Stela Gheorghe

Sistemul medical din Romania nu incurajeaza nasterea naturala

2012-01-28T09:25:00.003+02:00

Se spune ca Romania este tara tuturor posibilitatilor, dar nu intr-un sens bun. Se pare ca medicii nostri adora sa taie, sa macelareasca si sa coase in loc sa gaseasca mai intai metode alternative de tratament. Fara a sta pe ganduri, de la prima consultatie se decid interventii chirurgicale cu sutele si miile atunci cand in mod normal acestea necesita in prealabil investigatii mai profunde. De ce? Raspunsul e simplu: interese materiale. O operatie costa mai mult decat orice eventual tratament medicamentos sau de alt fel. O interventie chirurgicala atrage dupa sine multiple tratamente care si acestea vor costa pacientul mai mult, ocazie de care profita medicii pentru a-si promova anumite medicamente impuse de catre anumiti furnizori in schimbul anumitor facilitati sau sponsorizari pentru participari la conferinte in strainatate.

Sistemul medical din Romania nu incurajeaza nasterea naturala. Conform datelor statistice, 65% din nasterile din Romania in ultimii ani au fost prin cezariana (fata de 27% in SUA de exemplu). Cezariana este o interventie chirurgicala care se impune cu adevarat in cazul anumitor probleme grave cum ar fi prolaps de cordon ombilical, hipertensiune, diabet matern sau pozitia incorecta a fatului in momentul nasterii. Dar acestea sunt in general cazuri rare. Mi-e greu sa cred ca 65% din femeile din Romania au avut un motiv atat de serios incat sa recurga la cezariana. Prin manipulare, doctorii pro-cezariana te indruma pe aceasta cale inca de la primele consultatii din timpul sarcinii. Romania este singura tara in care cezarienele sunt permise si la decizia pacientei. Daca aceasta doreste sa nasca pe aceasta cale, nimeni n-o va impiedica, chiar daca ea nu are motive medicale pentru a efectua o operatie. Aceasta optiune personala vine de cele mai multe din frica de a infrunta durerile nasterii dar si din lipsa de informare. Din pacate, dupa o cezariana corpul se reface mult mai greu, alaptarea poate intarzia, hormonii naturali ai mamei sunt inhibati astfel incat experienta poate deveni uneori traumatizanta. In plus, exista un mare pericol de infectie iar interventia poate afecta si capacitatea de a procrea ulterior.
Nasterea este un proces natural. Femeile au nascut copii pe cale vaginala de secole, si au fost in stare s-o faca foarte bine, de ce n-ar mai fi in ziua de azi? Da, durerile nasterii pot fi greu de suportat, dar sunt absolut naturale si normale, fata de durerile survenite in urma unei interventii chirurgicale.

In ceea ce priveste anestezia, acesta poate fi considerata o optiune, dar si aici se exagereaza mult la noi in tara. Unele femei care aleg sa nasca pe cale vaginala nici nu concep sa treaca peste aceasta experienta fara a apela la anestezia partiala (epidurala). Iar cele care nu opteaza pentru ea, sunt aproape fortate s-o faca, pentru ca dupa internare, asistentele bat la usa o data la 5 minute sa le intrebe daca nu doresc anastezie. Pana la urma ai tendinta sa cedezi psihic sau sa cazi prada tentatiei. Metoda este mai sanatoasa decat o nastere prin cezariana dar implica riscuri si dezavantaje pe care unele mame nu le cunosc. De exemplu, anestezicul interfereaza cu instinctul natural de impingere pe care femeia ar trebui sa-l manifeste in urma travaliului, si atunci se impune o impingere dirijata care nu mai e la fel de eficienta si poate prelungi expulzia. Orice medicament administrat in organismul mamei ajunge si la fat prin laptele matern care se secreta imediat dupa nastere. S-a observat ca bebelusii mamelor cu epidurala s-au nascut mai ametiti si lipsiti de energie. Injectia epidurala mai costa si ea 450 RON iar medicul anestezist cu siguranta trebuie sa aiba si el din ce sa traiasca. Motiv serios sau nu pentru a promova anestezia epidurala?

Al treilea aspect la care as vrea sa ma refer, este o alta interventie chirurgicala, de proportii mai mici, care se practica foarte frecvent in Romania in timpul nasterii vaginale : epiziotomia, sau taierea perineului. Faceti comparatie: in cea mai importanta maternitate din Geneva incidenta epiziotomiei este de 10%, iar in spitalele din Romania (mai ales cele de stat) este de 98% ! Iarasi, imi vine greu sa cred ca 98% din femeile noastre sunt atat de inguste sau incapabile sa nasca cu perineul intact. De obicei interventia este incurajata de catre doctori pe motiv ca: "e mai bine sa fii taiata decat sa te rupi" (desi, intre noi fie vorba poti sa te rupi mai putin decat te taie ei by default). In spatele acestei afirmatii se ascunde de fapt o alta motivatie: atat medicii cat si asistentele nu mai au rabdare sa scape cat mai repede si se treaca la urmatoarea nastere, astfel incat grabesc tot procesul cam cu 10 minute prin acest procedeu de taiere a perineului inainte sa iasa capul bebelusului. In multe cazuri interventia nu este necesara, deoacere unele femei sunt perfect capabile sa nasca si fara taietura, dar intr-adevar poate dura mai mult si necesita rabdare. Iar medicii nostri n-o au. Ei prefera sa te sperie, apoi sa te faca harcea parcea si sa te coase, ca asa e frumos. Exista chiar metode naturale de a preveni ruperea perineului cum ar fi exercitiile Kegel sau masajul perineal, practicate cu cateva saptamani inainte de nastere. Faceti un experiment : intrebati medicul dvs. ce parere are despre masajul perineal. Cu siguranta nu-l va incuraja, tocmai pentru a-si lasa o portita pentru taietura lui preferata. Al meu a raspuns: "e frectie la picior de lemn". Si degeaba a studiat el la Londra si la Paris daca nu este la curent cu beneficiile acestui masaj si rolul sau in prevenirea ruperii perineului. Inafara de asta, te mai si sperie rau, ca te vei rupe in asemenea hal incat nu vei mai avea viata sexuala normala dupa. De fapt, daca nu s-ar impune pozitia clasica culcata sau semi-culcata in sala de nasteri majoritatea femeilor ar trece prin momentul expulziei mult mai usor. Cateva alte pozitii si-au dovedit eficienta (pe vine, in picioare, in 4 labe) de secole, dar nu, la noi nu ai dreptul la variatie. Esti condamnata sa impingi intr-o pozitie total aiurea si ti se mai cere si sa reusesti in 2 timpi si 3 miscari. Niste porcarii de reguli care iti ingradesc libertatea de miscare si de manifestare a unor instincte naturale. Chiar si in timpul travaliului, cand ar trebui sa poti sa fii mobila gasesc ei pretexte sa te lege la un monitor sau la o perfuzie, doar ca sa-ti inhibe pornirile firesti.

Cred c-o sa incep sa sustin din ce in ce mai mult nasterea acasa. Desi este momentan ilegala in Romania, ar fi cea mai sanatoasa optiune. In Olanda 50% din nasteri au loc acasa. Si slava Domnului au copii sanatosi. Daca sarcina a decurs normal, gravida se simte bine, bebelusul sta in pozitia corecta si nu exista alte probleme exact inainte de nastere nu vad de ce ar fi nevoie sa mergi la un spital idiot unde o echipa de medici bazati sa te faca ferfenita si sa te marcheze pe viata.

Ah, si sa nu uitam faptul ca nu se incurajeaza la noi nici alaptarea la san. Bebelusii sunt luati de langa mama imediat dupa nastere si hraniti cu lapte praf (chiar fara acordul mamei) ca sa li se mareasca imediat stomacelul. Este o metoda subversiva de a promova laptele praf.

In concluzie, nimeni nu se gandeste la binele tau ca mama sau la binele bebelusului. Toate deciziile medicilor sunt mascate de considerente materiale, mai mult sau mai putin cunoscute de noi. O mentalitate invechita si practici barbare s-au impamantenit in spitalele din Romania si este foarte greu sa mai schimbi ceva. Daca incerci sa te revolti, sa-ti ceri drepturile, sa-ti impui dorintele, nu te asculta nimeni, pt ca in ochii lor esti un nimeni, si te vor trata ca atare. Spitalele private sunt mai ok, dar serviciile sunt inca extrem de scumpe. Chiar si acolo de multe ori trebuie sa lupti cu morile de vant.

Despre relatia noastra cu divinitatea

2012-01-19T09:08:00.003+02:00

Fiecare dintre noi are o relatie speciala si personala cu divinitatea. A crede este un lucru frumos iar a-ti exprima credinta in propriul fel, de obicei prin comuniune intima cu Dumnezeu, poate contribui la o stare de bine care ne ajuta sa trecem mai usor prin viata. Credinciosul percepe divinitatea in propriul sau fel, in functie de educatia care a primit-o sau lecturile care l-au ghidat. Nu ne poate impune nimeni sa ne imaginam ca Dumnezeu este intr-un anume fel, pt ca asa cum suntem noi toti diferiti si perceptiile noastre sunt diferite, dar nu neaparat gresite. Abordarea sau invocarea divinitatii insa poate fi de multe ori alterata de pornirile noastre prea umane, de ex. in majoritatea cazurilor, atunci cand se roaga, oamenii se axeaza pe cerinte infinite sau comunicarea unor nemultumiri. Ba unii chiar ajung sa reproseze divinitatii ca nu au obtinut suficient de rapid lucrurile pe care le-au cerut atat de fervent prin rugaciune. Deoarece Dumnezeu este in fiecare dintre noi, ne cunoaste dorintele si tainele, nu are nici un rost sa cerem cu insistenta anumite lucruri. El stie ce sa ne dea si exact cat putem duce. A crede nu este egal cu a cere. Cel mai intelept lucru pe care il putem face este sa multumim de fiecare data pt ceea ce avem deja fara a dori mai mult. Din pacate, de cele mai multe ori, oamenii uita sa multumeasca, considerand ca merita mai mult dar nu primesc in mod nejustificat.

Din pacate pentru o parte din oameni, relatia cu divinitatea se rezuma la mersul la biserica o data pe saptamana. Fatada, parada de ochii lumii si nimic mai mult. Pacat. Pacat intr-un sens si in altul. Multi dintre ei asculta slujba in mod automat fara sa priceapa mesajul. Se inchina, aprind lumanari, stau in picioare cu orele doar pt ca asa fac altii si asa «trebuie», isi fac cruce conform traditiei in timp ce se gandesc in alta parte sau analizeaza lumea din jur. Intrebati-i daca au deschis vreodata Biblia sau cunosc originea anumitor sarbatori crestine. O sa ramaneti surprinsi.

Credinta inseamna pur si simplu sinceritate si comuniune cu Dumnezeu intr-un spatiu intim. Si ce spatiu mai intim poate exista pe lume decat propriul suflet? Nu biserica este casa Domnului, ci sufletul. Acolo esti singur tu cu gandurile tale, te poti exprima liber, nu te aude si nu te judeca nimeni pentru ceea ce faci sau spui. Divinitatea salasluieste in sufletele noastre, acolo trebuie s-o cautam in primul rand. La urma urmei, cine se va ruga pentru tine mai sincer si mai curat decat tu insuti? Poate doar mama, dar in nici un caz un preot oarecare ce citeste zilnic de pe biletele nume de persoane pe care nu le cunoaste. Credinta nu are nevoie de intermediari. Daca recurgem la intermediari inseamna ca nu avem incredere in propria putere de a-L invoca pe Dumnezeu, de a putea comunica cu El. E adevarat, ca primii preoti care au existat pe lume (vezi Vechiul Testament) au fost unsi de Dumnezeu Insusi, pe baza vocatiei lor. Mai departe s-a perpetuat o traditie care a transformat vocatia intr-o meserie (profitabila), iar biserica intr-o institutie care de secole manipuleaza masele alaturi de alte institutii in cadrul statului. Sa ne aducem aminte de perioada in care oamenii erau pacaliti sa-si cumpere din timpul vietii un loc in rai (nu radeti, asta se intampla in evul mediu) sau de nenumaratele razboaie declansate pe parcursul istoriei de catre institutia bisericii sub pretextul credintei.

Rugaciunea trebuie sa fie dezinteresata si gratuita, relatia cu Dumnezeu trebuie sa nu coste nimic, credinta insemnand prin definitie daruire si altruism. Si atunci de ce mersul la biserica implica mereu alocarea de sume «neoficiale» ca niste taxe mai mult sau mai putin obligatorii? Ah, daca acesti bani ar ajunge intr-adevar la saraci si nevoiasi, nu as avea nimic impotriva. Dar din pacate aceste sume ajung in buzunarul cuiva (clerului), care se imbogateste pe seama naivitatii noastre.

Multe lucruri costa in viata asta, insa credinta este fara indoiala gratuita si accesibila oricui. Oricine, oricat de sarac trebuie sa-si poata permite sa comunice cu Dumnezeu. Nu are nevoie pentru asta decat de un suflet, o pornire spre dialog interior, singuratate si sinceritate. E atat de simplu sa cream acea relatie speciala si personala de care vorbeam la inceput, incat nici nu ne dam seama.

(p.s. In special pt mamica: declar pe propria raspundere ca nu fac parte din nici o secta si nu reprezint interesele nici unei grupari religioase.)

Program zilnic de alimentatie in sarcina

2012-01-04T13:32:00.003+02:00

Mic dejun - cereale cu lapte (fulgi de porumb, ovaz, hrisca, gris, orez)

Gustare intre mic dejun si pranz - salata de legume proaspete (salata verde, ardei, castravete, rosii, ceapa verde) cu bucati de telemea si doua felii de paine prajita cu unt (alternati paine alba cu integrala si neagra) sau vara se poate manca telemea cu rosii, puteti adauga la meniu si un ou fiert tare la 2-3 zile.

Pranz - o supa sau o ciorba cu pesmeti

Dupa masa de pranz se iau si multivitaminele de sarcina (+ fier din luna 5)

Intre mese - gustare din fructe: 1 mar + 1 portocala / 1 banana, sau fructe de sezon

Cina - la alegere: peste, pui sau vita cu garnitura (cartofi, orez, fasole, spanac, linte), puteti consuma si porc dar mai rar

Inainte de somn - un iaurt sau un pahar cu lapte batut

Pe parcursul zilei obligatoriu:

2 litri de lichide pe zi (1,5 l apa + 0,5 l alte lichide – lapte, ciorba, suc natural)

Cel putin 2 fructe pe zi

3 tipuri de lactate pe zi (de ex. un pahar cu lapte, 50g telemea si 1 iaurt mic)

Intre mese se pot consuma nuci, arahide, caju, seminte, fructe uscate (contin fier)

Exclus – cafea, alcool

Evitati dulciurile, mezelurile, sucurile din comert, mancarea dubioasa.

Se recomanda 1 jumatate de ora de plimbare zilnic (daca lucrati alegeti o portiune de drum sa mergeti pe jos) si 20 minute de exercitii pt gravide (se pot face si seara inainte de somn, cand stati la TV).

Urmand acest program zilnic veti avea siguranta ca bebelusul dvs. are acces la toate vitaminele si mineralele necesare dezvoltarii normale iar dvs. o alimentatie echilibrata si un regim organizat care va va feri de constipatie, carcei, amorteala bratelor, dureri de spate. De asemenea, nu va veti ingrasa mai mult decat trebuie.

Formula magica este deci miscare + aer + apa + hrana sanatoasa.

Sugestii:

- Inlocuiti pe cat posibil sucurile cu apa, dar aveti grija sa aiba o sursa sigura

- Nu mancati fructe chiar inainte de somn pt ca pot cauza balonare si indigestie in timpul noptii

- Variati fructele la cateva zile

- Iarna e mai greu cu salatele, fiind putine legume romanesti pe piata, va sugerez salata de morcovi + telina rase cu o lingura de smantana sau salata de ridiche

- Seara dupa dus nu uitati sa va masati pe burtica, sani si coapse cu ulei de migdale sau ulei de masline pentru a hidrata pielea si a preveni vergeturile.

Fumatul in timpul sarcinii – ignoranta si egoism

2011-11-12T11:07:00.003+02:00

Am vazut in parc cateva gravide care fumau si cateva mamici care alaptau cu tigara in mana. Mi se pare cel mai ingrozitor lucru. Este vorba in primul rand de ignoranta – copilul din burtica sau nou-nascutul si asa va fi expus unei lumi pline de pericole cum ar fi poluarea, hrana artificiala sau stress, dar mama ii mai administreaza in mod constient inca o doza de pericol, doar pentru ca ea nu are taria de caracter sa renunte la un obicei prost care nici ei nu-i face bine. In al doilea rand este vorba de egoism. O femeie insarcinata fumatoare demonstreaza deja ca ii pasa mai mult de ea insasi decat de copilul pe care urmeaza sa-l aduca pe lume. Poate suna dur, dar eu asa vad lucrurile. La orice slabiciune se poate renunta cu putin efort daca aceasta renuntare iti va aduce tie sau celor din jur un beneficiu pe termen lung. Nu pot compara fumatul cu nici o alta slabiciune, pentru ca nu exista nimic similar, poate doar jocurile de noroc, intr-o oarecare masura. Insa alea pot doar sa te ruineze financiar nu si pe interior.
Tentatiile sunt mari in ziua de azi, inclusiv pentru o femeie insarcinata, care poate isi doreste o prajitura apetisanta de la cofetarie (toate sunt facute din crema artificiala), o punga de cheaps-uri (otrava adevarata), o noapte petrecuta intr-un club de distractii (zgomotul foarte mare si fumul de tigara excesiv ii poate face rau bebelusului), etc. Dar inainte sa dam frau liber poftelor trebuie sa ne gandim ca nu mai suntem in secolul 19 cand se faceau copii pe banda. Acum varsta medie a gravidutelor porneste in general de la aproape 30 ani, multe fac si dupa 30, cand deja si asa exista pericole foarte multe din punct de vedere fiziologic atat pentru mama cat si pentru fat. Cand te decizi la o sarcina dupa 30 ani iti iei un angajament foarte serios pentru ca nu ai timp sa mai incerci inca de 5 ori dupa aceea. Si chiar am observat ca gravidele de 20 si ceva de ani sunt mult mai distrate, neatente si nu iau in serios responsabilitatea, poate pentru ca au tot timpul din lume sa mai incerce in cazul in care pierd o sarcina sau nasc un copil cu malformatii din cauza fumatului.
Din pacate si asa traim intr-o tara mizerabila care nu da doi bani pe reproducere si natalitate. Sistemul sanitar nu permite o urmarire normala a sarcinii pe bani putini. In aceste conditii de ce ne-am face si noi rau cu mana noastra? Un efort, un mic efort, dar satisfactia va fi mare atunci cand ti se va spune ca ai nascut un bebelus perfect sanatos. Intr-adevar, nu exista garantia ca va fi sanatos daca nu fumezi, dar macar stii ca ai facut tot posibilul sa contribui la sanatatea lui.

Revue de livre "Charly 9" de Jean Teulé

2011-11-06T20:08:00.000+02:00

C'est ma première lecture de Jean Teulé mais je me déclare déjà presque conquise par le style du romancier, qui deviendra bientôt mon préféré. Autant de symbolisme, de profondeur et en même temps d'ironie et de sarcasme (à la fois comique et tragique), sont difficiles à trouver ailleurs.

Le destin de Charles IX m'était assez familier avant de choisir ma lecture, pourtant, le roman m'a profondément impressionné par une perception différente du personnage.

