Gunhild Fretland er en veldig god venninne av meg jeg har kjent siden vi bodde sammen i Lagskollektivet i Oslo.
Siden den gang har mensendick utdanninga gitt henne jobb i Modum som fysioterapeut. På fritida har hun påbegynt ulike aktiviteter, inkludert snøbrett og nå bryting. Felles for de to idrettene er at hun har tatt NM-gull i begge på første forsøk. Det siste kom 25. mars mot tidligere verdens- og norgesmester Ine Barlie. Det er en sensasjonell prestasjon, og hun har enda mer uløst potensial. Den sportslade, eller skal jeg si sportsgale, jenta er en av få jenter jeg kjenner som må gi absolutt alt jeg har (i løpet av par minutter) for å (kanskje) ta handback.
Som venn er jeg kry, stolt og glad. Som journalist blir jeg inspirert til å skrive om sånne personer, uavhengig av vårt vennskap. Og det irriterer meg nærmest at Drammens Tidene på nett ikke ofrer mer enn 64 ord fra brytemesterskapet der byen tok trippelgull. Jeg måtte bare legge igjen en kommentar (118 ord) under saken.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
X: Paint war/Malingskrig
My paintball debut took place Saturday March 18 (pics here). To run around in army clothes replicas, BMX helmet look-alike and a gun loaded with balls of paint is actually very fascinating. As a pacifist I must underline that what makes the mature game (for playful grown-ups) amusing is not the shooting, but the hunting instinct and the adrenalin kick. Just like hide-and-seek.
The locality for the matter was Semoz Paintball in Echuca, a little city just past the boarder to New South Wales – as the sport is illegal in Victoria. A dozen acquaintances of Cathrine Wort, including Zoe, Taya, Ed, Darsh and I, spread in four cars gunning the 2-3 hours up north. Even with a delay, we had plenty of time to paint stain each other in high velocity. There were numerous of other players there even with a 30 degree sunshine outside. We got merged into two other groups, equaling roughly 10 vs 10. I voluntarily chose to be Darsh opponent, but never manage to get her in shooting range. In the aftermath we discussed that there is a chance she might have gotten me once. There were various of different playgrounds and games to play with various aims.
I was hit a few times by others, took down a few, and captured the flag a couple of times. Also, I was probably the one in our group struck most frequently without “dying” (i.e. hit without paintball splat).
Even with the hot day, the sweaty masks and the lousiest barbeque ever, paintball is strongly recommended.
---
Min debut i paintball skjedde lørdag 18. mars (bilder her). Å springe rundt i etterligninger av militærdresser og BMX-hjelmer med gevær full av malingskuler i hånd er faktisk utrolig fascinerende. Som pasifist må jeg understreke at det som gjør voksenleken gøyal er mer jaktinstinkt og adrenalinstøt enn skytinga i seg selv; akkurat som gjem-og-lete.
Åstedet for affæren var Semoz paintball i Echuca, nord for Melbourne, i staten New South Wales - da sporten er forbudt i Victoria. Et dusin bekjente av Cathrine Wort, inkludert Zoe, Taya, Eddie, Darsh og meg, spredte oss i fire biler de 2-3 timene kjøreturen tar. Selv med forsinkelse, hadde vi nok av tid å tilgrise hverandre i maling i høy fart. En haug med folk delte vår interesse, også denne lørdagen med 30 graders sol, men med utallige ulike baner og type kampleker, var det enkelt nok å fordele seg. Vi ble fordelt sammen med en annen gjeng til en gruppe på ca 10 x 10. Jeg valgte frivillig Darshs motstander, men fikk faktisk aldri tatt henne ut. Derimot ble jeg truffet en del ganger, traff en del motstandere, fikk has på flagget noen ganger det behøvdes. I tillegg var jeg nok den av oss alle som ble truffet flest ganger uten å ”dø” (dvs at malingen ikke spredte seg).
Selv om varmen kjentes godt, maskene var ekstra svette og grillunsjen var noe av det mest tragiske jeg har vært borte i, var det storgøyalt med paintball.
The locality for the matter was Semoz Paintball in Echuca, a little city just past the boarder to New South Wales – as the sport is illegal in Victoria. A dozen acquaintances of Cathrine Wort, including Zoe, Taya, Ed, Darsh and I, spread in four cars gunning the 2-3 hours up north. Even with a delay, we had plenty of time to paint stain each other in high velocity. There were numerous of other players there even with a 30 degree sunshine outside. We got merged into two other groups, equaling roughly 10 vs 10. I voluntarily chose to be Darsh opponent, but never manage to get her in shooting range. In the aftermath we discussed that there is a chance she might have gotten me once. There were various of different playgrounds and games to play with various aims.
I was hit a few times by others, took down a few, and captured the flag a couple of times. Also, I was probably the one in our group struck most frequently without “dying” (i.e. hit without paintball splat).
Even with the hot day, the sweaty masks and the lousiest barbeque ever, paintball is strongly recommended.
---
Min debut i paintball skjedde lørdag 18. mars (bilder her). Å springe rundt i etterligninger av militærdresser og BMX-hjelmer med gevær full av malingskuler i hånd er faktisk utrolig fascinerende. Som pasifist må jeg understreke at det som gjør voksenleken gøyal er mer jaktinstinkt og adrenalinstøt enn skytinga i seg selv; akkurat som gjem-og-lete.
Åstedet for affæren var Semoz paintball i Echuca, nord for Melbourne, i staten New South Wales - da sporten er forbudt i Victoria. Et dusin bekjente av Cathrine Wort, inkludert Zoe, Taya, Eddie, Darsh og meg, spredte oss i fire biler de 2-3 timene kjøreturen tar. Selv med forsinkelse, hadde vi nok av tid å tilgrise hverandre i maling i høy fart. En haug med folk delte vår interesse, også denne lørdagen med 30 graders sol, men med utallige ulike baner og type kampleker, var det enkelt nok å fordele seg. Vi ble fordelt sammen med en annen gjeng til en gruppe på ca 10 x 10. Jeg valgte frivillig Darshs motstander, men fikk faktisk aldri tatt henne ut. Derimot ble jeg truffet en del ganger, traff en del motstandere, fikk has på flagget noen ganger det behøvdes. I tillegg var jeg nok den av oss alle som ble truffet flest ganger uten å ”dø” (dvs at malingen ikke spredte seg).
Selv om varmen kjentes godt, maskene var ekstra svette og grillunsjen var noe av det mest tragiske jeg har vært borte i, var det storgøyalt med paintball.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
E: Advantages of NOT traveling
I came across a webpage with an insightful overview with pros and cons for traveling with a group or by yourself (to Costa Rica). What is worse to find online is a list of advantages why NOT to travel; to stay put. I decided to make a brief list of points.
¤ Not traveling enables you to partake in activities and follow up friends on a regular basis.
¤ Not traveling is needed to rest and unwind from exercise or a load of new impression and experiences.
¤ Not traveling is cheap and doesn’t require (as much) planning.
¤ Not traveling prevents you from leaving belongings somewhere to which you may not be able to return.
¤ When/if you use the word home for describing where you are, you have as safety zone.
¤ Being home is also a sign of belonging, with friends, family and familiar surroundings.
¤ Routines (if you have them) are a sign of stability.
Personally, I am still excited about be subjected to new travel destinations. Although the more I travel, the more I appreciate home when returning. There is far from any guarantee that everyone has a home and a place to which to return. I feel fortunate to have my family, many friends and an area I can return to. I do feel home in Australia too - in a different way though.
¤ Not traveling enables you to partake in activities and follow up friends on a regular basis.
¤ Not traveling is needed to rest and unwind from exercise or a load of new impression and experiences.
¤ Not traveling is cheap and doesn’t require (as much) planning.
¤ Not traveling prevents you from leaving belongings somewhere to which you may not be able to return.
¤ When/if you use the word home for describing where you are, you have as safety zone.
¤ Being home is also a sign of belonging, with friends, family and familiar surroundings.
¤ Routines (if you have them) are a sign of stability.
Personally, I am still excited about be subjected to new travel destinations. Although the more I travel, the more I appreciate home when returning. There is far from any guarantee that everyone has a home and a place to which to return. I feel fortunate to have my family, many friends and an area I can return to. I do feel home in Australia too - in a different way though.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
X: Pre-season drop/førsesongsnedrykk
Morning update: False alarm. The first team stays in 2nd div, while the second team drops as they finished 10th last year in 4th division. I got worked up by a rumor/mistunderstanding. What is below does not apply for my team.
