Bailey Alexander

Ron Paul Really is the only anti-Romney

Contrary to MSM wisdom (oxymoron, you decide) it's already become a two-man race.

Of the 2,286 total Republican delegates, 1,144 are needed to win the nomination.

In five (5) States: Virginia, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Illinois, Gingrich and Santorum are not even on the ballot. That’s 564 delegates they CAN'T get.

After South Carolina, only 59 delegates have been allocated to the 4 candidates. Mitt Romney has 39 of those. This means Santorum or Gingrich has to pick up 1,144 delegates from the remaining 1,683.

Just to play, let's say that Paul only picks up 20% of the total number of delegates–(bet he'll do better) but for the sake of exercise, let’s pick 20%. That’s 457 delegates for Paul. Add to that the 564 Newt and Santorum won’t have a chance. (blessed be to god)

Prego. Here we have 1,021 delegates, delegates Santorum and Gingrich haven't a chance (inshallah aside).

Subtract that 1,021 from the total 2,286 and you’re left with 1,265 delegates.

That means (drum roll, svp) Gingrich and Santorum, one or the other, have to pick up over 90% of the available delegates to get the nomination.

Allora. We're down to Paul and Romney. A vote for Gingrich and Santorum is a wasted vote!!!!

A vote for Paul is not a wasted vote!!!!!!!!!!!

Dresden; Setting fire to a Jewel Box

I relish "live" history lessons, the ones learned while driving through Europe, the kind that unfold along with the landscape, either in a car or on a train. They tend to enter the mind and imagination slowly, gradually securing their seat in the psyche permanently.

These pieces of history are often sad, sometimes inspirational, others so devastating they blow the mind and fall heavily into the heart, forever. 

Yesterday we drove from Holland to Prague, across Germany, entering East Germany through 'the tunnel of unity', passing Leipzig, then arriving at Dresden; a cultural mecca for music, art and architecture, a city once called the "Jewel Box"...

...until Feb 13, 1945, that fateful and particularly cruel evening, when the allied forces bombed Dresden, when the British and American forces set fire to this Jewel Box, killing 57 thousand people in one night.

To suggest it was highly controversial is without debate.  

Boing Boing via O-Reilly Radar

The President's challenge: What more does government want — or deserve — from the tech world?

By Nat Torkington at 10:16 pm Monday, Jan 23

There's an old joke. Heavy rains start and a neighbour pulls up in his truck. "Hey Bob, I'm leaving for high ground. Want a lift?" Bob says, "No, I'm putting my faith in God." Well, waters rise and pretty soon the bottom floor of his house is under water. Bob looks out the second story window as a boat comes by and offers him a lift. "No, I'm putting my faith in God." The rain intensifies and floodwaters rise and Bob's forced onto the roof. A helicopter comes, lowers a line, and Bob yells "No, I'm putting my faith in God."

Well, Bob drowns. He goes to Heaven and finally gets to meet God. "God, what was that about? I prayed and put my faith in you, and I drowned!"

God says, "I sent you a truck, a boat, and a helicopter! What the hell more did you want from me?"

As SOPA looked shakier, the President handed a challenge to the technical community:

"Washington needs to hear your best ideas about how to clamp down on rogue Web sites and other criminals who make money off the creative efforts of American artists and rights holders," reads Saturday's statement. "We should all be committed to working with all interested constituencies to develop new legal tools to protect global intellectual property rights without jeopardizing the openness of the Internet. Our hope is that you will bring enthusiasm and know-how to this important challenge."

All I can think is: we gave you the Internet. We gave you the Web. We gave you MP3 and MP4. We gave you e-commerce, micropayments, PayPal, Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, the iPad, the iPhone, the laptop, 3G, wifi--hell, you can even get online while you're on an AIRPLANE. What the hell more do you want from us?

Take the truck, the boat, the helicopter, that we've sent you. Don't wait for the time machine, because we're never going to invent something that returns you to 1965 when copying was hard and you could treat the customer's convenience with contempt.

Republished with permission from O'Reilly Radar

 

 

Obama formally accepts party nomination at Bank of America

Obama to accept nomination at Bank of America stadium.

Makes sense....

What fresh hell has Israel wrought today...

Well, this month Atlanta Jewish Times writes it might be time to assassinate the President of the United States, if only to preserve Israel and head off a nuclear strike from Iran. 

