Optional Subject

The numbers are disturbing. I didn't realise there were so few left in Poland. Today I discussed with Fons and Luc, a Dutch and Belgian guest in my hotel, the situation in England. Fons knew that in the UK the major religion is now Christianity thanks to all the imigrated Polish.

I have some jewish phantom pain as well. Unluckily my heritage doesn't lead me to Poland nor jews.

Phantom pain is lying in a way, yes. Just as this boy who's a guest in my hotel. He's got good eyes ( only 1,25 myop ), but his vision is 15% thanks to his brains who are saying he can't see shit.

being you

Arnon, hello. I'm really curious about something - some young Dutch author decided to write a novel 'in your style'. He then hired an actor who pretended he wrote that novel, and the idea was that everyone would think it was actually you.
In high school, we were asked to write a short story in the style of our favourite author. I chose George Orwell. It was a fun exercise and in some way made us (at least me) feel we were Orwell potential.
Do you feel that author should still be in high school and is hoping to e something he's not, or do you think it's an interesting intellectual exercise? He claims he felt the action was in line with the themes of your novels, and hence: your outlook on life.
And would you ever consider loaning your name to a novel whch was not mimicking your style, ie: the athor gets to pretend it was you writing it. Just for the sake of say 'sociological experiment', or pure Warholian fun. I'll give you 100% of my royaltes :)

Noa

I’m modestly flattered and I wonder if the actor actually got paid or if it was an act of philanthropy.
It would have less time consuming to bake some excellent chocolate cookies for me, which would have given me the same feeling of being modestly flattered.
I’m afraid that’s all I have to say

I believe it was an act of philanthropy, however both the actor (Sieger Sloot) and the author (Ewart or Evert something or other, it just goes to show - I remember the actor's name and the book title 'Stand-in" but not the author's name...) had big interviews in the Dutch newspaper NRC today, so whichever way: it gave them attention. Which is not an easy thing to get these days.

Noa

What are five seconds of fame in Amsterdam and its surroundings? (Not that they are less than five seconds of fame in Houston and its surroundings or Oslo and its surroundings etc etc.) Sieger Sloot is an interesting name. Sieger reminds me of Sieg Heil. I know a beautiful woman named Sigi. Don’t get upset because of other people getting attention. If you want to get attention you should walk the streets with a sign: “Make me famous or I’ll die.” Maybe Ilanit is wiling to help you. She is ambitious, intelligent and the bravest daredevil I've met in the last five years. Sometimes she gets on your nerves, but hey isn't that what all daredevils do sometimes?

Arnon, I'm not interested in getting famous. Being famous for what ? I just know that new authors have a hard time getting reviews and attention, that's what I was referring to.
As for Ilanit - I'm not sure what you mean by your comment and supose you're hoping to inspire her to comment again? So I conclude your comment on how you've fallen in love was directed to her, not me. I'm sure she'll react soon, don't worry. The 12 hours you gave her are almost over.

Noa

Asking the question “being famous for what?” is so nineteenth century. And don’t tell me that you are not interested in being famous – the culture we live in dictates it, nothing to be ashamed of. As to Ilanit, I thought the two of you would hit it off – you know I’m a matchmaker. And I can see Ilanit and you being famous together like Ginger and Fred.

Oh don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind being famous. As long as its worldwide fame and allows me to have lunch with Bono. Otherwise it's not worth the effort. So I guess that means I have to become the new Mandela. Is it too late to start?

Noa

Bono is within your league.

famous?!

can't you leave me out of a discussion, i'm resting!