---
Oppdatering: Falsk alarm. Førstelaget vil fortsette i andredivisjon, mens andrelaget rykker ned et hakk fordi de endte på tiendeplass i fjerdedivsijon. Jeg tok tenning for et rykte/feilinformasjon. Så tankeutbruddet under bygger ikke på realitetene.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Wed 27/03, 10 PM
After a long and good soccer practice Monday night, us players from Northern Pumas just found out that we will play in 3rd and 5th division this season, not 2nd and 4th as believed. A dozen new teams have joined the association and a new division has been formed. That new teams come along is great, but in all other circumstances (and sports?), the new teams would have started on bottom; division 5. For me this was a really low blow. And it is not fair. Even though we are playing in a church league, that the most important is not winning, and that we will meet some of the teams we were going to meet anyway. We are after all divided in levels and playing with goals and points which rank us in tables.
This is the first time after returning to Australia I have been properly worked up about something. I was very close to try out for the Melbourne Uni soccer club, which is a fair bit better than the Northern Pumas, and closer to where I live. I found that 2. division was just challenging enough to stay with the guys. Now however, the same week as the season starts, we suddenly receive the verdict that we have automatically been moved down a division. As I write this, I almost feel like check the possibilities to have my registration fees back and check is the uni team is short of players for half a season.
For my part it has been the new coaches that convinced me to stay with the lads at Bundoora. Now it’s about the only reason not to leave (strictly focusing on the sportive side). If we are not going to meet equals in our matches, I might as well just train and not play games.
I reckon this is a sign that I still have the competitiveness and passion for soccer within.
---
Onsdag 27/03, 2006
Etter en lang og rimelig god trening i går kveld, fikk vi med ett vite at lagene spiller i 3. og 5. divisjon, ikke i 2. og 4. som antatt. 12 nye lag er kommet til, og en ny divisjon er opprettet. At nye lag knytter seg til assosiasjonen er vel og bra, men i alle andre sammenhenger ville de startet på bunnen. Hvordan de har sluppet til de nye lagene her og der vites i skrivende stund ei.
For meg var det et slag under beltestedet. Selv om vi det er en kirkeserie, at det viktigste tross alt er ikke er konkurranse, og at vi møter en del av de samme lagene vi ville møtt uansett, er det ikke rettferdig. Dessuten er vi tross alt delt inn i nivå og spiller både med mål og poeng, som vil rangere lagene i en tabell.
Jeg har ikke vært irritert etter jeg kom tilbake til Australia før nå. Det var like før jeg meldte meg opp på trening med universitetslaget i stedet for Northern Pumas, da 2. divisjon var akkurat høyt nok å gå med på. Nå, samme uka som sesongen starter, får vi plutselig beskjed om at vi har hatt et automatisk nedrykk. Motivasjonen er delvis der til å høre om det er mulig å få pengene tilbake og sjekke med Melbourne Uni om de er interessert i en spiller for halve sesongen.
For min del var det de nye trenerne som overbeviste meg om å fortsette med gutta ved Bundoora, og de er i bunn og grunn de eneste jeg virkelig anser som grunn nok til å forbli. Sosialt, jo da, men om vi ikke møter ordentlig matching, kan jeg likeså godt bare trene og ikke spille kamper.
Dette er vel et tegn på at jeg har konkurranseinstinktet og sportspasjonen i meg.
---
Oppdatering: Falsk alarm. Førstelaget vil fortsette i andredivisjon, mens andrelaget rykker ned et hakk fordi de endte på tiendeplass i fjerdedivsijon. Jeg tok tenning for et rykte/feilinformasjon. Så tankeutbruddet under bygger ikke på realitetene.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Wed 27/03, 10 PM
After a long and good soccer practice Monday night, us players from Northern Pumas just found out that we will play in 3rd and 5th division this season, not 2nd and 4th as believed. A dozen new teams have joined the association and a new division has been formed. That new teams come along is great, but in all other circumstances (and sports?), the new teams would have started on bottom; division 5. For me this was a really low blow. And it is not fair. Even though we are playing in a church league, that the most important is not winning, and that we will meet some of the teams we were going to meet anyway. We are after all divided in levels and playing with goals and points which rank us in tables.
This is the first time after returning to Australia I have been properly worked up about something. I was very close to try out for the Melbourne Uni soccer club, which is a fair bit better than the Northern Pumas, and closer to where I live. I found that 2. division was just challenging enough to stay with the guys. Now however, the same week as the season starts, we suddenly receive the verdict that we have automatically been moved down a division. As I write this, I almost feel like check the possibilities to have my registration fees back and check is the uni team is short of players for half a season.
For my part it has been the new coaches that convinced me to stay with the lads at Bundoora. Now it’s about the only reason not to leave (strictly focusing on the sportive side). If we are not going to meet equals in our matches, I might as well just train and not play games.
I reckon this is a sign that I still have the competitiveness and passion for soccer within.
---
Onsdag 27/03, 2006
Etter en lang og rimelig god trening i går kveld, fikk vi med ett vite at lagene spiller i 3. og 5. divisjon, ikke i 2. og 4. som antatt. 12 nye lag er kommet til, og en ny divisjon er opprettet. At nye lag knytter seg til assosiasjonen er vel og bra, men i alle andre sammenhenger ville de startet på bunnen. Hvordan de har sluppet til de nye lagene her og der vites i skrivende stund ei.
For meg var det et slag under beltestedet. Selv om vi det er en kirkeserie, at det viktigste tross alt er ikke er konkurranse, og at vi møter en del av de samme lagene vi ville møtt uansett, er det ikke rettferdig. Dessuten er vi tross alt delt inn i nivå og spiller både med mål og poeng, som vil rangere lagene i en tabell.
Jeg har ikke vært irritert etter jeg kom tilbake til Australia før nå. Det var like før jeg meldte meg opp på trening med universitetslaget i stedet for Northern Pumas, da 2. divisjon var akkurat høyt nok å gå med på. Nå, samme uka som sesongen starter, får vi plutselig beskjed om at vi har hatt et automatisk nedrykk. Motivasjonen er delvis der til å høre om det er mulig å få pengene tilbake og sjekke med Melbourne Uni om de er interessert i en spiller for halve sesongen.
For min del var det de nye trenerne som overbeviste meg om å fortsette med gutta ved Bundoora, og de er i bunn og grunn de eneste jeg virkelig anser som grunn nok til å forbli. Sosialt, jo da, men om vi ikke møter ordentlig matching, kan jeg likeså godt bare trene og ikke spille kamper.
Dette er vel et tegn på at jeg har konkurranseinstinktet og sportspasjonen i meg.
Monday, March 27, 2006
E: Online clips 4
Metacafe is a professional online video clip page I was introduced to (and hooked on) a week ago. Unlike most pages these days, you are actually able to download the movies to you computer if you want to. Here comes the first compilation of clips from the page I consider time well spent viewing.
See an inspiring magazine ad, watch a bunch of morons or more skilled people with remarkable talents.
The last three clips deals with basketball: Top ten (NBA) dunks, a series of far far away three-pointers (is this real?) or just once in a lifetime (or history) shot.
Did you miss part 1, 2 and 3 in the Online Clips series?
See an inspiring magazine ad, watch a bunch of morons or more skilled people with remarkable talents.
The last three clips deals with basketball: Top ten (NBA) dunks, a series of far far away three-pointers (is this real?) or just once in a lifetime (or history) shot.
Did you miss part 1, 2 and 3 in the Online Clips series?
Saturday, March 25, 2006
E: Aussiewealth Games
The 18th Commonwealth Games is currently blossoming in Melbourne. From March 15 to 26 (this Sunday), 4500 athletes from all the 71 Commonwealth nations compete against each other in 16 sports in a total of 24 events, including netball, mountain bike cycling, lawn balls, shooting and the various events in track and field. An estimated 50,000 interstate and 40,000 international visitors add to the 3.3 million inhabitants for these weeks of sports and festivities.
