Chaque année, l’AACC (Association des Agences Conseil en Communication), CBNews et l’UDA (Union Des Annonceurs) organisent le Prix Effie : les annonceurs et leurs agences sont récompensées pour des campagnes dont l’efficacité a été mesurée et prouvée.

Parce que oui, soyons honnêtes, le but premier d’une publicité, ça n’est pas de faire une jolie/originale/drôle publicité, mais de faire vendre.

Cette année, le Grand Prix a été attribué à Nespresso (campagne orchestrée par McCann Paris) : augmentation du nombre de membres de +25%, excellente notoriété de la marque, créativité… Effectivement, si je vous dis “What else?”, vous savez forcement de quoi je parle.

C’est là où je veux en venir : je n’ai rien personnellement contre Georges (Clooney, bien sûr, who else ?), mais franchement, est-ce qu’on ne serait pas à la limite de l’overdose ???

On aura beau dire que la campagne qui illustre justement cet article met en avant le café et pas Georges (qui est caché par la tasse, tout ça), moi, je ne partage pas cet avis. Et à force de le voir tenir le haut de l’affiche en permanence, est-ce qu’on n’atteindrait pas une sorte de saturation ? Moi oui.

Je suis peut être déformée par ma formation, je mange des pubs à longueur de journée, et j’ai dû voir celles-ci des dizaines et des dizaines de fois. Je fais toujours partie de ceux qui sourient au visionnage d’un, deux, trois spots -pas plus- (les derniers avec J. Malkovich sont d’ailleurs sympas, quoiqu’un peu longuets). Mais le jour où Nespresso nous présentera autre chose, j’applaudirai.

November 25, 2009 by Eric Jarrod

With Dan Hardy recently being dubbed number one contender for Georges St-Pierre’s UFC Welterweight Title and Josh Koscheck campaigning for a shot at GSP, this is a good time to explore the contenders in the UFC welterweight division.

Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy

Because Georges St-Pierre has cleaned out the serious contenders in the UFC welterweight division, Dan Hardy and Mike Swick recently fought for a shot at the title. With a unanimous decision victory, Dan Hardy earned the title shot. Hardy is undefeated in his last seven fights (4-0 in the UFC); he is a heavy-handed striker, so he does have a puncher’s chance against GSP. That is the only chance he has. Hardy can match neither GSP’s striking nor his grappling. St-Pierre will likely take down Hardy easily and drop elbows and punch Hardy through the mat, or St-Pierre may take it easy on Hardy and simply submit him.

Josh Koscheck

Josh Koscheck and Georges St-Pierre fought in August of 2007. St-Pierre proved to be the more dynamic striker, and St-Pierre was able to out-wrestle the former NCAA Division I National Champion. Since that time,
GSP is 5-0, with wins over some of the best welterweights in the world (Matt Hughes, Jon Fitch, BJ Penn, and Thiago Alves). Koscheck has five wins and two losses since his fight with St-Pierre. One loss coming to fellow welterweight contender Thiago Alves. St-Pierre has improved as a fighter in the last two years, and Koscheck has not improved enough to persuade fans that the outcome in a rematch would be different than the outcome in his first fight with St-Pierre.

Jon Fitch

Since Jon Fitch’s first UFC fight, in October of 2005, Fitch’s only loss was by decision to George St-Pierre in August of 2008. Since his loss to GSP, Fitch has two wins in the UFC octagon, against Akihiro Gono and Paulo Thiago. Although Fitch proved to be no match for GSP, he managed to take GSP to a decision, and his MMA career overall has been quite impressive – including a win over fellow welterweight contender, Thiago Alves. In his last fight with GSP, Fitch took a 5-round beating. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has been known to say that sometimes fighters are too tough for their own good. That was the case when Fitch fought GSP. Fighters cannot take the type of beating that GSP handed to Fitch in their first fight often. It would likely be best for Fitch’s career to never step into the cage with GSP again.

Thiago “Pitbull” Alves

Thiago Alves had won 7 consecutive fights before suffering a decision loss to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 100. Alves is a huge welterweight; he sweats off absurd amounts of weight to make the 170 lb welterweight limit. Alves is one of the most powerful strikers in the welterweight division, and his takedown defense has been much-improved in his past several fights. Alves easily decisioned Josh Koscheck, a former NCAA Division I national wrestling champion, in October of 2008, albeit Kos took the fight on short notice. The Pitbull’s loss to Jon Fitch was over three years ago, and Alves is much-improved since. GSP’s win over Alves at UFC 100 is still relatively recent, and it was a dominate win. Alves will likely not get another shot at GSP’s UFC welterweight title anytime soon.

Unless the UFC can sign Nick Diaz or Jake Shields, there is no true contender in the UFC welterweight division. Georges St-Pierre will need to seek middleweight opponents for a challenge.

Côté PSP

Le poids de la PSP Go représentera 2% du chiffre d’affaire sur la fin de l’année pour un day one de 50 000 pièces.

Côté PS3

“En Septembre, 100 000 PS3 ont été vendues contre 28 000 sur la même période l’année dernière. Sur le plus long terme, nous envisageons d’écouler près de 160 000 PS3 au 1er trimestre 2010, soit +50% d’une année sur l’autre. Cela nous permettra d’atteindre en France 900 000 PS3 vendues sur l’année calendaire 2009 et 950 000 sur l’année fiscale.”

Source : Multimédia à la Une, Novembre 2009

Hmmm … apar tot mai multe “furturi” de genul asta.

sau

Well I don’t think I know Paris very well at all really, but thought I’d give a few suggestions:

- Pere Lachaise: go see the cemetery near Belleville/Menilmontant to see the incredible tombstones of Jim Morrisson, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Chopin.  A great area too with great restaurants and bars nearby.

- Hotel Mamashelter: Philippe Starck designed hotel in the same Menilmontant/Belleville area, with funky bar downstairs serving great cocktails and cool little rooms.  Cheap and in a good area.