A snippet:

In a Jan. 13 column, Adler, who is also the paper's publisher, outlined what he said were three possible responses by Israel to Iran's acquiring a nuclear weapon: a pre-emptive strike against Hamas and Hezbollah, terrorist groups that he said would be emboldened by a nuclear Iran; a direct strike on Iran; and "three, give the go-ahead for U.S.-based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel in order for the current vice president to take his place, and forcefully dictate that the United States policy includes its helping the Jewish state obliterate its enemies."

He continued: "Yes, you read 'three' correctly. Order a hit on a president in order to preserve Israel's existence. Think about it. If I have thought of this Tom Clancy-type scenario, don't you think that this almost unfathomable idea has been discussed in Israel's most inner circles?"

Earlier in the month we read and watch as Orthodox Jews spit on 8 year old American girls in Israel. I know several Jewish women that are alarmed at their misogynistic behavior but this takes it to another level.

Inshallah; Hanaa Ben Abdesslem

Tunisian model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem has been announced as the newLancôme face, becoming the first Muslim model for the brand ever. 

Italian cruise ship nightmare.

The visual alone took my breath away.

This tragic news item inspired so many images, memories, having spent enough time sailing, cruising along various Italian coasts.  

I'm keenly reminded how much more dangerous life becomes the closer your boat floats towards land. 

Iron Lady; Meryl Streep's compassionate take on the conviction style politician.

I was surprised by how quiet the film felt, how The Iron Lady remained relatively silent about so many issues surrounding such a forceful and compelling woman. 

A good film, emotional, as much about its subject as it is about Meryl Streep's moving portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. 

Perhaps too obvious as I shake my head in endless admiration, regarding both the actress and politician: "What a woman!"

Streep is so technically brilliant it's impossible to deny her emotional insistence, her adroit ability of imposing a layer of warmth and meaning upon a woman intent on ideas, on change, on making her mark when women played such a minor role in political life.  

I remember Thatcher's era, having lived in London in the mid 80's. I may have lived less than a year but my time was filled with intense memories and events unfolding almost daily.

I had little clue let alone focus on my future, fantasizing about becoming a playwright after studying at the University of London for a semester, interning at a fringe theatre in east London. It was insanely fun and eerily stark at the same time; I was not only living with a card carrying labor party member and activist, a man known today as much for his mind as his acting ability, but I was surrounded by one very colorful and illustrious theatrical crowd. And yes, they almost all loathed Margaret Thatcher.

Ana Marie Coz and Melinda Henneberger; too few female political bloggers in DC...

I wondered where she went, that snarky chick, the one who started the political blog Wonkette. Such a clever girl, too elusive to categorize, having written the kind of blessays capable of inspiring love or hate and little in between; so deliciously low, left leaning and deeply satirical; american style.

Ron Paul: Perhaps we can't handle the truth.

Don't get me wrong, I understand perfectly well why people find Libertarianism a cold and harsh philosophy. It requires a massive amount of self-reliant behavior. 

If I hadn't grown up in Seattle I might not be as receptive, the Emerald City was such an entrepreneurial state of mind. I didn't know anyone that worked or relied on the government. I suppose that's part of the reason today's climate appears so startling, to realize the number of people that rely on the government; as client, or employer, to intervene on their behalf, to take care of them.

Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi on the 2012 election.

Matt Taibbi always provides a great, easy, succinct read. The candidate with the most money wins. Ideas, pas importante. Precisely why Ron Paul is cast aside, Paul and his silly obsession with civil liberties. 

Glenn Greenwald; Progressives and the Ron Paul Fallacies

Absolutely fantastic article in Salon. A must read even if most won't...

Isn't that the truth, ctd...

"Whatever else one wants to say, it is indisputably true that Ron Paul is the only political figure with any sort of a national platform — certainly the only major presidential candidate in either party — who advocates policy views on issues that liberals and progressives have long flamboyantly claimed are both compelling and crucial.

The converse is equally true: the candidate supported by liberals and progressives and for whom most will vote — Barack Obama — advocates views on these issues (indeed, has taken action on these issues) that liberals and progressives have long claimed to find repellent, even evil.

(oh, and of course, at the end of the article, GG notes, of course, Obama signed the NDAA, a specific continuation of Bush/Cheney policy)

Bestiality and the NDAA; if you want to marry your donkey, now you can.

