Weird Mashup

Alex in Wonderland pres. Il Mondo Meraviglioso vol. 4

It is time for summer travel. Here's our trip #4:


You may download this trip here:
http://www.miniurls.co/Bi4oy

Tracklist:
01.Bebe - Te vi
02.Παναγιώτης Καλαντζόπουλος feat. Έλλη Πασπαλά - Summertime in Prague
03.Monika - Over the hill
04.Rod Stewart - These Foolish Things
05.Kenny Rogers feat. Dolly Parton- You Can't Make Old Friends
06.יובל דיין  -  לילותיי  
07.Irene Skylakaki - In the light (Agelakis G.Remix)
08.Јадранка Стојаковић - 丘につづく道 (Србија до Токија re edit)
09.Enigma - Callas went away
10.Shirley Bassey - Where Do I Begin (Away Team Mix)
11.Magnet Feat. Gemma Hayes - Lay Lady Lay
12.Lino Cannavacciuolo - Altalena
13.Minus Blue - Sweet Harmony
14.Hi-Fi - Средняя школа №7 (А мы любили)
15.Maria Nazionale - Ragione e Sentimento
16.Maitre Gims feat. Sia - Je Te Pardonne (Pilule Bleue)
17.Erasure - Gaudete (Erasure remix)
18.Δήμητρα Γαλάνη - Νερό (Papercut Mix)
19.ProleteR - My Melancholy Baby
20.Peet Vait - The Charleston
21.Max Raabe - Mein Kleiner Grüner Kaktus (Peet Vait Booty)
22.Bouchra - Blanc Ou Noir
23.Sofia Carson - Love Is the Name
24.Johnny Cash - One (DiPap Remix)
25.Алла Пугачёва - Прости, поверь (Gareeque bootleg)

What your bag says about you

Alex in Wonderland pres. Il Mondo Meraviglioso vol. 3

Yup, we're traveling deeper into the World Of Wonders. The WOW effect gets stronger.

You may download full trip here:
http://www.filesonthe.net/Ab1wy

Tracklist goes like this:
01.April Stevens - Teach me tiger
02.Тања Бошковић и Зоран Симјановић - Далеке јецају звезде
03.Alec Medina - A night like this
04.Seinabo Sey - Sorry (Le Boeuf remix)
05.Boogie Belgique - Forever & ever
06.Vivaldi- Gloria In D, RV 589 - Gloria In Excelsis Deo
07.Bellanova - And I love him
08.Mando Diao - Sweet wet dreams
09.Sophia Loren - Zoo be zoo (Shellacsoul remix)
10.Jeanette - Por Qué Te Vas (Nelue ReEdit)
11.LP - Other People (Consoul Trainin Remix)
12.Papercut feat Efi Theologou - Better skies
13.Bloomfield - Love me please love me
14.Axelle Red - Sensualité (Antis Rework)
15.Grace Jones - La Vie en Rose (Bogdan edit)
16.Dida Pelled - Jack Nice (DiPap Remix)
17.Chris Rea - Looking For The Summer (Ludwix Remix)
18.Ben Watt feat Estelle - Pop A Cap In Yo' Ass
19.Brigitte Bardot - La Madrague (Antis Remix)
20.Thorsteinn Einarsson - Leya! (DiPap 2k16 Remix)

21.Deadmau5 vs Алла Пугачёва - You and I Like (iLex night mashup)

22.Pedrina y Rio - Enamorada (MrK remix)

2 seconds lifecoaching

Alex loves what he does.
Alex is smart.
Be like Alex.
#2secondsLifecoaching

Alex in Wonderland pres. Il Mondo Meraviglioso vol 2

Alex in Wonderland goes down the music path with mixed story vol 2. Hear it:

