Everything & nothing

Paris

2012-02-19T22:57:00.000+01:00

I just visited my mom where we decided to execute our plans to take my niece to Paris not only to see the city but also visit Disneyland at the same time.

We decided to travel late in March departing on a Saturday morning and returning on Wednesday night. The average temperature approximate 10-15 degrees which should with some sun feel like an early Norwegian summer.

I booked a hotel located in the latin quarter close to Saint-Michel Metro & RER station for convenience. Trying to get most out of the trip. Besides easy to get a snack close by in those surroundings.

Just remembering myself as a child not being able to sleep due to excitement prior departures to foreign countries. I must say I look forward to go on this trip. Many impressions for a young lady to reflect on the first time in France & Paris. It is really great that her grandma and uncle can be a part of such memories :)

´night

QP, fries and a coke....

2012-02-18T20:35:00.001+01:00

My mom and my niece went to the cinema today. But happily they did have some minutes extra so we could spend some time together. So we managed to visit the city hall and consumed a cheeseburger at McDonald´s.

A small preview of the film and an accidental picture on my iPad whilst dining. Let´s say it´s practicing socializing before our Paris trip in April. Sadly enough we haven´t been able to spend enough time together during the years but I guess it´s easier as we move forward.

´night

Negroni

2012-02-18T18:18:00.000+01:00

The Negroni cocktail is made of one part gin, one part sweet (red) vermouth, and one part bitters, traditionally Campari. It is considered an apéritif.

Substitute the gin with soda water and you´ll have the delicious "Americano" however somewhat weaker than it´s big brother. Drinking aperitifs whilst browsing the menu...maybe chewing on some olives or crisps at the same time. Not a bad combination at all :)

Not bad?

´night

New niece :)

2012-02-05T22:37:00.000+01:00

I am happy to announce that I become uncle for the 2nd time on Thursday 06:51.

I made the trip this afternoon to view this small miracle for the first time. I´m not that used to kids especially babies so my brother of course handed this tiny black haired girl into my arms quite rapidly. It just strikes me how fragile we are whilst born. But I assume if she has inherited just fragments of my brother´s perseverance and attitude she will be very well off in life :)

´night

Lounge music.....

2012-01-29T16:43:00.002+01:00

I guess somewhat sensual but I must admit that I enjoy lounges and restaurants with soft background music.

Since you've been gone......

2012-01-29T14:13:00.000+01:00

Whhooaa, whhooaa, whhooaaaa

I get the same old dreams, same time every night
Fall to the ground and I wake up
So I get out of bed, put on my shoes, and in my head
Thoughts fly back to the break-up

These four walls are closing in
Look at the fix you've put me in

Since you been gone, since you been gone
I'm outta my head, can't take it
Could I be wrong, but since you been gone
You cast the spell, so break it
Oooohhh - Whhooooaaa - Ooooohhh
Since you been gone

So in the night I stand beneath the back street light
I read the words that you sent to me
I can take the afternoon, the night-time comes around too soon
You can't know what you mean to me

Your poisonED letter, your telegram
Just goes to show you don't give a damn

Since you been gone, since you been gone
I'm outta my head, can't take it
Could I be wrong, but since you been gone
You cast the spell, so break it
Oooohhh - Whhooooaaa - Ooooohhh
Since you been gone

[INTERLUDE]

If you will come back
Baby you know
You'll never do wrong

Huhhhhh

Since you been gone, since you been gone
I'm outta my head, can't take it
Could I be wrong, but since you been gone
You cast the spell, so break it
Oooohhh - Whhooooaaa - Ooooohhh
Ever since, you been gone

[GUITAR SOLO OUTRO]

Since you been gone, since you been gone
I'm outta my head, can't take it
Since you been gone, since you been gone

Fish!

2012-01-29T14:07:00.002+01:00

Fish and shellfish are of my definitive favorite meals. Everything ranging from prepared as sushi to boiled cod. Not forgetting crayfish and mussels...mmmm.......

I visited a place called "Fiskeriet" at Youngstorvet yesterday which is a combined store and restaurant where you can dine at the bar. I instantly liked this place so they will get a decent share of lunch/dining money during 2012.

A beer together with fish & chips was yesterdays lunch. Not bad, actually the best I´ve ever had :)

I´ll try the mussels next time which might be as soon as tomorrow......

Highly recommended :)

http://fiskeriet.com/

Saturday night 2

2012-01-22T17:42:00.000+01:00

Today she's been working she's been talking she's been smoking

but it'll be alright

'cause tonight we'll go dancing we'll go laughing we'll get car sick

and it'll be okay like everyone says it'll be alright and ever so nice

We're going out tonight out and about tonight.

Oh whatever makes her happy on a Saturday night

Oh whatever makes her happy whatever makes it alright.

Today she's been sat there sat there in a black chair, office

furniture,

but it'll be alright,

'cause tonight we'll go drinking we'll do silly things,

and never let the winter in,

And it'll be okay like everyone says, it'll be alright and ever so

nice,

We're going out tonight, out and about tonight.

Oh, whatever makes her happy on a Saturday night,

Oh, whatever makes her happy, whatever makes it alright.

We'll go to peepshows and freak shows,

We'll go to discos, casinos,

We'll go where people go and let go

oh whatever makes her happy

Saturday night

2012-01-22T17:32:00.004+01:00

Despite of heavy snow yesterday it was quite hard to get a table on any restaurant yesterday. But got lucky and managed to get a table for dinner at Fontes then walked over for desert at Le Benjamin (including a second bottle of wine) which ended up being a great combination.

I must recommend both these two informal bistros with a great atmosphere and excellent service.

´night

Holiday in February?

2012-01-22T13:27:00.001+01:00

We have had a two day meeting so I was completely exhausted on Friday night. I passed out on the couch approximately 10 am and woke up in the morning only to take a few steps into the bedroom and crawl under the duvet.

So my Saturday has been quite lazy drinking coffee and reading. Not done much but have planned a somewhat more effective Sunday. Currently spending the afternoon to find a nice place to go on vacation during February.

1. Vietnam

An initial trip to Ho-Chi-Minh City (Saigon), cruise on the Mekong and relaxing on Phu Quoc island would be great :)

However I guess there are many places that might be more in vicinity than Phu Quoc island so I don´t waste time on traveling. Apart from that according to some friends of mine the Hotel Rex is THE place to stay whilst in Saigon.

http://www.rexhotelvietnam.com/en/Default.aspx

2. Indonesia

Starting out in Jakarta and travel through Java and then maybe Bali is another alternative. But traveling through Java you also have several options of relaxing on a beach I assume.

Heard much positive about Yogyakarta; especially from my parents who adored this city whilst visiting several years ago during early 90´s I believe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogyakarta

3. India

I must say I need somewhat a beach holiday so Kerela would be a great option. Fly into Bangalore then travel towards the coast would be a great plan.

Second option would be arriving in New Dehli then see parts of the "golden triangel" with Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur. India is truly a vast land; roughly 10 times larger than Norway so I guess I´ll need more than a few trips to cover it all anyhow.

I plan to travel for approx not more than 10-12 days since I don´t fancy spending my whole holiday on an early stage this year. But I´ll book flights after my own sleep pattern to I guess the practicality will decide where I end up.

´day

A bit soft tonight?

2012-01-16T21:42:00.000+01:00

Pros and cons; Bag-in-Box?

2012-01-16T21:23:00.005+01:00

To be perfectly clear....wine is undisputedly more tasteful from a bottle. However you can´t open a full bottle just to quench your thirst on a Monday unless you are either;

A) an alcoholic
B) a student
C) on holiday
D) have an obvious reason to celebrate
E) dining out
F) on a pub with friends

Last but not least.....

G) sharing it with a beautiful woman: which indeed can justify a fine bottle of wine any day, any time, anywhere and everywhere......

Since I find myself outside of these segments as we speak I poured myself a glass of white wine from my Bag-in-Box on the lower shelf in my fridge.

A bit chilly but not to bad. Serving temperature Chablis Premier Cru as an aperitif roughly 10-12 degrees celcius however a petit you can flush down your throat way colder. Since my wine have ok but nothing more score on wine tests I assume 8 degrees would do anyhow.

In the end I guess I´m pro Bag-in-Box on a Monday night.

´cheers

Moccamen?

2012-01-15T18:27:00.002+01:00

I have heard the expression "speak your mind now or forever remain silent" quite frequently during the last years. But sometimes I think there might be wise listening to saying called "bite your tongue and forever remain silent" ;)

During national music awards in Norway a hillbilly band won a prize which was awarded by truly successful musicians called Madcon. However the hillbilly lead singer managed to pull off a poorly half racist comment from the stage referring to the Madcon duo´s dark skin and their most played hit roughly translated "poop men". If you pull it even further there is also a chocolate that many people above 75 years enjoy that it even makes it into a rhyme.

Then again I must admit that I feel that this is somewhat of "a storm in a water glass" in the end. I guess punishment enough is feeling stupid and ruining the band´s evening. End of story ;)

But back to Macon for a second......

Yes...... "beeeegiinnn...begiiiiiinn youuuuu" which was a hit some time ago. My former girlfriend in the UK who also happens to have her ancestry from Africa although being a British citizen and lived her whole life in Islington thought it was very funny with those Norwegian (?) guys with dreadlocks.

Having her teasing me on the bus singing "beeeegiiinn......begiiiiin youuuu" whilst heading home was both amusing and charming. And I must say also quite seducing in the end ;)

´night

Scoundrel days

2012-01-01T23:51:00.000+01:00

Was that somebody screaming...
It wasn't me for sure
I lift my head up from uneasy
pillows
Put my feet on the floor
Cut my wrist on a bad thought
And head for the door

Outside on the pavement
The dark makes no noise
I can feel the sweat on my lips
Leaking into my mouth
I'm heading out for the steep hills
They're leaving me no choice

And see...as our lives are in the making
We believe through the lies and the hating
That love goes free

For want of an option
I run the wind 'round
I dream pictures of houses burning
Never knowing nothing else to do
With death comes the morning
Unannounced and new

Was it too much to ask for
To pull a little weight...
They forgive anything but greatness
These are scoundrel days
And I'm close to calling out their names
As pride hits my face
See...as our lives are in the making
We believe through their lies and the hating
That love goes free through
scoundrel days

I reach the edge of town
I've got blood in my hair
Their hands touch my body
From everywhere
But I know that I've made it
As I run into the air

And see...as our lives are in the making
We believe through the lies and the hating
That love goes free
Through scoundrel days

Goals for 2012?

2012-01-01T23:48:00.000+01:00

I have set up a goal list almost every year. I bit ambitious and career orientated I guess. And to be honest I am not that sure if this years list will be that different in the end. But I think to the very least it will be with some alterations or improvements ;)

1)
Looking back 2011 has been quite eventful in my life. The decision to return to Oslo felt a bit odd but then again I´m confident it was the correct one. To see possibilities in the future are what motivates and fuels my engagement to work hard every day. Not that my engagement faded in any way but it must be fun since I always have spent much time at work. When I had solved most of the obstacles for the UK subsidiary within finance I felt it was limited further career options if I stayed. It was therefore not much of an option to stay but a bit sad since I enjoy London and many people that I care about. But on the other hand I´m very thankful for being back with friends and family.

But then again I have ambitions. So if opportunities like working in another country or different positions arise please do count me in. I do enjoy a good expat experience or in general most challenges :) Besides I have now the experience and a possible relocation will go somewhat smoother this time......

