ENJOY LIFE

Today I took the decision to enjoy life more. Stupid I have to take such a decision because enjoying life should come naturally. But ... this is modern life and modern life is not about enjoying; it is quick, shallow and participating in a rat race. I stepped out of the rat race a few years ago, but I am still not able to enjoy my day. Too worried what is still coming, what is happening today or even what has been in the past. Why ? Worrying does not make it easier and you do not get fantastic ideas all of a sudden - your mind turns and turns more quickly, until you get totally stressed out.

Someone said to me today that I should enjoy life more. She was right, but how to do that ? I am used to do useful things that have value and meaning (at least to me) and not necessarily are fun. OK; let's look at the things I used to like when I was a kid. First problem: already as a kid I was not really me - always doing what was expected of me and adapting to the situation. That does not help. I do not want to go back to that period, so something else has to be the reference.

Then I thought: "why not take my weblog as the reference ?" - what I write about touches my heart and are important to me. These things come easy to me and I enjoy doing them.

For example going to art exhibitions I like to do regularly - I do not like everything I see, but everytime I see something different and it tickles your imagination.

Or reading a book; often I have my best thoughts on things when I am reading a book (usually it has nothing to do with the content of the book, but pop up in a relaxed mind).

Or listening to music; as you noticed I am a fan of mellow, electronic music which is ideal for creating a relaxed mood - or classical music.

Or going to the gym, which is not difficult for me because it makes my negative thoughts go away and I feel rejuvenated after the turkish steam baths.

Or travel; I really like to travel but due to my limited finances I postpone it all the time - maybe I should simply do it and not linger any longer. I often bring back some design items from my city trips. My last real city trip dates back to April 2007 and went to Tallinn and Helsinki. Especially Finland is famous for design and it was a joy to visit the design shops with numerous ingenious items or known items in new forms or colours. I could look around for hours. On the picture my reindeer made of thin sheets of wood squeezed out of a postcard. It is standing on my TV and it is the only thing that is allowed to be up there; may be not my most beautiful thing but I grew very fond of it.

Or trying something new: this week I tried aikido and next week I'll try bikram yoga with some friends. We do not know what we are getting into, but it will be hot without a doubt.

Or going to the theatre; I enjoy going to the theatre on a regular basis - I am doing that already; next Sunday the next play.

Or going out to a restaurant, which is one of my favourite hobbies; once a week is no exception - that is also my financial limit.

Actually I am doing a lot of the things I like. I could add some new things though: may be a trip, find myself a boy-friend or write a book (one of my secret wishes). The main thing that keeps me from enjoying life is the worrying. Fear is such a horrible thing, especially when you do not know what you are afraid for. Kill the fear and half the battle is won.

UPDATE ON ART

After my job interview in Amsterdam last week I went to an art exhibition at the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) at Dam Square on religion in modern art. These are basically works from the Stedelijk Museum who are on display while the Stedelijk is closed for renovation.

First question: why do museums always have to close their doors for years and years for renovation ? Of course they want to do it thoroughly and they want to have it look nice and usually they manage to do so. But if you have your plans ready, the contractor chosen and the finances arranged you can start and do the job, or am I naive ? The costs usually get completely out of control , questions are being asked, decisions to be reconsidered. In the meantime Amsterdam's reputation as a tourist magnet is deteriorating.

Second question: which marketing genius has decided that both the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum have to be renovated at the same time ? People come from all over the world and want to see these museums (usually after they have been to the Vincent van Gogh Museum); very frustrating if they get to the museum and have to read that they are closed. I have experienced that myself several times I was abroad. Luckily the Rijks has been able to display the star pieces in a small wing of the museums.

OK; back to the Nieuwe Kerk. I was curious to see what the influence of religion on modern art was. In my opinion modern art is a sort of rebellion against the dogmas and conservatism of the small-mindedness of the civil society, which includes religion; is religion now becoming a protest ? It started with a room with ironic and humoristic protests against the influence of religion on modern society. In my opinion also the most interesting room. I like art that has a message, without being too moralizing and leaving some room for interpretation.









GILBERT & GEORGE - SHITTY
JEFF KOONS - USHERING IN BANALITY

These two pieces I really liked. Not because they are so beautiful or nice to watch, but because these are pieces that have something to say and lead to mixed and fierce reactions (although certainly with Jeff Koons you need some explanation before you get the meaning). The church as mass hysteria that refuses to keep up with time.

The rest of the exhibition did not stick into my mind and with some works I thought the link with religion was too far-fetched. In my opinion it is not spiritual, transcedental or religious simply because there is a cross somewhere in the picture. Some of them are also successors of the religious paintings of the past, which are usually vague, with pastels and dreamy atmosphere. I like pictures to be big, confronting and with bold colours. How come ?!

UTOPIA

GOLDFRAPP - UTOPIA

I almost forgot about this one. The album was a bit too much, but this dreamy song is one of my favourites. And the title is very me. If I could write a song I would also call it "utopia" - hopeful, modern and a little bit too idealistic. Lucky for you I won't try. Maybe a book ?

CREATIVITY AND COURAGE

Creativity and courage is what I need for 2009 and the rest of my life. Creativity to make my plans for the future and forget about the past and courage to leave the past behind and make a fresh new start. Especially courage is the key word: the strength from within to take the necessary steps and to go forward, irrespective of what everybody else says or does. I need all my faith, all my talents and all my instincts. Once again.