Personally I have briefly watch a few moments on TV, including parts of the opening ceremony. The only actual event I attended was the Rubgy7s with Darshini last Thursday, watching 12 teams playing 16 games to qualify for the playoffs (see pictures). Amongst them where the nations which a few days later proved to finish on top: New Zealand, England, Fiji and Australia. I mainly came to see Fiji playing, after being inspired by their enthusiasm when visiting.
Coming from a school of criticism (journalism), I have a few reflections to make.
¤ The Commonwealth of Nation is a organization based on the former British, imperialistic empire. 53 states plus some 18 territories make up an English speaking group of nations scattered randomly all over the world. In spite a population of numerous 1.8 billion, I struggle to see why the colonist history should be such great grounds for athleticism. It’s not regional, nor is it worldwide.
¤ The assemblage of countries, The Commonwealth Games Federation, leaves out many of the biggest sport powers in the world and will not really measure who is good or bad in the carefully selected sports, other than within the geopolitical construct. There are only a few countries with athletes in these certain sports to really content each other. And by the looks of the medal tally, this is more Aussie games than anything else. The people and the media love it though.
¤ Except the ability to compete in the wealthier countries every four years, the poorest countries did not then, nor now, really benefit much from belonging to a compilation of some Western powers. Except, of course, when athletes from the poorest country, Sierra Leone, decides to suddenly (illegally) “disappeared” on Australian soil.
¤ I also appreciate the inclusion of the “Elite Athletes with Disabilities” (EAD).
I struggle a bit to understand the motivation for the event walk (Norwegian: kappgang), where the athletes compete with a constructed moving handicap: “Walkers are expected to maintain good form and are penalised for bending the knee as it passes under the body or having no foot-to-ground contact.” It is not natural, it doesn’t look healthy, it makes the races last longer and it just looks funny.
¤ I must say though, sport is a fun way to get together, and people seem to enjoy themselves in spite increased traffic and crowded streets. It’s good for the city and the country.
Personally I have briefly watch a few moments on TV, including parts of the opening ceremony. The only actual event I attended was the Rubgy7s with Darshini last Thursday, watching 12 teams playing 16 games to qualify for the playoffs (see pictures). Amongst them where the nations which a few days later proved to finish on top: New Zealand, England, Fiji and Australia. I mainly came to see Fiji playing, after being inspired by their enthusiasm when visiting.
Coming from a school of criticism (journalism), I have a few reflections to make.
¤ The Commonwealth of Nation is a organization based on the former British, imperialistic empire. 53 states plus some 18 territories make up an English speaking group of nations scattered randomly all over the world. In spite a population of numerous 1.8 billion, I struggle to see why the colonist history should be such great grounds for athleticism. It’s not regional, nor is it worldwide.
¤ The assemblage of countries, The Commonwealth Games Federation, leaves out many of the biggest sport powers in the world and will not really measure who is good or bad in the carefully selected sports, other than within the geopolitical construct. There are only a few countries with athletes in these certain sports to really content each other. And by the looks of the medal tally, this is more Aussie games than anything else. The people and the media love it though.
¤ Except the ability to compete in the wealthier countries every four years, the poorest countries did not then, nor now, really benefit much from belonging to a compilation of some Western powers. Except, of course, when athletes from the poorest country, Sierra Leone, decides to suddenly (illegally) “disappeared” on Australian soil.
¤ I also appreciate the inclusion of the “Elite Athletes with Disabilities” (EAD).
I struggle a bit to understand the motivation for the event walk (Norwegian: kappgang), where the athletes compete with a constructed moving handicap: “Walkers are expected to maintain good form and are penalised for bending the knee as it passes under the body or having no foot-to-ground contact.” It is not natural, it doesn’t look healthy, it makes the races last longer and it just looks funny.
¤ I must say though, sport is a fun way to get together, and people seem to enjoy themselves in spite increased traffic and crowded streets. It’s good for the city and the country.
Friday, March 24, 2006
E: Instant Chinese
In between all the serious work e-mail today, there was a humorous crash course in the greatest mother tongue. Read and laugh.
(1) That's not right: Sum Ting Wong
(2) Are you harbouring a fugitive: Hu Yu Hai Ding
(3) See me ASAP: Kum Hia
(4) Small Horse: Tai Ni Po Ni
(5) Did you go to the beach: Wai Yu So Tan
(6) I bumped the coffee table: Ai Bang Mai Ni
(7) I think you need a face lift: Chin Tu Fat
(8) Its Very dark in here: Wai So Dim
(9) I thought you were on a diet: Wai Yu Mun Ching
(10) This is a tow away zone: No Pah King
(11) Our meeting is scheduled for next week: Wai Yu Kum Nao
(12) Staying out of sight: Lei Ying Lo
(13) He's cleaning his automobile: Wa Shing Ka
(14) Your body odour is offensive: Yu Stin Ki Pu
(15) Great: Su Pah
(1) That's not right: Sum Ting Wong
(2) Are you harbouring a fugitive: Hu Yu Hai Ding
(3) See me ASAP: Kum Hia
(4) Small Horse: Tai Ni Po Ni
(5) Did you go to the beach: Wai Yu So Tan
(6) I bumped the coffee table: Ai Bang Mai Ni
(7) I think you need a face lift: Chin Tu Fat
(8) Its Very dark in here: Wai So Dim
(9) I thought you were on a diet: Wai Yu Mun Ching
(10) This is a tow away zone: No Pah King
(11) Our meeting is scheduled for next week: Wai Yu Kum Nao
(12) Staying out of sight: Lei Ying Lo
(13) He's cleaning his automobile: Wa Shing Ka
(14) Your body odour is offensive: Yu Stin Ki Pu
(15) Great: Su Pah
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
X: Lip block/Anti-kyssesyken
Yesterday I read about how dangerous it can be to kiss a person with allergies if you have eaten something she/he cannot handle. Even mouthwash, chewing gum, brushing your teeth or waiting several hours will not remove the socalled “allergens”. Darshini can fortunately confirm she doesn’t have any allergies.
However, Monday there were dotty sores forming underneath my nose, which today was diagnosed to be herpes mild (cold sores). Recent flu and stress may have been the contagious combination. The disease is now regressing, but I still have to keep my lips on a distance to my dear for some days ahead.
Life can be tough :D
Although I may should have been a little more worried (or disappointed) that I have a non-treatable (yet not dangerous, and very common) bug in my system.
---
I går leste jeg om hvor farlig det kan være å kysse en allergiker om du har spist noe han/henne ikke tåler. Selv tannpuss, munnvann, tyggegummi og flere timers ventetid vil ikke fjerne de såkalte ”allergenene”. Darshini kan bekrefte at hun er allergifri.
Mandag dannet det seg en form for prikkete munnsår under nesen min, som i dag ble konstatert til å være mildeste form for herpes. De siste dagene med hektisk program og influensatendenser kan være årsaken. Sykdommen er på vei tilbake nå, men jeg må likevel holde leppene på avstand til min kjære (eller tunga rett i munnen) noen dager fremover.
Det skal ikke være lett, selv om kanskje det faktum at jeg har en uhelbredelig (dog ikke farlig, og nokså vanlig) sykdom i systemet kanskje burde bekymre meg mer :)
However, Monday there were dotty sores forming underneath my nose, which today was diagnosed to be herpes mild (cold sores). Recent flu and stress may have been the contagious combination. The disease is now regressing, but I still have to keep my lips on a distance to my dear for some days ahead.
Life can be tough :D
Although I may should have been a little more worried (or disappointed) that I have a non-treatable (yet not dangerous, and very common) bug in my system.
---
I går leste jeg om hvor farlig det kan være å kysse en allergiker om du har spist noe han/henne ikke tåler. Selv tannpuss, munnvann, tyggegummi og flere timers ventetid vil ikke fjerne de såkalte ”allergenene”. Darshini kan bekrefte at hun er allergifri.
Mandag dannet det seg en form for prikkete munnsår under nesen min, som i dag ble konstatert til å være mildeste form for herpes. De siste dagene med hektisk program og influensatendenser kan være årsaken. Sykdommen er på vei tilbake nå, men jeg må likevel holde leppene på avstand til min kjære (eller tunga rett i munnen) noen dager fremover.
