What can be sacrified for yor having a Job in Italy?

Italian voters were facing that conundrum today after the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, promised to be chaste until the country's general election, due to be held on April 9.
Mr Berlusconi, Italy's richest man and a father-of-five, told a TV preacher that he would " try not to let you down" as he made the pledge. In return he was thanked by Massimiliano Pusceddu, not least because the PM also took the opportunity to restate his opposition to same-sex marriage.The coming weeks will tell whether Mr Berlusconi, who once told international financiers that the beauty of Italian secretaries was good reason to invest in the country and has mused about legalising brothels, has now successfully moved to tap the celibate vote. Election strategists take note!

Our Admiration to those Making People Laugh, especially Pepe Rubianes

There are some people in life that turn out to be extremely important though often involuntarily forgotten. These are those making other people laugh and thus improving their happiness, our hapiness. Such as most Catalan baby boomers as ourselves, we grow up listening to Eugenio “saben aquel que diu”,…and Pepe Rubianes mimicking the sound of a “discreet fart”. The first one, Eugenio passed away few years ago but he is not forgotten. In fact, just yesterday we listened to a few jokes he explained in 1999 at the famous club “Luz de Gas”. We were in our place with Dario and Issa ( our Mexican friends) and we could not refrain to talk about the man, how he was and how important he was. Mariona and Marc were there as well, patient to Eugenio’s recorded voice, and laughing as we always do regardless of havibg listended him many times. We still laugh at the same jokes once and again, must be a sort of disease. Other explanantion point towards some sign of respect, as well as emorional loyalty to the memory of Eugenio’s sense of humour, just thinking of “saben aquell,…”- mixing both Catalan and Spanish languages at a time-, its extremely funny to us, difficult to fully explain.

Besides Eugenio, another reference to us is Pepe Rubianes. He has managed to maintain a play named “ Rubianes solamente” for about ten years now (aprox),....he loves using slang, taking the piss out of Spanish rightwingers, and let face itm thanks to him, we have realised that insults in general feel stronguer in Spanish compared to other languages including Catalan( one reason more to maintain the language besides Latinamerica and the Basque Country). Just thinking of Rubianes saying " hijos de la grandísima puta" is a worthwhile spectacle ( if you click to the upward link you will be able to hear his voice in site) .Yesterday, he received a famous award, an award in the memory of Preich ( a former Catalan artist) that he deserves this by far! But as often is the case, its difficult to be loved and not hated. The Spanish francoist bastards of the PP party and the nationalistic association called “Fundación para la Defensa de la Nación Española” have initiated a personal campaign against him, without thinking for aminute that this equals a campaign against ourselves, our memory and our view of life. Pepe is in our thoughts as if the nationslistic Spanish bastards would attempt to attack us. In the meantime, one way through is to repeat what he said in the program el club of the Catalan TV referring to the Spanish francoist :

"Que es fotin Espanya al puto cul a veure si els exploten els ous"; "se'n vagi a la merda la puta Espanya" o "se'n vagin a prendre pel cul aquests espanyols". "No pot venir un paio de Conca cagant-se en l'Estatut perquè aquí hi viu mig Conca".

As some Argentinians use to say we love you Pepe, Maaaestro!

Going public and getting used to it.

Some scientists argue that anxiety and stress people have are likely to result from the inexcusable need of planning ahead, inextricably associated with modern societal life. No question about it. Off course coffee might well exacerbate the effects, but planning is not always possible, despite people´s attemps. Anxious individuals are said to be those that already live their future in their present time, which inhibits them from "feeling the pleasures of present life" as much as one might be expected to . Interestingly, the last two weeks have been quite the opposite. Unexpected things have happened in many fronts, especially to Joan and as a result to Marta, new area and new experiences were not the only thing. For instance, last week Friday 5 .30 pm Joan was called to speak in the program Europe Today (BBC world radio) on the uprising attempt by the infamous general Mena, so-called “ Aguafiestas”. The experience was good, he could well have had an influence on the opinion brits have on the Spanish state structure. On the other hand, it was a good opportunity to express the view some Catalans have on a controversial issue, at least to contest strongly biased views of their usual comentator who happens to be an MP of the PP party and "diplomat & son of francoist diplomat" Gustavo de Aristegui. Overall, the speech Joan gave was fine and English was fluid enough, still needs sharpening though,..... However, Marta thinks Joan was not radical enough -to put it some way, as he should have voiced his independentist views of Catalonia more clear. Indeed, she was listening from her work with her mates. On the other hand, Joan thinks that the fact he was not too radical might allow him to be more clear-cut about the Catalan case the next time anyway, they got the details now... a matter of strategy at the end of the day.

