En Masticadores…
#opinion, Know Thyself
KNOW THYSELF
Know Thyself… The quest to know one’s self began as a concept, and once in a while we allow it to surface and plague our head. But it seems to me to be a difficult subject that we always push aside and leave for another day. What day? When? We, the collective “we” simply do not know. I do not know. Perhaps never.
But I am, in fact, referring to an ancient aphorism that throughout history has been transmitted, from generation to generation, in one form or another. So I ask myself, what is it good for? Again I don’t know. My conclusion is that it could be something valuable or merely rubbish.
But since it…the aphorism, supposedly…comes from Ancient Greece I should consider it valid. No? Well, in my country there’s also an old saying that says that the devil is wise not because he is the devil but because he is old. If we have been told since ancient times that we must know ourselves, this knowledge is something imperative. It must be had. It must be gained. Or not.
But, caveat emptor, if you do decide to look inside and search for your inner self, lookout. Be aware that the result of that inquiry/investigation might not really make you happy. It is quite possible that you discover you are not much more than a cretin, or an idiot. And it is also quite possible that the devil is not wise because he is old but because he is the devil. Since we do not know, then everything is possible, no?
In any event, experts (good grief experts!) say that we must be conscious creatures who know full well what we are and who we are. To discover that we must endeavour to search diligently and bravely. That whatever the results of the search may be, we must accept them and as The Beatles said, let it be. The result of our deep and profound introspection is to assimilate the results of our soul search even if they lead us on a short, and straight road to a loony bin. We must dive into the abyss of the psyche…as the Ancient Greeks called the soul…and discover who we are.
Can this be the real meaning/purpose of life, to know ourselves?
Personally, after analysing this aphorism from various angles, instead of searching within myself, I prefer to instead ask myself, what is it good for? I do not believe that such a “psychological” epiphany will lead me to greater riches, fame or make me more good looking. And if it does not serve these purposes, or do these things which are crucial for modern life, then what is it good for? Well, guess what, I cannot answer that question either. I just do not know. All I know is that it may lead to a discovery that I may find atrocious, or one that I may find glorious? Hmm…
Now, since we are assured that ancient philosophers were indeed wise men, we confront our modern life and try to live according to their aphorisms. Their ancient words are considered valuable. Our modern society venerates old sayings to the point of practically considering them infallible truths.
And not only old sayings, we also value very highly what we consider to be a classical education. Our culture, after all, comes from Ancient Greece and Rome. We show off uttering something in Latin or Greek (or Chinese, Hindi, Hebrew or Arabic) even if we really don’t know what it means. To be consequential with how sophisticated and cultured we think we are, we attend concerts of classical music, sonatas, cantatas, opera. We sit in the theatre as the music flows through our bored out ears, but steadfast we remain. We stroll through museums admiring statues of Ancient Greeks and Romans standing there naked defying our new puritanical ways. We rummage through archaeological ruins et cetera et cetera.
But when we return home, tired of so many music conservatories, theatres, museums and archaeological sites, the only thing we want is a cold beer or a glass of Rioja, and perhaps, if you are Spanish, accompany our wine with chorizo, Iberian ham and Manchego cheese. No?
So, in my humble opinion, I would rather not know any more about myself and stay as I am, as I am happy. And I think I’ve a point as there is another old saying (at least in my country) that says that better to stick to the evil known than look for the good to be discovered. So, since I think like this, I am willing to leave my interior self wandering through the depths of my soul, at least for the time being. I don’t care to meet its acquaintance. I do not know about you, but I like the “me” I live with.
Francisco Bravo Cabrera – 04 DEC 2024 – Valencia, España
Today’s Spanish Class
Buenos días
#art, Gaudí (Esp/Eng)
Comenzare diciendo que he visitado, en varias ocasiones, La Sagrada Familia en Barcelona, y es una autentica maravilla. Dentro y fuera, es arte hecha piedra, piedra hecha arte y un templo para quedar totalmente maravillado. Obra de Gaudí diseñada en 1882. A este gran arquitecto catalán, nacido en Reus (provincia de Tarragona, Catalunya) en 1852, se le conoce como un gran modernista. Bueno se dice que es el máximo representante del modernismo catalán y tendrán razón. El modernismo se dio en Catalunya entre finales del Siglo XIX y principios del Siglo XX y se regó por todas las artes y disciplinas artísticas, siendo la culminación de la Renaixença, donde se revalorizo la lengua catalana y fue un periodo de esplendor económico, social y cultural.
