While the Americans give thanks, let’s ponder the possibilities of life before death.

Painting in part my own, on top of the late compatriot Edvard Munch’s The sick child, partly still visible in centre detail (click for a closer look).

It’s past midnight (here). People stay up, following the drama unfurling on the other side of the Atlantic.

We care more about what’s going on in America than any where else—don’t know why. Probably because there are slightly a few more Americans descending from Norwegians than Norwegians remaining in the old country.

A [...]]]>

It’s past midnight (here). People stay up, following the drama unfurling on the other side of the Atlantic.

We care more about what’s going on in America than any where else—don’t know why. Probably because there are slightly a few more Americans descending from Norwegians than Norwegians remaining in the old country.

A 51st state?

Look no further.

The daughter (9) ordered omelette for breakfast. Dad (50) left with no option but to comply. Damn, why don’t I instagram?

Ok, so what do i call this sketch?

Bodoni: A series of serif typefaces first designed by Giambattista Bodoni (1740–1813) in 1798.

Original photograph by George Lucas/20th Century Fox. Speech bubble added by self.

I stumbled upon this one today. A painting I did of an Oslo university building some seven or eight years ago (never dated it). Stumbled upon may be an exaggeration. In truth I was in need of a uni or science related image, and suddenly remembered.

Recycling FTW.

With speculations running rampant as to Syrian president Bashar al-Assads whereabouts, rumour has it that he and his family (including his British-born wife) have fled the country, allegedly headed for Britain (Turkey, claimed by others), altogether. More likely, however, he currently resides in the Syrian city of Latakia, whence he is now running [...]]]>

With speculations running rampant as to Syrian president Bashar al-Assads whereabouts, rumour has it that he and his family (including his British-born wife) have fled the country, allegedly headed for Britain (Turkey, claimed by others), altogether. More likely, however, he currently resides in the Syrian city of Latakia, whence he is now running his deplorable regime, even injured, according to some sources.

The ever-recurring question is: What possesses unquestionably doomed dictators to defy the inevitable outcome, namely the apprehension and, in most cases, certain death?

I pondered this question while translating a series of three consecutive autobiographies, written by three of Adolf Hitler’s closest, innermost employees and confidantes the other year; Der Führer’s private secretary, driver and valet, all of whom told the same tale, of Adolf Hitler’s unwavering resolve to remain in his Berlin bunker to the bitter end, surrounded by allied troops.

The same mentality manifested itself in Iraq’s late president Saddam Hussein during the 2003 coalition force deployment, leaving the international community, Iraqis included, convinced of his inevitable arrest – and subsequent execution.

We saw it in Egypt’s former president Hosni Mubarak last year, as well as in Libya’s late president Muammar Gaddafi, physically abused and shot to death before he even made it to a tribunal.

And the list goes on. They all had this conviction in common, though, that victory some how was at hand – or that they were destined for greatness through martyrdom.

I couldn’t help but wonder, yesterday, if Syrian president Assad really believes in a victorious outcome of his despicable actions – or, as rumours now have it, if he in fact finds himself on the run, unlike his former partners in crime against humanity.

He doesn’t strike you as the proverbial dictator, bereft of grand gestures, fierce appeals and magnificent uniforms, which is why, with all likelihood, rumours of an ongoing escape are highly possible.

But understand this, Mister Assad: Time is up.

The UN’s chief monitor, general Robert Mood completes his mission today, following indications that the situation is approaching its final conclusion – at least with respect to president Assad, wanted, dead or alive.

Only time – and very little of it – will show which it is to be.

Top photograph: President Bashar al-Assad, Syria. Photographer: Fabio Rodrigues Pozzebom / ABr / Wikimedia Commons

Yesterday’s dinner:

Something fishy. Vectorised fish stick. Own work.

Just dabbling at yesteryears’ – some 25 (and then some) years ago – skills.

This cat speaks to me. Not in the way art speaks, although that, too, sweet as she is. She actually talks, whenever she’s up for a good cuddle – preferably belly-stroking. A purring version of Chewbacca, methinks. That’s what it sounds like, anyway.

Yeah, so now I’m cat blogging, too. This used to [...]]]>

This cat speaks to me. Not in the way art speaks, although that, too, sweet as she is. She actually talks, whenever she’s up for a good cuddle – preferably belly-stroking. A purring version of Chewbacca, methinks. That’s what it sounds like, anyway.

Yeah, so now I’m cat blogging, too. This used to be an opinionated, news-centric blog, you know. An urge that I currently meet by maintaining this news blog (predominantly in my native tongue). I wouldn’t expect immediate relapses, though.

Cat’s name: Silke (that’s right: As in silk. So named by daughter, then aged six).

In dire need of illustrating a poem (in Norwegian), written by a dear friend, starting with:

The moon slides like a pale dorsal fin over the city.

(My translation)

I hastily painted this on my iPad, not knowing what to call it.

Well, how slow am [...]]]>

In dire need of illustrating a poem (in Norwegian), written by a dear friend, starting with:

The moon slides like a pale dorsal fin over the city.

(My translation)

I hastily painted this on my iPad, not knowing what to call it.

Well, how slow am I?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOB_I7sgoI

Perhaps I should consider shooting ads and commercials for the Timotei shampoo – a very popular brand throughout the Nordic countries up until the early 1980s – once known for their soft-lensed sceneries, featuring white-clad maidens running through meadows – in slow motion, of course.