- Restaurant Heureux comme Alexandre:  For cheap (15 euros) fondu and a relaxed atmosphere: http://www.heureuxcommealexandre.com/pages-UK/2-restaurantsUK.html

- For a posh dinner try Georges at the top of the Pompidou or Les Ombres: http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/restaurant.html.  Just make sure you can swallow the £100+ per head tab.

Remember its also the 120th anniversary of the Eiffel tower this year so on the hour you get very cool lightshows!

I could write up a whole blog post about how Topps lost their Player’s Inc license yesterday and probably won’t be able to produce football cards in 2010, but this being the “Year of the License” it shouldn’t surprise you that these things are happening.  I’m not going to repeat everything that has been said already.

Yesterday in the mail I received a copy of Insider’s Edge magazine and I came across an interesting article about Sean Broderick.  Mr. Broderick probably has one of the best cut signature collections The Hobby has ever seen, especially if your a hockey fan.  His collection doesn’t consist of cards that were pulled from packs.  Instead he purchases authentic documents signed by players such as Art Ross, Lord Stanley, and Georges Vezina.  For those collectors not familier with hockey, these players are equal to Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Cap Anson, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Alexander Cartwright, and Jim Thorpe.  In many cases these signatures are much harder to find.  With help from Garret Morrison, these rare signatures are inserted into custom made cards just for Broderick’s collection.  In the end they are slabbed and authenticated by PSA/DNA.  In my opinion, these are some of the best looking cut signatures I’ve ever seen.  You rarely see photography like this on cut signatures.  They have the perfect balance of photograph and autograph.  Take a look at the windows too.  Usually a cut signature is placed in a plain square.  These windows have unique designs and cater towards the signature themselves.  Mr. Broderick was nice enough to send over a few images for you to take a look.  He is constantly looking for more signatures of players and donors from this era.  If you have something you think he might need, please e-mail him at: seanieb21@hotmail.com.  For a closer look, click on each image.

How do I dramatize thee? Let my count the ways…  All 36 of them.

These immortal words were uttered by Georges Polti who concluded there were only 36 basic stories after studying numerous Greek, Latin and French works. Many are similar, but they all contain elements of struggle and conflict.

Should you be worried about plagiarism? No. Storytelling has been around since the dawn of humanity. From drawings on cave walls to speech to writing, the same stories have have been recycled in different ways to depict the social fabric of the times. And storytelling will continue along the same path. There is a limit to human emotions and the number of story types that can illuminate them and our needs. It is your take on each story type that makes your story original. This is actually good news since you have a story framework in which to work. That is how you will excel as lover. A tale of doomed lovers from warring families can range from warring tribes, to Shakespearean times through to modern day times when lovers are being pulled apart by socio-economic and cultural factors.

The rules of dramaturgy transgress all genres. However, their execution  differs. Consider the previous example. The same rule applies in the comedic “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (although the lovers didn’t die). The beauty of this framework is that is covers the majority of the human population. Every culture can relate to the notion of “star crossed lovers”. Hollywood loves this sort of stuff. Even if your story is more personal, smaller and lower budget, the same rules apply because they are a precursor to addressing audience expectations.

Take a deep breath and let us explore.

1. Supplication (asking for help)

Elements: a Supplicant, a Persecutor and a Power in authority, whose decision is doubtful.

The Supplicant is chased, harmed or otherwise threatened by the Persecutor and begs for help from the Power in Authority. These include films about being trapped, the underdog and characters at their lowest ebb.

2. Deliverance (being rescued)

Elements: an Unfortunate, a Threatener, a Rescuer.

The Unfortunate is threatened in some way by the Threatener and is saved by the Rescuer. These films relate to our basic physiological need for safety and security. They include the “knight in shining armour stories such as Cinderella.

3. Crime Pursued by Vengeance (revenge)

Elements: an Avenger and a Criminal

The Avenger wreaks vengeance on the Criminal for past crimes. These films cater to our need to vent our anger and provide a resolution to our problem and to see justice done. These include the ‘Saw’ films where our crime is not appreciating life.

4. Vengeance Taken for Kindred Upon Kindred (avenging bad deeds to our loved ones)

Elements: Avenging Kinsman; Guilty Kinsman; Remembrance of the Victim, a Relative of Both

One family member, the Guilty Kinsman, harms another (the Victim). They are punished for this serious transgression by an Avenging Kinsman. These films play on our propensity for anger and the security, safety and social code that our families provide. Despite the wrong doing, the means justify the ends. These films include mafia, mobster films.

5. Pursuit (chase)

Elements: Punishment and Fugitive

A Fugitive is pursued, caught and Punished for some miscreant act. This caters to our need for excitement by not getting caught and our seeking of knowledge, justice and truth. Such a quest is the basis for many religions and philosophies. Such movies include ‘The Insider”, one man’s struggles against corporate forces.

6. Disaster (physical, emotional, spiritual)

Elements: a Vanquished Power; a Victorious Enemy or a Messenger

A calamitous event occurs. These stories are an outgrowth of the human ego and our ability to suffer heavy losses and emerge stronger than before. They are part of our coping mechanisms and metaphors for life as we explore the tenacity and indestructibility of the human spirit. They relate to our need for survival and protecting our loved ones. Such films include “Independence Day”. We also experience hope as that is what helps us overcome obstacles.

7. Falling Prey to Cruelty or Misfortune (loss of innocence)

Elements: an Unfortunate; a Master or a Misfortune. These are children’s stories whose naivety brings them harm. Harm to children tends to generate more intense emotions of anger and outrage among audiences than harm to adults. However, the innocence of children brings us in touch with our early lives.

8. Revolt (uprising)

Elements: Tyrant and Conspirator

The Conspirator leads or contributes to a revolt against an oppressive Tyrant. These films, such as those dealing with overthrowing an evil king or bringing down a crime boss helps us experience rebellion. These feelings are particularly apparent during adolescence which is a key stage in our quest for self identity. We experience sympathy for the oppressed and gives us a sense of achievement and controlling our destinies.