Para Gaudí habían cuatro pasiones: la arquitectura, la naturaleza, la religión y el amor a Cataluña y su arquitectura las refleja todas. Barcelona esta llena de obras de Gaudí y además siete de sus obras han sido declaradas Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO: 1984 el Parc Güell, el Palacio Güell y la Casa Milà (también llamada la Pedrera); 2005 la fachada del Nacimiento, la cripta y el ábside de la Sagrada Familia, la Casa Vicens y la Casa Batlló en Barcelona, junto con la cripta de la Colonia Güell en Santa Coloma de Cervelló.
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I will start by saying that I have visited, on several occasions, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and it is an authentic wonder. Inside and outside, it is art made into stone, stone made into art and a temple which will amaze you. It was Gaudí’s work designed in 1882. This great Catalan architect, born in Reus (province of Tarragona, Catalonia) in 1852, is known as a great modernist. Well, it is said that he is the maximum representative of Catalan modernism and they will be right. Modernism took place in Catalonia between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century and spread to all the arts and artistic disciplines, being the culmination of the Renaixença, when the Catalan language was revalued and it was a period of economic, social and cultural splendor.
For Gaudí there were four passions: architecture, nature, religion and love for Catalonia and his architecture reflects them all. Barcelona is full of Gaudí’s works and seven of his major works have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: 1984 the Parc Güell, the Güell Palace and the Casa Milà (also called the Pedrera); 2005 the facade of the Nativity, the crypt and the apse of the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Vicens and the Casa Batlló in Barcelona, along with the crypt of the Colonia Güell in Santa Coloma de Cervelló.
Antoni Gaudí fue arrollado por un tranvía (el dia 7 de junio 1926) cuando se dirigía a la iglesia de San Felipe Neri donde iba diariamente a orar. Como no llevaba encima sus documentos, e iba con ropa vieja y desgastada, fue confundido por un mendigo y no fue atendido de inmediato. Un Guardia Civil fue el que llamó un taxi para que lo condujera al hospital donde murió tres días despues.
Como siempre fue un hombre muy religioso y de vida ascética, han propuesto que sea beatificado y el proceso fue iniciado en 1998 por el arzobispo de Barcelona, Ricard Maria Carles. El proceso lo autorizo la Santa Sede en el año 2000 con el decreto nihil obstat. Gaudí entonces pasa a ser considerado siervo de Dios, el primer paso hacia la beatificación.
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Antoni Gaudí was run over by a tram (on June 7, 1926) when he was heading to the church of San Felipe Neri where he went to pray on a daily basis. Since he did not carry his documents, and was wearing old and worn clothes, he was confused for a beggar and was not immediately attended. A Civil Guard Agent was the one who called a taxi to take him to hospital where he died three days later.
As he was always a very religious man and of ascetic life, they have proposed that he be beatified and the process was initiated in 1998 by the archbishop of Barcelona, Ricard Maria Carles. The process was authorized by the Holy See in 2000 with the nihil obstat decree. Gaudí first becomes God’s servant, the first step towards beatification.
GRACIAS – CHEERS
#art, Blues, an Owl, and JaZzArT
Any hidden meanings or symbols here?
#music, Great American Bands Chapter 9: The Four Seasons
I had always liked some of their songs that I had heard as «oldie-goldies» over the years. Then I went to see Jersey Boys and I could not get their songs out of my head and I realised what a great band they truly are. They were formed, of course, in Newark, New Jersey (a city I visited many times as I had relatives there), in 1960. And they have become one of the biggest selling bands of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
The band started out with Frankie Valli on lead vocals, Bob Gaudio on keyboards (tenor vocals); Tommy DeVitto on lead guitar (baritone vocals); Nick Massi on bass (bass vocals). Joe Long replaced Massi in 1965, and from then on there have been many changes to the line-up. Frankie Valli is the only original remaining member. The original members (as a band) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2017 and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2024. That is pretty awesome.
