New Engagements

I recently had an "awakening experience" which resulted in me teeing off what I believe will be a turning point in my life. I have to become more active and spend my spare time on something worthwhile. I feel the need to stir things up a bit. It's time to try something new and become a part of my community. Basically, I registered with The Red Cross and I'm really motivated to do some volunteer work in and around Oslo. I also registered with a political pary. Wish me luck!

Hind Musical Instruments

For a while now, I have been looking for a high quality, hand-crafted wooden Ocarina. The other day I got a tip from a friend of mine through one of my regular forums. Charlie Hind (of Hind Musical Instruments.) The most amazing Ocarina craftsman I have ever seen! His "Sweet Potato" Ocarina is exactly what I have been looking for! I ordered one yesterday and now I'm on his 8 week waiting list with my custom Tenor Sweet Potato in Honduras Rosewood. I will write a review and post some pictures when it arrives!

Erik the Flutemaker

Occasionally, while in an amenable state of mind, you cross paths with someone so inspiring and beautiful, it alters the way you view the world. Somehow, it directly modifies your fundamentals. The steadfast stem of your person shoots new sprouts, which bring to life a new kind of consciousness.

I had one of those "epiphanies" today. Erik Sampson (aka "Erik the Flutemaker") has a rich story to tell. His immense passion for people, music and drama shines through the work he is doing for the children in Nicaragua, not to mention his amazing handcrafted musical instruments!

People like Erik make the world a better place. This genuine and humble soul deserves a greater level recognition. Please check out the Flutemaker Ministries website, read his story and give a donation to his foundation if you can afford it.

Related links:
Flutemaker Ministries
Eriks Online Store
Erik the Flutemaker @ YouTube

My first date with Windows 7!

Casual smalltalk and eavesdropping on the train, which we all know is the only reliable source of information these days, has informed me that Windows 7 will be Microsofts new knight in shiny armour. Here to slay the dragon Vistarix, spank the jester and save the burning village. With the exeption of Visual C++ Express, I have not been a great fan of Microsofts post-XP endeavors. Hence, I remained an iniquitous sceptic.

As much as I hate admitting that I am of the sort, we humans are curios by nature. One thing leads to another, until one morning when the birds chirp, you wake up next to a perfect stranger. (That has never happened to me of course, for obvious reasons.) Anywhos, I'm now running Windows 7 (64-bit) on my workstation and it seems to be the first reasonable replacement for Windows XP.

It is yet too early to form any kind of objective opinion so let the last few words reverberate. I highly recommend checking it out for yourself! You can sign up and download the Release Candidate of Windows 7 here.

First of May!

Today was the first of May, and what a beautiful day it was! Labour Day conveniently dawned at the right moment. What better way to spend it than gathering some friends and having a casual BBQ in Frognerparken? Perfect! There were a lot of other people there as well, enjoying the nice weather. Kick-starting the summer of 2009!