Det skal ikke være lett, selv om kanskje det faktum at jeg har en uhelbredelig (dog ikke farlig, og nokså vanlig) sykdom i systemet kanskje burde bekymre meg mer :)
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
X: Name memory/Navnehukommelse
Although I tend to be able to pronounce people’s names, I have been good with remembering then. Especially not in new environments (like moving to Melbourne) with stacks of new faces. “Everyone” remembers my name as it is different and I am one of the few new ones to most, while I on the other hand time and time again am ashamed of not connect the appearance (which I immediately recognize) to proper names. Often you rather challenge your creativity, than surrender by admitting that you cannot remember someone’s name. There is like an unspoken rule that after a certain number of attempts, you cannot ask a person's name anymore.
Why is it like this? The personal name is the most universal way of identifying a person. It is possibly also the simplest and most unique word to use for distinct a specific individual from a larger group. The name is one of the first, and therefore ranked as one of the most important, piece of information that are exchanged between new acquaintances. Names are most often short, and should therefore not be too hard to keep in mind. If you don’t it is (sadly) almost synonymous with that you have not paid interest or don’t think much of the person in question.
Personally I believe that personality and life foundation are far more important points of remembrance than both name, education and age. Some people have better “name memory” than others. Besides, the expanding name database is on of which it is gradually tougher to keep track. You hear thousands of variations after “my name is” throughout a life time, especially in regards to traveling and moving.
I guess this reflection is primarily an excuse and apology to those out there who I cannot remember by name.
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Navn har jeg aldri vært en kløpper på, særlig ikke i stadig nye omgivelser med haugevis av nye ansikter. ”Alle” husker ditt navn fordi det er annerledes og du er en av de få nye, mens du til stadighet skjemmes av å ikke kunne koble ansikt (som du gjenkjenner umiddelbart) til egennavn. Ofte foretrekker jeg å utfordre kreativiteten, enn å måtte innrømme at navnet ikke engang ligger på tungen. Det er som en uskrevet regel sier at man etter et begrenset antall repetisjoner ikke lenger kan spørre om en persons navn.
Hvorfor er det slik? Personnavn er den mest universale måten å identifisere en person på. Det er, om mulig, også den enkleste og mest unike ordet man kan benytte for å skille ut et bestemt individ fra en større gruppe. Navnet er noe av det første, og dermed rangert som noe av det viktigste, biten av informasjon som utveksles mellom nye bekjentskaper. Navn er som regel ikke lange, og burde være greie å huske ganske lett. Husker man dem ikke, er det nærmest synonymt med at man ikke har vist interesse eller synes noe særlig om personen.
Personlig mener jeg at det å huske personligheten du har og hva du står for er mye viktigere enn både navn, utdanning og alder. Og enkelte har bedre ”navnehukommelse” enn andre. Dessuten blir det stadig vanskeligere å holde styr på navnebanken, for hver ny person man eksponeres for. Man hørerer flere tusen varianter etter ”jeg heter” i løpet av et liv, særlig i sammenheng med reising og flytting. Denne betraktningen er vel i grunn primært en unnskyldning og beklagelse til de der ute jeg ikke husker ved navn.
Why is it like this? The personal name is the most universal way of identifying a person. It is possibly also the simplest and most unique word to use for distinct a specific individual from a larger group. The name is one of the first, and therefore ranked as one of the most important, piece of information that are exchanged between new acquaintances. Names are most often short, and should therefore not be too hard to keep in mind. If you don’t it is (sadly) almost synonymous with that you have not paid interest or don’t think much of the person in question.
Personally I believe that personality and life foundation are far more important points of remembrance than both name, education and age. Some people have better “name memory” than others. Besides, the expanding name database is on of which it is gradually tougher to keep track. You hear thousands of variations after “my name is” throughout a life time, especially in regards to traveling and moving.
I guess this reflection is primarily an excuse and apology to those out there who I cannot remember by name.
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Navn har jeg aldri vært en kløpper på, særlig ikke i stadig nye omgivelser med haugevis av nye ansikter. ”Alle” husker ditt navn fordi det er annerledes og du er en av de få nye, mens du til stadighet skjemmes av å ikke kunne koble ansikt (som du gjenkjenner umiddelbart) til egennavn. Ofte foretrekker jeg å utfordre kreativiteten, enn å måtte innrømme at navnet ikke engang ligger på tungen. Det er som en uskrevet regel sier at man etter et begrenset antall repetisjoner ikke lenger kan spørre om en persons navn.
Hvorfor er det slik? Personnavn er den mest universale måten å identifisere en person på. Det er, om mulig, også den enkleste og mest unike ordet man kan benytte for å skille ut et bestemt individ fra en større gruppe. Navnet er noe av det første, og dermed rangert som noe av det viktigste, biten av informasjon som utveksles mellom nye bekjentskaper. Navn er som regel ikke lange, og burde være greie å huske ganske lett. Husker man dem ikke, er det nærmest synonymt med at man ikke har vist interesse eller synes noe særlig om personen.
Personlig mener jeg at det å huske personligheten du har og hva du står for er mye viktigere enn både navn, utdanning og alder. Og enkelte har bedre ”navnehukommelse” enn andre. Dessuten blir det stadig vanskeligere å holde styr på navnebanken, for hver ny person man eksponeres for. Man hørerer flere tusen varianter etter ”jeg heter” i løpet av et liv, særlig i sammenheng med reising og flytting. Denne betraktningen er vel i grunn primært en unnskyldning og beklagelse til de der ute jeg ikke husker ved navn.
Monday, March 20, 2006
X: Travel contemplations/reisebetraktninger
¤ Generally I am fairly tough when it comes to bargains and equal treatment with the locals when traveling – especially in developing countries. Lately though, I have gradually thought more of how being overpriced might be the best way of return some of the wealth with which one has been provided. Although I still prefer to tip the local industry with those extra few dollars AFTER bargain, negotiations or completed transaction or service, rather than paying a naïve foreigner (special) price.
¤ To travel solo can be the absolutely simplest way of proceeding from point A to B. But it may not be the funniest. To partake in a tour, saunter through museums or go for a run in new nature are often most comfortable alone. Yet, to have a person close to you while living through experiences is the winner alternative in the end. To exchange experiences, opinions and decisions; to undergo something together for mutual understanding and future common memory; to wait, be frustrated, be tired, be hungry, be exhausted together etc provide a more complete travel. All this presuppose that the desires, wishes, sleeping pattern, mood and opinions are fairly compatible.
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¤ Lenge har jeg vært nokså hard på pruting og lik prisbehandling med lokale når jeg reiser. I det siste har jeg tenkt mer og mer på hvordan dette med litt overbetaling kanskje er den beste måten å gi litt tilbake av den rikdommen man er satt til å forvalte. Men enn så lenge foretrekker jeg heller å støtte lokalindustrien med de tre dollarene i tips ETTER pruting, forhandling eller utført tjeneste/salg, enn å betale en naiv utlending-pris.
¤ Å reise alene kan være den absolutt enkleste måten å komme seg fra A til B på, men ikke nødvendigvis den morsomste. Å ta del i en gruppreise, å tråkle gjennom museer eller å jogge en tur i ny natur er ofte særs komfortabelt i enspann. Men med å ha en nær person med seg samtidig som man er sammen forserer opplevelser, vinner nok til slutt. Å utveksle erfaringer, meninger og bestemmelser. Å erfare noe sammen for gjensidig forståelse og framtidig felles minne. Å vente, være frustrert, være trøtt, være sulten, sliten osv sammen, gir en mer totalt farbar reise. Dette forutsetter at reiseønskene ikke spriker ofr mye og at døgnrytme, humør og meninger er lett forenelig.
¤ To travel solo can be the absolutely simplest way of proceeding from point A to B. But it may not be the funniest. To partake in a tour, saunter through museums or go for a run in new nature are often most comfortable alone. Yet, to have a person close to you while living through experiences is the winner alternative in the end. To exchange experiences, opinions and decisions; to undergo something together for mutual understanding and future common memory; to wait, be frustrated, be tired, be hungry, be exhausted together etc provide a more complete travel. All this presuppose that the desires, wishes, sleeping pattern, mood and opinions are fairly compatible.
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¤ Lenge har jeg vært nokså hard på pruting og lik prisbehandling med lokale når jeg reiser. I det siste har jeg tenkt mer og mer på hvordan dette med litt overbetaling kanskje er den beste måten å gi litt tilbake av den rikdommen man er satt til å forvalte. Men enn så lenge foretrekker jeg heller å støtte lokalindustrien med de tre dollarene i tips ETTER pruting, forhandling eller utført tjeneste/salg, enn å betale en naiv utlending-pris.