9. Daring Enterprise (perilous quest)

Elements: a Bold Leader; an Object; an Adversary

These films include rites of passage such as “Star Wars”. They deal with issues of maturity, identity, respect by others and self esteem. Typically an heir to the throne must undertake a perilous journey to obtain something. Think Jason and the Argonauts.

10. Abduction (kidnapped)

Elements: the Abductor; the Abducted; the Guardian

The Abducted person is taken by the Abductor. The Abducted may be rescued by a Guardian. These films help us experience emotions of fear of being forced into undesirable situations. The rescue brings us relief and safety. We also explore our need for freedom.

11. The Enigma (mystery)

Elements: Interrogator, Seeker and Problem

The Interrogator poses a Problem which the Seeker must solve. Films such as “Zodiac” and other serial killer movies where the killer leaves a series of clues the investigators must solve before solving the crime. Apart from the exhilaration of giving us a sense of control as the audience solves problems of life, we also need a sense of completion and closure.

12. Obtaining

Elements: a Solicitor and an Adversary Who is Refusing, or an Arbitrator and Opposing Parties

A Solicitor requests something of the Adversary, who refuses to cooperate or, there are Opposing Parties who cannot reach agreement and so their dispute is resolved by the Arbitrator. These films mirror our lives to varying degrees and help us deal with tension and conflict. Such films include “Kramer versus Kramer”.

13. Enmity of Kinsmen (bitter family feud)

Elements: a Malevolent Kinsman; a Hatred or Reciprocally Hating Kinsman

Two relatives hate one another (and act accordingly). These films explore the ugly side of humanity such as “Kane and Abel”, two brothers who  pit their wits against each other to the death. These films deal with the hate associated with people we don’t want in our lives because they cause us misery, but we can’t escape them.

14. Rivalry of Kinsmen (family feud)

Elements: the Preferred Kinsman; the Rejected Kinsman; the Object

Two relatives compete over an Object, often another person who shows more favor to the Preferred Kinsman and shows less favor to the Rejected Kinsman. These films are typical in soaps where siblings are fighting over an inheritance or control of the family company. The kinsmen (or women) don’t necessarily hate each other to begin with, but they display determination, self preservation and a desire to lack vulnerability by being in absolute control. The level of conflict is less than in enmity of kinship.

15. Murderous Adultery (hell hath no fury)

Elements: Two Adulterers; a Betrayed Husband or Wife

Adultery turns to violence as an Adulterer seeks to remove the Spouse or turns on the other Adulterer. Since adultery is generally not accepted in many societies, these films deal with the perpetrator and victim of wrongdoing. They aim to explore emotions of guilt, fear, denial and remorse. The murder can be metaphorical as couples have emerged from such situations.

16. Madness

Elements: Madman and Victim

A person becomes temporarily Mad, losing control and harming the Victim. In our quest to control our destinies, we are sometimes forced to relinquish power in a “moment of madness”. This helps us examine our mortality, our limits and generates anger and fear. Man has unsuccessfully been trying to control his environment since time immemorial. Since the madman (or woman) has temporarily lost control over their actions, these stories help us experience empathy, sympathy and pity, thereby helping us understand our fellow man.

17. Fatal Imprudence (mistakes)

Elements: The Imprudent; the Victim or the Object Lost

The Imprudent person loses an Object or causes harm to the Victim through unthinking imprudence, curiosity and general carelessness. These stories serve to remind us that we are imperfect beings and are susceptible to errors, some of which can have disastrous consequences.

18. Involuntary Crimes of Love (Oedipus complex)

Elements: the Lover, the Beloved; the Revealer

The Lover performs acts of love with the Beloved, only to find (via the Revealer) that the Beloved is a close relative. Such stories explore the social and genetic taboos of incest in many cultures. It evokes awareness, derision, disgust and fear, but also empathy as we battle the emotional dilemma of two siblings attracted to each other, but can never be together.

19. Slaying of a Kinsman Unrecognized

Elements: the Slayer, the Unrecognized Victim

The Slayer kills (or nearly kills or harms) the Unrecognized Victim, who is actually a relative or friend of the Slayer. Thus a seemingly justified act suddenly becomes unjustified. These stories help us explore justice and the flaws of humans who act based on incorrect information. We also experience sadness, pity and empathy for the perpetrator.

20. Self-Sacrifice for an Ideal (martyrdom)

Elements: the Hero; the Ideal; the ‘Creditor’ or the Person or Thing Sacrificed

The Hero gives up something for the sake of an Ideal. These stories explore our sense of society; individuality versus plurality or the parallels of life where we must go without to receive future benefits. These pose moral dilemmas where we are given two bad choices.

21. Self-Sacrifice for Kindred

Elements: the Hero; the Kinsman; the ‘Creditor’ or the Person or Thing Sacrificed

The Hero gives up something in order to help a relative or friend. Consider “Beauty and the Beast” where Belle agrees to stay with the Beast in order to free her father. These are tear-jerking stories which help us explore our social structures. They are life affirming and make us realize the beauty of humanity despite it’s flaws.

22. All Sacrificed for Passion

Elements: the Lover, the Object of the Fatal Passion; the Person or Thing Sacrificed

The Lover is impassioned by the Object to the point where they give up the Person or Thing, perhaps unwisely, blinded as they are their passion. These stories show human in distress and the extreme choices we make for matters of the heart. We sympathize with these people although we know that they are likely to follow. We feel the tension these stories evoke. Consider films like “Basic Instinct”, the ultimate erotic thriller.

23. Necessity of Sacrificing Loved Ones

Elements: the Hero; the Beloved Victim; the Necessity for the Sacrifice

The Hero is forced to sacrifice the Beloved Victim, based on the Necessity. Typically a hero has been chosen to fulfill his/ her destiny. They are driven my a sense of duty and higher good, even if it means sacrificing those we love. We feel the agony of such choices, but understand them due to their necessity.

