Performance:
Promo gigs are never really good, this one isn’t a cracker either. The songs sound more or less pre-recorded (for example Edge’s singing amd some guitar rythms) and only Miracle Drug was above average. I don’t like Bono’s voice on this one, but I can’t blame him for that. 3/5

Audience:
Only 150 people out there so it’s pretty intimate, but they are probably still louder than the average American crowd in a stadium nowadays. 4/5

Sound:
Not very very good for a broadcast. City of Blinding Lights is even pretty bad mixed, the channels swap constantly. Also the crowd is at some points even louder than the band. 4/5

Overall:
Highlights: Miracle Drug
Lowlights: Bad mixing of the sound, too heavy prerecorded 3.5/5

Fan advice: not worth downloading

More info:

download

U2gigs

Next show: 1986-06-04 – San Francisco, California (Conspiracy of Hope Tour)

I have a problem. I think that I am so used to my 3 or 4 hour nights that I forget why I started only sleeping 3 hours in the first place. I have to remember that if I am not manic, I’m probably going to want that sleep that I seem to constantly struggle to deprive myself of. It just doesn’t make sense. And here I am, wondering why I can’t wake up refreshed and ready to start the day today. I didn’t sleep last night. I should be fine.
I think what the problem is, is that I have forgotten what it is like to be normal. Like I had said in a previous blog—what is a normal sleep pattern? Not mine, that’s for sure. Or maybe I am manic. I was doing homework at 3:30 in the morning. I was “being productive”. Productive is one of my favorite words when I am manic, because that’s one of the things I can feel quite easily. Just give me ten things to do and I’ll do them in nine minutes. I’ll pound out whatever.
My brain feels cloudy and I keep getting waves of vertigo or something like it. I need coffee. I need my caffeine. I need to stop frying my hair with a straightening iron just because “I got bored”. Sorry about that randomness.
Well, I must get ready for school. Carpool comes in 30 minutes.
Will write later today.

Every therapist who tests people for balance disorders and dizziness will use similar tests. Here are four examples of the tests that are used, which may include additional explanation if there’s an abundance of scientific terms. Explanations/definitions are in italics and I have edited the copy for better reading comprehension.

Oculomotor examination

Assess for an internuclear ophthalmoplegia [eye weakness] and gaze-dependent nystagmus [involuntary movement in the eye that indicates neurological abnormality]. Nystagmus of peripheral [inner ear] origin typically is unidirectional. Nystagmus of brainstem or cerebellar (ie. central) origin may be bidirectional and have more than one direction. Pure vertical nystagmus almost always is a sign of brainstem disease and not a labyrinthine [inner ear] disorder.

Station (Romberg)

The…Romberg test is having the patient stand heel to toe with 1 foot in front of the other; this test is required to detect abnormalities in younger patients.

Fukuda test (stepping test of Unterberger)

The patient is asked to step in place for 20-30 seconds. Rotation of the patient may indicate a unilateral loss of vestibular tone.

Dix-Hallpike maneuver

The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is one of the most important tests for patients who experience true vertigo. This test involves having the patient lie back suddenly with the head turned to one side. The test results are considered abnormal if the patient reports vertigo and exhibits a characteristic torsional (ie. rotary) nystagmus that starts a few seconds after the patient lies back (latency), lasts 40-60 seconds, reverses when the patient sits up, and fatigues with repetition.

For more information and more tests:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/856440-overview

I thought I’d share some of my fav comics out now… I have been feeling a little swamped with all the Blackest Night Green Lantern, Titans, Batman, Superman, Corps, Britney Spears… Ok, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea!  I mean really dreaming about black rings is just not healthy!

So, I thought I’d start fresh with a few new comics.  And let me tell you, these ones should NOT BE MISSED!

1. IMAGE UNITED- (Image) Image founders doing all the characters they do best!  All in ONE COMIC!  I MEAN REALLY!!!
2. STUMPTOWN- (Oni Press) Lots of similarities between this heroine and Batwoman in Detective Comics… Maybe that’s because they are both badass creations from the mind of Greg Rucka!
3. CINDERELLA FROM FABLETOWN WITH LOVE- (Vertigo) We all know the fairy tale, but the most exciting stuff is what happens after that!  Bond, Cinderella Bond.  Ok maybe that joke doesn’t work… But, whatever, she’s a spy!  Oh, and she owns a shoe boutique!
4. MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ- (Marvel) If this series is anything like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, well, I will certainly be following that yellow brick road!
5. SKY PIRATES OF NEO TERRA- (Image) The artwork in here is just amazing!  Camilla d’Errico is giving JH Williams III a run for his money as my favorite artist!

by Matt Wagner (writer), Amy Reeder Hadley (pencils), Richard Friend (inks), Guy Major (colors), and Jared K. Fletcher (letters)

This is probably the best issue of Madame Xanadu in months.  Of course, this is thanks in no small part to the jaw-dropper ending.  I was absolutely stunned, as it was played and set up perfectly by Wagner.  It’s the return of an element we haven’t see in a very, very long time in the series and as such, it comes out of left field.  Even better is the fact that Wager is a master when it comes to his use of red herrings.  He’s so good at it that this month’s ending simply comes out of nowhere; it’s one of those rare cases where it’s jarring in a good way.  I absolutely cannot wait for next month’s issue.

Beyond that, this month essentially does everything that Madame Xanadu does well.  It’s full of that sense of dark whimsy that has made the series such a success.  As was the case last month, while Betty’s torments are clearly horrifying and while she certainly is a sympathetic figure, it’s all rendered with a kind of black humor.  That said, this month, when her curse reaches its apex, Wagner does a great job at portraying her desperation and emotion.  While the humor is still there, this month is heavier on the horror, as Betty begins to lose not just her appearance, but her personality.  Last month, we saw her physically becoming someone else and this month, we see the mental transition, which is unsettling.  That said, Wagner still manages this with a comic touch.

And that’s it really.  Wagner is able to portray what would be some gritty, dark stuff in an accessibly light-hearted fashion.  This month’s introduction of a mysterious satanic cult, for example, is hard not to read without a smile on your face, despite none of them actually cracking jokes or making pratfalls.  It’s purely a matter of tone and atmosphere, and a mark of Wagner’s ability.

Of course, this atmosphere is also thanks in no small part to Hadley.  The satanic cult is funny because Hadley makes them funny.  There’s also a very humorous scene involving Betty’s husband and his lecherous “Tuesday night” efforts that really is quite a laugh, largely thanks to Hadley’s excellent illustrations of Betty and her husband’s respective facial expressions.  All told, it’s just a beautiful book and I’m also happy to report that colorist Guy Major is back to his usual quality fare, as opposed to the insanely bright work we got last month.

