The Pulse: September 5 - 12

MONDAY
Put on your red shoes and head to one of the coolest clubs in Oslo, Blå, this Monday evening for GymBaloo! Described as an alternative work-out for those who don't enjoy following a sweaty gym instructor stepping to the sounds of Rhianna, this is your chance to dance until you drop, and then get up and keep dancing because the DJ is makin' you feel so nice! The first Monday of every month, the hip jazz club called Blå, located right next to the Akerselva river in Grunnerløkka, holds a dance party for one and a half hours, starting at 7pm. Come in whatever clothes you like, gym clothes or regular attire, and dance away the stress that the rest of the week will bring. The DJ will play both old and new music, famous and underground, anything to get you moving. There is no age limit and the cost is free. And if you haven't been to see the Frank Znort Quartet play on Sunday nights at Blå, also for free, then get your butt over there as well. It's an institution.

WEDNESDAY
The Nobel Peace Center, located down at the water front between the City Hall and the entrance to Aker Brygge, is currently featuring a multimedia exhibition on South Africa's struggle for democracy called Strengths and Convictions. This Wednesday evening they will be hosting a concert of traditional South African songs and the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. The performances by a string quartet, musician Busi Ncube on voice and mbira and other members of the Philharmonic orchestra will be supported by a projection of somewhat spooky but extremely cool animations by the artist William Kentrdige. A multimedia, multicultural performance that's not to be missed. The show starts at 7pm at the Nobel Peace Center and tickets cost 80 kroner.

THURSDAY
Who likes free stuff? How about free stuff with caffeine in it? Even better. The Norwegian coffee shop chain called Kaffebrenneriet is calling this Thursday "The Big Coffee Day," and they're offering coffee tasting and free samples of chocolate, ice cream and baked goods at various locations around Oslo. Go to any Kaffebrenneriet in the city this Thursday for a free tasting of different coffee types from all over the world. Between 11 and 1 o'clock, head over to the Kaffebrenneriet at Ullevålsveien & Karenslyst alle 22 to taste and learn more about chocolate. Go to the cafe inside Saga Kino, between Nationaltheateret and Aker Brygge, to taste ice cream and witness ice cream sculpting between 2 and 4pm.

Pulse, 16.5.2010

1. The week starts with a grand event, the 17th of May, but what to do with the rest of the week? How about attending a book launch! On tuesday at 4PM in Auditorium 2 of Georg Sverdrups Hus, the university's own publishing house launches the book "Poverty and Elusive Development". The investigates our current attempts to fight poverty around the world through development aid and the many challenges that follow with this political and economical task. The author Dan Banik will be present as well as commentators from the university and the government. Everybody is welcome, tickets are free!

2. Also on tuesday, "Studentenes Fotoklub" screens a movie on the famous war photographer James Nachtwey. For James Nachtwey taking pictures was more than documentation, it was about influencing people and politics. Over the 100 minutes the movie lasts director Christian Frei gives us a glimpse behind the scenes and over the shoulders of James Nachtwey's work. The movie, titled "War Photographer", won 16 awards and was nominated for both an Oscar and an Emmy. It will be shown in Lillesalen on Chateau Neuf at 7PM. The entrance is free-

3. The final event requires you to speak Norwegian. Or Spanish. But if you do it will be worth it. The Bolivian president Evo Morales is visiting Oslo and on thursday 9AM in Litteraturhuset, he will meet the Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim to debate "Visions for solutions to the climate crisis”. The entrance is free, but you need to register by sending an email to cecilhi@sum.uio.no (get the email-adress from our blog: snakkerikkenorsk.blogspot.com).

The Pulse, week of 9.5.10

On Monday the 10th fans of cinema can enjoy two short films at the Ringen Kino. The showing is part of Kort på Ringne, a series allowing audiences to watch new, relevant short films and give short film directors an opportunity to show their latest production. The first film, Konto og Gitar, tells the story of a teenage boy as he opens a bank account to save for the guitar of his dreams and the bank teller in charge of his account. In the second film, Annika, a daughter travels to Poland to find her missing father. The past soon begins to haunt her and she starts to realize why her father left in the first place. Both films are in Norwegian and start playing at 17:30, free tickets can be picked up at the kiosk.


