Swedish power metal band Sabaton has produced edgy music since 1999 that educates listeners about historical war events primarily in Europe, while also extending to North America and Asia. Sabaton's lyrics focus on war, historical battles and acts of heroism. Most of the band's songs center on World War I and World War II, along… Continue reading Learn about historical war events from power metal band Sabaton
Author: Lauren Ell
In the wake of #MeToo Sweden continues to excuse increase in rape reports
If you thought the #MeToo discussion that launched in October 2017 was big in the United States, you would be really impressed by its popularity in Sweden. Despite the increased discussion on sexual assault and rape, however, the Swedish government continues to disregard investigating increase in rape reports in Sweden. The #MeToo phenomenon in Sweden not… Continue reading In the wake of #MeToo Sweden continues to excuse increase in rape reports
Pro-choice movement: Focus more on the lives of children
Mantras of the current American pro-choice movement are quotes like, "Get your hands off my ovaries, " and, "My body, my choice." While these quotes have significance, they tend to come off as self-centered rather than emphasizing a subject that hits hard on all people: the life of the child. Over a decade ago my… Continue reading Pro-choice movement: Focus more on the lives of children
The Swedish design of American pop icon Britney Spears
Lustrous American pop icon Britney Spears is constantly noted as one of America's most famous musicians and to be an exemplary model of American culture. Little do people know, however, that much of Spears' initial sound and theme was designed by Swedish producers. After being signed by Jive Records in 1997, Spears was shipped to… Continue reading The Swedish design of American pop icon Britney Spears
EU handing money to people left and right
An issue I've been taking interest in is how the EU spends its money. EU member countries are charged a considerable amount, so where does the money go? I've been living in a small village in Northern Sweden for nearly two years (hard to believe I've survived this long). The village tends to be very… Continue reading EU handing money to people left and right
Issues that need to be addressed as a result of women being in the workforce
Note: This article is a collection of observations and will be undergoing editing as new information is learned on the subject. While women often speak of how liberating it is to participate in the workforce, I often question the negatives that have resulted from their participation and think it sparks major issues that need to… Continue reading Issues that need to be addressed as a result of women being in the workforce
Being atheist does not mean I obsess over religion
When briefing through social media accounts of major American atheist organizations, one may sense that the sole priority of an atheist's life is to obsess over religion. Post after post tends to focus on politicians subscribed to religion (usually Christianity), off the wall religious TV hosts and religious quotes on public property, like benches at… Continue reading Being atheist does not mean I obsess over religion
The ups and downs of living out in the sticks
Many people throughout North American and Europe dream of getting out of the city and living in a rural area that is cut off from society. Sometimes people do reach this dream location, but they often find it's not exactly what they expected. I will share the ups and downs I've experienced while "living out… Continue reading The ups and downs of living out in the sticks
I have more fear of not receiving healthcare in Sweden than in the US
I recently spoke to a middle aged Swedish man who inquired about America's expensive healthcare system. He joked about American patients being thrown out on the streets by US hospitals if they could not pay for healthcare. I smiled courteously and said healthcare can be expensive in the United States, but people receive care quickly,… Continue reading I have more fear of not receiving healthcare in Sweden than in the US
Long wait time and poor communication with Sweden’s healthcare system
Sweden's "free healthcare" system has many downsides, such as long wait times and poor communication that often make America's healthcare system seem superior (especially pre-Obamacare). I am an American born and raised in Southern California who was diagnosed with epilepsy at 25 years old. At 28 years old I moved to Sweden to live permanently… Continue reading Long wait time and poor communication with Sweden’s healthcare system