This week has been a war bulletin. And I’ll spare you my own dilemmas. “WAR”. I looked it up in the dictionary. It says: “War is a large-scale armed conflict and the term is used as a metaphor for non-military conflicts.” I think we might as well drop the “metaphor”. Language was never meant to be static. Only its function, universal, remains unvaried throughout the centuries. But language per se is necessarily molded by the times it lives in and represents. The people make the language. The point I am trying to make is that it is time to redefine the word “war” or coin new terms to define different war scenarios, without any metaphors attached. An accurately defined situation is also conferred greater value and importance. When a word or language feels like a short vest, it needs tailoring. Things change and we must be able to express ourselves fully, even if it means taking the liberty to create new words. It’s a bit like breaking a tradition. Like for instance, some people cannot even conceive pairing red wine with seafood or fish. Why have I always asked. Because has always been the answer. Fish goes with white wine. It’s a tradition. Red wine spoils the delicate flavor of fish. They have a point, it doesn’t matter anyway, I am vegetarian now. But still, it wouldn’t bother me. I know, I have awful taste, I’ll give you that. In any case, just last evening the newsman gave us a quick refresh on the food chain, an elementary concept, and was referring to the state of our seas, in particular the Mediterranean. Our seas are full of junk, mostly plastic, was saying a voice over while a video clip was documenting the claim. The fish eat everything they find and guess who else does too, consequently. Knowing this, how could red wine be a problem? I know, I have awful taste, I shouldn’t speak, please excuse me.
It’s been another week of financial fever. The Spread has suffered a set-back, growing out of proportion once again causing a large scale financial plunge. Impressive words huh? I’m not venturing any further in the matter. I probably would lose myself trying to explain something that is well out of my grasp. I understand the concept, the big picture, but I will leave the nitty-gritty explaining. to our economists. Bottom line is, a lot of international pressure is being exerted in a very delicate moment, as our government has to approve new crucial labor policies, amidst a very tense social climate. A record number of 31 businesses closing down on a daily basis over the last year. We’ve seen people who can’t make ends meet set themselves on fire. Thousands of workers without a job and future prospects. Everything seems to be coming to a standstill. Shops are empty, productivity is reduced, traffic is not as intense as usual. This would actually be a positive sign if it weren’t that it is just another indicator of social discomfort adding up to an already depressing scenario. For the rest I appreciate the break, less traffic means less noise, less pollution, less confusion. The cost of petrol is just unbelievable! Soon, instead of being targeted by hundreds of new car advertisements, we’ll be invested by a huge campaign promoting the latest public commuting alternative. - “A new craze is rocking our city. Economize and make new friends with the new City Camel Share service!” - In any case there is less of everything and what’s most desolating is that it’s so visibly happening on a very large scale, ultimately showing how interconnected everything is. < “you’re going down” - says Drago to Rocky - “yeah but you’re coming with me” - is the answer.” > I just made a metaphor.
Last but not least, this controversial Turkish shampoo advertisement
I don’t understand it. What marketing guru in their right mind would approve this work? If I think back and recall how the Nazis produced their soap, I feel sick. Even having to mention it makes me uncomfortable. Who on earth would want to buy a soap produced by the 3rd Reich. Moreover, how could we ever hope to sell a shampoo promoted by the Fuhrer. I mean, the man has 7 hairs glued to his head. To top it off, it was broadcasted on a sports channel, the “neutral” domain by excellence. Another questionable choice. Who is this genius? You know what? Call me, I need a job. I’m not a guru but I have a truckload of natural curly hair and some crazy ideas too if that’s what you want. I mean, you must have spent a fortune to promote what? There cannot be indeterminism in marketing strategies. Something’s wrong, I must have misunderstood the underlying message. It would almost seem as if it might have been a veiled intent to socially promote anti-Semitism. Current relations between Turkey and Israel could even endorse what in reality is an unlikely hypothesis. It would make sense, in which case money will have been well invested. And we can confidently say that the guy is indeed a genius. The question is, who commissioned it? I mean, no shampoo producer could eventually benefit from this campaign. And I find it hard to believe it’s all just a big mistake. The spot has now been withdrawn but it has served its purpose.
