murmeldyr.no

The weblog of a traveller

   Jan 19

Bunnyhouse

By aggy

I promised to write only about important, essential things, no personal jabjab that makes some blogs so tideous. Rabbits are important.

My place is now a bunnyplace. I didn’t realise how much I’ve been missing companion animals. How calming it is to work in the home-office to the eager sounds of rabbits busily minding their own business. How much they make me smile when they run across the floor and can’t stop when they reach the other end. A bunnyplace is a happy place.

We picked up Lilo and Luna from a shelter organization yeasterday. It was snowing so heavily that black rabbits were white before we even got back to the car. Sure getting snowed on is not a bunny’s favorite pastime, and two sulky rabbits stared at us from the far corner of the cage the rest of the day. Although the door was kept open and we tried our best to trick them out on the floor with treats, they only wanted to lay there like some amorphic fur heap with ears. Today is another matter altogether, they seem to have moved to under the couch and arrange expeditions to the other rooms from there.

In their previous home they lived with cats, and rabbits were bossing the cats around. Bunny got guts! It broke my heart taking them away from their cosy home and their feline frenemies, but at least they get more jumping room here!

They’re already doing the funny, weird things rabbits do, like hiding their food bowl under a heap of hay and a number of other rearrangements that seem perfectly random to non-rabbits.

They absolutely love that carpet. Guess it reminds them of a grassy field.

Embarrassingly enough, I can’t tell them apart – but they don’t seem to care what I call them so using the wrong name should be forgivable.

Posted in Log , , , , | 2 Comments »

   Jan 09

Ad “The Dangerous Indifferency”

By aggy

Wow! I am going to have to moderate yesterday’s post substantially. While I’m still as puzzled by the selective blindness I’ve seen many times, the people of Oslo have proven that there’s still solid numbers of people who care. When a city of half a million can present 40 000+ people for a procession, there must still be hope. Alas, as I was hindered from participating and the media seem to focus solely on a different, violent demonstration the same night, I haven’t been able to find pictures from the procession.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government is still ignoring the UN and blocking the border, even for Redcross!

In danger of reducing Murmeldyr to a collection of links to good causes, I give you a few channels to show concern:
Call from Palestinian human rights organizations to UN, EU and the Geneva Council

Avaaz’ petition to the UN, EU, Arab League and USA for negotiations instead of force

Petition by the whole Norwegian left wing and workers’ federations to the Norwegian government to remove its investments in Israel -a powerful message

Posted in Murmle , , , , , , | Comments Off on Ad “The Dangerous Indifferency”

   Jan 08

The dangerous indifferency

By aggy

I turn on the news. I can’t watch and turn off again. I turn it back on, it’s too important, too big to be ignorant about.

I’m of course talking about the war on the edge of Europe. This is no political blog, but I can’t hold my peace on this. But instead of commenting the things that are going on, which many have done better than I ever could, like in The Independent, I will rather express my profound wonder regarding a quite common reaction to these news: “Meh.”

As we walked past a newsstand, I said to my friend, -have you seen the headlines? She shrugs,
-There’s always a war somewhere. There’s no way my friend could care less, and I see the same mentality in a lot of people when the issue is brought up; in lunch at work, on the bus. The information we get is truly hard to relate to and people tackle it in very different ways; some cry their empathic hearts out, while some lock it all out and deny the existence of the whole situation. The latter case puzzles and fascinates me and gives me some very low thoughts on humanity. It seems, the more terrible the violations, the less do people care. Sure the Middle East conflict is as old as Israel itself, but this is different, this time the people have nowhere to escape and that is what makes it so exceedingly inhumane. 30 years ago there would have been a massive uproar, but there have only been scattered demonstrations in response to this.

A simple explanation would be that people protect themselves from pain by relating to a difficult problem simply by not relating to it. That’s an accepted psychological fact. But isn’t that still too simple? How is it possible to ignore such a massive fight, so close and so well documented in media?
 Are we really ready to accept anything with a shrug and a frown? Where will that take us? How much are we capable of accepting and ignoring without ever reacting?

To those who have given in to the hopelessness I quote Avaaz: Our efforts really can make a difference — Israel’s own foreign minister admits that international pressure, if intense enough, could ensure a ceasefire (våpenhvile).