This comic really was a pitch-perfect and an enjoyable experience throughout. It has everything that got Xanadu to the Eisners. Wagner scores high with what is by far the most enjoyable issue of Madame Xanadu in a very long time. The ending will have those who’ve been on-board from the start gasping.

Grade: A-

-Alex Evans

To really get a deep understanding of your ear, its parts and how they work, check out the link below. You can click on the different parts of the vestibular system to learn more about them.

http://webschoolsolutions.com/patts/systems/ear.htm

Enjoy!

Just when the whole world was waiting on the sun, the snow came again.
The ache made numb and the regrets washed away.
The past exhaled into nothing, something to set you free.

Senses fail under ice and everything is hidden so you can forget.
Looking back and the snow begins to melt, lets start new.
A sunset to show the world made into a blank slate.
Let the past go.
Melting snow; liquid vertigo.

The earth shows through and it’s no suprise…it continues to spin.
Back to the same old routine, eat your heart out and live life tripping over yourself.

Can’t you let go of your mistakes that add the self-inflicted sting?

The same holds true for all; ignorance is bliss and faith is our freedom.

La Vertigo ha pubblicato, oggi, la preview della raccolta di Shade The Changing Man.

Peter Milligan ai testi e Chris Bachalo ai disegni. Tutto in puro stile primi anni 90: grande uso dei testi incorniciati e vignette con colori “negativi”.
La “British Invasion”; fantastico.

Se come me non sapete che fumetto fosse (avevo 7 anni)  fate un salto qui.

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100 Balas comenzó su publicación bajo el sello Vertigo, perteneciente a DC Comics, en Agosto de 1999 y finalizo en Abril de 2009 sumando un total de 100 números, sus autores Brian Azzarello y Eduardo Risso terminaron su mejor obra luego de casi 10 años para el deleite y alegría de todos los seguidores que 100 Balas cosecho en todo ese tiempo. Hasta el momento la serie solo esta en español hasta el número 68, a medida que el resto de la obra sea traducida la iré agregando a la entrada, que la disfruten =).

100 Balas

La obra 100 Balas nos muestra a un ser desconocido que carga con un maletín, en su interior hay una pistola y 100 balas inrrasteables. Con estos elementos esta persona misteriosa le ofrece a distintos personajes la posibilidad de vengarse con total impunidad de quienes hicieron sus vidas miserables. El comic cuenta con varias historias cortas que a medida que los números pasan lleva al lector a hacerse una pregunta “quien es la persona que carga el maletín y que lo motiva a ofrecer semejante propuesta?”, la respuesta a este interrogante se ira manifestando de poco con cada número, pero eso dejo que lo descubran ustedes.

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100 Balas – #001  [MU]
100 Balas – #002  [MU]
100 Balas – #003  [MU]
100 Balas – #004  [MU]
100 Balas – #005  [MU]
100 Balas – #006  [MU]
100 Balas – #007  [MU]
100 Balas – #008  [MU]
100 Balas – #009  [MU]
100 Balas – #010  [MU]
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100 Balas – #012  [MU]
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100 Balas – #014  [MU]
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100 Balas – #016  [MU]
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100 Balas – #018  [MU]
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100 Balas – #023  [MU]
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100 Balas – #026  [MU]
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100 Balas – #028  [MU]
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100 Balas – #031  [MU] 
100 Balas – #032  [MU]
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100 Balas – #034  [MU]
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100 Balas – #036  [MU]
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100 Balas – #038  [MU]
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100 Balas – #040  [MU]
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100 Balas – #042  [MU]
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100 Balas – #054  [MU]
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100 Balas – #060  [MU]
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100 Balas – #062  [MU]
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100 Balas – #064  [MU]
100 Balas – #065  [MU]
100 Balas – #066  [MU]
100 Balas – #067  [MU]
100 Balas – #068  [MU]

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Saludos =).

Just found that Wikipedia has an article on MAV, several months ago there was nothing really on the net about it. Good to see that it is finally a recognized condition…… Over the past month I have seen more and more articles popping up on MAV.

Migraine-associated vertigo is vertigo associated with a migraine, either as a symptom of migraine or as a related but distinct neurological disorder; when referred to as a disease unto itself, it is also termed vestibular migraine or migraine-related vestibulopathy. Migraine causes more vertigo than any other medical condition.^[1] Approximately 27-42% of migraine patients suffer from associated vertigo.

The vertigo itself is a feeling of spinning or other motion when the sufferer is not actually moving. It is often accompanied by nausea and may lead to vomiting. As a symptom of migraine, it may also be accompanied by other migraine symptoms either before, during, or after the episode of vertigo. In some patients, however, the vertigo is the only symptom of migraine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine-associated_vertigo

(…)
Mas aqui nesta mesa a certas horas
Sentiste por vezes quase como um perfume
O espírito do tempo e o frenesim
Da breve roçagante inigualável vida
Multidão que passava em direcção à noite

Eu sempre gostei de Arte Nouveau e cada vez gosto mais. Talvez um dia, consiga colocar numa sala da minha futura casa, um vitral semelhante ao do Vertigo. Para quem ainda não sabe, o Vertigo é só o meu café favorito de Lisboa que até à data, ainda não foi ultrapassado por nenhum outro que conhecesse.

Hoje teria sido bom tomar lá um café e descontrair um pouco. Talvez no fim de semana consiga passar por lá.

GIRL
Peter Milligan & Duncan Fegredo
Vertigo

Huye de todo: de tus quince años, de tu suburbio de mierda, de tu virginidad, de quien eres. Sé otro. Ése sería el eslógan. Pero Milligan, que se ha hecho rico y famoso por sus superhéroes heterodoxos, en este tebeo fue él mismo. Se recordó con quince años y se transformó en chica. Y el resto debe ser muy parecido a lo que vivió -excepto por el premio de lotería-. Hay un tema muy importante que Milligan ha explorado mejor que nadie, tanto en “The Minx” como en “Girl”: el de la primera vez. Cuándo hacerlo, cómo, con quién. ¡Dónde! No hay bella literatura en ser adolescente y vivir en un barrio de la periferia. Es un asco, y ya está. Recuerdo este tebeo porque no quiero que se olvide. Su narrativa formidable, su humor tóxico, su cierre perfecto. “Girl” trata de cómo definirte cuando vives rodeado de gris y todos quieren que seas gris. Su atmósfera es muy británica, pero si de chaval viviste en el extrarradio, ya te sientes identificado. Merece la pena entregar una vida al cómic si consigues un socio artístico como Fegredo. Este tebeo ha generado al menos una vocación de guionista.

