L'unica insenatura che conserva la bandierina blu del 2008 è Positano: la 'divina' costiera amalfitana soffre le orde di turisti della domenica (e non solo), la scarsa pulizia (monnezza e i soliti disservizi: qualche settimana fa si è rotto un depuratore) e prezzi folli.

Sicchè non fate come Cristo che si è fermato a Eboli ma spostatevi un po' più a sud: pinne e maschera per godere dei fondali di San Marco (ci sono ancora i ricci) e fichi d'india quando uscite dall'acqua (più fichi 'tradizionali', se riuscite a trovarli).

Canon 400D, EF-S 18-55 kit, 1/13 sec, F/9, ISO 100

Canon 400D, EF-S 18-55 kit, 1/200 sec, F/5.6, ISO 100

Ultimamente la cronaca ha portato alla ribalta il fatto che a scuola si imparino i nomi dei sette re di Roma e non quelli dei dogi di Venezia. I dogi a capo della repubbica di Venezia sono stati in tutto centoventi e si sono succeduti al comando per mille e cento anni fino a quando Venezia perse la sua millenaria indipendenza ad opera di Napoleone Bonaparte. 

Sarebbe molto difficile ricorare a scuola tutti i centoventi Dogi di Venezia, anche perche’ (per par condicio) si dovrebbero ricordare anche i Duchi di Mantova, Firenze, Ferrara, Verona, i re della Savoia, i re di Sicilia Normanni, Francesi, Tedeschi e Borboni. Tuttavia, almeno un doge vale davvero la pena di ricordarlo: il suo nome e’ Enrico Dandolo.

 In tutta la storia di Venezia non esiste una figura piu' incredibile del doge Enrico Dandolo. Egli divenne il trentanovesimo doge di Venezia il primo gennaio 1193 quando era gia' vecchio e cieco. Tuttavia Dandolo dimostro' un'incredibile forza fisica e mentale per la sua eta'. Quando Dandolo divenne doge aveva almeno superato da un pezzo i settant'anni.

Alla fine del dodicesimo secolo l'Europa era in un grande stato di confusione. L'impero Romano d'Oriente e quello d'Occidente erano in agitazione. In Germania vi era una guerra civile, Inghilterra e Francia erano occupate in problemi di successione dovuti alla morte di Riccardo Cuor di Leone. A Roma, Papa Innocenzo III aveva proclamato nel 1198 una nuova Crociata che sarebbe arrivata in Terra Santa con una spedizione navale attraverso Il Cairo considerato allora il tallone d’Achille dei Mussulmani.

Pertanto conveniva trasportare i Crociati via mare e a quel tempo c'era una sola potenza in Europa in grado di fornire le navi sufficienti a questa impresa. Questa potenza era la la Repubblica di Venezia.

Nel 1201, una delegazione di sei cavalieri guidati da Goffredo di Villehardouin arrivarono a Venezia, la quale acconsenti' a offrire trasporto a 4,500 cavalieri con i loro cavalli, 9,000 scudieri e 20,000 fanti, con provviste per 9 mesi. Il costo sarebbe stato di 84,000 marchi d'argento. In aggiunta, la Repubblica avrebbe fornito le necessarie imbarcazioni (galee) a proprie spese a condizione che le si fossero consegnate la meta' delle Terre conquistate. Fu Enrico Dandolo a condurre le trattative con la delegazione dei crociati.
Il capo dei Crociati Goffredo di Villehardouin e Dandolo si accordarono a radunare i crociati a Venezia per l'anno seguente nella festa di San Giovanni il 24 Giugno 1202. Ma quando venne il fatidico giorno, i militari che si radunarono al lido erano meno di un terzo di quelli che ci si aspettava. Venezia aveva mantenuto la sua promessa, i suoi moli avevano le galee pronte ad ospitare il triplo degli uomini che si erano radunati. Ed in tali circostanze era impossibile che i Crociati avrebbero trovato sufficienti fondi per ripagare i Veneziani per aver procurato tutte quelle navi per cosi’ pochi uomini.

Dandolo si rifiuto’ di far partire anche una sola nave e stava considerando di tagliare anche i viveri ai crociati confinati al Lido e a cui non aveva consentito l'accesso in citta'. I Crociati quindi dovettero svuotare le loro tasche e dare ai veneziani praticamente tutto quello che avevano, ma essi riuscirono a raccogliere solo 50,000 marchi rispetto agli 84,000 marchi dovuti.