In the meantime, I’m glad to see that some ordinary people still keep their hopes. Jewish teenagers with a conscience are going to jail for refusing to participate in this war. Please sign this petition to free them: December 18th campaign

Posted in Log , , , , , | Comments Off on The dangerous indifferency

   Dec 11

Mail rant [warning: general lack of punchlines]

By aggy

16:30: OK so I was off to the post office to dispatch a middle-sized mountain of winter presents. Walking the bike and balancing the stuff on it, as the Spar post office is on the way to the bike library and as I go home on Friday my issue needs returning. Post office closes at 17.30, bike library at 18, and they are quite close to each other, 15 minutes walk from the halls. I had all the time in the world. When I was there earlier to enquire about sending things abroad, I was told there was a fixed rate by weight “unless the package was insanely heavy”. And they sold boxes, which I was going to need as a lot of the people I’m sending to seem to live in the same housholds. How convenient, much easier than the confusing Norwegian system where you should use “Smartpost” for heavy stuff but using it for lighter things is rather unsmart…

Well, with my two sacks, one large box, backpack and bike I only lacked a red hat to be confused for Santa, and the rolling present-mountain was rather slow, and the weather was getting more and more Scottish. One guy (let’s say for decency’s sake that I know him) saw my struggle and pulled over to ask if I needed a ride and as much as I prefer fixing my to-dos on my own I happily locked the bike and jumped in.

When my friend turned the wrong way on King street (with Post office only a few blocks away) I thought he was making fun of me. The rationale, it turned out, was it would have taken quite a while to drive there with the heavy traffic, even though the distance was short. Instead we drove to another post office nearby. Although I said it was not necessary, he insisted on waiting to take me back – good thing, ’cause just then I realised this office is closed on Wednesdays. We went some back road to another office he knew, and by this point I had no clue where we were so when he offered to wait I was all yesses.

16.50: First turndown was the line snaking throughout the shop.

Lookie, a dedicated CSI magazine! (Just need to sweet talk the server to serve me the photo, watch this space!)

The lady serving me had a “manager” badge and I thought; cool, from now everything will run smoothly.
First parcel; Too heavy for the scale, louud siigh from the manager. Parcel is weighed on special scale n the far corner.
-So that’s 35 pounds.
-What?!
-35 pounds.
-What was the weight again?
-2.2 kilograms.
Wohw, that’s more than paying overweight on the plane and it’s more than twice the worth of the contents, but I guess it’s the price…
Filling in a customs form stating the contents in detail kind of takes from the secrecy of the presents too.
-But why is it so expensive? (After all, sending cards to my Norwegian pals is actually cheaper from here than from home, so the extensive charge for packages puzzled me)
-Because it is over 2 kg.
-So how much would it be for sending something of 2 kgs?
(cutting me off sharply) -I have no idea.
-… Could you please find it out for me?
(loud sigh) *punch punch* -11 pounds.
-So it’s 24 pounds for the last 200 grams?!
-That’s why I told you the price.
-Then I need to repack it. Can you please give me my parcel back? I am really sorry about this.
-That is not possible.
-But it is right there on the desk!
-Once it is in the system, there is no way of getting it out again.
-This is ridiculous! I was told there was a flat rate based on the weight of the package!
-That’s only up to 2 kg. I told you the price and you accepted it.
-But you did not say there was that kind of charge for the last 200 grams.
-That’s why I told you the price. I don’t even know how to get it out of the system now.
-I’m sure there is someone here who does know.

Manager lady is very unmovable on this.

*Puppy eyes go blinkblink*

Manager lady rips off the labels from my package and hands it to me with a face made of stone. Puppy eyes made the impossible possible! It’s funny how “It is not as offpaying” is rephrased as “It is not possible” with companies with no competition.

Next package is too small. Huh? Yep, too small, impossible to send. Can’t fit the labels on it.
Next package is unsendable as well, as this office does not sell the box I need to send it in. Or it does, but the box has to be paid at another counter, and if I step out of the line I will not be admitted in again as it’s 15 minutes to closing time.

17.45 So I stand in the pouring rain, still with my presents, without the bike and far away from home, and by this time it’s dark and the bicycle library is closing. Empathic minds will feel my miserableness in those moments.
Somehow by some hidden instinct I found my way home, wrote most of this post, got a phone call “Where are you! It’s fun out!” and promptly left, had a blast of a night and finished the post before going off to the land of dreams.

Thanks for reading, it wasn’t meant to be coherent.

Posted in Murmle , | 1 Comment »

   Dec 10

Why I’m in science

By aggy

So what do you do? [Icebreaker phrase alarm! Aight, I know what’s coming]
-Biochemistry. (The degree is really called Biotechnology, but biochem more/less covers it and saves some definition of terms to someone who’s not terribly interested anyway. Also, it’s easier to pronounce.)
-Whoah! *drawing slightly back* Science is so hard! Why do you do it?

That is the standard response. For the first; I only said what field I’m in, not whether I’m any good at it so no need for awe. For the second; it’s a lot easier than medicine or engineering, and I prefer it over human sciences because it’s dependable and replicable and I like hard facts. For the third, I can make living things glow in the dark. Isn’t that reason enough?

Glowing Mushrooms

Glowing Mushrooms

Also, in a few years I can titulate myself [roaring voice] Master of Science [/roaring voice].