L'action débute par le complot du massacre, mis en place par Catherine de Médicis, Henri d'Anjou et le conseil de gouvernement. Je laisse de côté mon propre avis sur les vrais organisateurs, car c'est un roman et pas une biographie, donc les erreurs historiques sont acceptées. La veuve noire et Ses Yeux Chers arrivent à convaincre Charles de la nécessité du carnage en évoquant les arguments suivants:
- Éviter de lutter en Flandre contre l'Espagne catholique
- Utiliser le prétexte pour se débarrasser de Coligny, mauvais conseiller du roi selon Catherine
- Prévenir l'enlèvement de la famille royale comploté par les protestants
- Stopper les protestants qui s'emparaient déjà des villes et égorgeaient les catholiques

Le procédé employé par l'auteur pour montrer l'accroissement de l'effroi de Charles vis à vis des comploteurs est tout à fait troublant: «deux morts?», «six morts?», «cent morts?», «mille morts?», «trente mille morts?» Ce n'est qu'une répétition qui préfigure et augmente la tragédie.

La phrase «Ce ne sont quand même que des protestants» révèle une attitude inhumaine envers une religion qui n'est pas encore reconnue. Selon la mentalité des catholiques, le massacre ne devait être qu'une «grande lessive» approuvée par Dieu.

Charles n'a jamais voulu être roi, fait confirmé par le portrait qu'on lui fasse dans l'ouvrage et par ses propres mots. D'une certaine façon, le roi essaie de minimiser son rôle dans le massacre à celui d'un simple témoin, accablé par le malheur, incapable de prendre des décisions. «Agis comme tu veux, mamma. C'est ta décision...»

Les cris épouvantables des corbeaux «Quoi», «Crois» et «Croa» le jour de 24 août 1572 symbolisent la stupéfaction générale juste après le carnage, et la mort qui dominait le paysage.

Charles se rend compte à plusieurs occasions que son copain Henriot (futur Henri IV) «pue», mais c'est juste une métaphore utilisée par le roi pour se moquer de son esprit hésitant entre les deux religions, qui l'ai aidé en effet à survivre le massacre et à conserver ses chances à la couronne de France. Celui qui pue n'est pas franc avec les autres, il cache sa vraie identité.

Charles IX l'homme nous est révélé en toute splendeur dans les dialogues avec sa mère, Elisabeth, Henriot et Ambroise Paré.

Très jeune, au début de son règne, Charles commence à désirer la mort immédiatement après la St. Barthélemy: «Dois-je me retirer dans ma chambre ou dans quelque désert ou sous quelque rocher? Où fuir?» Sa propre phrase annonce sa mort pré-mature, perçue sans doute comme un refuge.

Le motif de l'autruche est très important dans la tentative de l'auteur de nous rendre le portrait fidèle du roi: «les autruches se mettent la tête dans le sable pour ne plus avoir à regarder les problèmes en face. Sinon, c'est un oiseau coureur.» On reconnaît facilement le caractère de Charles dans cette courte description: roi par hasard, né pour ne pas gouverner, aime laisser aux autres la liberté de prendre des décisions pour s'en débarrasser, et chasser en toute liberté. «Aux civilisations, je préfère les paysages.»

Après le massacre, Charles voit et sent des remords et reproches partout, même dans sa soupe: «là aussi, c'est plein d'yeux écarquillés de reproches qui me regardent!» Malheureusement les remords vont se transformer en obsession, l'obsession en maladie, qui va aboutir à sa mort au bout de deux ans après le malheureux événement. D'autant plus que toute la Chrétienté et le pape le considère comme «le vengeur du ciel», tandis qu'en vérité il n'est qu'un «jeune roi tueur».

Contre toute attente, quand le roi apprend la naissance de sa fille il se sent soulagé de ne pas laisser un héritier mâle à la postérité. Un garçon, futur roi, lui aura-t-il sans doute reproché son pire exploit et il n'aurait pu justifier son acte.

Quand la démence s'accentue, Charles passe par plusieurs états d'esprit – il tue son chien, il a des crises de nerfs, des accès de fureur, (il se venge contre les animaux, mais en fait c'est après les hommes qu'il est fâché). «Je ressemble à ces chiens qui sont entrés dans l'eau et qui ne peuvent regagner le bord car le courant les emporte si bien qu'en nageant toujours à la fin ils se noient.»

A un certain moment de sa folie, Charles manifeste son envie de tuer tout son peuple pour faire les gens oublier le massacre, et le bourreau lui devient un bon ami car ils semblent avoir trouvé beaucoup d'affinités.

En ce qui concerne l'aspect physique de Charles après la St. Barthélemy: «A vingt-trois ans, le roi aux rides profondes donne l'impression d'être âgé de plus de double...» - il est un homme consommé.

Vers sa fin, le symbolisme s'accentue, notamment quand il s'agit de l'immense quantité de sang perdu par Charles pendant sa maladie: «C'est tout le sang que j'ai fait verser qui ressort par ma peau!» La maladie est probablement survenue comme résultat de son bouleversement intérieur, son regret pour l'acte commis: «La honte me dévore autant que la douleur...»

«L'enfer, je l'ai déjà vécu sur terre.» - voilà les considérations d'un jeune homme extrêmement marqué par son destin. Du coup, l'autopsie du cadavre du roi relève un «cœur flasque et comme desséché: toute l'humeur aqueuse, habituellement contenue dans le péricarde, ayant disparu.»

Le final s'avère bien triste pour Charles aussi bien que pour nous, les spectateurs. Inévitablement, le roi est bientôt oublié et la guerre recommence. Il n'a été donc qu'une victime de son temps. Avec ou sans lui, le massacre de la St. Barthélémy aurait eu lieu.

Grâce à un décor et des scènes assez statiques, le livre de Jean Teulé pourrait facilement être joué comme une pièce de théâtre. Les commentaires sont inutiles, je vous invite à lire...

"La guerre des trois Henri" – dernières impressions

2011-10-23T00:08:00.000+03:00

Je viens de finir la lecture de deux premiers romans de la trilogie "La guerre des trois Henri": "Les rapines du duc de Guise" et "La guerre des amoureuses" de Jean d'Aillon. Des romans plutôt historiques et d’aventures que policiers (trouvés au rayon des romans policiers...), mais assez charmants par leurs intrigues et machinations. L’auteur est visiblement tenté d’imiter le vieux Dumas, auquel il fait référence à plusieurs occasions, mais reste encore loin de ses aspirations. Parfois l’action se déroule trop rapidement et il y en a trop de personnages à suivre. Intéressant et captivant quand même... Je vais chercher le dernier tome: "La ville qui n’aimait pas son roi", pour finir la lecture de la trilogie et tirer une conclusion plus définitoire sur le style d’Aillon.

Religion – accepting inheritance or making a choice?

2011-09-17T23:31:00.004+03:00

I wanted to write about this for such a long time but, frankly speaking, I was afraid to make waves. Religious issues have caused wars in the past centuries and even nowadays people continue arguing about religion and keep imposing their religious beliefs on other people without realizing that such an attitude endangers our freedom of thought as individuals.
Every human being has the right to believe in whatever he/she wishes to believe in and nobody is entitled to compel him/her to believe in something else or to question his/her choice. But most of us do that consciously or unconsciously during our entire life.
Unfortunately, even atheists tend to engage into religious debates and never miss the opportunity to display the rationality of their own considerations on this subject. No matter our religious education we just cannot help trying to force other people to share our beliefs. I cannot understand why. Although we more easily accept vegetarians or homosexuals, when it comes to religion, conflicts always turn out to be deep and dangerous.
I was born in a Christian Orthodox family and baptized in an Orthodox church at a very early age, being unable to agree or disagree with my parents’ decision to make me an Orthodox. In our country children are simply condemned to continue the tradition, based on a decision that has never been theirs.
I have read many things on different religions ever since I grew old enough to ask myself various existential questions and the subject started to interest me as from a philosophical point of view. Like everybody else, I used to share my family’s beliefs out of habit, but as I continued to build my own assumptions I gradually realized that the religion chosen for me by my parents does not define me at all. I am not in any way against it and I would never try to convince my family that being an Orthodox is wrong, however I prefer to be offered the freedom of choice at this age, without being misjudged or looked upon as a traitor or a freak.
Theoretically I have this freedom but breaking up with tradition would definitely mean alienation from my family, a hostile social environment, and having to deal with people’s incapacity to accept my new beliefs.
I don’t want to criticize any religion in particular, but I perceive Orthodoxy as primitive, pessimistic and depressive, inducing a gloomy state of mind. The churches, the songs and the manner or praying inspire me nothing but sadness, melancholy and black thoughts (entirely personal & subjective perception).
In conclusion, I would like a different life for my child. I want to encourage him to make his own choices in every possible matter, including religion. At the right age, he would probably show some interest (or not) in reading about religion and decide what he wants to become. I would be fine with him not wanting to embrace any religion, choosing something among the existing ones or even creating his own personal faith. I still hope this beautiful perspective is possible and applicable without causing a social scandal.
We are not obliged to adopt our parents’ religious, political or any other kind of views. Religion is not a disease we have to live with, it is simply a choice we make. The important thing is to believe in what makes us happy.

No beauty during pregnancy

2011-09-07T12:55:00.000+03:00

People say pregnant women look more beautiful than they did before. I think it’s totally false. When you see a pregnant lady who got fat you obviously cannot tell that to her face, instead, you try to approach her with more delicacy by saying something nice and cliché like: wow, you look even more beautiful!

Pregnant women cannot look better than they did before for several reasons. First of all, they are getting fat. It’s normal, it’s obvious and it’s visible. When a woman feels fat she cannot look beautiful, at least for herself. Secondly, pregnancy makes some odors almost intolerable, including make-up and creams. Most pregnant women tend to avoid make-up or stay away from it. And another reason is that morning sickness makes everything so unimportant, like wearing a sexy dress or a fine make-up. You’re going to throw up anyway, no matter what you are wearing…. So, why bother?

No beauty during pregnancy, that’s the harsh reality. But there is still hope after the baby is born to get back to the old mermaid shape or even better. It all depends on the woman’s strong will and motivation.

Mai sunt moldovenii gospodari?

2011-08-31T14:17:00.001+03:00

Moldovenii se considera gospodari prin definitie. Este aproape o mandrie nationala. Se spune ca moldovenii sunt harnici si au grija de casa/gospodaria lor mai bine decat alte popoare. Dar daca o sa vizitati Republica Moldova in zilele noastre posibil sa puneti la indoiala aceasta afirmatie legendara. Peste tot domneste un haos de nedescris. In orase strazile arata jalnic, unele nu au mai fost reparate din vremea comunismului (si au trecut peste 20 ani!), autobusele utilizate in transportul public dateaza cred ca din 1970, fac un zgomot infernal si scot nori de fum, scolile arata de parca ar fi cladiri parasite, stadioanele nu mai exista, majoritatea au fost lasate in paragina sau transformate in piete municipale unde vin taranii sa vanda branza sau fructe. Nu exista nici un fel de ordine, dar oamenii nu par sa fie deranjati de aceasta stare a lucrurilor. Fiecare isi vede de treaba lui, are grija sa fie curat si bine la el in casa, sa aiba ce manca, si nu mai conteaza ca scara blocului sta sa se prabuseasca sau curtea unde se joaca copiii e impanzita de buruiene.

Stau si ma gandesc daca se va schimba vreodata ceva. A trebuit sa vina comunismul in 1940 ca sa ajungem si noi prin 70-80 la un nivel de viata decent, la ordine si disciplina. Din 1989 lumea se plange de democratie si efectele ei dar nu realizeaza ca de fapt ce lipseste acum si exista atunci era o mana forte care ne dirija si ne disciplina. Moldovenii nu sunt in stare sa faca nimic fara sa fie manati din urma, eventual cu forta.

Cum se face dar ca in casele si apartamentele lor este atat de curat si bine dar nu ii intereseaza cum arata curtea din fata blocului? Nu zic, poate intr-adevar nu sunt bani pentru reparatii de drumuri si reabilitare cladiri, dar sa fim seriosi, nici dorinta nu exista. Ne-am plafonat, ne-am inchis in spiritul familiei si a murit demult simtul raspunderii pentru comunitate, solidaritatea si dorinta de a face un bine pentru altii, fara a astepta recompensa. Cu putina vointa am putea iesi macar o data pe an sa strangem gunoaiele din cartier. Dar nu ne intereseaza. Apropo, valabil si pentru Romania.

Am avut norocul sa-mi petrec copilaria in mijlocul anilor 80 intr-un sat din Rep. Moldova, care arata foarte bine pe vremuri, drumurile erau proaspat asfaltate, accesibile, exista un parculet in centrul satului cu leagane in forma de barcute pentru copii, scoala avea un stadion ingrijit, ba chiar se organizau competitii sportive acolo, exista pe vremuri si un club cu cinematograf pentru tineri. Am amintiri foarte placute din acea perioada. In momentul de fata nu se mai poate intra in sat cu masina, pentru ca s-a rupt podul de peste iaz si nu s-a gasit nimeni sa-l repare, iar ulitele au ajuns intr-un asemenea hal incat nici cu 4x4 nu le poti aborda. Era un sat vioi si plin de lume vesela. Acum nu a ramas decat vreo duzina de batrani care stau sa moara, restul au evadat la oras sau spre tari straine pentru a-si asigura un trai. Intr-adevar, vremurile sunt altele, somajul e in floare, preturile sunt mari. Dar poti sesiza o vadita atitudine de nepasare din partea tuturor iar universul in care traim nu poate fi definit decat HAOS.

Am fost si la Chisinau acu ceva timp, m-am plimbat prin centru si am ramas dezamagita. Arata gri si neinteresant. Halal capitala - trafic haotic, drumuri pline de gropi. Iaka asa.

Pacat de tarisoara asta si de oamenii ei atat de mandri de sangele care le curge prin vene. Nu ne-a ramas decat orgoliul. Suntem o tara de făluţi (aici ma refer si la clasa politica). Iar faptul ca fugim din Moldova si ne capatuim in alta parte nu e o mare realizare, caci in definitiv si la urma urmei pentru propria noastra tara nu facem nimic. Traiasca orgoliul moldovenesc! (= zero)

Picture hanging on a hospital room wall

2011-08-27T14:16:00.000+03:00

I once wrote a poem about a picture hanging on a hospital room wall. It was about ten years ago. There’s an empty hospital room again, only this time the picture is real and the poem is undone. It’s the spirit that’s hanging. An indefinitely shaped spirit is haunting me. But the picture is definitely real. I have it all. Or almost. At last I have something real to rely on, but still so intangible and hard to perceive.

Actors' Resemblance: Aaron Tveit & Charity Wakefield

2011-08-27T14:06:00.000+03:00

I watched Gossip Girl season 3 and then Sense and Sensibility mini-series of 2008 and then I realized how much Aaron Tveit (playing Tripp Van Der Bilt in Gossip Girl) and Charity Wakefield (playing Marianne Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility) looked like each other. First I thought they might be brother and sister but apparently they are not. Judge for yourself by comparing the photos.

Movie Review: The Secret Life of the American Teenager

2011-07-24T13:02:00.000+03:00

I was looking for a teenage sitcom to cheer me up a bit and make me remember my adolescence days, when I used to have no worries and life was so easy. Someone advised me to watch “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”. To my disappointment, this TV series pictures a life which is even worse than my adult life!

First of all, girls get pregnant at 15 and end their childhood in raising a baby or getting married. Not likely to happen in reality, although I agree, there might be some exceptions.
Boys of 16 take full responsibility of their own actions and never run away from the girls they got pregnant. How far is that from reality?

Of course, there are teenagers who really get into such troubles but what are the odds of this happening to two girls related by the same ex-boyfriend? Amy’s getting pregnant really seemed like a pure accident but Adrian’s, hmmmm, not so much. It happened in a car, she was on the pill and they used a condom… Dear producers, you succeeded to scare the hell out of all the boys looking for sex in high school!

But what struck me the most was that all the characters could ever talk about was sex. If you listen to their conversations, the phrase “having sex” comes up once a minute. I understand the producers’ concern to warn teenagers against the dangers of involving into early sexual relationships, but don’t you think repeating the word obsessively will only make them want it even more? You know how reverse psychology works.

In “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” relationships are built on whether to have sex or not, which doesn’t always reflect reality. Back in my days, we used to go to the movies, take long walks, kiss in the backyard before returning home after dates and fantasize about the other person in a totally naïve and dreamy way. Maybe things have changed since, but I still believe adolescence to be much more than an obsession with sex.

If the creators of “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” really aim to teach teenagers a lesson by presenting Amy’s or Adrian’s fate, their way of doing that is totally lame. How can you recommend young girls to take contraceptive pills at 15? Don’t you know they are totally unhealthy at that age? Restraining early ovulation can result in not being unable to conceive later on, true fact confirmed by specialists. Unless teenagers are resolute to take this road, I plead for condoms, as the perfect way to avoid early pregnancy or transmission of sexual diseases. They work in 99% of the cases. Or else, abstinence before 18.

As to the TSLOTAT dialogues, they are commonly long, iterative and boring. Characters are usually discussing insignificant issues and it seems like all they do is talk. The most commonly used phrase after “having sex” is “we have to talk”, like there’s always something important to say, but as we listen to them we realize how futile most of their conversations are.

The series started on the right foot, and I kind of enjoyed the first season, but as I moved forward to the second one, it gradually turned into a cheap soap opera. A week in the movie lasts as a week in our real life. After the first season I thought that each season’s action would end up by the beginning of the summer vacation. They weren’t able to do that during the second season and expanded the action so much that Amy’s trip to New York lasted for several episodes, which was really annoying.

The producer focuses on teenagers’ personal lives and neglects the importance of school. A teenager’s life mainly consists of studying rather than chatting in the school halls. The characters are so busy with considerations about sex or discussing apparently important subjects that they forget about what should be their main concern at their age: getting an education. How can you promote such an unhealthy perspective?

In their high school there are no real teachers (they are never there), just a counselor, who is replaced every year and interferes with the characters’ lives. It can leave viewers with the impression that school is only important for personal matters.

Parents are so involved in their children’s “secret life” that poor teenagers have no privacy at all. It’s very annoying.

I would go on and on about it, but I guess it’s useless. “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” is supposed to be life-like but it isn’t.
Dear teenagers, please don’t watch it, save your time, go to school, do whatever you like, just don’t take birth control pills and enjoy life!

Chambord – the Dreamlike Castle

2011-07-12T19:23:00.000+03:00

Pick a sunny day to visit Chambord. It will be the perfect occasion to take wonderful pictures inside and outside the magnificent residence.
The estate of Chambord is part of the vast French heritage, a unique spot in France and one of the top visited castles in the world.
The huge enterprise of building the castle was initiated in 1519 when the king François I was only 25 years old. Intended not as a place to reside in but rather to brag about, Chambord’s splendors were designed to display the French monarchy’s power and wealth. The result challenged both the Spanish emperor and the English king, who subsequently couldn’t help creating their own local imitations.
Chambord is undoubtedly the most eloquent example of Renaissance architecture, including a few late medieval elements. It is in fact a synthesis of shapes and decorations beautifully combined to offer surprisingly modern for those times loggias, terraces and facades.
The initial hunting lodge grew into an extravagant château containing 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. The entire construction appears delightfully graceful and well-balanced. The perfect symmetry makes it look like a doll castle from above.
It’s a pity that François I spent only 72 days of his reign here. He used to travel a lot and Chambord was not among his numerous residences, but rather a place for hunting and showing off to special visitors, like the emperor Charles V.
The construction was later on continued and finalized by his offspring Henry II and Louis XIV.
What I really enjoyed at Chambord was:
- the famous double spiral staircase - comprises two concentric spiral flights of stairs that wind independently so that two people each taking one flight can never meet
- the coach room - an exhibition of old horse-drawn carriages
- the terraces – offer a spectacular view over the entire estate
- the park - covers 5440 hectares surrounded by a long wall enclosing a forest and a national reserve for wild animals.
I strongly recommend visiting Chambord, one of the best attractions of the Loire Valley in France. You need two hours to see the castle inside and about 2-3 hours to discover the rest of the estate. There are some very nice restaurants just across where you can have lunch in the sunshine and enjoy the lovely view.

