Just So You Know...

A few weeks ago, my Facebook Home Page exploded with people commenting about a particular Youtube Video.
In this video, a very upset father discovered that his Autistic son was being verbally abused (and not being treated very nicely) by his teachers.
You can check the video out here.

So why am I blogging about this?
There are some pretty heavy privacy laws in Finland - so just in case you tried what the father in the above video did - put a wire on his child to listen to his day at school - you'll be the one in trouble instead.

I know people who have been treated somewhat un-fairly (depends who's view you see it from) in their work place - and there's no way to record what had happened because employers make a point of speaking face to face so there isn't an email trail or a possible recording on the phone.

For the most part - Finns are very honest and stick by the rules but when it comes to you possibly not getting that promotion (or job) because you're due to have a baby soon (for example!).  It is entirely possible that they will simply just not call you or acknowledge your emails or phone calls, as a way of declining you that position.
It has happened to me (Arnold's) and it could happen to you - so please do not be overly offended - it's just how things roll here.

Another major issue as of recently (within the last 2.5 years we've been here) regarding privacy was Google Maps.
You're thinking - HUH?!
Well, when we first moved here, Google had started to go around in a vehicle with a huge camera on the roof filming all the streets and areas in Finland.  The point of this was to create a "Street View" kind of map - so if you're terrible with maps, like yours truly, then you could click on "Street View" when getting directions and see exactly which building you should be heading towards.
What's the problem then?
Well, Finns felt their privacy was being invaded and that it was not allowed - having their private property filmed and on the internet for the world to see.
Google fought back - explaining the reason for their filming and that they were not filming through people's windows or through the yards - but simply doing a cruise-by.

Since then, I haven't heard any complaints and of course, it's a very useful tool!!
I know it's saved me from being lost a few times already!!

Do you use Google Maps?

Cluck-Cluck-FREEDOM!

Old MacDonald had a farm - E-I-E-I-O!
And on his farm he had some chickens....
E-U wants to change the law!

Okay, so you were probably freaking out recently (if you're not vegan) at the lack of eggs in your local grocery's shelves....even the BIG shops are out of eggs.
I know I freaked...I instantly thought of how many eggs I had at home (6) and figured how I was supposed to stretch 6 eggs over Easter long weekend....because I have so much baking to do and a 2-year old that can pound back 2 scrambled large eggs in one sitting - no problem!  (Bear in mind he doesn't eat any meat - naturally!  So - eggs is the route we go with him!)
Well, it turns out - that the EU (European Union) wants to give the chickens some more freedom and more space per chicken in their coop.  Which is great for the chicken because let's face it - if you were crammed into a too-small coop to begin with and you're trying to do your business (lay an egg for example) - more likely, those eggs are going to get stepped on or broken and then it becomes a waste and dirty inside your home (coop).
And don't even get me started on how many times I've opened a carton of eggs and discovered one was already cracked (because I forgot to check before taking that carton) or covered in poo.)
Yes, Finland does sell free-range eggs (chickens have more space or complete freedom to roam) - but those are more expensive and sold in smaller packages (I typically buy a carton or two of 15 eggs).
I spoke with some friends about it and here's what I've been told:

• Farmers are quitting or not selling their eggs anymore.  Probably the cost of re-building a chicken coop (especially if a permit is required - like anything else in Finland) can be quite high...
• To get rid of some chickens to make space - I imagine they would have to be butchered and the meat sold...but not sure if this is happening.

So hopefully farmers are able to make appropriate and EU-approved arrangements and soon we can all have eggs again.
E-I-E-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!