Not only can an American be murdered anywhere on the planet, without any rights whatsoever, apparently this bill also permits serviceman to have sex with a donkey, or whatever his pleasure.  This bill still awaits signature as of Dec 30th but it's expected to be signed by Obama.  Indefinite detention without trial, for everyone.

Ron Paul; At least he served his country.

 

No Hogmanay for moi.

Mio marito's too sick to travel so we've had to cancel our plans, we're no longer off to the UK for New Years. Flights were booked, dog-sitter set, alas, but no.

This makes me terribly sad for several reasons. When I, as an American get to engage in what feels like Gosford Park, (without the murder, certo) it's like going into the past, a perfectly pleasant past when England was great and manners meant the world. 

China and Japan; major currency wars, major deals, major signals.

Major news item outlining the latest drama in the currency wars. One can't underestimate the significance:

Globalization; good for the globe, not so great for the nation state.

It seems so swift, yet suddenly you can't help but notice, an entirely new tribe touring right alongside.

It happens so quickly. For example, a few years ago, Chinese tourists everywhere, so many more than before, enjoying the gorgeous environs of Northern Italy. 

In Venice, Verona and of course, Milan, so many Asians it was almost startling, if only because I hadn't seen so many Asians before, in Northern Italy.

Certainly a strong indicator of an emerging middle class. You can literally see their economic ascent, some moving full time to Italy, industrious, moving their lives, as we had a few years before.  

Yesterday we arrived back from Austria. While at the Spa, in Tirol, unlike our

last visit, we saw several Russians, their families having a great time, enjoying the thermal baths, they'd jump out of the pools, lay in the ice surrounding the outside baths, maximizing the benefits of the body circulation concept. A father or son would lay in the snow for as long as possible, teasing one another, goading for as long as possible, then diving back into the thermal pools. Fun stuff as most of the guests are German, the odd English couple, some Portuguese, several French.  

Salzburgerin on Bachmann and Palin: "Ze vimen are pretty but zer ugly yah?"

I love to visit cemeteries. Here in Salzburg the oldest Catholic one is called Petersfriedhof. It's uber elegant and atmospheric, allegedly the von Trapp family hid behind their ornate, black wrought iron gates.  Allegedly.

On Christmas Eve, after visiting familiar destinations like Cafe Bazar and Cafe Tomaselli with mio marito I wandered back into the cemetery, alone, mid afternoon.

I find them particularly interesting in Paris, Northern Italy, Germany and Prague, peaceful and solemn; a refuge to contemplate life and its cycles.

The Italians adorn their headstones with pictures of family members, the French express their respect with statues and effects, the Germans and Austrians boast pristine  arrangements atop the grave with fir branches, candles and pansies (they represent thought), lovingly tended to with miniature Christmas trees this time of year.

Salzburg; time to put the Salz back into the burg.

Haven't been back since 2009 but hit the salt mines this time.

The Hallein Mines are fascinating, claustrophobic and when I posted them on FB, I received some thoughtful messages from people that had family in other salt in other countries, people responsible for implementing safety measures, safer machinary.

I can assure you, getting on that little train and heading over 400 meters into the mountain made me appreciate the meaning in those private messages all the more...

Back @ the Aqua Dome in the Austrian Alps...

There are spas and then there's Aqua Dome. 

Time is best spent roaming outdoor thermals, from sulfur to salt to sprudel (lots of bubbles) floating in the circular pools until you can't handle admiring the Alps any more...

The other half of the spa is sauna central, no textiles allowed; a al nu, nacht, naked which takes time for this american prude to get used to, but I do, soon, gently eager to engage in every single item offered on the menu. 

How the Dutch deal with an economic crisis.

Recent conversation with Dutch friend at Chez Bay. 

Me: "So how's the economic crisis hitting Holland, I hear people are more grateful for their jobs these days, working longer than the traditional 9-5 five day work week. Historically pretty wealthy, work available for all, now, perhaps, not so much?"

He: "Well, one example, it used to be, when we were sick we would just call in and not come to work, now we go into work, they see we are sick, then send us home."

The UK and the US

Still a strong bond and so many movies to support said fact. Re-visited a personal fave last night called 84, Charing Cross Road.

Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins are perfectly cast. The movie is nostalgic, dear and I'd forgotten all the lovely poems.  

