"If you don't know where you're going, you'll wind up somewhere else" - Yogi Berra
Thursday, December 11, 2008
holiday cheer
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
the curious case of the self-cancelling credit card
one of the first thing you notice after moving to the UK is how prevalent credit is in everyday life. Ads in the tube, constant mail from your bank and of course the ubiquitous store cards are there you remind one that it doesn't matter when you pay for it, as long as you keep shopping. As Sarah Palin might say, "charge, baby, charge". Of course with the current economic downturn we have a reminder of how quickly that can change once banks and financial establishments decide to turn off the spigot, but overall you still get the sense that much of the growth of UK's economy is aided by future income, since that is in essence what credit is. In fact the Guardian reported this year that debt growth was higher than GDP growth, a fact that highlights how systematic the recourse to credit has become for consumers. In comparison, the level of household debt stands at 47% in France, or less than half that of the UK, which has the highest such level among the major European economies.
As a new-arrivant here it is awfully tempting to participate in this real-life Monopoly (side-note and top 5 WTF of the year: is Ridley Scott really directing a movie based on the board game?), but as I've found out, it's not at all that easy. Having opened a current account (Barclay's) within the first few days of my arrival, I was still using my French-based card for most expenses and, focused on starting a whole new life, didn't feel the need to go beyond the basic debit card provided by Barclay's. Over the next few months I thought about it from time to time, but never felt a need to take the plunge. In late 2007 I took a trip to Brittany, where I'd booked a rental car from the Nantes airport. This is where I found out that none of the major car-rental chains accepted debit cards, or even any alternatives I suggested (getting my mom's CC number over the phone, paying cash for the deposit...). With a 150km journey still to go to my destination, I had to improvise, which resulted in 1 cab ride, 2 trains and a 11:30pm pickup from my grandma at the train station. My grandma's in her late 80s, so let's just say driving late at night isn't her favorite thing to do. Once back in the UK, I decided to apply for a credit card at last.
This is where the main sticking point happened: in the UK, if you want to get a credit card, companies look at your credit score. If you've just moved here for the first time, you don't have a score. So you need one to get one, but if you don't have one you won't get one. Clear? Having got rejected from online applications to Amex and Barclays, I realized this might be a bit trickier than I thought. Yearning to stay away from the cold automated rejection letters (and complete lack of explanation from the associated helpdesks), I decided to stop by my bank branch a few months ago to see if my application could be processed by a real-live person, who could perhaps look at my situation and at least explain to me why I wasn't authorized to join the splurging masses. Going through my salary and current financial situation with the advisor, I was told there was no reason why I wouldn't get approved and that we'd do the application together to ensure success. And sure enough, two weeks later, I got a shiny new credit card in the mail, with a humongous £250 credit limit. Really nothing to brag about, but I figured it was a start, and at least I'd have one if necessary.
Needing to activate the card, I called the number stamped on it, thinking that it was pretty good timing, since i had my trip to Australia in a few weeks and would definitely be able to use it there. But when I called the number, I was told the card was already activated. Thinking that was a tad weird, I called the Barclayscard helpdesk and asked if there was a problem. After a few minutes of looking around on the system, the helpdesk operator explained to me that in fact the card had been cancelled, since Barclays had realized I wasn't fit to hold one after all. By this point I was wondering if I was stuck in a personal-finance episode of the Twilight Zone, and asked for more explanations. Unfortunately the calculations made to authorize or reject people are all automated, so no one can really tell you what is wrong when you're not accepted. All the person on the line was able to tell me was that I could cut up the card since I wouldn't be able to use it. Now there's some sound advice, not sure I would've thought of it on my own.
This happened over the summer, and since then I'd kind of resigned myself to being credit-less for a few years. Indeed through my application processes I'd noticed that they always ask for 3 years' addresses history in the UK, which I obviously do not have. Was it possible that my lack of credit score, and recent arrival in the country was the thing blocking all my applications? Too bad I couldn't ask the giant robot running the process, that guy's pretty heartless if you ask me.
Then last week I saw an ad for Capital One, and remembered how in the US they were known for giving out credit cards to pretty much anyone. Despite knowing that each negative application can adversely affect you credit rating, I decided to try once more, figuring that it was worth a shot, having done my last one five months prior. Upon completing the grueling two-minute online form, I got the usual "we'll let you know" message and figured they were just cordial and preferred to send the rejection letter through the mail instead of telling me straightaway. Because nothing says courtesy like a mass-reproduced letter of denial. Only thing is I actually got accepted for the basic card, apparently, and sent back my signed agreement yesterday. So theoretically in 7 to 10 working days I should be the (oh-so) proud possessor of a Capital One credit card, with a minimum credit limit of £100, and a sweet 34.9% APR. Unless they decide to go for the sneaky Barclays-style now-you-see-it, now-you-don't technique. Either way I'm not sure I'll have a better understanding of how logical the process is, having seen so many shows on TV about uni students being able to get into £40,000 of debt while I'm stuck with my junior-high debit card.
