Many Happy Returns

That's it - I'm declaring the demise of the ball-point pen. Not only am I writing my stuff using my computer, I do not even store files locally.

As for Google, I think I know fairly well how they deal with all the zeroes and ones. I have about 3TB of space - and absolutely no idea what's there.

Bitter Poem

Pjesma gorka (BITTER POEM by Dobriša Cesarić;
translated by Davor Juričić in 2012)


What's so cold, and bitter, and grey
That grows in my soul like ivy?
Is it dusk? Really dusk already?
Or just a shadow, passing and savvy?

What now? To babble as if glad,
To hide wounds behind humour;
As if one could hide anything bad:
Sorrow is sorrow, and tumor is tumor.

Dear man! You, who have yet to come,
And light up the world with your heart,
Don't fool yourself and let not be fooled -
Fold down your wings and tear them apart!

Local fiests are funny brawls,
And folk howl, rave and rile.
Fate, that pours wine to others,
To you, it will pour bile.

Well, drink up, buddy, drink, 
And try not to be melancholy-bound.
Don't fret, after each sip,
Your neighbour will bring the next round.

Almodovar

Just finished the latest one entitled the Skin I Live in.

More man-to-woman, this time involving an elaborate scheme of family tragedies and a scene of kidnapping and subsequent forced sex change.

I'm sure the master is taking psychoanalysis but it's not doing him good. Mere two stars, and this is stretched to the second on account of soothing music. And more: I'll steal texts from youngsters when I'm hopefully sixty to sound differently or otherwise stop writing altogether.

Pjesma gorka

Translation - here.


Što je to hladno, i gorko, i sivo
Što niče u duši kao korov njen?
Je li to suton? Zbilja već suton?
Il samo prolazna sjen?

Što sada? Brbljati vesele riječi,
Skrivati rane za humor;
Ko da se išta sakrivanjem liječi:
Tuga je tuga, a umor je umor.

Mili moj! Ti, koji dolaziš za mnom,
Da srcem oko sebe osvijetliš svijet,
Nemoj se varat i ne daj se varat -
Odreži krila pružena za let!

Na domaćoj gozbi su čudna veselja,
I pjano se bunca i buči.
Sudbina, što drugima nalijeva vina,
Tebi će naliti žuči.

Pa pij je, dragi, pij i pij,
I čuvaj se melankolije.
Ne boj se, poslije gutljaja svakog
Susjed će spremno da dolije.

Dobriša Cesarić

From Politics to Poetry, Not Vice Versa.

I read an article in Huff today which quite alarmed me: apparently, current congressional suport in the US is at an all-time low of 9%. This sounds as low as in the land of Coruptia, as Croatia had been facetiously nicknamed prior to the recent change.
Moreover, the writer predicts a swift "something" that might not happen as early as 2012, but that Washington would be surprised by it, as always.

What I do however know, from a Croatian perspective heavily paid in 1990s, is that you're absolutely down and out when others come to help. There's even a folk staple joke saying to the effect: "Please don't help me any more."
Well, I'm no prophet or politician, so that's about the sole advice I can offer.
I'll post a great Croatian poem to the effect. Funny how a horrible insight can be transformed into a pleasant aesthetic experience. I'll try to translate it tomorrow.

Secret to Good Conversation at a Party

How convenient to publish, I mouthed the cliche.
Next one came from you.
We laughed at how cheap we were:
It's anyways not about what we say,
It's the little outrage that we play.

Fine Art

A Courbet moment:

A Tuke moment:

2012

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ -

HAPPY NEW YEAR: YOU CAN NOW BE DETAINED INDEFINITELY

-

Davor Spills the Beans

Remember those writing assignments we had in school? This one, after 20 years of not doing it, is entitled My Worldview. I should hope for a C at least.


