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Shouldn't be taboo

Earlier this morning while I was straightening my hair and what not I was watching Youtube. So far so good. All of the sudden, I came across this video of a girl talking about uncircumcised penises and how disgusting they are.
Years ago, while I was watching Sex on the city, the same topic appeared for the first time in my life. Remember that episode when Miranda is dating a Catholic guy and when they are about to have intercourse she sees ‘the thing’ and freaks out big time? I was quite disturbed that time.
Here in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy (that I am aware of) no little baby boy or adult man gets circumcision done unless they have phimosis, which means the foreskin in not retractable enough causing major problems and infections. My little nephew and all the baby boys that I know, when being born, none have gone under the knife. Pediatritians check that all is good in the area and only proceed to remove the foreskin if it is affecting the proper function of the penis.
So this leads me to think that it is a cultural thing. While I am aware that people who practice Judaism and Islam practice circumcision, I don’t understand why people with none or other religious backgrounds, especially in the US (that I am aware of) freak out so much when they learn about an uncircumcised male. Come to think, this is a very narrow perspective of life.
If males were born with it, then it must have a purpose. While it mightn’t have a crucial purpose (same way if they extirpate your amygdales or your appendix and you have no side effects), I do not understand why this is so gross to even talk about it.
Weren’t guys born with that foreskin? Why are people so grossed out with something that comes with the pack? It is not like they chose to add it later on. It must have a purpose (such as preventing infections). Also, that belief that uncircumcised males are dirty…
Didn’t their dad or mum teach them how to move the skin in order to keep it all clean and fresh? If an uncircumcised guy feels dirty to you, it is because two main reasons:
1. - Your beliefs lead you to this premise.
2. - You have come across a guy who is as dirty as he can be. And I bet if his penis smells or whatever, so will his armpits and whatnot.
Because that, my friends, is a dude who suffers from ‘shower allergy’ syndrome.
So ladies and gentlemen, let’s not go all grossed out when learning about your guy next to you didn’t get surgically removed his foreskin. Probably he didn’t need to.
And remember this, next time you land on Paris (cité de l’amour) or you see a breathtaking handsome Italian guy… think about it.
He’s probably coming with the full package.
And nope, that is not disgusting.


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KGB (July 2010)

First of all, I would like to make clear that this is a true fact, that happened to me in August 19th 2005. I remember the exact day because of the pictures I took they had the date on them.
So there I was, touring Russia with the symphonical orchestra were I play. It was our second day in Moscow and we got up early to go and visit the Red Square. In the mornings, I don’t know if every day of the week tough, they close for a few hours the Red Square and if you wait in the line that’s in front of the Square you get to go and visit Lenin’s tomb, which is placed inside a building on the right side of the square. There are certain rules to go and visit Lenin’s corpse. Once you are inside the pantheon you are not allowed to talk, eat, drink, remain standing (you have to pass by without stopping) your hands have to stay out of the pockets and of course you cannot enter any kind of bag or backpack. For this purpose they have a lockers office at the beginning of the square. You go there, pay a symbolic prize and they give you a ticket. Once you’ve done visiting Lenin you cross the Square from the outside and go and get back your belongings.
So there we were. We were the last group of the morning who got to enter. When we got out they were already closing. My friends had been more intelligent and kept their stuff at the bus, so I was the only one who had to walk all the way back to get my backpack. They were all thirsty because of the heavy sun we had been enduring the entire morning at the queue and so they decided to get going to a bar to get some sodas. I started to walk fast as I saw how the policemen where removing the fences that kept the square secure. Once I got to the other side I found myself with the locker’s place closed. I was in panic. Me, in the middle of a city where I could not communicate and vice versa. So I decided to go and knock at the door. As soon as my hand touched the door I had a policeman’s hand on my shoulder. He started yelling at me (who knows what) and pushing me away from the place. The policeman was not letting me enter and seemed no eager to pay attention to my misfortunes. From what I could understand he was making me signs as if to say: ‘Come back tomorrow’. Of course I couldn’t come back tomorrow because first of all we were leaving the city at night and going to Niznyi-Novgorod (another city). I needed my passport, my money and my belongings. Stubborn as I am, I decided I was not going to let that policeman win the battle so I started insisting, making gestures. A few minutes later a  middle-aged man appeared on the scene. He looked at me and demanded what was wrong in a very “Rusky” English. I explained to him what had occurred and he started talking gently with the policeman. They started to argue with each other and two more policemen appeared on the scene. They told him something. Next thing he does, put his hand in his pocket, takes out a wallet, opens it and he shows a KGB badge, with his picture next to it with the same number written on the badge. Allow me to say, that I don’t know who was more shocked: wether me or those policemen. All of the sudden they led him inside and he came of with my backpack and kindly handed it to me. I thanked him (balsoy spasiva, I knew that word) and we both left in separate ways. Me back to my friends and him… I don’t know. 
Needless to say that I felt like in some James Bond’s film, the only place where I had seen the KGB ever, ever, ever. 
And that led me to think: You better be careful, every step you take, specially in Russia, because who knows who might be watching you?

