2008/09/26 Eupen
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Empathy

Shame

Last night an older but friendly chauffeur drove my publisher and me from Eupen to a studio in Brussels for a television interview.
Near Liège the chauffeur started driving in the direction of Luxembourg.
I’m convinced that a chauffeur knows what he is doing. Maybe this man knew a shortcut? Twenty minutes later he shouted: “My navigation system is silent. It is sending me in the wrong direction. Oh, these navigation systems.”
He nervously unfolded a map while he whispered: “I have no clue where we are.” From that point on he drove like a madman. I said to him: “I don’t mind you driving fast but please be tender with the brakes.” In Brussels he managed to drop us off at the wrong studio.
The chauffeur was clearly ashamed of himself and I felt empathy for him. But at the same time I could not stop laughing.
The television interview itself was uneventful – this chauffeur I’ll never forget.


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17 comments Last_comment
Uneventful is a friendly qualification. I was really disappointed by the shallowness of the interview. Every second question started with "Maar..." and took a completely new turn without showing any real interest in the previous answer given (a perfection of the Matthijs van Nieuwkerk approach). You looked very relaxed (especially now we know about the taxi ride before the program), so maybe you didn't mind at all and I am just a bore.
I wondered how you (or your publisher) choose the programs in which you perform?
said Ron Lander 26/09/2008 09:36 • x
That sounds like an exciting drive. I don't like satellite navigation. Maps and directions (only good ones though) are my preferred choice in a country where roadsigns and roadnames are almost non-existent to very problematic. My father still tries to persuade me into futuristic gadgets. I'm always amazed that older people like navigation systems, now I know why they shouldn't.
said Lies Beekhuis 26/09/2008 12:21 • x
At 10.05h ( it opened at 10.00) I obtained my copie of 'Onze Oom". A little frantic, maybe? Now I've just finished the first seven chapters, so I guess by tonight I should finish it. One thing I know already, it's another page turner.
said Mieke Dutoit 26/09/2008 12:32 • x
Jeff Hoeyberghs
Maybe one day you can close a deal with Jeff Hoeyberghs and work for a while in his clinic for plastic surgery. As a nurse or co-assistant.
said andrea jansen 26/09/2008 14:43 • x
Bought the new book today, I could not resist to buy the luxury edition: 25 € for a huge copy, it a bargain.
Success!
said Jan Thys 26/09/2008 16:48 • x
Ron
I was relaxed, but of course in a show like this you are nothing but an object.
I
said Arnon Grunberg 26/09/2008 17:45 • x
Is there a luxurious edition?
said Dens Powells 26/09/2008 19:18 • x
you are not an object
Arnon

How come you still feel like an object now and then? Only an object in the eyes of someone else. That goes for everybody. So many people follow your work cause it's public. Do not be afraid of being taking seriously.

Peter
said Peter Visser 26/09/2008 20:36 • x
Jan
The luxury edition wasn't available in my local bookshop. The reading pleasure remains the same, at least that's what I keep telling myself.
said Mieke Dutoit 26/09/2008 21:12 • x
Arnon
The thought of you as an object, wich I can manipulate in every direction I want, is thrilling to me, but alas a dream.
said Mieke Dutoit 26/09/2008 21:15 • x
Peter
My point was that television i.e. the talkshow doesn't take its guest(s) seriously.
said Arnon Grunberg 27/09/2008 09:13 • x
Mieke
People are objects.
Some people are objects with a handle.
Arnon is not.
said Vera M. 27/09/2008 10:14 • x
Vera
That's what I meant. I am afraid I'll never find the way how to handle him.
said Mieke Dutoit 27/09/2008 11:38 • x
Serious
@the writer

I'm a little disappointed that you wan't to be taken seriously .
said Strasse 27/09/2008 13:21 • x
want (f**... English)
said Strasse 27/09/2008 13:32 • x
@Arnon + others
That evening I turned off the TV. The show was too embarrassing. It felt like a striptease of a friend of mine and nobody was even interested.
said Jan Thys 27/09/2008 17:55 • x
Arnon
Thanks for the response. I understand what you mean, but don't forget that there will always be people that watch a programme like that and can tell for themselves that the programme is shit and you are not. It must be difficult to be a public person now and then and be confronted with situations you don't like. If you have enough you can always go on tour with a goat and be succesful ever more. Keep up the good work.
said Peter Visser 28/09/2008 19:02 • x
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