The truth about Moldova

2011-07-04T21:53:00.003+03:00

- Moldova is a small ex-soviet country situated in the Eastern Europe
- Moldova is the last European country to be governed by the Communist Party (until 2009)
- Moldova has EU prices and third world wages - average salary is 100 euros, 1kg of potatoes -1,5€, a pair of shoes - 80€ and home heating energy bill in winter - 90€/month.
- 50% of the Moldavian population is working abroad to support families left at home
- Moldavians are very nice and friendly people unless you ask them about their history, which is painful
- Half the inhabitants sympathize with Russia and the other half with Romania, creating an atmosphere of mistrust and dissension
- Moldova has no president for over 2 years, due to lack of political agreement between the major parties
- Moldova occupies a surface of 33846 km2 but has more political parties than any other country in the world
- Most Moldavians are nostalgic about the Communist period when their lives were secure and simple
- Corruption is almost legal in Moldova, everybody knows but nobody does anything to stop it
- Moldavians really love their country, but they have never been able to protect it from invaders and submissively yielded every time
- Moldavians are obsessed with food and fancy clothes. They cook way too much on special occasions only to eat half of it, and wear fancy clothes every day only to display their wealth
- Moldova is a country of contrasts. The poorest European country shows off the most expensive houses, cars, clothes, jewelry. But in spite of appearances, most people are actually striving to survive.

Ciudateniile francezilor, partea 3

2011-06-26T17:12:00.002+03:00

Francezii se imbraca ciudat. Mai cu seama, vara ca iarna si iarna ca vara.

Clima in regiunea unde am stat eu (Tours, dep. Indre-et-Loire, Centru) este intr-adevar foarte blanda. Dar sa porti in decembrie, la minus cateva grade, sandale de vara, e cam exagerat. Da, sandale, iarna. Ce-i drept tipa avea pedichiura proaspat facuta, poate fi o scuza?

Imi aduc aminte ca asta iarna, cand ieseam dimineata in statie eram oripilata cand vedeam cat de sumar erau imbracati oamenii. Femeile, mai ales. Iarna ele nu poarta dresuri si nici ciorapi. Nici macar cizme. Poate nu au bani sa-si cumpere, asta m-am gandit.

Iarna e ceva normal in Franta sa vezi picior gol in pantofi, sau de cele mai multe ori in balerini (eu le zic "opinci"). Da, orice femeie de culoare ai vedea pe strada, cu siguranta poarta balerini. Iar frantuzoaicele albe au preluat moda. So common, so boring: Blugi + sacou + balerini + nelipsitul fular imens la gat.

Apropo de fular, a devenit o piesa vestimentara foarte la moda in Franta, in orice sezon. Atat la femei cat si la barbati. De obicei e lung si infasurat de cateva ori in jurul gatului. Cel mai bizar e ca iarna poarta fular dar nu poarta ciorapi sau cizme... picioarele nu merita aceeasi atentie ca gatul.

Acum ca ne-am lamurit cu iarna sa trecem la vara. Soarele straluceste, caldura te doboara, dar frantuzoaicele isi scot cizmele din dulap. Asta chiar mi-e greu sa inteleg. O gramada de fete poarta cizme sau bocanci vara. Nu conteaza ca se coc sau le put picioarele dar ele au impresia ca sunt la moda! Ah, si nelipsitul fular e tot acolo, infasurat bine la gat.

Acu cateva zile plouase. Dar a fost o ploaie de vara, nimic grav. Am vazut cel putin 10 persoane purtand haina, nu nu nu de ploaie, ci de iarna, like palton sau mantou. Si ce daca ploua, get an umbrella, for God’s sake. Presupun ca au o problema cu termoreglarea.

O sa ma limitez la atat, ca sa nu fiu prea dura. Concluziile le trageti singuri.

Ciudateniile francezilor, partea 2

2011-05-25T22:07:00.000+03:00

Atunci cand nu te duci la Paris ca turist ci cu treaba, orasul pare insuportabil si murdar. Paradoxal, dar asa l-am perceput eu. Acelasi oras pe care l-am descoperit acum 2 ani si care m-a facut sa ma decid sa ma mut in Franta.
Intr-un fel, imi aduce aminte de Bucuresti, la ordinea zilei sunt: aglomeratia, poluarea, numarul mare de masini si oameni, senzatia de sufocare.
Insa ceea ce m-a socat cel mai mult a fost atitudinea barbatilor la vederea unei fuste sau rochii. Bineinteles, cei care reactioneaza intr-un mod cat se poate de vulgar sunt preponderent negrii si arabii, dar se intampla sa se afle printre ei si francezi care de la distanta par ok, dar odata ajunsi in dreptul tintei pe care o masoara initial din priviri nu se pot abtine sa n-o evalueze verbal, sau s-o comenteze in public, prin cuvinte mai mult sau mai putin jignitoare. In fine, ca sa generalizez, intamplari de genul asta au loc si in Tours si probabil in orice alt oras din Franta.

Sincer ma asteptam la mai multa civilizatie. In metrou pute in ultimul hal, iar trenurile sunt mai vechi decat cele din Bucuresti si arata groaznic. Nici nu vreau sa mentionez ce fel de lume circula de obicei cu metroul prin Paris, motiv pentru care iti creaza aceasta senzatie de lumea a treia, chiar daca iesind la exterior vezi din departare turnul Eiffel sau palatul Elysée.

Atunci cand te duci la Paris ca turist, poate din cauza relaxarii si bucuriei concediului ai tendinta sa neglijezi aspectele negative ale orasului si te focusezi pe monumente istorice si culturale si splendoarea pe care poate intr-adevar s-o ofere acest oras plin de surprize. In caz contrar, orice alta ocazie de a merge la Paris poate cauza dezamagiri nenumarate.

Multi m-au sfatuit sa-mi caut un loc de munca anume aici, din motive materiale, dar tocmai aceste neajunsuri ale unei capitale (insuportabile pentru mine: aglomeratia, poluarea, zgomotul) m-au tinut la distanta pana acum.

Nu stiu unde voi ajunge sa lucrez sau sa locuiesc peste cativa ani, sper din tot sufletul ca nu la Paris, dar in orice caz, recomand Parisul doar ca obiectiv turistic, altfel orasul acesta cantat de poeti si artisti de secole poate sa-si piarda farmecul sau unic pentru totdeauna.

Updated cooking album

2011-04-06T18:39:00.001+03:00

Check out my cooking album updated, mostly French recipes, but also Romanian and international. Copyright on photos.

http://stelagheorghe.blogspot.com/p/cooking_06.html

Dreams coming true

2011-04-06T17:58:00.002+03:00

Château de Chambord - visited in 2011
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire - visited in 2011
Forteresse d'Angers - visited in 2011
Manoir du Clos-lucé - visited in 2011
Forteresse de Chinon - visited in 2011
Château de Chenonceau - visited in 2010
Château de Azay-le-Rideau - visited in 2010
Château de Langeais - visited in 2010
Château de Plessis-les-Tours - visited in 2010
Château d’Amboise – visited in 2010
Château royal de Blois – visited in 2010
Louvre – visited in 2009
Château de Versailles – visited in 2009
Château de Vincennes – visited in 2009
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye – visited in 2009
Château de Fontainebleau – visited in 2009
Basilique de Saint-Denis – visited in 2009

Yet to come: Saumur, Montsoreau, Loches, Ussé, Villandry, Cheverny, Nantes, La Rochelle, Brest, Calais, Pau

Ciudateniile francezilor, partea 1

2011-04-05T19:34:00.002+03:00

O sa incep cu pauza de pranz. Intre ora 12 jumate la pranz si 3 aici nimeni nu lucreaza (nu stiu cum e la Paris, eu vorbesc de provincie): toate alimentarele sunt in pauza de masa, bancile sunt inchise, nu poti plati o factura, nu poti cumpara o apa. Pe strada e agitatie maxima, dar nu in sensul ca e trafic; lumea se plimba sau sta asezata pe banci, pe jos, pe unde se nimereste, si mananca sandwichuri, sau isi desfac pachetele de mancare aduse de acasa si se pun pe mancat, fara nici o jena. E clar, 2 ore la pranz, nu ai ce face, trebuie sa renunti la orice planuri si sa te asezi si tu pe trotuar sa halesti ceva, ca sa fii in rand cu lumea.
Prin birouri se pleaca la ora pranzului pe la restaurantele din zona, unii mai norocosi dau o fuga chiar pana acasa pentru o gustare copioasa si eventual o siesta rapida.
E ca si cum dintr-o data cand suna ceasul 12, timpul se opreste in loc. Oamenii se relaxeaza. Nimeni nu te judeca daca te odihnesti timp de 2 ore la pranz. Se presupune ca ai muncit destul pana in 12 si vei mai munci suficient dupa ora 2 sau 3 pana seara la 5 sau la 6. Daca stau sa calculez, aici se munceste de fapt 7 ore pe zi, nu 8 sau 9 ca in Romania. Nu ca ar fi oamenii mai lenesi, dar au anumite obiceiuri pe care le respecta cu strictete. In schimb daca te apuci sa mananci pe la 3 sau 4 dupa amiaza deja e ciudat. Eu una mananc cand mi-e foame, nu tin cont de ora, dar aici este imposibil, in primul rand pentru ca restaurantele nu servesc mancare decat intre 12 si 2 apoi abia seara dupa 6. Deci daca te apuca foamea dupa amiaza nu ai alta solutie decat sa-ti cumperi ceva de la un supermarket (care din fericire e deschis la ora aia !) sau sa te infrupti din pachetelul de acasa pregatit cu minutiozitate din timp.
Dupa ce iau masa la pranz francezii isi beau cafeluta undeva la o cafenea, unii din ei se duc in parc si citesc o carte. De exemplu daca iti ia o ora sa mananci, si ti-a mai ramas o ora, nu te duci ca prostu la birou si iti reiei activitatea ci iti valorifici si a doua ora de pauza relaxandu-te pe o banca in parc cu cartea in brate sau stai la o vorba cu colegii pe terasa. Si nimeni nu-ti zice absolut nimic. Asa e normal. E pauza ta, e dreptul tau sa stai, sa nu faci nimic. Doua ore.
Daca ar auzi asta angajatorii din Romania, s-ar cruci. La noi pranzul se ia mereu pe fuga, iar daca stai mai mult de 15 minute la bucataria sau cantina firmei deja esti susceptibil sa primesti priviri rautacioase din partea colegilor, iar daca mai ai tupeul sa scoti si o carte din geanta, deja intreci orice bun simt. Pentru a atinge standardele locale trebuie sa fii capabil sa lucrezi non stop. Ciudat e ca Franta prospera in continuare dar noi suntem inca in profunda recesiune. Cum e posibil? Stau si ma intreb la ce nivel se simte oare productivitatea romanilor.
In orice caz, sa te duci la magazin la ora 1 ziua si sa pupi usa nu e chiar placut. Iar daca nu-ti cumperi paine pana in ora 7 risti sa ramai fara paine pana a doua zi, caci nu mai ai de unde. E inchis peste tot. Orele de odihna la fel ca si orele de munca sunt sfinte. O fi bine, o fi rau, ramane de vazut.

Gand de primavara

2011-03-08T12:18:00.000+02:00

Chiar daca sarbatoarea de 8 martie are conotatii socialiste la origini, e placut sa avem si noi, femeile, ziua noastra. Nu ca ne-ar baga cineva in seama in mod deosebit pentru ceea ce suntem sau facem cu adevarat, majoritatea urarilor sau florilor fiind daruite mai mult din obligatie, dar macar avem ocazia sa ne bucuram, noi intre noi, femeile, ca existam, ca datorita noua se intampla multe in lumea asta, ca avem un cuvant de spus, iar farmecul nostru poate cu siguranta da peste cap orice, in orice moment al vietii.

Astazi, un gand bun de primavara, cu soare si zambet, pentru feminitate.

The unstoppable French mailman

2011-02-28T23:49:00.003+02:00

Forms of modern communication evolve everywhere in the world as digital platforms gain ground in the market. But ever since I have moved to France 6 months ago I gradually realized French people are a bit different than other Europeans, in terms of communication habits. Whereas in most European countries Internet has long ago been crowned as the favorite communication way, in France the post has not yet been dethroned. Emails seem to remain insignificant facing the serious competition with written/printed letters/documents, which continue to be regarded as of outmost importance.
It is true that the number of Internet users increased in size over the past few years, but the percentage hardly reaches other countries’. France, a modern, emancipated country, chooses to remain conservative, who would have imagined?

The postal system has always been a major institution here and the cyber revolution did not affect people’s confidence. The French mailman delivers not only official letters (and there are piles of them!) but also all kind of envelopes containing more or less important notifications issued by banks, other authorities, retailers, bills, etc. Sometimes such papers might contain confidential information. Leaving them in the mailbox is a bit risky, as there’s a small chance someone else gets hold of the letter.

Internet does not currently have so much power in France as it does in other countries. For example, if you send your resume by email there’s little chance to get an answer at all. (I can tell you that from my own experience). But if you apply by post, the chances visibly increase and you will surely receive an answer within several weeks, whether positive or negative. Imagine my surprise when I got a reply by post after having applied for a job online! Unbelievable but true.

Most companies have unlimited access to Internet and even encourage employees to explore its opportunities but seems like thousands of emails are often lost on their way, delayed or deleted without any specific reason, simply because the information does not come along printed on paper, in an envelope and with a stamp on it.

Blogs and social networks’ popularity is undoubtedly growing in France as in other countries, but after 6 months observation and talking to people there is clear evidence that French are not so crazy about sharing their life on social networks. Most of them have a Facebook account but rarely go online or display a visible tendency to deny any request from people they don’t know (unlike Americans, for instance, who seem to be much friendlier to strangers). Apparently lots of parents forbid their kids to use social networks thus intending to keep them away from negative influences.

Every country has its own habits, and each individual is given the option of choosing between email and classic mail, but seems like the French mailman will probably still be busy for the next few years, until people decide to break with tradition.

Chinon, an authentic medieval fortress

2011-01-17T21:59:00.000+02:00

Chinon is probably not the most beautiful fortress you could visit in France but it surely requires our attention for several important reasons:

- It was built on some ancient Gallo-Roman ruins, dating from the 5th century
- At the beginning of the millennium it was held by the Counts of Blois and then seized by the Counts of Anjou, who fortified the existing castle and turned it into one of their principal residences.
- Chinon was the setting for the famous conflict between Henry II Plantagenet the king of England and his son, Richard The Lionheart and the place of imprisonment for Eleanor of Aquitaine, his wife.
- The fortress is captured in the 13th century by the king of France, Philippe Auguste, who takes time to improve the fortifications and celebrates at Chinon his marriage to Isabella of Angouleme.
- Chinon also witnesses the historical encounter between Charles VII, the future king of France and Joan of Arc. In 1429 she is received by Charles who agrees to grant her an army, anticipating the re-conquest of the kingdom of France from the English after 100 years of war.

The citadel consists of 3 wings: the Fort Saint-Georges (not open for visits, reserved for archaeological excavations); the Château du Milieu reachable via the Tour de l’Horloge (however I didn’t see any clock on top of it) and containing the old royal apartments that can be visited as well as a small museum dedicated to Joan of Arc - rooms are not furnished all quite similar in terms of architecture; and the third wing - the Château du Coudray, which consists in fact of several towers hiding a remarkable military art work: one of them, the Argenton Tower is famous for holding the dignitaries of the Order of the Knights Templar and the Grand Master Jacques de Molay who were later on burned in Paris by Philippe le Bel (1314).

Overlooking the river Vienne, Chinon fortress leaves a powerful impression mostly due to its authentic ancient towers where you can actually go down to the lowest level by taking some very narrow spiral staircases and mysterious passages await you at ditch height. The towers are all a prime example of medieval military architecture, typical for Plantagenet castles.

Repères historiques du mois de janvier

2011-01-12T17:58:00.001+02:00

1er janvier 1515
Renaissance - la restitution de belles-lettres… une nouvelle époque commence. Un roi chevalier, lettré, amoureux et politique d’une taille imposante, vêtu de blanc, accède au trône de la France, François I. Il va veiller sur son royaume pendant 32 ans, décidé d’affermir le pouvoir royal, de protéger son peuple et de transformer les arts dans une religion. La plus belle et prospère période du XVIe siècle français débute ainsi sous les auspices de la salamandre qui "nourrit le bon feu et éteint le mauvais".

5 janvier 1589
Cette fois la France est vêtue de noir. La Florentine reine de France, nièce de pape, mère de trois rois, est morte à Blois, à 70 ans, finalisant une époque de conflits religieux sanglants dont elle a toujours été l’arbitre. Savante, constructrice et diplomate, Catherine de Médicis a fait une carière exceptionnelle de femme politique dans un siècle qui n’a pas su l’apprécier. Légendaire veuve noire, image créée par les romanciers, Catherine a encore besoin de notre soutien pour restituer sa réputation de mécène des arts, de la science et de la tolérance politique et religieuse.

8 janvier 1499
La chapelle du château de Nantes ressemble une nombreuse audience à l’occasion du second mariage d’Anne de Bretagne avec le roi de France, Louis XII. Action politique menée à maintenir la Bretagne rattachée à la France après la mort de Charles VIII, le traité de mariage était beaucoup plus favorable à Anne, qui a désormais la maturité et les circonstances nécessaires de régner comme une vraie souveraine, sans aucune influence féminine dans son entourage.

9 janvier 1514
Anne de Bretagne quitte ce monde à Blois âgée seulement de 38 ans, entourée de ces proches, en confiant sa fille Claude à Louise de Savoie, dont le fils François elle accepte finalement comme futur gendre. La dernière reine de France dont la main vaut une province... Cataloguée comme "une bonne Bretonne et une mauvaise Française", Anne a été en fait une autre Isabelle de Castille, autonome, autoritaire, fortement politique dans ses choix personnels - une véritable reine.

19 janvier 1544
Une vie courte et amère pour le roi de France François II, nait à Fontainebleau en 1544, fils de Henri II et Catherine de Médicis et mort 16 ans après... Predestiné à un grand avenir comme son aïeul François I, dont il hérite le nom, il n’a pas eu le temps de s’affirmer. Inexpérimenté et de santé fragile, dominé par deux figures fortes: sa mère et son épouse (Marie Stuart) et influencé par les Guise, François II sauve la France d’un échec politique imminent en mourant d’une otite devenue un abcès.

26 janvier 1477
Tous les événements importants de la vie d’Anne de Bretagne se déroulent en hiver. Le premier est même sa naissance à Nantes en 1477. La loi salique ne jouant pas en Bretagne, après la mort de son père, le duc François II, elle devient l’héritière du duché fortement disputé par la France. Ruiné par une guerre interminable, son peuple sacrifie la petite duchesse en l’offrant au roi de la France en échange pour une paix désirée.

27 janvier 1547
Le plus controversé roi de l’histoire d’Angleterre, Henry VIII, trouve sa mort au Palais de Whitehall après une vie tumultueuse et marquée par un grand nombre de guerres avec l’Espagne et la France, disputes religieuses, conflits avec le pape, six mariages à dénouement tragique, exécutions et hésitations concernant la légitimité de ses enfants.

