Funny visualisations of different jobs are circulating online called “What I really do memes”. My favourite is this one depicting the Web developer hard at work. I can especially relate…
In the Metro newspaper there was an article a couple of weeks ago regarding what kind of jobs men and women dream of and comparing that to where there is…
May I present the new Facebook page for the Swedish Women in IT community “IT-tjej”. It has been a lot of fun playing around with it. For the Facebook tab…
Last weeks biggest faux pas in the media was without a doubt an article in the Metros newspaper’s student edition which was titled “Swedens only female Game Developer”. It was an…
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small.
Eva K. Logue
What: Magazine subscriptions is an appreciated gift that will last all year long. Gardening, dogs, lifestyle, fashion, computers? There is something for everyone! My favourite magazine is “Web Designer”. It is UK’s biggest magazine devoted to helping readers improve their site-building skills. Each issue is packed with hands-on tips, articles and a CD with coding examples. So head on over to Amazon and click home a 13 issue subscription for $137 for someone lucky!
Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. Mary Ellen Chase
What: Coffee and tea will be so much more fun to drink if you have this nifty mug. Who doesn’t want to show to the world their love for computers? For the agreabel price of $12 perhaps more than one friend will pleasently surprised at christmas!
“If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away.”
Unknown
What: Christmas is about spending time with family and loved ones. If you also happen to have access to a Kinect then there are several fun games available suitable for all ages. Why not look forward to several hours of enjoyment with for example Kinect Disneyland Adventures? Explore the Disneyland park and gather points as you complete different assignments. No controls are needed!
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
Norman Vincent Peale
What: Bling bling for the girlfriend, sister, daughter, mother or friend is always a safe bet! Especially when you are talking about cool earrings such as these from Etsy. So put a geeky little gift under the christmas tree and make some one happy! The earrings are made in nickelfree metal.
“Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.”
Helen Steiner Rice
What: Do you know someone who just can’t get enough of Social Media? If you do, then check in these comfy social pillows. Perfect for the couch, bed or just in close proximity to the computer. Choose between several different social networks and services such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google, RSS and more. Santa, if you happen to read my advent calendar then I just want to inform you that I wouldn’t mind finding a pillow or two beneath the christmas tree!
Today is December 13th, also known as the day of Lucia.
Lucia comes from the latin word lux, which means light. The Swedish tradition of Lucia has its origin in both pre-Christian and Christian customs. According to the folklore of the time, the 13th of December was a perilous night since many supernatural forces were about. One also believed that the animals could speak during this night.
During the last period of the Julian calendar up until 1753, the night of Lucia was also the longest night of the year. When the Gregorian calendar was introduced winter solstice was moved to December 21/22. In the pre-Christian Nordic countries, the powers of the light was summoned in order vanquish the dark. The tradition of a lightbringing woman may thus have its origin in a heathen goddess of light.
Today the celebration of Lucia is a highly anticipated occasion all around the country. In schools, workplaces, TV etc you can see a Lucia wearing a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head as she walks at the head of a procession of women and men each holding a candle. Singing songs of Lucia and other Christmas carols they keep the darkness at bay for a little while.
When I was growing up I myself sang in a quire and have participated in numerous Lucia processions. I have very fond memories of that time and I am very glad that my mother was so persistent in filming some of those Lucia celebrations. She has even digitalized from VHS, edited and uploading one such movie to Youtube. Below you can see me and my sister Lucy back in 1994 spreading light and joy on the day of Lucia.
The night treads heavily
around yards and dwellings
In places unreached by sun,
the shadows brood
Into our dark house she comes,
bearing lighted candles,
Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia.
What: With the winds blowing cold it is important to not forget your hat. Why not put a hat with build in headphones under the Christmas tree? iLogic Sound Hat comes in black, pink and white and have a 98 cm long cord with a 3,5 mm plugg where you can connect your mp3-player or the phone. When you need to wash it, simply remove the headphones and throw the hat in the laundry.
