This winter has been remarkable in that we've had precious little snow. Much more, it seems, has ended up in Jack & Bobby land (WB). Now, as it happens, Hollywood isn't frequently visited by blizzards, so naturally they don't know what that is. But I thought most people had heard of snow. Alas, the set designers during this week's episode decided to put blankets of cotton fluff all over the place in the background. Snow doesn't wrinkle. This should be lesson number one. Also, when there's that much snow around it's fairly safe to say you would see puffs of frosty breath emerging from the mouth of whomever would be talking at the time. Oh, and for your information - snow doesn't cling around tree trunks when there's lots of green grass to wallow in.

And I'm not sure, but did they think Finland is a Scandinavian country? Because it isn't. Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It's really simple. They're the original Viking countries (they moved to Iceland a bit after that). If you're uncertain of European geography, don't write a show about a President. Well, unless it's about Bush, because then it'd be a reality show.

I'm going to bed - back in six hours to watch the Oscars and leave sarcastic remarks about the winners and the speeches and leave the dresses to whomever is commenting from the red carpet.

Current track: DumDum Boys - Se min kjole

Labels: award shows, Norway, TV

The problem with turning my sleeping pattern around is that I get confused. Actually, I get jet lag, that's what it is. It's like going to NYC all over again. So, I go to bed at seven and wake up at around two in the morning. It's dark outside and it's going to stay that way for another five hours. So I read a few chapters in a book. Then I watch some telly. Play computer games. Have breakfast in the middle of the night. Have supper before noon. Watch the seven o'clock news as if it were the midnight update. Record all the programmes I was supposed to see, had I not been in bed sleeping.

And all of this for an overhyped, glittering, superficial show called The 77th Annual Academy Awards. There's not even a mention of the country to which this Academy belongs, as if it's the only Academy out there, the only award that matters.

And sadly, that is exactly what it is. And I stay up all night every bloody year to watch and record the show. Oh, sorry, I don't record it, of course not, that's illegal, isn't it? What am I saying - it's legal in Norway; the MPAA is really handing out misconceptions, aren't they? Am I confused again? Am I confusing myself? Or is it just the jet lag speaking? I think I need a cup of coffee and a few hours with my lightsaber (that's a virtual lightsaber in a computer game, not some sexual innuendo).

Current track: Nothing yet. But I can hear my upstairs neighbour rising so I suppose it'll be safe to put on some music soon.

Labels: award shows, personal

I still haven't decided whether I should stay up all night to watch the Oscars or just change DVDs midway through the show and then go back to bed. If I stay up all night, it will, literally, be all night since by the time the ceremony is over I might as well go to work.

The problem is that I'll have to spend all weekend turning my sleeping pattern around, and then on Monday and possibly Tuesday I'll have to turn it back. That's difficult to do in such a noisy neighbourhood and with more or less transparent curtains.

Current track: Espen Lind - Unloved

Labels: award shows, personal

Think of me, please, at half past nine this evening (that's 8:30 GMT, 3:30 EST)! That'll be the first anniversary of my discovering the meaning of my life. That I just happened to be watching the finale of La Cage aux Folles (full title mandatory) when it happened was...not too coincidental, but it didn't really have anything to do with the play or any of those involved. It's going to be hard work, but it'll be worth it. Yay me.

Current track: Not sure, it's on the radio.

Labels: personal, theatre

I have recently acquired Keane's album Hopes and Fears, which is a thoroughly good album (there's not one track I find boring in there). For those of you who have the album, however, I am now possibly ruining the whole experience for you, as I have to mention something which I noticed in one of the songs earlier today. The lead singer should really consider taking classes in breathing techniques and/or quit smoking, because he keeps gasping for air throughout every song. When I discovered this, I had problems hearing the songs afterwards; all I could hear was his heavy breathing, so be aware! Still, I would recommend the album to anyone who likes soft rock.

