Airlines, the evil must

Flying is not my favourite past-time. The first time I flew, I was really excited. I can remember the first take-off. The acceleration was furious comparing to what I was expecting. And a very important note for an 11-year old, the coke was free. I didn't even gag on the food. Had to go to the toilet five or so times, but it was easy as I was tiny.

Since then, things have changed. I have flown dozens of times. On business and for pleasure. Travelling is something I enjoy - flying is just a necessary evil. I have some tips on how to survive, and I just decided to share these with the world.

First and foremost, the budget. How much is a quality hour worth to you? Make up a number and keep this in mind before booking anything. You can save money by spending time and vice versa. When to pay with money and when with time is up to this figure when planning the whole trip. Destination, hotel, flights, transports and activities are all very much relevant to this figure.

• Booking the flight. Use an on-line comparison and book on-line with a credit card. The best airline is always the one that has a "home" on the airport you are flying from. Credit card payment will allow for a return of the fee more often than any other form of payment, in case things go south. Cheapest is not always best, but quite often as good, as the third cheapest. Try to avoid routes that have more than one take off and landing, since the risk of lost luggage and delays goes up. Also, the environment does not like it and it is a security risk. Take off and landing are by far the riskiest parts of the flight. If something goes wrong, it goes wrong then. As a general rule, you should not book on-line if you are not a frequent traveller. Just go to the travel agent and you won't be screwed, won't make a mistake and someone else is responsible for the (very) possible mistakes on the bookings.
  
• Packing for the trip. You will need twice as much money and half the clothes. This is a fact. Now pack what you want, just keep it under the weight limit. At least check the weather conditions on where you are going.
  
• Check-in on-line. This saves time and most airlines allow to pre-book the seat, giving you the aisle or window (my preferred seat). Try to get one that is not next to the wing. At least on the window, there should be better views instead of the wing. The last row is always bad, as the noise from the motors is horrendous, if there is an engine in the back. The very last row will usually not allow for tilting the seat back.
• Don't be early. The airport is a stupidly dull and expensive place. Planes wait for passengers that have checked in, at least if there is luggage that is checked in. They will not leave without the passenger as they suspect a b*mb.
• Use the lounges if you are early. If you do not have a credit card that gives you the luxury access, join to the club most airlines have to be able to get access.
• Water is needed on the plane, you will dehydrate some 2 dl/hour during the flight. Get a bottle before boarding. They wont let you have your water through the check in, so get one after. I always have a bottle for them to take away, as I want them to tell me that it is too dangerous to have on me on the plane. Right. Like they would let you have a cell phone on you if it would risk anything on the plane. The real reason for the no cellphones rule is that they would affect the networks operation on ground level, as the networks are not designed for airlines. Also, they would have to check every model for airline safety (not a cheap procedure) if they were to allow them turned on. But rest assured, if there was any risk, you would not have a cell on you on the plane.
• PSP, deck of cards, a good book and a magazine are nice to haves to entertainment. Noise cancelling headphones are worth their money if you want to listen to music or see a film from your portable
• Special flypillow (goes around the neck) is a must if you want to sleep and not have a headache after, earplugs and something to cover your eyes for sleeping are quite good.
• Always have a photocopy of your passport on your carry-on, in case of lost passport. I needed this once, saved my trip.
• Travel insurance. Better to be with it than without it. I have never needed it, but always have it. I figure it is a pretty nice thing to have without needing it. Even nicer to have and need, so why not? Get one from a genuine insurance company, they have the best policies and prices. Get one that is paid once a year to make sure you don't miss any payments, since they will not cover you if that would be the case. If you think the insurance is too expensive, make sure something gets "stolen" and claim it. No biggie.
• Always have a carry-on. You will need it for a set of clean clothes, copy of passport, water and entertainment. Leave room for things that you buy from the airport to avoid extra bags. The safe maximum size of the luggage is 45", in the form of a 22" x 14" x 9" bag and there is no need to take anything smaller. Invest on a proper bag. If you are too cheap for the investment, this can also be funded by the insurance company, as previously stated.
• Don't drink too much on the plane. The booze goes to your head faster than on land, it annoys the hell out of everyone and you will have a hungover the size that you are not used to. Didn't think is possible even.
• 
  

Special tricks:

• Book for a different meal. The Muslim or vegetarian meal is usually the best, but anything not straight out of the menu is preferred to the regular crap. A snack bar or bag of chips is also a coveted gourmet during the flight. I once booked a kosher meal, that's pretty cool as it has to be handled by a believer and blessed by a priest. Can't hurt?
• Pack a starter pistol or replica pistol. No ammo of any kind. Confess straight out on the check-in. These are harmless items, but will cause the standard panic button to be pushed, and you will be rushed through the security and passport checks. Works like a charm, saves you an hour on Heathrow or JFK.
  

