Archive for May, 2008

‘A Guided Tour of Your Body’

May 18, 2008

The New York Times

A Guided Tour of Your Body

By TARA PARKER-POPE
Published: May 13, 2008

Whether it’s an aching back, too many nightly trips to the bathroom or a middle that seems to get thicker each year, changes in our health are inevitable as we get older. But while doctors tell us to focus on the basics — eat right, exercise and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check — is there more that we need to know about staying well as we age?

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Mister Cravatte

May 16, 2008

He is smart. He is a hard worker. He looks good. He is always elegantly clad. He treasures big fashion names. He loves neckties. It is as if he came on earth with ties bound all around his neck. To wear all his ties, you would need several necks. He’s got a well-paid job and large properties (10 km long times 10 km large : a huge square surface of land, so huge that I cannot embrace it even though two horses would stretch out my arms!). He is a Chief. He smokes cigars and drinks high quality whiskys. He buys biological food at delicacy stores. He never drinks cheap wines in restaurants for you and me. He is welcome to private expensive clubs which close their doors in front of your nose or mine.

Stoutly built, medium tall, heavy body (90 kg) he is in great demand, being invited everywhere. He has to fight against millions of ladies in love with him partly because of his sexy bedroom voice, too. He goes in ambush to protect his privacy. He plays hide and seek with all his fans.

 

How to Tie a Tie

 

Our paths came across many years ago. He was biking. Me too. We were on opposite sides of the street, so we could look at each other straight in the eyes. He surprised me since it was my very first time to see a Black on a bike in my hometown.

It’s only two years ago that I discovered that Mister Cravatte is not like you and me. He is rich. But he is one of the worst miserable miser ever. He is a passionate taker. I noticed that whenever we met in the past, he was always telling me about the many little presents he got from his customers (bottles of wine, champagne, whisky, chocolate boxes, etc.). Can you imagine humble people making presents to a rich guy? Another absurdity of the world we live in. It pleased him to receive everyday at least one present. His collegues : “How come you are getting so many gifts from customers whereas we have been working on the job for more years than you do and we are getting nothing at all? No tips, no wines, nothing?”

Then I realized that in nearly two whole lifetimes of human relationship, he never gifted me a Birthday or a Valentine’s Day present or Anyday present to tell me how much he cares for me. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. If he invites me for a drink, we can stay 3 hours long sipping a single coke in the fastfood restaurant. One month ago, I told him that I was fed up to meet him in a fastfood. Actually he is the only guy I meet in such places so many times. Fortunately we meet only once in a while. But in so many years, it adds up to many ‘once’s. A wealthy guy meeting me preferably in fastfood restaurants. Unbelievable. I had to ask him why. ‘It is convenient’. In the area there are millions of restaurants and cafes, etc. But fast food restaurants are the cheapest.

I cannot stand misers. I am a foolish generous person. I love making presents. Giving is such a wonderful pastime. I am a passionate giver. I wish I had lots of millions of EUR (stronger than US dollar these days) to be able to give away everyday. Then I took a closer look at his hands. They look like big unbreakable claws. He needs them to grasp all what is good for him and never let loose.

Chocolates Chocolates

I cooked a couple of times for him. He never showed up carrying a bottle or a bunch of something. Or some chocolates. I love chocolates and French pâtisserie. His large hands were always empty. Last time, I exploded for good. He was 10 min late. Opening the door I asked him gently : “No flowers? No bottle of champagne today? Only empty hands?” “I thought you would curse me if I show up too late” That was his foul excuse. (There is a flower shop at a one minute’s walk from my door!) We had food. He did like it. I am a good cook. He told me then he had to rush to another appointment. He stood up. I noticed that he didn’t even put his seat back in its proper place.

I told him before he left that all his doings were too much for me. I don’t deserve such a detestable guy. I don’t care about elegant ties. I don’t wrap any around my neck. I treasure only good manners. Only good manners make a real elegant gentleman. Not neckties and suits! I am wondering how he is treating his other people. But that’s my experience with him.

Generally whenever I am invited somewhere I always bring along a little present and after the meal I do the dishes. No matter if it was a dinner for two, for ten or fifty people. I do the dishes. That’s my way of life.

Mister Cravatte, the Ladykiller, is a big miser. Could you be friend with a big miser? Are you a miser, too? I hope not. Otherwise, you would disappoint me very much. I love and respect generous people. You can be poor and generous. You can be rich and tight. Like this one guy.

How to Tie a Tie – Full Windsor Knot
How to Tie a Shelby Knot – The American Knot
How to Tie a Cravat
How to Tie a Bow Tie 1
How to Tie a Bow Tie 2

Easier Than Sudoku

May 13, 2008

 

Play Our Game to Win a Glass Jar of a Wonderful Mud.

Play

The ‘Populate This Map’ Game

Fun Zone

 

It’s easy. It’s free. A FREE Glass Jar for the Winner. Ten Glass Jars to win. The map is brand new. It is almost empty and need your contribution. If you are lucky, you can win a beautiful Glass Jar containing some wonderful mud mask. So, don’t wait too long, because the game ends as soon as the counter hits 500.

 

Tajabone

May 12, 2008

 

A beautiful song…

by Ismaël Lô

 

Lyrics

Mida, Ta…..tajabone de nuy tajabone
Ta…..tajabone de nuy tajabone
Abdu u iambaar gniari malaykala
Ch’awé étchiko daan si séroo
Muomu muhnilda degëm du lingaan
Muomu muhnila degëm woor nga-am
Ch’awé etchiko daanu si seroo
Muomu muhnida degem du lingaam
Muomu muhnida degem woor nga-am
Tajabone de nuy tajabone
Tajabone de nuy tajabone
Wou leij Wou leij
Wou leij Wou leij
Abdu jambaar gniari malaykala
chico woley juge daanu si sero
Muhnila degem du linga’n
Muhnila degem woor nga-am

 

I was told the lyrics are in Wolof. In case it’s wrong, please let me know.

 

 

WANTED ! New Home in New York

May 9, 2008

 

To All Apartment Owners in New York,
To All Insiders,

A friend of mine is looking for a new permanent home in New York.
Mixed neighborhood welcome. At least two bedroom. Three would be fine. Unfurnished. High ceilings, hardwood floor. Bath. In subway or bus area. Moderate rent much appreciated.

Terminator in his TentTerminator having a rest in his tent…

 

The gentleman is friendly, quiet, clean. He will take very good care of your apartment.

Please contact me if you can help. Thank you.

 

Treadmill

May 7, 2008

OK Go on Treadmills : Here It Goes Again

 

_______________________
From the NEW YORK TIMES

The Claim: Running Outdoors Burns More Calories

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: May 6, 2008

Pavement or Treadmill? Most avid runners have a strong preference for one or the other, but how do the two differ in producing results?

According to several studies, the answer is not so simple. Researchers have found in general that while outdoor running tends to promote a more intense exercise, running on a treadmill helps reduce the likelihood of injury, and thus may allow some people to run longer and farther.

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