The Relationship Issue A kapcsolatok hava A CATALOGUE OF TRENDINESS MASQUERADING AS DEEP THOUGHT

DO YOU RELATE? • HU/EN

BUDAPEST LIVING

What Stereotype are you? Melyik sztereotípia jellemez téged?

SZERELMEK ÉS EGYÉB PISZKOS ÜGYEK;

LOVE AND OTHER DIRTY WORDS; The Relationship Issue A kapcsolatok hava A CATALOGUE OF TRENDINESS MASQUERADING AS DEEP THOUGHT • WWW.THINK-MAGAZINE.COM • 02/2011 #06

HUMANIFESTO THINK, A CATALOGUE OF TRENDINESS MASQUERADING AS DEEP THOUGHT…

BUDAPEST

those to blame: Vol. II, Issue 06 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/FŐSZERKESZTŐ: Francis Pruett – [email protected] CREATIVE DIRECTOR: J. Benét – [email protected] PUBLISHER/KIADÓ: Attila Szvacsek – [email protected] EU SALES DIRECTOR: Tereza Krejčiřová – [email protected] Tel: +36 306 516 150 SALES ASSOCIATE: Eleonora Kalnay – [email protected] Tel: +36 704 144 993 Scott Warren– [email protected] Tel: +36 205 964 4700 Zsuzsi Pál – [email protected] Tel: +36 705 944 436 UK MARKETING: Darren Halls – [email protected] Tel: +44 769 054 0796 EDITOR EMERITUS: Alexander Zaitchik CONTRIBUTORS: Nagy Greta, W. Hunter Roberts, Rebeka Lodge, Ella Sherbet, Kiss Anikő, Scott Warren, HohKoon AuYeong, Kálnay Eleonóra, Tarcali David, Pete Wylde, Dan Swartz, Doug Smith, Photo: Zsuzsi Pál

Hillary Frink and Alfonso Majetic ON THE COVER: “What’s Your Stereotype?” Art: Szuhay Gergely

Love.

THINK BUDAPEST is published in partner-

ome of us never know love, some of us never share love, and some of us never fail to love. In every grimy, nasty circumstance of life's misery or in the most opulent of lives, the experience of love never fails to elevate us. Love improves us. It can heal the deepest wounds, teach us where education fails, inspire us to innumerable acts of beauty and drive us to achieve the formerly impossible. Love as a word is tossed around a lot, to be sure. Some speak of love in terms of things. Things they appreciate, laugh at, and things they would want. These uses are simple intrusions onto the soft, blurry edges of what love is. They infest the tattered edges of our most noble evolution, they are the bastardized usurpation of our inner drive for good by the forces of the material world. Love of people and animals, and perhaps even plants, can be returned. Cars and homes and belongings, philosophies and practices, religions and biases we hold dear do not love us back. They simply serve to divide our love, to diffuse it among the myriad facets of mundanity, perversity and obsession our environment wishes us to subscribe to. Objects and concepts can be "loved," but they do not love back. The love of the unloving is as much the antithesis of love as hate is. Love for our fellow being is a reward in itself. The most profound of loves can transform us, focus us, and elevate us, carrying us far from the obsessively mundane perversion of everyday life. Be it requited or not, returned or not, lasting or not, our need to breach the black wall of the infinite alone can be forever sated by a single moment of true love, shining in the light with our fellow sojourners. That moment is singular for some, multiple for others, and, for a lucky few, continuous and unabated, an existence shining in the darkness and breaking down the wall until all the universe is light. Let there be love.

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ship with Inkybrain Ltd and Attila Szvacsek, Pécs, Kovács Béla u. 8. 7634 NYOMDA: Kvadrát 97 KFT 1118, Budapest, Ugron Gábor u. 12 ISSN: 2062-1086 GENERAL ENQUIRIES: [email protected] WEB: www.think-magazine.com Copyright © is held by the publishers where applicable. All rights reversed. Reproduction in whole or in part requires permission of the authors. THE FINE PRINT: Think Magazine comes out when Think Magazine comes out (usually the first Friday of the month). We follow

Szerelem.

the moon, and its deep mysteries. Think Magazine is an Entertainment Information

THINK Budapest februári, hatodik számát tartod most a kezedben, FÉL ÉVESEK LETTÜNK! Ezt a sikert főként Nektek köszönhetjük, amit egy nagy bulival szeretnénk meghálálni. Itt végre személyesen is találkozhatunk! Február 16- án várjuk minden támogatónkat és olvasónkat a Boutique Bárba, ahol welcomedrinkkel fogadjuk azokat, akik magukra húznak valami (bármi) pirosat! A részletekért klikkeljetek a www.facebook.com/thinkbudapest címre! A Jégbontó hava ezen kívül is bőven ad alkalmat az ünneplésre. Itt lesz a farsang, a karnevál, a busójárás, a bálszezon, és természetesen Szent Bálint napja, a szerelmesek ünnepe. Emiatt, főként ennek a témának szenteltük jelen kiadásunkat, de mivel a szerelemről annyi mindent megírtak már, bármiféle előszó közhelyesen hangzana (habár, már ez is kissé annak tűnhet). Éppen ezért nem is próbálkoznánk így megoldani a bevezetőt, inkább csapjatok bele kissé szokatlan szemszögű cikkeink olvasásába. Reméljük, találtok itt sok érdekes programot, melyekre ellátogattok szerelmetekkel, barátaitokkal, de akár egyedül is!

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THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

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I USED TO THINK WOMEN WHO LOOKED PAST MY FLAWS WERE REALLY COOL WOMEN WITH BRAINS. NOW I JUST THINK THEY'RE DESPERATE.

05 modern kapcsolatok

A 21. század nője AVAGY AZ Y-GENERÁCIÓS KAPCSOLATOK IDEJE? colunk az egyenjogúságunkért, mert mi is „kötöttségfóbiásak” lettünk? Igen ez durvának hangzik, és természetesen távol álljon tőlem, hogy elbagatellizáljam azokat az elveket, amelyekért a feministák éveken át küzdöttek. Itt egyáltalán nem erről van szó. De lehet, hogy megéri fogni a feminista elveket, es újra gondolni őket a 21. század immáron második évtizedében, még ha ezt csak a szerelem es párkapcsolatok terén tesszük meg?

KÖZELEDIK A VALENTIN NAP, ÉS ELKEZDTEM GONDOLKODNI, A PÁRKAPCSOLATOKON. (NEM, EZ NEM EGY „MIÉRT NEM SZERETNEK A PASIK, ÉS MIÉRT KELL MÉG EGY VALENTIN NAPOT EGYEDÜL TÖLTENEM?” TIPUSÚ CIKK LESZ!) NAGY GRETA

párkapcsolatok fogalma erősen átfogalmazódott a 21. század folyamán. A modern nők egyre többször lázadnak fel a konvencionális kapcsolatok ellen. Miért szabjunk határokat? Miért ne legyünk egy nyitott kapcsolatban? Miért házasodjunk meg? Miért ne váljunk el? Miért költözzünk össze? De mi is lehet ez valójában?

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Persze ezek a kérdések teljesen jogosak. Ezek jelentenek kihívást a konvencionális, régi időknek, es ezáltal fejlődik a világ azzá, ami. Aminek, legyünk őszinték, vannak hibái, de vannak előnyei is, főleg ez esetben a nők szamara. Nem kell például a férfi kísérőjeként megjelenni nyilvánosan, lehetünk akár mérnökök is (a férfiak pedig lehetnek ápolók), és egyre inkább az a trend, hogy egy nőt a kisugárzása es nem a „méretei” alapján ítélünk meg. Persze ez még mindig hibádzik egy kicsit, de ez most mellékes. Amin elkezdtem gondolkozni, az egy teljesen más dolog volt. Éspedig a következő: aki kicsit is ismer, tudja, hogy amennyire csak egyet lehet érteni a feminizmussal, én megteszem. Még éppen a radikálisokkal is tudok szimpatizálni, ha másért nem, W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

egyszerűen azért, mert az extrém követelésekből lesznek a látható változtatások, amik bizony mindig jól jönnek. De az ötlött a fejembe: manapság a feminizmus és a szabad szellem nem egyfajta kalandvágyat próbál álruhába bújtatni és eladni? Miért van az, hogy nekünk, szabad szemléletű nőknek azzal nincs különösebb problémánk, hogy elmenjünk bulizni, összeszedjünk egy vadidegent, akit aztán egyenjogúság nevében felviszünk magunkhoz, majd reggel kirakjuk a lakásunkból, es önelégült fejjel kortyolgatjuk a reggeli kávénkat a metrón, miközben gondolatban veregetjük a saját vállunkat, hogy most egy jelentős lépést tettünk a nők emancipációja fele?

Mitől lettünk mi, Nők hirtelen ennyire fenemód harapósak, ha kapcsolatokról van szó? Talán megéreztük a szabadság ízét, es tetszik nekünk? Nem hibáztatom magunkat. Igazán felemelő érzés, amikor ott állsz egyedül a bárnál, tudod, hogy jól nézel ki, ráadásul ehhez megvan az önbizalmad is, es mindezek felett megvan a lehetőséged arra, hogy ezt akárhogy kamatoztasd! Anélkül, hogy ezt akárki „kur vásnak”, férfiasnak, vagy rámenősnek skatulyázza be. Sőt! Kész főnyeremény vagy! Es ha nem sikerül? Sikerül máskor! Es ha kiröhögnek? Tapasztalat! Es ha besikerül egy zoknis szandálos fogai közt petrezselyem? Tanulópénz! De mi történik eközben a férfiakkal? Most akkor kezdenek egybeolvadni a nemek vagy a szerepek felcserélődtek? Ezt nehéz lenne megmondani. De szerintem egy dolog biztos: a férfiak egyre tanácstalanabban figyelik a történteket. Egyik pillanatban még azt akarjuk, hogy meghódítsanak, a másikban a kezünkbe vesszük az irányítást. Az egyik

pillanatban védelemre vágyunk, a másik pillanatban megsértődünk, ha a vállunkra teszik a kezüket. Az egyik pillanatban boldogan élünk, amíg meg nem halunk, a másik pillanatban boldogan élünk egy műteremlakásban egyedül, koktélokat szürcsölgetve. De hogy a férfiak elpuhultak-e? Nem hinnem!

„A modern nők egyre többször lázadnak fel a konvencionális kapcsolatok ellen. Miért szabjunk határokat? Miért ne legyünk egy nyitott kapcsolatban?” Az Y-generacio egy új generáció, férfiakban is. Mar nem néznek kerek szemekkel, ha meghívod őket egy italra. Már nem húzogatják ki a széket, es nyitogatják az ajtót. Már nem érzik magukat megszégyenítve, ha többet keresel, mint ők. Tudjak, hogy ezek az idők rég elmúltak. Képesek a változásra, es ezért le a kalappal előttük! Talán mindig is könnyebb helyzetben voltak, és lesznek is, mint a nők, de talán ez azért van, mert ők könnyebben is alkalmazkodnak ezekhez az új helyzetekhez. Talán ez a speciális, new-wave nő-férfi kapcsolat jobban ki fog jönni a későbbi „Zgenerációban”? Ezt majd csak 10 év múlva tudjuk meg, kiváncsian várom! Addig is legyen még 10 ennyire boldog évünk a férfiakkal! Boldog Valentin-napot Srácok, köszönjük, hogy vagytok!

Ezzel szemben azzal nagyon is van problémánk, hogy valakivel elmenjünk randizni, megtetsszen nekünk, és kimondjunk egy szót, ami a kapcsolatunkat leírja, ne adj isten elkötelezzük magunkat egy meghatározatlan időre? Nem lehet, hogy elkezdtünk azokká a férfiakká válni, akiket annyira szenvedélyesen és egységesen utáltunk mi Nők? Es most bátorkodok olyat javasolni, amit én is meg fogok bánni: nem lehet, hogy mára már csak azért harTHINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

6 relating

Marriage Counseling for Skeptics IS MARRIAGE THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF ROMANTIC LOVE? ensure social stability, not romance. Romance was an occasional perk, or it happened on the side. In light of that, am I to believe that marriage is the ultimate, or even the only, expression of romantic love? Can’t we come up with some more satisfying, committed, intimate connection that isn’t marriage and also isn’t the one-nightstand, the NSA “Friend with Benefits,” or the casual fly-by-night affair? Something to sustain the romance and intimacy many people want today? When was the last time you heard anyone say their relationship became sexier after they got married or began living together? More often it’s the other way around. I must ask: Is it sexy to argue over bills, discuss what to buy at the market, and sleep in the same bed every night, even when grungy and downright grumpy, to be intimate? I know sex isn’t everything. I’m a middle-aged woman, not a teenage boy, but still…

ARE A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN’S HOPES FOR ROMANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY THE SAME AS A TWENTY-YEAR OLD’S FROM 100 YEARS AGO? W. HUNTER ROBERTS, WWW.TRANS-ARTS.COM

n search of answers to love’s persistent dilemmas (even after twenty years of being a coach cum therapist cum spiritual director) I sometimes succumb to the siren song of self-help.

I

Recently I was reading: How to Have the Relationship You Want by Rori Raye. On page 54 the author wrote “Ask yourself: Am I ready to say flat-out that I want to be married?” “Hold on,” I thought. I thought this was how to have the relationship I want. Does she think that’s the relationship everyone wants? Sure, I want that special someone who loves me, whom I love. I want someone to spend time with, someone who knows me well, lets me in, turns me on, and is willing, so long as we’re good together, to hang in for the long haul. But married? Why do married people think everyone has to be married? Did we miss “last call” for Noah’s Ark? Not that I have anything against marriage. It works really well for certain things, like raising children in a stable environment and all sorts of other practical, domestic considerations. THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

Our nesting instincts, wisely developed by Mother Nature using de- signer hormones, make females want to bed down permanently, or at least for a while, with Thag, the big brave brute who impregnated them.

“When was the last time you heard anyone say their relationship became sexier after they got married or began living together?” Happily for this arrangement, another hormone makes Thag content to sit around in his undershirt and watch the game instead of going out on the prowl. The method in Nature’s madness is for him hang to around long enough to protect the children until they reach the age of reproduction themselves (even if he is catching a little on the side). Great idea. It got us here. It worked right through the time, only a hundred years ago, that most people lived on farms. For those thousands of years,

when women needed a man to hoe fields and fix roofs on barns before it snowed, and men needed a mate to put hot meals on the table, darn socks and birth lots of babies to work the land, it worked out well. A hundred or two years ago, if no one got beaten and you kept shoes on your kids, anything else was gravy. It would have continued to work if we’d stayed on farms and no one had started dreaming of lasting love, romance, and intimacy. But does it apply to me? I earn my own living, I am not having children. I don’t have a barn, and if I need someone to fix something, I can call the plumber, carpenter, or landlord. What I need a partner for is love, companionship, deep friendship, a place of refuge and stimulation, and really hot sex. My question is whether marriage is the best venue for that. Contrary to what history’s redactors are trying to sell, it wasn’t designed for that. It wasn’t designed by God as a “holy union of one man and one woman,” but for the exchange of property between men. Hence the bride was given away by her father to her husband, usually with a dowry, to

GET HIGH ON HOPE! IT'S FREE AND YOU CAN MAKE IT AS UNREALISTIC AS YOU LIKE!