2)
Secondly one of my best colleagues got some serious heart problems whilst on work a couple of months ago. Apart from being my boss within finance he is also a very close friend. He´s only 5 years older than me and it made med rethink my own life as well. There is a thin line between life and death. And what do you need money or a career path if you don´t manage to work and having a life quality at the same time? Or pass away early due to stress? Making sacrifices are quite different from making priorities ;)

I have decided not to go on certain trips that my friends have. Like Vietnam, Japan or sailing in the caribbean. I must say something that I really do regret. One of my passions in life is to see and experience new places. Especially those with historical importance. So I guess my priority will be going to exotic places and plan it thoroughly during next year.

So in 2012 I will take action to visit at least two different continents; then making this a habit in the future ;)

3)
Besides if I don´t keep track of time and don´t give relationships priority I guess I will suddenly end up as a middle aged unhappy male with everything but nothing. It is a proven fact that those people who have a family have a better life quality.

I told my UK MD whilst working on Valentines day 9:30 pm last year that I would have preferred to stare into a different set of eyes and will do so in 2012. I guess that must be a valid goal on such a list?

4)
I must be better to value everyday life and not necessarily chase happiness but appreciate the small things even more. To achieve true happiness I think a key ingredient must be slowing down the pace and truly enjoy, value and embrace moments like yesterday night :)

Anything more to add? Not at the moment, but will do some thinking during next week and do a second part ;)

´night

Same procedure as last year.....

2012-01-01T22:13:00.002+01:00

As last year spent the evening celebrating with friends at E & K´s flat. Got a terrific welcome whilst entering the door yesterday from their young daughter. She grabbed hold of my finger when I tried to shake her hand and pulled me into the hall. Obviously not one of those shy ones.........;)

In total 14 people was attending this year. A great tradition since you see people more seldom nowadays and such nights are a great opportunity to simply catch up. And further I think I never have experienced a dull moment whilst attending a party at the host and hostess place ever ;) So the foundation for a great night was definitely in place as always :)

Delicious food including a tasty appetizer then a huge and juicy turkey as main course. Must also say that the ginger Margarita as a welcome drink was definitive a success. The dessert was brownies which is my favorite. Since most of the tasks was delegated I decided to bring a couple of magnum bottles with Champagne. I have a weak spot (or dry spot if you insist) when it comes to this tasty beverage.

Moët & Chandon (French pronunciation: [moɛt ay shah-DAUH} or Moët, is a French winery and co-owner of the luxury goods company Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton. Moët et Chandon is one of the world's largest champagne producers and a prominent champagne house. The company holds a Royal Warrant to supply champagne to Elizabeth II. Moët et Chandon was established in 1743 by Claude Moët, and today owns more than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of vineyards, and annually produces approximately 26,000,000 bottles of champagne.

It got quite late yesterday so I haven´t been up to much today except sleeping and relaxing. But then again I interpret that as a sign of a successful entry to 2012.

´night

Lounge music ;)

2011-12-29T16:39:00.000+01:00

Domaine Vacheron Sancerre

2011-12-25T16:45:00.001+01:00

My favorite white wine; Sauvignon Blanc 100% made in Sancerre, Loire Valley.

A vibrant, 100% organic/biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc from a mix of flint and chalk soils in the heart of Sancerre. Aromas suggest grapefruit zest and gunflint; in the mouth the wine is pure and fresh, with plenty of mineral energy and citrus flavors. Indispensable with fresh oysters or young goat cheese. The Vacheron family is one of the older and certainly most respected producers of organic wines in the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley spanning 280 kilometres (170 mi), is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France. Its area comprises approximately 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi). It is referred to as the Cradle of the French Language, and the Garden of France due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards, and artichoke, asparagus, and cherry fields which line the banks of the river. Notable for its historic towns, architecture and wines, the valley has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic period. In 2000, UNESCO added the central part of the Loire River valley to its list of World Heritage Sites.

A failure or a mistake?

2011-12-25T15:46:00.000+01:00

A failure is a project that doesn't work, an initiative that teaches you something at the same time the outcome doesn't move you directly closer to your goal.

A mistake is either a failure repeated, doing something for the second time when you should have known better, or a misguided attempt (because of carelessness, selfishness or hubris) that hindsight reminds you is worth avoiding.

We need a lot more failures, I think. Failures that don't kill us make us bolder, and teach us one more way that won't work, while opening the door to things that might. School confuses us, so do bosses and families. Go ahead, fail. Try to avoid mistakes, though.

Turbulence?

2011-12-25T15:33:00.002+01:00

I had an interesting conversation with one of my best colleagues a few days ago. He usually tends to add some wise words or quotes from either a famous person or simply a blog from the internet as the last spice whilst rounding up his argumentation.

We discussed moreover attitude and the ability to strive for perfection and development. I guess a lot of it actually depends on your attitude towards turbulence and changes which is constant. My colleague sent me these sentences that he found on a blog I assume a while ago;

"Unexpected turbulence? Is there really any other kind?

If we see turbulence coming, we tend to avoid it. The art is in knowing that turbulence might come and looking forward to it, bracing for it and embracing it at the same time.

If your plan will only succeed if there is no turbulence at any time, it's probably not a very good plan (either that or you're not going anywhere interesting.)"

I don't think these sentences need any further interpretiation ;) But it sums up an attitude. I must say that I enjoy a good discussion and if your opponent is challenging you the possibility of gaining knowledge and broaden your horizon are within reach. I guess also a discussion is be a part of preparing to face turbulance further down the road.

Waste of time before Christmas? Think not; I had to make quite a few notes whilst discussing............

'night

Melanie Pain (Nouvelle Vague)

2011-12-25T14:41:00.001+01:00

Quand tu verras des nuages
Assombrir notre route
Quand tu entendras l’orage
J’aimerais que tu m’écoutes
J’aimerais que tu restes sage
Et que dans la déroute
Tu garde cette image
D’un cœur qui doute

Je ne suis peut-être pas
Celle que je crois, celle que tu vois
Peut-être suis-je meilleure
Peut-être pas, peut-être pas

Même soleil sous un ciel gris
Même désert, même pluie
Même envie qui s’enfuit
Vers des ombres qui sourient
Même ennui d’une même vie
Car le bonheur a son prix
Et n’accorde aucun crédit
Aux cœurs qui doutent

Je ne suis peut-être pas
Celle que je crois, celle que tu vois
Peut-être suis-je meilleure
Peut-être pas, peut-être pas
Que celle qui tombe à chaque pas
Celle que tu crois, celle que je vois
Peut-être suis-je meilleure
Peut-être pas, peut-être pas

Si tu as vu des nuages
Assombrir notre route
Si tu as entendu l’orage
Pendant que tu m’écoutes
J’aimerais que tu sois resté sage
Et que dans la déroute
Tu aies gardé cette image
D’un cœur qui doute

Cojones? Sissy?

2011-12-19T23:18:00.002+01:00

I think the bloke that added these purses to the original picture has a great sense of humor. I must admit that the lads look somewhat feminine in their act. I do however understand why there is need for protecting certain places of the body when somebody is kicking a football as hard as they can. But then again where are the "cojones" here may I ask? Sissy boys?

Cojones (Spanish pronunciation: [koˈxones]) is a vulgar Spanish word for testicles or, denoting courage when used in the phrase "tener cojones" or "vaya patatal" (equivalent to English "have the balls to"). It is considered a curse word when used by itself as an expletive in Spanish. In English, as a loanword, it means courage, brazenness, "nerve", "guts", etc.

Sissy (derived from sister; also sissy baby, sissy boy, etc.) is a pejorative term for a boy or man who violates or does not meet the traditional male gender role. Generally, sissy implies a lack of the courage and stoicism which are thought important to the male role. A man might also be considered a sissy for being interested in traditionally feminine hobbies or employment (for example going to meditation sessions, cooking, etc..), for displaying effeminate behavior (for example, saying "mua mua" before hanging up the phone or using creams -especially in the office), for being unathletic, or for being homosexual.

Jeepster

2011-12-17T13:09:00.000+01:00

You're so sweet, you're so fine
I want you all and ev'rything just to be mine
'Cos you're my baby, 'cos you're my love
Oh girl I'm just a jeepster for your love

You slide so good with bones so fair
You've got the universe reclining in your hair
'Cos you're my baby, yes you're my love
Oh girl I'm just a jeepster for your love

Just like a car you're pleasing to be hold
I'll call you Jaguar if I may be so bold
'Cos you're my baby, 'cos you're my love
Oh girl I'm just a jeepster for your love - oh

The wild winds blow upon your frozen cheeks
The way you flip your hip it always makes me weak
'Cos you're my baby, 'cos you're my love
Oh girl I'm just a jeepster for your love - oh

Your motivation is so sweet
Your vibrations are all burning up my feet
'Cos you're my baby, mmh, 'cos you're my love
Oh girl I'm just a jeepster for your love
I said girl I'm just a vampire for your love
I'm gonna suck you

Oh-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o wow
A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a ow, wow yeah, vampire!

Pretty please, with sugar on top......

2011-12-16T20:35:00.000+01:00

Discussed how to act whilst on work with one of my best colleagues. He of course reminded me of the part in "pulp fiction" where "the wolf" appears on the scene. Sometimes time is a factor and you don´t have time to wrap your statements in that much.

Vincent: A "please" would be nice.

The Wolf: Come again?

Vincent: I said a "please" would be nice.

The Wolf: Get it straight, Buster. I'm not here to say "please". I'm here to tell you what to do. And if self-preservation is an instinct you possess, you better fucking do it and do it quick. I'm here to help. If my help's not appreciated, lots of luck, gentlemen.

Jules: No no, Mr. Wolfe, it's not like that. Your help is definitely appreciated.

Vincent: Look, Mr. Wolfe, I respect you. I just don't like people barking orders at me, that's all.

The Wolf: If I'm curt with you, it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast, and I need you two guys to act fast if you want to get out of this. So pretty please, with sugar on top, clean the fucking car.

Eurodisney

2011-12-16T20:23:00.000+01:00

I went to my cousins birthday who just turned 30 a few weeks ago and as always I had a great time. I must say I really enjoy to spend time with my family. But for some reason the menu was made up of hot dogs and sodas. Of course due to all the kids running around.....seems like there is an addition every time we meet :)

But back to my initial story; I was socializing and eating hot dogs like everybody else when my beautiful and charming niece barely 9 years old sat down on my lap and posed a question.

"Uncle......you know.......uuhmmm......could we go to Paris?"

Which I responded;

"of course.......when do you want to go?"

The reason is of course quite simple. It´s called Eurodisney. But I have yet to experience Versailles which I assume would be her ultimate destination as well. Besides I also have an alibi for going to an amusement park. So I guess we are up for a trip quite soon.........;)

My new car

2011-12-13T18:19:00.001+01:00

I had decided to buy an Audi A4 Allroad. Unfortunately the model is getting a "facelift" and they did not take any more orders before late December with delivery ranging up to 4-5 months. I can´t wait 6 months before receiving a new car.

So what car did I buy instead ? Europe´s most sold car. Boring. Traditional. Small. Durable. Limited value loss.

I ended up with a grey Volkswagen Golf 1.6 Diesel 2011. However with Tiptronic, Navigation system, parking assist, sports seats.....fairly much all kinds of extra equipment and only 15.500 km on the road. Besides I also fully financed it through my savings account :)

But I´m quite certain that I will eventually end up with the Audi in the end. But in the meantime this was not a bad solution. But maybe to much sensible?