Current track: Keane - Untitled 1

Labels: music

One of my favourite bloggers had a bit of a crisis during the weekend, thinking he should stop blogging and sharing his thoughts and feelings. He luckily got back to normal the next day. I've never even considered stopping this blog of mine, because finally there's an online concept I can update easily. Not my strongest side, that, sticking with something. Ahem. I've got several websites out there somewhere (yes, some of them are still online, some are on my hard drive only and others have vanished forever), and they all died quietly when I just couldn't keep up with the constant updating anymore.

This blog, however, is just the right format. And I don't care if it's boring. Still, some of you keep coming back, several times a day, to see if there's anything going on. You sad gits. *wink, wink*

If you're looking for my weekend report, there will be one. Right now.

We celebrated Grandma's 85th birthday on Saturday. The whole family turned up and I think we all had a great time. Even I had a terrific time. Got to talk to a lot of those present, and that's such fun these days because we're finally adults every single one of us. So we were discussing "grown-up things" even though we had been seated at the "kids' table". LOL! We still need to have one of those, apparently. The moral to the story is: Have a bigger house or a smaller family. ;-) Anyway, there were aunts and uncles and cousins and their significant others - half of us "youngsters" are married or seeing someone, the rest of us are very single. Thank Bob no one started asking "so, when are you getting married?" because it's always very difficult trying to explain to people that I'm just not interested. And no, I don't miss kids. I can't stand them. I'm so glad there aren't any kids in the family any more/yet. And they may just as well stop saying "well, you'll change", because I won't. But what on earth am I getting all worked up about - I just told you no one asked. LOL!

Today's our King's birthday, and Alan Rickman's as well. Hope they both are having a good time. They probably won't be at the same party, though.

Current track: AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long

Labels: Alan Rickman, party, personal

Or die Verwandlung if you'd like. What Bruno Ganz does in order to portray Hitler in that film is amazing, simply amazing. I got to see it on Saturday and don't know why I haven't written anything about it until now. Sorry! Anyway, I would recommend this claustrophobic and very disturbing* film to anyone who's the slightest bit interested in history and who doesn't care about subtitles (or is/understand German). I embrace any German film showing some part of WWII (as long as it's historically correct) because it shows that there's always hope, people can change. Of course, by next generation there won't be anyone responsible left, which makes it so much easier to forgive...and forget, unfortunately. It's one of those popular phrases that may be seen as a cliché, but at no point in the future should the world forget what happened during the second world war.

Der Untergang, which should get an Oscar next weekend or I will be...not too surprised and not too cross, really, but I would think it a shame, is about the last few days of the Third Reich, meaning we get to spend a lot of time in a small bunker together with Hitler and his minions, as well as a few innocent bystanders (Goebbels's children). This dramatisation is considered to be among the most accurate ones when it comes to the actual events happening, as it draws upon the story of one of Hitler's secretaries, Traudl Junge, who died a few years ago. The film is called Downfall in English and you may visit the international site here.

*) Disturbing not because of physical violence or anything, but the fact that it makes them seem human. Of course I know that all the nazis were human, that's the worst part of humanity, isn't it, that we're capable of doing so many foul and despicable deeds, but I believe thinking about them as different than the rest of us makes me grasp the whole reason for the war more easily. But in this film you may discover that they're a lot more similar to you than you'd care to know.

Current track: Keane - Your Eyes Open

Labels: film, history, personal

Arthur Miller died yesterday at the age of 89. Coincidentally, one of his most known plays, Death of a Salesman, is playing both in London (with Brian Dennehy) and in Oslo (with Dennis Storhøi) this year. I would like to see both versions, as well as the fim starring Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: dennis storhøi, dustin hoffman, literature, theatre, writing

You may now comment without registering as a member first. Yay!

Current track: The Corrs - Runaway

Labels: personal, technology

I usually never answer my mobile unless the caller is known to me, but today I made an exception while at work. I soon came to regret that decision.