24. Rivalry of Superior and Inferior

Elements: the Superior Rival; the Inferior Rival; the Object

The Superior Rival is set against an Inferior Rival, both vying for the Object of Rivalry. Rivalry is rife in our lives and stems from Darwin’s theory of natural selection; the survival of the fittest. However, in humans, the fittest may not always win if they use trickery and subterfuge. Such stories explore our propensity for jealously and our use or misuse of power. Think of the king who has his opponents killed.

25. Adultery

Elements: a Deceived Husband or Wife; Two Adulterers

The Deceived Spouse is cuckolded by Two Adulterers, one the partner of the Deceived Spouse. These stories deal with issues of betrayal, anger and trust. The afflicted may seek revenge or walk away a stronger person.

26. Crimes of Love

Elements: The Lover, the Beloved

The Lover loves the Beloved, but this love is illicit in some way, breaking social codes. These stories emerge from our desire to live free from the oppressive forces of social mores. They explore our desire for individuality and self expression.

27. Discovery of the Dishonor of a Loved One

Elements: the Discoverer; the Guilty One

The Guilty One brings shame on their kin by a dishonorable act. They are discovered by the Dishonorer. Honor and moral duty are highly esteemed tenets of social order. Any breach by a relative triggers a moral dilemma among relatives and loved ones. Consider the “horror” of a white women dating a black man in “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner”.

28. Obstacles to Love

Elements: Two Lovers, an Obstacle

Two Lovers want to be together, but they are prevented from doing so by some difficult Obstacle. These stories relate to impediments to unions and ultimately marriage. Obstacles can be inter-racial, inter-culture, inter-religion or inter-class to name a few These moral dilemmas relate to values, upbringing and belief systems. Consider the backlash of certain groups at the prospect of same sex marriage.

29. An Enemy Loved

Elements: The Beloved Enemy; the Lover; the Hater

The Lover loves the Beloved Enemy. The Hater hates the Lover for this betrayal. More affairs of the heart. We can’t chose who we fall in love with and it can bring bitter consequences. We are hard wired to be attracted to powerful, attractive, healthy people who can provide for us and give us viable offspring. We either know we are in love with the wrong person, or in denial of their evil. The hater is a relative, friend of confidante of the lover and tries to interfere with the relationship after much deliberation.

30. Ambition

Elements: an Ambitious Person; a Thing Coveted; an Adversary

The Ambitious person Covets a Thing, however that ambition is guarded against by an Adversary. Ambition can relate to good fortune, a person or an object. It relates to that which we desire but is not yet within our reach. These stories relate to our need for security, safety and control.

31. Conflict With a God

Elements: a Mortal, an Immortal

The Mortal challenges the Immortal. There are consequences. Man has long believed in higher powers to explain his existence. We have sacrificed lambs to please the gods and blamed natural disasters on them if we have done wrong. These are extreme stories of the hero often not succeeding in overcoming an obstacle and ends up dead. If not dead, then shaken and wiser from the experience. Such conflicts highlight man’s limitations and mortality, but we pit our strength against the gods all the same, and lose.

32. Mistaken Jealousy

Elements: the Jealous One; the Object of Whose Possession He is Jealous; the Supposed Accomplice; the Cause or the Author of the Mistake

The Jealous person, through some Cause or Author, appears to becomes jealous of some Object. There may also be a Supposed Accomplice. Again, these stories highlight the imperfection of man. When we are manipulated, or manipulate others, we receive incomplete or incorrect information and act on it. This triggers events injustice. Envy relates to a simple desire to obtain something that belongs to someone else, while jealousy has a third party attached and more is at stake.

33. Erroneous Judgement

Elements: The Mistaken One; the Victim of the Mistake; the Cause or Author of the Mistake; the Guilty Person

The Mistaken One makes some judgment about or is suspicious about the Victim, instead of the Guilty Person. This is due to some Cause or is caused by the Author of the mistake. In our need to control and understand our environment and closure, we often hurriedly attribute facts to attach guilt to someone. When we don’t have all the facts we make errors of judgment.

34. Remorse

Elements: the Culprit; the Victim or the Sin; the Interrogator

The Culprit has done wrong to a Victim or committed another Sin. The Interrogator gets an admission of guilt. These are stories of reflection and guilt. We realize we must deal with our past actions which are incongruous with our values and in terms seek forgiveness and closure. Such films include “Magnolia” and resonate well with mature audiences who look back on their lives with regrets.

35. Recovery of a Lost One

The Seeker; the One Found

The Seeker looks for and finds the One Found. These are primal stories where we are separated from our loved ones. The recovery can also be one of self actualization such as recovery of self esteem, strength and attitude.

36. Loss of Loved Ones

A Kinsman Slain; a Kinsman Spectator; an Executioner

These stories address our powerlessness against certain forces, the frailty and temporary nature of lives and our mortality. So make every minute you have count.

New image in the big and small photography contest

This is a macro of a United States of America Dollar and quarter. The big significance as far as "Big and Small" is the fact that both ha …
Georges photography picture

Op vrijdag 21 november vanaf 20u staan de namen van Sister Sledge, Georges Baker Selection, Peter Koelewijn, Jimmy Summerville en De Romeo’s op het programma van de eerste editie van het meezingfeest van ‘Het Zingpaleis’. Als kers op de taart mag het publiek zich verwachten aan een Belgische groep, een bekende naam met een resem hits.

Al deze artiesten brengen de muziek van de jaren 70, 80 en 90 met mogelijkheid tot het meezingen en wiebelen op de tonen van de liveband.

Tickets aan 28, 33 en 38 euro en  kan je bestellen via 070/34 50 50 of www.sherpa.be

www.zingpaleis.be, www.grenslandhallen.be

Parigi, 13 agosto, caldo torrido.
Al Quai des Orfèvres si presenta un certo Josef Mascouvin che denuncia al commissario Maigret di avere letto in circostanze fortuite su di un foglio di carta assorbente in un locale pubblico, la frase :
Domani pomeriggio alle ore 17 ucciderò la chiromante.
Firmato Picpus

il giorno successivo Maigret decide di far sorvegliare tutte le chiromanti di Parigi tuttavia alle 17 Jean, una chiromante di Rue Coulaincourt non iscritta nell’elenco ufficiale, viene assassinata con due coltellate nella schiena.

