Tonight, the real food smells are coming from my apartment ... I'm so proud.
Usually the neighbours are making me wish someone would adopt me and cook my dinners because whatever they're cooking smells so veryvery good.
Today I dared to take on the very 'special' gas oven Gert bought pre-me.
It loves him and hates me.
The temperature goes unmeasured and its heat supply is erratic ...
Imagine the horror of it.
I'll get back to you about the roast New Zealand lamb, pumpkin and potatoes.
Tot ziens.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
tuckova, blogger
Pam wrote pre-departure from Austria with news of a blog that she thought I might enjoy ...
I wandered over to tuckova and think everyone should.
She's superb.
An extract from her About Me will give you a small taste of her style. See what you think: so, i’m a US citizen living in the czech republic. i used to live in japan, but i got burned out. I tried to go back to the states but it was not for me. i realized that despite the probable inevitable cultural burnout wherever i went, i was really not as happy in the U.S. as i had been out of it, so i left again in 1994 and came here, to brno, which was smallish (pop: 500,000) and greyish (although a lot of things have been restored, over the last 9 years, and it’s less crumbling beauty than it was) and bitterish (that’s the same), and absolutely took my heart like no city ever has.
i used to teach, but after my son was born, i switched full-time to editing. medical papers, legal documents, university theses– not really much money, but it bought the basics and worked around my erratic inclination to work, as well as other things like sudden bursts of travel, very well. then last year i lucked into an editing job for an american website (a “lessons for busy teachers” kind of thing), which pays dollars. very nice. it’s also nice to do something i’m really good at, which is correct other people’s mistakes.
I wandered over to tuckova and think everyone should.
She's superb.
An extract from her About Me will give you a small taste of her style. See what you think: so, i’m a US citizen living in the czech republic. i used to live in japan, but i got burned out. I tried to go back to the states but it was not for me. i realized that despite the probable inevitable cultural burnout wherever i went, i was really not as happy in the U.S. as i had been out of it, so i left again in 1994 and came here, to brno, which was smallish (pop: 500,000) and greyish (although a lot of things have been restored, over the last 9 years, and it’s less crumbling beauty than it was) and bitterish (that’s the same), and absolutely took my heart like no city ever has.
i used to teach, but after my son was born, i switched full-time to editing. medical papers, legal documents, university theses– not really much money, but it bought the basics and worked around my erratic inclination to work, as well as other things like sudden bursts of travel, very well. then last year i lucked into an editing job for an american website (a “lessons for busy teachers” kind of thing), which pays dollars. very nice. it’s also nice to do something i’m really good at, which is correct other people’s mistakes.
Setting up my business in Belgium
A little good news ... the first 5000euro I earn is tax free, I only need to be sure of earning 200euro per month to pay the accountant and social security.
Foolish me ... I had used the 'Tax on your income above the minimum exempt amount' chart and that said: 0euro to 7,100 euro = 25%
In actuality, had I read on I would have found 'You pay no tax on the first 5,780euro'.
I'm learning important things like starting your own business is tough. You have to believe in your product and then sell.
And what would I do without friends who ask me the difficult questions that make life so much more simple ... So what are you afraid of? What do you have to lose exactly?? What's the worst thing that could happen if you now declare yourself professional.
Foolish me ... I had used the 'Tax on your income above the minimum exempt amount' chart and that said: 0euro to 7,100 euro = 25%
In actuality, had I read on I would have found 'You pay no tax on the first 5,780euro'.
I'm learning important things like starting your own business is tough. You have to believe in your product and then sell.
And what would I do without friends who ask me the difficult questions that make life so much more simple ... So what are you afraid of? What do you have to lose exactly?? What's the worst thing that could happen if you now declare yourself professional.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Tessa distinguished absolutely between pain observed and pain shared.
Pain observed is journalistic pain. It's diplomatic pain. It's television pain, over as soon as you switch off the beastly set.
Those who watch suffering and do nothing about it, in her book, were little better than those who inflicted it.
from, The Constant Gardener.
Thanks Mark .
Pain observed is journalistic pain. It's diplomatic pain. It's television pain, over as soon as you switch off the beastly set.
Those who watch suffering and do nothing about it, in her book, were little better than those who inflicted it.
from, The Constant Gardener.
Thanks Mark .
Better Blogging Tips
A nice little piece on Better Blogging from Any Gahran's Poynter Online post.
# A blog entry is a stub for conversation.
# Think about the perspectives of your audience.
# Write tight headlines that encourage interest.
# Make points or lists and make then scan-friendly.
# Link to the context.
# Quote indirectly and link.
# Format long documents for print.
# Never delete anything.
# Troll the blogosphere for secondary conversation.
# Be active in your own conversations.
# Create buzz everywhere.
She links back to Vince Maher's post titled 11 Tips For Managing A Good Blog Entry .
# A blog entry is a stub for conversation.
# Think about the perspectives of your audience.
# Write tight headlines that encourage interest.
# Make points or lists and make then scan-friendly.
# Link to the context.
# Quote indirectly and link.
# Format long documents for print.
# Never delete anything.
# Troll the blogosphere for secondary conversation.
# Be active in your own conversations.
# Create buzz everywhere.
She links back to Vince Maher's post titled 11 Tips For Managing A Good Blog Entry .
I wonder what Mr Jefferson would think of George
"The most effectual engines for [pacifying a nation] are the public papers...
[A despotic] government always [keeps] a kind of standing army of newswriters who, without any regard to truth or to what should be like truth, [invent] and put into the papers whatever might serve the ministers.
This suffices with the mass of the people who have no means of distinguishing the false from the true paragraphs of a newspaper."
Thomas Jefferson to G. K. van Hogendorp,
Oct. 13, 1785.
[A despotic] government always [keeps] a kind of standing army of newswriters who, without any regard to truth or to what should be like truth, [invent] and put into the papers whatever might serve the ministers.
This suffices with the mass of the people who have no means of distinguishing the false from the true paragraphs of a newspaper."
Thomas Jefferson to G. K. van Hogendorp,
Oct. 13, 1785.
France cuts freedom of speech ...
“You have made Voltaire turn in his grave!”Andrew Duff,
the English member of the EP for East England to the French assembly.
The Zaman Daily carries the news that Brussels has been deeply troubled by the approval of the French bill making it illegal to deny the alleged Armenian genocide despite warnings from the European Union and the European Parliament (EP).
While negative reactions from EP members continue, one of the harshest criticisms came from Joost Lagendijk, chairman of European Union-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Commission, whose description of the bill was “foolish and far from belonging to Europe.”
Camiel Eurlings, the Turkey reporter of the EP, noted that France’s decision to cut down on freedom of speech had made things more difficult for Turkey, especially at a time when it was trying to establish freedom of speech and thought.
Eurlings further noted that “Politicians cannot write history; let’s leave this to historians.”
the English member of the EP for East England to the French assembly.
The Zaman Daily carries the news that Brussels has been deeply troubled by the approval of the French bill making it illegal to deny the alleged Armenian genocide despite warnings from the European Union and the European Parliament (EP).
While negative reactions from EP members continue, one of the harshest criticisms came from Joost Lagendijk, chairman of European Union-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Commission, whose description of the bill was “foolish and far from belonging to Europe.”
Camiel Eurlings, the Turkey reporter of the EP, noted that France’s decision to cut down on freedom of speech had made things more difficult for Turkey, especially at a time when it was trying to establish freedom of speech and thought.
Eurlings further noted that “Politicians cannot write history; let’s leave this to historians.”
Friday, October 13, 2006
Pam's photographs from the Antwerpen supermarket
Pam posted a link to these photographs over on her write-up about Antwerpen but I felt they needed a post all of their own ... they really need to be seen to be believed.I was only carrying my telephoto lense meanwhile she had wisely put on a better lens, one that could be relied upon in the meat section of our exotic supermarket.
Yes really ... the uterus sign is the real thing.
So, the translations:
Uterus is uterus
Varken long = pork lungRunds long = cow lung
Dikke darm = bowel
Pens = tripe (that's stomach lining isn't it? My grandparents tortured me with it when I was a child.)
And then there were the Jonge Patrijzen ... Young Partridge I presume.
The feet and feathers are a nice touch.
Click on the photograph if you want a bigger image to examine.
Mark and New Zealand humour
I wanted to link to amusing extracts from Mark's post but I'm sure he won't mind if I lift most of it for context.
I liked his description of New Zealanders way of viewing the world, and his link to the Trade Me site lead me into some simply delicious comment from home ...
Mark wrote: I noticed on David Farrar's Kiwiblog that there is an auction on trademe featuring the New Zealand Labour Party's election pledge card.
I love the comments. Priceless.
Humour is a large part of what makes a New Zealander. Our dry wit, and our under-statement speaks volumes. You can never take yourself too seriously here because there's always someone around who will absolutely take the piss, and you will regret it - trust me.
The Trademe comments run something like this and it helps if you know something of the current NZ government, although charges of lying and corruption probably fit many governments:
Question:Is this the famous "get out of jail free" card? Monopoly isnt much fun when the Govt owns everything you know posted by: hotrodtodd1 (24 ) 4:38 pm, Fri 13 Oct
Answer: Taxpayer error in your favour. Collect $446,000. 1:07 am, Sat 14 Oct
Question: Do you have one of the cards that show Helen topless? posted by: duchess6 (33 ) 10:11 pm, Fri 13 Oct
Answer: No. I've got one that shows her shameless though. 2:35 am, Sat 14 Oct
I liked his description of New Zealanders way of viewing the world, and his link to the Trade Me site lead me into some simply delicious comment from home ...
Mark wrote: I noticed on David Farrar's Kiwiblog that there is an auction on trademe featuring the New Zealand Labour Party's election pledge card.
I love the comments. Priceless.
Humour is a large part of what makes a New Zealander. Our dry wit, and our under-statement speaks volumes. You can never take yourself too seriously here because there's always someone around who will absolutely take the piss, and you will regret it - trust me.
The Trademe comments run something like this and it helps if you know something of the current NZ government, although charges of lying and corruption probably fit many governments:
Question:Is this the famous "get out of jail free" card? Monopoly isnt much fun when the Govt owns everything you know posted by: hotrodtodd1 (24 ) 4:38 pm, Fri 13 Oct
Answer: Taxpayer error in your favour. Collect $446,000. 1:07 am, Sat 14 Oct
Question: Do you have one of the cards that show Helen topless? posted by: duchess6 (33 ) 10:11 pm, Fri 13 Oct
Answer: No. I've got one that shows her shameless though. 2:35 am, Sat 14 Oct
Remember 'that' France ...?
"France should keep this love of freedom of expression and the diversity of cultures and peoples".
-Reza
Born in Iran and granted French citizenship, Reza set up both his Webistan agency and the non-governmental organisation, Aïna, which works in Afghanistan, in Paris.
In the 1970s Reza was sentenced to three years in prison for political activism against the regime of the Shah. "There was only one book in my cell, left there by chance. It was How to Learn French," he says, smiling.
When he came out of prison the revolution had begun. He reported on the repression of the Kurds by the new regime, published in particular in the French magazine, Paris Match. In 1981 he was wounded while covering the Iran-Iraq war, and treated at a hospital in Paris.
Learning that the Iranian secret police were looking for him, he settled in France, the country which "recognised the quality of my work" he says with feeling. "France should keep this love of freedom of expression and the diversity of cultures and peoples".
I was researching the famous Turkish photographer, Göksin Sipahioglu, and found this interesting site .
Göksin Sipahioglu is a Turk who has lived in Paris for almost forty years. He founded one of the biggest photographic agencies in the world, Sipa Press in 1973.
From the time he first started out as a journalist and photographer in Turkey, Göksin Sipahioglu knew that in Paris he would find the media to publish his reports. He was not mistaken.
In 1965, sent as a correspondent to the French capital by the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, he decided to stay.
"Paris was a centre for the international press. From here I could easily leave to cover stories anywhere at all and then come back and sell them to newspapers all over the world. That wasn’t possible anywhere else!" he explains.
-Reza
Born in Iran and granted French citizenship, Reza set up both his Webistan agency and the non-governmental organisation, Aïna, which works in Afghanistan, in Paris.
In the 1970s Reza was sentenced to three years in prison for political activism against the regime of the Shah. "There was only one book in my cell, left there by chance. It was How to Learn French," he says, smiling.
When he came out of prison the revolution had begun. He reported on the repression of the Kurds by the new regime, published in particular in the French magazine, Paris Match. In 1981 he was wounded while covering the Iran-Iraq war, and treated at a hospital in Paris.
Learning that the Iranian secret police were looking for him, he settled in France, the country which "recognised the quality of my work" he says with feeling. "France should keep this love of freedom of expression and the diversity of cultures and peoples".
I was researching the famous Turkish photographer, Göksin Sipahioglu, and found this interesting site .
Göksin Sipahioglu is a Turk who has lived in Paris for almost forty years. He founded one of the biggest photographic agencies in the world, Sipa Press in 1973.
From the time he first started out as a journalist and photographer in Turkey, Göksin Sipahioglu knew that in Paris he would find the media to publish his reports. He was not mistaken.