Is there some innate virtue in this that I am missing? My friends and clients will attest I have no problem with commitment. It’s not marriage that I find unappealing, so much as the assumption that domestic partnership is associated with sexual partnership. I know we’re wired to nest, and it got our ambitious genes—and the people who carried them—what they needed in times past. I’m not sure this arrangement can get us what we need or want... because we don’t want the same things as our grandparents. I’ve been trying for quite a while to figure this out. So far I haven’t succeeded. I’ve met plenty of guys who wanted no strings, and a few who wanted to drag me back to their caves. Maybe I’m just stubborn. There’s something unquestionably lovely about the idea of committing to one person, whatever your particular preferences; sharing love, loyalty, warmth, and moving through time together by choice rather than necessity. Maybe I’ll never find what I’m seeking, or maybe I’ll find it in marriage. But I have this crazy idea that the form should fit the content rather than vice-versa. So I’ll look for that. Until then, am I ready to say flat-out that I want to be married? I guess I’m not.

dance

Synched Juxtapositions THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN DANCE THEATRE’S TROUPE CHOREOGRAPHS A MOVING FUTURE AMIDST A VENUE’S SOLID ROOTS IN THE ART OF DANCE’S WHIMSICAL PAST FRANCIS PRUETT, PHOTO: DUSA GÁBOR

ntering the Central European Dance Theatre (CEDT) at Bethlen Gábor tér might make one think they are taking a step back into the past. The building it resides in hearkens back to the early 20th century and the twilight-tinged years between Europe’s two cataclysmic wars. Csaba Szögi, the Founding Director of the Theatre, likes it that way.

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“Our one-of-a-kind lobby reflects the 20s and 30s, when the theatre was first opened and showcased cabaret performances,” she said. “Later it was turned into a cinema and, in the 90s, back into a dance theatre with a rehearsal studio where the dancers can undertake their daily requirements.” The theme of cabaret and the roaring 20s has been well-evoked by the restoration of its status as a dance house, but the technique and style of the performances is definitely more in the vein of the forward-looking and young. A juxtaposition, to be sure. The shows “are of the freshest contemporary ‘dance theatre’ styles,” Szögi asserts. “Our current troupe started forming in 2006. They are all in their 20s and all are from the MU Terminál studio.” MU Studio runs a pre-professional program for dancers from all over the world. It cultivates a humongous amount of talent, along with a work ethic that suits the CEDT and its diverse productions well. “The repertoire now includes a number of countries,” Szögi explained. “Our invited choreographers’ personal styles are reflected in each performance. Our dancers train daily to become more accomplished professionally, and to work with our shows’ creators.” The dancers have to be flexible. No two productions will require the exact same movements or expressive styles that CEDT hosts. “We have a lyrical voice and emotional dance performance in Aréna, choreographed by Duda Éva, and a Shakespearean, King Lear-influenced performance called Vasszavonhatatlan (Irrevocable).” But the dancers do not always toil to simply bring the works of others to life. Szögi encourages creative growth. “This year’s initiative, Io Sono, came together without a choreographer from our own dancers’ creativity and personal shades of improvisational performance.” It’s a natural outgrowth of the creative critical mass Szögi has gathered in the Theatre. Nurtured, perhaps, by her own path in the art. She led the group in 1989. “I was a dancer before, primarily folk and soloist, and later a contemporary choreographer.” Io Sono, or I Am, features six 20-something dancers in each performance (two men and four women). They are not choreographed and dance independently, but they do play off of each other, each starting at the self. The goal is, according to the description at CEDT’s website, to find as many layers of the self as they can, and share them with the audience.It’s juxtaposition again, and in triplicate at that… dancers find the self in the other, offer the singular personal to the impersonal mass, and dig deeper into their selves to elevate each other and a rapt audience. — Central European Dance Theatre, VII Budapest, Bethlen Gábor tér 3 Tickets: Tel: (+36 1) 342 7163, email: [email protected], www.cedt.hu W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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8 rejection

Rules of the Game THEY DO IT BECAUSE THEY KNOW WE CAN'T REFUSE. “The thing is,” I was saying as I reached behind me to wrench his hand from my ass, “is that I really do like you and I wouldn’t want to do anything…” I ducked to avoid an incoming kiss, which ended up landing squarely on my ear, “…anything to compromise our friendship.” Do women really talk like this? I do. I once told a man that I didn’t want to cheapen our friendship by making it sexual. Christ. I made a mental note to come up with a better line for use in the future. “But baby,” he said, manoeuvring me back against the wall and sort of pinning me there, “just stay for a while. I only want to hold you.” This oft-used line, of course, is the male equivalent of “I just want to be friends.” On the lameness scale they each rate a perfect ten, plastic and transparent, the very antithesis of sincerity. “Martin. OK. I’m going now.” He ignored me and continued nuzzling my ear. It felt nice. “Martin. Really now. I’ll see you later, ok?”

WHEN ALL OTHER METHODS HAVE BEEN TRIED AND FAILED, WHEN THE BULLETS ARE GONE FROM THE CHAMBERS, WHEN THE QUIVERS ARE EMPTY AND THE BOWS LIE DISCARDED ON THE SMOKING AND DESOLATE BATTLEFIELD, THE WEAKENED SOLDIER MUST CHOOSE TO ACCEPT DEFEAT ON THE TERMS OF HIS ENEMY OR TO DIE FIGHTING. THIS IS WHEN A GUY WILL ASK YOU FOR A HUG. REBEKA LODGE

hey do it because they know we can’t refuse. To do so would go against the most basic tenets of battle protocol. And it works, sometimes. Sometimes when you’re already in somebody’s arms it’s just easier to let things happen than to keep on ducking and diving. Men are aware of this. They learn at early ages to work the hug.

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es, I found myself trying to pry myself away from his Tupperware-like clutches and avoid his groping hands, which had inexplicably seemed to become more numerous. I was attempting to explain to him that, despite my earlier behaviour, I did not think that a romantic entanglement would benefit either of us. As if the guy was interested in romance.

Martin and I had spent most of the evening swilling beer at Instant, and ended up back at his flat after the place closed down. The decision to go to his place had made perfect sense to me as we wobbled out of the bar and onto Andrássy Avenue. It would have taken me an hour to get home by bus, he pointed out. He lived just around the corner on Király and had plenty of room. How hospitable, I thought cheerfully. How sweet.

My words couldn’t have carried much weight, though, since only moments before uttering them my tongue had been somewhere in the vicinity of his lower left wisdom tooth. This must be one of those things that men despise about women, and rightfully so.

So later on, after indulging in a few (harmless!) kiss-

So I was explaining to him that some people (“us, for instance,”) were destined only for friendship. But I think the only word he caught was “destined.” He seemed to find it encouraging.

I gave one last wriggle to extract myself from his grasp. He stepped back and looked at me; his stricken expression resembling that of a puppy in the rain adorable, pathetic. He let out an exaggerated sigh, paused for effect, and launched his final assault. “Just give me a hug, okay?” I respected the rules. I put my arms around his neck and bussed him on the cheek in as sisterly a fashion as I could manage. When I tried to move away, his arms were predictably locked around my waist.

“Do women really talk like this? I do. I once told a man that I didn't want to cheapen our friendship by making it sexual. I made a mental note to come up with a better line.” “Martin,” I said firmly. He let go, accepting the fate of the evening with as much grace as he could muster. I grabbed my jacket and hit the door. Walking through the light drizzle toward Deák Ferenc, I reflected that it might actually have been nice if I had stayed with Martin. Hell, I thought, maybe I should have. Like Janis Joplin advised us all those years ago, the “get it while you can” attitude might make the long dry spells between relationships considerably more tolerable.

Post Tense

Old Janis probably never thought much about whether or not people considered her a ‘nice girl.’ And at times my whole life seemed like a big fucking dry spell, I thought wryly. The price you pay for not being made to wear a scarlet letter. The thing was, though, people didn’t really wear scarlet letters. Hawthorne has been dead for a long time. I lit a cigarette and looked up the street toward Martin’s. Asleep by now, I thought. Maybe next time. THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

I'D LIKE YOU A LOT MORE IF YOU LIKED ME A LOT LESS.

the single life

Are you an STD ...(Serial Tosser Dater)? ELLA SHERBET

admit I’m a serial tosser dater. I don’t wish to be a moron magnet but my track record is telling me it’s time to admit defeat, join a nunnery (the one that Julie Andrews went to in The Sound of Music ‘coz I know all the songs) and be done with dating forever. My dating disasters strangely coincided with moving to hungary. Not only did I have the misfortune of increasing in dress size overnight - from a small in the UK to a large in Budapest, but I also went from being a hot chick to the invisible woman.

I

Last Christmas (I feel a song coming…) my sympathetic friend bought me a copy of ‘He’s Just Not That into You’ – I spent my Christmas day weeping. Finding a willing victim ain’t easy on these shores. I’m obviously not alone, since the women’s magazines are full of articles on ‘How to Bag a Man.’ One mag went as far as to write a guide on which bars to frequent if you’re looking to date a doctor or lawyer, and which ones to avoid because they’re full of brokers. There are hoards of women on the man hunt. In turn, there are plenty of men looking for a relationship here – a one night relationship that is. THERE’S ALWAYS THE GOOD OLD ‘LAW OF SOD’ TO TURN TO AT SUCH BLEAK TIMES. TAKE THE FOLLOWING TIPS AND I GUARANTEE YOU’LL MEET THE MAN OF YOUR DREAMS:

1. Eat lots of cheese, yogurt & garlic and don’t brush your teeth 2. Don’t wash and acquire your own fruity scent 3. Don’t wash your hair and let it go greasy and druffy 4. Dress so badly social services are likely to intervene 5. Wear passion killers if you’re looking for a brief encounter This is a tried and tested theory - you will meet someone you want to date! One drawback – he won’t be at all interested as you’ll be the woman of his nightmares! A total skankypants! The ‘Law of Sod’ has a nasty habit of entering my life when least expected. Take last weekend, I’m having a wee tipple in a popular bar in the Jewish Quarter when two hunky guys I’d briefly dated (more than one night though) joined me. Since threesomes are the new couple (think Jude, Sadie and Kate) I was game for a sexy ménage a trois… well so the copious amounts of alcohol told me! The boys persuaded the bar manager to give us use of his office. Thankfully I still had the dignity to hide my face from him with my elegant Louis Vuitton handbag – but I was too sozzled to realize I held it lopsided and revealed most of my face to him! How embarrassing (though he probably makes a living from porn on the side judging by his willingness to let us use his office). We stumbled around under the harsh glare of the office lights and it didn’t feel very romantic at all. I promptly fell over on all fours and ended up with a staple wedged in my knee. At that point one of the boys lifted up my skirt and screamed hysterically “GRANNY PANTS!” Bugger, I’d forgotten I was wearing my tummy flatteners! The ones with a cast iron girdle to hold-in my spare tire. I hadn’t worn them in about three years – what were the odds on wearing them tonight of all nights!? The cruel ‘Law of Sod’ prevails. The boys were rolling round in hysterics, all thoughts of a hot night gone, “Haha! Granny Pants! I can’t believe you’re wearing Granny Pants!” So much for my night of passion. A night of embarrassment more like, although the good thing about excessive amounts of alcohol is that you’re too out of it to really care. W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

10 emlékezés

Az első szerelem VEGYÜK SORRA OLYKOR SZERELMEINKET! egy keresztnév, ami kedves számomra, mivel ehhez kötődik az első szerelem érzése. A húgom csak nevetett rajtam, hogy a közös családi nyaralásaink során minden évben akadt egy lány, akibe fülig szerelmes lettem. Ott volt Vera, Dóra, Enci, Anna. Csakúgy, mint Timinél, mindegyiküknél vártam, hogy megjelenjen, és kerestem az alkalmat, hogy vele legyek. A nyaralások végén címcsere, jó ideig tartó telefonálgatások, levélváltások. Mindannyian élvezték többkevesebb ideig a kitüntető figyelmet.

AZ ELSŐ CSÓKRA MINDANNYIAN EMLÉKSZÜNK, MIVEL LEGBELÜL VÁRTUNK RÁ. DE VAJON KIBE ZÚGTUNK BELE LEGELŐSZÖR? HORVÁTH MIKLÓS

z első ilyen villám, ami belém csapott, egy Timi nevű lánytól jött. Talán nyolcadikos lehetett, én pedig elsős voltam. Kedves arcú, rövid göndör hajú, középmagas lány volt. Mindig 3-4 osztálytársával lógott a nagyszünetben az udvaron. Beleszeretni egy pillanat műve volt. Most érett fejjel visszagondolva, pusztán annak a tudata, hogy szerelmes lettem is óriási boldogsággal töltött el.

A

Maga a szerelem, mint fogalom, azon belül a kötődés, nem volt ismeretlen a számomra, elvégre 3 nővérem van, akik közül a legidősebb már anyuka volt, a középsőnek pedig akkoriban lett barátja (akit ma már szintén a sógoromként ismerek). Velük láthattam először ezt az érdekes kapcsolatot, amikor az ember párban van valakivel. (A barátság most más, mert olyan volt nekem egypár, és azt inkább egy kalap alá vettem a családdal.) Amikor pedig megismerkedtem Timivel, ráébredtem, hogy ez ugyanaz az érzés… Szerettem volna T H I N K B U D A P E S T C I T Y M A G A Z I N E „ AKIT

minél többet vele lenni. Reggel rohantam az iskolába, és vártam a nagyszünetet, amikor végre kiengedtek minket az udvarra. Saját tapasztalat híján a kötődés romantikus értelmét nem érthettem igazán. Mégis, nem sokkal később már az akkori olvasókönyvem vastag külső borítóján hirdettem az érzelmeimet: a dolog adta magát, mivel a borítórajz is megerősítésként hatott: egy lombkorona alatt, a fa két oldalán (ez volt a tankönyvem címlapja és hátoldala) egy kisfiú és egy kislány ült. Vastag filccel odaírtam (friss íráskészséggel) neveinket, és gyakran nézegettem. Timi és az osztálytársai mindannyiszor kedvesen fogadták a helyes kölyköt, aki udvarlónak még fiatal volt, mégis szokatlan érdeklődéssel jelent meg az osztálytermükben, vagy a focipálya mellett a padoknál. Sokat kérdezgették különböző dolgokról, a fiúnak pedig jól esett a figyelem. Timi a következő iskolaévre eltűnt, vélhetőleg kijárta az általánost. Én pedig már a vezetéknevére sem emlékszem. De maradt

Ennyi lánytestvérrel, amennyi nekem jutott, leszögezhetjük, hogy sokkal jobban szót tudok érteni a lányokkal, mint a fiúkkal. A férfias tapasztalatok híján viszont nem nagyon volt valódi fogalmam arról, hogyan hódítsak meg egy számomra kedves lányt. Így sok esetben, viszonzás helyett kettőnk között egy bizalmas kapcsolat született, ahol sok mindenbe be lettem avatva, és bármilyen kitüntető legyen is egy ilyen szerep, az érzelmi összetettsége miatt egyre nehezebben viseltem ezeket a plátói szerelmeket. A középiskola végére, pedig már egyenesen kétségbe voltam esve, hogy vajon sikerül-e kellő vonzalmat ébresztenem valakiben.

persze egy másfajta keresés alakulhat ki az idők során, miközben az illető férfi lába előtt számtalan öszszetört női szív is hever. De mi van a korai fellángolások emlékeivel? Egy este azon kapod magad, hogy a közösségi oldaladon mászkálva szórakozottan beütöd egy régi lány nevét. Mi van, ha előkerül? A gyermeki szempár, amelybe régebben belenéztél, egy női arcból néz vissza rád. Izgatottan megnézed a családi állapotát, vajon van-e kapcsolata, vagy esetleg hozzámente valakihez? Kinyitod a fotókat, és mit látsz?