After these various ups-and-downs I don't think I've become any savvier to the credit card scene here, but I do know one thing: my next salary falls on the 16th (hooray for Xmas early payment dates), on the 17th my primary bank account won't be at Barclay's.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
the good life
You know what I hate when I buy a crapload of stuff from Selfridges? How to get rid of all the packaging it comes with. But the solution was there all along: re-use the bag it came with. Al Gore knows what I'm talking about.
Ah yes, drop off my ski-wear at the dry cleaners', that's what I was supposed to do this weekend.
the funny part about this picture is the car is generally parked not fifty yards away from Tony Blair's crib. I totally knew his wife was big on luxury German cars.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
back to the future
So with Election day finally upon us, after what feels like the longest political campaign in history, I initially thought I would turn back the clock and pull an old-school half-nighter. But, having stayed at work past 1am yesterday, and, truth be told, not feeling as spry after 4hours of sleep as I used to, I've decided to take the old-man way out. 1am will probably be enough for me, which means I'll only get to see some early returns, not the nail-biting suspense from the battleground state results. Then again if it means I get to avoid the letdown of four years ago, that's probably a good thing.
And, most importantly, in the spirit of unity I prepared a new, special bi-partisan smoothie for desert: strawberries for Republicans, blueberries for Democrats, and some banana for the independents. Now that's change we can believe in.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
relax
Monday, October 13, 2008
pas de deux
Crossing the line at the same time as a coworker, we waited on the Hyde Park grass with a couple of others while we waited for the rest of the corporate team to trickle in. While we were doing so the sun got progressively warmer, and it felt like summer had finally hit London. Adding greatly to the satisfaction was that, finishing in 1h35, I did better than I was aiming for, and some of the coworkers did really well too (the first guy in our group did 1h30, and that wasn't even his PB...).
While initially I had a stated goal of sub-1h45, and an unofficial one of sub 1h40, I had too little experience to know what I could really aim for. For that reason, and out of habit, I just looked at my pace on my timer, trying to stay under 7'30/mile as long as I could. Only after 11miles, the full distance being 13.1m, did I look at the time and realize I was at 1h20. The mental boost this gave me was immeasurable, though unfortunately my stubborn legs refused to follow suit. And the fuzzy math that came with that moment did not help things, as I quickly realized that though I was getting close to finishing, those last 2 miles wouldn't run themselves. Thankfully I was able to find inspiration in the weird pace of a nearby runner, who kept slowing down, get passed by me, then would fly back ahead again only to repeat the same pattern. This reminded me to try to keep going at a steady pace, and the thought of running a good time was enough motivation to not falter. 400 yards from the end there was a final turn and the finish line appeared. At that point it felt like I still had 2 more miles to go, but I spotted the above-mentioned coworker slightly ahead of me and, after tapping him on the shoulder, motioned to him that we should make a go for it. The only problem is that the final sprint works so much better in Hollywood movies than in real life, so I'm not convinced we gained that much speed over those excruciatingly long last "few" yards. And crossing the finish line was weird: it wasn't really the "moment" I thought it would be as much as a bookend to something both horrendous and fantastic. But the bad feelings were gone pretty quickly, and it was the very enjoyable to wait for the rest of the group to join us (the last one finished in 2h30), while drinking gallons of free Powerade. And then we went to the pub, because this is England after all, and because having that first beer after a long run is a fantastic feeling that words would fail to describe.
Before I finish this, 2 stats from the day which I thought were significant:
- my sportband says I used up 1,800cal during my run. Ho-ly cow! Speaking of which, if you don't think I went to Burger King for my post-race meal, you're crazy.
- my finishing time put me in the 95th percentile of the runners, which is a pretty cool, considering there were over 7,500 of them. Running for me is a solo thing, but it's nice to be able to be able to compete in sports again once in a while. Maybe soon I'll start wearing the No Fear t-shirt I loved so much in high school, with its irrefutable slogan: "second place is the first loser". Or not.
While I haven't actually decided what race I'd like to run next, I know there will be a next one at some point. Some point very very far away, while I give my poor calves and joints some much needed quality time. And though I still don't consider myself a runner, today a coworker who took part but hadn't seen my time until this morning came over and said "I didn't know you were a runner?". She meant it as a compliment, and I'll take it.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
ready teddy
- 10am start on a Sunday??? Shouldn't this nullify the race on grounds of unconstitutionality? Or at least flagrant abuse of human rights or something. Although not drinking on the night before (or the whole week for that matter) will for once provide me with a good reason not to go out and go to bed early on a Saturday night.