I am a kid born under socialism and have still not read the Bible, though I have three different versions, being a book collector. I took a Buddhism course at a US college. I think Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox issue is funny and deplorable. When it comes to Copts, it's downright bizzare. I would decree that church in Croatia be encouraged and confined to charity and saving souls; I have merely been baptised but I have a liking for Jesus. I find ritual degrading. I have a strong dislike for organised anything. There's a Croatian writer who quoted a German philosopher and they say one is warm among humans but it stinks. I like the aesthetics of this statement. I am against just about any government in the world and think they should do more. I like Assange. I think Hundertwasser is nutters for rag-designing his own shoes but I would hug him. When I meet priests, like this summer an English pastor, the conversation is lively and they give me books. I was given Jesus I Never Knew and myself recommended Body and Society in turn. I think my chief "deadly sins" are pride and lust. I am familiar with every fifth line of every prayer there is. I like the nun-Batman jokes. I have had this inscription above my door for some 10 years now: He blindeth their eyes lest they should see. When I was young, I used to let Jehovah's Witnesses in, offer coffee and debate. Now I'm getting older and think more in terms of profound little experiences in art. I would never declare myself an artist but I think I'm one. You can beat me with a stick but if I think your painting is ugly, that's what it is. I don't know that much about painting. I don't like many people to do art. I don't like people with no interest in art. I find epigrams that say it's great to hear the melody of children's voices when you don't understand them hilarious. I like to talk seriously to children and I can eat more ice-cream than they themselves. They should be discouraged to smoke but I don't like someone telling me I shouldn't smoke. I think the greatest art is creation of optimism. I don't particularly feel I should do anything. I dislike when people are late and am punctual myself. I tease my friends and laugh at my own jokes. I adore dogs and cats. I don't like zoos. I think Jains are beyond but admire them. I find meaning the greatest gift but I reach for the bottle. I think pretty people are sacred. I also like intelligent people. I'm not that much a car fan and find TV car shows perplexing. I like when I'm surprised though not scared, as in amusement parks. I find dancers an entirely different aetherial breed. I find newspapers boring. I like water. I am perfectly fine with my partner being an expert in cows or airplanes. I condone pornography though I cannot rationally win. I think the most horrible thing to do is hurt someone. I think it's obvious when they're not enjoying themselves. I admire writers who don't accept prizes. I think the episode with Andrić being terminally ill and exclaiming 'This is horrible!' looking at stars is scary and thrilling. I'm beginning to dislike mobile phones. I like to overspend on things like dinners and ballet. I like little sculptures and jewellery. I'm a language snob. I like to cross-examine somebody who's very good at something and has done it for 20 years now. I like writing assignments like this one, but not when I'm told. I mean I can do them when I'm told, but they're better when I play. I don't believe in anonymity. I think one letter a day is wonderful. I think most would find this strange and basically disagree with Foucault on the issue of "problematization." I think tourists are lazy and loud. I think debate clubs are frontal lobotomy. I think journalists are undereducated. I could shop all day. I like when someone already knows me.

Advice for an aspiring architect, in 1931

Advice for an aspiring architect, in 1931

Finally an interesting site. And yes, this is because it is textual. It is also oh very real; I'm tired of repeating myself - this is what our education is for.

For those who want to browse www.lettersofnote.com - the link to the particular letter is above; I am also pasting the content for I want it in all its visual glory:

Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Advice for an aspiring architect, in 1931

In December of 1931, as the Great Depression took hold, a young man by the name of Richard Crews wrote to a number of prominent architecture firms in the city of Chicago. Soon to enter the profession himself, Crews was curious to learn about an established architect's typical working day, and so sent letters to local masters of the trade to find out from the best possible source. Four incredibly gracious responses arrived, including the one below; a letter filled with honest, sage and extremely quotable advice from Charles Morgan, a highly regarded architectural artist who in the '20s and '30s providedrenderings for a number of large firms such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Had he written it today, I'm sure much of the advice would remain.


Many thanks to F.A. Bernett Books for allowing me to show the letter (which, incidentally, can be bought at their website along with the other three).


Transcript follows.

Source

Transcript

CHAS MORGAN A.I.A
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
thirty third floor 333 north Michigan Ave
CHICAGO


telephone Randolph 6014


MODERN DESIGN
Architectural
Perspectives
Mural
Mosaics


Richard Crews
4524 Malden Avenue
Chicago, Illinois


Dear Richard Crews:


I am sorry to be delayed these few days in answering your letter of Dec. 21st but I shall hasten and do it before the new year.


Of course, you would be more interested in what an architect does in a day's work in normal times, than now. So if you will excuse the liberty I shall make the discussion, or at least the answer, on what an architect should do in a day's work.


