denmark on October 7.

In May, the government decided to bring all 17 back to Denmark after it was assessed their continued stay in Syria might pose a security risk for Denmark.

The inmates of al-Roj are primarily the families of slain or captured Islamic State warriors – and the 17 are no different.

They left the camps behind

4

FEATURE

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

15 - 28 October 2021

Hoop dreams come true: Community footy club ends 40 years of hurt

CHRISTIAN WENANDE

C

ANS OF beer flew upwards like little rockets as ‘Sweet Caroline’ echoed out across the expanse. It could have been a scene from a Neil Diamond concert at some grand music festival somewhere – in reality the surroundings were considerably more modest.

But the Copenhagen Celtic FC players and rowdy fans didn’t mind.

They had just witnessed their flagship team win the top DAI Mesterrækken division for the first time in the club's history, and the worn-out pitch tucked away in a corner of Ryparken wasn't about to put a damper on celebrations.

In fact, the fun had commenced already in the first half, when it quickly became apparent that the hoops were going to dominate the opposition. Goals came quickly and often, with the foe rarely threatening.

Ending the curse IT ALL ended in an emphatic 7-0 trouncing, which finally put the club’s Mesterrækken curse to bed, almost 40 years after the club was founded back in 1982

by Irish and Scottish expats.

A lot of water has run under the bridge since then, including quite a few moments when past Celtic teams got tantalisingly close to winning the title, only for glory to slip away at the final hurdle. Well not this time!

“To do it in this fashion is an absolute pleasure. We’ve been grinding it out, I think it was five years ago since I joined the club, and we’ve had many years of hurt when we’ve been on the other side of a game like this,” said Nils Bittmann-Myers, the captain of the team.

One person who has no doubt witnessed more club moments of woe than most is icon

and co-founder Aiden Coogan.

What made the day even sweeter for him was that his son Sean was out there on the pitch helping to bring home the trophy that eluded his dad for so many years.

“This is history being made and it’s great to see so many old faces down today. We could never play to a standard like this in my day. We were a pub team. It’s just fantastic to see these lads.

We’ve so many teams now and it’s great the way the club has evolved,” said Coogan.

“The club has gotten much more serious now. Back then we never trained or anything, we were just happy-go-lucky.”

A cultural cauldron COOGAN hailed the direction the club has taken, underscoring the changed dynamics of Copenhagen Celtic today.

From Aarhus and Buenos Aires to Cork and Dundee, the club reflects Copenhagen in many ways and has transformed into a cultural melting pot.

Chris Myers, another club stalwart with 20 years at the club (including five as manager) under his belt, echoed the sentiment.

“The club’s got stronger, bigger and has history now. It’s much more connected, thanks in part to social media,” said Myers.

“Everybody knows everybody.

It’s a bonding family type club for internationals over here. I’ve watched these guys a few times now and it's probably the best 11s side we’ve had in history, which is impressive considering the good teams we’ve had in the past.”

Myers plays for the Supervet’s 7-a-side team, one of ten squads spilling across numerous age groups and skill levels.

There are two over-18 11-a-side teams, one 11-a-side over-33s team, two 7-a-side over33s teams, and several 7-a-side teams catering to ages ranking from over-40s to over-55s.

That was reflected by the crowd that braved the weather conditions to come down and watch the game.

CHRIS MCINTOSH -HANSEN

Current and former players came to Ryparken to witness Copenhagen Celtic finally win the elusive Mesterrækken title

All age groups were represented. There was even an infant watching his dad keep the clean sheet in goal.

The club is constantly working to evolve and one of its next projects is seeing if they can start up a women’s team (so ladies, get in touch if you're want to get involved).

A blossoming community OVER THE years, the club has helped many internationals to settle in Copenhagen, and Ray Leighton, another long-serving club servant, contends that much has changed in the past decades.

“It brings a tear to my eye.

Today we’ve taken the club to a different level. We play football at a better level now than we’ve ever done. It's probably the best team we’ve ever had,” said Leighton.

“In the old days it used to be about the ‘kammeratskab’ and now it's all called integration.

We’re all integrated and we’re all functioning socially as Danes, if you want to call it that. It was a lot harder in the old days. Social networks are totally different and the way you look after yourself has totally changed as well. People want a better quality of life and we’ve got that in Denmark.”

Back in Ryparken, the beer cans had finally settled and the champs headed off to Sean's place, before going into town for dinner, drinks and some wellearned shenanigans Coogan watched them depart with a grin widening on his face.

“The difference between now and back then is that we would have been doing this before the game,” he bellowed with a laugh.

DAI Mesterrækken Champions 2021!

Pround captain Nils Bittmann-Myers and 'Sweet Caroline'

'Coogan' with son Sean and tins up with Ray Leighton (left) and Bill Wenande

Chris Myers (centre left) was among the club men down to support

COPENHAGEN CELTIC - Founded in 1982, it is the biggest international football club in Denmark with over 100 paid-up members - Membership costs 1,300-1,400 kroner for a full season, including training sessions, league games and social events - Find out more at copenhagenceltic.com or sign up for training via Facebook on the Training Copenhagen Celtic page Full time and it's 7-0!

FEATURE

15 - 28 October 2021

5

Six feet under, Irish alchemy is at work at a bar in Frederiksberg The new owners of historic boozer Gravens Rand intend to keep the Danish ethos, but with a little bit of ‘country’ sprinkled in MARIESA BRAHMS

I

N A DREAM world, Danish immigrants would set up all the pastry shops and Japanese immigrants all the sushi restaurants. When they don’t, the results are often disastrous.

With immigrants from the Emerald Isle, their speciality has been staring us in the face in Denmark since 1989, the year when the first Irish pub, The Shamrock Inn, opened near Axeltorv in Copenhagen.

Since then, many have followed: not just in Copenhagen where The Dubliner (1994) and The Globe (1998) are the best known examples, but also in many other cities. In fact, most major shopping centres have one … even Copenhagen Airport.

So when we ask you whether you heard the one about the three Irishmen going into business with one another, you can rest assured that it is a cliche, but not one of those lousy jokes based on national stereotypes.

Yup, they bought a pub! Since late September, the Gravens Rand bar on Søndre Fasanvej in Frederiksberg, just around the corner from Copenhagen Zoo and Frederiksberg Have, has had new owners.

Fulfilling his dream GRAVENS Rand does not refer to the death of the South African currency, although its name does translate in rather macabre fashion.

Literally, it means the ‘edge of the grave’ … so the same kind of tradition behind the naming of pubs like ‘The World’s End’ and ‘The North Pole’. And it could be fairly described as being six feet under.

For 133 years the establishment has been servicing its locals with hearty Danish drinking culture. Granted, most of them have ended up in the grave, but

Snap, chatter and pop: Will, Eamonn and Pat are here to entertain you

the pub is still going strong … albeit ‘on the edge’.

Rather than wait until he is pushed there himself, Eamonn O’Connor, 40, knew the time had come for him to fulfil his dream of owning his own pub. It has been his dream since arriving in Copenhagen three years ago.

Together with like-minded friends Pat Sheridan – of course they met in a pub; at the Globe, Eamonn was serving, Pat drinking – and Will Dixon, he had searched far and wide for a suitable place to set up a business until he eventually found the perfect one in Frederiksberg.

Final nail in the coughin’ AS SOON as the three Irishmen went down the stairs and through the heavy wooden door, they were struck by a vision: not the Joan of Arc kind that led her down a sticky path to being burned at the stake at the age of 19, but still a pretty life-changing one.

Whatever they did at Gravens Rand, and it probably wouldn’t involve beating the British at the Battle of Orléans, they wouldn’t alter the ethos of the place.

“We understand the history of Gravens Rand: its role in Danish bodega culture and the part it plays in local life,” enthuses Eamonn.

“We want to honour that story and allow the bar to speak to us when defining its identity.

Gravens Rand is rich in history – there are so many stories melded into the walls. We know we have a special bar on our hands here.”

But there are plans for a lick of paint here and there, along with a smoking ban to ensure they won’t have to paint over the nicotine stains every single year, but no radical changes to ensure returning patrons will find the same bodega they’ve loved coming to for the last 13 decades (Ed: what’s with all the bad omens in this story?).

“We don’t want our staff and visitors to be at risk of inhaling bad and smoky air,” explained Eamonn.

“That’s why from now on cigarettes must be enjoyed outdoors.

But isn’t it the occasional breaks between rounds that makes a bar night more varied anyway?”

A cathedral of chatter A CIGARETTE is a convenient way of avoiding certain songs, as music will play a large role in proceedings, Eamonn reveals – particularly as two of the co-founders have backgrounds as musicians. Curated nights, jam sessions, you name it.

“We will host Acoustic Sessions every Sunday,” he confirms.

“The first one to play ‘Wonderwall’ will be thrown out though.”

Eamonn has been working in bars since he was 14 – a lifetime soaked in the wondrous environment of Irish pubs. So even though the bar will remain Danish, you can expect some pretty strong Irish influences seeping into Gravens Rand (a bit like worms … enough!).

“There will be no huge stage in here nor big spotlights – it’s supposed to be very cosy and laid-back,” he promises.

Everyone is welcome to join the sessions, either as singers or as observers. And since they start at three in the afternoon, last night’s hangover is not going to pass as an excuse.

And there will be plenty of other events, including a bi-weekly pub quiz (next one on October 26), and special evenings for locals and students.

The bar can also be booked for private events.

“The bar will be a fun place to be. Arrive with friends, chat with strangers and generally just have a good time,” says Eamonn.

“Being Irish means that it’s natural to be talkative, friendly and open with customers. I’m

hoping people just drop in for a chat, to share stories and have a bit of a laugh. Our hope for the bar is simple: good conversations, good beer and good times.

And, yeah… to be the best bar in the world.”

Danish lessons on tap “PAT AND Will are going to support me in the first weeks”, Eamonn says.

“I haven’t quite mastered the Danish language yet. Although I do know what to say and what to ask when I’m at a bar, I guess it can only go uphill from here.”