29 janvier 1601
La reine de France la plus sage et pieuse, Louise de Lorraine, survie encore 12 ans après la mort de son mari Henri III, assassiné en 1589 suite aux conflits entre les protestants et les catholiques. Jusqu’à sa mort en 1601 elle prit un deuil qu'elle ne quitterait plus, donnant ainsi un exemple digne d’être suivi. La "Reine Blanche" a passé les dernières années de sa vie au château de Chenonceau, reçu en héritage de sa belle-mère.

Joyeux anniversaire, Henri IV!

2010-12-13T11:18:00.002+02:00

Aujourd’hui, le 13 décembre, nous fêtons l’anniversaire d’Henri IV, le roi pacificateur et l’un des personnages les plus controversés de l’histoire de la France, et voilà pourquoi:

- Son avènement a apporté un changement de dynastie (Valois ->Bourbon), après 261 ans

- Né huguenot, il s’est illustré pendant les guerres de religion en tant que chef de son parti

- Pour accéder au trône de la France il a été obligé de se convertir au catholicisme

- Par l’édit de Nantes il a mis fin à plusieurs décennies de combats entre les protestants et les catholiques

- C’est le deuxième roi français qui meurt assassiné

Courte chronologie des moments marquants de sa vie:

1533, 13 décembre, naissance de Henri de Navarre à Pau (ses parents - Antoine de Bourbon, prince de sang, et Jeanne d’Albret, reine de Navarre)

1572, 18 août, mariage avec Marguerite de Valois, fille d'Henri II et Catherine de Médicis, pour tenter une réconciliation entre protestants et catholiques, geste qui a généré le massacre de la Saint-Barthélemy (août 1572)

1584, Henri de Navarre devient l’héritier de la couronne de France après la mort du duc d’Anjou, le frère du roi

1588, après la journée des Barricades, le roi de France Henri III se rallie à Henri de Navarre, chef du parti protestant, pour assiéger Paris et rétablir la paix dans le royaume

1593, après la mort d’Henri III (août 1589), Henri de Navarre abjure solennellement la confession protestante et se convertit au catholicisme pour faire valoir ses droits sur la couronne. Il est sacré à Chartres le 27 février 1594 sous le nom d'Henri IV.

1595, victoire à la Fontaine-Française, qui oppose le roi aux troupes de la Ligue et finalement apporte le démantèlement de la Ligue. Henri IV est reconnu par le Pape.

1598, signature de l’Edit de Nantes, qui offre aux huguenots la liberté de conscience, l’égalité civile et des garanties en matière de droits et qui marque la fin des guerres de religion. L'édit ne sera jamais entièrement respecté et finalement révoqué en 1685 par Louis XIV.

1599, en absence d'héritier, Henri IV répudie Margot et épouse en 1600 Marie de Médicis avec laquelle il aura six enfants, dont le futur Louis XIII.

1601, 27 septembre, naissance de son fils et successeur Louis XIII à Fontainebleau

1610, 14 mai, Henri IV est assassiné par un catholique fanatisé (François Ravaillac) dans la rue de Ferronnerie à Paris. Marie de Médicis va assurer la régence du royaume pendant la minorité de Louis XIII.

Après sa mort brutale, Henri IV devient une légende. Son règne est encore considéré comme l’âge d’or de la monarchie française. Ses erreurs oubliées, il ne reste que l’image d’un bon roi, brave, pacificateur, apprécié par ses sujets, malgré ses hésitations confessionnelles.

Birth date of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland

2010-12-08T17:00:00.004+02:00

On this day in history, 8th December 1542, Mary of Guise gave birth to the future Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, who lost her father, James V of Scotland, only a few days later and was coronated at a very early age, as Queen of Scotland.
I am not going to tell her story here, which is long but fascinating. On this occasion I would like to remind the world of her importance, even 5 centuries after her death.
Mary of Scotland is probably the best image of a woman definitely destined to be a queen. She was already a queen in her infancy, she claimed to be queen of England after the death of Mary I in 1558 (as granddaughter of Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII) and she became queen of France in 1559, after her first husband François II ascended to the throne.
Having read a lot of material about her, I never cease to wonder how tragic and troubled her fate was. Playing the role of queen is not as easy as it seems. You have to choose between acting like a strong, level-headed monarch and acting as a woman craving for love. Mary Stuart wanted to do both but we all agree she failed, because it was not possible, especially in such a violent and wild century as the 16th. Unlike her cousin Elisabeth I, queen of England, Mary was prone to making choices rather with her heart than with her mind and consequently made a lot of mistakes that eventually led to her destruction.
Her intelligence, passion, spirituality and generosity were no secret to the world and many acknowledged her as one of the most emancipated minds of that time. Upon her return to Scotland some would profit from her weaknesses and make her a prisoner of her own fate. Executed on 8 February 1587, after a long imprisonment in England, she is considered a martyr by the Catholic Church. Her only son, James, inherited both kingdoms: Scotland and England, thus forever uniting the two nations drifted apart for centuries before that.

Recommended biographies:

Friedrich Schiller "Mary Stuart"

Stefan Zweig "Marie Stuart"

Alison Weir "Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley"

John Guy "Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart"

6 décembre, anniversaire du rattachement de la Bretagne à la France

2010-12-06T02:25:00.005+02:00

1490. Après des siècles de conflits entre la France et la Bretagne, l’héritière du duché de Bretagne (de son père François II), Anne de Bretagne choisit tout d’abord d’épouser Maximilien de Habsbourg, le futur empereur d’Allemagne, pour préserver l’indépendance de son pays (depuis 1465 son père n’avait cessé de guerroyer contre Louis XI s’allliant avec ses ennemis). Le mariage par procuration n’a jamais été consommé. Charles VIII, le jeune roi de France, était lui même fiancé depuis son enfance à Marguerite d’Autriche, la fille de Maximilien.

La guerre contre la France était perdue en 1490 pour la Bretagne, et la petite reine attendait les secours de son mari. Celui-ci, pris ailleurs dans un conflit avec les Turcs, ne réagit pas. Les nobles de Bretagne supplient alors la jeune fille de mettre fin aux souffrances de son peuple et épouser le vainqueur, le roi de France. Au bout de quelques mois, elle consentit à un traité de paix dont sa main était l’enjeu. Après des fiançailles difficiles, causées par l’annulation de son mariage par procuration avec Maximilien ainsi que par la rupture d’engagement entre Charles et Marguerite d’Autriche, le mariage a finalement eu lieu le matin de 6 décembre 1491 à Langeais. Plusieurs témoins ont été présents, notamment: le duc Louis d'Orléans, le duc de Bourbon, les comtes d'Angoulême, de Foix et de Vendôme, le prince d'Orange, le chancelier Philippe de Montauban, le sire de Coëtquen.

A propos de cet événement, voici ci-dessous un extrait du livre de Simone Bertière "Les Reines de France aux temps de Valois", volume 1 "Le beau XVIe siècle":

"Pour la célébration du mariage on avait choisi une forteresse. Sur le site de Langeais, qui occupe un entablement rocheux dominant la rive gauche de la Loire, Louis XI avait fait bâtir un château fort inexpugnable. De quoi décourager Maximilien, pour le cas où il aurait tenté de faire enlever son ex-épouse (...) Les futurs conjoints se rendirent à Langeais séparément. Anne arriva la première. Charles la rejoignit plus discrètement encore, dans la nuit du 5 au 6 décembre par voie fluviale, accompagné d’une suite réduite. Et la Loire fut aussitôt interdite à tout trafic. La cérémonie eut lieu aussitôt, à l’aube du 6 décembre, en présence de quelques grands seigneurs triés sur le volet. (...)
Les termes en avaient été minutieusement pesés par les juristes français. Il s’agissait d’arrimer solidement la Bretagne à la France. La jeune femme conservait son titre ducal, mais abandonnait au roi l’administration de ses territoires. Dans un esprit d’apparente égalité, les deux époux se faisaient donation réciproque de tous leurs droits sur la province en cause, mais un jeu de clauses complexes en assurait, à la génération suivante, le rattachement à la France. On avait envisagé plusieurs cas. Si Anne mourait la première en laissant des enfants, ceux-ci héritaient naturellement d’elle. Dans le cas contraire, la Bretagne appartiendrait à Charles VIII. Si Charles mourait le premier, (...) pour empêcher sa veuve de reprendre la Bretagne et de l’apporter en dot à un nouveau mari, une clause très insolite stipulait qu’elle serait tenue d’épouser son successeur sur le trône de France. (...) Telle avait été la solution trouvée pour concilier les droits théoriques d’Anne sur sa province natale avec les intérêts français. (...)
Elle n’avait pas encore quinze ans, le roi en avait vingt et un. (...) Dès le 18 décembre, Charles, rassuré, la présente à sa bonne ville de Tours, qui lui fait un accueil chaleureux. Et en février, il la conduit à Paris pour être non seulement couronnée dans l’abbatiale de Saint-Denis, mais sacrée: c’est un honneur."

L’histoire a été dure avec ses protagonistes. Charles et Anne ont pris des engagements solennels avant leur mariage qu’il ont violés. Leurs malheurs ultérieurs sont ainsi expliquables (la perte de tous leurs enfants en bas âge et la mort prémature de Charles). On connait la suite de leur destin, en 1499 Anne épouse le cousin et le successeur de Charles, Louis XII. Le second contrat de mariage est quand même plus favorable à Anne, conservant ainsi l’autonomie, les privilèges et les institutions de sa province.

La scène du célèbre mariage symbolique entre la Bretagne et la France qui a eu lieu le 6 décembre 1491 est reproduite en personnages de cire dans une des grandes salles du château de Langeais.

EU citizens becoming slaves of endless refinancing

2010-12-02T15:27:00.002+02:00

At the end of November the Irish government finally accepted the significant emergency bail-out granted by the EU and the IMF. The situation is quite similar to Greece’s in May. While there was actually some helpful action immediately felt by investors, this time things are more complicated. The panic gets hold of other countries in line and spreading as a result of the domino effect over Spain, Portugal and even Italy.

The Europe’s bail-out potential is obviously not big enough to sustain every EU country’s financial problems. That’s what I assumed in the first place. Well, it used to be a good idea, as long as Greece was perceived as a singular case of desperation, as an exception. The risk of contagion was yet invisible in May. Now the biggest European economies are threatened by disaster.

Until recently, Europe’s rescue plan was intended to offer cash to help economies get over some temporary difficulties. But as more countries face the same problem, we understand that multinational banks intervention will only cause currencies failure and a transfer of wealth towards the creditor pyramid. Soon enough the multinational banks will be able to control the finances of the countries they "saved".

In a desperate attempt to save local banks, uninspired governments decided to swallow the banks bad loans and to endanger their own creditworthiness. Big mistake. It’s like swallowing something you cannot actually digest, because you don’t have a stomach for that.

Ireland and Greece are clearly not able to face an austerity budget right now and can hardly raise enough taxes to finance the huge borrowing. Portugal is also on the edge of soliciting a bail-out while Spain is looked upon as another potential victim, although its situation is less troubled.

Now, common citizens from all the EU countries are forced to accept the fact that all their life savings are used to bail out neighboring bankrupt economies. Yes, that’s the spirit of helping a neighbor in need… but can we afford doing this again and again, every 3 months? Or isn’t this just a big secret machinery put in place to create dependencies and a new kind of slavery?

I’ve been asking myself the same question for quite a while: what will happen to our dearest Euro? It seems like the brilliant minds who created the Euro phenomenon were not 100% committed. They established a monetary union without establishing a fiscal union. And now it’s kind of late to slow down, go back a few years and set fixed exchange rates to prevent speculation against national European currencies.

I hate to acknowledge that we all depend on Germany and the European Central Bank to sustain a future that no longer exists. They provide us with sources of money but they also turn us into slaves paying back debts which are not necessarily ours. The spirit of union, is it worth?

"Friends" – an inspiration for "Two & a half men"

2010-11-28T00:01:00.004+02:00

Just finished watching the American TV series "Two and a half men". It took me a while… What can I say? Many people adore it and think highly of it, as being one of the best. But, still "Friends" is my favorite, in terms of quality, jokes, actors and why not, atmosphere.

During my watching the show I noticed some elements that were previously used in "Friends". No offence to "Two and a half men" fans, but obviously "Friends" was there before so… I am not here to judge, but to reveal some facts. Feel free to join the discussion and share your opinion on the subject.

Plot and Characters
1) In "Friends" we have 3 young men and 3 young women of about the same age gathered around two brothers – Monica and Ross, in "Two and a half men" we have a group of characters gathered around two brothers – Charlie and Alan.

2) Monica and Ross do not miss the opportunity to irritate each other; Charlie and Alan do the same.

3) Alan is a kind of Ross, they are both divorced and their wives left them because they had some self-identity issues; in fact Ross’ wife turned to be really gay while Judith just went through a period of rediscovering herself. Both have a son from their previous marriage, but Jake plays a more important role than Ben does. Both fancy themselves as being "doctors", Ross in his position of having a Ph.D. and Alan is his position as a chiropractor, which is almost a doctor in his assumption.

4) Ross & Monica Geller’s mother is quite indifferent to anything around her and very superficial, displaying a natural gift for criticizing everyone, and prefers Ross to Monica. Alan and Charlie’s mother reminds me of her; she is quite self-centered and indifferent to her children as well, never really cares, does not spare her children from any possible critical remark and visibly prefers Alan to Charlie.

5) Sometimes, Alan is a version of Chandler, in many ways; his efforts to get the attention of women are almost never successful.

6) Charlie is another version of Joey, but smarter and more sophisticated. They would both eventually end up as bachelors.

7) However, there are times when Alan resembles Monica, they are both extremely organized, economic, they categorize everything (Alan - the flyers he gets in his mailbox, Monica – the photos, CDs, etc.) and they both really enjoy living in an idealistic world of tidiness and symmetry.

8) Jake is a kind of Joey when it comes to food. Junk food is their passion, the biggest necessity but also pleasure. They are both narrow-minded, displaying no attraction for books or knowledge.

Similar Situations
1) The sequence of Charlie and Mia’s wedding in Vegas is quite similar to Monica & Chandler’s plan of secretly marrying in Vegas, which doesn’t happen after all for either of the couples. Instead, it is Ross and Rachael, as well as Alan and Candy who spontaneously decide to get married surprising everyone.

2) Monica and Chandler looking for a sperm donor, and Mia asking Charlie to donate his sperm.

3) In season 5 Jake talks to his girlfriend over the phone for hours and none of them has the guts to hang up. It is quite similar to the episode where Ross is constantly over the phone with his Chinese girlfriend Julie in season 2. The same phrase is used in both scenarios: "you hang up, no you hang up, ok, 1, 2, 3, you didn’t hang up either!"

4) In season 5, episode 16, Alan takes the role of his mother wedding planner as seriously as Monica does when organizing Phoebe’s wedding (season 10). The way Alan rushes the groom to finish his speech, makes me instantly think of Monica, how she wouldn’t even let Mike pee because the seconds were counted in her schedule.

5) In season 6 episode 1 Charlie finds out that condoms are not 100% safe, reminding me seriously of Ross finding out exactly the same thing when he got Rachel pregnant. Similar reactions and phrases are used:
Charlie: "They should put it in big letters right on the reservoir tip!"; Ross: "They should put it on the box!"

6) When Alan turns 40 his girlfriend takes him to a secret party at the restaurant but the guests are not there, he says: "My family is a thoughtless selfless bunch of butlives", and they all show up that very moment, reminds me of Monica at her bachelor party saying to Rachael and Phoebe: "The only people I want to see is here", followed by the appearance of the hidden guests.

7) When Charlie tells his girlfriend Chelsea "I love you" in season 6 she replies: "Thank you" just like Emily replied to Ross in the 4th season after he confessed his feelings towards her. Lousy imitation!

Growing old is a good thing

2010-11-23T12:56:00.000+02:00

Growing old is not necessarily a bad thing. You become wiser, more experienced, patient, confident and perceptible. But you also become more sensitive to good memories and nostalgic about your past. I assume the greatest disadvantage of growing older is not having the time or the mood to go crazy like you used to, and you constantly feel like losing your freedom. And of course, age progresses along with the number of responsibilities..., which can be overwhelming.

The solution to the nevrotic nostalgia is trying to make some unaccomplished forgotten dreams come true. You can keep the spirit alive by proving yourself to be able to do anything, no matter how difficult it may seem at a first glance. Take the challenge and change your life for the better, or at least try. Believe me, it is worth trying; because the age is likely to kill your enthusiasm forever.

Château of Langeais – a truly medieval residence

2010-10-31T01:19:00.005+03:00

The château of Langeais is quite different from everything I have seen by now (maybe just a bit similar to Vincennes) and relies on a very long history. Its first stone was laid around the year 1000 by the count of Anjou, Foulque Nerra. Visitors can still admire a fragment of the outer wall of his fortress and the ruins of an old chapel in the gardens behind the present-day castle. Being a reputable warrior and a remarkable landlord, he understood the strategic importance of Langeais as a promontory from which attacking armies could be easily seen. Later on, the domain came into the possession of various noblemen serving the king of France, who made it a prestigious residence to welcome the king whenever he would have wished to visit it.
The fortress successfully survived the hundred years war remaining almost untouched by the major military campaigns.
Charles VII was the first king to settle in Touraine by acquiring Langeais and other châteaux on the banks of the Loire. Louis XI continued this tradition, choosing to reside in Plessis-lès-Tours, Langeais, Chinon and Loches. By that time, Langeais lost its military role and slightly turned into a comfortable home for the royal court and family.
Louis XI built it according to his own vision and necessities. The castle preserves its massive appearance, marked by a drawbridge, narrow tall towers, machicolations and sharply sloping roofs, which are typically medieval, but some details of the façade and the fine windows already contain refinements that herald the Renaissance architecture.
Dunois, the cousin of Louis XI was given Langeais as a gift and proved to be a very concerned master. He not only cherished the chef-d’oeuvre erected by his predecessors but also added a new west wing.

The most important historical event hosted by the Langeais castle was the wedding between Charles VIII king of France and Anne, the Duchess of Brittany, arranged by Dunois and other French diplomats. The secret terms of the marriage contract were carefully thought over to unite Brittany to France forever. In the early morning of December 6th 1491 Anne of Brittany became queen of France, wearing a magnificent gown in gold cloth, beautifully imitated in the Wedding Hall of the castle, where lifelike waxwork figures re-enact the event (though I wouldn’t say “lifelike”, were people less tall in middle ages than they are today? Haha) (and by the way, according to historic data and available portraits, Anne was looking better than the yellow face wax figure without eyelashes!) Anyway, we all know the rest of the story, her (tiny tiny) husband very soon died and she had to marry his cousin who became Louis XII, in order to comply with the terms of the above mentioned contract and maintain Brittany as a French province.
Unfortunately Anne didn’t stay too much at Langeais, but the entire place seems to be breathing the air of her memory. Inside, you can still smell the coldness of that early misty December morning that changed her fate forever.
The castle had many owners after that, until it was finally bought by Jacques Siegfried, an Alsatian businessman interested in French Middle Ages. He succeeded to restore the château as it used to be in the 15th – 16th centuries and handed it down to the Institut de France at his death.

Impressions about the castle of Langeais? Well, there is a lot to say. It is a perfect reflection of a medieval princely abode with purely decorative floor tiles, fine pieces of furniture (beds, seats, fauteuils, chests), embroidered drapery, woven tapestry that all help us fancy the lifestyle at the end of the Middle Ages. In fact, Langeais hosts an exceptional collection of tapestries. They were very popular at the end of the 15th century to decorate walls, add warmth to homes and by representing figures of personages, religious /historic episodes or hunting scenes, feed the imagination of people during long tedious evenings.

