I shop therefore I am.
Going away provides me with an excuse to buy useless, pointless things.
Wet wipes. Calamine cream. Miniature toothpaste. Rehydration salts.
I just returned after a spree in my local shopping centre, for one must buy a new load of sun-screen and after sun lotion. So far so good. Superficial Money-waster must also buy t-shirts, because Moroccans prefer women covered up as opposed to having it all hanging out. And not only must one buy t-shirts; one must buy tunics and other kinds of tops, preferably in some sort of light fabric as we are looking at something like 35 degrees c. Of course Superficial Money-waster does own several tops and t-shirts already in all sorts of fabric, but no - only newly bought ones will do. So there.

We are leaving for the exotic north Africa tomorrow morning before dawn (or just around dawn to be fair), where we will spend six days in Marrakech and four days in the High Atlas mountains. I'll be far away from computers and the like, which will provide a useful cold turkey-style abstinence, which I think is much needed by now. Take care, y'all!
posted by charlotte at 16:03 - comment

Euh...Blogger changed. I'm sure that I'll manage to fuck this up within a reasonable amount of time.

Now, I found the Gender Test at Emme's blog and decided to give it a try. And, like Emme, I found that I am actually a man. Who would have known?! Just because I'd rather be lonely for the rest of my life than bleed to death? However well-meant, a test like this is both predictable and inaccurate. Firstly because, well, I am a woman. Really. Secondly, going through the test again, choosing "soft" (the circle over the square) and social answers (company over loneliness etc.) I can "make" the quiz believe I am a woman. Tests like this do not cater for social, racial, national and cultural diversity.

My point is that I sometimes get sick of the way assumptions are made about what women want or how men behave only from their gender. Yes, there are obviously common characteristics for women (and men), but that does not mean that I necessarily prefer a blue bedroom over a white! (Which I don't.) I am Charlotte. I'd rather fall to my death than drown. Yet I am a woman. Please don't assume otherwise.
posted by charlotte at 11:13 - comment

Another list - go to Glastonbury, my friend and...listen to this:

Julian Cope, Beth Gibbons, Mint Royal, The Roots, The Streets, James Lavelle, Plaid, Asian Dub Foundation, Mew, John Cale, Tricky, Nitin Sawhney, Moloko, Morcheeba, Omara Portuondo, Echo and the Bunnymen, De La Soul, Mogwai, REM, Suede (maybe), Supergrass, Radiohead - I might even finding myself checking Siobhan Donaghy out, 'cause I really, really like her single.
posted by charlotte at 18:15 - comment

BBC went to Guantanamo Bay, to visit Camp Delta where "enemy combatants" are kept for ... investigation? Read the article and listen to the sound-bite (which, I might warn, lasts for about 18 mins.) and make up your own mind as to the fairness of the entire operation.
posted by charlotte at 16:09 - comment

If you should be lucky enough to be at the Roskilde festival this year, I'll recommend these bands:

Asian Dub Foundation, Beth Gibbons & Rustin' Man, Blur, Coldplay I guess, De La Soul, Dave Gahan, Gus Gus, Lars H.U.G., David Holmes & Free Association, Kaizers Orchestra, Kashmir, Massive Attack, Metallica just for the hell of it, Mew, Outlandish, Raveonettes, Sigur Ros, The Streets, and of course the superior Bjork!

I, of course, am not going. But more about that later.
posted by charlotte at 11:22 - comment

So, I finally managed to catch that Cindy Sherman-thing I've been going on about. It not that big (but that's only to be expected in a place like that) and seems a bit sparse, but it's good - the woman really kicks ass! She dresses up as a persona or stereotype or iconic image in order to explore views of women in society - sometimes she completely disappears into a characters, while at other times it is very obvious that it is a facade. Sometimes the character is not even important in itself, only as a means with which the artist reaches the end.

The gallery is situated in the middle of Kensington Gardens (yeah, yeah, the one with the princess) which itself is situated pretty much in the middle of Kensington & Chelsea council, one of the wealthier councils in London. I used to live around Notting Hill Gate, which is in the northern part of the council, and a funny one that is. It used to be a Jamaican area and to an extent it still is, but because trendier-than-thou Portobello Road is placed slap-bang in the middle of this area house-prices have gone up and the original inhabitants moved out, as it happens everywhere, I guess. There is still a lot of council flats surrounding the area and a lot of drug-dealers, especially at night, and these guys cater well for the newly rich media/designer-types who have moved in further up the road.
I love Notting Hill. Passionately. Probably because it was the first place in London I called home, but also because life somehow is easier there. People are friendlier. Off their heads, but cheery. (Cheery because they are off their heads?)
There are so many great places there, which I miss desperately, so here's Charlotte's super-quick guide to the area surrounding Notting Hill Gate:
1: The Gate Cinema on Notting Hill Gate shows the latest of especially independent/art-house/European films. Late night shows are groovy. It's a great place, but don't expect a vast array of snacks, and dress lightly, as there's always really, really hot.