¤ Å reise alene kan være den absolutt enkleste måten å komme seg fra A til B på, men ikke nødvendigvis den morsomste. Å ta del i en gruppreise, å tråkle gjennom museer eller å jogge en tur i ny natur er ofte særs komfortabelt i enspann. Men med å ha en nær person med seg samtidig som man er sammen forserer opplevelser, vinner nok til slutt. Å utveksle erfaringer, meninger og bestemmelser. Å erfare noe sammen for gjensidig forståelse og framtidig felles minne. Å vente, være frustrert, være trøtt, være sulten, sliten osv sammen, gir en mer totalt farbar reise. Dette forutsetter at reiseønskene ikke spriker ofr mye og at døgnrytme, humør og meninger er lett forenelig.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
E: My moderate prejudice?
One of the few things I could convey hatred towards is racism. I define racism according to a encyclopedia-definition I memorized about eight years ago (freely translated from Norwegian): Racism is a policy or view on humans which rank or divide people after features with which various ethnicities are born.
I happily engage in debates on treatment, interpretations, history and investigations on these topics. My friend Maia recently discovered an online test on prejudice of race and genders. By clicking to different keys, you are to put positive and negative words, and white and black people in different categories.
To my (moderate) surprise, the results revealed that I have a “moderate automatic preference for European American compared to African American”.
If you would like to take the test, please do so before you continue reading.
Of all the test results, 48 pro cent of the test takers displayed a strong automatic preference for White people, but I still am not satisfied with my positioning, and will hereby list a few theories and comments for why I scored the way I did, based on explanation for skewed results of the web page itself.
¤ As the categories and keys swap over halfway through the test, your mind automatically gets makes the first set of images and words be the norm, which makes it confusing when you swap the categories around – regardless of their content. If African American images had been associated with good words from the start, I believe the test results could have been the other way around.
¤ I was interrupted a few times during the test
¤ I did not properly read the instructions always
¤ I was not aware that time was so essential to the results. Also, as ones is aware that this is made to test prejudices, you would hesitate more not to click wrongly on where prejudice results could be generated.
¤ My ethnicity is white Scandinavian (European)
¤ Media make enforce a subconscious picture by rarely covering non-white faces, and if they do often in relation to crime or despair.
¤ The test is only with American faces.
¤ The test results show an automatic preference, not a desired one.
I happily engage in debates on treatment, interpretations, history and investigations on these topics. My friend Maia recently discovered an online test on prejudice of race and genders. By clicking to different keys, you are to put positive and negative words, and white and black people in different categories.
To my (moderate) surprise, the results revealed that I have a “moderate automatic preference for European American compared to African American”.
If you would like to take the test, please do so before you continue reading.
Of all the test results, 48 pro cent of the test takers displayed a strong automatic preference for White people, but I still am not satisfied with my positioning, and will hereby list a few theories and comments for why I scored the way I did, based on explanation for skewed results of the web page itself.
¤ As the categories and keys swap over halfway through the test, your mind automatically gets makes the first set of images and words be the norm, which makes it confusing when you swap the categories around – regardless of their content. If African American images had been associated with good words from the start, I believe the test results could have been the other way around.
¤ I was interrupted a few times during the test
¤ I did not properly read the instructions always
¤ I was not aware that time was so essential to the results. Also, as ones is aware that this is made to test prejudices, you would hesitate more not to click wrongly on where prejudice results could be generated.
¤ My ethnicity is white Scandinavian (European)
¤ Media make enforce a subconscious picture by rarely covering non-white faces, and if they do often in relation to crime or despair.
¤ The test is only with American faces.
¤ The test results show an automatic preference, not a desired one.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
X: Forgetful cycle/Glemsk syklus?
I had a phase in my early teens where I unintentionally left personal belongings around the place. I was (and am) reliable as for other responsibilities, but had a gift of having to buy new watches, sunglasses etc. I blame it partly on my crave to detach articles I am wearing on my arms, head or around my neck when sitting down or do physical activities such as playing pool, computer games or sports. But just as important was my (ongoing) fascination of fellow human beings or focus on observing my surroundings for short or longer travels.
The recent years contained few undesired shopping sprees. But this year’s first months have been marked by reoccurring forgetfulness. The first incident was the worst. I got distracted for a couple of seconds after the seat-belt sign in the Guadalajara-LA flight had been switched off, and left a CS Lewis book, Fiji Lonely Planet and a notebook with notes for three-four journalistic articles. I noticed an hour later, but the airline, door men or lost&found office could not help me. The notebook could not be replaced, and has been hard to reconstruct.
Fiji also had a little wave of left property: sun glasses, towel, deck of cards and swimming shorts (not while wearing them). After returning to Australia I managed to overlook my keys when leaving after a soccer match, but was rescued by a team mate who happened to return to the field (for his forgotten soccer boots).
Lots of thoughts, collies to supervise, new surroundings and passed stress are possible explanatory reasons. I really hope this is a bypass from a steady, in-control-of-things control.
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I mine første tenår gjennomgikk jeg en periode der jeg til stadighet kunne legge igjen personlige eiendeler. Jeg var pålitelig med det meste annet, men hadde en egen evne til å måtte kjøpe nye klokker, solbriller etc. Noe av årsaken skyldes min trang til å ta av meg gjenstander jeg har på armer, hodet eller rundt halsen når jeg setter meg ned. Men vel så viktig er min fascinasjon av medmennesker eller hva som skal skje når jeg legger ut på kortere eller lengre reiser.
I de siste årene har det vært lite uønskede handleturer, men med starten av dette året har mengden glemskhet tiltatt. Det startet hardt og brutalt. På flyet fra Guadalajara til Los Angeles tok jeg frem en CS Lewis bok jeg leste i, Lonely Planet boka fra Fiji og notatboka mi fra reisen så langt. I sistnevnte var regnskap, dagbok og ikke minst notater til tre-fire artikler for DinSide.no. Artikkelstoffet hadde jeg ennå ikke overført til min PC. I sekundene da skiltet for setebeltene gikk av, glemte jeg å sjekke stollommen foran meg, og la bøkene igjen på flyet. Etter den første av ni ventetimer, innså jeg plutselig at sekken var noe mindre en antatt. Tross iherdig rundspringing etter flyselskap, hittegods, dørvakter etc, var det ingen som hadde sett eller viste av bøkene. Jeg kjøpte ny Fiji-bok, var ferdiglest med CS Lewis, men har hatt større problemer med å rekonstruere notatene.
Fiji hadde også en bølge med gjenglemt løsøre; solbriller, håndduk, kortstokk, badeshorts (ikke en jeg hadde på meg). Etter ankomst Australia har jeg prestert å legge nøklene til sykkel og hus igjen ved en fotballbane, som tilfeldigvis ble oppdaget av en lagkamerat. Jeg har også glemt en armbånd hos min Darshini en av dagene.
Jeg håper inderlig at dette kun er forbigående, og et symptom på mange tanker i hodet og tidligere stress.
The recent years contained few undesired shopping sprees. But this year’s first months have been marked by reoccurring forgetfulness. The first incident was the worst. I got distracted for a couple of seconds after the seat-belt sign in the Guadalajara-LA flight had been switched off, and left a CS Lewis book, Fiji Lonely Planet and a notebook with notes for three-four journalistic articles. I noticed an hour later, but the airline, door men or lost&found office could not help me. The notebook could not be replaced, and has been hard to reconstruct.
Fiji also had a little wave of left property: sun glasses, towel, deck of cards and swimming shorts (not while wearing them). After returning to Australia I managed to overlook my keys when leaving after a soccer match, but was rescued by a team mate who happened to return to the field (for his forgotten soccer boots).
Lots of thoughts, collies to supervise, new surroundings and passed stress are possible explanatory reasons. I really hope this is a bypass from a steady, in-control-of-things control.
---
I mine første tenår gjennomgikk jeg en periode der jeg til stadighet kunne legge igjen personlige eiendeler. Jeg var pålitelig med det meste annet, men hadde en egen evne til å måtte kjøpe nye klokker, solbriller etc. Noe av årsaken skyldes min trang til å ta av meg gjenstander jeg har på armer, hodet eller rundt halsen når jeg setter meg ned. Men vel så viktig er min fascinasjon av medmennesker eller hva som skal skje når jeg legger ut på kortere eller lengre reiser.