In 1965, sent as a correspondent to the French capital by the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, he decided to stay.
"Paris was a centre for the international press. From here I could easily leave to cover stories anywhere at all and then come back and sell them to newspapers all over the world. That wasn’t possible anywhere else!" he explains.
Orhan Pamuk, Nobel Prize Winner
The Nobel Prize in Literature goes to Turkish writer, Orhan Pamuk.
On the Nobel site they simply write: "who in the quest for the melancholic soul of his native city has discovered new symbols for the clash and interlacing of cultures".
I have his 'Istanbul' book. I took it away as a memory of my life in Istanbul and it's delicious to read straight through or visit with, dipping in and out of his remembered life in that city.
Erkan once speculated on the powerfully negative response Pamuk sometimes earns back home in Turkey ... I believe, he is well beyond the gatekeepers of Turkish literature, that is, he is difficult to classify and analyze.
He is successful, he managed to be a best selling but unread novelists. So there must also be an element of jealousy.
He does not have any particular political allegiances.
He is too elite to be liked by leftists, too modern to be liked by islamists, too liberal to be liked by Kemalists, too westernist to be liked by nationalists...
On the Nobel site they simply write: "who in the quest for the melancholic soul of his native city has discovered new symbols for the clash and interlacing of cultures".
I have his 'Istanbul' book. I took it away as a memory of my life in Istanbul and it's delicious to read straight through or visit with, dipping in and out of his remembered life in that city.
Erkan once speculated on the powerfully negative response Pamuk sometimes earns back home in Turkey ... I believe, he is well beyond the gatekeepers of Turkish literature, that is, he is difficult to classify and analyze.
He is successful, he managed to be a best selling but unread novelists. So there must also be an element of jealousy.
He does not have any particular political allegiances.
He is too elite to be liked by leftists, too modern to be liked by islamists, too liberal to be liked by Kemalists, too westernist to be liked by nationalists...
Reporters without Boders
At a time when violence against journalists is at an exceptionally high level, the city of Bayeux in Normandy is preparing with Reporters Without Borders to inaugurate a memorial to all the journalists who have been killed in the course of their work throughout the world since 1944.
Entirely given over to journalists and press freedom, the site will be the first of its kind in Europe. It will consist of a landscaped promenade with white stones bearing the names of nearly 2,000 journalists.
Reporters Without Borders appeals to all those throughout the world who are committed to press freedom to help ensure that no one is omitted from the Memorial’s list of journalists killed. If you know the names of any journalists who have been killed or who have died in the course of their work since 1944, send all the information at your disposal (names of the victims, media they worked for, and date and place of their death) by email to Reporters Without Borders at this address: memorial@rsf.org. After the information has been verified, their names will be inscribed one of the stones.
Entirely given over to journalists and press freedom, the site will be the first of its kind in Europe. It will consist of a landscaped promenade with white stones bearing the names of nearly 2,000 journalists.
Reporters Without Borders appeals to all those throughout the world who are committed to press freedom to help ensure that no one is omitted from the Memorial’s list of journalists killed. If you know the names of any journalists who have been killed or who have died in the course of their work since 1944, send all the information at your disposal (names of the victims, media they worked for, and date and place of their death) by email to Reporters Without Borders at this address: memorial@rsf.org. After the information has been verified, their names will be inscribed one of the stones.
Anna Politkovskaya, Investigative Reporter
“Anna Politkovskaya died for us, but also because of us, because we hardly listened to her and because the people we elected are unfailingly indulgent towards the Russian authorities.”
André Glucksmann,
Philosopher.
Reporters without Borders writes of an interesting Russian journalist, recently gunned down in a lift in Russia ... After a minute’s silence, Politkovskaya’s colleagues spoke of her professionalism and determination as a journalist. “They killed her in order to silence her, but we will do everything to ensure that her words are read and bear witness to her commitment to freedom,” said Vera Michalsky, her editor and friend.
The Guardian Unlimited writes : If one word sums up the life and work of Anna Politkovskaya, Russia's foremost investigative reporter assassinated at the age of 48, it is bravery. She could have chosen another life. Born and raised in New York, the daughter of Ukrainian UN diplomats, she was part of a Soviet elite that looked after its own. As a child, she had the best of both worlds: her parents could smuggle banned books out of the country, so she could write her dissertation about whomever she pleased. She alighted upon a poet shunned by Moscow, the émigré Marina Tsvetayeva.
Her final unfinished article was published in the Independent Online this morning...
Dozens of files cross my desk every day. They are copies of criminal cases against people jailed for "terrorism" or refer to people who are still being investigated. Why have I put the word "terrorism" in quotation marks here?
Because the overwhelming majority of these people have been "fitted up" as terrorists by the authorities. In 2006 the practice of "fitting up" people as terrorists has supplanted any genuine anti-terrorist struggle. And it has allowed people who are revenge-minded to have their revenge - on so-called potential terrorists.
André Glucksmann,
Philosopher.
Reporters without Borders writes of an interesting Russian journalist, recently gunned down in a lift in Russia ... After a minute’s silence, Politkovskaya’s colleagues spoke of her professionalism and determination as a journalist. “They killed her in order to silence her, but we will do everything to ensure that her words are read and bear witness to her commitment to freedom,” said Vera Michalsky, her editor and friend.
The Guardian Unlimited writes : If one word sums up the life and work of Anna Politkovskaya, Russia's foremost investigative reporter assassinated at the age of 48, it is bravery. She could have chosen another life. Born and raised in New York, the daughter of Ukrainian UN diplomats, she was part of a Soviet elite that looked after its own. As a child, she had the best of both worlds: her parents could smuggle banned books out of the country, so she could write her dissertation about whomever she pleased. She alighted upon a poet shunned by Moscow, the émigré Marina Tsvetayeva.
Her final unfinished article was published in the Independent Online this morning...
Dozens of files cross my desk every day. They are copies of criminal cases against people jailed for "terrorism" or refer to people who are still being investigated. Why have I put the word "terrorism" in quotation marks here?
Because the overwhelming majority of these people have been "fitted up" as terrorists by the authorities. In 2006 the practice of "fitting up" people as terrorists has supplanted any genuine anti-terrorist struggle. And it has allowed people who are revenge-minded to have their revenge - on so-called potential terrorists.
One day, I was lucky enough to meet Jean-Luc Godard. We had a simple chat and I gained 10 years’ worth of lessons about life.
Valérie Favre,
Swiss artist.
She gave this interesting interview to Cafe Babel.com.
Valérie Favre,
Swiss artist.
She gave this interesting interview to Cafe Babel.com.
Turkish Despair ... Who can stop the anti-western, anti-EU feelings now?
EUOBSERVER - The European Commission has condemned a French parliament vote in support of a law criminalising denial that Armenians suffered genocide by the Ottoman Turks, saying the move is likely to hinder open dialogue on Armenia in would-be EU member state Turkey.
Erkan is a Ph.D candidate at the Anthropology Department of Rice University and a teaching assistant at the Media and Communication Systems Department of Istanbul Bilgi University.
He writes an enjoyable, intelligent blog that is full of information and occasionally includes his thoughts on political events as they occur around him. His blog is very much about his dissertation thesis project on Turkish journalism and the European Union (EU).
This morning, it occured to me that he is an important barometer for Turkish feeling because by virtue of his thesis and his position amongst Turkish intellectuals and media, he can be deemed a voice of reason ... someone who is very much parcitipating in a culture under attack by many European countries ...
When he loses heart, be sure that many others lost heart before him.
Today I discovered that he had written of the recent farce in France ... it's worth reading if you are truly interested in a voice that isn't composed of media spin ... a voice that says, 'Hey we're human just like you and this is how your sad little political games affect the reality of our lives' ...
He writes: Today has been a sad day. Not always do I get sad with broader political happenings around me as I am quite used to politics by now, but I can't help being upset this time. And many people around me seem to be upset.
Anger turned into a kind of despair. A national parliament of a very significant country explicitly takes aim at Turkey. Despite all threats of sanctions, most of the Turks know that they are helpless.
This French arrogance at such an highest level will go unpunished. In our bohemian circle in a super smoky café, our chitchat agenda during card playing was that the West has no standards any more.
Whatever the Socialists of French parliaments babble, it is just too apparent that they serve for a very strong lobbying effort. If only I could believe in that they really aim to do something good in this life, I would be thinking more positively....
This situtation leads to well supported conspiracy theories in the mean time. Even in some intellectual circles some connect the Nobel prize and the parliament vote. Be like Mr. Pamuk and get rewarded otherwise you are condemned...
Who can sto p the anti-western, anti-EU feelings now?
Erkan is a Ph.D candidate at the Anthropology Department of Rice University and a teaching assistant at the Media and Communication Systems Department of Istanbul Bilgi University.
He writes an enjoyable, intelligent blog that is full of information and occasionally includes his thoughts on political events as they occur around him. His blog is very much about his dissertation thesis project on Turkish journalism and the European Union (EU).
This morning, it occured to me that he is an important barometer for Turkish feeling because by virtue of his thesis and his position amongst Turkish intellectuals and media, he can be deemed a voice of reason ... someone who is very much parcitipating in a culture under attack by many European countries ...
When he loses heart, be sure that many others lost heart before him.
Today I discovered that he had written of the recent farce in France ... it's worth reading if you are truly interested in a voice that isn't composed of media spin ... a voice that says, 'Hey we're human just like you and this is how your sad little political games affect the reality of our lives' ...
He writes: Today has been a sad day. Not always do I get sad with broader political happenings around me as I am quite used to politics by now, but I can't help being upset this time. And many people around me seem to be upset.
Anger turned into a kind of despair. A national parliament of a very significant country explicitly takes aim at Turkey. Despite all threats of sanctions, most of the Turks know that they are helpless.
This French arrogance at such an highest level will go unpunished. In our bohemian circle in a super smoky café, our chitchat agenda during card playing was that the West has no standards any more.
Whatever the Socialists of French parliaments babble, it is just too apparent that they serve for a very strong lobbying effort. If only I could believe in that they really aim to do something good in this life, I would be thinking more positively....
This situtation leads to well supported conspiracy theories in the mean time. Even in some intellectual circles some connect the Nobel prize and the parliament vote. Be like Mr. Pamuk and get rewarded otherwise you are condemned...
Who can sto p the anti-western, anti-EU feelings now?
Friday, 3.12am
Pam caught a train to the far-away airport and flew back to Austria today. After saying goodbye, I wandered into the city for an interview with a local business owner here.Once there I spent a couple of truly fascinating hours listening to this man answer my questions. He was a generous soul and took me back to his place to show me through some of his books on Antwerp's early history.
Not only that, he gave me a tour of his quirky yet stunning home.
Yes that one ... the building pressed up and sharing its back wall with one of Antwerpen's most stunning monuments.
Such are the blessed confusions and experiences of this expat, immigrant life of mine ...
Sometimes it's all slightly incredible ... other times it feels a little like I'm Alice attending a Wonderland teaparty, listening while the white rabbit engages Kafka's characters in conversation.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Pam, Blogger and Wanderer
Pam writes like an angel I've decided ... having just read her post on her visit to Antwerpen.
I loved the way that she wrote of my place in the world.
But anyway, you can judge for yourself here .
I loved the way that she wrote of my place in the world.
But anyway, you can judge for yourself here .
The link between peace and news coverage
"Good news coverage can be essential to peace.
Accurate information ... can often reduce conflict."
Geir Lundestad ,
Secretary of the Nobel peace prize committee.
Accurate information ... can often reduce conflict."
Geir Lundestad ,
Secretary of the Nobel peace prize committee.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Antwerp, Expats and Diamonds
Pam flew in from Austria last night and we're off wandering in the city today.
She's curious about the Antwerpen's diamond district and I've only been there on a Sunday when all is quiet. Seems like a nice kind thing to do with a day.
I'll let you know.
She's curious about the Antwerpen's diamond district and I've only been there on a Sunday when all is quiet. Seems like a nice kind thing to do with a day.
I'll let you know.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Mark, Cellular Engineer
Our first problem was how to spell his job title ...
His next problem was persuading me not to write what I wanted to write ... he was laughing, I promise.
The third problem was the lack of photographic evidence of his existence ... hmmm, although I know there's an anonymous group photograph on his blog that I could cut and paste him out of.
Sharing this realisation with him earned me a series of photographs from his childhood.
Good enough, said I ... for now.
Yes, you might say I woke in a particular mood this morning.
There are days when I wake slightly demonic and your best hope is to be out of my reach.
The day began badly again ... this time I completely forgot to light the gas ring for the kettle, as opposed to merely forgetting to put the kettle over the flame ... clearly evolution and ancestral knowledge has passed me by in some areas.
And before you laugh, realise you could be witnessing the sad beginning of my descent into forgetfulness.
Anyway Mark brought this post on himself by demanding my presence on skype via sms. I obeyed and began ... I felt his 'ohdeargod' down the skype line.
He's known me long enough to recognise this mood and the dangers of engaging me in conversation when it's upon me.
Could he keep up with me conversationally?
He tried.
Was it wise for him to critique the photographs I sent him for his opinion?
He learnt it was not.
How do I know him you ask?
