@englanti.bsky.social
Swedish-speaking English man living in Finland
"There are no signs that the USA is preparing to use its military against Greenland" seems to be a common statement both from US Congress leaders and European ministers.
But how much military force would the USA need to take Greenland?
Would they really need to make open preparations?
But how much military force would the USA need to take Greenland?
Would they really need to make open preparations?
January 8, 2026 at 6:40 PM
"There are no signs that the USA is preparing to use its military against Greenland" seems to be a common statement both from US Congress leaders and European ministers.
But how much military force would the USA need to take Greenland?
Would they really need to make open preparations?
But how much military force would the USA need to take Greenland?
Would they really need to make open preparations?
An on-line article from The Spectator includes "President Trump’s audacious kidnap of its [Venezuela] former leader Nicolas Maduro."
"Audacious" is a word you use when something wild worked.
If it hadn't worked, what word would The Spectator have used?
"Foolhardy" perhaps? "Disastrous"?
"Audacious" is a word you use when something wild worked.
If it hadn't worked, what word would The Spectator have used?
"Foolhardy" perhaps? "Disastrous"?
January 7, 2026 at 3:18 PM
An on-line article from The Spectator includes "President Trump’s audacious kidnap of its [Venezuela] former leader Nicolas Maduro."
"Audacious" is a word you use when something wild worked.
If it hadn't worked, what word would The Spectator have used?
"Foolhardy" perhaps? "Disastrous"?
"Audacious" is a word you use when something wild worked.
If it hadn't worked, what word would The Spectator have used?
"Foolhardy" perhaps? "Disastrous"?
A BBC radio program with comedians from around the world started with someone called "Thor Stenhaug" who introduced himself as being from Sweden, "that part of Sweden called Norway".
In no part of the world is that even remotely funny.
So much for 'starting off with your best joke'.
In no part of the world is that even remotely funny.
So much for 'starting off with your best joke'.
January 5, 2026 at 9:13 PM
A BBC radio program with comedians from around the world started with someone called "Thor Stenhaug" who introduced himself as being from Sweden, "that part of Sweden called Norway".
In no part of the world is that even remotely funny.
So much for 'starting off with your best joke'.
In no part of the world is that even remotely funny.
So much for 'starting off with your best joke'.
I saw this quote in the BBC's coverage of the taking of Maduro and comparing it with the 1990 taking of Noriega.
"Eventually Noriega was persuaded to leave after the use of “psychological warfare” - specifically the constant playing of loud rock music, including The Clash, Van Halen and U2."
"Eventually Noriega was persuaded to leave after the use of “psychological warfare” - specifically the constant playing of loud rock music, including The Clash, Van Halen and U2."
January 3, 2026 at 12:26 PM
I saw this quote in the BBC's coverage of the taking of Maduro and comparing it with the 1990 taking of Noriega.
"Eventually Noriega was persuaded to leave after the use of “psychological warfare” - specifically the constant playing of loud rock music, including The Clash, Van Halen and U2."
"Eventually Noriega was persuaded to leave after the use of “psychological warfare” - specifically the constant playing of loud rock music, including The Clash, Van Halen and U2."
A Finnish participant in the Tour de Ski told journalists in Italy that the part of Finland where the Scandinavian Cup was taking place (at the same time) was "Finland's Mogadishu". She was quickly forced to apologise.
Tampere - a large Finnish city - is often called "Finland's Manchester".
Tampere - a large Finnish city - is often called "Finland's Manchester".
January 3, 2026 at 7:44 AM
A Finnish participant in the Tour de Ski told journalists in Italy that the part of Finland where the Scandinavian Cup was taking place (at the same time) was "Finland's Mogadishu". She was quickly forced to apologise.
Tampere - a large Finnish city - is often called "Finland's Manchester".
Tampere - a large Finnish city - is often called "Finland's Manchester".
A ship is suspected of having cut two data cables in the sea between Helsknki and Tallinn; a ship was boarded and its anchor was still out. The ship was moved to a Finnish harbour.
Annoying was the long TV interview with someone from the Finnish Border Guard who refused to speak clear Finnish but..
Annoying was the long TV interview with someone from the Finnish Border Guard who refused to speak clear Finnish but..
December 31, 2025 at 6:41 PM
A ship is suspected of having cut two data cables in the sea between Helsknki and Tallinn; a ship was boarded and its anchor was still out. The ship was moved to a Finnish harbour.
