I just had a skype conversation with two people from my native town.They both live and work in the United States-one in New York, one in Arizona.I went to high school with both of them.It's next to impossible for all of us to be geographically so close to each other 12 years later.We all took different paths which led us to this country.
One of them got a great,lucrative job offer from a firm in Pennsylvania.The other works for a successful hedge fund in New York.They're both done so well for themselves.They're both stayed, more-less,on math-path. But not me. I've ditched my math aspirations a long time ago, for art. I don't think I was cut out for it anyway. My head is more in the clouds.
Two of them, on the other hand, were perfect for it. Smart,talented,hard-working...I believe they went to competitions and got awards in math and/or computer science.
My math knowledge has long left my head.I would really need a shock therapy to remember all the equations I had to know to finish high school with these guys.And they had As in math.I didn't.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Blueberry martinis and undigestable Mexican food
I had the most delicious martini tonight!And I wish I could say it was in this hip, hard-to-get-in club in New York, just to spice things up, but this one was home made. By our friends. They got a recipe from a bartender in Cape Cod. It's a blueberry martini, so it's actually good for you;-)Sorry, a shot of sarcasm, of course. But one is not going to hurt you,really.It's hard to stop at one though.I stopped at one and a half...because we had dinner reservations.
We went to this Mexican place, Rio Grande, which was mediocre at best.I realize that I'm not a big fan of Mexican food anymore.It always, virtually, makes me sick afterwords.It's like I've been eating rocks. And it wasn't that tasty anyway. No, I'm leaning toward the greener pastiers lately...french cuisine, tasty d-lite...
The evening was pleasant though. We met this interesting middle-aged couple and enjoyed back-and-forth conversation. These people are smart,unpretentious and kind. All you want in a new friend.
And now I won't be able to sleep anytime soon, because of the heaviness in my belly. I regret every single bite of that shrimp salad-Mexican style.I wonder if Mexicans are all overweight or suffering from cholesterol? Refried beans?Oh, please, like frying them once isn't bad enough!
We went to this Mexican place, Rio Grande, which was mediocre at best.I realize that I'm not a big fan of Mexican food anymore.It always, virtually, makes me sick afterwords.It's like I've been eating rocks. And it wasn't that tasty anyway. No, I'm leaning toward the greener pastiers lately...french cuisine, tasty d-lite...
The evening was pleasant though. We met this interesting middle-aged couple and enjoyed back-and-forth conversation. These people are smart,unpretentious and kind. All you want in a new friend.
And now I won't be able to sleep anytime soon, because of the heaviness in my belly. I regret every single bite of that shrimp salad-Mexican style.I wonder if Mexicans are all overweight or suffering from cholesterol? Refried beans?Oh, please, like frying them once isn't bad enough!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Kosovo-War and Revenge
Tim Judah cleverly begins his book Kosovo: War and Revenge with three attention-grabbing articles. They are also compelling, real-life stories from the Kosovo war in 1999. Judah is an experienced journalist, which is evident in his balanced approach to a highly contentious and sensitive topic. One story is about Kosovo Albanians’ ordeals with Serbian security forces during the conflict, another is about the sufferings of Kosovo Serbs, and another is about Albanians again but with a portrayal of brave acts of compassion by Serbian soldiers. These stories quickly earn the author the trust and interest of the impartial reader. You cannot wait to read what else this well-respected writer-reporter has to reveal. And Judah fulfills the early promise of the book, with a knowledgeable, captivating, and easy-to-read account of the war.
Judah’s journalistic reputation precedes him, even before he gains the reader’s confidence in the book’s opening pages. He covered the conflict he’s writing about for the New York Review of Books, the London Observer, the Sunday Telegraph and the Guardian weekend magazine. He had been living in Belgrade for five years before the conflict in 1999. Judah also covered the previous wars in Croatia and Bosnia. He therefore clearly knows the region and its people. His book can even teach Serbs and Kosovo Albanians about their own history and character. He also made a lot of important contacts who make this book a rich read. He has covered all the angles. And as much as it might be hard for a Serb to admit, given its occasionally unflattering portrayal of Serbs, his book seems to be trustworthy.
Judah not only scrutinizes the activities of Serbian security forces, the Milosevic government, and Kosovo-Albanian insurgents, but those of NATO as well. And he backs his writing with many sources and many quotes. He gets into the minds of key figures in this conflict, including Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, Serbian soldiers, the Kosovo Liberation Army, NATO Commander General Wesley Clark, senior American diplomat Richard Holbrooke, and high-level Russian officials.