It was a lady calling from my credit card company, offering me this "great deal" for an insurance thingie. The minute someone like that rings me I just decide to say no as soon as possible, but salespeople are usually fast talkers and so this goal may take some time to reach.

She went on and on about this great offer, and then put the closing argument on me:

- It's the most sensible thing you can do, isn't it?
- Yes, it is. And I don't want it. Good bye!

I didn't feel very sensible.

Current track: Suede - Beautiful Ones

Labels: humour, personal

Their showing Galaxy Quest tonight made me fetch my DVD of said film. I must have seen it nearly ten times in the past three years. Which just happens to be the same period that I've been an admirer of Alan Rickman's (Alan Rickman's what? - I hear you say, but I'll pretend I didn't), and yet the two things have nothing to do with each other. Anyway, GQ is really funny, and I never thought I'd say that about a film starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver.

You really can't call it a cult film, though, can you, since it's a big budget production? Too bad. I'd say it deserves the same following as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or at least close to that. Imagine interactive screenings of GQ. Woo-hoo!

Current track: Texas - Halo

Labels: Alan Rickman, film

Anyone who's seen The Beatles Anthology should know whom I mean.

To the rest of you: I'm talking about Prince Charles and today's news that he's marrying Camilla Parker Bowles this spring. Finally. Hope they'll be happy this time around, then. And a tip for their next time around: Either marry for love or not at all. Not even if your mother's the Queen of England. Really. I'm a royalist through and through but the monarchy isn't that important; love is what matters.

Current track: Gessle - Kix

Labels: current affairs

Eeek!

The day after we finally got rid of the snow and ice, it came back! I am furious. It is just not done. I refuse to go outside until...until I have to. Tomorrow. Since I have to go to work. But if I hadn't...

I forgot to mention that I went to see the new Norwegian film Vinterkyss (yes, that does mean "Winter Kiss") on Monday. Four languages were represented side by side in that rather slow-paced but fascinating story. Good actors, too. Kristoffer Joner looked like a cross between a Russian soldier and a porn star from the seventies, featuring a false moustache which did not become him.

Also, Jack & Bobby is back, so all is well, especially since the second series of Look Around You started last week. It is disappointing so far, though. I'm afraid they should have stuck with the 10-minute episodes and a much smaller budget, because that actually made the series a lot better. Something to consider, although I do have a feeling there won't be a third series. Too bad, because the premise was brilliant. Luckily, the first series is available on DVD and I highly recommend it! Visit their website to find out whether you like that kind of silliness or not.

Current track: Nothing. Although I was listening to Agnetha Fältskog's latest album earlier today.

Labels: comedy, film, TV

I have got so many books that I should have read a long time ago I'm having problems looking at my bookshelves. What I should do is to sit down for an hour or so every day and read something. I mean, I'm currently reading Stephen Fry's Making History and I love it. Still, I just read a chapter before getting up in the morning. It's probably much better entertainment reading his book than watching telly or playing a game or washing up (especially that!), and yet I don't do it. I blame the lack of a proper place to sit and some real lighting, but what it all comes down to is that I have turned to "fast" entertainment, that kind they're feeding teenagers with these days. Many of the shows targeted at teens are based on the same layout: There's a main frame featuring some hip and cool people being filmed by a rather shaky cameraperson (or so it seems), then below that frame there's some message, maybe some news or a poll or something, then on the right side of the frame there's a message window where people can text the people in the studio with their questions or greetings or something. Then there's usually a fourth frame showing multimedia messages that people send in or some music video or another shot of the studio or something similar. That's four things to keep an eye on at the same time. No wonder people are restless these days.

Current track: Still nothing.

