| ... and more SIRAP |
|---|
|
| Upcoming activities | ||
|---|---|---|
|
||
| 2002 Activities Summary |
|
(2002-12-11) The Stockholm International Researchers Association has been very active since our legal charter began on 11 December 2001. The Board and other volunteers together have given hundreds of hours of time and much effort to building a dynamic and useful organization. The following summarizes our major activities: 11th SIRAP Seminar Social 13 November 2002 (Wednesday) from 18:30-21:00 Stockholm School of Economics. 34 people attended Seminar topic: "The Art of Public Speaking" Presenter: Peter Lind, Uppsala Peter Lind has taught public speaking for scientists since 1996 at the Karolinska Institute, the medical faculty at Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala. He was educated at Uppsala University where he majored in Comparative Literature. Do you ever need to speak before an audience? Here are some tips to help! Rhetoric is a system for communication that focuses on public speaking. Its basic rules were formulated in classical Greece and Rome. With law and affairs of state as main domains, classical rhetoric saw public persuasion as its primary goal, and a large number of rhetorical schools existed. Civilizations have come & gone while rhetoric has proved remarkably long-lived. We no longer regard persuasion as the only function: in a scientific context, we note how rhetoric can help us to inform and clarify our thoughts to our listeners. We looked at the theoretical basis of rhetoric and saw how the tools that it provides help to improve the formal quality of our oral presentations. An excellent & useful evening for all! 10th SIRAP Seminar Social 30 October 2002 (Wednesday) from 18:00-21:00 Studentpalatset, Norrtullsgatan 2 (in conjunction with the Federation of Student Unions in Stockholm, SSCO) 22 people attended Seminar topic: "The Myth of Swedish Neutrality During WWII: Why it Remains Controversial" Presenter: Dr Paul A Levine, Uppsala University Uppsala Programme for Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Centre for Multiethnic Research Paul A Levine is assistant professor at the Uppsala programme for Holocaust and Genocide studies and has written several books on the topic. He wrote the now famous book --Om detta ma ni beratta; En bok om Forintelsen i Europa 1933-1945. (with Stephane Bruchfeld), published by the Swedish Government, 1998. He is also a member (as of January 2001) of the editorial board of Patterns of Prejudice, an elected member of Svensk PEN, and a permanent member of the Pastora Goldner Symposium, an international group of Holocaust scholars. After Dr. Levine's presentation we enjoyed a good forum of discussion & debate. 9th SIRAP Seminar Social 18 September 2002 (Wednesday) from 18:30-21:00 Stockholm School of Economics 42 people attended Seminar topic: "Questions & Answers on Swedish Immigration" Presenter: Alexandra Birk, Immigration Consultant for Huddinge Kommun This was a great chance to discuss Swedish immigration. Members submitted questions in advance, and others during discussions. Many trying immigration questions were answered. Alexandra was extremely frank and seems very compassionate. She volunteered that any members who needed additional information were welcome to contact her by email: alexandra.birk@adm.huddinge.se 8th SIRAP Seminar Social 21 May 2002 (Tuesday) from 18:30: at Handelshögskolan's Aula (Sveavägen 65) 12 people attended (fantastic early summer weather) "Highway to Health" Presenter: Dr. Mel Bornstein, Doctor of Chiropractic, USA We had a figurative drive on 'The Highway to Health'. Dr. Mel Bornstein presented the chiropractic paradigm on health, including: - the allopathic versus the chiropractic view of health and how to achieve it - critical structural weaknesses: how they diminish resolve and what to do about them - loads of helpful and healthful do's & don'ts - nutritional and lifestyle tips, etc. Enjoy the most rewarding drive to vigor and longevity, on your own 'Highway to Health'. Dr. Mel Bornstein had a wide range of examples and tips for us from his long experience in this field. 7th SIRAP Seminar Social held 23 April (Tuesday) 2002 from 18:30 at Handelshögskolan's Aula (Sveavägen 65) 28 people attended "What future for Europe? New perspectives on Fertility Issues in Post-Industrialized Societies" Presenter: Béatrice Daumerie, The Institute for Futures Studies (Institutet för Framtidsstudier) European fertility is profoundly changing, with all European countries now at levels below replacement (i.e. 2.1 children per woman). This promises to impact labour markets and the welfare state. Large differences in fertility levels do exist within the European Union, involving employment, family policies, gender equality issues and their link to people's childbearing decisions and behaviour. This presentation addressed the impact of gender equality, female activity rates, and differing combinations of work and family responsibilities upon fertility. 