John, This is just my humble opinion, but I think from what others have stated that most members look forward to the occasional joke. I don't think I'm the only one that immediately forwards your jokes as soon as they arrive, and if there happens to be a jap between them, I start to get emails wondering when the next one is coming. I thought "Ole and Lena" jokes might be an American "thing", but when I mentioned that to my niece who was studying in Oslo, she laughed and said, no way. Here, in Noway, college kids tell those jokes all the time................ So, I for one, want to say thanks for doing this for everyone who enjoys them and please keep up the good work. Steve -----Original Message----- From: John Ferman via Sent: Monday, March 09, 2015 10:28 AM To: Rootsweb Norway Subject: [NOR] Today's Jokes Commentary I know the jokes take up space from genealogical information, so I am pleased that the readers here are tolerant. A continual question in my mind is 'what crosses the line' of taste and subject. Fact is about half of what is sent me I pass on. And some have been just 'barely' Ole & Lenas of tradition - with these it is 'should I' or 'shouldn't I.' Opinions on where any lines should be drawn. You might want to send them offlist. Sent from my iPad John Ferman Kingfield Neighborhood Minneapolis, MN Email in header ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NORWAY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com

I am relatively new to the Norway list but I am truly enjoying my contact, both the genealogy information that I receive and the "cultural" contact. I view doing research as an opportunity to understanding of our history but also the chance to add insight into what makes us a product of Norwegian Ancestors. I say keep up the jokes, the recipes and the insights into what is happening to folks of Norwegian background around the world. Thanks everyone.. Carol in Kentucky (where there are very few Norwegians!) -----Original Message----- From: Steve via <norway@rootsweb.com> To: John Ferman <johnwferman@gmail.com>; norway <norway@rootsweb.com> Sent: Mon, Mar 9, 2015 11:55 am Subject: Re: [NOR] Today's Jokes Commentary John, This is just my humble opinion, but I think from what others have stated that most members look forward to the occasional joke. I don't think I'm the only one that immediately forwards your jokes as soon as they arrive, and if there happens to be a jap between them, I start to get emails wondering when the next one is coming. I thought "Ole and Lena" jokes might be an American "thing", but when I mentioned that to my niece who was studying in Oslo, she laughed and said, no way. Here, in Noway, college kids tell those jokes all the time................ So, I for one, want to say thanks for doing this for everyone who enjoys them and please keep up the good work. Steve -----Original Message----- From: John Ferman via Sent: Monday, March 09, 2015 10:28 AM To: Rootsweb Norway Subject: [NOR] Today's Jokes Commentary I know the jokes take up space from genealogical information, so I am pleased that the readers here are tolerant. A continual question in my mind is 'what crosses the line' of taste and subject. Fact is about half of what is sent me I pass on. And some have been just 'barely' Ole & Lenas of tradition - with these it is 'should I' or 'shouldn't I.' Opinions on where any lines should be drawn. You might want to send them offlist. Sent from my iPad John Ferman Kingfield Neighborhood Minneapolis, MN Email in header ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NORWAY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. http://www.avast.com ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NORWAY-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

The jokes have been a tradition on the list since at least 1998, if not before. Captain Lou Halsan started the "Daily Joke" way back then and did it until his passing. At that time I took over and I wasn't as diligent as Cap'n Lou and it became "Today's Joke". Due to distractions and things in my own life which pre-empted me from putting on jokes in a timely fashion, I asked John Ferman to take over which he graciously did. I digressed to the "Today's Joke" format as I seemed to upset a number of people with the jokes. Unfortunately I don't have a thick skin and the barbs hurt. I had a number of calls with Karla, our illustrious list-owner who encouraged me to "toughen up" and keep the tradition of the jokes coming. A year or so ago I put out a question on the list on whether the time for Ole and Lena jokes had come to an end in this age of political correctness. The overwhelming response both on and off the list was to continue. This list is not just for genealogy but all things Norwegian. We have discussed history, culture, habits, foods, traditions, and jokes; along with the genealogy. Heck, Karla even loses her mind now and then and gives us a free for all weekend. We have stories by Kneel of his adventures with wild Norwegians aboard the busses touring the great land of America and how can we forget the wooden leg? There are many Ole and Lena books published and that is where many of my jokes came from. I didn't write them, I only shared them by a voice of the majority of listers. John, as well; only shares what has already been published. I think it would be a shame to lose this light hearted look at life. Just think, it has been a tradition on this list for 17 years. Can we make 20? 25? If you don't like the jokes perhaps you can whisper a loud UFF DA and press delete and go with your day. Don't flame John, he is only doing the job he was asked to do and it is impossible to please everyone at the same time. He is doing a great job on what can sometimes feel like a thankless job. Come on Norway Listers, where have we put our giggles? I don't want Cap'n Lou sending down any lightning strikes from his lofty perch above if the jokes should cease to be part of our day. One of the very first jokes: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/norway/1998-04/0893440431 Vivian Retired Jokestress!