To download mix click here:
http://www.filesonthe.net/AO3It
Tracklist:
01. Andreya Triana - Changing shapes of love
02. Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to yesterday
03. Yuval - דיין בדיוק כמו הירח
04. Zaz - Eblouie Par La Nuit
05. Bebe - Siempre me quedara
06. Isabel Bayrakdarian - Song to the Moon (from Antonín Dvořák's Rusalka)
07. Pink Martini & Saori Yuki - わたし も あなた と ないて いい (Consolation)
08. Оливера Марковић и Бора Тодоровић - Та твоја мунд хармоника
09. Vintage 1930's Jazz Wham! Cover Ft. Dave Koz - Careless Whisper
10. Hailey Tuck - Don't think twice
11. Marco Mangoni - Sai che
12. Sivert Hoyem feat. Marie Munroe - My Thieving Heart
13. Brainstorm - Maybe
14. Gigliola Cinquetti - A las puertas del cielo (81 Edit By RDJ)
15. Frank Sinatra - Autumn Leaves (Papercut mix)
16. Alvaro Soler feat Emma Marrone - Libre (Versione Italiana)
17. Kygo feat. Parson James - Stole The Show (Original Piano Cover)
18. Sia - California dreamin'
19. Pet Shop Boys - In his imagination (VJdustin 2014 edit)
20. Ricky Martin ft. Maluma - Vente Pa' Ca
21. Grace Jones - Williams' Blood (Aeroplane Remix)
22. Lydmor & Bon Homme - Things We Do for Love
23. Алла Пугачева - Прости, Поверь (Shapovalov Edit)
24. KarlK ft. GuitK - Daydreamer
25. Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker (Paul Kalkbrenner Remix)

Warm spiced Cauliflower and Chickpea salad with Pomegranate seed

A perfect warm salad for  a cold day. Vegetarian, full-tasted and aromatic. Besides, a benefit for weight-watchers is that new research shows chickpea-rich-diet helps in weight reduce. So, let's move on.

You'll need:

• 1 small head cauliflower
• 3 tablespoons regular olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 250 grams home-cooked chickpeas (or drained weight from 1 can or jar)
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste (according to taste and the heat of the harissa)
• 4 smallish ripe vine tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (or to taste)
• 4 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• large bunch fresh flatleaf parsley (approx.1/2 cups)
  

Preheat the oven to 220ºC. 

Trim the cauliflower and divide into small florets. Pour the oil into a large bowl, add the cinnamon and cumin seeds, and stir or whisk to help the spices disperse. Tip in the prepared cauliflower and toss to coat. Pour the contents of the bowl into a small oven tray (I mostly use  my silicone tray 25 x 25 cm) and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Don’t wash out the bowl you’ve been using just yet.

Add the chickpeas to this bowl, and add the harissa (available to buy in all North-African and Mid-Eastern deli shops), tasting it first to see if you want both tablespoonfuls, and, at the risk of being repetitive, toss to coat. Quarter the tomatoes and add them to the bowl, and shake or stir to mix. When the cauliflower has had its 15 minutes, remove the tray, quickly tip the chickpeas and tomatoes over the cauliflower, and toss to combine before returning to the oven for a further 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.

When it’s ready, remove from the oven and sprinkle the salt over the vegetables, then (and this isn’t the last time) toss to combine with half of the pomegranate seeds before dividing between 2 bowls. Divide the parsley leaves – without chopping them – between the 2 bowls and toss to mix. Scatter with the remaining pomegranate seeds.

Wait to cool down a bit and hop onto it.

(Originally from www.nigella.com)

Alex in Wonderland pres. Il Mondo Meraviglioso vol. 1

After long hiatus, AiW is back in saddle. Mixed story in sound format can be heard here:

To download mix click here:
http://www.filesonthe.net/BC0FX
Tracklist:
01.Chiara Mastroianni & Olivier Bernet - The Eye Of The Tiger
02.Boogie Belgique - One Day Soon
03.Gadjo Dilo - Sou Sfirizo
04.Hello Seahorse! - Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir
05.Ian Ikon Feat. Marina Celeste - Supersonic Love
06.Scala and Kolacny Brothers - Le Vent Nous Portera
07.Haris Alexiou - Ena Fili (Soumka remix)
08.Sia - Unforgettable
09.Taj Ranjid - Mumbai nights
10.Let's Talk - Death in the Afternoon
11.LP - Lost on you
12.Papik & Ely Bruna - Parole Parole
13.Vicentico - Paisaje
14.The Rasmus Feat. Anette Olzon - October And April
15.ZHU - Palm of my hand
16.Rebeat Feat. Michael Jackson - Neverland
17.Triggerfinger - I follow rivers
18.The Baseballs - Umbrella
19.The Drapers - Million Dollar Baby
20.Leonard Cohen - Everybody Knows ( The Gunman Ripoff Merchant mix)
21.Rebeat Feat. The Doors - Light My Fire
22.Kate Ryan - Runaway (Smalltown Boy)
23.Joachim Pastor - Joda (Worakls Remix)
24.The Vinylistic - I'm Confessin That I Love You
25.LuvBug - Best is yet to come

51 tasty cheeses from around the globe

Rebeat feat MJ - Neverland

Map of Neverland (© Walt Disney Company)

Wikipedia claims Neverland is a fictional place, and dwelling place of Peter pan and Tinker Bell. No one ages there, and in metaphoric way, it is used to describe childhood, immortality and escapism.
In popular culture, beside Walt Disney' Peter Pan, Neverland is also known as a name of Michael Jackson's estate in Santa Barbara.

Residents of this magical place (not the ranch) include: Fairies, Birds, Lost boys, Pirates, Native Americans, Mermaids, Animals and other residents.

Reference to Michael Jackson still remains one of the most important in the Magic Kingdom. Hear the immortal king in the Rebeat's 2014 remembrance.

Keep calm and carry on

My daily routine is quite simple: I wake up, I have my lemon-orange-ginger-honey drink and breakfast, I have my coffee while checking emails and news, I have my green tea while work, I do the lunch, I go out for 7km walk and do yoga, I have another coffee and sweet while seeing more news and facebook/twitter trash, I have my dinner, I have my herbal tea while watching the movie, after which I go to sleep. I see people in the meantime. I do phone calls. I play with my cats. I take care of their needs. Sometimes I blog. Occasionally, I go out at night, I visit friends, eat with them, drink with them, nod to their dramas (not necessarily interesting).
People live similar routine all over the world: Madrid, Rio, Toronto, Pyongyang.
Alright, maybe not Pyongyang.

Geo 12 Paris ©AlexAndic

Paris.

I have to be honest, my first reaction to the Paris terrorist attack news was total horror. I felt the same thing when this summer I saw report from Tunisian resort at Port Kantaoui. I watched the news report about the massacre and saw the resort I stayed at, just few years ago. Familiar pool area, corridors and hotel lobby were flashing on tv screen. I got plenty of photos and videos from this place. This time some blurred areas were hiding bodies on the beach.
Since I read the news on Paris Bloody Friday I felt bad. I felt sorry for the people involved or got-involved into this insane crime. I felt helpless and frightened. Of course I felt hate, and anger. I saw some well-known places on the screen, I recalled my moments there, and felt shivers thinking it could be me or someone I know. Victims are same everywhere - dead. The only difference for me was: yes, I (or you) could be in charter flight from Egypt, or laying on that beach in Imperial Marhaba, or having dinner in Paris restaurant.
I love Paris, who doesn't? My favorite neighborhoods are Le Marais and Latin Quarter. However, I feel strange when I get close to Gare du Nord/de l'Est and see hijabs and taqiyahs way too often. Strange, like uncomfortable. And, since I've been travelling all my life all over the world, this is a new feel.
I have relatives and friends in islamic faith. Faith as faith, I say potato you say potato. Big deal! But this strange new feel came with the horrific things done in the name of this religion, and I see it as natural reaction to the suicide-bombers, the Jihadi Janes with knives, the stories of promised virgins and kids with kalashnikovs. "Nigerian teenage girls killed 12 people in suicide attack".
What the fucking fuck?!?!?!
In my time, teenage girls were playing with their Barbies. If they were "bad", they coughed trying to smoke, winked at guys and wore mom's high heels. Not the explosive vest, for fuck sake.
After fear, I felt anger, than sorrow, than worry.
Further on, I realized these psychos actually aimed it: our deepest fears. To do things people do every day. To feel uncomfortable every time we go out, we squeeze in commute train, we pay at the cashier. To shrink from all our fellow citizens with appearance that differs from ours. To grab the floor at any sudden move and sound.
Living in fear isn't living. Half of Hollywood production is based on this premise.