His dad was the principal of my primary school when we were little. He and his brothers were the boys-next-door who partook in many a game of bullrush and other childhood pursuits.
These days I am his European chorus; the one who sings 'Come to Europe, and drink wine with me ... you need to wander and there are many beautiful women over here'.
Beautiful women?
Well I had to think of something that would appeal to this Kiwi bloke-friend of mine. I pointed out there are many women here who need a man who speaks with an amusing accent, enriching their lives in the ways that I enrich Gert's life ... yes, Gert now says things like 'I'll have a wee bit of that' and 'Actually' but he pronounces it my way ... as in 'exually'.
Although successful in life, Mark has many questions about the quality of it. Oddly enough, shy though I clearly am, I also want answers to his difficult questions like ...
If he is such a good photographer, why is he messing around with his career in the telecommunication field? Sure, he's successful and his life is good and he has money but what happens to the photographer's muse if not exercised?
Why doesn't he travel more and why isn't he out in the world, pursuing M.S.M ... the American love of his life? Okay, that might be more about the resulting police interest if caught 'in pursuit' of Mary, the famous actress.
Anyway, this is part one in an ongoing series of 'Mark'. I'm hoping that his family and friends will read and write in, sending more photographs ... most particularly BB, who now owes him for sending me the photograph of him and his little ukelele.
Tot ziens.
His next problem was persuading me not to write what I wanted to write ... he was laughing, I promise.
The third problem was the lack of photographic evidence of his existence ... hmmm, although I know there's an anonymous group photograph on his blog that I could cut and paste him out of.Sharing this realisation with him earned me a series of photographs from his childhood.
Good enough, said I ... for now.
Yes, you might say I woke in a particular mood this morning.
There are days when I wake slightly demonic and your best hope is to be out of my reach.
The day began badly again ... this time I completely forgot to light the gas ring for the kettle, as opposed to merely forgetting to put the kettle over the flame ... clearly evolution and ancestral knowledge has passed me by in some areas.
And before you laugh, realise you could be witnessing the sad beginning of my descent into forgetfulness.
Anyway Mark brought this post on himself by demanding my presence on skype via sms. I obeyed and began ... I felt his 'ohdeargod' down the skype line.
He's known me long enough to recognise this mood and the dangers of engaging me in conversation when it's upon me.
Could he keep up with me conversationally?
He tried.
Was it wise for him to critique the photographs I sent him for his opinion?
He learnt it was not.
How do I know him you ask?
His dad was the principal of my primary school when we were little. He and his brothers were the boys-next-door who partook in many a game of bullrush and other childhood pursuits. These days I am his European chorus; the one who sings 'Come to Europe, and drink wine with me ... you need to wander and there are many beautiful women over here'.
Beautiful women?
Well I had to think of something that would appeal to this Kiwi bloke-friend of mine. I pointed out there are many women here who need a man who speaks with an amusing accent, enriching their lives in the ways that I enrich Gert's life ... yes, Gert now says things like 'I'll have a wee bit of that' and 'Actually' but he pronounces it my way ... as in 'exually'.
Although successful in life, Mark has many questions about the quality of it. Oddly enough, shy though I clearly am, I also want answers to his difficult questions like ...
If he is such a good photographer, why is he messing around with his career in the telecommunication field? Sure, he's successful and his life is good and he has money but what happens to the photographer's muse if not exercised?
Why doesn't he travel more and why isn't he out in the world, pursuing M.S.M ... the American love of his life? Okay, that might be more about the resulting police interest if caught 'in pursuit' of Mary, the famous actress.
Anyway, this is part one in an ongoing series of 'Mark'. I'm hoping that his family and friends will read and write in, sending more photographs ... most particularly BB, who now owes him for sending me the photograph of him and his little ukelele.
Tot ziens.
Rene Magritte, Belgian Painter -This is not a Pipe
Another day in Di World and Gert woke to one of those 'What is wrong with your country and how we can fix things' lectures by Di.
I'm thinking of writing to the Prime Minister before the national elections ... I feel I have things to offer this country.
Gert didn't confirm this and was defensive at times, laughing helplessly at other times. This shouldn't take anything away from the very serious nature of my 'lecture' but at least he can stand those mornings when I wake from a tough dreamscape with the lucidity to speak fluently and at length on various Belgian issues.
Do I have the right?
Well yes, it's my birthday soon and I just know the Belgian post is going to steal and redistribute anything that might come in the mail.
So far, I haven't had one parcel arrive in the post ... this does give me material for morning lectures.
Hmmm, perhaps I should video and youtube them.
It may lead to a lucrative career ... although I'll probably have to give 75% of what I earn to various Belgian agencies now that I'm legal.
Anyway, on the subject of Kafka and Belgium ... Cindy in Brusssels just tried to fly out of Belgium ... pour a drink, put your feet up and have a wee read if you're in the mood for the absurd on this rainy grey Belgian day.
I'm thinking of writing to the Prime Minister before the national elections ... I feel I have things to offer this country.
Gert didn't confirm this and was defensive at times, laughing helplessly at other times. This shouldn't take anything away from the very serious nature of my 'lecture' but at least he can stand those mornings when I wake from a tough dreamscape with the lucidity to speak fluently and at length on various Belgian issues.
Do I have the right?
Well yes, it's my birthday soon and I just know the Belgian post is going to steal and redistribute anything that might come in the mail.
So far, I haven't had one parcel arrive in the post ... this does give me material for morning lectures.
Hmmm, perhaps I should video and youtube them. It may lead to a lucrative career ... although I'll probably have to give 75% of what I earn to various Belgian agencies now that I'm legal.
Anyway, on the subject of Kafka and Belgium ... Cindy in Brusssels just tried to fly out of Belgium ... pour a drink, put your feet up and have a wee read if you're in the mood for the absurd on this rainy grey Belgian day.
Monday, October 09, 2006
One man's study of Europe's political insurgies
Extreme Right Politics as Professor Douglas Holmes sees them ... Initially coalescing among a tiny group of activists, the ideas that animate this movement have relentlessly made their way into mainstream political discourse shaping the consciousness of an ever-wider community of adherents and sympathizers. These people no longer perceive the discriminatory values they embrace as extremist, but articulate them as a matter of fact.
I studied political anthropoly papers with Professor Douglas Holmes for 2 years back in early 2000, just after he'd written his book titled Integral Europe: Fast-Capitalism, Multiculturalism, Neofascism . In it he describes the forces shaping and impelling the extreme right movement in Europe.
I researched him today, in the wake of the election results and found this update on his projects on the university website: I am continuing with the work I started in the 1990s at the European Parliament (in Brussels and Strasbourg) and that I subsequently pursued on the Isle of Dogs in the East End of London. The project examines political insurgencies spawned by the supranational project of the European Union.
The research began by looking at how Jean-Marie Le Pen, from his vantage point as an elected member of the European Parliament, discovered that his message, designed to address a tiny conservative, if not reactionary, French public could be re-crafted to give it wide currency inspiring radical forms of activism beyond the borders of France.
I have termed the intellectual insurgency formulated by Le Pen, “integralism.” As Le Pen's integralist agenda evolved during the early 1990s it was gradually adopted by his colleagues representing similar small regionalist and nationalist groupings within the European Parliament and then later in the decade by a wide range of new or reconstituted political movements across the EU.
Thus, by the opening of the twenty first century Le Pen had crafted a model of political engagement, which has entered the political discourse across the 25 member states of the EU. It is a model for activism that despite its often cloying appeals to nostalgia is emphatically about contemporary European society as a moral framework, analytical construct, and empirical fact. I described the forces shaping and impelling this movement in Integral Europe: Fast-capitalism, multiculturalism, neofascism .
I am now examining the expanding nature of this insurgency—an insurgency predicated on ideas about human affinity and difference that not only have deep roots in European intellectual history, but also represent a keen understanding of contemporary European political economy.
I studied political anthropoly papers with Professor Douglas Holmes for 2 years back in early 2000, just after he'd written his book titled Integral Europe: Fast-Capitalism, Multiculturalism, Neofascism . In it he describes the forces shaping and impelling the extreme right movement in Europe.
I researched him today, in the wake of the election results and found this update on his projects on the university website: I am continuing with the work I started in the 1990s at the European Parliament (in Brussels and Strasbourg) and that I subsequently pursued on the Isle of Dogs in the East End of London. The project examines political insurgencies spawned by the supranational project of the European Union.
The research began by looking at how Jean-Marie Le Pen, from his vantage point as an elected member of the European Parliament, discovered that his message, designed to address a tiny conservative, if not reactionary, French public could be re-crafted to give it wide currency inspiring radical forms of activism beyond the borders of France.
I have termed the intellectual insurgency formulated by Le Pen, “integralism.” As Le Pen's integralist agenda evolved during the early 1990s it was gradually adopted by his colleagues representing similar small regionalist and nationalist groupings within the European Parliament and then later in the decade by a wide range of new or reconstituted political movements across the EU.
Thus, by the opening of the twenty first century Le Pen had crafted a model of political engagement, which has entered the political discourse across the 25 member states of the EU. It is a model for activism that despite its often cloying appeals to nostalgia is emphatically about contemporary European society as a moral framework, analytical construct, and empirical fact. I described the forces shaping and impelling this movement in Integral Europe: Fast-capitalism, multiculturalism, neofascism .
I am now examining the expanding nature of this insurgency—an insurgency predicated on ideas about human affinity and difference that not only have deep roots in European intellectual history, but also represent a keen understanding of contemporary European political economy.
Loud and proud about racist roots ...
The Observer, 8th October 2006 has an interesting article about the Extreme Right here in Belgium. Filip Dewinter, the leader of the openly xenophobic extreme right neo nazi party that is calling for stict measures against immigrants and has strong opinions on security.
Dewinter was speaking from his office in Antwerpen and happily recognised his party's links to other European hard-right groups - calling France's Jean-Marie Le Pen 'the grandfather of the European Nationalist right', praising Danish far-right leaders and talking of tactical lessons that could be learnt from the recent success of Switzerland's SVP.
He also admitted that Vlaams Belang is a renamed version of Vlaams Blok, a party dissolved after being condemned for inciting racial hatred by a Belgian court two years ago. 'The style and the propaganda have changed, but we are the same party underneath,' he said.
Dewinter has another belief, one that will continue to make a mess of this tiny country of 10 million people. He says that 'independence for Flanders is logical, not necessarily for economic reasons. 'They (as in Walloons) are of Latin genes, we are from Nordic racial stock,' he said.
This man got 62,000 votes yesterday ... his party took 95,000 votes in Antwerpen.
Welcome to Europe in the 21st century.
Dewinter was speaking from his office in Antwerpen and happily recognised his party's links to other European hard-right groups - calling France's Jean-Marie Le Pen 'the grandfather of the European Nationalist right', praising Danish far-right leaders and talking of tactical lessons that could be learnt from the recent success of Switzerland's SVP.
He also admitted that Vlaams Belang is a renamed version of Vlaams Blok, a party dissolved after being condemned for inciting racial hatred by a Belgian court two years ago. 'The style and the propaganda have changed, but we are the same party underneath,' he said.
Dewinter has another belief, one that will continue to make a mess of this tiny country of 10 million people. He says that 'independence for Flanders is logical, not necessarily for economic reasons. 'They (as in Walloons) are of Latin genes, we are from Nordic racial stock,' he said.
This man got 62,000 votes yesterday ... his party took 95,000 votes in Antwerpen.
Welcome to Europe in the 21st century.
One of the oddest things about spending time with a district party group of Liberal Democrats last night as the election results were revealed, was the realisation that back in 2002 I was studying EU politics at Otago University in New Zealand ... we were researching the rise of the neo-nazi political parties here in Europe.
Yesterday I watched the election results unfold and saw the bizarre power of extreme right neo-nazi rhetoric, as villages with few foreigners and low crime rates voted for the neo-nazis in surges that took that particular party from 0% up to 15% in some places.
Here in the cities there was something different ... although Dewinter's neo-nazis still received 95,000 Antwerpen votes, his personal votes were finally down ... for the first time in about 15 years.
Belgians lose patience when trying to explain to me that neo-nazis are the only ones who haven't held power ... and by virtue of this, have never messed up the country but my argument has to be 'But a protest vote or a vote to change going to the neo-nazis???. What do you imagine they're going to improve about Belgium's economic or international standing?'
And so it seems Belgium is doomed to live out the reality of that old Chinese curse ... 'May you live in interesting times'.
Let's hope that the new coalition of all those parties who only hold the majority by virtue of joining together, are not so weakened by the merging of their political beliefs in the forming of that one voice to block the neo-nazis ... let's hope that they can actually move Belgium forward in positive ways.
Yesterday I watched the election results unfold and saw the bizarre power of extreme right neo-nazi rhetoric, as villages with few foreigners and low crime rates voted for the neo-nazis in surges that took that particular party from 0% up to 15% in some places.
Here in the cities there was something different ... although Dewinter's neo-nazis still received 95,000 Antwerpen votes, his personal votes were finally down ... for the first time in about 15 years.
