Jazz Band

02/01/2007

For this evening, here is Charlie Parker on Celebrity (1950). You are invited to listen, and then scroll down to see the other two brilliant performances we have had today. Axé.

Mariza em Lisboa

02/01/2007

Since I am posting very dramatic music videos, I offer this, by my favorite fadista, Mariza. I do not particularly like the orchestra version of the music, but observe her performance. Here is an English rendering of the key lines: Oh my countrymen / Now I understand / That the sadness I carry / I … More Mariza em Lisboa

Cuesta abajo

02/01/2007

It is definitely time to call upon light gods, and to sing. Here, for your listening and viewing pleasure, is tango and milonga singer Carlos Gardel performing the famous Cuesta abajo (lyrics by Alfredo de la Pera). One of the things I most intensely dislike about academia is the the nastiness of so many low … More Cuesta abajo

Marvelous

01/01/2007

In Santiago de Chile we saw several hand-lettered placards saying: TAROT READINGS: 5,000 PESOS. AURA CLEANSINGS: 7,000 PESOS. REPAIR OF REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES: 10,000 PESOS. Call Amalio at 777-1001. This, meanwhile, explains a great deal: What is your age according to your lifestyle habits? Age 21. “You have the lifestyle of a young adult.” And … More Marvelous

Test Questions

01/01/2007

Bloggers like to take Fun Tests, but now I have taken some which purport to be serious. The results were quite interesting. According to these tests, I am less optimistic than I see myself to be, but more secure than I believe myself to be. Most fascinatingly, I am dissatisfied because although I have a … More Test Questions

White Mail

01/01/2007

This is a condensed version of my New Year’s conversation with Da Whiteman. PZ: I have asked this question four times, and not received an answer. I really need an answer, so that I can continue with my job assignment. WM: You have not received an answer because you have not asked often enough. Only … More White Mail

Nouvel an

31/12/2006

Vicente Huidobro has New Year poems in both Spanish and French. I cannot find them now, however. Still, we can look at some very nice poems and theoretical texts at the Huidobro site hosted by the Universidad de Chile. It is sunny today, and it could be sunny tomorrow, too. This bodes well for the … More Nouvel an

Valparaíso, el viento

28/12/2006

I am in Valparaíso and it is wonderful. Everywhere else I have been in Chile has been interesting, and Valdivia has the best fish market I have ever seen, but Valparaíso ROCKS, and it is beautiful. Evidence of its ultra-hip culture can be observed here. Later, I will translate this poem by Gonzalo Rojas, on Valparaíso. PUERTO … More Valparaíso, el viento

Pleno sur

24/12/2006

Back in Santiago, it is warm, fortunately. Southern Chile is prized and one can see why, but I must admit I prefer Mediterranean climates and larger towns. One striking feature of the south, however, is the number of locals wearing mountaineering gear and Vibram soles. This is not something I had seen elsewhere in the … More Pleno sur