“Beleszeretni egy pillanat műve volt. Most érett fejjel visszagondolva, pusztán annak a tudata, hogy szerelmes lettem is óriási boldogság - gal töltött el.”

Férfivá érésünk során mindannyian éreztük azt a kételyt, hogy a nagy ő valaha is felbukkan, és ránk talál. Nekem az igazi szerelem egészen későn jött. Nagy boldogsággal tölt el az a kitüntetett helyzet, hogy valaki viszontszeret, bír, elvisel, sőt, imád.

Nyaralási képeket, ahol egy hozzád alig hasonlító csávó mellett mosolyog, vagy ficánkoló gyerekek képeit, akiknek ő adott életet. Hirtelen arra gondolsz, vajon milyen lett volna vele? Rájössz, hogy valójában az ő életébe próbálod beleképzelni magad. Az ő gyerekfotóiba, és a mellette álló pasas helyébe. Olyan ez tulajdonképpen, mint az Ikeában szobát nézegetni, aztán hazamenni: az ember rájön, hogy az ő szobája soha nem lehet pont ugyanolyan.

Azoknak, akiknek sokkal több ilyen megerősítés jut (értsd: sokkal inkább bejön a nőknek) másfajta súlya van az egyes kapcsolatoknak, elvégre, van miből válogatni. Ebből

Mégis, mit lehet csinálni ezek után? Kapcsold ki a gépet, és ha van olyan szerencséd, hogy már van valakid, bújj oda mellé, vagy irány a város, és keress tovább.

16/2/2011 @ Boutique Bar

Think Magazin Red Party Think Magazine Red Party

FELEDNI AKARUNK, ARRA GONDOLUNK.” - JEAN DE LA BRUYÉRE

info: www.facebook.com/thinkbudapest

11 egyenlőség

„Love is in the air” …A SZERELEM MINDENKINEK JÁR! KÖZELÍTSÜK MOST MÁS OLDALRÓL A SZERELMESEK NAPJÁNAK HAVÁT. NÉZZÜK MÁS SZÍNBEN, LÁSSUNK TÚL AZ URALKODÓ PIROSON, ÉS FIGYELJÜNK EGY KICSIT A SZIVÁRVÁNY TÖBBI SZÍNÉRE IS... KISS ANIKŐ

z első gondolatok: Február tizennégy. Bálint, Valentin. Szerelem, szeretet. Férfi, nő. Számomra nincs különösebb jelentősége ennek a napnak, de valljuk be, azért jó érzés, ha van egy Társad, akivel megoszthatod és megélheted, ha mégis magával ragadna a hangulat – ami éppen még meg is történhet, ha a lakásajtót bezárva túljutsz azon, hogy a „piár” meg a „marketing” meg a „virág- és szívecske biznisz”.

A

Számomra nincs jelentősége annak sem, hogy a Társad Viktor vagy Viktória, de valljuk be, azért jobb érzés lenne, ha ezzel kicsit többen lennénk így… Az utcán mi ma sem fogjuk meg egymás kezét, nem adunk puszit a másiknak. Talán megszokás, talán félelem. Vagy mindkettő. A többség számára természetes mozdulatokkal és gesztusokkal mi még provokálunk… S bár egyre több pozitív hozzáállású emberrel találkozom kishazánkban, sajnos itthon még mindig nem ez a meghatározó. Pedig azt gondolom, sokaknak csak tovább kellene lépniük – hogy egy példát említsek – a teljes mértékben torz képet festő talk-show-s tapasztalataikon és benyomásaikon, és esetleg tehetnének egy próbát, hogy megismerjék egy-két homoszexuális embertársukat. Nem a tévéből, nem a felvonulásból, nem egy haver volt szobatársának beszámolóiból. Személyesen, kérdéseken és válaszokon keresztül. Ami engem illet, ilyen téren eddig csak pozitív tapasztalataim voltak. Örültem a nyíltságnak, az őszinte kíváncsiságnak, és kiderült az is, hogy rengeteg kérdés, fekete volt és – nagyon fontos! – sztereotípia él az emberekben velünk kapcsolatban. Márpedig amit nem ismerünk, ami idegen, attól jobbára ódzkodunk, és talán sokaknak kényelmesebb is elfogadni az eléjük tálalt elméleteket akár anélkül is, hogy utánagondolnának egy kicsit. Én úgy tapasztaltam, ezen egy közvetlen beszélgetés rengeteget változtat, teljesen új kép alakult ki bennük, miután saját tapasztalatot szereztek. „Nahát, hiszen ők is ugyanolyan emberek, érzésekkel, hibákkal, erényekkel. Sokszínűek, érdekesek. És mindemellett teljesen hétköznapiak!” Aztán barátok lettünk… Onnantól kezdve szívesen velünk tartottak legközelebb és azután is. Persze mégiscsak egy számukra új, szokatlan világba kerültek, de immáron nem ellenségesen, hanem érdeklődőn, elfogadóan kezeltek minden impulzust. Szerencsére volt mit mutatni nekik. Kezdjük a délutánt a szépségszalonban, ahol az ott dolgozó fiúk-lányok maguk is melegek, ahol bárki szívesen látott vendég. Ha az ember belép, rögtön érzi, hogy valami más, mint az eddig megszokott. Hogy az a valami az első pillanattól garantálja, hogy teljesen otthon érezhetjük magunkat, míg testünk-lelkünk pihen és szépül.

W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Este a melegbarát pub-ban a légkör barátságos, jókedvű, közvetlen. Persze nyilván ez sem véletlen. Ha egy társaság csupa olyan fiúkból, lányokból – emberekből – áll, akiknek hasonló a sorsuk, hasonló küzdelmek után/előtt állnak, ott a szoros összetartás magától értetődő. Nyíltak lehetünk, egymás előtt nem kell titkolóznunk, s ha megfogjuk a párunk kezét, az senkit nem zavar. Annak pedig mindig örülünk, ha egy újabb színfolttal gazdagodunk.

UNLESS IT IS

MAD

PASSIONATE

EXTRAORDINARY

LOVE IT IS A WASTE OF TIME. THERE ARE TOO MANY MEDIOCRE THINGS IN

LIFE.

LOVE

SHOULD NOT BE ONE OF THEM.

A táncos lábúaknak nem itt ér véget az este. Attól függően, hogy mihez van kedvünk (kisebb vagy nagyobb nyüzsi, ilyen vagy olyan zene), választunk egy szórakozóhelyet a palettáról, ahol egy éjszakára elfeledkezhetünk a mindennapi gondokról. Már szól is a „Love is in the air”, boldogan megöleljük a barátainkat – „De jó, hogy itt vagy!” – és mindenki, legyen az nő vagy férfi, vezető vagy beosztott, fiatalabb vagy idősebb, önfeledten tudja jól érezni magát. Egy ilyen alkalommal a barátunk a pultnál összetalálkozik egy régi, heteroszexuális ismerősével. „Hát te? Csak nem?!” „Ja, én nem, a barátaimmal jöttem.” „Jaj, én is, gyere, bemutatlak nekik, biztos imádni fogjátok egymást!”… A záró gondolatok: Minden pillanat. Elfogadás, tolerancia. Szerelem, szeretet. Ember, ember…

THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

12 truth

Dear World... ANOTHER LETTER FROM AMERICA remain silent instead of bringing a reasoned voice to the debate. Freedom has a price and democracies are messy but the alternatives are oftentimes worse. America has shown and continues to show its true heart and compassion when disasters strike in other countries. With little hesitation, Americans jump in to help rescue and treat victims of earthquakes, Tsunamis, floods, AIDS, and other disasters.

DESPITE WHAT YOU'VE SEEN OR HEARD IN THINK AND ON THE NEWS LATELY, AMERICA IS NOT WHAT SOME FANATICS WOULD MAKE IT OUT TO BE.

Because we're essentially a mixed bag of immigrants from all over the world, anytime a disaster happens in some corner of the world, we feel it and we feel engaged and involved. Although we are American citizens, we treasure the heritage and culture of the countries that we or our parents or their parents came from. We are a nation of workers and our lives are not very different from yours. We love our children like you do yours: we clothe and feed them, we send them off to school and we hug them and kiss them goodnight when bedtime comes.

HOHKOON AUYEONG, ART: JAMES COSGROVE

es, there are the few loose nuts who made the headlines lately with their rants and the rather frightening and unreasoned blabbering. Please just ignore them.

Y

Unfortunately, our media (notably our TV media) is constantly and desperately seeking to outdo each other in being the first to air the latest exciting news. In doing so, some networks have opted for sensationalism and have forgotten what journalism is all about - informing the public of worthwhile news and analyzing, printing or airing topics that are important for the welfare of the nation and the general public. Topics get old very quickly on a 24-hour TV news cycle and there are insufficient breakthroughs in medical research, weather and climate changes, development of new technologies, etc., to fill up the air time. In their desperation to stay exciting in order to grab a bigger viewership and more advertising dollars, they have resorted to giving voice to attention seekers of all sorts. Consequently, more and more TV “news” programs have taken on a tabloid characteristic. If you are not one to fall for the “exposes” in supermarket tabloids, you shouldn't fall for all the sensational news items on TV channels either. Please, look beyond the obvious. I am a hundred percent sure that if you take a closer look, you will find that there are, in reality, many times more sane people than the insane ones. It is just that the sane ones aren't as vocal or they find it harder to get the media's attention. On TV, sane and normal are not as audience captivating as the wild and unbelievable. TV show producers love the “exotic” acts - those who would do anything to get their five minutes of fame in front of a camera. What's better for the networks' bottom line than if they don't have to pay for those acts? THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

The early settlers in America had left their homeland for the new world so that they could practice their faith free from the oppressive powers that controlled Europe back then and, when America became an independent nation, the founding fathers of the nation followed that same instinct and spirit of freedom and the authors of the US Constitution entrenched in it certain fundamental rights for all Americans, including the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the freedom to petition. As a result of such freedoms, we can express our dissent without fear of arrest and incarceration. Those freedoms, as you may have noted, are essentially freedoms of expression and do not extend to include acts of violence.

“We can't really silence the few individuals who are vocal and whose incantations are welcomed by the media. We can only seek to expose their falsehood and lies by speaking out against them, arguing our case with facts & good logic.” We can't really silence the few individuals who are vocal and whose incantations are welcomed by the media. We can only seek to expose their falsehood and lies by speaking out (or writing) against them, arguing our case with facts and good logic. Exercising those same freedoms, some Americans voice their opposition to the offensive speeches through counter demonstrations and marches. Sadly, there are also those who are in positions of influence and responsibility who choose to

We make mistakes (hopefully not too often) and we try to remedy them. We do our best to learn from our mistakes and we try not to repeat them. Sometimes we succeed and other times we fail but we don't give up on trying. When we fail, we laugh at ourselves and we try not to take ourselves too seriously. We cry over the loss of a loved one and we sympathize with others who have experienced a personal loss. We are excited at the success of someone we know and we root for the 'underdog' who is trying to beat the odds and come out on top. Our hope is that you will not listen to the few fanatics and false prophets who would exploit the sensitivities of others for their own glorification. Don't give credence to them or use the mindless words of the few crazies against all Americans. Our appeal to you is to tune them out, just as you would tune out those among you who seek only to provoke and to incite others to no good. REMEMBER: Not everything you see on TV or read on

the Internet is real. Be sure that there is a hidden plot or lots of clever editing to keep the viewers or readers enthralled. Just as you have learned to discern what's real and what's not on “Reality TV” shows, you must apply the same thought logic to what you see or hear on the news. “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy-keep thinking about these things.” - Paul to the Philippians

YOUR WHOLE LIFE HAS BEEN LEADING UP TO THE POINT WHERE YOU ARE LOOKING AT THIS.

Your friend, America To read more from HohKoon AuYeong, please visit: http://wordswitandwisdom.blogspot.com

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Rage of the Waiting Youth

NEOLIBERAL INTERNATIONALISTS AND “SILVER DEMOCRACIES” SHOULD HEED NORTH AFRICA’S EXAMPLE WELL... FRANKLIN PRUETT, PHOTO: REDDIT-LATENIGHTCABDRIVING

s Egypt burned this week and Hosni Mubarak’s family reportedly fled to London, news outlets around the world showed scenes of violence, anger and surprisingly, regardless the venue, very pointed displays of earnestness. There was balance in the coverage of the revolt, better exposure than in Tunisia, and a general sense of the rightness of the protesters’ cause.

A

Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria are all in one region, true. All have features of autocracy which lend themselves to revolt. Can anyone truly support Egypt’s nigh-on 44-years of dictatorship and “emergency powers” with a straight face? No. But some media have missed the biggest story of all. Youth around the world are in the margins of their societies. In the world of the mature democracies, this phenomenon is reflected in the unemployment or underemployment of younger workers. To be sure, the movement of manufacturing and low-skill jobs to cheaper markets has been the major structural force in this trend. But, as is the case in Egypt and throughout the world, the devaluation of youth increasingly extends to the educated. When protest over this phenomenon emerges, the refrain is, “The world is changing, you will have to adapt.” But that adaptation may not be the quiet acquiescence to ever-lower wages and expectations coupled with skyrocketing inequity the trade-toting internationalist elite arrogantly demands. In fact, it most certainly will not. No, it may more resemble a massive and sustained surge of disruption, organized and unified under a banner of a better future for the world’s ever-waiting youth. The headlines spoke of Egypt as anarchic violence, or soft-pedaled it as a protest against an enduring dictatorship. But it’s only a generational war’s first skirmishes in the most remote corners of Neo-liberalism. To call the uprisings in Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria isolated incidents is beyond disingenuous. Moreover, it is insulting. The Algerian and Egyptian youth took their cue from Tunisia. The same can be said of the burgeoning uprisings in Yemen and Jordan. The world’s youth is watching and supporting this movement. Dozens of groups on Facebook have sprung up, many of them Western in origin,since the Internet was cut off in Egypt. To a one, they all espouse support for the protesters. If one looks at the surface, or points to the differences between these supporters and the Arab protester, then all is well in the world of the aging democracies. But that is an illusion. pg. 17 >> W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Csatlakozz a Think Magazinhoz annak Facebook oldalán, hogy folyamatosan tájékozódhass a legújabb cikkekről, játékokról, és a különleges bulikról!

This month, there are TWO exciting giveaways: Courtesy of Trafo, you can win a pair of VIP tickets for the World-Premier performance of ‘Revolution’ created by the British superstar choreographer Nigel Charnock (with Hungarian dancers)… it is the Time of Images - Temps d’Images Festival's very big closing event!

Ebben a hónapban KÉT nyereményjátékunk is van: A Trafó jóvoltából két VIP jegyet nyerhetsz a Revolution című táncelőadásra, amelyet a világhírű angol sztárkoreográfus, Nigel Charnock készített magyar táncosokkal! A darabot Magyarországon mutatják be először, a Képek ideje – Temps d’Images Festival záróműsoraként!

Go to

Ahhoz, hogy részt vehess a sorsoláson, csatlakozz hozzánk and correctly answer the follow- a WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THINKBUDAPEST ing question to be entered in our és válaszolj helyesen az alábbi lucky draw. kérdésre: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THINKBUDAPEST

Time of Images - Temps d’Images Festival is taking place in Budapest for the _____ time.

Hányadik alkalommal rendezik meg Budapesten a Képek Ideje Temps d’Images Fesztivált?

