What comes to my favorites: They all were in top 10! I bet you had doubts about my motivators to nominate these countries but as this is a song contest, I evaluate purely the musical aspect ;o)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
And the winner is...
...Germany with a song that I rank as "pretty good for a Eurovision song"!
What comes to my favorites: They all were in top 10! I bet you had doubts about my motivators to nominate these countries but as this is a song contest, I evaluate purely the musical aspect ;o)
What comes to my favorites: They all were in top 10! I bet you had doubts about my motivators to nominate these countries but as this is a song contest, I evaluate purely the musical aspect ;o)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Let the show begin...!
Tonight is again the night for some good musical and visual entertainment with a bit of cultural flavors: Eurovision song contest. Last year a pretty-boy from Norway won so Norway got to organize the event this year.
As I said some days ago, Finland is out from the final - just like Sweden for the first time. Gotta say I was again surprised to see which songs made it and which were dropped out. Matter of taste, but I can say there is some good fun to watch tonight. In my books this means also some laughter...
My personal favorites are Armenia and Romania, but I give some points to Ukraine too. Check it out and you will understand, fantastic performances :o)
In my mind Greece has got the best message of the night with a song titled "Opa", which is the same as "Hölökynkölökyn" in Finnish.
Opa - Sláinte - Cheers - Kippis - Skål - Sante - Na zdravi - Prost - Salud - Hölökynkölökyn - whatever...!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Finland: Zero (0) points!
Finland is out from the Eurovision song contest this year. Our pretty blonds did not impress the other countries (at least not enough for votes) so the show is over after yesterday's semifinals.
I can't say we would have deserved a place in the final - same as with Lordi - but I can say there were few songs that I don NOT want to hear again. But I will, since I''m gonna watch the final, have a glass of wine - or two and will have a good fun watching the show.
Here is a link to the Finnish performance. It was good enough for these guys to make a copy-cat version...
(the copy-cat version has had problems but it has got over 165.000 shows so it should be good to watch)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
I forgot...
...to take away the candels from the patio when the heat started.
I am writing this at the backyard, enjoying the sun for the first time after last weekend. I'd love to do the same during the wek but unfortunately the task list in the office - as well as some late meetings - prevent it.
On Thursday evening I got home around 1830 and had two options; Stay inside and watch the ice hockey game Finland vs Czech for a place in semifinals (the ice hockey world championships I wrote earlier about) or take a bike and go for a ride. No, not a motorcycle but the traditional sweat-bike, bicycle.
Apparently I have done something right as a father since my son joined me for a ride. He himself suggested a pitstop at Mövenpick ice cream shop at the Haukilahti Marina but no matter what the motivator was, we had a good hour bike trip by the sea.
Unfortunately the "beach route" is at that time of the day mainly in the shadows, but fresh air with a bit of exercise was goooooood! We tend to cycle fast. Leisure biking for another time... The decision appeared to be right also in the sense that Finland lost the game by penalty shoot out. I think it is NOT the right way to solve the game, afte only 10 minutes overtime you finalize the game with only 3 shooters. LET THE GUYS PLAY, BETTER TEAMS WILL SCORE AND WIN!!!
Now I am getting hungry, gotta go for a snack and leavy you guys wondering if the forecasted rain comes or not. No matter what, tonight the BBQ is on with good friends!
Enjoy the weekend!!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Which bird - Mikä lintu?
We had at our driveway big feathers, about 20 cm long.
I have no clue from which bird they could be, but can you make me wiser??? To answer click the "Comments" at the end of the post - or if you have the contact info you can also send me a message personally.
Eli minkä linnun sulat yllä olevassa kuvassa on? Minun ehdotus on huuhkaja...
Eli minkä linnun sulat yllä olevassa kuvassa on? Minun ehdotus on huuhkaja...
My suggestion is eagle-owl, huuhkaja (Bobo bobo).
This particular bird took a big role when Finland and Belgium were playing Eurocup 2008 qualification game in Helsinki about 2 years ago. Check it out from here.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
USA and Canada are back!
If someone had doubts with USA and Canada performance in the ice hockey World Championships, I think the teams showed what they can do;
Even if Norway led 0-1 against Canada, they were beaten 12-1 after a dominating performance.