Posted in Murmle , | 2 Comments »

   Dec 10

Peter Rabbit

By aggy

I want to share with you my childhood hero Peter Rabbit. It’s of the very predictable and safe tales that children love, where the naughty get punished, mom’s love knows no end and everyone is safe and warm in the end. The romanticized and neat picturing of the English countryside absolutely enthralled me, still does but now in a more nostalgic way, and may well be a seed of my love of Britain today.

Two parts due to 10 minute cap on youtube films.

Peter Rabbit 1 of 2

Peter Rabbit 2 of 2

Beatrix Potter made many many tales like this, I adored them all.

Posted in Findings , | Comments Off on Peter Rabbit

   Dec 10

St. Andrew’s céilidh

By aggy

In the rest of the world, November 30 is known as All Saints’ Day. Here it is devoted to one saint alone, how gracious.

St. Andrew was a holy man who lived everywhere else than in Scotland, but after his death another holy guy named St. Rule had a dream saying Andrew’s remains were to be buried at the end of the world where they would never be found by anyone in their sanity. So he went to the tomb, grabbed some very random parts (a tooth, an arm bone, a kneecap and some fingers) and brought them to guess where. Catholics and others who believe in ghosts say he’s been protecting Scotland ever since.

 St. Andrew’s cross:

 

Anyhow, there was a céilidh (silent d) to his name, and what a night it was! Kristen, can you fill me in with some photoes?

If I bring the moves to homely dancefloors people will think I’m a redneck, but it looks fantastic when everyone does it together. Fun and friendly and hobbity.

What a pity it took so long to realise where to go to see the loveliest garment in the world jump about!

Rawr

Bassist of Iluvietie, as far as I can tell. Rawr.

 

The place was awesome, but the staff did not have a clue about drinks:

I ordered a Black Russian. They go, “Sure, if you can tell me what is in it.” I can’t remember so I ask for Kahlua and coffee instead. I get two Kahluas with coffee instead of the one I ordered.

I ordered whiskey, and asked to see the interesting-looking bottle in the bar. They hear only the first part and get me Famous Grouse (very not interesting).

What more was it? Oh yes, my rum and lemonade came out very dark so I ask if that’s really lemonade. The rum and COKE is quickly removed and my drink remade.

Posted in Log , , , | Comments Off on St. Andrew’s céilidh

   Dec 03

Nessie and E.T.

By aggy

Birthdays: Generally a rather enjoyable concept. I did not have too high hopes for this one, being away from everyone and all, but today’s been a blast. I’ll take you through it:

* Sleep in (no classes. What a pleasant coincidence)

* Discovering there’s been a heavy snowfall during the night! (Aggy is a sucker for snow)

* Brunch at Caro’s, including loads of cream

* Strolling through park, with spontaneous, politically correct snowperson making and generic childish behavior

* Returning, to find mr. Laptop waiting impatiently for me on kitchen table (Finally there you are. Now fire me up right away, I’m installed and powered up and can’t WAIT to show you my bloated systems!)

* Playing w/ mr. Laptop for a couple hours

* Christmas shopping

* Dinner out w/Caro

* Cake at Malin’s (other load of cream)

* Supper with my sweetest neighbors

Whoah, some day. Not to forget the phone calls and messages -thanks a bunch, guys, it means a lot. All in all; with such a start, the year is bound to be worthwhile.

Nessie

Nessie

Snowman #1, Nessie. Gordon the Giraffe: Courtesy of random guy taking the picture

The disaster

The disaster

Nessie died on us!

The shock

The shock

How could she!

E.T.

E.T.

Bypass head transplant successful, Nessie now looks slightly flat-headed and was re-baptized E.T.

Tech girl is trying to figure out how to convince customs people at airport that 3 phones, 3 PCs, 2 cameras and 2 hard drives *ARE* private, non-commercial, personal belongings. Hey, I’m just moving my stuff!

Posted in Log , , , , | 1 Comment »

   Nov 28

Recap

By aggy

Two weeks to go and I guess it’s time to sum up some experiences.

First of all, the Scots are the best people in the world and that is for sure. Easy going and real folks. Much easier to get to know than the shy Norwegians.

The stereotype of them being greedy (as conferred by a certain McDuck) does not seem to hold much truth – although not big spenders, they are very sharing. I haven’t seen much of the proposed nationalism either, although Aberdeen might hold a special position in that sense with the very multicultural Uni and many foreign oil workers.

The weather stereotype, on the other hand, is nothing but true. Sun is rare and appreciated.

Cheese equals cheddar. There may be fifty cheeses to choose from, but all are cheddars. If you aren’t a big fan of cheddar, you’re not getting cheese.

