NonSmoking

It’s good to get back to the ‘dam. If there’s ever any question as to whether or not I’m in love with this city, that question is answered the moment I land back in the NL and I breathe in the moist air and involuntarily smile following a long sigh of relief. I’m home! No not New Jersey. No not Lisbon. Home in the present tense, no offence to the latter two wonderful places.

Sweden is obviously a wonderful place. Huge, with lots of space, is what I can conclude from seeing it from the plane. Diverse and modern is what I can conclude from walking the streets and watching the people. But there was one aspect of people in Sweden that I wanted to point out – and that’s their use of tobacco.

I’m not talking about smoking. No no. You can go into any club in Stockholm and I’m pretty sure the air will be breathable, not including the stench of man-hormones as they try to pick up all the females in the vicinity. You won’t smell smoke, yet everybody is using tobacco. How? Through these little baggies, which come in a little circular case. You place these miniature tobacco pouches under your upperlip, and apparently it just soaks into your system. (and gives everyone a temporarily fatter lip)

Now no offence to my friends up there, but to me — this is scary! Tons of people are doing this instead of smoking, yet I can only imagine the effects. Though apparently it’s not ALL bad for your health, it seems just as addictive as cigarettes, and worst of all its going in your mouth, so in theory – isn’t that dangerous in the long run?

Believe it or not, I’m not a doctor. But I do play one on the internets. And I’m worried about Scandinavians and their love for this habit.. which I believe is called Snus. I’m not a guy who panics about people smoking or preaches to others about what they should or shouldn’t do with their bodies, but I had to mention this and how odd it made me feel to see it.

Now go read TPB on the literary world. and then take notes of how Madame Levy cons people out of rugs.

Today’s Sounds: Weezer = Make Believe

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Go Away

Dam all this extra crap that keeps appearing. Damn damn. Whats a blogger to do?

Closer and Closer

OK OK, I’m getting closer to launch. I really am. Like T minus 5..4..3.. and that whole thing.

But you know, just like the space shuttle, we gots to check and double check, to make sure this thing doesnt fall apart. Plus we don’t want to lose any of the public out there.

That reminds me, I’ve still got lots to do with the stupid stupid archives.

AudioCommunique#28-LivefromSweden

Finally back in the ‘dam after the Swedish journey. This podcast was a huge pain to assemble, as Im fumbling with Garageband, Logic, and Audacity, and each one has its share of drawbacks in my eyes. Former Amsterdamer, and now Stockholmer, Marty McFly joins me in the second half for some soundseeing. To see photos of the journey, check out my flickr.

AudioCommuniqu? #28(mp3)

22min+, 64kbps, 10Mb+

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Photos Speak

Tired. Very Tired. Happy. Very Happy. I should have come to Sweden long ago. I feel fortunate to have travelled here and visited with such great friends. Beyond that, I can only speak to you through photos.

Oh and here’s the link to me talking podcasting.

Today’s Sounds: Madge Weinstein – Eating a Lean Cuisine

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Stockholm Here I Am

I’m not sure but I think this is how to email a post using blogger. Which is of course, down right now. Talk about one of the worst performances by a company, blogger.com has been a total let down in 2005. It’s no wonder people are running away and moving to word press, as will I, shortly.

Stockholm rocks the house as far as cities go. And I say that without having seen much. It’s enough to sit with my friends Marty McFly and the Sweetest Sofia and reminisce, share new stories, etc. This alone gives me an idea of how great there world is here in Sweden’s capitol. Tomorrow is tourism time, and soundseeing of course. So I hope you’ll join me.

For now, there’s a comfy guest cot awaiting me, and I can hit the snooze as much as I want in the morning.

Today’s Sounds: Downloaded South PArk Episodes

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