Author: mc7858attitude

From A to Z

I was looking for an alphabet book to support a friend who’s trying to learn to read French.

First of all, it has to be said that learning French is a nightmare; the pronunciation create countless traps for the poor learner who get crazy trying to find a sense in that mess.

Then, the point is that alphabet books are generally directed to children, and to children who already know and speak well the language. But an adult knows animals’ names in his own language and not in French, therefore that option is not practical.

Not even the alphabet book I drew for my nephews was a possible choice, as the drawings are not clear enough, and the words sometimes too difficult.

Therefore, I created a personalised book, with objects the learner know, see and use everyday: car’s logos, publicity of beer, soap and other trivial entries.

Of course, some letter presents a challenge. Below is the X.

Am I getting Christian-democrat??

«I think it should be reminded that Iraqi elections are a positive collateral effect of a war organised with other objectives in mind, objectives then resulted false or tendentious. To reach these objectives, non reimbursable prices have been paid: thousand of victims, of injured, of orphans, all them holders of ‘future resentment’ as well as (or rather as bad as) of thousand of destroyed towns» Pierluigi Castagnetti, Europa, February 8

I would never have thought that I should have made recourse to the translation of a phrase of a Christian Democrat politician (as reported by l’Unità) to get a clear, effective and sharable opinion on the situation in Iraq. Adding that I will probably vote for Mr. Prodi at next elections, I really fear I’m becoming a Christian democrat.

Fate’s jokes.

Déjà vu

I am reading a book written by the chief of the UN military operation in Rwanda and I have the uncomfortable feeling of looking at something that could happen here.

The rigidity of the factions, the ?international community? elusiveness, the amount of time spent on trivial and meaningless matters, the difference between public stands and internal agendas are quite similar.

As well as the sense of impotence and frustration.

The wizard?s apprentice has created several monsters and now it?s difficult to keep them quiet.

Is there someone to help?

Screen life


It?s a strange way of life. The relation with the local environment mediated by the window, at home or in the car.

Because of security, for lack of energy, as it is more simple this way.

Form time to time, some relax in the garden, swimming pool and ping pong, even more distant from here.

Around the office the bats fly around in huge groups, and I wonder if they create the same problems as for petrol stations in Piazza Esedra.

‘o Vesuvio

I was urged to write something interesting, because I am preparing a collection of 2004 blog’s notes as a Christmas gift for the family (“how mean” someone will comment).

And it had to be robust and appealing, as the last inputs have been quite weak.

And obviously an image was needed, because images make a better blog (and for sure a better gift).

Then, this is the Vesuvio volcano.

But I do not know what to say.

Other chickens


There is not a real reason to publish this drawing today.

But I noticed that the blog is nicer when there are some images, and this is one I like.

I often draw chickens. I mean, I drew three or four chicken-based images in my life.

However, as I cannot determine what to draw, four is quite a good number.

Another subject that came out often from my tracing lines on white paper was a middle-age knight. He inspired also some brief lyrics.

These are chickens. Elegant, vibrant, multicoloured, but chickens.

Bruxelles

Bruxelles is a quiet place. Ordered and well organised; before going out, you can check on the internet at which point is the bus you want to get.

It?s plenty of little restaurants, cafès, brasseries. People are generally courteous.

Yes, the sky is often grey, but I see the sun almost every time I come. And I come often, lately.

Volare, oh oh.

To keep the routine, I planned travelling to Italy and then to Bruxelles.

November the 17th, I bought a flight ticket to Rome by Volare, low-cost Italian company.

The cost was probably too low, as the company declared failure on the 19th.

Nobody called, no e-mail messages, but, as usual, a family information (this time coming from my sister) informing about the situation (she had bought another ticket to Paris).

It’s not my lucky month, and still there is a week to go.