Grad noch den ersten Trade besprochen und schon gibt es Pix vom Filmdreh:

1. Beasts of Burden #3
2. Criminal: The Sinners #2
3. Dark Avengers: Ares #2 (of 3)
4. Detective Comics #859
5. Dr. Horrible #1 (one-shot)
6. Domino Lady #3 *
7. The Incredible Hercules #138
8. Northlanders #22
9. Queen Sonja #2
10. Thor: Giant-Size Finale #1 (one-shot)
11. Ultimate Avengers #4
12. Wonder Woman #38

* — Denotes those wavering at the edge of the Culling List.
§ — Denotes my last issue of this misbegotten series.

Still unsure about continuing Domino Lady, and I’m not real happy about Herc going up to $3.99.  Queen Sonja was so-so, and I’m giving it another issue or two before I decide to cut it or not.  Otherwise, pretty standard stuff for me.

Para iniciar o blog decidi, após muito tempo, começar falando sobre Fábulas, a HQ, que mais uma vez volta a ser publicada no Brasil, dessa vez pela Panini e começando apartir do 4º arco: A Marcha dos Soldados de Madeira. Como apreciador da 9ª arte e como a maioria dos brasileiros que resolveram ler os títulos da Vertigo apelei para os scans, pois o mercado brasileiro de quadrinhos… bem é assunto para depois. Fábulas é íncrivel, a idéia de misturar personagens marcantes de nossa infância em uma Nova Iorque caótica, após terem sido expulsas de seus mundos natais foi genial, além de que gosto principalmente do terrível Lobo ter se transforamdo no detetive (de vilão para protetor!) da cidade das Fábulas.

O título já começa muito bem com o arco Lendas no Exílio, em que somos apresentados a alguns personagens, como Branca que agora não é mais uma donzela indefesa e sim a real governante da cidade das fábulas, ao Rei Cole, o prefeito da cidade (que deixa todo o trabalho para Branca), o Lobo, que é uma grande surpresa, João e a alguns personagens que nós do Brasil, talvez, não conhecemos muito, como Rosa Vermelha, irmã de Branca. O arco começa com um assassinato e a corrida para descobrir o vilão. Os quadrinhos, que de infantil e inho não possuem nada, já mostram que não estão preocupados em mostrar pouco sangue (vide quadro em que mostram o quarto da personagem assassinada). Apartir desse ponto a história se desenrola e chegamos a um final surpreendente que lhe prenderá e cativará. Não perca a oportunidade de começar a ler essa obra vencedora de vários prêmios, como o Eisner de melhor nova série e até 2008 já tinha ganho 12 prêmios Eisner. E quando chegar junto com o lançamento nacional aproveite e compre a revista, pois por mais prático que seja ler por scans nada se compara a experiência de ter em mãos tal material.

Movie posters exist for the most part to advertise a new film to people who happen to pass by a theatre or bus stop. American graphic designer Saul Bass (1920-1996) saw the potential for the medium to be more artistic and provocative when he began making posters for films back in 1954, starting with Otto Preminger’s Carmen Jones. He continued to team up with Preminger, Alfred Hitchcock and others to design stylized posters, and even branched out into movie title sequences.

Even if you don’t know him by name, you are likely to recognize Bass’ work, or at least his influence.

In 1955, Bass re-teamed with Otto Preminger to create the poster for his controversial movie The Man With the Golden Arm in which Frank Sinatra starred as a heroin addict. Bass used the arm as a centerpiece, and established his signature style using deconstruction, bright colors and sharp angles.

Additionally, Bass designed the opening title sequence, once again highlighting the arm.

In 1958, Bass worked with Alfred Hitchcock for the first time with the release of Vertigo, the faux-supernatural mystery with a twist.

Also in 1958, Saul Bass worked again with Otto Preminger for Anatomy of a Murder. I think his deconstructive technique works especially well the dead body, and is a clever play of the “anatomy” part of the film’s title.

The design influence for the Anatomy of a Murder poster is evident in the poster for Clockers (Spike Lee, 1995). This was not put together by Bass.

Most recently, I spotted an homage to Saul Bass in this poster for Precious (Lee Daniels, 2009).

In addition to print work, the animation and motion typography featured in Bass’ movie title sequences has been imitated with some variation over the years. A great example is from the opening of Catch Me if You Can (Stephen Spielberg, 2002), which was created by graphic artists Kuntzel + Deygas.

If only there was an iPhone app where you could take a photo or video and Saul Bass-ify yourself.

Every so often I’ve updated the list of films that I have already seen with brief reviews.  Call it the complete-ist in me, but when I’m done with reviewing each of the films in the book, I’d like to have reviewed every single film in the book.

Anyhow, here’s another batch for you to read.

Enjoy!

Shichinin No Samurai AKA Seven Samurai (1954)

The Seven Samurai is the first movie that I had the pleasure of seeing from the master director Akira Kurosawa, and it is also one of his most praised works. Without a wasted frame, the story takes place over the course of almost 3 hours. Kurosawa, as he does in each of his movies, explores more than just the action and injustice featured in the plot. He is a humanist first and foremost, training his lens on the interpersonal relationships of the characters, tracking growth across this epic. As good as this film is, I would have to say that Kurosawa has numerous films that are even better, check out Stray Dog, Rashomon, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, and my personal favorite High and Low.

The Ladykillers (1955)

Existing as a special combination of dark humor, and slapstick farce, The Ladykillers is exceptionally funny and unsettling. Alec Guinness stars as the leader of a group of criminals staying at the home of a hardy, vivacious older lady under the guise of being musicians. The plan is simple, rob a bank, and utilizing the trusting nature of the kindly old lady, and the remoteness of her home to their advantage, get away with it. Easily my favorite of Alec Guinness’ films (thanks in part to the Star Wars prequels that is), The Ladykillers features a solid cast of great actors, including a very young Peter Sellers.

Bob Le Flambeur AKA Bob the Gambler (1955)

My introduction to the fantastic Jean-Pierre Melville, I was captivated immediately by the cool as ice gangster come gambler Bob. This film is filled with signature Melville-isms. Glorious post war street scenes in Paris. Trench-coats. Honor among thieves. And who could forget the caper. To talk too much about this film is to give too much away, and to do that is to ruin it for those who haven’t seen it. Other classics by Melville: Le Cercle Rouge, Le Samourai, and the recently released in the U.S. Army of Shadows. All are fantastic, and deserve to be in this book! Incidentally, Bob le Flambeur was recently re-made into The Good Thief starring Nick Nolte and directed by Neil Jordan, and while I’m not generally a fan of re-makes, I really, really liked this film. Not quite as good as the original, but it was one of my favorite films of 2002.

Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

The ultimate in hardboiled private eye crime stories, Kiss Me Deadly is a full on assault on decency. Kiss Me Deadly proudly presents itself as a grimy PI story, littered with bodies and intrigue. If you even have a passing interest in film noir, this should be your first stop. Violent, misogynist, brutish, and glorious, Kiss Me Deadly begs to be watched and dares you to look away. I myself, loved it!

The Ten Commandments (1956)

Apparently based on a book, The Ten Commandments is an epic in every sense of the word. Colored in bright explosive candy hues, and featuring huge sets, as well as a cast that number in the thousands, The Ten Commandments is more spectacle than great movie. Certainly not a waste of time, but not my first choice when choosing something light to throw in.

Det Sjunde Inseglet AKA The Seventh Seal (1957)

A classic, and well-loved film by Swedish auteur Ingmar Bergman, The Seventh Seal stars an extremely young Max von Sydow as a knight who faces Death at a game of chess to decide his fate. This film is filled with themes that find their way into each of Bergman’s works, ranging from courage in the face of death, religion, and humanity. The Seventh Seal still holds up to this day, with luminous black and white photography that, thanks to Criterion’s Blu-ray edition, has never looked better.

Note: Don’t be fooled by the similarly themed, but much worse, “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey”

Kumonosu Jo AKA Throne of Blood (1957)

Kurosawa’s retelling of Macbeth set in feudal Japan. Shakespeare has never looked better as it does in the stark black and white, twisting shadows and swirling mists as seen through Kurosawa’s camera. Toshiro Mifune doesn’t disappoint in the lead role, but the real stand out is Isuzu Yamada in the as Mifune’s opportunistic, poisonous wife. The plotting and scheming starts right from the get go, all the way up till the frenzied end of the film.

Touch of Evil (1958)

One of the many trouble spots on Orson Welles’ resume due to studio interference, and financing issues, still Touch of Evil remains as possibly the best B-Movie ever made. Iconic (and sometimes hilarious) performances by Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston (as a Mexican) and Welles himself as the crooked cop willing to do almost anything to ensure justice prevails (just so long as it’s his justice). The movie is almost as famous for its long tracking shot opening as it is for any of the performances, featuring a nearly 4 minute shot done in one take which travels around cars, actors, and buildings. The film The Player, payed homage to it by mentioning it a few times during a similarly complex shot in that film.

Vertigo (1958)

Flopping on its initial release, Vertigo didn’t gain the acclaim it deserved until much later after it was released on video. Vertigo visits themes present in each of Hitchcock’s other works, including the obsession with blondes, innocence tainted with corruption, and the schlub who get in over his head. Jimmy Stewart plays the schlub, Kim Novak plays the blonde, and gloriously technicolored San Francisco plays the innocence and the corruption. Vertigo has a twisty convoluted story with elements of surrealism, an interesting watch.

Mon Oncle AKA My Uncle (1958)

My favorite of Jacques Tati’s Monsieur Hulot films, Mon Oncle was also the first of them that I had seen. Tati, playing Hulot, is a master of visual comedy, and not in the same way as the Three Stooges, or even Buster Keaton. Tati is an artist whose work is appreciated the longer you watch. The plot of the movie is not so much important to the film as it is simply a guide to get our characters into interesting situations so we can watch them get out. If you liked this film, check out other films featuring the bumbling Mr. Hulot, including Trafic, Playtime, and Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot.

Les Quatre Cents Coups AKA The 400 Blows (1959)

My personal favorite of the French new wave movement was this small-scale film, personal piece from Francois Truffaut. Featuring the director’s alter ego, Antoine Doinel, The 400 Blows is the first in a series of movies, each about a different stage of life and the challenges that go along with them. The period from childhood to young adult is covered heart-breakingly here, following Antoine through the rough waters of his home life and his interaction with the outside world. Later chapters deal with finding love, getting married, having children, and growing old, but Les Quatres Cent Coups remains the directors most personal and his best.

North by Northwest (1959)

One of Hitchcock’s best, North by Northwest features Cary Grant, suave as ever, being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies. Just like in Hitchcock’s most famous works (of which this is one), the witty one-liners, suspense, and drama are heaped on generously. I can’t help but feel sad that a similarly themed, but better film featuring Cary Grant was left off this 1001 list. Charade, also featuring Audrey Hepburn, James Coburn, and Walter Matthau, is one of my favorite movies ever! Check out both Charade AND North by Northwest as a double feature! You won’t be sorry.

Some Like it Hot (1959)

Now this is an example of a classic, well-loved film, with actors that I really love (Jack Lemmon I’m looking at you), a premise that is more than suitable, yet the finished product never really caught me. It’s sort of like Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. I never really saw what all the hype was about. That being said, I didn’t hate it either. It never made fun of me when I had braces, or turned me down for a date, my affections and this film have just always been mutually exclusive. Perhaps it deserves another watch…then again maybe I should just watch The Last Boyscout again.

A Bout De Souffle AKA Breathless (1959)

Jean-Luc Godard is nothing if not a sacred cow of French cinema, and while I have loved some of his other films (Le Mepris, Bande A Part, and Masculin Femenine), Breathless or A Bout De Souffle never really did it for me. I can still rationalize why it was so revolutionary (use of jump cuts, editing, non-actors, and subscription to the aesthetic of the French new wave style), and see it’s importance, but I prefer other examples of New Wave cinema. If you are interested in seeing a Godard film, try Masculin Feminine, it is just as revolutionary and a bit more accessible.

Psycho (1960)

A prime example of Hitchcock in his prime. Psycho was so good, and so affecting that some of its actors were type cast just on the strength of this one film (Anthony Perkins, and Janet Leigh), so much so that without a little research it’s hard to think of what other films either of them has been in. Psycho may not be as visually shocking and gory as horror films of today, but it still manages to hold up over time and be just as unsettling as it was back in its day. Hitchcock has always excelled at making the comfortable un-comfortable (motels, birds, tea, dreams, the list goes on…), and the subtle touches in this film work perfectly. Consider for a moment that Perkin’s Bates is an amateur taxidermist of birds, and then that Janet Leigh’s name is Marion Crane a type of bird, or the fact before the crime Marion is wearing a white bra and a white purse, while after it she is wearing a black bra and purse. His attention to detail, and knack for foreshadowing is demonstrated in full force in Psycho and remains one of his best films. Despite all the uproar over the Gus Van Sant remake, I thought it actually did some justice to the original film and if nothing else brought it a little more deserved attention.