USA gave a lession to Kazakhstan with a 10-0 win and continued 4-0 against France...
Fairly small ice hockey country Switzerland continued a strong performance by beating Czech 3-2. Let's see how far they can go - so far looks good.
2 weeks ago (this is not a blac&white picture!)
Today
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Ice Age is Over
On Wed May 12th the temperature climed above +15C for the first time this year. Yesterday May 13th was the first day temp climed above +20C and you must remember this is in Southern Finland, up North in Lapland, ~1000 km north from Helsinki, the ski season just finished.
This is exceptionally good for Finland, since I can remember only one 1st of May carneval, Vappu, when I was able to freeze in shorts. Few times I've been freezing in t-shirt but normally it has been something around +10~15 C, sometimes even below 10...
As reference I remember the first year in Brussels when the temp was +30C on 30th April. I had just come from Amsterdam to have a taste of Queen's Day and the evening was niiiiice. Also once we went to the beach (sunbathing) at mid April.
As I have said many times, I love winter and this one in Finland was fantastic! But now feel free to bring in the summer - all you have to offer up here...! Which is not much.
Except sometimes;
Today we had some heat. When leaving the office the temp was +27,5C and even now at 7:30 PM it is +24 at the backyard. Not bad at all!
This is exceptionally good for Finland, since I can remember only one 1st of May carneval, Vappu, when I was able to freeze in shorts. Few times I've been freezing in t-shirt but normally it has been something around +10~15 C, sometimes even below 10...
As reference I remember the first year in Brussels when the temp was +30C on 30th April. I had just come from Amsterdam to have a taste of Queen's Day and the evening was niiiiice. Also once we went to the beach (sunbathing) at mid April.
As I have said many times, I love winter and this one in Finland was fantastic! But now feel free to bring in the summer - all you have to offer up here...! Which is not much.
Except sometimes;
Today we had some heat. When leaving the office the temp was +27,5C and even now at 7:30 PM it is +24 at the backyard. Not bad at all!
I shall finish with a tip of the day;
If you think raclette is only winter food, why don't you set it out at the backyard - or if you have a covered patio, what could be nicer then enjoy it outdoors with friends in a rainy evening. No smells inside and you get to enjoy the fresh air. You just need to make sure the wine is in the right temperature ;o)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Finland -USA, 12 May 2010, Ice Hockey World Championships
If you missed the Finland - USA game, this might ease your loss...
----
Finland – USA starting, the loosing team will be heading home and the winner continues.
For some reason I can’t remember what happened when Finland played against USA last time. I guess it was in the Olympics but for some reason the memory has been wiped out…
OK, the game starts. Woops, 0-1 by a state-of-art goal. US player slams the puck from behind the goal and from a defender’s stick (while the defender is on his stomach on the ice blocking the shot) the puck goes in the goal. Skills…
For the rest of the 1st period Finland is in the game with the same efficiency as in the previous games (where they scored 1 goal per game – and for info to the ones not understanding the game, that is NOT a lot). No goals, no win – unless you have the similar luck & goalie game as against Germany.
Good first 20 minutes, mainly since I was enjoying a cake in the next room most of the time.
While the players are in the locker room and my son finds a football cup final Atletico Madrid vs Fulham. The Fulham coach used to be the coach of Finnish national team but for some reason he wasn’t able to do the magic and get Finland to the first BIG games ever. According to my son, Finland makes it to the games only when he will be in the team. Hold your breath, he is already over 10 years old :o)
OK, football will be recorded. He is happy to watch the game even later but I don’t think you can find a person to watch this hockey game afterwards. Unless you are a coach in these games…
Damn ice hockey can be boring if you are not thaaaat interested. The tackles and moments where the puck almost goes into the own goal form a skate of player who is in his 15th (yes, fifteenth) World Championships. 2nd generation player Petteri Nummelin, who’s father Timo Nummelin played in the same games many times. He was famous from his violin playing after scoring a goal.
Petteri’s father Timo actually played also football in the top league in Finland and is the only player who was selected the player of the year both in football and ice hockey in Finland. Beat that…
Finland plays 2 minutes power play, 5 vs 4, and dominates but surprise surprise, no goal. Even the studio team is getting frustrated, we have former NHL goalie Pasi Nurminen (blue shirt # 1) and Tuomo Ruutu as commentators. Pasi is giving direct comments as usual and Tuomo is the gentleman.