An architect should, unless it is impossible, answer his mail the first thing in the morning. Then his mind is free to plan and design upon the problems of his clients. He goes to work planning from within outward just as truly as from the ground upward. There are very few real architects who get big jobs because it is only the politician who gets big jobs, and the politician never has time to be an architect. So by all means the architect should learn to do small jobs well, because of the very fact that if he is sincere he shall probably never get big ones.


The architect should always remember that Jesus was an architect and that to be entitled to the same name he should love truth and beauty above all else.


An architect is too busy to bother much about luncheon. A sandwich at noon is enough. He draws or builds models most of the day because that is an aid to his imagination. Imagination is the only quality that is creative.


Above all else the artist must not copy. Imitate nothing except principle. That is best understood by reading such as Henry Thoreau's "Walden" and of the lives of great people.


A real architect like a good man in any business does not waste any time whatever doing things of which he might be ashamed. He must above all be a sincere artist.


I congratulate you upon your choice and sincerely wish you much strength and happiness. Make no compromise from that which you know is right.


Sincerely yours,


(Signed, 'Charles Morgan, Chicago Associate of Frank Lloyd Wright.')


December 30, 1931
CLM-M

Cavafy:'nough said

HALF AN HOUR

I never had you, nor I suppose
will I ever have you. A few words, an approach,
as in the bar the other day—nothing more.
It’s sad, I admit. But we who serve Art,
sometimes with the mind’s intensity,
can create—but of course only for a short time—
pleasure that seems almost physical.
That’s how in the bar the other day—
mercifully helped by alcohol—
I had half an hour that was totally erotic.
And I think you understood this
and stayed slightly longer on purpose.
That was very necessary. Because
with all the imagination, with all the magic alcohol,
I needed to see your lips as well,
needed your body near me. 




http://www.cavafy.com/poems/list.asp?cat=4

Teacher and Pupil: New Year's

Another Idol

The wise have always said the same things, and fools, who are the majority have always done just the opposite.
Arthur Schopenhauer

Read more:http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/arthur_schopenhauer_4.html#ixzz1hyLim62R

Yeah, I know. But consider that Swift is nowadays merely watched, merely by kids.

Catcher in the Lie

A good day for anniversary as any..

"I have a feeling that you're riding for some kind of a terrible, terrible fall.  But I don't honestly know what kind.... It may be the kind where, at the age of thirty, you sit in some bar hating everybody who comes in looking as if he might have played football in college.  Then again, you may pick up just enough education to hate people who say, 'It's a secret between he and I.'  Or you may end up in some business office, throwing paper clips at the nearest stenographer.  I just don't know..
Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior.  You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know.  Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now.  Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles.  You'll learn from them - if you want to.  Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you.  It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement.  And it isn't education.  It's history.  It's poetry."  ~J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye, Chapter 24, spoken by the character Mr. Antolini

Hu Shih (1891-1962)

It's all ordinary experience, 
All ordinary images. 
By chance they emerge in a dream, 
Turning out infinite new patterns. 

It's all ordinary feelings, 
All ordinary words. 
By chance they encounter a poet, 
Turning out infinite new verses. 

Once intoxicated, one learns the strength of wine, 
Once smitten, one learns the power of love: 
You cannot write my poems 
Just as I cannot dream your dreams. 

Gustafi: "We Shall Dream in Yellow," 2009

I have always associated party music as escapist. Must be all those lousy teen parties, ha. The one here, by Gustafi, is a prime example.
I don't feel like translating it; suffice it to say that they are all going to heaven, where they shall dream in colours and dance with naked angels and ten hookers. "Nothing is sacred, the world is without mud" - and they shall also dream of - "freedom."
It does seem so true. It must be that every freedom fighter, be this freedom national or personal, will agree. But I have also always been repelled by those cynical that use this as an excuse - the conclusion should not be premeditated, so to speak.

When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.

Shaw

Let's sing lewd songs and dance into the New Year!

An Exercise in Grotesque

Dječaci: Lovrinac, YouTube audio clip just a few posts down.

