Thoughts of a Viking

whop

2011-10-13T22:32:00.000+02:00

I am so useless!

I just watched this video of this young man rescuing a baby hummingbird and for some reason that totally touched me and it made me cry. This means I am just not meant to be on the internet, it is to emotional for me.

haha! Oh Goodness gracious me.

I'm a domestic goddess!

2011-10-13T22:31:00.000+02:00

(This is something I found in the archive!)

I've been super wife material today. OR, well, not extraordinary, but hey! I am good entertainment as a bonus too! I cleaned all the windows! That's FIVE windows, on both sides, so more like TEN! And I done all the dishes, TWICE. Made pasta with mussels and white wine, and made cupcakes (so huge they are more muffin sized) with Helge.

LADYPOINTS!

Ka-ching!

Soup Soup a Tasty Soup Soup

2011-08-14T15:00:00.000+02:00

I just made myself a most outrageous hearty soup. There was a shooting right around the corner last night. I didn't hear anything. But then I was... um, under influence. I've also had some tea, and I'm wearing a scarf. I don't think I should take any chances! This is not a good time to be sick! It's a meaty soup, even though it has no meat in it, but beef stock and beef fond. It's got some coriander, piri-piri, mushy peas, potato and carrots in it. And thyme and rosemary and some olive oil. Mmm!

Sometimes soup is exactly what you need! I should've had some bread with it. But there are extents to which not even a desperate person like me, would go. Seriously.

I did put some cheddar cheese in it. THAT hit the spot.

Alright, I will stop ranting about food, my apologies!

It's just that when the soul and flesh is in a weak spot, food is sometimes the only comfort.

I'm alone!

2011-08-12T19:57:00.000+02:00

I'm home alone this weekend, and so far I've only really been alone for like two hours, because I spent almost all day walking around Oslo and had ice cream with my friend!

So I wasn't given much opportunity to miss Helge, but bizarrely, I suddenly did! It is weird, because I suddenly missed him a lot more intensely, and I realized that it was because of the time of day. The exact time he comes home from work. Haha! That's really weird! Like my brain was suddenly expecting to see him!

:(

I will on Sunday though!

Here are some pictures from the summer!

Pizza! Before the cheese!

I washed the windows!

We made cupcakes! I forgot to take a picture with frosting on them. And they weren't that amazing, so for most part they have been chucked away in the fridge, so I threw them out this morning. What a waste :<

Slightly 80's Fantasy Art

2011-08-08T21:53:00.002+02:00

Here is my slightly fruity photoshop painting. I went a little whack with the colours (I mean, why not? All fantasy priests seem to favour musty colours, which, to me seems highly unlikely anyway). Soo. I wanted to show Sigrid most of all, seeing as she gave me "Fantasy Art Essentials" Magazine! It is a lot of fun.

So yes, now, I want you to tell me all the things that went wrong. (yes, the leg is too long, oh noes, her hair is not whispy enough, boobaablobla!) Bring it on!

(The drawings are huuuge, so click if you, for some reason, like to bask in the "details")

Mm, yes! She is casting some sort of spell! It would take a lot of magic to keep that hair colour!

Sunday

2011-08-07T12:20:00.000+02:00

I just finished reading "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz, and it was beautiful and horrible and mysterious and grounded all at once. I loved it. A truly good book.

It's been a gloomy, rainy day today. Mostly read my book, and the newspapers and slept and had tea and watched Helge play games. We were out last night, at The Villa (whohoo!), was cool place. A little trendy, shit expensive of course, but what would you expect? Really?

Feeling a slight bit under the weather and haven't even brushed my hair, but there you go. It is what Sundays are for*.

We are going over to my brother's tonight, which is nice!

*They are not, contrary to what the church believes, for making a hella noise and being mean to other people. Seriously. Stop bashing my brains in.

Lakrisbloggen!

2011-08-04T20:32:00.001+02:00

Hey you guys, don't forget to read my other blog! It is in Norwegian, but I can't see why that should be a problem! Join me over at http://www.lakrisbloggen.blogspot.com

It is my blog on all things liquorice! (which I just can't seem to spell right, though. Another reason why to blog in Norwegian!) That's what the name means, Lakris is liquorice in Norwegian!

Have a good one!

YAY!

Good before-noon! (We can say that in Norway, it is different from morning)

2011-08-03T11:36:00.007+02:00

Up by the church, last week. Oslo can be bliss in the summer

I dreamt I was out travelling and missed my flight - WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE last night.

That must've been one of the most mature dreams I ever had, well, not considering the bit where Tink and I use martial arts to battle free of bad guys to continue our road trip through Istanbul in this tiny, shabby little white car. I mean, there is something quite adolescent about that.

Today I am making pasta with mussels, mm! And I am cleaning the windows and cleaning the bedroom too, because the closet is falling apart again... wait!

A woman is crying outside! Hmm, it's two junkies moving about, he's carrying a picture or something. They talk like they are in a Norwegian film, like really heavy East-Oslo accent in a sympathetic tone of voice, like. "Det er lov å gjørra det noen ganger", "Slutt å vær sjallu på meg a" (these are actual quotes from the pavement junkie drama outside). Seems like she just overreacted or something. They are walking away now with all their kit and that huge frame. Wonder what it was about. There are a lot of people like that in Oslo. We have the heaviest heroin crowd in Europe.

Where was I? Oh yes... Cleaning :(

Maybe I should do the dishes too. SOB WAIL. And clean the bookshelf. I better get started right away... after breakfast! And then... If I keep procrastinating, I will probably finish sometime tomorrow morning. Haha. Oh yes. Wish me luck! Have a wonderful day!

Never quite old enough

2011-08-01T18:46:00.000+02:00

The clubscene in Oslo is not exactly what I would call universally vibrant, it can be really stale, and serves such a wide diversity our sparse population can't abide to fill the clubs up. So what happens is that you have to be at those five or six places where things "are going down", or you will be in one of the places that have echoes in them.

Nooo, - I exaggerate. But because all clubs are terrified of being the "deserted" club, they try to be as exclusive or eccentric they possibly can, so they can attract enough people. They are also so scared of losing their alcohol licence, they make sure they get a clientelle that can stay up past bedtime, but also has legal rights to buy alcohol. This means outrageous age limits just to get in, Horgans, I remember, had 26!

I will tell you a story, anyway, concerning the topic. It's not really that enthralling, but now that you're here... I might as well share it.

Tink (as you may know, one of my few friends of the female persuasion) and I, have worked our entire youth to crack the code which is Oslo nightlife. Even at a time when we both were blonde, and slender (Tink, still is, it is only I that seem to inflate at a frightening rate) we had a tough time getting in anywhere, and though we have never climbed in any windows, we were at one point, quite desperate.

I flaunted my sister's fake ID from when I was 16 (pretending I was 20), and that worked for most part, we got in at a lot of places and had... mostly good times, but, obviously, we also had our share of strange ones. Like when that bald guy approached us and really looked us up and down and said "Whoah! You girls deserve a diploma!" and we asked him (quite naturally, I mean, he must've seen that coming) -"What for?" And he, caught completely off-guard, said -"Um. I... Have to think about that". And this terrible awkwardness ensued and I wanted to grab his shoulders and shake him, and yell something. "Jesus! Man! You could have said ANYTHING! You could have just said 'diplomas for drinking the right friggin' beer' it wouldn't matter! Oh my God! Whyyy?! Why are you sooo dumb?!" In retrospect that is probably the way I feel about it now, while as my younger self probably just wanted to die, quickly and make the AWKWARD go away. Yes, those were the days...

Truly. But we also made it in to Café Mono, which I always regarded as some kind of perfect indie hangout, where they played Arctic Monkeys sometimes and the crowd wasn't so young. And I mean, we were there quite a lot, it was our go-to place for a long time. But fake-ID wasn't all a dance on roses, we had a couple of sweaty situations - including one when the bouncer of some other place said he would call the police on me! - made me hesitant to use it. It is, after all, illegal to use.

2008! We were like 19. I look more like I'm 12 though.

So we got cautious, and we stayed away from places where we had to use fake-ID for a while, until we could use our REAL ones. This meant going to lots of concerts and going to clubs where people where our age. We had a lot of fun, but it wasn't quite the same. So when we at last turned twenty, we thought we could stride right in to any shop and own it. Er. But we were so mistaken, it is... Um, it is almost embarrasing. We were turned down at Mono like a thousand times, because, for some reason, the place we had grown up in (well, not exactly, but we were there a couple of times even if it was lame, because we were loyal, right! We were so loyal!) wouldn't accept us when we were trying to enter under our real names! Because, as the huuge anal doorman so vigilantly kept reminding us, we had to be 22 to get in at Mono.

My 22nd birthday only just passed, I feel matured to the point that I just want to go in there just to har-umphh and snort and stride right back out again. Bah!

I had got the strange idea of hanging out at The Villa this season though, because it's Oslo's electronica scene, and it was outrageous that I hadn't even been there. But yeah, so. I was very ready, and I thought I'd better Google it, to see where it was, because, like I said, I never been there. Well. Guess what?

Yes.

You have to be 23 to get in.

Helge's Music!

2011-07-30T00:47:00.000+02:00

Helge has made the extraordinary discovery of so many classic hits. One of my personal favourites include, of course, "Beautiful Ovenmitts" and "I am Not a Roadblock" .

The song "I'm in a House Made of Bacon" actually inspired my game "House of Bacon" back in spring.

What can I say? I am just so glad he's in my life!

Ironically you were of course not allowed to eat the bacon. Only shrimp, lollipops, sushi and icecream. Oh the torment!

"Of Bees and Mist" by Erick Setiawan

2011-07-29T22:53:00.000+02:00

So I read this, among other things this summer, a book called "Of Bees and Mist" by Erick Setiawan. And because I really fought to not put it down, I feel like I have earned the right to give my review on it.

The main character Meridia is this quiet super beautiful girl that lives in a complicated world so full of emotion that they manifest into physical things. Like bees, and mist. While the idea is interesting, I quite liked it, I think perhaps it went a little overboard, and the symbolism became too real and too physical to make sense.

What Erick accomplishes though is to weave increasingly frustrating webs of conflict and despair, wrecking torment and destruction on his characters. No soul is left unharmed, and all characters hate each other with varying intervals. While this does appear interesting at first, fails to come full circle almost every time.

The numerous conflicts all solve or dissolve at whims, with no sacrifice or with no realistic tension. For example, the boy who brews intense hate for his father, is suddenly able to overcome all this, with no logical strength. Just like that. In a couple of minutes. Seriously. So the universe at this, falls short of carrying a trustworthy story. The build up of hate and love and violence when ready to explode, pops and fizzes unsatisfyingly at climax, because as the drama is clever, the wit can't seem to unravel them in any way to do it justice.

The book is wildly metaphoric and psychologic, and lives off emotion. And these can sometimes be so splendidly accurate and terrifying, the read is beautiful. But sadly, the thoughts and actions change so fast and don't connect to human attributes. This is like blowing up a teen drama by a zillion, let it loose on a strange universe and let it ravage unrelenting. A lot is magical here, and so everything that doesn't make sense can hide behind that. But unfortunately the universe is full of holes and lacks depth, and so it fails to cloak the many shortcomings.

The characters are described in words, not by actions, and so don't seem very believeable. Their attributes are simply spelled out. This becomes especially embarrasing when their descriptions fail to apply when the time is right. The man introduced as "patient and warm" get fits of rage, and displays coldness unparallel to snow. Secondary characters lack all dimension whatsoever, and seem to be added just as a convenience.

The story as a whole is indeed a saga, it includes a lot of people and a lot of places, while some of these are interesting, the writer is unable to carry the weight of so much mass. The book is simply too short. The central love story is quickly woven over a couple of sentences, and so we are shielded from learning more about our characters through happiness or through friendship or love. The only lessons are given in times of despair, severe pain and loss. A lot of terrible and dramatic things happen in this book. Absolutely all the time. And there is no end to the tormenting hardships that ravage the characters. The read as a whole, has focus on dreadful events, backstabbing, slandering and unrelenting drama, losing its point and its credibility with each occurring horror.

I wanted to like this book, but I hated it, stopped reading, thought the better of it, and picked it up again. The antagonist is brilliant in her manipulation, and the characters so easily fall under her might. But because of all the things that go wrong, people only seem to get more and more motivated by unmentioned forces. The changes are strange and explained by senseless things, like the spoiled, spiteful girl suddenly becoming warm and fantastic and amazing because she's pregnant. Yeah, fucking right. The character development we witness, is either physical or unexplainable to the circumstances. Suddenly bitter foes are friends "through quiet understanding". Molested souls show incredible, unbeliveable loyalty to their molester, and I don't know. Everything just goes wrong in an awfully detailed way, and then is fixed way to lightly. The conflicts are not handled seriously enough.

I think this book is "too easy", the mysteries lack backing, the characters keep going, though stripped of all hope, and strange hallucinating dreamlike events occur all the time, without sufficient strength to ring enchanting. Everyone are very bautiful, everything is very magical, and everyone are deceiving and strange and otherwordly. I thought I was the perfect audience, but I just think this book has too many logical flaws and not enough depth to be enjoyed, even by me.

I am here, and there are you

2011-07-01T16:07:00.001+02:00

I have got to say I am a little jealous at the poor, messy, smelly souls that live in tents at the different festivals around Europe right now. God, why aren't we at Heineken Open'er for example? Cut Copy, Deadmau5, Prince, The Strokes, The Wombats and Two Door Cinema Club are playing, to name a few! Whyy?

Whyy? And the atmosphere at Roskilde! I would love to be there right now, despite the filth. Really. I really would. Arctic Monkeys are there, and The Strokes, Portishead, Deadmau5 (craai), Jesus CHRIST, Deadmau5 is at Hove as well. It is NOT a funny joke. It is as if I am being avoided on purpose.

Mau5, this isn't funny. When are you playing in Oslo? Hm? Hm? HM?!

I am not sure why I am telling you this, or why I am telling myself this, for like the millionth time. I suppose it is some twisted kind of self-harming. It's not healthy to be dwelling on things that can't be done! Should rather be focusing on the things I have!

Like the biggest fly I have ever seen, that is sitting on my door right now. I have a really big fly, that's what I got. And a shopping list, a loooong one. Will stretch my arms by at least 10 cm carrying this stuff home.

But I also have an ice cream machine! GLORIOUS! That I got for Christmas... Which is like ... six months ago! And I still haven't used it. But it's in the freezer now, so tomorrow! Ah-hah! I will commence the ice cream making! Oh yes! Banana ice cream actually! Because I have a lonely overripe banana that cries silently at me when I open the fridge. And I just can't throw it out, because I feel so sorry for it.

Not one of my characteristics to over-empathize or humanize objects. Not at all. Just look at all my stuff, surely not a heap of junk acquired mostly because of "the package has glitter on it!!" or "nobody else wants it :( :( :(" or the classic "Look it is so ugly, it is cute. Naawh. It's ALL aloooonehh :( I HAVE to buy it".

*cough*

And I have Nigella on Youtube! -- Even though I said I would stop that.

But I CAN'T. I am only human.

Chickens abroad

2011-06-27T13:30:00.000+02:00

Now that I'm "done" with school, I feel relieved and weird at the same time. I am really going to miss it. Really miss it. I'm going to miss the airy spaces, the smell of sweat, being at school until late at night, working at projects. The inspiring (though tiny) library. The strange decor of the canteen, the smell of food. All the laptops humming, people playing Magic: The Gathering. I'm going to miss having classes early in the morning in the winter, when it's still dark. As will I miss having classes late in the day, also when it's dark. It's going to be so weird not being a part of that school. It's going to be weird telling people what I do, and I can't say "study game design!"

I'm going to miss having exams when the assignment allows me to write about "Pikmin" and "The Emperors New Groove". I'm going to miss all the people, even the ones I don't really know. But especially the ones I do know. I know we'll keep in touch, but it will be strange not to see you all the time.

The rain outside is sort of melancholic. Helge is playing L.A. NOIRE with me, and I love it. It's repeating itself, and it's really hard (especially the interviews! Phew!), but the story is getting increasingly interesting.

We have been watching too much Criminal Minds, I wake up at night from dreams of severed heads in plastic bags, and terrorist groups eradicating innocents. It's hard. I'm painting my brother and his lovely girlfriend a painting for their new apartment! Very exciting. The apartment, not the painting. Haha!

I had some nectarines for breakfast. They were juicy, but one had some mould on it, and I didn't notice until it was too late. Haha! *cough* sorry. My missing pages are being retrieved for me, I am so delighted.

Oh! Oh! And I had a looovely weekend in London with my beau, and it was exciting and calm at the same time. We walked around a lot, and went to the British Museum and saw Big Ben and stuff, because Helge had never been there before. So now the essentials are covered, when we return we can do other stuff! Yay! Not that I don't love British Museum! It is just a tiny bit overwhelming, no way to take it all in. Even after visiting several times. Wow! I insisted on taking some touristy pictures, even though they are lame, they are nice to show family and stuff.

That's me, in a telephone box. It smelled so much of wee...

This is the view from our hotel!

This is my favourite. Big Ben AND Double Decker. PERFECT!

That's me again!

Here is Pimm's Lemonade and Crabbies. Haha! Crabbies. They were... Interesting.

Today I am cleaning the apartment! We were meant to do it yesterday, but because I have nothing better to do, I volunteered to do it alone so we could have a full day off together yesterday. Yay!

I sure am paying for my generosity right now.

Missing!

2011-06-22T21:39:00.001+02:00

49 pages of my book!

Oh I am so distressed. My precious new book is missing several pages, and just when things were getting extra exciting! I can't well read on after missing almost fifty pages! What am I supposed to do?

