I Love the 80s

Serbian radio stations--at least the ones I hear--seem to be stuck in the 1980s. Since those were my salad days (and Yugoslavia's as well, I suppose), that's not such a bad thing, but sometimes it can get a little ridiculous. Yesterday, at my hotel in Nis at breakfast, and while I was doing some work in the lobby, I heard the following chestnuts, among others:

• Gary Numan, Cars
• Sheena Easton, Morning Train
• J. Geils band, Freeze Frame
• Quarterflash, Harden My heart
• Toto, Rosanna
• Tommy Tutone, 867-3509
• Laura Brannigan, Gloria
• Flock of Seagulls, I Ran

That playlist arguably demands a post, but a subsequent event sealed the deal. In a conversation with the Chief Judge of the Basic Court, it somehow came up that he was a music expert, and he spent some time telling me what a vibrant scene the town had, particularly in the 1980s. When I mentioned the radio programming, he nodded knowingly:

"Oh yes, that European pop was huge," he told me. "Kajagoogoo was extremely popular."

I couldn't manage the witty riposte that formed on the tip of my tongue about one-hit wonders. Too shy, I suppose.

Younger This Year

Younger Next Year was a Worldwide Christmas gift last year, and a quick read. There wasn't much in the book that was new to me, but one of the recommendations--in conjunction with my current situation--got me to thinking.

Belgrade is a popular destination for medical tourism. A combination of low costs, good English and educated professionals make it an attractive destination for those seeking certain procedures.

Like laser-assisted, teeth whitening, which was something the book recommended, and something I'd never done. Ever. And when I saw myself on TV recently, and thought about all that coffee and red wine over the years, I decided to look into it.

One of my colleagues recommended her dentist, and I met with her last month. She explained the procedure and confirmed that I would be a good candidate. She would apply a gel to my teeth and blast it with a laser. It would take about an hour and cost about $400.

Why not? I'm always seeking new experiences, and this one seemed more productive than getting bit by a poisonous snake. So yesterday, I went over to the dentist's office for my scheduled appointment. She wedged a sort of reverse mouthguard into me and painted my teeth with some sort of gel. Then they stuck a light in front of my face, put some amber glasses on me and turned it on for 15 minutes. This procedure was repeated three more times, and I was done.

I'm quite pleased with the results. I'm not sure that the picture shows them properly, or if I'd do it again. But I definitely look better. I feel a little weird--like a bit of a fraud when I smile, and is it obvious that I've had some, er, "work done." But it's another entry into my book of experience.

April Books

Full 2014 list is here

A nervous splendour

by Frederick Morton

4.0 of 5 star

Book didn't work for me despite being about a really interesting period and revolving around a fabulous story. Dashing, reform-mided prince in fin-de-siecle Vienna is stymied by an autocratic father, kills himself and his 17 year old lover in a murder suicide pact that the palace tries to hide from the public. Dull writing and a disjointed attempt to interweave the lives of other prominent Viennese (Freud, Mahler, Brahms, Klimt) into parallel storyline keep me from recommending the book, but do do look into the life and times of Prince Rudolf. 

Fire in the Hole 

by Elmore Leonard

Got this to read the story that inspired Justified, a show I'd been mildly enjoying until Netflix discovered I'm in Serbia. Pilot was surprisingly faithful to the story, and the others are just as cracking. Leonard made writing and storytelling look incredibly easy, both of which are deceptively difficult.

Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate

by Vaclav Smil

Clear, if somewhat dull look at energy alternatives and the prospect for transition from coal and oil. Apparently the replacement of oil with switchgrass is going to take longer and do less than its champions would have you believe.

Stop Me If You've Heard This: A History and Philosophy of Jokes

by Jim Holt

Short, very readable book. Didn't say much, but historical examination of humor was fun.

Deep Sea and Foreign Going: Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry That Brings You 90% of Everything

by Rose George 

Not as interesting as I had hoped, but enjoyable nonetheless. The number of people and ships lost at sea each year is far higher than one might guess, and the registration of ships with dodgy countries is appalling.

Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her

by Melanie Rehak 

Might have worked better as an essay, as a lot of internecine quarreling was a little tedious. The influence of the suffrage movement on the development of the teen sleuth's character, and of one man on the committee of writers who created the books (as well as the Hardy Boys, Bobsey Twins and others I'd never heard of)was especially interesting.