2: The Orangery in Kensington Gardens - serves afternoon tea from 3 o'clock. Join the tourists and pensioners for a cuppa and a cucumber sandwich in beautiful surroundings. They also serve various kinds of cake, and scones with clotted cream and jam.

3: The Westbourne. Oysters and champagne. Beautiful boys behind the bar whose arrogance knows no limits. I love it. My boyfriend hates it. It's one of those places.

4: The Serpentine Gallery. Small but pretty, idyllic surroundings, great shows. Gilbert & George last year was fab.

5: The Market Thai. Restaurant above the pub Market Bar, which serves almost perfect steamed dumplings - the interior is groovy, the staff is sweet and the food is fantastic. And affordable!

6: Westbourne Grove (Portobello end) shops: agnes b, Sigerson Morrison, Laundry Industry, Space and more. Also Ledbury Road shops such as Bodas, Molton Brown, Ghost and Aime. And please don't ignore Tom's, which is a fantastic deli/cafe - the food is good and healthy.

7: Myla. If it's good enough for Miss Kate, then it's good enough for me.

8: The Electric Cinema. Cheaper on Mondays, which is a useful tip as seats normally are around 10-12 pounds. For this amount, though, the seats are really leather arm chairs (with foot stool), there are wine coolers at every seat, there are no mobile phones ringing and people talk quietly and civilized. For 15 pounds per person, there's a leather sofa available. Mmmm. Cinema for grown-ups.

9: There used to be a bar named Jacs - it was a bit exclusive, but thoroughly nice, sometimes with DJ. The facade has changed and it now looks like any old flat, but given that discreetly minimalist is the new, well, minimalist, I wouldn't be surprised if it's still a bar.

10. Cafe by Day, Tandoori by Night. No, really, that what it's called. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Cheap and tasty.

11:Notting Hill Arts Club. Especially club-night Lazy Dog, which is one of my best club-experiences evah! Often live music and running art exhibits in the funky basement.

Furthermore CherryJam, Pharmacy (although rapidly declining, still kinda fun. And has a late license!), Portobello Market itself, of course, in which the tights-lady (directly under the Westway) and second-hand shoe lady are worth a visit, plus obviously all the interesting new designers that are around. All the restaurants around Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Park Road are terrible fashionable, but perhaps a bit overpriced and lack in character? Westbourne House (Paul Smith) can be visited just for the roaring fire and the friendly security men, Holland Park is arguably the nicest park in London - try to go when there's opera on - and go get your facials and treatments at Space NK, who has a great selection. I could go on and on, but the madness must stop somewhere. Or maybe I'll just get back to it again and again, hehehe -
posted by charlotte at 18:42 - comment

Apparently I'm a:


Nerdslut


What's your sexual appeal?
brought to you by Quizilla

Sorry! I couldn't help it!
*Hides head in hands, crawls back into hole*
posted by charlotte at 10:37 - comment

I know I promised not to write anything about that book, but last night I stumbled across this article from The Guardian, which made me laugh.

Emma Arden, 11, was not among those queueing for a copy of the new Harry Potter

I think queueing up at midnight is a bit excessive. It isn't the end of the world if you don't get one book, or you get it a bit late.

I also think that if they are releasing this for children then they should do it during the day, instead of in the middle of the night.

If it hadn't been for the publicity then I don't think Harry Potter would have become such a big thing. I don't think the hype will last forever. I don't believe it is something that has real staying power.

Go on, read the article, - how clever kids are these days!
posted by charlotte at 13:29 - comment

Ohmygod.Would their problems never get bigger.

A Shropshire couple have a very clean car after they were trapped in a car wash.

"I was absolutely beside myself," said Mrs White

"It did the whole car wash, the waxing, washing and the drying and then the whole process again and again for five cycles.

Mrs White said she could laugh about it now but at the time was terrified.

