In recent years, electric vehicles have gained an increasingly strong foothold, with massive investments fueling their development. But what if the same level of investment had been directed toward making the traditional internal combustion engines more sustainable? Could traditional engine technology still have a future—one that is greener and more viable? The biggest challenge facing … Read more
Pieksämäki’s Iso-Pappila is undeniably a significant historical site. It is a building that deserves appreciation and care, and it should continue to thrive as a cultural hub and tourist attraction in the future. There seems to be broad consensus on this. However, the discussion has stalled on one single question: Who owns the walls? In … Read more
We live in a world where the pace of life has accelerated, and constant busyness has become the new standard. We are expected to be always accessible, respond instantly, and juggle multiple tasks at once. In the workplace—and often in our personal lives as well—there is an expectation that we reply messages and answer all … Read more
When I was a kid, we were in the middle of the Cold War. Michael Jackson was still black, every school wall in Finland proudly displayed a black-and-white portrait of president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen, the infamous Tiitinen list of Finnish politicians was still in Stasi’s hands, Berlin was divided by a wall, Nelson Mandela was … Read more
Lately, I’ve noticed a troubling trend on Facebook: the creation of fake profiles seems to have escalated significantly in Finland. Many people in my circle have reported that fake accounts have been made using their names, only to be exposed after sending friend requests to acquaintances whose alarm bells started ringing. Right now, I’m coming … Read more
Pieksämäki is thriving. New projects are emerging, businesses are investing, and the sense of community is strong. There are many positive signs that highlight the town’s appeal and the progress happening on multiple fronts. As the newly elected town council begins shaping a new municipal strategy and vitality program following the April elections, this is … Read more
I’m often asked why I’m still in Pieksämäki. Most of my peers left decades ago for job opportunities in larger cities or even abroad. Yet, I — along with many others — have stayed because we see opportunities here that aren’t always obvious at first glance. For many, Pieksämäki is known as a railway hub, … Read more
It’s surprising how many Finns have embraced Trumpism in recent years. Even though the MAGA movement’s “America First” policies do nothing to benefit Finland, some seem to adopt them as if they were part of the American political landscape themselves. Finns have consumed American entertainment, media, and culture for decades, making U.S. political phenomena feel … Read more