Note: This film also has the distinction of being the first American film to ever show a toilet flushing on-screen.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Released the same year as Psycho, and dealing with similar subject matter, Peeping Tom wasn’t received with the same acclaim and attention that the former was. On the contrary, Peeping Tom was seen as subversive, perverted, and generally too shocking. The story revolves more around the killer than the victim in this one, whereas Psycho is presented more from the victim’s point of view. Either way, Peeping Tom is a fine film, one worth watching, however it is so similar to Psycho that I’m not sure it needs to be on the list of 1001 films.

The Apartment (1960)

As far as light-hearted, touching movies about someone recovering from a bout of depression, this one is my favorite. Billy Wilder directs Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon in a sweet touching comedy without losing any of his trademark cynicism or the pointedness of his dialogue. The Apartment is another chance for me to champion the somewhat maligned talents of Mr. Fred MacMurray as Lemmon’s boss. MacMurray plays a fantastic creep who really defines the term “heel”.

Spartacus (1960)

Containing almost none of the trademark elements that make up a Stanley Kubrick movie as we know it (Kubrick apparently dis-owned the film before it’s release), Spartacus remains an interesting movie that isn’t great. It is, however, another example of a film that enabled an up and coming filmmaker to gain his voice, and define himself later on in his career. If only for that reason, Spartacus is a great film, but luckily for the studio, it has some other things going for it. Kirk Douglas plays the title role of Spartacus, and despite all the lavish set production, and concentration on spectacle, brings some heart to the slave who defied Rome.

Jules Et Jim AKA Jules and Jim (1962)

One of director, Francois Truffaut’s most well thought of films, Jules and Jim may be the Lost In Translation, or Juno of its time. Viewed from a certain angle, the plot is a completely moving and emotional story that you believe, so much so, that you can see yourself and those around you in the roles that these characters embody. Viewed from another perspective, it can seem a little precious or purposefully manipulative. Depending on what is happening in your life (I’m mostly thinking about whether or not you are in a relationship, and if you are happy), this movie can preach the glory of love and the pain of rejection. On the flipside, if you have shaken free the angsty, teenager-esque feelings everyone has had in their youth, you may feel like you’re being talked down to.

Cleo De 5 A 7 AKA Cleo from 5 to 7

Taking place, as the title suggests, from 5 to 7, we get a slice of the life of Cleo played out before us. Sometimes we, along with Cleo herself, are a voyeurs into the lives of people around her, and other times we are focused on her as she roams around Paris. By and large Cleo lives a carefree, spoiled life, yet we still sympathize with her when times are hard, and cheer for her when they are good. This is a small film in a lot of ways, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t impacting and beautiful.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

I have to admit.  I didn’t like Lawrence of Arabia that much.  Perhaps I was too young to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of Lean’s desert panorama camerawork, or just maybe it was the epic length that decided it for me.  One way or another, I didn’t appreciate it as much as everyone else seems to think I should. 

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Overly reliant on gimmicks and quick editing techniques, The Manchurian Candidate doesn’t flesh out the story nearly…wait, no that was the terrible re-make that came out in 2004.  The original 1962 version, is just as taught, and well executed today as it was at its release.  While the story between the two versions remained virtually the same, the consistent building of tension and anxiety, combined with the pitch perfect acting of Lawrence Harvey, Frank Sinatra (yes…Frank Sinatra), and the devilish turn of Angela Lansbury as the Queen of Hearts, makes for a fantastic film.

Lolita (1962)

It took me forever to finally see Lolita.  I have known the basic story (older man, younger girl) but had just never gotten around to seeing it.  And while I’ve been told that the book is much better, I thought the film was pretty good.  Not great, mind you, but definitely solid.  The shocking and controversial nature of the relationship was toned down a bit for the screen, and maybe as a result doesn’t seem all that shocking in today’s day and age.  Memorable turns by Peter Sellers, and Shelley Winters, not to mention it’s an early film of Stanley Kubrick.

The Birds (1963)

Despite being one of Hitchcock’s most popular, I actually think that The Birds is one of his most over-rated.  I think I owe it to myself to give this one another look someday, but right now I feel that it was too heavily based on the gimmick that had to rely on special effects.  Though it is not necessarily the fault of the movie, but the special effects seemed particularly dated and old fashioned.  Worth a watch, but not my favorite by a long shot.

8 1/2 (1963)

Federico Fellini is, by most accounts, a master of cinema.  One, that I have always had a little trouble getting fired up over.  It’s not that I don’t like his films once I’ve seen them, the problem comes in when it comes to motivating myself to see them.  I couldn’t tell you why, but his films consistently get pushed off when they come up on my Netflix Queue or when I see the one or two I have on my shelf.  I shouldn’t feel this way, considering I really loved the moving poetry, and soul baring passion in 8 1/2, yet it still happens.  One very definite reason to watch this film is the man-crushable Marcello Mastroianni, swaggering through as the alter-ego of Fellini himself.  Dealing with all the reservations with women, making movies, childhood, and the future that the director very famously dealt with himself, Mastroianni embodies a certain cool, yet believable character that begs to be watched.  Combined with imagery that leaves the audience wanting more, 8 1/2 is a fantastic film.

Well, that’s it for this time.  Thanks for reading!

Greetings to Tucson Audiologists’ Patients and Colleagues!  Today we’re picking up our on-going discussion with Alan Desmond, AuD, about balance problems.  Dr Desmond is a nation-wide expert on balance problems.  This is the fourth article in the dizziness series.  Here are some hilights of what  we’ve learned so far in this amazing series:  

• 75% of dizzy patients mention symptoms to their health care provider, yet only 33% of geriatricians pursue that complaint, compared to audiologists, who check it out 84% of the time.  Getting specific is essential, because it points to tests that allow diagnosis and treatment. 
• Half of all inner ear disorders are due to just one condition, yet fewer than 10% of people with that condition are offered a treatment that is documented to effective 90% of the time! 
• Antivert may help nausea.  It doesn’t help imbalance, unsteadiness or lightheadedness. It doesn’t speed recovery from inner ear disorders and can actually slow down the natural recovery process.

Please read the first three blogs if this topic interests you.