Last week I had a job interview in Amsterdam and the interview went well. Good hopes that a second interview will follow. But immediately that doubt; is this the job for which I went through all this painful hassle the last few years ? Is there more ? And this even before I am in the position to say "yes" or "no"! A lot still has to happen. Am I in a position to say "no" ?


This afternoon I discussed this with my career coach and it became a lengthy and emotional discussion (at least for me). I was confronted with my way of thinking and the desperate situation I am in. Not things I want to hear, because I know it (but R., I still disagree that I am cynical !!). May be I am too hopeful and too often disappointed - cynical has become realistic ... or is that cynical ?


Soon I will be back with my progress and without doubt some positive news (no cynism by the way).

WISH ME LUCK

This week I have got a busy week and little time to update my blog. On Thursday a job interview in Amsterdam and maybe a new start - I am in charge and I decide whether I want it or not. If they want me, that is. I will fill you in at the end of this week.

RøYKSOPP - REMIND ME

To bridge the gap till then another music video. This time "Remind me" of Røyksopp (first time I used the "ø" on my keyboard !). What I like is that they kept their Norwegian name, even when it is unpronouncable for non-Norwegians. Not everything has to be anglicized. Røyksopp are masters of electro-lounge-smooth-ambient-dance music (pick what you like) and how can I leave this song on the shelf if it is accompanied by such a brilliant video. Especially for the graphic designers among us !

привет!

привет!

Hello ! What is this ? My blog is in English and this is not English. You are right; it is time for some Russian.

For a long time Russia has my special interest now. When I studied law in the late 80s Russia, or better the Soviet Union as it was called then (remember ?!), was the big enemy and in first instance the relationship between East and West (military, politically and economically) was my main subject of study ... until Reagan and Gorbatsjov thought it was necessary to change it all and my study of international relations changed overnight into a study of modern history. I did not let it happen and switched to the European Union as subject of study.

My fascination for the communist era remained. I read books of Marx and books on Lenin, Stalin and Khrushchev and visited every country in former communist Eastern Europe except Romania. A special experience was the first and only time I went to Moscow; to stand there on Red Square in front of the Kremlin and to visit Lenin's tomb (bizarre !) was something I never forget.

Let me get this straight. I know of the horrors of communism and I am lucky I did not have to suffer under the rigidity of the regime, but it still is fascinating that people developed a system that worked totally different from the ones before. It also helped us in the West to rethink the rough edges of capitalism.

Besides the Russian classic works of literature, I also like Russian propaganda posters. This is one of the reasons why my blog is called "Red Star"; a simple and powerful symbol. Below is a picture of the propaganda poster which is hanging in my office at home. Although original posters from the period before WWII are valuable this one is not worth stealing: it is a copy. The text on the poster reads "1918 - 1948 HAIL TO THE GLORIOUS SOVIET ARMY !". Very nice for such a peaceful guy as yours truly.














Now I have decided to take my interest for Russia one step further. As a follow up of my course in American History of last year I have now decided to do a course on Politics and Culture of Russia at the University of Leiden and to refresh my knowledge of the Russian language. It starts in February and more on that later.

FIRED UP AGAIN !?

For my sister the new year started with a shock. She was phoned at 1.30 at night on 1 January that the salon where she works was on fire. She rushed out of bed and drove to the salon to look after the interests. After the fire brigade had put the fire out it turned out that the damage was not too serious. A rocket had set fire to the roof and the entrance was set alight. Besides the annoying water and soot damage they were able to open the salon on Friday. As support I put up a link to their website as well as a link to the message on the website of the local newspaper.

http://www.destentor.nl/regio/epevaassen/epe/4285503/Toch-weer-ruiten-kapot.ece

http://www.cosmonique.com/

This is already the second post on fire and my weblog is only three months old. And I hate fire ! Why bother us with it then, you might say?! It illustrates perfectly the point I was making in my post of 30 December 2008 on my hopes for my country: less patronizing. How come ? Two current discussions in my country concern a ban on commercial fireworks and a compulsory installation of fire alarms in homes.

http://marc-melnik.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-hopes-for-my-country.html

It will not surprise you that I am not a fan of a ban on fireworks; not because I want to let off fireworks myself or because I do not see the dangers of fireworks, but simply because a ban does not work !! At this moment it is prohibited in my country to let off firecrackers etcetera before 10 AM on 31 December. Obviously it is not a priority for the police to enforce this ban, because I hear nothing but firecrackers for the last two weeks, and little priority is OK. A ban only increases the "charm". It is all about education and taking responsibility (parents ?!).

With its tradition of patronizing you would suspect that Dutch parliament would support compulsory fire alarms in homes. Wrong !! I do not know the reasoning. If I had to be patronizing, this was one of the first measures I would take. Because it can save yourself, the people you live with, the neighbours and the community so much sorrow if you can control a fire yourself. I experienced it.

My advice:

1. Buy a.s.a.p. a fire alarm, if you do not own one already;

2. Install it in a central place in your home or property (f.e. hallway or kitchen);

3. Check the battery regularly !!!

4. Leave information where you can be reached (especially for offices, shops etc.);

5. Consider the purchase of a fire extinguisher;

6. Read the manual of the fire extinguisher !!!

7. Not only read 1 to 6 but also do them (wel doen hoor!).

For the next few years or so no post on fire anymore. I promise !!