I de siste årene har det vært lite uønskede handleturer, men med starten av dette året har mengden glemskhet tiltatt. Det startet hardt og brutalt. På flyet fra Guadalajara til Los Angeles tok jeg frem en CS Lewis bok jeg leste i, Lonely Planet boka fra Fiji og notatboka mi fra reisen så langt. I sistnevnte var regnskap, dagbok og ikke minst notater til tre-fire artikler for DinSide.no. Artikkelstoffet hadde jeg ennå ikke overført til min PC. I sekundene da skiltet for setebeltene gikk av, glemte jeg å sjekke stollommen foran meg, og la bøkene igjen på flyet. Etter den første av ni ventetimer, innså jeg plutselig at sekken var noe mindre en antatt. Tross iherdig rundspringing etter flyselskap, hittegods, dørvakter etc, var det ingen som hadde sett eller viste av bøkene. Jeg kjøpte ny Fiji-bok, var ferdiglest med CS Lewis, men har hatt større problemer med å rekonstruere notatene.
Fiji hadde også en bølge med gjenglemt løsøre; solbriller, håndduk, kortstokk, badeshorts (ikke en jeg hadde på meg). Etter ankomst Australia har jeg prestert å legge nøklene til sykkel og hus igjen ved en fotballbane, som tilfeldigvis ble oppdaget av en lagkamerat. Jeg har også glemt en armbånd hos min Darshini en av dagene.
Jeg håper inderlig at dette kun er forbigående, og et symptom på mange tanker i hodet og tidligere stress.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
E: Gender segregation shock
I expected some kind of culture shock when coming to Australia. But I didn’t think the first genuine one to come after eleven months in the country.
Most Christian Australians do not make close friends to the opposite gender, except for the (potential future) girl-/boyfriend. In specifics this means for a boy not hanging out with a girl by herself, going to a café for instance, and particularly not visiting, be in a closed room or going to the movies – if there are no one else (familiar) there. The motivation is not to create any awkward, wrong ideas, moments, impressions, cravings etc. It is ok to associate with the other gender in group settings (more than just the two), among friends, out, in sports, church and so on. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, and it is not a rule to all, but at least a dominating guideline.
This I know this is how it works in less liberal nations and cultures, but I did not see it coming in Australia. To what extent this applies to other Aussies I do not know, but not a lot by the looks of it. You may be aware of this, and rather ask how I couldn’t properly notice after all this time. I asked myself that question too after having revealed this way of relational conduct in recent conversations. I concluded with a few theories. Firstly, I made many female friends last time in Australia, a couple also Christian Australians. Secondly, things seemed similar to those of Europe, and I assumed the conditions would resemble Norway, or at least the UK.
In Norway none of the no-go examples above would be an eyebrow-lifter. Maybe someone would ask if I was to go to the movies with a girl, but if I said it was nothing there, I would be believed.
Albeit I understand the reasoning behind the gender segregation practice, and I am not saying it is wrong, the idea is still a bit surprising to me for several reasons: a) this is a very different reality from with what I grew up. b) Unless being highly incautious or very ongoing, I think chances are good for not inflicting any undesired intimacy. The purpose of the relation (friendship) is quickly becoming clear (at least from my European experience). In fact, sometimes you are tempted more by what you don’t/can’t have than with what you do/can. c) Girls and boys are different, and a few discussion topics work best among your own gender. But I think you are missing out if you only (closely) associate with your own gender. There are many things and impulses to receive from girls and visa versa.
From a guy with ONE girlfriend and MANY female friends.
Most Christian Australians do not make close friends to the opposite gender, except for the (potential future) girl-/boyfriend. In specifics this means for a boy not hanging out with a girl by herself, going to a café for instance, and particularly not visiting, be in a closed room or going to the movies – if there are no one else (familiar) there. The motivation is not to create any awkward, wrong ideas, moments, impressions, cravings etc. It is ok to associate with the other gender in group settings (more than just the two), among friends, out, in sports, church and so on. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, and it is not a rule to all, but at least a dominating guideline.
This I know this is how it works in less liberal nations and cultures, but I did not see it coming in Australia. To what extent this applies to other Aussies I do not know, but not a lot by the looks of it. You may be aware of this, and rather ask how I couldn’t properly notice after all this time. I asked myself that question too after having revealed this way of relational conduct in recent conversations. I concluded with a few theories. Firstly, I made many female friends last time in Australia, a couple also Christian Australians. Secondly, things seemed similar to those of Europe, and I assumed the conditions would resemble Norway, or at least the UK.
In Norway none of the no-go examples above would be an eyebrow-lifter. Maybe someone would ask if I was to go to the movies with a girl, but if I said it was nothing there, I would be believed.
Albeit I understand the reasoning behind the gender segregation practice, and I am not saying it is wrong, the idea is still a bit surprising to me for several reasons: a) this is a very different reality from with what I grew up. b) Unless being highly incautious or very ongoing, I think chances are good for not inflicting any undesired intimacy. The purpose of the relation (friendship) is quickly becoming clear (at least from my European experience). In fact, sometimes you are tempted more by what you don’t/can’t have than with what you do/can. c) Girls and boys are different, and a few discussion topics work best among your own gender. But I think you are missing out if you only (closely) associate with your own gender. There are many things and impulses to receive from girls and visa versa.
From a guy with ONE girlfriend and MANY female friends.
Friday, March 10, 2006
X: Oh happy (wedding) day
Picture samples
And so my best Aussie friend is a married man. James Punton became one with beautiful Carolyn Saturday afternoon. I had the honor of being one of the four groomsmen.
Strangely, but good is it that there is no way to refer to the happening other than in past tense. The wedding in Colac (a couple of hours drive south-west of Melbourne), the home of Carolyn, was a thoroughly warming experience. The wedded, their families, friends, facilities and the program set a splendid frame around event. A fair load of h2o steamed from the attendants, particularly us in black rental suits, as the sun and blue skies generated 30+ degrees.
Anyone could tell that James wasn’t quite himself Friday, but albeit going through his whole repertory of emotions, doubting marriage was not one of them. Saturday began with a traditional, relaxing round of golf. My debut with a metal stick on the trimmed green was more fun than expected.
Showered, shaved and properly attired we arrived at church with a good margin before most the guest and the fashionably late bride. In spite having seen similar ceremonies, heard alike vows, waiting for the “I do”s before, the atmosphere was still genuine and touching.
Heavy photography fire, light afternoon tea and high density of well-dressed people marked the time after church. Not long after, there was time for official wedding shots with the bridal group in the botanical gardens. The following reception had around 120 people who enjoyed talking, the food, the speeches and each others’ company. An extra bonus was that I came to the wedding with Darshini as my date.
I will finish like the title of the walking out song after the ceremony: Oh happy day.
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Noen bilder
Så var min beste australske venn en gift mann. James Punton ble ett med Carolyn lørdag ettermiddag – i Colac (et par timers kjøretur sørøst for Melbourne). Jeg hadde æren av å være en av fire utvalgte groosmen. Det vil si en nær (mannlig) venn som opererer som støttespiller det siste døgnet før det avgjørende ”ja”-et fyller kirkerommet.
Det går ikke an å omtale inngåelsen i annet enn fortid nå, som er sært, men samtidig flott. Bryllupet var en varmende begivenhet fra ende til annen. De nå gifte, familiene, vennene, lokalene og programmet satte en herlig ramme rundt bryllupet. Knallsol og over 30 grader, dampet enn del h2o fra de fremmøtte, særlig oss i dress, men det var verdt svetten. Og det gode været gjorde dagen komplett.
Dagen i forveien så man James’ nerver på nært hold. Han var ikke helt til stede eller helt seg selv til tider, men aldri i tvil om ekteskapet var det rette. Guttefølget våknet med James rundt klokka 8. Like etter 8:30 var vi på plass på golfbanen, klare til å svinge av gårde noen hvite baller. Min debut med metallstang på det kortklipte gresset var både morsommere og bedre enn antatt, selv om jeg foretrekker noe mer aktiv idrett og har en del trening gjenstående før jeg virkelig behersker teknikkene. Avslappende virket det i alle fall på hovedpersonen.