Uphill might be a word some of Eamonn’s visitors use over the coming months ... in between a few expletives.

Because for Pat and Eamonn’s friends from The Globe, dropping by will invariably involve climbing ‘that hill’ on the way to the zoo.

But that didn’t stop the Danish king from popping in for a few rounds in years gone by.

“Don’t ask me which one it was though, because I don’t know”, Eamonn says laughingly.

“But I sometimes wonder which stool he sat on, should the rumours be true.”

Well, he’d get a surprise should he return … from beyond the grave, of course.

6

NATIONAL

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ONLINE THIS WEEK

SINCE 2010, there has been a 26 percent hike in trucks on motorways, leading to more queues and perhaps more accidents, according to Jyllands-Posten. The Great Belt Bridge, for example, saw a 37.5 percent increase in truck traffic in 2020 compared to 2010.

Gucci was groped FORMER PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt has accused former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (1974-81) of fondling her thigh at a dinner at the French Embassy in Copenhagen in the early 2000s. Thorning-Schmidt shared her story to prove that such a thing can happen to any woman, although she also has a book to plug. D’Estaing died last year at the age of 94.

Green focus PM METTE Frederiksen used her speech at the reopening of Parliament on October 5 to outline her plans for a greener future. She said it was important for Denmark to set an example to other countries. Additionally, she hailed Denmark’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, pointing out that unemployment is lower and production is higher than before it started.

Abused at Parliament MP SIKANDAR Siddique, the leader of the Frie Grønne party, was subjected to racism as he left Parliament with his parents following its reopening on October 5. A man bearing the slogan “Fuck Islam” told him to “pack up his shit and go home”. PM Mette Frederiksen was outraged, writing on Facebook that abuse like this “does not belong in Denmark”.

Parental leave cover MATTIAS Tesfaye, the integration and immigration minister, has added employment and gender equality to his portfolio to cover Peter Hummelgaard while he takes parental leave until December 10.

Containing corona as it gets colder Worst-case scenario is 4,000 new cases per day by Christmas should Denmark not batten down the hatches

A

S THE DAYS get shorter and temperatures cooler, and the public spends more time indoors, corona infection numbers are edging up again.

In the 24 hours up until Tuesday afternoon, there were 587 cases and 89 in hospital, of which 17 were in intensive care and 11 on respirators.

The last time there were more than 100 in hospital was September 17. The overall corona death toll is now 2,674.

The vaccination rate has somewhat stalled despite initiatives to offer vaccinations at supermarkets, near schools and even at music concerts.

A further 5 percent of the nation needs to be vaccinated for herd immunity to kick in.

Without it, Statens Serum Institut fears the infection rate could escalate heading to Christmas – up to 4,000 a day according to its worst-case scenario.

EN health authority, meanwhile, is going ahead with plans to offer all fully vaccinated people in Denmark a third jab, starting with the over-65s, frontline healthcare professionals and the chronically-ill.

Many nursing home residents and workers have already been jabbed for a third time, along with people aged over 85 since October 1.

Furthermore, it is also a priority to offer those vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson single-jab option a ‘second jab’ (available since October 1).

However, there are fears this could count against them when they show their proof of vaccination at certain countries’ borders.

Additional jabs are only permitted once a certain time period has passed since the completion of the vaccination: six months in cases where somebody has received two jabs; 12 weeks in respect to J&J. Invites are sent by eBoks, and all appointments must be made via vacciner.dk.

ONLINE THIS WEEK PIXABAY

Motorway truck growth

15 - 28 October 2021

Nurse number concerns NURSES have been staging onehour strikes to protest against staff shortages. Action has been seen at Amager Hospital and Sydvestjysk Sygehus in Grindsted and Esbjerg where the nurses were joined by port and scaffolding workers showing their solidarity. Not only are nurses docked pay, but they are also fined 86 kroner for every hour they strike.

Will it return in the darkness?

Third jabs for vulnerable THE SUNDHEDSSTYRELS-

Lightning centres closed IN RELATED news, all of the lightning COVID-19 test centres

closed on October 9, leaving the public with only one option: the PCR test that yields results in 12-24 hours compared to 3060 minutes.

However, TV2 reports that five to ten PCR centres will start offering the lightning option by the end of the month. Until then, the country’s PCR centres currently have the capacity to carry out 100,000 tests a day.

And finally, the Moderna vaccine will not be offered to under-18s due to concerns it increases the risk of heart inflammation – a possibility that has led to the authorities in Sweden and Norway taking similar action. Under-18s will only be offered the Pfizer vaccine.

Help for politicians

Streaming increase

Overnight stay records

LAST SPRING a DR survey revealed that 40 percent of local politicians have experienced harassment, and Slagelse Municipality is now leading the way with an initiative offering them help. Local politicians have the option of visiting a psychologist at the municipality's expense if they feel harassed or threatened.

ACCORDING to the Culture Ministry’s annual media report, the average person in Denmark streamed for one hour and 16 minutes a day – an increase of 27 minutes on the previous year.

Meanwhile, LinkedIn, Google and Facebook have cornered the market for digital ads. Together they accounted for 42 percent in 2020.

CORONA has resulted in a record number of Danes holidaying in Denmark. They accounted for 1.1 million overnight stays in August – a 12 percent rise on 2020 and the eighth month in a row that a new national record has been set. The figure for overnight stays by foreigners fell by 5 percent to 4.1 million overnight stays.

Mink trial starts

Even Lamborghinis

Silver coin haul found

THE MINK Commission has begun its investigation into the 2020 decision to kill all Danish mink.

In total, 61 witnesses will take the stand in Frederiksberg Court.

The final witness will be PM Mette Frederiksen on December 9. Meanwhile, the government looks set to extend the temporary ban on mink production by another year, as the SSI thinks it remains too risky.

FOLLOWING a change in the law on March 1, the police seized 510 cars between March 31 and September 20 in cases of reckless driving. In total, it charged 623 individuals in a total of 586 cases.

The police are able to seize cars in cases when driving is judged to endanger other people's lives, regardless of ownership. One driver lost a Lamborghini last week!

AROUND 600 silver coins from the late Viking Age have been discovered in a field near Ruds Vedby in western Zealand by two men with metal detectors. Of Danish, English and German origin, many were minted by Sweyn II and Cnut the Great. The coins will be displayed at Sorø Museum for three months, before being moved to the National Museum.

Deer fears escalate AS THE days get shorter, the number of incidents in which motorists hit deer is climbing, according to Dyrenes Beskyttelse.

Since October 1, there has been a sharp increase, which is in line with expectations. In the final three months of 2020, the organisation received around 3,900 calls – a third of the annual total.

Wary of the ugly tone OVER 60 percent of young people aged 16-25 will not air their opinion via social media due to the ugly tone, concludes an analysis carried out by Epinion for the Danish Youth Council. The results coincide with recent claims made by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen that the tech giant favors content guaranteed to trigger strong emotions.

Cheating accusations AARHUS Municipality has confirmed it is investigating allegations that one of its schools, Søndervangskolen, gave its students extra time to complete gymnasium entrance exams. In related news, two sisters caught cheating in an exam have been handed suspended sentences by Holbæk Court. It is believed one took the other sister’s place.

Corpses at the church DURING ongoing renovation work at Stroby Kirke in south Zealand, archaeologists have found seven medieval graves beneath the church floor. Nils Engbert from the National Museum explains it was not unusual to bury priests in this manner.

15 - 28 October 2021

ONLINE THIS WEEK

SOME FOREIGN reviewers are a little confused by the title of Netflix serial killer series ‘Kastanjemanden’ (‘The Chestnut Man’), as they advise viewers to roast some of the nuts whilst watching it: for hygge.

But they’re clearly hestekastanie (horse chestnuts), so they’re inadvertently advising viewers to poison themselves. Whodunnit, you might ask: the true killer is the show itself.

Author wins Sonning Prize BELARUSIAN author Svetlana Alexievitch, the winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature, has been awarded the 2021 Sonning Prize, a biennial Danish award that recognises significant contributions to culture.The panel said they primarily chose Alexievitch out of respect for her five-book series ‘The History of the Red Man’ about the former Soviet Union.

Record for Ed Sheeran TICKETS for Ed Sheeran’s show at Øresundparken in August 2020 sold out so quickly that three additional dates were quickly added, meaning that 160,000 tickets were sold in total – a Danish record for a visiting tour.

Teen grabs award FLORA Ofelia Hofmann Lindahl, 16, won the award for best lead at the San Sebastian Film Festival for her role in 'Den som er i himlen', which hits cinemas on January 6.

How do you like that kunst!

Rightly rewarded or foul play?

Artist Jens Haaning feels he has been fairly paid for his work

ONLINE THIS WEEK KUNSTEN

Who’s the killer?

CULTURE

BEN HAMILTON

D

ICK TURPIN, Robin Hood and Butch Cassidy are proof that not all thieves are bad, and now Denmark has one of its own to applaud. And no, it isn’t Britta Neilsen.

The story of Danish artist Jens Haaning and his daylight robbery at Kunsten, an art gallery in Aalborg, has been swiftly going viral over the last fortnight.

Haaning was asked to recreate two artworks he made using real money, and the gallery gave him the necessary funds: 550,000 kroner.

Instead, he pocketed it and called the artwork ‘‘Take the money and run’.

Somebody alert the Turner Prize: they'll lap this up

Gallery is not amused HAANING is adamant that he

is keeping the money. Kunsten director Lasse Andersson does not feel the 56-year-old artist has complied with his promise to recreate his previous works.

"It is a holistic work that points to the exhibition, but I am missing the money he has borrowed," he told Berlingske. "It is of course a problem if he does not intend to pay the money back."

As part of the agreement, the museum expected the 550,000 kroner to be given back by January 14 – two days before the exhibition is scheduled to end.

But they have since indicated they will ask for the money sooner.

Denmark takes silver

Fran’s in the city

Two queens on stage

DENMARK won silver in this year’s Bocuse D'Or – the world cup for chefs. Ronni Vexøe Mortensen and Sebastian Holberg were only bettered by France, with Norway third. Mortensen and Holberg, who have been working together for three years, practised their menu over 100 times.

