Dudes (because obviously they are duuudes, not guys, not men and certainly not proper drivers) with slicked down hair, in v-necked T-shirts, who roar down the road in a Cabrio, with the music volume turned up to qualify as blastin’.
People who insist on screaming explosively at someone else in the street for something the other person did not do.
Teenagers walking around town with speakers attached to their players/iPods/ I don’t know. Aw. I didn’t think this still existed in this century. Cute that it got updated.
An older drunk man I once saw at a bus stop, staring sullenly at passing women and audibly spitting out, “Slut!”
Misspelled name cards on booked restaurant tables (but more a shake of the head and maybe just a sarcastic smile).
One can surf directly in Munich Airport during the summer.
Wait, really? Yes, really.
This year saw Munich Airport’s Surf & Style event take place for the fifth time, from the end of July and through August. The Forum of the Munich Airport Center houses a large pool displaying a permanent non-breaking wave. This pool was also the venue for this year’s European championship in Stationary Wave riding. Surfing a standing wave is also a competitive sport – another thing learned.
The attraction has become so popular since it’s opening that enthusiasts had to register in advance. But admission was free, equipment was provided, instructors were on hand and beginners or even non-surfers could come in the afternoons, getting 45-minute slots each.
An example of interesting, albeit at first unexpected, use of urban space, in particular a large international transportation hub. But it seems to be working and these surfers definitely felt at home in Munich Airport’s beach bubble.
Imagine Dragons is one of my favourite bands. Why? Partly for the same reasons as for many other listeners, though with a personal tinge. There is a honesty and clarity to their lyrics that is immediately felt, combined with just some really good music (all I can say, not being a music critic, but I’m saying it with such a lot of feeling).
It’s time to begin, isn’t it
I get a little bit bigger, but then I admit
I’m just the same as I was
Now don’t you understand
That I’m never changing who I am
Imagine Dragons. It’s Time
It’s also extremely refreshing to see a hard-working band touring and making music without dubious headlines accompanying them in the media or friendships with weird celebrities. These are 100% committed artists who project both humbleness and gratitude, not to mention mesmerizing talent.
Oh, and I like that they just don’t disclose what the band name means.
It’s still some weeks to go until I see them live, but being swept with memories from their last show, and to fill the time I went on YouTube. There I found this gem of an interview where they talk about their latest album, Smoke and Mirrors. The album is, as has often been mentioned, a departure from its predecessor, Night Visions, both musically and story-wise. It’s intriguing, bold and multifaceted – I’m taking longer to process the songs. But that same honesty and clarity are there.
In the interview the band also makes an excellent point that gets me excited as a fan, and also oddly relaxed. Vocalist Dan Reynolds says whatever genre listeners attribute to the music is fine with them, although they prefer to be seen as genre-less. But they are filled up by music and making it, and it is open to interpretation in all sorts of ways. Lacing up songs with a certain genre is a thing of the past, and I coudln’t agree more; though the freedom of conforming to one specific style also exists. Basically, there is room for everyone and everything.
“Whatever it is, we’re just creating music we like, music that inspires us”, says Reynolds. I want to hang out with them.
Can really walk in heels and don’t look like they are trying to look like they can walk in heels (been there).
Are also comfortable in said heels.
Don’t pressure themselves or stress about style, however they dress and whatever amount of time they invest or don’t invest in putting an outfit together. Clothes are (so much!) fun, but they aren’t the be-all.
Are friends with their fashion individuality. You can see it because they are relaxed, smiling and clearly picking things to wear on their own terms and with their own considerations in mind. Moody, sparkling, quiet and all sorts of days included. Just goin’ with the flow.
But most of all, I just admire women who are happy and do what they want.
What a day. James Sirius Potter is starting at Hogwarts!
As reported by Mashable, J.K. Rowling tweeted a request for good wishes and the Pottersphere predictably exploded. The Potter fans are numerous and their Potter emotions are strong, and I think ever since the books (and later the movies) ended, these emotions have become even stronger. OUR emotions have become even stronger. Because when you love a work of fiction that much, reminders and actual calculations of dates relating to characters from the book are a smile-inducing trip down memory lane.
It also has a curious effect of making you feel like the books are not finished yet after all. You remember about the scarlet steam engine departing from platform nine and three quarters. You remember one of your (many) favourite parts in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – when happiness fills Harry up as he finds out he can visit Hogsmeade with his friends. “His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad/ His hair is as black as a blackboard…” “Just because you’ve got the emotional range of a teaspoon…” Your eyes wander to the seven book set always within reach and you know that you will open them again, and again, and again.
All the best, James, have a magical start at Hogwarts.
Writsomnia 
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