Ahtisaari

The Compact Nokia Lumia 620

Tiny lessons for the big (at the end)

True love waits...the fax

 

"This is a song that really didn't see much of a light of day…a long time…and then sort of did…but…funny…needs to do it…more. This is called True Love Waits."

And the fax:

Tell him

 

A stellar cover by Esperanza Spalding. 

We want to use it to see things that the eye can’t see...

 

Interview with Clemens Weisshaar at Dezeen Live worth watching.

My 2013 in molten metal

Apparently it's called molybdomancy.

Gently nudging the meteor to not hit the earth...

A lovely video interview with producer Patrick Dillett (middle in the bottom row with the sunglasses) an old friend and colleague. Pat produces David Byrne, Mike Doughty, Arto Lindsay and others. Great to hear old friends doing so well.

Photo credit: http://patrickdillett.com/.

On the Declaration of Christmas Peace

Over the years, I've often been asked about the enchanting Finnish tradition of "Joulurauhan julistus" or the "Declaration of Christmas Peace" that takes place every Christmas eve at noon. I couldn't find an English translation of the text so I did a quick one myself (below). 

"Tomorrow,
God willing,
will be the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour.

And thus is declared a Christmas peace to all,
by encouraging everyone to celebrate with appropriate devotion,
and otherwise to behave quietly and peacefully.

For he who breaks this peace and the celebration of Christmas by any illegal or inappropriate behavior,
shall under aggravating circumstances be found guilty and punished
as the law for each and every offense separately provides.

Finally, to all townspeople, greetings for a joyous Christmas celebration."

More on the tradition: (adapted from Wikipedia and YLE)

When the clock of Turku Cathedral strikes 12 noon on Christmas Eve it rings out across the Old Great Square, and with great fanfare a Christmas Peace is declared in Finnish and Swedish, from the balcony of Brinkkala House.


The Declaration of Christmas Peace is an integral part of the celebration of Christmas in Finland. No matter what the weather is, it always attracts a large crowd of people from Turku and beyond to the Old Great Square. They gather there, listen to the Declaration and then begin their Christmas holidays. This traditional event is broadcast live on television and radio and can also be followed on the internet via Yle's website.

Under Swedish rule, the Christmas Peace lasted (legally) for 20 days. The tradition started in the 1300:s and was particularly important in the 1700:s. Today the tradition continues in Turku. It has been broadcast on radio since 1935 and on television since 1983.

Here's a video from 2009 (the declaration starts at 3:15).

Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Venezia

 

Helicam Helsinki

 

By Ville Hyvönen.