FRAN LEBOWITZ, the sardonic star of Netflix show ‘Pretend it’s a City’, will be performing at Bremen on March 6. Over the years she has enjoyed close ties with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Andy Warhol, Toni Morrison and Robert Mapplethorpe. Tickets cost 400 kroner.

CHARMING video footage is doing the rounds in Denmark of 80-year-old actor Ulf Pilgaard’s final ever performance as Queen Margrethe at Cirkusrevyen in Bakken – a role he has played since 1986. At the end of the show he is surprised by the monarch herself, bearing none other than a silver ashtray.

Easy to work out, surely HAANING’S work, a blank canvas, has been hanging at Kunsten since late September.

Some markings on the canvas suggest that banknotes might

have been affixed, but not any longer.

It is part of ‘Work it out’, an exhibition featuring the work of 22 artists that questions the role of the individual in the modern labour market.

Haaning’s original works – physical representations of a Danish average annual salary in 2010, and its Austrian counterpart three years earlier – did exactly that.

But his new take on the theme has taken the gallery by surprise.

7

50 not out for Christiania CHRISTIANIA celebrated its 50th birthday over the weekend of September 24-26 with a whole range of events, including panel debates, communal dinners and music concerts. Hundreds took to their Christiania cargo bikes to celebrate. Meanwhile, an exhibition dedicated to the free state’s posters can be enjoyed at Kunsthal Charlottenborg until November 14.

Porn star gets inventive KATJA K, one of Denmark’s most successful porn stars, intends to transform some of her scenes into crypto art, which will see it converted into non-fungible tokens (NFT). Furthermore, the 53-year-old intends to revive her porn career by paying homage to classic sex scenes from the movies (Basic Instinct, When Harry met Sally etc) with her own soft-core versions.

Bad year for music THE DANISH music industry experienced a 35 percent drop in revenue in 2020 from 9.5 to 6.2 billion kroner, according to a Rambøll report. Live music was hard hit by corona restrictions as revenue fell 52 percent, with ticket revenue falling from 2.3 billion to 858 million kroner.

Festivals were the biggest loser, with ticket sale revenue falling 97 percent. Streaming revenues grew, but artists’ royalties fell as fewer venues were open to play their music due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

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SCIENCE

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ACCORDING to the Region of Southern Denmark, 16 percent of women failed to turn up to their breast cancer preventive care in the first half of 2021 – a seven percentage point increase on 2018. Similar numbers can be seen in the other four regions.

Antibiotic usage in freefall THE USE of antibiotics has fallen by 22 percent since 2010, according to a report compiled

by Statens Serum Institut and DTU. Consumption by animals has also fallen. Corona saw fewer ailments across the country, and consumption fell by 7 percent in 2020 compared to 2019.

Funds for emission cuts SOME 3.8 billion kroner has been freed up to make agriculture and forestry emission cuts.

The sectors are obliged to cut 1990 levels by 55-65 percent by 2030: the equivalent of 1.9 million tonnes per year. However, it is a long way short of the 7.1 million tonnes a year targeted by the government in its proposal in April.

Dementia link to peeing

Teens uninterested in organ donation

ONLINE THIS WEEK SUNHEDSTYRELSEN

Cancer scan absentees

15 - 28 October 2021

It’s hard for the age group to accept they’re not immortal, suggests health authority CHRISTIAN WENANDE

O

NLY 5 PERCENT of 15-19-year-olds would donate their organs in the event of their death, according to the Sundhedstyrelsen health authority, despite the law changing in 2019 to permit the age group to register.

Nevertheless, parents still get the final say. However, Sundhedstyrelsen is confident it helps to know what the children’s opinions were.

“We know that it is difficult for the next of kin to make organ donation decisions if they haven’t talked about it beforehand,” explained Maria Herlev Ahrenfeldt, a Sundhedstyrelsen spokesperson.

“It can be tough to think about death, particularly when you are young. But we encourage everyone, young people included, to have a talk with their family, even though it can be a difficult topic.”

Lagging behind CURRENTLY, organ donations in Denmark are opt-in, which means you must register with the Donor Registry if you want your organs donated when you die.

However, the vast majority of the EU are opt-out, while a few countries have a combined system.

So far, 2021 has been a ban-

ner year for organ donations. In June alone, over 50,000 people registered on the organ donor registry. Normally, the annual average is about 50,000-60,000 new sign-ups.

In Denmark, organ donation is widely popular. A recent survey showed that about 80 percent of respondents had a positive or very positive opinion about organ donation.

Groundwater screening ANOTHER mass screening of Danish groundwater is underway, this time with the capability to detect the presence of three more pesticides: metaldehyde (used in snail remedies), imazalil (indoor potato cultivation) and metamitron-desamino (beetroot cultivation). It is the third such screening in the last two to three years. It assesses the levels of 149 pesticides.

Legionnaires leader

Surely time to opt in?

WITH 278 cases last year, Denmark has one of the highest rates of Legionnaires’ disease in the EU. Only Italy and Slovenia surpassed Denmark’s 2020 per capita total, which was 25 percent higher than the average of 201719. Some 39 people died from the illness in Denmark in 2020.

First CO2 capture centre THE NOVO Nordisk Foundation is granting 630 million kroner to set up the world's first research centre specialising in CO2 capture and the production of new raw materials. The centre will be called the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center and be based at Aarhus University.

THE NEED to pee during the night is a strong indicator you have an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a study by Aarhus University and Stanford University in the US, as a good night’s sleep is essential for activating the brain’s washing machine. Men aged 60+ with prostate issues are 21 and 16 percent more likely to get dementia and Alzheimer's.

Predicting the ending

Paracetamol concerns

Lockdown’s sweet spot

AN AARHUS University study has been using music to understand how human beings are able to predict something is about to end: such as a movie or a song.

The study suggests humans store information about endings to the extent the brain is able to read the signs. The findings will be used to optimise communication and interaction between people.

RESEARCHERS at Rigshospitalet contributed to an international expert review of studies assessing the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, concluding that expectant women should be cautious as excessive consumption could increase the risk of a malformation of the genitals or neurological diseases such as ADHD and autism.

THE CONSUMPTION of sweet items jumped by 40 percent during the first corona lockdown, according to a DTU Food Institute study.

Some 40+ percent confessed to spending more than six hours of their free time in front of a screen.

The unhealthiest people in the survey ate 85 percent more sweets and snacks than the healthiest, and 60 percent fewer grains.

No major tree issue

Roadmap for emissions

Lauded for leukemia

They ran out of gas

Beef like champagne

No more deforestation

THE GOVERNMENT has presented a 2021-25 roadmap outlining its plans to cut climate emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The roadmap contains 24 political initiatives, and they will all be in place by the end of 2025. As things stand, the government will cut emissions by 50 percent, so just another 20 percentage points are needed.

RIGSHOSPITALET is among the very best in Europe at carrying out bone marrow transplants, according to an EBMT report that assessed 416 centres. The proportion of leukemia patients who survive for at least a year has risen from 72 to 85 percent since 2010. Rigshospitalet carries out around 120 bone marrow transplants every year.

ASTRONOMERS at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen and DTU Space have concluded that six galaxies 17 billion light years away, described as being at their peak, died because they simply ran out of gas. The findings could change our entire understanding of star formation and galaxy evolution.

JAIS VALEUR, the CEO of Danish Crown, has told Berlingske that steak will soon become a luxury food like champagne due to the extra climate-associated costs needed to bring it to the market. “Beef is not going to be very climate-friendly,” he explained. “It will be sourced from dairy cattle, calves and beef cattle that graze in the meadow and add to the biodiversity.”

THE GOVERNMENT wants all Danish imports of soya and palm oil to be deforestation-free by 2025. Around 1.8 million tonnes of soya is annually imported to feed Denmark’s huge population of farm stock – mostly from South America – at an estimated cost of 7 million tonnes of CO2. Palm oil is used in food and cosmetic production.

NO DANISH trees are in danger of extinction despite a report claiming a third of the world's 58,497 species are under threat.

In total Denmark has 43 different tree species. Trees cover 31 percent of the earth’s surface.

Three centuries ago, they covered about a half.

15 - 28 October 2021

ONLINE THIS WEEK

DENMARK won two golds and a bronze at the Cycling World Championships in Belgium. Johan Price-Pejtersen and Gustav Wang won their time trials – in the under-23 and junior classes respectively – while Michael Valgren got the bronze in the elite class road race. Denmark finished second in the medal table behind Italy.

Top table tennis result DENMARK’S men’s table tennis team finished third at the European Championship - their best result since 2009. They were beaten 3-0 by Germany in the semis. The Danes last won the tournament in 2005.

Poor in Europa League BOTH FC Midtjylland and Brøndby lost their second games in the group stage of the Europa League: 1-3 to Braga and Brøndby 0-3 respectively.

Neither are on course to qualify for the last 32. Meanwhile, FC Copenhagen beat Lincoln Red Imps 3-1 to top their group and Randers drew 1-1 with Cluj in the Conference League and lie third.

Clara into top 50 CLARA Tauson is the world number 49, it has been confirmed. Victory in the recent Luxembourg Open had shot her up to number 52, and then several players above her lost ranking points.

FIFA talking out of their ‘arse’ PIXABAY

Two cycling golds

SPORT

National coach Kasper Hjulmand against plans to hold the World Cup biennially CHRISTIAN WENANDE

W

HEN ARSENE Wenger finally puts his feet up, he’ll probably question some of the decisions he made during his career.

Like staying too long at Arsenal … maybe he should have left a little earlier … and insisting the World Cup should be held every two years in his role as chief of global football development at FIFA. Even his most beloved ever player Thierry Henry said it was getting tiresome recently

Would devalue the Euros DENMARK’S coach Kasper Hjulmand is the latest figure from world football to share his frustration at FIFA’s plans.

