Two lines ...

Just to keep record... After the unplanned visit to Italy, which was emotionally stressful but good to feel close to those few people who really count in my life, I have spent a productive professional fortnight, including a successful trip to Bristol to train some freelancer and some personal development activities, which were rewarding and gratifying if nothing more -- no pay rise or explicit promotion followed. From a personal point of view, I have spent two inept weeks. I came back with an empty hole in my heart and it will take time to readjust to this new grand-parentless reality. After all, it represents for me *the end of an era* ... This weekend will be dedicated to food, fashion and yoga to cheer me up ... A full report of it will be available on Monday.

This is why I go there at least three times a year ...

© Arnaud Frich ~ www.arnaudfrichphoto.com

Vue Panoramique de Paris

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How we spent St Valentine Day

... surrounded by @rt:

Valentine's night at Tate Modern Gallery

We saw three exhibitions: Kippenberg Exhibition; the Poetry and Dream Galleries hosting Surrealism and Beyond Surrealism; and Rachel Whiteread's Turbine Hall while sipping a sweet strawberry based Valentine cocktail. All very interesting. I particularly appreciated Kippenberg's social and, sometimes but not necessarily, political conception of art. In a sense, he went beyond Duchamp (the anti-artist for antonomasia) and Andy Wahrol's beliefs in that he not only embraced the credo that "everything/one can be art(ist)", but he also professed the concept that "every artist is also a human being".

We then shopped in the bookshop, and bought: The Great Bear by Simon Patterson, some postcards by Japanese artist Nara Yoshimoto, depicting the little girl below in several poses and variations, which both Lofty and I find really cute for her naughtiness but also quite ironically disturbing for her evil look. We also think that she resembles Ilsa (Lofty's youngest niece).

Oh, we also purchased the Bargain's Hunter London guide with the intention of exploring more of the capital's underground culture. I wanted to buy these three books as well: Love Poems; Frida Kahlo 's catalogue and Every Woman's Luck Book, but I didn't.

Finally, we watched a classic from 1945: Brief Encounter. If on one side I may agree with some of the spectators' comments that I caught soon after the screening, such as that it was not a very engaging film, or that it aged quite a lot, I enjoyed it precisely because it was an old style film dealing in an entertaining way with the interior turbulences of a woman having an extra-marriage affair in the forties England. As Lofty pointed out, some scenes were intentionally funny (for example all the woman's thoughts voiced aloud), while others were only funny for a contemporary audience who kept laughing at every slightly unusual incident (for example at the woman's mannerism proper of that time), and thus, to me, quite inappropriate.

All in all, a very stylish night indeed. UPDATE: Lofty got me the book Every Woman's Luck Book, and it is h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s... as well as scary for all the superstitions and luck predictions I was not aware about. And mind that this was written in the thirties, it is therefore part of the heritage of popular beliefs! Pictures, from above: Auguste Rodin The Kiss (detail) 1901-4 © Tate; © Estate Martin Kippenberger, Galerie Gisela Capitain, Cologne; © Nara Yoshimoto.

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I will be away for a few days because my granddad sadly passed away. Rest in peace, granddad!

Seven Songs

These days a music chain is going around the blogsphere. Superqueen kindly passed me on the ball, which I promptly caught. The rules read as follow: list seven songs which you particularly like at the moment, regardless the genre. The important thing is that they are songs you really enjoy. Then post them together with these instructions on your blog and nominate seven other people, to find out what they are currently listening to. So, in inverted chronological order, here is my selection, which includes an international (well, actually it's mainly British) and diverse musical scene. The songs are all very popular, nothing sophisticated or too refined, reflecting my inexperience in this field. I have simply based my choice on the successful mix of poignant contents and melodic tunes. 1. What if (2005) @ X&Y, by Coldplay Soft and meaningful tune from the most recent album by Chris Martin and his band, dealing with the uncertainties in life (and love) and encouraging to take the risk, no matter what. 2. Run @ Final Straw (2004, re-released UK version), by Snow Patrol I heard this song at Live8 in July last year and loved it. It is in my head since then. A tuneful music, a warm voice and an uplifting refrain made this song a successful business card for Snow Patrol into the realm of British pop rock. 3. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (2003) by Nancy Sinatra Part of the soundtrack of Kill Bill, Volume 1 (by Quentin Tarantino), this song evokes the vehement relationship with a man and the violent and devastating upshots in a nostalgical and resentful way. Her voice sounds subtly enraged and resigned at once, sensual and elegant at all time. 4. Bomb the World (2003) @ Everyone Deserves Music, by Michael Franti I do not generally like hip hop/rap music whatsoever, but when it is melted with jazz/raggae/ska sounds and executed by a good guy like Franti, it's all another music. Politically committed artist, MF spreads a humanitarian message of peace and love with his lyrics. Last time I saw him live here, two years ago, he was just back from a tour around Iraq. And this song was the product of his experience and awareness regarding that war. [MF shares also a passion with me: he practices Asthanga Vinyasa Yoga. A reason more to love him.] 5. Lucky (1997) @ OK Computer, by Radiohead Radiohead is the best example of rock music brought to high artistic levels. Forget the words (there is not much content when you read the lyrics), and join the emotions this pleasant lament can trigger. 6. It's Oh so Quiet (1995) @ Post, by Bjork This is a lovely song from one of my beloved artists, which reminds me the great swing jazz songs or the more sophisticated cabaret songs from the age of Art Deco. 7. I am the Resurrection (1987) by The Stone Roses Legendary 80s/90s band from Manchester, The Stone Roses slowly emerged into the scene of Brit pop to gain a place amongst the other popular bands, such as The Smiths and New Order, dominating the British musical scene of the time. The song I chose is a declaration of rejection and it is blameworthy of pride and vanity. However, just for for its narcisism and god-like pretence is a great and rousing song. Paradoxically, this is also the tune which was played (at the Monarch) when I met my man. Is it a case that Stone Roses are my partner's favourite band? These are not necessarily my all time most favourite songs (in which case, I would have at least mentioned Redemption Song by Bob Marley), but they are surely great songs feeding my soul these days. Faithful to the chain, I am now going to nominate seven people to continue this thread: LovelySalome for her deep interpretation of lyrics; the brothers Lofties (Senior and Junior); Peaky; FatRobot; Achmatova; and Gatto Nero. And below the lyrics:

1. What if

"What if there was no light Nothing wrong, nothing right What if there was no time And no reason or rhyme What if you should decide That you don’t want me there by your side That you don’t want me there in your life What if I got it wrong And no poem or song Could put right what I got wrong Or make you feel I belong What if you should decide That you don’t want me there by your side That you don’t want me there in your life Oooh, that’s right Let’s take a breath, jump over the side Oooh, that’s right How can you know it if you don’t even try Oooh, that’s right Every step that you take Could be your biggest mistake It could bend or it could break But that’s the risk that you take What if you should decide That you don’t want me there in your life That you don’t want me there by your side Ooh, that’s right Let’s take a breath, jump over the side Ooh, that’s right How can you know it when you don’t even try Ooh, that’s right Ooh, that’s right Let’s take a breath, jump over the side Ooh, that’s right You know the darkness always turns into light Ooh, that’s right" 2. Run

"I'll sing it one last time for you

Then we really have to go You've been the only thing that's right In all I've done And I can barely look at you But every single time I do I know we'll make it any where Away from here Light up, light up As if you have a choice Even if you can not hear my voice I'll be right beside you dear Louder, Louder And we'll run for our lives I can hardly speak I understand Why you can't raise your voice to say To think i might not see those eyes Makes it so hard not to cry And as we say our long goodbyes I nearly do Light up, light up As if you have a choice Even if you can not hear my voice I'll be right beside you dear Louder, Louder And we'll run for our lives I can hardly speak I understand Why you can't raise your voice to say Slower, slower We don't have time for that All I want's to find an easier way To get out of our little heads Have heart, my dear We're bound to be afraid Even if its just for a few days Making up for all this mess Light up, light up As if you have a choice Even if you can not hear my voice I'll be right beside you dear"

3. Bang Bang

I was five and he was six We rode on horses made of sticks He wore black and I wore white He would always win the fight Bang bang, he shot me down Bang bang, I hit the ground Bang bang, that awful sound Bang bang, my baby shot me down. Seasons came and changed the time When I grew up, I called him mine He would always laugh and say "Remember when we used to play?" Bang bang, I shot you down Bang bang, you hit the ground Bang bang, that awful sound Bang bang, I used to shoot you down. Music played, and people sang Just for me, the church bells rang. Now he's gone, I don't know why And till this day, sometimes I cry He didn't even say goodbye He didn't take the time to lie. Bang bang, he shot me down Bang bang, I hit the ground Bang bang, that awful sound Bang bang, my baby shot me down..."

4. Bomb the World

"Please tell me the reason

Behind the colors that you fly Love just one nation And the whole world we divide You say you're "sorry" Say, "there is no other choice" But god bless the people them Who cannot raise their voice

(chorus)

We can chase down all our enemies Bring them to their knees We can bomb the world to pieces But we can't bomb it into peace Whoa we may even find a solution To hunger and disease We can bomb the world to pieces But we can't bomb it into peace

Violence brings one thing More more of the same Military madness The smell of flesh and burning pain So i sing out to the masses Stand up if you're still sane! To all of us gone crazy I sing this one refrain (chorus)

And I sing power to the peaceful Love to the people y'all Power to the peaceful Love to the people y'all"