Including this one by W. B. Yeats:

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.

EU and UK; an arranged truce, until now.

Der Spiegel presents a calm and rationale way of looking at the Failure of a Forced Marriage". 

It was forced, of course, but if living in Europe for the past decade has taught me anything, its the lack of cultural overlap between the EU and the UK. 

Perhaps that little 'bridge' from London allows francophiles to imbibe in the Parisian lifestyle and vice versa, who doesn't love London. And Paris.

Deliciously shabby chic environs...

Amsterdam's Alice in Wonderful quality insists this city, or rather this village still boast a dizzying array of eclectic and funky shops.

Shops full of odd and random musical instruments, one replete with one-off antiques, the next full of creative holiday decorations, paraphernalia galore...finally I bought a little something at this store I've been walking by for almost a year, lovely, fun used stuff; sterling silver serving items, colorful crystal goblets, vases, its just fun to walk inside and imbibe the cluttered shabby chic environs...

Hillary Clinton channels the Manchurian candidate...

If you're not bombarded by the media, if you get some distance, like I do, from across the pond, she's become, her role, her voice, almost unbearable...what happened to Hillary...

Glenn Greenwald:

"Hypocrisy from the U.S. Government — having U.S. officials self-righteously impose standards on other countries which they routinely violate — is so common and continuous that the vast majority of examples do not even merit notice. But sometimes, it is so egregious and shameless — and sufficiently consequential — that it should not go unobserved.

Watching Europe in crisis...

...is like watching life in slow motion. Or this song.

Compelling and amusing in an existential sort of way. In that emphatically didactic Brechtian Kurt Wheil Threepenny Opera Mack The Knife kinda way.

And. Contrary to all the conspiracy theories, the anglo press, ecetera, ecetera, ecetera, Europeans have little issue with Germany running the money, in fact, they're all bending over backwards to follow their model.  

Melancholia; a religion reviews.

I found the latest film by Lars von Trier so visually stimulating, the topics so intriguing that after watching the movie I looked for movie reviews, if only to re-live it another way.

The articles appeared vague and confusing as if the topic of depression was too depressing to review. And then I tripped over a 'review' written by a Catholic in a weekly magazine called America. It's a lovely read as he avoids applying religious doctrine for much of the piece, ironically making it seem more 'christian' in both feeling and compassion. Refreshing in this random, violent world, filled to the brim with judgment.  

Paris; back in the land of 'amuse bouches'...

 

Pleasure and pain...

Life is being awfully kind at present as I get to spend another week in Paris. This trip combines biz and romance; separate biz, romance very much ensemble avec mon mari.  Prior pics from our prior address in Paris; a city that inspires like no other, other than Roma....

However, one has to balance the practical with the sublime and visiting la lumiere feels more fun; banking and business is easier in Amsterdam, which brings us to the banking crisis, naturally.

Italy's taking a beating, listening to outside analysis is pointless, no one understands Italy but Italy, we shall see...but its hard to watch the markets pound them at 7.8%. Comparing Italy, which is not bankrupt, to Greece and co, which is, appears pointless. Ireland wasn't, but they were forced to sign up to their banks debt, but banks, being banks, refuse to accepts losses.

Alan Moore: The Man behind The Mask

The Author discusses the message, the image and the tricky tightrope he must walk in The Guardian:

"It turns protests into performances. The mask is very operatic; it creates a sense of romance and drama. I mean, protesting, protest marches, they can be very demanding, very gruelling. They can be quite dismal. They're things that have to be done, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're tremendously enjoyable – whereas actually, they should be."

Gerald Celente, a regular guest on Alex Jones, explains away. Ominous.

I love how Celente, an Italian-American, dismisses the "white shoe boys" and their way of painting Italy as the land of corruption...Italy has nothing on Wall Street.

Learning to listen to Alex Jones.

I like podcastland. My progressive left memes are re-enforced by Amy Goodman and for my far right, evangelical listening pleasure there is but one Alex Jones. 

Amy Goodman & co are natural extensions of a political lifestyle while growing up along the west coast. Alex Jones, on the other hand, presents a bit of a challenge.

I found his voice while living aboard our sailboat in Venice back in 2010. It was a solitary existence in northern Italy, finite and nice because I knew it to be finite. Our teak salon and deck chairs created a calm environment; my time was spent differently, as if I had more than I had before. 