Annoying was the long TV interview with someone from the Finnish Border Guard who refused to speak clear Finnish but..
Annoying was the long TV interview with someone from the Finnish Border Guard who refused to speak clear Finnish but..
Re-watching The Longest Day. Despite being made in 1962, the French are French and speak French; the Germans are Germans speaking German (and Americans + British are just that).
But... there's a meaningless scene where a "German" shouts "Hello" several times on the phone. In German it's "Hallo".
But... there's a meaningless scene where a "German" shouts "Hello" several times on the phone. In German it's "Hallo".
December 30, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Re-watching The Longest Day. Despite being made in 1962, the French are French and speak French; the Germans are Germans speaking German (and Americans + British are just that).
But... there's a meaningless scene where a "German" shouts "Hello" several times on the phone. In German it's "Hallo".
But... there's a meaningless scene where a "German" shouts "Hello" several times on the phone. In German it's "Hallo".
Differences between (say) Germany and Finland:
My Finnish wife had a phone call with Sales support for X in which she added two things to our order. The support confirmed them with an estimated price.
When the e-mail confirmation came only one of the two things was mentioned and there was no price
My Finnish wife had a phone call with Sales support for X in which she added two things to our order. The support confirmed them with an estimated price.
When the e-mail confirmation came only one of the two things was mentioned and there was no price
December 30, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Differences between (say) Germany and Finland:
My Finnish wife had a phone call with Sales support for X in which she added two things to our order. The support confirmed them with an estimated price.
When the e-mail confirmation came only one of the two things was mentioned and there was no price
My Finnish wife had a phone call with Sales support for X in which she added two things to our order. The support confirmed them with an estimated price.
When the e-mail confirmation came only one of the two things was mentioned and there was no price
What an offer!
"Valio Hedelmätarha luomumustikkamehu 1l
Etuhinta 2,75/kpl (2,75/l)
norm. 2,79/kpl (2,79/l)
Tarjous voimassa 1.1.2026–29.3.2026"
Wow €0.04 price reduction on a €2.79 item...
Even something that minor means a red price-label to significant a reduction.
But is it fair?
"Valio Hedelmätarha luomumustikkamehu 1l
Etuhinta 2,75/kpl (2,75/l)
norm. 2,79/kpl (2,79/l)
Tarjous voimassa 1.1.2026–29.3.2026"
Wow €0.04 price reduction on a €2.79 item...
Even something that minor means a red price-label to significant a reduction.
But is it fair?
December 29, 2025 at 4:08 PM
What an offer!
"Valio Hedelmätarha luomumustikkamehu 1l
Etuhinta 2,75/kpl (2,75/l)
norm. 2,79/kpl (2,79/l)
Tarjous voimassa 1.1.2026–29.3.2026"
Wow €0.04 price reduction on a €2.79 item...
Even something that minor means a red price-label to significant a reduction.
But is it fair?
"Valio Hedelmätarha luomumustikkamehu 1l
Etuhinta 2,75/kpl (2,75/l)
norm. 2,79/kpl (2,79/l)
Tarjous voimassa 1.1.2026–29.3.2026"
Wow €0.04 price reduction on a €2.79 item...
Even something that minor means a red price-label to significant a reduction.
But is it fair?
The just-died old rocker Pate Mustajärvi was described as the leading figure of "Manse-Rock".
Manse requires an explanation.
The city of Tampere is often called the Manchester of Finland.
Pate Mustajärvi comes from Tampere.
Slang for Tampere based on "Manchester" is "Manse".
hence Manse-Rock!
Manse requires an explanation.
The city of Tampere is often called the Manchester of Finland.
Pate Mustajärvi comes from Tampere.
Slang for Tampere based on "Manchester" is "Manse".
hence Manse-Rock!
December 27, 2025 at 8:22 AM
The just-died old rocker Pate Mustajärvi was described as the leading figure of "Manse-Rock".
Manse requires an explanation.
The city of Tampere is often called the Manchester of Finland.
Pate Mustajärvi comes from Tampere.
Slang for Tampere based on "Manchester" is "Manse".
hence Manse-Rock!
Manse requires an explanation.
The city of Tampere is often called the Manchester of Finland.
Pate Mustajärvi comes from Tampere.
Slang for Tampere based on "Manchester" is "Manse".
hence Manse-Rock!
There's an article in the Christmas issue of The Spectator with the title
"In a crowded field, who is the most insufferable MP?"