Nydusjet og finpyntet møtte vi ved kirkebygget rundt klokka 12. Blomstrene ble satt på plass, nervene fikk roet seg, og vi stilte etter hvert innøvd opp da klokka nærmet seg 13 og benkradenes ledighet minket. Brudepikene kom staselig inn, før Carolyn til slutt stod i helhvitt foran sin dresskledte James. Fargekombinasjonen gjorde taler Peter Leslie et poeng av med det å dø for sin kjære; hvitt er fordi det er jentas lykkeligste dag. Svart fordi han gjør seg klar for å kunne dø for henne.
Tung fotografiskyts, lett servering og mange velkledde preget tiden etter kirka. Etter hvert trakk brudefølget til den botaniske hagen og senere innsjøen for å la Larry feste bryllupet på fotofilm.
Selve feiringen, the reception, foregikk på et lite, koselig gjestebruk litt utenfor byen. Et nummer over 100 mennesker koste seg med hverandre, prat, mat og taler. Darsh og jeg fikk noe pratetid sammen og ellers utvekslet jeg en del replikker med mang en kjenning og et fåtall nye ansikter.
Matt kjørte meg og Darsh hjem, til en ankomst Melbourne nærmere midnatt.
And so my best Aussie friend is a married man. James Punton became one with beautiful Carolyn Saturday afternoon. I had the honor of being one of the four groomsmen.
Strangely, but good is it that there is no way to refer to the happening other than in past tense. The wedding in Colac (a couple of hours drive south-west of Melbourne), the home of Carolyn, was a thoroughly warming experience. The wedded, their families, friends, facilities and the program set a splendid frame around event. A fair load of h2o steamed from the attendants, particularly us in black rental suits, as the sun and blue skies generated 30+ degrees.
Anyone could tell that James wasn’t quite himself Friday, but albeit going through his whole repertory of emotions, doubting marriage was not one of them. Saturday began with a traditional, relaxing round of golf. My debut with a metal stick on the trimmed green was more fun than expected.
Showered, shaved and properly attired we arrived at church with a good margin before most the guest and the fashionably late bride. In spite having seen similar ceremonies, heard alike vows, waiting for the “I do”s before, the atmosphere was still genuine and touching.
Heavy photography fire, light afternoon tea and high density of well-dressed people marked the time after church. Not long after, there was time for official wedding shots with the bridal group in the botanical gardens. The following reception had around 120 people who enjoyed talking, the food, the speeches and each others’ company. An extra bonus was that I came to the wedding with Darshini as my date.
I will finish like the title of the walking out song after the ceremony: Oh happy day.
---
Noen bilder
Så var min beste australske venn en gift mann. James Punton ble ett med Carolyn lørdag ettermiddag – i Colac (et par timers kjøretur sørøst for Melbourne). Jeg hadde æren av å være en av fire utvalgte groosmen. Det vil si en nær (mannlig) venn som opererer som støttespiller det siste døgnet før det avgjørende ”ja”-et fyller kirkerommet.
Det går ikke an å omtale inngåelsen i annet enn fortid nå, som er sært, men samtidig flott. Bryllupet var en varmende begivenhet fra ende til annen. De nå gifte, familiene, vennene, lokalene og programmet satte en herlig ramme rundt bryllupet. Knallsol og over 30 grader, dampet enn del h2o fra de fremmøtte, særlig oss i dress, men det var verdt svetten. Og det gode været gjorde dagen komplett.
Dagen i forveien så man James’ nerver på nært hold. Han var ikke helt til stede eller helt seg selv til tider, men aldri i tvil om ekteskapet var det rette. Guttefølget våknet med James rundt klokka 8. Like etter 8:30 var vi på plass på golfbanen, klare til å svinge av gårde noen hvite baller. Min debut med metallstang på det kortklipte gresset var både morsommere og bedre enn antatt, selv om jeg foretrekker noe mer aktiv idrett og har en del trening gjenstående før jeg virkelig behersker teknikkene. Avslappende virket det i alle fall på hovedpersonen.
Nydusjet og finpyntet møtte vi ved kirkebygget rundt klokka 12. Blomstrene ble satt på plass, nervene fikk roet seg, og vi stilte etter hvert innøvd opp da klokka nærmet seg 13 og benkradenes ledighet minket. Brudepikene kom staselig inn, før Carolyn til slutt stod i helhvitt foran sin dresskledte James. Fargekombinasjonen gjorde taler Peter Leslie et poeng av med det å dø for sin kjære; hvitt er fordi det er jentas lykkeligste dag. Svart fordi han gjør seg klar for å kunne dø for henne.
Tung fotografiskyts, lett servering og mange velkledde preget tiden etter kirka. Etter hvert trakk brudefølget til den botaniske hagen og senere innsjøen for å la Larry feste bryllupet på fotofilm.
Selve feiringen, the reception, foregikk på et lite, koselig gjestebruk litt utenfor byen. Et nummer over 100 mennesker koste seg med hverandre, prat, mat og taler. Darsh og jeg fikk noe pratetid sammen og ellers utvekslet jeg en del replikker med mang en kjenning og et fåtall nye ansikter.
Matt kjørte meg og Darsh hjem, til en ankomst Melbourne nærmere midnatt.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
X: Uni-start
Burachracy and old time tables overcatsed the sunny opening week of my exchange semester of 2006. But I enjoy the campus, the location and the finalized plan. After all, this is my main (official) reason to be located thousands of kilometers south-east of my mother country.
My preferable subjects included video production, 3D animation and a standard theoretical media subject. Factors as lack of approval, software restrictions and outdated time tables prevented any of the three from happening.
The final time table is very different, but a good second option.
Global Crisis Reporting (Wednesday; lecture 10 – 11 AM and seminar 12:15 -2:15 PM)
Understanding development (Thursday; lecture 3 - 4 PM and seminar 4 - 5 PM).
The first one gives a double worth of credits. Both subjects are 5th year subjects, has a load of theories, information and readings, but are so far challenging and mentally awarding. Additionally I work with my thesis on how Christianity is covered in the Norwegian print press and met a professor at RMIT yesterday in that regard.
Of other regular activities I have soccer practice on Mondays and Wednesdays (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm). I will probably be a bit more involved with Christian Union at campus, and possibly a bible study group on Thursday nights. Saturday will be game day when soccer season starts and Sunday nights include visiting church.
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Byråkrati og gamle timeplaner la en skygge over den solfylte åpningsuka av mitt utvekslingssemester 2006. Men jeg liker utseende og lokasjonen til universitetsområdet, og det endelige akedemiske resultatet. Dette er tross alt (offisielt) hovedårsaken til at jeg befinner meg tusenvis av kilometer sørøst for fedrelandet.
Ønsket var et praktisk videofag, 3D animasjon og et standard teoretisk mediefag. Faktorer som godkjenning, programvarerestriksjoner og utdatering satte en stopper for alle tre.
Men min timeplan endte opp i et godt andrevalg.
Global Crisis Reporting (Onsdag; forelesing 10-11 og seminar 12:15-14:15)
Understanding development (Torsdag; forelesing 15-16 og seminar 16-17)
Førstnevnte gir poengmessig dobbelt uttelling. Begge fagene er på øverste masternivå, har en haug med teorier, informasjon og lesing, men er givende og utfordrende. I tillegg jobber jeg med masteroppgaven min hvis relasjon jeg traff en professor på RMIT i går.
Ellers vil jeg sannsynligvis ta større del i Christian Union etter hvert. På kveldstid er det kun fotballtreninger på mandager og onsdager (fra 18:30 – 20:30) (og etter hvert kamper lørdager), samt kirkegang på søndags kveld som er faste programposter. En bibelgruppe kan bli aktuelt torsdager.
My preferable subjects included video production, 3D animation and a standard theoretical media subject. Factors as lack of approval, software restrictions and outdated time tables prevented any of the three from happening.
The final time table is very different, but a good second option.
Global Crisis Reporting (Wednesday; lecture 10 – 11 AM and seminar 12:15 -2:15 PM)
Understanding development (Thursday; lecture 3 - 4 PM and seminar 4 - 5 PM).
The first one gives a double worth of credits. Both subjects are 5th year subjects, has a load of theories, information and readings, but are so far challenging and mentally awarding. Additionally I work with my thesis on how Christianity is covered in the Norwegian print press and met a professor at RMIT yesterday in that regard.
