Swiss Press Reports of Expats "Switzerlanded"; Basel/Zurich Tensions Flare at St. Jakobs Match; Rathaus Art Installation Set to Celebrate quincentennary; Hakuna Mattata for Basel

The Swiss Daily 20 Minuten published an article yesterday noting that a new term has been coined by expats living in Switzerland.  Used to describe responses to unexpected or unappreciated Swiss behavior and customs, it seems expats now refer to their surprise as being "Switzerlanded".  Threatened with eviction, or notified by your landlord that your kids or dogs are too loud?  You've been "Switzerlanded".  Unfriendly restaurant service? Switzerlanded.  The significance of this phenomenon, was attributed by the article to the English Forum website, where no less than 430 posts were found to contain the term, and is typically employed by those new to the country surprised by high prices and a more neighborly and quieter way of life.  The two primary Swiss Organizations response for Switzerland's image are Switzerland Tourism and Switzerland Presence which had no comment regarding being Switzerlanded.  Fortunately, the article did strike a note of balance in that many users, pointed out the positive aspects of being Switzerlanded as well.  Most notably, the almost unconditional safe return of lost keys, wallets and valuables and a harmonious and safe quality of life.  

Sunday afternoon's match between FC Basel and the Zurich Grasshoppers saw some post game action when the visiting team's supporters engaged in hooliganism.  As the supporters were returning home on a special train leaving the St. Jakob's station, the emergency brake system was activated damaging four of the train's carriages and forcing it to stop near the Muttenz station.  By the time police arrived, the offenders had scattered jumping off the disabled trains onto the tracks leaving no one to be arrested.  This followed reported skirmishes between Basel and Zurich supporters just outside the stadium after the games end.  The incidents came a week after police in Bern arrested 45 people following the Swiss cup finals between Zurich and Basel at the Stade the Suisse stadium.   Something is astir in the courtyard of the Basel City Hall, also known as the Rothaus.  In celebration of the town hall's 500 year anniversary, an art installation has been put in place.  Titled "united enemies" the pair of bronze sculptures by renowned German artist Thomas Schutte is meant to symbolize the challenges of uniting citizens for a common good and are meant to be a prelude to a host of activities planned for the anniversary.  approximately 60 guests were on hand for the unveiling of the installation last week with a keynote speech by Government Minister Guy Morin - who emphasized the connection between government policy and the arts in Basel.  The festival is planned to have its finale on the 23rd of august.   Organizers at the Musical Theater in Basel announced today that the stage production of the world's most commercially successful animated film will be coming in March of 2015.  Switzerland will be the 20th country to stage a production, since the original premiered in 1997 in New York City and has been seen by over 70 million people.  The production will be brought to our town by a traveling production unit of the Disney company, which will deliver the sets, costumes and puppets in 23 semi-trailers and 100 employees of the production.  Ticket pre-sales began today as well on line and at the theater box office.