I'll be admitting this here first, before word gets back to Brooklyn.

I've spent the good part of this last week watching snooker...

Since I got back from Amsterdam last Thursday I've probably watched about 40 hours. I haven't really figured out what's going on, but I will still advise the guys on TV "Don't be a hero! Take the safety!" The funniest thing is that it's not pronounced "snuker" as I'd say when I first got here, but more like "snoooooker."

As for Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam I had a groovy time. My friend Jim is a blast to travel with, and he spoiled me terribly. In Paris I discovered three things: my long-lost friend Gabriel, Le Bear's Den (well, the patio, as this is the only place women are allowed), and les Jardins du Luxembourg. In Brussels I ate chocolate, did laundry, and learned that for food you say "c'est bon" and for objects you say "c'est bien." From the same Brazilian I learned the difference between chat and chatte (one is a cat... the other a female body part). In Amsterdam I saw the World Press Photo exhibit and a James Nachtwey show, the seedy red light district and, of course, some tulips.

Of the three cities I loved Paris the most, and will be back there in June to work on my art, as well as my French.