So, the only thing to strike back is normal life. To keep on going with whatever makes you happy, satisfied and fulfilled person. To go out and see people you like (trust me, you don't have enough time for the bullshit ones), to visit that new cafe opened last week (if it's good leave a tip, if it's not just slaughter it in TripAdvisor), to see a movie in that hipster festival, and buy new shoes you're looking at for few weeks (not that you REALLY need them).

French director Michel Hazanavicius had own very graphic way of saying the similar, and you may read it HERE.

My daily routine remains quite simple: I wake up, I have my lemon-orange-ginger-honey drink and breakfast, I have my coffee while checking emails and news, I have my green tea....

Enjoy life, because you only got one, no matter what the religions are telling you. 

Deutschland83

I was born in the last quarter of the 20th century (officially) and I remember muuuuch better times. Now, I know it sounds like a beginning of the romance biography, but it won't be.
I remember vinyl records, Rubik's cubes, Joe Bazooka bubble gums, Tahiti treat, Karate kid movie but also Grease and neon clothes before its revival. I remember loads of music tapes and the way to use pencil with it (no clue, mp3 kids?) I remember Converse and Levi's were really cool, and not in today's retro way. I remember my first Mackie Dee before we all became aware what toxic waste lays within. I remember Coke was Coca Cola, good, old-fashioned million-calories mixture of sugar and water, not the symbol of american imperialism. I also remember writing down things by hand, running scale of the radio, eating red meat, rotary dials on the phone, Pacman and tv antennas rotation. I remember how Madonna REALLY looked (before facelifts, photoshops and hyaluron fills she doesn't use). Cher looked same as she does today.

So 80s were fun. But some places fun was different. East Germany, for example. To show you the joys of living in the communist paradise, RTL made an 8-part series Deutschland 83, thriller in its best form of the Bourne franchise. As most german TV shows it lacks humor (and, knowing lots of Germans, I got to say it is so NOT like them) but not the action and suspence. As an architect (luckily) uninfluenced by ridiculous american architectural mambo jambo, I find architecture of Berlin marvelous, and authentic interiors and buildings in D83 are really worth seeing the show. Script written really good, dialogs make sense, so no lines after which you're puzzled "WTF is he saying?"
Characters are logical and colorful. Of course, all commies smoke like crazy, btw Alexis was the only smoker in Dynasty, another pearl of the eighties tv. Loved her dragging Chrystle through the mud.
Anyway, the show is great for another thing: soundtrack is like a Top40 of the decade....it was soooo good to hear those hits again.
Acting is realistic, direction really, really good, whole story even covers some phenomena so new at the moment (AIDS, computers) but still polished enough to be broadcasted publically. Costumes and archive footage majestically inserted into story.
Generally, 8 x 45 minutes of good fun, and you may see it online by clciking the link below.

For info purpose, you may see ALL 12 episodes online by clicking on the link below (active after 5 sec delay):

• http://www.any.gs/C4Rm2

Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here

Yello - Beyond mirrors

The age of science has failed to explain our universe in rational terms.

Consequently, the power of magic has gradually emerged from our conscious minds to fathom the unfathomable.

Our most distinguished scientists reluctlantly admit that mankind is nothing but some billion creatures sitting on a piece of solar driftwood, floating in space.

Magic is the art of influencing the course of events by the intervention of spiritual forces or some other occult device.

According to Arthur C. Clarke any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Early civilizations often mistook the unexplained world around them to be magic.

