So, my R&R at my friend’s converted monastery in the Italian countryside has turned out to be not as recuperative as I had hoped. The view from up here is beautiful, and the monastery itself is lovely, but it is still being renovated, which means that I have been descended upon by a crew of hirsute Italian workmen, who are jackhammering big holes in the walls.
CJ...thanks for this...the coffee eating did make me laugh out loud. I totally love your humor. And I agree 100% regarding your assessment of Venice. Your description nailed it. It seems odd and sad that we have reached a point in our "human development" where all the places in the world that were significant enough to be etched in the collective psyche as places "I would like to visit one day" are as you describe. I went to Rome last year and it was a nightmare...as is everywhere I have gone that is as "famous" as Rome is.
There are places you can go where there are not millions of tourists with cell phones...but for the most part they are rather dicey and lack all of the amenities. But then again, isn't that the point of travel? I am reminded of the movie "Sheltering Sky"...a bad movie, but an interesting comment on what travel really used to be like...
I digress. I cannot imagine what you are going through with this persecution, but I suppose it is an indication that your work is actually getting through enough that the "powers" feel the flea bite you have inflicted and have started scratching. Congratulations. I do my little writing on Off Guardian and my substack and I should be so lucky that my work is effective enough that "they" come after me!! Ha ha!! That will be the day.
I wish there was something I could do to help you. You are a true inspiration! Keep up the wonderful, and so so so so important work.
Thanks, and you are doing something to help ... everyone expressing their support and making others aware of the broader crackdown on dissent is helping.
Glad You did the Venice experience. If anything, it is a trip into the watery heart of the Italian soul. I have many comical memories of times when it was not that crowded. You are brave to return to Berlin. Things are really going off the rails there now. But to sit at an early hour in the Golgatha can compensate for a lot. Or Ankerklause. Wishing You the best and Brother Iz said "Full sail, brother!"
Paul and Jane Bowles were incredible literary figures. Morocco such an inspiration for so many... including Burroughs, the Stones, etc etc etc.
Oh, and for any others drawn to that region: the film Hideous Kinky is gorgeous as well (great soundtrack, too; a rare case that the film outdid the novel, IMO.)
Thank you, I got the Bowles collection from the library. Will dig in. Hope you like Hideous Kinky. Kate Winslet does a fine job and I love the capture of that era in Morocco.
"100 Camels In The Courtyard " stories by Bowles, I think it was a New Directions paperback. Especially remember a story titled "He of The Assembly"...or have I not remembered something? And yes I do remember personally 'that era in Morocco".
Now that I’ve recovered from my spit take over “gondolier convention,” I will say I am sorry to hear the monastery was not as restorative as hoped and dearly needed, and I am even sorrier to hear you will soon be back in New Normal Germany. That said, perhaps you will be able to work on an escape plan using your Get-out-of-New-Normal-Germany fund. Just imagine you are a Jew in 1938 Berlin … oh wait, now I’m guilty of relativization, too. Thank goodness, I’m not in Germany.
Regardless, I look forward to the day when we can meet in the forest like The Book People of “Fahrenheit 451”:
Thank you for clarifying, CJ. Somehow my brain overrode “making arrangements to return” and “best wishes from somewhere in Italy” with the fear that you were already back in hostile territory. I have amended my comment accordingly to avoid causing confusion to others.
Dearest Duchess, what an extraordinary statement and one I will treasure, especially since I know what a sensitive empath (and fellow bibliophile!) you are.
The honor of tea with royalty like you would be all mine, and perhaps the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse will join us in Wonderland ☕️
Yes. The irony of "collapsed under its own weight" made me laugh, and also hope. Perhaps all the insanity of what's happening around us -- of which CJ is only one example, although I am worrying about him and very upset -- may also suffer a similar fate.
Strange how a citizen can be penalized by the authorities for allegedly furthering the aims of a former national socialist organization that hasn't officially existed for 80 years, yet those same 'authorities' are OK with supplying arms to an organization to the east, some of whose members openly display the symbol of that same national socialist organization. I guess it depends on which side of the Ironic Curtain you stand.
Venice is a place filled with the ghostly presence of both its victims and criminal victimisers. Where the cabal laid low until they regrouped in London. I appreciate that you allow readers a free subscription that allows comments. I'm sure it makes it far more taxing on the writer. I wish Taibbi would also allow comments without paying. We hosted him at our bookstore some years ago. He may gather a lot of information he would find useful or maybe questions he may find annoying should he do that but that's how the free flow of information accelerates progress, knowledge and fairness.
Although I get plenty of sends from Taibbi, that pay-wall is a bit of a put-off, maybe because clear back in '73, after being egested from my necktied journalistic position; my independent spirit embarked upon another pathway which ultimately transpired into a now fifty year career of voluntary poverty.