So, for three hours each day I'd listen to this guy called Alex Jones, from Austin, Texas of all places, his voice so uniquely passionate and very, very rare. 

An immesely entertaining guy, kinda like the Italians. When they try to be funny, they fail, when they're naturally engaged; nothing less than sublime. Little surprise Alex has many Italian fans.   

We dismiss Ron Paul at our own peril.

 

I received an email from a passionate libertarian. Many tend to be passionate and very articulate, often specific and nuanced when in political debate. 

Meryl Streep channels Maggie Thatcher.

The Guardian: "Politicians, ugly buildings and whores," growled John Huston in Chinatown. "They all get respectable if they last long enough."

The Iron Lady makes its subject appear not merely respectable but poignant and sympathetic to boot: a woman who wanted nothing more than to change the world and make children happy (her children specifically). It leaves her shuffling plaintively from room to room, the legend at rest, or being examined by her doctor, who asks her how she feels.

"Feelings?" scoffs Thatcher. Feelings do no not interest her. Thoughts and ideas are what matter the most. "What we think is what we become. And I think I am fine." The Iron Lady, to a fault, seems to think that as well.

Penn State, Banksters and Perspective

I'm sure many people might agree Penn State's child abuse scandal isn't an isolated case, we've thousands of institutions protecting their image for all the wrong reasons. 

We're simply overwhelmed by the rate they expose our scars in modern times.  We're so concerned with whatever it is we're concerned with on any given day; our reputation, our situational morality, our livelihood, our own precious lives, so much more precious than others, apparently.  

And then a point in time arrives when life sinks so low that perspective raises its philosophical head as if to insist we're each complicit in our own special way. Doing the best we can, certainly with the very best of intentions, always.     

Once upon a time Orson Welles, America's most lovable renaissance man provided Chaplin with an idea for a film. Welles, the son of a bon viveur and sedulous globetrotter, whose mother's salon introduced introduced him to Art, Stravinsky and Ravel, a kid who met Hitler at 9, a man who could declare with eyewitness authority that Beijing and Peking were the two artistic centres of the world, yes, that man, our boy Orson provided perspective for a Charlie Chaplin film.

To be a amongst renaissance men...

A paid writing gig provides ample rationale to train it down to Paris for one long, luxurious day. To begin the process of collecting details to profile the kind of guy that could be construed as a Renaissance Man, the learned kind we once called Humanist.  

We meet in the 8th arrondissement, at the France-Amerique Club, a novel experience I'd never enjoyed while living in Paris, such lovely facilities with a long and luxurious history, befitting to this meeting.   

I feel fortunate to know a few Renaissance types but me thinks this species is diminishing, as if their extinction looms on the horizon or so it seems to me.

The pedigree arrives in various forms yet traditionally a typical renaissance sort boasts not only a comprehensive education, excelling in a variety of subjects, but athletic pursuits may play a part if only to make their broad education that much more comprehensive.

Such was the kind of Renaissance Man I met in Paris at the France Amerique club. Too bad there aren't more to go around. His grasp of history and economics is vital, a 'major player' as they say on the global stage. He's the kind of guy you can't google for discretion is key.  

He works on all continents, lives on a plane. Invited to the Jockey Club in Hong Kong one week, asked to  present a lecture on Peak Oil to the House of Commons the next. These guys don't grow on trees but I wish they did.

Glenn Greenwald on the cycles of journalism.

Glenn Greenwald's chat with David Talbot on fora.tv explains away the transformation of American media. We've sure come a long way baby since 

Continue reading "Glenn Greenwald on the cycles of journalism. " »

And here I thought I couldn't stand synthesizer euro-pop. But it lends so beautifully to this flic, each scene ethereal, gorgeous and melodic, front to finish.  

Perhaps three simple concepts make this movie sublime; music, chemistry and the soothing aspect of time while driving. 

Unlike Europeans, who tend to chat with their kids over dinner, American parents get some of their best information on the road.  

Driving often provides an idyllic setting for candid conversation, the confined area creating a concentrated space for language to flow, on the road, at a peaceful pace. Quality over quantity.

Today's itinerary ran the gamut, from absurdest writer to hedonistic gypsy with a cup of chocolate fondue in between. As If I'd died and gone to heaven. 