Hjulmand said he didn’t think that the idea was a good one and urged FIFA to consult the players themselves. He also believes the move will devalue

9

ONLINE THIS WEEK Poulsen returns FORMER national side midfielder Christian Poulsen has joined the Denmark squad as an assistant coach to Kasper Hjulmand. Poulsen, who was recently an assistant at Ajax, replaces Ebbe Sand. Poulsen, who was named Danish footballer of the year in 2005 and 2006, won 92 caps for Denmark.

Dane among UCI elite

"Thanks to Arsene and corona, we've two WCs this year"

the European Championship.

“In Europe we have a really good tournament. I’m concerned about the players and they should be consulted. There’s no reason for more games,” Hjulmand told TV2 Sport.

Players not in favour INTERNATIONAL players’ union FIFPRO, which has not been consulted by FIFA in rela-

tion to the plan, has also stated it is not in favour of the FIFA proposal as the current match schedule is already rigorous.

“I like that we have a Euros and a World Cup every four years. It’s a good fit,” said Hjulmand.

The next World Cup will be hosted by Qatar in November and December 2022.

15 goals in two games

Historic appointment

China edge it

THE DANISH women’s national team got off to a good start in their World Cup qualification campaign with two big wins, beating Malta 7-0 at home and then Azerbaijan 8-0 in Baku.

They top Group E ahead of Russia on goal difference. Only the group winner will directly qualify for the tournament.

FAROESE outfit TB Tvøroyri made history last month by becoming the first top-tier football club in Europe to hire a female head coach for its men’s team.

Former policewoman Helen Lorraine Nkwocha, who is British, lost her first game in charge 1-6.

She was formerly the club’s head of youth football.

THE DANISH badminton team came close to beating China in the quarter-finals of the world championships in Finland after victories for Viktor Axelsen (men’s singles) and Anders Skaarup/ Frederik Søgaard (men’s doubles) put them 2-1 ahead. However, China hit back to prevail 3-2 before beating Japan in the final.

IT HAS emerged that Henrik Jess Jensen will be part of the world governing cycling body UCI’s prestigious Management Committee. The head of the Danish Cycling Union will be part of the committee for the next four years.

No Serena for Woz farewell CAROLINE Wozniacki’s COVID-19-delayed farewell match at the Royal Arena will take place on 9 February 2022, but not against Serena Williams as she is injured. Instead, the Dane will play Angelique Kerber of Germany. Wozniacki, 31, retired from professional tennis in January 2020.

Teen joins Sporting DANISH 16-year-old defender Magnus Gaunsbæk has joined Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon from Nyborg G&IF, a tiny local club that plays its football on Funen. The youngster signed a three-year deal. He will initially play for the club’s academy.

10 BUSINESS

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AN APPEAL by Scandlines and Stena Lines against a 2018 judgement made by the European Court of Justice has been rejected by the same court. The ferry companies had questioned the funding to help build the onshore facilities of the ongoing Fehmarn Link construction, claiming it distorted competition. An appeal against the approval of state aid for the project is pending.

Greenland’s slice ON OCTOBER 5, almost 1.7 billion kroner of the EU budget for the period 2021-27 was allocated to Greenland. The funds will be used in the fields of education and green growth, although Greenland can apply to other EU funding pools.

Deadline for Nemlig owner THE COMPANY Intervare, which owns the online supermarket Nemlig.com, has been given until November 1 to introduce a new work-model for its drivers in Copenhagen. If it fails, Intervare is in danger of losing its municipal contract to supply goods to elderly and vulnerable citizens.

DFDS goes electric DANISH logistics company DFDS has purchased 100 Volvo electric trucks – the Swedish manufacturer’s biggest ever deal for this kind of vehicle, reports Transportmagasinet. The trucks can drive 300 km on a single charge.

Routinely failing micro businesses PIXABAY

Ferry appeal fails

15 - 28 October 2021

The survival rate of small companies in Denmark is pitiful, reveals report CHRISTIAN WENANDE

A

CCORDING to UK business loan firm money.co.uk, Denmark has a feeble track record when it comes to producing lasting micro enterprises – businesses with fewer than ten employees.

Money.co.uk looked at the performance of 28 European countries from 2013-18 and found that Denmark rated last for five-year business survival rates.

Of the 8,213 micro enterprises established in 2013, only 3,458 (or 42 percent) had sur-

Is the state turning its back on small businesses?

vived by 2018.

France tops list THAT RATIO was the worst overall, behind fellow strugglers UK (43 percent), Poland (44), Iceland (45) and Turkey (46).

Meanwhile, France scored

best in Europe with a five-year survival rate of 75 percent, followed by Sweden (73) and Slovakia (70).

Other notables included the Netherlands (66 percent), Belgium (60), Finland (58), Norway (53) and Germany (47).

Bank exposed by Pandora

No surge in inflation

Good GDP prospects

JYSKE Bank has been implicated by the Pandora Papers. One of its customers is Genaro Peña, a Paraguayan car dealer accused of committing substantial tax fraud. It is reported he kept several hundred million kroner in accounts with the bank, and that Jyske helped him to put money from several of his companies in accounts in tax havens.

WHILE the inflation rate remains high across the EU, mostly due to the rising cost of fuel and electricity, Denmark’s only rose from 1.7 to 1.8 percent in August compared to an EU average of 3.2 (up from 2.5). Lithuania, Poland and Estonia had the highest rates of inflation, at around 5.0 percent, and Malta the lowest, at 0.4 percent.

BUOYED by the number of people in work, Nationalbanken predicts that Denmark’s GDP for 2021 will end up rising by 3.3 percent. There were just 109,000 jobless people in July – a figure the central bank believed wasn’t achievable until 2023 not so long ago. It remains cautious, however, about the housing market.

How much tax we pay

Big Bestseller bonus

Top 50 for third time

THE AVERAGE taxable person in Denmark paid 93,183 in income tax for 2020 – an increase of 5.1 percent on the previous year. People in Gentofte, Rudersdal and Hørsholm paid the most: on average around 150,000 kroner. In total, the nation’s taxable income was 1.2737 trillion kroner while income taxes amounted to 450 billion.

THE DANISH clothing giant Bestseller will pay its employees an extra month's salary for November to recognise their "great team effort" during the pandemic adversity. In total, Bestseller has distributed around 300 million kroner between 17,000 employees, confirmed Anders Holch Povlsen, the owner and head of Bestseller.

FOR THE third year in a row, Helle Østergaard Kristiansen, the head of the Danish energy trading house Danske Commodities, which is headquartered in Aarhus, has made Fortune Magazine's list of the 50 most influential businesswomen in the world. She ranks 25th and is the only Danish woman on the list.

ONLINE THIS WEEK Food waste deal for airline SWISS International Airlines has signed a deal with Danish app Too Good To Go to tackle the wastage of its onboard food.

A two-month trial recently concluded that offered heavily discounted food on the last flights of the day from Geneva.

In related news, Great Dane Airlines has filed for bankruptcy just two years after its maiden flight.

Arla educating kids FOR EVERY one of its milk crates handed in, Arla will make a donation of 5 kroner to Arla Fondens MADlejr, which teaches children aged 12-14 about healthy food and sustainability. Meanwhile, the dairy producer has announced plans to test regenerative milk production in five countries.

Vestas implicated WESTERN Sahara Resource Watch report ‘Greenwashing Occupation’ claims that Morocco is illegally expanding into occupied Western Sahara, building solar and wind energy fields with the assistance of Vestas. The report also implicates Danish companies Deugro, Global Wind Service and ALL NRG.

Controversial investment DANISH pension funds have invested more than 100 million kroner in the French cement producer LaFarge, which is being investigated for its complicity in crimes against humanity during the Syrian Civil War.

15 - 28 October 2021

Neil is a Scottish-educated lawyer with 18 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 sports and politics. His column explores topical international financial and economic issues from a Danish perspective.

T

HE DANISH government’s recent decision to abolish all COVID-19 restrictions was met with widespread interest – both domestically and internationally.

It was natural that one of the first countries to abolish restrictions got international coverage; what was bizarre was to see Denmark become a poster child for the libertarian right in the US, who emphasised the ‘small state’ nature of the decision.

Cautious trinity to thank THIS IS a profound misinterpretation of the situation.

Denmark has not reached this situation due to a lack of belief in the state, but rather the opposite. Specifically, there are three conditions which have made it possible.

Extensive use of testing: Denmark has been a world-leader – particularly during the spring.

It was routine for people to be tested (even if they were not symptomatic), with 10 percent of the population being tested on a daily basis. This allowed the control of the spread of the pandemic to be constantly monitored.

Use of vaccine passports: widethe expertise and support the company’s productivity and innovation; and ii) that they stay.

After all, recruiting someone from abroad is expensive, and companies need to get a return on their investment.

This is the reason why I, along with my partners – Dansk Industri, the University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Capacity, Business Region Aarhus, and TalentED Consultancy – have created a research project to look at how companies can onboard successfully. ODIS, a three-year project, has received 5.7 million kroner from Innovation Fund Denmark.

ly in Denmark over the last six months, they have allowed the pandemic to be controlled. This is in stark contrast to countries like the US and UK, where a passport regime has been viewed as unfair and a bridge too far.

Not over yet WITHOUT any one of those three factors, the pandemic would have taken a different course, and restrictions may not have been abolished.

The decision should be seen not on a libertarian basis but the opposite: a controlled and responsible use of state power, which put restrictions on certain liberties in the short term, with the goal of achieving wider opportunities for society in the long run.

None of this means COVID is over. The efficacy of vaccines is

Just about contained

reduced against the Delta variant, and the more widespread use of booster shots will need to be considered in the coming months.

At the same time, the natural spread of the virus can be expected as the weather closes in. All this may require some moderate restrictions to be imposed again.

What we can clearly see now, though, is a way forward, along with a collective understanding that short-term sacrifices can lead to longer-term improvements.

PIXABAY

I

HAVE RECENTLY been spending time with Danish companies talking about how they onboard internationals.