Langeais is more than a museum and a priceless architectural inheritance. It is an open gate to plunging into the past by visiting an almost real medieval living environment, carefully recreated to challenge our minds and wish to know more…

Revue de livre de Gonzague Saint Bris "François Ier et la Renaissance"

2010-10-22T15:19:00.003+03:00

Même si parfois on n’est pas entièrement d’accord avec l’auteur ou on a l’impression qu’il traite superficiellement certains chapitres de la vie de son héros, c’est un bon livre, plutôt romanesque.

Aborder la vie du grand François Ier dans le contexte de la Renaissance (qui a entièrement marqué son règne) est une approche intéressante et courageuse.

Gonzague Saint-Bris nous fait découvrir les qualités du roi et de l’homme François Ier – bon cavalier, expert aux armes, chasseur passionné, fin observateur des arts, protecteurs des architectes et des artistes qui sont invités à embellir les résidences royales. Côté politique, François a le goût pour écouter, apprendre et s’inspirer mais ne cesse pas de guerroyer comme un chevalier accompli et itinérant de son temps. Son histoire est à la fois captivante (l’ascension au trône de la France n’était pas tout à fait prédictible à sa naissance, la captivité en Espagne, le changement d’attitude envers les protestants), tragique (la mort précoce de la reine Claude, de sa mère Louise de Savoie et du dauphin) mais toujours fascinante (il préfère s’allier avec Soliman le Magnifique qu’avec Henri VIII d’Angleterre ou l’empereur Charles Quint).

Sa personnalité forte et magnétique attire pas seulement les femmes, quoique se sont elles qui l’entourent et dominent sa vie depuis son enfance (sa sœur Marguerite de Valois/Navarre, sa mère Louise de Savoie, la duchesse de Châteaubriant ou la duchesse d’Etampes – figures marquantes du début du XVIe siècle par leur intelligence), mais aussi le peuple qui apprécie ses efforts de visiter toutes les régions de son royaume, prendre contact directement avec ses sujets et accroitre de cette façon sa légitimité. Le roi est reconnu et aimé partout, incarnant ainsi le monarque idéal qui respecte ses sujets et affermi le pouvoir royal. Même dans ses échecs, il n’est jamais abandonné par les Français (sa captivité a renforcé sa popularité).

"L’autorité de François Ier est plus grande que n’a été celle d’un roi de France depuis longtemps", affirme Gonzague Saint-Bris qui nous révèle la formule du roi idéal dans la Renaissance: roi chevalier + roi lettré + roi amoureux + roi politique (100% appliquée à François Ier).

L’auteur a une vision innovatrice sur la modalité de rédiger une biographie historique; il ne suit pas seulement son modèle mais se penche sur une analyse rigoureuse de l’époque afin de nous présenter un personnage plus complet et vraisemblable. Il nous rappelle que la Renaissance c’est aussi la période de Rabelais, de Nostradamus, Copernic, Da Vinci, etc.

A savoir:

- François Ier a introduit la langue française comme langue administrative unique en France

- Il est le premier à envoyer des ambassadeurs permanents en autres pays et des navires au nouveau monde (Amérique et Canada)

- Même si tolérant envers les protestants au début de son règne il déclenche une vague de persécutions après l’affaire des placards

- Le roi a passé seulement 45 jours de son règne à Chambord, pourtant c’était sa plus grande fierté

- Il a eu l’initiative de fonder la Bibliothèque Royale (qui est devenue plus tard la Bibliothèque Nationale de France) ainsi que le Collège de France

- Ses résidences préférées étaient Fontainebleau, Amboise, Blois et Romorantin

- La relation avec Anne de Pisseleu a duré 21 ans, jusqu’à sa mort

- François Ier a réduit le pouvoir du pape sur l’église de France en instituant la soumission totale du clergé au roi

Conclusion: "François Ier et la Renaissance" est un ouvrage savoureux et agréable pour ceux qui sont passionnés par la Renaissance ou les Valois.

Movie review "Henri IV" 2010 or, where have all the good history movies gone?

2010-10-19T12:21:00.008+03:00

"Henri IV" is a 2010 German/French TV production inspired by Heinrich Mann’s book and perceived by many viewers as a historical movie.

Interested in 16th century France and having read a great deal on the subject, I can tell you this movie is nothing but fiction, or most of it. It is true that the characters existed and the events took place but their interpretation is far from reality.

Who’s to blame? Perhaps Heinrich Mann’s book, which is somehow misleading to many readers interested in following the destiny of Prince Henry up to his becoming king of France. The author has never been a historian, as far as I know, and didn’t even bother to consult trustworthy sources after he suddenly decided to write his fictionalized and syrupy novel. I have read it about 15 years ago.

"Henri IV" movie is a mere adaptation of the above mentioned book, plus some fictional digressions, which vexed me greatly. It’s hard to stand such a painful distortion of real facts especially since most people, who do not take the trouble of reading history, tend to appreciate movies as a means of educating their knowledge. A disastrous perspective for our generation.

Let’s reveal only a few science fiction details:

- Nostradamus himself predicts Henri’s future ascension to the throne of France. In fact, when Henri was only a child nobody knew that he would eventually become king of France, since Charles IX had 2 brothers and was too young to assume he would not have sons of his own. It is wrong to suppose that Henry of Navarre the child was already seen as a future king of France, that idea came later on, after 1585.

- I see no reason why Charles IX is played by such an old actor. He died at the age of 24 and by the moment his sister Margot got married to Henry, he was only 22. They make him behave like a madman, though he was not. Yes, he didn’t really show interest in political affairs (he would rather go hunting than rule the country) and was of a sickly constitution but it’s hard to imagine a king with his shirt torn off insanely screaming, wrangling and climbing tables in front of the entire court. Charles and his brothers were raised and educated in a royal and respectable family.

- As to his brother, Henry of Anjou (whose punk hairstyle amused me greatly), is totally portrayed as being short-minded, indifferent and irresponsible. His fat, stupid appearance, and gay manners, made me realize that the black legend compromising Henry III’s image for many centuries is still perpetuated nowadays, despite numerous scientific attempts to destroy it.

- Margot looks like a cloying whore (same as in "Queen Margot" played by Isabelle Adjani). Frankly speaking, she has never been a saint, but to suppose that she was publicly spanked by her brother is unacceptable, especially in such a distinguished family.

- As expected, Catherine of Medicis is described as mean, selfish, greedy for power, and a pain in the ass to her children. Heinrich Mann and Alexandre Dumas have both contributed to feeding this horrible myth about Queen Catherine, as well as many others for the past 5 centuries or so. I wonder when people would become aware of her brilliant mind and endless efforts to maintain peace in a country devastated by civil war.

- Too much meaningless sex

- Endless time lapses and wrong chronology

The first hour of the movie reminds me a lot of "Queen Margot" (1994), which I previously criticized on my blog as a big failure to reproduce even Dumas’ vision on St. Barthelemy events.

Conclusion:

Any attempt to delve deeper into such a dispute is futile, mind-bogglingly silly and ridiculous. My idea is to point out that nothing in this movie is historically true, not even costumes, background, settings, situations, speeches, etc. It is pure cinematographic fiction.

So, do not let yourself guided astray by this interpretation of facts to assume that they happened this way in reality. Be wise enough to sift real facts from fiction.

The movie producers clearly deride most respectable historical figures of those times consciously/unconsciously sending a wrong message and feeding us with incorrect ideas.

Such cheesy productions must be counterbalanced by genuine historical adaptations, which are unfortunately waning these days. Most film makers seem to think producing good history movies is not worth the while: the audience is scarce and sales are less profitable. As a result, our generation is wading in ignorance of the past.

I am quite aware that my article might be strongly frowned upon by some movie-goers (who adore, by the way, "Queen Margot", "Alexander the Great" and probably "Troy" haha) but I am so bold as to reveal my true feelings, as I always do!

Chenonceau castle - between myth and reality

2010-10-12T22:53:00.009+03:00

When searching on internet information about the Chenonceau castle, one of the jewels of the French Loire valley, you normally get amazing pictures of a beautiful and shining castle spreading its wing, which dates from the 16th century, over the old river shaped as a bridge. Well, believe it or not, they are 70% photoshoped. The shape is real but the difference between pictures and reality is huge!

It’s not that I didn’t enjoy visiting the château; I surely did, having the chance to rediscover already forgotten paths that remind me of Catherine or Louise. But in terms of aspect, it is the first castle in France that somehow disappointed me. I know, you would say that such an old construction can hardly be shiny and accurate, but why does it look so on postcards and google? Why create a fairy tale image which is not quite realistic? I would have accepted it anyway.
This time I will spare you from any long stories, unlike previously, just let me mention why Chenonceau is significant à mon avis: I don’t care that it belonged to Diane de Poitiers, I never really liked mistresses, I would rather much care for Catherine of Medicis taking it back and making it her favorite residence for several years (although I doubt she spent too much time here). It has been the setting for some major happy reunions of the Valois family of which two are worth mentioning - 1560 (François II’s ascension to the throne) and 1577 (famous ball offered by Henri III to his subjects).
The castle was later on inherited by Queen Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont, who used it as a place of mourning and praying after the tragic news of her husband’s violent death in 1589.
Chenonceau became a private residence in the 17th century and so it is nowadays, with the exception of the WWI period when the location served as a hospital.
The Marques tower, so called “donjon”, is the only trace of what used to be Chenonceau before Renaissance, dating from the 13th century, quite impressive and outstanding for its age!
I particularly enjoyed the 16th century farm nearby, with real vegetables, pastures and animals!
More photos of Chenonceau here

Plessis-lès-Tours, le château oublié

2010-10-08T22:35:00.002+03:00

Situé dans la commune Riche, près de Tours (dép. Indre-et-Loire), le château de Plessis-lès-Tours (also known as Montils-lès-Tours) abrite à présent un théâtre et plusieurs expositions. Il n’est presque jamais visité pas les touristes et peu de Tourangeaux savent où il se trouve et quelle est son histoire.

Pour moi, c’est un endroit important dans deux sens:
1. C’était la demeure favorite de Louis XI, il l’a achetée en 1468 et y est décédé en 1483, en plus, c’est ici que Charles VIII a emmené sa femme Anne de Bretagne après leur mariage et c’est ici que leur premier enfant est né en 1492 (malheureusement il n’a pas survécu).
2. Plessis-lès-Tours a été le lieu de rencontre entre Henri III et Henri de Navarre (futur Henri IV) après l’assassinat du duc de Guise pour s’allier à reconquérir Paris et affronter la ligue catholique en 1589, quelques mois avant la mort du roi.
Sa construction date donc du XVe siècle, achevée au XIXe siècle. De dimensions assez réduites, si comparé aux autres châteaux de la Renaissance, Plessis-lès-Tours a quand même son charme particulier provenant d’une atmosphère imprégnée d’histoire et d’un paysage idyllique. Le petit parc aux arbres séculaires qui entourent le château est dominé par un silence monumental, portant respect au symbolisme de l’endroit.

The splendors of the royal Château de Blois

2010-09-23T06:11:00.011+03:00

Happily situated in downtown Blois (Loir-et-Cher department) and heading the castles dominating the famous Loire Valley in France, Château de Blois has been for a long time a must on my list, ever since I fell in love with the history of the French monarchy. My dream finally came true and when I first caught a glimpse over the castle towers, I daresay I had tears in my eyes and probably a stupid smile of my face. I am actually coming back to my roots to discover the places I longed for so eagerly. Here are just a few names whose lives are related to the story of the castle – Louis XII, Anne de Bretagne, François I, queen Claude, queen Catherine de Médicis, Henri II, François II, Marie Stuart, Charles IX, Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV), Marguerite de Navarre, Henri III, the Duke of Guise, Marie de Médicis and finally… Louise de la Vallière.
Makes me tremble when I think about all the events that happened in this royal seat over so many centuries, especially the 16th, during the horrors of the wars of religion and the decline of the Valois dynasty.

The initial citadel dates from the 9th century and it was only meant to protect the locals from frequent Viking invasions. It was the Blois counts who owned the castle for several generations, until it came into the possession of Louis d'Orléans in 1392, the king’s brother, subsequently being attached to the crown.

The first significant reconstruction of the château took place under the orders of Louis XII who made Blois his seat, showing a special bond with this wonderful piece of land and aiming to express by its architecture the power of the royalty and the artistic magnificence of those times. Erected in 1508 and adorned with the porcupine of Louis XII and the ermine of Anne of Brittany, the Louis XII wing displayed quite a modern layout for the beginning of the 16th century. It combines visible Gothic and some Renaissance elements.

François I was especially fond of Blois and took good care to continue the work of his predecessor by attaching a new wing - entirely a Renaissance chef-d’oeuvre, directly influenced by Italian art. The sophistication of the newly architectural style is reflected in the façade des Loges and culminates with the famous spiral staircase, yet praised and admired by many modern architects. Some say it was Leonardo da Vinci himself who got this idea of asymmetry and innovation. The ornaments are mostly of Italian inspiration, marked by refined bas-relief sculptures. When the sun is shining, the entire façade seems to be brightened by a certain magic luminosity that highlights pleasant contours and evokes the sense of immortality.
As to the library created by François I at the château, although later on moved to Fontainebleau, it clearly constituted a novelty and showed the keen interest of the king for arts and science along with an acute concern for perpetuation.

The castle hosted some happy events, as the engagement of Henri de Navarre & Marguerite Valois, along with some tragic ones, namely the assassination of the Duke of Guise on the occasion of the Estates-General convention held at Blois in December 1588, under the orders of Henri III. In this context, it is worth mentioning that Blois was the setting for the famous Mary Stuart’s childhood, before she became the wife of François II (who unluckily died a few months after their coronation) and queen of France.

The second wife of Henri IV, Marie de Médicis, spent several years at the castle, placed under house arrest by her son, Louis XIII. Her presence determined some significant improvements that were taken over in 1634 by Gaston d’Orléans, the king’s brother. He actually initiated the construction of the third wing, true mirror of French classicism: allegorical figures, coved ceilings and elegant effects. Due to some circumstances that led to scarcity of funds, the newest wing remained unfinished.

It is not until 1841 that the château de Blois was acknowledged as historic monument and a serious restoration began under the direction of Felix Duban, who seems to have made miracles, because what we actually see today is a fine, almost 100% imitation of what used to be the castle by the middle of the 17th century.

Naturally, the interior decorations and furniture hardly respect the initial disposition of rooms, but the main attractions have been successfully reestablished, and that’s the most important thing: the Royal Apartments, the Queen’s Gallery (Catherine de Médicis), the Queen’s Chamber, the King’s Chamber, the Room of des Guises, the Council Room, all situated in the François I wing. Furthermore, the oldest wing of the château hosts the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

It’s a little bit confusing to stand before such an intermingling of obviously different architectural styles (Gothic, Renaissance and Classic) but it shows progression and a vivid expression of evolution in art.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to allege that Blois is my favorite French royal castle, because I love them all, but let’s say it has a special place in my heart. At the château de Blois I feel like being home. I rediscover myself as I never did before.
For more pictures of Blois click here

Castelul Amboise – mostenire renascentista pe valea Loirei

2010-09-18T19:43:00.004+03:00

Amboise este unul dintre castelele mele preferate in Franta; in primul rand pentru ca reprezinta expresia vie a artei arhitecturale din perioada Renasterii si in al doilea rand pentru ca istoria lui este legata intrinsec de numele lui François I, regele ctitor si morarhul deschizator de drumuri care a contribuit la inflorirea Frantei pe plan intern si extern in prima jumatate a secolului 16.
Bineinteles, mai subzista elemente medievale in ansamblul constructiei, situata in mod fericit chiar pe malul Loirei, pe o culme care ofera si avantajul unui peisaj magnific, ce poate fi admirat de pe terasele castelului, la inaltime destul de mare.
Si apoi, multa lume cand spune "Amboise" se gandeste imediat la Leonardo da Vinci, geniul sculptor si pictor (dar nu numai, sa nu uitam numeroasele sale inventii tehnice care au avut efectul unei revolutii). Acesta si-a petrecut ultimii ani din viata la Amboise, ce-i drept locuind in apropiere (la Clos-Lucé) dar fiind prezent mereu in preajma regelui pentru a pune in practica ideile sale extraordinare.
Recunosc, eu m-am dus la Amboise pentru François I si imaginea lui, atat de pierduta in timp, dar care inca mai domina locul in mod evident, dupa 5 secole. Dar, chiar si inainte de el, Amboise a fost multa vreme considerat un punct strategic pe valea Loirei, sa amintim cel putin asezarea care exista aici in antichitate, reuniunea dintre Clovis si regele vizigotilor in 504, dar si fortificatia medievala cea mai protejata din zona in acele timpuri. Incepand cu 1434 castelul este confiscat de regele Frantei Charles VII si devine domeniu regal, fiind locuinta preferata a lui Charles VIII. El este cel care decide sa extinda si sa infrumuseteze fortificatia medievala invitand artisti italieni la curte. Aceastia reusesc sa transforme Amboise intr-un veritabil palat. Opera sa este continuata de Louis XII dar mai ales de François I.
Stau si ma intreb daca nu cumva acest François I a fost un fel de Stefan cel Mare al nostru, atat de mester si priceput la toate, cu un spirit artistic desavarsit si manuitor de arme. Prezenta lui am simtit-o cu aceeasi pregnanta la Fontainebleau, Blois, Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Omul acesta pe unde a calcat a lasat ceva frumos in urma lui…
Revenind la castelul Amboise (nu pot sa-l numesc palat, pentru ca are mai mult alura de castel), Henri II si-a adus si el aportul in ceea ce priveste dezvoltarea arhitecturala a domeniului. Incepand cu Henri III regalitatea pierde cu totul interesul pentru Amboise, preferand alte locuinte, astfel incat castelul este folosit multa vreme mai mult sau mai putin drept inchisoare de lux pentru personaje din viata politica. Tot ce s-a intamplat dupa aceea este mult prea dureros ca sa poata fi povestit si e o minune astazi ca o mare parte din ce a fost odata s-a pastrat sau a fost restaurat cu blandete.
Interiorul foarte frumos este decorat cu piese de mobilier ce imita epocile respective, a caror poveste o putem afla de la ghidul ce insoteste grupurile de vizitatori. Salle du Conseil, Salle des gardes, Chambre de Henri II – minunate! Am fost realmente fascinata de turnul Minimes, in care urci fara sa-ti dai seama ca intr-o spirala, mirosind peretii impregnati de atatea secole de istorie.
Gradinile nu sunt atat de vaste cum ma asteptam si nici la fel de frumoase ca la Fontainebleau dar merita vizitate. Interesant este ca totul se afla undeva la intaltime, iar cand parasesti castelul si ajungi in strada ai senzatia ca ai coborat dintr-o alta lumea. Straduta din fata intrarii este animata de o multime de terase, restaurante si buticuri de unde poti cumpara diverse suveniruri personalizate.

Concluzie: Amboise, un loc mirific ce debordeaza de istorie... Un loc ce ne face sa ne inchinam celor care au pus umarul cu atata drag si daruire la construirea unui asemenea edificiu durabil dar si sa ne punem intrebari. Oare ce cladire construita in secolul 20 va rezista macar un secol? Nici una... dar oare ei cum reuseau pe vremuri? Sa fie oare secretul jertvei umane sau un interes mai mare pentru viitor?
Photos Amboise

Smiling - a healthy & constructive approach to life

2010-09-14T21:22:00.005+03:00

Ever since I can remember, I have been living in a world of stress, tears, worries and fear thinking that it is the way life is supposed to be, and there is nothing we can do to change the portfolio of our attitudes and approvals. But lately I have had the chance to get in touch with another universe of behavior, considerations and state of mind. I am not saying that French people are perfect, but at least they know how to preserve their level-headedness and no matter the situation they face it with a pure and innocent smile that already solves half the problem. Their attitude towards life is genuinely healthy and constructive. No nerves, no yelling, no resentment, no hatred, no envy. Everyone minds his own business, smiling and showing compassion or understanding towards the other.

