Denmark has an interesting political structure.

Firstly it’s a multi-party system, so most bills are only approved after negotiation and compromise between opposing parties who form a ruling government coalition. Secondly general elections are not decided by physical votes from the population, but rather by counting the number of placards erected around the city minus the number that have been vandalised. No wonder they have turnouts of over 85%.

OK, so one of those isn’t true, but on a serious note, Enhedslisten (the Red-Green Alliance) are the only ones to have highly innovative campaign designs. One of their comrades even gave me a free cup of coffee this morning as I cycled past her. It’s a shame it was wasted as I’m only allowed to vote in local elections.

While the world continues to struggle with how to update copyright laws, this article from Tim O’Reilly in 2002 provides an interesting angle with which to view the situation:

“Piracy is progressive taxation”

For all of these creative artists, most laboring in obscurity, being well-enough known to be pirated would be a crowning achievement. Piracy is a kind of progressive taxation, which may shave a few percentage points off the sales of well-known artists (and I say “may” because even that point is not proven), in exchange for massive benefits to the far greater number for whom exposure may lead to increased revenues.”

Full article to put the quote in context.

The Danes’ sense of humour is typically quite black, satirical and self deprecating. They also often don’t have the same sensibilities and restraints about swearing when speaking English. Combine these two with a trip to the doctor and it can be quite entertaining.

When I visited a year or so ago to have my ears looked at, I was greeted with “F#CK! I am thinking your brain is falling out” as I lay on the examination table. Today while having a small blood blister removed from my arm, he pretended my entire limb had to be amputated for several minutes before telling me to brace myself as “these things bleed like sh#t”.

It’s actually quite charming hearing a qualified practitioner in his 60’s mumble his literal Danish translations in broken English. I was prepared this time and played along with his quaint ways, thankful that he overlooked my lack of Danish fluency with a little humour.

Still, as fun as trips to the doctor can be, I’m not sure I’d want him giving me news of a terminal illness.