Dr. Filomena

Keep it up, guys! Rooting for you in Luxembourg…

(Photo by dr. fil: entrance into the building of Le Figaro, Paris)

Lord help me, but I like newspapers. Good old printed newspapers. And magazines. My dislike of televised news seems to be growing exponentially. I do own a TV set. A rather nice one, actually. But it always seems to either be off or connected to the computer for viewing the few shows I do enjoy or feel a need to keep track of.

I managed to leave my laptop’s battery charger behind in Paris. Which led me to turn on the TV and try watching the news on one of the many channels I pay for. The attempt failed miserably. Why is it that the news channels just make me feel nervous? Very little of the news they provide is of true significance, yet every piece is presented as the greatest story ever. Until the next one. I do not tune in for drama. I am looking for news. Information. Data. And good commentary. The pathos and unnecessary decor are distracting.

In contrast, I find some newspapers a pure joy to read as they offer both information and commentary by people whose little grey cells seem to be making that extra mile. So anywhere I go, that’s about the first thing I buy. So interesting to compare the way people reason. Especially on the same issues. It’s not about getting the news first, my dear fellow instant gratification generation members, for me it’s also about its presentation and accompanying background. With a commentary that requires time for reflection.

Enough with the rambling. I’m off to read the bit of Le Figaro on finance and finish the Scientific American magazine. The TV with its increasingly foxified news programming will stay turned off while the blackberry keeps preserving the illusion of my keeping up with events in the world. And, possibly more importantly, streams a nice jazz radio for me.

This man was working out at that same spot every single morning during my two weeks in Paris. I walked by on my way to school. A number of hypotheses come to mind as I try to figure out who he is and what he does. His regular exercise, for exampe, was rolling a plastic water bottle half-filled with wet sand back and forth under his foot. So what do you think?

Paris was a fun learning experience in many respects. I do hope to return soon. A bientot!

Just making a living by looking at the world upside down. At the moment, it probably makes more sense that way.

Here we go again. Living the good life means gaining a few pounds and starting to acquire the shape of your average couch potato, but with two weeks of preparations I was – against my own expectations – able to complete the 10km scenic run in one hour and one minute. Thanks to the great organisers and my special supporter. See you next year!
PS: pictured is the traditional prize for the runners – the Bled cream cake or what’s left of it.

Another wonderful opportunity to roam Ljubljana’s museums all day long and late into the evening. Pictured is the original Napoleon’s decree establishing Illyrian Provinces.

Who cares about the low temps. There are ways to keep warm. Sipping a mojito at Stara macka by Ljubljanica River makes for a good start.

Luxembourg really is a pretty town and my recent experience on account of carlessness has shown that one can get pretty much anywhere on foot in reasonable time. Forget buses on Sundays unless you check schedules in advance

Went out for an early morning walk with Nikki. After an hour and a half, my toes were frozen solid. Walking into a local (as in frequented by real Luxembourgers) coffee shop, I realised that as much as the tea and croissant helped warm me up (not to mention reading the newspapers), what warms the cockles of m heart are the people around me. These ladies and gentlemen have plenty of laughs enjoying each other’s company. Where everybody knows your name (30 years later). Moien.

I pass this piece of art almost every day on my way to work. Some days I pay it more attention than others. It’s such a beautiful sunny day. Wish it were for all.