There have been some good and some ugly today. I'll keep the best for the end though.

So let's talk about the ugly then. I am currently surrounded by countries in the middle of a political crisis. I've just learnt that the Christian Democratic Union in Italy is leaving the coalition formed with Berlusconi's 'Forza Italia' ('moderate' right wing), thus plunging the country in a governmental crisis (ok, Italians are used to it, but still). Germany is still in shock after the passports scandal (refered to in German as the " Visa-Affäre") linked to the office of everyone's favorite politician, Joschka Fischer. And all the polls indicate that France is about to vote against the European Constitution, which would not only be a first, but also be a major blow to the development of the EU, since France is, with Germany, one of its motors.

Luckily, there were also things today that put a dreamy smile on my face. I ended up on a documentary on David Hockney (even if you think you don't know him, you do: 'A Bigger Splash' anyone?). Now, David Hockney's paintings never moved me. Maybe it's just that I don't understand his art. It's very possible. I never studied art, what little I know is from articles or books I've read here or there, and that's it. But this documentary was focusing on something that took my breath away: his work on sets for operas. Notably his understanding of the lightening of the stage and the use of it is impressive, and make his work highly recognizable.

Another thing, in no way a discovery for me (I think the first time I heard them was in 1999), but always a pleasure to listen to: Sigur Ros. This is an Icelandic band that was discovered in the rest of Europe by touring with Radiohead after the release of Kid A. They've always remained pretty low key, so you are excused if you don't know them today. But you have no excuse if you won't know them tomorrow. You can download many of their songs legally from their official website. You can also download videos and artworks. From the list proposed in regard to studio tracks previously released, I strongly recommend "Starálfur", from their first album released outside Iceland, "ágætis byrjun". I can't describe their music to you, they evolve in their own world, that reflects at the same time the violence of the nature in their home country (a bit like Björk's "Homogenic"), but has a dreamy quality to it that makes it very precious to my ears, especially in times like these

Please, feel free to comment on this or ask questions on any of the subjects developed above by contacting me, either by gram or scroll

Finally, my home is starting to look like something decent. I have a lot of work still ahead of me, but it's taking shape at last. This has taken quite a bit of my time yesterday and today (and Kendal's today, made me that lovely jewel graphic that I *had* to put at the very top of the page).

Nothing very exciting today otherwise. A lot of work also in other hoods (SF is approaching WAY too fast, LOL). Oh yeah, and then of course, there was the event of the day: Charles and Camilla's marriage. Followed it a little live on the BBC, although I'm not really interested. Still, I just wish them the best of luck, there are enough marriages falling appart without adding theirs. That you are born Prince of Walles or in a favella somewhere in the suburb of a big town of South America doesn't matter: everyone deserves a shot at being happy.