Belgians lose patience when trying to explain to me that neo-nazis are the only ones who haven't held power ... and by virtue of this, have never messed up the country but my argument has to be 'But a protest vote or a vote to change going to the neo-nazis???. What do you imagine they're going to improve about Belgium's economic or international standing?'
And so it seems Belgium is doomed to live out the reality of that old Chinese curse ... 'May you live in interesting times'.
Let's hope that the new coalition of all those parties who only hold the majority by virtue of joining together, are not so weakened by the merging of their political beliefs in the forming of that one voice to block the neo-nazis ... let's hope that they can actually move Belgium forward in positive ways.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
A day spent with the horses and their people
I am slightly destroyed as I write this ... We were meant to get up about 7.30am and we woke at 9.15am.
This was a disaster of epic proportions but without loss of life, limb or home.
Epic as in phone calls apologising in advance for unavoidable lateness. So frustrating because I wake to the alarm clock at 6.30am every day of the week with no place that I have to be.
Today was about horses and standing in the cold. I was trying to work out how to capture horses in action and learning that my fingers will go numb if I'm out in the cold for 3 hours.
But it was about Belgians too ... the horsey ones who invite me into their world and who forgive me for following their every move with my camera.
Now I need to sort through the images, work out which ones succeeded, then downsize and load them onto a site where they can be viewed by the subjects
It was a good day out though ...
Di's Friday ...
I went wandering Friday and the early morning kettle incident was a harbinger of 'interesting' - I should have known.
Alison smsed to let me know that her train had left Brussels Central, I left home only to discover that there were no Number 11 trams for a while and so I had to go in on a tram that dropped me off the other side of the city centre.
Not only that but somewhere enroute I realised my cellphone was back on my desk and that there was no way I could tell Alison that I might be late ...
I walked briskly through the back streets of the city, meeting her as she walked down the station steps because she had a similar story in terms of frustration. Her inter-regional train had had only 3 carriages, incredibly short by normal standards and then one of those 3 was a first-class carriage and out of bounds to the common man. She had stood until Mechelen, with many unexpected stops along the way.
Coffee had become necessary to both of us by the time we met up and we popped into Exki to recover.
Next stop was Antwerpen's Photo Museum where Carl De Keyzer , Belgium's Magnum photographer had an exhibition.
His was the best of the 3 exhibitions. As usual, Alison and I were 'amazed' by the 'elevated' and 'artistic' descriptions that gift-wrapped some images ... stunned because it seems like these images exist because of the words that accompany them, not because of their photographic value ... I guess they are 'art' and I'm 'ignorant'.
They introduced the 'tunnels' exhibition with these words: 'The tunnel is, par excellence, the space for engaging in underground activities and programmes and for all action that searches out the hidden and the unseen reaches. In the collective imagination, the tunnel represents the passage towards 'another dimension', a plunge into the Unknown, with all connotations ranging from underworld to virtual reality, and the first and final experience along the path of one's earthly existence.'
The images really didn't match the build-up and some would have been rejects in my folder of work. The thing that intrigues me is how much the word-wrapping contributes to the exhibition itself ... extending images beyond their reality.
The day ended with the Canucks at El Pintxo, Antwerpen's most stunning Tapas Bar. It's located at Riemstraat 49, phone 03 237 06 00 because you really need to reserve a table if going there.
It's a tiny place that serves food made in an authentically Spanish way ... it's well worth a visit if you're looking for something a little bit special.
I ended the evening chatting with one of my bloggy friends on a new system called Sightspeed ... was impressed by the service, it seemed better than skype and he was just as lovely as he'd seemed on his blog.
Tot ziens.
Alison smsed to let me know that her train had left Brussels Central, I left home only to discover that there were no Number 11 trams for a while and so I had to go in on a tram that dropped me off the other side of the city centre.
Not only that but somewhere enroute I realised my cellphone was back on my desk and that there was no way I could tell Alison that I might be late ...
I walked briskly through the back streets of the city, meeting her as she walked down the station steps because she had a similar story in terms of frustration. Her inter-regional train had had only 3 carriages, incredibly short by normal standards and then one of those 3 was a first-class carriage and out of bounds to the common man. She had stood until Mechelen, with many unexpected stops along the way.
Coffee had become necessary to both of us by the time we met up and we popped into Exki to recover.
Next stop was Antwerpen's Photo Museum where Carl De Keyzer , Belgium's Magnum photographer had an exhibition.
His was the best of the 3 exhibitions. As usual, Alison and I were 'amazed' by the 'elevated' and 'artistic' descriptions that gift-wrapped some images ... stunned because it seems like these images exist because of the words that accompany them, not because of their photographic value ... I guess they are 'art' and I'm 'ignorant'.
They introduced the 'tunnels' exhibition with these words: 'The tunnel is, par excellence, the space for engaging in underground activities and programmes and for all action that searches out the hidden and the unseen reaches. In the collective imagination, the tunnel represents the passage towards 'another dimension', a plunge into the Unknown, with all connotations ranging from underworld to virtual reality, and the first and final experience along the path of one's earthly existence.'
The images really didn't match the build-up and some would have been rejects in my folder of work. The thing that intrigues me is how much the word-wrapping contributes to the exhibition itself ... extending images beyond their reality.
The day ended with the Canucks at El Pintxo, Antwerpen's most stunning Tapas Bar. It's located at Riemstraat 49, phone 03 237 06 00 because you really need to reserve a table if going there.
It's a tiny place that serves food made in an authentically Spanish way ... it's well worth a visit if you're looking for something a little bit special.
I ended the evening chatting with one of my bloggy friends on a new system called Sightspeed ... was impressed by the service, it seemed better than skype and he was just as lovely as he'd seemed on his blog.
Tot ziens.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Kiwi speak
You know there's a possibility that it's going to be 'one of those days' when you fail to notice that sure, you turned the gas element on, it's just that you forgot to put the kettle onto it after the flame was lit ... sigh.And it occured to me that my New Zealand/Australian readership is small and that if anyone else had heard me call myself 'a plonker' this morning, they might have had no idea of what I was talking about ...
'Plonker' has pretty much the same meaning as 'idiot'.And as I write that, I hear Canadian and American friends laughing, and it reminds me that they have picked up some of my charming phrases ... with Alison reporting that she had called someone 'a girl's blouse' when she went home to Canada last time.
'Girl's blouse' well ... that's one way of saying you think that someone's a bit of chicken or a coward.
But of course, you say.
Back in New Zealand, I'm almost sure that I rarely used these little Kiwi delights but Shannon's first question on meeting me was 'Do you guys really say by crikey'?
I didn't know and asked Gert when I got home.
Of course I do ... apparently ... and then I began hearing myself and noticed that when Gert was in unserious trouble, I did have a tendency to say things like 'By crikey you're in a lot of trouble' ... always accompanied by laughter, I hasten to add.
It's odd but leaving my country and being around people who mock me for my pronunciation of words like 'Ben' (apparently I pronounce it Bin), 'guest' ... yes well I murder that word, and 'actually' which apparently sounds more like 'exually' ... to name a few, has left me seeking my kiwi linguistic identity in ways that I avoided back home. I have become friends with my vowel sounds ... I'm beginning to embrace my linguistic identity.
I guess I knew there were problems when the Romanian and the Pole in my Nederlands class where almost on the floor laughing over the way I pronounce 'Brad Pitt'.When I teach, I tidy my English ... but then I relax and the mocking begins.
Gert phoned in as I was writing this post and I asked him what else I say to him. He reminded me that the best so far, in terms of shocked disbelief, was the time I mocked him with ... 'Tsk tsk tsk, send a boy to do a man's job'. And even as it slipped out of my mouth, I could see the old farmer leaning on a fence post mocking his son.
To understand the New Zealand connection to the pictures I used, you can wander over to this site .
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Matthew wrote that he'd taken this other photograph at sunset on the West Coast near Punakaiki.
I love that West Coast Road ... I'm not sure of the distance but it goes on forever ... maybe 600kms of often winding, mountainous, twisting-turning, two-lane roads (often one-lane bridges, other times shared roads with train tracks) ... anyway, there was nothing better than heading out of Wanaka, driving up into the mountains and rolling down through the Gates to the Haast and onto the coast road.
From there things became increasingly stunning as I travelled the small long road from one end of the South Island to the other ... Haast, Fox and Franz Joseph Glacier townships, Hokitika, on up past Greymouth to Punakaiki and on into Abel Tasman National Park.
New Zealand might be small but it's stunning.
These images take me home for a while ...
Thank you Matthew!
Matthew Walker, Photographer and Blogger
Matthew is a blogger back home in New Zealand and he mailed me a couple of his stunning photographs today ... images that I have permission to post ... photographs that I have to post just so you can understand what it is that I get so homesick for.
He took this sunrise photograph at Nape Nape in North Canterbury.
Dank u wel Matthew .
Habitation by Margaret Atwood
Marriage is not
a house or even a tent
it is before that, and colder:
the edge of the forest, the edge
of the desert
the unpainted stairs
at the back where we squat
outside, eating popcorn
the edge of the receding glacier
where painfully and with wonder
at having survived even
this far
we are learning to make fire
Thanks Matthew .
a house or even a tent
it is before that, and colder:
the edge of the forest, the edge
of the desert
the unpainted stairs
at the back where we squat
outside, eating popcorn
the edge of the receding glacier
where painfully and with wonder
at having survived even
this far
we are learning to make fire
Thanks Matthew .
R. W. Apple Jr, Journalist
“Newspaper people love impossible dreams,” he once told Lear’s magazine. “I suppose we’re reckless sentimentalists. If we didn’t love impossible dreams, we would not still be working in an industry whose basic technology was developed in the 16th and 17th centuries.”
R. W. Apple Jr., who in more than 40 years as a correspondent and editor at The New York Times wrote about war and revolution, politics and government, food and drink, and the revenge of living well from more than 100 countries, died early this morning in Washington. He was 71.
He reads delicious ... With his Dickensian byline, Churchillian brio and Falstaffian appetites, Mr. Apple, who was known as Johnny, was a singular presence at The Times almost from the moment he joined the metropolitan staff in 1963. He remained a colorful figure as new generations of journalists around him grew more pallid, and his encyclopedic knowledge, grace of expression — and above all his expense account — were the envy of his competitors, imitators and peers.
R. W. Apple Jr., who in more than 40 years as a correspondent and editor at The New York Times wrote about war and revolution, politics and government, food and drink, and the revenge of living well from more than 100 countries, died early this morning in Washington. He was 71.
He reads delicious ... With his Dickensian byline, Churchillian brio and Falstaffian appetites, Mr. Apple, who was known as Johnny, was a singular presence at The Times almost from the moment he joined the metropolitan staff in 1963. He remained a colorful figure as new generations of journalists around him grew more pallid, and his encyclopedic knowledge, grace of expression — and above all his expense account — were the envy of his competitors, imitators and peers.
Very depressing news for Belgians
I haven't felt 100% since arriving in Europe. At first I attributed it to a need to recover a stressful year with an exceptionally nasty British boss but beyond sleeping less, I've never really regained my New Zealand health.
I wonder if this has anything to do with it ...
A new report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says that Belgium has made great efforts to reduce concentrations of pollutants in the air. However, despite efforts by the authorities to improve air and water quality, increases in freight traffic on the roads and the intensive use of pesticides in agriculture, have meant that the quality of the air we breathe has deteriorated, since the last OECD report eight years ago.
The OECD made a total of 44 recommendations to improve air and water quality in Belgium. Greater efforts also need to be made by the Belgian government to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses.
Summer ozone peaks "unacceptable".
The OECD report also points to the annual summer peaks in ozone concentrations as being a major cause for concern. The River Zenne, which flows through Brussels, is one of the most polluted rivers in Belgium. Furthermore, Belgium's water has the highest concentrations of nitrates and pesticides in the industrialised world.
Greater efforts need to be made to reduce energy consumption, as buying up other countries' carbon emission quotas isn't enough, if progress is to be made on air quality.
The OECD report stresses the importance of fiscal measures, such as higher taxes on diesel and pesticides and grants for people who use energy sparingly.
The report also calls for greater cooperation and consultation between Belgium's three regions.
Joyce also pointed me in the direction of a rather interesting xPATS.com news source for Belgium.
Thanks Joyce.
I wonder if this has anything to do with it ...
A new report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says that Belgium has made great efforts to reduce concentrations of pollutants in the air. However, despite efforts by the authorities to improve air and water quality, increases in freight traffic on the roads and the intensive use of pesticides in agriculture, have meant that the quality of the air we breathe has deteriorated, since the last OECD report eight years ago.
The OECD made a total of 44 recommendations to improve air and water quality in Belgium. Greater efforts also need to be made by the Belgian government to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses.
Summer ozone peaks "unacceptable".
The OECD report also points to the annual summer peaks in ozone concentrations as being a major cause for concern. The River Zenne, which flows through Brussels, is one of the most polluted rivers in Belgium. Furthermore, Belgium's water has the highest concentrations of nitrates and pesticides in the industrialised world.
Greater efforts need to be made to reduce energy consumption, as buying up other countries' carbon emission quotas isn't enough, if progress is to be made on air quality.
