How That American Guy Returned For Christmas

As pre-crazy Randy Quaid said before blowing up the alien mothership in Independence Day...

I'm baaAAAaack! Which when translated for those who shun phonetic spelling, means simply, "I'm back," but with joy and perhaps a slightly sinister laugh.

After a very long hiatus and multiple mournful tears, I've decided to rejoin the blogosphere for at least one more post. And of all times for such a comeback, fate hath chosen Christmas-time. I'm looking for a connection between Christmas and my return, but nothing particularly stands out. Unless you want to consider this blog a gift. No really, you're too kind.

Anyway, let's get down to what you're really here for... pictures and video, commemorating the season!

For those wondering what Swedish Christmas songs sound like or those simply wishing to revel in Swedish talent, I (courtesy of the Hemsjö Choir) give you the following video...



If you were astute enough to realize the last song contained pixels that weren't quite as exhilarating as those prior, I feel obliged to explain. After having an early mishap in which I accidentally took this photo, flash blaring, thinking I were about to discreetly film a video...

Note the lights soaring upward due to my yanking down of the camera in horror.

...I decided against going overboard with the filming, hence the final song visually consisting of the back of the glorious pew in front of me. So yeah, I risked life and limb for you, dear followers. Never forget this day.

And now, as suggested by me, I give you photos.

A wee-bit cold, it tis. -15 C, 5 F? Something like that.

Christmas lights! That's right, I said it... Christmas. Not holiday.

Ah yes, by no fault of the wonderful Stenlund's, I managed to find myself feeling like Will Ferrell in the movie Elf. In other words, perspective allowed me a glimpse into my potential as a giant. Which could also be a sequel to It's A Wonderful Life. It's A Wonderful Giant Life. If only Jimmy Stewart were here to approve.

And with that, the Stenlunds, Baileys, an Elf, and I, wish you all a holly, jolly, Christmas!

Overflowing with Christmas Cheer,

That American Guy

In love and just wishing to shout from my rooftop...

I love Pauline.

The Contest Winner(s)/The Quiz Answers

Da-da-da-na! Yes, that's my text version of a victorious cheer!

The results are in and the winner of the contest is:
Strangely enough... my mom, Laquata Sullivan!

I know what you're thinking. "He rigged it!" And you're right.

No, I'm just messing with you. It wasn't rigged. She won fair and square and here is the answer key to prove it:

(1) A
(2) C
(3) A
(4) A
(5) G
(6) A
(7) C
(8) D
(9) B
(10) E

And the answer I was looking for for the BONUS was: Tequila Sunrice should be Sunrise.

Any bonus response with that answer at all, even if other answers were written as well, was accepted.

That leads me to the second place winners! That's right, winners with an "s" because there were two and it just so happens I have two Swedish items left to give out. The second place winners are:

Stuart Jones and Paula!

To both second place winners: Please email me your address so I can send your winnings accordingly. My email is: JackSparrow32486@yahoo.com

Thanks again to all who participated! Sorry I can't afford enough prizes so everyone can win something. Maybe someday that'll be the case! If you're still interested, keep checking by for those last couple Swedish Adventure posts. See you then!

-That American Guy

Contest Closed

I arrived safely in the US and the Contest is now officially over. Thanks to all who entered! The winner, as well as the answers, will be posted soon. Keep checking in to see how you did!

Sincerely,
That American Guy

A Brief Farewell

Well, it's been one of(if not the) best summers of my life. I just wanted to write something quick before I head home. It is the night before I leave, but there will still be a couple Swedish Adventure posts upon my return.

1) The Announcement of the Quiz Answers, as well as the winner, will take place.
2) A Blog showcasing the night lights of Goteborg
3) A Special Edition Blog on my trip to Denmark

Thanks to everyone who has read the blog when they were able, this summer. I appreciated all the positive feedback. And the negative, even though there wasn't really any. You are all too nice probably. ;)

So yep, getting on 3 planes tomorrow. Wish me well. God bless everyone!

With Sincere Thanks,
That American GuyP.S.
Thanks to all my Swedish Family and Friends for showing me how beautiful, fun, caring, homey, generous, and loving, Sweden can be. I really appreciate it.

