Update your computer now!

I rarely post stuff here that originates and/or belongs in the TechBlog. This is an exception, and I think it's warranted:

Microsoft has released Security Bulletin MS08-059, along with a hotfix for the problem detailed. There are already exploits in the wild to take advantage of the hotfix.

What I ask is simply this: Update your computer. Run Windows Update, and update your computer.

Here's the bulletin from Microsoft:
Bulletin Identifier - Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-059
Bulletin Title - Vulnerability in Host Integration Server RPC Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (956695)
Executive Summary - This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Host Integration Server. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution if an attacker sent a specially crafted Remote Procedure Call (RPC) request to an affected system. Customers who follow best practices and configure the SNA RPC service account to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than customers who configure the SNA RPC service account to have administrative user rights.
Maximum Severity Rating - Critical
Impact of Vulnerability - Remote Code Execution
Detection - Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer can detect whether your computer system requires this update. The update may require a restart.

A very good day

I first saw the light of ... well, maybe not day, but at least fluorescent lamps on the third monday in October of the year 1983. Since then I have seen and done many things, with many more still to come. 25 birthdays have come and passed, but none as magnificently as this year.

Even though I use my cellphone actively, the day of my 25th birthday saw much more use than usual. As did my Facebook wall. As for celebrations, I'd been to stressed out at work to plan anything whatsoever. Luckily my girlfriend had started planning a year in advance, and the result was that ten of my friends gathered at my parent's place to celebrate my birthday with me.

I felt so rich and blessed surrounded by my friends, sitting at a table, drinking and eating and talking together.

A great big thank you to all of you who came, and a great big thank you to everyone who wished me a happy day.

It was, to paraphrase Ol' Blue Eyes, a very good day.

Bondeopprør

Bondeopprør
Originally uploaded by razumny

Apparently, farmers are insurrecting, though I don't know when, so presumably they're ready to rise up at any time...

Anyway...

Driving through Hjartdal from Seljord towards Notodden, you pass this sign, stating that 2km to the east there is a farmer insurrection. I've always wanted to get a snap of it, and now I have!

New month, a new concert.

R.E.M. live at Vallhall, Oslo
Originally uploaded by razumny

It seems like I've attended at least one concert per month over the course of the last years, which isn't too far from the truth when I come to think of it.

I've been lucky enough to see many of my favorite artists, such as Metallica, Leonard Cohen and R.E.M., who I saw last night. Great concert, and an amazing light show.

Sagene Kirke

Sagene Kirke
Originally uploaded by razumny

Here's the first pic I posted to Flickr that is taken with my shiny new D80. It's taken a couple of days after I got it, only minutes after I left home.

I am especially happy with it due to the difficult lighting conditions.

The D80 is an amazing tool of photography, and I can see a lot of the features coming in handy.

My two next wants for photography are a new lens, the Nikon 18-70 mm one, a beautiful, tight piece of machinery, and a flash, probably the Nikon SB 600.

New toy

My parents returned from the U.S. yesterday, and at my request they'd visited a shop called 42nd street photo in New York where they'd got me a new toy, namely a new DSLR camera house, the Nikon D80. First impressions are amazing, it's got the Nikon touch and feel, and seems a very sturdy and well-built camera. I'll try it out, and I am looking forward to two things, first having a new toy, and second having the possibility to carry two SLR cameras when I go photowandering!

A Vacation to remember

Metallica Live at Koengen, Bergen
Originally uploaded by razumny

This summer my girlfriend and I have driven around Norway, nearly 2000 kilometres, to visit three cities, Trondheim, Ålesund and Bergen, all of which are places where friends and family of ours live.

Many hours on the road, and many happy memories later, we are now back in Oslo. One of the best things about the trip was Metallica.

Metallica's only concert in Scandinavia this year was in Bergen, at Koengen. An hours' worth of refreshing the box office website paid off in one of the most amazing pieces of musical fun I have experienced.

Metallica is a vibrant band that simply oozes of energy and fun. Great stuff!