´night

Cant´t get no satisfaction?

2011-12-13T06:45:00.000+01:00

s

satisfaction,
satisfaction.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no.

When I'm drivin' in my car
and a man comes on the radio
he's tellin' me more and more
about some useless information
supposed to fire my imagination.
I can't get no, oh no no no.
Hey hey hey, that's what I say.

I can't get no satisfaction,
I can't get no satisfaction.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no.

When I'm watchin' my TV
and a man comes on to tell me
how white my shirts can be.
Well he can't be a man 'cause he doesn't smoke
the same cigarrettes as me.
I can't get no, oh no no no.
Hey hey hey, that's what I say.

I can't get no satisfaction,
I can't get no girly action.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no.

When I'm ridin' round the world
and I'm doin' this and I'm signing that
and I'm tryin' to make some girl
who tells me baby better come back later next week
'cause you see I'm on losing streak.
I can't get no, oh no no no.
Hey hey hey, that's what I say.

I can't get no, I can't get no,
I can't get no satisfaction,
no satisfaction, no satisfaction, no satisfaction.

Vitality and dissatisfaction

2011-12-13T06:41:00.001+01:00

I got up 4 am this morning to work on a presentation that I tried to finish approximately 10 pm yesterday. Not bad getting out of bed early actually; listening to music whilst most of the city still asleep and getting some work done. I have been quite productive so I´m currently having a small break writing some words and have just poured myself a new cup of fresh coffee.

Reflections.........

Speaking of leadership talents; the most important is maintaining a drive within yourself to make progress and being constantly on the lookout for improvements. Never giving up nor being fully satisfied. Secondly I´d say it is truly seeing and understanding people but that is a different story.

One of my best colleagues who also happens to be a very good friend sent me a mail on Friday with these wise words; he briefly mentioned it on Wednesday when we happened to have some glasses of wine at a french brasserie...........

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

Martha Graham

I had to smile when I read his mail this morning. I still get out of bed when most people would have been satisfied with the initial draft of the presentation from last night. I guess he knows me to well after many years ;)

´morning

Recipes

2011-12-12T22:38:00.001+01:00

Don Draper´s favorite drink; Old Fashioned......

Roger Sterling´s favorite drink; Gibson Martini

Drinking habits

2011-12-12T22:29:00.001+01:00

I must say my favorite show is "mad men". No other show even comes close in my opinion. Apart from Don Draper I think his boss Roger Sterling is the greatest character. Especially when it comes to lifestyle. Pouring drinks before meetings seems like a great habit to me. But I guess drinking helps their creativity. In my line of work I guess it would be moreover an obstacle so I´ll remain sober.

Found these statistics on the net....

Confessions of a shopaholic

2011-12-12T21:45:00.001+01:00

To be quite honest; I have been a quite nice boy during 2011. So Santa Claus has been VERY generous towards my list that I recently posted of what I want for Christmas. He even has decided to be ahead of the 24th to make sure that I would´t die of excitement nor of surprise on the big day. Today he really gave me something great :) Thanks......

Denon DBP 2012UD BLU RAY PLAYER

http://www.whathifi.com/review/denon-dbp-2012ud

http://www.hifiklubben.no/produkter/hjemmekino/blu-ray/denon_dbp-2012ud_blu-ray-spiller_sort.htm#test

Citroen deux chevaux-vapeur

2011-12-11T22:42:00.002+01:00

Visited my mom today. Nice visit as always :) But what fascinated me today is that one her neighbors has a Citroen 2CV parked in the garage below her flat. Quite simple appearance might someone say but it has a quite unique and charming design. Not much of a car in current weather conditions but............

The Citroën 2CV (French: “deux chevaux” i.e. “deux chevaux-vapeur [fiscaux]”, literally “two tax horsepower”) was an economy car produced by the French car manufacturer Citroën between 1948 and 1990. It was technologically advanced and innovative, but with uncompromisingly utilitarian unconventional looks, and deceptively simple Bauhaus inspired bodywork,[3] that belied the sheer quality of its underlying engineering. It is considered one of Citroën's most iconic cars. It was designed for low cost, simplicity of use, versatility, reliability, and off-road driving. For this it had a light, easily serviceable engine, extremely soft long travel suspension (with height adjustment by lengthening/shortening of tie rods, high ground clearance, and for oversized loads a car-wide canvas sunroof.

Illusion.......

2011-12-09T22:38:00.002+01:00

An illusion is a distortion of the senses, revealing how the brain normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation. While illusions distort reality, they are generally shared by most people. Illusions may occur with more of the human senses than vision, but visual illusions, optical illusions, are the most well known and understood.

I find it quite extraordinary that your mind can be tricked to see something differently than it really does. It seems real but in fact is just an illusion. Some illusions are based on general assumptions the brain makes during perception. So reality might not be reality after all...........

Hemingway

2011-12-04T19:45:00.002+01:00

There are few people that has lived such an interesting life like this extraordinary man. A life spanning through two world wars, the roaring twenties in Paris, Cuba, Nobel literature prize, 4 wifes (???) and so much more.

Ernest Miller Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961) was an American author and journalist. His economical and understated style had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction, while his life of adventure and his public image influenced later generations. Hemingway produced most of his work between the mid-1920s and the mid-1950s, and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Hemingway

I admire certain people for their way of life. Hemingway a man truly passionate about life constantly living life on the edge.

´night

Magic???

2011-12-01T19:32:00.000+01:00

This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I met you
And then it happened
It took me by suprise
I knew that you felt it too
I could see it by the look in your eyes

Sweeter than wine
Softer than a summer's night
Everything I want, I have
Whenever I hold you tight

This magic moment,
While your lips are close to mine,
Will last forever,
Forever, 'til the end of time

So why won't you dance with me?
Why won't you dance with me?

This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I met you

And then it happened
It took me by suprise
I knew that you felt it too
I could see it by the look in your eyes

Sweeter than wine
Softer than a summer's night
Everything I want, I have
Whenever I hold you tight

Ratatouille

2011-11-30T22:01:00.001+01:00

Got home quite late tonight but decided to cook an easy version of this traditional side dish.........

Ratatouille is usually served as a side dish, but also may be served as a meal on its own (accompanied by pasta, rice or bread). Tomatoes are a key ingredient, with garlic, onions, courgettes (zucchini), aubergine (eggplant), poivron (bell peppers), carrot, marjoram and basil, or bay leaf and thyme, or a mix of green herbs like herbes de Provence.

It also reminded me of an entertaining film called ratatouille about a rat that dreams of becoming a star chef in Paris.

´night

Nina Simone

2011-11-27T14:15:00.000+01:00

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music. Simone aspired to become a classical pianist while working in a broad range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop.

Her musical path changed direction after she was denied a scholarship to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, despite a well-received audition. Simone was later told by someone working at Curtis that she was rejected because she was black.She then began playing in a small club in Philadelphia to fund her continuing musical education to become a classical pianist and was required to sing as well. Her intuitive grasp on the audience-performer relationship was gained from a unique background of playing piano accompaniment for church revivals and sermons regularly from the early age of six years.

After 20 years of performing, she became involved in the civil rights movement and the direction of her life shifted once again. Simone's music was highly influential in the fight for equal rights in the US.

Travelling

2011-11-26T15:20:00.001+01:00

Been quite busy traveling lately. Since I returned to Norway late September I´ve managed to visit several interesting places.

1.
Paris, France

I booked a flight on Sunday and travelled on Friday night. Spent the weekend together with 2 friends and experienced even Lido this time. Never been on top of "Arc Triomphe" before so I did actually make it this time :) Whilst strolling on the sidewalk next to the Seine I really did enjoy the view of the small island where Notre Dame is located. Almost like a fairy tale?

http://www.lido.fr/us/

2.
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Decided to visit the people I stayed with one year in southern Illinois. Exciting to see people and I don´t regret it a bit to spend some time down there. The funny part was that I decided to rent a comfy car; did go for a full size SUV. Everything is big in the US = FULL SIZE. So I could actually drive 8 persons in that car not only a short Norwegian with a small suitcase.............

3.
Belgrade, Serbia

Quite exciting traveling with two good colleagues. One of them have serb parents and speaks the language fluently. So we had it quite enjoyable with our own guide and meeting up with locals.

4.
London, UK

Had to go back to work a couple of days last week. So I decided to spend one day more and just relax and do some shopping. Not bad...........

5.
What will this winter/spring bring? Well, was thinking about either Vietnam or India. Probably the first alternative. Also thinking about a weekend trip to France with a friend as well.

´night

Lakeview man

2011-11-04T00:04:00.001+01:00

z

Betty called the sheriff, said come quick
Somebody broke in my freezer and stole all my steaks
The dog is still hiding, the sheriff said ma'am
Sounds to me like the Lakeview Man

The Lakeview Man is a wild man
Lives in the woods outside of town
Howls at the moon, listen if you can
And you might hear the Lakeview Man

Some say he was a soldier who came home from war
All in one piece but with emotional scars
Agree on the story, argue about the date
Vietnam or the War Between the States

CHORUS

I took the shortcut to the river last night
A beard and a blur in the long beam lights
We drank a few beers, skipped a few stones
And I drove a little faster on the way back home

A dog disappears, a cow is found dead
A chicken is missing, found missing it's head
Shotgun gone, print in the sand
Two toes shy, the Lakeview Man

CHORUS

CHORUS

Kristiansand

2011-11-03T23:48:00.000+01:00

Spent the last two days in Kristiansand on the southern tip of Norway. Meeting during the days and a couple of pints during the evening. Altogether quite productive days........

The city was named after its founder King Christian IV in 1641. The last element sand refers to the sandy headland the city was built on (see also Lillesand).

The name was written "Christian(s)sand" (for "Christians sand" - meaning en:[King] "Christian's Sand") until 1877 - then, according to an official spelling reform (that changed ch to k), the form was changed to "Kristianssand". (See also the names Kristiansund and Kristiania that were affected by the same reform.) The name was again changed to its present form Kristiansand in 1889.

Must say I appreciate my good colleagues. There is always something to pick up on learnings from each other. I guess the best ones usually pick up on what others has worked on in the past and then are able to it to amend it to their own practice. A group also can give you a confirmation on own actions as well. So never a waste of time to meet up and discussing best practice approaches :)

´night

Neues......Hi-Fi.....

2011-11-02T00:07:00.000+01:00

I decided it was finally time to invest in a new Hi-Fi system. Some would maybe say a bit on the expensive side but then again this is not something that you buy very often. Good equipment lasts for years and considering that I might use these components almost every day it´s not that bad of a deal. Besides the black color is quite timeless and I did choose a downscaled set of speakers that could fit any living room in the future.

Denon DCD1510AE CD player

Denon PMA1510AE Amplifier

Denon DP300F Turntable

Bowers & Wilkins CM8

Sonos connect (Wi-Fi streaming)

And of course the streaming through Sonos with software like Spotify is just magnificent :) The turntable might be a bit luxurious but I have always envied people with a decent record collection. Besides to me a record contributes to an atmosphere at home. Might be somewhat comparable to living candles?

´night

Set fire to the rain.......

2011-07-13T20:10:00.000+02:00

I love the voice of this girl........

Mountain tops.....

2011-07-13T20:07:00.000+02:00

Ein.......

I'm taking the next two days partially off and whole of next week to clear up my mind and keep the devil down in the hole ;)

Zwei.....