Chiuso a chiave nella cucina dell’appartamento di Jean, Maigret scopre in stato confusionale, l’anziano signor Octave Le Cloaguen incapace di dare una spiegazione…

Prende il via così una delle più belle e appassionanti inchieste del commissario Maigret che, per trovare la soluzione, dovrà veramente sudare sette camicie.

Tratto dal romanzo di Georges Simenon “Signè Picpus” del 1941 lo sceneggiato fu trasmesso dalla RAI in tre puntate il 10, il 15 e il 17 gennaio 1965 come secondo episodio della prima serie de ‘Le inchieste del Commissario Maigret’ e raggiunse punte di oltre 12 milioni di spettatori, un vero record per l’epoca.

In questa piccola sequenza la parte finale dell’interrogatorio dell’anziano Le Cloaguen che ostinandosi a non rivelare nulla, nonostante Maigret lo incalzi per oltre quattro ore nel caldo torrido del suo ufficio, scatena alla fine uno dei famosi attacchi di collera del commissario sotto gli occhi imbarazzati del suo collaboratore Lucas.

Curioso come Lucas cerchi di imitare il suo capo vestendosi e fumando la pipa come Maigret…

Esempio di recitazione superba di Gino Cervi e di Sergio Tofano da fare impallidire le odierne fiction.

Ringrazio sempre l’amico Billevanstrio (QUI il link al suo canale Youtube)

]]> http://mashimax.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/umineko-no-naku-koro-ni-%e2%80%93-et-les-mouettes-dans-tout-ca%e2%80%a6/ Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:20:06 +0000 Mashimax http://mashimax.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/umineko-no-naku-koro-ni-%e2%80%93-et-les-mouettes-dans-tout-ca%e2%80%a6/

Umineko no Naku Koro ni ressemble à Higurashi no Naku Koro ni comme deux gouttes d’eau. Gentils sourires rapidement sadiques. Morts à tout va. Personnages insaisissables. Mystères. Pourquoi est-ce que je regarde un anime pareil, déjà ? Je n’en ai moi-même aucune idée ! En tout cas, quand j’ai appris que le cousin d’Higurashi no Naku Koro ni allait avoir une adaptation animée, j’étais aux anges. Et chose rare, j’ai regardé le premier épisode dès sa sortie en sub.

Battler et sa copine Béatrice

Comme d’habitude tout va bien dans le meilleur des mondes, c’est génial. Une bande de, heu, nobles, débarque sur l’île du grand-père dans le but de se partager l’héritage. Char-mant. Et puis, tout ce complique. Une certaine Béatrice (à prononcer avec un accent italien/japonais en insistant sur le « i ») commence à tuer un par un tous les invités. Tout ça est bien mystérieux. Des petits papillons jaunes apparaissent, synonyme de cadavres. Souvent en fin d’épisode, pour bien vous faire saliver jusqu’à la semaine prochaine.

Il y quelques similitudes avec les « Dix Petits Nègres » d’Agatha Christie (ex : le « poème », les morts qui s’enchaînent,…). J’avoue qu’à un moment, j’étais un peu blasée devant le peu d’avancé de l’histoire : on n’apprenait pas des masses sur Béatrice ou n’importe quoi. Les gars « attendaient » les morts, limite ! XD Et puis, je ne trouvais pas ça intéressant d’accorder autant de place au surnaturel.

Et puis, lors du dernier épisode de l’arc, là, on va dire que tout a basculé. Ca m’a fait la même chose que quand Mion épargnait Keiichi, ou que Satoko le jetait du pont. Quelque chose d’indescriptible (on dirait une grosse psychopathe, pas vrai ? XD). Mais, c’est ce qui fait que j’aime bien cet anime, je pense. Le suspense. Impossible de deviner ce qui va se passer. Je suis toujours surprise. Quand Naruto court en hurlant vers un ennemi, je ne m’inquiète pas une seconde. Quand Battler sort d’une pièce pour aller aux toilettes… un peu beaucoup quand même. >.< En gros, j’étais à fond.

Maria, un personnage qu’on a envie de frapper, uh uh

L’animation est bonne – même si le héro est moche, JE SAIS ! ^.^ Maria change de tête tellement rapidement, c’est génial. Ils ont pas ça dans Naruto:Shippuden, même pour les gros combats. On voit quelques seins un peu trop bouger parfois, ça m’énerve ! Ca attire mon regard, impossible de se concentrer ! Et puis, de seins ne peuvent pas bouger comme ça ! Il fallait que je le dise ! x_x En tout cas, c’était mieux qu’Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, le gore était mieux fait ! ^.^

La musique… ? Génial ! L’opening est splendide (même si ça change de SHINee, j’adore les chansons un peu « mystique ») et l’ending est horrible mais il m’obsède. Un peu comme la chanson « Complete » de SNSD. « You make my life complete », kyaaa ! >.< Et pourtant, je peux pas me l’enlever de la tête ! Help !

Il y a un truc qui m’énerve - en plus des seins qui bougent - c’est le nombre de personnage. Ils sont trop, même si ils meurent vite. Quand ils sont sortis un par un du bateau, j’étais sous le choc. Au secours : « Alors lui c’est mon oncle, elle c’est ma cousine, l’autre là-bas c’est la sœur de ma cousine et lui, au fond c’est le frère du domestique du neveu de ma cousine ». Gloups. (exagération x50). Bon, en général, ils ont pas mal de charisme, donc on oublie les inutiles. Béatrice et sa copine qui ressemble à Rika sont trop styyyylées ! =3

J’avoue que la fin de l’épisode 5 m’a fait un truc bizarre, je ne suis pas si sûre que la suite me plaira autant que le début… Enfin, on verra bien. Sinon, je propose de tuer Maria, elle est trop chiante. Et… trop triste l’histoire de la bague de Georges ! =(

Et Nee-sama ? Et bien, si je lui conseille, elle va le regarder, je la connais ! (enfin dès qu’elle aura du son). Elle ne peut rien dire : maintenant qu’elle lit des Yaoi et regarde Claymore, elle est devenue une autre personne. Allez laisse une chance à ce héro moche et toute sa famille. Moi, personnellement, j’adore ! =D Fais-le sinon… BEATRIIIICE !!!

