I'm moving house at the moment and that means I have a lot of tidying up to do. I'm very attached to memories, but this time around I've decided to be very firm and throw away most things that I haven't used for years. That actually includes my old Amiga 500!!! My apologies to classic gamers out there, but read a bit further to understand my decision: Mouse. Nest. Pee. I wouldn't risk turning on the old bugger only to be fried. There are plenty of emulators out there. So my trusty Friend, AKA Mike Amiga (yes, I named it) (I was nine) (excuses, excuses), whose input devices hardly work anymore, will have to die. The same goes for my old typewriter. Let's face it, if I would want to go back to "the good old days" I would much rather choose a manual typewriter, not the electrical one I've got. Might as well use a computer then.

So, the mouse, who was also named (Kåre) (not by me), turned up to frighten me in the middle of the tidying up and after that I hardly touched anything before my companion had checked everything. Twice. I'm such a wuss. I mean, I'm used to gerbils and hamsters, for god's sake, and Kåre was very cute, but I guess the surprise factor got to me. Anyway, he'd had the most wonderful time partying amongst most of my things, so I basically rescued what I could and threw away all the rest. What a clever little creature, shortening the time I used for tidying up so well!

No matter, I did find quite a lot of old memories. Photos. Postcards. Letters. Upon letters. I was an avid letter writer until I discovered the 'Net. A few years after that, too. But then it all died out. I found letters just now from people I couldn't remember ever having written to. I had penfriends all over the world. I was probably the one who ended the friendship in most cases, by not replying all of a sudden. Very me.

I also found my old wallets, which brings me to the point du jour. (Speaking of points; what the hell went on during the Eurovision Song Contest? Ooh, the less said, the better, I suppose.) My oldest wallet, which I believe I was given by a classmate back in year two, when I was popular (that didn't last, LOL, when they found out how weird I was), is white (-ish) and has lots of writing on it. On one side you can more or less clearly see the following, astounding, names: Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Ralph Macchio, Prince, Andy Bell (singer, Erasure)...so far, so good. Then, after a bit of squinting and turning of the wallet, I can make out Twisted Sister being written there. But then...Nigel Havers, Peter Coyote, Eric Idle, Michael York (really? Can't remember that), Michael Palin and Dustin Hoffman. Now, the latter two plus Nigel I still like quite a lot, but not "like that". I remember my old diary had Tom Cruise and Paul Newman written side by side on the cover. I have to admit I put Tom's name there to balance things out, because I've never fancied him. LOL! Ah, the memories...

Labels: computers, dustin hoffman, erasure, michael palin, music, personal, TV

Two hours until the Eurovision Song Contest starts, and I'm more and more excited. I really, really, really hope Wig Wam win, because the song is great and they're funny as hell. I voted for Hungary and Moldova during the semi finals and they both got to the finals, so I wouldn't be too sad if either of those won, but I would of course prefer it if Norway could win. So, if you're a European and haven't decided on whom to vote for yet, do me a huge favour and vote for Norway (because we can't, that would be against the rules)!

The show can be watched live online here.

I've also updated the all-time favourite quotes section.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: music, Norway, TV

Good morning!

I found this feature written by David Mamet about the story behind Death of a Salesman. A very interesting read.

Current track: Ravi & DJ Løv - Eore

Labels: literature, theatre

After watching the brilliant film Double Jeopardy (got to love Tommy Lee Jones and Bruce Greenwood) yesterday I finally got around to putting my beloved Bottom Fluff tape into the VCR. Since I bought it in Antwerp in 98 I must have viewed it a million times or thereabouts (meaning approximately twenty times) but it's still great fun. In case you're living under a rock or you're just not interested (then what the heck are you doing reading this?), Bottom Fluff is basically a lot of bloopers/fuck-ups (pardon my French but it's such a wonderful word, really) by the blokes behind the comedy series Bottom. I suggest you have a look further down this page under "British comedy favourites" or whatever I've called it. While you're there, you should take a look at all the other programmes I've listed there as well.

I should also mention Kung Fu Hustle, which I went to see ("exclusive" preview one month ahead of the real première, apparently) this Bank Holiday weekend. It was absolutely amazing. It's a must-buy, even on my newly adopted and extremely tight DVD budget (which consists of buying one DVD every month, no more. *gasps*). Looking forward to the release already! The film is sheer craziness and would suit those who like kung fu, Hong Kong martial arts films, stupid comedy, Mel Brooks and the like, high-pitched Chinese voices, action-packed fun, cool CGI effects, and for those who laughed all the way through Desperado (I did) and for those who thought Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was too slow-paced but loved the fighting scenes - I'm guessing Kill Bill fans would like this film as well - and you would need a good dose of imagination. Also, do me a favour and don't bring your kids to see the film, even though it is your weekend and it's the last weekend the film is still running, like someone did when I went to see it. It's much too violent for them, and there are a few scenes that may be too similar to horror flicks for them to watch without any traumatic experiences being brought up much later on the shrink's sofa.