Of course I sent a mail to the publisher! But that doesn't resolve things at this instant! Maybe I should be getting a kindle after all. Sniff. And Helge wont play any more L.A. NOIRE with me tonight, so I have to think of something else to do. Oh goodness I never thought this would happen!

If you find the pages, please let me know.

Mess

2011-05-25T12:45:00.003+02:00

Made pizza with pineapple, and Helge had some beer

There's no more pizza!

I love these Buddah's, they're good company

Look at ma lamps! That nightlamp I got for Helge, if you push it on the head it glows green!

Scissors are important, and paint brushes and markers

That's a present up there, and some DVD's

My cupcake storage device, very sneaky. You think it is just a stale old cupcake, but it's not! It's full of treasure!

Books! Licorice, and that orchid that ought to be dead a long time ago, just saying.

Refreshments

Dusty. Could do with some cleaning! Clean clean! Any volunteers?
Spring is really nice, the smell in particular. Eaten a lot of strawberries. And had pancakes with banana Nutella and bacon. BNB Pancakes. Delicious. You ought to try it out.

I need to start doing stuff instead of watching Nigella and going "mmmh!"

Oh MIEU

2011-03-02T12:09:00.000+01:00

I am out of TEA!

Strrrreeeeeessssss!
I look rather pleased in my drawing, but I can't help that. I once had a stroke and now I can't stop smiling.

That, and my blood is actually liquid toffee so it's not so easy to move without looking sweet.

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T12:21:00.000+01:00

Have the most delicious-wonderful-fantastic valentines day!

Chocolate crumbs

2011-01-30T21:06:00.000+01:00

And the other day (actually that was today, earlier today, just a few moments ago) I experienced that my chocolate was leaving crumbs all over. And I think "Oh! A Chocolate crumble!" but it's not. I know what you're thinking, it wasn't mice poop. I know you have rather low thoughts about my lodgings, but please...

Anyway, you are doomed if you get chocolate crumbs on you. Because when you try to pick it up - it melts right away. Right into the fabric. It truly is hopeless.

And I am faced with these situations on days like these when I have postponed this extremely awful assignment to the last moment and punish myself with chocolate. Because I deserve it.

Chocolate crumbs!
fml.

I tell you about your Lifestyle

2011-01-30T14:43:00.004+01:00

I got this in the mail from my sister. I like it.

This woman is 51.

She is a TV "health guru" advocating a holistic approach to nutrition and health, promoting exercise, a pescetarian diet high in organic fruits and vegetables. She recommends detox diets, colonic irrigation and supplements, also making statements that yeast is harmful, that the color of food is nutritionally significant, and about the utility of lingual and facial examination.

This woman is 50.
She is a TV cook, who eats nothing but meat, butter and desserts.

Dear Santa

2010-11-19T19:17:00.003+01:00

I recognise that I have been a particularly good girl this year.

I have eaten all my vegetables and taken vitamins and everything. I also did something nice for someone else the other day, I ate all the clementines so they didn't go bad so Helge didn't have to eat clementines gone bad. That was pretty nice of me. And I did it without him asking or anything.

I never listen to rap-music (voluntarily) and I only swear because other people do it and I do like they do because I can't help myself.

Included in this letter you will find my humble wish list written in random order.
And I also wanted to say you're a nice guy!

1. Hot Hair Rollers
2. Settlers VII (PC)

3. Fable III (Xbox 360)

4. Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Wii)

5. Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure (Wii)

6. Okami (Wii)

7. DJ Hero 2 (Xbox 360)

8. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)

9. World of Goo (Wii)

10. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

11. Ice Cream Machine

12. Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa (That's a book)

13. Dishwasher

14. Snow goggles

15. Snowboard boots

16. A pair of good dancing shoes (nice ones!)

17. Glitter

18. Mountain boots

19. A nice knit hat that doesn't itch (but keep my ears warm!)

20. Scarves

21. Moomin cooking pot

best wishes and a happy holiday!
Tora

What is your wish list this year?

Susan

2010-11-18T19:21:00.001+01:00

My "Skojig" lamp and my trusted laptop, Susan!

My Susan's fans sounds like an air plane taking off. And the disc drive wont read no discs no more. She just coughs at them and keep skipping around on them until I take them out. The other day the keyboard wouldn't work until I rebooted. I guess she's getting old! She's not that old. She's only two years old actually. Or -- she's more like one and a half years old, because she broke twice before...

I wonder what I do with my laptop to make it die so soon. She's probably sick of all the writing. And all the youtubing and all the strange blogs I read.

Want some Norwegian music?

My Gingerbread cutters

2010-11-17T15:04:00.000+01:00

This is my window sill, that jar with stars in are actually some really weird outlandish treats meant to be deep-fried before served. Honestly I didn't try, I put them in a jar. Was I disappointed when it wasn't colourful pasta!

Here are my gingerbread cutters! I guess they are also eligible as cookie cutters or other things cutters. Not for paper though! I've used some of the bigger ones for pancakes, they get really hot, but the pancakes turn out beautiful. To be honest some of these are actually Helge's, but I bought them for him last year because I wanted them myself and needed an excuse. What? At least I'm honest!

The fox, moose, bear, snail and hedgehog are from IKEA, the one shaped like the moomin is from the Iittala Outlet.

Fish, dinosaurs, foot, jigsaw and crocodile are from Christiania Glasmagasin while the squirrel is also from IKEA.

Keep them in a box so the drawers don't get stuck all the time. (Well, they do - but I tried).

I also bought some gingerbread dough at IKEA. Their recipe is actually really nice and is good to work with so when I'm constructing my annual... uuum... construct... of gingerbread I wont have to do much but roll it, cut it, bake it and glue it together! But I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to gingerbread houses - I try to make sure every part of it is edible so it is glued together with hot sugar. It is deadly stuff. And I always end up burning others as well when I ask them for help. You should've seen the hand of my younger brother!

But all of that later. I do hope I get to do a gingerbread construct this year! Any suggestions as to what I should make? Are you making one this year? Any tips and tricks?

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - can't wait!

2010-11-08T15:47:00.002+01:00

I can't wait! How can I wait? Look at this, what can I do? What is the meaning of life when I can't know everything there is to know about this game? Please announce a release date so I know when to wake up! Would be nice to just sleep until the moment I have it in my hands, so I could watch the intro and I can cry tears of joy and relief. Oh! How can I wait? I can't wait! I seriously can't wait!

MAKE ME THINK OF SOMETHING ELSE!

Not like THAT! It's not helping! Who is standing back to back with him?! Who are you?! What does this meeeaaan?! WHAT?! Please! I can't waaaaaaait!

Games for Wii - and stalking

2010-10-28T19:13:00.002+02:00

As you all know I bought a Wii! And I finally got to give it a spin last night - I do have a lot of experience with Wii previously - but not with the games that I've dutifully played the last few days!

I tried "Eledees" first, which had me at hello with its adorable packaging and delicious colours. The game in itself however lacks charm in every way. The Eledees are electric creatures that you search for, find and collect using a "gun" of sorts - pointing at the screen with the Wii-remote. You can use the power (in Watts) from the Eledees to turn on lights and electrical appliances. And this is about as interesting as it gets. The house has zero personality, like the characters - and it has about as much depth as the vague, slapped-on story that is so extremely lame I wont even bother retell it.

I did find pleasure in wrecking the place completely in my desperate search for more Eledees. This meagre pleasure was ruined though - when the game then for no reason required me to be quiet and handle anything breakable with care. If I exceeded the noise limit or broke six things - the game ended. Thanks a lot. How to make a slightly fun game, a completely lame one. The wonderfullness of the packaging was clearly outsourced as the game reflected only some kind of nine-to-five teal-coloured retirement home.

But then I played "De Blob" and I was excited beyond reason. As the lead of a colourful revolution against the reign of the black and white, evil "INKT" - De Blob (a blob taking on any colour) bounces around the pale world and brings colour, charm and happiness with him by colouring everything -- buildings, trees and citizens. His likewise oppressive crew "Color Underground" helps him along and gives plenty of challenges along the way.

This is easy, straightforward, nothing amazing - with excellent little clips in-between levels that convey a simple story in a slapstick-charming way. This is a wonderful game for children, needless to say - a perfect game for me too! This totally sucked me in and I'm enjoying it a lot. Progress is clearly visible and you get special achievements for having coloured all the trees, all the landmarks or completing all the challenges etc. The controls in combination with the occaisonally straying camera can be a little disheartening and unprecise at times, but that usually is the fate of most Wii games - and when something doesn't work as intended - it's usually my own fault.

I kept waiting for the Achievement screen to pop up, but then I remembered I wasn't playing on the Xbox! Silly me.

So yes, there you go - one definite "stay away!" and one "warmly recommended!"

And when it comes to stalking, I was only going to say that I find myself stalking Helge almost every day. I put his clothes on so I smell like him and then I feel all warm and fuzzy walking around the apartment. Pretty scary you think? I'd be scared of me, too. Trust me. I actually am, a little bit.

Bleep bleep I am a sheep

2010-10-27T00:15:00.000+02:00

I have a new hobby which is watching game developer interviews and counting the wedding rings.

It is sort of mean I think.

But I never said I was nice.

I totally came home in an influenced state one of these days and I broke that jar. Candy everywhere!

I'm also watching some awesome hijab-tutorials on Youtube. I'm sure one of these days it will come in handy to tie a scarf around my hair.

My phone!

2010-10-22T23:10:00.000+02:00

I never did see the point in having a phone I was afraid to lose because it had cost me a crazy amount of money. It's not because I can't take care of my stuff (at least if I know where to find it!) but sometimes faith is out there to get my stuff. And I ain't got no spider-sense to tell me when, and that means I have to take certain precautions.

This, ladies and gentleladies - is my work of art in progress-- and for my own technology's protection:

Padding.

Oooh yes! Look it has diamonds on it and teeth and eyes and pearls and duck-chickens and stars and candy and a crazy monkey and a hedgehog and a bear in a parachute. You know what? We should make a TV-show with that cast. Because our special guest-stars -- the fantastic bling dangling from it, consists of two rabbits, an Asian couple, a dog, a chicken, a mushroom, a parrot, a cow and gingerbreadman!

Ginger Bread Man! He could be my superhero! A ginger man made of bread! His kryptonite could be soup! In which case he would bloat up and dissolve like wet bread, because you see, he is made of bread which means when it touches soup - that's what happens. You ever had soup with bread? I'm pretty sure you know how this goes. AAaaanyway I just wanted to show the world my delicious talking-machine. And I will show you again when I've finished the other side!

Tummy diet

2010-10-06T08:38:00.000+02:00

Ok, so this is very weird, I know. But it is weirding me out, too (MORE than it will you) and I just need to vent it a little bit.

Because I went to the doctor because of my achy stomach, and he took a lot of tests, and will take some more next week - so until then I am on a restrictive diet.

Okay, I get it. A billion people are on a strict diet every day - but I'm not! I've never had to think much about what I eat at all, as long as it's not hairy in places it's not meant to be hairy. Hell I even eat from the ground. But I'll tell you something, it's not at all bad this diet, it is just the principle of having to check ingredients and having to mentally prepare ahead for every meal that freaks me out. The doctor also recommended that I eat small meals, but often, grazing, if you like.

And that's fine, yeah.

YES	NO
Lots of fibre (with every meal)	Red meat
Pork	Liver, Kidney
Chicken	Dark fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
White fish (cod, flounder, halibut)	Cauliflower
Cooked vegetables	Horseradish
	Raw tomato
A LITTLE	Radishes
Uncooked fruit and vegetables	Melon
Dairy	Banana
Cooked meat in sandwiches	Soybeans
	Alcohol

But I can't have banana!! Or melon! And I JUST bought a lot of golden bananas and a perfectly sweet melon, and some lush tomatoes. Well done.

In other news from a grown person getting totally freaked out because she can't eat bananas - I'm wondering why my neighbour is up at eight in the morning to watch the tellybox. M, there we go, just to have a fairly gay smoke out the window in his wifebeater. I get it.

I can really start to see how living in these apartments awake a primal need for slandering. I'm the worst of them. The pair across the street even got full-covering blinds eventually, I thought I looked quite inconspicuous hiding behind my curtains and scrutinizing their odd Disney-fondling (I don't know how they do it!) or their strangely romantic way of cooking together. I call them the Disney couple. There's not a lot of action going on at my wall-to-wall neighbours, especially since I can't peek through their windows without climbing the façade.

Lot to do lately? Yes, seriously. All the prepping for our Bachelor is going to wring me into a sock. I don't know how, but soon you will meet me on the street and you'll say "Tora, what has happened? You look like a sock" and I'll say -"Yes" and look at my foot, my one big foot protruding from my neck, and add "it sucks".

...

2010-10-04T20:41:00.000+02:00

Rest in Peace Cleo :(

I love you so much. And thanks everyone for your support! And mama I am so sorry, I wish I could be with you and hug you all day.

Cleo

2010-10-01T12:32:00.000+02:00

Cleo, the best dog in the universe

I don't know how to say this.

Cleo's liver is failing, and she doesn't eat much. She weighs less than 28 kilos now.

She is on a liver-improving diet and she's getting some pills, but she wont eat much, and she wont consistently take the pills. Whenever she gets up, Ulla gets all excited and starts licking Cleo's face as much as she can. Cleo doesn't even have the enthusiasm to tell her to piss off.

I am getting pretty certain that this is the end for her, and I wish it wouldn't be so slow and humiliating. Starving herself to death. She really was meant to eat herself to death. Salmon and waffles and all the love she could handle.

I try to tell myself that she is only a dog, but she is so much more. She is family and such a great friend, and I know she's had a good life, and I know it can't last forever. But I wish it could.

I will keep you all posted!

Violence in games

2010-09-29T20:28:00.001+02:00

I am going to discuss some aspects on game design that I have some opinions about that I need to air. It will be about violence first, then games made for children and then about game universes. I would warn you on some strong imagery, but I rarely see people react to them anymore.

From Manhunt

All human entertainment has at some point contained a large portion of violence and brutality. The circus of the Romans was the bloody massacres of gladiator fights, and other old forms of entertainment like public executions are actually still alive some places today. Like in Afghanistan, Iran and Somalia (where a 13 year old girl that had been raped was buried to the neck in the middle of a football stadium and stoned to death in front of 1000 people for adultery. Her name was Aisho Ibrahim Dhuhulow.) And in some manner or other, whether or not as horrific as the execution of a child in public --violence has always attracted a crowd. Like dog-fights, rooster-fights, bull-fights, even fist-fights - and I could go on.

And when we humans feel sophisticated enough to rise above these primal activities, we find other ways to depict our carnal, violent desires, as such in poems, paintings, books, cartoons, songs, films or, more "recently" in games. And most violent entertainment is often a sort of game, or at least "a competition" to the death, or to the first blood. But on the other hand the most peaceful, unifying activities are also games (though I would argue not all people take peacefully to losing a round of Yatzi). And that is what I am trying to bring across here, in my own, digressing ways.

Though we have a long tradition of worshipping heinous acts as entertainment this is not at all synonymous with saying that all games have to be this way. Though I am personally still surprised to this day on creativity brought into "action"-games (that usually means you are meant to kill things in it) - like a complex and well composed story (Like in the first-person shooter Max Payne!)

From Postal 2

Violence is often brought into games if they lack interesting gameplay, or lack meaning altogether - a lot of gamers appear content smashing things (I think I've played so much Soul Calibur II it might have had permanent effects on me). But there is a difference here, I think designers need to have more respect towards their audience, and most of all - themselves. If you are sitting in a meeting when collaborating on the game concept and idea and decide that it's going to be a shooter game with zombies because you don't have any other interesting ideas that contain any sort of substance. I hope you will have the integrity to reconsider.

And I am not saying it necessarily is a bad thing with violence in games. It can be a very powerful tool for creating an immersion for your audience. But I am definitely not saying it is a good thing either. I know 14 and 11 year old kids that play Modern Warfare 2, and more surprisingly - with their parents blessing. "Because it is less violent than a lot of other games". And I partly agree to this of course, MW2 happens to be a very well-composed game, I admit. And though it really is a lot less violent than a lot of other games... It is still a lot more violent than say - at least a quarter of all the other games on the market.

So what we need to recognise is the essence and the message of what we are trying to convey with our game. I really do hate when people try to give meaning to things that are not meant to have a meaning. Like paintings. It really gets to me sometimes. But if your game is meant to be "a mindless shooter" then I will have respect for that, it is all the mind that is being put into it eventually that scares me. You can't deny that any game will contain some kind of message, whether intended to or not. Tetris, Bejeweled and Pacman not included. So when creating a simple-minded game it is important to remember the complexity it eventually will hold when it is being played by your audience.

You have to weigh every battle and every drop of blood on your conscience and think just how mindless this will appear to the 11 year old child of some "open-minded" parents* and just how much meaning it is going to give to the seasoned 33 year old gamer. Your message is going to be given out to all of those who are up to the challenge, and it can be ever as subtly glorifying violent behaviour or condone acts that in society are unforgivable. The shock-value of extreme, gory violence is down to a nil. Throwing intestines, brains, unborn children and still-beating hearts above your head by a chainsaw will give about as strong a reaction from today's audience as a crab taking a shit on another crab, on a beach. It is worth absolutely nothing. So we got to ask ourselves, when violence only work as some sort of "filler", is it really necessary?

From Postal 2

I applaud the minds that find new ways of making videogames interesting and still not include any violence whatsoever when running out of ideas for what the game should contain. Games are to me one of the most incredibly versatile and powerful mediums we have today - you don't deserve to create them if all you do is to slip into a pattern as old as mankind - that the best entertainment is served hot, with a lot of sticks and stones.

* I will clarify here that developers can't be responsible for their content when it's not viewed by the appropriate audience as stated by age-limits and approvals. What a child brings into a household is completely the parent's responsibility.