5. Lucky

"I'm on a roll I'm on a roll This time I feel my luck could change Kill my Sarah Kill me again With love It's gonna be a glorious day

Pull me out of the aircrash Pull me out of the lake I'm your superhero We are standing on the edge

The head of state Has called for me by name But I don't have time for him It's gonna be a glorious day I feel my luck could change

Pull me out of the aircrash Pull me out of the lake I'm your superhero We are standing on the edge We are standing on the edge"

6. It's Oh so Quiet

"it's, oh, so quiet it's, oh, so still you're all alone and so peaceful until...

you fall in love zing boom the sky up above zing boom is caving in wow bam you've never been so nuts about a guy you wanna laugh you wanna cry you cross your heart and hope to die

'til it's over and then it's nice and quiet but soon again starts another big riot

you blow a fuse zing boom the devil cuts loose zing boom so what's the use wow bam of falling in love

it's, oh, so quiet it's oh, so still you're all alone and so peaceful until...

you ring the bell bim bam you shout and you yell hi ho ho you broke the spell gee, this is swell you almost have a fit this guy is "gorge" and I got hit there's no mistake, this is it

'til it's over and then it's nice and quiet but soon again starts another big riot

you blow a fuse zing boom the devil cuts loose zing boom what's the use wow bam of falling in love

the sky caves in the devil cuts loose you blow blow blow blow blow your fuse when you've fallen in love

ssshhhhhh..."

7. I am the Resurrection

"Down down, you bring me down I hear you knocking at my door and I can’t sleep at night Your face, it has no place No room for you inside my house I need to be alone Don’t waste your words I don’t need anything from you I don’t care where you’ve been or what you plan to do Turn turn, I wish you’d learn There’s a time and place for everything I’ve got to get it through Cut loose, you’re no use I couldn’t stand another second in your company Don’t waste your words I don’t need anything from you I don’t care where you’ve been or what you plan to do Stone me, why can’t you see You’re a no-one nowhere washed up baby who’d look better dead Your tongue is far too long I don’t like the way it sucks and slurps upon my every word Don’t waste your words I don’t need anything from you I don’t care where you’ve been or what you plan to do I am the resurrection and I am the light I couldn’t ever bring myself to hate you as I’d like I am the resurrection and I am the light I couldn’t ever bring myself to hate you as I’d like"

Casablanca {1942}

Director: Michael Curtis

Written by: Murray Burnett; Joan Alison; Philip G. Epstein; Howard Koch

Main cast: Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman

Year: 1942

Country: USA

Language: English

Runtime: 102 min

Plot: In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former freedom fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca, the sycophantic police Captain Renault does what he can to please him, including detaining Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo. Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick's one time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran out on him in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan to run off together again using the letters of transit. Well, that was their original plan....
 

© Imdb

No matter how many 'nice' words you can fish to describe such a rare jewel, no praise could equal the enchant of this milestone in the cinema history. Since I have neither intention nor reason to challenge my own belief, I will keep it brief in the hope to seize part of its soul.

Casablanca is, on one side, the most subtle interpretation of second world war II's intrigues of corrupted officers and unscrupulous vultures; and, on the other side, an understated account of the hopes and despair of some 'privileged' fugitives. Amongst this iffy environment of conspiracy and mischief, the suggestive re-encounter of Rick (Bogy) and Ilsa (Bergman) takes place.

The city of Casablanca, deceptively alien to the conflicts which were tearing Europe apart, is a strategic point for overseas escape, and Rick’s club represent a magical shelter. If this latter is indeed theatre of conspiracy and compromises, is also oasis of momentarily oblivion for its guests and place of sorrowful reminiscences for Ilsa and Rick, made vivid by the pianist recurrently playing ‘their’ song: As Time Goes by (written by Herman Hupfeld and performed by Dooley Wilson).

Rick’s sarcasm and acute irony are as memorable as Ilsa’s sweetness and commotion, admirably performed by Bergman. In this regard, I have selected below a few extracts from the script which I found particularly amusing and representative of Rick’s attitude towards life in times of war.

"Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?
Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert.
Rick: I was misinformed."

" Major Strasser: Are you one of those people who cannot imagine the Germans in their beloved Paris?
Rick: It's not particularly my beloved Paris.
Heinz: Can you imagine us in London?
Rick: When you get there, ask me!
Captain Renault: Hmmh! Diplomatist!
Major Strasser: How about New York?
Rick: Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn't advise you to try to invade."

Rick's cynical attitude is counterbalanced by his extreme generosity, emotional vulnerability and unconditioned love for Ilsa, whose altruistic connotation is proved by the facts more than his words, resulting in a melancholic but commendable finale.

Lofty's birthday party at Zen Sai

Thanks for making last night a blast! Lofty enjoyed himself over the top, and this is what really counts.* I hope you did the same. *His only concern this morning was whether he made a fool of himself when he stood on the table singing after the New Order's song. : )

Happy Birthday, Loftino

Wanna see what it is in my bag?