A) 4th B) 1st C) 6th

A) 4. alkalommal B) most van először C) 6. alkalommal

And courtesy of Szépművészeti Múzeum, win one of 8 pairs of tickets (a 3,600ft value) to the new Exhibition of Hungarian-French photographer Lucien Hervé. Just take a picture of you or your friends with a copy of Think Magazine, post it to the fanpage and the 10 pictures with the most likes win, so tell your friends!

A Szépművészeti Múzeum felajánlásaból pedig 8 db kétszemélyes jegyet (3600 forint értékben) sorsolunk ki Lucien Hervé, a híres magyar származású fotós kiállítására! Nem kell mást tenned, mint készíteni egy fényképet magadról vagy a barátaidról, egy Think Magazinnal a kezetekben! A képet töltsd fel a Facebook oldalunkra, melyek közül azok nyernek, amelyek a legtöbb lájkot kapják, úgyhogy riaszd a barátaidat!

Also our Facebook fans will recieve a personal invitation to the first Think Red Party on Feb. 16th at the very cool Boutique Bar. See you on Facebook!

Ezen kívűl a Facebook rajongóink személyes meghívást kapnak az első Think Magazin Red Partyra Feb. 16-án, a rendkívűl cool Boutique Barban! Találkozunk a Facebook-on!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THINKBUDAPEST

14 relating

The Ghosts of 89 IF BÉLA BISZKU FEELS THIS WAY, THEN WHO ELSE DOES?

There is no need for a painful and visceral lustration of the government. The proceedings by which the remaining secret service and interior police forces are vetted and culled need not be humiliating or brutal. Quiet retirement and a quiet departure should be enough. But they still need to go. I can find no justification for the continued employment of the people whose way of governing made so many miserable. Doubtless many of those still in government with ties to those years and that way of ruling still enjoy the perks associated with being “passed over” in the transition. But to strain the metaphor, that ain’t lamb’s blood on the door. That’s human blood, folks.

WITH A GENERATION OF WELL-EDUCATED HUNGARIANS OUT IN THE CAREER COLD, THERE'S NO NEED FOR OLD COMMUNISTS IN THE GOVERNMENT. JOE BODIA

éla Biszku is an 89-year-old man who served as Interior Minister from 1957 to 1961 in Hungary’s post-1956 revolution communist government. He claims he had little or nothing to do with the deaths and persecution following that uprising, though he is considered to have played a key role in suppressing it. Now, he is on the block with Hungarian prosecutors for minimizing the atrocities of those times.

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“I consider 1956 to have been a national tragedy of which I was [a] victim,” is the statement he made to a documentarian in an interview that was broadcast in August. He went on to describe the punishments meted out by the Soviet-backed government of the time, “justified.” It was a clear violation of Hungary’s law against such statements, in my view, and one he will now answer for in court. But those very courts may be his only hope. There may be, in fact, some lingering old guard elements from before 1989, perhaps even reaching back to 1956, waiting to exonerate him. Perhaps a few of those remain who were bolstered in their legal careers for acting as he and a seTHINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

cret cabal of Communist Party leaders directed them, manoeuvring through his 1972 attempted coup and keeping their heads down in 1989. In most countries that left communism behind, at least a few people were prosecuted for their actions. East Germany’s former secret police are still despised, and often known for who they were. Former communists (especially security forces) in the Czech Republic are forbidden to work in government at all. In Romania, Nicolai Ceausescu was executed and the government torn down, practically to the gravel. But Hungary “decided” to remain civil about the whole matter. No reviews of the bureaucracy, no investigations into the members of the party in government, and no removals from civil and judicial posts were undertaken. It was a very controlled affair, and it is somewhat generous of the population to have allowed such a path to be traced. Sure, Hungary was once called the “happiest barracks” in the Eastern Bloc. But now, it’s time to gently relieve some of those soldiers of their

duties. It is obvious that the resistance to the release of documents on the secret police and the criminal investigative service arise from the people who served in the Communist government. This cannot stand.

“Sure, Hungary was once called the "happiest barracks" in the Eastern Bloc. But now, it's time to gently relieve some of those soldiers of their duties.” It’s shameful, really. Even now, there remain charges against people and convictions in their records dating from the persecution by people like of those deemed counterrevolutionaries. It’s a travesty that the records of those who were documented and watched, tried and sent away are partly available for destruction, but the names of those who made them miserable are off-limits. The Kenedi Committee revealed that the whole picture has been immutably altered anyways. Documents were pulped in the 90s at a staggering pace.

"TOLERANCE AND APATHY ARE THE LAST VIRTUES OF A DYING SOCIETY" - ARISTOTLE

The universities in Hungary churn out thousands of qualified candidates whose prospects for entry into the government remain somewhat limited. Economists, finance specialists, bureaucrats and lawyers are plentiful and often underutilized. A common lament I have heard from young Hungarian careerists is the suspicion they face in offices dominated by grey-haired holdouts. One young auditor even claims she was vetted for ties to the current party in power (Fidesz) during her first year in government. There is something very wrong with that. Would removing a few of these former oppressors via retirement (mandatory or “suggested”) really wound the conscience of a country that has allowed nearly 22 years more time for them to accumulate pension benefits and salary? I think not. As it stands, the smooth transition has served little purpose other than to embolden the cogs in that old machine to once again oppress people. In the mean time, the evidence of their past misdeeds is being erased, and along with it goes the hope of any justice for the people they harmed. In 1972, Béla Biszku attempted to throw János Kádár out via a coup in favour of a harder-line communist regime led by himself. Kádár responded by promptly removing him from power. Hungarians have been patient enough. It’s time to tell 1989’s greytopped holdouts and their lackeys and nephews that “the party is over.”

15 életutak

Venezuelától hazáig képekben OPITZ TOMAS VISZ MINKET EL ERRE AZ ÚTRA, A FOTÓIN KERESZTÜL...

KÁLNAY ELEONÓRA Mikor kezdtél el fotózni?

A fotózás, mint mondani szokták, családi betegség. Édesapám, amikor Venezuelába vándorolt, fotográfiával kezdte el ottani életét. A nagybátyámnak fototechnikai boltja volt, melyből profi fotós bolt lett. A féltestvérem szintén fotós, úgy látszik genetikailag belém lett kódolva. Érdeklődésedet a fotózás iránt ők „erőltettek” rád?

Nem, egyáltalán nem. Saját magam érdeklődtem. Úgy 7-8 évesen kaptam ajándékba egy összeszerelhető kis fényképezőgépet. A kis autóimat kezdtem el vele fotózni. Hogyan kezdted fotós karrieredet (Venezuelában)?

Akkor miért költöztél Magyarországra?

Mindegyik munka egy újabb kihívás. Eljön egy olyan szint, amikor az ember újat szeretne. Ez indította el bennem az ötletet, hogy eljöjjek Magyarországra. Venezuelában egy idő után meguntam, hogy, - bár sokan mondták, hogy „jaj de szépek a képeid” - nem kaptam soha egy erősebb kritikát. Elismerték a munkámat, kiállításaimat, megjelenéseimet. Nevem is ismert volt már ezekben a körökben. De ez olyan, mint bármilyen munka: beleszürkülsz. Nehezen fejlődsz, ha beleesel egy rutinba. Ezért gondoltam, hogy Budapestre jövök. Ez 2003 februárjában követ-

kezett be. Biztatott, hogy ismertem a nyelvet és hogy, nem egy idegen ország számomra (gondoltam én).

„Ez olyan, mint bármilyen munka: beleszürkülsz. Nehezen fejlődsz, ha beleesel egy rutinba.” Magyarországra érkeztél. Hogyan kezdtél neki?

Az volt a nagy szerencsém, hogy a kezdetekben egy szociofotós megnézte munkáimat és azt mondta: „Tomi, ezek nagyon rosszak”. Ez egy kicsit megrázott. Hazamentem, megnéztem és tényleg nem voltak jók! Újra át kellett gondolnom a céljaimat, a látásvilágomat. Mi az, ami bennem van és tovább tudok adni belőle? Ekkor kezdtem

belevinni az új fotóimba a tényleges világomat. Ezek szerint, nem elég, ha valaki tehetséges? Nem mindig ösztönös ez a munka, hanem át kell gondolni a célokat?

Igen, önkritika mindig kell. Hogy ettől megerősödjön az üzenet, amit át akarsz adni. Azóta nagyon másképp látom a dolgokat, mélyebben. De a legeslegelején, mivel kezdted itthon?

Lehet, hogy ez egy kicsit a latin stílusra jellemző, de úgy éreztem bármit el lehet érni. Megfogtam a portfóliómat és elkezdtem minden szerkesztőséghez bekopogni. Se telefon, se időpont, csak mentem. Pár hét után, egy babamagazintól felhívtak, hogy készítsem én a címlapfotót. Ez egy jó kezdet volt. Érkezésedkor miben láttad a két ország közötti főbb különbségeket?

Nagyon tartottam a magyar pg. 17 >>

Tarcali David

Érettségi után nem jutottam be az orvosi egyetemre. Ezért elkezdtem dolgozni egy stúdióban, így közelebb kerültem a hivatásos fotográfiához. Láttam, hogy ezzel pénzt is lehet keresni. Ezt követően építészként diplomáztam

le, de azon kaptam magam, hogy ismét jobban érdekel a fotózás. Ekkor döntöttem végleg a fotó mellett. Szabadúszóként dolgoztam mindig is. Volt egy kis irodám, mindenféle munkát elvállaltam: esküvők, sztárok, reklámok, portrék, épületek fotózását. Rengeteg kapcsolatot szereztem Venezuelában.

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16 digitalis

Pandora's Xbox IS ONLINE GAMING A TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION OR THE OPIATE OF THE MASSES? AND SO THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD ARRIVED. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 4 MINUTES, THE NOVELTY OF MY PRESENCE IN MY PARENTS' HOUSEHOLD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 6 MONTHS HAD WITHERED AWAY LIKE A DEAD PINE TREE COVERED IN SHINY BITS OF PLASTIC. PETE WYLDE, ILLUSTRATION: KATE GUENTHER

hree weeks alone in the Welsh hills lay ahead of me. But rather than work on the novel I haven't been writing for years walk to the orphanage to help the needy, I took a deep breath and set in to the usual Christmas housebound activities.

T

First there was eating. And I'm not talking about snaffling the odd mince pie. The trade-off for the luxury of living in a flea-ridden flat in the Big City is that I never have any food in the cupboards. So I set about demolishing the contents of my mother's fridge like a heartbroken teenage girl. Scampi with noodles? Get in! Microwaved pavlova? Why thank you. Anchovies straight from the tin, not even bothering to take my head out of the cupboard before I devour them? Just watch me. But soon enough I became bored with this Roman gorging and switched on the TV. Surely Rupert Murdoch and his chums at Sky could entertain me for a couple of weeks? Alas not. Nothing but 100 million channels of flickering bullshit. Live open heart surgery, deep sea fishing for gays, Russell Crowe playing a Nobel prize winning economist, Will Smith's infant daughter gyrating and singing dreadful pop songs. No thanks. And so it was, like an obese and technologically spoiled toddler, that I stumbled into the living

room one night and cast a weary eye over at the Xbox 360, sitting in the corner, fluttering it's lashes at me like Pandora herself. Well why not, I thought. It was either this or clean up the sardine tins I had left all over the kitchen. I chose a football game (soccer to you lot across the pond) and got down to giving myself arthritis. After figuring out the buttons I was surprised to find myself actually having fun. I could pass the ball about, score goals from 30 yards (quite far away to you lot across the pond) kick the referee and loads of other good stuff you can't really do if you go and play real sport. But something was missing. I had by no means mastered the game, but after a while, no matter what level I set the difficulty, I never felt particularly challenged playing against the computer. Of course, setting the opposition level to Professional meant that the other team would run faster and do their own wonder goals and referee assaults, but it always seemed so, predicable. And that, my friends, is when I saw it. Xbox Live. This game, like most of them these days I am told, can connect to the internet so that you can stay up all night, playing against other lonely people like yourself. Just one click and I would be thrown onto a roulette table with literally millions of other players, all waiting to kick my arse at an imaginary game. But who were these fuckers? Murderers in their underpants? Celebrities on yachts? Call girls at Puff Daddy's mansion? Gay deep sea fisherman? I began to feel nervous at the prospect of letting one of these freaks into my television set. But it was too late to back out now. I took another swig of Gentleman Jack and threw myself into the ring. I chose my team and than sat, memorised, as the other player, Prince Charles or Ted Bundy or Miley Cyrus or WORSE, flicked through the various divisions to choose their team. And then we were off. I decided to take no chances and play it straight, unlike my opponent, who I have since decided was either Diana Ross or Oprah, tried to intimidate me with fancy tricks. Whilst she was pissing about with some double step-over, I charged in and took the ball, played it down the left and tucked a neat shot in at the far post. 1-0 after 3 minutes. Before half time I was 3 goals up. Perhaps I was really good at this

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game? I tried to image my faceless opponent, in a Persian tent or a Romanian tower block, squirming away trying to score back. The game ended 4-1. And I felt great. My heart racing, I quickly started a new game. My next opponent, who I guess from his flawed brilliance was washed-up 80s actor Edward Furlong, would pose a much greater threat. I should have guessed that old Ed was going to play well when he chose Wolves, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the English Premier League. Only a true master would choose a technically inferior team. Every ball he played was perfect, every run into the box inspired. I was lucky to lose 2-1, my only goal coming when Furlong put the controller down to reach for a crack pipe. But I didn't need crack. I was hooked. Game after game went by. Every goal I scored filled me with glory, every one conceded pure agony. But nothing could stop me playing. I had been sucked into a vortex, my mind at one with the collective conscience of the all-night gamer. Until I heard the birds. Looking out of the window, I saw that the sun had risen and people outside were getting into their cars to go to work. My swollen fingers were clutching the controller. All I wanted was one more game. Just one more. But I couldn't, no I WOULDN'T, become one of them. I turned off the machine and headed towards my room.

“As I went to switch off the light I saw an apparition in the mirror. A bleary eyed, dry lipped fiend stared back at me, wearing a baggy T-shirt, covered in anchovy stains, and faded tracksuit bottoms... The transformation had happened. Dorian Gray had become the portrait.” But as I went to switch off the light I saw an apparition in the mirror. A bleary eyed, dry lipped fiend stared back at me, wearing a baggy T-shirt, covered in anchovy stains, and faded tracksuit bottoms. Tracksuit bottoms that were both backto-front and inside out. The transformation had happened. Dorian Gray had become the portrait. Terrified, I climbed into bed, vowing never to touch the game again. As I drifted off to sleep, I saw tiny men on an imaginary playing field. Running and running.

17 world, con’t from page 13

életutak, folytatás a 15. oldalról “VAN VALAMI, AMI A TENGERNÉL IS GRANDIÓZUSABB, EZ AZ ÉG; ÉS VAN VALAMI, AMI AZ ÉGNÉL IS HATALMASABB, A LÉLEK.” - VICTOR HUGO

The developed world’s youth are also in revolt. he young Japanese, who work without giving to the national pension fund, or move away to find better opportunity than the calcified salaryman system will proffer them, is in revolt. The youth who throng in the thousands at every World Trade Organization meeting are in revolt. French protesters, be they angry workers or unemployed victims of racism, are in revolt. The growing number of articles on the unsupportable aging population’s workforce presence in America is just the edge of a brewing inter-generational clash. But are conditions poor enough to warrant revolt? Surely they are not that oppressed?