- traditional "energy" music, like techno or metal, is overrated. Recently I've discovered the virtues of listening to classical music during my runs (try hearing Ravel's Bolero and not feel like you could take on the entire Russian army by the end. Or at least run up that hill 30 secs faster) and I love it. Running has actually become a cool -but tiring- excuse to listen to music you like while looking at the scenery. For instance here's the playlist I had during my last outing:
Lil Wayne - I'm Me
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
Bon Iver - Lump Sum (live)
Blink 182 - Stockholm Syndrome
Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture
Air Traffic - No More Running Away
Explosions In The Sky - Welcome, Ghosts
Eluvium - New Animals From The Air
- Having never run more than 8 miles in a row, I have literally no clue how I will cope with the extra 5 I'll have to do on Sunday. Will I crumple to the ground like the world financial markets during the 9th mile? Will my pace be the same throughout and enable me to finish under my initial goal of 1h45? Part of the motivation to show up on race day is to actually find out the answer to these queries.
- How the heck are they going to shove 12,500 people through this course? I might have to resort to my old friends thunder and lightning (aka my elbows) to get out of that mess. Or maybe run faster, but that just sounds too tiring right now.
- Not having prepared so much during the past two months due to a three week vacation, then complete insanity at work during 3 more, my energy level has felt noticeable lower during the couple of runs I did since. To try to ward off any such weakness on Sunday, I've tried this sports-drink-in-a-jellybean product called Sports Beans, and I have to say it works pretty well. And it's actually kind of savory, which is more than you can say when it comes to its liquid brethren. Speaking of energy levels, here's the sad evolution of the adrenaline boosters I used on a particularly busy day at work last week:
then to step things up a notch, one of my personal inventions, and a matter of great personal pride: a green bull. Yes, you have guessed correctly, that is a green tea mixed with some red bull. Cheaper than cocaine, with double the heart palpitations. It's stroke-tastic!
and then a few hours later, because there really is nothing you can do to top the green bull, a big ol' glass of red wine. And maybe another (or four) after, I'm sort of hazy on the details.
I did feel awesome afterward, so I'm still undecided whether to stay the course of teetotalism before this godforsaken race, or to revert to the above-described plan. But hey, at least I've got my running playlist sorted.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
jetting it
Considering my very infrequent posting habits when I'm in Central London, I don't expect to do too much of it while traipsing around in the Bush. But I will be taking a ton of pictures, so that first post back should be a doozy.
So, off I go then. First up: the pool at Changi Airport in Singapore.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunday, August 03, 2008
throwaway
The thing with advertising is, when it's well done, it's very hard to not be affected. Especially for a company like Nike that knows how to play on the basic human emotions that are exposed to the core during sporting endeavors. Their latest campaign, simply titled "Courage", uses images of athletic feats spliced together with seemingly unrelated images to create a spine-tingling montage. The overall effect recalls what Foo Fighters did in their "Best of You" video (including an insanely badass scene of a she-lion attacking a condor in mid-air). Because the direction behind the images is clear without being overbearing, it is hard not to feel thrilled, even when your cynical side knows the whole thing is just designed to shill for shoes made by underpaid workers in god-awful conditions. Thankfully most advertising sucks a lot, so it's not very hard to feel turned-off, but ads like this one make it harder to disengage. At least until you've see it 27 times in a week.
Monday, July 28, 2008
free will
stats
distance: 6.82m
time: 51'01"
pace: 7'28"
cal: 921
Thursday, July 24, 2008
old fashioned
(Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English, 2008)
And to the guy running behind me who didn't stop or even ask in passing to check if I was ok after I took a big fall on the gravel path in Green Park, thanks buddy, really. Glad to know your training for Beijing didn't get derailed by any pesky mishaps.
Stats
distance: 6.77m
time: 49'26"
pace: 7'16"/m
cal: 915
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
laissez-faire
Stats
distance: 4.08m
time: 31'45"
pace: 7'46"/m
cal: 551
Monday, July 21, 2008
weezy
Today's run was definitely the yang to yesterday's yin. Immense motivation, but 0 legs and not a lot of breath, which made for a slightly uncomfortable outing. In a way it's good because it's a reminder that running isn't about ease or comfort, but about perseverance (and good old-fashioned work ethic). Also I've now started tracking my pace when I run, instead of time/distance, and it does seem to make a big difference in regularity. Anyway I'll probably take tomorrow off, see how my legs react next time I go.
distance: 4.41m
time: 33'17"
pace: 7'32"
cal: 596
Sunday, July 20, 2008
1 2 3 4
Today I finally managed to motivate myself to go at 7:30 tonight, initially for a relaxed 4miler, but then ended up doing 6.7. One reason is that the weather was very nice, if a bit drafty, and with The Mall being closed to traffic the conditions were too perfect for me to shorten my run. Pace was pretty average at 7'56"/m, but I want to go out tomorrow, and possibly Tuesday, so I was trying not to do too much. Today was basically a reminder that it's always good to go for a run, as long as you feel well physically, and the only issues preventing you to do so are mental.
