Today is an important day for me, being my 10th leap day. My first February 29th was when I was a month old in 1972.
I found out today that February 29 is not the ultimate in leap day-ness. Once (and once only in human history) February 29 gave way to February 30. That was in Sweden in 1712. It's a strange but interesting story.
I was reading a bit about Sweden in The Economist today, as well. In 2006, Sweden accepted 90% of refugees from Iraq that applied for asylum. Compare that to 12% for Britain, 2% for Denmark, and 0% for Greece. Overall, Sweden has accepted 90,000 Iraqi refugees into their total population of 9 million. It seems like a friendly country. It also tops The Economist's list as the world's most free democracy, trouncing the U.S., which is far behind in 17th place.
One of Katie's law school friends (Jenny) is from Sweden and tells stories about her home, noting that although Swedish society is very politically free, peer pressure and other social pressures exert a great deal of influence over behavior. One example she relates is the social pressure on new mothers to stay home with a baby rather than return to work. Sweedes also seem to be very accepting of meddling laws that restrict freedoms for greater social good, like restricting the hours that liquor can be sold based on a perceived positive impact on crime rates.
Still, Sweden sounds like a nice place to visit. And one person in 100 there is from Iraq.
I found out today that February 29 is not the ultimate in leap day-ness. Once (and once only in human history) February 29 gave way to February 30. That was in Sweden in 1712. It's a strange but interesting story.
I was reading a bit about Sweden in The Economist today, as well. In 2006, Sweden accepted 90% of refugees from Iraq that applied for asylum. Compare that to 12% for Britain, 2% for Denmark, and 0% for Greece. Overall, Sweden has accepted 90,000 Iraqi refugees into their total population of 9 million. It seems like a friendly country. It also tops The Economist's list as the world's most free democracy, trouncing the U.S., which is far behind in 17th place.
One of Katie's law school friends (Jenny) is from Sweden and tells stories about her home, noting that although Swedish society is very politically free, peer pressure and other social pressures exert a great deal of influence over behavior. One example she relates is the social pressure on new mothers to stay home with a baby rather than return to work. Sweedes also seem to be very accepting of meddling laws that restrict freedoms for greater social good, like restricting the hours that liquor can be sold based on a perceived positive impact on crime rates.
Still, Sweden sounds like a nice place to visit. And one person in 100 there is from Iraq.
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