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That there are no parallels in mature democracies and Mubarak’s police state is a falsehood. In America, the Patriot Act and various state and federal laws have created a prison state wherein the basic freedoms they proudly tote now come with caveats that chafe with every patdown, nudity-generating scan and lopsided prosecutorial proceeding.

“The headlines speak of Egypt as anarchic violence, or soft-pedal it as a protest against an enduring dictatorship. But it's only a generational war's first skirmishes in the most remote corners of neoliberalism.”

társadalomtól. Nem ugyan az a magyar kolónia Venezuelában, mint maga az ország. Tartottam, attól, hogy a magyar egy zárt közösség, nem tudtam, hogy lesz ez jó nekem itthon, újoncként. De észrevettem, hogy ha látják, hogy az ember tisztességes és szorgalmas akkor sokkal nyitottabbak, mint a latinok. Heteken belül többen, egyszerre felhívtak, mert valaki mesélt rólam. Venezuelában más. Ott elsőre nagyon közvetlenek, de többet ígérnek, mint amit tudnak adni. Hogyan születik egy kiállítás? Tyúk vagy tojás? Kitalálod a kiállítás irányvonalát és aszerint fotózol, vagy meglévő fotókból kreálsz egy koncepciót?

Változó. Vannak olyan témák melyeket kitalálok, mert egyszerűen tudom, hogy jó lenne belőle egy kiállítás. Ilyen volt például, a Szép lányok, csúnya fotók c. kiállításom. De voltak olyan kiállítások (pl. Venezueláról), melyeket egy meglévő anyagból raktam össze.

élményt hozzak az embereknek. Egyelőre Európában maradok. Magyarországon még sok lehetőség van (igaz, sok fotós is). De aki igényesen és szorgalmasan dolgozik, annak még mindig van itt helye. Mit javasolnál annak, aki érdeklődik valamilyen művészet iránt, de tart tőle?

Ki kell próbálni, körül kell venni magad olyan emberekkel, akik a szakmában vannak, okosat tudnak mondani. A gyakorlatba kell vinni, amit tanácsolnak. Csinálni, csinálni, mert csak így tudsz gátakat átlépni. Édesanyám 45 évesen eldöntötte, hogy divattervező iskolát végez. Addig csak pálcikaembert tudott rajzolni, de utána ő maga is meglepődött milyen jól megy neki. Mi fontosabb a szorgalom, vagy az egyediség?

Van, aki nagyon tehetséges, de hiába, ha nem csinálja rendesen. Van, aki nagyon szorgalmas, de hiányzik belőle az újítás képessége. Lehet, hogy minden nap felporszívózok, de mi van, ha egyszer fel is mosok utána?

Nem nehéz tudatosan fotózni?

Sarkozy’s heavy-handed use of security forces during peaceful protests in France was a test run. It succeeded in pushing through undemocratic, unsupported pension reductions. Protesters rose in Greece, and the police were quietly escalated their brutality with almost no media outcry. But why not change the system and create opportunity to alleviate the sense of permanent, enforced poverty driving these protests? Simply because business demands it get its way, and increasingly does. Financial interests throughout the world manipulate lawmakers and bully currencies into massive inequities and debt to cut sovereign funds and attack social safety nets. Breton Woods establishments (the IMF and World Bank) offer “aid” loans, but only if the states in need hobble their sovereignty and people, or hitch their political and economic futures to the whims of currency traders, speculators, and outsourcing evangelists. Older generations profit by being established enough to steal some of the loot, being “grandfathered in” on better pensions and benefits, and generally eating the futures of their children in a kind of post-industrial infantivoric frenzy. But now the youth are no longer willing to be eaten. The youthful Egyptian protesters want what everyone wants. Whether they be the burgeoning majority in the developing world or the outvoted generations of the sclerotic “Silver Democracies,” they want a bright future and good prospects. The machinery of oppression within the “democratic” world is well aware of the coming storm, and is in fact preparing for harsh suppression of the inevitable clash. But the media of developed, “mature,” and “stable” democracies focus narrowed on something very telling in the proceedings in Egypt. And well they should. The army appeared as expected there, but then refused to attack the protesters. True, the army protected the precious national heritage sites, government buildings and treasures of Egypt. But it also heeded the entreaties of the people to join the uprising. If the powers that be think that their riot police can stop this tide of change with the help of a few tanks and soldiers, they should examine the demographics of their armies. With most of the soldiers being the same age, and facing the same futures, as the protesters, it just isn’t a very promising plan.

W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

De, a dolgok maguktól jönnek. Ha egész nap, egy galambot akarsz lefotózni a lánchíd oroszlánjának a hátán, akkor az biztos nem fog összejönni. Inkább várni kell, hogy az impulzusok hozzák a témát. Ez történt a parti tájakkal is, melyek ezen a kiállításomon láthatóak. Bretagne-ban volt egy tengerparti táj, felhős volt az ég. Erre ráhangolódtam, és akár hova mentem, jöttek utánam a felhők. Még Venezuelába, Miamiba is ahol mindig napsütés van. Mesélsz egy kicsit aktuális kiállításodról?

A Kempinski szállodával még tavaly megbeszéltük, hogy fotóimmal én nyitom meg a 2011-es évadot. Ennek a kiállításnak neve „3 in 1”. Három különböző témát raktam össze, kihasználva, hogy nagy a tér. A parti tájak eklektikusabbak, méreteik különbözőek, s mint említettem nem a tipikus, napsütötte tengert mutatja be. A másik, a Városképek. Itt sem tipikus városfotókat láthatunk, hanem épület, szobor részleteket. Kíváncsi voltam, ki-ki hogyan találja meg egész Berlint egy töredékből. A harmadik a Caring, melynél mindig volt egy növény, mely előbb keltette fel a figyelmemet, mint a mögötte lévő épület. Közeli és távoli céljaid? Közeli: tartani a tempót, csinálni, amit

eddig. Minél több ember ismerje meg munkámat. Távoli: továbbfejleszteni önmagam, több izgalmas projektben részt venni. Aktívan dolgozni, hogy minél több

Sok olyan ember van, mint például én is, akik szeretünk fotózni, de remekművek nem kerülnek ki kezeinkből. Mit tanácsolsz nekünk?

Ha elmész egy tanfolyamra, ott kapsz pár olyan irányvonalat, melyek biztosan segítenek. Csak fel kell világosítani az embereket. Ilyen egy gyerek is: nem tud magától olvasni, de ha megtanítod, akkor menni fog. Mindenkiben benne van a kreativitás, mindenkiben rejtőzik egy kis művészlélek, egy kis érzékenység. Ha valaki kitanulta, akkor egy bögréről is tud érdekes képet csinálni?

Persze, ez azt fogja megmutatni, hogyan látja a világot egy fényképezőn és egy bögrén keresztül fotó formájában. A festészet ilyen értelemben „könnyebb”, mivel ott egy fehér vászon, melyre azt rakhatunk, amit csak akarunk. A fotógráfiában vannak adott faktorok, figyelni kell a komponálásra, mi ne legyen benne, mi lógjon bele, stb. Mindenkinek más a lelkivilága. Amit én mondok egy képről az az én értelmezésem. Lehet, hogy te benned teljesen más. Azért sem akartam a kiállított képeimről sokat mesélni. Találják meg saját maguk az emberek, akik nézik a képeket, hogy mit üzen nekik a táj, az épületek, a felhők, a tengerpart, a növények.

18 fair trade

Bitter Sweet: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY Mayans and Aztecs later used cocoa beans as currency, not gold or silver. Cocoa pods are the size of butternut squash, containing grey-purple seeds the size of almonds in tan-colored pulp. The pods are split and the seeds left to ferment and dry before being roasted. The Spanish first developed a triangular trade bringing weapons and salted cod to Africa, African slaves to the Americas (12-15 million) to work the cocoa plantations, and chocolate to Europe. It was Spanish priests and monks after Cortez conquered the area that began adding sugar and later spices to the brew. Chocolate’s pharmaceutical properties are thought to include theobromine and caffeine that stimulate and dilate blood vessels; Phenylethylamine which stimulates sexual drive; Serotonin, a mind-altering chemical that can relieve depression; and perhaps antioxidants. Up until the 1800s, Europeans still bought cocoa in pharmacies. Until 1828, the cocoa butter content, so highly valued and warred over by the Aztecs and Mayans, was routinely thrown out by Europeans who found it unpleasant on the palate. They tried everything to reduce the cocoa butter content, but it was still 50% fat.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES AS A KID WAS WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971). WHAT CHILD DID NOT WANT TO WIN THE GOLDEN TICKET?

Dutchman C.J. Van Houten invented a hydraulic cocoa press to squeeze the grease from the roasted beans. He later determined the right fat content to easily emulsify it for home DAN SWARTZ (SOURCED FROM: BITTER CHOCOLATE BY CAROLYN OFF) preparation. In 1840, Quaker Joseph ho didn’t want to see the mysteries hid- Fry attached a steam engine to Van Houten’s den behind the tall walls of the factory? press. He also began to mix back some of the Who didn’t feverishly ride their bikes to cocoa butter into the cocoa powder, and the rethe Penny Candy Store at every chance and buy sulting mass could then be molded into the sweets with grubby hands and hungry eyes? modern “melt in your mouth” chocolate bar. Quakers were integral in the chocolate trade, beIsn’t this why we worked for our allowance cause unlike other commodity production, they money? It was not until 15 years later in college did not find it sinful. Another Quaker, Cadbury, that upon watching the film again after many created the first box of bonbons in the 1860s, inyears that I realized the film was actually about timately linked chocolate to Valentine’s Day, and imperialism and colonialism. That while I was tak- in 1875 introduced the first chocolate Easter Egg. ing out the trash and mowing the lawn for 5 dollars a week, other children in the Cote d’Ivoire English investigative reporter Henry Woodd (Ivory Coast), Cameroon, Mexico, Ghana and Nevinson began investigating the cocoa trade elsewhere were literally slaves and worked to about this time. The Portuguese-controlled isdeath by the thousands for those same choco- lands of São Tomé and Principe (Cameroon) were lates. In fact, most do not know what they are both the leading producers of cocoa, as well as harvesting or what it is used for. the location of some of the worst abuses. The Portuguese brought slave labor from Angola, none of Cocoa was first used by the Olmec in Mezo- whom ever returned home. The British GovernAmerica as a drink, so highly prized, that the ment turned a blind eye to the Portuguese practices

W

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WE'RE AT THAT POINT IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WHERE I'LL HAVE SEX WITH ANYONE BUT YOU.

because they did not want dirt dredged up about their own use of slave labor in the gold and diamond mines of South Africa. Twenty years after the first reports, neither the British Government nor the supposedly socially-concerned Quaker chocolate magnates had done a thing to stop the slavery. Cocoa production was not the only commodity based on slave labor, nor was the worst abuses in this sector, but Cadbury, Rowntree, Fry, and others had made chocolate special, a symbol of joy, an innocent pleasure; but in reality it was made with blood, death and slave labor. Because of chocolate’s symbolism, people expected a higher corporate and moral standard from chocolate companies than the diamond and gold pillagers. In 1887, Swiss Henri Nestle blended milk with cocoa solids to create milk chocolate. Hersey later used condensed and powdered milk to the same effect in the US. Meanwhile, UK companies moved their operations to Trinidad and Jamaica, partly because their plantations in Africa were being decimated by disease, but also to avoid scrutiny. Corporations imported slave labor from China and elsewhere to work the new plantations. In 1910, the US passed a law prohibiting the import of cocoa produced with slave labor. However, US companies controlled sugar production in Cuba, a major component in chocolate, with slaves from China and Africa. In the 1930s, Forrest Mars introduced the Milky Way (Mars Bar in UK), Snickers and Three Musketeers candy bars, using solidified malted milk drink and nougat coated in chocolate. Rowntree introduced the Kit Kat, Black Magic and Aero about the same time.

“The US State Department has estimated that more than 15,000 child slaves worked the plantations in 1998. Children in the thousands were being enslaved and abused – for CHOCOLATE.” While cocoa plantations in the Americas were in turn destroyed by disease, and companies relocated to Africa again, Mars and Herseys joined forces to produce Smarties and M&Ms. The Gold Coast (Ghana) in turn became the world leader in cocoa production, but were then surpassed by the Ivory Coast in the 1980s. Benevolent dictator Felix Houphouet-Boigny converted the country’s economy and bet the country’s future on cocoa in the 1960s. But by the 1990s, the country had descended into poverty, chaos, war and child slavery. Child trafficking from Mali and Burkina Faso to the cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast assisted the country in continuing to supply over 50% of the world’s cocoa. “Child slavery had become the secret ingredient in chocolate.”

UNICEF and the US State Department estimated that more than 15,000 child slaves worked the plantations in 1998. Children in the thousands were being enslaved and abused – for CHOCOLATE. The Mali Government did very little to stem the practice, since the country depended on trade with its neighbor. US Congressman Eliot Engel introduced a law in 2001 that would have created a “slave free” label for chocolate like the “dolphin safe” label for tuna fish. Senator Tom Harkin joined him in the fight. However, the Senator had already learned that there was a fine line between human rights and economic necessity. Harkin had introduced the Child Labor Defense Act in 1992 that boycotted goods manufactured with child labor. Bangladeshi garment manufacturers panicked and 50,000 children were fired, who then took on even more dangerous jobs like rock crushing to help support their families. The balance is to “find a way to take the hazards out of the work, not the child out of work.” Big Chocolate hired Bob Dole and George Mitchell to lobby against the bill. The resulting wrangle produced an industry voluntary agreement called the Harkin-Engel Protocol that delineated six points to eliminate child labor in the cocoa chain by July, 2005. However, the protocol was voluntary, and did not include provisions for a fair wage, or a fair price for the beans. In 2002, the protocol was adopted by Big Chocolate worldwide, becoming the International Cocoa Initiative. Simultaneously, an industry-funded investigation found that while there was no slavery, 284,000 children worked in hazardous conditions on cocoa farms in West Africa, two-thirds of these in the Ivory Coast. The International Labor Rights Fund rejected the protocol and filed suit using a 1930 US law that prohibits the import of goods made by slaves. Big Chocolate did not make the 2005 deadline - not even close. They are now setting up a small pilot project in Ghana, now the biggest producer of cocoa along with Indonesia. The International Labor Rights Fund filed a class action suit against Nestle, Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland for trafficking, torture and forced labor on behalf of former child slaves. Smaller chocolate producers took the lead in “slave free” or sociallyconscious chocolate, later integrated into the Fair Trade system. Green & Blacks became the first Fair Trade chocolate in 1994, its signature product being the Maya Gold chocolate bar. High school enrollment for farming families supplying Green & Black have gone from 10% to 70%. If farmers are paid, they normally get around 25 cents/lb., whereas in the Fair Trade system they are guaranteed a minimum of 89 cents/lb. plus premiums. FAIR TRADE STARTED IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 1988 WITH THE MAX HAVELAAR BRAND. FAIR TRADE IS A SYSTEM IN WHICH:

• Trading partnerships are based on reciprocal benefits & mutual respect • A fair price is guaranteed to small farmers and producers for their products • Prices paid to producers reflect the work they do • Workers have the right to organize • National health, safety, and wage laws are enforced • Products are environmentally sustainable and conserve natural resources

Valentine’s Day and Easter mark two of the biggest shopping days of the year when it comes to chocolate. By purchasing organic and Fair Trade chocolate, your money will no longer be going towards toxic pesticides, child slavery, and farm worker exploitation. This Valentine’s Day or Easter, buy something made with hope and love, and help small farmers in the Third World break out of the cycle of poverty. And if you’re looking around in Budapest, Fair Trade organic chocolates are available at Treehugger Dan’s W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

20 food in the city

A Repast to Remember REFLECTIONS ON THE CULINARY FOLLY OF A BUDAPEST VALENTINE PAST. SOMETIMES, ROMANCE IS JUST NOT ON THE EVENING’S LIST OF SPECIALS. DAISY BLAZE, ILLUSTRATION: NORIO NAMURA

h, Valentine’s Day! A day that comes only once a year, when you are supposed to express your love to another person, while the other 364 you can act like a heartless bastard. From the time you wake up to the time you end up in bed again, you can feel the romance in the air. What better place to celebrate romance then among the elegant 18th century streets of Budapest, where luxury and exquisite taste from years gone by can still be seen? This fantastic world, combined with the chivalrous images we have in our heads of European men being Prince Charming… Well, where else could romance be more alive?

