Reach

There seems to be a slight difference in the way that Finns and Americans think about reaching for things. While in Finland:


"The one who reaches for the spruce tree...


...will fall onto the juniper"

in America they recommend you:

"Reach for the stars!"

MSG

I went to see my first sporting event since my arrival to US - Knicks vs Pistons in Madison Square Garden. You can tell that the home team is not doing great when the loudest cheers are given to the guys shooting T-shirts to the crowd during breaks. I think I've got to get one of those - I mean one of those cannons that shoot T-shirts.

Wedgie

As defined in Wiktionary: Noun, 1. (slang) A prank in which a person's underpants are pulled up sharply from behind in order to wedge the clothing uncomfortably between the person's buttocks

This belong to the category of expressions that I didn't really need to learn - and yet I wish I could start the elementary school all over again and launch this noble activity in Finland.

Pigeons

Some things are exactly the same in Finland and in the US - pigeons among them. A couple of them (I presume they are a couple) like to spend their days on the ledge right behind the window by my desk at the office. Having studied these mundane creatures for quite a while now I have to say that I find them quite beautiful.

PJ

I thought I'd start posting every once in a while about my very favorite things in America. I have to say that I've fallen in love with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (This jelly is what my English teacher would have called jam.) Amazingly enough these godly creations are practically unknown in Finland.

President & Deodorant

This is what they sell at Union Square in Manhattan. Makes sense to me: it's going to get real' sweaty before Obama gets the Cap and Trade system passed.

Numbering

While the measurement system in America (inches, miles, pounds, ounces...) gives me a headache, they have definitely figured a better way to number apartments here. (I think even you non-Finns, non-Americans can figure out which one it is.)