Your Contest Answers Not Posting?

It has come to my attention that some people are having trouble posting their answers to the blog. So if that is the case, all are welcome to send your answers to me via email.

My email address is: JackSparrow32486@yahoo.com

I hope you can all work it out. So far only two people have responded and the week is flying by. Good luck everyone.

The Giveaway!

Okay, so I'm lazy and I'm using the Announcement image for That American-Swedish Giveaway instead of making a new one to announce that the Giveaway is now. In other words, the time has come to put your Blog knowledge to the test and see if you have what it takes to win a special, Swedish prize. There will be one grand prize winner, as well as one second place winner.

The way it works is as follows:
- Only American Entries are eligible to win. (sorry again my Swedish friends and family)
- Only one entry per person is allowed, so make it count.
- To compete, you must reply to this blog post, indicating your name and answering questions 1-10 (+ bonus) by selecting one of the multiple choice possibilities for each.
- When answering numbers 1-7, select the answer you believe had the most votes at the close of the poll.
- The contest quiz will be open until That American Guy's return to the United States, on August 28th.
- In the event of a tie, a showdown between the tie entrants will commence.
- The answers to the Contest Quiz will be posted after the Quiz is officially closed.

*For my Swedish readers, you are welcome to enter for fun, but again, will be unable to win a prize*

Best of luck everyone!


THE QUIZ

1. Should That American Guy ride a horse?
(a) Yes, Carpe Diem!
(b) No, I'm probably his Mom and it could be dangerous!
(c) Maybe, I don't know.
(d) Who cares and who is That American Guy anyway?
(e) 2 Way Tie
(f) 3 Way Tie

2. Do ghosts exist?
(a) Of course! I used to play checkers with them when I was a kid.
(b) No way. Dead is dead.
(c) Maybe. Ask me again the next time I scream in the dark.
(d) 2 Way Tie
(e) 3 Way Tie

3. What is your favorite animal at Norden's Ark?
(a) The Cute Pudu
(b) The Legendary Squirrel
(c) The Commy Red Panda
(d) The Unique Horses
(e) 2 Way Tie
(f) 3 Way Tie

4. How does Smogen most make you feel?
(a) Impressed by earth's vast beauty.
(b) Uneasy, as if Smogen were a ghost town.
(c) Like you want to LARP(roleplay an epic medieval battle) like crazy.
(d) Adventurous, as if you want to put on some climbing boots of your own.
(e) Whimsical, as if you were a child all over again.
(f) 2 Way Tie
(g) 3 Way Tie

5. If Buzz Lightyear got you into Liseberg for free, but you were offered $1 Million to rat him out, would you?
(a) Yes. That Toy Astronaut would do the same to me.
(b) No. Buzz is a good guy and tattle-taling is wrong.
(c) Maybe. If it were Woody it would be a different story though.
(e) Uhh, Buzz isn't real. Pssh. Stupid.
(f) 2 Way Tie
(g) 3 Way Tie

6. Have you ever ridden under a bridge in a boat?
(a) Yes. I live on the edge.
(b) No. I prefer to keep my feet on land.
(c) There was that one time when I passed out. Or at least that's what my friends told me.
(d) No, but I would if I could.
(e) 2 Way Tie
(f) 3 Way Tie

7. Do you believe the orb of light was a ghost?
(a) Probably not. Light and cameras do weird things.
(b) Definitely seems like it to me!
(c) Probably. I don't know how else to explain that.
(d) No way. Ghosts don't exist and even if they do, they don't look like orbs.
(e) 2 Way Tie
(f) 3 Way Tie

8. How many images have been on the right of the blog, since the beginning?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 7
(e) 8
(f) None of the above

9. According to That American Guy's bio, what kind of Film graduate is he?
(a) Curious
(b) Lowly
(c) Adventurous
(d) Humble
(e) Frisky
(f) Simple
(g) None of the above

10. How many official "followers" does That American Guy have?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
(e) 5
(f) 6
(g) 7
(h) 8

And now for the BONUS: (worth 1 extra point)
What is wrong with the image/menu below?