6th SIRAP Seminar Social 27 February 2002 (Wednesday) from 18:30 at Handelshögskolan's Aula (Sveavägen 65) 44 people attended Two SIRAP members presented special insights: 1) "How Statskontoret Survived for some 300 Years - The Importance of Adaptability" Presenter: Sture Stömqvist, Statskontoret (the Swedish Agency for Public Management) Statskontoret conducts research & investigations for the Swedish government, helping to modernize public administration and develop administrative policy. A key area of attention is IT and the public sector's electronic infrastructure. Their analyses are important tools for government decision-making. SIRAP was highly fortunate to welcome Sture Stömqvist for an intriguing look into the mechanics of the Swedish state. 2) "Arctic Adventure" Presenter: Dr. Robert Faeder Two-thirds of Sweden is north of Stockholm; how much of the country have you seen? What's it like in the most northern region above the Arctic Circle? One annual highlight is the Jokkmokk Winter Market, held the first weekend in February. Fresh from visiting this year's 397th fair, Dr. Robert Faeder talked & showed slides of his Arctic and Sami experiences. 5th SIRAP Seminar Social 29 January (Tuesday) from 18:30 at Handelshögskolan's Aula (Sveavägen 65) 34 people attended Research Tools & Gadgets Presenter: Dr. Bruce Henry Lambert (SIRAP Chairman) Asia Information Centre, European Institute of Japanese Studies, Stockholm School of Economics Brief talk along with member show-and-tell of various research tools. A list of handy tools & websites was compiled and distributed; available online at: http://reorient.com/tools/ Others among the audience introduced useful websites, digital technology or local Stockholm resources. 4th SIRAP Seminar Social 28 November 2001 Handelshögskolan's Aula 23 people attended Above the Arctic Circle: Life and Research in Snow & Ice Presenters: Dr. Ian Brown & Dr. Regine Hock Climate Impacts Research Centre (CIRC) Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University Mid-winter and the temperature is -40C (minus forty!) We are standing outside attending the annual Kiruna Snow Festival. The sun stays below the horizon all day, but the aurora borealis (northern lights) compensate. These are some impressions of having lived in Kiruna for four years. Glaciologists Ian Brown & Regine Hock of Stockholm University presented a wonderful slideshow on life in such an environment and some insights into fieldwork on glaciers across Lappland. 3rd SIRAP Seminar Social 24 October, United Nations Day at Handelshögskolan's Aula (Sveavägen 65) from 18:30 48 people attended United Nations Day - role and details of the United Nations - recent events in the USA and the response - current and future challenges for the United Nations Presenter: Joakim Vaverka Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Department for Global Security We had excellent and frank discussions of the UN's role, and how the political landscape has changed since the 11 September incidents. SIRAP's wide range of discerning members combined with a great speaker for an excellent and thought-provoking evening. 2nd SIRAP Seminar Social 30 May 2001 from 18:30 - 21:30 at the Aula of Stockholm School of Economics 21 people attended. 1) Phytoremediation: the Use of Plants and Trees to Clean Up Environmental Contaminants Presenter: Yaodong Wang Department of Botany, Stockholm University Yaodong Wang presented a highly-interesting overview of his research and the possibilities of using plants and trees to clean up or contain environmental pollution - and even their potential to accumulate precious metals such as silver and gold. Well-received presentation! 2) Marina Takahashi Wikstedt, a Finnish businesswoman, was interviewed by the SIRAP Chairman. Marina's Japanese husband and their son were also in the audience and participated with comments. With 22 years of experience here, Marina feels Sweden has become somewhat more violent, with a rise in criminality. She feels a Swedish nationalism, but that Swedish society accepts and is accommodating to a mixed family such as hers when compared to Japan and Finland (though racism can be a problem in the suburbs with selected ethic groups). Groups such as Americans and Japanese receive more respect than refugee ethnic groups. Compared to Finns, she thinks that Swedish people engage in too many meetings without solution; Finnish people are more determined to make decisions and see them through. She likes the four seasons of Sweden but hopes one day to retire to Finland. She urged those new to Sweden to explore Stockholm and especially to visit the beautiful archipelago. 