I used to wonder whether the Romanian innate spirit of curiosity and evilness was to condemn or to pity. Now I am quite sure that I would never be happy as long as I think and act as a Romanian/Moldavian, dominated by anxiety, irrational mistrust, a sense of rage and betrayal. It’s simply not healthy. As a proof to that, being in Bucharest for 8 years made me very sick and brought me to a state of great tension and frustration with my life. I am now quite resolute: there is no happiness when spending nights awake worrying about money, family issues or disputes at work. No. The only chance to have a normal life and achieve contentment is to live in a healthy society where people smile at you sincerely and do not curse you behind your back, where they do not interfere but when asked to do so, always in a very gentle way, to avoid any offenses, misunderstandings or hidden meanings.
I am now eager to reshape my perspective on life according to some new values.

Dreams coming true

2010-09-12T23:14:00.002+03:00

Louvre – visited (2009)
Château de Versailles – visited (2009)
Château de Vincennes – visited (2009)
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye – visited (2009)
Château de Fontainebleau – visited (2009)
Basilique de Saint-Denis – visited (2009)
Château d’Amboise – visited (2010)
Château royal de Blois – visited (2010)

Yet to come : Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos-lucé, Saumur, Chinon, Angers, etc.

Premières impressions sur Tours

2010-09-01T22:11:00.010+03:00

Une ville magique, aux boulevards animés, pleins de touristes en centre, des rues presque vides pendant toute la journée, avec des maisons mignonnes, beaucoup de brasseries attractives, magasins chics, églises anciennes...

J’ai déjà compris où est le nord et où est le sud, voilà un progrès après seulement deux jours! :))
Les distances sont acceptables, du coup la marche à pied est une activité ordinaire pour les habitants de Tours. Un peu fatiguant pour une fille aux talons comme moi, mais je crois que je m’habituerai très vite!

Photos Tours

My top 5 most beautiful women

2010-08-20T11:33:00.003+03:00

Sofia Rotaru – singer, 63 years, Russia, born in Ukraine, started her career in Republic of Moldova in early 1970s and moved to Russia to become one of the most popular and adored Russian singers.
Looks amazingly young and fresh! Always had a pretty face and a lovely smile.

Sophie Ellis Bextor – singer, songwriter and model, 31 years, UK.
Love her voice and looks, always elegant and attractive, a good example of femininity to all women.

Sophie Marceau – actress, 43 years, France.
Has the purest expression of French exquisite refinement, modesty and beauty, though simple, she’s always charming and very close to the concept of "femme fatale". Excellent actress, especially in "L’étudiante".

Kiira Korpi - figure skater, 22 years, Finland.
The best combination of innocent childish face and attractive woman body. Not the best in figure skating championships but her appearance is always a delightful pleasure to any human eye. Cute & eye-catching!

Isabelle Adjani – actress, 55 years, France.
Used to be gorgeous in her 20s and 30s, unfortunately not anymore… In good old times, she was very seductive!

Primul concert important al lui Dj Vix

2010-08-04T16:18:00.003+03:00

Snatt & Vix vor mixa timp de 6 ore in deschidere la TIESTO pe plaja Hanul Piratilor din Navodari (Mamaia Nord), vineri 6 august 2010.

Interviu despre nunta pe miresedisperate.ro

2010-08-04T15:47:00.003+03:00

Am acordat recent un interviu site-ului www.miresedisperate.ro despre nunta de anul trecut. Il puteti citi la urmatoarea adresa:

Interviu nunta Stela & Catalin

Stela Gheorghe poeta sau bloggerita?

2010-08-02T17:46:00.001+03:00

Am observat in ultima vreme ca mai e cineva pe nume Stela Gheorghe in spatiul internaut. Ma amuza oarecum situatia. Tipa are vreo 55 ani si s-a apucat recent de poezie. Nu am nimic impotriva ei, dar avand in vedere si tentativele mele de a face poezie, sper sa nu fim usor confundate :)

Mentionez ca poeziile mele figureaza exclusiv pe acest blog in sectiunea my poetry. Nu au fost publicate niciodata in alta parte si nu le puteti gasi in alte surse.

Romane excelente, ecranizari proaste

2010-07-28T12:34:00.006+03:00

Eu cred ca fiecare natiune are mentalitatea ei mostenita din traditii, mod de viata, felul in care a evoluat tara respectiva de-a lungul secolelor. Iata de ce literatura tarii reflecta atat de fidel spiritul unui popor. Intr-o inlantuire logica, ecranizari literare ar trebui sa se faca numai pe baza literaturii autohtone. De exemplu, francezii ar trebui sa-l ecranizeze pe Balzac, englezii pe Dickens si rusii pe Tolstoi. Dar ce se intampla atunci cand unii se aventureaza sa ecranizeze literatura straina? Nu poate urma decat un esec, sau o prezentare distorsionata. Viziunea originala a autorului nu coincide aproape niciodata cu viziunea regizorului.

De ce mi-a venit sa scriu despre asta: am vazut de curand un film facut de francezi in 2006 pe baza romanului "Lady Chatterley's Lover", de D. H. Lawrence (unul dintre autorii mei preferati) care m-a revoltat. Chiar nu inteleg cum au ajuns francezii sa ecranizeze un roman autentic englezesc si de ce… Mare greseala (literatura lor fiind atat de vasta, incat ma mir ca duc lipsa de subiecte). Numai cand ii auzi pe francezi cum pronunta nume englezesti deja iti vine sa renunti. Actori alesi foarte prost, actiune prea lenta, chiar si settingul nu seamana deloc cu cel din carte.

La aceasta categorie se mai incadreaza si alte filme, cum ar fi "Anna Karenina"(1997) sau "Rasputin" (1996) facute de americani. Tot respectul pentru Sophie Marceau, o ador, dar cand se apuca sa vorbeasca ruseste e dezastru. De ce sa faci un film in Rusia, despre rusi, cu actori americani? Mai bine l-ai face in intregime rusesc. Nu zic, e buna globalizarea, si la capitolul ecranizari literare, dar... de multe ori aceastea lasa de dorit.
Un alt exemplu similar: "Cei trei muschetari" filmat de americani in 1993, cam stupizel spre lamentabil. Nici nu pot sa mi-l imaginez pe d’Artagnan vorbind alta limba decat franceza, cu accent de gascon! Poate cer prea multe... Dar pentru mine unele romane sunt atat de sfinte incat mi se pare un sacrilegiu sa-ti bati joc de ele prin ecranizari proaste.

Aici insa trebuie sa mentionez cateva exceptii, si anume:
1) Rusii au facut cateva ecranizari dupa Alexandre Dumas tatal foarte reusite: "Cei trei muschetari" (1979), "Regina Margot" (serial 1996) si "Madame de Montsoreau" (serial 1997). Subiectele au fost tratate cu seriozitate, s-au respectat minutios toate detaliile prezentate in carte iar personajele desi nu vorbesc franceza, sunt minunate. Voi revedea aceste filme ori cate ori mi se face dor de ele.
2) Francezii si-au creat propria "Regina Margot" in 1994, cu Isabelle Adjani. Este una dintre cartile mele preferate dar Dumas n-a scris un roman violent si scandalos, ci a dezvaluit niste evenimente istorice intr-o maniera romantata. Interpretarea evenimentelor din film e slabuta, personajele parca sunt fugite de la casa de nebuni, Margot are relatii intime cu necunoscuti pe strada, etc. Un tablou ingrozitor si total necorespunzator realitatii. Nu e un film pe care sa vrei sa-l revezi.

Deci, filme bune, filme proaste, pana la urma tot mai bine e sa citesti cartea in original si sa ramai cu propriile tale imagini, atat de placute.

Reflections on the eve of my birthday

2010-07-26T11:33:00.002+03:00

Hamlet’s question haunts me since I was nearly 16 and faced life’s difficulties for the first time. Not too much changed. But of course, efforts to be optimistic have been made all these years, attempts to become a better human being, to accomplish some great things and achieve a state of inner contentment. Too much agitation, energy spent on working, learning, fighting, hoping, every day. New ideas rushing into my head and not letting me sleep.

And all for nothing. In vain I have struggled. Old thoughts keep coming back to me. I am the same fragile teenage trying to escape reality, but all the doors are locked. I am condemned to watch myself grow into a dangerous state of frustration and alienation from my life.

We are thrown into this world, whether we want it or not, and forced to survive. Some of us are doing it better than the others. Some of us like the idea of constant fight and aspire to get on top of the wave to display their power to survive so well… while others are merely wondering what they are doing here and hide themselves behind the painful mask of illusion.

Non-sense? Not at all. These are the thoughts of a grown-up who has lived more than a quarter of a century, and has already experienced a lot: happiness in childhood, disappointment and anger in adolescence, love, hatred, passion and hope in youth and is now trying to draw some general conclusions.

I am not the right person to confirm the existence of happiness. The concept is different for every one of us. But as long as we don’t have inner peace, self-contentment and self-confidence, happiness is almost impossible. Such an emotional equilibrium can hardly be acquired.

“To be or not to be?..
Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them?”

Movie review: "Anne of the Thousand Days"

2010-07-24T14:05:00.004+03:00

Great movie, though old enough (1969) to stir some reactions. I must say I am not a fan of very old movies, mainly because some of them are really boring (such as "The six wives of Henry VIII" series, 1970). But this illustration of Anne’s life amazed me with magnificence, excellent cast and quite truthful interpretation of events. It is the story of Anne’s ascension to power and downfall, during her 1000 days of happiness and love shared with the king.

The actors - Geneviève Bujold, perfect in her role of Anne Boleyn, beautiful, delicate, keen but proud and very determined; makes almost a perfect Anne, though I picture her less nervous and a little more cunning; Richard Burton – the ideal Henry VIII, however too much goodness in his eyes for such a cold-blooded monster as he was sometimes; handsome, still attractive at his age (over 40, unlike the Henry played in "The Tudors" series by Johnatan Rhys Meyers who looked too young). I didn’t particularly enjoy the performances of Thomas Cromwell (played by John Colicos) and Thomas More (played by William Squire).

For 2 hours and almost 20 minutes we are going through the most important events related to Anne’s life starting from her meeting the king in 1527 up to her death in 1536. Anne’s attempt to resist the king before their marriage is admirable and totally explains his impatience to get hold of her body and soul but as soon as he possesses her, he no longer needs her. (That happens in real life too!) I am not going to tell the entire story; you might know it from history books, other movies or my own previous notes. I just have one negative remark. The movie states no connection between Henry’s breach with Rome and the spreading of Protestantism in England. This element has been ignored or wittingly put away to focus on others. Such neglect can hardly be forgiven when it comes to presenting major events taking place in 1533-1536 that lead to the Reformation of the English Church, especially since Anne presumably took part in this initiative.

"Anne of the Thousand Days" won many international awards and received great praise from film-makers worldwide. I recommend it at least for great costumes and setting.

Revue de livre Jean-François Solnon "Henri III"

2010-07-21T13:42:00.007+03:00

J’ai toujours été fascinée par le destin des enfants de Catherine de Médicis, surtout celui d’Henri III, avec qui s’éteigne la dynastie de Valois qui a dominé la scène politique de la France entre 1358 et 1589.
L’auteur du livre nous entraine dans l’aventure de sa vie, depuis sa naissance le 19 septembre 1551 à Fontainebleau, jusqu’à sa mort tragique survenue suite à un assassinat le 1er août 1589 au château de Saint-Cloud.
Henri, né Alexandre Édouard, a passé son enfance entre Blois, Fontainebleau, Amboise, Vincennes et Rambouillet à côté de ses frères et soeurs François (II), Charles (IX), Margot (reine de Navarre) et Marie Stuart. Après la mort de François II et l’avènement de Charles IX, en pleine maturité, il devient une sorte de vice-roi et commandant de l’armée responsable de la victoire de Jarnac et du siège de la Rochelle. Même si son comportement s’avérait plutôt ultra-catholique, Solnon exclue toute participation d’Henri dans les décisions prises pendant le massacre de la Sainte Barthélemy, premièrement à cause de son esprit tolérant et deuxièmement à cause de sa position comme candidat au trône d’une Pologne quasi-protestante.
Longtemps amoureux de Marie de Clèves il a énormément souffert en apprenant son mariage et puis sa mort. Elle a été la passion de sa vie, même s’il a montré plus tard beaucoup de respect et amour pour sa femme, Louise de Vaudémont.
Pendant le siège de la Rochelle en juin 1572 il apprend son élection au trône de Pologne (grâce à ses qualités militaires) mais ne s’empresse pas d’y partir. La santé fragile de Charles IX lui donne l’espoir d’hériter le trône de la France, ayant l’appui de sa mère Catherine. Il considérait la Pologne comme un exil.
C’est devant la Rochelle et puis dans son chemin vers la Pologne qu’il commence à constituer son entourage privé des futurs mignons: Saint-Luc, Caylus, La Valette, Saint-Sulpice, François d’O.
L’aventure de Pologne a été un échec. Aussitôt qu’il a appris la mort de son frère en juin 1574 la fuite vers la France devient inévitable.
C’est vrai que jamais aucun prince n’avait été plus impatiemment attendu par la France. Jeune, intelligent, bon militaire, religieux et bureaucrate, Henri III possédait toutes les qualités pour continuer la tradition de son grand-père François I.
Malgré les espérances, 15 ans plus tard, il devenait le plus détesté, haï et calomnié roi que la France a jamais eu. Ce qui me parait le plus curieux est notamment son caractère trop alternant et inconstant. Dans sa jeunesse il a démontré des capacités excellentes comme capitaine, guerrier, homme politique, mais aussi intellectuel raffiné (beaucoup plus raffiné que ses frères et qui avait plutôt des affinités intellectuelles avec sa sœur Marguerite). Toute l’Europe le voyait comme un autre François I. Mais dans la seconde moitié de sa vie, après avoir occupé le trône de la France, il se montre faible, craignant, instable. Sa prédilection pour la pénitence, la douleur, la foi excessive aussi comme son attachement à quelques bourgeois qu’il préfère dans son entourage plus que les membres de sa famille, relève un autre Henri, que sa mère Catherine ne connaissait pas, que la France ne pouvait pas anticiper. Comment a pu-t-il changer de cette manière en quelques années? Le vainqueur de Jarnac devient le roi désarmé, envahi par l’autorité des Guises et le travesti à mœurs dubitatifs…
Solnon explique cette transformation par la situation de la France à la fin du XVIème siècle: le pays étant divisé entre protestants et catholiques après huit guerres de religion, l’autorité royale ruinée. Les passions ultra catholiques ont condamné Henri à la guerre contre les protestants et à défendre sa position contre le Balafré (François de Guise) qui a signé un traité d’alliance avec l’Espagne dans l’espoir de succéder au trône de la France. Monsieur son frère, François d’Anjou a aussi contribué à l’impopularité du roi par ses nombreuses fuites, révoltes et rêves de conquérir un royaume. Après sa mort en 1584, le duc de Guise devient l’ennemi numéro 1 d’Henri. La vie du roi reste en danger surtout après l’occupation de la capitale par les ligueurs en 1588. Il est impuissant et faible, forcé d’exclure Henri de Navarre de la succession.
Á l’occasion des États Généraux de Blois, le soir de Noël 1588 Henri III donne l’ordre de tuer le duc de Guise, suite à une nécessité politique. Mais la paix ne s’installe ni dans son pays ni dans son âme. Plus acharnés que jamais, les ligueurs ne désirent que la vengeance de leur chef et organise l’assassinat du roi, le 1er août 1589, par l’intermédiaire d’un moine fanatique, Jacques Clément.
Le dernier Valois disparait ainsi sans héritier, laissant une nation plongée dans le désastre de la guerre civile. Pour la première fois personne n’a prononcé la célèbre formule: "Le roi est mort, vive le roi!" car la perspective d’un roi protestant était à ce moment-là innaceptable. Pourtant, après des luttes sanglantes et sa conversion au catholicisme, Henri IV, le premier Bourbon, accédera au trône de la France et initiera l’ère de la modernité.

Un bon livre, très compacte et objectif, à recommander pour des études sur la personnalité d’Henri III ainsi que pour une lecture agréable.

Voilà quelques citations que j’ai particulièrement aimé:

"La popularité d’Henri n’avait été qu’un soleil de janvier"
"Ce que j’aime c’est avec extrémêté" (Henri III)
"Il (le roi) redoute la défaite catholique, cependant il la désire"
"Mon fils, c’est bien taillé, mais il faut coudre" (Catherine de Médicis à propos de l’assassinat du duc de Guise)

Possible reasons for Anne Boleyn’s downfall

2010-07-09T13:01:00.004+03:00

Anne Boleyn is one of my favorite personalities in the history of England. Her rise and fall have always been sympathetic to most history passionates and her fate caused many controversial discussions over the last 500 years since her death. So far, I know several alleged reasons for her downfall, though I do not totally agree with them and doubt they are based on real facts.

- The guilt of adultery summoned her as traitor to the Crown. She has been accused of intimate relationships with her brother George and some other men. Who could believe such a non-sense? Anne was too well educated and respectful of her family to be able to commit such an immorality. She cared too much for her position as queen to imperil it as did Catherine Howard. The testimony of Countess of Worcester and the poem of Lancelot de Carles were taken as only proof, which in our days is not sufficient evidence. Moreover, the investigation lasted only 17 days. The time was too short to clarify things in a proper manner.

- Henry was deceived in Anne due to her frequent miscarriages. This is probably the most powerful argument in his decision to get rid of her. It’s true, she failed to produce a male heir during their three years of marriage but even so, he was too harsh on her. Anne was fully aware of the huge responsibility on her shoulders and thus put under a lot of pressure. I don’t think she had fertility problems but stress might obviously affect the normal development of pregnancies. Henry was too hasty, she was too eager to offer him what he wanted and so her hours were counted. Let’s not forget that the king lived with Catherine of Arragon for 24 years and she only produced a girl, the future Mary I. If Anne had been spared her death I am sure she could have given him many sons.

- Anne dug her own grave by showing too much of her character. Yes, her strong personality charmed Henry VIII before they were married but irritated him after. She was indeed very ambitious, straightforward, sincere, jealous, proud and impulsive which caused her great trouble in the relationship with her husband, Thomas Cromwell and other members of the court who either adored her or hated her deeply. But that could hardly be a reason to imprison or kill someone.

- Thomas Cromwell’s dislike of Anne and the fear for his own position determined his plotting against her, even before Henry had anything to do with it. There was no evidence of her being unfaithful, so he had to find it. Cromwell was more of a pro-Spanish partisan while Anne, due to her education in France, has always shown more interest in a French alliance. There was also another issue between them concerning the dissolution of monasteries, an affair entirely controlled by Cromwell. The two enemies were constantly and visibly competing over Henry’s mind, but unfortunately for Anne, some additional circumstances determined the king to claim her disgrace. The beheading of Cromwell followed soon after, but at that particular moment his position at court was not threatened.

- Some say that the appearance of Jane Seymour in Henry VIII’s life determined his cruel attitude towards Anne and his urgent desire to get rid of her. I do not agree here. Jane was the right girl at the right moment, when the king needed a new hope for his descendancy. And we all know how easily he was sometimes influenced and how changing was his mood. He met Jane, fell for her and saw in her a possible match, especially since she seemed to be everything Anne wasn’t: shy, obedient, submissive.

