Jarkko the faithful hound.

[Partisan]

I was reading and enjoying Andrea's report on her Cohen event in Italy. It sounded almost as idyllic as Hydra. Pity I could not be there. However I came across this line at the end,

Some tepid sunbeams were still in the sky and we visited the Garda Lake area, a lovely place called “Punta San Vigilio” where Paola’s labrador Jarkko had a long swim and made us jealous not being able to join him in the clear water.

I really don't know where to begin with this little gem.......

p.

[lizzytysh]

From Lorca to Leonard to Lorca.....
and Leonard to Jarkko to Paolo to Jarkko......
"the beat goes on.......and the beat goes on........."

I'll have to go read Andrea's account myself....thanks for the excerpt.

[Andrew McGeever]

Dear Partisan,
Perhaps he was trying to reach the other side .
"Tepid sunbeams" smacks of bad writing: I'd rather jump in and swim with the faithful hound.
Finnish men (so I'm led to believe) normally require a few centimetres of ice on top, before they jump in and swim.
Andrew.

[lizzytysh]

Well, there's something about "tepid sunbeams" that I like, given the [#2] definition I found of "characterized by a lack of force or enthusiasm." At the end of day, still there, lingering, not too enthusiastically or forceful.....it seems a fitting description. I can certainly picture it , especially as Paolo's labrador swam into the cool [shall we say?] water.

~ Lizzytysh

[Kush]

Off at a tangent here but congratulations to Jarkko & to all Finland for electing two women at the same time to the position of President and Prime Minister of that country (a first in Europe and quite possibly the world). The new PM plans to pick women for 50 % of her cabinet.

There is hope for humanity yet !!

[Partisan]

So the new PM is planning to discriminate on the basis of what sex someone is when choosing her cabinet. Well that really serves the cause of equality well. You cannot positively discriminate for one group without negatively discriminating against the other. Perhaps the Finns would be better electing someone with sound democratic and egalitarian principles. Then again Kush you may have misrepresented her. Perhaps it is merely your views that are flawed.

p.

[Kush]

My views are quite often flawed partisan. Say 50% of the time. I have no problem with that. You have certainly highlighted a fact worth considering.
My post was part-serious and part-lighthearted. But no I have not misrepresented her (according to bbc.co.uk.)

[Andrew McGeever]

Well, this is clearly "unfinnished " business. Some years ago, the Icelandic parliament underwent a similar transformation. Iceland is still standing on the map, and both 50%s are standing too, apart from those who are asleep, writing poetry or in the process of producing modern Vikings.
Finland is the home of Sibelius, whose music soars, like a swan on the wing, across centuries.
Yours, Andrew.
P.S. I'm listening, as I write, to the beautiful "Swan of Tuonela".

[lizzytysh]

I've never heard of it, Andrew, but your reference sure makes it sound worthwhile. I think the 50% is a great idea.....determining equality from the outset....with an equal commitment to quality. Won't be any problem at all locating a highly-qualified, female 50%, will have to turn some away. Leonard's advocated [amongst others] for years what's occurring there. I'm confident good things will come.

[jarkko]

I really don't know where to begin with this little gem.......

Let's help Partisan a bit and make sure he is in happy mood during the Easter! Here is Jarkko in Paola's arms:
http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com/jarkkodog.JPG

Jarkko

[George.Wright]

What would we do without you Jarkko....................woof woof
ps are you sure that the dog is not partisan?
Georges

[andrea]

I was reading and enjoying Andrea's report on her Cohen event in Italy. It sounded almost as idyllic as Hydra. Pity I could not be there. However I came across this line at the end,

Some tepid sunbeams were still in the sky and we visited the Garda Lake area, a lovely place called “Punta San Vigilio” where Paola’s labrador Jarkko had a long swim and made us jealous not being able to join him in the clear water.

I really don't know where to begin with this little gem.......

p.

"Tepid sunbeams"...in Italy in November we consider the sun only that way.( I am sure that our finnish Jarkko would have joined jarkko dog for a swim ).
Thanks partisan for you comment, it was nice though far away from our Hydra experience..Hydra was just UNIC!
We will repeat it and we hopefully expect than more partecipants....maybe not in november ...a melancholic month ...with tepid sunbeams

[Paula]

Why has Finland got a President and a Prime Minister?

What about Mrs Ghandi Mrs Thatcher and Golda Meir

[Byron]

And Mary Robinson of Eire!

[Kush]

The "first" is both heads of state (i.e. Prez & PM at the same time). Many countries have that - usually the Prez is a ceremonial position in these countries.
Other places that have had a women PM OR Prez (that I can think of) are Iceland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Phillipines. I think bangladesh and Phillipines have in fact had 2 each. Needless to say that Pakistan & Bangladesh are "Islamic" countries and Philipines has a substantial Muslim population.

p.s. As far as i know another unique event was that in Bangladesh the incumbent woman PM or Prez was beaten in an election by the woman opposition leader who then became the PM. The world will do well to remember that this is in a so-called "Islamic" country which is one of the poorest in the world. What an example !!