General Discussion

matt819

(10,749 posts)

134. Read this book

Tue Nov 11, 2014, 10:46 AM

Nov 2014

How to Be Danish, by Patrick Kingsley.

It's a light read, quick, but very interesting. Furniture design, New Nordic cuisine, Danish television (The Killing and The Bridge were originally Danish), education, health care, child care, and sweaters. In my next life, I think I want to be Danish.

Since everything in life has become "an issue," might I recommend first that you try to get the book out of your local library. BTW, many libraries are part of their state-wide inter library loan system, so even if your library doesn't have it, they can probably get it for you. If you decide to buy it and don't want to buy from Amazon, spend a few extra bucks and get it from your local indie bookstore, if you have one nearby. Also, most (all?) indie bookstores have their own websites, so you can also order a book from an indie. You get the idea. If you don't like Amazon, there are book-buying options, and the extras few bucks won't kill you.

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Why is Denmark the happiest country in the world? [View all] Scuba Nov 2014 OP

Weed! L0oniX Nov 2014 #1

.. Strelnikov_ Nov 2014 #98

What a great place yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #102

Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2014 #123

Never cared for pot personally. hrmjustin Nov 2014 #127

Plus LEGO. Orrex Nov 2014 #2

And strawberry cheese Danishes :) Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #52

IIRC, they call them "Vienna bread" rather than "Danish" MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #106

People show their priorities by what they spend money on... Kalidurga Nov 2014 #3

Families also get a bit of money when they have school aged kids, all american girl Nov 2014 #4

Wish this country was the same... nt abelenkpe Nov 2014 #5

The only problem would be yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #28

3k square foot home? BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #31

You would have a hard time finding much yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #34

Still BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #37

You are right about regional yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #38

True, but they are in the minority and extremely spooky3 Nov 2014 #139

"most of us" was your wording. Have you seen BALTIMORE, or ANYWHERE besides Arnold? WinkyDink Nov 2014 #63

Good point. I don't get to Baltimore much yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #71

I hear ya? BobbyBoring Nov 2014 #148

yeoman6987 Diclotican Nov 2014 #60

Well it is nice to spread out some yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #74

You do know how much of an out of touch you braggart you sound like, right? Maybe not, cuz I know bettyellen Nov 2014 #79

We're not talking salary here yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #83

LOL, Ticky tacky houses all in a row... Laughing at the idea you are a typical American bettyellen Nov 2014 #99

Nothing to do with topic. yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #100

LOL " many 3000 square feet homes like most of us have"...and your petite 2nd home! bettyellen Nov 2014 #105

Republican talking points. Again. Kingofalldems Nov 2014 #143

What do you consider small? JDPriestly Nov 2014 #160

You're uncomfortable in your 1,900 sf Florida vacation home? WorseBeforeBetter Nov 2014 #90

It's 3 bedrooms. Sorry two less then at home. yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #91

Yes, your humility is oozing all over this board. WorseBeforeBetter Nov 2014 #92

Lol. I was doing it on purpose. yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #93

Your post 28 started this... don't try to walk it back. WorseBeforeBetter Nov 2014 #94

I am only referring to the only reply you gave yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #95

Keep digging. And pick yourself up off of what I'm sure are... WorseBeforeBetter Nov 2014 #96

i like digging holes! yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #101

Nighty night. (n/t) WorseBeforeBetter Nov 2014 #103

Hellooooo. How obtuse do you have to be to so badly miss the whole point? maddiemom Nov 2014 #145

Humorous and joking yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #147

Wouldn't it be better if the whole world were republican? Kingofalldems Nov 2014 #159

You sound like a rich Republican. Odin2005 Nov 2014 #186

You seem to be an expert on Republicans yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #188

I DID VOTE. Odin2005 Nov 2014 #189

GOOD! Lol. Have a good one! yeoman6987 Nov 2014 #190

Wow.. 1900 square feet makes you uncomfortable? panader0 Nov 2014 #168

In what reality is 1900 square feet cramped??? Odin2005 Nov 2014 #185

"3000 square feet homes like most of us have." No offense, but URBAN AMERICA? WinkyDink Nov 2014 #61

The DANES don't seem to agree with you**. Plus, they are surrounded by fab scenery (I've been), at WinkyDink Nov 2014 #65

most of us do not have 3000 sq ft houses blackcrowflies Nov 2014 #111

You think "most of us" are living in 3000 sq ft homes? bread_and_roses Nov 2014 #112

"like most of us have" kcr Nov 2014 #130

"3000 square feet homes like most of us have"? JDPriestly Nov 2014 #158

My house is 300,000sf, w/ stables and 2 heli-pads! grahamhgreen Nov 2014 #178

Yeah but "FREEDOM!!!".... or something. So there. nt Guy Whitey Corngood Nov 2014 #6