Of what? Car sickness? The huge broom-like spinning-sponge thing ripping off the roof of the car, thrashing the car to a pulp and killing the people inside? Overt cleanliness?
posted by charlotte at 23:46 - comment

Went to college today, to catch the undergraduate degree shows. The Fine Arts Department was disappointing, boring, repetitive, plain. One thing that made me laugh was this person (don't remember the name), who had bought shares in Sotheby's, that s/he then tried to auction off - at Sotheby's. Unfortunately that "wasn't possible" (no sense of humour at Sotheby's, it seems), but are now allegedly for sale on eBay, although I cannot find the item. That was quite fun, but to which extent is it art? The exhibited art works were not all bad, some was even quite nice, but it didn't really move any mountains. On the other hand, the Textile Department kicked some ass, especially this and that. It sometimes feels as if Goldsmiths hasn't quite gotten over their succesful YBAs and Turner Prize winners/nominees, but I think that especially the Fine Arts Department seriously has to snap out of it if it won't end up as a tired old has-been.

The other day I went for a long walk, by the river, past the Design Museum (popping in to their great shop), Southwark Cathedral and Tate Modern, which I still find to be a splendid place in every way. At the moment Paul McCarthy exhibits two giant sculptures and especially 'Blockhead' is funny and poignant. A giant black - thing - in plastic that looks like a cross between Mickey Mouse and David Coulthard or Tom and Jerry (apparently it is modelled on Pinocchio?!) sits quietly in front of the entrance. The sculpture is hollow and inside is nothing but boring machinery and a candy-machine that vends black rocks of sugar. For some reason it made me think of Disneyworld.

And not a word about that bloody book...Don't people have anything useful to do?
posted by charlotte at 19:59 - comment

A couple of nights back I was watching a program on BBC about Barbara Hepworth, a brilliant British artist, who died in 1975. She made wonderful organic sculptures, that invite touching and otherwise sensing. However, one thing I found interesting was the point at which the narrator said that her marriage was falling apart because she was incapable of combining work and family. She was left to take care of the children alone when Ben Nicholson (her one-time husband) would go away on sudden trips, and were therefore unable to work as much as she would want to. It reminded me of a conversation I had in Copenhagen, about women's ability to do just this: combine career and children. I do believe that it can be done; that women can succesfully juggle these two - I do also believe that they must have help to do it. There has to be a partner (man/woman), or money for day-care/cleaner/all-round help. I think that a large part of the problem is that women either want the over-all control or have been brought up thinking that she must be weak that she cannot cope with her own house-hold. I think that many women must learn to delegate work around the house and involve the children and the partner (I'm writing specifically about male partners here). I think women must learn to relax and realise that just because the man's way of doing dishes differs from her own, doesn't mean that it is wrong. I think that some women (myself included) must learn that having help in the house does not necessarily make them evil, capitalist, lazy and superficial.
And for the men...
I don't understand why it is always men who must do this and that and travel so that it is the woman who must sacrifice her career. Why does he not feel a greater bond with his family? I actually think that times are changing and my friends who are parents now, seem very close with their children; which is why I believe that a career can be combined with a family because new fathers are interested in sticking around and helping out. I do think that men could try to be more helpful and less stubborn. Relationships are about compromises and often women lose out because they cannot be bothered having the same discussion over and over again. Such as: 'why can't you put your socks into the laundry-basket/wipe the table/do dishes/empty the bin?' Perhaps sometimes men should try to do something they don't like doing for the sake of their relationship?
That said, I'm not dissatisfied with the way these things work in my own personal relationship and I think that the norm is changing, at least where I am in the world, both physically and mentally. Of course, if a couple consists of two equally ambitious people, having children could become a problem. Which is normal, I guess. Then the choice must be made. It cannot be different.

Tinka's literary challenge comprises, amongst others, a bit of Baudelaire: I can only support this choice - I don't know exactly what it is about him, but he is wildly fascinating, morbid, sad, decadent, wide awake (although probably not). I can also recommend Angela Carter's short story 'Black Venus', for a different view on the poet and his muse. Finally check out Manet's portrait of Jeanne Duval (the black venus): the exotic prostitute clothed and put into an altogether different context, looking uncomfortable and stiff.

'The way her silky garments undulate
It seems she's dancing as she walks along,
Like serpents that the sacred charmers make
To move in rhythms of their waving wands.

Like desert sands and skies she is as well,
As unconcerned with human misery,
Like the long networks of the ocean's swells
Unfolding with insensibility.