And last but not least, never ever say BOMB on the airport or the plane. This is no joke. Not to anyone.

What is the average temperature of space?

What is the average temperature of space? Why does it matter? Well, was out having a pint and a laugh and a friend started on this subject. It came betting time, since we had different opinions, both quite sure that we knew the answer. My knowledge was based on some reading of articles made by people who do space research for a living, so I was curious that where he got his info as he has an opionion that is so totally different from mine. Turns out that he was in a job interview (there was a high-paying consultant doing it) and it was one of the questions they asked. They had this random questions section in the interview. He did not know the answer and just out of curiosity, sent for the answer on an email after they turned him down. They replied sayng that -6 degrees Centigrade, or between -3 and -10 was the right answer. I stated that there is no way for that to be the right answer. How could the right answer be about something researched by scientists, between 3 and 10? Around 6? The earth would be warmed by space? How can it ever get to -40 in finland if the space is warmer than that? Wouldn't it warm the cold north? Actually, I said that this is so stupid that the betting is pointless and I'm not taking it. My hand got twisted and the bet was formed, for 20 UK sterling. We then pursued on getting drunk and getting the right answer. I did not call to anyone, as I thought that my friends think that I am an idiot if I call and ask that, as one should naturally know the answer. Others were not so shy and called their relatives and significant others. The thing is, none of them knew. The person keeping the pub or anyone sitting in the pub did not know the answer. All the time they are sure that I am wrong and keep telling me so. They send some texts and people around start googling. All this time I cannot believe that not only they do not know the answer, but none of the persons they called knew the answer. Not only that, they still maintained that I am totally, absolutely wrong? WTF?


Anyways, we had a really nice night debating about this, I got to win and have a wide grin and maybe teach a lesson about betting, knowing things and more than that, second guessing. I second guessed myself, thinking that can I be wrong? I then thought that I cannot be wrong, I simply must be right, or quite near the right answer. Way nearer than what he was with his 6ish Centigrade. My answer was, absolute zero, -273 degrees Centigrade or 0 degrees Kelvin, within some decimals, as there are hot objects in space, heat absorbing objects, paticles and such. But since space is so big, it does not matter on the average. I was not right, but close. Empty space is 0 Kelvin, as there is nothing there, there is nothing to be warm. The thing is that the space is not empty, it has radiation, that you cannot see. The planets, stars and other thingies are just the somewhat visible part. The space has some radiation that is "warmish". I hear that the "warmth" is still remaining from the Big Bang and the space, being so young, has not completely cooled down yet. I still do not know the right answer, as I cannot go to the space and measure it from everywhere to put in my excel and count the average, but I read that the "right" answer can be calculated and the calculations can checked and verified by measurements.
The most often used Q&A is "What is the average temperature of the known universe?" and the most often used answer is 3 Kelvins. This is certainly not right. 2,7 Kelvins is a bit closer, but still not there.

I think that this is a classic case of "Why do we care?" We cannot know what it is, this is quite obviously a question you can anwer differently, and the way you ask the question has a big impact on the right answer.

In fact, I bet you all, that you do not know the answer to the question "What is the temperature of boiling water". You don't know it, trust me. Have you measured it? Why were you so certain about the answer if you have never measured it? Since you have been told the answer so many times? Actually, the question is wrong. You answered and knew the answer to another question. What is temperature when pure water boils on sea level, pressure being one atmosphere? 100 Centigrade Celcius. Rarely is this the case on your kitchen. Even if you had measured it, you are not on sea-level, you might have salt or other matter changing the matter being boiled and hopefully a lid that generates pressure and the kettle is not on sea-level.

You are wrong, the reason being that the answer you give is an answer to the wrong question.
I have measured it, the temperature of my tea kettle and pasta water is... 96-97 C. I guess the reason for this is that water does not want to be 100 degrees, starts to cool down immediately once it reached 100 degrees and stays at about 96-97 C when it is on a boil.

Mona Lisa lookalikes

Had to try something else. Who else, than my long time obsession, Mona Lisa

http://www.myheritage.com

So do you, actually, look like your dog

Well I don't know, but my dog does not look like me. Looks more like Coolio. Here's the proof

Ok, I just thought to get this out of the way. My opinions are mine and mine alone. They do not reflect the opinions of any group, company, nation or religion. Having said that, some opinions are obviously affected by something. For me, my nationality means a lot. I am a Finn, a Finn from Finland, speaking Finnish and living in or craving back, to Finland. If you want to know what finland is all about, check the excellent article written about us, from wikipedia.

