Father’s Day – A tribute to fathers and Spartan phalanxes

Masculinity must be encouraged, not suppressed, to create a safe future for all.

Published November 10, 2024

During the Blitz in London in World War II, an extraordinary phenomenon emerged that revealed something profound about human nature. Some men who had been in chronic catatonic states in mental hospitals revived and instinctively volunteered as ambulance drivers to help the bomb-stricken residents. Their deep need to contribute and feel useful in a crisis gave them a sense of purpose, something that neither medication nor electroshock therapy had managed to provide. This reflects the profound human need for purpose. But do men, masculinity, and fathers still hold an indispensable place in today's society? Yours truly, with an imperative confidence, can answer in the affirmative.

We face an uncertain future, with escalating conflicts both beyond and within our borders, driven by greed, biased mass media, war-promoting lobbyists, and weak politicians. For the first time in modern history, Sweden sees a renewed need for masculinity and stable fathers. The evolutionary role now encompasses not only hunting and defense skills but also the ability to rebuild civilization with deeper insights that have been lost in this era.

The fundamental role that all men carry within their genes since they were fetuses in the womb has been mocked, scorned, and questioned at absurd levels within the establishment. Many young men in the Western world are asking themselves why they should sacrifice their lives, or even make an effort, for a country whose state ideology is marked by misandry and post-Marxist theories – a society that labels their natural tendencies as "toxic". However, these traditional instincts are essential in determining whether humanity will be reduced to passive slaves under a globalist rule, or if we can rekindle the vital life force and human essence within us.

Friedrich Nietzsche's "will to power" (Wille zur Macht) describes the inner drive in all living beings – a desire to grow, overcome obstacles, and assert one's strength. In contrast to Arthur Schopenhauer's "will to live" (Wille zum Leben), which centers on avoiding suffering and survival, we aspire to something beyond mere survival – we want to create something meaningful. The will to power is about shaping one’s life, overcoming weaknesses, and creating new values. This force is not only about physical strength but also a drive to develop oneself and become the best version of oneself – through creativity, self-improvement, and taking control of one’s destiny.

Video games offer many men a substitute for their evolutionary role to compete, strive, fight, and seek status – experiences they should otherwise have in a healthy society. These substitutes also appear in the forms of pornography to satisfy sexual desire, social media to fill interpersonal emptiness, and substances like alcohol to numb the senses. A society where men and women live in harmony and balance would not need these artificial substitutes.

Being a man and a father is not merely a biological coincidence; these are honorable titles that require work, commitment, and responsibility. The two most fundamental characteristics of a man should be integrity and responsibility. Showing true backbone – that is, having the character to stand up for oneself and what one believes in – is not possible without simultaneously having integrity.

Our common human history moves in cycles. After darkness comes light, and generations also follow this cyclical evolution. We are now in an era of superficiality, identity crisis and existential emptiness – but perhaps this is the beginning of a necessary change. According to former KGB agent Yuri Bezmenov, it usually takes several generations for brainwashing to subside. The disillusioned of Generation Z, and their successors Generation Alpha, are at the tipping point of this metamorphosis when the need for stable fathers is greatest, to act as pillars through the tumultuous process.

In ancient Greek city-states such as Sparta, phalanxes were used as battle formations. Historians such as Plutarch and Thucydides describe these formations as rows of warriors with their shields close together. The strongest stood at the front to take the first blow, while the younger and more inexperienced stood in the middle, and the older veterans behind, ready to push the younger ones forward. This structure is a clear example of inter-generational courage and responsibility – a support where the strongest carry the weakest, and the experienced guide the inexperienced. A powerful symbol of how masculinity can act as a protective wall for society.

It is also important to emphasize to young women that there are bad men in the world, but above all, the greatest protection they have against these is strong men. Masculinity must be encouraged, not suppressed, to create a secure future for both men and women. Courage, loyalty, and the willingness to protect are qualities we must value highly. Mothers, women, and girls have an important responsibility to encourage these qualities in their sons, brothers, and partners – for their own sake and for the benefit of society.

In light of this tribute, readers are invited to get acquainted with the Norwegian band Wardruna and the music video for the song 'Lyfjaberg'. This is to find peace on Father's Day and to reflect on the values and burdens that our fathers carry on their shoulders. Let us honor the men who take on the responsibility of being role models, protectors, and guides.
Why do we embrace these roles with enthusiasm? Because we are sons, brothers, and fathers.

 

Carl Lidberg

 

Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of November in many Northern European countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia and Iceland.

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China’s cultural gem Jiangsu visited Stockholm

Published November 24, 2025 – By Editorial staff
Chinese and Swedish artists united east and west in a poetic musical dialogue between the nyckelharpa, guzheng and bamboo flute.

A colorful cultural and tourism event showcasing the unique traditions, crafts, and modern charm of Jiangsu Province took place in Stockholm on November 7.

The Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Chinese Cultural Center in Stockholm hosted an inspiring event where visitors experienced China's cultural heritage through music, tea, crafts, and interactive activities reflecting both history and the present day.