Of other regular activities I have soccer practice on Mondays and Wednesdays (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm). I will probably be a bit more involved with Christian Union at campus, and possibly a bible study group on Thursday nights. Saturday will be game day when soccer season starts and Sunday nights include visiting church.
---
Byråkrati og gamle timeplaner la en skygge over den solfylte åpningsuka av mitt utvekslingssemester 2006. Men jeg liker utseende og lokasjonen til universitetsområdet, og det endelige akedemiske resultatet. Dette er tross alt (offisielt) hovedårsaken til at jeg befinner meg tusenvis av kilometer sørøst for fedrelandet.
Ønsket var et praktisk videofag, 3D animasjon og et standard teoretisk mediefag. Faktorer som godkjenning, programvarerestriksjoner og utdatering satte en stopper for alle tre.
Men min timeplan endte opp i et godt andrevalg.
Global Crisis Reporting (Onsdag; forelesing 10-11 og seminar 12:15-14:15)
Understanding development (Torsdag; forelesing 15-16 og seminar 16-17)
Førstnevnte gir poengmessig dobbelt uttelling. Begge fagene er på øverste masternivå, har en haug med teorier, informasjon og lesing, men er givende og utfordrende. I tillegg jobber jeg med masteroppgaven min hvis relasjon jeg traff en professor på RMIT i går.
Ellers vil jeg sannsynligvis ta større del i Christian Union etter hvert. På kveldstid er det kun fotballtreninger på mandager og onsdager (fra 18:30 – 20:30) (og etter hvert kamper lørdager), samt kirkegang på søndags kveld som er faste programposter. En bibelgruppe kan bli aktuelt torsdager.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
X: Sporty Melbourne
Living close to the CBD, my impression of Melbourne as the sportive capital of Australia, if not the entire continent, has been intensified. There are few sprints between the various sport complexes, bike lanes go throughout the city, walking/running paths crisscross the area, within or outside the many green lounges. And most importantly; apart from during the hottest midday sun, moving people without cars or other means of engine-driven vehicles is a regular site.
My frequency of practice hours lately have been irregularly high. Up to Thursday since the previous one, I exercised every day – soccer or volleyball.
The uni sports club, Melbourne Renegades, is well-organized, has a good atmosphere and train in proper facilities at suitable times (the suburb of Footscray, Tuesday and Thursday). I have still decided to drop volleyball this semester – for the first time since I started 10 years ago with one quick tae kwon do exception. If I wanted to study, be involved in other activities such as Christian bible study etc, maintain my friendships and relationship, there was no way I could manage four practices a week plus weekend match, like this week. Soccer worked out to the be most convenient, involving more running and requiring less time – especially on match days.
So from next week I will only be a soccer play from the Northern Pumas – if I am able to convince my volleyball coaches and myself that it is ok not to play.
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Mitt nåværende nærvær til sentrum, har intensivert mitt inntrykk av Melbourne som idrettsmekka i Australia, om ikke i hele verdensdelen. Det er ikke store avstandene mellom de ulike stadionanleggene, like inntil bykjernen er lagt opp med sykkelfelter, gå/løpefelter svinger seg gjennom hele område, innenfor og utenfor utallige grøntområder. Og så fremt det ikke er midt på en av disse dagene med knallsol og over 30 grader, ser man stadig folk i bevegelse uten bil eller offentlig transportmiddel.
Frekvensen av treningstimer mine siste dager, har vært uvanlig høy. Fra forrige torsdag til denne uka, trente jeg hver dag, annenhver dag fotball eller volleyball. Søndag bestod kun i sykling til Essendon, til bydelen der Darshini bor. Om skyssen hadde ankommet i dag, ville jeg vært delaktig i treningskamper med fotballaget.
Laget til University of Melbourne, Melbourne Renegades, er organisert, har en god atmosfære og trener i gode lokaler på passende tider. Jeg har likevel bestemt meg for å kutte ut volleyball dette semesteret – for første gang på siden jeg startet for 10 år siden, med ett tae kwon do-unntak i 2002. Årsaken er tidsperspektivet. Jeg ville uansett kun ha muligheten til å konkurrere i en idrett da lørdag er kampdag. Alle volleyballagene spiller på samme sted, en drøy times kjøretur unna. Med dommeroppgaver etc, tar det fort tida mellom 10-18. Om jeg skal spille fotballkamper må jeg trene fotball, og har jeg har ikke tid til fire treninger i uka, selv om det teoretisk lar seg gjøre (som denne uka); fotball mandag og onsdag, volleyball tirsdag og torsdag. Melbourne Falcons, min gamle klubb, trener for øvrig fredager, men fra 20-22 på kvelden i en tid der er andre ting som står på programmet. Om jeg skal leve, studere, være delaktig i kristne aktiviteter og opprettholde mine vennskap og romantiske relasjon, ser jeg det ikke gjennomførbart på noe annet vis. Dessuten inneholder fotball mer løping og føles for tiden ut som det mest gøyale å svette til.
Fra neste uke er jeg altså kun fotballspiller for Northern Pumas – så fremt jeg klarer å overtale mine trenere og ikke minst meg selv om at avgjørelsen er smart.
My frequency of practice hours lately have been irregularly high. Up to Thursday since the previous one, I exercised every day – soccer or volleyball.
The uni sports club, Melbourne Renegades, is well-organized, has a good atmosphere and train in proper facilities at suitable times (the suburb of Footscray, Tuesday and Thursday). I have still decided to drop volleyball this semester – for the first time since I started 10 years ago with one quick tae kwon do exception. If I wanted to study, be involved in other activities such as Christian bible study etc, maintain my friendships and relationship, there was no way I could manage four practices a week plus weekend match, like this week. Soccer worked out to the be most convenient, involving more running and requiring less time – especially on match days.
So from next week I will only be a soccer play from the Northern Pumas – if I am able to convince my volleyball coaches and myself that it is ok not to play.
---
Mitt nåværende nærvær til sentrum, har intensivert mitt inntrykk av Melbourne som idrettsmekka i Australia, om ikke i hele verdensdelen. Det er ikke store avstandene mellom de ulike stadionanleggene, like inntil bykjernen er lagt opp med sykkelfelter, gå/løpefelter svinger seg gjennom hele område, innenfor og utenfor utallige grøntområder. Og så fremt det ikke er midt på en av disse dagene med knallsol og over 30 grader, ser man stadig folk i bevegelse uten bil eller offentlig transportmiddel.
Frekvensen av treningstimer mine siste dager, har vært uvanlig høy. Fra forrige torsdag til denne uka, trente jeg hver dag, annenhver dag fotball eller volleyball. Søndag bestod kun i sykling til Essendon, til bydelen der Darshini bor. Om skyssen hadde ankommet i dag, ville jeg vært delaktig i treningskamper med fotballaget.
Laget til University of Melbourne, Melbourne Renegades, er organisert, har en god atmosfære og trener i gode lokaler på passende tider. Jeg har likevel bestemt meg for å kutte ut volleyball dette semesteret – for første gang på siden jeg startet for 10 år siden, med ett tae kwon do-unntak i 2002. Årsaken er tidsperspektivet. Jeg ville uansett kun ha muligheten til å konkurrere i en idrett da lørdag er kampdag. Alle volleyballagene spiller på samme sted, en drøy times kjøretur unna. Med dommeroppgaver etc, tar det fort tida mellom 10-18. Om jeg skal spille fotballkamper må jeg trene fotball, og har jeg har ikke tid til fire treninger i uka, selv om det teoretisk lar seg gjøre (som denne uka); fotball mandag og onsdag, volleyball tirsdag og torsdag. Melbourne Falcons, min gamle klubb, trener for øvrig fredager, men fra 20-22 på kvelden i en tid der er andre ting som står på programmet. Om jeg skal leve, studere, være delaktig i kristne aktiviteter og opprettholde mine vennskap og romantiske relasjon, ser jeg det ikke gjennomførbart på noe annet vis. Dessuten inneholder fotball mer løping og føles for tiden ut som det mest gøyale å svette til.
Fra neste uke er jeg altså kun fotballspiller for Northern Pumas – så fremt jeg klarer å overtale mine trenere og ikke minst meg selv om at avgjørelsen er smart.
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