Being part of the "inner" 60's, thus possessing a few insights into how things really work between the "Haute Bourgeoisie" as the French so acutely tagged the oppressor class; there was no way I was gonna pay tribute to The MAN. Thanks and kudos to C.J. for enabling those of us on quite limited incomes to become an active element in this great struggle versus those who would vacuum the entirety of humanity into their all herded-up with no way to get off the down escalator.
Why not a brief cup of coffee in Venice? Not particularly envious, though, as having been thoroughly involved in that bit of uniqueity in earlier centuries. The world of books can convey one's presence into other times and places. The grace of SciFi, for example, drifts us into possible futures as well as those which usher us into fascination with the past and the turmoil of the current state of manifest unreality.
You know thought crimes are the worst kind, right? Arson and assault are peaceful protests, words are violence, and thought crimes are murder. In the New World Order.
Next trip to Venice, go on a Tuesday, not during tourist season (and also not when the canals are drained for cleaning—check first). You can skip San Marco unless you want to do an essay on Crusader looting, you've already been to Harry's (I never have), and there are at least 100 other coffee shops. Once you explore, you will find that the city is not idyllic but is real and charming in its Venetian way, most distinctly in its having been preserved sufficiently to allow the history-minded tourist to connect quite a few medieval dots.
The architecture in Venice is wild (a crisscross of Arabesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, Byzantine etc. I'm sure an architect could expand better here). It's not known for its food and drink and not a place for foodies like Rome. Easily among the most unique cities on the planet. Even its history is peculiar and intriguingly opaque in some ways. People forget, but Venice had one of the longest-running empires in history. For conspiracy theorists, the Venetian Nobility features prominently in the scheme of things.
“ It really is a lovely place, the monastery. I can’t tell you much about it because I’ve been sworn to secrecy. I am not the only one the authorities are cracking down on, and, the way things are going, thoughtcriminal sanctuaries like this might become increasingly useful. Not that the authorities can’t locate it if they want to. We’re all walking around with bugs and trackers in our phones (yes, I have a phone I use for traveling). But there’s no reason to make it easy for them.”
More than useful... Faraday wallets are a necessity now that hackers can scoop up your data from two feet away. I had a credit card number hacked that way.
home again, home again...dickety dock. I'm sorry the place you call home is treating you so unjustly. I wish there was something I could say to ease your unease. No words can or should express how you are being tossed about held up as an example of what happens to you when you express yourself in a world now suppressing free expression and free speech of a satirist. it's ugly now, but I hope things brighten for you somehow. in the meantime, we who admire you, will send you well wishes and all the best as we too are here with you in Clown World.
I listened to your interview with Dirk Pohlmann and it was so good I'm going to listen to it again. You are evoking so much empathy in your plight and that's what the world needs more of. We have to remember to feel for each other and you certainly are striking that chord. Know that you are shining like a bright light bulb in a mess of dim watts.
Grateful you have the sanctuary, C.J. And, while I understand your reasoning for partitioning your interviews etc. into Sections, perhaps you might send out an announcement to this list once in a while, summarizing what's on. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who would love the extra impetus to check out these updates. We all do want to stay informed.
Take excellent care, C.J. Enjoy that humbler cup of Joe and avoid the tourists traps!
CJ...thanks for this...the coffee eating did make me laugh out loud. I totally love your humor. And I agree 100% regarding your assessment of Venice. Your description nailed it. It seems odd and sad that we have reached a point in our "human development" where all the places in the world that were significant enough to be etched in the collective psyche as places "I would like to visit one day" are as you describe. I went to Rome last year and it was a nightmare...as is everywhere I have gone that is as "famous" as Rome is.
There are places you can go where there are not millions of tourists with cell phones...but for the most part they are rather dicey and lack all of the amenities. But then again, isn't that the point of travel? I am reminded of the movie "Sheltering Sky"...a bad movie, but an interesting comment on what travel really used to be like...
I digress. I cannot imagine what you are going through with this persecution, but I suppose it is an indication that your work is actually getting through enough that the "powers" feel the flea bite you have inflicted and have started scratching. Congratulations. I do my little writing on Off Guardian and my substack and I should be so lucky that my work is effective enough that "they" come after me!! Ha ha!! That will be the day.
I wish there was something I could do to help you. You are a true inspiration! Keep up the wonderful, and so so so so important work.
Thanks, and you are doing something to help ... everyone expressing their support and making others aware of the broader crackdown on dissent is helping.