Me and my stomach

2010-09-24T20:13:00.000+02:00

I did get your attention. Thank you Kronk!

My stomach and I are not friends.

We have a very bad way of communicating to each other. I can't really understand what it is trying to say when it is aching, expanding and making me feel horrible. And it certainly doesn't answer when I am trying to figure out what is making it upset.

It is like having the most cryptic girlfriend communicating only through domestic violence.

I know I have a very varied diet, and especially for being a student. I eat a lot of vegetables and a lot of whole wheat bread and other stuff that is meant to be good for you like green tea, fruit and a lot of snap n' crackle.

Seriously though, It must be some sort of allergic reaction, and it occurs more often on Fridays than on any other day of the week. Which doesn't make a lot of sense, and I assure you it is certainly not stress-related. You might know me, and because of that I wont have to explain. I don't have very well-developed stress glands. So it must be something that I'm eating. But what? I'm not consuming anything now that I haven't always eaten every now and then.

But yeah, this weekend my diet will consist of toast and Biola until I get better.

My trip to Istanbul

2010-09-23T14:26:00.000+02:00

Some delicious looking mosque

Okay, flay me alive and call me a suitcase! I actually came home from Istanbul on SUNDAY, which is several days ago. And I am so sorry for not telling you "all about it" and posting pictures, or anything at all. Accept my humble apologies!

But yes. I wont bore you more. Here are all the juicy, not so juicy and all the dry details!

Dad and stepmum enjoying some Lokma Tatlisi

I travelled with my dad, my stepmum and Helge last Thursday like at the crack of dawn. The trip was originally a gift from my dad for my 18th birthday, which is three years ago. And now we had finally found the time to go! We had a flight connection through Riga, Latvia and landed at the Ataturk airport in Istanbul where we sat and watched our own perspiration for half an hour because the driver was stuck in traffic. They really do drive like mad men those Turks! I tell you that much. But somehow he got us to our small hotel close to Sultanahmed on the Golden Horn (which we may consider the "old" part of town, even though most of the city is so old anyway that it really doesn't make that much sense).

Balik Ekmek! Nom nom!

The staff at our hotel were so strange. During a power cut one night we approached the hotel doors and the receptionist pretended to give us a sci-fi face scan in the dark with sound effects and all to see if we would be allowed to enter. It was hilarious! And the waiters at the rooftop restaurants were so animated and gesticulated so wildly that we were entertained every minute we sat there. It would appear the Turks have a really inclusive sense of humour.

All over Istanbul there were old Hamam's (Turkish baths), mosques, remnants of Byzantine city walls, fantastic wooden palaces and parks, pavilions, side walks the size of dachshunds, and stalls selling assorted Turkish fast food. Of which I loved the most the Simit (the skinny bagel-shaped breads covered in toasted sesame seeds), Lokma Tatlisi (sweet, deep fried doughnuts smothered in syrup, cinnamon and ground pistachio), and the Balik Ekmek (fresh grilled fish sandwiches with onion).

They also had stalls all over selling grilled or boiled sweetcorn, roasted chestnuts and their famous "stretchy" icecream, Dondurma. Of which the latter the Turkish eat a staggering 2,8 litres each a year! This strange icecream is made of a product derived from orchids called "salep" and also arabic gum ("mastic" - not the same as gum arabic!), which is why it is so stretchy. I thought it was quite nice, but as with all other Turkish desserts it is intensely sweet. I wonder what they think of our desserts.

The Bagdad pavillion inside the palace

Detail from a door inside the harem

Anyway, we visited the Topkapi palace which was the home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. It was extremely big, and we got to hear of the grand viziers and the concubines - which was exotic to say the least. By the way the audio tour is a grand ripoff and it basically just reads you what it says on the plaques positioned around the palace. Actually - it doesn't even do that. It said less. Anyway. We didn't get to see the treasury because of all the crazy tourist people that had formed a line the length of the great wall of China. We did however get to see the relics - including a golden cast of the hand of John the Baptist, the turban of Joseph, the sword, a cloak and some of the Prophet Mohammed's beard(!). Oh, and of course the staff of Moses - which if I may add - looked very springy despite being about 3500 years old.

Detail from one of the harem windows.

The view from the palace was grand, the harem was the most interesting bit, we saw the guards gigantic mirrors that allowed them to keep watch around corners - the hamam (Turkish bath) of the concubines, the sultan's mother's quarters and even the sultan's toilet! We also visited the large swimming pool "where the dwarves did tricks" according to the audio guide. The dwarves were not mentioned before nor after this statement was made during the tour. But apparently it was probably good entertainment when you were sick of toying with your 300 concubines.

We also saw the Blue Mosque which wasn't really as impressive as I'd expected. First of all it wasn't nearly blue enough, and though the grand dome and the intricate iznik tiles were very splendid indeed - the spectacular mosque seemed somewhat smaller on the inside because of the low wrought iron chandeliers that hung low above the floor. But now I've been there and at least that's one more thing checked off my list!

One of the gold streets in the Grand Bazaar

We did spend hours traversing the Grand Bazaar which is one of the largest indoor markets in the world. They mostly sold a lot of junk to be honest, we did buy Turkish tea, teacups and a gunmetal hookah that is quite awesome if I may say so myself. I also got a longer gold chain for my opal necklace. The carpets and the jewellery was simply amazing and among the things that are definitely worth purchasing when in Turkey.

Iskender kebab. Really nice!

I would've bought tons more myself, I am just not cut out for haggling it appears. And being a naive Norwegian I absolutely hated to make purchases. They were always trying to rip you off, quite nastily. And because everything is so sickeningly expensive where I come from - then how could I possibly tell? Luckily my stepmum is a badass haggler and dad drove a carpetseller to the edge of madness. He wanted to sell his 250€ carpet for 50€ because he got so desperate when dad didn't want it. Giggle.

So the haggle culture was what I disliked the most, definitely - that and that it felt as if I couldn't trust anyone, they would take my tourist money without blinking if the situation allowed it.

Constantine's Pillar was really nice, and positioned quite near one of the Grand Bazaar entrances. Constantine himself had it brought over at around year 330 to mark the transfer of the seat of the Roman empire from Rome to Istanbul (Constantinople). He also supposedly buried some relics beneath the fantastical porphyry pillar, like the axe Noah used to build the Ark. Yay!

The Bosporus strait

We went on a boat trip up the Bosporus (the strait separating east from west) and saw all the fantastic luxury hotels and houses, the old fortress, a graveyard and countless amazing mosques and wooden palaces.I will definitely recommend such a trip to anyone who wants to see as much of Istanbul as they can if they don't have a lot of time on their hands.

Hagia Sophia from a distance

But there you go. We saved the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofia) for last. Thank goodness, or nothing else would've seemed impressive. The huge structure is a 1500 year old church that served as a mosque during the 1500s and is now a museum. Kind of both, but neither. Underneath painted plaster are amazing, ancient mosaics of Christ and standard motives - while the world's biggest calligraphy plaques are hung in four corners of the dome. The stained glass are with calligraphic motives, there is a mihrab, minbar and outside is an Islamic washing font. A religious fusion cocktail. At the southern entrance there are Byzantine bronze doors that were added around year 800, really beautiful.

The dome of the Hagia Sophia, if you enlarge it you can see the masked and unmasked angels - the faces were discovered earlier this year!

The dome which is almost 60 metres above the floor took my breath away. It was created by some Greek architects that also decided that the centre of the earth was within the church, slightly to the right in the main hall. It was seriously huge. From the outside it looked like a city all in itself, and it still holds many uncovered secrets as a lot of the original mosaics are still plastered up. It was built with a lot of stolen goods from plundered pagan temples such as some incredible Hellenistic porphyry columns. You see the Byzantine were incredible at recycling. It was the most amazing thing we visited that didn't include food on this trip!

Hagia Sophia seen from the side

We ate insane amounts of kebab and köfte (Turkish meatballs) and drank litres of Turkish apple tea whenever possible. We journeyed home, had some depressing "Soviet-pizza" at the airport in Riga (although it tasted nice!) and when we came home our house wasn't on fire. That's nice.

So yes. I don't think I could've made that any more informative and dry. Sorry. But it's all true what happened. And I am thoroughly fascinated, so forgive me. I am guessing it is TLDR anyway.

Sunset over Istanbul.

Thanks for a fantastic trip everyone!

Help needed!

2010-09-09T13:40:00.000+02:00

Err, this is an old (quite disturbing) doodle I found that I did in Paint.NET in its day.

I absolutely love snailmail! It is so amazing! It is almost as good as lights, or as lights in different colours. But yes. You people need to help me out some, and I mean it this time. I need a good concept for my NaNoWriMo in November (and I am totally planning ahead, as usual - even though it has helped me SQWAT! before) But there you go. I am a person of irreversible bad habits, like craving sugar first thing in the morning, always cross the road looking both ways (even though I KNOW it's a one way street). But there you go, again. I can't help myself.

I just better never start smoking. Sorry, I'll stop raving -- now, to the point. Yes! I need a concept, ladies. That's what I'm saying. I am usually never stripped for ideas, I have a couple on hold, but none that seem deep enough if you get me. It has to be a 50 000 word-proof idea. And that proves easier said than done. Every year. It has to be novel material, and I guess that shouldn't be all that hard *cough*TWILIGHT*cough* but at the same time we can't all write swooning romantic vampire novels. I guess that would make us all senile.

So yes. I'm happy to take ANY idea, please. Be it funny, sad, fantastic - yes, or even romantic, if we have to. And usually, the more psychedelic the better. It is easier that way. Please you guys, I really could use some input if you hear me, and it can't be more True Blood, because we all know where that'll take me *cough*. Yes.

My Fable II Adventure

2010-08-04T18:22:00.000+02:00

I never thought I was going to be one of those puny nerds that sat drooling over Fable for long, intense hours. It's the roleplayinggames I have ever played - but on steroids. And I am completely obsessed with remaining pure and good. At least as much as I can. And I wouldn't have thought - either - that I was going to get married four times, of which twice to other women, become an artisan blacksmith (which took hours of mindless grinding) - or a parent. Twice.

But there you go. I married a villager that I bought a pleasant house for, and we had a son together. I then went off and married a thug in a dress with a club. I gave her her own house, but I was an idiot and didn't pay enough attention to detail. I'd put them in the same city district. so of course they found out about my bigami, took it very personal and divorced me. AND took the child, too, which I haven't seen since, and that I am still slightly sore about.

Then I married another thug with a coarse voice. She had big earrings and dark, soft hair - and a sword. Built like a carpenter. But it was love. And I gave her a ring, and my lush summerhouse. I paid her an outrrrrageous upkeep of 30 gold a day, and gave her a life way beyond her dreams. I gave her some new clothes, but she wouldn't wear them. She wanted to be my sturdy, slightly greasy and damp monsterwife.

I went away for ten years on a mission to save the kingdom, and my precious thug waited for me! I came back and she was there in our home! With a present! I could cry. The brute just loved me.

But I was hungry for more, I wanted kids, again - though having one womb each didn't make things easier it appeared. And so I married the noble Andrew. Funny and romantic. Gave me books for presents, wore a top hat, even on mondays. I'd just bought a new place - and I was extremely excited. But nerves from the past had me in a jitter, I was terrified they would find out, and it would all end in divorce once more. But even when they met (as I by mistake took Andrew for a romantic weekend in our summerhouse) - he wasn't at all surprised, he didn't even say anything. But my thug, she was furious and unforgiving. She divorced me immediately and left the region. She, who had waited for me for TEN YEARS. I'm a bitch.

I learned my lesson and remained true. I worked hard and bought us a manor that I decorated with luxurious items. We then had a child together and all was well. At least so far. You never know. I want more kids, but Andrew is slightly afraid of me, because I keep hitting the "cast spell" button when I am only trying to find out what his favourite present is again. But there you go. And that just about sums up my summer outside work. Well, with the exception of a few trips to the movies, some pints a concert and some dinners out.

What about you? How was/is your summer?

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-21T02:42:00.000+02:00

Thank goodness there is nothing good on tv in the middle of the night. If the distractions of the insanely addictive internet weren't bad enough - well let's just say I'm grateful. And I should be sleeping.

Today has been my birthday! And my 21st. one at that! Turns out my boss had given me the day off because it was my birthday, even though I hadn't asked for it! It was a lovely thing to do, but I should've known sooner and I could've made more exciting plans for the day!

We had a lazy morning, then met Tink for lunch at a Korean-Thai (Asian fusion) place. (No wonder everyone get so confused by the differences in Asian cuisine when all the Asian places serve food from all over their continent but are usually only named after one or two random countries). But either way - Helge and Tink had sushi while I had some really nice spicy green chicken curry with lots of mysterious vegetables. Tink and I then shared a fried banana for dessert, which was luscious. Nom nom!

We then proceeded to do pretty much nothing. I fell asleep at some point. Then I was awoken by Helge and that we had to leave for our table reservation at six thirty. It was a completely random idea grown from the discovery of a tiny restaurant called "Smia" ("The smithy"), which is not far from us and that we found randomly once when on a walk. It was the menu that got us interested. A very short, seasonal menu with some very ... different flavour combinations. And, obviously - covered in snobbery, serving desserts like "Pineapple carpaccio" which was raw pineapple thinly sliced on a plate (but delicious!).

And yeah, so - we had dinner there! Helge had the entrecôte, while I had whale, he had the carpaccio for dessert while I had the pavlova. Honestly - it has been a long time since I've eaten something so expensive, but at the same time it was a lovely place, the mood was right, the service was great. And the food was different, but delightful. Very inspiring. And because it was my birthday I was given a wrought iron rose! What do you know?

When we came home we were so full we wanted to die, seriously. I played Deathspank! Which was awesome, and I got to answer all the greetings on Facebook and we listened to the rain outside. Thanks everyone for having my phone buzzing practically all day, absolutely lovely.

Happy birthday, Tora!

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

2010-06-21T14:31:00.005+02:00

Oh delight! Oh Joy!

There is definitely a lot of The Wind Waker in this one, the cell-shading, the bright colours and something about the lightness of atmosphere. But still all we can see here is gameplay related and there's nothing on the story yet! The puzzles in Zelda have always been the best bit, but solving them wouldn't have felt so important if the story hadn't been so immersive. So I am very excited about that, the story in Twilight Princess was stunning and beautiful and I cried at the end :(

I am so happy they are going along with the cartoonish cell shading, I loved the theme and the freedom of The Wind Waker, I spent hours just roaming around in the boat on the massive seas - feeling the wind in my ears. And I totally fell in love with the look - it was a very daring move at the time - as far as I recall it wasn't very popular, even with the fans, but most were able to set the graphical appearance aside and still appreciate it for the excellent game it was.

Skyward Sword has already received a lot of praise for its graphics, especially from Vooks.net that seems pretty in love after giving it a go hands on at E3. Crystal clear, sharp cell shading, with divine colouring. I'm excited about the music as well, nothing makes the cockles of my heart jiggle like the intro to Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The psycho theme of Major Mask can really make me shiver. And so many of the tracks for Twilight Princess were breathtaking too. Zelda is always a full package for me. Interesting level design, great puzzles, weird characters, polished gameplay, wonderful music and a delightful atmosphere.

Now we just have to think of a way to make the time pass while we're waiting....

Zomg! Brink and Distant Worlds... and Deathspank!!!

2010-06-04T19:24:00.000+02:00

Goodness me, does the gaming world offer a lot of goodies indeed. Even I am slightly excited about the single-multiplayer combo "Brink" - which has an incredible trailer (please go enjoy here). And what can I say? It's a highly customizable shooter, a shooter! I can't explain why, but this just looks very very good. And if I'll ever work up the nerve - I'd gladly give it a go! So smooth! And I love the graphical style a lot, it's got a little "Team Fortress" - maybe a splash of "Borderlands" I figure it even catches some "Mirrors Edge" - because of the consistent theme of the scenery.

There'll be character appearance customization, weapon, class, skills customization - there'll be factions and lots of level-based tasks to perform. It just seems to me they are really on to something when combining classical shooting with more mobility ("Mirror's Edge" kicks in here too!), strategy, class and faction specific tasks - more interaction with the actual levels (opening up new paths, hacking computers etc.) and of course its futuristic, catastrophic setting. And back to that bit on character appearance - the size of your character will mean something to the game, if you're small you can traverse more difficult terrain, climbing and jumping. While if you're a big guy, well, you get to play with the bigger guns. Finally, a touch of sensible logic (not harming gameplay (hopefully)) might kiss this genre. Mmm! *rubs hands* I hope they nail it!

And good news for all Wookies: There's yet another Star Wars MMO coming out, this fall. It'll be closely related to the animated "The Clone Wars" and will be free to play. I don't know what to say to that. Something along the lines of: Good for you - I'll be over here.

Splendid weather today! I bought a porcelain cupcake that I can put things in. I really needed it, so don't come here and tell me anything else. Such a practical household item, you wont do without it, sir!

Also for being the only creature on our planet (I am sure) that loved the space-exploration part of "Spore"! I might dabble in "Distant Worlds" an immensely complicated space-based real-time strategy game (actually graphically described by gamer.no as "a science fiction-version of Microsoft Excel and a reasonably unstructured collection of marbles") But I am not put off by that at all - I must say, honestly, it intrigued me! It is known to be vastly complex and refreshingly dynamic - and though it looks really ugly (really) I wont judge this book by its cover. No sir. "Distant Worlds" here I come!

And then there's "Deathspank".

Now I'm really sorry, but I don't even know where to begin with this one. I am so excited I might cry. I really could cry right now. *Gasp* Cry. Really. But... Well, here goes, I will try and keep it nice and short for you, so we don't get any inappropriate dribble on your desk.