If you’re looking for more time outdoors, stop by the Oslo Opera House on Tuesday. Koro, the professional body for art in public spaces is revealing a new work by Monica Bonvicini entitled She Lies. Constructed of stainless steel and semi-transparent glass the sculpture is 12 meters high and weighs over 300 tons. Modeled after the painting Das Eismeer, depiciting a shipwreck in an ice field, the sculpture is designed to withstand its location in the harbor. 18:00 marks the beginning of the thirty-minute ceremony at the Opera House, where a percussion orchestra and synchronized swimmers will perform. Attendance is open to the public on the roof of the Opera House.


Wanting something to do during the weekend for free? Dubious is a small club concept at Sound of Mu with a focus on experimental electronic music. This week they're hosting the Oslo based electronic based artist and DJ, Sharku. A wide range of inspirations from instrumental hip hop, modern bass music, and South Korean films characterize his style of music. Also performing is another local artist of a similar, DJ Indiana Ross. The show starts at 21:30 at the Sound of Mu and goes until 1:00. Check out their myspace page for a better idea on how they sound.

Apologies, Pulse

Hello loyal listeners and blog-followers!

First, an apology. You may have noticed that the show from last Sunday (April 18) sounded suspiciously similar to the show from the week before. In fact, it was the same show. Now, we were completely prepared for a new show this week. However,

due to circumstances out of our control, we when showed up at the radio Sunday morning we were locked out of all the recording studios and the key was nowhere to be found. So we did the only thing we could do--put on a re-run, then went to a coffee shop and mourned the fact that we couldn't put on a new show. Oh well. We've now made sure that this will never happen again, and now we have more time to perfect our show for next week--about creativity and inspiration. So you can look forward to that, and in the meantime, here's the Pulse for this week, straight from me to you:

--Emily

The Pulse, 19.4 – 26.4
Monday through Thursday--Norwegian National Ballet: Streetcar Named Desire
Stellaaaa!! The Norwegian National Ballet is performing a dance version of Tennessee Williams' celebrated play A Streetcar Named Desire, choreographed by American ballet dancer, choreographer and director John Neumeier. Neumeier has become something of a choreography legend with his sense of drama and ability to tell a story through dance. Accompanied by music from Prokofiev and Schnittke, come watch this famous story of fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois and her difficult meeting with the steamy, urban ambience of 1940s New Orleans and her sister’s raw yet attractive husband Stanley Kowalski. This is also a great opportunity to visit the inside of the opera building, whose main stage lies 16 meters under sea level. The cheapest seats cost only 100 crowns, and a student discount is offered for more expensive seating. A Streetcar Named Desire is showing at the opera house this week on Monday through Thursday at 7pm, and several more time in the coming weeks. Order tickets online at www.operaen.no.

Wednesday--Debate: International students vs. Norwegian students: isolation and integration
International students, how many Norwegian friends do you currently have? Do you feel like you’re a part of Norwegian society, or are you isolated from it all? This is one of our favorite discussion topics here at Snakker Ikke Norsk, and we don’t want to miss the hot debate that will take place this Wednesday on integration of international students into Norwegian college life, brought to you by the Kulturutvalget. Participating in the debate will be representatives from SiO, International Student Union, the Buddy System and the Norweigan Student Society. This is a chance to hear what the people who are in charge of introducing internationals to Norwegians have to say, as well as get your own questions answered. The debate will take place this Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the library of Chateau Neuf. Entrance is free.

Thursday--Museum Lecture: Marimekko designer Erja Hirvi
The National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design is currently exhibiting a retrospective of textiles, fashion and accessories from the Finnish brand Marimekko. Marimekko was established in 1951 and its clothing has since been admired and worn by many famous women, including Jackie Kennedy. After a sharp downturn in the early 90s, the brand was saved from bankruptcy and made a comeback in the late 90s, where its designs were worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City. Come see the exhibition for free, and then attend a lecture by Erja Hirvi, one of Marimekko's foremost young designers. In the lecture she will talk about her work as a textile designer for Marimekko, and about what inspires her as a designer. The lecture will be given in English and will take place on Thursday (April 22) at 5:30 pm in the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (Kunstindustrimuseet), located at St. Olavs gate 1. There will be musical entertainment in the form of Finnish folk songs performed on clarinet and cello, and refreshments will be served. Entrance is free.