Kaoru (June 2010)

This evening, as every breathing human being of this city was sitting in front of their T.V. sets’ watching the semifinal match between Spain and Germany I was running like crazy around the house. This little lady (Kaoru) from the picture above, decided not only that she was having a boring evening but also to spice up mine.
So I had dinner, and as I was enjoying a delicious ice cream on the terrace, she jumped from the skylight to the ground without calculating the laws of physics and gravity.
As a result from that terrible landing, her little left front leg started bleeding. Her nail was torn appart by the base. So with Kaoru in one hand and the other free I ran to the cabinet and took some ointment to cure her. We’ve both ended all covered with blood.
So after the incident I’ve washed her and taken myself a shower.
In the meantime, lots of people celebrating on the streets. So that’s how I’ve found out that Spain is classified for the finals. I’m not a particularly big soccer fan. But the occasion would’ve been worth sitting and watching the match if we had not had a “home-blood-crisis”.
Anyway, today no celebrating and beer for me. I’m gonna stay home keeping an extra eye on Kaoru, just in case we have to run to the vet.
So this is how I’ve lived this historical match.

All we ever do (June 2010)

4:15 a.m.
My dearest friend Jaqueline just left. She left to go back to her own country: Brazil.
She’s been in here ever since September, to study at the University. We met in November, when she came to live with us.
From the very first moment we understood each other very well. In time, a strong friendship grew.
And now that she’s gone I have no words to describe the big hollow that’s been left in my heart. It’s hardly been an hour and I already miss her so much…
I guess that the fact that there’s an ocean between us really bothers me. It’s not like she’s moving next town where I can go reach her to chat and have some good times and to rely my worries when the sad moments occur.
It’s been a year of farewells.
Farewell to the man who made me shine and feel special, farewell to people who passed on, farewell to the Campus Dorm where I’ve lived for several years. Farewell to lots of friends who finish their studies and get back to their hometowns to live and work, farewell to my infancy’s best friend who married and moved away. Farewell of people who in the end they want you no-more, because they just wanted favors during the Uni era and made you believe that they cared for you. Farewell to the cat “Negreta” who always was visiting on my window and cheering me up when there were sad moments. Farewell to Jaqueline.
In the end, we better think that everything was worth it. And hope that the changes about to come are for good reasons. I wish them all (people, places and cat) the best in their lives. And hope we keep in touch.
And though I know it’s not possible, I would like to let them know that, if I could, I would take them all with me wherever and whenever: forever. I know that’s selfish, but… I just don’t wanna be torn appart from them!
Because in the end, all we ever do is say goodbye.

Dear future (June 2010)

Lately, we haven’t talked that much. I suppose I got used to leave everything to your better judgement and stopped worrying about myself.
But in the past few days I started to think a lot about you. There are many things that I would like to change and I know you could do this for me. In order to make things clear I made you the following list:
- I would like to find real peace of mind (no more anxiety or sadness and achieve true happiness).
- I would really love that you bring me back my good health and strength.
- Could you help me find a good place to live as well?
- Bring to me the love of my life and make him stay.
- Make my beloved ones be A o.k.
- Give me some time and money to finally get the holidays I’ve been longing for.
And last but not least:
- Encourage me to finish my studies with good degrees.
For now, this is all I am asking you for.
I wish you have a good beggining of summer as well, and hope we keep in touch.
Your best friend from the past,
Elena

Sobbing weather (June 2010)