Prague and Paris are Europe's two most visited cities, each full of fantastic distractions. Nota Bene: Prague is far more affordable than La Lumiere. 

We meandered over to the posh district where Franz Kafka's museum lives, a mecca I'd visited before.  Perhaps the existential writer would appreciate the notion Godot has arrived.

This city of old souls, torment, multiple cultures and communities shift through the city's imagination.  Not unlike Rome and its seven hills, a city in the basin cut in two by the Vlata. 

Peklo Restaurant, as atmospheric as the name implies, peklo meaning inferno or hell...I order a local wine and enjoy roasted duck and red cabbage. Again, heaven. 

 

 

1st day in Prague is great, weather's getting cold, ambiance so deliciously different from Amsterdam; a magnificent city, indeed.

As lovely Satine in Moulin Rouge knows all too well, death arrives in the end, however, until then, there's a state of mind to occupy called Bohemia, full of truth, love, freedom and beauty.  

Alas, prior to 'occupy Prague', one must mentally prepare for the overnight train experience, this trip from Amsterdam to Bohemia.

Night trains are a trip, I've taken my share, from Rome to Paris a few times...a midnight knock on on your door, your passport taken away until the very next day, so atmospheric, full of mischief makers, colorful and funky characters...

Hey, let's go...

 

 

Rick's article discusses epiphanies, politics, helping Asian Bitcoin players from getting harassed, stepping down from the Pirate Party and 40 year cycles.

Many ideas an much of Rick's political philosophy emanate from 40 year cycles; for instance, 40 yrs ago it was environmentally based, now the youth are concerned with privacy and copyright policy as well.  No coincidence he's effectively legislating these ideas into European Parliament. In Sweden, Germany and next they will focus on Switzerland, a land that takes democracy very, very seriously.

His article ends with:  

Therefore, I ended by asking for a favor. “Forty years from now, those of us who are still around, I’d like to ask you for a favor“, I said. “Odds are that when our parties are flooded with career politicians forty years from now, and we are living comfortably in our retirements, a bunch of spoiled young brats will organize out of nowhere and appear to demand everything for free in ways that are both reprehensible and incomprehensible.”

“Help them.”

 

Rick is a man with many ideas, many of which are finding their way into people's lives as well as European Parliaments. 

Falkvinge discusses the myths:

Patent monopolies were an instrument during the guild era that regulated how knowledge could pass from master artisans to their apprentices. For some reason, this monopolization on knowledge and brake on innovation has survived into the free enterprise age, after 1850.

Many people have a lot of preconceptions about patent monopolies that aren’t true, just like a lot of people had preconceptions about the necessity of copyright before file sharing became widespread and people experienced it first hand. Most people don’t have first hand experience in patents, so this is an attempt to tackle the most common myths and misconceptions.

"Why spend 5 hours driving to and from Brussels for lunch?" If you have to ask, you don't live in Amsterdam.

Yes, yes the Dutch are great to engage in business, boasting a high likability quotient, wanting contracts to work, literal, diplomatic and one dimensional, this is an egalitarian society. I'm sure they've occasional flings with cooking, somewhere.

I hope we didn't shoot him like a dog, but we probably did...that's how gov'ts roll...

Robert Fisk covers the topsy turvy history of this man in The Independent:

We loved him. We hated him. Then we loved him again. Blair slobbered over him. Then we hated him again. Then La Clinton slobbered over her BlackBerry and we really hated him even more again. Let us all pray that he wasn't murdered. "Died of wounds suffered during capture." What did that mean? 

He was a crazy combination of Don Corleone and Donald Duck... 

"Allow it." As uttered in the funny new sci-fi flick "Attack The Block"

"Drive" is one melodic cruise.

And here I thought I couldn't stand synthesizer euro-pop. But it lends so beautifully to this flic, each scene ethereal, gorgeous and melodic, front to finish.  

Perhaps three simple concepts make this movie sublime; music, chemistry and the soothing aspect of time while driving. 

Unlike Europeans, who tend to chat with their kids over dinner, American parents get some of their best information on the road.  

Driving often provides an idyllic setting for candid conversation, the confined area creating a concentrated space for language to flow, on the road, at a peaceful pace. Quality over quantity.

Prague: Kafka to Carmen, a bittersweet symphony.

