modkid has added a photo to the pool:

The BLUM Spring Collection 2008 by MODKID was inspired by the modern simplicity of Scandinavian design. Using solid knits in vibrant colors paired up with authentic Marimekko fabrics, these pieces are easy to wear and make a statement wherever you go.

There are currently 10 mix & match pieces in the BLUM Collection. All items will be made-to-order, so please allow 10 – 14 days for construction and delivery of your custom-made MODKID item.

Blüm Spring 2008 Collection, by MODKID.
Made-to-order.
Blogged here:
modkidboutique.blogspot.com/2008/03/modkid-meets-marimekk…

Now take a break from design and return to life in Nordic Countries, to be correct, in one of them - Finland.

When I opened up my RSS reader and checked the Finland for thought feed, I don’t believed my eyes and sat down stagnated a while. My first impression was scaring, judge itself:

Helsinki and Vantaa police spot-checking foreigners without residence permit
Inspections in shopping malls and stations

The Helsinki and Vantaa police departments have stepped up the inspections of foreigners’ residence permits. Police officers are making spot checks in places where foreigners typically gather, including shopping malls, railway stations, and harbours.

In Vantaa, spot checks have been made in the shopping centres of Myyrmanni and Jumbo, among others. In Espoo, random inspections are not worthwhile, as the number of targets would be comparatively low, says Chief Inspector Aaro Väätäinen.

Anyone looking or sounding foreign can be chosen as the target of spot checks. ”A foreigner is always obliged to explain why he or she is in Finland. However, they do not have to carry all relevant documents with them all the time, as the facts can be checked through a computer network” reports Chief Inspector Jouko Aromäki from the Vantaa police. ”At some point we will certainly have a meeting involving the police, the Customs, and the Border Guard in order to discuss how the authorities are to cooperate in the matter”, notes Jaakko Heinilä, the head of the Investigation Unit at the Helsinki Immigration Police. ”The point of these checks is to maintain order and security in public places, with a view to the wellbeing of all citizens and residents of this country”, stresses Heinilä.

Here is important point of this publication that giving the whole story more bad smelling twist:

Typically, a foreigner without a residence permit comes from Africa or from the Middle East. Unable to present any identity card, he or she has come into Finland through another Schengen country, without facing border immigration control formalities.

Obviously, these checks will be focused mainly on non-caucasian race persons.

Read the whole article on Helsingin Sanomat:

There is a big discussion on Finland for thought blog, evoking many different points of view.

Ombudsman of Minorities Johanna Suurpää already addressed some concern about this issue on the pages of Helsingin Sanomat.

I am personally, started to think where can I buy a special purse to carry my ID…

About the photo used in this article:

Who’s there?

I sometimes feel like someone’s watching me. Seriously though, this statue is called ‘Daybreak’ and it was made by one of Finlands most prominent sculpters - Wäinö Aaltonen. It stands in front of the Bank of Finland Security Printing House, Rauhankatu 19, Kruununhaka. That’s why the security camera is there.

Uploaded by Kikeb to Nordic Design Photo pool on 26 Feb 07, 10.36PM EET.

There are lots of interesting online designer jewelry shops around today, you can also buy replica jewelry. This jewelry is made in many different styles, so there is a lot of variety for you to choose from. Designer inspired (replica) jewelry is available in many different pieces.

The Types Of Designer Inspired Silver Jewelry Available

There are lots of different types of replica designer silver jewelry around today. You can buy watches, earrings, necklaces rings and bracelets. There are lots of different designs available for each separate type of jewelry. You can buy simple designs, to very elegant and sophisticated designs. There is a piece of replica jewelry that is right for everyone, you just have to look hard to find it. Why not rush out and buy some designer inspired jewelry which you can start wearing today. I was recently shopping with a friend who was looking for a designer-inspired engagement ring - when she found the right one, it was simply poetry!

(more…)

landjane has added a photo to the pool:

Link: Marimekko

Accomplished Iranian film director and Finnish newspaper mogul Alexis Kouros is suing Phil Schwarzman for 9,800 euros over copyright infringement and libel on his popular Finland For Thought blog.

He claims that Phil liable for all negative his readers have written about him - this case is one of the first of it’s kind, not just in Finland but in the world.

read more | digg story

As we already wrote in one of previous posts, these days the vapour emissions of the Salmisaari power plant in Helsinki are illuminated to show the current levels of electricity consumption by local residents. A laser ray traces the cloud during the night time and turn it into a city scale neon sign.

Authors inviting everybody to selebrate closing of the show at the last day (Friday 29.02.08 / 19:00 - 20:00):

UNPLUG!
Calling residents of Ruoholahti & Lauttasaari Warm drinks outside tram stop 8 at Salmisaari Come and see the green cloud grow

Link: VIHREÄ PILVI

“The Nordic Region should be declared free of genetically modified organisms and the Nordic countries should join other European states like Austria, Greece and Poland, which have already declared themselves GMO-free zones,” according to a proposal by the Lef-Socialist Green Group (VSG) on the Nordic Council.

“Research suggests that the use of genetically modified products has a negative impact on health,”(…) “It would provide a boost to sustainable development and underpin the positive environmental and health image the Nordic Region aims to project,” says the Group. Full article [www.norden.org]

read more | digg story

In Internet these days spreading message about explosion on Nuclear Plant in Mikkeli, Finland.

Written in Finnish message says about witness accounts claiming that they’ve seen strong explosions on the plant’s territory, and about that one of local residents called to relatives claiming that phone lines in Mikkeli being disconnecting for prevention of panic. Now radioactive cloud moving, says message.

Message contains link that not recommended to click, since landing page installingg Zbot virus on the User’s computer. it’s unclear, what this program do, but Zbot family apparently connected to phishing activities, says Mikael Albrecht, a Product Manager of F-Secure. (Helsingin sanomat)

Update: More information on F-secure blog

januari.elva has added a photo to the pool:

Porvoo, Finland,15/10/2007.

Delicious selection of Finnish design Design Deli is a respected retail shop for contemporary Finnish design in the old town of Porvoo, 60 km east of Helsinki. You will find us by walking towards the old City Hall Square along the narrow cobble-stoned streets surrounded by wooden houses from the 18-19th centuries. If you visit Helsinki and prefer cultural sights, Old Porvoo and Design Deli are a must. To get here, you can rent a car, take a guided tour or check out the public transportation Helsinki-Porvoo.

Link: Design Deli

Eero Aarnio has designed for Plan Suomi (Finland) a “piggy bank” called Plan Pastilli which is shaped like his Pastil Chair. Plan Suomi is part of Plan International, a development agency focusing on the well being of children around the world. In addition to the small Plan Pastilli, Aarnio also designed a big Plan Pastilli which can be used in public places for collecting money to help children in need. The Plan Pastilli was presented to the press and public in August 2007 in Helsinki.