Labels: literature, personal, TV

I got The 4400 in the post yesterday and watched the pilot episode. Watched the rest of the series (four episodes) today and I am really looking forward to the second series (whenever that'll happen). Just one tip for the director: Filming evening/night scenes in broad daylight and then just darkening the frames? Doesn't work! Looks ridiculous! Get more money instead! Try not to dumb things down - we're not all that stupid, you know.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: TV

...I was having a swell Saturday evening. First there was the first official celebration of the centenary for the absolution of the Swedish-Norwegian union ("hooray! and good riddance" being the general mood, har har) - they'd staged a huge show at the Drammen Teater, "they" being mostly people from that theatre I'm going to own one day, and I think it was a success. A couple of minor mistakes, most of which weren't really noticeable unless you were biting your nails and gnarling on your knuckles like I was, terrified something would go horribly wrong during the live, two-hour transmission. I was giggling about the number of Swedish performers portraying Norwegians, but apart from that I think they'd got the spirit of it all. Lots of flags; the way it should be during such a tremendous celebration. They'd mustered up quite a few talented and experienced actors, and I have to say that Hans Marius Hoff Mittet is becoming more and more impressive. If he goes on like this, he will end up being one of our most beloved stage performers; he just has to keep working hard. Never liked Mari Maurstad much, but she's rather good on stage and that's what matters. Jon Eikemo became a very annoying man some years ago but he's good to have around for those intricate "new Norwegian" lines. Sven Nordin (curiously Swedish name he's got there) is always a big presence whenever he enters a stage, and Linn Skåber is great at comedy (should be seeing her in more straight roles soon, there's a goldmine just waiting to be found, I'm sure) and Dennis Storhøi...well, he's Dennis Storhøi, isn't he? (That's rhetorical, by the way, or we'll enter a very long and philosophical discussion.)

Another great event of the evening was Gaygalan (The Gay Awards) on Swedish telly. Great music, and the host, Sissela Kyle, was terrific. She had so many costume changes it nearly put Charles Ludlam's The Mystery of Irma Vep in the shadows. And such funny lines and sketches. As it is in Heaven, the Swedish (and only Scandinavian, therefore also "our") nominee for an Academy Award in a few weeks' time, won over Monster and La mála educación in the category "Best film of the year", and now I'm intrigued. Is it really that good? Has it already been shown over here, or may I expect it to arrive anytime soon?

The greatest thing happening during the awards, though, was when Caroline Krook, the Bishop of Stockholm, won for "Hetero of the year", went up there, received the prize and - get this - said "Jag känner att kyrkan har en väldigt, väldigt stor skuld att betala av på, till er"/"I think that the church owes you a great, great deal". Standing ovations, and well-deserved, too. We've got a couple of those "gay-friendly" bishops as well (I think three out of nine), and they've done quite a lot but there's a long, long way to go, and not just for gays, but for the Sami/Lapps, the gypsies, the divorcees, and - if we go far enough back in time - those labeled "witches". And that's just in this country. I haven't even started with the missionaries, all the other aboriginal peoples around the world, the crusades... There's so much hatred within that religion it should be tried before the Human Rights Court.

My evening ended on a happy note, finally getting to see Richard Roxburgh as Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles. I managed to miss the entire run of the same film when it was shown repeatedly on some movie channel I used to subscribe to, so this was a nice surprise. The film was quite good, too; Ian Hart was brilliant as Dr Watson.

This weekend I have also managed to watch Mrs Doubtfire (for the umpteenth time), Memphis Belle and Home, the latter being a very disturbing story of a man, played by the magnificent Antony Sher, who locks himself into his house "as a project" and stays there for many weeks, first living off the food that was already present, then looking elsewhere for sustenance. We follow his journey into insanity (or, actually, perhaps that's where it all started) through his own video diary. It's already a classic in my opinion.

Hope you had a nice weekend, too!

Current track: Dimmu Borgir - Puritania

Labels: award shows, dennis storhøi, film, history, Norway, richard roxburgh, theatre, TV

Just finished watching this week's episode of Wife Swap and there was this short clip of one of the swapped wives that made a packed lunch for the children; and put crisps in their lunchbox. This is something that surprised me back when I was eleven and on a language course in the south of England. We were always given packets of crisps when we were going on an outing, as well as a small Kit Kat. We were sometimes served crisps instead of potatoes or chips when we were having supper. This was normal for the school we stayed at, and I've later learned that this is quite common throughout the country. Do you not know how unhealthy it is? Have you never picked up a packet and read the list of ingredients? Have you ever heard of good nutrition?