As good as it is, Judah’s Kosovo isn’t perfect. He fails to address two important issues. He writes abundantly about what happened to Kosovo Albanians during the NATO intervention and what happened to Kosovo Serbs after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1244 and Serbian forces and police left Kosovo. However, he does not even mention the gray area, such as mixed marriages and harmonious relations between the two sides. Serbs and Albanians have been living in Kosovo, side by side, for centuries, most of the time peacefully. How did the legions of Serb-Albanians or Albanian-Serbs experience the war? What happened to those people? Or can you attribute Judah’s lack of attention to this issue to a widely shared opinion that Serbs and Albanians are like “oil and water” and to the even more prevalent, and mistaken, Western bias that all of the Yugoslav Wars were the result of the reawakening of ancient tribal hatreds?
The other important event he fails to include in his book is the cluster bombing of Nis, the large industrial city in southeastern Serbia. Judah writes about the NATO targets, the gray area between the military and the civilian targets, such as electrical plants and television stations that were bombed, but he failed to even mention the cluster bombs
NATO dropped on Nis’s City Hospital, local park and a green market near the city’s landmark--the best preserved 17th-century Ottoman fortress in Europe. That attack killed more than 80 civilians and it breached the Geneva Convention, a international statute that Judah mentions in other contexts. Other valuable accounts of the war, such as the PBS Frontline documentary, focus on these bombings as perhaps the biggest outrage of the NATO campaign. The cluster bombings happened later in the intervention, when, as Judah writes, NATO felt it needed to intensify the bombings due to Milosevic’s defiance and the world’s pressure over the large number of refugees from Kosovo. Did Judah not know about the attack when he wrote the book in 2000? The attack was all over the local Serbian media at the time. Did Judah not trust his Serbian sources enough to verify that the attack occurred?
However, Judah’s Kosovo has many more strong points than weaknesses. He is original, creative and perceptive in using an analysis of a Serbian medieval, epic poem Serbs are very proud of to dramatize his story. This poem describes a simple Albanian man who defies the Serbian prince, saying he will not bow to the Serbian nobility by removing himself from the road peacefully, and that he would not let the nobles’ procession pass without a fight. Judah comments that this poem has more to teach us about the history of Serb-Albanian relations than all the historians in the world. And he has a point.
Judah ends Kosovo with an ominous, yet clear-minded, look to the future. His spin on the future of Serbian and Albanian relations, in and around Kosovo, is a grim one, but expressed in a poetic way. What happened in Kosovo before, but especially in 1999, will not be forgotten by either nation. And Serbs are known for holding a grudge for a long time and for having the memory of “an elephant.” They did not, after all, ever forget their defeat at the famous battle of Kosovo in 1389. They might never forgive Albanians for taking away what Serbs believe rightfully belongs to them—Kosovo. And so, as Judah warns at the end of his book, the cycle of revenge could go on and on.
Judah’s journalistic reputation precedes him, even before he gains the reader’s confidence in the book’s opening pages. He covered the conflict he’s writing about for the New York Review of Books, the London Observer, the Sunday Telegraph and the Guardian weekend magazine. He had been living in Belgrade for five years before the conflict in 1999. Judah also covered the previous wars in Croatia and Bosnia. He therefore clearly knows the region and its people. His book can even teach Serbs and Kosovo Albanians about their own history and character. He also made a lot of important contacts who make this book a rich read. He has covered all the angles. And as much as it might be hard for a Serb to admit, given its occasionally unflattering portrayal of Serbs, his book seems to be trustworthy.
Judah not only scrutinizes the activities of Serbian security forces, the Milosevic government, and Kosovo-Albanian insurgents, but those of NATO as well. And he backs his writing with many sources and many quotes. He gets into the minds of key figures in this conflict, including Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, Serbian soldiers, the Kosovo Liberation Army, NATO Commander General Wesley Clark, senior American diplomat Richard Holbrooke, and high-level Russian officials.
As good as it is, Judah’s Kosovo isn’t perfect. He fails to address two important issues. He writes abundantly about what happened to Kosovo Albanians during the NATO intervention and what happened to Kosovo Serbs after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1244 and Serbian forces and police left Kosovo. However, he does not even mention the gray area, such as mixed marriages and harmonious relations between the two sides. Serbs and Albanians have been living in Kosovo, side by side, for centuries, most of the time peacefully. How did the legions of Serb-Albanians or Albanian-Serbs experience the war? What happened to those people? Or can you attribute Judah’s lack of attention to this issue to a widely shared opinion that Serbs and Albanians are like “oil and water” and to the even more prevalent, and mistaken, Western bias that all of the Yugoslav Wars were the result of the reawakening of ancient tribal hatreds?