Dandolo mantenne i crociati nell'incertezza fino all 'ultimo, poi quando si rese conto che non avevano piu' nulla da dare, fece loro un'offerta. La citta' Veneziana di Zara era stata conquistata dagli Ungheresi e se i Crociati avessero aiutato Venezia a riconquistarla i Veneziani avrebbero accettato di riscuotere il mancato pagamento in un secondo momento. I Crociati erano essenzialmente Franchi, un popolo piuttosto rozzo (almeno allora) rispetto ai Veneziani. I Franchi rimasero incantati quando Dandolo, in una solenne cerimonia ufficiale nella chiesa di San Marco, offri' solennemente di farsi crociato con i Crociati Franchi e di lasciare il governo di Venezia al figlio. Enrico Dandolo scese dal pulpito sali' sull'altare si inginocchio' e si fece cucire la croce sul suo grande cappello di cotone, significando che era pronto a "portare la croce" e a conquistare la Terra Santa.
L'8 Novembre 1202 l'esercito della quarta crociata partiva da Venezia. Ma le sue 480 navi non erano destinate ne' in Terra Santa, ne' al Cairo, bensi' a Zara. Il papa, oltraggiato, scomunico' l'intera spedizione.
Nel frattempoAlessio, imperatore di Costantinopoli, era stato spodestato dallo zio Isacco e si era rifugiato in Germania. Alessio nel 1203 offri' a Dandolo di finanziare la conquista dell'Egitto con diecimila soldati e di mantenere a sue spese un presidio militare di cinquecento soldati in Terra Santa a patto che i Veneziani avessero fatto tappa a Costantinopoli e cacciato l’usurpatore Isacco dal trono.

Nel giro di poco tempo, venticinque delle torri di Costantinopoli erano state prese dai Veneziani. Nel frattempo i Crociati Franchi erano sbarcati in una zona poco lontana, avevano accerchiato la citta’ ed erano riusciti a penetrarvi. La forza congiunta dei Veneziani e dei Franchi mise in fuga l'imperatore Isacco. I Crociati ed i Veneziani nominarono come imperatore il padre di Alessio in attesa che egli tornasse dalla Germania, compiendo la missione secondo i patti presi con Alessio. Nel frattempo Franchi e Veneziani si accamparono a Galata, il quartiere dei mercanti di Costantinopoli fuori dalle mura della citta’.
Il 1 Agosto 1203 Alessio fu incoronato co-imperatore con suo padre, ma si penti' molto delle promesse fatte ai Veneziani. Le casse di Costantinopoli erano vuote; Alessio dovette aumentare notevolmente le tasse che erano odiate dai suoi sudditi, non solo perche’ erano alte, ma anche perche’ sapevano che servivano a a ripagare i debiti contratti con gli stranieri. I Crociati Franchi, ormai disseminati in ogni angolo della citta' facevano continuamente aumentare la tensione. Una notte, un gruppo di Franchi brucio' una moschea nel quartiere arabo di Costantinopoli e le fiammo si sparsero per tutta la citta’ causando il peggiore incendio che della storia di Costantinopoli.
Quando qualche giorno dopo una delegazione di Crociati e Veneziani venne a chiedere all'Imperatore il pagamento immediato delle somme pattuite, Alessio non pote' fare nulla; pertanto i Crociati ed i Veneziani dichiararono guerra, una guerra che ne' i crociati ne' gli abitanti di Costantinopoli volevano. Gli abitanti di Costantinopoli volevano solo liberarsi dei rozzi Crociati che stavano distruggendo la loro citta' e che li stavano dissanguando attraverso le alte tasse contratte dai debiti del loro nuovo imperatore. I Franchi non sopportavano piu' di stare in mezzo a quel popolo decadente ed effeminato mentre avrebbero dovuto essere al Cairo e a Gerusalemme a combatter contro gli infedeli. Anche se il debito di Alessio sarebbe stato ripagato, essi non avrebbero avuto alcun vantaggio materiale, perche' i soldi sarebbero entrati nelle casse dei Veneziani.

Presa di Costantinopoli da parte dei Crociati

Enrico Dandolo aveva la chiave per risolvere il problema. In ogni momento egli avrebbe potuto ordinare alla sua flotta di partire. I crociati ne sarebbero stati sollevati e gli abitanti di Costantinopoli sarebbero stati esultanti. Ma Dandolo aveva rifiutato di ripartire perché i Franchi non avrebbero mai ripagato il loro debito, ma poi si rassegno' a non ricevere il pagamento dai Franchi e la sua mente si era soffermata su un obiettivo piu' ambizioso: la conquista dell'Impero Romano d'Oriente.

Dandolo decise di sfruttare la debolezza dei suoi debitori e di prendere quest'unica opportunita' storica. Mentre Dandolo consolidava il suo potere diventando di fatto il capo della spedizione, Costantinopoli si ribellava all’imperatore Alessio e stava per cacciare anche i Franchi quando Franchi e Veneziani si accordarono per prendere solidamente e definitivamente il controllo della citta'. Essi erano molto meno preoccupati di come attaccare la citta' e molto piu' preoccupati di come spartirsi il potere una volta conquistata Costantinopoli. Ci si accordo' perché Franchi e Veneziani incaricassero ciascuno sei delegati in un comitato elettorale per scegliere il nuovo imperatore di Costantinopoli. L'imperatore avrebbe ricevuto un quarto della citta' e dell'impero. I rimanenti tre quarti sarebbero stati divisi a meta' tra i crociati ed i Veneziani.