USA gets 3-1 attack but the players can not agree who will take the puck. Few seconds later Mr Korpikoski from Team Finland gets 1-0 against the goalie but he is scared and takes the easy option and shoots from distance. Otherwise the defenders might push him…
Gotta say it is good that I learnt the 10-finger typing at early age since I can watch the game and type. Yep, not that enthusiastic as I said… Still interested.
I like the US style – same as team Canada. You play the game hard and finish off the tackles. Woooo, Antti Pihlström against the goalie but the Olympic Games syndrome is here: US goalie takes control of the puck.
The game is fast with I’d say fair and clean playing. Form team Finland even too clean, we would need to push it and challenge the guys – clean but tough. Good game with good tempo and players are fully in the game, I liiiiiike! However, gotta say Team USA makes it easy for Finns to play to a scoring sector and 3-2 / 2-1 attacks. Perhaps the wide rink is a bit tricky to cover.
Goalie saves until now: Petri Vehanen 12 saves and Mr USA 30 saves, Scott Clemens(?). Goals: Finland 0, USA 1.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Game is tied 1-1 and they play “In the Shadows” by The Rasmus in the arena!!!
Wow, US dominate the game after the goal. Why won’t they show the cheerleaders – or would you say the stairs dancers – more during the games. Oooo, shame on US player who dared to use the stick after the goalie covered, or at least the ref thought so, the puck. 2 minutes power play for Finns but I don’t have my hopes that high.
Players back to the locker rooms and we swap to the football game and they too head to the locker room. It seems to be UEFA Cup final. Let’s see if I still have the mentality to write further for the rest of the game, now I’ll also take a time out.
I sit down and after 18 seconds it is 2-1 for Finland, finished by Petteri Nummelin – and The Rasmus in on… I admire the tempo the US team is able to create right after the goal, good stuff! Yes, a nice save by Finnish goalie Vehanen – or was it a good header like in football?
Hey, US has got Mr Kennedy on the ice together with Mr Johnson. Familiar names. I can hear from the audience rhythmic “Suomi – Suomi – Suomi”, and for the ignorant ones Suomi = Finland in Finnish.
Close-up pic of Petteri Nummelin, he is not gonna be Mr Finland this year. Not even with his messy blond-from-the-tube, back-to-the-80’s hair. Another blond on the ice is Antti Pihlström who makes a lot of dirty, hard work on the ice without getting his name and picture on the newspaper. Perhaps he is a bit like Dennis Rodman in Chicago Bulls when he helped Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen shine.
Just the role I have had in many teams – someone needs to do the dirty, hard work to make the team work and someone shine. Hmmmm, somehow this also reminds me of many job roles I’ve had in the past years.
Finnish babes in the audience wearing interesting blue & white fashion(?) dresses. Now I can see the Smurfs in the audience, I guess I gotta cut down the wine…!
Boring phase in the game – not least since US is getting the grip and pushing the game towards the Finnish goal. Nooo, good tempo by both teams and good plays at both ends. FYI, Mr Kennedy’s name is apparently Tim, doesn’t sound like president clan but one should not judge by name. Hey, we also have got Mr Ryan Carter on the ice but if I remember right this gentleman is black and hence not likely to be related to former president.
High tempo, good opportunities at both ends, no goals and 3.5 minutes left. No room for mistakes. US fights hard for their pride and to avoid going home.
Well, have a nice holiday Team USA – Sami Kapanen scores 3-1 with an assistant by Petteri Nummelin and The Rasmus is back in the loudspeakers. What a game, good entertainment!
2 min penalty for US so that’s it.
Noooot, goal for US. 17 seconds left and US scores with 4 players vs 5. This should NEVER happen, Finland was playing power play! 9 seconds on the clock and face-off at Finland end. AC/DC on the loudspeakers. Finland wins!
The difference a fame and flop is so thin – if Finland would have lost this game, they would have been out with some level of shame
40 saves for the US goalie, great game and awarded best player of the team – where as from team Finland Petteri Nummelin got the Tissot watch.