And, for the love of...something, could someone please explain to me why I watched the Sami news today? Twice??? (I'm not even remotely related to any Sami/Lapps!)

Current track: The Prodigy - Climbatize

Labels: comedy, film, rik mayall, TV

I'm guessing the Royal Family didn't think it was all fun. They've been standing there for three hours, on the balcony of the Palace, greeting the children's parade as they've been marching...AKA strolling...past for more than three hours. I think the parade in my home town used to take about one and a half hours, but the route was also a bit longer, I think. Or it seemed to be, LOL!

I'm off to buy some ice cream.

Current track: Ja vi elsker (for the umpteenth time today)

Labels: Norway, party

This whole day is going to be one long celebration of everything Norwegian, so if you don't like patriotism, stay away.

First report: I'm watching the TV programmes about the day and first there was the King's Guard having their annual show-off. Their drill sergeant told us something I haven't actually thought of before: Every member of that troop is between 18 and 20 years old and has been drafted (yes, as embarrassing that is, we do have a mandatory military service in this country). Considering the fact that they have won quite a lot of awards at military tattoos (including the Edinburgh one), it must be a bit awkward for all the other participating troops who are all professional. Har har.

So, the King's Guard showed us what they could do with their bayonetted rifles, and then they started playing the theme song from the Harry Potter films! Brilliant. They ended the show with asking the female members of the audience (since I couldn't see any women Guards this year and they're so old-fashioned *winks*) to dance. One of those common people's waltzes; for those who don't know any steps (which, let's face it, is an increasing part of the public, which hurts my old ballroom dancer's heart). The women all looked very happy (the Guards have to be at least 180 cm tall, unless they are female).

Current track: Ja, vi elsker (the national anthem)

Labels: Norway, TV

First of all; it's a bank holiday. I understand most other countries don't celebrate their national/constitutional day like we do at all, and letting it be a day off for everyone apparently is unheard of elsewhere. The point with our constitutional day is to celebrate our constitution (duh), which was signed on the 17th of May 1814. We were also turned over to the Swedes that year and had to be run from Stockholm for more than ninety years, before finally having a revolution in 1905 - a quiet revolution where there was no bloodshed, although reports from earlier today show that we were nearly at war with Sweden at that point.

So, our freedom is one hundred years old today. And at the same time, it isn't. There were five years there in the middle where some nasty men from Germany held us captive within our own borders. But sixty years after the end of the war we should be getting over that by now. It's just that...well, we keep getting back to it, don't we? Like I did right now. Hmm...

Anyway, the day is celebrated for the sake of the children. The future, if you will. They make out most of the parades all over the country, only interrupted by marching bands, of which there are plenty in this country. Seems like most schools have their own marching band, and in addition there are several bands for those who never could put away the instruments after leaving school. (Fact: There are 1,717 marching bands in Norway) Today there are 113 schools participating in the Oslo parade, so I'm guessing about 50,000 children plus many of their teachers and then a marching band for every three schools or something...it's a looong parade. And it all ends up by the City Hall, via the Royal Palace, where the Prince Regent is standing today together with his mother, the Queen, and his wife, the pregnant Crown Princess. The King is on sick leave (yes, that is possible). It was quite special to watch the three members of the Royal Family sing the Monarch's Song when he wasn't there. (Fact: That song just happens to be the same as the British national anthem, only with different lyrics, naturally)

In recent years, the usage of the traditional dress and suit, bunad, has increased dramatically, especially among the younger men. These suits are very different as there are lots of local variants. Oslo is such a fun place to be when one likes the bunad because of the migrants from all over the country - in smaller places they usually wear just a few variants but here they're all gathered. A normal bunad costs from NOK 25,000 (£2,000) and upwards, because it's all handstitched and there is a lot of jewelry involved, so many get one for their confirmation celebration at the age of 15 (a version that can be altered as one grows) or they save for years. Decorums state that the bunad is to be considered equal to a gala uniform or white tie, but at the same time it can be used on all formal occasions, like a baptism, a wedding, birthday celebrations etc. (Not funerals, though...although I double dog dare ya to wear one and take pictures.) Our Prince Regent wears a morning suit today, with the two women on both his flanks wearing bunad. Personally, I've never had a bunad and don't want one, but think they look great (most of them, that is).

