Despite what the title quote by Mae West suggest, its good to have some control, otherwise you might be left spinning ouy of control, now even more than before.

In a sincere attempt to provide a simple public service, the city of helsinki has much in the same way as Dr. Albert Hofmann did in his time, unexpectedly managed to create something completely different that might leave you wanting for more. The creation is of course the cool and amazing but just as controversial CityWall which is located in downtown Helsinki.

Despite the fact the wall is a creation by a group called something as sinister as The Ubiquitous Interaction (Uix) research group, and that its original purpose was to help the group study human-computer intercation, there is little reason for conservatives and public health officials to get alarmed. The CityWall only promotes interaction between consecenting humans and computers and only in a safe way. Having said that, even the members of Uix probably are willing to agree that in this day and age, you shouldnt take your kids to see the CityWall, its just not something children should have to witness.

A group session between 2 adults and 1 computer just getting warmed up.

William Somerset Maugham - “There is hardly anyone whose sexual life, if it were broadcast, would not fill the world at large with surprise and horror.”

“Citius, Altius, Fortius”
Once a year, in early September, the best of the best drop everything, and like salmon, start their long migration towards a special place inside the artic circle, deep inside the mystical region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. Although these masters have sworn only use their powers to promote world peace, make no mistake, come September they are all ready and prepared for a bare nuckle match like you have never heard before.

Their destination is just barely on the map, and their mission to prove that they have what it takes to be called the best of the best of the best. Yes, its another world championship competition but this one is unlike any other. Last week the somewhat remote city of Oulu became the center of the universe as it hosted the 12^th Air Guitar World Championships (5-7.9.2007)

The Finns only managed 1 finalist in the top 20. With Hilkka “Gore Kitty” Suvanto only placing tied for 18^th the competition could have been considered a catastrophe from a Finnish point of view, was it not for the sheer brilliance of all the finalists performances. To place 18^th among that kind of competition is nothing to be ashamed of.

The world championship eventually went, for the second straight year to Japan. Ochi “Dainoji” Yosuke became only the second 2 time World champion in history. Guillaume “Moche Pitt” de Tonquédec of France finished a close 2^nd and the crowd favourite, Max “Herr Jaquelin” Heller of Austria came 3^rd.

The intensity of the sport is perhaps best described by former 2 time champion, Zac Monro’es famous quote:” It’s [playing air guitar in front of the audience and judges] like diving in to a swimming pool full of sharks, with pork chops tied under your armpits”.

Despite the countless hours spent by each contestant, preparing their performance, with only the goal of destroying the opposition, once the judges decision was in, and the winner was announced, all the masters gathered on stage together, and rocked on more time together as has been the tradition, for world peace.
Is there a nobler sport on the planet?

The crowned King of Air Guitar Ochi “Dainoji” Yosuke

Tero Pitkämäki has won the gold medal in men’s javelin at the Athletics World Championships in Osaka. As a result it is safe to say that here is no other man in the whole country today that the average Finnish man would prefer to find his favourite daughter having porridge in bed with tomorrow morning.

Javelin is a very popular sport in Finland with plenty of tradition and a mountains of expectations. One can only speculate that this is because it is a very exciting sport. Nevertheless a Finnish world champion in javelin is just one of the things that are absolutely needed from time to time for this particular nation of 5+ million to have enough goodwill, so they can manage to live peacefully through months of darkness, cold and taxes.

Congratulations to Mr. Pitkämäki for the victory, years of hard work have paid off for him and he deserves it. And congratulations to Mr. Virtanen, Mr. Korhonen, Mr. Lahti, Mr. Lahtinen, Mr. Nieminen and all their country men as well. As Mr.Pitkämäki just proved, not everything sucks.