National anthem “Maamme”. It’s great to see the players sing and hear the audience roar with the song.
Good luck team Finland, good game team USA – you made this a fantastic battle!
----
Some more info to complete / correct the story;
Team USA is not yet packing their bags but will play 3 more games against Italia and 2 other teams that will be confirmed in tonight's (already Thursday) games.
Team Canada lost 4-1 to Switzerland, and even if Canada (same as other "strong" NHL countries) couldn't get their best team here this shows that we should take the "small ice hockey countries" like Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Norway seriously!
Who knows, Italy might step up with their game and kick US but in the game they will play - particularly if a stronger team comes to the game with an attitude...
One reason for the strong performance of these teams might be that most players in their teams play in their national league or in Europe, which enables them to participate the national team activities and World Championships that are played every year. USA and Canada has got the most players in NHL, but also countries like Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland suffer from the NHL season length. Many players are either too tired / unmotivated to joint the team, have injuries or are in the middle of contract negotiations and don't want to risk with potential injuries.
Still, who ever takes the championship will be the best team in the world for the moment!
----
Finland – USA starting, the loosing team will be heading home and the winner continues.
For some reason I can’t remember what happened when Finland played against USA last time. I guess it was in the Olympics but for some reason the memory has been wiped out…
OK, the game starts. Woops, 0-1 by a state-of-art goal. US player slams the puck from behind the goal and from a defender’s stick (while the defender is on his stomach on the ice blocking the shot) the puck goes in the goal. Skills…
For the rest of the 1st period Finland is in the game with the same efficiency as in the previous games (where they scored 1 goal per game – and for info to the ones not understanding the game, that is NOT a lot). No goals, no win – unless you have the similar luck & goalie game as against Germany.
Good first 20 minutes, mainly since I was enjoying a cake in the next room most of the time.
While the players are in the locker room and my son finds a football cup final Atletico Madrid vs Fulham. The Fulham coach used to be the coach of Finnish national team but for some reason he wasn’t able to do the magic and get Finland to the first BIG games ever. According to my son, Finland makes it to the games only when he will be in the team. Hold your breath, he is already over 10 years old :o)
OK, football will be recorded. He is happy to watch the game even later but I don’t think you can find a person to watch this hockey game afterwards. Unless you are a coach in these games…
Damn ice hockey can be boring if you are not thaaaat interested. The tackles and moments where the puck almost goes into the own goal form a skate of player who is in his 15th (yes, fifteenth) World Championships. 2nd generation player Petteri Nummelin, who’s father Timo Nummelin played in the same games many times. He was famous from his violin playing after scoring a goal.
Finland plays 2 minutes power play, 5 vs 4, and dominates but surprise surprise, no goal. Even the studio team is getting frustrated, we have former NHL goalie Pasi Nurminen (blue shirt # 1) and Tuomo Ruutu as commentators. Pasi is giving direct comments as usual and Tuomo is the gentleman.
USA gets 3-1 attack but the players can not agree who will take the puck. Few seconds later Mr Korpikoski from Team Finland gets 1-0 against the goalie but he is scared and takes the easy option and shoots from distance. Otherwise the defenders might push him…
Gotta say it is good that I learnt the 10-finger typing at early age since I can watch the game and type. Yep, not that enthusiastic as I said… Still interested.
I like the US style – same as team Canada. You play the game hard and finish off the tackles. Woooo, Antti Pihlström against the goalie but the Olympic Games syndrome is here: US goalie takes control of the puck.
The game is fast with I’d say fair and clean playing. Form team Finland even too clean, we would need to push it and challenge the guys – clean but tough. Good game with good tempo and players are fully in the game, I liiiiiike! However, gotta say Team USA makes it easy for Finns to play to a scoring sector and 3-2 / 2-1 attacks. Perhaps the wide rink is a bit tricky to cover.
Goalie saves until now: Petri Vehanen 12 saves and Mr USA 30 saves, Scott Clemens(?). Goals: Finland 0, USA 1.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Game is tied 1-1 and they play “In the Shadows” by The Rasmus in the arena!!!