“You know what SUB? I don’t want to know. Always having to play Sherlock Holmes, really! I want to keep cool, doodle, diddle, ducks and … Huh? What? - Easter story? No! We’re taking a break! - Find a name for our rabbit?. The Great Easter Adventure? No way“
Note 1 - about SUB ref. Monday, December the 5th 2011 "About a Druid and his mushrooms"
Last update
30-09-2012
Ghost Ship a hard to die old fishing boat that survived last year's tsunami in Japan and the owner of which did not want back, was finally put to rest. It is believed to have carried 9000 litres of diesel fuel. - Watch Video -
Bond I was browsing through a brief history of the James Bond Movies. A little nostalgia. I saw almost all of them but, in my opinion, they have lost that thrilling enthusiasm past versions were able to solicit, and I believe it may be due to the choice of the leading actors. I think that George Clooney would fit the character perfectly. I would love to see one James Bond with Clooney in it. He's just perfect for it. Just saying. - Watch Video -
Eli-Cars. I like these much more than the fully automatically driven car .I wouldn't mind one, possibly with some extra space to stash in a bicycle. Only one question. Once these become popular, 'cause they will, and traffic increases, what happens if these vehicles collide up there. Will there be a safety net ? - Watch Video -
Chocolate
as easter approaches, how could we not think of chocolate? There's chocolate everywhere. Grocers have accurately studied the best way to welcome us to a most seducing chocolate flavored setting, if I may say so, by exposing a battery of easter eggs of all types and sizes. The aroma is so captivating, it could almost make us dizzy. The good news is that, if chosen carefully, the chocolate we eat may help us loose weight. Or at least, so they say. - Read article -
ATR 72 . 12 passengers survived a plane crash in Siberia today. The plane, built by Italy and France, reportedly disappeared from the radar screens shortly after take off. - Watch Video -
Kids should be kids. Following the bloody anti-Semite attack in Toulouse, the school has reported having received a number of threats via email and sadly a young student, aged 12, was verbally abused and beaten by a group of teenagers. I sincerely hope this will turn out to be a single and isolated incident. - read more -
Photo of the week "whisper" by Lalitwist
The Gentle Barn Getting closer to nature can help us get in touch with ourselves. So much so that pet therapy has been widely adopted for its proven efficient healing process, especialy when applied to kids. From swimming with dolphins to The Gentle Barn. Read Article
Around the World
The Solar Eclipse Marathon This promises to be a spectacular event - whether you're there to run the Marathon or to watch the eclipse. The Solar Eclipse Marathon takes place in Port Douglas, Australia, on 14 November 2012.
Milan April - May 2012
Women at school with the local police Nine free lessons organized by the local police for women. From building strength to self-defense techniques - in Milan from May 2, 2012
- Apply here
Jazz nights Marcus Miller will be performing Live in Milano from the 18th through to the 21 of April 2012 - 11.30 pm - @ the Blue Note, Via Borsieri 37 - Milano -
SineadO'Connor Sinead has just published her latest album "‘How About I Be Me" which is considered to be one of very best compilation. She'll be perfoming live in Milan on Tuesday the 24th of Arpil 2012- 9 pm - Teatro Smeraldo, Piazza XXV Aprile, 20121 Milan -
Anna Karenina Two unique dates for ballet lovers in Milan. The ballet will directed by Boris Eifman, the founder of the group @ the Teatro degli Arcimboldi- Viale dell'Innovazione, 20 - 20126 Milano - on the 9th and 10th of may 2012 at 9pm
LATEST BOOK REVIEW
I have recently read "Seriously....I'm Kidding" by Ellen Degeneres - you can read my review of the book here