For the too busy, things like Linux, Nokia, MySQL, xylitol, Rapala, Benecol, and such are from Finland and Finland alone. Sauna, father christmas, reindeers, and such are from the nordics, not just from Finland. Coldness, nordic circle, aurora borealis and such are all over the northern hemisphere, Russia and Canada alike.

Anyways, I think that being born in Finland is like winning the lottery. You are set for life. Basically free and really excellent education while having food and roof paid for all the way through to the diploma. Growing up in a country that is safe, secure, clean and fair. I don't think it gets any better. We are so happy that our presidents ratings are sometimes just too good according to the polling nerds. She's just loved by everyone.

So, how to explain what it is, to be a Finn.

The normal Finnish way: Its good.
Kimi Räikkönen way: I think so it's good, I'll do my best and see where it takes me.
Matti Nykänen way: Are we Finns and am I one of them too?
The Finnish boss way: As a finn, you make a difference.
The Finnish bus driver way: Not an even 2,20 euros? You're walking?
The Finnish taxi driver way: Finnish roads are good, speeding tickets are ridiculous.
The Nokia way: TididiidiiTididiidiiTididiidiiDII. Buy me, I'm kinda japanese.
The Finnish boat building union head way: Perkeleen euro, no way to float the mark anymore.
The Sami people way: Spaceeba, tack så mycket, kiitti perkeleesti, skål!
The US way: Finnish women are beautiful!
The Estonian woman way: Winnish "women" can't dress at all!
The Estonian man way: Estonians are way tougher, the toughest. Am gonna kick your ass.
The Italian way: Finnish quisine is so bad. Our mommas don't cook there.
The French way: They have this internet, they are suspicious. Lets Echelon them.
The swedish way: Here is the Ikea, meatballs and give us the euros. Oh yeah, win them playing hockey. Every time. They are such suckers, can't take a bit of unfairness.


Lets try the trainspotting way:

Choose no corruption
Choose freedom
Choose high taxes and public services
Choose sauna and lakes
Choose endless forests and all they have to offer
Choose a language no-one can understand
Choose extreme dislike to your neighbouring countries
Choose fairness or doing something about it
Choose to care for everything
Choose sisu
Choose to envy your neighbourgs
Choose to be proud of your nationality

The Who on tour

In my opinion, the Who has done an exellent comeback. Or one might be better off not calling it a comeback. Old timers have always listened to it, thirty somethings have learned about it on House and C.S.I. It's not unheard of, but even though the tune is familiar, there is usually no consensus that what the hell is the band playing it. Well, I'll tell you, it is The Who. Who? you ask? Well indeed, THE Who. They are the ones playing the C.S.I opening tunes. In all of the C.S.I. series. They are the ones who made Baba O Rileys mad keyboards, that Greg House plays in his office, on his table so vividly and with a feeling, while his boss walks in. They are the ones used in so many movies. They are the ones who have a blog, who have actually tapped to the new generation. Pete Townshend has a really good vision on what is going on and where is it. They rode the wave of success first on their glory days, then on the CD remastering era when geezerz made their kids to listen to them again, then they spinned the records on the TV, on the tunes, on the mobile ringtones and were on Simpsons, then on movies... all the right moves. Rolling Stones, stop rolling and listen to... guess Who :)
And btw, Behind blue eyes is not a Limp Bizkit song.

Having a drink after work

So, you go to a bar with an intent. You want a drink after a nice hard day at work. What to drink? Going to a local and having a pint of beer is one option, although not my favourite. Your allowance for alcohol shouldn't be wasted. Drinking any ol' beer is a waste of alcohol allowance, abuse of liver and poor use of your time. I prefer to get something to tell home about. I've taken girlfriends out to have a flaming shots or to a drink bar where just the building of the beverage is a show to be watched, amazed and remembered for a long time. The best option after a hard days work is up to you. For me, a good start is a well stocked bar with a view. There, I might opt for a Martini. A proper martini, in my opinion, would be:

• Stirred, not shaken (shaking will water it)
• Absolutely without twist (lemon peel is a bit too harsh)
  
• From Gin, not Vodka (vodka is for other drinks)
  
• With a plain olive or two, from a jar (mmm.... olives)
  
• Dry (no vermouth, too strong. Don't like it)
  

Then again, you might want to have something that does not kill your braincells. Like a coke. That is a lot harder than getting a proper drink. There was this time I wanted a coke on a cafe. When coffee is 3€, water 1€ and coke is 4€, I kinda wan't to try if i can get a proper one. What is a proper coke then? Ill tell you the story about what happened later. Meanwhile, here is the recipie. Go and try to get one. Going to a bar to ask for a coke, I dare you. What can go wrong?