Pulse, 11.4.2010

1. We cannot have this weeks edition of the Pulse without talking about Novafest, Radio Novas annual culture and music festival. This year it takes place next week, on friday April 16th and saturday April 17th at Blå. Novafest is much more than music, although the festival sports bands such as Casiokids, Mount Erie, No Kids and Megaphonic Thrift. Especially the saturday offers debates, interviews, art installations, food and a market. For more information, see www.novafest.no. Day passes are 150 NOK, festival passes are 250 NOK - a little more than our usual limit of 100 NOK per event, but this is one is worth it!

2. If rock music is too loud for you, perhaps the fairy tales and romances of classical composer Robert Schumann are more down your alley. Schumann is a representative of German romanticism and famous for ruining his career as a solo pianist by experimenting with mechanical contraptions that were supposed to improve his finger strength and instead crippled him. He switched to composing and his vast talent is reflected in the more than hundred compositions he produced in his lifetime. On monday, Students from the Norwegian Academy of music will perform several of Schmumanns magical compositions. The venue is the Norwegian Academy of Music right next to Chateau Neuf, the time is 7PM and the entrance is free.

3. Somewhat more traditional, but still free of charge, is the performance of Norwegian singer-songwriter Thomas Dybdal next tuesday, 7PM, in Internasjonalen. The bar Internasjonalen on Youngstorget is itself one of Oslo's hippes venues, but the concert is made even more special by the fact that it is recorded and broadcast live on NRKs acclaimed show "Lydverket". Tickets are free, but are distributed on first come - first save basis, so send an email to lydverketpublikum@nrk.no to sign up. And it pays to hurry up, there are only 100 tickets available!

4. Spring is here and you cannot dive head first into the Norwegian outdoor lifestyle too soon. If skiing hasn't been your cup of tea, outdoor barbecueing just might. It is sedentary, social, if weather permits: sunny, and you can have a beer while admiring one of Oslo's many beautiful parks. So round up your friends, buy an engangsgrill and supplies and find your spot in the sun. This "event", the coming of springtime, is, for all we know, free of charge.

Snakker ikke Norsk, sunday 21st of March

We are off to a long Easter break, but we are going to keep you entertained with the best from our archives. Our last show before the break was filled to the brim:



Aneta reported on the Thriller dance record that takes place in Prague, Czech Republic, later this year. For more information, join the facebook group.



Maya invited two members from the Norwegian Azerbaijani Youth Organization, who arranged a special spring equinox concert in Oslo this week. Here, we also heard a piece of Norwegian music, Anitra's dance from Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite, performed on a tradtional Azerbaijani instrument, the tar.



Ioana went to Blå to dig into the illustrious history of Oslo's biggest quartet, Frank Znort Quartet. Every sunday Frank Znort Quartet puts their very special spell on Blå and its audience with their mix of jazz, swing, blues and world music. But there is far more to the band than meets the eye.



Finally, Nurallah sought out an academic perspective on Norwegian society and sat down to talk to UiO researcher Thomas Hylland Eriksen about some hard questions: Norwegians oil - blessing or curse? Are immigrants a problem? And what exactly are the Norwegian core values?

If you missed our show today, catch the rerun on monday 12-13, or listen to our show as often as you want at www.radionova.no.


HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Celebration of nerdy-ness

I forgot to mention on the show that today is Pi Day! March 14, 3.14—get it? I guess it only works in America because we write the date with the month first and the day second. In my high school Calculus class we celebrated by bringing various kinds of pies to class and chowing down. My favorite is apple, but there are so many other possibilities: blueberry pie, blackberry pie, cherry pie, pumpkin pie... Mmm. Happy Pi Day everyone! Five years until the mathematical celebration of the century...March 14, 2016. 3.1416. It will be madness!