But this is not the end, yesterday Joan gave a talk to some members of the Catalan Community in London on the Economics (and politics) of Catalonian’s Sovereignty Fundacio Empresa Oberta . The talk was fine despite no power point projector was available. Lots of interesting people were there including the head of the department of Hispanic languages at Eton College, people who work at the BBC, the London office of Banc de Sabadell, COPCA, the Spanish Embassy and of course businessman, academics, PhD students and other people that are job hunting in town. Our Friend Toni “ the priest” (that happens to be the vicary of the Gaudi's Sagrada Familia) joint us and even participated in our discssusion. Previously, he had been some days with us, literally our first guest in Kentish Town- apparently the sofa is not that bad he quotes. After the speech an interesting discussion took place, especially with Eduard Vallory on the process towards independence, though no clear-cut conclusion was drawn after all.He argued aginst the us of the term "soverighty" and "nationalism" though Joan strongly thinks that he came along fundamentally to show off a little . In fact, a simple search on the literature shows that soverightly is till an up to date concept and that nationalism despite being a stigmatised concept is the right term to ladell a self-determinantion process. Tentative conclusion is that most of the analysis is at the early stage and more research needs to be done.

So see, this week was quite a busy one in social terms, no time for planning, life goes faster than our capacioty to plan ahead, need time to stop the word and reflect, silence no more discussion. Definetely, during last two weeks we have "gone public" , though the frightening bit is that we seem to get used to it.

Back in track, Christmas is gone,…. for good?!

(Photograph taken by Marta with her oldish camera in Chelsea bridge in London, at 5 pm on a sunday we reckon! )



Christmas (Xmas), that is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, has become one of the most incredibly celebrated festivities. It is a needed break in the middle of winter, else some might comit suicide. Had Christmas not exist, something on the same lines (even more comercial) would have been invented, so lets leave it as it is, no reason for change. Christmas time reminds us ( or shoud) that we all have a family (and that we have a past that will condition our future, for good). It tells us that we should not forget our beloved. Friends matter and family as well. Interestingly, Joan got inquired by some family members during Boxing day about why his family is not more cohesion (but the reason why is a long stoy that you don't want to know). Meanwhile, Marta had fun with daddy’s family: each Vilella is quite special, no doubt are all nice chaps (as say here in LDN!).

Yet, we should recognise that Xmas its is stressfull as well. As previous years and unlike most couples we spend Christmas as a separated couple during meals!, each one with its own family ( and God in each single one as they say at home). Either grandpa or grandma are still alive & we don’t want to upset them. Joan’s grandma still organises the boxing day dinner in a “poshy” restaurant in Barcelona (this year was “ el Mirador del Palau de la Musica”), very fashion like, not Joan's cup of tea though, may be more Mart's style. Besides family affairs, we had some time for some friends, not all though and most were Marta’s pal's. However, unavoidingly, when visiting friends at home we feel like physitians visiting families : we first sit in their sofas, talk for a while on how the world has changed since last visit and then we end up leaving halving their drinks and empting their fridges. No doubt, Marta had stomachake after eating for once during the fatteing christmas lunches. New years eve was quite familiar, catching up with some frinds, no mistery about whatsoever.

Without even noticing, January the first was the day to go back to London - we did not even notice we had to enjoy our time in BCN. But something had to happen before we left, it could not be that simple! In fact it became the most stressful time of the whole Christmas. All was the result of carrying two convertible bikes (absolutely perfect for London streets). However, after driving all the way from Premià to the airport (trains do not reach the airport due to operating works untile summer) we found out , already in the airport, that Easyjet does not accept bikes without being adequately packed ( this is the difference with travelling easyjet, a guy from Arifrance said they do accept them anyway!!). It was a surprise, but not a huge worry had every thing else been working. The problem was that in New Year's day, Barcelona is totally dead, nothing is open, not even the airport post office where we could have bought boxes in a normal day. Whilst Marta searched for solutions ( ended up calling her Dad to come and pick the bikes up). Joan drove the car to Joan’s parents flat in Barcelona and expected to stop a taxi to go back to the airport . Yet, once he was in Barcelona, sreets were totally empty . Then he called radiotaxi (supposedly the best taxi company in town) and despite they said after a phone call they would send a taxi in 10 min, they did not & after half hour waiting they literally reponded that no taxis were available in the area, bastards!. Joan panicked a little and ended up calling Marta’s dad to come and pick him up ( else he would have missed the flight), but after two minutes miraculously a taxi stopped and by change he got to the airport just on time.

Marta, once all is over says had her dad come, we would still had missed the flight, who knows. But it is true that whilst easyjet often is delayed, that day it even left Barcelona early. So honestly, if you can: avoid travelling onJanuary 1st. Joan has already put a query to the Spanish Consumer Association and to the radiotaxi company. We got to London and all was quiet (see photograph a attached from a week before Christmas), feels safe and civilised. Christmas is gone, thanks God.

