Ran Jak Diary

No end to Wall propaganda

These are terrible days to read a newspaper or watch tv in Germany. Those who do are subjected to an astonishingly relentless barrage of reports marking the opening of The Wall 20 years ago. The people of the ex-DDR are not pleased: 80 percent of the Allgau newspaper's readers wish the anniversary were ignored.

Briefs

Klaus beamed approvingly about Matt Lifson's Full Frontal. In fact, he had a hard time looking away during an afternoon visit. I always learn something worthwhile when Klaus comes to call.

A meeting of the minds, held by phone, featuring Tony's mind and mine, tracing a few of his recent experiences and my own, has reached the stunning realisation that life can be a bitch.

Place your bets. How long will it take before Germany is forced to return the 3500 year old bust of Queen Nefertiti to Egypt? Art historians from both countries will discuss the very hot question next month.

I wrote Christopher today. "Some woman is trying to pass herself off as your mother again. She does the voice perfectly. She has managed to pick up real estate whizz lingo, even technical terms like "land" and "pre-cleared," although I forget whether the latter refers to mortgages, abandoned tree stumps or a pimple prevention cream. Rumour has it you will be in Brattleboro tonight through Monday. If the reports are accurate, maybe you can have the woman checked out."

Less just

Source: tagesschau.de

German state television ARD asked former East Germans whether they are living in a more just or less just society than before the Wall opened. The results: only 24 percent answered "more just" while 62 percent responded "less just."

Jottings

Permission obtained. An interior stairway will be installed in the Berlin apartment, connecting the two floors. . .

Birthday boy. Johnny, Chrissy, Ethan and Eleni came around. They all look wonderful. Good fun. . .

Russ writes. "Jack Ruby's hat is being auctioned off......remember his signature looked like yours." Actually, my signature is so unreadable that an airline check-in dude once asked if it read "Jack Ruby."

No wall since 20 years, yet still unequal

My dentist is very good, way above average, yet she earns less than many mediocre colleagues because she was born, raised and lives in east -- not west -- Berlin. She is not the only one. East pensioners get less money than do westerners. Same for people in most professions. Even garbage collectors and janitors in the east are forced to get by on less per hour than do those in the west. Twenty years after the Berlin Wall opened, discriminatory pay is legal. In fact, it is mandated under German law.

Vincent van Gogh – The Letters

The six-volume complete set of Van Gogh's complete letters arrived today. It is overwhelming, a companion to last a lifetime. The books are already being consulted. Wonderful!

Yummy

Nadine was here today, bringing with her a tasty surprise -- the most delicious Virgin Mary's that Berlin has ever known. 

An important new acquisition

Blake first introduced me to the art of Matt Lifson two years ago. Matt got in touch recently, giving me peaks at his new work including the tumultuously brilliant oil painting Full Frontal. I am pleased that it is now part of the collection. 

Matt Lifson, Full Frontal. Oil on canvas.

Odd snowflakes

There was snow this morning, big, elongated, wet flakes which, if they had not been white, would be under investigation. Doris sounded excited on the phone. She was driving to KaDeWe and saw a big snowflake graphic appear on her dashboard. I noticed them the old school way, through my bedroom window.

High heels optional

How To Dance Like Beyonce on Howcast

Resting

Early Monday evening everything went hooey. It began with the sensation of a jolt inside my cranium and was followed by the perception that bolts of energy were racing every which way along pathways inside my brain. Now, two days later, despite sleep, I feel exhausted. Three weeks of rest are ahead.