Glad You did the Venice experience. If anything, it is a trip into the watery heart of the Italian soul. I have many comical memories of times when it was not that crowded. You are brave to return to Berlin. Things are really going off the rails there now. But to sit at an early hour in the Golgatha can compensate for a lot. Or Ankerklause. Wishing You the best and Brother Iz said "Full sail, brother!"
Sheltering Sky was visually stunning. Bowles' book is incredible. Highly recommend.
One of the best books I've read.
Shattering.
Try his short stories: they're as good as any ever written.
Def will do. What are your faves?
Paul and Jane Bowles were incredible literary figures. Morocco such an inspiration for so many... including Burroughs, the Stones, etc etc etc.
Oh, and for any others drawn to that region: the film Hideous Kinky is gorgeous as well (great soundtrack, too; a rare case that the film outdid the novel, IMO.)
Thanks Erin.
HIDEOUS KINKY is available from Netflix and is on the top of my list.
Hope they can get it to me before they close shop at the end of the month.
Favorite Bowles short story?
Can't say. No longer have the volume of all Bowles' short stories as I lent it to my nephew and never got it back.
Get a volume of the complete stories from Amazon—I know, I hate Bezos too, but it's only $20:
https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Paul-Bowles/dp/0061137049
If you don't like them, I'll buy the book from you.
mummifiedibis13@gmail.com
Interesting article about Bowles and his short stories.
"Cold" is an understatement.
http://www.thewag.net/books/bowles2.htm
Thank you, I got the Bowles collection from the library. Will dig in. Hope you like Hideous Kinky. Kate Winslet does a fine job and I love the capture of that era in Morocco.
"100 Camels In The Courtyard " stories by Bowles, I think it was a New Directions paperback. Especially remember a story titled "He of The Assembly"...or have I not remembered something? And yes I do remember personally 'that era in Morocco".
Thank you, Erin.
Agree on both counts.
Now that I’ve recovered from my spit take over “gondolier convention,” I will say I am sorry to hear the monastery was not as restorative as hoped and dearly needed, and I am even sorrier to hear you will soon be back in New Normal Germany. That said, perhaps you will be able to work on an escape plan using your Get-out-of-New-Normal-Germany fund. Just imagine you are a Jew in 1938 Berlin … oh wait, now I’m guilty of relativization, too. Thank goodness, I’m not in Germany.
Regardless, I look forward to the day when we can meet in the forest like The Book People of “Fahrenheit 451”:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCaLf7fA07w
I'm not back in Germany yet, staring at the Italian countryside right now as a matter of fact.
Thank you for clarifying, CJ. Somehow my brain overrode “making arrangements to return” and “best wishes from somewhere in Italy” with the fear that you were already back in hostile territory. I have amended my comment accordingly to avoid causing confusion to others.
Margaret Anna Alice, you are the best, nicest person I have ever "met".
If we ever meet in real life, I promise I will get out and polish the silver tea set, and would
be honored if you would take tea with me.
Dearest Duchess, what an extraordinary statement and one I will treasure, especially since I know what a sensitive empath (and fellow bibliophile!) you are.
The honor of tea with royalty like you would be all mine, and perhaps the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse will join us in Wonderland ☕️
I so admire your calmness!
I so don't want CJ going back to Germany...
You have such a calm and thoughtful way of saying things!!
If you come for tea, please don't put the Dormouse in the teapot :-)
Or butter in the watch!!
Haha, don’t worry, Duchess, the Dormouse can sit wherever he likes—although he may wish to take precautions if the Cheshire Cat decides to join us 😸
Oh i love that.
We need more tea with proper silver tea sets. And beautiful china and a white linen tablecloth.
Thank you for this link. It captivated my soul.
📚💗
CJ, if you ever want to hole up in the States we have room for you. I do not know if there is a way to private message on Substack.
Same!
There is some good news that happened while you were away: the statue of Merkel riding a horse collapsed into pieces.
That was my early morning chuckle yesterday. Today it's the spoon-coffee and the gondolier convention.
Which still makes me chuckle. An instant classic.
Yes. The irony of "collapsed under its own weight" made me laugh, and also hope. Perhaps all the insanity of what's happening around us -- of which CJ is only one example, although I am worrying about him and very upset -- may also suffer a similar fate.
Strange how a citizen can be penalized by the authorities for allegedly furthering the aims of a former national socialist organization that hasn't officially existed for 80 years, yet those same 'authorities' are OK with supplying arms to an organization to the east, some of whose members openly display the symbol of that same national socialist organization. I guess it depends on which side of the Ironic Curtain you stand.
Props for "Ironic Curtain."