[In the UK. In Finland first on my list would be Tutti Typpyräinen of the SDP. She's imo weird and her jumpy speaking style keeps her top of the list.]
"In a crowded field, who is the most insufferable MP?"
[In the UK. In Finland first on my list would be Tutti Typpyräinen of the SDP. She's imo weird and her jumpy speaking style keeps her top of the list.]
December 23, 2025 at 6:49 PM
There's an article in the Christmas issue of The Spectator with the title
"In a crowded field, who is the most insufferable MP?"
[In the UK. In Finland first on my list would be Tutti Typpyräinen of the SDP. She's imo weird and her jumpy speaking style keeps her top of the list.]
"In a crowded field, who is the most insufferable MP?"
[In the UK. In Finland first on my list would be Tutti Typpyräinen of the SDP. She's imo weird and her jumpy speaking style keeps her top of the list.]
Amazon DE includes delivery to the door in Finland. Some suppliers try to avoid this by demanding a reply within a day to a message offering 1. a service point 2. home.
Finnish Posti just states a day when they will dump the parcel on the doorstep or in the postbox.
Postnord reached a new low.
Finnish Posti just states a day when they will dump the parcel on the doorstep or in the postbox.
Postnord reached a new low.
December 23, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Amazon DE includes delivery to the door in Finland. Some suppliers try to avoid this by demanding a reply within a day to a message offering 1. a service point 2. home.
Finnish Posti just states a day when they will dump the parcel on the doorstep or in the postbox.
Postnord reached a new low.
Finnish Posti just states a day when they will dump the parcel on the doorstep or in the postbox.
Postnord reached a new low.
The Observer, in its piece on Finland's President Alexander Stubb, writes that he "plays golf with President Trump".
Unless he's been successfully avoiding the press when doing so, he has played golf with Trump exactly once.
If that's the case, how come "plays" and not "has played"?
Unless he's been successfully avoiding the press when doing so, he has played golf with Trump exactly once.
If that's the case, how come "plays" and not "has played"?
December 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The Observer, in its piece on Finland's President Alexander Stubb, writes that he "plays golf with President Trump".
Unless he's been successfully avoiding the press when doing so, he has played golf with Trump exactly once.
If that's the case, how come "plays" and not "has played"?
Unless he's been successfully avoiding the press when doing so, he has played golf with Trump exactly once.
If that's the case, how come "plays" and not "has played"?
In www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article...
"With the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, travelers are urged to be extra cautious, especially in crowded areas where the risk of terrorist attacks remains elevated. Finland has not been immune to these threats"
Finland=Nordic not Eastern Europe!
"With the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, travelers are urged to be extra cautious, especially in crowded areas where the risk of terrorist attacks remains elevated. Finland has not been immune to these threats"
Finland=Nordic not Eastern Europe!
December 21, 2025 at 10:12 AM
In www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article...
"With the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, travelers are urged to be extra cautious, especially in crowded areas where the risk of terrorist attacks remains elevated. Finland has not been immune to these threats"
Finland=Nordic not Eastern Europe!
"With the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, travelers are urged to be extra cautious, especially in crowded areas where the risk of terrorist attacks remains elevated. Finland has not been immune to these threats"
Finland=Nordic not Eastern Europe!
Forces had an article about a utility for large Galaxy phones or Tabelts.
It's called Solid Explorer, BUT when you install it, it requires access to all the files on your device and - even worse - states that you allow it to delete any files it likes without any actions from you.
No thanks!
It's called Solid Explorer, BUT when you install it, it requires access to all the files on your device and - even worse - states that you allow it to delete any files it likes without any actions from you.
No thanks!
December 20, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Forces had an article about a utility for large Galaxy phones or Tabelts.
It's called Solid Explorer, BUT when you install it, it requires access to all the files on your device and - even worse - states that you allow it to delete any files it likes without any actions from you.
No thanks!
It's called Solid Explorer, BUT when you install it, it requires access to all the files on your device and - even worse - states that you allow it to delete any files it likes without any actions from you.
No thanks!