Wow, US dominate the game after the goal. Why won’t they show the cheerleaders – or would you say the stairs dancers – more during the games. Oooo, shame on US player who dared to use the stick after the goalie covered, or at least the ref thought so, the puck. 2 minutes power play for Finns but I don’t have my hopes that high.
Players back to the locker rooms and we swap to the football game and they too head to the locker room. It seems to be UEFA Cup final. Let’s see if I still have the mentality to write further for the rest of the game, now I’ll also take a time out.
I sit down and after 18 seconds it is 2-1 for Finland, finished by Petteri Nummelin – and The Rasmus in on… I admire the tempo the US team is able to create right after the goal, good stuff! Yes, a nice save by Finnish goalie Vehanen – or was it a good header like in football?
Hey, US has got Mr Kennedy on the ice together with Mr Johnson. Familiar names. I can hear from the audience rhythmic “Suomi – Suomi – Suomi”, and for the ignorant ones Suomi = Finland in Finnish.
Close-up pic of Petteri Nummelin, he is not gonna be Mr Finland this year. Not even with his messy blond-from-the-tube, back-to-the-80’s hair. Another blond on the ice is Antti Pihlström who makes a lot of dirty, hard work on the ice without getting his name and picture on the newspaper. Perhaps he is a bit like Dennis Rodman in Chicago Bulls when he helped Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen shine.
Just the role I have had in many teams – someone needs to do the dirty, hard work to make the team work and someone shine. Hmmmm, somehow this also reminds me of many job roles I’ve had in the past years.
Finnish babes in the audience wearing interesting blue & white fashion(?) dresses. Now I can see the Smurfs in the audience, I guess I gotta cut down the wine…!
Boring phase in the game – not least since US is getting the grip and pushing the game towards the Finnish goal. Nooo, good tempo by both teams and good plays at both ends. FYI, Mr Kennedy’s name is apparently Tim, doesn’t sound like president clan but one should not judge by name. Hey, we also have got Mr Ryan Carter on the ice but if I remember right this gentleman is black and hence not likely to be related to former president.
High tempo, good opportunities at both ends, no goals and 3.5 minutes left. No room for mistakes. US fights hard for their pride and to avoid going home.
Well, have a nice holiday Team USA – Sami Kapanen scores 3-1 with an assistant by Petteri Nummelin and The Rasmus is back in the loudspeakers. What a game, good entertainment!
2 min penalty for US so that’s it.
Noooot, goal for US. 17 seconds left and US scores with 4 players vs 5. This should NEVER happen, Finland was playing power play! 9 seconds on the clock and face-off at Finland end. AC/DC on the loudspeakers. Finland wins!
The difference a fame and flop is so thin – if Finland would have lost this game, they would have been out with some level of shame
40 saves for the US goalie, great game and awarded best player of the team – where as from team Finland Petteri Nummelin got the Tissot watch.
National anthem “Maamme”. It’s great to see the players sing and hear the audience roar with the song.
Good luck team Finland, good game team USA – you made this a fantastic battle!
----
Some more info to complete / correct the story;
Team USA is not yet packing their bags but will play 3 more games against Italia and 2 other teams that will be confirmed in tonight's (already Thursday) games.
Team Canada lost 4-1 to Switzerland, and even if Canada (same as other "strong" NHL countries) couldn't get their best team here this shows that we should take the "small ice hockey countries" like Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Norway seriously!
Who knows, Italy might step up with their game and kick US but in the game they will play - particularly if a stronger team comes to the game with an attitude...
One reason for the strong performance of these teams might be that most players in their teams play in their national league or in Europe, which enables them to participate the national team activities and World Championships that are played every year. USA and Canada has got the most players in NHL, but also countries like Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland suffer from the NHL season length. Many players are either too tired / unmotivated to joint the team, have injuries or are in the middle of contract negotiations and don't want to risk with potential injuries.
Still, who ever takes the championship will be the best team in the world for the moment!
Let's play hockey!!!
Who would have thought...?
Who would have put the money on Denmark being the first one to secure the place on the 2nd round at the Ice Hockey World Championships? Not me...
USA has lost both games and again, who would have thought this would happen against Denmark and Germany? Good thing for Team USA is that both games were on overtime so they have 2 points, just like Germany from USA win. Finland has got 3 points from the second game, 1-0 win against Germany. Denmark has got 5 points from clear Finland win and overtime win against USA.
