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Woman sitting in window, reading a book and looking towards cameraWhy reading fiction will make you healthier

Reading fiction — not just a guilty pleasure to sneak. It’s actually good for you. As in it has physical, mental and emotional health benefits and could make you live longer, while also enjoying life more.

Old photo album with pictures of men and womenTall tale or real family history?

In the 1800s, many Swedes left the old country to seek their fortune or just a new, hopefully better, life in the big land across the ocean. One of my forefathers was among them. Or was he?

Group of men and women around campfire talkingWhy we need to talk more about politics and religion — not less

A friend commented: “When I go visit relatives, we don’t talk politics. That way we can all still stay friends.” Another friend declared: “Oh, I don’t discuss my faith. That’s personal.” Silence falls.

Students walking up the hill at the University of Iowa PentacrestFirst day of class and I’m overwhelmed

When I was in college, the fall semester always started on a Wednesday in late August. New classes, long booklists, even longer syllabuses. Life shrinking rapidly.

woman and man in animated conversationSay what you mean and mean what you say

Communication can be difficult, even on a good day. Because we say ‘yes’ when we mean ‘no’ and the other way around. And sometimes, a word just doesn’t mean what you think it means.

Claes sitting on the hood of a big old car. Photo from 1978.I moved to a new country

The first time I arrived in Iowa City, Iowa, where I was moving from Sweden, I almost turned and ran. It was 2 am. I was fresh off a Greyhound bus. Right in front of me was a huge sign “Road Closed” and torn down buildings…

Camera slate - "summer watching"6 movies and TV-shows to entertain and intrigue

Summer is great for many things, including watching movies or TV series. Here are 6 favorites I’ve enjoyed and hope you’ll enjoy and be inspired by as well.

"The Game of Life" board, car with tokensLife: Zero-sum or something else?

In life there are winners and there are losers. There are those who strike it rich and those who “live in a van down by the river”. That’s just life. Or is it?

Claes and host family in Berlin 1971My best summer

I was going on an adventure. Leaving my small hometown in Sweden for the great metropolis of Berlin, Germany. By myself. As in, I came up with the idea, I planned the trip, I made all the arrangements.