I do realise it is Christmas, but the song actually has great, if morbid, lyrics, definitely worth translating. I love when kids surprise me! Even though their almost utmost say with language is rhyme and joke, this is a true mirror to contemporary Croatian tendencies. And so catchy. Would love to dance to it.
So:

Mali Ante iz Spinuta 
živija je preko puta 
jednu noć u kasni sat 
dućan iša opljačkat 
pa je vlasnik izvadija 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Ante sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU 

Ante kid from a nearby hood

all thought he lived just as he should

in wee, dark hours of one night

a gone wrong heist was his plight

so the owner, he pulled one out

BAM BAM BAM BAM

Ante now is merry at 

cemetery 

Mali Stipe iz Varoša 
srednju školu nije proša 
jednu noć u kasni sat 
ženu iša silovat 
al je žena izvadila 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Stipe sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU 

Stipe kid, another one cool

dropped out early from his high school

in wee, dark hours of one night

his rape wish came to bare light

so the woman, she pulled one out

BAM BAM BAM BAM

Stipe now is merry at

cemetery

Mali Gogi s Mertojaka 
pričalo se da je maka 
nekoj babi iša vrat 
sa nožinom prerezat 
al je baba izvadila 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Gogi sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU 

Gogi kid was a bit lazy

and a lot more just plain crazy

a hag he pulled by her warm coat

wanting to slit her old throat

but the granny, she pulled one out

BAM BAM BAM BAM

Gogi now is merry at

cemetery

Mali Duje sa Kmana 
svi su znali da je đana 
dilera je iša zvat 
da mu dug neće dat 
diler doša izvadia 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Duje sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU


Duje kid, a darling monkey
all knew him as just a junkie
his dealer he called one day
said he didn't want to pay
so the dealer, he pulled one out
BAM BAM BAM BAM
Duje now is merry at
cemetery


REF. 
na Lovrincu, na Lovrincu 
cili Split je na Lovrincu 
kriminalci, mafijaši, lupeži i 
drogeraši na Lovrincu. 
Tu je disko, svi smo mrtvi 
umrli smo, psihopati, pedofili 
na Lovrincu Split je cili 

cemetery, cemetery
all of Split at cemetery

all of criminals, the mafia, all of theives and all of addicts

at cemetery

one great disco - we are all dead - we croaked, we died

the psychopaths, paedophiles

all of Split at cemetery

Mali Joke s Kocunara 
prokocka je masu para 
iša je provalit stan 
liku šta je domobran 
onda se iz stana čulo 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Joke sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU 

Joke kid, he would get his dash
gambling every dime of his cash
went to burglar a wrong flat
of a veteran jumpy as cat
so the neighbours heard from the flat
BAM BAM BAM BAM
Joke now is merry at
cemetery

Mali Zlaja sa Bača 
doma se u zoru vraća 
radia je noćnu smjenu 
kumu svome jeba ženu 
pa je kum izvadia 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Zlaja sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU 

Zlaja kid that sails with tourists
he certainly hated purists
fucked his own best man's young wife
every night to spice up life
so the best man, he pulled one out
BAM BAM BAM BAM
Zlaja now is merry at
cemetery

Mali Zvone iz solina 
našmrka se kokaina 
reka ćaći da je glup 
ćaća ti si glup ka stup 
pa je ćaća izvadia 
PA PA PA PA 
mali Zvone sad živi 
NA LOVRINCU 

Zvone kid from the near Solin
snorted quite a lot of cocaine
told his father he was thick
Dad, you're as silly as my dick
so his own dad, he pulled one out
BAM BAM BAM BAM
Zvone now is merry at
cemetery

REF. 

Dear Mr Obama

I was much exhilarated indeed by your inauguration but, as much as I hate stating it, it does seem you, "who had been all things to all people" – did not reach the promise. 
Even though I devote but a slim and intermittent portion of my time to politics, especially US, a Hollywood actor spoke against you today too. I know you will allow me a joke: yes, I realise postmodern Washington recruits among those as well.
If I were in your shoes, I'd actually help what Wiki proved to be an especially dangerous part of dealing: behind-the-scenes not-plain dealing.
I say opt out and write a book. You may be wiser. In my country, elderly people fear a 'worse' evil.
Best regards.

Abstruse Killing Joke

I come to your server, seeking equality.

Davor Juricic

ps
Not to worry, we're not mad about you either.