The Oldie has a column where someone says she has learnt a new compound German word. The key text is the incorrect translation of that word:
"Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel (Birth Control)"
The direct translation is "pregnancy contraception agent" [note agent]
- in a single word "contraceptive"
"Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel (Birth Control)"
The direct translation is "pregnancy contraception agent" [note agent]
- in a single word "contraceptive"
December 20, 2025 at 1:52 AM
The Oldie has a column where someone says she has learnt a new compound German word. The key text is the incorrect translation of that word:
"Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel (Birth Control)"
The direct translation is "pregnancy contraception agent" [note agent]
- in a single word "contraceptive"
"Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel (Birth Control)"
The direct translation is "pregnancy contraception agent" [note agent]
- in a single word "contraceptive"
Just re-reading "The Russians" (1976) by Hedrick Smith about when he lived in Moscow for the New York Times.
He notes that Russian drivers take off their windscreen wipers out of fear that they will be stolen. I never did that in Hungary in 1970-1971 (and they weren't) but I did in Warsaw 1974-75.
He notes that Russian drivers take off their windscreen wipers out of fear that they will be stolen. I never did that in Hungary in 1970-1971 (and they weren't) but I did in Warsaw 1974-75.
December 15, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Just re-reading "The Russians" (1976) by Hedrick Smith about when he lived in Moscow for the New York Times.
He notes that Russian drivers take off their windscreen wipers out of fear that they will be stolen. I never did that in Hungary in 1970-1971 (and they weren't) but I did in Warsaw 1974-75.
He notes that Russian drivers take off their windscreen wipers out of fear that they will be stolen. I never did that in Hungary in 1970-1971 (and they weren't) but I did in Warsaw 1974-75.
BBC Sports on an own goal.
"it was her lurking presence in the box that left Brighton defender Hayes with no choice but to head into her own goal from a driven Erin Cuthbert cross."
So, "no choice", then.
Given that that gives the opposing team a goal, surely other options were not worse.
"it was her lurking presence in the box that left Brighton defender Hayes with no choice but to head into her own goal from a driven Erin Cuthbert cross."
So, "no choice", then.
Given that that gives the opposing team a goal, surely other options were not worse.
December 14, 2025 at 3:03 PM
BBC Sports on an own goal.
"it was her lurking presence in the box that left Brighton defender Hayes with no choice but to head into her own goal from a driven Erin Cuthbert cross."
So, "no choice", then.
Given that that gives the opposing team a goal, surely other options were not worse.
"it was her lurking presence in the box that left Brighton defender Hayes with no choice but to head into her own goal from a driven Erin Cuthbert cross."
So, "no choice", then.
Given that that gives the opposing team a goal, surely other options were not worse.
The Economist has a feature that is supposedly a hotel giving information on your room.
Many seemed familiar from my recent stay in a good hotel in Madeira (apart from the scrambled egg which was not rubbery and was superb)
But
"The Wi-fi password is your room number".
Many seemed familiar from my recent stay in a good hotel in Madeira (apart from the scrambled egg which was not rubbery and was superb)
But
"The Wi-fi password is your room number".
December 14, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The Economist has a feature that is supposedly a hotel giving information on your room.
Many seemed familiar from my recent stay in a good hotel in Madeira (apart from the scrambled egg which was not rubbery and was superb)
But
"The Wi-fi password is your room number".
Many seemed familiar from my recent stay in a good hotel in Madeira (apart from the scrambled egg which was not rubbery and was superb)
But
"The Wi-fi password is your room number".
Last week's Spectator:
"the chance of being called up [for Jury Service] in 2023 was 0.45%. By implication, the chance of not being called up was 99.5%. The chance of avoiding jury service for all 57 of the years in which a person is eligible is 77%"
1. Up 0.45 % Not 99.55% (99.5% wrong)
2. 77% ???
"the chance of being called up [for Jury Service] in 2023 was 0.45%. By implication, the chance of not being called up was 99.5%. The chance of avoiding jury service for all 57 of the years in which a person is eligible is 77%"
1. Up 0.45 % Not 99.55% (99.5% wrong)
2. 77% ???
December 11, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Last week's Spectator:
"the chance of being called up [for Jury Service] in 2023 was 0.45%. By implication, the chance of not being called up was 99.5%. The chance of avoiding jury service for all 57 of the years in which a person is eligible is 77%"
1. Up 0.45 % Not 99.55% (99.5% wrong)
2. 77% ???
"the chance of being called up [for Jury Service] in 2023 was 0.45%. By implication, the chance of not being called up was 99.5%. The chance of avoiding jury service for all 57 of the years in which a person is eligible is 77%"
1. Up 0.45 % Not 99.55% (99.5% wrong)
2. 77% ???