The OECD report stresses the importance of fiscal measures, such as higher taxes on diesel and pesticides and grants for people who use energy sparingly.
The report also calls for greater cooperation and consultation between Belgium's three regions.
Joyce also pointed me in the direction of a rather interesting xPATS.com news source for Belgium.
Thanks Joyce.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
A good day in my Belgian world
I had a lovely day today ... Shannon came over from Brussels and two 'new' secondhand old-fashioned bicycles arrived in the garage.
My life is an odd one and a 'good day' is measured in new ways..
Last Friday I picked up my Yellow Card - the one that gives me permission to live, work and generally exist here in Belgium and while it's a grand thing, there are new complications with that but hey, why would that surprise me at this point in the journey.
Last Friday Gert's bike also died, with me as the rider on my way to the Districthuis ... a slight nightmare because the pedal kept falling off and we were a long way from home when it happened.
Nothing singles out a foreigner more than her inability to put the pedal back on in a permanent way ... coupled with the screams of laughter as it fell of yet again and again and again, yes definately outsiders.
And not being a natural born Belgian, I wasn't carrying that very necesssary bicycle tool-kit and despite working on it for ages, Shannon and I - strangers in a strange land - couldn't put that pedal back on again.
So I was yellow-carded but pedal-less.
Today we took out one of the new bikes and my beloved Abigail-bike, riding for miles through Rivierenhof Park's bush track and tree-lined avenues.
I do believe my soul was restored in the process.
Perhaps it's that simple ... who knows.
The South Beach Diet is looming on my next horizon ... I'll let you know.
My life is an odd one and a 'good day' is measured in new ways..
Last Friday I picked up my Yellow Card - the one that gives me permission to live, work and generally exist here in Belgium and while it's a grand thing, there are new complications with that but hey, why would that surprise me at this point in the journey.
Last Friday Gert's bike also died, with me as the rider on my way to the Districthuis ... a slight nightmare because the pedal kept falling off and we were a long way from home when it happened.
Nothing singles out a foreigner more than her inability to put the pedal back on in a permanent way ... coupled with the screams of laughter as it fell of yet again and again and again, yes definately outsiders.
And not being a natural born Belgian, I wasn't carrying that very necesssary bicycle tool-kit and despite working on it for ages, Shannon and I - strangers in a strange land - couldn't put that pedal back on again.
So I was yellow-carded but pedal-less.
Today we took out one of the new bikes and my beloved Abigail-bike, riding for miles through Rivierenhof Park's bush track and tree-lined avenues.
I do believe my soul was restored in the process.
Perhaps it's that simple ... who knows.
The South Beach Diet is looming on my next horizon ... I'll let you know.
How the Pope caused offence in Turkey ...
An interesting article in the New York Times ...
“The pope is both a political and religious figure,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an economic conference here. “But this person spoke in a way that is unfitting even for us politicians.”
... “If Western leaders of this kind are shutting the door, we are feeling very lonely, and prey to reactionary and nationalistic forces,” said Dogu Ergil, a political science professor at Ankara University. “Turks are increasingly feeling that they have no allies, and so be it.”
Mr. Ergil said such alienation had already curbed enthusiasm inside Turkey for joining the European Union, which he said could slow the pace of reform, and ultimately tilt Turkey away from the West.
The pope’s comments also angered other secularists, who took the pope’s speech as a kind of patronizing lecture from a flawed parent, condemning all Muslims for the sins of a few.
“The pope is both a political and religious figure,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an economic conference here. “But this person spoke in a way that is unfitting even for us politicians.”
... “If Western leaders of this kind are shutting the door, we are feeling very lonely, and prey to reactionary and nationalistic forces,” said Dogu Ergil, a political science professor at Ankara University. “Turks are increasingly feeling that they have no allies, and so be it.”
Mr. Ergil said such alienation had already curbed enthusiasm inside Turkey for joining the European Union, which he said could slow the pace of reform, and ultimately tilt Turkey away from the West.
The pope’s comments also angered other secularists, who took the pope’s speech as a kind of patronizing lecture from a flawed parent, condemning all Muslims for the sins of a few.
Finally, in the world according to Di, someone's making sense:Commisioner responsible for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, stated that no new conditions for Turkey's membership in the Union can be brought in.
Michel, one of those to vote on the EU's progress report on Turkey that will be announced on Nov. 8, indirectly criticized French President Jacques Chirac's remarks on recognition of the genocide claims, saying, "There are some people who want to change the rules of the game during the game."
"Turkey's membership in the EU is very important. It is enough to look at the intersection points of energy lines to understand it," Michel said.
Stressing that the Union needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU, Michel stressed that Turkey has played a key role in world crises in Iraq, Iran and the Middle East.
Erkan had posted news of this article in the New Anatolian.
I'm not sure that people are doing the research on the Armenian Genocide ... it's an interesting piece of history - outstripped on the atrocity scale by the German-led Genocide of Jewish people that occured here in Europe, with assistance from the collaborating regimes in countries like Austria, France and the Netherlands.
I guess it depends on which 'club' Europe is wanting to let Turkey into or exclude it from ...
Michel, one of those to vote on the EU's progress report on Turkey that will be announced on Nov. 8, indirectly criticized French President Jacques Chirac's remarks on recognition of the genocide claims, saying, "There are some people who want to change the rules of the game during the game."
"Turkey's membership in the EU is very important. It is enough to look at the intersection points of energy lines to understand it," Michel said.
Stressing that the Union needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU, Michel stressed that Turkey has played a key role in world crises in Iraq, Iran and the Middle East.
Erkan had posted news of this article in the New Anatolian.
I'm not sure that people are doing the research on the Armenian Genocide ... it's an interesting piece of history - outstripped on the atrocity scale by the German-led Genocide of Jewish people that occured here in Europe, with assistance from the collaborating regimes in countries like Austria, France and the Netherlands.
I guess it depends on which 'club' Europe is wanting to let Turkey into or exclude it from ...
News in America
It seems socio-economic status, perhaps colour, maybe race depends on how the news is reported over in the land of the free ...
Twitches has an interesting post on the subject here .
She introduces the poem she wrote on the subject of stolen gas with:I read a similar account last year about malfunctioning pumps at a gas station that caused outrageously low prices and subsequent long lines as word spread.
It was right after Hurricane Katrina, and I found the difference in reporting to be incredible: the shiny happy people driving up in their SUVs for practically free gas were just cute little human interest stories "striking back" at the mean old price-gouging gas companies (not once was the word "stealing" used - which is what I'd say they were doing), while the Katrina victims who broke into a Wal-Mart when their own government wouldn't deliver them ice or water after being devastated by a category 5 hurricane were "looters" who had lost all sense of restraint and reason.
Twitches has an interesting post on the subject here .
She introduces the poem she wrote on the subject of stolen gas with:I read a similar account last year about malfunctioning pumps at a gas station that caused outrageously low prices and subsequent long lines as word spread.
It was right after Hurricane Katrina, and I found the difference in reporting to be incredible: the shiny happy people driving up in their SUVs for practically free gas were just cute little human interest stories "striking back" at the mean old price-gouging gas companies (not once was the word "stealing" used - which is what I'd say they were doing), while the Katrina victims who broke into a Wal-Mart when their own government wouldn't deliver them ice or water after being devastated by a category 5 hurricane were "looters" who had lost all sense of restraint and reason.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Amy Gahran, conversational media consultant
Amy Gahran has posted an interesting article titled We Own the Internet: Net Neutrality for the Disengaged.
She writes: If you haven't yet managed to start caring about net neutrality, check out this hilarious advocacy site: We Own the Internet. It features several great bits of Flash video -- enthusiastic speeches by "Richard P. Merryweather, president & CEO of CT&TCOM American Communications."
A few choice excerpts from "Merryweather's" home page speech:
"[We're] the largest telephone company in the U.S. I want to make one thing perfectly clear: We own the internet. We acquired it last year with the help of the federal government, and now we're about to make some exciting changes. Some people object to this. ...But you see, an open internet is just too confusing for consumers, and not nearly as profitable for us. ...Who better to provide you with a 21st-century technology than a 19th-century monopoly?"
She writes: If you haven't yet managed to start caring about net neutrality, check out this hilarious advocacy site: We Own the Internet. It features several great bits of Flash video -- enthusiastic speeches by "Richard P. Merryweather, president & CEO of CT&TCOM American Communications."
A few choice excerpts from "Merryweather's" home page speech:
"[We're] the largest telephone company in the U.S. I want to make one thing perfectly clear: We own the internet. We acquired it last year with the help of the federal government, and now we're about to make some exciting changes. Some people object to this. ...But you see, an open internet is just too confusing for consumers, and not nearly as profitable for us. ...Who better to provide you with a 21st-century technology than a 19th-century monopoly?"
The Album - Bill Manhire, New Zealand Poet
What can you gain from my name?
It will die - like the sad scrawl
of a wave on a far-off shore,
like night as it sighs in the woods.
On the pale, remembering page
there'll be only a trace,
marks on a headstone
in some strange, untranslatable tongue.
For what can remain? Lost
in the years and the tempests of feeling,
my name cannot last in your life
like some delicate keepsake.
Yet on a day of despair, in a small space
of calm, say it aloud out of your sadness; say
'somewhere I may still be remembered;
there's a heart in the world, where I live'.
I was notified of a $500,000= win this morning ...Powerball Lotto online.
Being a curious person and liking the idea, I opened it, suspicious ... Mcafee cleaned out the resulting trojan. There was no attachment, foolishly I thought this meant it was safe to peek.
I searched online and read CONSOLATION PRIZEWINNER NOTICE - POWERBALL LOTTO Phishing Scams ... but of course.
Being a curious person and liking the idea, I opened it, suspicious ... Mcafee cleaned out the resulting trojan. There was no attachment, foolishly I thought this meant it was safe to peek.
I searched online and read CONSOLATION PRIZEWINNER NOTICE - POWERBALL LOTTO Phishing Scams ... but of course.
Note to self
I've drunk at various fonts and breathed different airs, some salutory, others quite polluted. I'm neither sorry for this nor do I complain ... the world is beautiful because it is varied.
-Primo Levi
Note in an old journal of mine dated 18th November 2000
-Primo Levi
Note in an old journal of mine dated 18th November 2000
Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro
Once upon a time, 3 old school friends met up in this cottage and laughed so hard that they cried, drank wine and kept the big old fire going with massive logs.I've known Liz since I was 12 and Fiona from 13. They were the horsey ones, still owning horses and riding today. I was the one who rode any old available nag ... Cinnamon, an ex-race horse who liked to bolt; Nutmeg who caused the vet to look away when she trotted towards him - so many faults that he winced. Mickey, the little bay pony who pawed the ground when we crossed creeks, indicating that she was thinking of rolling there ... rider and all.
Liz was the last to marry and I might have said at her wedding, 'Okay, race you to number 2'. Liz won without intending it, I came in second ... Fiona's the good one, or perhaps she just married a good one first time round.
I was at Fiona's the night that my mother died unexpectedly ... she had cancer but we all thought she had weeks left. Fiona's was the right place to be ... an old friend, a treasure you don't meet so often in life.
And Liz, we always pick up where we left off from ... 4 years and we continue with conversations that never acknowledge the passage of time.
They both live on farms now ... we studied agriculture and horticulture together, I guess I am the anomaly. Liz came back from her European life and I asked her 'But how?!' and now I am learning what she already knows.
Even their parents are delicious, and we know so much of each others lives ... it's an interweaving that I miss here in this cold country where people seem to fear the friendliness that was so natural back home in the wee country.
Homesick this morning?
Well now ... how did you guess?
Missing New Zealand Sunrises ...
Some mornings I wake missing New Zealand and I talk of it ... minutely detailing all that I miss.Yesterday I picked up a secondhand book that somehow took me back to a Mount Cook sunrise I experienced years ago.
The details of it have been washing over me since ... the heat of the coffee I carried out into that middle-of-nowhere space in the heart of my country; the noise of the silence; the stunning freshness of the air and the peace that only Nature can give me.
Nature is slipping away with barely a whimper over here in my European space. The grey men in suits have earmarked the forest behind the apartment for a 500-unit complex in their greed for more taxes in this relatively affluent suburb ... thousands of birds will be moved on and Antwerpen will have a little less of the much-needed carbon cleaning Nature.
The year it took me to enter Fortress Europe only drove home the fact that Nature isn't here in any comforting form. They have massive parks ... tree-lined avenues, cyle paths, sweeping lawns and rose gardens.
They have a river so brown and polluted by the time that France is finished with it, that its cleaner after passing through the fuel refinery here in the city.
Belgium's 60km stretch of beach is lined with beach-facing apartment complexes ...How does a person sustain themselves in a country which seems to place no value on man's need for natural spaces...
For the first time in my life, I can't find a place to sort out my soul in the silence of Nature. One year for keys into Fortress Europe ... this morning I'm wondering how long before I can go home.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Mathieu, Blogger and Photographer
When I first wandered over to ban-sidhe he was posting about bread.
The bread looked rather superb and the photography was nice.
Later, Mathieu started talking about photography and posting his images.
I wandered over to his site today and was greeted with this ... I love the second, third and fourth images on this post.