As I mentioned before, what I want to be most is a capable portrait photographer. I like capturing people, especially the people I love. Also as I have mentioned before, I don’t really want to post faces on this blog quite yet. So here is a little sampling of photos with Georges, sans les visages.

(Note: I have been frustrated lately at the color difference between my laptop (a PC) and my work computer (a Mac). I am not sure which has the accurate color output, so I apologize if the colors look a bit “off.”

The invisible man in the sky

]]> http://bartoncottage.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/meet-georges/ Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:06:21 +0000 Elinor http://bartoncottage.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/meet-georges/

Georges helped me snap these images around my house today:

Okay, the first image wasn’t from “around the house”–it’s from Barnes & Noble–but you get the idea. I work from my house, so to practice on Georges I have to snap random objects about me. It’s kind of hard because portraits are what I really love shooting, but being as I don’t want to publish faces here quite yet, it is doubtful you will see them….

E‘ partita, lo scorso 24 giugno, una nuova (e, a mio avviso lodevole) iniziativa editoriale del Corriere Della Sera, dedicata a Georges Simenon, e a Maigret.

Per saperne di piu’ seguite QUESTO link (si aprirà in una nuova pagina).

Un dizionario del cuore per scoprire tutti i segreti del successo

Le inchieste di Maigret si possono pren­dere a una a una o tutte insieme, nel loro cospicuo (76 romanzi e 26 raccon­ti, dal 1931 al 1972) insieme di novecen­tesca commedia umana. In ogni caso la lettura è remunerativa, perché l’autore, Georges Sime­non, è a pieno titolo un classico e il personag­gio- commissario è ancora uomo del nostro tempo. Per rendersene conto, basta entrare nel mondo interiore di Maigret. Nel suo linguag­gio. Nel «dizionario» del suo cuore.

Ambiente «Tutti si chiedevano cosa pensas­se, mentre in realtà non pensava nulla. Non sta­va nemmeno cercando di scoprire degli indizi nel vero senso della parola: si limitava a lasciar­si permeare dall’ambiente». (Il cavallante della «Provvidence» )

Boulevard Richard-Lenoir L’abitazione di Maigret. «La signora Maigret entrò nella came­ra da letto, tappezzata di carta a mazzi di rose. Maigret, stanco, con gli occhi segnati, era diste­so nel letto matrimoniale sul quale spiccava una trapunta di seta rossa». ( Pietr il Lettone)

Commissario «Era un commissario di prima classe con uno stipendio di 2.200 franchi al me­se, il quale ogni volta che chiudeva un caso, do­po aver messo gli assassini sotto chiave, doveva sedersi alla scrivania, prendere un foglio di car­ta, fare l’elenco delle spese, pinzarvi le ricevute e le pezze giustificative, quindi litigare con il cassiere! Maigret non possedeva auto, né milio­ni né una schiera di collaboratori. E se si per­metteva di disporre di uno o due agenti doveva poi mostrarne l’utilità». (Pietr il Lettone)

Donne «Rise. Una risata schietta, argentina. Da lei emanava quello che i cineasti americani chiamano sex-appeal. Perché una donna può essere bella ma non seducente, mentre altre dalle sembianze meno perfette risvegliano il de­siderio o un senso di romantica nostalgia».
(Ilcrocevia delle tre vedove)

Évariste Maigret Padre di Maigret, intenden­te del castello di Saint-Fiacre. «Maigret vide co­me l’avesse avuto davanti agli occhi il piccolo ufficio del padre, vicino alla scuderia, il sabato alle cinque. Tutti quelli che lavoravano al castel­lo, dalle guardarobiere ai braccianti a giornata, aspettavano fuori. Il vecchio Maigret, seduto al­la scrivania coperta di percalle verde, faceva del­le piccole pile di monete d’argento. I dipenden­ti entravano a uno a uno e firmavano il regi­stro, magari solo con la croce…». ( Il caso Sa­int- Fiacre)

Figli «’Lei ha figli, commissario?’. Questa vol­ta fu Maigret a girare il capo dall’altra parte. Per sua moglie il fatto di non avere figli era un cruc­cio. Quanto a lui, evitava accuratamente l’argo­mento’. ( I sotterranei del Majestic)

Giudicare «Si sentiva di fronte agli esseri umani che avrebbe dovuto giudicare, più umile e disarmato che mai» ( Maigret e i vecchi signo­ri). «’La vita non è facile per nessuno…’ riprese il barbone. ‘Neanche la morte…’. ‘Quello che è impossibile, è giudicare’». ( Maigret e il barbo­ne)

Halles «La primavera diffondeva nell’aria e nella vita di Parigi un’allegria spensierata. Certi oggetti e certe persone — le bottiglie del latte davanti a ogni porta, la lattaia col grembiule bianco accanto alla bancarella, il camion che, di ritorno dalle Halles, seminava qua e là le ulti­me foglie di cavolo — gli apparvero come im­magini di quiete e di gioia di vivere». ( La chiu­sa n. 1)

Intuito «Aveva quarantacinque anni. Metà del­la vita l’aveva passata nei più diversi reparti del­la polizia: buoncostume, narcotici e poi polizia municipale, ferroviaria, addetta alle sale da gio­co… Quanto bastava per eliminare ogni velleità di misticismo e far perdere ogni fiducia nell’in­tuito ». ( Il defunto signor Gallet)