- According to popular belief of 16th century England, Anne Boleyn was a witch. I am sure Thomas Cromwell and the other members of the court initiated the rumors and you know how superstitious people can be. A terrible story of her miscarrying a deformed fetus was circulating throughout the country but no such evidence ever existed.

- Anne’s Reformist ideas led her into trouble. I do not totally agree with this argument. As part of the Boleyn faction Anne clearly supported new ideas and the transformation of the English church but she never exaggerated her faith nor imposed her opinions on others. Henry’s break with Rome was entirely his own intention but Anne had to bear the consequences.

I sometimes wonder what could have happened to Anne if she succeeded to produce a son during her short reign. Her fate would have certainly been different. Nonetheless, she and Henry were too similar in character to have a long-lasting and peaceful relationship.

Just received from Amazon Eric Ives’ book on “The life and death of Anne Boleyn” and can hardy wait to devour it during my vacation. Perhaps I would find other arguments to delight you with next time!

World Cup 2010, sau cum sportul rege coboara in panta disgratiei

2010-06-19T22:15:00.002+03:00

Fotbalul nu mai e ce era odata. Acest sport este victima unor interese care l-au transformat intr-o afacere globala. Echipele traditionale ale Europei sunt obosite si expirate. Jocul e neinspirat si plafonat. Jucatorii de exceptie sunt din ce in ce mai rari iar echipele pentru acest mondial au fost dresate ca pentru o expozitie de catei. Arata bine dar…
Antrenorii sunt prea departe de a intelege cultura tarii a carei echipa o conduc pe teren; jucatorii se bazeaza pe reflexe conditionate acumulate in cluburile unde sunt formati, iar aptitudinile lor uneori nu pot fi transpuse sau adaptate la echipa nationala. Unitatea lipseste de cele mai multe ori si este mai mult decat evidenta in timpul jocului.
Cupa mondiala este in momentul de fata o excrescenta monstruoasa a unui fotbal international care nu mai reprezinta asa de sugestiv natiunile participante; identitatea tarii nu coincide cu identitatea jocului.
E si vina spectatorilor intr-o oarecare masura. Prea mult se discuta si se exagereaza in jurul balonului rotund, prea mult se fabuleaza pe la meciuri si in emisiunile dedicate fotbalului, comentatorii incercand sa se intreaca in metafore si explimari sofisticate pentru ca in final sa realizezi ca au uitat care este esenta acestor discutii (oricum inutile). Tot acest spectacol nu e decat lobby pentru un fenomen hipersaturat de remarci si observatii, informatii periferice, opinii avizate care distrug orice initiativa orientata catre obiectivul tinta.
Mass-media este obligata sa intre in aceasta hora din motive financiare. In ziarele de sport nu mai exista decat rublica fotbal si poate una sau doua randuri buimace despre alte competitii, transformand cu timpul cititorii in scavii acestui sport. Cineva trebuie sa aiba ceva de castigat din mediatizarea atat de ferventa a fotbalului la nivel global… dar ne-am gandit oare vreodata cu adevarat la asta?
Ma intorc la Cupa Mondiala, cel mai mediatizat eveniment fotbalistic. Nu am nimic impotriva competitiei in sine, urmaresc toate campionatele europene si mondiale de mai mult de 15 ani dar parca atata falsitate si lipsa de esenta nu am remarcat pana acum. Totul se reduce la sabloane, publicitate si renume, impresie intarita si de prezenta acelor vuvuzele care iti duduie in cap 90 minute si anihileaza orice dorinta de exprimare a unei emotii pure: un cantec de bucurie/incurajare a suporterilor sau chiar linistea atat de necesara uneori in anumite momente. Un sunet care lasa impresia ca toate meciurile seamana intre ele. Sau cum spunea Shakespeare “too much ado about nothing”, adica prea mult zgomot pentru nimic, deoarece, din pacate, marile echipe ale Europei nu au aratat prea mult fotbal pana acum.
Avem in schimb stadioane superbe care au costat miliarde, mediatizare fara precedent, jucatori super obositi dupa campionatele interne, caricaturi de meciuri care nu se ridica deloc la nivelul cerut de aceasta competitie. Imi aduc aminte cu placere de vremurile cand un meci de fotbal imi provoca admiratie si emotii pozitive. In prezent scopul nu mai e spectacolul ci scorul sau capacitatea de a sta in defensiva.
Traditionalele Anglia, Franta, Germania, Italia, Spania, Portugalia – au dezamagit pana acum. Ne-au surprins insa echipe mai putin cunoscute dar vizibil motivate si omogene, fara jucatori „vedete”: SUA, Elvetia, Coreea, Australia.
Competitia nu s-a incheiat, insa sper din tot sufletul sa apuc vad ce imi doream pana la finalul ei. Adica fotbal de calitate, fara mofturi, prejudecati sau sabloane.

Blagues tristes sur la situation actuelle de la Belgique

2010-06-14T15:19:00.001+03:00

1) Une salle de spectacles à Bruxelles où sont réunis un grand nombre d’artistes du pays. Dans un micro, une voix dit aux Flamands de s’installer à droite, aux Wallons à gauche. Des voix s’élèvent alors : «Et nous les Belges, on se met où ?»

2) L’immeuble de la célèbre radio télévision belge, Bruxelles, qui abrite les journalistes francophones et flamands. Lesquels sont virtuellement séparés par un mur. Sur la porte de la partie francophone du bâtiment, on peut lire : «Ici, on parle le français.» Sur l’autre porte, celle des Flamands, il est écrit : «Ici, on ne parle pas, on travaille.»

Despre cei care isi petrec viata in caverna ignorantei

2010-06-12T18:14:00.005+03:00

Exista o categorie de oameni care nu traiesc decat din barfe si invidie. Nu ca ar avea prea multe motive sa invidieze pe cineva, dar pur si simplu sunt prea limitati ca sa se apuce de alte activitati mai prolifice. Ei isi petrec timpul asteptand sa treaca timpul... si de fapt nefacand nimic. Trag de timp, se uita in jur mult, la altii, ca sa-i analizeze si respectiv sa gaseasca noi subiecte de barfa, in loc sa-si vada de treaba. E mai interesant sa urmaresti pe altii atunci cand in viata ta nu se intampla nimic. Dar de ce nu se intampla nimic? Pentru ca nu vrei. Pentru ca nu ai chef sa misti un deget ca sa ajungi acolo unde au ajuns altii, pe care ii invidiezi cu atata ravna.
Acesti oameni se tem de singuratate. Cand raman singuri se simt stanjeniti si de fapt realizeaza cat de limitati sunt. Orice activitate intelectuala este pentru ei greu de suportat, din simplul motiv ca li se solicita creierul. Iar ei nu doresc sa-l utilizeze decat pentru a scormoni in vietile altora si a inventa scenarii care nu au nici o legatura cu realitatea. Traiesc intr-o lume a lor, inchisa, unde nu patrunde lumina adevarului.

In acest context mi-am adus aminte de Mitul Cavernei, a lui Platon. Pe scurt, niste prizonieri ce locuiau intr-o pestera vedeau numai umbrele oamenilor/obiectelor care treceau/se aflau pe langa zidul incaperii si aveau astfel o intelegere foarte limitata a realitatii din exterior, traind din supozitii. Cititi aici in intregime Dialogul

Acesti oameni erau bolnavi de nestiinta pentru ca nu aveau acces la lucrurile reale, vazand numai niste fantome ale lor. Imi permit sa fac o paralela intre personajele lui Platon si barfitorii/invidiosii despre care vorbeam anterior. Personajele mele nu numai ca sunt prizonierii propriei nestiinte ci refuza orice iesire din pestera din cauza ca adevarul este prea orbitor atunci cand mintea este prea limitata...

Diferenta dintre "a fi indragostit" si "a iubi"

2010-06-11T14:51:00.003+03:00

Multa lume confunda cele doua, pentru mine insa au fost mereu doua trairi total diferite. Ceea ce pentru mine este atat de evident si logic pentru altii poate parea aberant (m-am mai confruntat cu polemici pe tema asta).

A fi indragostit de cineva - este un sentiment temporar, trecator dar foarte intens cauzat de prezenta cuiva care iti suscina atentia, te atrage, fie prin fizic fie prin altceva. Acest sentiment acapareaza mintea aproape total pentru o perioada si afecteaza gandirea rationala. Oamenii indragostiti sunt cei mai predispusi la nebunii sau actiuni iesite din comun (pe care nu e fac in mod obisnuit). Eu percep starea de a fi "indragostit" mai mult ca pe o patima, pasiune, aproape obsesie temporara, o energie incredibila, dar care in cele din urma dispare (nefiind alimentata sau in urma unei dezamagiri) sau se materializeaza intr-un sentiment mult mai profund si indelungat, acela de "a iubi".

A iubi pe cineva - este un sentiment de lunga durata, profund si rezistent la perturbari de mica amploare (certuri, neintelegeri), care apare in doua cazuri: in urma unui sentiment temporar de a "fi indragostit" sau in urma unui proces indelungat de cunoastere a unei persoane si care trece treptat prin starile: admiratie, respect, placut, atasament, drag. Trairea nu apare niciodata spontan si nici nu dispare rapid, pentru ca este cladita la un alt nivel decat cea descrisa anterior. A iubi pe cineva inseamna mai mult a-ti fi drag/a-ti pasa de cineva, a fi foarte atasat, a te atrage, a respecta foarte mult, dar toate la un loc.

Bineinteles este foarte greu sa descrii sentimentele prin cuvinte, dar uneori trebuie sa te faci inteles prin incercarea de a formula o definitie aproximativa.

Da, din punctul meu de vedere poti iubi pe cineva fara sa fi fost anterior indragosit de persoana respectiva. Sentimentul poate aparea in timp datorita mai multor factori.
De asemenea, poti sa fii indragostit de cineva fara ca aceasta emotie sa se transpuna intr-o iubire de lunga durata.
Cele doua sunt foarte des confundate. De vina sunt si filmele, in care personajele isi fac declaratii de dragoste mult prea repede (mai ales cele americane, pentru ca in limba engleza termenul uzual "i love you" poate avea mai multe nuante in functie de context, dar este intotdeauna tradus in limba romana prin "te iubesc").

Nu poti spune cuiva dupa 2 zile "te iubesc", poti eventual sa-i marturisesti ca "esti indragostit" pana peste urechi si n-ai stare.
Nu exista reguli pentru temporizarea acestor genuri de declaratii, pentru unii un "te iubesc" dupa o luna de relatie poate parea inoportun, pentru altii rezonabil.

Recent government measures reveal the degradation formula

2010-06-11T12:12:00.003+03:00

During the slump the government is expected to spend less and target better. But does it have the necessary skills and intelligence to do that? Our political system has recently shown nothing but inefficiency, focusing only on cuts. A great deal of the burden lies on the middle class - the segment of our economy that has to support most of the costs running this nation. The wealthy elite advantages are left untouched; their millions are untaxed.
Cutting spending as well as raising taxes will definitely affect the economic growth in the long-term. There is no dream of prosperity for Romania at this moment; it’s science fiction.

I am not sure the recently taken measures are a safe method to pump up the economy, because having less money to spend, people become less confident and more insecure about their lives. (They acknowledge that the system is obviously going wrong but can do nothing.) Cutting spending is likely to cause more unemployment, especially in small companies. They will be no longer able to produce, expand or hire; always overwhelmed by the fear or even higher cuts and tax increases.

So, the challenge of our government is to find an intelligent way to combine reducing deficit with stimulating growth, smoothly and consistently. Unfortunately, most of our elected officials are only anxious about their own self-interests and don't care a bit about the future of the country. Their attitude is not only startling but also alarming, at a time when the nation requires competent leadership to pull us out of the recession.
They seem to have noticed that our economy tumbles down into a terrible abyss but the only solution they found is cutting wages and pensions to avoid hiking the flat tax and VAT (which is unavoidable, it’s only the next step, since the first solution will certainly not show any visible results).

Politicians have no idea how demoralizing and risky these measures are. The number of homeless people will increase, as well as suicides.

Here’s the formula I compiled to show which the future of our nation is in the years to come:

Cutting Wages -> Lower Consumption -> Layoffs -> Unemployment & Small Firms’ Bankruptcy -> Homelessness & Suicides -> Degradation of the Nation

Why do I love "Pride & Prejudice" (2005)?

2010-06-10T15:12:00.005+03:00

Ranges among my favorite movies ever because:

- Presents a pure love that no longer exists in our century. There are practically no erotic or passionate gestures, no touches but you can sense the chemistry going on between the two lovers in their looks, in their verbal fencing. The single physical expression of their love is the final kiss.
- Includes one of the most romantic moments i have even seen in movies, namely, the final scene happening at dawn, in the fields, on the background of the rising sun, so innocent, so divine and so long expected by us, the witnesses of an angelic kiss rounding up the story.
- The characters are perfectly embodied by Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I have read the book years ago and their representations are both very close to the image i had in my mind (most viewers prefer the Darcy played by Colin Firth - 1995 version, but i like Matthew Macfadyen better). Instantly fell for both of these characters as much as they fell for each other.
- The plot is funny, even though the subjects treated are nothing but serious. There is much humor in the story, especially when it comes to the Bennet family sisters' behavior, their mother's changing attitude towards events and Mr. Collins' snobbish and exaggerated manner of talking.
- The movie is based on a novel written by a woman, in fact, a very courageous one for the beginning of the 19th century. Let's not forget the fact that women had no jobs, no rights and no freedom of choice at that time. Subsequently, it's quite understandable why the movie appeals more to the female public (including me!)

Romance and love are the key words to describe this wonderful picturization leading us through the meandering adventure of Lizzie up to the point where she finally admits her true feelings and the fate drives her right into the arms of the perfect man.

I can watch this movie over and over again, it's still fascinating to me. A classic love story - old-fashioned, emotional, simple. That's all.

"Being alive" perceptions

2010-06-08T17:27:00.005+03:00

Many people wonder, what could have happened if… they had chosen another road, at a certain point in their lives.
The truth of not being able to go back there and try the other option, reconsider old views and opportunities, claim for more, acknowledge new facts, is killing us.
Revelations and memories is all we have left.

I cannot face the fear of the future, it's so uncertain and shadowed by questions.
I cannot go back into my past, there is no place for me there, not the way I am now. Though I am deeply longing for some parts of it.
I cannot live in the present either, it's so unsympathetic, unreliable and fragile.

My desire is not to alleviate this pain of "being alive" (and never really where i am supposed to be), but rather to see how present-day perceptions can contribute to my reluctance in sharing past-time memories with someone, who would be able to grasp just a tiny piece of them, naturally, without any effort.
My desire is not to go back into my past, but rather to pick up bits of it, bond them to my present and make this "being alive" a little more certain and bearable.

4 days to go till World Cup opens in South Africa

2010-06-07T22:40:00.003+03:00

4 days to go till World Cup opens in South Africa.
I have watched all the European and World Cups ever since 1994 but almost never watched any other important football competitions, not even Champions League. You will probably wonder why. Indeed, this passion comes to me only once in two years.
I guess the answer would be: I love competitions between countries, not clubs. I am probably being subjective but it's not only more fun, it's also more motivating to perceive the participants as a bunch of representatives for a nation. It's never grueling nor tiresome, only enthusiastic. At least for me.
For the same reason I love the Eurovision contest.

P.S. I hate post-match comments. It's merely vacuous drivel.

My favorite teams: Portugal, Italy, England, Spain

My favorite football player this year: not awarded yet... still need to think
My favorite football player ever: Davor Suker.

Alanis Morissette - Precious Illusions

2010-06-07T10:22:00.001+03:00

you'll rescue me right? in the exact same way they never did..
I'll be happy right? when your healing powers kick in

you'll complete me right? then my life can finally begin
I'll be worthy right? only when you realize the gem I am?

but this won't work now the way it once did
and I won't keep it up even though I would love to
once I know who I'm not then I'll know who I am
but I know I won't keep on playing the victim

these precious illusions in my head did not let me down when I was defenseless
and parting with them is like parting with invisible best friends

this ring will help me yet as will you knight in shining armor
this pill will help me yet as will these boys gone through like water

but this won't work as well as the way it once did
cuz I want to decide between survival and bliss
and though I know who I'm not I still don't know who I am
but I know I won't keep on playing the victim

these precious illusions in my head did not let me down when I was a kid
and parting with them is like parting with a childhood best friend

I've spent so long firmly looking outside me
I've spent so much time living in survival mode

Cea mai mare catastrofa ecologica din America

2010-06-04T17:29:00.001+03:00

Stirile care anunta ca scurgerea de petrol rezultata din explozia platformei petroliere care a avut loc pe 20 aprilie 2010 in Golful Mexic nu sunt decat niste zvonuri disperate cu scopul de a linisti planeta. Dar acest accident este un dezastru de a carui amploare nici nu putem sa ne dam seama deocamdata.

Toate incercarile de a infunda conducta pentru a opri scurgerea au esuat, dar asta ni se comunica doar cu jumatate de gura la televizor iar unii mai optimisti (sau naivi) afirma chiar ca s-a pus capat problemei prin blocarea circuitului cu un zid de "ciment". Cine mai crede asemenea bazaconii? Ce poate sa faca un zid de ciment in fata unei scurgeri de mai mult de 3 milioane de litri de petrol PE ZI? Mi-e si greu sa-mi imaginez acest volum.
Un spectacol trist pentru flora si fauna zonei, devenite victimele petrolului. Ecosistem distrus poate pentru totdeauna pe coasta Americii.
Americanii se lupta cu terorismul, se duc sa impuna regimuri democratice in alte tari, acaparati mereu de goana dupa bani si putere, incat uita sa protejeze ceea ce au deja mai de pret, natura.

Nu sunt oare accidentele de genul acesta un fel de "genocid" ecologic, o crima contra naturii, un atentat la viata unor copii care nici nu s-au nascut inca?
Evident, dam vina pe neatentia umana, ignoranta, inconstienta si egoismul imbecil, dar invatam ceva din asta? Sub deviza "nu ni se va intampla noua", sau "pe noi nu ne afecteaza" traim in continuare fara sa ne marcheze prea mult asemenea intamplari. Insa ne intrebam cu nonsalanta uneori: "oare de ce murim pe capete de cancer?" sau "de ce apa potabila nu mai e potabila?", "meritam asa ceva?"
Explozia din Golful Mexic (si efectele ei) nu este o catastrofa naturala, ci una cauzata de o eroare umana inadmisibila. Ceea ce s-a intamplat si se intampla inca acolo mi se pare mai grav decat 11 septembrie, mai grav decat moartea lui Kennedy.
In doar cateva zile a fost distrusa o opera la care s-a lucrat timp de cateva mii de ani.
Enjoy the picture!

Casa arde dar baba se piaptana, pana in 2012

2010-06-04T10:51:00.002+03:00

Francezii sunt obsedati de viitorul lor politic. In loc sa se concentreze pe guvernarea actuala si sa rezolve problemele primordiale ale tarii, ei nu fac decat sa discute despre prezidentialele din 2012 iar ziarele sa emita ipoteze privind posibilii candidati.
Dreapta, in speta partidul lui Sarkozy, aflat la guvernare, ar fi bine sa se agite mai mult ca sa-si imbunatateasca imaginea, cam sifonata dupa esecul la alegerile locale din martie, avand in vedere si popularitatea lui Sarkozy, mereu in descrestere, iar stanga, in frunte cu PS, ar fi bine sa lase deoparte vulgaritatea, stilul taios de a ataca pe oricine si lisa de diplomatie.
Iata ca se aplica foarte bine zicala "casa arde dar baba se piaptana". Europa e in plina criza, tara e coplesita de somaj (180.000 offres d'emploi pour 500.000 CV. Vous avez quoi comme solution?) dar politicienii nu fac decat sa viseze la niste alegeri care sunt departe de momentul prezent. Eu nu inteleg aceasta fervoare si nevoia se a se agata de ceva intangibil.