And then there were these ones .
Beautiful ...
The bread looked rather superb and the photography was nice.
Later, Mathieu started talking about photography and posting his images.
I wandered over to his site today and was greeted with this ... I love the second, third and fourth images on this post.
And then there were these ones .
Beautiful ...
Banksy on the subject of working for Nike
Over the past couple of years the very brands he despises have approached him to do advertising campaigns for them. Is there work he would turn down on principle? "Yeah, I've turned down four Nike jobs now. Every new campaign they email me to ask me to do something about it. I haven't done any of those jobs. The list of jobs I haven't done now is so much bigger than the list of jobs I have done. It's like a reverse CV, kinda weird. Nike have offered me mad money for doing stuff." What's mad money? "A lot of money!" he says bashfully.
Why did he turn it down? "Because I don't need the money and I don't like children working their fingers to the bone for nothing. I like that Jeremy Hardy line: 'My 11-year-old daughter asked me for a pair of trainers the other day. I said, 'Well, you're 11, make 'em yourself.' I want to avoid that shit if at all possible."
from Guardian Unlimited .
Why did he turn it down? "Because I don't need the money and I don't like children working their fingers to the bone for nothing. I like that Jeremy Hardy line: 'My 11-year-old daughter asked me for a pair of trainers the other day. I said, 'Well, you're 11, make 'em yourself.' I want to avoid that shit if at all possible."
from Guardian Unlimited .
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Banksy, Grafitti Artist
Erin posted on a grafitti artist called Banksy ... needless to say, I was curious to know more of the man behind the superb images he painted on Israel's illegal wall around Palestine.The most recent article begins like this: Keeping his identity a closely guarded secret, the graffiti artist Banksy has made a name for himself with provocative images stencilled around the streets of London.
Here is a selection of images from his recent trip to the Palestinian territories, where he has created nine of his images on Israel's highly controversial West Bank barrier.
You can read an interview with Banksy here
Desk View, Portobello
Just before leaving New Zealand for Istanbul, I lived in a room with this view ...
The image is imperfect in so many ways but it takes me back home and by virtue of that, becomes perfect.
Civilian and Military deaths in Iraq since 2003
Iraq Body Count : somewhere between 43,846 and 48,343 Iraqis have been killed. This information was gathered despite General Tommy Franks, US Central Command stating, “We don’t do body counts”.
Fortunately someone does otherwise it would be all too easy to forget civilian deaths in Iraq. If you want to know more about how Iraq Body Count operates, read here .
As of September 30, 2006 some 2,711 members of the U.S. military have been killed since March 2003 according to an Associated Press count.
That's approximately 2 soldiers per day ...
Other countries reporting losses:
Britain 118 deaths
Italy, 33
Ukraine, 18
Poland, 17
Bulgaria, 13
Spain, 11
Denmark, five
El Salvador, four
Slovakia, three
Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, two each
Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania, one death each.
Fortunately someone does otherwise it would be all too easy to forget civilian deaths in Iraq. If you want to know more about how Iraq Body Count operates, read here .
As of September 30, 2006 some 2,711 members of the U.S. military have been killed since March 2003 according to an Associated Press count.
That's approximately 2 soldiers per day ...
Other countries reporting losses:
Britain 118 deaths
Italy, 33
Ukraine, 18
Poland, 17
Bulgaria, 13
Spain, 11
Denmark, five
El Salvador, four
Slovakia, three
Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, two each
Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania, one death each.
Did you know ...
Yahoo is running this article .
A report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association appears to strengthen the suspected link between the sugar substitute xylitol, thought to make dogs sick, and possible liver failure.
Xylitol, a naturally occurring product, is found in many sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes.
It seems that 8 dogs became ill, and five died or had to be put down because of liver failure, possibly from ingesting xylitol.
One dog who had to be euthanized had eaten four large, chocolate-frosted muffins containing about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of xylitol.
"People don't think sugar-free gum can kill their dog. I didn't before I got into this. But this is something people should be aware of," Gwaltney-Brant, who co-authored the study with Dunayer, said in a statement.
Gwaltney-Brant said for dogs, ingesting even a small amount of xylitol can trigger significant insulin release, which drops their blood sugar and can be fatal.
A report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association appears to strengthen the suspected link between the sugar substitute xylitol, thought to make dogs sick, and possible liver failure.
Xylitol, a naturally occurring product, is found in many sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes.
It seems that 8 dogs became ill, and five died or had to be put down because of liver failure, possibly from ingesting xylitol.
One dog who had to be euthanized had eaten four large, chocolate-frosted muffins containing about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of xylitol.
"People don't think sugar-free gum can kill their dog. I didn't before I got into this. But this is something people should be aware of," Gwaltney-Brant, who co-authored the study with Dunayer, said in a statement.
Gwaltney-Brant said for dogs, ingesting even a small amount of xylitol can trigger significant insulin release, which drops their blood sugar and can be fatal.
Tanya, New Zealand Artist and Blogger
I found a comment written by a fellow Kiwi and wandered over to visit her blog ...
Tanya is an artist living in Auckland, New Zealand and her art made me want to go home and just fill myself up with landscapes I recognise and things that I know.
Anyway, I found a little treasure in this quote that she had posted:
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than others."
Martha Graham to Agnes de Milne
Thanks Tanya.
Tanya is an artist living in Auckland, New Zealand and her art made me want to go home and just fill myself up with landscapes I recognise and things that I know.
Anyway, I found a little treasure in this quote that she had posted:
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than others."
Martha Graham to Agnes de Milne
Thanks Tanya.
The issue ...
For me it's not about which country is wrong and which country is right ... who is bad, who is good ... life isn't that simple.
It's not about who did what to whom in the past ... let's face it, every country has a past and there's often a deeply shameful action lurking somewhere.
The issue is about the lies, hyprocrisy, double standards and short memories that I see around me.
No country or its politicians can really throw stones or judge if we think about it.
Okay, I'll close my 3 post series with this quote: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
Tot ziens.
It's not about who did what to whom in the past ... let's face it, every country has a past and there's often a deeply shameful action lurking somewhere.
The issue is about the lies, hyprocrisy, double standards and short memories that I see around me.
No country or its politicians can really throw stones or judge if we think about it.
Okay, I'll close my 3 post series with this quote: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
Tot ziens.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
City Quizzers
Last night was Quiz Night here in Antwerpen ... open to personnel from the City of Antwerpen, the quiz is organised by the previous year's winners.
Last night there were 22 teams of 8 ... 8 rounds of 12 questions, 4 rounds of table questions and 1 music round.
I was outside the loop at the table and of little use, although I was pleased to realise that understood most of the questions. Unfortunately it was difficult to get the finer points of questions meant to test the locals ... the skill level wasn't exactly Nederlands 1.2.
On the bright side, there was a question about Peter Snell, the New Zealand runner who passed the Belgian waving at the crowd, celebrating his victory before crossing the line ... one should never under-estimate a Kiwi ;)
And New Zealander, Sir Edmund Hilary - first man on Everest, was another answer. It's good to see 'us' out there as a nation.
I was hanging out on the fringes of De Dockers team and they were happy enough with their second, just 4 points behind the winners.
There's another round next week then totals are added together and winners announced however Friday is also the eve of the local, city and province elections here and I do believe Gert will be otherwise involved ...
Last night there were 22 teams of 8 ... 8 rounds of 12 questions, 4 rounds of table questions and 1 music round.
I was outside the loop at the table and of little use, although I was pleased to realise that understood most of the questions. Unfortunately it was difficult to get the finer points of questions meant to test the locals ... the skill level wasn't exactly Nederlands 1.2.
On the bright side, there was a question about Peter Snell, the New Zealand runner who passed the Belgian waving at the crowd, celebrating his victory before crossing the line ... one should never under-estimate a Kiwi ;)
And New Zealander, Sir Edmund Hilary - first man on Everest, was another answer. It's good to see 'us' out there as a nation.
I was hanging out on the fringes of De Dockers team and they were happy enough with their second, just 4 points behind the winners.
There's another round next week then totals are added together and winners announced however Friday is also the eve of the local, city and province elections here and I do believe Gert will be otherwise involved ...
Friday, September 29, 2006
Belgium's Postal System ... from my perspective
I've been meaning to post about sending me parcels here in Belgium ... it's risky.
Two years in Turkey and every parcel arrived.
One year in Belgium and the success rate is so much lower.
The first parcel to Belgium went missing back in the winter. It contained cards that confirmed that I was a journalist working for an online travel magazine ... while working gratis due to my 'in process' status, these cards promised creditability and reassurance for those I wanted to interview.
The most recent parcel was making a short trip from France. The pickings were richer for those who imagine parcels from other places are charity parcels for themselves ... some dvds and good books were 'misappropriated' in this instance.
Snarky tone ... oh yes.
The French Post traced the French parcel to Belgium ... I believed them and began to wonder if anyone sent wedding gifts from home. If I haven't thanked you, they didn't arrive. A difficult to deal with subject ... the sender doesn't bring it up because it seems rude and the receiver doesn't bring it up because maybe they didn't send anything after taking a postal address.
Meanwhile, someone somewhere is having a hell of a good time with things intended for me.
The local Post Office was initially unhelpful.
I asked 'Can you do something? It seems that my parcels are being stolen enroute.'
She said 'No'.
I walked away but later, talking with a Belgian friend, I was told there's a form I could fill out.
I went back ... 'Yes there's a form' but they'd run out.
I asked them to get me one, please.
I'm just back from the Post Office.
Apparently there's no longer a complaints form for 'lost' international packages.
I have to make a written complaint listing:
-the home address of the person who sent me the package.
-the contents
-details of how it was wrapped
-its weight
-the precise address it was sent to (she said with a shrug, 'It may have been wrongly addressed')
'Yes', I agreed, 'probably they were both identically wrongly addressed' ... and I explained that I had very carefully copied the address from Gert's correspondence ... the stuff that regularly arrives in our mailbox.
Oh yes, another joyous moment ...
Two years in Turkey and every parcel arrived.
One year in Belgium and the success rate is so much lower.
The first parcel to Belgium went missing back in the winter. It contained cards that confirmed that I was a journalist working for an online travel magazine ... while working gratis due to my 'in process' status, these cards promised creditability and reassurance for those I wanted to interview.
The most recent parcel was making a short trip from France. The pickings were richer for those who imagine parcels from other places are charity parcels for themselves ... some dvds and good books were 'misappropriated' in this instance.
Snarky tone ... oh yes.
The French Post traced the French parcel to Belgium ... I believed them and began to wonder if anyone sent wedding gifts from home. If I haven't thanked you, they didn't arrive. A difficult to deal with subject ... the sender doesn't bring it up because it seems rude and the receiver doesn't bring it up because maybe they didn't send anything after taking a postal address.
Meanwhile, someone somewhere is having a hell of a good time with things intended for me.
The local Post Office was initially unhelpful.
I asked 'Can you do something? It seems that my parcels are being stolen enroute.'
She said 'No'.
I walked away but later, talking with a Belgian friend, I was told there's a form I could fill out.
I went back ... 'Yes there's a form' but they'd run out.
I asked them to get me one, please.
I'm just back from the Post Office.
Apparently there's no longer a complaints form for 'lost' international packages.
I have to make a written complaint listing:
-the home address of the person who sent me the package.
-the contents
-details of how it was wrapped
-its weight
-the precise address it was sent to (she said with a shrug, 'It may have been wrongly addressed')
'Yes', I agreed, 'probably they were both identically wrongly addressed' ... and I explained that I had very carefully copied the address from Gert's correspondence ... the stuff that regularly arrives in our mailbox.
Oh yes, another joyous moment ...
Anthropology Matters Journal
Erkan is a treasure trove of interesting information today ...
He also posted news of the Anthropology Matters journal.
This one caught my eye: Making mountains, producing narratives , or: 'One day some poor sod will write their Ph.D. on this'
By Katrín Lund (University of Iceland)
This paper looks at ways of narrating mountaineering experiences in Scotland. I shall examine how mountaineers organise and abstract their experiences in the form of lists, logbooks, photographs and drawings, and compare to the official listing of Scotland's topography.
My argument is that when storing experiences in various material forms, mountaineers are creating their own personal topographies. These entail narratives invested through the bodily act of moving over the ground on foot. Not only are these narratives a form of play, through which mountaineers reanimate their experiences, but they are also often transformed into documents, such as logbooks, diaries, or collections of photographs and drawings.
Although the topographies as created in these documents may appear to be frozen in time, I suggest that they continue to generate the movements in which they are grounded. As such they are part of an unfinished and ultimately unfinishable jigsaw puzzle. This will lead me to consider what anthropologists can learn about their own ways of organising and abstracting their experiences from examining the material culture of mountaineers.
He also posted news of the Anthropology Matters journal.
This one caught my eye: Making mountains, producing narratives , or: 'One day some poor sod will write their Ph.D. on this'
By Katrín Lund (University of Iceland)
This paper looks at ways of narrating mountaineering experiences in Scotland. I shall examine how mountaineers organise and abstract their experiences in the form of lists, logbooks, photographs and drawings, and compare to the official listing of Scotland's topography.