L'attacco inizio' Venerdi' 9 Aprile. I Veneziani riuscirono ad aprire brecce in due torri con grazie alle loro catapulte. Contemporaneamente i Franchi entrarono nelle mura scatenando la fuga della popolazione e dei governanti di Costantinopoli che erano stati mesi in piedi dopo la recente rivolta.

A Costantinopoli ci fu una carneficina. Solo a notte fonda gli occupanti chiamarono una tregua per tornare al loro campo. La mattina seguente si svegliarono e trovarono sconfitta ogni resistenza. Ma per la gente di Costantinopoli la tragedia era appena incominciata. Non per nulla i Franchi avevano aspettato cosi' a lungo  al di fuori della citta' piu' ricca del mondo. Ora che i tradizionali tre giorni di saccheggio erano stati loro garantiti, i Crociati saccheggiarono Costantinopoli come locuste. Nemmeno ai tempi delle invasioni barbariche a Roma si era vista una tale orgia di brutalità e di vandalismo; mai prima d'ora tante bellezze e creazioni artistiche furono distrutte in cosi’ poco tempo. Tra i testimoni oculari dell'epoca scrisse Nicete Coiante:

Essi distrussero le immagini sacre e gettarono le reliquie dei Martiri in posti che non riesco a nominare, spargendo ovunque il corpo ed il sangue del nostro Salvatore... Per quanto riguarda la profanazione di Santa Sofia, distrussero l'altare e si divisero i pezzi fra se'.. E portarono i cavalli ed i muli in nella Chiesa, per trasportare meglio le ricchezze fuori da essa, ed il pulpito, e le porte, ed i mobili sacri; e se i cavalli ed i muli scivolavano, li ammazzavano con le loro spade, sporcando la Chiesa con il loro sangue e le interiora. Una prostituta si sedette sulla sedia del Patriarca, per gettare insulti a Gesu' Cristo; si mise a cantare canzoni sconce.. non ci fu pieta' per le virtuose madri di famiglia o per le giovani vergini consacrate a Dio...questi uomini portavano la croce sulle loro spalle, la Croce su cui avevano giurato di astenersi dai piaceri della carne fino a che il compito di riconquestare Gerusalemme non fosse portato a termine.

Questa fu l'ora piu' buia i Costantinopoli, forse ancora piu' buia di quando la citta' fu conquistata nel 1453 dai Turchi Ottomani. Ma non tutti i tesori furono distrutti. Mantennero il controllo e trasportarono tutto cio' che poterono a Venezia. Iniziando dai quattro grandi cavalli di bronzo che, dalla loro alta piattaforma sopra la porta principale di San Marco, dominano ancora principale Piazza di Venezia dopo otto secoli.

Canon 400D, EF-S 18-55 kit, 1/30 sec, F/10, ISO 100

Jax Veg rating A

Moes Locations

We got on the train at about 8 in the morning and started reading the book on venice. The first thing we see " Tip: don't visit venice anytime between July and September as it tends to be hot and packed with tourists" Haha. ps the book was right. The plan when we arrived in venice on saturday morning was to follow the map that Sheena had in her italy book and hit all the big sites and make our way to the Piazza San Marco. After about 3 minutes in the city we realized there was no way that was happening. In case you didn't know the map doesn't really show everything in venice rather it gives you an outline of the major streets pretending that they all connect nicely and that you should have no problem getting where you want. We quickly learned that the map we had was almost useless. The best way to get around is to follow the yellow signs that lead you to the rialto and san marco. Even these signs can be confusing as well since the names will randomly change on you and soon your down dark empty alleys with spray painted arrows wondering what you've gotten yourself into. Eventually we got our way around and we saw the bigger sites. The palace, san marco square, the basilica, the pigeons, the rialto, the grande canal, the market, the gallery at the academy. To be honest some of the prettiest parts of the city were the areas where we got lost. We were virtually the only people in the area and the canals separated the sides of the street, little bridges and peoples clothes hanging, it was really nice. It didn't feel touristy when you got lost and thats such a nice feeling. It was a really great day but it definitely wore us out and we caught a train home about an hour earlier than we planned. The funniest part is on the train we were looking at our pictures and they don't convey how many people are really there and how hot it is, they're just really pretty looking. It was a really good trip though and really glad I went.