As the day started a joyful sun came up in the sky.
He was happy that he had made it through another day. The morning mist covered all the grass, birds were singing on the trees… Just another day on the Earth.
As the day went by the sky started to hear screams coming from the land. He heard screams coming from China. People were complainig about workers’ abuse.
Sky kept on travelling and as he got to the Middle-East heard screams of dispair, lost relatives in wars and prayers for peace to arrive.
Then he got to Africa and heard screams of famine, of thirst of water, of diseases that could be erradicated if they had the resources to do so.
In the evening he arrived in America and all he could hear were screams of anger, people fighting over power in the stock market and complaining about a dirty sea because of a tremendous oil spill provocated by terrible human errors.
As he got to the Pacific Ocean all he could hear were the animals. They were really quiet. The sky demanded them why the didn’t complain about anything at all. The answer they gave him was really disturbing:
- Why should we keep on complaining? No matter what we do, humans keep on destroying themselves and the planet as well. No matter how hard we protest and try to make things better. No matter how many years we get on strike. Nothing matters anymore! All we have left is hope. Hope that one day the human race, will wake up and learn that we all have to do is live in harmony. Hope that they realize that if they manage the resources properly there will be more than enough for each and every living creature on the Earth. Hope that they realize there’s no need to fight and destroy in order to get what they aim for. Hope that in the end, they do not lose the hope.
And so, the Sky made a pact with the Sun. He would unveil storms and hurricanes and droughts and cold. That would be the only way humans would look up in the clouds and make the following reflection: They were being punished for having acted so badly and if they wanted the Sun back again they would have to make some serious changes; starting now.

Im on TV (June 2010)

The most unusual thing happened to me last Sunday night.
I was at home, sitting on the couch, watching The Godfather II. It was about midnight and there was silence on the street.
All of the sudden I begin to hear people screaming and laughing. Next thing I know is: the doorbell starts ringing. I go and open the door and there is a camera and a Tv reporter filming and making me questions.
They came into my living room and started to ask me questions about how much did I pay for attending to the University, how much my rent was, what would I change in order to improve…
Yes just like that: A celebrity called Aída Nízar, very famous here in Spain, was asking my name and all of the following that I already mentioned.
After the interview they left with the same speed they came.
I must say that I was in such a state of shock that all I did was to light up a cigarrete, sit down and keep watching the film.
It wasn’t until the next day that I realized that next friday I’m gonna be on TV talking about politics, economy, studies, etc…
People still don’t believe what I say. They’re all gonna get together, sit down and watch this TV show next Friday.
I hope at least it makes sense all that I said. From now on, maybe, when I’m home I’m gonna try to wear nicer clothing. Just in case the President comes knocking at my door. ;)

Trust (june 2010)

Ok, this is not quite the post I wanted to share today but I really have the urge of telling you what just happened:
I live in a residence hall at the University campus. So far so good.
Summer is getting closer, temperatures are raising up. So in order to keep the appartment fresh whe have all doors and windows open while we’re at home.
And here comes the story:
Exactly 15 appartments away from ours there’s a house we’re they have a very cute young cat.
This wintertime, while I was studying in my bedroom there was always this cat staring at me from the other side of the window.
One night, on my way to the trash container i saw him in front of that particular door staring. It was pretty cold, so I rang the doorbell and this girl who opened the door said it was his cat. She alleged that he always escaped.
But for some strange reason this cat feels a special bond with me. So this morning the first thing I saw when I opened up the blinds was the cat looking inside.
And half an hour ago, as I was sitting quietly on the sofa sipping some coffee, what do I see? A pair of eyes staring at me from behind the sofa: the cat again.
So I’ve grabbed him and taken him back to his appartment. Funny thing that when the owner was going to take him, he would not separate from my T-shirt grabbing it strong. As if saying: No, please! Don’t leave me here.
Well the owner and myself were quite shocked. First of all, I’ve never given him treats or food so that he loves me. Secondly, the owner looks like a very clean and agreeable person.
Conclusion: Am I an animal magnet?
They say that babies and animals feel the good or bad in people.
If so: How come that it takes lots of time and effort for adult people to trust each other?
When did we lose this instinct? Or is it the society we’re living in that makes us so distrustful?