Janvier «Poco più in là, sul bordo di pietra della banchina, un giovanotto biondo con l’im­permeabile e un berretto grigio sembrava sor­vegliare le operazioni di scarico del cemento dalla chiatta. Era l’ispettore Janvier, uno degli agenti più giovani ( 25 anni, ndr) della Polizia giudiziaria». ( Unatestain gioco)

Lucas Ispettore che lavora con Maigret. «Tra loro non c’era bisogno di spiegazioni». ( Il ca­vallante della «Providence» )

Moglie «’Mia moglie ( Louise, ndr) ha telefona­to?’. ‘Sì, questa mattina… Le hanno detto che era in missione…’. Ci era abituata. Lui sapeva che se fosse rientrato a casa si sarebbe limitata a dargli un bacio, ad armeggiare con le pentole sul fuoco e a riempirgli il piatto di qualche in­tingolo dal profumo invitante. Al massimo avrebbe azzardato, ma solo quando lui fosse stato a tavola, e contemplandolo con il mento fra le mani, un ‘Come va?’. A mezzogiorno o alle cinque, avrebbe comunque trovato il pasto pronto». ( Pietr il Lettone)

New York «’È così difficile, a New York, riusci­re a capire da dove vengano le persone!’». ( Maigret a New York)

Omicidio «Con gli anni Maigret ha imparato che non si ammazza senza un motivo, anzi sen­za un serio motivo. E anche ammesso che l’omi­cidio fosse opera di un folle o di una folle, si trattava comunque di una persona in carne e ossa, che faceva parte dell’ambiente della vitti­ma ». ( Maigret e i vecchi signori)

Pipa «Maigret aveva assunto la sua espressio­ne più cocciuta. Camminava adagio, le mani in tasca e la pipa tra i denti. Era una pipa perfetta­mente proporzionata alla sua faccia larga e mas­siccia: conteneva quasi un quarto di pacchetto di trinciato». ( Il porto delle nebbie)

Quai des Orfèvres, 36 Ufficio di Maigret. «Appesa al muro, dietro la scrivania, c’era un’enorme carta geografica, davanti alla quale Maigret si piantò, imponente e massiccio, con le mani in tasca e la pipa a un angolo della boc­ca ». «Dalla finestra intravedeva un braccio del­la Senna, place Saint-Michel, una chiatta-lavato­io, il tutto in un’ombra azzurra, costellata via via dalle luci dei lampioni a gas che si accende­vano ». ( Pietr il Lettone)

Realtà «Si è pronti a tutto, ma non alle bizzar­rie della realtà». ( La casa del giudice)

Stufa «Il commissario attizzò il fuoco nella stu­fa. In tutti gli altri edifici c’era il riscaldamento centrale, ma lui non lo sopportava ed era riusci­to a tenersi la vecchia stufa di ghisa che stava lì da vent’anni». ( I sotterranei del Majestic)

Teoria della crepa «Dentro di sé la chiama­va ‘la teoria della crepa’. In ogni malfattore, in ogni delinquente c’è un uomo. Ma c’è anche e soprattutto un giocatore, un avversario: ed è questo che la polizia tende a vedere in lui, è questo che, in generale, affronta. La lotta viene ingaggiata su dati più o meno oggettivi, come ogni problema a una o più incognite che la ra­gione si sforza di risolvere. Maigret agiva come gli altri. Ma lui cercava, aspettava, spiava soprat­tutto la ‘crepa’. Il momento in cui, in altri ter­mini, dietro il giocatore appare l’uomo». ( Pietr il Lettone)

Uomini «I fatti possono concedersi il lusso di essere — o di sembrare — complicati. Gli uo­mini, invece, sono più semplici di quanto ci si immagini». ( Maigret a New York)

Verità «’Ebbene, di verità ancora non ce ne so­no… Forse un giorno ce ne sarà una… O forse no…’». ( Il cane giallo)

Zia «A prima vista quella storia era non me­no assurda di una fiaba o dei racconti edifi­canti che si trovano nei libri di lettura. Ma lì, davanti alla principessa, si sorprendeva a cre­derci, ad adottare il loro modo di vedere, di sentire, un po’ come, nel convento della zia, camminava in punta di piedi, parlava sottovo­ce, traboccante di soavità e di devozione». ( Maigret e i vecchi signori)

Roberto Iasoni
24 giugno 2009

Articolo presente sul sito del Corriere Della Sera a questo indirizzo.

I recently realized that I have this unyielding obsession with pizza, I eat it every chance I get.   I’ve even been known to go 3,000 miles for the good stuff so I started a list of my own to help me keep track of the best ones.  I can remember the pizza from my childhood in suburban Connecticut, it was cut into squares and not pie shapes.  I later found out that it was Greek influence but I cannot find proof of that anywhere.  It doesn’t matter and I don’t care either way, I’m gonna eat it.  I’m certainly not a foodie or a chef (I work at Gensler remember?) but like most San Franciscan’s I have a passion for good food… especially pizza.   Here are my top 5 favorites:

Little Star Pizza

Little Star Pizza: this little place on Valencia Street dishes out the best deep dish in the city by far with the most basic pepperoni pizza being my favorite.  The first, and original, shop is still located on Divisadero Street but it’s hard to get a table within an hour of showing up sometimes.  I also think it’s one of the best designed pizza joints in the city.  Do not go through life without trying it at least once.   http://www.littlestarpizza.com/index.html

Spiritus Pizza Sign

Spiritus Pizza: If you’ve ever been to Provincetown, MA you’ll recognize this next one.  This staple in the culinary community of this colonial fishing town is usually the last stop of the bar crawl before heading to bed.  I was in ptown for 8 days this month and I consumed a slice almost every day, I’m seeing the effects of it now.  If you like thin NY style pizza like I do you’ll love this place. http://www.spirituspizza.com/index.html