Besides, English crisps have got the funniest flavours. Prawn cocktail??? Who the f thought "ooh, they'll like this"? Norwegian cuisine isn't exactly reknowned for its exquisite look and taste, but I understand why the English kitchen is the laughing-stock of Europe.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: food, TV

I stumbled upon John Shelley's Journal earlier today and thought "no surprise the world look at the Americans in disbelief" - some of them have clearly gone completely mad. How about thinking before you write? I don't like giving this man even more hits to his site, but at least he doesn't earn anything off it.

Current track: Michael Jackson - Heal the World (ok...)

Labels: current affairs

Who cares?

Anyway, I went to see some stand-up yesterday, and they (that is, NRK, our state channel; Brits and other Scandinavians will understand me when I say they're the ones who get our license fee) were filming the whole thing. We knew this beforehand, as it's part of this spring's "Usett" ("Unseen") series featuring some of the nation's best stand-up comedians. We had a great time, laughing for 90 minutes more or less non-stop (how can anything be "more or less non-stop"?). Unfortunately, we were filmed several times and may have to appear on TV. And this other, tiny part of me will be very miffed indeed if we don't. ;-) All of yesterday's performers were truly fantastic (otherwise we wouldn't have been laughing) and it was great to finally see Lisa Tønne and Espen Beranek Holm live (I don't care about your not knowing who they are). I also noticed that Espen smelled very nice as he swooshed past me (actually, Mr. Holm probably never swooshes. But he is one of our best impersonators, you may compare him to my other favourite, Jon Culshaw, any day). My theory (that you'll always see a celeb in downtown Oslo) kept up after the show, when a couple of actors from the National walked past us in the semi-cold weather. Yes, it's semi-cold, we shouldn't complain because this is the warmest January we've had since 1938 and I'm ecstatic, all the while parts of Europe who've hardly ever seen snow before are getting lots of it. Shouldn't Greenpeace be demonstrating somewhere close to the ozone layer?

Current track: Erasure - Breathe (When Andy Bell met Manhattan Clique extended remix) (which was rather cool, in a funky, off-key sort of way)

Labels: comedy, name-dropping, TV

A circus worker was crushed beneath an elephant this week in Indiana, USA. I couldn't help but smirk. It's the animals' only possibility of revenge on their abusers. That's why I always hope for someone to be killed in Pamplona during the bull's run. I'm actually hoping for a mass death there as soon as possible, since it looks as if that's the only way they'd be persuaded to stop the cruelty. Nevertheless, I'm not going to visit Spain until they stop that ridiculous but highly lucrative bull fighting AKA bull murdering tradition. And I stopped going to the circus when I became old enough to understand what was going on behind the scenes. There are, however, a lot of things to avoid if you're trying to boycott every single animal abuser and you'll have to pay close attention to what all the major companies and conglomerates are doing out there. I'm pretty sure I'm using or wearing something which after a bit of investigation would lead me to someone who's abusing animals. But you've got to start somewhere, and boycotting Spain as a whole is a good start. I can't really boycott my own country, since I live here, but that would be a fine place to begin as well. We kill seals, whales and wolves for no reason other than financial ones and that is as far away from ok as you can get.

I still cannot believe a so-called Christian politician would give the green light for killing protected wolves. But then again, the organised Christians have never been very

1) Christian
2) Open-minded
3) Fond of animals
4) Fond of people
5) Fond of anyone but themselves and their immediate families
5A) as long as their immediate family follow their strict (yet fluctuating) rules

And stop buying those souvenir trinkets made out of ivory. They're not cute. They're the reason why hundreds of elephants lie rotting beneath the African or South Asian sun somewhere. Shame on you.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: animals