Here’s a summary of the Question We Posed to Dr Desmond:

 Dear Dr Desmond,

We’re getting puzzling phone calls and second hand reports.  They go like this:  Dizzy patients are getting MRIs and full brain work ups but they are not getting hearing and vestibular evaluations.  According to the anecdotal reports, these patients aren’t recovering much and some still don’t have a diagnosis.
In the “old days,” patients were referred to an ENT and audiologists right away and most of those patients received help and recovery.  Are our memories getting fuzzy or have things changed in the delivery of balance health care? What, in your opinion, is the best protocol for assessing and treating these patients to optimize their recovery? What is the likelihood of success for patients of this type?

Sincerely,

Holly and Sharon

Here’s Dr Desmond’s Response Today:

Dear Holly and Sharon,

In a previous blog, I posed your question in terms of tests procedures:  Why do people with dizziness get full neurologic workups, usually including CT or MRI scans of the brain?

 I said the answer lay in the economics of the situation. Specifically, it has to do the cost of liability risk associated with assessing dizzy patients.  From that perspective, let’s analyze the neurological workup first, for a common dizzy complaint.  In my opinion, ordering a cranial MRI for the complaint of positional vertigo is extreme and contrary to published clinical guidelines (Bhattacharyya et al, 2008).  MRI and CT scanning workups act as insurance that patients’ symptoms do not stem from a stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis or other life threatening conditions.  Yet, such neurological conditions are very uncommon in dizzy patients — they account for only 1% of the dizziness problems.  With such a low incidence rate of neurological problems, it is not too surprising that these neurological tests are not efficient in evaluating dizzy conditions.  In a recent study (Korres et al, 2009) MRI found the cause of dizziness in just 3% of patients.   

 In contrast, electronystagmography (ENG) is a traditional test of vestibular function that consistently finds the cause of dizziness in 50% of patients (Korres et al, 2009).  Vestibular specialists using ENG and more advanced equipment, such as a Rotational Chair, find the cause of dizziness in about 80% of patients (Arriaga et al., 2005). 

It seems clear that economic liability is the motivating factor for ordering MRIs and CT scans for dizzy patients, since so few of them are helped by those procedures.  But what about the financial cost to patients?  In 2004, when I wrote the first edition of Vestibular Function (Desmond, 2004), the patient’s charge for an ENG test was about $350 and about $1200 for a cranial MRI.  Since then, the charges have changed rapidly and varied wildly depending on payor, but I think it is fair to say that a cranial MRI is about double the cost of a full vestibular evaluation, and about 4 times as much as a standard ENG test at present.

The dizzy patients and their medical providers face the paradox that expensive work-ups must be ordered (and paid for)  to rule out conditions that 99% of the patients do not have, while tests that cost ¼ to ½ as much are not ordered even though they are known to identify 80% of the problems these patient do have!

 Once again, the situation boils down to economics.  Stay tuned for the last entry in this blog series next week, when I’ll tie it all together and make some projections as to how this paradoxical situation may play out in the future of health care delivery.  Thanks for letting me explore this topic in detail. 

 Sincerely,

Alan Desmond, AuD, Clinical Audiologist, Blue Ridge Hearing and Balance Clinic

References

Arriaga MA, Chen DA,  Cenci KA (2005). Rotational chair (ROTO) instead of electronystagmography (ENG) as the primary vestibular test. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, Sep: 133(3): 329-33.

Bhattacharyya N, Baugh RF, Orvidas L, Barrs D, Bronston LJ, Cass S, Chalian AA, Desmond AL, Earll JM, Fife TD, Fuller DC, Judge JO, Mann NR, Rosenfeld RM, Schuring LT, Steiner RW, Whitney SL, Haidari J. (2008). Clinical practice guideline: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, Nov; 135(5 Suppl 4): S47-81.

Desmond, AL (2004). Vestibular Function: Evaluation and Treatment.  NY:  Thieme Scientific & Medical Publ’g.

Korres S, Riga M, Papacharalampous G, Chimona T, Danielidis V, Korres G, Xenellis J. (2009). Relative diagnostic importance of electronystagmography and magnetic resonance imaging in vestibular disorders. J Laryngol Otol. Aug;123(8):851-6. Epub 2009 Feb 4.

Respectfully submitted for your reading pleasure

,

Wie der Name schon sagt ist The Losers eine lose Neuinterpretation der original DC-Losers, orientiert sich aber an ein erwachseneres Publikum und erscheint deshalb auch auf richtigerweise auf Vertigo Comics.

The Losers sind eine US-Special Forces Einheit die durch Zufall auf ein CIA Komplott stießen und vom selbigen deshalb auch kurzerhand umgebracht werden hätte sollen. The Losers wollen nun so viele Beweise gegen den CIA sammeln wie möglich ist und so ihre Streichung von der Death List erpressen…

NaJa, ehrlich gesagt weiß ich nicht ob dies so ein kluger Plot ist. Warum soll der CIA davon absehen eine Gruppe zu töten wenn die Gruppe noch gefährlicher für sie wird?

Aber kann auch sein, dass gar nichts so ist wie es scheint, denn schon bei den ersten 6 Heften der Serie dreht sich die Handlung in viele verschiedene Richtungen. Keiner scheint für die Seite zu spielen für die er vorgibt zu sein und auch ob es der CIA ist der die Losers tot sehen will, scheint am Ende gar nicht mehr so sicher…

Dem zu Grunde liegt eine großartige Drahtzieher Figur namens „Max“ die ähnlich wie Keyser Söze bei den Usual Suspects im Hintergrund die Fäden beisammen hält. Oder auch nicht… Wer weiß.

Der Rest der Losers ist, wie bei vielen anderen Outputs des Militär-Genres, sehr gut in Funktionen aufgeteilt. So gibt es den abgedrehten Hacker, den schweigsamen Scharfschützen der sein Ziel nie verfehlt, den Chef der sich die Pläne ausdenkt usw. Sehr Archetypisch, sehr standardisiert und keine der Figuren kann durch sein Agieren besonders überraschen. Dafür haben sie aber alle einen Coolness-Faktor Hoch 10.

Die Story selbst, überzeugt aber nicht nur durch seine Wendungen sondern auch durch eine Menge Action und vielen, vielen atemberaubenden Szenen, die nur nach einer Verfilmung zu schreien scheinen. (Ich persönlich hätte da aber lieber eine Serie gesehen)

Als etwas störend empfand ich die starke Verwendung von Militär-Ausdrücken und -Abkürzung die die Loser zwar glaubhafter machen, wegen denen ich aber auch den Trade zweimal lesen musste bis ich alles komplett verstand.