The other important event he fails to include in his book is the cluster bombing of Nis, the large industrial city in southeastern Serbia. Judah writes about the NATO targets, the gray area between the military and the civilian targets, such as electrical plants and television stations that were bombed, but he failed to even mention the cluster bombs
NATO dropped on Nis’s City Hospital, local park and a green market near the city’s landmark--the best preserved 17th-century Ottoman fortress in Europe. That attack killed more than 80 civilians and it breached the Geneva Convention, a international statute that Judah mentions in other contexts. Other valuable accounts of the war, such as the PBS Frontline documentary, focus on these bombings as perhaps the biggest outrage of the NATO campaign. The cluster bombings happened later in the intervention, when, as Judah writes, NATO felt it needed to intensify the bombings due to Milosevic’s defiance and the world’s pressure over the large number of refugees from Kosovo. Did Judah not know about the attack when he wrote the book in 2000? The attack was all over the local Serbian media at the time. Did Judah not trust his Serbian sources enough to verify that the attack occurred?
However, Judah’s Kosovo has many more strong points than weaknesses. He is original, creative and perceptive in using an analysis of a Serbian medieval, epic poem Serbs are very proud of to dramatize his story. This poem describes a simple Albanian man who defies the Serbian prince, saying he will not bow to the Serbian nobility by removing himself from the road peacefully, and that he would not let the nobles’ procession pass without a fight. Judah comments that this poem has more to teach us about the history of Serb-Albanian relations than all the historians in the world. And he has a point.
Judah ends Kosovo with an ominous, yet clear-minded, look to the future. His spin on the future of Serbian and Albanian relations, in and around Kosovo, is a grim one, but expressed in a poetic way. What happened in Kosovo before, but especially in 1999, will not be forgotten by either nation. And Serbs are known for holding a grudge for a long time and for having the memory of “an elephant.” They did not, after all, ever forget their defeat at the famous battle of Kosovo in 1389. They might never forgive Albanians for taking away what Serbs believe rightfully belongs to them—Kosovo. And so, as Judah warns at the end of his book, the cycle of revenge could go on and on.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Hamptons' cappuccino
If you want a great cappuccino, you go to Rome, or Southampton! I am not exaggerating, we had the best cappuccino since Rome, this weekend in Sant Umbroeus in Southampton.We stumbled upon this Italian confetteria, where the baristas have accents, skills and Italian temper. As a matter a fact, M.and I have witnessed an Italian quarrel, waiting for the bill.
The village of Southampton does not only have great coffee, but a lot of charm, good food and fudge, and variety of shopping. And the great beach,of course.
We explored a bit further-East Hampton, Montauk, Bridgehampton.We saw the Montauk Lighthouse and tasted vine at Duck Walk Vineyards.
It was a delightful trip. Beautiful countryside, beaches... No wonder the traffic back to New York was a nightmare. No one ever called New Yorkers dumb.
Friday, October 5, 2007
City's hidden treasures and thoughts
While exploring New York City streets today, I've caught myself wanting to say different things to people--"You're anorexic," "You look great!" "Can't you see you're too fat?!" or "Where did you get that great dress..."
I know what you're thinking right now--I need therapy? I don't actually say any of these things, not even the compliments or questions.I just think them. Don't worry, they're not going to slip.
I think a lot of people have the same urge. They don't act on it,which keeps us out of the asylum.
Anyway, New Yorkers stole another summer day today. I have really been enjoying unemployment for the last two days.I've been walking a lot and discovering the city's hidden treasures .For example,yesterday, I found this charming nick-knack store in Gramercy. I practically fell in love with it on the spot. People inside were warm and welcoming, the artsy, non-conventional decorations of any kind and amazing gifts in any corner.This store and its people really put the smile on my face. Just like that. And for that I had to buy something. And come back for more.
I know what you're thinking right now--I need therapy? I don't actually say any of these things, not even the compliments or questions.I just think them. Don't worry, they're not going to slip.
I think a lot of people have the same urge. They don't act on it,which keeps us out of the asylum.
Anyway, New Yorkers stole another summer day today. I have really been enjoying unemployment for the last two days.I've been walking a lot and discovering the city's hidden treasures .For example,yesterday, I found this charming nick-knack store in Gramercy. I practically fell in love with it on the spot. People inside were warm and welcoming, the artsy, non-conventional decorations of any kind and amazing gifts in any corner.This store and its people really put the smile on my face. Just like that. And for that I had to buy something. And come back for more.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Acting boredom
I've started my acting education again last night. I really want to at least try to do some acting in New York, since it's always been one of my dreams.And what better place than New York,except for maybe L.A.But I don't see us living in L.A.ever.We're just not plastic at all.And I love food.And actually eating it, not just smelling it.