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Sign

Frank Pepe Pizzeria: This place is awesome.  It’s old, it takes forever to get a table, and the staff is a little surly sometimes.  This place has won tons of awards for its Neapolitan pies and has expanded over the years to 5 locations.  I don’t care that it’s a chain now, the original in New Haven is the only one I acknowledge.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it….. http://www.pepespizzeria.com/

Pizzeria Delfina Menu

Pizzeria Delfina: This place warms my heart.  Wedged between the Mission and Castro districts of San Francisco, CA this popular  restaurant pushes finer dining into a gritty part of town without making a fuss about it.  I love, love, love the pizza here.  The pies are delicate and full of flavor which is a welcomed change when compared to all the others.  My favorite is the salsiccia with house-made fennel sausage, tomato, bell peppers, onions and mozzarella.  YUM!  http://www.pizzeriadelfina.com/

George's Pizza

George’s Pizza: You probably haven’t heard of this place before but it’s from my childhood days and I had to add it to my list.  If you ever find yourself in Unionville, CT you have to stop here for a pie.  Don’t freak out when you see it show up cut into squares instead of pie slices, it’s just the way they do it.  I swear it tastes different when it’s cut that way, you gotta try it.  http://www.olivebarct.com/georges/

square vs pie?

Square cut vs. Pie cut: Discuss amongst yourselves…

pie vs. square

I’m not sure which cut is better but the debate goes on:  http://www.ask.com/bar?q=why+is+pizza+cut+into+squares&page=2&qsrc=0&ab=0&u=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/dining/chi-090722-pizza-cut-debate,0,7968080.story

More:  http://www.ask.com/bar?q=why+is+pizza+cut+into+squares&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=6&u=http://www.thedeets.com/2008/04/11/square-sliced-pizza-vs-regular-slices/

-Tom

I recently realized that I have this unyielding obsession with pizza, I eat it every chance I get.   I’ve even been known to go 3,000 miles for the good stuff so I started a list of my own to help me keep track of the best ones.  I can remember the pizza from my childhood in suburban Connecticut, it was cut into squares and not pie shapes.  I later found out that it was Greek influence but I cannot find proof of that anywhere.  It doesn’t matter and I don’t care either way, I’m gonna eat it.  I’m certainly not a foodie or a chef (I work at Gensler remember?) but like most San Franciscan’s I have a passion for good food… especially pizza.   Here are my top 5 favorites:

Little Star Pizza

Little Star Pizza: this little place on Valencia Street dishes out the best deep dish in the city by far with the most basic pepperoni pizza being my favorite.  The first, and original, shop is still located on Divisadero Street but it’s hard to get a table within an hour of showing up sometimes.  I also think it’s one of the best designed pizza joints in the city.  Do not go through life without trying it at least once.   http://www.littlestarpizza.com/index.html

Spiritus Pizza Sign

Spiritus Pizza: If you’ve ever been to Provincetown, MA you’ll recognize this next one.  This staple in the culinary community of this colonial fishing town is usually the last stop of the bar crawl before heading to bed.  I was in ptown for 8 days this month and I consumed a slice almost every day, I’m seeing the effects of it now.  If you like thin NY style pizza like I do you’ll love this place. http://www.spirituspizza.com/index.html

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Sign

Frank Pepe Pizzeria: This place is awesome.  It’s old, it takes forever to get a table, and the staff is a little surly sometimes.  This place has won tons of awards for its Neapolitan pies and has expanded over the years to 5 locations.  I don’t care that it’s a chain now, the original in New Haven is the only one I acknowledge.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it….. http://www.pepespizzeria.com/

Pizzeria Delfina Menu

Pizzeria Delfina: This place warms my heart.  Wedged between the Mission and Castro districts of San Francisco, CA this popular  restaurant pushes finer dining into a gritty part of town without making a fuss about it.  I love, love, love the pizza here.  The pies are delicate and full of flavor which is a welcomed change when compared to all the others.  My favorite is the salsiccia with house-made fennel sausage, tomato, bell peppers, onions and mozzarella.  YUM!  http://www.pizzeriadelfina.com/

George's Pizza

George’s Pizza: You probably haven’t heard of this place before but it’s from my childhood days and I had to add it to my list.  If you ever find yourself in Unionville, CT you have to stop here for a pie.  Don’t freak out when you see it show up cut into squares instead of pie slices, it’s just the way they do it.  I swear it tastes different when it’s cut that way, you gotta try it.  http://www.olivebarct.com/georges/

square vs pie?

Square cut vs. Pie cut: Discuss amongst yourselves…

pie vs. square

I’m not sure which cut is better but the debate goes on:  http://www.ask.com/bar?q=why+is+pizza+cut+into+squares&page=2&qsrc=0&ab=0&u=http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/dining/chi-090722-pizza-cut-debate,0,7968080.story

More:  http://www.ask.com/bar?q=why+is+pizza+cut+into+squares&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=6&u=http://www.thedeets.com/2008/04/11/square-sliced-pizza-vs-regular-slices/

-Tom

“Amava l’immensità non perché lo facesse pensare a Dio, ma perché dove c’è più spazio, meglio si respira; amava le stelle, non perché le considerasse altrettanti mondi  che girano nello spazio, ma perché trovava piacevole avere sopra la testa un baldacchino blu bordato di diamanti; amava le grandi foreste, non perché i loro recessi sono pieni di voci misteriose e poetiche, ma perché la volta fitta proietta un’ombra che i raggi del sole non arrivano a penetrare.”

“L’oscurità cominciò a calare dapprima nei punti più bassi, salendo come una marea lungo i tronchi d’albero, sulle fiancate delle rupi, sui pendii della montagna, portando con sé il silenzio e scacciando un po’ alla volta le ultime luci del giorno, che si rifugiarono in cima al picco, oscillarono per un attimo come le fiamme di un vulcano, poi a loro volta si estinsero, sommerse da quel mare di tenebre.”

“I cuori feriti sono fatti così: la gratitudine se ne va attraverso la deriva, e il dolore diventa un giudice rigoroso.”

(Alexandre Dumas)

(da: “Georges”)