--Emily

Pulse, 14.3.2010

The big day in Oslo's cultural life next week is wednesday. Three worthwile events take place on this day alone.

1. In Parkteatret on Grünerløkka you can watch the American Oscar-winning documentary "Hearts and Minds". Released in 1974, the movie takes its title from a quote by former US president Lyndon B. Johnson who said that the outcome of the Vietnam War would depend on winning the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people. Since the Vietnam War is long over, the movie may now be watched in the context of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Hearts and Minds" screens at Parkteatret on wednesday the 17th at 6.45PM and tickets cost 80 NOK.

2. The second event taking place that wednesday is a debate titled "Iran and the West at a Crossroad". The debate is arranged by the "Culture and Debate Society" at Chateau Neuf who also are in the process of establishing an all English section. This debate, although arranged by the Norwegian branch, is in English as well and sports a five man panel consisting of journalists, researchers, an Iranian human rights activist and the Israelian ambassador to Norway. The debate takes place at Chateau Neuf on wednesday the 17th at 7PM. The entrance is free.

3. The third event to kick off on wednesday is the "Eurodok" film festival which takes place at Cinemateket the movie theatre of the Norwegian Film Institute in Dronningensgate. And if you already decided on one of the other wednesday events - don't worry: The "Eurodok" film festival lasts for five days, from wednesday the 17th until sunday the 21st. Topics range from Iceland to pianos to homeless people to homosexuality to Burma to -- well, check out the full program at eurodok.no.
There are more than 6 hours of movies every day, tickets for individual movies are 80NOK -- 50 if you buy a membership for Cinemateket -- or 200 NOK for the entire festival.

4. Finally, already on tuesday you can watch a movie which not only is pure fiction but is firmly rooted in a genre that could not be more rich in cliches: The Western. Chateau Neuf's own filmclub, Cinema Neuf, screens the Italo Western classic "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly". Director Sergio Leone redefined the visual style of westerns, Clint Eastwood plays the nameless, squinting hero and Ennio Morricone wrote the unforgettable soundtrack. "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly" is a tale about gold, war, betrayals, big explosions and one of the most memorable showdowns in western history. The movie screens at Chateau Neuf tuesday the 16th at 7PM and tickets cost 60NOK, 40NOK if you are a member of the student society.

International branch of the Culture and Debate Society

In last Sunday's show, we talked with Dunja Cetkovic and Janet Holdcroft who are CEO and press officer of the new international branch of the culture and debate society at Chateau Neuf (CEO and press officer is exaggeratedly formal, they're both down to earth people really).

As mentioned, everything is still in a start-up phase. A facebook group is coming soon; a first event on international criminal law on April 11 is already in the works. Members of the International Students' Union will be invited to the new group as soon as it established. To join ISU on facebook go here.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian branch of the culture and debate society, simply called Kulturutvalget, already offers some lectures and debates in English. To read more, visit their webpage or join them on facebook. The first upcoming events in English are a debate on Mexico 100 years after the revolution (Wednesday, March 3) and a debate on Iran and the West at a crossroad (Wednesday, March 17).

Interview with Laura Agustin

Last week, during the "Human Rights, Human Wrongs" film festival, we interviewed Laura Agustin on her views on trafficking and prostitution. In particular, we asked her what she thinks about Norway's ban on prostiution. If you missed the interview, you can now download it here.

For more information, read Laura's blog or check out her book, "Sex at the Margins: Migration, Labour Markets and the Rescue Industry".

Pulse, 7.2.10

This week’s Pulse will focus on events that occur weekly, so you can go to them whenever you have time.

1. Our first weekly event occurs at Cosmopolite. Cosmopolite is the main scene for world music in Oslo, and it operates from inside Soria Moria, the so-called Kulturslottet or Palace of Culture at Torshov, Vogtsgate 64. Every Tuesday they host Milonga Tango Café, organized by the Tango Club of Oslo. A free beginning tango course starts off the evening at 7pm, followed by a dance session from 8pm to midnight. Ramon Gimenez and his wife, the couple behind the Oslo Tango Club, may be the two people responsible for bringing Argentine tango to the good people of Norway. They have been teaching for over a decade. The entrance should cost around 70-100 kr, and up to 150 kr if there is a live concert involved. Go to www.nmh.no for more information. Then find the passion in you!