And my personal favourite, the Vestfold bunad (because that's where I come from).

After the children's parade they are given as many hot dogs and as much ice cream as they can eat, and then some, before there are local celebrations, usually on every other school in the area. This is more of a huge playground, as the point is to keep eating hot dogs and ice cream and play silly games until everyone just wants to go home and sleep. Personally, I think I'll go to the newsagent's and buy some ice cream.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: history, Norway, party

Every year all Norwegians go mad on the 17th of May - our Constitutional Day - and either watch the local parade with marching bands and the lot or take part (if they're under 20, because the parade (during the day) is for children only). It's a huge celebration and generally considered a tourist attraction for foreigners (because all Norwegian tourists would spend the day in their home town). This year, the centenary of the dissolvement of the Swedish-Norwegian union, fans are arranging a digital parade among the Norwegian World of Warcraft players. If it works (which, unfortunately, it probably won't, since there are too many childish people playing that game) it will be an amazing event.

Those of us who don't play World of Warcraft (but instead try their luck with Guild Wars instead...or nothing at all) will have to watch the local parades and consider that to be enough. My "local" parade would be the Oslo one, which takes about three hours to watch, so...uhmm...I have a feeling I may be spending the day watching it on telly instead. Hopefully the weather will be nice so that I can celebrate the day on my balcony.

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: gaming, Norway

This time I recovered Soultaker, a film that I bought as a backup tape - they were selling old VHS for cheap at the video rental shop in case people wanted more tapes to record unto. They probably didn't think anyone would actually deem any of the films good enough to keep. Now, this film has received a wonderful score of 2.0 on IMDb and to be honest, it's not that bad. I think I'd give it 3.5 for the nice effort. This so-called thriller stars none other than Joe Estevez, a real cult actor with a knack for doing voice-overs, making people think they're hearing the voice of his more known brother, Martin Sheen. Yes, he's a member of that family.

I have seen Soultaker four times. There's something about it that I like, apparently. Other peculiar films included in my collection are My Bloody Valentine (great Canadian thriller), Just One of the Guys and Flight of the Navigator - all films that I have seen about ten times and which no one seems to have heard of...even though the rock group My Bloody Valentine got their name off one of those films.

And does anyone know whether one can get hold of the American sci-fi series VR.5 and/or the Australian drama series Raw FM on DVD? I used to love those programmes.

Current track: The Prodigy - Everybody in the Place (155 and Rising)

Labels: film, TV

Noticed that I also had The Lift on video, a half-hour comedy about nine people stuck in a lift, starring Paul Have I Got News for You Merton, Michael Radio Active/KYTV Fenton-Stevens, Gary Vicar of Dibley Waldhorn and Sam 'Allo 'Allo Kelly, among others. And then...wedged in between The Lift and some episode of Freddie Starr (why, oh why?)...there was about half a minute worth of Vestavind, a brilliant "family saga" that follows a couple or three families from the end of WWII to the mid-seventies (I think it was) - I saw the whole series twice and really, really wish I had taped it, because NRK (the TV company) obviously aren't interested in earning any money from the dramas they produce and simply refuse to release any of their older productions on DVD, VHS, Betamax, 8mm, Laserdisc, VCD or Viewmaster® reels. *cough* Myrna Vep *cough* More on that here (in Norwegian). Personally, I think it's amazing that they would release the Kamilla og tyven films, since it's been almost 20 years since they were made, but then again that has nothing to do with the NRK. Argh.

Current track: Madness - Rise and Fall

Labels: comedy, dennis storhøi, film, TV

I suddenly had this urge to go through some of my old tapes during the weekend, and by Bob, have I got much crap piled up in my collection! Well, not exactly crap, but there are quite a lot of those "what the hell..." moments when I skim through my extensive list (not posted here, as it is...much too long). There are music videos, hundreds of them, many of which I have only seen once. There are clips from countless films and TV shows because I liked the scene or liked the actor or liked the music or whatever. There are whole handball matches (don't ask). Quite a lot of them, and I'm not going to watch them again. There are clips from football matches. I've got some episodes of many shows, among them quite a lot of Waiting for God. To find them, I shall have to trawl through about ten cassettes. And we all know how tedious it is to rewind and fast forward those old four-hour-long tapes. Yesterday I found a cassette which had Red Nose of Courage and Mom and Dad Day Afternoon on it. I had no idea what the latter was, so after watching the former (as I am a fan of the Comic Strip films), I let the tape run and quickly remembered what Mom and Dad... was. It was an episode from the Carol and Friends show, starring Carol Burnett, Richard Kind, Terry Kiser and Peter Krause (I have been going insane trying to figure out where I had seen him before, ever since I started watching Six Feet Under years ago). Just the one episode, even though I watched them all, and I don't know what made this particular episode worth to keep. Hey, it was the early nineties. I blame stupidity.