Hypatia of Alexandria a reference for women and men

Hypatia was the daughter of Theon of Alexandria who was a teacher of mathematics with the Museum of Alexandria in Egypt. A center of Greek intellectual and cultural life, the Museum included many independent schools and the great library of Alexandria.
Hypatia studied with her father, and with many others including Plutarch the Younger. She herself taught at the Neoplatonist school of philosophy. She became the salaried director of this school in 400. She probably wrote on mathematics, astronomy and philosophy, including about the motions of the planets, about number theory and about conic sections.
Hypatia corresponded with and hosted scholars from others cities. Synesius, Bishop of Ptolemais, was one of her correspondents and he visited her frequently. Hypatia was a popular lecturer, drawing students from many parts of the empire.
From the little historical information about Hypatia that survives, it appears that she invented the plane astrolabe, the graduated brass hydrometer and the hydroscope, with Synesius of Greece, who was her student and later colleague.
Hypatia dressed in the clothing of a scholar or teacher, rather than in women's clothing. She moved about freely, driving her own chariot, contrary to the norm for women's public behavior. She exerted considerable political influence in the city.
Orestes, the governor of Alexandria, like Hypatia, was a pagan (non-Christian). Orestes was an adversary of the new Christian bishop, Cyril, a future saint. Orestes, according to the contemporary accounts, objected to Cyril expelling the Jews from the city, and was murdered by Christian monks for his opposition.

Cyril probably objected to Hypatia on a number of counts: She represented heretical teachings, including experimental science and pagan religion. She was an associate of Orestes. And she was a woman who didn't know her place. Cyril's preaching against Hypatia is said to have been what incited a mob led by fanatical Christian monks in 415 to attack Hypatia as she drove her chariot through Alexandria. They dragged her from her chariot and, according to accounts from that time, stripped her, killed her, stripped her flesh from her bones, scattered her body parts through the streets, and burned some remaining parts of her body in the library of Caesareum.
Hypatia's students fled to Athens, where the study of mathematics flourished after that. The Neoplatonic school she headed continued in Alexandria until the Arabs invaded in 642.
When the library of Alexandria was burned by the Arab conquerors, used as fuel for baths, the works of Hypatia were destroyed. We know her writings today through the works of others who quoted her -- even if unfavorably -- and a few letters written to her by contemporaries.

Should we feel ashame of our English accent?

After living for a while ( 3 years Marta-5 years Joan) in the UK we seem to have improved slightly our English, step by step. It is relatively easy to reach a point that you make your self understood, but to go step forward is a different story, far more ambitious and not always succesfull at the end. Achiving a level of foreign language profiency can become an obesssion until one recognises that will never get rid of the original accent, and that it is not that bad, every one has an indentity and ours is not English. The best we can do is to improve some proninciation by smoothing some fonetics but after 5 minutes or before, our origin is discovered. Happily some think we are Dutch, other Italian and a some few regard us as Spanish ( here is what pisses Joan off). One can reduce the number of mistakes and learn more vocabulary and that's about it really. Yet, recently, we have heard that apparently regional accents are much worse for business that "overseas" accent see the news that came out yesterday in the BBC:

"Among the English accents tainted with business failure are Scouse, Brummie, Cockney, Geordie and the West Country. The Aziz Corporation found that Home Counties, American, Scots, European, Indian or Asian were prized accents. "If you sound like Vera Duckworth you will face prejudice in business," said Khalid Aziz, its chairman. Mr Aziz added: "Although it may not be politically correct to believe that accents matter nowadays, it is very apparent from our research that popular prejudices still exist"

"If you want to get ahead in business and don't speak the Queen's English, it is better to sound as if you are from America, Europe, India or indeed Scotland than from any English region
Khalid Aziz, The Aziz Corporation. The survey found 77% of business people thought a Home Counties accent was a sign of success in business followed by 73% favouring an American accent, 63% a Scottish accent, 52% continental European and 25% believing Indian or Asian accents were successful. However 64% of business people regarded those with a Liverpudlian accent unsuccessful, closely followed by a Birmingham or West Midlands accent, 63%, Cockney, 52% and Geordie or West Country 48%. It also found that businessmen who speak with an Indian or Asian accent were considered to be hardworking and reliable by 69% of their peers, a higher rating than any other accent. Those with US accents were considered to be diligent by 66% of their peers, followed by 61% favouring a Scottish accent and 50% preferring a Home Counties accent. However, only 24% of executives consider those with a Scouse accent to be hardworking.
"Albert Einstein Said Mr Aziz: "If you want to get ahead in business and don't speak the Queen's English, it is better to sound as if you are from America, Europe, India or indeed Scotland than from any English region. "Accents can speak louder than words. Even if you think like Albert Einstein, the reality is that if you sound like Vera Duckworth you will face prejudices in the business world. "In the light of these results we would advise individuals to consider softening rather than changing broad accents. He added: "Experience shows that the key is to avoid using localised vocabulary, which others may not recognise." But Mick Ord who coordinated the BBC's Voices Project said: "I would have thought what is more important is how intelligent or how efficient you are." He said surveys about accents tended to be very subjective and superficial.
"It's a bit like saying who is your favourite band?"