Rupert Sheldrake in his book "Seven experiments that could change the world" has stated that scientists attitude towards the experiments affect the results of their experiments.

There is no such thing as a definite fact in science and therefore the irrationality of magic plays an important part in our rational world.

Werner Heisenberg, the leading 20th century physicist has stated that mass is a physical  interpretation of energy.

Religious organisations have understood the power of magic and therefore monopolized

the interpretation of the supernatural to control the human mind.

The universe as a whole is beyond explanation. Only at the end of the 20th century the

Roman catholic church admitted that the great visionary Galileo Galilei was in fact correct.

The second millennium has come to an end. Scientists have to admit that the universe is magic.

The sentence of the Inquisition was delivered in three essential parts:

• Galileo was found "vehemently suspect of heresy", namely of having held the opinions that the Sun lies motionless at the centre of the universe, that the Earth is not at its centre and moves, and that one may hold and defend an opinion as probable after it has been declared contrary to Holy Scripture. He was required to "abjure, curse and detest" those opinions.
• He was sentenced to formal imprisonment at the pleasure of the Inquisition. On the following day this was commuted to house arrest, which he remained under for the rest of his life.
• His offending Dialogue was banned; and in an action not announced at the trial, publication of any of his works was forbidden, including any he might write in the future.

Epur si muove.

The A list of the art list or the 1% in the paintings

Last time you could read about one of the most important professions in modern history of mankind art critic (if you didn't, you may read it HERE) and now it is time to discuss the fruit of their hard labor:

THE LIST (of 10 most expensive paintings*)

Paul Gauguin - Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?)  1892, sold in February 2015 , in a private transaction for
(close to)US$300 million 
to unknown buyer, possibly the state of Qatar (after Saudi Arabia, the most conservative state)

Paul Cézanne - The Card Players 1892/93, sold in April 2011, in a private transaction for
US$259 million
to the state of Qatar, where Sharia law is the main source of the legislation. No, you wouldn't like to live under it.

Mark Rothko - No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) 1951, sold in August 2014,
in a private transaction for
US$186 million
to Дмитрий Евгеньевич Рыболовлев, a business entity that took part in the most expensive divorce settlement in history

Pablo Picasso - Les Femmes d'Alger Version O 1955, sold in June 2015,
by Christie's NY for
US$179.4 million
to former Qatari prime minister, simultaneous arms dealer and peace mediator :-)

Jackson Pollock - No. 5 1948, sold in November 2006,
by private sale for
US$140 million
to David Martinez, a business creature that hides traces successfully and has only 1 (one) photograph on the internet, but numerous links to the wealthiest of the planet

Willem de Kooning - Woman III 1953, sold in November 2006, by private sale for
US$137.5 million
to Steven A Cohen, a "humanitarian" continuously linked to criminal insider tradings and hedge fund strategies that, somehow, end in financial authorities' inquiry

Gustav Klimt - Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I 1907, sold in June 2006, by private sale for
US4135 million
to Ronald Lauder, son of Estée Lauder, who bought it for Neue Galerie NY

Pablo Picasso - Le Rêve 1932, sold in March 2013, by private sale for
US$155 million
to Steven A Cohen, yes the one above, again

Vincent Van Gogh - Portrait of Dr Gachet 1890, sold in May 1990 by Christie's for
US$82.5 million
to Ryoei Saito, creature that said things like
"My motto is: If you have money, make it into a big pile and roll naked in it" and
"It's my principle to get what I want, no matter how much money it costs." Adding later he wanted the Renoir and Van Gogh paintings to be put in his coffin and cremated with him when he died. Looney case locked two paintings away from the public in a warehouse. 