Her polished eyes are made of charming stones,
And in her essence, where the natures mix
Of holy angel and the ancient sphinx,

Where all is lit with gold, steel, diamonds,
A useless star, it shines eternally,
The sterile woman's frigid majesty.'
- Baudelaire: 'The way her silky garments...'
posted by charlotte at 17:58 - comment

Just found something to pull me out of my inertia:
The global television debate about America's influence on the world. I obviously completely missed the program itself, but the outcome is dead interesting, although not wildly surprising. What made me giggle (world-wearily) the most, was the Americans' idea of their freedom of speech and democracy. It's not that enviable, guys!
(From More a way of life)
posted by charlotte at 12:06 - comment

I have finally managed to rear my ugly head.
Been back for most of three days and all I've done is sleep. I've been sinking into some sort of void in which there is only TV, music, food and dreams.
Tonight there's a birthday party to attend, so I hope that this celebration will do something positive for my mood although I suspect my lack of social skills will make me head for home fairly early.

The news are full of conspiracies and transfers and court cases (1 and 2) but I'm too far into hippie-mode to care; I just want to live among flowers, creating pottery, detecting beauty and drinking tea. I want to walk in streets with which I am unfamiliar. I want to hang out in cafes 'till four in the morning. I think I've finished sleeping.

If in Copenhagen, one must visit Danish Design Centre for the Verner Panton exhibition. I saw a fantastic show in the Design Museum years back (which, I believe, was actually transferred directly from Trapholt), and if this is only half as good, one is in for a treat.

If in London, there's the Cindy Sherman show at the Serpentine Gallery, one of the coolest art spaces in London - great shows, lovely location (in the middle of Kensington Gardens) and it's free! I haven't been yet but am planning an outing next week.

Should look for jobs, but not really feeling up for it. Neither looking nor holding a job.
Fresh air seems like a good idea.
posted by charlotte at 10:25 - comment

Back in Blighty.
*Sigh*

(Lot of sighing going on in this blog. Sorry.)

Sunday was the day for the people's party for and by the people in Christiania, of which I have written before. 10.000 men and women turned up to support the place and to hear some music and drink a few beers. The workshops were open, for outsiders to sneak a peek into the not-so-mysterious world of alternative life-style. It was pretty cool, and, as always there, very peaceful. The music was okay, it was mainly bands I didn't know (due to my absence from Danish radio), and suddenly! There he was - the hero of my youth, still beautiful, thinner, long and slender, horny as hell --
Wrapping himself around the microphone-stand, singing beautifully - I completely forgot about Allan Vegenfeldt, but I still so would --
(Sorry 'bout the crap link. Here's some more crap from Aarhus)

Back in London: weather nice, although too humid, boyfriend lovely, although too hairy, someone got shot in Chinatown, Tony Blair is unpopular in a variety of ways too complicated to describe in an innocent forum as this, got a new bathroom, that is almost finished which is great, but not quite finished which is not, and a Tricky-gig last night of which some was fantastic, but it just went on and on... I actually managed to fall asleep, a first, I think. Love Tricky, though. Small and muscular. Full of energy. Had a sore throat and sounded even more, well, throaty than usual.
Today has been full of rain and I'm pondering the ease with which I could get used to living in Copenhagen. Tidying and sleeping on the sofa. Giving myself a break until tomorrow when job-hunting starts.
posted by charlotte at 17:10 - comment

Finished reading Pride and Prejudice, and I do understand why it's so popular. It resembles Emma in both structure and style but is perhaps a bit lighter in tone and execution. 18th century Barbara Cartland! - But smarter --
I now truly understand the world's fascination with Mr. Darcy, which not only has something to do with this man, but also with the eloquent description of a proud, yet dastardly attractive gentleman.

*Sigh*

Otherwise: off to Copenhagen, where I'll hopefully be seeing Tinka, a newborn child, and Louise Bourgeois and Arnold Newman at Louisiana.
posted by charlotte at 15:26 - comment

I'm losing track of time. Turns out today is Monday.
There's a new magazine that is eating itself into the Danish consciousness. It is called "Okay" and is, as far as I can see, a brother (or sister) to the English "Heat", since it's got the same kind of lay-out and it's got cover-stories about Jordan, whom I doubt the majority of Danes will or do know anything of. Biggest selling-point so far is something about "Naked Celebrities" which is disturbing in itself and a TV-ad featuring Lars von Trier naked which I wish I hadn't seen.
This week it is something about a Danish actor-hunk, whom I personally fancy more than healthy is, and a large-busted stripper. Recognise a theme here?

