Jag heter Mike. Jag kommer från Chicago.

So I started a Swedish language class last night. I'm one of three Americans. Others are from France, Germany, Estonia, Ghana, Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal and England. Between the fourteen of us in the class there are nine languages represented. My only-English tongue didn't add to that number; everyone understands if not fluently speaks English. But we've got one of those teachers that use the "use English only in the case of extreme emergency" teaching theory. So Ludvig, the teacher, spews out endless lines of svenska in which oh about maybe 10% is understood by yours truly. Based on conversations (in English) with other classmates I concluded that I understand more than they do. This is going to be an interesting six weeks. Then, in January I start the Swedish class I have been talking about, the Swedish for Immigrants class that is most likely far more intensive. Right now I'm studying at the Folkuniversitetet which is the sort of place that one practices Swedish if they're just visiting/studying for a year or so and want to learn how to ask for directions or order food without sounding like a complete idiot. I guess the Swedish for Immigrants class is for people who are set on living, working and staying in Sweden for an indefinite amount of time. At this point I'll take what I can get and prefer to be categorized as a kid that wants to learn the language because 1) I really want to and 2) I haven't really much else to do at the moment. Right now my focus is on pronouncing the difference between the vowels E and I.

Oh, and over here (there's no direct link so click on 'bilder' and then scroll down to my name) are some pics from my recent show in Stockholm compliments of Svenskamusikklubben. Thanks to all who attended! I played at this little club called Landet and it was about the perfect size and atmosphere for a guy with a guitar that wasn't a coffeehouse or someone's living room.

What else? Yes, the other day I received a super special email from my good comrade Quinn from the band Sleepout. Attached to the email was a secret mp3 of a recently completed song from their upcoming debut album. SO GOOD! Sleepout is one of my favorite Chicago bands and I'm so stoked for the album in its entirety.

And lastly, ask and you shall receive. It's another pic of the furry Scottish cow neighbor (and I!)...