1st SIRAP Seminar Social Wednesday 25 April 2001 from 18:30 - 21:30 at the Aula of Stockholm School of Economics (Handelshögskolan i Stockholm) 34 people attended "Monitoring Toxic Algal Blooms in the Baltic Sea." Dr. Susanne Kratzer, Dept of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University Dr. Suse Kratzer introduced her use of satellite technology with charting algal movement. She described the changes in the sea inside the blooms, the rising heat and dropping oxygen levels. Their team even swam into the bloom! Alve Henricsson, builder/operator of the research vessel 'Searcher' Alve introduced 'Searcher,' a platform ship for research projects and fieldwork on remote seas and islands. He showed slides of research groups in the Seychelles and also in the Baltic, and told of his personal exploits to Pitcairn and the more amazing 'Searcher' building project, which took three+ years. He is presently putting together sponsorship and contact groups for future 'Searcher' projects. Peter Miller, a U.S.-born survivor of 28-years living in Sweden, Director of Education for Språkverket and the President of the English Speaking Community Club (ESCC), was then interviewed by the SIRAP Chairman. Peter spoke about how Sweden has changed over the period he's lived here, and how from the start he tackled the challenge of learning Swedish. Peter also presented details of the ESCC, and distributed copies of the ESCC monthly newsletter. The non-profit ESCC has over 1000 members and regular social gatherings, film evenings, visits to Stockholm-area institutions & factories, etc.; the key binding quality being that activities are held in English. This seems a natural complementarity, and it is hoped that members of SIRAP and the ESCC will each investigate the other's opportunities. Other Activities: Annual SIRAP trip to the Taxinge Castle Christmas Fair 16th November 2002 (Saturday) 13:00 - 18:30 97 people attended A fantastic trip to the magical Christmas fair. There were many special foods and handicrafts for sale, and carpenters, tailors and artists showed their work. We were served coffee with homemade "lussekatter", and other Christmas cakes, and received an interesting talk on the history of Taxinge. SIRAP trip to Dalarna 15th June 2002 (Saturday) 07:00 - 22:00 96 people attended The two busses needed to split up because of the number of people, eventually each went to Sundborn for a guided tour to see Carl & Karin Larsson's home, and also see the Sundborn Church. After that we visited Vidablick Rättvik for a lunch break, to Nusnäs and the Dala horse factory, to Stiftsgården in Rättvik for evening coffee, then back to Stockholm. A long and very enjoyable day! SIRAP Board Retreat to Björkö Gård, in the Tjust Archipelago south of Stockholm Saturday & Sunday 5-6 October 2002 Seven members participated in this retreat and weekend Board meeting (two had to withdraw at the last moment). We saw the grandness of nature, visited an uninhabited island (well, birds and cows live there, but no people). We had useful discussions about the future of SIRAP, and talked well into the night. The weather was stormy but we enjoyed a barbecue and an authentic Hungarian goulash, as well as meeting the friendly Alvarsson family who live and work year-round on this distant oasis. Swedish Folkdance Show by the Academic Folk Dance Team Thursday 28th of February, between 18:30- 20:00 Kulturhuset, ground floor (at Sergels torg outside T-Central) sponsored by SSCO, The Federation of Student Unions in Stockholm Many enjoyed the beauty of Swedish folk dance in traditional costumes. The Academic Folk Dance Team demonstrated some traditional Swedish dances and talked about traditional costumes. SIRAP also acts as a conduit of information, passing along much information to the members about various other activities happening around Stockholm. This included Swedish Design lectures at Konstfack and assorted other symposia and lectures. SIRAP members were also urged to make contact with the English Speaking Community Club, ESCC, where there is a range of social and cultural activities on offer every month for its members: http://www.escc.se/escc.html SIRAP steadily developed its web presence under the guidance of Paulius Dambrauskas. The results can be seen at: http://www.sirap.info many savings nuggets and bits of information are there, and more will come! Write with ideas, questions, etc., either to: paulius@kth.se (or) help@sirap.info SIRAP's Board had 9 meetings this past year. We've worked quite hard building up the club! The most memorable Board activity was our retreat to Björkö Gård in the Tjust Archipelago. SIRAP Circles have developed steadily. At present there are 12 autonomous circles