"Deathspank" is the odd cousin of all the games we've ever loved - "Psychonauts", "Grim Fandango", "Curse of Monkey Island" and "Secret of Monkey Island", even - all the LucasArts gems. Brilliant, intelligent, stunningly funny, random, captivating. I might need a pause to breathe. And "Deathspank", ladies and gentlemen is an action-adventure of massive proportions - told to be about 15 hours of insane gameplay. Lots of hack n' slash - strange enemies hitting you with fish, even more strange quests given to you by locals - a witch, an artefact - and a humour that has been told (as well) to be closely related to that of our beloved Terry Pratchett.

The hero, "Deathspank" himself - wears a purple thong beneath all his armour and is described as such: "Charming. Intelligent. Enigmatic. These are just a few words that nobody ever uses when describing DeathSpank. He doesn't shoot first and ask questions later. He doesn't even realize there are questions". This is not a game that takes itself seriously - and not because it is trying to excuse why it sucks - but because it is just too flippin' awesome to be pompous. Even their newsletter is called "Deathspam" - I mean, how is that not funny? There are tons of different weapons and armours to use, a gigantic map with bright pop-up book scenery with lots of purple in it and hopefully - the game story of the year. Do enjoy yourself with some madness on their website - Deathspank.com while you're waiting, but I can't wait. I really can't wait. And all I know is that "it is coming soon". GAAaah!

I just have to stop there, and I'll go shake a pigeon out the window until the abstinences pass for a bit. Because this will be so much fun! Too much fun, really. I might die, that's how fun it's going to be.

"So why do you need orphans anyway? Build a house?"

Oslo Expansion Pack

2010-05-25T17:47:00.002+02:00

"Barcode" in Bjørvika, a series of new buildings, both office space and apartments in Oslo.

"Nordenga" bridge, crossing the railway from Bjørvika to Grønland.

"Tjuvholmen" at the very tip of Aker Brygge.

"Kværnerbyen" apartments (that's the creek with stepping stones! I'll have to take a picture myself it seems).

Oslo is halfway in many aspects. We have half a good public transport system, we have half of a good shopping centre, we have a half a green city with parks in it, half of it is dead ends and half is shabby. At one intersection down the street - the road is lined with four different kinds of fences. It never seem to have occurred to anybody to build this city consistently, new bits are just being slapped on without much thought to what was there before, or what surrounds it.

Just like those new blocks that are across our street. They're all modern and square, painted in a communal barn-colour - with as much charisma as a car crash. There are lots of ugly blocks here, including ours, so to say, and they're surrounded by all those delicious wooden houses that are traditional of this area. Some blocks are really nice, and have been done up really well, but most are no. It's all over "old-town", and it's weird that they haven't been able to find some kind of middle-way between unflattering modernism and impractical nostalgia. It just looks weird and half-assed.

Major parts are under construction, and the bits that are not are often quite messy or unfinished as it is. Helge and I took a walk down to Kværnerbyen the other night (literally, night. We were home at 4 in the morning) just to look at the apartments down there. Kværnerbyen is literally a ditch, seriously, it's down in some dent, surrounded by hills, and filled with lots of concrete and roads and trains. It hasn't got a lot of appeal in other words.

The apartments are just blocks of brick, set in concrete - hardly very charming. But then it's not finished yet - and the renderings online look as usual very promising. How they are going to turn the place into what they are imaging I don't really understand. But that's the way with these sexy architectural illustrations, they always contain about twice the amount of trees and happy children to what will eventually exist. There was, however, one nice thing about the area, a constructed creek of water with square stepping stones that went along the east side of the buildings. This sizzled magically, especially at night, when it was so quiet elsewhere. So I really fell in love with that, but the rest still needs a spark of allure - it's hardly very homely there at the moment.

Oslo is really changing though, the buildings along Bjørvika are all really futuristic, so are those on Tjuvholmen. The massive bridge ending in Schweigaardsgate, "Nordenga" is anything but Norwegian, and the new Nationalmuseum at Vestbanehallen will be very modern too. It's called the "Forum Artis", I would tell you what I think of it, but it's really hard to tell from those crappy renders they have released, it does as far as I can tell - look square and angular, so I guess that's why we're going for it. As usual.

But I will stop whining now, sorry. I really hope Oslo will be more whole one day, as it is oddly unfinished right now. We are lucky to have some visionaries who are at least trying to create something better out of what we already have, especially in Bjørvika.

Luxurious poverty

2010-05-22T16:42:00.000+02:00

There is just so much that has to be safely acquired and stored within the four walls of our apartment right now.

There is "Alan Wake" and "Red Dead Redemption", we do have our precious toaster now - but what about all the films we need? We need "Avatar" for some safe get-away, there's both series and the special episode of "Green Wing", and I haven't actually BOUGHT Keane's "Night Train" either. So this'll be crazy! And I need a phone, because I am currently exploiting the kindness of my younger brother by borrowing his old one. And I should get some new summer shoes... And a shelf for the DVD's and a dresser in the hall, and snowboard goggles and boots for next season. That alone could shake you thin!

But then when I have all these things. Who needs money? :D I will be very busy, and very very happy for a very very long time. Exactly the way I am now.

DUGNAD!

2010-05-04T17:55:00.000+02:00

One of the truly Norwegian traditions that are still upheld today, is the spirit of "dugnad".

And I am a little surprised I haven't mentioned all this before, as it is a significant part of our national identity. It's all really selfless and philanthropic, maybe with a small pinch of communism stirred in with it honestly - and a very good indication of how Norwegians like to see themselves.

Dugnad is unpaid labour done for the cause of the community or an individual. Sports clubs usually have them, so all the soccer mums have to rake the field or sell waffles to buy more balls, or whatever the sport club can benefit from. It is also common that apartment blocks have dugnads, and they usually mean raking dead leaves, hosing, planting new shrubs, washing, clearing - whatever, in the good spirit of working together. AND, I left this for last, it is obviously closely linked to our national day on May 17th.

Because it is in this good humoured, giving spirit that we pick up cigarette butts and dog poop unveiled by the melted snow - to make sure our homeland and homes look their best for our celebration. And this is I guess just like the tradition of spring cleaning. (Cleaning the house after the winter to prepare it for summer) and so it is really logical. I suppose that it is different here, because I have heard from other countries that people hire other people to do these things, or host a fancy fundraiser or simply just donate money so they don't have to bother with it in person. And I suppose that's a lot easier and also probably way more convenient - maybe even quicker! But if a simple Norwegian can't invite his neighbours for a dugnad around the neighbourhood - what have happened to our country and our people?

I know we all hate them, deep down, we despise them. We hate them for all the reasons there are - like, "this is awful, and I'm not even getting paid to do it!" Or, "this was a really good idea, why didn't I think of it first?! I am more of a Norwegian than that pompous bitch!" Or perhaps even, "oh so he thinks he can just dibs the lawnmower and that means he doesn't have to climb the apple trees to cut them? EH? I'll show him." Right. And some host a barbecue and bake cakes without telling anyone so they can't help them bake and cook - so they can take all the credit for themselves.

So there are just a select few who just instantly ignite when they hear the word dugnad (of enthusiasm, it is frightening). So for that reason dugnads are a Sunday thing - even though we are a Christian country (on paper) and God has clearly stated several times we ain't to work on Sundays. We bypassed this some time ago, probably by adding "paid" to "work", which was very convenient for the crazy curly people who love to do something for the community. So they wouldn't feel so bad about torturing the common man to get up, go outside and rake until he's bled dry on church day.

Dugnad is a nice tradition, and I hope we never stop having it. I know we hate it and we never make the best of it. But at least we can pretend like we are doing it from the heart, and not because we don't want to be sneered at by the mailboxes.

OOooh Suuundaaay

2010-05-02T12:42:00.000+02:00

Yeah, I'm sorry, it's just so awfully funny.

My closet has performed ritual suicide again. A perfect seppuku that could pride any samurai. I would take a picture for you, but there are levels of decency. It's all been put back to normal though, it's just that the shelves cave in on themselves sometimes because they're held up by these tiny pegs that they are just barely touching on each side because they're a little narrower than the cupboard. But anyway!

Hey! Trysil-Knut is on tv! Too bad I have to make pie. Haha! It looks bad, even from here.

Yes, today we are having dinnerguests! What do you know? That's only like the ... err... fourth time or something! So that ought to count for something. Such beautiful weather today, really stunning, sunny and delightful and all the leaves are starting to pop. Looks like it might be summer here after all. In other neeews, next week is the last for our annual project at school - we're lagging behind so it's going to be dirty, but there you go - it's not so easy to make games as what you might think! But then, we are hopefully finishing it one way or another, which means in turn, you can play it too! If you want.

Now where was I? OH! Yes, I have been so busy interneting that I have completely forgotten about breakfast. Can't survive on tea alone you know! Aaaand last but not least - before I go and ravage the fridge, here are the books I've bought this week:
(Of which, I have started three, but not finished one of 'em!)
"The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie
"The Unbearable Lightness of Scones" by Alexander McCall Smith
"The Careful use of Compliments" by Alexander McCall Smith and
"Mistress Oriku, Stories of a Tokyo Teahouse" by Matsutaro Kawaguchi.

Slipper Cushion Shares Their Heart

2010-04-23T19:15:00.000+02:00

He was a dusty old slipper, the kind of slipper a dog would favour for its developed bouquet and for all the right fraying around the toe and heel. But with a good sole, definitely, oh yes, the kind that could handle the linoleum, but also catch all the delight of a happy dog's drool. Those are important qualities in a slipper.

And his wife, she was an embroidered, beige cushion, filled with rice for weight because down was too expensive for her pallid appearance. Her edges were covered with faded, ruby frills, some threads loose. On the front she had redwine stains, blurred from a night of intense scrubbing with every possible remedy, salt, mineral water - white wine, shampoo. But the cushion was not to be saved, her presentation made even sadder by the fact that the stain wouldn't go away.

They rarely met on weekdays. She spent her time lodged between two moss-green pillows (to hide her decay) in the plastic covered sofa that creaked when sat on.

While the slipper travelled a lot. On a good, floor-cold day. he could be pulled out from under the bed (who put my slippers under the bed?), travel all the way to the bathroom, visit the kitchen, go out for the newspaper, watch the weather on the tellybox, visit the bathroom again and be kicked off in the hallway. On particularly difficult days the dog would feel like having something to do, find the slipper and dig him down in the yard. However dreadful - this was not exactly the worst bit about the dog predicament. It was the washing machine that wore him thin.

They met in the sofa, naturally. The lady of the house was in Paris, and the owner of the slippers enjoyed a full weekend alone on the plastic covers - feet up, resting them right on top of her, the cushion. They both blushed. He was funny, she was even funnier, they fit like a jigsaw puzzle.

They rushed it. that's what everyone said. The house rules would never allow their relationship to last, slippers on the sofa. There was no way. But they were all proved wrong, all the way to the end, because they loved each other so much they didn't care if the house heard their whispers. Or that the sofa or the rug constantly witnessed their feverish kisses. Their life was a passionate one, their hearts made even more tender by all the longing.

They were destined for each other. And there was nothing anyone could say to prevent it.One day, the lady of the house scooped them both up in a cardboard box together, she turned around even, when the ashtray of the coffetable made an indiscreet gasp. She took them away, and nobody in the house ever saw them again. But that is not the morale of the story, because - what truly mattered was that they could be together.

The End of Mr. Y

2010-04-23T12:33:00.001+02:00

So yes, I have just finished "The End of Mr. Y" by Scarlett Thomas and I am just going to start by recommending it to all of you. At least all of you who feel like they are in for (and I quote): "... A thrilling adventure of love, sex, death and time-travel". Intrigued? Yes! So was I!

It's surely the best parallel universe since I don't know... Maybe Harry Potter? I couldn't put it away, even when it got scientific and philosophic. It's been glued to me for the past day and night. The humanity of this book is so intensely tangible, so frail, yet probably one of the strongest assets of this book, the characters. They are so brave, and so affected by emotion and compassion. Beside its tremendous theory - that will change your opinion on thought, and what thought is - this book is also absolutely packed with morale and love - all wrapped in a shell of her popping creativity. We get to discuss the youth of society, the effects of having a broken family, theories of language, faith and science - intertwined closely with the captivating narrative - a thrilling plot!

What a pleasure it has been, bobbing up and down in the refreshing waters of "The End of Mr. Y" and as I am happily still soaked in its cleverness - I hope this is not truly the end!

New Books!

2010-04-21T22:51:00.001+02:00

The Oslo Tiger on Jernbanetorget.

Yesterday I want completely crazy and bought some new books after school. I just went into the bookshop and started browsing really. And I had just been looking for shoes in a shop further down, so torn not to have found a single desirable shoe. And then there were all these stories just piled up, all the way to the ceiling I suppose - and it was so easy to find something that I went scurrying from shelf to shelf, from crime to poetry to fiction. Though I did end up with a pile of only the latter - the freedom of reaching out and finding something nice was delightful.

So (you might not call me crazy, but I thought I was) I bought five new books. Because I needed to. I had to, in fact, I bought new books for all the good reasons for buying books that exists! I bought books because I deserved to, because I need something to read on the bus to work, because I love to read, because all the books I have I have read at least once (if I didn't like it) and some I've read six times! And I bought books because I am hungry for them, I look at other people reading and I envy them, you know. I wish I could sit there and dwell into a different world too.

Only this Easter I read three books, of which one of them I read for the third time. So the time was right. I can justify my insanity! Anyway - if you're interested, here are the purchases.

"After Dark" by Haruki Murakami (in Norwegian), which I've already finished, by the way, it was a little strange, and it was an interesting journey.
"The Swallows of Kabul" by Yasmina Khadra - which was brutal and horrible, it was good, very sorrowful though.
"The End of Mr. Y" by Scarlett Thomas
"20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth" by Xiaolu Guo, which I've read by now, too. It wasn't particularly ravenous, but it gave an interesting insight of Bejing and the Chinese.
and "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry (in Norwegian).

What can I say? I better hurry up and read before I have to start to revise for exams! How are you, anyway? Here I am... Babbling about books! Please, do tell! :)

Games I've played

2010-04-18T14:24:00.000+02:00

Mum was notorious about getting involved with what games we played when we were kids (to some extent, she is still very involved actually). Which meant we didn't play the same ones as the other kids in the neighbourhood. Nor the violent or the lame. The only reason we ever got our sticky fingers on GoldenEye for the N64 eventually, was because of peer-pressure from all the other kids - and it was never something Mama willingly allowed.

So when I was little I played games like "Peke og Klikke" ("Point and Click"), "Dr. Seuss' ABC", "Harry and The Haunted House", "Bub & Bob" and the demo version of "The Tortoise and The Hare" (the latter, probably a gazillion times). And as I grew up a little, I played "SimCity", "Diddy Kong Racing", "The Settlers (II, III and IV)", "Super Mario 64", "Donky Kong 64", "Banjo Kazooie", "The Legend of Zelda: "Ocarina of Time"/"Majora's Mask"/"The Wind Waker"/"Twilight Princess". And not to forget "Banjo Tooie", "Theme Park World", "Wave Race", "Jet Force Gemini", "Star Fox 64", "Theme Hospital", and several more, but I can't remember them all.

Of course I also played "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance", "Black & White", "Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life", "Rayman: Raving Rabbids (and the following titles)", "Pikmin" and "Pikmin 2" Tink and I really rock at this, "Rollercoaster Tycoon 2" and "3", "World of Warcraft", "Spore", "Sim: Civilization", "Theme Park Inc", "Zoo Tycoon", "Age of Empires II", "1080 Avalanche", "Luigi's Mansion", "Soul Calibur II" and "Soul Calibur IV". Of course I wouldn't go without admitting to have enjoyed countless hours of "The Sims" and "The Sims 2" and "The Sims 3" as well. Of course most of my gaming career has been spent as a spectator, watching my superior big brother break all the scores or simply fly around with Mario's flying hat in Super Mario 64 for hours on end.

For some time I was the smallest of my siblings, so no wonder there was no patience to watch me struggle past the bosses or attempt foolishly to get from platform to platform when my siblings were committing harakiri by my side. And I really enjoyed being on the side-line and just immerse without the actual danger of holding the controller. So it was great. And they needed someone to help solve the puzzles through the Zelda games, or keep them company while ploughing through blue ant-like aliens in "Jet Force Gemini". I was usually lying half beneath the big basement sofa, for what reason I can't recall at all. I hate spiders!

But gaming has always been a very social thing in our household. Whenever we bought a new game we would gather up and wait for everyone to be settled in front of the television set and watch the intro together. And mum would do the ironing and we'd invite Sigrid's friends over to help with collecting all 121 stars in Super Mario 64, tempting them here with waffles. And that is the most important part of playing games for me. I have enjoyed those hours in solitude - just building "The Most Beautiful Park in The Country" in "Theme Park World" or gathered treasure in "Pikmin" by myself.

So I think there is a reason why people bunch up to watch films together - which is for the same reason people bunch up together at a LAN party. Because everything is worth so much more when enjoyed with someone else. We are pack animals, and we like to share special experiences with our own kin. I hope this is something that will remain in the future of game developing and gaming. And I don't mean in the sense that all games from now on should be MMO's or only playable in coop, not at all. Just that we as people shouldn't think that gaming means to be sitting in a dark room alone, drinking red bull and shooting zombies.

Stop For a Minute

2010-04-09T15:29:00.000+02:00

This is in Åndalsnes, in North-Western Norway - where we had to change to a bus to get to Molde this easter. Norwegian scenery can be so dramatic.

Well, first - maybe you want to listen to it so you know what I'm talking about. But if you can't be bothered, it's a song.