Jocks Artwork ist.. ok. Also das passt schon, doch ähnlich wie bei der Handlung brauchte es auch hier ein zweites Mal lesen bevor ich es zu mögen begann.

Wer das „A-Team“ oder das „Dreckige Dutzend“ mochte, wird sich auch von der Charakterisierung der Loser angesprochen fühlen. Auch wer Andy Diggle erst vor kurzem durch seinen Thunderbolts Run kennen und lieben lernte, sollte sich die Loser zulegen, da er auch hier eine ähnliche „nichts ist so wie es scheint“ Schiene fährt.

Losers ist sicherlich nicht für Jeden geschrieben und ähnlich wie bei manchen Platten, musste ich mir Losers öfter durchlesen bis ich sie „Ante Up“ zu schätzen lernte.

Thrill, Humor, etwas Heist und viel, viel Action. Wer das mag, mag auch die Loser!

4/5

THE LOSERS, Vol.1: Ante Up! (TPB, Softcover)

VERTIGO COMICS, März 2004

beinhaltet The Losers #1-6

Bueno me han pedido que haga una nota sobre “El Maestro” Gustavo Cerati y pues aquí la tienen.

Cuando se trata de Cerati, muchas veces sobran las palabras, puesto que ya se sabe casi todo y por lo general siempre su música lo dice todo. Pero me vino un flash de una presentación que tuvo Gustavo en el año del 2004 en el DF, donde fue un show muy íntimo y que no muchos fueron los afortunados de poder presenciarlo, el lugar para dicho evento fue “La Tirana” y estamos hablando de un 5 de abril del 2004, Cerati venia a presentar su proyecto llamada Roken que nació durante la gira “Siempre es Hoy” y que esta conformado por Flavius Etcheto y Leandro Fresco, ante cerca de 300 personas que se reunieron en el bar La Tirana.

Lo que pudo demostrar Cerati esa noche es que también es un gran dj, ya que también hubo la oportunidad de verle un dj set al “Maestro”, aquí les dejo 2 videos para que vean más o menos que es lo que se vivió esa noche.

25 de julio. Sentada en el Talula sin poder hacer nada. No para de llover. Lo raro es que en Port Moresby (capital de Papua Nueva Guinea), apenas llueve durante la estación seca. Ha venido con nosotros  y es que la llevamos enganchada como una cometa desde que salimos de Noumea.

Noumea.  Salida el 1 de mayo. Ese día dejamos definitivamente nuestra boya en la bahía de l’Orphelinat para irnos a otra que estaba a sólo 3 millas de distancia. Tuvimos buen viento y todo empezaba bien hasta que el motor se paró justo cuando bajábamos la mayor y decidíamos ir a coger esa boya.  Pequeño susto pero que sin más apuro que el de los vecinos de otras boyas que nos miraban con cara de: y que hacen esos llegando a vela hasta el fondeo? y del meñique del pie izquierdo de Joan Antoni, que se lo puso del revés. Luego fueron dos “cracks” hasta colocarlo en su lugar.

De la isla Mêtre, partimos hacia varios fondeos dentro de Nueva Caledonia. Entre ellos visitamos Ille de Pins y por último Lifou. De la primera recuerdo sus aguas cristalinas, sus rocas en medio de las bahías en forma de champiñones, sus carreteras planas  que nos permitió visitarla íntegramente con las bicicletas, de ese aire entre mediterráneo y tropical tan peculiar de esta isla, de sus pinos y de un pequeño bosque de un kilómetro de largo que parecía sacado de algún cuento de Andersen, de sus fondos marinos, concretamente en Gadji, donde una pared llena de coral de todas las formas y colores, caía en vertical a una profundidad de 15 a 20metros. Me quedé sin aliento.  Y de un tiburón curioso que nos estuvo siguiendo un buen rato hasta que decidió cambiar de rumbo y que también me quitó el aliento durante ese tiempo.

De allí saltamos a Lifou. Al llegar al fondeo, Daniel y Cristine (unos amigos de Noumea), nos  esperaban en la playa. Fue un reencuentro de lo más curioso y divertido. Esta vez  visitamos la isla en el coche de ellos. Desde los peñascos podías ver los fondos del mar pletóricos de toda clase de corales.

Fue un día excepcional. Llegó la noche y esta vez la despedida fue con los pies llenos de arena y empujando el auxiliar para regresar al Talula.

 Hasta ese momento todo fue bien pero al cabo de dos días, el tiempo decidió cambiar y tuvimos que buscar un nuevo fondeo para protegernos de los vientos del oeste que persistían en no dejarnos tranquilos. Fueron dos días de pura agonía. Nos cruzó un frente que nos hizo levantar ancla a las 4 de la madrugada ya que pasamos de estar bien protegidos, a tener toda la mar que se nos echaba encima.  Al mediodía, llegamos a un supuesto fondeo protegido de este viento. No hubo manera. Con el ancla a 20 metros de profundidad en medio de corales, arrecifes a otros 20 metros de nosotros donde el choque del mar contra ellos, hacía que casi casi, la espuma te salpicara a la cara, una ola pequeña y una mar de fondo que nos hizo cabalgar durante toda la noche sin poder pegar ojo y finalmente, una salida otra vez, a marchas forzadas, hacia otra isla situada al oeste. No se pudo. Una mar de gigantes y un viento en contra, hizo que diéramos media vuelta y que pusiéramos rumbo al siguiente país: Vanuatu. Y así con una velocidad de vértigo y planeando sobre las olas, dejamos Nueva Caledonia.

Nos separaban 250 millas de nuestra primera parada: Epi. El viento continuaba soplando del oeste  por lo que era casi imposible encontrar algún fondeo en el que pudiéramos estar tranquilos. Seguíamos sin poder apenas dormir hasta que llegamos a Malecula. Aquí todo cambió: vuelta a la normalidad (vientos del SE) y reencuentro con este maravillo país que personalmente, considero es lo mejor del Pacífico. Vanuatu fue paseos por las islas, intercambio de producto

 manufacturado por frutas y verduras, un mes apenas sin pasar por el banco, de buenas y sabias conversaciones, de gentes orgullosas de su identidad,

de un trato de igual a igual que te hacía todo muy fácil, de una visita a un volcán que le dejó a Joan Antoni sin tres uñas de los pies por no estar acostumbrado a caminar con botas en la isla más mágica de Vanuatu, de un fondeo en una pequeña bahía en la isla de Maewo , rodeado de un precioso pueblo

 y a la popa, una increíble cascada a la que accedías con el auxiliar y que cuando llevabas 5 minutos en ella, estabas rodeado de 10 personas viendo como lavabas

 o te duchabas claro está, con pantalones y camiseta por respeto a ellos y para evitar posibles picadas de mosquitos. Aquí ya estábamos en territorio de malaria. De la asistencia a un acto presidido por el primer ministro de Vanuatu que llegó en una pequeña lanchita y con su maleta ya que debía de pasar aquí la noche.