A

One February 7, I received the loveliest email from a friend of mine, asking me what I was doing on this annual day of compassion. When I told him nothing, he responded, “Well, now I am taking you out for a date you will never forget.” I was flabbergasted to see a post on my Facebook early in the morning of February the 14th. It was emanating the sensuality of the 1980’s Hollywood courting culture. He wrote, “For a day filled with love, I will make it all about you, so that all the love is yours.” To be honest, it was a bit much, but as I am human, I take what I can get. Throughout the day, I received other little messages of affection from him. Feeling like a diamond in the rough, I put on a sexy red and black dress that left just enough to the imagination. After all the messages, my expectations were high for this date. We had decided to meet on the corner of Blaha Lujza tér and Erzsébet körút. Not the classiest part of town but it is just moments away from some of the imperial hotels. We met just as evening turned to night and started walking towards Oktogon. I had gotten my hopes up that I was eligible to enjoy the royalty of the New York Café. We walked right past the gargoyles, calling to me as we passed, beckoning with stone eyes of romance. I was trying to figure out where we were going, for it was not the warmest of evenings. Finally the lights and sounds of Oktogon were in view and he told me we are almost there. As we almost started into the roundabout, we stopped in front of a restaurant: TGI FRIDAYS.

“I had to bite my lip to stop from laughing at this absurd notion that an American only wants American food.”

heavy accent, “I had thought you were missing America, so here is some America for you to feel at home.” I had to bite my lip to stop from laughing, or emitting profanities at this absurd notion that an American wants American food. So I decided to go all out and order something special from the menu, a truly American experience full of burgers and fries galore. I decided on a classic, the Bacon Cheeseburger with a margarita, a very large margarita. As we waited for the food, the conversation was light and never went below the surface. Before the food arrived at the table you could smell it as it glided to the table on the waiter’s tray. Then true love was delivered right in front of my face. A burger topped with crispy bacon, sizzling cheese and fresh vegetables, stacked on top of two buns that would give even the biggest mouths lock jaw. With every bite a wave of flavor washed over me pushing me further into a food coma of happiness. Each fry was crunchy on the outside and piping hot on the inside, with all the Heinz Ketchup you could dream of. Halfway through I was full, but it was just so good I had to keep on eating.

As he was paying, I did not question his choice of restaurant. A free meal is a free meal in the end. After we were seated, he turned to me and said with a very

Once I had cleaned my plate, like a good American would, I had had all the love I could bear for one night. The date was not the worst; the food was by far the best part though. One thing to keep in mind on dates is that if the romance is dead, the love of food will make it worthwhile. After all… it is always better to eat with someone then to eat alone. FOUR LOCATIONS: WestEnd, 1062 Budapest, Váci út 1-3, Metro: Nyugati Pályaudvar • Oktogon, 1066 Budapest, Oktogon tér 3. Metro: Oktogon, • Mammut, 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2-6, Metro: Moszkva Tér and T.G.I. Friday’s Deák Tér, Deák Ferenc utca, Metro: Deák Ferenc Tér, www.fridays.hu

THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

MODERN ART = ‘I COULD DO THAT’ + ‘YEAH, BUT YOU DIDN’T’.

21 slices

Time for a Pizza Party NEVER MIND THE KARAOKE, HERE’S THE VOX PIZZA WELCOME BACK!

Avocado Reopened, Reimagined, Renovated and Ready... V. Budapest, Nyáry Pál u. 9, Tel: +36 17 834 159 [email protected] If you are looking for a great place for that Valentine’s date, the Think may have just the spot. Avocado is back under a new owner, and the place is simply amazing. There has been quite a lot of work done on the interior, (the layout will be familiar to the patrons of its former incarnation). I’m looking forward the reservationonly private booth in downstairs club. It’s that cozy place between the Buddha statues in our photo. My visit before the official opening was intended to be brief, but it became an hours-long extension of hospitality. The manager and the maître d’ proudly walked me around, punctuating small talk and details of their effort with Pálinka (I recommend a little of the apple-cinnamon liqueur with a cappuccino). The whole place has a Zen feel, albeit with a distinctly Hungarian sensibility. I don’t know if they hired a Feng Shui advisor, but it seems so. The Buddha is everpresent, and the floor plan and arrangements of the furniture allow plenty of space for people, yet without feeling empty. My second visit, before their official opening, was for food. Sitting in the balcony, I enjoyed a delicious glass of the house red, a premium elsewhere, and ordered a luscious, rich, pork and mushroom stew served with pastry (see the picture). I’ll do a formal food review after a few visits, including some details on their amazing chef.

FRANCIS PRUETT, PHOTO: SCOTT WARREN

would risk my credential as a food reviewer if I did not admit that I was skeptical of VOX’s pizza at first. I first wandered into the newly opened Raday location with lots of signs advertising karaoke, seeking some comic relief and perhaps a bite to eat. I glanced at the menu and saw nothing but pizza. In a setting that looks very much like a karaoke bar and nothing like a pizza parlor, well…

I

Valentine’s day is coming up, and I urge you: run to your phone and set a reservation at Avocado. With fine dining, a wide selection of Hungarian and international wines and two full bars (with dancing), you can spend a long, happy night out all in one place (maybe a private booth). Hurry. The reservation list is likely to fill and remain full.

I ordered a pizza Marguerite and fought off a well-earned sense of dread with a Jack Daniels and Cola while I waited. In the interim, I looked back on the regrettable pizzas I had suffered in Budapest, from dried out, barely cheesy breads to overpriced and undercooked offerings. I fretted for nought. I got over my trepidation when the first bite was down my gullet. The sauce was rich and delicious; the cheese was generous (to be fair, the Marguerite comes standard with double cheese). The tomatoes on top were fresh and bright red. They were juicy but did not soak the pizza even a little. Perfection. I had finally found a pizza place to be a regular at. The service was simply excellent. The waiter was attentive, but not too so. The pizza was served hot from the oven, with a knife and fork that proved necessary only for the first two pieces. The good service was no fluke. It continued though my subsequent visits. Even Vox’s hours are out of the ordinary. Pizza (the ONLY food they make) is served until 1AM Mon-Thu, and until 4AM Fri-Sat. They’re closed Sundays. Prices range from 690-1490Ft (My pizza was only 690). I recommend the Marguerite or the Meat with Meat pizza for the carnivores out there. - Vox Café and Bar-IX. Budapest, Ráday utca 8 Tel: (06) 70 457 5653, Facebook: Vox Kávézó Pizzéria W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

22

MEDIA JUNKY

‘ON BALATON’ BY FRANCIS STANLEY PRUETT It was a place called Balaton, where first I looked, and gazed upon a gently rippled, land-bound sea, A beauty there glanced back at me. The wanderer I am was calm, my nomad heart was given balm. As glasses filled with sweet Tokaji, I grew in knowledge, and my eye was drawn to her, that gentle grace, a luscious curve, a sun-kissed face. From steps of history renewed, we slowly ambled down and viewed a throng of revelers, all alight with wine within and torch-fire light. Drunk and laughing, all around and yet to me, the only sound was not musicians nor the crowd, surrounding us and growing loud It was your voice, through all of this, And lips that pursed as if to kiss.

TRUE GRIT

BLACK SWAN

This remake of the 1969 classic is somewhat uncharacteristic of the Coen Brothers in that it is a relatively straightforward work when compared to their traditional visual fare. The result of their efforts on True Grit is a well-crafted traditional Western — sans the trademark nihilism present within their other films including No Country For Old Men. This might disappoint some hardcore Coen fans, but the style and tone adopted for True Grit has certainly widened potential audience appeal.

Many of you probably noticed that this movie involves ballet — and quickly dismissed it as a boring chick flick. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Black Swan is a jarring and surreal experience more akin to a horror film of the most disturbing variety. Opposite as you’d expect, you might emerge from the theater loving this film while your girl hated it. Black Swan entails a barrage of visualizations, themes and personalities that evoke reactions within the audience ranging from bewilderment to revulsion.

The lead role of “Rooster” in the 1969 original was played by — of course — John Wayne, and this time around Jeff Bridges steps into Wayne’s lofty boots. Many critics contend that Bridges’ performance outshines that of Wayne’s, and that the current remake depicts a far more vivid story. The True Grit story takes place in the rugged West of the 1870’s, and it tells the tale of little Mattie Ross (played by Hailee Steinfeld) who convinces Rooster to track down her father’s killer. This quest leads Rooster — accompanied by a Texas Ranger (well played by Matt Damon) — deep into Indian Country.

Pinot Noir and Rosé flowed, we spoke about life’s wandering road. A storm had driven us below. I felt a pure and simple glow. As our companions went to rest, I went with her, a happy guest. But sleep took me too soon it seems, as all I shared with her was dreams. The storm had passed at morning’s light I gazed on grace and thought of night. I kissed her then but it was done. She left to languor in the sun. That moment never came again. We toured the Balaton, and then regret replaced that smiling gleam, a simple end, it was dream. Perhaps somewhere, somehow, again, I’ll wander to that shore and then, I’ll call to her and she might smile I’ll bid her, “Visit for a while… Bewilder me and serve me wine… Gaze back at me with smile divine… Unleash your storm and bare your soul… You have no pain I can’t console…” But then I think right back upon what happened by Lake Balaton. Some moments come then go away for they were never meant to stay. And if this one is such as these, I know my nomad’s heart was pleased. That moment came, was here, then gone, a ripple on the Balaton.

The film’s cinematographer, Roger Deakins, creates dreamlike landscapes within the finest Western traditions, and supporting cast including Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper add to the strong performances rendered by Bridges and Damon. Don’t worry; you won’t have to tolerate hearing Damon singing — as Glen Campbell did when playing this part in the 1969 original. Thinky rates True Grit as a must see which is sure not to disappoint — whether or not you typically like Westerns. - CINEMALICIOUS.COM

THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

Some films are quickly forgotten, but you can be assured that imagery from Black Swan will still be swirling through your head long after you leave the theater. If you were under the mistaken impression that this is a good romantic data movie, think again. It depends upon the girl obviously, but the odds are high that Black Swan will tend more to freak her out as opposed to make her hot. This is despite the fact that the movie is replete with sexuality — often of the most raw and lascivious sort. Consequently, Black Swan is probably not a good idea for a first date movie. If you’re looking for a wild ride and to see Natalie Portman in ways you never dreamed — then check out Black Swan this month. You won’t be disappointed.

ROHAM MAGAZIN ÉS BÁR 1088 Vas u. 16. Nyitva tartás: H-P: 9-24; Szo: 16-24; V: zárva www.roham.hu

A néhány éve nagy lelkesedéssel megindított magyar képregénykultúra egyik erős hajtása a Roham névre hallgató összművészeti magazin. Találhatunk benne képregényt, illusztrációkat, novellákat, esszéket, festményeket, kollázstmontázst. Ha lehetőségük lenne rá, a szerkesztők szerintem még kihajthatós szobrokat is betennének a lapba. Az összművészeti szó pedig egyben arra is vonatkozik, hogy a Roham zászlaja alatt tavaly egy több termes szórakozóhely is létrejött amely mindenfajta művészeti ág képviselőjét szeretettel várja. Természetesen ez nem jelenti azt, hogy a magukat átlagembernek valló személyek ne lennének kiszolgálva ezen a helyen! Sőt! Olvasgathatják a korábbi lapszámaokat, sőt bátran jelentkezhetnek saját agyszüleményeikkel a szerkesztőségnél. Kedves kiszolgálás, kiállítások, és majd’ minden este előzene a metáltól a surf-rockon és a blues-on át az elektronikáig! Gyertek el minél többen, elvégre nincs jobb egy sör mellett megbeszélni az olvasmány- és egyéb élményeinket, illetve a saját munkáinkat véleményeztetni. Írj, rajzolj, igyál, hallgass zenét, táncolj, alkoss, élj, szórakozz! - HM

END OF DAYS

Incident on the Temple Mount

The Third Secret of Fatima, has the signal been sent? If you’re read the Bible Code, (or the Bible for that matter), one mystery has always been “the bible within the bible”. There is the upper text, what you read in church, and a hidden truth to only be revealed in the end of days. The ancients had much knowledge of the sun’s seasons, (http://tiny.cc/sunx) as do the learned (or Illuminated) today, that some major changes will occur during the transition into the new age (Aquarius). The global elite will have a signal, an “incident on the Temple Mount” signifying the start of the end, and on 1/1/11 a “UFO” descended on the Mount... could this be the sign? See for yourself: http://tiny.cc/ufomount

IF ENGLAND CREATED FOOTBALL, WHY DO THEY KEEP ON LOOSING THE WORLD CUP?

THE CAKE a cukrászda

The world loves Hungarian wine almost as much as we do HUNGARIAN WINE GROWS MORE NOBLE BY THE YEAR, BUT WHITHER THE HUMBLE PORTUGIESER? F PRUETT ([email protected])

Vintage year 2010 is over, as are all of its competitions, presentations, tastings, challenges and various gatherings of vintners, varietals and vinomaniacs. The results are in, and so, apparently, is Hungary. We knew it (our first issue featured an article on wine and the economic future of Hungary in September). Many prognosticators, proven correct, justified and accurate, demur when they are vindicated. I will engage in no such false modesty. We were right. Hungarian wines are on the rise. So there you have it, “We told you so.” I am smug, really. In 2006 and 2007, Hungary’s wineries won 29 Decanter awards. By 2009, the number doubled. Last year, 86 wines won Decanter awards. The future is here, and it is mirthful and comes in a bottle. I tried hard to find a dark lining to go along with this silver (and gold, bronze, and Decanter Award-hued) cloud, but only came up with one curmudgeonly note. Portugieser is still a bit under-appreciated. I will say that perhaps the best Portugieser is not always on offer. I will also say that, “Bull’s Blood” (Egri Bikavér) deserves the lavish attention some of its Decanter awards note. I will admit with a note of guilt that (regardless the political correctness of the sentiment), the idea of the wine rising from an unlikely victory over Suleiman’s horde is especially tickling. More in next month’s column on that... Hungarian Portugieser (or Blauer Portugieser) is traditionally made for the feast of St. Martin (November 11), served young, perhaps after a bit of aging in oak. It seems, especially in this late month, simply not as available as other wines. But rarer still is a good and even-handed estimation of its worthiness. It is considered, “easy drinking,” a term often used vituperatively by those with higher-pointing noses than mine. Sweet and fruity, I will acknowledge that it is sometimes a bit too light. However, I have enjoyed a few worthy bottles. Bock has an excellent 2008 that i was able to secure and it seemed fuller in body and yet imminently drinkable. I drank it alongside a bit of Bolognese and was quite happy with it. A few others have been appealing, but I most wish to note the Gere 2009, which I was offered at a social occasion. It had all of the characteristic fruit of the appellation but a depth that surprised me. If you cannot find the Gere, do give the people at BOCK BISZTRÓ (VII. Budapest, Erzsébet körút 43, +36 1 321 0340) a quick ring and see what they have on offer or may suggest. Until next month, vinomaniacs! For now I feel an urge to find a bottle of bull’s blood and harass the local Kebab shop. W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

YOU'LL FIND A WIDE SELECTION OF SELF-PREPARED CONFECTIONARIES AND SALTY BITES IN OUR SHOP, AND YOU MAY TASTE OUR ICE-CREAM THAT IS MADE OF A PRIVATE RECIPE HERE ON THE SPOT! WE ARE HAPPY TO SERVE YOU WITH: - ALL KINDS OF CAKES - EVEN YOUR SPECIAL WISHES - SALTY BAKERY FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS

24

HIT LIST

What to wear? Ask Dr Dapper!