Wish I was born there BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #7

Same here... PasadenaTrudy Nov 2014 #9

Damn BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #12

granddad should have stayed in Denmark. blackcrowflies Nov 2014 #113

Add: Highly Regulated Gun Laws onehandle Nov 2014 #8

No Tea Party, no NRA madamesilverspurs Nov 2014 #10

But they do still have Fascists and the Nazi Party BrotherIvan Nov 2014 #23

So true. That their per capita GDP is $38,000 vs our $53,000 does not matter in terms of happiness. pampango Nov 2014 #11

A small population and a very homogeneous demographic. yawnmaster Nov 2014 #13

If that is the case BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #16

It likely is a big part of it. but what is happiness? A diverse culture as ours has so... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #17

Happiness BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #18

A diverse society such as the US will never be able to meet the measure of happiness... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #21

Then it is hopeless BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #25

So part of me goes back to Ireland? Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #54

I know BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #72

As a sidenote you are part Cape Verdean? BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #85

Very small percentage, but yes :) Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #161

It is hopeless for the average happiness of Americans to attain that of Denmark... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #169

Racist nonsense BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #170

That is absolutely not what I am saying. This country is great because of its diversity... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #172

You are talking out of both sides of your mouth BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #174

my mouth has one side. if one is always looking for an argument, unity is impossible... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #176

Concession accepted. BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #177

When your child dies from lack of medical care Stargazer99 Nov 2014 #22

I'm so sorry for your loss, Stargazer. historylovr Nov 2014 #41

thank you for your acknowledgment Stargazer99 Nov 2014 #149

+1 There is no denying that we are a cruel nation. nt Live and Learn Nov 2014 #155

Well, we wouldn't want underserving brown people to get free stuff. Enthusiast Nov 2014 #119

yeah the diversity angle is racist as hell BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #142

As if racism and bigotry were natural. fasttense Nov 2014 #30

Denmark is a capitalist country hack89 Nov 2014 #39

Not so much fasttense Nov 2014 #46

And yet, the Danes think they are happy. You know better, however. WinkyDink Nov 2014 #66

It is the home of many multi-national corporations hack89 Nov 2014 #69

then what the hell is wrong with the United States that they cannot do the same? Stargazer99 Nov 2014 #150

Aren't humans inherently tribal and averse to difference? Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #55

SO WHAT?!?!! Niko Nov 2014 #62

+1 historylovr Nov 2014 #76

+1 ... and welcome to DU Niko!!! Scuba Nov 2014 #77

Canada is still far whiter than the US shaayecanaan Nov 2014 #78

+10000000 woo me with science Nov 2014 #86

Hey! We embrace bullshit in our country, buddy! Enthusiast Nov 2014 #120

Diversity is what makes a country great. If one has racism on the mind, many things are going to... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #173

Post hoc ergo prompter hoc. LanternWaste Nov 2014 #115

Diversity is just so horrible! IronLionZion Nov 2014 #140

I love diversity! I would never move to Denmark. Some happiness measure is not the be-all... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #171

You sound like a racist. Odin2005 Nov 2014 #187

by what definition of racist?? eom yawnmaster Nov 2014 #191

America needs a government like Denmark's. Our government can learn a lot from that country. Louisiana1976 Nov 2014 #14

I doubt a government that works for 5-6million people, most of whom share a common... yawnmaster Nov 2014 #19

That is really a lame excuse bloom Nov 2014 #26

It really is a lame excuse fasttense Nov 2014 #43

+1 leftstreet Nov 2014 #48

See how easy it is for someone else to be an other? The2ndWheel Nov 2014 #51

well actually I meant to put a comma there fasttense Nov 2014 #75

I wish the GOP was in a coma! Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #163

And it's BULLSHIT Niko Nov 2014 #70

You should realize BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #33

Just like the US is too big for going to the moon? ErikJ Nov 2014 #40

Yeah it is silly BlindTiresias Nov 2014 #44

O baloney abelenkpe Nov 2014 #45

As if govt/economies/values aren't scalable. ret5hd Nov 2014 #80

It would work just fine for 315 million people. Enthusiast Nov 2014 #167

Communism! Kingofalldems Nov 2014 #15

And ebola! Enthusiast Nov 2014 #121

Because all of their basic needs are met - all of them. Avalux Nov 2014 #20

You know how they afford all those things? BrotherIvan Nov 2014 #24

None of it happens in a vacuum though The2ndWheel Nov 2014 #49

Exactly BrotherIvan Nov 2014 #73

I worked for a Danish company for one year. Flatulo Nov 2014 #27

Interesting insight! RiverLover Nov 2014 #82

They don't have a Protestant Work Ethic addiction, plus they don't have a huge military AZ Progressive Nov 2014 #29

AZ Progressive Diclotican Nov 2014 #67

Buncha lazy bums looking for handouts! tclambert Nov 2014 #32

As I understand it, people there value the "lowly" as much as doctors, politicians, rich, etc. Hoyt Nov 2014 #35