We are not alone with the surprise results: Norway won Czech Republic. I’ve actually been in Norway – England(!) ice hockey game back in 2004 in Oslo. They were playing the B-level World Championships and I took my English colleague to the game, first ever for him…
Last games are today, Denmark-Germany and Finland-USA. If Germany wins Denmark - which already is on 2nd round - either Finland or USA is out from the 2nd round.
USA has lost both games and again, who would have thought this would happen against Denmark and Germany? Good thing for Team USA is that both games were on overtime so they have 2 points, just like Germany from USA win. Finland has got 3 points from the second game, 1-0 win against Germany. Denmark has got 5 points from clear Finland win and overtime win against USA.
We are not alone with the surprise results: Norway won Czech Republic. I’ve actually been in Norway – England(!) ice hockey game back in 2004 in Oslo. They were playing the B-level World Championships and I took my English colleague to the game, first ever for him…
Last games are today, Denmark-Germany and Finland-USA. If Germany wins Denmark - which already is on 2nd round - either Finland or USA is out from the 2nd round.
Who would have thought...?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Shame-shame-shame for the Finnish ice hockey players!
The yearly Ice Hockey World Championships are going on in Cologne, Germany. Too bad they are now next door from Brussels and we are not there. Or on the other hand, luckily we are not there since it would have been touch to witness the first ever defeat Denmark over Finland. Yes, the piccolo ice hockey country of Denmark won Finland 1-4 yesterday!
It is not any comfort that USA lost their game against Germany, also not-that-good-ice-hockey-nation, particularly since these four teams play in the same qualifying group. These were only the first matches for the teams so let's wait & see how it continues. Tomorrow Finland is playing Germany and I bet the house will be full!
Some fellow countrymen have set up a facebook group that will promise to shave their heads in case Finland will win the championship this year. I'd say their hair is safe - we have won so far only 1 title back at 1995 and this team doesn't seem to be particularly strong...
It is not any comfort that USA lost their game against Germany, also not-that-good-ice-hockey-nation, particularly since these four teams play in the same qualifying group. These were only the first matches for the teams so let's wait & see how it continues. Tomorrow Finland is playing Germany and I bet the house will be full!
Some fellow countrymen have set up a facebook group that will promise to shave their heads in case Finland will win the championship this year. I'd say their hair is safe - we have won so far only 1 title back at 1995 and this team doesn't seem to be particularly strong...
If you have never been into a proper ice hockey game, I truly suggest to go. It's pretty fun, a good circus!
LET THE GAMES CONTINUE!!!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Mr President of USA, we are testing you...
My son had a school project where he had to write a letter to a well known person. I'd say he picked a good man in that sense;
44th President of USA, Mr Barack Hussein Obama II, born 4 August 1961 at Hawaii, is fairly well known around the world.
The letter was sent to the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington D.C 20500. Let's see if there will be any reaction...
When taking it to our local post office, the officer noted "wow, this is to a special person" and put a label on it - something they don't do normally.
44th President of USA, Mr Barack Hussein Obama II, born 4 August 1961 at Hawaii, is fairly well known around the world.
The letter was sent to the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington D.C 20500. Let's see if there will be any reaction...
When taking it to our local post office, the officer noted "wow, this is to a special person" and put a label on it - something they don't do normally.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Scary debts in Europe - Pelottavia velkoja Euroopassa
"Complete madness!"
(quote from José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain)
I will give you some questions below, but not answers. You gotta think about them yourselves. If I could answer all of them, I would not be writing a blog but giving 10.000 Euro lectures...
The picture below was published in yesterday's printed Iltalehti. It shows the cross-debts between some countries in Europe. Click the picture to expand it.
Alla olevassa kuvassa on eilisen Iltalehdestä mielenkiintoisia - joskin pelottavia - ristiinvelkaantumisia Euroopassa. Alla paljon kysymyksiä mutta vastaukset saa kukin miettiä itse!
Should there be a Mediterranean Euro as a separate currency?
What about this do with the intrest rates for companies or private consumers?
How much does money cost in a bank now and tomorrow?
And do you get it in first place from a bank?
How does this impact the housing markets?