Stop For a Minute by Keane (Feat. K'naan)

HMM. So. I am still puzzled as what they were thinking when they combined the angelic choir-boy voice of equally angelic Tom Chaplin with the rusty rurals of K'naan. Because as the contrast is interesting - it is not particularly flattering for K'naan. Tom just sounds like a relief when it's his verse, because you don't have to hear the gnawing sound of K'naans voice. And I don't really know, but if I could have a guess I would say they've written their own lyrics. Because Tom sings that same cryptic and poetic romantic gibberish which is the tradition of Keane. While K'naan's syllables don't match up and he sings of literal observances like "And baby you are just beautiful -- from crown to your cuticles". Note the clever rhyme: Beautiful and cuticles. Interesting. Almost as interesting as "I feel, like a thief who has no fa-ace" - where "face" doesn't fit it, because it's too short. That makes me cringe every time.

The thing I do like about this song is that it's kind of "Whooo!" like, if you are somewhere, perhaps at a party - and someone puts it on, everyone goes "Whooo!" because they realize they know it. And when the introduction is over everyone can shout the chorus together in a drunken stupor. "And if you stop for a MINUTE, I think about things I really don't WANNA KNO00OooW. And I'm the first to admit iIIIiit, without YOU I'm a NA NA NA na na NA na na NAAAA!" (Because nobody remembers this bit*)

And I guess that's a good thing. And I guess Keane needed to dip their toes into a bit of "R'n'B" or what'cha'ma call it because that's what artists do these days. They collaborate with songs so that "everyone" can "like it". There is supposedly one more track they've made with K'naan that is going to their album. But all hope is not lost, odds are - the rest of the EP will be all Keane. PLEASE.

*Without you I'm a liner stranded in an ice floe
Without you I'm a child, so wherever you go - I will follow

Shine a light on me

2010-04-08T23:43:00.001+02:00

Helge bought me a bouquet of pink and green roses! They were beautiful! Sometimes he does things that really catch me off guard. He's wonderful.

I am listening to some new Keane right now. They mailed me their new single that they did with K'naan called "Stop For a Minute" on MySpace. My opinion on that later. I hope that didn't sound too cold and bitter.

But right now this moment I am listening to "My Shadow" which is delicious and lush and soft and strong in a weird way I can't explain, it's the sound of all sounds - like I have missed it without knowing and suddenly been blessed by it again! It is like being kissed!

I'm sorry if I'm sounding overly excited about this track. It is a little emo, and most of you will scoff it off as "the usual", you know. A concotion that could've been mixed up by White Birch or Snow Patrol or The Reindeer Section or some of the emoer of Husky Rescue. Something that could've been played on a retirement cruise by a one-man-band with a big, trimmed Roland. Well I got one thing to say to you, you heartless killjoys! You're wrong! It's all Keane! And Tom's voice brings shame on every one of you!

Screw you!

And instead, shine a light on me, shine a light and I will shine light on you, shine a light!

Oh, oh! And their new album (that was "Night Train" you who are not paying attention -- is released in May! More accurately on May 10th! Can't wait!)

Pro, uber-pro!

2010-04-07T21:18:00.000+02:00

Here's what!

I am just strangling myself with my own pro procrastination. There's schoolwork to do, there are floors to clean, showers to scrub, dishes! Laundry! A closet to tidy in (again),stories to write, holes in clothes to patch up, shelves to dust, dvd's to sort - amazing dinners to be made. Drawings to draw. But what do I do? Gah, I'm not sure if I even want to tell you, sport. Because it is so depressing.

I read everything I have missed out on at the Frictional Games blog, watch some new IGN game reviews, read the news and google some dead Korean supermodel. I go hang out on Facebook and look at old pictures, I log in to Twitter and tweet (?) and I check aaall my different e-mails, and end up backtracking old Style Rookie posts and watch make-up tutorials on Youtube for how to look like the white queen from Tim Burton's take on Alice in Wonderland. And all this accompanied by a handful of Finnish liqorice (Salmiakki FTW) and a kilo of watermelon (not exaggerating, I weighed it) - and a luke-warm bottle of yesterdays water. I haven't even SEEN Tim Burton's take on Alice in Wonderland, I don't even know how the white queen is supposed to look in the first place. Yes, because, that is another thing on my list of things I wish I had done or could do right now.

I've just about had it with my own uselessness.

I hope your evening has been more productive than mine. I am now seriously going to sort out laundry in piles so I can do them in the morning, do the dishes, scrub the shower and pearl some pearly things. Schoolwork will be the fruit of tomorrow!

And why "Procrastination" wasn't its own label until now?

Procrastination, I guess. :(
(Picture at the top is a Cambodian field, so beautiful there)

I think... about 15 tips!

2010-04-07T19:03:00.001+02:00

This was a jewellery shop we encountered in Singapore. Brilliant name!

Here I have gathered a few tips for you, if you feel like you need it. And if you do, please tell me how it went.

You have nothing to do.
Tip 1: Turn OFF the television-box, there you go - that's a whole lot better now, isn't it?
Tip 2: Try painting yourself naked.
Tip 3: Go knock on the neighbours house and ask if you can borrow a cup of sugar. Go around to all your neighbours and see if you've wound up with enough sugar to last the rest of the year. Next: Flour!

If you've made some lefse, and worried that it will dry up before anyone finishes them?
Tip 1: Ask for my recipe - there's never any left!
Tip 2: Wrap the finished lefse in a moist kitchentowel and store in the fridge - keeps em fresh and soft for a few more days.

Sigrid is coming to visit and you're worried you have no music to play for her
Tip 1: Buy some discrete earmuffs, say they were a gift and wear them the whole evening
Tip 2: Put on something like this. (Success!)

All your brown sugar keeps drying out in its packaging - slowly becoming one huge block of inseperable sugary mass.
Tip: Store it in the fridge! Nigella taught me this, and it works wonderfully. My brown sugar is always lovely and loose in a non slutty way.

You have something to say to your roommate, but no paper - and you have to leave now!
Tip 1: Use a whiteboard marker, water soluble!! (I felt this was worthy of being a tip of its own).
Tip 2: Write your message on the fridge!

You are hosting a dinner-party on a short notice and have no dessert!
Tip 1: Freeze some grapes! A good 2-3 hours should do it, they're almost like sorbet after.
Tip 2: Serve candy! This might be the easiest dessert ever. Just run to the grocery store and heap up on the most colourful and weird sweets you can find. And then, as dessert is introduced - slab it all into a bowl and ask them to help themselves!

It is awfully quiet in your room.
Tip 1: Whistle a good tune, try "Last Christmas" or "Never Gonna Give You Up" and it will sort itself out in your head.
Tip 2: Go to RCRDLBL and download Take You (feat. Ninjasonik) (Tete-A-Tete Remix) ha, BOOM!
Tip 3. Or, possibly the best tip ever: Go to http://www.prettylightsmusic.com/ and download the lot. Ka-chang! It's all free and delicious, too!

You have a lovely steak, but no sauce!
... er... You have a real problem here.

This is a Singaporean garden gnome from the botanical gardens. I liked his teeth so much.

Sooo. Now give me your tips!

Floorboard Dining

2010-03-23T14:13:00.001+01:00

Yeah, I wish I could explain this. But I just found it, and as far as I recall it was an idea I had for a videogame about apple jam.

I think we are getting just a slight bit obsessed with this bacteria thing. There's anti-bacterial soaps and wet-wipes and if we get the chance we'd carry antibacterial in aerosol cans and just give us a body splash whenever. And when the bacon-flu "struck as worst" we couldn't possibly have gotten more phobic. Every snort, every hiccup, every leaf falling - it was the sound of a lung-splitting, pus-spraying showering sneeze evenly coating your presence in a wiggling film of deadly flu.

I can't say I didn't take precautions either. But I work in a shop and had a lot of contact with random people - and also their infected money - but didn't catch it. At least I don't think I did. and I haven't got a clue why, it really didn't make much sense. Hey, I even ate from the floor!

Some people think it is disgusting to pick up food you've dropped and eating it anyway. And sure, I wouldn't do it in most public places. Tee hee. But you must understand that it has merely become a part of my lifestyle because I have no choice. A human with my coordination, and with my love for food - what am I supposed to do?

Can you even imagine how skinny I would've been if I didn't eat whatever I dropped?! Maybe I wouldn't even exist!

Whhuueeeooaaa?! Oh, and I don't eat muesli off the floor usually.

And Cleo, you better move in with me, because I am eating much more off the floor now that you can't beat me to it.

Err. And what about you,? Do you eat things from the floor?

Ha- π birthday!

2010-03-14T13:12:00.000+01:00

Today is the birthday of π!

Why this is the birthday of π? Well I tell you why, biddlewiggle! The three first digits in π is 3,14 - which matches the date of today, March 14th, the third month and the fourteenth day -- 3.14. Ha-π birthday!

Bla bla bla

2010-03-11T18:47:00.000+01:00

In Norwegian we can say "to talk with" and "to talk to", which is nice because these are two completely different things I think. Dialogue and monologue. And I love to talk with people. And talking, I like a lot in general. And sometimes, to such an extent that I talk to them, because I've got so much to say while they don't. And I hate it when it happens, it is just that most of the time I don't even notice it! And it's been like that for as long as I can remember, probably since I learned to speak. I talk all the time I do, even in my sleep. If someone can talk a hole in your head, it is probably me.

But all this talking doesn't make me happy unless I have someone to talk with, - and talking to myself doesn't really cut it. Nothing makes my heart swell like a good conversation, swell like a rum soaked raisin, until plump and sweet. It's true. So if I get the chance, I'd rather hear you talk than doing something else.

I know a lot of people who need to be warmed up before they can start talking. Some of the shy ones just wont shut up if you just get them started. While some are like me, the most outgoing that talks to strangers and pretty much everyone, but becomes a clam* once truly comfortable with someone.

But it doesn't surprise me that a lot of people get scared when I go quiet. I probably would, too. It would be like a frenzying cat suddenly going limp. Those who know me well know that I like to be quiet and enjoy silence, look at the weather through the glass and maybe count the leaves. So I guess this post doesn't make much sense in a way. My voice has two gears-- park, or drive - doing 120 in the wrong direction with a smile.

* Clams are nice, they only open their mouth to eat.

Do you talk to strangers? Did something funny ever happen when you did?

Bananarama

2010-03-11T10:52:00.001+01:00

My breakfast usually consist of banana and raisins with "bird food" - seeds, weird little grains and the like, very cheap, it is. And if I'm feeling luxurious, maybe some "Special K". I wouldn't say "K" is all that "special" if you know what I mean, so far I haven't seen it do a single thing out of the ordinary. The only slightly supernatural thing it does is crackling quietly in the milk before dissolving into mash. Like fireworks inside wet loaf. And what is so "special" about that? Even Cornflakes knows how to do it. Speaking of special! I know something that truly is special, passion fruit.

The best ice cream I've ever had was in Cambodia (of all places), it was a passion fruit sorbet. It must've been home made, it was so refreshing and every spoonful was different in its own way. It came with a mango sorbet I think, or maybe it was lemon - the passion fruit stole the show completely. I got a special little dimple in my heart especially for passion fruit. It is so tangy and fresh, and so sweet - there are really no fruit quite like it I think. It is exquisite.

"Fruit Mosley and Yorkert" - the Cambodian twist to fruit muesli and yoghurt.

Even though I also love banana. And it's sad - the reputation of banana, it is the most exotic thing. But here it is so ordinary, when underestimated, the flavour can be quite bland, I guess - and you can purchase a banana pretty much anywhere in the world these days. And this makes it so recognisable and common that it is quite disrespected here in Norway. And this is so unfair to this fruit!

A thick-skinned sausage that belongs to a herb family but grows in a palm tree! And it grows in a cluster of other bananas and they go from green to yellow as they ripen, hey! That's cool, right? Banana has a wonderful flavour that can be tamed or made to dominate and has a real meaty texture that makes it incredibly versatile. But I think my favourite must be banana pancakes, or milkshake, or muffin -- wait, banana bread! No, banana ice cream. Or banana in cereal, or on a slice of bread. Or maybe banana deep fried! Yum. Hey, banana yoghurt! No, wait, what about banana and lime cake? Oh, I don't know. Please don't make me answer!

What did you have for breakfast today? And what is your favourite fruit?

My holiday to Singapore

2010-03-07T15:11:00.000+01:00

This is the short version, mind. But if you want the long one you just have to ask. I just figured two weeks mashed into one post would be a little exhausting for you to read.

Singapore was really really hot! I had a great time, and I hope my grandmother and my sister, Sigrid did, too! We ate a little (too much) excellent food and saw a lot of museums, went shopping, saw the botanical gardens, ate some more, did some tours and visited Sigrid's office. Mmh! And we had lots of prata, nom nom! It was really warm in the peak hours of the day, and we walked and walked - through shops and museums. It was lovely. I don't think I know a place with so many shopping malls as Singapore. And because we were there during the last part of their Chinese new year celebration there were crazy decorations all over the place. Oh oh! And we had a manicure and pedicure done! That made me feel very feminine. I am not known for being that.

We also spent a weekend in Cambodia (Siem Reap), which was incredible. I am so in love with the place, the people were so friendly and happy all the time! A clear contrast to Singapore (they are mostly happy there, that's not what I meant) but skyscrapers and a sleek metro is replaced by shacks on sticks, and tuktuks.

We saw a lot of rice fields and lotuses in Cambodia, I mean, how many times do you see that in Europe? And the rainforest foliage of Singapore is incredibly exotic. So much green mashed in with all that modern architecture. The food in Siem Reap too, was excellent - so fresh and so much delicious fruit! The ruins of Angkor wat were absolutely unbelievable. We also saw a vast amount of other ruins, like Bayon, Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm. The latter being my favourite I think. And we have been very fortunate to go these amazing places. Despite the fact that we were sweating our own brains out - it was still a very humbling experience. This is the sun setting over the floating village in Cambodia.

If you want to hear more, I'd be happy to tell you! Those are my feet :( You should see them without the bandages!

Last but not least, as I had journeyed far and slept little, turned the corner and discovered that my block was on fire!

And this is one of those very unsettling feelings I think I'll have a hard time getting rid of. It is truly unbelievable to return from holiday and be met with such a sight. I can't even leave you guys for two weeks without you causing a rumpus! Four fire engines, three people taken away in an ambulance, one man rescued out of the window, and across the street, Helge is trying to call me, in shoes with no socks. And what can I do? I laugh.

I mean, worst thing that can happen is that my house burns down and that I lose all my stuff, which would be a true pain in the ass - but what can I do about it? As long as all living things are safe, the rest is just... stuff! And sentimentally valued and irreplaceable stuff at that, I know. But I was standing across the street with two suitcases, freezing - watching the flames lick their way up outside the building.

We've been incredibly lucky, after being evacuated by the police we waited for a few hours as the flames ceased and the firefighters cleared the area. I was given a jumper by a kind neighbour who also took hand of my luggage for me - I gave her a bottle of wine as thanks! And then a firefighter told us we should go check out our apartments and return if they were destroyed. We just went straight up and found our place completely unscathed. That is where I am sitting now. So, yay! And this is what I see when I walk out my door. Close!

A picture!

2010-02-15T18:35:00.000+01:00

Oslo by day from Kampen

Snoodle snoodle

2010-02-09T18:35:00.000+01:00

So what else is new? I can't wait to go to Singapore to visit Sigrid, I'm most excited. At the same time it appears I will have my hands full until then, Got some pretty massive assignments to do at school.

Do other people elsewhere in the world eat their bread with smoked mackerel or are we just plain weird here? If you don't, I can't blame you - it makes your burps taste funny.

It's snowing again, despite the fact that the weather on Sunday was delicious in every way, went for a walk aaaall the way to Kampen and looked at the beautiful old houses. (It's not really that much of a distance, but it's uphill all the way!) Of course I didn't bring my camera, but you know I'm kind of useless. At least it was very pretty bathed in sunlight and all the icicles massive and dangerous looming over the sidewalk - dripping conspiratorially.

There were people everywhere! Well, in a Norwegian way, so not crowded or anything. But people were skiing up around the church under the old trees, and both icerinks were covered in stiffly sliding children flapping their arms not to fall. It was a nice day, a very different take on Oslo from what I'm used to. I've always thought of Oslo as a tasteless, semi-soviet city of concrete and chewing gum. But the old part of town in which I currently live - there are so many adorable, brightly coloured wooden houses snuck together, it looks unreal, like Disneyland. Obviously we live in one of those concrete monsters, but you can't win every time. I'll bring the camera next time though, and show you!

I got this dragon for Christmas, that my dad brought aaall the way from Australia, and you can put a candle in it, so it looks great in the dark. Bleuhrg, mackerel. I better go drink some Biola to make it go away.

Very naughty

2010-01-26T22:27:00.001+01:00

By Tora

Cause a scene!

2010-01-25T18:07:00.002+01:00

I think this is the first time in my long career here at the crockerie that a child has absolutely refused to leave the shop. As a matter of fact, it is generally on the contrary.

But this boy, probably about three, has shrieked, literally - busted his lungs for like fifteen minutes now, absolutely outraged that he is made to leave. He fell in love with a glass lid for a regular sized stainless steel pot, and they dragged him out of here by his stumpy arms while he wailed and bellowed.

Now he has outrun his mum and her friend twice, jogged in here and seized the lid again.

Rinse and repeat. I wonder for how long this is going to go on.

I am sorry but I just couldn't find a picture to fit this post

Here's what happened

2010-01-22T19:16:00.003+01:00

I can't seem to concentrate on blogging. It used to be something I really WANTED to do, like I had a need to get my mind down and out! Now I'm really squeeeezing my own brain dry just to jot down something like this.

Fictionally I could write page up and page down here, without a problem. But when it comes to my life there really isn't that much to tell that I don't feel I haven't said before.

Tink and I was out one night, painting it red or whatever you kids say these days. As usual, we couldn't get in at Mono, which is still very ironic, because we used to when we used our fake IDs when we were 15. We didn't even try this time, though. We just looked at the sign saying "22 years" and then left.