2. If you’re too shy to get your dance on, here’s an alternative. Every Wednesday evening at 6pm, Oslo’s Musikkhøyskolen—University College of Music—holds a student concert. This week you will be treated to a cello and piano duo performing Sonatas from Franz Schubert and Cesar Franck. This is an inexpensive, non-threatening way to be introduced to classical music, and admission is free. Norges musikkhøyskole is located at Slemdalsveien 11, just across from Chateau Neuf. Check their website, www.nmh.no, for more musical events.

3. If you’re looking for something more intimate and, well, cool, you can attend the Jazz Jam which is held at the BokCaféen in Chateau Neuf every Thursday from 9pm. The performers are also students from the musikkhøyskolen, and admission is free. This event is quite popular and the quality of the musicians is top-notch.

And don’t forget that next weekend is Valentine’s Day, so surprise your significant other or your best friend by taking her/him out to one of these fun and inexpensive events.

Pulse, 31.1.10

1. Bjarne Melgaard, a retrospective – Astrup Fearnley museum
For art lovers, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art organizes a retrospective exhibition of Bjarne Melgaard's work of the last 15 years. This retrospective exhibition is the first of a kind for the artist and gathers most of the outstanding works of the expressionist painter. The exhibition is a must-see. Bjarne Melgaard is one of the most famous Norwegian painters, in and outside Norway. His style is provocative, inspired by the norwegian black-metal music and the homosexual culture.
His means of expression are painting, installation works and video works. The exhibition takes place at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Oslo, from Wednesday to Friday. The museum is located at Dronningensgate 4 and is open from 12:00 to 17:00. And the entrance is free.

2. Winterwalks – a guided tour of Oslo's Notting Hill
During the winter-time the Oslo Guidebureau organizes guided tours of Oslo, every day of the week. Each walk is dedicated to one part of the city. And each visit is arranged in a special way, to fit with the atmosphere of the visited area. The tour is open to everyone. The visits last about 2 hours, so that everything can be visited at a calm pace. And every guided tour ends in a caffé or a snack bar, what could be a good opportunity to meet new people or to deepen new relationships. On Fridays the visits are in Grünerlokka, the so-called Notting Hill of Oslo. They focus on the historical development of the area that is the beating heart of today's Oslo. Each guided tour costs 150 NOK, but a beverage or a snack is included in the price. For more information visit the website: www.winterwalks.no.

3. Jazz night at Herr Nielsen
On Thursday, don't miss the opportunity to listen the purest jazz of Oslo. The New Orleans Workshop Jazzclub displays the talents of its guest music bands, around jazz music from the 1920-1930s. If you are a lover of those unchanged melodies, this place is for you; the band is playing at Herr Nielsen, located at Hambros plass 5. The music starts at 8 pm. And the student price tickets are only 30 NOK.

Job Hunting - resources

If you want to join the course at the career center either visit them at Frederikke or visit their website for more information.

For information about working VISA visit the Service Center for Foreign Workers or check out the EURES website.

Pulse, 24.1.2010

1. From the 3.-7. February Parkteatret hosts the second "Human rights Human wrongs" film festival. Over the space of 5 days you can watch 25 movies on a variety of topics, with tickets costing 50 NOK for a single film or 100 NOK for a day pass. Why are we telling you now? Because Parkteatret kicks off the festival with a sneak preview next week. On wednesday the 27th 7PM you can watch "The Yes Men Fix the World" at Parkteatret, which is on Olaf Ryes Plass in the Grünerløkka neighbourhood. The idea of the "Yes men": pose as global capitalisms worst villains and say stupid things in order to humiliate them. The movie is guaranteed to be both hilariously funny and thought provoking at the same time. Tickets are 80 NOK. We hope to bring you more on the "Human Rights Human Wrongs" film festival next week, and until then check out their webpage at www.humanfilm.no.