I'm really looking forward to my mother, brother and niece arrives here in London on Saturday morning. Unfortunately my sister-in-law could not come this time but we'll probably get some another chance later on in life. I have tried my best to find a nice schedule with experiences for them to enjoy this great city as much as possible. Although somewhat short time but still enough to really enjoying life together.

Drei......

There is also one another positive experience that I did not expect but worth pursuing in the days, weeks and maybe years to come.

'night

Way down the hole

2011-07-13T19:44:00.002+02:00

Long time since I've written any posts on this blog. The reason is quite simple; it's due to overwhelming job pressure. The job consumes your mind, heart and spirit and in the end you are almost completely against the edge and looking into the deep abyss below. It's in such times you need to set limits and walk away. The most important is making sure to get much needed physical exercise/rest to keep your mind stabile, sharpened and focused. It's only then you will prioritize the right activities and truly be effecient. And not do misjudgements hence increasing the risks for making terrible mistakes with possible fatal consequences.

Unfortunately; despite of several hard learnings during former years I need to learn more about taking care about myself in such periods. Quantity is not quality and getting rest/exercise is equally important. If I can't handle this better I need to strongly relieve myself of any further ambitions and career directly as we speak.

I made a large misjudgement this week that I would normally never have let myself commit under normal circumstances. Something that seemed unimportant turned out to be a pit of quicksand that I barely managed to pull myself out from. I will also add the word hope to this sentence due to the fact I still have quicksand around my anchles.

But saying that after a trip down in the valley there is usually a journey up to a mountain top again. Like I have said before; if you haven't been down into enough valleys through a lifetime you would hardly appreciate and understand the greatness of standing on a mountain top again. And the further down you are from a mountain top the further down into you the valley you descend. Life is truly a rollercoaster of good and bad.

I think these lyrics by Tom Waits are great; the song is a cover version by the blind boys of Alabama and theme music to "the wire" season 1. It somewhat represents and sums up my state of mind tonight.......

When you walk through the garden
you gotta watch your back
well I beg your pardon
walk the straight and narrow track
if you walk with Jesus
he's gonna save your soul
you gotta keep the devil
way down in the hole
he's got the fire and the fury
at his command
well you don't have to worry
if you hold on to Jesus hand
we'll all be safe from Satan
when the thunder rolls
just gotta help me keep the devil
way down in the hole
All the angels sing about Jesus' mighty sword
and they'll shield you with their wings
and keep you close to the lord
don't pay heed to temptation
for his hands are so cold
you gotta help me keep the devil
way down in the hole

'night

Designer clothes

2011-05-01T19:05:00.000+02:00

I must admit that I do have a collection and rarely buy anything of non branded apparel. But I still do find this clip hilarious.......

'day :)

Opportunities

2011-04-18T14:07:00.000+02:00

Being patient is a good quality but not in all situations. It can actually end up putting a lid on identifying new opportunities that arise. Timing to seize an opportunity is extremely important. If you really want something you need to go out and get it.

Seize the day ;)

'day

Compassionate?

2011-04-18T14:04:00.001+02:00

People never do stop to surprise me. I always look for the good qualities in people. But nevertheless if there is no or limited compassionate part in the equation there is in my opinion really no foundation for a good personality. The ability to see other people’s needs placed before your own are important and together with this be able to identify how you can do positive & caring gestures for other individuals. Sometimes you might give more than receiving but most of the time you end up landing on your feet with a positive surplus.

I think a relationship is about giving and receiving with trust thus creating a balance. If you are focused on giving and in a relationship with the right person this will certainly contribute to a pleasant future together. The equation will definitely end up in plus. However if you realize that you give more than is to be expected and this seems to end up mostly in one direction there is no need to be stupid either.

Sometimes it is hard to accept but why put more on stake when you can see how it will most likely turn out further down the road. But then again if you are not willing to take chances and throw in some “blue chips” on the table at all you will probably never achieve true love in the end either. But sometimes there is no need to throw in more chips than needed if you are in a loosing position. Then you take the loss and start a new game. There is always a delicate and challenging balance but so is life in general.

But if you realize there are few alternatives and approaches you haven’t tried there is not much left to do. You are left with a choice of being honest & fair versus not hurting someone. And in some cases there is just a question of time before the opposite happens anyway. In the end it is the choice of two evils some will say but the inability to decide might be the third and largest evil. So then it is just to rip off the band aid and prepare for new cards to be distributed on the table.

'day

Pink lady 2

2011-04-04T22:43:00.006+02:00

Got a message today that made me more determined on Singapore then Malaysia instead of Perth, Australia. In order to plan I decided to go into Soho and have a couple of drinks on a great place called Milk & Honey (where I'm a member).

http://www.timeout.com/london/bars/venue/2:15086/milk-honey

The great thing about such places is that you book a table and have an own bartender that are assigned to you like a waiter. Dark bars with jazz background music are my thing. Anyhooo....went with a Pink Lady ;) which tasted like a proper ladies drink - moreover a dessert. Ok I guess but white lion is still my favorite.

'Ta

Pink lady

2011-04-02T22:10:00.000+02:00

In the Nordics most people use 500:- notes all the time without even hesitating. In the UK the equivalent note £50 is seldom used and not directly appreciated. Usually checked in every possible way when recieved at the tills. Same thing in the US with large notes.

But if you exchange currency at the airport you end up with some of these. One of my best colleauges noticed I paid with a £50 once which resulted in a smile asking if I was rich since paying with a pink lady.

'evening

Work

2011-03-27T01:25:00.000+01:00

I had to work today but when I finished off approx 6 pm I decided that Ikea was the place to go. The distance to Wembley is not far but with London traffic.......

Anyhow got a lot of cheap stuff to my flat. It had to be cheap since I bought an expensive bed last week at John Lewis. But then again if you buy quality it will last for several years and I assume that a good madrass will improve my sleep. I did go for super king size; they also had what they called Emperor size but I felt it would be somewhat of an overkill. I still can sleep in all directions of the bed ;)

Going to Stockholm tmrw morning. I was a bit surprised when I checked in; BA had actually set up an 767 on this flight.
I
Anyhow I need some sleep....

'night

Moving weekend

2011-03-20T20:21:00.003+01:00

Moved everything on Saturday. Well Aussie moving moved everything that is; or shall we more specifically say Polish moving instead? Anyhow the two guys made an extremely good effort. I did not envy lifting my heavy oak furniture down narrow halls & stairs. I placed most of the stuff while the guys carried up things to the new flat. It's fairly smart to think about this while you are packing. Getting more structured every time I'm moving.

The full cleaning was carried out by two Rumenians. Again booked through a British company. They cleaned everything including shelves and drawers. Not bad. Especially when thinking about myself taking the bus up to Kings Road and having breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. A French inspired bakery chain serving fresh and healthy meals throughout several countries.

Used 2-3 hours on eating and drinking coffee while booking flights to Australia through Singapore + reading The Times. I enjoy looking through alternatives finding connections, best prices and different alternatives. Even a flight schedule adapted to my sleeping pattern. And inbound flight to London I just had to fly an Airbus 380 = Quantas.

I got up before 6 am both days but I must admit getting up that early extends the weekend a lot. I must become more diciplined in using the weekends much better....

'night

New picture........

2011-03-13T23:07:00.000+01:00

I guess I'm a bit lost in tango, wine and latino culture in general. Which of course includes dark haired ladies in black dresses. So on impulse today.....

Moving preperations

2011-03-12T23:27:00.000+01:00

It's been quite busy last year so I haven't actually ordered Wi-Fi for my flat. So since I'm moving I decided to buy the whole package from Sky with channels & broadband. Including sports & films. You might search the net for better deals but I enjoy then possibility to have as few suppliers as possible. Makes it easier when moving next time.........

Booked a moving agency......couldn't resist so I ended up with "Aussie Man & van"

Booked a local cleaning company since the Aussie's didn't have competitive pricing (saved £100).....but it remains to see how much I actually saved ;)

New furniture? Yes, also working on that detail......

'night

Barrica

2011-03-06T10:45:00.001+01:00

Simple Tapas place in Fitzrovia close to Goodge street underground station. According to the Timeout guide the best served tapas in the city to reasonable prices. And a great wine list in general. I enjoy when places have a somewhat broader selection by the glass but the Douro I choose was just magnificent. The online booking was simple and I got a phone call about 2 pm to confirm the table.

One of the best tapas places I have visited actually; so I assume that it is no the last time I drop by........

'day

What happened?

2011-03-04T21:24:00.000+01:00

I'm going to Australia in April. Decided on Tuesday. Probably flying through Singapore and I might go past Sidney at the same time then to Perth on the west coast.

Down under but still the commonwealth and the empire where the sun never sets ;)

'night

New flat

2011-02-27T23:01:00.000+01:00

Just closed a deal on a new flat in Richmond which is located a bit further west from where I currently live in London. The district line, the overground and national rail services makes travelling in and out of central London fairly simple. In additional A316 makes it easy to reach both M3 and M4 to get out of London.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_London

The flat itself is brand new and have a very high standard. It also includes allocated secure parking. Only concern is maybe the traffic on Lower Mortlake Road that might become slighly annoying. But the bedrooms are located in the back end of the flat so it should not be a problem. But traffic is a general problem in the whole city so it's either dealing with it or move to Essex ;)

I have also extended my work contract so I'm staying a bit longer than anticipated here in the UK. But then again I'm getting a bit fond of this small island.....

'night

Oxford

2011-02-27T13:08:00.000+01:00

Most people have probably heard about this university town. Yesterday I had the experience of consuming a great indian meal, attending a suberb comedy show and in the end got fairly pissings together with the locals. I decided today that while on the road for recovery some fashion shopping at Bicester village would be helpful.

Oxford is a city, and the county town of Oxfordshire, in South East England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through Oxford and meet south of the city centre. For a distance of some 10 miles (16 km) along the river, in the vicinity of Oxford, the Thames is known as the Isis.

But first of all; a large coke and a "homemade" cheeseburger.

'day

Out of petrol

2011-02-17T11:06:00.000+01:00

When I woke up yesterday I had that sickness feeling that just got strengthened during the day. 3 pm I left work and crashed directly into bed. Usually I sleep most flu like illnesses off but unfortuntately that was not the case this time so I had to stay home today. On days like yesterday I use so much energy to keep up and on track so at the end of the day I had have trouble standing on my feet.

So I'm sitting here (after sending a few job messages) wrapped in sheets in the sofa drinking hot chocolate. Quite irritating actually since I have important deadlines that I can't miss out on but I guess a day at work would not be very effective in the end. And of course the probability for making mistakes is higher so it was a good decision to remain at home.

'day

Italian drama.....

2011-02-08T23:21:00.001+01:00

I visited Rome and Naples in October. I thought these warning illustrations on the underground in Rome was maybe somewhat dramatic? Maybe a bit over the edge?

I think definitely the guy that gets his crouch stuck in the door is the most dramatic of them all. Secondly probably the guy where it indicates that he has gotten his butt stuck when the doors slammed together while the train is about to leave the station. Or is it just simply a message to "mind the gap"?

'night

Space?

2011-02-08T22:58:00.000+01:00

Some people fill up the room; in this setting methaphorically speaking of course. Some people just because they are self confident and posess knowledge or maybe just have a good sense of humour. Some people however sadly because they have a large ego that needs to be nurtured.

