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Year: 2004

Casanova on communication in love

From the memoirs of Casanova: although I ought to have been well satisfied as far as physical beauty was concerned, my enjoyment was very limited, as the nymphs I wooed only spoke Swiss dialect—a rugged corruption of German. I have always found that love without speech gives little enjoyment, and I cannot imagine a more unsatisfactory mistress than a mute, were she as lovely as Venus herself. I could not agree more.

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into the night

stone steps the comfort of a sixteen-century house. life after war, health after disease and plenty after famine. death in bed as grandparents. the courtyard in the darkness, my bicycle gleams. a small golden ribbon still flutters on the back stays, reminder that once what mattered most a radiant smile

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New Series | daily photo | Westbahnof | arriving in Vienna

The OBB conductors are very nice but those working in Westbahnhof seem to be chosen for their mediocre command of English or any other foreign language (most Austrians speak English very well). The selection process is calculated to increase the frustration to unbearable levels for all involved. In Westbahnhof, there is one window for local train information (second floor – also serves as baggage storate and lost and found), another bank of windows for local ticket purchase, and a third bank of windows for international purchase and international information. Heavens forbid you confound the function of each bank of windows, as none will give any information but that assigned to their domain.

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now look where Israeli-style foreign policy leads

From Stratfor, who last week in their foreign policy brief were counselling the wisdom of the occupation of Saudi Arabia by the United States – taking total control of Middle East oil, come further suggestions for domestic policy. One expects these kinds of measures – racial profiling, check-points – in Israel. By following a similar foreign policy it looks like the United States will soon be obliged to follow Israeli domestic policy. All citizens are to travel with readiness kits, a smoke hood.

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