Why the conversations? Because they – small and medium-sized companies in Denmark – are in dire need of specialist competencies, and the Danish workforce cannot deliver fully.

Moreover, the internationals bring competencies to the table that enable companies to excel – powered by the insights and innovation that diverse talent delivers.

High vaccination rates: 75 percent of all people in Denmark (including children) are fully covered – one of the highest rates in the world, and significantly higher than the United States.

This figure offers an element of confidence that far fewer people will fall seriously ill from COVID-19.

11

PIXABAY

NEIL SMITH DANISH CAPITAL IN 2021

BUSINESS OPINION

search, and it is ongoing, but so far,we have found two key areas of interest: the critical role of leadership in the internationalisation of a company; and the role of an inclusive culture in ensuring successful onboarding and retention of foreign employees.

Bottling best practice WHILE we all think we are able to recognise good onboarding – what exactly should it include?

Why is it good? And can it be bottled?

We’ve just started our re-

Crucial questions WE WOULD like to bottle onboarding when done well – but we are not ready to do so quite yet.

Questions remain. We know leadership and inclusive culture to be important – but how important? And can we turn this knowledge into the tools companies can use to help them improve their onboarding? There are already a number of tools out there, so we want to i) develop tools that are needed based on our research findings; ii) complement and extend rather than reinvent the existing tools; iii)

IN 2 ISSUES

IN 3 ISSUES

IN 4 ISSUES

IN 5 ISSUES

Union Views

Fit For Business

The Valley of Life

Just Say It As It Is

Startup Community

Stress Wärnings

Winnie's World

UK-DK Trade

Global Denmark

Give Yourself a Chance

SIGNE BIERING NIELSEN GET YOUR BIERING’S After 20 years in the Danish diplomatic service, including stints in India, China and Israel as deputy ambassador, Signe Biering Nielsen is turning her diplomatic binoculars onto the (in her view) intriguing Danes. She is an executive advisor and coach with a focus on internationals in Denmark. See LinkedIn and Instagram for more details.

Onboarding research RECRUITING ‘international talent’ is not without its challenges. A soft landing, a welcoming company and a broader environment that envelopes the international (and any family that comes with them) is critical to ensuring i) that they can successfully deliver

NEXT ISSUE

Thanks for coffee!

maybe even create tools that will give companies answers to questions they have not even thought of asking yet.

As a part of our research I would love to speak to you if you are: leading a company that wants to hire foreign talent; if you are involved in hiring internationals; or if you yourself are an international.

Send me a message and let’s have coffee (or tea if you’d prefer).

12 OPINION

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

15 - 28 October 2021

First Tuesday in October

O

N THE FIRST Tuesday of October every year, the members of Parliament convene and the PM gives her speech on the situation of the nation – and so it came to pass last week.

Minkgate returns BUT THAT hasn’t really ruffled the feathers. On the other hand, Minkgate, with the inquiry now ongoing and the PM due to take the stand in early December, could do some damage.

Soon a report will show whether the decision to eliminate the whole industry was illegal or a justified emergency solution during a pandemic that needed tough decisions. The media are hoping for another date in Rigsretssag.

Talking of which, the Inge Støjberg case is ongoing, but mostly baffling the general public. The key seems to be a sophisticated legal difference between order and intention.

We’ll just have to wait for the wisest judges in the kingdom to decide. It has long left the public behind with its nuances.

We’re mostly eligible THE 90-MINUTE speech included a lot of other issues that will be debated in the coming days: for example, the construction of affordable apartments in major cities was one. But, on this matter, it lacked any indication as to how and when it should be realised.

For the time being, every politician (and most citizens) are now looking forward to the November local elections. Remember that foreigners with a residence permit can vote. If they do, they can make a difference. In several municipalities, including Copenhagen and Lyngby-Tårbæk, they account for 10 percent of the community.

The campaigning for November 16 has begun, so expect to see the nice face of your mayor on the lamppost. It’s time for you to have a say at the polls. (ES)

Mishra’s Mishmash As a regular contributor to the Times of India, the country’s largest newspaper, Mishra is often soughtafter by Danish media and academia to provide expertise on Asian-related matters, human rights issues and democratisation. He has spent half his life in India and the other half in Denmark and Sweden.

PIXABAY

Three main concerns THERE were three things to take immediate notice of.

First of all, there was no indication of a general election in November when the local and regional elections are due to take place.

Secondly, it celebrated the almost consensus held on the regulation of agriculture in favour of the green transition and the reduction of CO2.

Thirdly, there was hardly any mention of more hardline policies regarding foreigners. Ironically it coincided with the PM last week having to swallow her pride and repatriate the Islamic State mothers and children, whose cause just months ago looked completely lost.

Failing to attract THE NEXT big test for the government is dealing with the demand for labour, which is pretty huge. Given the noticeable rate of unemployment in southern Europe, you have to ask whether the hardline stance on immigration is backfiring, as young people from those countries are simply not applying for jobs in Denmark.

The PM recently tried to mobilise women from families of non-Danish origin who have for years lived on social benefits.

Good luck with that, but it is not a solution to the problem.

The PM has to realise that a different approach is needed.

Our demographic shortfall cannot be filled with seasonal workers.

Instead Denmark needs to be attractive for skilled people to come and live here. The bureaucracy still involved in a Dane bringing his foreign spouse home illustrates that we are a long way off that.

MRUTYUANJAI MISHRA

A

LL EYES are on Glasgow.

Visit any upper-secondary school in the middle of Copenhagen and they will all tell you about the ambitious green projects they have envisioned and are implementing. At Åbne Gymnasium, for example, they are utilising the terrace of the school to plant herbs.

Old firm meets new firm TEACHERS are busy preparing their students to follow the events of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), which is scheduled to be held from November 1-12 in Glasgow. At least 100 world leaders are expected to attend the conference in person.

Unprecedented warm temperatures have been recorded over the summer in the USA and Canada. Forest fires are becoming common in southern Europe. And there is very little doubt left, if any, about the fatal effects of climate change.

Virtually every single country has now signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international environmental treaty addressing climate change.

Hence, COP26 president-designate Alok Sharma is under pressure to produce tangible results in Glasgow. He happens to be a member of the Indian diaspora living in the UK, and he is surely watching closely the unfolding of the green strategic partnership between Denmark and India. Sharma said recently that “COP26 is our last best hope for the world to

Remember it's delicate, so eat your daal

come together and tackle climate change.”

More convincing needed DANISH PM Mette Frederiksen confirmed in her speech at the opening session of Parliament on October 5 that she is going to visit India. She was scheduled to visit Delhi from October 9-11, and the Indian PM Narendra Modi would most likely reciprocate her gesture and visit Denmark - also for a short span of time.

Addressing Parliament, Frederiksen said that India has chosen Denmark as its most important strategic partner in finding green solutions. And it is true: India needs to cut its carbon emissions drastically, both to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and Denmark has the solutions.

Planting wind turbines to generate green energy along its beaches and shores will surely be one of the solutions India might choose. Reducing dependence on fossil fuel is an urgency in India. But India might also opt for nuclear power plants. So Fred-

eriksen and her delegation will have to convince India that the Danish technology is reliable.

The meeting, which is due to take place right before the summit in Glasgow, will send a signal to the world that the richer countries need to share their technology to help developing countries fight climate change effectively.

Following India’s lead IT’S INTERESTING to note that the Danes have started to eat more plant-based food, which is actually the main diet of the majority of Indians, as the largest number of vegetarians in the world can be found there.

Frederiksen wants to reform Danish agricultural production to primarily focus on producing plant-based food. It is a sweet melody for the conservative adherents of the world’s oldest religion, Hinduism.

So while the Indians will soon be planting Danish wind turbines in the Indian Ocean, more Danes will start eating Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes like rice and daal.

OPINION

15 - 28 October 2021

NEXT ISSUE

IAN BURNS

An Actor’s Life A resident here since 1990, Ian Burns is the artistic director at That Theatre Company and very possibly Copenhagen’s best known English language actor thanks to roles as diverse as Casanova, Shakespeare and Tony Hancock.

PIXABAY

Europe has closed the door on the exiteers

I

F CHARLES Dickens and Hans Christian Andersen, the central characters in our returning play ‘The Visit’ (Oct 29-Nov 27 at Krudttønden), were alive today, both would be campaigning against the treatment of the poorest members of society. They would deplore the unfairness of how the disparity between Ebenezer Scrooge and the Little Matchstick Girl hasn’t changed a jot.

What the dickens I HAVE no doubt who would be the angriest right now. Victorian England was rife with homelessness, ill health, bad social housing, starvation, unemployment, orphanages, workhouses and people being exploited as a cheap labour source - and Dickens would see much of this same injustice in Britain today. While the gap between rich and poor has been growing steadily in Denmark these past two decades, it’s communist era

Cuba in comparison to Britain.

Dickens spoke out about these issues in his books and in public, but where is the anger and outrage today? Does the huge majority of the Tory government grant them immunity from public opinion?

Where is the opposition? (Note to Editor: I’ll try and mention as many Dickens novels as I can as I write this.)

Dire strait expectations ONE THING that exasperates me is the planned cull of millions of healthy pigs, and how it is being accepted as a ‘bump in the road’ in this post-Brexit age as Britain deludedly tries to resume its place as a world player.

Healthy animals that farmers have nurtured for the marketplace are going to be shot by vets and then burnt or buried.

In these desperately hard times, with thousands of people relying on food banks for survival, and many more sent around

13

the twist, the farmers must be tempted to dump the carcasses outside 10 Downing Street.

The Tories want us to believe our mutual friend, the pandemic, is to blame for the vegetables and flowers rotting in the fields, petrol unavailable at service stations and empty supermarket shelves. The same can be seen across Europe, they say.

Really? Is this even the tale of two cities across the North Sea? Tories interviewed on the BBC bravely and enthusiastically try to sound as if they are totally committed to the bonkers Brexit cause as they repeat the soundbites of “levelling up” and “retraining” people for proper, “well-paid jobs”. But explain that to people who will have to choose between heating or eating this winter.