After the exhausting Saturday we had, Sunday was def a day of rest. We slept til about 12 then walked around bologna. Went up one of the due torre. Theres 498 steps to the top and it looks and feels as if the steps haven't been changed at all since it was originally built in the 13th century. The tower itself slants slightly (what doesn't in italy?) and half the stair cases feel like they're ready to collapse on top of on another as they creak while you climb up them. Also I just wonder who was the guy who said you know what build me a tower, no rooms, no real place to stop, i just want a tower with steps, and then at the top make a balcony so that only me and 5 of my friends can chill up there comfortably, no no no, i don't want enough room for 7 people only 6. Seriously i couldn't see more than 6 people fitting at the top. Also who decides to stop at 498 steps, it just seems like an odd number to choose, why not 500? oh well we climbed just under 500 steps, man 500 would have just been a better number. oh well. The view at the top was probably the best you can get of bologna. From there you can see the other half dozen towers that were built around the same time and the church in the hills. It was def fun to get up and down the tower and see it all, except for the part where I got stuck behind Sheena going down. For real I'm practically running down the steps and she sitting here taking one step at a time like she's 98 years old. Haha it was really funny. Then we got gelato, as is a staple of Sheena's italy experience. Then we walked around a bit more, went to a medieval museum, and saw some churches. It was a pretty good weekend. 

Until next time,

D.

by Flickr.com & My Flickr

I just received a notice about my order of spare parts. The saddle is on backorder. My order should be ready to ship within the next 5 days, but it does push my training schedule a bit.

The saddle in question is a San Marco Rolls Classic saddle. It should be a perfect fit, and will go well with the look of the bike. I have never tried their saddles before, but they come very recommended on the sites I have been browsing lately. It's softer than a Brooks saddle, but still hard enough to be great for longer rides.

When it comes to the touring bike, I will no doubt invest in a Brooks saddle. Their leather saddles are all the rage on every single cycling site I have come across so far. If so many people go on about these things, there must be a grain of truth in there somewhere.

So, I'll sit back and wait a while longer. It gives me plenty of time to polish up the last bits and pieces. Come to think of it - I wonder if it's possible to polish aluminum by hand?

How about that header of the beach, ocean, and palm trees? Doesn’t it just relax you? It’s exactly why I love Florida so much! Well everyone, this is my new blog, I hope you enjoy it and visit often.

Downside: there's nothing actually on the menu that is vegan/vegetarian by way of entrees.

Upside: the chef will whip up a vegan/vegetarian entree...you just have to give the waiter your preferences (and you can be as picky as you like: no eggs, cheese, milk, stock etc.). We asked the waiter for a spicy vegan dish and got served a delicious thai-spicy vegetable stir fry in a crispy taco-like shell. Delicious.

It felt like we had out own personal chef for the evening.

JaxVeg rating: A- (only because there's actually not a menu!)

B.B.s

1019 Hendricks Avenue

Jacksonville 32207

Oh yeah! Im gonna be the featured artist for the whole month of July at The Art Center on 31 W. Adams St. The reception will be on 07/02 from 5-9 during the Art Walk. I will have around five large paintings and several smaller ones on display. The work should be all new unless I need to put up some older stuff to fill in the space. The wall is huge and is gonna be hard for me to fill up with work but, Ill be ok either way. I have been working on this non stop every day since last week or so. Im very tired and wore out but, its really starting to come together. Come out and say hi have a drink on me.

www.myspace.com/bgrayart

The Art Center

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De realiteit:
Leuk gebald in de eerste partij tegen Italië.
De tweede pot tegen Frankrijk was natuurlijk mooi, maar alles zat ook mee.
Dat had ook makkelijk 4-4 of erger kunnen zijn.
Tegen de Roemenen was het terecht dat de ploeg met de aanvallende intenties, het team dat wel wilde voetballen en het beste van het spel (of minst slechte?) had, won.
En tegen Opper-Guus was het ronduit dramatisch.
Nederland zoals ik dat kende van de kwalificatieduels.
Albanië uit.
Dat soort kost.
Het liep niet, niets zat mee.
Geen beukers, sjouwers en kleuners.
Lange Jan had naar mijn idee al in de tweede helft in moeten vallen.
Kuijt had moeten blijven staan.
Maar ik ben slechts een van de miljoenen bondscoaches.
En zelfs met die op- cq. instelling had Nederland verloren, hoor.
Want de Russen zijn gewoon erg goed.
Ze verloren wel van Spanje, maar ook die wedstrijd had makkelijk in 4-4, of erger voor Spanje, kunnen eindigen.
De Russen spelen vrijuit.
De ideale rol van underdog.
Geen verwachtingen, alles is mooi meegenomen.
Dat doet Guusje goed.
Ook nu weet hij als geen ander de media, de bobo's en zelfs de vierde official te bespelen.
Binnenkort is het niet Guus For President, maar Guus For Tsaar.
En het is hem wat mij betreft gegund.
Net als in 2002 ga ik nu weer voor Guus en zijn mannen juichen.
Hup Rusland!