Go here.

Diary: recap of these last few days

Francesca turned 29 in December, but decided to celebrate her birthday in January. Just back from an amazing trip in Brazil, she was in the mood for salsa and decided to celebrate it in a Brazilian club. After spending half of the night talking to our group of friends, I spent the other half staring... staring at the waving bottoms which floated before me. Well, I should have expected it, being in a salsa club, but I didn’t expect an enticing effect on me. I was captured by their movements. The whole thing was spoiled only by the realisation that we were not on a beach of a Brazilian coast, but in a club in one of the most corporative areas of London: Vauxhall. But then, I love London also for all these contradictions: a salsa night in a Brazilian club and all around contemporary buildings of glass and iron, the MI6 headquarters, sky-scrapers-style offices and a newly built futuristic tube station, can only happen in a city like London.

Saturday was spent in, watching a bit of telli and fighting with the kitchen in the attempt of delivering the tasty dinner promised to Zuza, Dan and Rich. The result: partly successful. The veggy polenta in ragu’ sauce (Bolognese sauce in Le Marche style) was great, perhaps a bit too flavoured with cloves, but Dan thought that this strongly aromatic spice was very wintery and perfectly fitted with the sauce. Thanks, Dan! The facts spoke for themselves: the polenta went down very well, so well that we devoured six portions in five. My second experiment was handmade strawberry ice cream. Since out of season, I struggled a bit in sourcing the strawberries and decided to mix them up with raspberries. The result: a bit too icy and not very creamy. However, once I passed the solid ice (cream) into the blender, a soft creamy straw/ras-berry sorbet came out. Lush! I also got a belated birthday present (my birthday was in August!) from Zuza, who I hadn’t seen since the summer (that’s London!): a lovely Planeadoor tee, colour cognac, designed by her Spanish boyfriend. Very appreciated! We concluded the afternoon with the vision of Edward Scissorhands, in preparation of the theatre adaptation I went and see yesterday night.

Satisfied with my cooking capabilities but annoyed by a persistent cough, I started my working week with contrasting feelings. At lunch time of Monday, when our yoga teacher didn’t turn up for a misunderstanding, my colleagues volunteered me to lead the class. I couldn’t refuse it because, first, I did want to do some yoga and, secondly, this was the right occasion to prove myself in this yearned field. So, still resenting from the big dinner of the day before and with my voice constantly threatened by an incurring cough, I led my companions through one hour of asanas. All in all, it went well. Fortunately, they were not beginners, so they knew already most of the positions’ names. The only critique I received was about rhythm and timing: I made them hold each pose for a bit too long: too concentrated in adjusting people poses, I kept losing count of the seconds. The fact is that I really wanted to establish a contact with my (for a day) students and communicate them my energies, always in the total respect of their bodies because I like to make it clear: I am not, or better wouldn’t be, one of those teachers forcing his/her yogi into their positions. However, this didn’t justify me for my inexperience which was paid by my colleague’s aching bodies. Auch!

On Tuesday I went to Spanish and enjoyed the class. We talk more than in the previous two courses, and our teacher is gradually abandoning English. Two new Italian guys (Francesco and Marco) joined us, and Zuza came back after a long absence.

What's more? Oh, yes. On Wednesday, a real fire alarm woke us up from our desks and called us outside in the freezing weather. It was 4.30pm. We hanged around the office for half an hour before going back inside, but only to switch the PC off and take our stuff. There was a pungent smell of smoke all over the offices. What happened? No clue except that the fire was coming from the smelly Japanese restaurant located underneath our building. After this mini-adventure Fiona and I headed to Camden to watch Match Point (review to follow). I came back home to find a bottle and a message which reads like this:

"Silvia This is a sore throat medicine Itunes installed, read instructions on how to use Pasta on hob I’m watching football with Rich”

What do you want more in life?

Yesterday night Amanda and I finally went to the Sadler's Wells for the Edward Scissorhands performance (review on soon). It was my first dance-theatre experience, and immensely enjoyed it.

This morning, I was feeling rough, but helped by my yppie-poddy’s music, I dragged myself to the office only to find that there was a power cut. What is going on? Did our company’s high managers get a curse? After lingering around for a couple of hours, we were allowed to go back home. I spent most of this afternoon in bed. And loved it.

Du yu laik it?

I finally joined the world of i-podders. I own one as well. His name is yppie-poddy. It is small, light, quick, discreet, sexy in optic white and capable of containing heaps of videos, photos and fifteen thousands of songs! So far I have downloaded St Germain, Stone Roses and David Bowie only and keep listening to the same albums over and over again. But I hope that my eclectic tastes will be widen by this revolutionary thingy. The list of music I want to insert is long--basically anything I can think of and anything I hear about will go in. Du yu laik it?