A bleak house indeed IS THERE anything in Britain that actually works? From Denmark, I see a depressingly sad picture. Britain will divide itself. It’s inevitable and little England will be left like an old curiosity shop. A once great nation that strutted and fretted its hour upon the stage: from its celebration in the Pickwick Papers to its denigration in the Pandora Papers.

And let’s not forget about its decimation of its police force surely another sign that it must change the way it taxes the rich to raise the money the nation obviously needs? It can start by overhauling the lawful means the rich employ to not pay tax.

As we approach the Christmas carol season Britain will need its great sense of humour to survive. Not much to laugh about right now though, eh?

The Road Less Taken JESSICA ALEXANDER

Straight Up ZACH KHADUDU IN 2 ISSUES

Living Faith REVD SMITHA PRASADAM

Englishman in Nyhavn JACK GARDNER IN 3 ISSUES

Straight, No Chaser STEPHEN GADD

Green Spotlight SIBYLLE DE VALENCE IN 4 ISSUES

A Dane Abroad KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN

Mackindergarten ADRIAN MACKINDER IN 5 ISSUES

Early Rejser ADAM WELLS

Crazier than Christmas VIVIENNE MCKEE

14 LIFESTYLE: FASHION THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

STYLE STIL Sheryl is the fashion and bespoke wedding dress designer at her own Copenhagen-based atelier, @sherylyipbridal. Her designs have been worn by hundreds of brides around the globe. Passionate about couture and customisation, she believes dressing well-fitted to personality and body-figure is the strongest fashion statement. Following her relocation from Hong Kong in 2019, Sheryl lives in Copenhagen.

H

ELLO GIRLS and brides-tobe! October is one of the busiest months for brides to research and plan for their hyggelige summer weddings!

How is it going with your ‘Yes’ dress?

As a bespoke designer of wedding dresses, I am often asked by prospective brides how they should choose the right dress for their special day. My simple answer is “Fit”, a holistic idea that the dress could truly fit you physically, sentimentally and practically.

In this special edition, I’ll take you on the bridal journey of finding your ‘fittest’ wedding dress. In other words, you are diving into a world of bespoke and luxury - how one-of-a-kind wedding dresses are designed for individual brides. Let’s get started!

Online photo VS gown trial HAVE YOU ever experienced seeing a beautiful dress online that didn’t look as good once you put it on? Here comes the same with wedding dress.

Instead of piling up a bunch of ‘dream dresses’ on your IG and Pinterest, try a range of dresses with different silhouettes.

Pay attention to which gown shapes look flattering on you. I recommend brides to take a gown trial, not only with the design they like, but also with various silhouettes such as A-line, mermaid, strapless, V-neck or open back. You will be overwhelmed how you look in front of the mirror.

SHERYL YIP

SHERYL YIP

15 - 28 October 2021

“I always imagined wearing a romantic A-line gown and never thought I’d look good with a mermaid. But I’m so surprised by how seductive and feminine I am with a mermaid,” one of my brides confessed after her first gown trial.

No women’s body figures are the same, and there is no such thing as a perfect body shape. Picking a suitable dress silhouette, which is able to contour the beauty of your body, is not easy. But with the help of a designer’s eyes, we are able to assess our clients’ body measurements and understand the methodology in order to dress them well.

Gown trial fittings trying out different silhouettes can ease most of the worries of brides still immersed in the ‘dream dress photo fantasy’.

During this bridal journey, you will also grasp a better picture of which white matches your skin tone, and whether the length of your train is suitable for your venue.

But does a gown with excellent shape on you mean it is ‘the one’?

“Dress to be Yourself ” I REMEMBER a bride with a ‘luxurious’ problem: she dressed stunningly with multiple silhouettes, so she hesitated.

My many years of bridal consultations, dating back to 2014, have taught me that one of the keys to deciding on the wedding dress is that you must be yourself and feel comfortable.

“A perfect wedding dress should not only fit the bride’s figure, but also her personality to reflect her uniqueness,” I told my bride, and she eventually made up her mind.

During one-on-one bridal consultations, I love to obtain an in-depth understanding of my bride’s personal style, along with little secrets about her wearing habits, preferences and needs. In my vision, dressing to fit both personality and body figure is the greatest way to empower and highlight a woman’s femininity and confidence.

A romantic bride may prefer floral, handcrafted lace instead of a geometric graphic pattern; an unconventional bride may opt for wearing sleek, silky satin pants; a free-spirited bride may choose for an A-line with a light and airy tulle.

Thanks to the difference of fabric textures, they convey and represent different perceptions of personality and aesthetics.

Customisation for versatility DRESS design is boundless but should be functional at the same time. When you’re choosing your ‘one-and-only’, don’t forget to consider the practical side: walking the aisle, dancing and the venue. Choosing a big petticoat ball gown will definitely frustrate you if you’re a dancing queen.

A gown with a shorter train to showcase your excellent dance moves will be a fantastic option if you enjoy partying on the dancefloor and hanging out with guests. Pairing with a bridal overskirt or detachable modern sleeves will surely be the wow factor at the party. Customisation creates versatile designs and is one of the ways of fulfilling both aesthetic and practical wishes in one dress (or two?).

Style is timeless IMAGINE 20 years later when you look back at your wedding photos: will this be the style that you still love and are proud of? I love to speak to my brides for this final check. At the end of the day, style is eternal. Your perfect wedding dress should be timeless and fit you holistically.

I’m Sheryl, and I’m here to share fashion insider secrets to girls and brides. If you wish for any professional bridal advice, please book a private appointment at sherylyipbridal.com.

Good luck on your wedding dress hunt!

LIFESTYLE: MENTAL HEALTH

15 - 28 October 2021

check my heart again. I was so ashamed.

I would rather have a physical problem with my heart. Stress was so taboo and still is, along with mental health problems.

“Shikha, strong people who have been strong for too long have stress,” she said.

“And your extreme stress is killing you.

Now you can either stay in denial and die slowly, or you can start to change your life!”

SHIKHA GUPTA MENTAL KINDA HEALTH Shikha Gupta is a mindset coach with a holistic approach to life. Her own stress survival story and being a bestseller author has taught her the importance of stress release and mindful living to balance your body, mind and soul. She works with clients globally through her signature online courses and 1:1 coaching programs. Find out more @mindbodysoul_theshikhaway

Y

OU HAVE the perfect life. You should be feeling happy, fulfilled and in balance, but let’s be honest: you don’t. Instead you feel like you are juggling life, work and family, while the person you are neglecting the most is you!

Do you recognise this feeling?

That was me I HAD THE perfect life and reached top positions at a young age. BUT I constantly had this nagging feeling: I wasn't happy.

I felt guilty and like a horrible mom and a horrible wife. I knew something was wrong. I would cry for no reason. I had headaches and ringing in my ears, and I felt anxious all the time. I would get annoyed and agitated at others constantly.

I was overwhelmed and stressed!

I was ashamed to have stress AND THEN came the day I was admitted to hospital with chest pains. When the doctor told me I had stress, I asked her to NEXT ISSUE

I had to make a choice LITTLE did I know that this would turn out to be the best gift of my life wrapped in the ugliest wrapping paper. It was my wake-up call. I wanted to live for my children, my husband, my family, and for me! I began working on my mindset, de-stressed myself, and learned to put myself first. I started to feel truly happy and grateful.

Why am I sharing this?

STRESS is not an illness. Stress is a condition that can be caused by carrying internal or external tension for too long.

We all experience stress every day, and while this can be good for you and help you in many ways, it is the piling on of stress that causes you to feel overwhelmed and ultimately break down.

Like a glass of water IMAGINE you’re pouring a glass of water: the stress is the drops of water falling into your glass. In everyday life with normal stress, we empty the glass every night and start the next day with an empty glass. Serious long-term stress is when we are not able to empty that glass every day and the drops keep coming ... until one day that glass overflows.

So how do you empty it?

WELL FIRSTLY, make a choice – it’s simple but so important. Choose to prioritise yourself so you can be there for others. Just like on a flight, put your own oxygen mask on first. Once you have made your choice, take some time out for yourself every day. It doesn’t have to be long; even 15 minutes is great.

THE MORNING DE-STRESS A good start is spending five minutes in the morning on de-stressing and boosting yourself! Here are five handy techniques: 1. Stretch your body and arms while lying down and slowly wake up your body.

2. Take three deep breaths and let go of everything from the previous day and night.

Today is a new day and you are ready to make it amazing.

3. Think about your goal, your happiness and what you are grateful for. The morning time is when your subconscious is most active, and what you focus on will receive extra energy. Set your intention for the day 4. Get out of bed slowly and smile. Smile to yourself and to those around you.

Smile from your heart.

5. While getting ready listen to music that makes you feel good. This can be affirmations or any music you like. Music is an amazing way to connect to the soul and send subconscious messages to your heart, mind and soul. My go-to at the moment is ‘Cover Me In Sunshine’ by Pink!

That's it! In just five minutes, you are ready to go out and have an amazing day!!

IN 2 ISSUES

IN 3 ISSUES

IN 4 ISSUES

Building Green Habits

Ed Talk

Dating the Danes

All Things Beautiful

Up the Alternative Alley

What a Wonderful World

Copen' with the Kids

Taste Bud

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRSMILE

15

16 HISTORY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

15 - 28 October 2021

‘Man in the Iron Mask’ motif the wrong option for Margrete I movie Medieval historian argues that the true story of False Olaf would have made a much more compelling film RICHARD COLE

A

S A MEDIEVAL historian, I would love to watch films true to historical reality. But strictly historically accurate films set before 1500 would require a lot more scenes involving ploughing than Hollywood is currently willing to indulge.

So what I won’t be doing here is cataloguing the inaccuracies in the recent Margrete flick. Rather, I want to mention some of the exciting historical details left out.

A dollop of Dumas IN THE year 1402, Margrete stands as regent of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. She has no direct heir, since her only son, Óláfr Hákonarson (henceforth Olaf ), died in 1387 aged 16.

