This will hurt me...

Robert Edwards, White Death: Russia's War on Finland 1939–40 One of the most captivating (yet little known) stories of World War II concerns the valiant Finnish defence against the invading Red Army through the winter of 1939–40. The Soviet Union's invasion of Finland in November 1939 prompted a combination of shock and outrage in the international community. Yet, three months after the invasion of Poland by Germany, reaction amounted to little more than the Soviet expulsion from the already dead League of Nations. In all respects, the results of what became known as the Winter War conflict seemed a foregone conclusion. The Soviet Army was reputed to be the best in the world, and the Finns outnumbered 4 to 1 in men, 200 to 1 in tanks and 30 to 1 in aircraft. However, to everyone's surprise, the Finns resisted the Soviet advance and became an international cause celebre. For over three months and with little outside assistance (much to the shame of the West), it looked ...

Oulu, Finland Oulu is the largest and most important city in Northern Finland, and the sixth largest city in the country. The first time that I heard of Oulu was around the time of the first Air Guitar World Championships, in 1996. Now, I have no interest in Air Guitar, but for some reason Oulu has stayed on my mind ever since. Apparently, Oulu has gone from being a town known for wood tar and salmon, into a major centre in high technology, particularly IT and “wellness” [which I’m told is another word for healthcare] technology. Other prominent industries include wood refining, paper and steel. This tells me that it would make a fine sister city to Burnie ! I can’t properly explain why, but Finland has always attracted me. They have an incredibly interesting history, and the Finns ability to adapt and excel globally is to be admired. I would love to go there one day. And if I’m going to Finland, there is no way that I’m not going to Oulu.