Francis Bacon - Three studies of Lucian Freud 1969, sold in November 2013 by Christie's for
US$142.4 million
to Elaine Wynn, (...erm, how should I put it....) socialite, philanthropist and an ex-wife 



*as on August 1st, 2015

Sense8

Fifteen years ago I watched The Matrix, and I still consider it  revolutionary not only in film language, but also a state of mind. It truly opened up my way of thinking, and I am quite sure I'm not the only one, widening the limits of what we see as reality. Years later some physicists admitted that Matrix concept is, in fact, very possible. (You haven't seen The Matrix? Are you serious? Before we go on, do it HERE)

Cloud atlas, Jupiter acsending, V for Vedetta, and now, Sense8, along with The Matrix trilogy are the product of genius minds of The Wachovskis, brother and sister (formerly two brothers). Those who saw and follow their work may be able to see the continuum in it. Sometimes way too ahead of our limited thinking of understanding only things we see in physical appearance, The Wachovskis created stories very interesting for both techno freaks and new age enthusiasts. The evolution line goes always up, no matter how it looks to us in the "real" world, and various pluses that these heroes are entitled to, look impossible but logical at the same time. Other important continuum is similar to another masterpiece Avatar, and is based on idea of parapsychological connection, subconscious circles and telepathic activity. All very important issues in both Age of Aquarius community and cybermedical and, even edgier, transhumanistic examinations (You don't know about it? Find out more HERE, and even more:get link to another cinematic masterpiece Still Alice!)
Sense8 is another masterpiece that will keep you nailed for your TV during those 12 episodes, and you'll have fun - yeah, it is 12 hours of your lifetime, but just think how many times you had a boring date, a stupid office meeting, an hours-long commuter train ride, or (put any of your favorite activity here). Story written in extraordinary way, without goofs soooo familiar in today's TV production. Shot all over the world, showing majestically all the best spots of location, it gave me a possibility to revive some of the great moments that, as a passionate traveler myself, I had during my own visits. No A-list stars, with an exception of the everlasting blonde mermaid Daryl Hannah, in this show and I may say the new A-list is born - they all play their roles with such determination. Now, do you remember Run Lola Run, another twisted reality and time manipulation masterpiece? Its director, Tom Tykwer, was among colaborators here, he did directing but also authored some music scores. What a team, ha?
Proceed now, you'll thank me later.

For info purpose, you may see ALL 12 episodes online by clicking on the link below (active after 5 sec delay):

• http://www.any.gs/Ctd2F

Please note: This blog provides links to material provided by third party, and none of it is hosted and/or transmitted by creator/owner of this blog. Further info here

5 secret spots

All cities have tourist attractions, those that we all know. Usually, I write about them under my Travel label, This time, I'll put a list of five less-known spots in some cities, with its stories. Here we go.

Fontaine des Innocents @ Paris

The oldest monumental fountain in Paris, is placed on a large square hidden from big streets by surrounding buildings, so you'll have to look around to find it. Built in 16th century Renaissance style, this hidden treasure takes place where burial ground took place since middle ages. This mass grave cemetery is today defunct, after exhumation was done in 18th century.
Author of this masterpiece is Pierre Lescot, the architect in charge of building projects of Palais du Louvre. Lescot's style is best described as "implantation of pure and correct classical architecture in France." so, it is quite natural that he was inspired with Nymphaeum of ancient Rome while working on fountain.

Today, FdI is another photogenic meeting point in the City of Lights. People are wandering around, meeting each other, having a cup of coffee or falafel in surrounding cafes, watch each other, rolling a cigarette and having fun.

Jewish quarter @ Rome

In the city proclaimed a center of catholic Christianity, there is a quarter that belongs to other world. Ghetto di Roma was established in 16th century in the area up north from Isola Tiberina, and west of Teatro Marcellino.

A grand 16th c fountain by Giacomo della Porta, with palazzo Cenci in the background. This used to be the only source of fresh water for the entire Jewish population of Rome.

Although there are references to the underground world below Il Ghetto, like in most of today's Rome, it is more interesting above. The atmosphere is different from the other parts of the city: once it was the worst place in Rome, nowadays it is a mix of history and good eating. If you have no idea get a place at La Taverna del Ghetto and enjoy life.