For the language, some people are almost undechipherable -even for the English. Although I haven’t picked up as much as I hoped, I do hope people won’t think I’m talking about pee when I go home and keep referring to small things as wee…

Oh, and did you think “allspice” referred to the magic mix of salt, chili, peppers and garlic that just blends into any food so you don’t even know it’s there? I did. What I got was a crazy blend of cinnamon and curry. Nothing can surprise me now! Be sure to read the label of spice blends, is all I can say.

Posted in Murmle , | 1 Comment »

   Nov 28

Update

By aggy

Generic update: I’m quarreling with my computers, this is why my blogging has been less than great lately. So today I was at PC World (the shop, not the magazine) to update things – mine are over four years now and both are being bad-tempered, so I believe it can be justified. But for Miss Irresolute the choice is overwhelming and I have a really hard time narrowing it down: The cheapest and easiest would be to get one of the handy webbooks, specifically this cutie.

acus eee 900

acus eee 900

More useful still would be to get a powerful tabletop, but what’s up with the wobbly hipster machines bloated with useless multimedia stuff, totally dominating the market? It’s as though I needed a tractor and was offered a Vespa. I’ve looked at a few business models but as I prefer staying below the kilo£ the only one I’ve found yet is this.

HP Compaq 6715b

HP Compaq 6715b

I don’t even have a very good impression of HP stuff but that may be because my experience is from cheap models (which sound like squeaky toys when you touch them) and this is said to be solid. Any suggestions folks?

Also, as much as I hate buying new stuff (inner environmentalist weeps) I realise I’m going to need a new phone in a few weeks too, as I don’t believe Vodafone will unlock mine for use on foreign latitudes any time soon. What does Murmeldyr think of released-yesterday SE W902?

SE W902

SE W902

It’s kind of crap to pay for a cybershot when I’d prefer no cam at all, but I’ve more/less given up that part as only the grandma range of phones come without it and when it has to be there why not make it a decent one…

Tech stuff aside, I’ve been blessed with visits by two of the most shining people I know: Babysis, who is soaring through uni and really challenging my position as the smarter sister 😛 (So proud of you!) and Balanse, the most inspiring person who I wish I could spend more time with (why did you have to move so far away!). Way too short of course, but we had a good time walking on the beach, having a good laugh of a guy who was not friends with his sailboard at all, seeing a bit of the city and my pretty campus and having dinner at an old church that has been totally refurbished into an impressive Dracula atmosphere which would have been very complete if they had dared cut the chart music.

Some guy who had tremendous troubles with his sailboard-thing

Some guy who had tremendous troubles with his sailboard-thing

On Friday I saw The four seasons by candlelight. Finding it was really an adventure, none of us had done the map research beforehand so we went to town at random and asked people. The third venue was the right one, and we arrived just on time to the show! It was really awesome, the candle light was fake but the powdered wigs, velvet knickers and brocade coats were real as can be. Meanwhile, Bolt was watching his fav comedian , which I detest as much as he despises classical music so both were quite happy to be some hundred miles apart just that evening. Win-win!

sneak-shot of "summer"

sneak-shot of Summer.

Tuesday was the 10 year anniversary of the Shared Planet society, the one with the awesome atmosphere. Held at the Tunnels downtown, it was a fun night with killer music and we stayed much longer than planned. I’d give you a link but Google only gives me resources on tunnel vision… This time too we did quite a bit of walking up and down the street before finally finding it. Good thing I was not allowed in the scouts back in the days, how could I find my way in a forest when I can’t in a town with one high street?

There are some pretty artistic people in this bunch

There are some pretty artistic people in this bunch

I suspect Jodie to be the artist behind this.

Also, I’ve been to my first real American thanksgiving party tonight. With baby turkey (erm, chicken), three kinds of haggis and sushi! I learnt that mincemeat pies contain neither mince nor meat, but rather Christmas pudding. Weirdness… The thought of a day dedicated to being thankful is both appealing and appalling: it’s nice to have a timeslot when you really have to count your blessings, but if that means you’ve been thankful for the rest of the year… What I’m trying to say is, can you force thankfulness or will the forcing part destroy the spontanity? Also it’s interesting to note there’s no harvest feast in Norway anymore. Shouldn’t that be a very natural tradition in any society? I mean, sure most people don’t farm anymore, but we do celebrate the Christian holidays even though Christians seem to be a crumbling minority up there. The relevance may be smaller than before but the tradition stays.

Weirdest beer ever

Weirdest beer ever

Badger beer – golden glory. Erm, does anyone else find that NOT appealing? Note the foam still coming out after having poured good half pint. This is why beer is not to be stored in the freezer.

So, it’s been a very social week but my courses are mostly closing and I feel ahead of the rest so it’s fine mum.

Posted in Log, Murmle , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »
<<56789>>