Current track: Bruce Springsteen - Cover Me

Labels: comedy, film, TV

I forgot to post this picture I took from my seat at the plane on our way back from London the other day:



Current track: Nothing.

Labels: personal

Apparently, it's a major win that two "men" of 18 and 19 years of age respectively got "a whopping" 35 hours of community service and a fine of £400 (each, I hope) for murdering a kitten by putting it into the microwave oven and turning it on at a party last year. Personally, I think it's a farce. I think a more proper punishment would be a minimum of two years at a psychiatric ward. Then, if they had shown real signs of regret, they would be transferred to prison, where they would serve a minimum of five years. Seriously. If they wouldn't show any sign of a bad conscience after two years of psychiatric help, they would serve another year, and so on and so on. They would of course never be allowed to be anywhere near animals, children or elderly patients ever again. After all, being able to something like this once is proof of a very wicked and dangerous disposition, and they will always be a ticking bomb. No point in playing with fire when there are innocent lives at stake.

Somehow I think this kind of punishment would never happen in a so-called civilised country, and certainly not in this country, where (apparently) we believe in mocking the victims of crime by letting the offenders off the hook with hilariously short sentences, if not just a pat on the back and off you go.

When rapists have more rights than their victims something clearly is as wrong as it gets with the judicial system.

Current track: Nothing. But I feel like putting on some Rammstein.

Labels: animals, current affairs

If you're not into molesting other living creatures in the most horrible ways, I'd suggest you stop supporting companies and designers who make and sell their furry creations. Stop by here to see a (very disturbing) list of "high class" designers that you should avoid at any cost (and, actually, it will save you some money).

Current track: Nothing.

Labels: animals

...AKA The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...

How I longed to hear the theme music and watch the film version of this brilliant radio show/book! The TV series is a laugh (on many levels) and should be watched by the core fans only. I'm not a core fan, meaning I don't actually own any rare, out-of-print "42" band aids or anything, but now that the film is out there really is no reason for the typical admirers to see the series.

I had to go to London to see the film before the summer (no, I didn't go just to see the film. I'm not that much a fan) and we ended up on the least original place in England when it comes to cinemas, namely Leicester Square. Not the Odeon, though, who charges you through the nose and back for a seat in one of their many centrally-controlled franchises. Argh. End of rant.

I had, unfortunately, watched too many trailers and features about the film, so by the time I saw the film I had already seen most of the funniest parts. That means I was kind of disappointed. But! The film itself was really good, and anyone with the slightest bit of an alternative edge to their sense of humour would like it. Sam Rockwell is spot on as Zaphod Beeblebrox and the Warwick Davies/Alan Rickman partnership that has become Marvin, the Paranoid Android is hilarious. Bill Nighy, however, overshadows whomever else is in his scenes - simply because he is Bill Nighy. Some of the special effects are stunning and spectacular and then there are some surprise cameos for the hardcore fans. :-)

Basically, you should see this. Just don't see any features or behind-the-scenes beforehand.

Current track: Eros Ramazzotti singing something on the radio.

Labels: Alan Rickman, bill nighy, comedy, film, literature, TV

I just remembered Gmail has got a whopping TWO GB of storage space for all your e-mails. Yay!

Current track: Paul Young - Everytime You Go Away

Labels: computers, technology

Microsoft truly is the sign of what's wrong with corporate countries (i.e. - let's face it - the Western world). Their latest amazing move is to ignore what everyone else is doing and keep their Hotmail "offer" to include 1 MB of storage (not 1 GB, like Yahoo! and Gmail and probably others as well) - in addition, any spam you receive on Hotmail counts towards your 1 MB quota, whileas the others ignore them. I am simply amazed. So Hotmail/Microsoft wants us to upgrade to Hotmail Plus for a mere something a month, giving us less storage and more grief than the other free alternatives. And more spam! Hotmail is, after all, the most spam-ridden e-mail account provider.

I am not going to mention Windows this time.

Current track: Various - Venn

Labels: computers, technology