Quinta da Regaleira @ Sintra

This might easily be the most magical place I visited, and I did it right after all castles and palaces of Sintra (that are magnificent, as well). This hidden gem is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site "Cultural Landscape of Sintra", and is also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire".

(Click to enlarge)

Although estate has a very interesting history, as an architect I was enchanted by the "everything" in one place. I love maximalism, and felt here like at home.

Weird owner Monteiro designed this place with the help of italian architect Luigi Manini, full of towers, statues, grottos, benches, plants, stairs, secret passages, tunnels and lakes. It showed his interests into  alchemy, Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians. 
Estate itself has various architectural styles implemented, its own Chapel, Labyrinthic Grotto, Leda's cave and Initiation Wells. Wells are actually underground towers with the staircase around. They were never used as a source of water but for ceremonial purposes.
I was lucky enough to visit it by myself (with no tourists around), and even was privileged to stay in after the opening hours (still, I don't recommend it, spending night here might be little uncomfy), so plan your visit carefully.

Chocolate fudge cake

Let me be clear: in the cooking world there's no Ale, no Jamie, no Giada, no Gordon godforbid .... there's only one divinity and its name is Nigella. Now we may continue.

In her cookbook Nigella's bites, there are festivities popping out on every page, and there's one chapter called "Comfort food" with various recipes made to ease the pain and give you the feeling similar to mum's hug and partner's kiss. I always return to this one, a sleeping beauty, as I call it, for the full joy in all seasons. It is not a quick one, yes, it takes time to prepare, but, oh boy, how worth it is.
Not only it takes a long bake (fudge) but also it needs several hours, if not overnight, sleeping (yup, that's where the name comes from) in a fridge to get together and smooth the chocolate taste.
Find original recipe HERE , in shrine itself.

Here comes Art Boo Boo

In the highly economized world we have trends that some people find stupid and ridiculous, some smart and cool....we got "stars" without any talent, "celebrities" for unknown reason, "managers" without serious results, "products" without quality, "brands" based on ads and PR only, institutions with no visible policy and politicians without agenda.
So, when you have realty prices fluctuating and going up and down every couple of years, currencies that are doing highs and lows in a frenzy and even crypto currency without base in precious metals, how do you keep the substance you managed to get? Gold? Stocks? Drugs?

Art?

Some people think art is great to save loads of money, and I agree with that. However, although I see buying art is more a sort of contribution to the artist for his work, some of it became a real deal. Here's why.

Gabriel Cornelius von Max, 1889, Monkeys as Judges of Art

In 19th century, art commerce grew rapidly to the point where huge amounts of money were spent on "goods" new artists created. In such environment, some people find space to get some of that money through "counseling" and "consulting" so the new profession was born: art critic.
Helping people to find out what they actually should like invest into became one of the most-valued, or better say most-influencing positions in art world. Although artists are still those who have one-step-ahead-thinking and creative tools to make trends and step forward in times, these masters of the (behind the scenes) ceremony became the creators of public opinion. Although visual arts, just like any kind of activity that is based on aesthetics, has value mostly on viewer's correspondence with the object (of art, that is), the institution of art critic is established as the head authority. So, instead of viewer's own feeling and own evaluation (same as we value someone's fashion taste or, finally, someone's beauty) , and, yes, I agree it is a subjective matter, we have art critics to tell us what is really good (and, therefore, expensive) art and what is real dumpster filler.
Oh, and did I mention there's NO SCHOOL to educate for art critic?
What do you mean "there's no school to educate for art critic" you will ask. Nope. None. Meaning they also judge on personal and subjective base, giving them enormous autonomy to "discover" new trendy artists that shine for one season - good way to get some quick bucks and go on. You think reality TV is too much? Take a look at campaign HERE or HERE to see there are Honey Boo Boos with an art as prefix.
Smarter among us pay the critics to get the best word in continuance and keep the money flow. Does names like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst ring a bell? Before you hit the "Report this blog" button I'll tell you it doesn't necessarily mean they are bad artists. On the contrary. What I'm saying is that art critics became a link between a creator and a buyer, with a lot of influence (and benefits, too). Same as priests became an official interlink between us and divine power.
Basically, redundant.
So to repeat the beginning of this entry: In the highly economized world we have trends that some people find stupid and ridiculous, some smart and cool....

