Catch of the Day…

…while reading a book. See larger resolution images in Google+

Can you see the bump?

See larger resolution images in Google+

Benji…

…is Finnish for bungy jump.

This might also explain what my Monday’s post was all about. I returned to the scene with a longer lens but unfortunately the sky wasn’t as co-operative this time.

Lost in Helsinki, Part III…

…still at Tuomarinkylä manor.

I’m planning to publish photos using a larger resolution in the future and I’m currently experimenting it in Google+. Have a look, click the image to see the larger version that exists for most images.

What the Helsinki Is Happening…

…here?

Flags at Half Mast in Finland for Norway…

…today on Sunday 24th July after the terrible massacre that happened on Friday.

The stairs of the Norwegian embassy were full of candles. The tragedy touches Finns even more because of the Nordic values we share.

Finnish flags were at half mast everywhere in Helsinki.

Nordic well-being and security has not been achieved by building fences but by tearing them down. There is no need to change this because of the cowardly attack. So far the Norwegian response to the attack has been admirable.

My sympathies to all who have lost loved ones or were affected by the tragedy. During days like these, we all are Norwegians.

When I Searched for Lines, I Saw Lines Everywhere. When You Search for (Islamist) Terrorists…

…you see them everywhere? On Monday I decided to take photos of lines…

…and I was surprised that there were lines everywhere…

…I was even able to create lines to places where lines didn’t exist.

Then I thought this might be the reason why so many photographers have been harassed by security guards and authorities lately. If you are looking for a terrorist, a person with a camera looks like a terrorist!

I saw my observation in a new context when at first many journalists and terrorism experts didn’t seem to have any other explanation for Oslo attacks than islamists. And it didn’t stop even when there were clear signs that the attackers were locals. What a disappointment that must have been!

According to this EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report in 2009 there were 294 attempted terrorist attacks in European Union and only one of them was made by islamists. I’ve also read about similar numbers from U.S, e.g CNN: Threat of Muslim-American terrorism in U.S. exaggerated.

This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a threat, but maybe the most likely options should be at least considered?

The beginning of all wisdom is the recognition of facts
- J.K Paasikivi, former Finnish president

A More Typical Day for the Nordic Police…

…”Will you put that phone away?” in front of the presidential palace yesterday. You are supposed to use hands-free when driving.

I have seen all living Finnish presidents walking on the streets of Helsinki and I’m proud that this is still possible in Nordic countries. What happened in Oslo won’t change this.

I’m also proud of Norwegian prime minister’s speech: Norway will fight terrorism by being more open and by increasing democracy without being naive. Suspects will be handled according to the Norwegian law. We must not let fear control us.

A fair and open society is the best antidote against terrorism. Secrecy, inequalities, paranoia and by-passing of the law will create more terrorists than they will eliminate.

We Are All Norwegians…

…after the horrible things that have happened in the Norwegian capital. An attack against a free country is an attack against all free countries.

We know very little what has happened but it is clear that this is one of the biggest things in the Nordic history during my lifetime. Probably the biggest.

This photo was taken shortly before my plane landed to Oslo some years ago.

Lost in Helsinki, Part II…

…this time at Tuomarinkylä manor. There’s a museum, park and a chance to ride the horses (reservation and payment probably needed?).

This is the same place where they were making hay a few weeks ago. You’ll go past the manor if you follow yesterday’s tip to cycle along river Vantaa to the northern parts of Central Park.

Lost in Helsinki…

…or in central park (keskuspuisto) to be more precise.

You can cycle practically all the way from central Helsinki to the city of Vantaa through the huge central park – or should I say forest.

There are too many paths zigzagging the forest to be remembered but the signposts make sure that you don’t really get lost. Provided you have a general idea about the area.

An alternative and pleasant way to reach the northern parts of central park is by following the river Vantaa from Vanhakaupunki. Either way you don’t need to pay much attention to cars.