Pulse, 15.11.2009

1. A weekend full of partying and socializing may be a welcome change of pace from your brain-heavy activities during the week. You are all studying for exam, aren't you? If you want a last chance escape, head to Soria Moria, today sunday at 9PM. In the Soria Moria Bar and Restaurant in Torshov, the Kurt Weill Duo will play music by -- you guessed it -- Kurt Weill. Kurt Weill is most famous for composing music for Berthold Brecht's socialist "Threepenny Opera" in the 1920s. Brecht and Weill are also on the menu tonight, and entrance is free.

2. Africa has often been described as the dark continent, perhaps in reference to how little we know about Africa - but how can a diverse continent of deserts, jungles, mountains, plains, rivers, lakes, where the snow falls on the Kilimandjaro and the sun sets in the Serengeti, how can such a continent be called dark? In particular, Africa has rich and colourful cultural traditions, and those are in focus during the Africa week at Litteraturhuset from the 16th to the 21st of November. Meet African writers, watch African movies, discuss politics - in 9 separate events you can delve into Africa's cultural heritage. All events are in English and all events but two are free of charge. For details, check www.litteraturhuset.no.

3. Where does the time go is a question I often ask myself. Where did that boy and girl go is a question you might be asking yourself - if you head to a game of "Boksen går" in Sankt Hanshaugen on monday at 6.30PM. "Boksen går" is the Norwegian name for a variant of the classical hide and seek game. Meeting point is the open air stage in Sankt Hanshaugen. I guess you don't really need to know Norwegian to play this still popular children's game, but black clothes are recommended. The idea is of course not only to play a game but also to meet new people with an optional nachspiel, and if you get tired or cold during the game you can always just go home - that will teach them. The event is of course free of charge.

4. If you like the Oslo band Le Corbeau you have two chances to see them play next week. With their mix of noise pop and jazzy brass instrumentation they are quickly becoming one of the more popular bands in Norway. On tuesday, they guest Gloria Flames on Grønland together with experimental bands Laconic Zero and Japanese Gum. On friday they play Garage together with avantgarde rock band Maribel. Tickets are 90NOK and 100NOK respectively.