Today's itinerary ran the gamut, from absurdest writer to hedonistic gypsy with a cup of chocolate fondue in between. As If I'd died and gone to heaven. 

Prague and Paris are Europe's two most visited cities, each full of fantastic distractions. Nota Bene: Prague is far more affordable than La Lumiere. 

We meandered over to the posh district where Franz Kafka's museum lives, a mecca I'd visited before.  Perhaps the existential writer would appreciate the notion Godot has arrived.

This city of old souls, torment, multiple cultures and communities shift through the city's imagination.  Not unlike Rome and its seven hills, a city in the basin cut in two by the Vlata. 

Peklo Restaurant, as atmospheric as the name implies, peklo meaning inferno or hell...I order a local wine and enjoy roasted duck and red cabbage. Again, heaven. 

Prague on water...

Prague; The magic of leaves...

 

 

Prague; the course, currency and leaves have all changed...

1st day in Prague is great, weather's getting cold, ambiance so deliciously different from Amsterdam; a magnificent city, indeed.

Off to Prague in search of those Bohemian ideals...

As lovely Satine in Moulin Rouge knows all too well, death arrives in the end, however, until then, there's a state of mind to occupy called Bohemia, full of truth, love, freedom and beauty.  

Alas, prior to 'occupy Prague', one must mentally prepare for the overnight train experience, this trip from Amsterdam to Bohemia.

Night trains are a trip, I've taken my share, from Rome to Paris a few times...a midnight knock on on your door, your passport taken away until the very next day, so atmospheric, full of mischief makers, colorful and funky characters...

Hey, let's go...

 

 

Rick Falkvinge and those 40 year cycles

Rick's article discusses epiphanies, politics, helping Asian Bitcoin players from getting harassed, stepping down from the Pirate Party and 40 year cycles.

Many ideas an much of Rick's political philosophy emanate from 40 year cycles; for instance, 40 yrs ago it was environmentally based, now the youth are concerned with privacy and copyright policy as well.  No coincidence he's effectively legislating these ideas into European Parliament. In Sweden, Germany and next they will focus on Switzerland, a land that takes democracy very, very seriously.

His article ends with:  

Therefore, I ended by asking for a favor. “Forty years from now, those of us who are still around, I’d like to ask you for a favor“, I said. “Odds are that when our parties are flooded with career politicians forty years from now, and we are living comfortably in our retirements, a bunch of spoiled young brats will organize out of nowhere and appear to demand everything for free in ways that are both reprehensible and incomprehensible.”

“Help them.”

 

Rick Falkvinge: 10 Myths about Patents

Rick is a man with many ideas, many of which are finding their way into people's lives as well as European Parliaments. 

Falkvinge discusses the myths:

Patent monopolies were an instrument during the guild era that regulated how knowledge could pass from master artisans to their apprentices. For some reason, this monopolization on knowledge and brake on innovation has survived into the free enterprise age, after 1850.

Many people have a lot of preconceptions about patent monopolies that aren’t true, just like a lot of people had preconceptions about the necessity of copyright before file sharing became widespread and people experienced it first hand. Most people don’t have first hand experience in patents, so this is an attempt to tackle the most common myths and misconceptions.

Countries and Patents

Lunch in Brussels at Le Bruneau

"Why spend 5 hours driving to and from Brussels for lunch?" If you have to ask, you don't live in Amsterdam.

Yes, yes the Dutch are great to engage in business, boasting a high likability quotient, wanting contracts to work, literal, diplomatic and one dimensional, this is an egalitarian society. I'm sure they've occasional flings with cooking, somewhere.

Drinkies, dinner and a lovely sunset w/mio marito @Hotel Mint in Amsterdam

"You can't blame Gaddafi for thinking he was one of the good guys"

I hope we didn't shoot him like a dog, but we probably did...that's how gov'ts roll...

Robert Fisk covers the topsy turvy history of this man in The Independent:

We loved him. We hated him. Then we loved him again. Blair slobbered over him. Then we hated him again. Then La Clinton slobbered over her BlackBerry and we really hated him even more again. Let us all pray that he wasn't murdered. "Died of wounds suffered during capture." What did that mean? 

He was a crazy combination of Don Corleone and Donald Duck... 

Two words and one movie explain away the London Riots.

"Allow it." As uttered in the funny new sci-fi flick "Attack The Block"