Bob Gaudio has been the band’s major songwriter. He composed most of the big hits of the band together with Bob Crewe, the band’s producer.
Hope you enjoy listening to this great American band…
CHEERS
#photography, Nuestros reyes – Our Monarchy
Así me imagino que deben lucir un rey y una reina, elegantes y señoriales como las majestades que son y que nos representan. Y no es porque sean españoles, pero creo que son los reyes mas fenomenales de Europa, los que mejor lucen, los que mejor visten.
Las dos fotografías oficiales fueron hechas por la fotógrafa norteamericana Annie Liebowitz y pertenecen a la colección del Banco de España.
La reina Letizia lleva un vestido de gala espectacular que fue cedido por la Fundación Antoni de Montpalau. El vestido y el chal rojo, los dos son de Balenciaga. Además Doña Letizia no lleva ningún atributo de reina.
La vestimenta fue elegida por la Casa Real. Don Felipe luce regiamente con su uniforme de gran etiqueta de Capitán General del Ejército de Tierra. Sin cetro y sin corona, pero con autoridad, tranquilidad y serenidad, nos mira su majestad.
Se le pago a la fotógrafa 137.000 euros. Las joyas pertenecen a la Casa Real.
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This is how I imagine a king and queen should look, elegant and regal as the majesties they are that represent us. And it’s not just because they are Spanish, but I believe they are the most phenomenal royals in Europe, the ones who look the best, the ones who dress the best. Although all Royal families are awesome.
The two official photographs were taken by the American photographer Annie Leibovitz and belong to the collection of the Bank of Spain.
Queen Letizia wears a spectacular gala dress that was provided by the Antoni de Montpalau Foundation. Both the dress and the red shawl are from Balenciaga. Additionally, Doña Letizia does not wear any royal attributes.
The outfit was chosen by the Royal House. King Felipe looks regal in his full ceremonial uniform as Captain General of the Army. Without a scepter and crown, but with authority, calmness, and serenity, His Majesty gazes at us.
The photographer was paid 137,000 euros. The jewelry belongs to the Royal House.
GRACIAS
#music, Música Española contemporánea, 1er capítulo: Rita Payés – Contemporary Spanish Music, Rita Payés
Esta joven cantante, trombonista y compositora catalana es un fenómeno del jazz, del bossa nova y de la canción romántica. Rita surge de la escuela de la Sant Andreu Jazz Band, la cual dirige Joan Chamorro. Os recuerdo que de ahí, de esa gran cantera de talento, también salió Andrea Motis.
Rita viene de familia de músicos y en 2019 grabó, junto a su madre, la guitarrista Elisabeth Roma, un álbum titulado Imagina. En 2021 salió su segundo disco Como la piel, también con su madre. El disco ganó el Premio Alicia al talento emergente (2021) otorgado por la Academia Catalana de la Música.
GRACIAS – CHEERS
#poem, Traduzione italiana della mia poesia «Sul ponte» («On The Bridge»)
Sul ponte sopra le acque azzurre che corrono tranquille,
guerrieri, sacerdoti, principi e re
fluttuano nelle molecole
che danno vita all’acqua,
che crea il fiume
e dà vigore ai riflessi.
Fantasia
come il fumo delle mie Gitanes,
dà vita ai personaggi
che rappresentano,
che recitano la mia poesia,
che ci coinvolgono nel gioco chiamato storia
che non finisce mai
o che forse un giorno,
quando la luna abbandonerà il nostro cielo terrestre,
farà…
Poesía visionaria y apasionada que aprecié mucho y, como puedes ver, traducida al italiano. Gioielli Rubati. Saludos desde Italia.
ON THE BRIDGE
On the bridge over blue waters running peacefully,
warriors, priests, princes and kings
are floating in the molecules,
that give life to the water,
that creates the river
and gives movement to reflections.
Fantasy,
Like the smoke from my Gitanes,
gives life to the characters
who represent,
who recite my poetry,
who engage us in the game called history
that never ends,
or that perhaps one day,
when the moon abandons our earthly sky,
it will…
(Francisco Bravo Cabrera)
GRAZIE – CHEERS