It isn't about being there (IT IS ABOUT BEING NOTICED)

DR. DAPPER DETAILS THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES, AND TRIES TO NOTICE EVEN THE CONSPICUOUSLY INCONSPICUOUS... ALFONSO MAJETIC

ashion is all around this city now! With stars like Kate Perry and Selena Gomez making videos, and Angelina and Brad raising their hundred and one kids, you better look like a star! Its 2011, new trends are coming, so you’d better pick up quickly with the latest in clothing and accessories. Forget about Valentine’s day, spend the money for your loved ones on fashion. In the end, they will appreciate it more to be with a hot and fashionable person than with one that loves them, right?

F

2 0 1 1 TAVA S Z Á N

Irány Downtown! A 72 Smalldive's új kollekcióját, a Downtown-t, egy Japán író (Hayashi Fumiko) egyik regénye ihlette. Egy nagyon szegény család legkisebb lánya mindenféle munkát elvállalt, hogy eltartsa magát és legnagyobb szenvedélyének, az írásnak szentelhesse életét. Bár női karakterei gyakran szegény származásúak, meglepően nagy vidámsággal és reménységgel élik életüket. Ez egy, a világ hősnőinek szentelt kollekció. A 72 Smalldive az összes évszakban új modellekkel jelentkezik, melyek egy fiktív vagy történelmi hősnő nevét viselik majd! Így újra és újra ünnepelhetjük szilárdságukat, bátorságukat, a szabadságban vetett hitüket. Termékeik egytől egyig kézzel készülnek, független dizájn stúdiókban. Ezért csak korlátozott mennyiségben kaphatóak, emiatt igazi kincsek! Ezen kívül személyre szabott termékek készítését is vállalják. A Downtown kollekcióhoz 2011 tavaszától juthatunk hozzá az Európában és Ázsiában kiválasztott kereskedőknél, ill. online boltjukban, a www.72smalldive.com-on!

THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

I don't know how many of you “fashionistas” watched the Golden Globes gala, but the awards season is here and nothing is more satisfying than to criticize and how a bunch of egocentric people walk the so-called red carpet full of themselves. The good thing is that we mere mortals get to see them. Since we are the ones who watch their idiotic movies and buy their cheap perfumes, we get to talk smack about them and their outfits. So here we go, this is my review of the Golden Globes. First of all, there was not a defining color this season, although we could see a lot of green, red and nude (for the unknowing, “nude” just means skin colors). THE GOOD: Starting with the best (because

the winners always come first), we have Angelina Jolie. She looked stunning in a

green Versace dress that had a vintage cut. People please don't try this look at home, as it is something that only Angie can pull off… you would look like crap. Natalie Portman showed her pregnant figure in an awesome draping pink dress that was complemented with a red flower creation by Viktor & Rolf. Next was January Jones (pictured), the star from Mad Men, who wore a very sexy and bitchy red dress from Versace’s 2011 Spring-Summer collection. It’s totally in, girls should check into this look. Finally, the very best of the night was Anne Hathaway, who pulled off a shoulder-pad palliate dress in a nude color from the Armani Prive collection. From what I could see, the vintage look of the 80’s is back (paired with the Greek goddess style and 40s hair).

January Jones

THE BAD: Last year’s big winner Sandra Bullock looked sloppy in a nude dress with a “Hindu sari” shape that made her look like a walking bag with a lot of fabric. Totally disappointing! Girls, please don't try the hideous bangs that she attempted, it is totally out for this season. Megan Fox was another of the mistakes of the night in a pale pink Armani dress that made her look like a cheap princess… and what happened to her face? It seems she’d been hanging out a lot with her best friends… a botox club. I’ll end this segment by pointing out the safe look of Scarlett Johansson. Wearing an Elie Saab nude dress neither won or lost, illustrating once again that taking a risk and looking bad is better than not taking one at all. THE UGLY: Lea Michele star from Glee showed us that she is not only a loser on the show, but also when it comes to style. Her pink Oscar de la Renta dress was too heavy, and the big draping on the sides just made her look like a piñata almost ready to burst. Michelle Williams was the other big mismatch of the night, wearing a daisy-bedecked dress by Valentino. It was a complete mess. She looked like a bad hippie gone fancy. Finally Helena Bonham Carter showed us her eccentric taste once again with a dress that, as usual, was taken from the horror trunk, but we love her for taking risk and showing us her irreverence. This is it my fellow fashion followers, I didn't bother to write anything about the guys, since all of them look like a bunch of waiters in their impeccable suits. Remember.. as in the movie (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) only the good is worth keeping, so go with that and stay fabulous!

BARMANGUIDE.COM

In true Scotch Vein

The first official record of Scotch whisky production is to be found in the exchequer roll of 1494 which states, "To Friar John Cor, by order of the King, to make aquavitae VIII bols of malt"... The King in question was James IV and while staying at his Falkand Palace hunting lodge he commissioned Friar John Cor of the Tironensian order of the nearby Lindores Abbey to make aquavitae, or water of life. Eight bols of malt is the equivalent of approximately 580 kilos which would yield over 400 bottles of whisky today. Some imagine it tasted a bit like Auchroisk 1975. This is one spectacular whisky! Distilled at the elegant and modern Auchroisk distillery in 1975, only 228 bottles of spirit were ever charged from refill hogshead cask number 5522. This whisky smells of vanilla and rum raisin in a hot apple pie - stewed apple citrus and baking spices. The taste opens fresh, almost youthful, but quickly shows its maturity (all 34 years of it) as the palate runs to spicy and oaky balanced with yet more sweet citrus cooked cherries and berries? The whisky finishes long, strong and chewy with the oak, spice, and berry sweetness lingering. So if you're looking for a mature Scotch Whisky and think it's ok if a Scotch costs more than the car you drove in school, then Auchroisk 1975 is the one for you. — For some of the best Scotch and Whiskies in Budapest, be sure to visit Caledonia Scottish Bar & Restaurant, www.caldonia.hu

DID SOME CAVEMEN GET THE PISS TAKEN OUT OF THEM FOR WEARING LAST SEASON’S MAMMOTH SKINS?

style points

7 Persuasive Reasons... WHY MEN SHOULD SHAVE THEIR PRIVATES.

I always shave my privates ‘cause I expect my women to do the same. Oral pleasure and hair gel don’t mix well.

Does you girl shave?

DOUG SMITH, ILLUSTRATION: JOHNANDJOHN.NL

ere are seven reasons why men should consider shaving their privates. No, I’m not talking about the Army, although a “soldier” at attention, with a shiny helmet and a loaded weapon, is definitely involved. Most men worry obsessively about the hair on their heads but rarely give a second thought to their pubic hair. Only when the time is right with that special lady do men realise they should have spent some time grooming their privates. Guys, here are 7 compelling reasons why you should groom your pubic hair or even remove it completely.

H

1. CLEANLINESS. The crotch is a focal point for heat, sweat, and bacteria. Cropping or removing your pubic hair makes that area much easier to keep clean, and more importantly, smelling clean and manly. She’s more likely to explore that area up close if it’s well maintained. 2. NOVELTY. The contrast between your obviously adult-sized package and your new hairlessness can be quite erotic, and not just to you! Your lover may gush over the idea of making love to what now has the illusion of being forbidden fruit. 3. IT’S MORE INVITING. If you remove most or all of her objections to performing oral sex on you, isn’t it worth the trouble? Pay special attention to removing stray hairs from your shaft. Hair in the mouth sucks, but she won’t if she finds one.

A woman’s body is playground of softness and smoothness, so don’t you think she’ll appreciate the same on you? A silky smooth ball sack invites both manual and oral caresses. She’s far more likely to play down there if she doesn’t have to use a weed-whacker to find it.

4. DON’T FORGET THE SCROTUM.

She’ll see immediately that you have no skin outbreaks or unwanted “critters” to hide. Furthermore, you will have greater manual sensitivity when you perform your periodic testicular self-exam. You do examine yourself regularly, don’t you? You should. The earlier you catch any problems, the easier they are to fix.

5. IT’S HEALTHIER.

And most importantly (to some at least): I’m not kidding – you will swear that you gained at least an extra inch in length! If your crotch is not groomed regularly, you probably have pubic hair at least part way up your shaft. Your penis “appears” to begin where that pubic hair ends. Remove the underbrush and your hidden length will be revealed.

7. IT MAKES YOUR ERECTION LOOK HUGE.

When you’re grooming the hair on your “big head,” don’t forget about the hair on the “little head” too! Whether you do it to please yourself or a partner (or both), regular pubic hair grooming or even total pubic hair removal can spice up your love life. If you like it enough, consider permanent removal methods such as laser hair removal or electrolysis. Note that some people experience moderate to intense itching the first few days after shaving as the pubic hair grows back. You might want your first grooming experience to be at the beginning of a weekend so you’re not squirming in your office chair all day Monday!

“When you’re grooming the hair on your “big head,” don’t forget about the hair on the “little head” too! Whether you do it to please yourself or a partner (or both), regular pubic hair grooming or even total pubic hair removal can spice up your love life.”

The itching should decrease or stop if you continue to groom yourself regularly. And if the guys in the gym locker room make fun of you, first ask them why they are checking out your package.

In the embarrassed silence that follows, tell them why you did it, that you’re having twice as much sex as they are, and what she’s doing now that she wouldn’t do before! Then get ready to answer their questions.

3 MÓD ARRA, HOGY ELVESZÍTSD A PASID:

Learn more about Testicular Self Exams (TSE) at http://my.webmd.com/ hw/mens_conditions/hw234856.asp 6. IT’S FUN TO LET HER DO IT! That’s right, let her shave you! This is not only an exercise in trust, but a highly-suspenseful erotic thrill ride. The danger of an ultra sharp razor in such a sensitive area, the tension of long slow razor strokes, the aching of your pulse-pounding erection, and the foamy friction of her shaving-creamed hand on your shaft can intensify your pleasure like you never thought possible. Just don’t make any sudden moves.

W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

párna

NE BOROTVÁLD TÖBBET A LÁBAD

TÉGY ÚGY, MINTHA TERHES LENNÉL

FEKÜDJ LE A LEGJOBB BARÁTJÁVAL

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THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

IS IT BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST THAN TO HAVE PAID FOR IT AND NOT LIKED IT?

AGENDA Party Time! 14 ÖTLET, HOGY ELMENJ HAZULRÓL Friends and lovers, we've combed over the multitudinous events and decided which the best will be. To wit: First off is a TRIBUTE TO NÉMETH JÓZSEF AT DUNA GALÉRIA (XIII. Budapest, Pannónia Street 95, (+06 1) 340 9186 www.artportal.hu). The exhibit started on the 2nd and runs through the 20th, so you have plenty of time to see varied works by varied artists (including nudes) alongside Németh's work (including nudes). I am going for the nudes mostly, though a (nude) landscape is occasionally nice. Furthermore, I prefer mountains to hills in any (nude) landscapes. Ah, Jazz... and right on Raday Street, to boot. BALÁZS JÓZSEF WILL BE AT IF CAFÉ on February 10th (IX. Budapest, Ráday utca 19, Tel: (+36 1) 299 0694). It sounds like a date night may be in order. Why wait for Valentine's Day? Also, the Stones' sax player visits next month... catch our next issue for

to check out THINK MAGAZINE RED PARTY on the 16th at the posh Boutique Bar. More Music? Something a little bit darker, perhaps? SISTERS OF MERCY. That's right. Sisters. Of. Mercy. The goth who are not goth and the rocking band that is more than rock hits Budapest like a donkey punch delivered by the Hulk himself at 9pm on the 25th. A38, people (XI. Budapest, Petőfi híd, budai hídfő, (+36 1) 464 3940, www.a38.hu). What did you expect? The Love Boat?

More party? OK, then. MERLIN WILL ALSO HOST THE MOME CARNIVAL THEME PARTY on the 24th, 10pm-5am (http:// tiny.cc/mome). Tits and Clits will spin. They and other Djs, I mean… geez. It should go down with more gusto than a 10,000Ft hooker on a 100,000Ft customer, to be sure.

Win Free Tickets! Unseen Works of the Great Lucien Hervé To April 30th, The Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) www.museum.hu

A very special exhibit honoring a very special native son of Hungary, Lászlo Elkán. Not destined to remain in his homeland, in 1938 after taking French nationality, he was captured at Dunkirk by the Germans, but he escaped and joined the French resistance, within which he was known as Lucien Hervé. Perhaps because of these experiences and the dehumanization of mankind via Holocaust and war, Hervé's works evoke the human, despite the fact that he eschewed the then-de rigeur anecdotal school of photography. His works, featuring sharp lines and stark captures of light and shadow, are described as being composed in the vein of Mondrian and Constructivist art. The exhibit at the Fine Arts Museum draws on his entire oeuvre, and sports a complete scholarly detail of his works and relationships in art. TO SECURE FREE TICKETS TO THIS EXTRAORDINARY HOMAGE, SEE OUR FACEBOOK GROUP AD ON PAGE 13.

details. Too sedate? Well, you're all wet (or you should be, otherwise we might chafe a bit). Regardless your current personal humidity, we'll see you at CINETRIP’S "WATER CIRCUS" PARTY on the 12th (Rudas Baths: I. Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, ticket info: www. cinetrip.hu). Save your shekels for this one, it's worth it. Hot bodies, warm waters, good times. If A) You don't “do” wet, or, B) You just love animals and are awake after "doing” wet, go to the VALENTINE'S DAY EXHIBITION AT PETŐFI CSARNOK (XIV. Budapest, Zichy Mihály út 14, Tel: (+36 1) 251 7266 www. petoficsarnok.hu) It's for the animals, and the animals are for you. The event benefits a ton of charities and hopeful little puppies and kittens... and odder choices, too. Spider, anyone? Monday the 14th looks fun at the Merlin Theater (V. Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 4, (+06 1) 317 9338, merlin.szinhaz.org). THE MADHOUSE COMPANY WILL PRESENT "ONE SET TO LOVE" for your enjoyment. This orig-

inal production will feature lust, love, butlers, death and shenanigans galore. Shenanigans, I say! We’re doing something special, as well. We like you. We like that you read (especially that you read us). Like us back on Facebook (Facebook.com/thinkbudapest) W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