Sometimes a meeting or a work environment can be compared to a schoolyard. You have the popular, the bullies, the cute girls, the cool ones, the ones who get teased.....and so forth. Everyone fighting for attention in different ways. Honestly I can't see the difference from kids to adults at all sometimes; the only factor that you truly can diffferenciate on is the age although almost never the behaviour.

The world is quite amazing; isn't it?

'night

Anybody seen my baby

2011-02-07T00:50:00.000+01:00

She confessed her love to be
Then she vanished on the breeze
Trying to hold on to that was just impossible
She was more than beautiful, closer to ethereal
With a kind of down to earth flavor

Close my eyes, it's three in the afternoon
Then I, I realize that she's really gone for good

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around
Love has gone and made me blind
I've looked but I just can't find
She has got lost in the crowd

And I was flippin' magazines
In that place on Mercer Street
When I thought I spotted her
And getting on a motor bike
Looking really lady like
Didn't she just give me a wave?

The salty tears, it's three in the afternoon
Has she disappeared, has she really gone for good

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around
If I just as close my eyes
I reach out and touch the prize
Anybody seen her around
Oh yeah, that's a loosener

Anybody seen my baby
Has anybody seen her, anybody seen her around
If I could just as close my eyes
I will reach out, reach out and touch the prize
Anybody seen her around

Anybody seen my baby
Anybody seen her around

Lost, lost and never found
I must have called her a thousand times
Oh, sometimes I just think
She's just in my imagination
Lost, lost in the crowd

Wedding

2011-02-07T00:12:00.001+01:00

One of my childhood friends got married this weekend. A great (and very well planned - not surprisingly) experience from the the Church ceremony to the dinner/party afterwards. The dinner was at the Ekeberg restaurant which is located on a hill above Oslo and have stunning views of the city.

I must say that they do make a great couple and both the groom and the bride seemed quite happy with the day. But I must also admit that I am somewhat jealous of their honeymoon destination which is Vietnam (first Saigon then to Phu Quoc island). Did actually buy the Lonely planet guide before boarding the airport express train.

The party of course went on into the early hours and I think most of us was more or less exhausted today. I had brunch together with two friends before I left for the airport. A plate consisting of eggs, sausages, bacon, toast and fries is definitely the best food whilst on the road to recovery.

'night

Led Zeppelin

2011-02-03T21:24:00.002+01:00

Bright light, almost blindin'
Black night still there shinin'
I can't stop, keep on climbin'
looking for what I knew

Had a friend, she once told me
You got love, you ain't lonely
Now she's gone and left me only
lookin' for what I knew

Ah-ahh, ah-ahh, ah-ah-ahh, ah-ahh

Mmm, I'm tellin' you now
the greatest thing you ever can do, now
is trade a smile with someone who's blue, now
It's very easy, just-a

Met a man on the roadside cryin'
Without a friend, there's no denyin'
you're incomplete, there'll be no findin'
lookin' for what you knew

So anytime somebody needs ya
don't let them down, although it grieves ya
Someday you'll need someone like they do
lookin' for what you knew

Ah-ahh, ah-ahh, ah-ah-ahh, ah-ahh

Mmm, mm, I'm tellin' you, now
the greatest thing you ever can do, now
is trade a smile with someone who's blue, now
It's very easy, just-a, oh, yeah
Ah, nah, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, yeah

I'm tellin' you, now
the greatest thing youever can do, now
is tradeasmile with someone who's blue, now
It'svery easy, i-it's very easy
It's very easy, it's easy, easy, yeah, yeah

Seven nation army.......

2011-02-03T00:09:00.002+01:00

White Stripes breaking up; not a good thing..........

I'm gonna fight 'em all
A nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Taking their time right behind my back

And I'm talking to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette
And the message coming from my eyes
Says leave it alone

Don't want to hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell

And if I catch it coming back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that aint what you want to hear
But thats what I'll do
And the feeling coming from my bones
Says find a home

I'm going to Wichita
Far from this opera for evermore
I'm gonna work the straw
Make the sweat drip out of every pore
And I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding
Right before the lord
All the words are gonna bleed from me
And I will sing no more
And the stains coming from my blood
Tell me go back home

Stag party

2011-02-01T21:58:00.001+01:00

One of my best friends is getting married and of course there is the obligatory stag party so I flew back to Norway on Friday then returning on Monday morning.

A bachelor party (USA and South Africa), also known as a stag party, stag night or stag do (United States, Canada, UK, Ireland and New Zealand), a bull's party (South Africa), and a buck's party or buck's night (Australia) is a party held for a bachelor shortly before he enters marriage, to make the most of his final opportunity to engage in activities a new partner might not approve of, or merely to spend time with his male friends (who are often in his wedding party afterwards). Bachelor parties are usually planned by the best man or the friend of the bachelor that has the most extensive partying experience and, occasionally, with the assistance of a bachelor party planning company.

The party was arranged in Hemsedal which is a famous skiing resort in Norway (slopes is one thing the other reputation is quite easy to guess). Everything went fine except maybe that the best man (arriving from Calgary the same Friday) missed the concept and got more drunk than the groom himself. But that has actually been a good trend for several years so why change a winning recipe ;)

I think a stag party is very positive to actually getting to know the other guests as well. I think a good planned party actually contributes to the atmosphere of the wedding itself not necesseraly the opposite. Of course we had the best intensions to make it a great and memorable weekend WITHOUT any stupid costums and such. A few small embarassing moments had to be brought up but apart from this I think the groom got off the hook quite easily.

'night

House of Lords & Commons

2011-02-01T21:42:00.000+01:00

I rarely have much time to spare but I decided to join a visit that our external accounting bureau had set up to see the Parliament. Not a bad thing to see this amazing building also from the inside especially when I actually can claim that this is actually building relations and work ;)

The small tents in front is actually a bar/restaurant for the elected. Would like to see that in front of the Norwegian parliament ;) But since this was moreover a country/country relations thing we had 4 representatives from the house of Lords that welcomed us (with fiesty noble titles). I think it was fun to actually stand between the green benches in the house of Commons; we also had a great guide in the PA of Baroness Maddock. The PA explained a lot in detail about processes and old rituals which was both interesting and fun to learn about. The Baroness herself (or just Diana as she prefered) spent a long time afterwards answering questions and gave us a good view of British politics. We also did get served lunch from a room (called the Clement Atlee room) overlooking the Thames.

I must say that Britain scored one large positive point today; which by the way is hugely in plus after my time on this great island.

'night

Cover me...........

2011-01-22T14:03:00.000+01:00

The times are tough now, just getting tougher
This old world is rough, it's just getting rougher
Cover me, come on baby, cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Promise me baby you won't let them find us
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Cover me, shut the door and cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more

This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough I don't want to see any more,
Cover me, come on and cover me
I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Absolute radio 105.8

2011-01-22T13:18:00.002+01:00

Absolute 105.8 is one my favorite national radio stations in the UK. It's not often that Nirvana or Led Zeppelin are on the air in Norway where the radio stations usually only restricts themself to the disco-pop-lovesong genre. But back to Uk the station has some ordinary short news as well. The football is by the way commented by Ian Wright (one of the greatest Arsenal strikers ever).

Ian Edward Wright, MBE is a retired Black British footballer turned television and radio personality.

Wright enjoyed success with London clubs Crystal Palace and Arsenal, spending six years with the former and seven years with the latter. With Arsenal he has lifted the Premier League title and both major domestic trophies, and the European Cup Winners Cup. He played 581 league games, scoring 387 goals for seven clubs in Scotland and England and earned 33 caps for the English national team.

Then I want you to take a closer look at Ian's right hand when leaping for the ball :)

http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/

They also have of course live streaming.................
'day

Loaded, flyin' & feelin'.............

2011-01-15T14:48:00.002+01:00

Loaded like a freight train
Flyin' like an aeroplane
Feelin' like a space brain
One more time tonight

(look out)
Well I'm a west coast struttin'
One bad mother
Got a rattlesnake suitcase
Under my arm
Said I'm a mean machine
Been drinkin' gasoline
An honey you can make my motor hum
I got one chance left
In a nine live cat
I got a dog eat dog sly smile
I got a Molotov cocktail with a match to go
I smoke my cigarette with style
An I can tell you honey
You can make my money tonight

Wake up late honey put on your clothes
Take your credit card to the liquor store
That's one for you and two for me by tonight
I'll be
Loaded like a freight train
Flyin' like an aeroplane
Feelin' like a space brain
One more tonight

I'm on the nightrain
Bottoms up
I'm on the nightrain
Fill my cup
I'm on the nightrain
Ready to crash and burn
I never learn
I'm on the nightrain
I love that stuff
I'm on the nightrain
and I can never get enough
I'm on the nightrain
Never to return - no

Loaded like a freight train
Flyin' like an aeroplane
Feelin' like a space brain
One more tonight

I'm on the nightrain
An I'm lookin' for some
I'm on the nightrain
So's I can leave this slum
I'm on the nightrain
And I'm ready to crash an' burn
nightrain
Bottoms up
I'm on the nightrain
Fill my cup
I'm on the nightrain

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa yeah
I'm on the nightrain
Love that stuff
I'm on the nightrain
An I can never get enough
Ridin' the nightrain
I guess I
I guess, I guess, I guess I never learn

On the nightrain
Float me home
Ooh I'm on the nightrain
Ridin' the nightrain
Never to return
Nightrain

Memory still remains

2011-01-15T13:30:00.001+01:00

People come and go in your life but memories still remains. Usually the memory is fading and become vague but the strongest impressions always last. The impact such memories have on your personality can be traced back to whether you find yourself on a mountain top or deep down in a valley when the events occur methaphorically speaking. Life is also divided into cycles (just like the weather, economy or the yearly seasons) where you are more receptive for influence. And by age and time the impact tends to be less influential than in your younger years.

It's said that the apple doesn't fall far away from the tree which is very true. You are a product of your parents. What I have received through my parents I must say has influenced me in a purely positive way. The most important thing is maybe the strong mentality to remain calm and resilient during your life's fluctuations. Which makes the climbing up and down from the valley to the mountain top a less hazardous experience. Especially since I mentally keep myself close to the mountain top all the time. But then again if you hadn't been down into the valley yourself how would you recognize a mountain top when seeing it?

So fairly relived after some really hard weeks at work I'm sitting here drinking coffee and recharging my batteries. Happy & listening to my favorite tunes. Despite the fact that I have turned off the light and closed a door behind me yesterday but the memory still remains. Although only the positive ones :) And very thankful for that I'm not having a ticket on a downbound train.

'day

Spring?

2011-01-14T07:53:00.015+01:00

Although some rain the weather is a lot milder than in the Nordics. Midday yesterday the temperature had climbed to stunning 13 degrees, and in general Thursday was like an ordinary spring day in Oslo.

Strange for a Norwegian to but reminds me of all the comments that I heard throughout Christmas back home about Brits not ready for snow (always followed with a laughter that reflected complacency). So much is true but would you spend money on winter equipment if the probability was extremely low for snowfall at all?

'morning

Making a move?

2011-01-12T19:38:00.020+01:00

I think that Battersea is a quite ok place to live. The one big drawback is that you need to travel in order to reach a nice vibrant high street. Of course Northcote road is fairly close, but then you have to move further south towards the Clapham vicinity to really enjoy it. I embrace the opportunity in just strolling down a street for a few meters in order to reach a place to eat or have a zip of beer.

So I have decided to move to west London. Been looking at possible flats in Chiswick which is just north of the river 10-15 min on the underground from South Kensington yesterday.