My argument is that when storing experiences in various material forms, mountaineers are creating their own personal topographies. These entail narratives invested through the bodily act of moving over the ground on foot. Not only are these narratives a form of play, through which mountaineers reanimate their experiences, but they are also often transformed into documents, such as logbooks, diaries, or collections of photographs and drawings.
Although the topographies as created in these documents may appear to be frozen in time, I suggest that they continue to generate the movements in which they are grounded. As such they are part of an unfinished and ultimately unfinishable jigsaw puzzle. This will lead me to consider what anthropologists can learn about their own ways of organising and abstracting their experiences from examining the material culture of mountaineers.
Orhan Pamuk on the East's need for freedom
Erkan posted news of an interesting interview with Orham Pamuk ...
El Pais writes:The Turkish writer, Orhan Pamuk, examines the rift between western and eastern societies in an interview with the journalist and writer Rosa Montero. "My idea of the West is freedom, democracy, women's rights, three things that the East does not have. We have other things. Fraternity, for example! We are absolutely formidable in terms of fraternity! This pillar of the French Revolution suits us perfectly. As far as equality is concerned, that too is passable and there are notably some Islamic philosophers who speak of equality. But what we do not have is freedom, democracy and women's rights. I don't care about the rest. You can dress in eastern or western clothes, live in traditional houses or not. ... What really counts is that people may do what they want".
Sounds interesting but I'll need Erin to translate :) The full article seems to be in Spanish ... El Pais being a Spanish newspaper and all.
Anyway, it was located on an interesting site ... called euro topics .
euro|topics aims to contribute to the development of a European public sphere. In a daily press review and selected articles, the most important political, cultural and social debates are to be followed.
The objective of euro|topics is to make those debates, which up to now had almost exclusively been conducted at national level, accessible Europe-wide. In this way, trans-European discussions, as well as the development of new networks of media, cultural and political exchange, are to be encouraged and supported.
El Pais writes:The Turkish writer, Orhan Pamuk, examines the rift between western and eastern societies in an interview with the journalist and writer Rosa Montero. "My idea of the West is freedom, democracy, women's rights, three things that the East does not have. We have other things. Fraternity, for example! We are absolutely formidable in terms of fraternity! This pillar of the French Revolution suits us perfectly. As far as equality is concerned, that too is passable and there are notably some Islamic philosophers who speak of equality. But what we do not have is freedom, democracy and women's rights. I don't care about the rest. You can dress in eastern or western clothes, live in traditional houses or not. ... What really counts is that people may do what they want".
Sounds interesting but I'll need Erin to translate :) The full article seems to be in Spanish ... El Pais being a Spanish newspaper and all.
Anyway, it was located on an interesting site ... called euro topics .
euro|topics aims to contribute to the development of a European public sphere. In a daily press review and selected articles, the most important political, cultural and social debates are to be followed.
The objective of euro|topics is to make those debates, which up to now had almost exclusively been conducted at national level, accessible Europe-wide. In this way, trans-European discussions, as well as the development of new networks of media, cultural and political exchange, are to be encouraged and supported.
Calcium in the water ...
Something that has stunned me about Antwerp is the water quality ... it's responsible for the dry tangled hair and dry skin.
I've always been someone who has avoided beauty regimes that involve more than a little moisturiser on the face but here you have to do so much more because it has become a matter of saving hair and skin quality.
I knew it was the water but not the why of it.
I met javacurls at Cindy's party last night and while reading her blog this morning, I found this ... all is explained.
The calcium build up is just insane! I never knew Calcium could be so damaging to a home. I googled "Calcium" and read this information from Wikipedia...
"Using soap on the body in hard water can cause the formation of a scum often referred to as “curd.” The formation of scum and curd is caused when calcium and magnesium form insoluble salts with anions (usually the stearates and other higher carboxylates found in soaps. This curd remains on the skin even after rinsing, clogging pores and coating body hair. This can serve as a medium for bacterial growth, causing nappy rash, minor skin irritation and skin that looks dry and continually itches. Similarly, the insoluble salts that get left behind from using regular shampoo in hard water tend to leave hair rougher and harder to detangle."
I've always been someone who has avoided beauty regimes that involve more than a little moisturiser on the face but here you have to do so much more because it has become a matter of saving hair and skin quality.
I knew it was the water but not the why of it.
I met javacurls at Cindy's party last night and while reading her blog this morning, I found this ... all is explained.
The calcium build up is just insane! I never knew Calcium could be so damaging to a home. I googled "Calcium" and read this information from Wikipedia...
"Using soap on the body in hard water can cause the formation of a scum often referred to as “curd.” The formation of scum and curd is caused when calcium and magnesium form insoluble salts with anions (usually the stearates and other higher carboxylates found in soaps. This curd remains on the skin even after rinsing, clogging pores and coating body hair. This can serve as a medium for bacterial growth, causing nappy rash, minor skin irritation and skin that looks dry and continually itches. Similarly, the insoluble salts that get left behind from using regular shampoo in hard water tend to leave hair rougher and harder to detangle."
The other nice thing that occured in my 'delicious' 12 hour timeframe happened while the kettle was boiling this morning.
I was through here opening my email and I discovered that Michelle had written.
Simply put ... Michelle is marvellous. She is pregnant with her third child and busying herself with her PhD in New Zealand literature. She's a clever wee bunny, a gorgeous mix of academic and stunningly funny. I always (rightly or wrongly) attribute my colourful 'bloody buggary bollocks' exclaimation of extreme frustration to her.
Anyway, after almost making me fall out of my chair laughing with stories of her boys and their various wicked talents, I discovered she had finally emailed me her other thesis ... her Masters.
How nice it will be to lose myself in it ... 121 pages of 'compare and contrast'.
I miss that academic world. I loved studying and starting university at the age of 34, I found myself enjoying it in a way I probably wouldn't have back when I was 18.
I made incredible friends ... there was Abe, discovered in my political anthropology class and almost 80 years old way back then. Lizzie, with the face of an angel and the most startlingly naughty mind.
And professors ... I had some magnificent ones. I remember panicking at the end of a semester with Professor Ackerley, wondering how I would read and interpret Modernist novels without him, or being sad when Professor Holmes was lured home as his ground-breaking multi-sited ethnography on the European Union created huge ripples of interest back in the States.
So, although I complain about this immigrant life, and complain I occasionally must because it is such a departure from reality ... much as I complain, today I love that I can sit down and read until something or someone else comes along.
Let's see what the day brings ...
Tot ziens.
I was through here opening my email and I discovered that Michelle had written.
Simply put ... Michelle is marvellous. She is pregnant with her third child and busying herself with her PhD in New Zealand literature. She's a clever wee bunny, a gorgeous mix of academic and stunningly funny. I always (rightly or wrongly) attribute my colourful 'bloody buggary bollocks' exclaimation of extreme frustration to her.
Anyway, after almost making me fall out of my chair laughing with stories of her boys and their various wicked talents, I discovered she had finally emailed me her other thesis ... her Masters.
How nice it will be to lose myself in it ... 121 pages of 'compare and contrast'.
I miss that academic world. I loved studying and starting university at the age of 34, I found myself enjoying it in a way I probably wouldn't have back when I was 18.
I made incredible friends ... there was Abe, discovered in my political anthropology class and almost 80 years old way back then. Lizzie, with the face of an angel and the most startlingly naughty mind.
And professors ... I had some magnificent ones. I remember panicking at the end of a semester with Professor Ackerley, wondering how I would read and interpret Modernist novels without him, or being sad when Professor Holmes was lured home as his ground-breaking multi-sited ethnography on the European Union created huge ripples of interest back in the States.
So, although I complain about this immigrant life, and complain I occasionally must because it is such a departure from reality ... much as I complain, today I love that I can sit down and read until something or someone else comes along.
Let's see what the day brings ...
Tot ziens.
A little of this, a little of that
I've had a delicious 12 hours ...
Last night, Gert and I wandered over to Cindy's place in Brussels. She was cooking Tex-Mex and had promised margaritas at the party she was having before flying out to a warm place for the winter ... wise woman.
Meanwhile I'm staying put and hoping my first bone-chilling winter in Belgium was extraordinary ... the winter of 2005, the one where I learned to quiver in my boots when I saw a weather mass coming down from Russia.
But back to last night ... we were fed stunning Tex-Mex food and drank rather superb margaritas while meeting new people ... it wasn't a bad end to a day where I had been struggling with the idea of all that had happened while journeying towards my immigrant yellow card status.
Losses and gains ... if I were an accountant how would I balance the sheet of my life as an immigrant. I asked myself yesterday if I would do it again ... knowing all that I know now about moving countries in the 21st century.
My conclusion was 'possibly not'. Turkey was far more civilised and humane in its expat/immigrant policies and much as I love my European man, I had no real need of this Fortress Europe I have been granted special status keys to.
One of the oddest things about my new life has been a complete loss of control of my Self. I was reduced to pieces of paper as a form of interim existence while 'in process'.
I was forbidden the most basic of things ... things that we in the 'west' grew up taking completely forgranted ... the right work, to drive, and the freedom to travel in and out of this country I was 'in process' in. It's a catastrophic loss of independence that you really must prepare for if you're ever considering moving countries in the way that I did.
I was unfortunate ... I fell in love with a Belgian after two years of living and working in Turkey. I had no country to reside in while applying for residency here, and the Belgian Embassy in Istanbul wanted nothing to do with me ... they said I should go home.
Back in New Zealand my home had been lost to the marriage and anyway, I had enough money for 3 months in process ... one year later and I dream of all the things I will do now that I'm almost in business.
It's the little things that sometimes bring me to my knees for a few hours ... yesterday one of Gert's colleagues was frustrated with me mocking my appearance . She said, 'Do something about her self-esteem' in Dutch to Gert.
I raised an eyebrow later and said, 'Tomorrow, please explain that pre-Belgium, I was used to a certain quality of life ... I worked, could buy clothes, streak my hair, have my eyebrows shaped, but most importantly, I was free and independent.
My comment about my appearance today wasn't about self-esteem ... anyone who moves amongst the groups I mix with as easily as I do doesn't have self-esteem issues, it's only that I know what is possible and what I lack in these days as an immigrant.'
So yeah ... that's me. A mixture of the highs and the lows that have been difficult to control over this year as an 'in process' immigrant. Sometimes I see myself as a fluffball of angry kitten and Gert feels my scratches ... other times, I'm a bundle of fun, absorbing all that is new and exciting about this strange European-based life of mine.
No matter ... I have so many good times, superb times really and Cindy was the latest in a long list of good people I've met out here in the world.
Thanks for inviting us Cindy. It was lovely to meet you.
Last night, Gert and I wandered over to Cindy's place in Brussels. She was cooking Tex-Mex and had promised margaritas at the party she was having before flying out to a warm place for the winter ... wise woman.
Meanwhile I'm staying put and hoping my first bone-chilling winter in Belgium was extraordinary ... the winter of 2005, the one where I learned to quiver in my boots when I saw a weather mass coming down from Russia.
But back to last night ... we were fed stunning Tex-Mex food and drank rather superb margaritas while meeting new people ... it wasn't a bad end to a day where I had been struggling with the idea of all that had happened while journeying towards my immigrant yellow card status.
Losses and gains ... if I were an accountant how would I balance the sheet of my life as an immigrant. I asked myself yesterday if I would do it again ... knowing all that I know now about moving countries in the 21st century.
My conclusion was 'possibly not'. Turkey was far more civilised and humane in its expat/immigrant policies and much as I love my European man, I had no real need of this Fortress Europe I have been granted special status keys to.
One of the oddest things about my new life has been a complete loss of control of my Self. I was reduced to pieces of paper as a form of interim existence while 'in process'.
I was forbidden the most basic of things ... things that we in the 'west' grew up taking completely forgranted ... the right work, to drive, and the freedom to travel in and out of this country I was 'in process' in. It's a catastrophic loss of independence that you really must prepare for if you're ever considering moving countries in the way that I did.
I was unfortunate ... I fell in love with a Belgian after two years of living and working in Turkey. I had no country to reside in while applying for residency here, and the Belgian Embassy in Istanbul wanted nothing to do with me ... they said I should go home.
Back in New Zealand my home had been lost to the marriage and anyway, I had enough money for 3 months in process ... one year later and I dream of all the things I will do now that I'm almost in business.
It's the little things that sometimes bring me to my knees for a few hours ... yesterday one of Gert's colleagues was frustrated with me mocking my appearance . She said, 'Do something about her self-esteem' in Dutch to Gert.
I raised an eyebrow later and said, 'Tomorrow, please explain that pre-Belgium, I was used to a certain quality of life ... I worked, could buy clothes, streak my hair, have my eyebrows shaped, but most importantly, I was free and independent.
My comment about my appearance today wasn't about self-esteem ... anyone who moves amongst the groups I mix with as easily as I do doesn't have self-esteem issues, it's only that I know what is possible and what I lack in these days as an immigrant.'
So yeah ... that's me. A mixture of the highs and the lows that have been difficult to control over this year as an 'in process' immigrant. Sometimes I see myself as a fluffball of angry kitten and Gert feels my scratches ... other times, I'm a bundle of fun, absorbing all that is new and exciting about this strange European-based life of mine.