Cu scuzele de rigoare, prefer sa urmaresc si sa comentez din cand in cand situatia politica din Franta decat cea din Romania - care ma umple de dezgust si ma lasa mereu fara cuvinte. (Nici grevele si nici starea generala de nemultumire a oamenilor nu vor schimba nimic. Suntem condamnati la tacere, cel putin pana isi termina Basescu mandatul. Intre timp, ar fi bine sa invatam din greseli si sa nu le mai repetam.)

China, o noua forta militara de temut, dar oare ce urmareste?

2010-06-02T14:51:00.002+03:00

China s-a lansat recent intr-o ofensiva mediatica avand ca scop dezmintirea zvonurilor potrivit carora ar trebui sa existe temeri legate de cresterea considerabila a puterii sale de innarmare in ultima perioada.
Tarile occidentale acuza de ceva timp lipsa de transparenta a Chinei vis-a-vis de politica sa militara. Se pare ca in 2010 peste 532 de miliarde de yuani din bugetul national au fost alocati pentru aparare si cheltuieli militare.

Faptul ca Pekinul refuza sa difuzeze date exacte despre cheltuielile sale militare genereaza in mod evident niste intrebari legate de ambitiile si obiectivele sale de viitor. Doreste oare China doar sa se protejeze sau planuieste sa cucereasca noi teritorii?

Pe masura ce China acapareaza in ultimii ani prima pozitie in economia mondiala (in mod surprinzator si neasteptat pentru multi), am observat ca s-a rasturnat balanta de forte economice, oarecum fixata dupa cel de al doilea razboi mondial. Iar acest dezechilibru si aceste aparente ambitii nu pot decat sa anunte schimbari, la care urmeaza sa fim martori, doar ca nu stim inca exact despre ce este vorba. (Vreau sa evit sa fac paralela cu Germania anilor 30 secolul trecut... dar imi vine in cap fara sa vreau; oricum nu sunt aceleasi premise si nici porniri, dar mai stii?..:))

Daca urmareste doar sa-si apere interesele economice, e inutil. Conform estimarilor in 2040 China va deveni cea mai bogata tara din lume iar cota ei din PIB al lumii va ajunge la 40% (sa nu credem orbeste in aceste date, sunt orientative). Se pare ca in ultima perioada China investeste din ce in ce mai mult in resurse energetice, cucerirea spatiului si solutii informatice (invatand sarguincios de la altii si educandu-si tinerii in Occident!).

Pentru a mentine linistea in jurul acestui subiect Pekinul trebuie ori sa dea dovada de diplomatie, evitand sa-si atraga suspiciunea altor tari, ori sa ofere transparenta si sa arate care este situatia reala din acest punct de vedere. Deocamdata doar Ministerul Afacerilor Externe isi bate capul de acest aspect incercand sa nu deterioreze relatiile diplomatice printr-un discurs care se vrea linistitor si responsabil.
Cert este ca anumite tari sunt deja cuprinse de suspiciuni si temeri in ceea ce priveste planurile de dominatie mondiala ale Chinei.

1st June 1533 – The Whit Sunday Coronation of Anne Boleyn

2010-06-01T18:33:00.004+03:00

On the 1st June 1533, Whit Sunday, Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen at a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
She was marrying Henry VIII, as his second wife. Three years later, in May 1536 she was executed after being accused of adultery and witchcraft...
I will come back these days with a longer article on Anne Boleyn, who's fate is still fascinating, after 474 years.

Revue de livre de Jean-François Solnon "Catherine de Médicis"

2010-06-01T14:48:00.007+03:00

Dans son livre, tout à fait intéressant et facile à lire, l’auteur défend la réputation de Catherine et montre son rôle positif dans l’histoire de la France, apportant des arguments pour combattre la légende qui envisageait Catherine plutôt comme une veuve noire avide de pouvoir qui empoisonnait ses enfants.
C’est Alexandre Dumas père qui a créé cette impression, très feignante. Dans ses romans la reine apparait toujours comme une sorcière méchante qui conspirait et concevait des complots.
La mission de Jean-François Solnon est de démystifier, réhabiliter l’héroïne et montrer ses mérites dans la politique des guerres de religion en France au XVIème siècle.
L'image de la "Florentine empoisonneuse" est donc remplacée par celle d’une reine soucieuse pour la paix, le pouvoir du Royaume et l’avenir de la dynastie des Valois.
L’auteur affirme qu’elle n’a eu aucune contribution aux décisions prises pendant le massacre de St. Barthelemy, étant contrainte de donner son accord à l’exécution des huguenots pour éviter une guerre avec l’Espagne, alimentée par les rebels en Pays-Bas.
En fait, les preuves sur la participation de Catherine dans cette affaire restent encore inconnues, ou au moins douteuses pour affirmer avec certitude son innocence. Catherine croyait tellement en la raison et la paix qu’elle mésestimait parfois les passions religieuses. Voilà la devise de la politique menée par la meilleure reine politicienne que la France a jamais connu: "Un compromis vaut mieux que la reprise de guerre!"

Et enfin quelques détails que je ne connaissais pas sur la vie de Catherine de Médicis :

- Catherine par sa mère était aussi française (apparentée à la maison de Bourbon)
- Diane de Poitiers était sa cousine, par sa mère
- François I a été le père qui lui avait manqué
- A sa mort, Margot manquait du testament à cause de son comportement pendant le règne d’Henri III
- Orpheline à naissance, veuve à 40 ans, elle a vu 8 de ses enfants mourir avant elle

De ce limba engleza tinde sa devina limba universala

2010-05-31T21:38:00.006+03:00

Am auzit in ultima vreme tot felul de afirmatii potrivit carora limba engleza a devenit limba universala a planetei datorita flexibilitatii sale si usurintei de invatare.
As vrea sa clarific cateva lucruri si sa aduc argumente care demonstreaza alte motive pentru care limba engleza a devenit atat de populara in lumea intreaga (este un proces care a durat peste un secol).
Da, engleza este intr-adevar o limba sintetica, desi nu a fost dintotdeauna asa. Imi aduc aminte ca in facultate cursul de Engleza Veche mi s-a parut extrem de greu iar limba suna mai degraba a germana sau scandinava.

1. Popularitatea limbii engleze se datoreaza in primul rand unor factori politici si economici care s-au prefigurat la finalul secolului 19, inceputul secolului 20, atunci cand s-a schimbat treptat balanta marilor puteri ale lumii iar America, cea mai mare tara vorbitoare de limba engleza, a preluat hegemonia politica, economica si industriala, consoldandu-si pozitia dupa cele doua razboaie mondiale.

2. Sa nu uitam de Imperiul Britanic, care a dominat lumea timp de cateva secole si a exportat limba engleza spre alte continente in coloniile sale (in calitate de putere suprema maritima, industriala, economica si culturala, preluand acest statut de la Franta).

3. In India, tara cu cea mai numeroasa populatie de pe planeta, fosta colonie britanica, administratia tarii s-a desfasurat in limba engleza, iata de ce indienii, acum imprastiati prin lumea intreaga, au contribuit si ei la raspandirea englezei ca prima limba straina

4. Prin comercializarea sistemului de operare Windows, Microsoft a transformat engleza in limba universala a calculatoarelor si a internetului (80% din informatia de tip electronic este in limba engleza), acesta fiind un aspect foarte important al comunicarii in epoca moderna (nu toate popoarele sunt la fel de nationaliste ca francezii sau rusii incat sa traduca Windows in propria limba!)

5. Filmele americane, accesibile ca pret, mesaj, preferatele multor canale de televiziune au propagat o engleza usor de asimilat, mai ales in tarile unde se practica subtitrarile (industria din America fiind cea mai prolifica din lume)

6. Din ce in ce mai mult, artistii care isi doresc sa patrunda pe piata muzicala internationala abordeaza texte in limba engleza, pentru a targheta o audienta cat mai larga (tarile vorbitoare de limba engleza ocupa o patrime din glob)

Astfel, engleza devine in mod logic cea mai viabila solutie pentru comunicarea internationala atat in mediul de afaceri cat si cel diplomatic ajungand la statutul de "lingua franca".
Da, engleza este intr-adevar o limba flexibila si destul de usor de invatat (nu si pentru asiatici iar pentru latini poate parea dificila). Marele avantaj al englezei este ca lexicul sau are foarte multe cuvinte scurte (o silaba sau doua) care sunt usor de retinut, dar in acelasi timp, aceste cuvinte au de obicei foarte multe sensuri si iti ia ceva timp sa identifici nuanta in context...
Un alt atu al englezei este existenta unui asa zis vocabular de baza, foarte redus, care fiind asimilat devine suficient pentru a comunica, din acest motiv multi vorbitori de engleza ca si limba straina se plafoneaza in acest punct, nefiind interesati sa-l extinda, pentru ca in fond nu ar avea nevoie. Acest vocabular de baza/simplist al limbii engleze este de obicei cel auzit prin filmele americane adresate unui public larg, cum ar fi serialul TV “Friends”. Daca stii macar putina engleza nu ai cum sa nu intelegi replicile personajelor iar asta te face sa crezi ca stii deja suficienta engleza!
Versiunea britanica si cea australiana mi se par cel mai greu de digerat. Si asta nu datorita vocabularului ci mai ales pronuntiei. Simplificarea englezei in timp la nivel de vocabular nu inseamna deci si unificarea pronuntiei, care ramane specifica fiecarei zone.

Da, engleza pare la prima vedere usoara si flexibila, daca te limitezi la achizitionarea lexicului sau fundamental dar, eu personal, dupa ce am utilizat engleza timp de mai bine de 15 ani inca am impresia ca numai nativii pot stapani aceasta limba extrem de bine, pentru ceilalti, engleza este si ramane, de cele mai multe ori, doar “a currency for communication”.

Quiz: Me about Myself

2010-05-31T12:45:00.002+03:00

1. What’s your favorite color?
Red, because it shows passion

2. What’s your favorite band?
It used to be Savage Garden in my teens, now I listen to many genres of music; it’s hard to choose only one band :)

3. Are you happy with your life?
No, never, unfortunately I am the kind of person always willing to get more, to improve, to become perfect. Looking back, I obviously had great results and accomplishments as a student, in high school and in college, but never after that. Having a full time job takes up too much of the time I would dedicate to study and research. I NEED MORE TIME!!!

4. What’s your biggest wish?
To move to France, speak French every day and visit every centimeter of that country :)

5. What’s your opinion on life?
I strongly believe in reincarnation. That’s why I somehow accepted the fact that I cannot get everything in this lifetime as long as I am convinced that I did some amazing things during my past lives and some other opportunities are yet to come in the next ones. There is really no ending and I am not afraid of death, which is merely a new beginning to me. As to life, it is a sequence of tests to get to another level of perception and fulfillment.

6. Do you have any obsessions?
Maybe my childhood, the best period of my existence so far. An avalanche of good memories keep coming back to me in certain moments, it can be overwhelming. I really miss those times and those places…

7. Why France? Why French history and so many French books?
I cannot explain this attraction to France and French history. It’s beyond anything reasonable. I am ready to devour any kind of information related to this subject.

8. What did you wish to become when you were a child?
An actress, a singer, a politician, a writer, a model, a journalist and a historian altogether :) and I still hope to be able to pursue at least one of those dreams, that of becoming a writer someday.

9. Your favorite line from a movie/TV series:
Joey from “Friends” when he turned 30: “- Why God, why??? We had a pact!!!” : )))) cause that’s what I was going to say on my 30th birthday : ))))

Retirement dreams fallen apart

2010-05-29T20:15:00.009+03:00

There are rumors that the Romanian government is going to remove the right to retire before 60, as part of the fiendish plan to reform the pension system and keep public finances afloat.
The decision is obviously taken due to deepening recession and swelling unemployment, but also the tendency to keep the pace with the most successful Western European Union countries that have risen their legal retirement age to 60 or even so, long time ago and are now considering to rise it again.

I don’t really know what to say. I am bewildered at this troubling news, trying to warn off my dreams about a happy retirement.

I have always wished to buy a peaceful small cottage in the countryside and dedicate the rest of my days after retirement to reading, writing and spending time surrounded by nature. Now, I am not even sure I would ever reach that moment. Now I am not motivated enough to live, knowing that I would have to work the most part of my life and perhaps die at the office sometime before the legal retirement age. You have to be bullish not to see what this is all about.

Our government’s purported intention is certainly not to destroy our dreams, but their indefatigable desire to take away from us the only period in our lives when we can actually do what we like leads quite to that cruel resolution.
I agree that our country’s legal retirement age is one of the lowest in Europe, but this avalanche of spending cuts, growing taxes and painful reforms are making us very vulnerable and uncertain about our future. Is there any future at all?

The attempt to restructure a pension system, which is, by the way, neither the greatest nor the most generous in Europe, successfully stokes our patience and hurts our expectations, marking the beginning of another epoch for common people: that of indifference and lack of interest towards work. There is nothing left to persuade us, there is no bright perspective. We are genuinely pessimistic and totally disgusted.

The most stupid argument I ever heard was: “a rise in the retirement age is inevitable as people live longer and save less”. Do we really live longer than our great-grand-parents lived? I remember that my great-grand-father died at 90 and my great-grand-mother at 94, my grand-mother is now 81 and she’s quite in good health. They are probably making a comparison with the middle ages when millions of people used to die under 60 from incurable diseases such as the plague or cholera, or were devastated by frequent and violent wars.

In UK the retirement age is progressively increasing to 68-70 years, in France to 63, in Germany to 67… How sad is that?
Our generation is currently intimidated by the prospect of saving for a pension, which seems to be so faraway.

I don’t believe in predictions of increased life expectancy. Our politicians are callously and self-destructively feeding this idea to make excuses for their lame decisions.
We work all our life and sometimes even neglect our health in the scramble to find tranquility and security after retirement.
That small cottage in the countryside was my balm, my idea of redemption, after a debilitating life dedicated to work.

Negotiating the controversial rise in the legal retirement age, while the economy remains deep in the dumps, is the government’s opportunity for global grandstanding and our opportunity for rethinking our values and hopes.
Bereft of our “small cottages”, give us something in return, something worthy and motivating enough to make us want to still get up every day and go to work…

Apropo de soarta monedei Euro

2010-05-28T17:00:00.008+03:00

Apropo de conspiratia impotriva monedei europene despre care vorbeam intr-un post anterior si despre riscul disparitiei ei in urmatoarea perioada, am gasit o parere interesanta si reliable a unui expert in domeniul financiar, exprimata recent in editia din 15 mai 2010 a ziarului Jurnal de Chisinau:

"Nu cred în dispariţia euro de pe piaţa valutară" a spus directorul Agenţiei de rating şi estimare “Estimator-VM” Natan Garstea. “Speculaţiile pe marginea scoaterii din circulaţie a monedei europene sunt mai mult o chestiune politică decât una economică. Moneda europeană va merge bine în continuare."

Opinia sa vine ca un raspuns la afirmatia ingrijoratoare expusa de Jacques Attali, former chief of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development:

“If there’s no extremely strong and immediate action, next year the euro won’t exist anymore. It’s best to prepare for the worst.”

Pachetul financiar pregatit de catre UE si FMI pentru a salva Grecia in schimbul unor masuri de austeritate foarte severe nu a avut efectul scontat asupra speculatorilor care se pare ca nu urmaresc decat deprecierea monedei euro. Dar stau si ma intreb, daca dupa atata efort de dragul Greciei, alte tari, precum Italia, Spania, Portugalia, chiar si Romania vor urma aceeaasi soarta, care va fi solutia petru ele, fiind deja toate resursele epuizate?

Prea multe sunt diferentele dintre cele 27 tari membre la nivel de economie, masuri sociale, abordare, mentalitate. Din cauza acestor neomogenitati s-a ajuns la situatia de disperare in care ne aflam acum. Poate ca inainte sa ne fi bucurat atat de mult ca intram in UE trebuia sa ne fi gandit daca meritam sa ne aliniem anumitor standarde, daca suntem capabili sa tinem pasul cu niste piete care se bazeaza pe principii liberale de secole. Unde varsta de pensionare este demult 60 ani sau peste. Pentru noi toate aceste schimbari sunt ca niste lovituri sub centura, foarte greu de digerat, suportat, acceptat. Facem sacrificii ca sa ramanem in Europa, sa ramanem pe linia de plutire si sa salvam unitatea, care si asa este fragila.

Hommage à Arthur Rimbaud

2010-05-28T12:27:00.011+03:00

Dans mon adolescence j’avais l’habitude de beaucoup lire, surtout poésie, philosophie, littérature. Mon poète préféré français était alors le symboliste Arthur Rimbaud. Je suis encore fascinée par l’histoire de sa vie, assez dramatique. En fait, je trouve une petite ressemblance entre moi et Rimbaud, sauf qu’il a été plus génial que moi!

Il a écrit tout son œuvre poétique entre l’âge de 16 ans et 21 ans. Moi, j’ai écrit mes meilleurs vers entre l’âge de 16 et 21 ans! Coïncidence ou destin?

A présent je n’ai plus d’inspiration, plus de temps, tandis qu’à cette époque-là, l’inspiration me venait naturellement. J’étais étudiante, jeune, libre, rêveuse, amoureuse parfois… Malheureusement, ça ne marche plus comme avant.

Sinon, la vie de Rimbaud est passionnante. Il a quitté sa mère à 16 ans pour rejoindre son ami Verlaine à Paris ; il était tout à fait non-conformiste, ensemble, ils ont voyagé en Angleterre et vécu une histoire d’amour troublante, car Verlaine était marié. Deux génies fous et malentendus par la société et leurs familles… Rimbaud n’était qu’un enfant éternel, toujours curieux et décidé à conquérir le monde entier. Il a abandonné la poésie pour se lancer dans le commerce en Afrique, ayant marché des milliers de km dans sa vie pour mourir à 36 ans d’une gangrène de la jambe.

Sans doute, il y a une relation spéciale entre moi et Rimbaud. En même temps, nous sommes différents; je manque le courage de renoncer à tout et fuir sans avoir les moyens nécessaires pour une stabilité quelconque.

Un monde tragique

2010-05-28T11:27:00.004+03:00

Rien n’a changé depuis les guerres de religion du 16ème siècle, on lutte encore et on tue pour imposer son point de vue, que ce soit religion, orientation sexuelle ou avis politique. Un monde tragique qui n’évolue pas...

Some thoughts about EU's financial weakness

2010-05-28T11:09:00.005+03:00

All 27 EU members are in danger if money from this amazing €60 billion pot is disbursed and finally not paid back, because all members would have to pay extra into the budget to top it up... This great plan, is it going to work?...

For a while, I thought there is an international conspiracy to destroy the euro... and I am still considering this idea. USA would have reasons to do that and Asian markets too.

The United States of Europe sounds awesome. It's like dreaming about re-uniting Moldova with Romania. Futuristic but not impossible.

Some weak countries depending upon others to save them, isn't this quite the beginning of this dream coming true? Not quite exactly as we expected. Mutual aid, bailouts, support are welcomed and encouraged, but is it quite the right thing to do? An attack on one member is perceived as an attack on all. That's a good thing, though the means are risky for all countries in the long-term.

Though necessary, steep tax increases and deep spending cuts are likely to plunge us into a deeper recession this year, because there is no country in Europe able to counterbalance the high-deficit countries' financial situation by an aggressive economic stimulus of its own; not even Germany.