Tot zover deze mosterd na de maaltijd.
Het is tenslotte alweer maandag en De Uitschakeling lijkt alweer zo ver weg.

Maar er is nog een Guus is mijn leven.
Guus de hond.
Geloof me, hij had zijn naam al voordat die andere Guus Europa bestormde.
Mijn Guus stamt wel af van de gevallen Europees Kampioen, want hij is een Griek.
Maar Charisteas bekt niet lekker over een afstand van vijftig meter of meer.
Guus, de hond, mag namelijk graag een potje rennen.
Dat ziet er niet uit.
Zijn poten zwaaien alle kanten op en hij springt als een jong hert over en door het hoge gras.
Hij is dan ook nog jong en wil wat.
Als het een meisje was geweest hadden we hem vast Veronica genoemd.

Guus heeft meer gekkigheden.
Op zich ook niet zo heel gek, want meer honden schijnen er dol op te zijn: poep.
En niet zomaar poep.
Nee.
Het liefst kattenpoep.
Niet te vers.
Al een beetje ingedroogd.
En zelfs dan is meneer nog kieskeurig.
Zijn neus speurt net zo lang tot hij een verouderde kattendrol heeft gevonden met een smakelijk zandkorstje.
Dus een drolletje dat voorzien is van een dun laagje zand.
Dat is voor Guus een ware traktatie.
Heerlijk!
Hij is dan ook flink over de zeik en vooral verward als hij voor de zoveelste keer met een ruk wordt weggetrokken van De Dis.
Dagelijks wordt hem een Smulpartij of wat ontnomen door de zogenaamde, en volgens de hondenliteratuur al verouderde, Martin Gaus-ruk.
Helaas is Guus erg volhardend.
Een enkele keer smakt hij met grote smaak en een lichte blik van triomf een lekkernij naar binnen.
Inmiddels bekend klinkende termen als Vieslel, Goorlap, Smeerlap en Viezerik lapt hij doodleuk aan zijn poot.
Laarzen heeft hij niet, vandaar.

Sinds kort ben ik er ook achter dat Guus nog meer delicatessen op zijn lijstje heeft staan: eendenpoep en vogelpoep.
Niet te versmaden.
Voeg daar een onbedwingbare behoefte om zoveel mogelijk mollen en egels op te sporen plus de dwangmatige springshow bij het zien van vogels en katten aan toe en je begrijpt dat het Loopje Met De Hond een ware sleurpartij is.

Verder heb je niets aan dit verhaaltje, trouwens.
Maar ik moest er aan denken toen ik de shit van Het Nederlandsch Elftal zat te overdenken.
Als vanzelf doemde daar Guus H. op en de link naar Guus te R. was snel gemaakt.
Want ook Guus Hiddink moet wel eens naar het toilet.
Ook hij veegt zijn billen af na gedane dump.
Een poepje van eigen deeg.
Zo werd Oranje te kijk gezet.
Net zoals hond Guus mij te kakken kan zetten als hij vrolijk zijn bek aflikt na het consumeren van eerdergenoemde lekkernijen.

Een schrale troost: niets is zo schoon als een hondentong.
En zeg nou eerlijk: wij eten dagelijks dode dieren alsof het de normaalste zaak van de wereld is.
Wat dus al sowieso niet kan, want dat is de HEMA.
Na het eten van die beesten, het afkluiven van kadavers steken wij massaal diezelfde tong bij een ander in zijn slash haar mond.
Of we lebberen daarmee aan elkanders geslachtsdeel.
Of, wat ook veelvuldig voorkomt: we likken vurig passioneel aan het poepertje van de ander.
Orale sex.
Best lekker.

En zo is de cirkel, de bal zo u wilt, weer rond.
Wij zijn niets beter dan de andere beesten.

Oh, nog een laatste puntje: gisterenavond werd ik overvallen door een onbeschaamd gevoel van leedvermaak toen Italië werd uitgeschakeld.

Doet u mij nog maar een wodka.
En geef Guus er ook een.

Ok folks. This has been a real long time comming. I have secured a location in San Marco near Vinyl Frontier that is willing to let me use there building ( huge photo studio) to put on monthly group shows. I have allready sent some of your a personal invitation but, I dont know everyone! If I missed ya Im sorry. Its hard mass emailing people! Just send me an email with your name, a link to your work or a pic, and let me know your down for the show sometime in August. Thats it! Now, this isnt open season for just anyone to be in the show. I would love to have anyone who can paint be a part of the show but, you should take a look at the links under "artists we love" to get an idea of the type of work im gonna be looking for. Think pop, graffiti, urban, surreal, outsider, low-brow, and abstract art work....i think that prety much sums it up. Hit me up at bgrayart@bellsouth.net so I can get your name added to the list. Ill be sending out more details in the next week or two. ACT NOW!!!- B.G.