 De cómo el cocinero nos pedía salsas para acabar la cena que debía de ofrecer a tan ilustre personaje. Del saludo que nos ofreció el  primer ministro y de la ironía de la vida que nos hizo sentir un tanto incómodos ya que todavía no habíamos formalizado la entrada al país (Inmigración y Aduanas estaban en la siguiente isla). De la despedida de Maewo  y salto a Espíritu Santo donde hay una pequeña ciudad que parece el lejano oeste. De un señor con taparrabos y descalzo, comprando en un supermercado de la ciudad. En esta isla, hay tribus en la montaña que apenas han tenido contacto con el hombre blanco. Y de una comida en la isla de Pentecoste con el jefe de la tribu que nos hizo pasar un rato muy agradable y entender un poco más a esta sociedad que viven en plena adaptación con su medio, que son conscientes del cambio climático y que su longevidad es gracias al cultivo de sus propios productos sin ningún tipo de pesticidas ni fertilizantes.

Y así, con este buen sabor de boca, dejamos Vanuatu para visitar las islas Salomón. Aquí fueron 3 semanas donde al llegar a la capital Honiara, descubrimos que llevábamos una pieza del enrollador de génova roto. Tras hacer la entrada a este nuevo país, nos fuimos a un pequeño grupo de islas al norte de Guadalcanal, donde estuvimos unos días disfrutando de sus paisajes aunque no tanto de sus gentes.

Salomon es básicamente Marovo lagoon y Ghizo en nuestro recorrido. El primer lugar es una gran laguna en donde a través de unos canales de aguas no siempre profundas, entras a un nuevo mundo de pequeñas islas con sus poblados, de canoas llenas de artesanía que te invaden durante todo el día,  de aguas de mil matices, de paseos en el auxiliar por medio de canales llenos de coral,

de preguntar cada vez que llegábamos a un nuevo poblado si había cocodrilos o no y de keto keto, último poblado que estaba a 10 metros del Talula y en donde pasamos 3 días que acabó con nuestra paciencia y educación.

No sé qué es lo que les hace tan diferentes estas gentes del resto del Pacífico pero aquí el melanésico intenta sacar el máximo provecho de ti sin dar absolutamente nada a cambio. Desconozco sus códigos y evidentemente, en 22 días poco puedes hacer pero no entiendo a que es debido tanta codicia por parte de ellos cuando su clima hace que la naturaleza sea muy generosa y no necesiten grandes esfuerzos para conseguir alimentos.

Finalmente, después de 3 semanas estresantes ya que las cartas de navegación están llenas de errores, los fondeos profundos y llenos de coral y todas las noches encerrados en el Talula ya que estas islas están llenas de malaria, partimos con un supuesto buen parte hacia el archipiélago de las Louisiades (SE de PNG).

La travesía fue bastante dura. Vientos de 35 nudos sostenidos y una mar que barría el Talula a su antojo rebozándolo todo de sal y a un  Joan Antoni  desquiciado por no saber hacia dónde dirigir al Talula (oficios del capi y el  mío de aguantarlo).

 Fueron tres noches y tres días donde un sarao de isobaras, SCPZ, un alta y una baja, se divirtieron con nosotros.

Llegamos a una isla llamada Pana Kuba. Estábamos destrozados. Hacía un día y medio que no comíamos nada sólido. Esa noche dormimos como reyes.  El fondeo era una laguna entre tres islas. Delante teníamos una islita y toda una barra de arrecifes que conectaba con la otra isla, protegiéndonos de las olas pero permitiendo que entrara el viento.

Louisiades fueron 15 días más de islas llenas de encanto, de murallas de piedra haciendo de guardianes contra las inclemencias del tiempo, de mucha pesca con algún que otro resultado por mi parte, de navegaciones fantásticas con 3 nudos de corriente a favor en algunos tramos y de mucha tranquilidad.

Pero el viaje continúa (debemos de estar en Thailandia en diciembre y aún quedan muchas millas por delante) y después de dos días de navegación con puntas de 9 nudos de velocidad (nunca visto hasta ese día en el Talula), llegamos a Port Moresby aunque ese último día, amaneció torcido.

La noche anterior, una invasión de piqueros, intentaban ponerse en el Talula. Unos giraron el windex  y otro dejó la placa solar a rebozar de excrementos. Yo tonta de mí, cómo se pudo colocar en la placa pensé: mira éste, ya está colocado, ya no molestará. Y al día siguiente, al encender el motor, éste se paró. Otra vez el corazón en un puño y a sólo 13 millas de la entrada por una gran barrera de arrecifes. Hubo suerte y descubrimos rápidamente el problema. La angustia sólo duró media hora.

Y ya aquí en Port Moresby, estamos  reclutados en una  marina que es una burbuja de australianos, esperando que nos traigan un repuesto.

La marina es increíble y sus gentes aún más. El otro día,  un miembro del Royal Papua Yacht  Club que es cónsul honorífico de Austria, nos acompañó por todas partes ya que necesitábamos hacer unas cuantas gestiones. El hombre nos explicó que disparó y mató a un tipo que pretendía entrar en su casa (todavía no lo había conseguido) y dicho acto, no supuso preguntas “indiscretas” por parte de la policía. Joan Antoni y yo en un “cacho” mercedes con el “cónsul honorífico” en cuestión, no sabíamos que hacer o decir mientras él nos explicaba esta historia sin alterar por ello ni un milímetro el pulso de sus manos o el timbre de su voz.

La ciudad tiene 700.000 habitantes y el 96% está sin empleo. A todas partes debes de ir con taxi. Al menos es lo que te recomiendan hasta la saciedad las chicas de recepción.  Se imaginan la provocación que supone ser un blanquito turista con cara aturdida, gorrito para el sol y bermudas?. Es difícil entender pero hay que ver para creer lo que pasan éstas gentes.

Esperemos que la pieza llegue pronto de Australia y que Talula vuelva a la mar en dirección esta vez a Indonesia dejando finalmente el Pacífico para dar paso al Indico,

 Talulas