The Spectator gives a writer this byline.
"Philip Patrick is an exiled Scot, who lectures at a Tokyo university and contributes to the Japan Times"
What did Mr Patrick do to be exiled? I thought that sending people into exile was of the past.
If you want to avoid "expat" why not just "is a Scot"?
"Philip Patrick is an exiled Scot, who lectures at a Tokyo university and contributes to the Japan Times"
What did Mr Patrick do to be exiled? I thought that sending people into exile was of the past.
If you want to avoid "expat" why not just "is a Scot"?
December 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The Spectator gives a writer this byline.
"Philip Patrick is an exiled Scot, who lectures at a Tokyo university and contributes to the Japan Times"
What did Mr Patrick do to be exiled? I thought that sending people into exile was of the past.
If you want to avoid "expat" why not just "is a Scot"?
"Philip Patrick is an exiled Scot, who lectures at a Tokyo university and contributes to the Japan Times"
What did Mr Patrick do to be exiled? I thought that sending people into exile was of the past.
If you want to avoid "expat" why not just "is a Scot"?
Finnair used to have two advantages over other airlines.
1.They flew direct to many European destinations whereas most of the same destinations required a change of flights when other airlines like SAS, KLM or Lufthansa were used.
2.They were the only airline where Finnish AND Swedish were spoken.
1.They flew direct to many European destinations whereas most of the same destinations required a change of flights when other airlines like SAS, KLM or Lufthansa were used.
2.They were the only airline where Finnish AND Swedish were spoken.
December 9, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Finnair used to have two advantages over other airlines.
1.They flew direct to many European destinations whereas most of the same destinations required a change of flights when other airlines like SAS, KLM or Lufthansa were used.
2.They were the only airline where Finnish AND Swedish were spoken.
1.They flew direct to many European destinations whereas most of the same destinations required a change of flights when other airlines like SAS, KLM or Lufthansa were used.
2.They were the only airline where Finnish AND Swedish were spoken.
The hotel I am staying in has a very large restaurant area and they open the doors (with very few exceptions) at 7:30 exactly. For my entire stay I have been first in the queue in order to get "my" table.
At 7:25 there were maybe 8 people behind me. A German came up; stared through the door glass..
At 7:25 there were maybe 8 people behind me. A German came up; stared through the door glass..
December 6, 2025 at 8:09 AM
The hotel I am staying in has a very large restaurant area and they open the doors (with very few exceptions) at 7:30 exactly. For my entire stay I have been first in the queue in order to get "my" table.
At 7:25 there were maybe 8 people behind me. A German came up; stared through the door glass..
At 7:25 there were maybe 8 people behind me. A German came up; stared through the door glass..
There's only one problem with this graphic of which countries have most players in the Guardian's list of 100 Best Women (Football) players.
Sweden also has 5 players in the Top 100. (Led by Blackstenius as 31, whereas the mentioned (in the article that has the graphic) Björn is 3rd best Swede.
Sweden also has 5 players in the Top 100. (Led by Blackstenius as 31, whereas the mentioned (in the article that has the graphic) Björn is 3rd best Swede.
December 5, 2025 at 4:42 PM
There's only one problem with this graphic of which countries have most players in the Guardian's list of 100 Best Women (Football) players.
Sweden also has 5 players in the Top 100. (Led by Blackstenius as 31, whereas the mentioned (in the article that has the graphic) Björn is 3rd best Swede.
Sweden also has 5 players in the Top 100. (Led by Blackstenius as 31, whereas the mentioned (in the article that has the graphic) Björn is 3rd best Swede.
There's a fuss in the UK about Rachel Reeves chess championship.
For a few years there were two rival British Championships for women as as a rival organisation *only for women* had been set up alongside the established British Chess Federation (for men and women).
Reeves won the U14 championiship
For a few years there were two rival British Championships for women as as a rival organisation *only for women* had been set up alongside the established British Chess Federation (for men and women).
Reeves won the U14 championiship
December 5, 2025 at 2:31 PM
There's a fuss in the UK about Rachel Reeves chess championship.
For a few years there were two rival British Championships for women as as a rival organisation *only for women* had been set up alongside the established British Chess Federation (for men and women).
Reeves won the U14 championiship
For a few years there were two rival British Championships for women as as a rival organisation *only for women* had been set up alongside the established British Chess Federation (for men and women).
Reeves won the U14 championiship