Unfortunately the brand is no longer [...]]]>

Perhaps I should consider shooting ads and commercials for the Timotei shampoo – a very popular brand throughout the Nordic countries up until the early 1980s – once known for their soft-lensed sceneries, featuring white-clad maidens running through meadows – in slow motion, of course.

Unfortunately the brand is no longer available on the Norwegian market – to my knowledge (then again, what do I know, living in the sticks and all).

Very flower-powery wife and daughter, though, if I may say so myself.

Heaven knows what prompted me to shoot this lorry yesterday. Probably the mere fact that its appearance on these narrow roads (in most places no wider than the lorry itself) may seem more than just a little intimidating – although quite an ordinary lorry. Elsewhere, that is.

I’m taken aback a bit by [...]]]>

Heaven knows what prompted me to shoot this lorry yesterday. Probably the mere fact that its appearance on these narrow roads (in most places no wider than the lorry itself) may seem more than just a little intimidating – although quite an ordinary lorry. Elsewhere, that is.

I’m taken aback a bit by how easily impressed I am, three years after leaving city life behind, and I don’t like it – preferring to take even the most impressive things very matter of factly, and for granted.

Currently in for translation (into Norwegian). This one’s going to keep me busy for a few weeks. Which accounts for my lousy posting regularity.

Please expect no more than the occasional image – or YouTube clip – once in a blue moon.

Oh, that’s right: The afore mentioned Enemy at the gate was [...]]]>

Currently in for translation (into Norwegian). This one’s going to keep me busy for a few weeks. Which accounts for my lousy posting regularity.

Please expect no more than the occasional image – or YouTube clip – once in a blue moon.

Oh, that’s right: The afore mentioned Enemy at the gate was to little avail. Transcriptions will have to depend on my (hopefully not too) common sense.

What little creativity I once possessed eludes me when gloom looms.

Yet there’s no rest for the wicked: One book translated last week, amid translations of another one – and on-line updates for a third party. One website created over weekend for a fourth – client response pending (another one in [...]]]>

What little creativity I once possessed eludes me when gloom looms.

Yet there’s no rest for the wicked: One book translated last week, amid translations of another one – and on-line updates for a third party. One website created over weekend for a fourth – client response pending (another one in the pipeline). As of now, for as long as time permits: Undivided attention on temporarily remaining book: the wartime notes of highly decorated Russian sniper, portrayed by Jude Law in Enemy at the gate (which reminds me that the old bugger looked anything but the part, as it were – see picture to the right).

Wouldn’t mind a slice of that good old gung-ho, tho.

Let’s just blame it on that blasted trial, shall we? The suffering continues, courtesy of the press.

Howsabout an appropriate sound track?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk3s6q1m-kI

While I sympathise completely, extending my sincerest thoughts to those affected, I cannot find it in my heart to endure Norwegian media‘s one-tracked attention on the ten-week Anders Behring Breivik lawsuit commencing in

While I sympathise completely, extending my sincerest thoughts to those affected, I cannot find it in my heart to endure Norwegian media‘s one-tracked attention on the ten-week Anders Behring Breivik lawsuit commencing in Oslo today.

Furthermore, I simply can’t shake this feeling that the press serves as the culprit’s unwitting instrument, in offering exactly what motivated his evil deed; A deep-seated need for attention (for his cause), hereby granted by our all-too compliant press.

In continued respect for the injured, the deceased, their next of kin – and those otherwise inflicted, I shall remain focused on the news at hand (knowing full well that I’m throwing myself at the mercy of the foreign press), leaving legal procedures to the powers that be, as well as those insatiable souls out there.

Late edit: 23 Breivik stories on front of leading daily Dagbladet.no at noon (my apologies if I missed a story or two). Which is not at all unique, by the way.

Tiffany and Paul have finished decorating their new flat but they regret their purchase as they don’t like the area. Paul is a freelance graphic designer and works from home. Tiffany works for an insurance broker and has been dissatisfied with her life for some time. After [...]]]> A passage from a book I’m currently translating:

Tiffany and Paul have finished decorating their new flat but they regret their purchase as they don’t like the area. Paul is a freelance graphic designer and works from home. Tiffany works for an insurance broker and has been dissatisfied with her life for some time. After a spate of burglaries in their area Tiffany suggests that they move to the country and try to live self-sufficiently. Paul has doubts but goes along with the idea and before long they have sold their flat and found a small cottage on the edge of Dartmoor.

When they get there they realise how isolated it is. Tiffany does not drive and the nearest village only has a post office and one pub. They miss their family and friends and realise that they have made a mistake. Paul tends to blame Tiffany as it was her idea.

This may seem unlikely but in fact some people do move from a city to a rural location in search of the‘good life’ before suddenly realising that the lifestyle isn’t quite what they had imagined. (Liz Jones in the Mail on Sunday magazine writes every week about the disastrous consequences for her of making this exact decision.)

Get me the Mail on Sunday magazine this instant! Wait… We live in the country, bereft of even our domestic nationals (save for the tabloids). Even on workdays.

Launched a new site last night. Well, not so much new as a remake – or a micro site, put on top of the regular one, to be precise, advocating relocation to our small community. A pro bono job, comme d’habitude, as far as local charity goes. And you know how it goes:

Lovely (time-lapse – or just sped-up?) footage. Seems so small, looking at it from a distance. But a universe in its own right. God, do I feel homesick.
Kudos to the maker, Oslo photographer Eirik Evjen. Full-screen viewing highly recommended.