2. Elton John once sang "Saturday night's all right for fighting". I prefer dancing. And fridays. One opportunity is "Klubb Kadanza" which takes place for the first time this friday at 8PM in Klubbscenen at Chateau Neuf. The main act is the band "Under Dogs International" which plays Balkan inspired rock music. Helping you warm up and cool down before and after the concert are the DJs from Radio Nova's very own funk show "Funkiga Timman" (Funky times?) which airs on Radio Nova every wednesday 10-11PM. As mentioned, "Klubb Kadanza" kicks off this friday at 8PM, tickets are 50NOK, 30NOK if you are a member of studentersamfundet.

3. Also on friday, the International Students Union hosts a "Semester Kick Off" party at Uglebo cafe in the Sophus Bugge Building, right in the heart of Blindern. As I am writing this, the exact program has not yet been revealed, but in a bar filled to the brim with foreign students, I am sure you will find plenty of opportunity to chat, drink, dance and flirt. Join the facebook event to keep updated, the event starts at 6PM and to the best of our knowledge is free of charge.

4. And if all you long for is to sit back on your or somebody else's couch and mellow out, you have an excellent chance already tonight. Every sunday, the Student Pub "Amatøren" in the Sogn student village hosts a movie night. Snacks and drinks can be purchased at affordable prices, but watching the movie itself is free. On the program tonight is Cameron Crowes marvelous epic "Almost Famous". Remember, it's all happening. Unfortunately, the Amatøren homepage does not say exactly when the movie is happening, but based on previous experience, I'd say around 7PM.

Snakker ikke Norsk is recruiting!

Are you interested in working at a radio station? Do you want to bring out your inner journalist? Then you might be the man or woman for us!

Snakker ikke Norsk is looking for 2-3 new radio journalists to join our show. Snakker ikke Norsk is the English language radio programme on Radio Nova 99.3FM, the student radio station in Oslo. We operate under the motto made by foreign students for foreign students, and our show airs every sunday 10-11AM. If you are interested, come to one of Radio Novas recruitment meetings Jan 18 or Jan 26 at 7PM on Chateau Neuf!

Radio Nova is run almost entirely by volunteers, so you will not get paid! You do get an opportunity to dabble with radio and let your creativity run wild! You will also get a chance to gather useful experience with radio in particular and journalism in general - many former members of Radio Nova have ended up as professional journalists. There are no prerequisites to joining Radio Nova, except the willingness to commit 10-15 hours a week to making radio. We will teach you all you need to know, and we promise you will have lots of fun. For Snakker ikke Norsk, we expect you to have basic skills in English - but we're all foreign students, so don't set the bar too high for yourself!

If you have any questions, attend one of the recruitment meetings or shoot us an email at snakkerikkenorsk@gmail.com.

Pulse, 17.1.2010

1. The International Coffee Hour is back. Every friday from 4-6PM in the library on Chateau Neuf you can enjoy free coffee, tea and cookies and meet up with fellow foreign students. If you're completely lost in Oslo and know nobody, this is a good spot to start. And again, free cookies! Don't miss this opportunity.

2. If you've just arrived in Oslo and so far only heard about magical Grünerløkka with its many small shops and cafes - why not start your exploration of this neighbourhood at "The Sound of Mu". This small cafe at the lower end of Markveien is best described as avantgarde. Or a bohemian dive bar. Or an art gallery. The decor changes constantly and so do the events ranging from concerts to exhibitions. This wednesday at 8PM, "The Sound of Mu" hosts a backgammon tournament. Entry is free, how many drinks you choose to consume is up to you!

3. Finally, the snow is tedious when you have to walk through it, but quite marvelous once you put on some skis and get walking. Oslo offers a multitude of cross-country skiing opportunities with prepared and illuminated tracks. Simply grab your skis, take the T-bane to Sognsvann, Frognerseteren or any other place at the city limits, and you're good to go. If you don't have skis, you can lend one from the university in the Frederikke building, at the SIO (Studentsamskipnaden i Oslo) offices. They can also hook you up with a ski course. Renting skis is not too expensive, and then skiing is, of course, free.