Therefore Margrete has appointed her sister’s grandson as her successor: Eric of Pomerania.

Suddenly a man appears claiming that King Olaf in fact never died. Indeed, the man proclaims he is Olaf in the flesh.

So far, the film and the historical sources agree. But they quickly diverge. In the film, the pretender is the real Olaf. The nefarious Bishop Peder Lodehat faked Olaf’s death, it transpires, and the king was imprisoned in a monastery in Prussia. Like ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’, he was held in terrible conditions for 15 years, before being released by a Swedish nobleman intent on destroying Margrete’s realm from within.

Enter a Prussian peasant IN REALITY, the False Olaf, as he became known, was not Margrete’s long lost son. A north German chronicler, Johann von Posilge, wrote in around 1420 that “he was found to be incorrect in all things, as he was not born in the country, and he also could not speak the language”.

Von Posilge did not have

much love for Denmark, so one might expect him to paint the pretender in the best possible light. False Olaf, he wrote, was a “Prussian peasant” who had been living “in a village near Grudziądz” (today in Poland, then in the State of the Teutonic Order) when some traders noticed he resembled the dead king.

A mysterious merchant, Tyme von der Nelow (or Velow), escorted the False Olaf to Gdańsk, where he was set up with a court.

He received a royal seal, herald and scribe, and kingly correspondence was issued in his name.

Margrete could not tolerate this, but while the imposter remained in Gdańsk, he was beyond her grasp. The Order arranged for the impostor to be delivered into her hands - probably as part of negotiations over control of the island of Visby.

Rooting out the mole THERE are fun folkloric stories about how Margrete supposedly deduced that the pretender was not her son. The Danish Chronicle by Christiern Pedersen, written in the 1520s, records how Margrete examined the man for “a little mole between your shoulder blades which you were born with”.

No mole = no claim to the throne.

The same story is repeated by Arild Huitfeldt in 1595.

Simon Grunau, one of the most impressive bullshit merchants of the early 1500s, tells a tale of how Margrete invited the impostor to share a room with her while he slept. When the impostor nodded off, Margrete grabbed him by the neck, lifted up his shirt, and gave his belly button a good grope, because “the true king had a navel that protruded like a hen’s egg”. The False Olaf had an innie and was duly executed.

Wet behind the ears TO MOST people it must have been obvious from the start that False Olaf was a scam. The north German humanist Albert Krantz, writing in 1545, reveals that False Olaf was able to give

some authentic details about the workings of the Danish court during his questioning.

Krantz offers the story that the impostor was coached by the real Olaf’s wet-nurse (Huitfeldt slurps this up). This, by the way, is half of the explanation of the non-sequitur appearance of an Icelandic wet nurse called ‘Hildur’ in the film ... the other half must be the Icelandic co-producers.

But our man Posilge, writing much nearer the time, depicts a wholly uncoached Olaf. Moreover, he seems to have quickly admitted that he wasn’t the king during questioning. Posilge appears to have had access to a confession (such documents were commonly issued in cases of imposture, reproduced by chroniclers, and then conveniently mislaid).

The False Olaf tells us the names of his parents (Wolf and, ironically, Margrete) and that he was an immigrant to Prussia. He was born on the banks of the river Ohře, making him a Saxon or a German-speaking Bohemian by birth.

Fire solves anything I FIND the historical reality more arresting than the Man in the Iron Mask motif used in the film: a poor Prussian peasant is plucked out of obscurity and trapped in a plot beyond his understanding.

We will never know who exactly orchestrated the imposture, although disaffected merchants from Stralsund and Gdańsk, upset that their fellow cities in the Hanseatic League had made peace with Margrete, are likely suspects.

At the climax of the film, Olaf is burnt at the stake. We see some scrolls tossed onto the fire, while subtitles tell us that “all of the legal documents associated with the case were burnt”.

But this is a severe misunderstanding of the primary sources, which conceals the horrible drama of what really happened. It was not legal documents that were burnt with the False Olaf.

Indeed, Posilge seems to have had access to a confession some 18 years later. Instead, what was

Henrik V Jørgensen's interpretation of False Olaf's sticky end

burnt were the letters that the False Olaf had issued while he was ‘king’ – now fashioned into a mocking crown upon his head, and also threaded together like a necklace, draped around his neck.

Medieval violence could have a spectacular genius for symbolically laden cruelty. Legal thinking at the time stipulated that forged items were to be burnt. His letters were forgeries, yes, and perhaps the man himself was to be considered a forgery of a type.

Caught in a power play THE FILM ends with Olaf screaming, then falling silent as he expires (presumably, in the interests of good taste, the film does not include the pyre being primed with pitch, sulphur and urine, as the Chronicle of North-Elbian Saxony from the 1480s has it).

But the story did not end there.

Our North-Elbian chronicle records that once the embers cooled, “many Danes collected his bones, whatever [of them] they could obtain, and considered them to be great relics”. Some who watched the False Olaf burn didn’t care that he spoke no Danish, nor knew anything about Denmark.

Of course, we can never truly know what was going through the minds of the False Olaf’s supporters as they picked through the ashes. But I wonder if some explanation might be found in the thrill of believing something that the authorities do not want

you to believe - not an untimely thing to ponder in an age of florid conspiracy theories.

The film focuses on the power plays of the elite. History reminds us that in reality, the power plays of the elite almost always involve ordinary people.

Some become victims, like False Olaf, and some become spectators. They seize upon what they see with political desires that are hard to understand, but which have a tendency to escape the control of the powerful.

Richard Cole is an Assistant Professor of Medieval History at Aarhus Universitet. His recent studies on the False Olaf will be published in Viking and Medieval Scandinavia (2022) and Scandinavian Studies (2023). His book, The Death of Tidericus the Organist. Plague and Conspiracy Theory in Hanseatic Visby was published by The Viking Society for Northern Research in January 2021 (£10.00)

COMMUNITY

15 - 28 October 2021

17

Stringing him along: proof that love conkers all CPH Conker Championship climaxes with an unusual reunion DAVE SMITH

This year’s Copenhagen Conker Championship at Charlie’s Bar on Pilestræde in the centre of Copenhagen again saw a strong international turnout. As per usual, the battling was fierce, with one game taking over an hour to complete. There were no prizes for knowing who the favourite was though: two-time and reigning champ Liam Fluffy Duffy (all photos), who once again sailed through to the final. But what’s this: who was waiting for him? None other than his Lithuanian girlfriend Kornelija ‘Korn Dog’ Ralyte (centre and right). With his conker, and potentially his relationship in tatters, he conceded defeat and the cup was hers. “I’d like to thank Charlie’s Bar and CPH POST for keeping this tradition alive,” commented organiser Jon Nunn (right: with child) as he handed over Denmark’s most sought-after trophy. Visit the CCC official Facebook page for more conker-related information.

Learn Danish: when, where and how you want it!

Danish for You offers flexibility with unique online courses designed to suit the needs of the modern international CPH POST

T

HERE WAS a time when taking Danish classes was limited to going to classes for three hours in the evening.

But not everyone has the time or motivation, particularly following a long day at work - with the kids waiting at home!

Founded by two seasoned language teachers, Malene Neergaard and Karen Bahamondes, Danish for You has found a solution with tailor-made lessons that internationals require.

“We have an online booking system, so it’s just like going to the hairdresser. You can just book any time that suits you and this offers a flexibility that we want to provide to our busy clients,” said Malene.

Embracing reality BOTH MALENE and Karen have extensive language school teaching experience and their one-on-one sessions embrace online audiovisual material based on footage of Danes speaking about a broad range of subjects.

For beginner levels, the videos implement English subtitles, before students graduate to Danish subtitles and eventually to none at all.

“We want it to be as realistic and authentic as possible, because when you’re in the real world, if you only know textbook phrases, you’re easily lost because people could have all sorts of variations of answers or questions,” said Malene.

Benefits of 1:1 ASIDE from garnering the full attention of the teacher, the oneon-one classes also offer respite for students who are inhibited in larger groups or feel isolated because they are ahead of, or be-

Malene Neergaard (left) and Karen Bahamondes: Bringing flexibility and authenticity to learning Danish

hind, their class. And it benefits the teachers too.

“For us teachers it's an immense pleasure as well. We finally get to give people what they want.

It’s 45 minutes, it’s doable and people keep telling us it’s exactly what they needed,” said Malene.

Learning pre-arrival ANOTHER aspect unique to ADVERTORIAL

Danish for You is its specialisation in pre-arrival programmes for incoming international workers, which makes the settling-in process smoother.

The duo went on to underscore that they hear more and more from workplaces that it is a career hindrance to not speak Danish even though English may be the corporate language.

So it's not a coincidence that the likes of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) and Rambøll have collaborated with Danish for You. Danish for You offers Danish at all levels (A1 to B2) and preparation for the A1, A2, PD2 and PD3 exams.

Find more information at danishforyou.dk.

18 EVENTS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

15 - 28 October 2021

The Visit

Dairy-inspired menu

Infinite Deep

Freestyle Rap Champs

Event Horizon

Oct 29-Nov 27, Mon-Fri 19:30, Sat 17:00; Krudttønden, Serridslevvej 2, Cph Ø; 175kr, teaterbilletter.dk, The team from That Theatre are taking us back to 1857 to the very home that Charles Dickens lived in. Director Barry McKenna and lead actor Peter Holst-Beck have penned an imagining of what it was like when HC Andersen came to visit and ended up staying for six weeks. First performed in the spring of 2020, but cut short by the pandemic, this is a chance to see a very special performance that CPH POST awarded six out of six stars to. That Theatre artistic director Ian Burns takes on the role of Dickens.