This is supposed to be a renowned acting studio.I'm inclined to trust the owner's reputation,despite the fact that trust is not in my nature.And the disbelief is enhanced by the movies of New York City.
So, since I really enjoyed my acting course in D.C.,I expected nothing less from this one. Alas,it did not happened.The class was way too long--four hours with one break--and way to slow for me. The warming up took too long, as well as the relaxation exercise. Come on, I'm not paying them to warm up! I can do that in my gym. Nor to relax and recall my childhood.That's what meditation is for, and therapists.
But,I'll hold my guns, kind of, since I still have a lot to learn. Maybe all that has a point, and will teach me how to act. And I really need to learn.
What I've learned was more that a year ago, plus I've never applied it.I went to my grad school,and used my brain for more practical things. That's why I still can't find a job.
This is supposed to be a renowned acting studio.I'm inclined to trust the owner's reputation,despite the fact that trust is not in my nature.And the disbelief is enhanced by the movies of New York City.
So, since I really enjoyed my acting course in D.C.,I expected nothing less from this one. Alas,it did not happened.The class was way too long--four hours with one break--and way to slow for me. The warming up took too long, as well as the relaxation exercise. Come on, I'm not paying them to warm up! I can do that in my gym. Nor to relax and recall my childhood.That's what meditation is for, and therapists.
But,I'll hold my guns, kind of, since I still have a lot to learn. Maybe all that has a point, and will teach me how to act. And I really need to learn.
What I've learned was more that a year ago, plus I've never applied it.I went to my grad school,and used my brain for more practical things. That's why I still can't find a job.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The line ain't worth the wait
Have you ever seen that episode of "Sex and the city" where Carrie's computer crashes and she's waiting for her number called at a computer repair shop? That's not fiction. That really happens in this city. Actually,something similar happened to M. and I last night.
We wanted a DVR cable box, so we can record our favorite shows. For M.-the soccer, for me-Law and Order, Damages, Grey's anatomy...
So, I decided to actually go to a cable company's location rather than waiting for them to come over.I thought it would be easy, it's close enough, plus I don't have to wait around for five hours and pay them extra money.
But some time and money are worth spending. When we got there, 25 minutes before the closing, there was a huge line in front of the entrance.
What a shock that was! I didn't expect any line .Of course, I've never done this kind of thing before, certainly not in N.Y.C.
Right there and then, I deeply regretted not waiting for a cable guy while watching TV or writing my blog. But, again, a little too late.
So we decide to wait. After all, we did bring the box with us.
The wait outside was just the beginning. When you get inside, you get a number, and the fun begins.
There was an even bigger line of sitting people, waiting for their number to be called. "Now serving number 680," an automatized voice said as we were trying to find a non-existent seat. Have I mentioned that both of us were starving?
We had 721. I was so frustrated, angry at myself for trying to do some things faster and more cost effectivly than they probably should be. Whenever I try to save some time or money, I always, always end up wasting more.
We watched as people were passing by, to be served by the representatives. I was criticising every one's speed or actions. We were trying to use water to hold us over. And to joke about it after a while. A lot of number holders weren't there.My guess was- they got the number, saw the line, did the math...
Finally, after a bit more than 20 minutes inside, on an empty stomach, we got our much bigger cable box, and happily went on our quest for a nearby food source.
We wanted a DVR cable box, so we can record our favorite shows. For M.-the soccer, for me-Law and Order, Damages, Grey's anatomy...
So, I decided to actually go to a cable company's location rather than waiting for them to come over.I thought it would be easy, it's close enough, plus I don't have to wait around for five hours and pay them extra money.
But some time and money are worth spending. When we got there, 25 minutes before the closing, there was a huge line in front of the entrance.
What a shock that was! I didn't expect any line .Of course, I've never done this kind of thing before, certainly not in N.Y.C.
Right there and then, I deeply regretted not waiting for a cable guy while watching TV or writing my blog. But, again, a little too late.
So we decide to wait. After all, we did bring the box with us.
The wait outside was just the beginning. When you get inside, you get a number, and the fun begins.
There was an even bigger line of sitting people, waiting for their number to be called. "Now serving number 680," an automatized voice said as we were trying to find a non-existent seat. Have I mentioned that both of us were starving?
We had 721. I was so frustrated, angry at myself for trying to do some things faster and more cost effectivly than they probably should be. Whenever I try to save some time or money, I always, always end up wasting more.
We watched as people were passing by, to be served by the representatives. I was criticising every one's speed or actions. We were trying to use water to hold us over. And to joke about it after a while. A lot of number holders weren't there.My guess was- they got the number, saw the line, did the math...
Finally, after a bit more than 20 minutes inside, on an empty stomach, we got our much bigger cable box, and happily went on our quest for a nearby food source.
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