The highlight was a concert where Chinese and Swedish artists united East and West in a poetic musical dialogue between nyckelharpa (a traditional Swedish keyed fiddle), guzheng (Chinese zither), and bamboo flute, an interpretation of the spirit of "water," the symbol of Jiangsu's elegance and cultural depth.

The Cultural Center was filled with visitors who sampled tea, enjoyed exhibitions, and explored opportunities for future collaborations. Many were fascinated by Jiangsu's combination of tradition, innovation, and artistic finesse.

At the same time, the exhibition Canal Reflections & Craft Revival was displayed with three thematic rooms: The Taste of Tea, The Rhythm of Silk, and The Color of Porcelain. In the tea room, classical paintings such as Huishan Gathering created a poetic atmosphere, where the renowned green tea Biluochun and Yixing clay vessels offered a taste of Jiangnan's refined culture. Jiangsu Phoenix Publishing Group also presented the English edition of The Taste of Chinese Plants, which was shown to an international audience for the first time.

In the silk theme, a sculptural Dala horse created from silk cocoons stood as a symbol of the meeting between Chinese and Swedish craftsmanship. Photo: The Nordic Times

Suzhou Silk Museum and the brand Taihu Snow displayed joint creations where historical patterns met modern design. Additionally, Suzhou University's digital laboratory for traditional crafts demonstrated its new color digitalization system for the kesi embroidery technique, alongside a demonstration by young Suzhou embroidery artists.

A woman from Jiangsu Province displayed her craft of embroidered silk art. Photo: The Nordic Times

In the porcelain section, elegant Yixing celadon and ceramic art from Gaochun were displayed, a modern interpretation of the spirituality of water and the symbolism of color in Chinese aesthetics.

Stephen Brawer, chairman of the Belt & Road Institute in Sweden, gave a speech about Chinese culture and general development and how the country has succeeded in eradicating poverty for nearly 800 million people. Photo: The Nordic Times

Jiangsu is a province that unites tradition, innovation, and sustainable tourism, something that more and more Swedish travelers are discovering. The event is part of Jiangsu's international program for cultural and tourism promotion, with the goal of creating new bridges in tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

— We want to invite our Swedish friends to discover Jiangsu's beauty, not just as a destination, but as a cultural experience that touches all the senses, says Qian Ning from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

From November 10, 2025, a visa-free arrangement applies for Swedish citizens traveling to China for stays of up to 30 days, a new opportunity to experience Jiangsu's charm up close.

Guzheng – the ancient unique stringed instrument

The guzheng is a Chinese stringed instrument with a history spanning over 2,500 years. The earliest variants emerged during the Warring States period and evolved to become a popular instrument at courts, ceremonies and banquets during the Qin and Han dynasties. The instrument's design changed gradually; it gained more strings and improved resonance, which enabled greater expressiveness and musical variation.​

Particularly during the Tang dynasty, the guzheng's role flourished within both classical and folk music, and several technical innovations made the instrument even more versatile. During the 20th century, new materials were introduced in the strings, and standardized forms were developed to meet the demands of modern music. Today, the guzheng is one of China's most beloved and widely used traditional instruments.

Unique discovery found in Viking grave

Published November 14, 2025 – By Editorial staff

A skeleton from the Viking Age has been found in Norway with burial details that have never before been documented in pre-Christian graves in the Nordic region. The find has led archaeologists to work in secret, and now DNA analyses will provide answers to the mystery surrounding the woman from the 800s.

The discovery was made in Bjugn in Trøndelag, central Norway, after Roy Søreng was searching with a metal detector in a field in Val earlier this year. When he found a belt buckle, a typical ornament from the Viking Age, he contacted the authorities.

Archaeologists from NTNU Vitenskapsmuseet (the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's Museum of Natural History and Archaeology) and Trøndelag municipality then began work at the site where they were able to confirm that it was a grave.

The Viking Age grave contains what we believe is a woman, buried with typical Viking Age dress and jewelry from the 800s. This indicates that she was a free and probably married woman, perhaps the mistress of the farm, said senior engineer Raymond Sauvage at the Department of Archaeology and Cultural History at Vitenskapsmuseet in a press release.

Remarkable find

The work has since continued in secret because the find was deemed so significant. Now the archaeologists reveal that they found jewelry consisting of two oval brooches that fastened the straps of the pinafore dress, as well as a small ring brooch that closed the neck opening of the undergarment. It was one of these brooches that Søreng originally discovered. The skeleton was also very well preserved.

But the most remarkable aspect is what was found at the dead woman's mouth.

The most remarkable thing is two scallop shells placed at the deceased's mouth. This is a practice not previously known from pre-Christian graves in Norway. We don't yet know what the symbolism means, said Sauvage.

The burial custom with shells did not become common until approximately 300-400 years later, and pre-Christian graves with shells have never before been found in Scandinavia, Sauvage explains.

We must try to find out what significance this had, he told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.