So... what is with North Korea? You can find out. On March 3, Fogashaz (VII. Budapest, Akácfa Utca 51, Tel: (+36 30) 243 0035) will hold an open FORUM ON NORTH KOREA HOSTED BY BODÓ BALÁZS. Balázs counts on his excessively extensive list of accomplishments so many items of prestige that we will not bother to recount them here (out of envy). Suffice it to say that he richly deserves this mention and you should be there. Will the new media law creep into the talk, since he edits and is on the board of Tilos community radio? I think it is quite likely. If you aren't that serious at the moment, hit Fogashaz on Wednesdays during "Bounce," and check out the szinház schedule and see what's what (on their pages). Finally, we wanted to get the word out early on an appearance by some very cool performers at the SportArena. THE GIPSY KINGS will rock their funk-basted flamenco jams there March 7th (XIV Budapest, Stefánia út 2). If the most well-known gypsies in the world (and one Moroccan-Algerian) can't lure you out of your cave, then it's likely that nothing will. Tickets are available at www.ticketa.hu, Tel: (+36 1) 422 26 82

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AGENDA

14 ötlet, hogy elmenj hazulról 14 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR SOFA tfésülve Budapest tengernyi programját, amit a város februárra (és március elejére) felajánlott, felsorolnánk ezekből a legjobbakat: Először is itt van egy fotókiállítás:

Á

NÉMETH JÓZSEF FOTÓMŰVÉSZ ELŐTT TISZTELEG A DUNA GALÉRIA (XIII. Bu-

dapest, Pannónia Street 95, (+06 1) 340 9186 www.artportal.hu) A kiállítás február 2-tól 20-ig látható, úgyhogy van időtök megnézni számos művész aktfotóit, akik mellett Németh öt, eddig kevésbé ismert fotója is látható. Érdemes megnézni, hátha ti is kedvet kaptok egy kis aktfotózásra…

pop Fergie hallani akarja a hangodat! Gondolkodtál már azon, milyen lehet egy színpadon énekelni a kedvenceddel? Jelentkezz most, és Fergievel együtt énekelheted az AVON VOICES himnuszát! Ehhez mindössze elég, ha csak egy fél percet mutatsz meg magadból! Az AVON Voices egy online tehetségkutató program, amelyet azzal a céllal hoztak létre, hogy a világ 60 országában élő nők hallassák a hangjukat. Nem kell mást tenned, minthogy regisztrálsz az AVON Voices oldalára, (www.avonvoices.com) ahol feltöltheted a saját félperces videódat! Ebben megmutathatod az énektudásodat, miután kiválasztottad az egyik dalt a honlapon található listából. A világhírű zsűri, többek között Fergie, Diane Warren és Natasha Bedingfield, a közönséggel együtt választja ki a továbbjutókat. 200 továbbjutó egy professzionális zenei képzésen vesz részt Hong Kong, Hollywood, Rio de Janeiro és New York legjobb stúdióiban. A legtehetségesebb tíz pedig rögtön lemezre kerül, hiszen ők éneklik a nőkkel szembeni erőszak ellen fellépő AVON kampány himnuszát. Diane Warren szerzeményét az AVON Voices tehetségei a zsűritagokkal együtt adják elő az AVON őszi díjátadó gáláján New York-ban. A nagyszabású rendezvényre a cég a belépőkből származó bevétellel az alapítványt támogatja. Innen csak pár lépés a saját album és a világhír. Csak kattints néhányat, és már énekelhetsz is! 14-én hétfőn aki nevetni akar, menjen a Merlin Színházba (V. Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 4, (+06 1) 317 9338, www. merlinszinhaz.hu), ahol a MADHOUSE

jatok vissza minket a Facebook-on, (Facebook.com/thinkbudapest) ahol mindent megtudhattok a 16-i bulinkról!

COMPANY MUTATJA BE A „ONE SET TO LOVE” előadását! Ebben az eredeti pro-

Ha még mindig nem elég a zenéből, és valami sötétebbre vágynátok, akkor jön a

festival Trafó House's “Time of Images”

Ha partira vágytok, akkor ismét irány a Merlin, ahol a MOME TARTJA A FARSANGI buliját február 24-én, este tíztől hajnali ötig. (http://tiny.cc/mome). DJ: Tits and Clits, Popbitch. Érdemes benézni, hátha felfedeztek néhány új erogén zónát is a fületeken túl. Március 3-án vigyázó szemeiteket közben vessétek ÉszakKoreára. A Fogasházban, (VII. BP, Akácfa Utca 51, Tel: (+36 30) 243 0035) nyílt FÓRU-

www.trafo.hu

MOT TART ÉSZAK KOREÁRÓL BODÓ BALÁZS

Közben szól a Jazz, például a Ráday utcában. JÓZSEF BALÁZS FEBRUÁR 10ÉN LÉP FEL AZ IF CAFÉBAN, (IX. Budapest, Ráday utca 19, Tel: (+36 1) 299 0694). Tökéletes program egy randi-

Trafó has a good reputation for great productions. And they've kicked off another awesome festival, TIME OF IMAGES with 20 days of avant-garde arts. A multiartist production spectacular, featuring motion pictures and live performance, runs through the 20th. Featuring through the 27th is Trafó'sis "Fear in a Black Box," a program on discerning fear generated by the media from real fears. Interesting... The 9th will feature two at the Művész Cinema: "Maguy Marin la danse cachée" at 7pm, and "Angelin Preljocaj: Blanche neige" at 8:30. A Hungarian actorless “Cinderella” should be neato on the 10th. Local group Zagar's 10th anniversary concert is on the 12th, "Nous" by Fabien Prioville dances by the 15th. The 11th hosts “The Cryonic Chants,” by Scott Gibbons and the Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio. Try Gödör on the 14th for “Peer Gynt.” WANT TO WIN A PAIR OF FREE VIP PASSES? Well, they are for the grand finale, the Premiere opening of Nigel Charnock’s “Live Revolution! Love Revolution!” Go to www.facebook.com/thinkbudapest, take the 1-question quiz: correct entries will be entered into a lottery for a pair of VIP passes!

hoz, úgyhogy miért várnál Valentin napig? Továbbá, a Rolling Stones szaxofonosa is fellép a jövő hónapban, de erről többet a következő számunkban! Ha be vagytok lassulva, és fülledve a fűtött lakásban, akkor kapjátok elő a fürdőruhákat! Várunk a CINETRIP "WATER CIRCUS" PARTIJÁN február 12-én, (Rudas Fürdő: I. Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, jegyinformáció: www. cinetrip.hu). Forró testek, meleg víz, isteni buli! Ha mégis víziszonyosok vagytok, de szeretitek az állatokat, vagy kipihentétek ezt a bulit, akkor látogassatok ki a PETŐFI CSARNOK VALENTIN NAPI KIÁLLÍTÁSÁRA, (XIV. Budapest, Zichy Mihály út 14, Tel: (+36 1) 251 7266 www.petoficsarnok.hu). Ez a program az állatokért van, az állatok meg értetek. Lesz számos jótékonysági program, reményteljes kiskutya és kiscica. Na és persze pár furább állat, mondjuk pókok, valaki? THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

dukcióban lesz szerelem szenvedély, komornyikok, halál, és svindli minden mennyiségben! Persze, mi is előrukkolunk egy különleges programot, mert szeretünk titeket! Szeretünk titeket azért, mert olvastok, (pláne, hogy minket is)! Lájkol-

SISTERS OF MERCY. Jól olvastátok! A goth zene, ami nem is goth, a rock, ami keményebben sújt le Budapestre mint egy pofon a Hulktól, február 25-én 21 órától kezdi döngetni az A38-as hajót (XI. Budapest, Petőfi híd, budai hídfő, Tel: (+36 1) 464 3940, www.a38.hu). Mit vártatok? Ez nem a Szerelemhajó!

vezetésével. Balázs itt beszámol arról a számos eredményről amit eddig elért amelyeket itt nem sorolunk fel (mivel irigykedünk). Legyen elég csak annyi, hogy bőven megérdemli az elismerést, amit azzal fejezhettek ki, ha odamentek! Vajon az új médiatörvény átszövi-e a beszélgetést, elvégre Balázs egyúttal a Tilos Rádió műsorvezetője. Több, mint valószínű. Ha nem akartok lelombozódni, inkább szerdán menjetek a Fogasházba, a Bounce előadásra, és nézzétek meg a színházi programjukat, hogy képben legyetek! Végezetül, szeretnénk időben szólni egy közelgő koncertről: a SportArénába (XIV. Budapest, Stefánia út 2) igazán remek zenészek érkeznek! Március 7én a GYPSY KINGS csap a húrok közé, hogy elővarázsolja nektek a funk-os flamencóját. Persze, ha a világ legismertebb legismertebb cigányzenekara sem tud előcsalogatni benneteket az odútokból, akkor semmi sem. Jegyek kaphatók: www.ticketa.hu, Tel: (+36 1) 422 26 82.

mozgásban A Spiritusz Galéria megnyitó kiállítása Várfok u. 14. Tel.: +36 (1) 202 1420 , +36 (30) 846 2998 www.spiritusz-galeria.hu

A 2007-ben alakult SPIRITUSZ GALÉRIA februártól a Várfok utcában várja a kortárs művészet iránt érdeklődőket. Az új helyszín közvetlenül az anyaintézmény, a Várfok Galéria mellett található, annak régi termében. Mostantól havonta rendezendő kiállításokon mutatja be mára összeérett, fiatal festőkből, fotósokból, szobrászokból álló művészkörét. A galéria nyitótárlata – vélhetőleg a költözéstől inspirálódva – egy csoportos kiállítás lesz, amelyet a Mozgás témakörében szerveztek. A lényeg a művészek és a közönség közötti áramlás és együttrezgés, ahogy a nézők a maguk tempójában nézhetik végig a legújabb munkákat, és interakcióba léphetnek a művekkel, és a művészekkel. A SPIRITUSZ GALÉRIA MŰVÉSZEI: Abonyi Alma, Appelshoffer Péter, Balla Vivienne, Fabók-Dobribán Fatime, Fátyol Viola, Hangay Enikő, Jahoda Réka, Kaszás Réka, Komlovszky-Szvet Tamás, Mayer Hella, Szemethy Orsi, Tesch Katalin, Tóth Szilvi

A SZERELEM OLYAN, MINT EGY KÁD FORRÓ VÍZ – NYAKIG ELMERÜLSZ BENNE, AZTÁN SZÉP LASSAN KIHŰL.

W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE

Why Valentine?

HOW A FERTILITY RITUAL WENT ALL HEART SHAPED “...THE CATHOLIC CHURCH’S ATTEMPT TO PAPER OVER A POPULAR PAGAN FERTILITY RITE WITH THE CLUBBING DEATH AND DECAPITATION OF ONE OF ITS OWN MARTYRS IS THE ORIGIN OF THIS LOVERS’ HOLIDAY.” INFORMATION FROM “PANATI’S EXTRAORDINARY ORIGINS”

St. Valentine’s Day: 5th Century Rome As early as the fourth century B.C., the Romans engaged in an annual young man’s rite of passage to the god Lupercus. The names of teenage women were placed in a box and drawn at random by adolescent men; thus, a man was assigned a woman companion, for their mutual entertainment and pleasure (often sexual), for the duration of a year, after which another lottery was staged. Determined to put an end to this eight-hundredyear-old practice, the early church fathers sought a “lovers’’ saint to replace the deity Lupercus. They found a likely candidate in Valentine, a bishop who had been martyred some two hundred years earlier. In Rome in A.D. 270, Valentine had enraged the mad emperor Claudius II, who had issued an edict forbidding marriage. Claudius felt that married men made poor soldiers, because they were loath to leave their families for battle. The empire needed soldiers,

FIRST VALENTINE "CARD"? “[He] brought her name writ upon blue paper in gold letters…” - (Samuel Pepys, The Diary of Samuel Pepys, February 14, 1667)

Although sending Valentine letters or poems dates to the 15th century and perhaps before, the first mention of a decorative Valentine's Day “card” may be in the writings of Samuel Pepys, a chronicler of domestic life in Charles II's reign. He relates how “this morning came up to my wife's bedside…little Will Mercer to be her Valentine; and brought her name writ upon blue paper in gold letters done by himself very pretty; and we both were very pleased with it. But I am also this year my wife's Valentine.” W W W. T H I N K - M A G A Z I N E . C O M

so Claudius, never one to fear unpopularity, abolished marriage. Valentine, bishop of Interamna, invited young lovers to come to him in secret, where he joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. Claudius learned of this “friend of lovers,” and had the bishop brought to the palace. The emperor, impressed with the young priest’s dignity and conviction, attempted to convert him to the Roman gods, to save him from otherwise certain execution. Valentine refused to renounce Christianity and imprudently attempted to convert the emperor. On February 24, 270, Valentine was clubbed, stoned, then beheaded. History also claims that while Valentine was in prison awaiting execution, he fell in love with the blind daughter of the jailer, Asterius. Through his unswerving faith, he miraculously restored her sight. He signed a farewell message to her “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that would live long after its author died. From the Church’s standpoint, Valentine seemed to be the ideal candidate to usurp the popularity of Lupercus. So in A.D. 496, a stern Pope Gelasius outlawed the mid-February Lupercian festival. But he was clever enough to retain the lottery, aware of Romans’ love for games of chance. Now into the box that had once held the names of available and willing single women, were placed the names of saints. Both men and women extracted slips of paper, and in the ensuing year they were expected to emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. Admittedly, it was a different game, with different incentives; to expect a woman and draw a saint must have disappointed many a Roman male. The spiritual overseer of the entire affair was its patron saint, Valentine. With reluctance, and the passage of time, more and more Romans relinquished their pagan festival and replaced it with the Church’s holy day. VALENTINE CARDS

Traditionally, mid-February was a Roman time to meet and court prospective mates. The Lupercian lottery (under penalty of mortal sin), Roman young men did institute the custom of offering women they ad-

mired and wished to court handwritten greetings of affection on February 14. The cards acquired St. Valentine’s name: as Christianity spread, so did the Valentine’s Day card. The earliest extant card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London. It is now in the British Museum. In the sixteenth century, St. Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva, attempted to expunge the custom of cards and reinstate the lottery of saints’ names. He felt that Christians had become wayward and needed models to emulate. However, this lottery was less successful and shorter-lived than Pope Gelasius’s. And rather than disappearing, cards proliferated and became more decorative. Cupid, the naked cherub armed with arrows dipped in love potion, became a popular valentine image. He was associated with the holiday because in Roman mythology he is the son of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. By the seventeenth century, handmade cards were oversized and elaborate, while store-bought ones were smaller and costly. In 1797, a British publisher issued The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, which contained scores of suggested sentimental verses for the young lover unable to compose his own. Printers had already begun producing a limited number of cards with verses and sketches, called “mechanical valentines,” and a reduction in postal rates in the next century ushered in the less personal but easier practice of mailing valentines. That, in turn, made it possible for the first time to exchange cards anonymously, which is taken as the reason for the sudden appearance of racy verse in an era otherwise prudishly Victorian. The burgeoning number of obscene valentines caused several countries to ban the practice of exchanging cards. In Chicago, for instance, late in the nineteenth century, the post office rejected some twenty-five thousand cards on the ground that they were not fit to be carried through the U.S. mail. The first American publisher of valentines was printer and artist Esther Howland. Her elaborate lace cards of the 1870’s cost from five to ten dollars, with some selling for as much as thirty-five dollars. Since that time, the valentine card business has flourished. With the exception of Christmas, Americans exchange more cards on Valentine’s Day than at any other time of the year...” THINK BUDAPEST CITY MAGAZINE