Vis større kart

So I guess with the proximity to work is really important it has to be close to these places with Fulham as an alternative. Richmond is not a bad suburb either but I would like to live closer to the city centre if possible.

So I guess I haven't any great other arguments except for the desire to experience a new neighbourhood :)

To be continued........

'night

Golden years........

2010-12-28T00:40:00.004+01:00

From the coast of gold, across the seven seas

I'm travelin' on, far and wide

But now it seems, I'm just a stranger to myself

And all the things I sometimes do, it isn't me but someone else

I close my eyes and think of home

Another city goes by in the night, ain't it funny how it is

You never miss if til' it's gone away

And my heart is lying there and will be til' my dying day

So understand don't waste your time

Always searching for those wasted years

Face up, make your stand

And realize you're living in the golden years

Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind

Can't ease this pain , so easily, when you can't find the words to say

It's hard to make it through another day

And it makes me wanna cry and throw my hands up to the sky

So understand don't waste your time

Always searching for those wasted years

Face up, make your stand

And realize you're living in the golden years

So understand don't waste your time

Always searching for those wasted years

Face up, make your stand

And realize you're living in the golden years

So understand don't waste your time

Always searching for those wasted years

Face up, make this stand

And realize you're living in the golden years

Rememberance day

2010-12-27T22:38:00.001+01:00

I did actually write this post sometime ago but never finished. I had to ask a colleague about the red flower that suddenly the whole UK population did wear on their coat (or seemed like) the 11th November. The small flower is called a poppy which bloossoms when the soil has churned. It was of course on the battlefields in Flanders and Northern France plenty of such soil after thousands of young men was killed in 1914 (and of course the years to come).

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day or Veterans Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries to remember the members of their armed forces who have died on duty since World War I. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognised as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries.

Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918, as the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. (Note that "at the 11th hour", refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.)

The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I. This was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole, who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.

The red poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Fields. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilt in the war.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row by row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard among the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If yea break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Lucky 2011?

2010-12-27T18:03:00.000+01:00

I booked a ticket on Sunday for the evening 22nd and upgraded it instantly to Business class; just in case if people were sleeping on the floors and benches (in general if the airport was overcrowded) so I had free entrance to the lounges, own check in desk and fast track security. But the whole airport felt deserted when I checked in and wandered into a cafe, ordered a steak and had a couple of G&T's before boarding. The flight before and after were cancelled.

Lucky 2011? I have decided to name this year for just that. At least having the very attitude when diving into a new year.

'night

And if you're taking a walk through the garden of life...................

2010-12-27T17:29:00.000+01:00

And if you're taking a walk through the garden of life
What do you think you'd expect you would see?
Just like a mirror reflecting the moves of your life
And in the river reflections of me

Just for a second a glimpse of my father I see
And in a movement he beckons to me
And in a moment the memories are all that remain
And all the wounds are reopening again

We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers
We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers

And as you look all around at the world in dismay
What do you see, do you think we have learned
Not if you're taking a look at the war-torn affray
Out in the streets where the babies are burned

We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers
We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers

There are time when I feel I'm afraid for the world
There are times I'm ashamed of us all
When you're floating on all the emotion you feel
And reflecting the good and the bad

Will we ever know what the answer to life really is?
Can you really tell me what life is?
Maybe all the things that you know that are precious to you
Could be swept away by fate's own hand

We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers
We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers

When you think that we've used all our chances
And the chance to make everything right
Keep on making the same old mistakes
Makes untipping the balance so easy
When we're living our lives on the edge
Say a prayer on the book of the dead

We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers
We're blood brothers, we're blood brothers

And if you're taking a walk through the garden of life....

Suntory Hibiki 17 year old

2010-12-25T18:59:00.000+01:00

I bought my brother a bottle of Hibiki 17 year old Whiskey for Christmas at Berry Bros & Rudd in St. James street. By the way BBR is one of the oldest wine and spirit stores in London as they started doing business in 1698. A nice place to drop by if you want to buy a bottle of quality wine (or something stronger) or simply get a sniff of old history if you're not after alcohol ;)

http://www.bbr.com/

Hibiki is a blend of carefully selected malt and grain whiskies. It is presented in an attractive decanter bottle. The 24 faces of the bottle symbolise the 24 seasons which are followed in the agge-old tradition of 'Sekki', the ancient Japanese calendar. The front label is made from hand crafted Japanese paper; 'washi'. Colour: Amber Aroma: Light citrus and floral top note, vanilla, milky, very subtle Body: Medium light Taste: Extremely round and smooth, rich and developing Finish: Very long lingering subtle sweetness.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-2923.aspx

Since buying Scotch Whiskey or other sort of spirits is somewhat boring for a Christmas gift I decided to go for the last bottle of this Japanese Whiskey. Whisky is an essential component of the Japanese drinking culture. The statement may astonish, but this is historically easy justifying.

Vis større kart

Already 1923 started Mr. Torii, founder of the company Suntory, with the whiskey production. As he set up the first distillery of Japan in the Yamazaki Valley outside Kyoto, he couldn't foresee in the best dreams, which promising future should have this Whisky series. He introduced his first distillate under the name Shirofuda in 1929. Today Japan is the fourth largest Whisky producer of the world, behind Scotland, Canada and the USA.

For some time it was believed by many that whisky made in the Scotch style, but not produced in Scotland, could not possibly measure up to the standards of the traditional Scotch distilleries. Until fairly recently, the market for Japanese whiskies was almost entirely domestic. In recent years a number of blind tastings have been organized by Whisky Magazine, which have included Japanese single malts in the lineup, along with malts from distilleries considered to be among the best in Scotland. On more than one occasion, the results have had Japanese single malts (particularly those of Yoichi and Yamazaki) scoring higher than their Scotch counterparts.

A bit odd maybe but good spirits can be produced by anyone and everywhere. I just did find this information a bit surprising...............

'night

Dandy Warhols

2010-12-11T15:06:00.000+01:00

Great song; but I have to comment one thing about demons. All people have inner demons but the difference is how you surpress and deal with them. Like if you are very shy that can also be a demon to struggle with in the same way as an addiction. But the real bad traits come to surface in most of us in times where you are under pressure. Especially during war where normal people do terrible things towards eachother. I wrote a post some months ago regarding this and the scandal involving US troops in Abu Ghraib.

http://mercutio1975.blogspot.com/2009/10/dark-side-of-mankind.html

Of course in Norwegian but what do you have Google translator for???

Again and again

I get up and say

I only want to get it right

I only want to do the right thing

But all these demons, harass my soul

I wonder today

I'm alone but then

No one can make their own life

No one can say that they're an island

When all this freedom you get is a lie

Again and again

Amsterdam & SUNK COSTS

2010-12-11T14:31:00.000+01:00

I decided spontaneously on Sunday to book a ticket for Amsterdam last night. A friend is staying down there for a couple of weeks taking a class of some sort. Unfortunately due to a lot of work I managed to get out of the office a bit late; then the London rush traffic is a large obstacle so guess what happened. I managed to be some minutes delayed and I missed the plane; actually for the first time in my life. I have travelled much during the years so the % is quite low but then it makes it even more irritating.

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, with an urban population of 1,364,422 and a metropolitan population of 2,158,372. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. It comprises the northern part of the Randstad, the sixth-largest metropolitan area in Europe, with a population of approximately 8.1 million

Then I tried to rebook but the plane was the last BA out of Gatwick, then I tried Easyjet instead. Yes; they had tickets so I was in the process of buying one when it was sold out while processing my request. Tickets for today was unfortunately priced fairly high and I would enjoy very few hours in Amsterdam. So it ended up to be somewhat of a business decision and thoughts about a project that already had not turned out perfect. So why add further costs?

So the ticket & hotel room = SUNK COSTS

In economics and business decision-making, sunk costs are retrospective (past) costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered. Sunk costs are sometimes contrasted with prospective costs, which are future costs that may be incurred or changed if an action is taken. Both retrospective and prospective costs may be either fixed (that is, they are not dependent on the volume of economic activity, however measured) or variable (dependent on volume).

In traditional microeconomic theory, only prospective (future) costs are relevant to an investment decision. Traditional economics proposes that an economic actor not let sunk costs influence one's decisions, because doing so would not be rationally assessing a decision exclusively on its own merits. The decision-maker may make rational decisions according to their own incentives; these incentives may dictate different decisions than would be dictated by efficiency or profitability, and this is considered an incentive problem and distinct from a sunk cost problem.

Evidence from behavioral economics suggests this theory fails to predict real-world behavior. Sunk costs greatly affect actors' decisions, because many humans are loss-averse and thus normally act irrationally when making economic decisions.

So in the end it is not about affording the cost but seriously see the total value when arriving late, having dinner and leave midday on Sunday. It is actually how you spend your time before Christmas in a exhausting period at work.

But irritated and frustrated? Yes, but you can't make that influence your decisions either; by being irrational as well?
'day

Mobile phones & public courtesy

2010-12-05T20:19:00.000+01:00

I had to work today and on my way back home I reflected on people & public courtesy. Let me rephrase that statment with inserting the words "forced to reflect" to be correct. It strikes me actually how little some people care about their fellow citizens. I don't mind when travelling by the underground that there is no mobile coverage down there; even it's a bit irritating when trying to reach someone when meeting up after work on a simple SMS. But at least you avoid these long & loud phone conversations. So summa summarum it is perhaps just a relief?

I don't mind some noise as it is just a part of accepting that other people have to exist as well. But sometimes do annoying people tend to make the trip less comfortable. One thing is extremely loud techno music but when several people speaking in their mobile phones with what my mother would call an "outdoor voice" at the bus or train just wears me out :( So when you have a fairly full bus (the 345 to South Kensington to be exact) and several people talking in different languages, having long conversations (non-stop to be precise) and trying to drown their competitiors as the loudest of the pack I get somewhat frustrated.

So what is it with phone calls and extremely loud music (loud = when you have your own Ipod on a mid level and a person several meters away actually drown your music) that makes it so irritating? Speaking about mobile phones I think it might be that you can't hear optimal what the other people are saying and you turn up your own volume a notch. But all in all? I think the respect for other people's privacy has declined along with reality shows and most people practically don't give a shit............

But let's see this in a positive shed of light. Statistically just 3 out of 15 of the total passengers in the bus (barely just 20%) can be characterized as rude idiots that should have been knocked hard across the head with a large baton. Or spanked harder by Batman years ago..........

'night

London, public transport & snow

2010-12-02T10:43:00.000+01:00

Some degrees minus and limited snowfall has resulted in complete chaos. On Sunday through the Monday it was the underground strike; wonder what they disagreed about this time? Wednesday and Thursday there is no service on many railroads. Southwestern trains cancelled all their services this morning so I simply returned to my flat. Since I (stupid) did not bring my laptop with me yesterday there is little I can do from home except looking at my tax return due this December and maybe working on some business finance models.

I'll wait for a couple hours before returning to Clapham Junction in order to check if my route is "on track" again ;) But I should not really complain; Gatwick airport is still closed and I have read stories this morning about commuters spending the night on freezing trains or in their cars. Several cars were actually just abounded at motorways like M20-25. That is one of the reasons why I do not use my car equiped with only summer tires. Using other public transportation will be crowded and consume more time than being at home with bad consience for the work I should have performed this morning.

But patience is probably the best alternative :) And waiting for further notice from Southwestern.........

