Tsunami

On Christmas Day, the world did not know the term 'tsunami'. Now this 'harbour wave' has swept over a dozen countries and probably swept hundreds of thousands to their deaths. My brother seems to have just escaped death - and then...this. In 1755, when Lisbon was three-quarters destroyed by an earthquake, it triggered Kant's reflections, which resulted in his writings on the Enlightenment.

The now-titled Flood of the Century in 2004 will help George W. Bush appear a benefactor to the Muslim world. In his last days, Colin Powell, whom I hold in high esteem (despite everything), still made sure of that. America still wields the stick in Iraq and then, with the help of the Marines, sends its (much needed) carrot to the Muslim quake world. Will it work?

A second, larger publisher from Germany wants to read the manuscript of 'Mal'. Again I think of Sting. What was that line again? Careful What You Wish For. But is it really of any use to people who have been hit so hard by fate if I can't get on with my own life? Couldn't I perhaps help them more if I earned some money to live on - and then also had the opportunity to give them some of it? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Heinke really does think so naively. But in the end, all of life is naive.

Favorite Song Line:

"When you face the end alone you're lost - you can never go home."
Gollum's Song by Emiliana Torrini (2002)

A reminder:

New Year's Eve in Cologne. Almost desperate fireworks. Running the gauntlet across the Domplatte. Hissing firecrackers are thrown at one's feet. In the underground station, an old man collects empties from the bins. For him, this night is like the spawning of salmon in Alaska for the grizzlies. He looks happy. I wish with all my heart that he is too. Will that be me one day, I think. And right after that: What if I fail for good?

But that will not happen. Because I tell stories. Damn good stories. You have to be able to live from that ;-)