The glass. It should be about 4 dl, thick and sturdy. Does not have to be chilled, but can't be hot from the dishwasher.
The Coke should be ice cold and with a lot of fizz. Not from a pistol behind the bar, but from a glass bottle where it is like it's supposed to be. Plastic and can give it a taste, plastic has too little fizz and the can is not only too small, it has too much fizz.
The Lemon is optional, but if there is sucha a thing in your coke, it should be a lemon, not a lime. It should float in the glass, not too thick, not too thin. Zest should be there, but not on its own. And it needs to be washed and de-seeded for use in this drink. You dont wan't to drink the seeds.
The Ice Some ice should be there, not too much as it will water the lovely coke. Two or three ice cubes should be enough. Chill the glass if the surroundings need more cooling.


The Build and Serve
1: Wash the glass, especially the rim of the glass, with cold water. This removes possible debris from the glass, makes one inspect the rim for cracks, removes the drying towel old sock taste from the rim, wets the glass from the inside and checks the temperature of the glass.
2: Put the ice in the glass, add the washed lemon slice or two (hold the seeds) in the middle.
3: Pour the coke in. The fizz is now minimized, since the ice is already there and the glass is wet. Wet glass is slick, making the foaming hard as there is less forming surface, thus leaving the fizz in the coke. If the coke was warm or fizzless, you can see it in the amount of foam at this point.
4: Serve with a smile, on a napkin. The glass is so cool that it will condence the moist from the air on it's outside surface, thus water running on the table. Needs something to soak it in. As the whole glass is wet, some want to dry their hands.

The Smile is just optional, but this coke served with perfection should have a tip coming your way by now, why ruin it at this point.

One tripless, warm summer day

Gin and tonics are evil. Like a proper finn on their summer holiday, I was out drinking last night. It feels like I had been swimming on GT's. The plan was to go and plan a bike tour for the next day. Just sit down with a couple of friends for a pint or two. After doing the plan, one of the boys fixing the bars virus ridden public use WinNT4, forgetting the plan, drinking enough, drinking too much, waking up, having coffee, listening to some "youdrunko", reading an SMS saying "trip canceled" I am finally ready to confess. I am lucky. One of the guys had a big fight with the wife, then had to beg for forgiveness and is now cleaning their house. Naturally the bike tour did not happen.


What I wonder is, why not? Why not to have a bike ride if you were out drinking last night? Who is the beneficiary? Surely you should let the man out to ride. Why not make him? Riding that bike on a hot summer day would be a just punishment for the drunkard? Why are we all left without a ride just for one to fail to make it? Why are all punished by the wife of one?

Why do I wan't to go for a ride? Maybe it's all for the better to stay in.

Stumbled upon my blog

Well, I think I am allowed to combine my intrests, like the nifty Stumble upon and giving my own blog the thumbs up on it, aren't I? What is the harm? I know, but just don't care. What do you think? Upon my experience, and I am online 10 hours a day, every day, Stumble is the best tool to have when trying to find something, just not knowing what it is... like this blog. Sorry...

My StumbleUpon Page

Soo-o one more blog. For what?

That is what I ask myself too. Real reason to do this is... everyone has one. I have two more. Can't even remember what's the address of one, no-one has ever been on the other. Ever. I think one should advertise. Here goes. The http://samson.saunablog.fi blog is really good, you should check it out.

Anyways, have read so many how to's about blogs, it makes me sick. Someone did a refreshing 7 things not to do instead of 10 that you normally see. Do not (1) over monetize, (2) whore for attention, (3) rant about your boring life, (4) not update frequently, (5) post junk, (6) limit RSS or snippets, (7) not be unique. Fine, lets try. I must do something else, something to stand out from 55 million other blogs.

Apples IPhone is out, everyone hates it since it is too expensive for normal nerds. Nokia's new Communicator is out too, that is way more expensive (but no-one complains about that) and I see it everywhere. Stumbling is in since you can just push a button and get something worth wasting your time for on your screen, immediately. Why is it so important to get the timewaster there immediately, I don't know. Just is.

Finally, never go to play desktop tower defense on handrawngames,com, even though it won an award about being something cool on the web (it got on a top 100 list). It is really good, but so is World of Warcraft. You just do not have the time to give to it. But if you do, give it a try. Must go play it now....