'day

The Times

2010-12-01T23:13:00.000+01:00

I am very pleased with the online publication of this former"broadsheet paper" especially the Ipad version. Flicking through pages, pictures and videos makes the reading even more interesting. And far better than reading a large newspaper while commuting to work.

The Times is a daily national newspaper published in the United Kingdom since 1785, when it was known as The Daily Universal Register. The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary of News International. News International is entirely owned by the News Corporation group, headed by Rupert Murdoch. Though traditionally a moderately centre-right newspaper and a supporter of the Conservatives, it supported the Labour Party in the 2001 and 2005 general elections

'night

Emirates stadium

2010-11-27T22:42:00.000+01:00

My favorite football team is Arsenal.

This great team used to play their games on Highbury but moved to a bigger arena called the Emirates stadium. I was at this event sponsored by a marketing company at the diamond club in the stadium itself. I can't believe that some people actually pay £100.000 for 3 years to be a member but that is a different story. Apart from a little speech from the Arsenal marketing director and some wine we were invited on a short tour of the stadium. We could also stroll somewhat freely around in the executive area.

The Emirates Stadiumis a football stadium located in Holloway in the London Borough of Islington and is the current home of Arsenal FC. The stadium opened in July 2006 and has an all seated capacity of 60,355. It was initially known as Ashburton Grove after the road it was located on, before a naming rights deal with the airline Emirates was struck in October 2004. The project cost £390 million, including the cost of the associated infrastructure.

The small tour was leaded by one of the Arsenal heroes from the FA cup final in 1971; Charlie George. A fun character making jokes and have a very affable personality that represents the club in a nice way.

Frederick Charles "Charlie" George (born 10 October 1950) is an English former footballer. He played as a forward in the Football League (notably for Arsenal and Derby County) and he was also capped by England.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ggg20-charlie-george-v-liverpool-1971

It was great to see the stadium and even the wardrobes where the shirts identifed the new stars of the team like Fabregas, Clichy,Wilshere and so forth. Kind of enjoyed this...........

'night

Lucky town

2010-11-27T18:17:00.001+01:00

House got too crowded clothes got too tight

And I don't know just where I'm going tonight

Out where the sky's been cleared by a good hard rain

There's somebody callin' my secret name

I'm going down to Lucky Town

Going down to Lucky Town

I wanna lose these blues I've found

Down in Lucky Town

Down in Lucky Town

Had a coat of fine leather and snakeskin boots

But that coat always had a tread hangin' loose

Well I pulled it one night and to my surprise

It led me right past your house and on over the rise

I'm going down to Lucky Town

Down to Lucky Town

I'm gonna lose these blues I've found

Down in Lucky Town

Down in Lucky Town

I had some victory that was just failure in deceit

Now the joke's comin' up through the soles of my feet

I been a long time walking on fortune's cane

Tonight I'm steppin' lightly and feelin' no pain

Well here's to your good looks baby now here's to my health

Here's to the loaded places that we take ourselves

When it comes to luck you make your own

Tonight I got dirt on my hands but I'm building me a new home

Down in Lucky Town

Down in Lucky Town

I'm gonna lose these blues I've found

Down in Lucky Town

Falling in love (almost)

2010-11-27T17:22:00.000+01:00

Just strolling out of Westfield at Merry Hill (Birmingham) I passed a gallery and spotted a great painting. I don't usually get carried away but back in London I ordered it for delivery. I'm of course no art expert but this picture is 100% after my taste. Limited edition.

What facinates me is the sensuality and passion you can almost feel from this painting. Almost made me falling in love; just looking at her hand placed on top of her thighs while balancing her wine glass. It is almost that if you can smell her perfume and the atmosphere that surrounds her.

'night

Lisbon

2010-11-27T14:42:00.000+01:00

I decided to get out of the United Kingdom for a weekend, and ended up in Lisbon. The city was ok I guess but if you compare several things to London especially to entertainment and cultural diversity it is not only a kid brother it as moreover a baby. But still has it charm with it's white cobblestone and buildings. But litteraly stumbling accross good wine bars I have gotten a taste for Portugese wine. And of course the climate is somewhat milder ;)

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with a population of 564,657 within its administrative limits on a land area of 84.8 km2 (33 sq mi). The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 2.4 million on a area of 958 km2 (370 sq mi), it is the 12th most populous urban area in the European Union. About 2,831,000 people live in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (which represents approximately 27% of the population of the country) and 3.34 million people live in the broader agglomeration of Lisbon Metropolitan Region (includes cities ranging from Leiria to Setúbal).Lisbon is the westernmost large city located in Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city. It lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River, about 320 km (198.84 mi) northwest of Cape Spartel in Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon

The tickets with TAP airlines (Portugal) was fairly cheap but not the most comfy airline that I have travelled with. On the outbound flight it was for some reason extremely hot and no serving (the airline hostesses could have served water but was more interested in their own gossip in the back of the plane) added to the poor experience. Due to the Nato top meeting it was also delayed by approx 1 1/2 hour. But the inbound flight was moreover pleasant though so I guess it might have been just a coincidence.

The hotel was a good experience. Nice location and service. Nice size of the room (XL) and the design was truly somewhat different from the ordinary conveyor belt business hotels that I usually stay in. The breakfast was good but maybe a but pricey because it did not include any hot food buffet. But alltogether a great hotel.

http://www.internacionaldesignhotel.com/

But speaking of wine there were several good wine bars in the city. I kind of liked one called "wine bar do castelo" just a few yards down the road from the castle that oversees the city.

When served with a plate of delicious cheeses a good wine can truly be one of the best feelings in life. Combinded with a very competent wine waiter this was truly a great experience. It was of course few tourists during low season but some people you can truly see that enjoy their job :)

But I guess it is not without reason it got #1 on tripadvisor as best liked among Lisbon's restaurants although a bit strange since it is not a restaurant but a wine tasting bar!!!

Then having dinner at a place called Cafe Buenos Aires on Saturday evening. Started out with Caipirinha's and deep fried prawns as a starter then moved on to a delicious fillet bigger than my own hand combinded with a bottle of wine. Quite honestly; I was not sober when leaving the restaurant ;) Did unfortunately miss their special chocolate cake................

After strolling in the streets of Lisbon although with a bit unstable weather (should not complain about that on Saturday it was sunny and I was only wearing a t-shirt) there was time to eat again. Of course with several stops drinking coffee.

Dinner on Sunday was at a place called Cervejaria da Trindade. The place is a converted 13th century monestary hence the munks pictured on the walls. A great athmosphere :) I had a special Portoguese dish with meat that was tasty but I wish I had gone for the fish instead. Seafood are one of their specialities. .

Lisbon is an ok city to visit this time a year. Several nice things to do and see but I am a bit surprised that you couldn't see more monuments of their proud seafaring history. This might have to do with the earthquake that struck the city in 1750? It might also be due to the participation in the slave trade? I couldn't quite make out if I liked the city or not despite of a nice stay. I guess the memory will remain as been there, seen it and travel elsewhere next time.

'day

On the road...........

2010-11-27T12:43:00.000+01:00

I have had several hours on the road lately and been to many new places in the UK. Unfortunately only briefly but at least been to these locations. I kind of like driving but the day I travelled London - Norwich - Doncaster last week was a bit exhausting. But Birmingham and Cardiff are not that bad trips as long as you get up in the morning and carefully plan the time of your return into London. M25 is known as London's largest parking lot.

Vis større kart

Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for Wales. According to recent estimates, the population of the unitary authority area is 324,800,while the wider metropolitan area has a population of nearly 1.1 million, more than a third of the total Welsh population. Cardiff is a significant tourism centre and the most popular visitor destination in Wales with 14.6 million visitors in 2009.

Norwich is a city in England. It is the regional administrative centre and county town of Norfolk. During the 11th century, it was the second largest city in England, after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom. The built up area of Norwich has a population of 259,100. This area extends beyond the city boundary, with extensive suburban areas on the western, northern and eastern sides, including Costessey, Hellesdon, Old Catton, Sprowston and Thorpe St Andrew. The wider metropolitan borough has a population of around 351,340.

Doncaster is a town in South Yorkshire, England, and the principal settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster. The town is about 20 miles (32 km) from Sheffield and is popularly referred to as "Donny". Doncaster has also recently extended the Frenchgate Centre, a shopping centre and transport interchange. According to the 2001 census, the urban sub-area of Doncaster had a population of 67,977. Together with Bentley and Armthorpe, it forms an urban area with a population of 127,851. The wider metropolitan borough has a population of around 286,866.

Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands county of England. It is the most populous British city outside London, with a population of 1,028,700 (2009 estimate),and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the United Kingdom's second most populous Urban Area with a population of 2,284,093 (2001 census).Birmingham's metropolitan area, which includes surrounding towns to which it is closely tied through commuting, is also the United Kingdom's second most populous with a population of 3,683,000.

Birmingham was a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution in England, a fact which led to it being known as "the workshop of the world" or the "city of a thousand trades". Although Birmingham's industrial importance has declined, it has developed into a national commercial centre, being named in 2010 as the third-best place in the United Kingdom to locate a business.Birmingham is a national hub for conferences, retail and events along with an established high tech, research and development sector, supported by its three Universities. It is also the fourth-most visited city by foreign visitors in the UK and has the second-largest city economy in the UK.

Even is some of these places are not the obvious place to go for a foreigner unless you ar

e on business or know someone that live in these cities I still find it exciting to enter a new city (town) that I haven't been before. The childish fun and excitement also drives me to travel several times a year :)

'night

It is what MEN do...........

2010-11-13T18:45:00.000+01:00

I share Roger's point of view..............

'night

Mad Men

2010-11-13T18:43:00.001+01:00

I think this must be the best show ever. I even rate this higher than Sopranos. The conversations and human interaction that is unique placed in an advertising company in New York during the early sixties. The constant drinking & smoking do add a special edge to the series. And you can understand the day to day business better and feels closer than any other shows I have seen.

The story is based around their creative director Donald Draper, but there are several good characters. My favorite is probably his boss (and company partner) Roger Sterling with his comments and lifestyle. And seriously there are few women in the world than can compete with the office manager Joan Holloway when it comes to sexual attractiveness. Just look at this extraordinary woman walk down the aisle makes you smile; a real "head turner" I must admit.

'evening

Work, food and cocktails

2010-11-13T16:30:00.003+01:00

I had dinner with colleagues on Thursday evening after work. I spent the night at the Holiday Inn which is in close proximity to the office in order to chat with colleagues over a beer oder zwei afterwards. The restaurant is however a somewhat mainstream one called "strada" which is part of a large national chain serving Italian food. The food is ok, but (not being fussy) the dish I picked from the menu was not among my greatest culinary experiences. But then again I must say I might have higher expectations than many people when it comes to quality food. I do dine out quite often and have probably developed a finer taste for food & wine during the recent years.

http://www.strada.co.uk/

The occasion was our country meeting on Friday which was indeed a good one. We discussed a lot of "hands on" operations that leads to the numbers themselves instead of just showing nice slides with limited thoughts and connection. Then I met a friend in Soho after work and started having drinks immidiately which again resulted in a long night that led to hangover this morning to which I have barely recovered from while writing this.

