Kitewing on Lake Saimaa

The kitewing is probably the most fun toy I've had in a long time. I got a Rage 55 - wingspan 5,5 meters - earlier this year and have had a few good runs both on the Espoo/Helsinki coast and Lake Saimaa in Lappeenranta at my dad's house. The below video from my second time out on ice doesn't feature any big jumps or other antics (as the wind had already dissipated in the afternoon by the time I got the videographer up from bed), but it goes to show how it's just a matter of picking the wing up up and riding it (well, it took a sec to get started again...). While it isn't quite as versatile and is more dependent on a steady wind than a kite, it's a breeze to put together and to disassemble. You'll be out on the ice (or sand) long before the kite-fellows have untangled and powered up their fliers. You can get one from the UK here of in Finland here (note again, the pound's cheap, even if you're not in the UK...).

Circle's Jussi Lehtisalo interview at Nosturi

Despite being high on painkillers and muscle relaxants, I went to Nosturi to do a quick interview with Jussi Lehtisalo from Circle. I would've gone even if my legs were cut off. The interview was done for my friend Teppo's CityVice.tv, which seems to be picking up nicely. I think he liked my style, so I'll be doing more of these - once I get better and have the time for reporting like this.

Check out the Circle-video at CityVice.tv, should be one of the top results (no embedding support yet, I think they're in beta :)).


 

Gigs: Om w/ Pharaoh Overlord, Enslaved, Opeth

Long time since I've done a music post, so here comes the noise. I just bought some club gig tickets for about €150, for experiences immeasurable. First, Finland finally, finally gets to welcome Om (site is down ATM), Southern Lord's finest duo, who beach here November 3rd. With absolute poetic and artistic justice, they are accompanied by Pharaoh Overlord, the uncanniest hypno-heavy-bands ever to come out of the North. To scare you out of it, here's a short video. Otherwise, Tavastia, 03.11.08.



In a move closely matched in evil-unleashing potential, Enslaved, the godfathers of progressive black metal, hit the same stage in mid-December. It has been long since we've had them in Finland, and there's a rather fanatic following around. They're here 14.12., and immediately after them, 15.12., we're seeing Opeth here for the third time this year. They are, of course, a billboard-topping act, but, knocking on wood, they are yet to lose their genius drive. Reminds me, I still haven't checked if you can see me in the front at the Roundhouse in London where they filmed the last DVD material. There's something familiar here...





 

Rambling on the Ruins

I've gotten on average five hours of sleep per night in all of South America. It's starting to show through. Here are my heartfelt from Machu Picchu. Rubbish quality courtesy of Nokia N80. More photos and a proper report on Peru (Machu Picchu, Nasca Lines, Lima) coming up!


 

Log> Vlog #3

Hi from Melbourne, still. I'll be taking off on the 10-day Vipassana Meditation course starting tomorrow which includes total silence, so I'll be even quieter than normal. So I'll speak now.



Also, here's some photos from a roam across the outback and the Southern coast with the Belgians. Ta-daah for now.

The Trip: Windswept

 

Sights> Massive pillow fight in central London

This was my first flash mob and it was a blast! An estimated 200 people gathered at the crossroads of Leadenhall and St. Mary yesterday at 6:12 PM in City of London. I didn't have a pillow with me but managed to borrow one that both me and Jon used gleefully to bash our fellow flash mobbers. Below is a video - here's the direct link to Google Video in case this is too small...