Speaking of said actor; I went to see Danish film "De Grønne Slagtere", which translates to something like "The Green Butchers" - it seems that most of Denmark hates this film. Many Danes cannot cope with cynicism very well. Danes, I suspect, go to the cinema for reassurance and to dream themselves away for a couple of hours, and cannibalism in the heart of Denmark's quiet lawn-and-rosebush countryside is perhaps a bit too harsh for many. Think Blue Velvet. I enjoyed the film immensely - it's good to watch a Danish film that is not screamingly populist (with which there's nothing wrong as such, but diversity is nice) or full of joyful sing-songs. The humour is clever and not as visual as Danish humour usually is; enough of the flailing arms and falling in banana-peel. Watching people playing twins is a bit boring and the entire premise of the plot is a bit worn-out, but the acting is pitch-perfect, dialogue brilliant and I had a thoroughly good time.

And then: spent two days drinking snaps.




posted by charlotte at 11:52 - comment

By now: shopping and a haircut. It's a mullet. I look like Suzy Quatro.
Still: lovely sunshine and a lot of Danish telly. Yet more von Trier. Last night Fame the film, not the series, which I realised that I'd never seen before. It was quite good, no Lori Singer with the cello and Doris was another Doris, who was somehow nicer. The future Dr. Romano of E.R. singing Walt Whitman.

Buying Danish CD's and books: Suzanne Brøgger and Ib Michael and Karen Blixen. Cheap paperbacks.

English van-men are cheekier than their Danish counterparts. But Danish men are generally so much more attractive.

I'm feeling tired and lazy - I was going to write a long post about the melancholia that hits me every time I spend a summer in Denmark, but I think that's going to have to wait 'till later.

I guess I can always throw in a Friday Five:

1. How many times have you truly been in love?
- But I don't know?! When in a relationship, I always think I am truly in love, but sometimes, in hindsight, I realise that perhaps it was really a case of lust or need? Or greed? Maybe?

2. What was/is so great about the person you love(d) the most?
- That everything seems to fit. Like two pieces of a puzzle.

3. What qualities should a significant other have?
- But it doesn't work like that! I can very easily list a bunch of characteristics, but it doesn't matter in the end because it is usually about something entirely different, namely chemistry. That said, in order to grab my attention in the first place, he must be kind and interesting, preferably funny, I like intense and even slightly arrogant. Don't like smartasses. I like men who are long and slender and blond and look like they're 18. Never had a boyfriend like that, which is probably why.

4. Have you ever broken someone's heart?
- Hardly. Well, maybe, but not a boyfriend's.

5. If there was one thing you could teach people about love, what would it be?
- Why would I want to teach other people about love? That's just tedious.
posted by charlotte at 13:54 - comment

So far: tooth-ache, gum-ache, swollen shoulder from injection.
Furthermore: lovely sunshine, reading (mostly weeklies and newspapers), watching birds in the garden and a lot of Danish telly.

Blogging from home.

Last night on DR2, the most interesting Danish television channel at the moment, an interview with Lars von Trier, who reminds me of a cheery cherub, round-faced with eyes like slits, laughing. He tries to explain himself and gives up halfways. He admits to sentimentalism. He continually contradicts himself. (And I could quote Walt Whitman, but I won't 'cause everyone else does.) He only makes sense in split seconds but I guess it doesn't matter.

Earlier Paul Auster who seems much more in touch with himself and his work, as if he has got it all figured out. He is such good company.

I also watched Dogtown and Z-Boys for the second time, and it only gets better. I really want to get my clammy hands on the DVD - apparently it explains how the makers got hold of such amazing footage. It is an interesting story of how the Zephyr team ruled in surfing and skateboard terms in the 70'ies. Skating the empty swimmingpools in and around Santa Monica, it gave them a sense of freedom that they may have found it difficult to replicate in later life. The film is infused with an air of innocense and rebellion, but perhaps also sadness and loss. Check out their fan site for updated information. I only wish that DR2 had kept Sean Penn's narration, with its stops and coughs and stumbling upon words.

I think my comments provider has been hacked. So no comments again.

[Fauxhemian] provides a couple of good links:
For people with an 'healthy' interest in the Danish language: Insultmonger.
For the art lover in you: a quiz (for the record: yours truly scored a whopping 12 out of 16)
Try also the Swiss, Swedish, Danish or Dutch? - quiz, which I personally found to be all too easy. 16 out of 16.

That's it. I'm off to Aarhus soon.
posted by charlotte at 10:45 - comment