Some idiot tried chatting me up at Fridays, he had a Kristiansand accent but for some messed up reason tried to convince me he was from some tiny dump in Trøndelag. He invited me to Kristiansand for the summer, but I said I was afraid of flying. He then invited Tink to come along, and I said she was afraid too. I ignored most of the things he said, but sadly, he was too drunk to understand ice-cold rejection. We met ONE nice guy, ditched Sikamikanico because there was a cover of 100,- and went HOME. We call that a FAIL.

I was at work, then I was at school, it smelled like sweaty nerds and we had an interesting lecture and on Monday one that made me want to kill myself. I was on the bus, then at work, then at school, home, did laundry, then at home again drawing then watched Brüno and my embarrasment-muscle actually broke.

How interesting is that?!

Now, I'd rather hear about your life!

Raisins in buns

2010-01-13T13:16:00.004+01:00

I recently heard that a man died a slow, lonesome death and didn't come to heaven. And do you know why? Because he preferred his buns to be without raisins. That's like I've always said. Buns without raisins is like music without sound.

If that's the way you like it, there's no point in eating buns.

Life has no value without raisins. Life is like an empty shell - a gnawed out carcass with no spirit, no charm. No pleasure! There is no hope without raisins!

How can you do this to your own life?!

Modern Warfare 2 Review

2010-01-08T15:16:00.002+01:00

I thought for a change that I could write something out of the ordinary, like a girl's opinion on a war-themed FPS (First Person Shooter). Modern Warfare II is Infinity Ward's long expected sequel of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. This means that this game is actually called Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2, or even Call of Duty 5: Modern Warfare 2, if you want to make it precise. Just to make it less confusing. Got to love the gaming industry.

Anyway, this means that MW2 is the result of six intense years of producing war games since the release of the first Call of Duty in 2003. Well, with the exception of Call of Duty 3 that was developed by Treyarch utilizing modified versions of Infinity Ward's engine. MEH. But the point IS, honeysuckle - there is no wonder the expectations to this game were unnaturally high. 4.7 million copies were sold throughout the UK and US just during the first 24 hours following release. That's a worth of 3 billion Norwegian kroners during the first five days.

Campaign mode (single player, story mode) offers an intricate storyline that follows up on the story of the first Modern Warfare. The game has received criticism on the campaign being too short, but honestly I was very impressed with the tight scripting and the variation of action that I'm not surprised they cut it short. Better that than having a long campaign full of repetitive encounters. Personally I would say that the replay value is relative. If you master the controls early and play through on a high difficulty the first time, the campaign has little to offer to you after the first play through unless you feel you need to perfect your technique further. Though in our case - playing through on the lowest difficulty setting the first time, the game can still be "enjoyed" a few more rounds. If you find it enjoyable to die a lot.

The voice-acting is absolutely amazing, and the action-scripting is seamless, you never hear the same things over and over unless you are doing it wrong and playing the game like an idiot. Though obviously, what struck me as extremely life-like and natural was the dialogue. but what makes it work so well is the tightness and the timing. So when playing through a second, or especially a third time, it becomes very predictable. So this definitely dabs off, because it will be a re-run of what you've seen before. But then, the strength of the game is in the multiplayer option and that's definitely where the developers have applied most of the weight.

I can't believe I haven't mentioned the graphics in-depth yet, they are insane, even on our second-hand tv most things look too real. Every movement is smooth and looks natural, only civilians move a little jerkily, but then you never have to watch them for long as they're usually running for cover.

The multiplayer option is extremely high standard and allows gamers to compete or cooperate online. Even on our poor internet connection, the servers run smooth and when you're unavoidably smeared out over your screen, it's never because of lag. Again, the graphics and the smoothness of the animation is at this juncture unparalleled to anything I've ever seen.

A small note on the level design before I wrap up - on all the different multiplayer levels there's not ONE safe hideout. You continously have to keep watch at least two directions and you're not safe anywhere. This is so thought out and so brilliant and there's millions of ways to play. On the campaign levels this is mostly also true, you're never really safe at one spot for long, you might be able to seek cover, but it is usually vital that you keep moving. The gameplay here can at some junctures be a little linear, there are sometimes only one way about a place. But then I wouldn't have it any other way as it is undoubtfully necessary so that you can understand at what direction you're supposed to be heading. The level of detail is extraordinary and almost a waste to the speed at which you have to blur past it.

Besides the fact that this is a FPS, and so not generally a genre to be enjoyed by just any audience, I would be careful of saying you HAVE to buy this. It is brutal, messy and violent. It also contains an incredibly provoking encounter when you're undercover in a Russian liga and have to mow down hundreds of civilians in a Russian airport. While this is incredibly uncomfortable, the game allows you to skip this scene whenever you like. Thankfully. I'm not a complete pacifist, I'm not writing it off for being too violent, but while as this scene was necessary for the shock value of the storyline, I still wouldn't condone with enjoying to play it through. Game or not, it is important that we continue to set certain boundaries because, apparently, people have a difficulty seperating right from wrong if they've played it in a game. Games, books and films can still be great and entertaining even though they're not excessively violent. Really!

If you are a fan of FPS war games and for some obscene reason haven't bought it yet (I wrote this post on November 14th you see, then never quite finished!) RUN and FETCH. Even I thought it was flippin fantastic.

The miracle juice

2010-01-08T12:03:00.002+01:00

The cure for everything! What will cleanse your skin, keep your organs moist, keep your teeth healthy and refresh your metabolism;

Wonder-J00se! Drink two bottles a day and you will be weeks younger!

Warning: Massive over-consumption can cause your total blood volume to increase, and also overload your kidneys. Drinking too much miracle-juice can also squeeze your brain to a pulp. Always consider your liquid-intake while drinking miracle juice, you will need less if your diet is naturally rich in moisture and contains little salt. Can cause slight addiction. Excessive consumption can lead to a condition known as hyponatraemia, in which levels of sodium in the blood become dangerously diluted leading to complications such as convulsions, coma and even death. Laboratory tested, tested daily on animals. Ingredients: Aqua.

Or what do YOU think?

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T23:12:00.003+01:00

Oh MY! Would you look at that? 2010! We finally made it. Congratulations!

Snow is smothering Oslo in its freezing clutch, whisking evasive snowflakes against our puffy, Christmas-greasy cheeks like razors on a kittens bottom. Just peeking outside can be painful, and so accordingly we make sure to travel at length, go outside, visit relatives and dress in fancy (read: thin) clothing as often as possible. In a way, it is most illogical to position Christmas at this climatic juncture.

We're all full and wobbly in nylon tights staggering through cold, dry baths of snow, occasionally slipping to our death on the black ice on the ground beneath. As the searing pain of the fall was not enough, our pride has taken a fatal blow, and the snow now sticking to your knickers and the inside of the glittery dress is melting.

DID I MENTION YOUR TIGHTS RIPPED?!

Actually this didn't really happen. It was a strange scenario conjured in the moist corners of my brain cockles. However, nonetheless likely to happen.

From all of us, to all of you - merry Christmas and happy new year!

Prodigy, Spektrum, Oslo, November 09.

Merriest of Christmases!

2009-12-22T10:51:00.004+01:00

I just want to take the opportunity to wish everyone an extremely merry Christmas. Unfortunately I haven't had the time to hand out all the presents in time, -That's another reason why I would be a terrible Santa. But know that you will have it in time for your birthday. (Not you, Jonas).

We are celebrating in Sweden and my sugarplum will be in Molde. He's already left, so I have the flat all to myself, it's weird because even though I've had before - he's not even close, like, school or work, or just in the bedroom sleeping. I don't have any internet connection in Sweeeedeen, which is actually going to be really relaxing. Looking forward to it! But that means that I had to make this post today!

Hope you forgive me for the extreme lack of Christmas posts this year. Or posts in general, for that matter.

You should see the fantastic Christmas decorations I have in my window. Excellent.

Have a great Christmas! You are the best!

Fig. 2 How To: Snowboard Off-Piste

2009-12-17T23:49:00.002+01:00

Fig. 1 Yes, the napkins are also half price

2009-12-15T22:50:00.002+01:00

Music of December

2009-12-04T23:41:00.003+01:00

I know, I never thought I'd recommend you some lame-ass RnB/hip-hop song either, but this one's been in my head for days, literally. Yeah, and I must be hanging out with a bad crowd getting influenced with hip hop, riiiight?

Song for dreaming (wasting time thinking): Empire State of Mind by Jay Z and Alicia Keys (I must stress, however, that the live versions featuring stand-in Bridget Kelly sound a little more passionate, and that Ms. Keys howls scary like). And I think that the only reason I like it is because it makes my heart soar and I want to go back to New York :(

Song for getting your chi centered: God Bless the Child by Billie Holiday soothing, smoooth and lush jazz. Absolutely splendid. Makes you wonder why people choose to listen to angry music.

Songs for cheering up and making friends: Ambitions and Stereolife by Donkeyboy, hey! Norwegian music! Everyone's sick of their album, because the radio's been raping it (apparently). Seeing my life is pretty much radio-free, I enjoy it now! The video for Ambitions is wonderfully weird!

Song for feeling so trendy you're possibly Swedish: Strangers by Van She (Man, thanks Hans-Jørgen!) This is cool, I want to casually mention it while talking to someone in a club and give them a look if they haven't heard of it. (Obviously, if they have, I'll say they're so 2008 and that I only asked to know what you mainstream mortals listened to these days).

*snif* I have totally lost my indie credibility :(

Song for remembering that you like Kasabian: Fire by Kasabian. Give it to 1:15! Rocks! Then you remember that they can be a little annoying and that every song pretty much sounds the same. Oh, except Butcher Blues of course, that song kicks ass.

Song for vacuuming, and for shaking daT booty: Blue Song by Mint Royale. This is the best song ever. And Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt are in the video. What more can you possibly ask for? It is most excellent!

Hello world!

2009-12-03T14:56:00.005+01:00

I am not so sure you are still here, but - I thought I'd stop by anyway because I haven't been here in such a long time!

You may already have figured that I totally failed NaNoWriMo this year, as so many times before. Admittedly, it was a little worse this time around. I only got about 1/5 of the way. But you know, I think if I could choose the most hopeless month to decide to write a novel it would probably be November - or December, obviously. Because of all the Christmas-business. November pretty much wraps up the semester, and we just got one thing on top of the other and then I happened to have three concert tickets (to Phoenix, Prodigy and Kings of Convenience, respectively) and family birthdays and father's day and long hours of sale at work. It's all excuses. It's different to have the time and take the time - we all know that. But I have to admit that NaNoWriMo didn't catch me as much this year, I was to busy to give my brain room to think of any good plots. What I managed to get down was mostly random situations and dialogues that lacked much sense.

I've been real occupied with all the deliverables, especially writing that damn script, oh, and sculpting a level using the Gears of War editor. What a software nightmare! Well, right now I am stuck with writing a fictional DLC (DownLoadable Content) for Fallout 3. And because I haven't played any of the Fallout games, it is proving real hard. I dream of this assignment in the night, it's awful.

It would've been better if we had more time, but unfortunately, we don't! But it's coming along, if I wasn't working Friday through Tuesday I would have three more days (like everyone else) but I only have today to make sure everything is done. Really it is quite alright, I could think of more dreadful ways to spend my Thursday. And I'm pleased to confront a challenge!

You might (like me) be quite unfamiliar with the setting of the Fallout games, but the little I have discovered wasn't that impressive, to be honest. Oh, except the soundtrack! Man! Packed with calm, jazzy classics of the 1940's. Awesome! Well, right, as a helper along the way, and to get into the mood of the setting - I've been listening a lot to Billie Holiday! God bless she's available on Spotify. It's centering my chi alright, really warm and soothing - just what we need this time of year! I need to like SOME part of Fallout, as the post-apocalyptic, nuclear holocaust is the opposite of appealing to me.

Typical of me to decide to come back and dump another load of garbage into the blogosphere when I definitely don't have the time to. Haha! Yeah, and I need to learn to do things even though I don't want to. It's a hopeless attribute.

Oh, and here's my map of my DLC! Quite plain, but all the action happens in that underwater dome in the middle of the bay. It's a fallout shelter containing an entire city!

NaNo - update!

2009-11-02T22:11:00.002+01:00

I'm getting there!

You can follow my profile on http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/158878

Please give a listen to Bombay Bicycle Club. In particular their track "Always Like This".

His voice appears annoying at first, but I like it!

Lovely!

Redy, set - GO!

2009-11-01T09:53:00.003+01:00

It's the first of November today, and I have now cuddled up in the sofa with a nice blanket and my trusted laptop for some serious, ridiculous NaNoWriMo-writing. I have absolutely no flippin clue what to write, but it'll probably work out. It usually does!

If there's anything you think I should incorporate in my novel - bring it on!
All dares are welcome!

Surprise me.

Oh, and wish me luck!

Buchanan's Fairtrade Assorted Toffees Review

2009-10-30T08:09:00.000+01:00

Today I am reviewing these fabulous Scottish hard fairtrade toffees. And when I say hard, I mean hard. When you manage to get through, they become the kind of chewy variety that has you going for a good five minutes and then for a good week picking it out of your teeth. Yum!

The treacle toffee has a dark, burnt colour which reflects in its enticing and seductive treacle taste. It diverts from a toasty sweetness to the fruity delight of brown sugar. It's not an instant hit, quite an aquired taste, but the lovely sticky texture and the waves of flavour makes it an interesting and worthwhile experience.

The Rum & butter toffee has a light, pale toffee colour and a similarly light rum flavour. The butter, however, is drastically more present and introduces a wall of fatty, creamy, mouth-filling flavours. I liked it, I did, couldn't have too many of them though, and disappointed in the pathetic lack of rum.

Similarly, the coconut toffe had that very light golden, pale toffee colour - but smelled rich and heavy of coconut shampoo. But as with the rum - there simply wasn't enough nuttiness, the butter came in like a donkey in a poncho - stealing the entire show. Butter, butter, butter - though rich and creamy, not so nutty. It was o-kay.

The Devon Toffee is also light in colour and has a mild, buttery vanilla scent. These features are definitely reflected in the flavour as not only is the vanilla protruding, it bathes in the butter until it has a bright, almost fruity flavour. Don't get me wrong, because this is still a heavy toffee, but its mosaic of sweet vanilla flavour makes it very sophisticated.

The Mint Toffee smells like a bright peppermint and has that same, light and pale toffee colour. The flavour is very fresh for being captured in butter-hell, and though the sweetness is overpowering, the mint cuts through beautifully. This is an interesting symbiosis that works... I think, even though it occasionally has a slight resemblance of toothpaste.

The Butter Toffee has a mellow, rich and sweet smell, it is hard to catch but, when you do - it is like walking in to a candy store and being overwhelmed by how sweet a scent can be. The flavour is, not surprisingly - very buttery. Every time you chew it is like the warm, buttery juices are being massaged into your mouth. Unforgivably rich, it will sink your ship like the kraken on drugs. I am not exaggerating. This toffee seriously takes butter to the next level, and we pray we never have to go any further than that.

The Licorice Toffee is pitch black with an upbeat licorice smell. In fact, both the scent and the taste is so fresh it is almost fennel-like in its buttery licorice-fusion. This sounds weird, I know, and it is weird, but it really works. This is a delicious toffee that explodes with interesting flavour and I enjoyed every second of it. One of the best ones.

For some reason the Treacle Toffee and the Licorice Toffee really struck the right chord with me, they were weird, I agree. But they were also both delicious in an original way. This bag of funky toffee shouldn't be what you hand out to the kiddies trick or treating this weekend, they certainly wont like it.

I'd recommend you these if you enjoy your toffee, but don't fret if it's a bit weird and different. I'll always want to try things I haven't tried before, and though I doubt I will try them again, at least I enjoyed them while they lasted, and there's still some left if you want some too. Have a great weekend!

Must haves!

2009-10-29T22:54:00.003+01:00

Tink was over tonight, we made pizza and watched "Cashback", we also had some lemon jelly that I bought on sale. Very lovely. Superlovely!

Frost has arrived, and there are iceroses on all the parked cars on the street. I suppose you call them ice patterns or something, but we Norwegians call them "isroser". That is what it looks like, so I think it is a much better word for it.

Aaaand ---Hi, I'm here to give you this months' must haves, baby!

Movietickets for Disney Pixar's "UP" - I truly adored this film, even though Helge said he would never take me to see a Disney film again. I guess he has the right as I was crying my heart out after about three minutes. Still loved it though!

Kings of Convenience newest album "Declaration of Dependence". Definitely. Even though you will say; heard this before, this sounds just like all their other songs. True! But wrong! It does, but doesn't! This is something new, there is something very different about their sound that I have not yet been able to put my finger on. But it's still there. And you need to have it.

First season of British series "Skins". I am extremely hooked on this right now - while you're at it you should probably get the following two seasons as well. It's brilliant!

Mittens, kitten! It's cold right now. Keeping your hands warm makes every day brighter. Guaranteed.

Other than that - have some orange juice and snog your toes into a pair of warm slippers before you go to school or work. Never fails. Don't forget to brush your teeth!

Keep dreaming of the dogs

2009-10-28T11:08:00.004+01:00

I miss the dogs soo bad. How people can live without them at all.

IIh, and my jaw hurts so bad! It even hurts to talk and eat, my two favourite things! It's that darn tooth growing through my gums, I can see why babies have a strong need to inform everyone about their pain. Uaah!

But anyway, that doesn't really matter, a bit of warm water and some wok sorts it out for a bit. And anyway I don't really have the time to think of teeth when NaNoWriMo starts on monday and I still have no clue what to write about. To save time and energy I might have to take one of my previous stories and just rewrite it. But how dull is that? Any ideas? Sci-fi was excellent fun last year, but I don't really think it is my genre as I had to research a lot - and seeing it's NaNo - there's no time to! Anybody else joining this year? 30 days of literary abandon? It is magical, I'm freaking out and looking forward to it at the same time.