In some countries the boosted price levels for housing have come down during the past year or so, but will this flatten or start to go even deeper?
How is this connected to generic economic situation?
Will countries keep pouring money into other countries like the trend has now started with Greece?
What is the responsibility of the country itself, should Greeks first strip down some obscure benefits and structures that cost a fortune?
Can European Union make anything?
Should countries first take care of (=put the money into) their own problems and only then start helping others?
How much are countries and companies in them financially linked to e.g. Greece and what would be the direct negative impact if the Greece would "collaps"?
Are the foreseen risks a lot bigger then the support given or planned for now (e.g. 1.5 Billion Euros from Finland)?
Will any of this help or make more damage to the situation if unions support their people to go on strikes like the trend in Finland has been this year?
Will average people even care about what happens outside their own little world or shall they push since they think they can get a bit more?
How is this connected in Finland to the expanded shop opening hours that in practice enable 24/7 opening?
Will people continue resisting heavily against more flexible working week?
How will it impact other service industries like day care (or night care in the future like in hospitals), public transportation etc.?
I wish I would know the answers...
Saturday, May 1, 2010
It is Vappu - or I guess my Swedish friends call it Walborg
Normally most of Finns are wasted at this point of the Vappu evening. Not all of us take the smoother option for the Vappu night and after the office day go to the market place with the kids, buy some carneval junk and only then head home.
We had plenty of time to enjoy BBQ evening with a good friend stopping by. This also enables me to feel a lot better tomorrow morning compared to most of Finns who have been boozing either in the city or parties at home.
Last year I wrote about Vappu - Walpurgis Night - Valborg - and posted some pics so I will only post the link here.
If you wanna read more about Vappu, here is a link.
Unfortunately I have not myself taken any Vappu pics for not for now but let's see if I get into it tomo. Well, here is one of fantastic home made donuts - the ones without the hole...
I also have some pics about how far the spring (yes, spring - not winter as some of you might say) has progressed.
The taller trees at the back are birches. Gives you a perspective of how far in the spring we are... Yesterday I was driving to the office with +3.5 C on the meter, no wonder I miss subtropical Brussels at this time of the year.
Last weekend the sports fields had some snow to "cover" them...
I remember once sitting at one of the terraces at Grand Place (the one at the lower end with the horse inside, I think it is called Le Roy) 30 May 2005 or 2006 and it was +30C. I had just returned from the fantastic pre-Queen's Day -party in Amsterdam... If any of you guys from that trip are listening: it was a great eve!!!
Tomorrow we either will go to the city carneval or not - this is what it can look like...
In the afternoon we shall anyway go to friends of ours for a fun afternoon...
Have fun you all, where ever you are!
PS D, Happy B-Day - wish we would be on a same continent to celebrate it!!!
PSS F****ng h***, we have been in BRU sunbathing at the beach in mid-April so I guess you can understand the frustration as I have no chance to travel up North to Lapland for skiing (yes, the slopes are still running smoothly until about mid May) and can't enjoy the summer as I have used to in the past years. Ying-Yang. Perkele...!
We had plenty of time to enjoy BBQ evening with a good friend stopping by. This also enables me to feel a lot better tomorrow morning compared to most of Finns who have been boozing either in the city or parties at home.
Last year I wrote about Vappu - Walpurgis Night - Valborg - and posted some pics so I will only post the link here.
If you wanna read more about Vappu, here is a link.
Unfortunately I have not myself taken any Vappu pics for not for now but let's see if I get into it tomo. Well, here is one of fantastic home made donuts - the ones without the hole...
Veeeeery tasty!
I also have some pics about how far the spring (yes, spring - not winter as some of you might say) has progressed.
Last weekend the sports fields had some snow to "cover" them...
Tomorrow we either will go to the city carneval or not - this is what it can look like...
Have fun you all, where ever you are!
PS D, Happy B-Day - wish we would be on a same continent to celebrate it!!!
PSS F****ng h***, we have been in BRU sunbathing at the beach in mid-April so I guess you can understand the frustration as I have no chance to travel up North to Lapland for skiing (yes, the slopes are still running smoothly until about mid May) and can't enjoy the summer as I have used to in the past years. Ying-Yang. Perkele...!
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