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En hoeveel woorden moet ik er aan wijden?
Alles is al ge- en beschreven en gezegd.

Het is nauwelijks voor te stellen dat ik voor de buis het spel van de Spanjaarden en de Zweden amper een blik waardig gun.
Het is geploeter.

Ik ben verwend.
Ik ben verziekt met het Ambrozijn van het Voetbal.
Goddelijk Oranje Nectar.
De heerlijke, zoete smaak van Hakjes en Driehoekjes...
Ik.
Terwijl ik voetbaltechnisch gesproken doorgaans alleen een harde plasser krijg van werkvoetbal.
Erin kleunen.
Sjouwen.
Stofzuigen.
Arbeid.
Ik haal mijn neus op voor de ene na de andere foute pass van de Russen. En die zijn amper drie minuten bezig...

San Marco en Zijn Discipelen.
Zelfs JC de Verlosser weet van gekkigheid niet waar hij moet kijken.
Hij klapt bij het eerste doelpunt.
Maar zijn lichaamshouding spreekt vooral van ongeloof en verbazing.
Die middag zat hij nog met Jack 'De Ratelaar' van Gelder met een Oranje polo aan een potje te kletsen.
Over mogelijke kansen en uiterst gevaarlijke Fransen.
Speltempo.
Wikken en wegen.
Wat hunnie wel en wie hun niet.
En dat het logisch was.

Schitterend.
Bij de 2-0 sprong ik gisterenavond als een idioot omhoog en kopte de lamp zowat aan diggelen.
Behalve een flinke bult op mijn hoofd is de schade beperkt gebleven.
Terwijl we het in de rust nog roerend met elkaar eens waren dat een 1-1 of stiekem misschien toch deze 1-0 echt 'en dan mag je je handjes dichtknijpen' fantastisch zou zijn.
Het zou nog vijfenveertig minuten lang billenknijpen worden, zo verzekerden wij elkaar met blikken van verstandhouding.
En die wissel Robben voor Engelaar was natuurlijk logisch.
Het veld zou breder worden.
Meer ruimte.
Maar vlak voor tijd wilden we alleen maar meer.
3-1 was niet genoeg.
En Wesley stilde onze honger.

'We' zijn er nog niet.
Ik weet het.
Nog lang niet.
Jaha, ik weet het.
Maar dit laat ik me niet afnemen.
Nog even een paar dagen in deze Oranje roes.
En dan zien we wel weer verder, joh.

Ondertussen vraag ik me af of Hiddink niet heel opzichtig zijn jongens met een Rood Wit Blauwe band op hun borst laat spelen?
Is dit een Teken?
Guus 'for President' Hiddinki die allang heeft gezien dat het goed is?
Tsaar Guus, Guus 'Made In Korea' San?
San Marco?
Die link is makkelijk gelegd.

In ieder geval vallen ook de Russen stevig aan.
De Grieken hebben er even geen weerwoord op.
Prima.
Mijn pooltje zegt 2-0 voor de Russen.
Come on, Guus!

Tussen bloedneuzen en tand door je lippen door nog even terugkomen op Raad Een Lied Of Niet.
Er is flink gepuzzeld en ik vind het dan ook niet meer dan logisch dat ik nog iets meer weggeef.
Kijk eens goed naar de inleiding.
Lees het nog een keer door.
Net zoals bij de andere Liederlijkheden geef ik daar al hints.
Ik geef er nog eentje cadeau (eigenlijk dus twee...): zover ik weet was ze geen leraar in opleiding al deed haar artiestennaam anders vermoeden.

Nou, nog eentje dan.
Zelfbevrediging.
Maar dat kun je ruim zien.

DÉLÉGATIONS FONCTIONNELLES - LES VICE-PRÉSIDENTS :