We value doctors less than we do movie stars and reality TV personalities Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #57

Republicans hate them for their freedom. Spitfire of ATJ Nov 2014 #36

Exactly... Enthusiast Nov 2014 #125

Wonderful, wonderful post. Thank you. nt Zorra Nov 2014 #42

Cops that are more social worker then storm trooper helps greatly too IdiocracyTheNewNorm Nov 2014 #47

HUGE K & R !!! - Thank You !!! WillyT Nov 2014 #50

Because their system of governance is a Parliamentary system... Spazito Nov 2014 #53

I was married in Hillerod Denmark. madamvlb Nov 2014 #56

"Not Pakistan." WinkyDink Nov 2014 #58

Maybe it's because . . . Brigid Nov 2014 #59

That is the same impression I get. Enthusiast Nov 2014 #126

Everyone pays taxes in Denmark. nt Dreamer Tatum Nov 2014 #64

legos are EVERYWHERE there. i have a danish retiree epal. pansypoo53219 Nov 2014 #68

Did Denmark Boom Sound 416 Nov 2014 #81

Denmark's only one small state, and its houses are small LittleBlue Nov 2014 #84

Clearly large houses and cars make people unhappy. hunter Nov 2014 #122

I like having a larger newer house LittleBlue Nov 2014 #156

Ever consider how many in the US live in house trailers? Enthusiast Nov 2014 #124

it doesn't resonate with the general public Stargazer99 Nov 2014 #152

I did LittleBlue Nov 2014 #157

We could afford it if we didn't outspend the entire world on an unnecessary wasteful military. Enthusiast Nov 2014 #166

K&R woo me with science Nov 2014 #87

They're Too Farrr Lefffft!!!!!! adirondacker Nov 2014 #88

Out of date..... now it's Panama Nye Bevan Nov 2014 #89

True, and go figure: some of worst income inequality frazzled Nov 2014 #104

Sankt Hans Aften and Koldt Bord and Den Lille Havfrue! What more could anyone want? struggle4progress Nov 2014 #97

TMI. MannyGoldstein Nov 2014 #107

what is their federal tax rate? Laura PourMeADrink Nov 2014 #108

But that's the point: They pay taxes to GET A LIFE, not war, not poverty, not inadequate education, WinkyDink Nov 2014 #132

My Danish friend (and psychologist) pugetres Nov 2014 #109

I've lived in Europe. meaculpa2011 Nov 2014 #110

Apparently the Danes aren't looking to live in McMansions while their fellows are homeless. WinkyDink Nov 2014 #133

Now THERE's the greatest country - with exceptional people - in the world! DrBulldog Nov 2014 #114

Denmark doesn't understand. Some of those people receiving free stuff are lazy and undeserving. Enthusiast Nov 2014 #116

The "culture" argument that is always made . . FairWinds Nov 2014 #117

+1 Scuba Nov 2014 #118

Kicked and recommended a whole bunch! Enthusiast Nov 2014 #128

They have a better educated populace. I.E. no Teabaggers. Katashi_itto Nov 2014 #129

superb. SummerSnow Nov 2014 #131

Read this book matt819 Nov 2014 #134

+1 for public libraries. Scuba Nov 2014 #138

But who wouldn't rather have constant war, more than one gun for very man, woman, and child, world wide wally Nov 2014 #135

Just guns? Ha, that's for sissies! Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #164

albeit selling their souls not cool PatrynXX Nov 2014 #136

Free weed, decriminalized prostitution, no war culture packman Nov 2014 #137

The Vikings were pretty decent folks in comparison to others of the same period. Oakenshield Nov 2014 #153

We have WAY more bombs though; and our politicians are, on average, FAR FAR wealthier than theirs. NorthCarolina Nov 2014 #141

Why ? The Danes have a government of the people , by the people , and for the people , the complete geretogo Nov 2014 #144

And they make great toys. Octafish Nov 2014 #146

I thought it was mostly because Jackpine Radical Nov 2014 #151

With life so good in Denmark AND free healthcare, you'd think they'd have a much lower suicide rate hughee99 Nov 2014 #154

Or maybe people just decide they've had enough? Ampersand Unicode Nov 2014 #162

That's certainly a different take on suicide. n/t hughee99 Nov 2014 #165

I've thought of suicide more than once in my life and it has been mostly because of low wages Stargazer99 Nov 2014 #183

I think you may have misunderstood my post. hughee99 Nov 2014 #184

That's misleading because those things are not free Yavin4 Nov 2014 #175

Ahh the good life UglyGreed Nov 2014 #179

i think it's something a few liberal towns should start working towards within their own area JI7 Nov 2014 #180

Denmark: low expectations betsuni Nov 2014 #181

kick woo me with science Nov 2014 #182