Oct 31, 15:30; Restaurant 56 Grader, Krudtløbsvej 8, Cph K; 575kr, restaurant56grader.dk Installed in an old ammunition building from 1744, 56° will welcome you in Shakespeare’s language for a culinary encounter with dairy products. While head chef Jake Vousden will cook a menu of four different dishes, enjoy English-language presentations of the products – organic eggs, fresh cheese, milk, full fat yoghurt, dairy cow – which have all been produced from animals at the Søtoftes Jordbrug & Gårdmejeri farm in Ringsted. (MR)

ends Jan 16; Nikolaj Kunsthal, Nikolaj Plads 10, Cph K; 40kr CURATOR Christian Nørgaard had exclusive access to David Lynch's photo archives to make this exhibition. It’s tailor-made to fit in with the gothic style of Nikolaj Kunsthals Øvre Galleri og Tårn. The church tower dates back to the 16th century. (NJB)

Oct 15, 19:00; Pumpehuset, Studiestræde 52, Cph K; 220kr ENJOY the Danish championships in freestyle rap. Watch 16 finalists compete with cool rhymes and fantastic punchlines. (NJB)

ongoing, ends Nov 30; open daily 11:00-18:00; Cisternerne, Søndermarken, Roskildevej 28, Cph V; 125kr VISIT this exhibition by Tomás Saraceno at Cisternerne where a strange subterranean journey awaits by water. Hopping onto a boat is essential for appreciating Saraceno’s large-scale project. (NJB)

J-Popcon Oct 15-17, 11:00-16:00; DGIByen, Tietgensgade 65, Cph V; from 160kr GET READY for a weekend trip to Japan in the heart of Copenhagen as J-Popcon is returning to DGI-Byen to celebrate Japanese pop culture with all of you.

Attend Japanese culture events and workshops. (NJB)

Grønt Marked Nørrebro Oct 24, 10:00-15:00; Guldberg Byplads, Cph N; free adm A REGULAR on the second Sunday of every month on Refshaleøen, Grønt Marked has been introducing Copenhageners to farmers and outstanding local food producers. Now, for the first time, it is visiting Nørrebro. Among other products, you can expect to find ferments, honey, micro-greens and so much more. (NJB)

King of Dinosaurs ongoing, ends Dec 31; Natural History Museum of Denmark, Oster Voldgade 5-7, Cph K; 50105 kroner, snm.ku.dk It’s probably everybody’s childhood dream to see a T-Rex. Four metres high, 12 metres long and 66 million years old, ‘Tristan Otto’ is one of the most complete T-Rex fossils in the world. In resplendent black, and almost all his teeth intact, there’s no disputing that this is the ‘King of Dinosaurs’ exhibited in all its skeletal glory. (MB)

KPop & KHiphop Night Oct 15, 23:00-05:00; HAVEN, Allégade 11, Frederiksberg; from 125kr OFFICIALKEVENTS, the largest KPop clubbing events organiser in the world, brings you two unforgettable nights in Copenhagen at HAVEN. OfficialKEvents DJs will be playing K-Pop, K-Hip-hop & K-EDM tracks throughout the night. (NJB)

CPH Int Improv Festival Oct 18-24; ICC Theatre – Improv Comedy, Frederiksholms Kanal 2, Cph K; ciif.eu COPENHAGEN International Improv Festival 2021 offers outstanding improv workshops, premium shows, jams, performance opportunities and epic after-parties. CIIF21 is for anybody who loves improv: from beginner to advanced. (NJB)

Culture Night Oct 15, 18:00-late; multiple venues; kulturpas: 95kr; kulturnatten.dk ON FRIDAY, Copenhagen and Frederiksberg will be transformed into a mecca for curious adults and children, regardless of their age and interests. The only thing you need to participate is a kulturpas, which can be picked up at all 7-Elevens and museums. Children under the age of 12 have free admission when accompanied by an adult. (NJB)

MIX Copenhagen Oct 22-31, multiple venues; from 25kr MIX COPENHAGEN is a film festival showcasing LGBTQ+ works, both professional and amateur. Participate in workshops and events concerning sexuality and queerness. (NJB)

Cheff Records night Oct 15, 20:00; KB Hallen, Peter Bangs Vej 147, Frederiksberg KB HALLEN is hosting a night featuring some of the biggest names from the Danish rap scene.

Among the stars on the Cheff Records label are KIDD TopGunn, Klumben and ELOQ. (NJB)

Sweet & Slade in concert Oct 22, 18:00-22:00; Docken, Færgehavnsvej 35, Cph Nordhavn; from 595kr REWIND the clock to January 1973 and you’d find Sweet and Slade competing for the top of the UK charts with their respective songs ‘Blockbuster’ and ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’. Both spent time at number one, but in the end Slade had substantially more hits, going on to top the charts at the end of that year with ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’.

This is glam rock at its best.

Support Afghan women Oct 19, 19:30-21:00; Husets Biograf, Rådhusstræde 13, Cph K; 100kr TAHMINA Salik, an Afghan-Danish women’s rights activist living in Denmark, will offer insights into the situation of women in Afghanistan.

Learn how we can support Afghan women in their struggle for freedom - starting with the proceeds from the night. (NJB)

Christiania 50 år ends Nov 14; Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Kongens Nytorv, Cph K; 90kr, kunsthalcharlottenborg.dk Since Christiania was first proclaimed in 1971, it has been half a decade. That’s enough of a reason to celebrate its art and posters in the halls of this Charlottenborg art museum. (MB)

Monday Matchup Oct 18, 16:00-20:00; Bastard Café, Rådhusstræde 13, Cph K; free adm THIS EVENT gives you a great opportunity to meet new people and play boardgames you know all too well, or have always wanted to play. If you come alone you can be matched up with others to play a game. (NJB)

Rocky Horror Picture Show Oct 16, 20:00; Husets Biograf, Rådhusstræde 13, Cph K; 70kr ROCKY is back! So grab your favorite weirdos and come to experience it again, bigger, better, and louder than ever. Arguably the greatest cult film of all time, feel free to bring any props you like except toast and confetti (although rice is okay). Dressing up as a character in the film is definitely encouraged! (NJB)

ENGLISH JOB DENMARK Recruitment Announcements Part of The Welcome Group HEALTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MANAGER AT NOVOZYMES ONEHEALTH

Have you ever tried to build a completely new category in a company that has the potential to revolutionize it? This is your chance.

Location: Lyngby Deadline: 15 November 2021 Inge Knap, Contact: Health Science & Technology Lead, Oral & Skin Health Venture, Novozymes OneHealth, INKN@novozymes.com

GLOBAL MARKETING STUDENT WORKER, AMBU

Are you ambitious, talented and have a flair for Marketing and Product Management? And are you looking for a workplace where your efforts really matter for the customer? Then this position might be ideal for you!

Location: Ballerup Deadline: 7 November 2021 Rasmus Holtze, Director, GI Contact: Visualization, Global Marketing, +45 53 58 79 80

PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT, AGERAS GROUP

AUDIO PROGRAMMER, IOI

You will get to develop audio tech that will be used by current titles, such as HITMAN and Project 007, but also upcoming, unannounced titles. You will be a key player in developing our audio systems, gameplay audio, while bringing technological advancement for our in-engine audio tech.

Location: Copenhagen, Malmo or Barcelona Deadline: 31 October 2021 Kasper Abrahamsen, Contact: KasperA@ioi.dk

QUALITY ASSURANCE SCIENTIST FOR QA FOR QC, AGC BIOLOGICS You will assist with quality assurance of QC activities, stability documentation and batch release of biological API for phase I-III clinical trials and commercial manufacturing.

Location: Copenhagen Deadline: ASAP Niruja Sivasubramaniam, Contact: Team Leader, +45 22 94 29 62

NORDIC IBM ALLIANCE CLIENT EXECUTIVE - EY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Could you see yourself in a vibrant and fastpaced company where your most important task is to make sure that all employees are well taken care of and that a great work environment is maintained? Are attentive, helpful, proactive and structured words that describe you well?

Location: Copenhagen Deadline: ASAP Pia Roaas, Talent Acquisition Contact: Specialist, +45 31 26 29 97

This is an opportunity to get to build and use your network to find new ways of collaborating and creating value to our customers and for EY services – cross sector and cross service line.

Location: Frederiksberg Deadline: 31 October 2021 Kimmo Kaskikallio, Contact: Kimmo.kaskikallio@fi.ey.com

To advertise your vacancy here and reach 60,000+ readers weekly, contact: info@englishjobdenmark.dk or call 60 70 22 98.

Join us to become the direct link to our customers as you make our state-of-the-art equipment interact with their communications devices. Doing so, you get to work very independently while at the same time becoming part of a small team that works closely and cross-functionally to get the job done.

Location: Ballerup Deadline: 31 October 2021 Colin Argue, Hiring Manager, Contact: +45 27 88 96 03

For more information about what we can offer: https://englishjobdenmark.dk/

ENGLISH JOB DENMARK

ELECTRONICS FIELD ENGINEER, FALCOM, GN GROUP

HEAD OF UNIT - PROGRAMME INNOVATION AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT, DANISH REFUGEE COUNCIL The Head of Unit will lead a strong team of senior level advisors on various workstreams as well as deliver strategic direction on the overall organisational approach to innovation and business engagement.

Location: Copenhagen Deadline: 25 October 2021 Rikke Johannessen, Head of Contact: Unit, Programme Innovation and Business Engagement, rikke.johannessen@drc.ngo

TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER, MAERSK

You must have a deep interest in technology as well as being team leader and drive projects forward. Along with the ability to quickly understand technical problems and solve them effectively.

Location: Copenhagen Deadline: 30 October 2021 Bruno.Palumbo@maersk.com Contact:

ENGLISH SPEAKING ACCOUNT MANAGER, AWM NETWORK

You will become an important part of a versatile and constantly evolving department. Your primary tasks will include prospecting, cold calling as well as building and maintaining customer relations, both over the phone and via email. Depending on your profile, there are several opportunities to grow within the company.

Location: Valby Deadline: ASAP Filip Cleréus, Commercial Director, Contact: +46 10 884 87 71

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Gain access to articles, webinars, & much more for the price of a few coffees a month! Register today and you will have access to over 500DKK worth of webinars each month! Let us help you take a huge leap forward in your job search. englishjobdenmark.dk Visit:

Working together with internationals and companies to better understand the needs of one another.

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