Finances et Budget : Jean-Pierre GIORGI (droite)
Ressources Humaines, Moyens Généraux, Juridique : Bernard MOREL (gauche)
Communication : Renaud MUSELIER (droite)
Evaluation des Politiques Publiques Communautaires, Prospective : Jean VIARD (gauche)
Relation avec le CDG : Georges ROSSO (gauche)
Emploi : Sabine BERNASCONI (droite)
Aménagement de l’Espace Communautaire : Patrick MAGRO (gauche)
Opérations d’Amélioration de l’Habitat : Eric LE DISSES (indépendant)
Logement social et d’intérêt Communautaire : Samia GHALI (gauche)
Dispositif de développement local, Prévention de la délinquance : Christian AMIRATY (gauche)
Politique de la Ville : Philippe SAN MARCO (droite)
Transports : Marie-Louise LOTA (droite)
Syndicat mixte des transports, Métropolisation et Financements européens : Patrick MENNUCCI (gauche)
Propreté Traitement des déchets, Eau et Assainissement : Antoine ROUZAUD (gauche)
Gestion des antennes de proximité : Eric DIARD (droite)
Voirie et Grandes Infrastructures Routières : Danièle MILON (droite)
Ports et Aéroport : Claude PICCIRILLO (droite)
Equipements d’intérêt Communautaire : Michel ILLAC (gauche)
Piétonisation et Qualité des espaces Publics : Jean-Louis TIXIER (droite)
Coordination des politiques d’accessibilité aux transports en commun, et des parcs de stationnements communautaires : Gérard CHENOZ (droite)
Incendie et secours, gestion des risques : Vincent BURRONI (gauche)
Cessions gratuites, Préemptions (délégation de signature) : André ESSAYAN (droite)
Relations internationales : Jean-Pierre BERTRAND (indépendant)
Tourisme et valorisation des espaces communautaires périurbains, agriculture périurbaine, sylviculture et viticulture : Christophe MADROLLE (gauche)
Rayonnement de MPM, Marseille capitale de la culture 2013 : Jean-Claude GAUDIN (droite)
Développement durable, Plan, Climat, Maîtrise de l’énergie, HQE : Pierre SEMERIVA (gauche)
Technopoles et Agglomération numérique, Université, Recherche : Francis GIRAUD (droite)

Présidence Commission CAO : François-Noël BERNARDI (gauche)

Lors de la réunion du prochain bureau en accord avec les groupes, le Président donnera une délégation à l’Economie à Guy TEISSIER (droite) et créera une délégation aux relations avec les collectivités locales et territoriales et les EPCI. La Vice-présidence de cette délégation sera donnée à André MOLINO (gauche).

LISTE DES COMMISSIONS DE TRAVAIL ET D’ÉTUDES :

Fonctionnement de MPM : Président : Vincent COULOMB
1er Vice Président : Pierre PENE
2ème Vice Président : Jean Pierre BERTRAND
____________________________________

Développer l’Economie et l’Emploi : Président : Francis ALLOUCH
1er Vice Président : Pierre DJIANE
2ème Vice Président : Mireille BALLOCCO
____________________________________

Aménager l’Espace Communautaire : Président : Claude VALETTE
1er Vice Président : Gérard GRAUGNARD
2ème Vice Président : Jean MONTAGNAC
____________________________________

Rénover et construire une ville
Solidaire : Président : Myriam SALAH EDDINE
1er Vice Président : Joël DUTTO
2ème Vice Président : Eric LE DISSES
____________________________________

Développer les transports urbains : Président : André MOLINO
1er Vice Président : Christelle SIMONETTI-ACHARD
2ème Vice Président : André VARESE
____________________________________

Une Agglomération Eco-responsable : Président : Martine VASSAL
1er Vice Président : Joëlle BOULAY
2ème Vice Président : Victor-Hugo ESPINOSA
____________________________________

Voirie et Signalisation : Président : Christophe MASSE
1er Vice Président : Maurice TALAZAC
2ème Vice Président : Sylvie NESPOULOUS

____________________________________

Ports de Plaisance, Port de commerce, Aéroport : Président : Claude PICIRILLO
1er Vice Président : Eric LE DISSES
2ème Vice Président : Michel ILLAC
____________________________________

Equipements d’intérêt communautaire, Patrimoine, Foncier, Protection et Sécurité des Espaces Communautaires : Président : Patricia COLIN
1er Vice Président : Christophe LOPEZ
2ème Vice Président : Robert HABRAN

--------------------------------

Relations Extérieures : Président : François FRANCESCHI
1er Vice Président : Tahar RHAMANI
2ème Vice Président : Jean Louis MOULIN
_____________________________________

Développement durable, innovation, Prospective : Président : Eric DIARD
1er Vice Président : Jean Luc BENHAMIAS
2ème Vice Président : Marie Françoise PALLOIX- NICOLAJ

It looks as if Monday has snuck up on us once again. I hate Mondays. I really have a lot to post about this morn but, here I am at work, blogging, when I should be working for the man. Oh well, one quick post can hurt. Im gonna be real busy the next couple of days. I have to work all day and I have class tonight. Here is some details on what Im up to:

• I checked out a gallery space over the weekend and have to say Im prety impressed! Its located near San Marco square and Im gonna have my pick between and old photo studio or just a regular building...with A/C...thank god. What Im gonna be doing real soon is a call to artists in the next couple of days to possibly set up something for an August group show. I have talked it over with the landlord and this is gonna be real affordable and a great place to do some monthly shows. The rent will only run me either 800.00 per month or 100.00 per day. I think in the beggining Ill be going the daily rate route. To make this succesful I need artists and designers that are willing to make this a group effort in order to pull this off and make it a success. It would be nice to have one central location where everyone can see some really good work from our local talent. More on this later....