Second find in a short time

The shells were positioned with the curved side outward and the straight edge upward, so that they partially covered the mouth. Along the grave, the researchers also found small bird bones, probably from wings.

During the Viking Age, burials were ritual stagings where jewelry, clothing and grave goods expressed status and identity. The deceased was displayed with dress, bedding and symbolic objects to create a strong memory and emphasize the family's social position.

Earlier this year, another grave was found in the same field, dated to the 700s. The next step is to DNA-analyze the find to learn more about the woman in the grave, including whether she may be related to the person in the other grave.

We will examine the skeleton, preserve the objects and take samples for dating and DNA analysis. The goal is to learn more about the person and, if possible, kinship to the earlier find from the same location, said Sauvage.

Here’s when Swedes can visit China visa-free

Published November 8, 2025 – By Editorial staff
One of the palaces in the "Forbidden City" in Beijing, China's capital, which is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

The Asian giant is making it easier for Swedes who want to explore Chinese culture and business life. Starting November 10, Swedes can now travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Sweden was the last Nordic country where citizens had to apply for a visa to visit China, while visa-free travel was introduced in neighboring countries in November last year. Visa applications involve both costs and require more planning before trips, with significant limitations on flexibility.

Travel operators have pointed out that this has limited both tourism and business travel. Now it becomes easier to book a trip spontaneously, whether the purpose is to discover the country's culture or develop business contacts, and the regulatory easing is a sign that relations between Sweden and China have improved.

China, which in area is almost as large as all of Europe, carries a 5,000-year-old civilization and culture that is well-preserved and has a great diversity of local cultures, traditions, food, and ethnic minorities with their unique expressions.

In the north, the capital Beijing attracts visitors with iconic sights such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. To the west lies the historic city of Xi'an with the famous Terracotta Army and traces from the ancient Silk Road.

Southern China offers dramatic karst mountains around Guilin, green rice fields, and opportunities for bamboo raft trips on calm rivers. Shanghai combines metropolitan energy with modern architecture and historic quarters where old meets new.

The country also contains lesser-known gems such as Taoism's sacred mountains, Buddhist temples, and traditional villages where old craft traditions are still preserved.

Good to know

The visa exemption applies to business, tourist, family and friendship visits, as well as exchange trips and transit. Travelers must have a regular Swedish passport that is valid for at least six months after entry. The stay may not exceed 30 days, and the exemption applies through December 31, 2026.

Upon entry, travelers may provide fingerprints and facial photos. Since the country experienced a severe period of terrorism, stricter controls were introduced both at entry into the country and on certain travel routes within the country.

Surveillance cameras are extensively deployed in public places and in traffic.

At the same time, the country is considered one of the world's safest to visit, with very few violent crimes. China now has the world's most modern infrastructure with low living costs and high accessibility to everyday services, social activities, and a rich cultural life.

David Icke returns to YouTube after five-year ban over COVID statements

Internet censorship

Published November 4, 2025 – By Editorial staff
"It's nice to see you again", David Icke greets his YouTube followers.

David Icke is back on YouTube after being suspended for over five years. In a video message, he confirms that he was removed from the platform in April 2020 due to statements that contradicted the official COVID narrative.

Icke, 73, was formerly a professional footballer and BBC sports commentator before he began writing and lecturing in the 1990s about alternative explanations for world events and power structures. He has published numerous books and built a global following through his theories about how the world functions.

In his comeback message, Icke describes how he was suddenly removed from the platform following a livestreamed interview that reached a large audience.

— It was in April of 2020 when I was, shall we say, saying things that were at odds with the COVID narrative that I was thrown off YouTube and everything else unceremoniously half an hour after a live interview that got a massive audience, he says in the video.

All content to be restored

Icke states that he has been informed that all previous content from his channel, which was deleted five and a half years ago, will be restored on the platform. He also mentions that there is "loads of other content" that could not be published during the suspension period.

The author also has a new book coming out titled "The Roadmap: Escaping the Maze of Madness", which he describes as "a real eye-opener" when it comes to explaining "the whole conspiracy's" scope.

— So it's with great pleasure that I announce that I'm back on YouTube because of the reach, because of the impact that the channel has and the impact it can have on communicating information, says Icke.

He urges his followers to subscribe to the channel and notes that it "helps the algorithm". Icke also runs the website ickonic.com where he published material during the suspension period.

Uncertainties surrounding the reversal

The YouTube channel was shut down in April 2020 as part of the platform's measures against content that violated the platform's very strict guidelines regarding COVID-19. Icke had on several occasions expressed views that deviated from health authorities' official directives about the virus and the experimental mRNA vaccines, which also led to him being banned from several social media platforms.

His work has over the years encompassed theories about global power structures, technology and societal development. He has also built a presence through books, lectures and digital content.

Why YouTube is now choosing to restore Icke's account is unclear, however, and the platform has not publicly commented on the decision.

— It's nice to see you again, Icke concludes his message to his followers.