OOooh, and on friday it's Halloween, what'cha all going to dress up as? I dreamt I had the best idea ever and I was so relieved, but I've forgotten what it was so I'm back to square one again. Iih. But we have a party to see to on Friday and we definitely have to go out on Saturday as well, I love dressing up - Halloween is like my second Christmas!

And Sigrid is coming home from Singapore for a brief encounter (read: brunch) at my mums place on Saturday - whiii! And on Sunday I'm going to do absolutely nothing. Maybe I'll go for a walk up to the church, it's lovely there, all the autumn colours, and then go vegetate in our sofa with a blanket and just relax for once. Odds are - it wont happen. Not a chance. But I don't really mind, we can rest in the grave!

Look at Ulla, look how small she is! My, has she grown fast!

Hate each other!

2009-10-18T12:16:00.005+02:00

A sunny day from the bus to work.

Mr. Snorky is still mumbling and grunting comfortably in his duvet and it made me realize something that it appears a lot of people have trouble with. I've just joyfully scrambled through the NaNoWriMo forums and I'm left with so much inspiration I definitely have to pop some new ideas into this weeks school assignment. It was getting a little dry and realistic anyway - I might be losing my touch.

Oh you should really see him sleep. It is the most heartbreaking thing - because, as he's lying there snoring sporadically and having the time of his life, you sit there knowing it has to end at some point. The poor thing!

And I guess that really takes me back to where this post started, though I will just say this immediately first - I have only lived together with my boyfriend for 20 days, which means, in a way - I am by no means qualified to make such a statement as the one I am about to utter. I've read some depressing things on relationships, and, prior to my "stunt" of moving out - these theories, this good advice on how I am doing such a big mistake occurred ever so often. I can't say it didn't tear me down like a sandcastle, but it was so unfair - as the decision had already been made and I should've been given support instead of hassle. At least that is my opinion - okay "I'm screwing up", but let's make the best of it!

I can be a really moody person it appears. Without realizing I have set the bar as I crawl out of bed in the morning to be this or that. Happy or sad. Joyful or unpleasant. And this must be a dreadful thing to witness, I think so, even I, in the eye of the storm, I can see how horrible it must be. But that doesn't help the least bit apparently. However what does help is how effortless this relationship works. If there's something bothering us we say so right away. We have our hiccups but in the end I fail to understand how people manage to distance themselves so much from each other. If you're simply being nice and not being lazy - that means you've both tried, and you can't be bitter. Besides, it's exra good if you neutralize each others mood and laugh at things.

Whenever someone asks: "Will you please do me a favour?" You'll answer "yes" without even knowing what it is because you'll always be delighted to help others. If you can't help them, well at least you entered the situation with a positive attitude. And when you help others out they will help you when you need it. It couldn't be more of a win-win situation. I really have trouble understanding what the problem seems to be. I might kick myself for saying these things in the future, but my experience so far has made me curious on how people must behave towards each other to hate each other so much. How do you do it? I think it requires a lot more effort to be spiteful than to just be a pleasant person. Fight, for God's sake, get it out. But what's left after the battle better be two people ready to give it all to make it work. Well, if not - I guess you deserve each other.

Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

2009-10-15T11:33:00.002+02:00

There are lots of things that concern me and that I worry about on a daily basis. But some things that should worry me on an equal basis, just feels too distant for me to grasp.

I know I worry more about getting to school on time and getting my schoolwork done than I worry about climate change. Heck I even worry more about "what's for dinner?"

And I figured that would be a good place to start. Because personally there are few things about my life or my lifestyle that directly causes climate change. I travel by public transport to work and I walk to school, I recycle both at work, and at home, I don't leave the heating on when the windows are open, I turn off the lights when I'm not there, and I do most of my writing on digital paper. Also, I use very little hairspray! Or other aerosol products for that matter.

But dinner, I guess dinner is exactly where my neutral effect on the climate goes topsy turvy. I mean we all try, I think. Most people really make an effort at doing things that are good (or at least not so bad) for the environment. I would tell you all off again, but I decided that you should rather read my old post "Captain Planet - 30 Things You Can Do To Save The Planet" and get some inspiration. But I know that personally it is my love for a nice meaty dinner that destroys everything. When I thought of this, even Wikipedia turned against me. Look!

Livestock and land use
Worldwide, livestock production occupies 70% of all land used for agriculture, or 30% of the ice-free land surface of the Earth. Scientists attribute more than 18% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to livestock and livestock-related activities such as deforestation and increasingly fuel-intensive farming practices. Specific attributions to the livestock sector include:

9% of global carbon dioxide emissions
35-40% of global methane emissions (chiefly due to enteric fermentation and manure)
64% of global nitrous oxide emissions, chiefly due to fertilizer use.

That is one major "OW!" to me. It means I have to eat more fish and replace the steak with more salad, I mean anything industrially farmed is basically a bad thing, but ecological farming is so unsustainable - it's a joke. Really, I almost find it offensive. It just wont be enough food for everyone if we'd all eat ecological produce.

So local produce is the best shade of grey. Try to focus on food that has travelled an absolute minimum and that also farts accordingly. Bacon does mean the world to me, but not so much I am willing to give the world away for it. If you are already doing all you can to prevent (slow down is good enough) climate change, I am sure you wont feel guilty when looking at this guy:

Ga-BLAH!

2009-10-13T20:10:00.004+02:00

We made this huuge salad today with apples and tomatoes and cucumber and salad and lish - with crisp chicken and some rice with sour cream. Yum! I also bought some ridiculously cheap imported mango juice that's really rich and delightful.

It's so cold outside and everyone hates it. It's so unfair because the last few days it's been bright and sunny which makes you want to go out and then the wind bites you in the nose and it hurts. Ow!

The weirdest thing about moving out is not having dogs anymore. I was prepared for missing them a lot, but not THIS much. You know. I miss them loads! :( It just seems strange and empty, so maybe I'll get an electronic robot-pig, you know the cheap ones and just stuff a battery in it and throw some cheese at it to see if it helps fill the void. It is the weirdest thing how much a dog means to a family. I couldn't quite imagine mine without one! (Or two).

In other neeews, any good ideas for what to dress up for on Halloween? I was thinking Old Gregg at first, then maybe someone else out of the Mighty Boosh, Tink wanted to be Mr. Susan, which is a great idea, really. The mirror wooorld!

This is the view from our bedroom window, with creepy clouds.

Autumn in Oslo, the leaves are so beautiful.

Doesn't look natural at all, really

And this is another romantic autumn picture I took.

I seen you

2009-10-11T22:24:00.004+02:00

Now, I don't mean to suck all the fun out of your prunes, honey. But we're losing it and you need to face the facts. The thing is here that you can't keep on ignoring whats going on around you. It's been going on for way too long, you've been starting to feel it, it's creeping in from the sides like a macaroon in a jelly. Just admit it. I know - it's difficult to explain, but obviously you do know what I'm talking about here, so let's just get to the point.

It's getting cold you berk! You need to put scarves on, and gloves! I seen you, don't you think I haven't - hoisting up your skimpy, transparent little outfits like a bagel in a glove. Scamping about like a cucumber on stalks with wings, actually not like that, different, but the same. Use your brains or you'll be sucking that thermometer like mama's nipple. Stay out of the cold unless you're gonna shape up, yeah?

This has gone too far!

Weirdos and Children

2009-10-07T22:02:00.002+02:00

A strange man with a walrus mustache (it really made him look like a walrus!) was peeking into the shop today, while talking to himself. This side of town surely has its rich selection of originals, I must say. There's the one-legged guy playing fetch with his invisible dog, the hairy one who sits in the park and drinks beer, the one with the glasses taking the bus back and forth all day, drinking chocolate milk - and there's the creepy lady with the shopping bags that really does look like a living dead, but who surprisingly talks and behaves frighteningly sane and actually quite nice. That is, when she is not wandering around slooowly, staring right ahead. So far on the other side to where I have moved now, I have noticed nothing weirder than the old drunks sitting on the railroad-bridge far up the main street.

But I suppose I'll find them soon enough, and I mean, the stereotype football-supporters are definitely there, and I think they are quite weird. I do. Speaking of weird there is also a primary school near us and all these first graders are walking alone to school - which is fine, but it hit me how small they are. I mean, this might seem like an outrage to you, but - children are tiny! They really are! I don't know at what point I was supposed to realize - because as a child I always thought grown-ups were so enormous - and obviously I am one of them now. But it just hasn't quite set previously.

I remember as a child whenever I was with my dads side of the family who are all part American or American - or Norwegian and they would often speak English to each other. I guess sometimes you can just express yourself a lot better in English, but I was always frightened when they were talking over my head like that, I never told anyone but I was convinced they were plotting to eat me. I was actually really scared.

That's a way growing up, huh? Later I have discovered that they usually just say uninteresting things when talking above the childrens heads anyway, well - at least not half as interesting as it would be if they were planning to eat someone.

The clouds from the car.

Efterklang at Chateau Neuf, it was lovely.

Shared two buckets of beer with Ulrik.

Random grafitti about the bird flu.

Hai hai

2009-10-06T21:30:00.003+02:00

I need to show you something, okay? It's a drawing that Tink's made a long time ago and it's genius. Really. You have to check it out in her blog http://fishinmyshoe.blogspot.com/2009/10/just-for-tora.html

It's extreme sweetness.

In other news, not much to show, not a lot of furniture either. Done schoolwork mostly, gone shopping in mysterious and dingy grocery-shops all around the neighbourhood of school and I've been walking to school every day. I'm still looking for the turkish delights of such scrumptious proportions as those in Narnia. Actually I did find the website of the (uncredited) producers of the Turkish Delight which Edmund eats in the film (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe). However it appears that attempting to get those to Norway from either New Zealand or the states seem pretty hopeless. But I did find some massive Turkish Delights filled with walnuts and covered with coconut that you can barely eat one of - and they were awesome. Really different from everything else we stuff in our face.

Houses down the road, such beautiful and bright colours, there are purple and baby blue and orange ones too!

That is the stalks of a turnip, or a nepe actually sticking out of an empty tea-cup. I couldn't find a good word for it in English. But it is a root-vegetable related to the turnip, it might be called rutabaga, who knows?

That is a tree near our summerhouse.

These are the woods surrounding the summerhouse. Early in the morning.

Breakfast in bed!

2009-10-02T11:36:00.003+02:00

Actually we're currently eating every single meal in bed. It sounds more fun than it is, but we try to make the best of it.

We're getting help all around and everyone's been so wonderful. The bathroom is coming together and we almost have everything we need in the kitchen, well - except for a dining table, and a casserole we could make Fårikål in. Yum. It's cheap you know, cabbages are like 2,- pr. kilo. Today is laundry day, we're gonna clean our new bedsheets and the dirty clothes we have. Really would like to get a few shelves in, everything we own is in boxes!

The sun shines through our window in the morning and also bathes the kitchen in warmth, which is nice. It is important to remember to appreciate those rays as when winter comes we wont see it that much. We're trying to get more familiar with the neighbourhood, we have several shops and a post office just around the corner. The busstop is really near too, and if we're late we can take it to school instead of walking. It only takes like five minutes on the bus, and we'll be downtown in about seven! I'm so pleased, I really like this place, it still feels like I'm on holiday though, but I'll probably get used to it eventually!

Our house!

2009-09-29T22:47:00.002+02:00

In the middle of the street!

Our apartment!

It's fantastic!

It's just such a weird feeling to suddenly have your own place just filled with your stuff (well, almost just your own stuff). And there is so much to do and you have to order electricity and things that you rarely consider when living a sheltered life in an attic across town. Don't you think?

I will post pictures if it turns out nice. So far it is only us, a bunch of carboard boxes, our deliciously huge bed, the wardrobe and the kitchen. We don't even have any chairs. However if we can't afford a sofa yet, I'll probably post pictures of someone else's place, just so you wont think we're having it rough.

Even though it couldn't be further from the truth. Maybe we'll go hungry some days, and maybe we'll be a little cold - but it doesn't matter, at least I'm having the flippin time of my life - even though this hasn't sunk in properly yet! Can't wait for the days to come, we've only been here a few days, but it'll be wonderful. Whiiii!

Septomo

2009-09-27T00:58:00.003+02:00

Hello you little toffee-biscuit-WHICH REMINDS ME

hold on, licorice-beard!

My Pecan-caramel biscuit from United Bakeries that laid wrapped in a napkin in my purse!

YUM. These biscuits are so delicious they deserve a post of their own. This particular one I got from Skjalg at work today. Thank you, Skjalg!

I'm sitting here doing the last illustrations for our hand-in on sunday night. It turned out quite good, well done Jonas! We did almost all of it over the course of four superfocused hours. It almost hurt to be that good. And I've been at work today, it was a LOT to do, so time zoomed by like Ulla. Right! Then we made fishtacoes. I still don't think it's awesome, I think I'd stick to preparing fish in different ways.

But anyway, food aside (for a moment) this post was supposed to be about the licious music I love at present. It's quite cheesy I'd say, most of it. But you know, what'cha gonna do? Listen?

Ehm. Yeah!

Aaand, well, that's it - here goes!

Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon

Candy by Ash (I'm serious! It's sticky, I'm sorry)

My Turn (feat. Lightspeed Champion) by Basement Jaxx

Colours by Hot Chip (Fred Falke Remix)

Chrystal City by Alan Braxe and Fred Falke

Don't Be On With Her by Miami Horror

Soul Meets Body by Death Cab For Cutie

Melt by Way Out West

Lumberjack by Kris Menace and Alan Braxe

M-m-M-M-MEo0Oow!

Happy!

2009-09-22T13:13:00.003+02:00

I am so excited, for whatever reason - I need to think of something to cook for dinner, and I really want to do something fun tonight! My room is an awful mess, worse than it's been in a looong time. My things are everywhere, and yet I wake up and I look out the window and take a picture instead of tidying up. It is just that there's so much to do. So much. And as usual I am fraying at the edges because I can't get myself to do any of it - seeing it's impossible to find a place to start.

I like to put icecubes in my juice, it's very refreshing.

Yesterday I hung out with Helge, we watched comedy central clips and listened to drum n' bass. It feels weird that I have to go home when I've been at his place, even though it is pretty much a cupboard, I already feel at home when I'm with him! So it's unnatural that I have to leave. But I'm moving out soon, which'll be really weird to say the least, I can't wait. Even though nobody thinks that I should. It's difficult when I don't get any support either, everyone thinks I'm making a mistake and that I'll hit a wall and regret it all my life. Thank you.

We're creating these characters for a game-concept at school and I spent the whole of last week just wringing my brains out for an idea. As usual I got it when I'd gone to bed, and it was as if it had been obvious all along to me, then. But it was a long walk to the nearest pen and paper so I had to lie and think about it for hours and then sleep restlessly until I could work it out in the morning. OH! Yes, and we were in Sweden at our new summerhouse this weekend. Torstein and mum and my stepdad have been there the past few weekends, but this was my first time there. Such a cozy, quiet place, we ate lots of good food and Torstein and I played cards. The dogs absolutely steam down there, they're everywhere and snoring in the grass at the same time. It is such a joy to see them that happy. The worst thing about going home was that they like it so much there. I took pictures, I'll post them. Promise!

Apart from that, it's a sunny day! Let's do some laundry and see what other mischief to get up to!

Hey!

2009-09-20T22:26:00.002+02:00

What will you do to make peace on 21st. of September?

http://www.peaceoneday.org/

District 9

2009-09-17T12:14:00.003+02:00

YAY! I saw District 9 last night. I would recommend you seeing it, sir - because it's definitely worth seeing, if only for the remarkable special effects. I'm impressed.

I did have very high expectations to this film, especially because of the trailer coming off as so original, and the theme being so sensitive. But in the end I was a little disappointed with its lack of intelligence. It was exctiting and I must admit I was quite riveted with it. But the story was very thin considering the controversy of the setting. I hoped this film was going to leave me more shaken than just the warm sensation of being entertained. But it didn't get me thinking at all, it's impressive and fantastic, but it contained such a vast amount of unreleased potential. By the credits it was almost upsetting to see such a good idea "go to waste" with clichées.

Also raising questions of prejudice, it was troubling to see the way Nigerians and other black people were depicted in the film. I'm not saying I particularly noticed who had the different roles depending on their race, I don't tend to consider that an issue - as such only creates more racism. But the film itself goes against its own morale, there were plenty of white bad guys, but ALL the black guys, except one, insignificant one - were criminals, outlaws and believed in witchcraft. That's just plain narrow-minded. Can't fit everyone into one film, I understand, but there should be nuances, shades of gray. C'mon!

However, District 9 is definitely a sci-fi classic, absolutely loaded with amazing props and enjoyable with an inconsistent way of storytelling. It starts off as a documentary, kind of Cloverfield style at times, with a few interviews in-between, then this merges with any other random action film. And celebrates with some extra ... goo. It's quite brutal, and I don't know if the age limit of 15 really is sufficient, but that's me - I enjoy action films, but they definitely get way too graphic for me. It really isn't necessary. It was great, but - there should've been more to it than just the (may I say brilliant) splatter-explosions and the icky, hollywood "alien and human connect on a higher level".

The ending delighted me as well as bothered me, a lot. Loads was left unsaid, and I am unable to tell you if they did that purposedly or not, because to me that wasn't a necessary "method" of granting this film depth. Despite the heart-thumping action-scenes and marvellous amounts of "what's going to happen next?" it was all a little messy. There's a lot of characters in this film that are introduced but don't really play any significant part. In the end they leave a lot of loose threads hanging, and though this can be done, as I said, on purpose - it only leaves you dissatisfied. After thousands of - excited, if I must add - "what's going to happen next?"-es they finish with a last big one. They could actually make a sequel only to tie up all the loose ends!