• Finished designing my table for the Mellow Mushroom on Southside and now Im gonna be working on the huge mural for the outside patio. A lot of really talented folks are in on this one. Tim Lenoir (Killroy) helped to put together a really good line up of local talent. Levi( urbanartwarfare.com), Marisa Carta, Chad Landenberger, Me, Grant Thornton, Tim Lenoir, and several other designers and artists are working our butts off to get this done ASAP ( sorry if i left off your name...couldnt remember everyone). In a nutshell we are designing 19 custom tables and then a huge mural for the outside patio area between about ten local artists and designers. Its gonna rock! Ill keep everyone posted on this later on.

• Im gonna be the featured artist at The Art Center for July. Im working on several really big paintings. I usually stick to the smaller sized canvas...yeah, i know I need bigger pieces. So, on July 2nd Ill have some work up on the featured artists wall. Ill post my flyer later too.

• Went out to the Corporate Invasion show over the weekend to see Ed and Bo out at there opening. REALLY COOL. Ed and Bo filled up the wall with some all new pieces and hand tons of prints. I couldnt help myself, I boght a print from ed and one from bo. There looking nice in my computer room/studio right now. The folks at Comics and Classics were cool as usual and did a great job putting the show together. Lots of local artists and fans came out to show some love. I didnt take any pics but im sure there around the net somewhere...ill post them once I sniff them out. Correction..i found them and am posting them now...check edbot5k's blog!

• Got an upcomming group show out at ShantyTown on the 13th. Im not sure about what artists are gonna be there but i know ed dansart, me, grant thronton, and squiddust will be there. Ill keep ya posted once i gots the 411.

Busy, busy, busy, as usual.

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ITS GODZILLA or GOJIRA depending on your Engrish skills. I love me some old fashioned Godzilla. I remember as a kid my mom would always let me watch Godzilla kick the crap out of whatever ungodly creation the Japaneese could think of. Ya got to respect Godzilla. Check it this weekend at the "midnight movies" at The San Marco theatre! Show starts at 11:55 on May 23rd and 24th. They also have the new Indiana Jones movie there durring the daytime hours.

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Canon 400D, EF-S 18-55 kit, 1/20 sec, F/13, ISO 100

A group of us went to visit San Marco and Santa Maria Novella cathedrals. I wasn't able to take pictures so follow the links to see what I saw! The frescoes surrounding the altar at Santa Maria Novella were the most exciting paintings that I have seen so far. The colors were suprisingly vibrant for their age and the scenes were complex and full of energy. Everyone should see them! I could have stared at the ceiling for hours. There is no way that I saw everything. There was even a mummified bishop or priest near the altar, named Strozzi. We walk down Viale Strozzi on the way to class so I'm sure he was important. They have him in a glass case so you can see!

 San Marco was neat because the halls on the second floor were all cells that monks used to live in. The whole place is a museum now so unfortunately we didn't get to witness anything or meet anyone. Each cell had a unique fresco on the wall and at the end of a long hallway and in a tiny little room was a mysterious painting that I had seen around town and was suprised to see in person! It is a painting of a burning a group of people on stakes in Piazza della Signoria in the 15th century by an anonymous artist. I have read that the drama of the event is likely played down by the artist on purpose, that really the whole population was there to witness the burning! It is so crazy because we sat in that very piazza the other day and drew for 3 hours, and I walk through it almost every day! The history of Florence is overwhelming. I'm trying to soak in as much as I can... I want to know everything!

Tommorow Night 05/14 at Square One in the heart of San Marco, its the Art & Music Celebration. Check out the artist line up:  Anastasia Cohen, Brian Gray, Christin Easterling, Courtney Barriger, Grant Thornton, Jennifer Grey, Johnny Hanson, Krystal Van Der Westhuizen, Mac Bibby, Matt Jones, Meg Stephens, Mellisa R. WIlson, Shane Bass, Sean Shubert, Toni Alvarez, Toy Crusher, and Wyatt Parlette. Big thanks to Wes for hooking it all up! See you there!

Bomb It premiers here in Jax tonight and on Saturday night as well. My man Levi from www.urbanartwarfare.com pulled this thing together for all of us to enjoy. So, head down to the San Marco theatre, order a cold one, and enjoy the film. As and added bonus Levi and Reggie have been bustin' out some fresh as hell screen prints exclusively for the show. Heres a pic below! Check out urbanartwarfare.com for more info on the show and these killer prints. There gonna be selling them for only 5.00 at the show or 10.00 through the online store at http://halftonedef.bigcartel.com/. Check it out. Go to the show. Buy a print. Go home happy!