with varied levels of activity and energy. More information is available on the SIRAP website. We encourage members if they see a circle of interest, to contact the person in charge for information. Cosmonova Circle Livia Olah livia.olah@framtidsstudier.se Those who'd prefer to go to the Cosmonova (IMAX-theatre) with some company instead of seeing the films alone are welcome to join us. Before the film we can visit the attached museum (Swedish Museum of Natural History: they have very good exhibitions) and possibly have lunch there in the restaurant. Thus one movie can be a one-day program with lots of fun with friends(-to-be). All programs are on a self-cost basis. Please let me know if you also would like to organize such a visit. Movie Circle Flora Gaber floragaber@hotmail.com We go to the movies together in smaller or larger groups (we can order tickets in advance). Those who wish can discuss the film afterwards in a café or a restaurant. It would be good to have several persons as organizers since people's interest and time schedule vary greatly. All programs are on a self-cost basis. Creative Writing Circle Leslie Kenna leslie.kenna@farmbio.uu.se tel: 070 269 5589 Group members bring in poetry or short stories we've written for constructive critique. We can also read and discuss published poetry and short stories. SIRAP Website Circle Paulius Dambrauskas paulius@kth.se We hope to better develop the SIRAP website. It would be nice to add more useful information to the site and maybe a new member self-registration script and a chat facility. Collectors Corner Krystyna Palonka krystyna.palonka@hhs.se All those crazy about collecting anything are invited. Then we can initiate presentations of our collections - whatever the focus... Pet & Animal Study Circle Anna Lauritz anna.lauritz@ssco.se This circle is for everyone with genuine interest in small animals, e.g., rabbits, dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, etc. The circle is also suitable for children accompanied by parents. We will make study visits to veterinary clinics, have guest speakers and hopefully make visits to kennels. All trips are on a self-funded basis. Talar Svenska Circle Sofie Alvarsson sofie.alvarsson@stockholmacademicforum.org Intermediate level; to reasonably allocate time, limited to eight people. Basketball Circle Bruce Lambert bruce@reorient.com We get together to shoot baskets / play basketball games; all are welcome. Soccer / Football Circle Zhao Zhe zhao@inorg.su.se We gather to play soccer at the nice Wenner-Gren Center field (top of Sveavägen); all are welcome Early Morning Walking circle Aimee Poor aimee@reorient.com We meet at a designated spot in the Stockholm area and then walk for about 45 minutes to an hour. We enjoy early morning Stockholm, listen to the birds, and stretch our limbs! Hand-woven Rug & Textile Study Circle Bruce Lambert bruce@reorient.com We will discuss textile art with examples & local expert speakers; I've a special interest in Central Asian flatweaves and Swedish rölakan but all textile topics & all interested people welcome. Music Playing Circle Paulius Dambrauskas paulius@kth.se Guitar playing & listening; what other musical interests do we have? We'll arrange meetings periodically, you are welcome if you like listening or even playing. Maybe you or someone you know would like to start a circle? Any topic or hobby is OK - just collect some names and make a first meeting. All we need is an initial coordinator (with contact phone or e-mail) to be advertised via email and on SIRAP's web site; just contact paulius@kth.se Other circles in which members have expressed interest (awaiting coordinators): SIRAP Publicity Circle Wine-tasting Circle Whiskey Circle Art Exhibition Circle Choir / Chorus / Singing Circle Stockholmania Circle Theatre & Opera Circle Children's Activity Circle Edible Plants & Mushrooms Circle Fishing Circle Inline Skating Circle Hiking Circle Dancing Circle ... (or start something else!) Either of two "Student Palace" rooms can be booked for circle meetings if desired (Studentpalatset, Norrtullsgatan 2; open Mon-Fri 8.00-22.00, Sat & Sun 9.00-17.00); contact Anna at: anna.lauritz@ssco.se Please help. Support our efforts. SIRAP is a volunteer organization and not a public entitlement. Every SIRAP activity represents the voluntary efforts of one to a dozen people giving time & effort to make a better community for all of us. We now have over 520 members and their families enrolled in SIRAP. But many others do not yet know of our activities. Pass the word, forward SIRAP announcements to your contacts, or better, volunteer to help with publicity or other activities (help@sirap.info). Let's make our club even better! for the SIRAP Board, and all who've helped us thus far, Bruce Henry Lambert |