Doctor Faust - A whiter shade of pale

Summer is here. Summer of love redux, also

Guantanamo X factor...other side of HR

Just like everyone else, after my studies, I was attending job interviews. Lovely experience. Quite relaxing. Very pleasant. Loved to repeat it.
You could read about it HERE
But I got one thing to admit: I was on the other side of the table, too.
Before you start moaning about double standards, I'll tell I never rushed into it voluntarily. Just happened.
Now.
Like almost any other thing in life, first time is always the hardest. I was thrown into water and said "Swim" without particular direction on how to and where to. So, I managed somehow.
For me, the primary aspect is written in a bio: is the candidate skilled for position they applied to. Most of it is written clear for those who read it, although modern times bring modern CVs that hide some important information, but those who thoroughly read the document and process it come to the questions that should be asked. Today you may find about 50 ways to write your resume in "attractive mode" so that, at least, first step/barrier on your way to stardom is passed. Most of it is just appearance, from decision to sort your info by skills or by years to the font it is printed in. Applying Verdana will not give you this job, but putting your CV in 1/2 sheet without a cover letter will just provide LOL and it won't be yours.The substantial info remains same, e.g. you know to do it or you don't.
Next, of course, was my first impression when meeting candidate, and I believe we all do it on everyday basis: the way someone looks, shakes hand, what are the words they say, what manners they show, what is the body language, mimics, how they dress, do they smile a lot or not at all, do they appear casual or uptight, do they take the lead in conversation or follow it...Having unbuttoned shirts and short dress is a big plus at nighttime, not office time. Vivid colors yes, but hey, we're not mating parrots. Show creative approach, but don't cross the line. Show style, but don't cross the line. Be natural, but don't cross the line.
The questions I asked were merely those "let's see what you can do" "what is your experience so far" and "what would you do if...". It is very hard to evaluate someone's ability to work in your office at half an hour conversation, during which all sides try hard to present/sell themselves as the only option. Under such time pressure, many things remain unsaid, covered or just unseen, and hiring a potential serial killer seems possible if s/he learned how to show up Hollywood style.
On the other hand, my stand is better be quiet about things to hide (about company you represent) than to lie. I find it quite inappropriate to say "We have plenty of high-budget clients that splash bucks like crazy on us, that's why we wanna hire you, only you'll be wet NOT by this golden shower, but your sweat and tears only, you'll be working as an intern (smile)"
Ridiculous tests I successfully passed show me there are strange, even bizarre questions employers and their True-or-False Guantanamo HR Depts ask:
"I never get angry"
"When I was young, there were times when I felt like leaving home"

Do your test (click to enlarge)

Sometimes way-too-similar to the Personality test in CoS (see my entry on it HERE) I was at the point to ask myself whatthefuck does this have to do with my engineering knowledge, what "Do you find yourself angry easily?" and "Did your parents praised you for your achievements?" can show about my personality if you don't know the back of the story?
I still believe this is just further step into dehumanized work environment, where HR try VERY hard to remain in blowing-smoke business (paying them VERY well). Robotized pick-up is leading to robotized relations. Using computerized commands instead of inner feeling on recruitment leads to email-resigns and pink slips sent by mail. These are too important decisions to be made by algorithms instead of human think/feel process, or to quote Laszlo Bock, Google's HR executive:
"Google can tell you with very high confidence what phrase you are going to type, six letters in. On the people side, the levels of confidence are very, very different, but in a way, the impact is much greater. If I get a bad auto-suggest, my life doesn’t change. But if somebody makes a bad assessment based on an algorithm or a test, that has a major impact on a person’s life—a job they don’t get or a promotion they don’t get."
So, if Google says so.....