Quiet evening (May 2010)

So I’ve been playing guitar from 4 to 11 PM today. I guess I felt musical, for lack of a better word…
Probably I should stop drinking beer, go to bed and figure out tomorrow how to manage my new Tumblr.
Oh yes, sometimes I just love to sit down and drink beer, smoke some cigarretes and listen to good music or even appreciate the silence of late hours. Like none of you ever did that, huh?
Tomorrow I have a very busy day. I’m meeting an old friend, we’ve never seen each othe since last millenium (1998)… Will we still have something in common to talk about? I’m nervous about this rearrangement. We’ll see how it turns out. Hopefully we’ll have a polite talk, the how’ve you been part and then the promises that next time we’ll make it shorter. Like that’s gonna happen. I mean: either we live in the same country or have similar holidays to visit each other or perhaps next time we see each other we are full of wrinkles. LOL
Seriously now: I love the people who no matter how long it’s been, when they’re around they think of you. Even if it is just to give one kiss and a warm hug.

Honesty overdose (May 2010)

Taking a quick look at my Tumblr I’ve realized that lately I’ve been quite cranky: complaining about everything… This is not the way Elena!
Perhaps I should start posting more pictures and videos and keep my writing for a novel, soap-opera or whatever! LOL
Step 1: Getting a good night sleep.
 -That might be a good beggining-.
Ps: Consider that I’ve always been more prone to Edgar Allan Poe’s writing than to Danielle Steel’s one. I guess I’m never going to be the girl that searches for unicorns, catches butterflies and giggles for it. So if you people are looking for something as frosty and sweet as Candyland I sincerely suggest you go find it somewhere else. Because I don’t see it happening in this blog.

Feeling hopeless (may 2010)

Why on Earth every time I suggest we go to see a concert nobody will be willing to come with me?
This June is coming to Rock in Rio, Spain, one of my favorite artists: John Mayer. And since this festival is set in Madrid and not in Barcelona nobody wants to come.
I can’t describe how hopeless I feel right now.
You might say: well, you could go all by yourself.
No way! How can I do that? What if something goes wrong and no-one’s there? Besides, going to a concert all by yourself is a bit sad. Who can you share the maximum moment of enjoyment with?
If I had a chance to meet the musicians, I would think about it. It would be worth it. But otherwise, go there singing and jumping all alone is a weird picture. I don’t want to look like a cat-lady, if you know what I mean. Or listen to the comments of other people like the time I went to see the RHCP on my own and I had to contain myself. It’s not like I want to go crying like a teenager or something but hey, it’s good to have somebody to share it with.
To have friends for this… And then tomorrow they drag me to a concert of a Spanish group called Aslándticos(their music gives me the creeps), just because I’m the only one that has a car and can approach them here. So unfair…
Pshhh…

So tell me where you're coming from.

So apparently, the Ad Sense people think I lack of content to be considered for the program. 
Apparently they don't know my Tumblr background (why should they?).
So here we go!
I will post some of my Tumblr's older favorite posts just to be good enough for them faster. 
I am being real here. 
So do not call me selfish or anything.
You want it, go work for it. 
And if you can speed things up a little with your own creations...
Is that hurting anyone?
The answer is NO.
Plus, if we come to think of it, people who never saw my Tumblr account will have something to read to so they understand me better.
You want it 'adsense', you got it.
Here we go!

Hello there, peoplez!

It is the morning after.
The morning after I read Tumblr was getting acquired by Yahoo.
Most of the magic got lost in that split second when I read all about it. 
Tumblr wants to make some profit, Yahoo will probably add advertisements everywhere and anywhere. Thus, if that were to happen, Tumblr would lose its virginity. Such a pristine micro-blogging website where we all shared for nothing in return.
So... if everybody seems to take profit from what they can I have decided that I will too. 
Hence, I declare inaugurated this new blog adventure that will be accompanied by some advertising.
Why? 
Let's be honest. I do not live on thin air and I figured it wouldn't hurt anyone if I can enjoy what I do and also earn some money out of it. 
Awesomeness would be to be able to make a living out of it. You know jobs are scarce, so if so many others can make a living out of it, why shouldn't I?
Would I like to become a published writer? That is sort of a given. But one must not start the house from the roof, so to speak.
So it is just me, same old me. Just with a few advertisements here and there (if I get Google's approval) that you can feel free to click and help me or not click and just pretend they are not there.
So no, I didn't sell my soul to the devil. 
But I'm going to be realistic and go for it. So does Tumblr, so does everyone else.
We are virgins no more.
Hope you have a nice visit around my blog and that you subscribe so you do not miss a thing.
Also, if you feel like it, feel free to spread the word!
Fluent Sarcasm is moving house but will keep the original one fed and alive. 
Just ready to go bigger, better and uncut. 
Enjoy!


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