Venice is a place filled with the ghostly presence of both its victims and criminal victimisers. Where the cabal laid low until they regrouped in London. I appreciate that you allow readers a free subscription that allows comments. I'm sure it makes it far more taxing on the writer. I wish Taibbi would also allow comments without paying. We hosted him at our bookstore some years ago. He may gather a lot of information he would find useful or maybe questions he may find annoying should he do that but that's how the free flow of information accelerates progress, knowledge and fairness.
Kudos Gayle, the spirit of Liberty expresses the champion within reaching freedom.
Although I get plenty of sends from Taibbi, that pay-wall is a bit of a put-off, maybe because clear back in '73, after being egested from my necktied journalistic position; my independent spirit embarked upon another pathway which ultimately transpired into a now fifty year career of voluntary poverty.
Being part of the "inner" 60's, thus possessing a few insights into how things really work between the "Haute Bourgeoisie" as the French so acutely tagged the oppressor class; there was no way I was gonna pay tribute to The MAN. Thanks and kudos to C.J. for enabling those of us on quite limited incomes to become an active element in this great struggle versus those who would vacuum the entirety of humanity into their all herded-up with no way to get off the down escalator.
Why not a brief cup of coffee in Venice? Not particularly envious, though, as having been thoroughly involved in that bit of uniqueity in earlier centuries. The world of books can convey one's presence into other times and places. The grace of SciFi, for example, drifts us into possible futures as well as those which usher us into fascination with the past and the turmoil of the current state of manifest unreality.
You know thought crimes are the worst kind, right? Arson and assault are peaceful protests, words are violence, and thought crimes are murder. In the New World Order.
CJ, I absolutely love your writing style and sense of humour, despite your situation-- many thanks.
Next trip to Venice, go on a Tuesday, not during tourist season (and also not when the canals are drained for cleaning—check first). You can skip San Marco unless you want to do an essay on Crusader looting, you've already been to Harry's (I never have), and there are at least 100 other coffee shops. Once you explore, you will find that the city is not idyllic but is real and charming in its Venetian way, most distinctly in its having been preserved sufficiently to allow the history-minded tourist to connect quite a few medieval dots.
The architecture in Venice is wild (a crisscross of Arabesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, Byzantine etc. I'm sure an architect could expand better here). It's not known for its food and drink and not a place for foodies like Rome. Easily among the most unique cities on the planet. Even its history is peculiar and intriguingly opaque in some ways. People forget, but Venice had one of the longest-running empires in history. For conspiracy theorists, the Venetian Nobility features prominently in the scheme of things.
What about Venetian spritzes?
You're asking the wrong guy. Dollar doesn't do spritzes.
“ It really is a lovely place, the monastery. I can’t tell you much about it because I’ve been sworn to secrecy. I am not the only one the authorities are cracking down on, and, the way things are going, thoughtcriminal sanctuaries like this might become increasingly useful. Not that the authorities can’t locate it if they want to. We’re all walking around with bugs and trackers in our phones (yes, I have a phone I use for traveling). But there’s no reason to make it easy for them.”
GET A FARADAY BAG FOR YOUR PHONE!
Apologies for the screaming.
Many thanks for the tip about Faraday bags. I just bought one for my flip phone.
Absolutely! RFID blocking wallets, purses,etc. are also useful.
More than useful... Faraday wallets are a necessity now that hackers can scoop up your data from two feet away. I had a credit card number hacked that way.
home again, home again...dickety dock. I'm sorry the place you call home is treating you so unjustly. I wish there was something I could say to ease your unease. No words can or should express how you are being tossed about held up as an example of what happens to you when you express yourself in a world now suppressing free expression and free speech of a satirist. it's ugly now, but I hope things brighten for you somehow. in the meantime, we who admire you, will send you well wishes and all the best as we too are here with you in Clown World.
Just read your piece out loud for my partner. You haven't lost you wit: loved it. 😁
I listened to your interview with Dirk Pohlmann and it was so good I'm going to listen to it again. You are evoking so much empathy in your plight and that's what the world needs more of. We have to remember to feel for each other and you certainly are striking that chord. Know that you are shining like a bright light bulb in a mess of dim watts.
Grateful you have the sanctuary, C.J. And, while I understand your reasoning for partitioning your interviews etc. into Sections, perhaps you might send out an announcement to this list once in a while, summarizing what's on. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who would love the extra impetus to check out these updates. We all do want to stay informed.
Take excellent care, C.J. Enjoy that humbler cup of Joe and avoid the tourists traps!
Just as an aside, i sort of think that the state of Venice is why the billionaires want us peasants dead.
They see us teeming masses in all the beautiful places and imagine to themselves how much nicer it would be without us.
You know Catherine A Fitts. She understands being hunted. I suggest, though I’m nothing but an elderly granny type, calling her.