No matter ... I have so many good times, superb times really and Cindy was the latest in a long list of good people I've met out here in the world.
Thanks for inviting us Cindy. It was lovely to meet you.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Book meme
I found this meme on paris parfait's blog .
The "rules" are to open the book nearest you to page 123, go to the fifth sentence and post the text of the next three sentences.
The book is 'A Fortune-Teller Told Me' by Tiziano Terzani ... I'm rereading an old favourite after Rob wrote of him recently.
The book opened immediately on page 123 which sent a small delighted shiver down my spine ...
Which is why that particular god of the Taoist Olympus is called Iron Leg Li.
From Penang I had to go to Kuala Lumpur. I could have taken the express train from Butterworth, but that seemed too precipitate, so I decided to work my way slowly down the peninsula.
I'm not sure this gives you more than a small taste of this favourite book of mine but let me copy a little from the back cover: 'Terzani is already something of legend. He is a wonderful journalist. His book is not the self-important tale of a journalist but the progress of a modern, sceptical and emotional pilgrim - and wilful showman ... part autobiography, part journey through the comforting past, the unbearable present and the unwelcoming future, and part prophecy ... He has written magnificently all his life. Never better than now.'
William Shawcross, Literary Review 1998.
The "rules" are to open the book nearest you to page 123, go to the fifth sentence and post the text of the next three sentences.
The book is 'A Fortune-Teller Told Me' by Tiziano Terzani ... I'm rereading an old favourite after Rob wrote of him recently.
The book opened immediately on page 123 which sent a small delighted shiver down my spine ...
Which is why that particular god of the Taoist Olympus is called Iron Leg Li.
From Penang I had to go to Kuala Lumpur. I could have taken the express train from Butterworth, but that seemed too precipitate, so I decided to work my way slowly down the peninsula.
I'm not sure this gives you more than a small taste of this favourite book of mine but let me copy a little from the back cover: 'Terzani is already something of legend. He is a wonderful journalist. His book is not the self-important tale of a journalist but the progress of a modern, sceptical and emotional pilgrim - and wilful showman ... part autobiography, part journey through the comforting past, the unbearable present and the unwelcoming future, and part prophecy ... He has written magnificently all his life. Never better than now.'
William Shawcross, Literary Review 1998.
The Yellow Card ,,,
I'm sitting here surrounded by papers from the various 'projects' I'm working on.
'Projects' translates into 'free stuff I do to remain useful as a world citizen and pretend that there is a reason for me to exist here in Belgium' ... the emphasis being on 'free' ... and that's me hoping that if I do these projects pure of heart and with good intention then karma will find its own way into my life.
Anyway I can't resist an interesting project and I'm meeting so many people as a result.
Complaining ...?
Not really, just slightly rueful about money. It happens sometimes, I've twice dreamed about having my hair returned to the delicious state that my Turkish hairdressers kept it in, although the first dream was one where Audrey, the Coronation Street hairdresser, offered ...
Big news (in Di World anyway) yesterday I learned that I have my Yellow Card ... this allows me 5 years in Belgium and makes me legal to work here.
Of course there's always a catch ... it's another 5euro for paperwork, and just one more passport photograph. They forgot to mention these things on my previous almost informative District Huis visit ... I think they realise they're going to miss my New Zealand accent and wanted to draw out the last of my regular visits.
Next week I move 70euro of Gert's money towards the people who give out VAT numbers and voila, there's a rumour that I'm then ready for business.
Okay, so there are the small things like finding a really good accountant because, here in Belgium, succeeding in a small business apparently means having a truly talented accountant. And I have to work out social security payments and business cards ... publicity and ecetera but a yellow card ... I have a yellow card therefore I exist.
'Projects' translates into 'free stuff I do to remain useful as a world citizen and pretend that there is a reason for me to exist here in Belgium' ... the emphasis being on 'free' ... and that's me hoping that if I do these projects pure of heart and with good intention then karma will find its own way into my life.
Anyway I can't resist an interesting project and I'm meeting so many people as a result.
Complaining ...?
Not really, just slightly rueful about money. It happens sometimes, I've twice dreamed about having my hair returned to the delicious state that my Turkish hairdressers kept it in, although the first dream was one where Audrey, the Coronation Street hairdresser, offered ...
Big news (in Di World anyway) yesterday I learned that I have my Yellow Card ... this allows me 5 years in Belgium and makes me legal to work here.
Of course there's always a catch ... it's another 5euro for paperwork, and just one more passport photograph. They forgot to mention these things on my previous almost informative District Huis visit ... I think they realise they're going to miss my New Zealand accent and wanted to draw out the last of my regular visits.
Next week I move 70euro of Gert's money towards the people who give out VAT numbers and voila, there's a rumour that I'm then ready for business.
Okay, so there are the small things like finding a really good accountant because, here in Belgium, succeeding in a small business apparently means having a truly talented accountant. And I have to work out social security payments and business cards ... publicity and ecetera but a yellow card ... I have a yellow card therefore I exist.
De Red Star Line - Evocatie van een merkwaardig tijdperk
I was at Theater Zeemanshuis tonight ... attending one of the avant-premiere performances of De Red Star Line by Alex Van Haecke .
It was stunning!!
If you live in Belgium and you have any curiousity about those generations who left for America between the 1870s and up until the 1930s then I absolutely recommend this play.
If you love powerful theatre, the kind that contains that perfect blend of sadness and humour then this play is also for you ... and if you only speak English, the narrator speaks in a seamless mix of Engels and Nederlands ... telling the story of 'his' father, grandfather and grandmother making the journey.
Should I translate a little ...?
The play was called The Red Star Line - an evocation of a remarkable era and we attended one of the pre-official opening night performances.
And if you had no idea that the Red Star left from Antwerpen you can read more at The Red Star Line Memorial site here .
Theater Zeemanshuis
Falconrui 21
2000 Antwerpen
Tel: 03/225.07.53
E-mail: info@theaterzeemanshuis.be
bank: 979-2845553-63
It was stunning!!
If you live in Belgium and you have any curiousity about those generations who left for America between the 1870s and up until the 1930s then I absolutely recommend this play.
If you love powerful theatre, the kind that contains that perfect blend of sadness and humour then this play is also for you ... and if you only speak English, the narrator speaks in a seamless mix of Engels and Nederlands ... telling the story of 'his' father, grandfather and grandmother making the journey.Should I translate a little ...?
The play was called The Red Star Line - an evocation of a remarkable era and we attended one of the pre-official opening night performances.
And if you had no idea that the Red Star left from Antwerpen you can read more at The Red Star Line Memorial site here .
Theater Zeemanshuis
Falconrui 21
2000 Antwerpen
Tel: 03/225.07.53
E-mail: info@theaterzeemanshuis.be
bank: 979-2845553-63
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Major General John R.S. Batiste speaks out against the American government
He does not comprehend the human dimension of warfare.
Major General John R.S. Batiste
- describing Rumsfield's mismanagement of the war at the DPC Hearing.
It's serious when a high-ranking Major General, long-time republican leaves a highly successful career to fight for his troops and their families in the only way left - at home, fighting his government.
This 10 minute youtube is informative and to the point.
Thanks for the link Twitches . You can select video from today's Democratic national security hearing here .
And you can read more about 'the unusual spectre of five retired generals calling for Rumsfeld to step down.' It 'speaks volumes ... about the leadership climate in the Department of Defence,' Batiste said.' The article is here .
Major General John R.S. Batiste
- describing Rumsfield's mismanagement of the war at the DPC Hearing.
It's serious when a high-ranking Major General, long-time republican leaves a highly successful career to fight for his troops and their families in the only way left - at home, fighting his government.
This 10 minute youtube is informative and to the point.
Thanks for the link Twitches . You can select video from today's Democratic national security hearing here .
And you can read more about 'the unusual spectre of five retired generals calling for Rumsfeld to step down.' It 'speaks volumes ... about the leadership climate in the Department of Defence,' Batiste said.' The article is here .
Rob, at Wind Rose Hotel , linked to this article on one of my favourite Italian authors ... Tiziano Terzani.
Life is what we make of it. Explore and appreciate life to the fullest as I did, he said, even in the worst moments, we have the ability to reach within ourselves and find meaning in adversity.
"The only real teacher is not in a forest, or a hut or an ice cave in the Himalayas," Terzani once said in an interview. "It is within us."
Tiziano Terzani.
If you're looking for my favourite book by him, I'd recommend (yes, again) A Fortune Teller Told Me .
Life is what we make of it. Explore and appreciate life to the fullest as I did, he said, even in the worst moments, we have the ability to reach within ourselves and find meaning in adversity.
"The only real teacher is not in a forest, or a hut or an ice cave in the Himalayas," Terzani once said in an interview. "It is within us."
Tiziano Terzani.
If you're looking for my favourite book by him, I'd recommend (yes, again) A Fortune Teller Told Me .
Paulo Coelho
I often just link to any post that I like well enough to mention here however I really loved paris parfait's quote from Paulo Coelho.
You see, I loved living in Turkey and only left because of the Belgian. The Paulo Coelho quote mentions the Muslim time of fasting ... Ramazan; a special time to Muslims around the world, often misunderstood by those who have no experience of it. For me it was a time when Turkish friends and strangers were kinder and more welcoming than usual.
Traders would often invite me to join them in breaking their daily fast, not for sales - just for food; friends often took me home to their families ... extended family really.
I miss those people, their traditions and their warm open-heartedness.
But the quote:
In his book Like the Flowing River, Paulo Coelho talks about "The Catholic and the Muslim."
I was talking to a Catholic priest and a young Muslim man over lunch. When the waiter came by with a tray, we all helped ourselves, except the Muslim, who was keeping the annual fast prescribed by the Koran.
When lunch was over and people were leaving, one of the other guests couldn't resist saying: "You see how fanatical these Muslims are! I'm glad to see you Catholics aren't like them."
"But we are," said the priest. "He is trying to serve God just as I am. We merely follow different laws." And he concluded: "It's a shame that people see only the differences that separate them. If you were to look with more love, you would mainly see what we have in common, then half the world's problems would be solved."
You see, I loved living in Turkey and only left because of the Belgian. The Paulo Coelho quote mentions the Muslim time of fasting ... Ramazan; a special time to Muslims around the world, often misunderstood by those who have no experience of it. For me it was a time when Turkish friends and strangers were kinder and more welcoming than usual.
Traders would often invite me to join them in breaking their daily fast, not for sales - just for food; friends often took me home to their families ... extended family really. I miss those people, their traditions and their warm open-heartedness.
But the quote:
In his book Like the Flowing River, Paulo Coelho talks about "The Catholic and the Muslim."
I was talking to a Catholic priest and a young Muslim man over lunch. When the waiter came by with a tray, we all helped ourselves, except the Muslim, who was keeping the annual fast prescribed by the Koran.
When lunch was over and people were leaving, one of the other guests couldn't resist saying: "You see how fanatical these Muslims are! I'm glad to see you Catholics aren't like them."
"But we are," said the priest. "He is trying to serve God just as I am. We merely follow different laws." And he concluded: "It's a shame that people see only the differences that separate them. If you were to look with more love, you would mainly see what we have in common, then half the world's problems would be solved."
The Dump Brothers, Antwerpen
Remember I wrote about photographing a local band during one of their street performances ...?Well their website is up and running.
Not only that, you can listen to 4 of their demos ... maybe you'll see why they so appealed to me.
You can check them out here ... The Dump Brothers .
Next performances:
September 29 2006: The Meeting Point
Groenplaats 10, Antwerp, 2000
Cost: 0
Their regular Friday night gig, if not otherwise stated.
September 30 2006 at The DublinerGrote Markt, Antwerp, 2000
Cost: 0
Live on the terras
Monday, September 25, 2006
Twitches put me onto an interesting music video .. it's surely a cure for the sadness and intensity.
The bizarre thing was, as I watched it, I could imagine Diede on one of the machines, and then there was Sal , his video message still fresh in my head.
There were others but they might be surprised by their inclusion, since they're not actually known to me in my real life ... i'll leave it for now.
The bizarre thing was, as I watched it, I could imagine Diede on one of the machines, and then there was Sal , his video message still fresh in my head.
There were others but they might be surprised by their inclusion, since they're not actually known to me in my real life ... i'll leave it for now.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
This is your captain screaming ...
I don't like flying.
I had imagined that I was the queen of the 'What if ...' scenario.
Lisa posted a new and terrifying 'what if'; one that I had never considered.
Thank you Lisa, I have at least 23 hours flying time when I fly back to New Zealand ... the story is titled This is your captain screaming .
Enjoy.
I had imagined that I was the queen of the 'What if ...' scenario.
Lisa posted a new and terrifying 'what if'; one that I had never considered.
Thank you Lisa, I have at least 23 hours flying time when I fly back to New Zealand ... the story is titled This is your captain screaming .
Enjoy.
Mark just put me onto this song he'd posted over on his blog.
It's 'Five for Fighting'
the song: '100 Years'
and it's from their album: 'The Battle for Everything'.
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