Among the places that we did visit was "hawksmoor" which is a merger between a cocktail bar and a steak restaurant. We only had drinks but I am definitely going to dine here on a later occasion to consume a juicy steak. Tried a cocktail that was very tasty; I usually tend to go for beer or simple mixed drinks like G&T but was positively surprised. By the way the picture is from the bar further in you find dining tables. Brick walls, brown mahogony and wooden floors makes out a great atmosphere.

http://www.thehawksmoor.co.uk/

Only a few minutes from Covent garden down the same street as Cafe Pacifico (Mexican restaurant with the best salsa in the whole of London) where we actually did order ar meal afterwards. Several tequilas did affect the ability to walk and talk but was definitely from the top shelf (not the poor ones that you get served in Oslo). Last time I went here it was a bit noisy so you hardly could have a conversation but last night was just great.

Not to bad of a life actually :)

'day

Back in black

2010-11-09T22:31:00.002+01:00

I think all people have to a certain extent mood swings but with a very different variance from top to bottom if you draw it like a graph on a board. A depression would be below zero (on the freezing) point and some sort of an abyss I would imagene. Personally I have in general a fairly steady mood with very little variance and if a slight dip occurs; then I usually never take it out on anyone. Shouting and screaming is not my style either. And if I don't feel 100% why make somebody else more miserable as well? But I have also been told that I have an extremely easy to spot body language and people tend to stay out of my way whenever possible if it's appears that I've collected a ticket on a downbound train one day.

But no one is truly perfect in the end, right?

Although after a good night of sleep and no rush to work the probability is quite small for a curve dropping on the graph into a valley and sneaking around -1 on the axis.

But how is a normal day?

I'm probably at my daily mood peak between 9 and 12 for taking on harder tasks or challenges. If not eating lunch the curve drops somewhat after 12 to rise again from about 3 to 6 then up when arriving home betwen 7 and 10. And if meeting friends it is likely to be at a new peak from 8-11.

But I think my day today can be summed up with this tune ;) In a positive strong way.........

Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes I'm, let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I keep looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the herse 'cause I'll never die
I got nine lives
Cat's eyes
Usin' every one of them and running wild

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang
With a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I'm back on the track
And I'm leadin' the pack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I'm just makin' my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way

'night

The snake...........

2010-11-05T23:32:00.000+01:00

George Foreman???

2010-11-05T23:02:00.001+01:00

Most people know who is former heavyweigh boxing champion is. Like many other celebrities he has decided to put his name on a product to increase his profits. I got the (according to the instruction manual) Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine from work in order to test it at home and give feedback.

And guess what? This is one of the best electrical grills I have ever used. I'm not going to use a frying pan on a steak or chicken again. Instant heat, teflon interior for easy cleaning and no buttons....only plug it into the wall.

'night

5th of November and Guy Fawkes night (bonfire)

2010-11-05T22:32:00.002+01:00

Always something to celebrate although this might be an occasion that is somewhat different and a little bit unusual. The celebration is of the unsuccessful attempt to blow up the parliament over 400 years ago. It's celebrated with lots of fireworks. I'm going by Battersea Park in order to participate in the celebration tomorrow because according to "metro" one of the best places to experience it.

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is an annual celebration held primarily in Great Britain, on or about the evening of 5 November. Festivities are centred on the use of fireworks and the lighting of bonfires. Some British Overseas Territories and parts of the Commonwealth continue to celebrate the occasion due to their links to the United Kingdom.

Historically, the celebrations mark the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605. The date was originally made a public holiday in England by the Observance of 5th November Act 1605, also known as the "Thanksgiving Act" which was repealed in 1859.

Guy Fawkes Night originates from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed conspiracy by a group of provincial English Catholics to assassinate the Protestant King James I of England and VI of Scotland and replace him with a Catholic head of state. The survival of the king was first celebrated on 5 November 1605, after Guy Fawkes, left in charge of the gunpowder placed underneath the House of Lords, was discovered and arrested.

To make a long story short they plotted to blow up the parliament and by this kill the king. 36 barrels of gunpowder got placed in a cellar but they got stopped on the evening 5th of November 1605. When the soldiers stormed in they caught Guy Fawkes together with the explosives. You can just imagene what happened to him.

Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of Guy Fawkes, which is called "the Guy". Some children even keep up an old tradition of walking in the streets, carrying "the Guy" they have just made, and beg passersby for "a penny for the Guy." So until this day the English are burning dummies at the stake in order to celebrate this event. But as I have heard they have tended to become more fireworks instead lately :)

'night

Easyjet II

2010-10-29T09:17:00.000+02:00

The outbound flight was ok but my inbound flight 9254 from Fiumicino was not that pleasant. No info and flight announced on two gates but unfortunately not on the main flight screen. Boarding was done with Italian effeciency added with an extra security check at the gate going through people's luggage. The flight was delayed approx 1 hour as well.

The flight included charter tourists and school classes with kids in all ages that could not sit still and had a somewhat of a high noice level. Gaming and shouting in 2 h 25 min. A lot of the passengers was obviously not used to travel so a lot of hazzle taking things out of the full overhead compartments and people not wearing seatbelts and so forth. And since you pay for delivering luggage of course guess how much that was brought into the cabin itself?

Finally I got stuck into the left corner of the plane squeezed into the back with the bag under my seat in front of me. Back row haven't got the luxury to lower the seat back either so it wasn't that comfy. Next time I think I will try to find tickets on a regular flight and pay some £ more in order to choose my own seat and have a slightly higher probability to have a relaxing flight.

'day

Bella Napoli?

2010-10-25T22:48:00.006+02:00

I have heard so much bad about this city so I just needed to spend one night here in order to confirm that all of this this actually is true.

The new financial district and the refurbished central station give a positive view of the city literally on it's doorstep so to speak when arriving by train. The Spanish quarter is made up of narrow streets covered with dark cobblestone, tall and squared buildings with lot's of small French balconies. Small shops selling everything from pizza to antiques are spread around the historic district.

The city which is literally squeezed into a valley below mt vesuvius with 3.1 mill inhabitants in its suburban area has unfortunately not much charm or beauty left to offer than this. Maintenance have certainly not been a priority for years and the city has therefore just a rather shady grim facade. Southern Italy has always been less affluent and prosperous than the north and this might explain some of it. Traffic and garbage (flowing around in the streets and there were riots last weekend in a suburb - waste management are mainly run by the Camorra) destroys much of what's left of an initially good impression. But I have just met nice and helpful people when arriving here. Not even been ripped of........and the stone oven baked pizza I had this afternoon was among the tastiest ever.

I went to the national archiological museum to see artifacts from Pompeii and Herecleum. I wanted to take this trip because much of the discoveries inside the buildings are displayed here. Unfortunately the exhibition of mosaics were closed as wore the forbidden room (the banned erotica.....Romans enjoyed sex but the catholic church thought differently so it was fortunately not destroyed only locked up for years). Yes it does even include threesomes actually. Ancient graffiti telling xxx made me pregnant and such also are displayed. But the museum had a lot of other stuff on display and is actually one of Italy's most visited.

The taxi up to the museum through narrow streets was a bit interesting though. The driver was hitting the horn and flashing his lights frequently while expressing his concerns about the traffic by screaming "traffico, traffico.......mamma mia". A very stereotypical introduction to Italians in general especially those from the south I must say.

Tomorrow I will take the trip out to visit Pompeii and I have decided to spend the night out there (modern town of Pompei is an ordinary suburb). But excited about this.....

'night

Travel, Italy and joie de vivre

2010-10-25T14:16:00.003+02:00

Like many cities around the world while in Rome it can be somewhat hard to find decent places to dine that is both tasty and value for money. I rather use an hour or two on research while drinking coffee instead of strolling down street after street in search of a place to have a snack or find attractions that the place has to offer. I do also walk a lot in order to get an idea of the city I'm visiting but often with a goal and usually places tend to literally pop up as you go (and always learn the public transportation system as soon as possible). If not at least you have one or two places to choose from if you this not happens. Then you truly can relax and enjoy the impressions of travelling abroad.

Or if you have limited amount of time I'm a bit surprised that unfortunately most people do not invest in opening a bottle of wine an evening ahead of the trip to discuss and make limited plans. That might even make your trip even better and in my mind you even extend your trip by one day. I have seen to many people arrive at a place without any knowledge and they end up at tourist traps, wasting time and miss the true value of travelling which is basically joie de vivre.

But do not misunderstand this post as I plan only to a certain extent. I had no idea before yesterday that I was leaving with the express train to Naples today. It happened to be the 12:00 departure from Termini and as I only this morning decided to visit the archological museum in Naples and go to Pompeii tomorrow due to opening times. I do not know for sure where I will be staying the rest of the week but have knowledge of several places and done my research. Only thing I have planned this week is the scheduled flight back to London on Thursday night.

I'm travelling first class (no noise, wider seats, more space) today. Not much a difference someone would say but I rather invest in writing this small post and look out the window undisturbed enjoying the moment.

'day

Strange way of making a living

2010-10-24T19:41:00.000+02:00

I have to smile when you visit places like the Colosseum there are always someone that needs to make some additional money on tourists. Not the beggars but these people who dress up like roman soldiers. When did a soldier get overweight, smoke or wear Nike trainers? Not to mention combat boots? The equipment was also a bit odd.....besides all of them were obviously centurions.

Just some questions that have bothered me, did the ordinary soldier only wear adidas trainers value range? Did they only have access to camel because marlboro was restricted to the senators? Was spinning and aerobics the way of keeping in shape.......or was hamburgers a substantial part of a legionares diet?

'night

EasyJet vs. Norwegian

2010-10-22T17:47:00.002+02:00

Was somewhat uncertain of flying with this low price airline today. But I was actually rather impressed.

Must admit I was irritated when I spotted the check-in queue. But this was organised and the waiting was only a few minutes. Much better than when the last time I boarded a flight with Norwegian to Oslo. Their system on Gatwick are frustrating especially when travelling on business and don't have time for tourists blocking your way.

My second worry was no designated seating like Norwegian used to board their planes initially. But obviously Brits have a somewhat different behaviour regarding this so I got late on the plane but still I did get 6C aisle one of my favourite seats. The service was great and the serving aboard (you had of course to pay) was quite cheap compared to Norwegian. Besides they used a brand new airbus 320 and ordinary space for your legs as well. Left and arrived as scheduled.

Wait a minute? No complaints? Not at all actually :)

'night

Innan alt försvinner

2010-10-19T20:22:00.000+02:00

Innan allt försvinner

Innan allt är över

Hör jag från en bakgård

Slingrar in i dina mjuka ben

En koltrast i slutet av april

Och dom lugna andetagen

Av ungarna som sover

I rummet som vi lånat

Och jag som en gång sålde själen för att vara

Att vara med om just sådannahära stunder

Jag ångrar ingenting

Men tiden kommer när man ska betala

Innan allt försvinner, försvinner [x4]

Innan allt försvinner

Innan jag hamnar i det stora svarta hålet

Känner jag våren stå och stampa utanför

Det kanske blir en bra dag

Det blir en glass i parken

Medans ungarna får ligga

Och marken inte gungar

Och jag som en gång sålde själen för att vara

Att vara med om just sådannahära stunder

Jag ångrar ingenting

Men tiden kommer när man ska betala

Innan allt försvinner, försvinner [x4]

Jag som en gång sålde själen

Som fick kärleken och guldet

Och fick dansa hela natten

Till den sista baren stängde

Jag ångrar ingenting

Jag ångrar ingenting

Men tiden kommer när man ska betala

Innan allt försvinner, försvinner [x4]

Innan allt och du och jag försvinner

Innan allt vi vet och har försvinner

[x4]