As much as this annoys me. I am sure others are able to fully enjoy this without annoyance, because in the end I am only talking about MY unfulfilled expectations that never really got promised to me by anyone, but that I made up in my head. This is unfair, but, maybe I should just accept that not everyone are interested in seeing an above average intelligent film with this theme. I mean, the sci-fi fans can all enjoy more clever films, I am sure, no offence, but perhaps this genre just needs a whiff of afterthought before it is reduced to snores. Please?

Bomb-Threat

2009-09-11T19:39:00.003+02:00

Even where I work, which is a dingy little crockerie shop in a mall on the westside of Oslo we have standard procedures for bomb-threats. If someone would be likely to call us and tell us they're gonna blow the shop up, we have these procedures to follow. Among them are a set of questions we are to ask the potential "bomber", and they go like this:

Where is the bomb?
When will it explode?
What kinds of explosives are being used?
How much explosives?
Why are you doing this?
Can you tell us who you are?

So if you are planning to ring in, just make sure you have prepared good answers to these questions because I will be taking notes of everything that is said, sooo. Well it would just be less awkward for all of us.

The prettiest girl in Oslo

2009-09-11T17:35:00.003+02:00

Now I wouldn't usually be that judgmental on what other people choose to listen to. Sure I might throw a few naughty words in there for good measure, but in truth I don't really care that much as long as I don't have to listen to it too.

And there is one song by Big Bang that I actually volunteered to listen to myself a few times, and I've seen them live once, too. And it's been one of those songs that haunt you a little, as everyone seem to like it, or simply not have an opinion on it. So it's played everywhere. But still there's always been something about this song that has really bothered me.

I didn't realize until today, when at work and listening to that blasted song for the flippin millionth time, that it creeps me out. It makes me think of all those icky sleaze-bags that are about twice the age of "the prettiest girl in Oslo", but would still try nonchalantly-desperately to get under her blouse with lines like "can I talk to the prettiest girl in Oslo, oh is that you?" Yeah? C'mon. Nasty old man. It grosses me out. This song is ruined for me now.

I know some poor girls still shiver at the edge of the creative-frankness in pick-up lines like "You are the most beautiful girl here tonight". But in truth, you should know, that this is probably the most common pick-up line that even the likes of me have heard too many times. I think it has to do with the drunken-haze of thinking "the truth will impress her". Or something. I think it does, the first three times. The rest? Not so much.

It's the funny ones that always get to me. Like "Look! We're wearing matching socks!" or something really odd, like "I haven't had my daily dose of Urge today, would you please show me the nearest Seven-Eleven/Deli de Luca?" Yeah? You can relate to that. What the fuck are you going to answer to such overwhelming compliments over the loud music? Oh, and it makes you seem like you're way too interested. You have to be attentive, and show moderate interest, but girls always want what they can't have. Got to remember that.

Skyr!

2009-09-09T14:20:00.005+02:00

How trendy does this sound to you exactly: A fat-free icelandic yoghurt-cheese, full of protein with no added sugar, fully recycleable packaging and fabulous for smoothies.

I think it is missing soy- and maybe a fairtrade or ecological stamp on it, to be honest. But then, it is viking traditional cuisine, meant to make you healthy and strong - not gay. It is nice to stick to the basics, really.

But I tried this deliciously funky Icelandic treat today, with added fruits of the forest and vanilla. I think I would've preferred it half as sweet, because one portion later, I actually felt a little queasy. Probably because this particuar type was made with both aspartame and acesulfame K, which are artifical sweeteners. I insist that I can tell when it's not just normal sugar, but I don't think I really can. except if it gets too sweet, if you know what I mean. Supernaturally sweet.

Anyway, Skyr was extremely rich and creamy, like a divine concotion of cream cheese and really mild greek yoghurt. A texture to die for, melt-in-your-mouth - soft like clouds, an absolute surprise from the "low-fat" packaging. I mean, I just bought it for the name, and the purple colour, of course. But I really enjoyed it, a very (if not a little sweet) satisfying lunch, probably stunning with cereal, some fresh fruit, raisins, you name it! Yum! I would love to have some traditional Icelandic skyr, seeing this is a Norwegian brand.

Try some!

Two white doors and a dead orchid

2009-09-09T11:37:00.006+02:00

Today the weather is absolutely stunning!

And when my brother and I finally stumbled our way down from our rooms - belsebub had wrecked complete havoc in the livingroom. I should've taken a picture, but really that wasn't relevant in my brain at the time.

She had ripped one of the orchids down from the windowsill, and it lay splayed on the carpet, leaves torn off - bark and cracked pottery everywhere. On top of this lay her pink pig toy, tied up in the remains of my wesc bongo headset. She had also managed somehow, to spray one of the armchairs in more bark and orchid limbs. Her path of destruction followed us into the kitchen, where she had tipped over Cleo's food container. It appeared to be so much left that Cleo couldn't possibly have discovered it. I was mostly horrified by my headphones in pieces. Luckily they still work, I just need to substitute some chewed out bits and then glue it all together. *Snort*

In other news, here is some music for you. It'll be something mood-less, it could either be a happy song, or a sad song - depending on your mood. Quite nice. Today I chose them being happy songs!

A Love Story by Thomas Dybdahl (Spotify)

Things That I Don't Understand by Coldplay (Spotify)

Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie (For you, Tink!) (Spotify)

And completely out of context; Melt by Way Out West. (Spotify)

I've been searching around the web for more Gordon Ramsay recipes, as I am always pleased when cooking them. Like his Yorkshire Puddings! Delicious. Anyone have any recipes they'd like to share? Yum!

These are two doors. In Oslo somewhere.

Picture-tiemz

2009-09-08T00:32:00.003+02:00

Oslo by night.

Cleo and Ulla.

Helge sleeping.

Me by night. On the bus, or tram

Everything!

2009-09-03T21:06:00.005+02:00

School is quite awesome at the moment, almost can't be called school though - it's such a variety of different fun things. Like writing and analyzing stories, concepts and developing strange new ideas - and everything is allowed! How brilliant is that?

Leveldesign is also fun, and the project will turn out great, seriously! I am sure of it. At least now that we know a little more about the procedure of creating a game. Geeh. That really helps, you know!

It is pouring down outside, and it's quite cold. Thought I would lead you on to a beautiful classic. It will never stop to amaze me, this song. And not only that, but it's true, too! Don't you think?

I Love My Man by Bent

You all have a beautiful day!

This is a Portuguese hydrant. I thought it looked punk.

And I am listening to a Portuguese rock album right now, Polexia. It's weird, cos it's in Portuguese, but it's quite good.

Next time, I'm going to

2009-08-28T12:42:00.002+02:00

trim Ulla like this:

Delightful game

2009-08-28T01:09:00.005+02:00

I have spent the last couple of days playing SimCity Civilization which I bought for a shameless price at Game. It looked rather poor to be honest, but I was very nostalgic about the entire SimCity concept, and seeing it was so cheap - I could just try ut out to see if it was any good.

Now, the game isn't very balanced at all. To progress you can't really build the city of your dreams. There will always be elements that destroy the image of your creative spree, in fact I'm almost insulted at how "restricted" it feels when not playing in "free play" mode. Most claims are reasonable, like the city needs electricity and prosperity, but that creativity, authority and spirituality are all equally mandatory is annoying. Because all these different "needs" work as a currency system. Some buildings cost a certain amount of authority, but gains you prosperity - for example.

The general happiness of your SimCitizens is also very important to keep a healthy city, so if you allow one of the "currencies" to grow too far, you will obviously drop down on other, and such cause unhappiness.

Not that it's a problem, the game isn't very difficult, and the different themes for venues, workplaces and homes are awesome. The skyscrapers look beautiful at night time, and you are able to create at least moderately stylish cities without "being unbalanced". *SnorT*

I like it. If I'd bought it full price it might've been different. But in essence it's nice, and I want to keep playing all the time, completely immerse and forget about space and time around me. Which is a quality this game still have, despite of not being the ancient original game.

And I just saw the Zelda: Twilight Princess trailer again, and now I just want to run downstairs and plug my Wii in. Iiih!!

900 - Letter to Singapore

2009-08-27T14:02:00.004+02:00

Dear Sigrid

I wouldn't say a lot has happened since you left. It has after all only been two days. But truthfully it kind of feels like a long time. Maybe because we've known about it and thought about it for such a long time it was if you already belonged in Singapore. Though of course, you do belong here, too. The weather's been rather gloomy, we're all slowly getting ill. Torstein is, Hamre and me, too. So the house is now just filled with snot, and dog's hair. Hamre, Torstein and Mum are driving down to Sweden tomorrow to take over our new summerhouse. They are bringing so much stuff with them that they've rented a van. We're all quite looking forward to seeing it and spending time together there. If the dogs knew what was going on, they'd be psyched too.

As for school we are already working on a case project in teams. Preparing a complete high conceptual design for a browser-based computergame in relation to the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. We have this one German guy in the group, he's good fun, but his ideas are pretty far out most of the time. And the introduction to the project was rather poor - so the teams are running about, frustrated and confused about what we are actually supposed to be doing. And there's a lot of formalities and paperwork that is time consuming, but most of it is fun to do, and some time in the future of the project we'll be pleased to have all that documentation. ... I hope.

Ulla is getting her hair cut today, it's necessary actually. And tomorrow night there'll be this huuge party at Betong for the entire school. Though I am not sure too many will show up. I wonder if anybody know it's happening, that's usually were we go wrong. Forgetting to hand out the invitations. But oh well.

We miss you and we think of you all the time, we'll all come visit sometime too, and then we'll bring you Norwegian necessities. And you have to take me to the botanical gardens because we didn't get a good look at the bonsai tree garden!

With love, Tora.

Here is a picture of you, doing what you do best - be fascinated and soulful on something really weird. Like this magnificent castle in Portugal you are here studying the map of. Too bad it came out blurry!

Oh, and this is, incidentally my post number 900! Whoha.

Tuesday morning

2009-08-25T09:04:00.003+02:00

Oh myy. If this lesson on Scrum gets any more interesting, we all might just exh-plode. Yesterday I bought Snow Patrol's "new" album (newest would be more appropriate, or most recent, obviously), that means "A Hundred Million Suns". And of course - Arctic Monkeys' "Humbug", which is actually still new. Though sadly, not as indie as I would ideally like it.

But then, I can't really win every time.

I'll have a good listen through, and then I'll tell you what I think. Not like you have a choice.

My sister went to Singapore today, or she is leaving today, that would be more accurate. I am truly happy for her because she's worked so hard all her life (she still does) and if anyone deserves such great career opportunities, it must be her. However it's really heart-breaking to be witnessing a couple like Sigrid and Axel being split across the globe once more. They don't deserve that.

My throat is all sore, so I had a Strepsils cough lozenge, but it really tasted awful, and it didn't make my throat any better either. I'd like some warm soup or some tea or perhaps some blackcurrant toddy. Today the forecast said rain. A perfect day to listen to "Pulling Our Weight" by Radio Department.

Here is a picture of dogs. They are Rottweillers. Meow. How cute is that? I want to be one too

Na'da

2009-08-18T14:17:00.004+02:00

It's a countdown for November going on in my mind, as per usual. Because then it will be NaNoWriMo again, and this year I am so full of ideas I have no clue how to battle them all into just 50,000 words. Whii!!!

School is starting on Monday, and that is super-exciting too. This post is about nothing in particular unfortunately, as I really don't have anything of interest to share with you.
Maybe some pictures?

From various places in Portugal, last November

Engines by Snow Patrol

2009-08-13T21:05:00.004+02:00

Have you really appreciated the abnormal wondrousness of "Engines" by Snow Patrol (Spotify) / (YouTube) ? Have you?

Have you?! I mean, I didn't *love* it at first, but it's really grown on me, and now it means the world.

3:20 in to the song, it gets so beautiful. It just makes me want to laugh and cry at once.

I have listened so much to this album (A Hundred Million Suns) that I know I have to buy it now. Snow Patrol will always remind me of Foss and all the fun we had together, especially "Chasing Cars"(Spotify) / (YouTube). That's a beautiful tune, too.

Thank you Foss, for showing me! And now, I am showing the rest of you!

(Probably for the hundred millionth time - when will I ever shut up about Snow Patrol you say? Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Leeet me think about that. uuumm.. Tchjaaaa... I'd say --- Hmmm... --Probably never). Maybe I should just create a seperate tag, "music" doesn't really cover it.

I know I love you like the silvered gold of dying days
I know I love you like an ancient history brought to life
I know I love you like the sunlit water on your skin
I know I love you like the million times I never said

Tree, Lisbon

Review: Doc' Stærk Cayenne - Liqorice

2009-08-12T17:25:00.005+02:00

Hi! How are you? How have you been? Anything interesing on the agenda? I have never written a review on troches (throat drops) before, but I tried this one today and it was, I must say, quite interesting.

Now all that fusion, new-exciting-flavours, "strawberries and balsamic vinegar", let's-explore-the-flavour-of-umami is old news. Everywhere people are trying to come up with new, trendy combinations of familiar things (or unfamiliar things too for that matter) to broaden the market and the potential of dull items. Crisps now have to taste of mozzarella and chorizo, or you need to reconsider what you really value in life. Parma ham mashed potato with a parsnip foam?
Like pretending to appreciate the sensation of unleashing the full, brute force of a sleek sirloin braised in a simmer of kurrat and tsampa (beef fried with leek and yak butter). You know "feel the delight of local grown food, while exploring asian cuisine". Easier said than done.

Though here, just a simple liqorice throat lozenge, slightly reinvented. Through easy steps, enhancing it with a bit of mint and pepper - and it's like a small step for lozenges, quite an interesting step for lozenge-kind. I wouldn't usually buy anything like this under the pretence of expecting it to taste good, it was all because the black coloured Stærk is delicious, but I was in need of variation.

The Cayenne stærk is in addition a blushing red, and in fact one of those cases where all the food-hype might have worked. I say might because, this has been such a long and boring day, and the Stærk seemed to have been my only highlight since I was left here alone to rot.

I would say they clear the throat, infuse your tastebuds with a not too peppery sensation, yet still feel very refreshing. It might not be worth it's price of 14,- for a whopping 25g, but then again everything sugarfree is usually overpriced. I have nothing else to say today. Maybe you would like it too?

Regular, black Stærk.

Make-up

2009-08-12T01:31:00.004+02:00

I don't know why we spend so much of our lives trying to improve the way we look. It is probably the biggest and most common obsession of all humans (perhaps except from among Lapps and Eskimos, generally - the people in the snow have given up).

I don't know, I think I spend about twenty minutes - half an hour a day (at least) trying to fudge on my mask of sanity before leaving the house, not to mention trying to shape my birdly head-nest into something that would at least look like hair. But then I do wear a lot of make-up, more than anyone I know who's not a goth, anyway. And so I guess this time-consuming process is more dominating in my world than in others.

Not only do I spend (probably at an average) three and a half hours a week just trying to look sane, but I am always left at a loss on the "nightwear" rule. Because the basic rule when you go out bar-hopping, clubbing or to a party somewhere - is that you do this wearing about 30% more make-up than you do in the daytime. This means I have to spend about an hour wedging my face on with an ironing board, two buckets of cement, a sledgehammer and a fondue fork (whilst curling my head-nest with a bunch of heavy-duty bolsters*). -- And I regularly come out looking as a clown anyway, absolutely nada like Megan Fox. Nada.

So, if you like me, sometimes feel like beauty-treatment and cosmetics is taking over your life (Audun); save time on grooming by skipping showers. You can simply simulate that you're showering while on the bus to school. Apparently this method is

A. Entertaining

B. Fun to do

C. Relatively dry (unless someone spit on you)

D. Cheap - saves the hot water, and the shampoo!

So, as I can't seem to rid myself of the habit on wearing face-paint before entering every day warfare, for now I am simply going to infuse my invigoriting cassoulet of smells with a splurt of sweat and a knob of pollution that's been allowed to yeast in my pores for a little while longer!

Now that's pretty disgusting! Smudge some pus on the bus!

*For you curious types - yes, apparently the make-up ritual is quizzically similar to construction work

Spice up your biscuits

2009-08-11T18:10:00.006+02:00

Mh! Hello you.

Now, how do you feel about storing your biscuits together with the spices?
I think it's just such a lovely way to bring a bit of extra multi-cultural excitement into your home on a daily basis.

Really. When I brew myself a warm, soothing pot of green tea with lemon, there is nothing better to me than the surprise of finding my packet of Bixit Oat biscuits to taste like enchiladas. This might not seem fair to you, because, as an unenlightened, you have not yet been introduced to the astounding world of post-flavouring an already flavoured biscuit. But in truth it couldn't be more obvious.

It only takes an already violated packet of your favourite biscuit to be unconventionally stored in the same drawer or shelf as say your barbecue seasoning or all the rosemary, cumin, thyme, garlic and taco spice you could possibly get your hands on. The more the merrier!

And the best of all is that it will only take one night. Just a casual one night stand with less-casual consequences. And the result, well - what can I say... ? You have never tasted anything quite like it. Forgive me for sounding so bitter, I probably shouldn't be eating those biscuits in the first place, but that couldn't be further from the point.

Obviously, unless you really are as weird as I would assume - there is nothing worse on the planet (perhaps, in a surreal way, apart from burnt raisins) than dipping your gjende-kjeks into an ice-cold glass of milk and to find it tasting like the Mattancherry Cochin spice market in Kochi.
What is your problem? Why can't you just put the poor, innocent biscuits in a different place, say, like up where we store the peanut butter and the syrup?

Why, I guess we'll just never know.