Updated running playlist:
1. Jordin Sparks - No Air (duet w/ Chris Brown)
2. Wil.I.Am - B Boyz
3. Madonna - 4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake)
4. Cute Is What We Aim For - Do What You Do
5. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
6. Eluvium - An Accidental Memory
7. Eluvium - An Accidental Memory In the Case of Death
8. Sigur Ros - Festival
9. Sigur Ros - Ara Batur
10. Sigur Ros - Fljotavik
Thursday, July 17, 2008
can't stop won't stop
Because I wasn't looking to achieve a fast pace, I decided to try a slightly different route, doing 7.4k through Green Park and St James' Park, basically a shortened 3 Parks run with a twist. The weather was slightly end-of-worldish when I left the gym:
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
where do you see yourself in 2 hours?
1. My ideal time (1h30) seems way over-ambitious
2. I'm not going to be able to train much, if at all, from Aug 15 to the end of September
The time issue:
Since I don't have any reference points, not having ever run a race, or even such a distance, before, I'd previously guesstimated what my time could be based on my performance during my usual runs. The typical Hyde Park loop I do is about 6.8k, and I generally finish under 30 mins. 3 times 6.8k is about one half-marathon, so 1h30 should be feasible, yeah? Sounds foolish, but that's pretty much the reasoning I had before I actually gave some thought to it. First of all I've never timed myself for longer runs, so who knows what my pace would be beyond those first 7k. Second I always cross the street when the sign is green, so if it isn't that means I can take a mini-break (happens 1-3 times during a typical outing). And though such pauses don't amount to a lot of time, they give me time to recover, while my timer is paused. In race conditions, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to do too many of these if I wanted to do well.
The training issue:
Based on the feedback I've gotten from experienced runners at work, and multiple readings online, it seems most sensible training plans call for a gradual increase of distances over the 2-3 months prior to the race, to the tune of 10% per week or so. This is supposed to give the body some time to get used to the higher mileage, and avoid stress injuries so common in runners. With my race in mid-October, this means I should be doing regular but short runs right now (aka my usual Hyde Park loop), then increase it progressively in August and September, by which point I'd get to weekly 20k training runs. Only issue is I'll be away for 3 weeks from August 15, driving through Western Australia where I can pretty much bet a can of Pringles I won't be able to run at all. I'll be traveling in a van with my brother and cousin, and don't really foresee myself going off for even 20 minutes of jogging in the middle of the bush. An occasional run on the beach why not, but with a trip as awesome as this one, even that might be missing the point. And then I'll get back just in time for the busiest month of the year at work, with extended hours, pizza nights and weekend sessions sure to be part of the festivities.
So yeah, but the time Oct 1 rolls around, I'll probably be looking forward more to a few good nights' sleep than a return to pavement pounding.
Still, while these two aspects might pose a serious challenge to any record-breaking mindset, I should still aim for something that will motivate me to go running over the next few months, and beyond. 1h30 might sound like a perfect round number, as far as targets go, but in this case, I think I'll shoot for 1h37. Close to my initial goal, yet far enough to keep training, and improving, as I build on my pseudo-running habits of the past year. Which also means one thing: more donuts.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
2008 mid-year top 10 albums
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
OK GO
Thursday, July 03, 2008
stay easy
I plopped down on the grass for 10-15 minutes and was delighted to hear some of my favorite tracks, including 99 Problemz, a freestyle over the "Back to Black" instrumental, and a fantabulous rap over Lil' Wayne's "A Milli", renamed "A Billi" for the occasion (that Jiggaman, always with the one-ups).
The setting sun, fresh grass, post-run adrenaline and a pleasing soundtrack. Yeah, I think I kinda like it here.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Coldplay - Viva la whatever
Ever since word got out that their new album would be released this summer, anticipation has been sky-high, contrasting with the relatively low-key profile the band had managed to keep these past few years. At least as low-key as you can get when your singer is married to a Hollywood star. When details about the album started leaking out, most notably that U2 producer and ambient master Brian Eno would be producing their opus, even some of the more jaded members of the MP3 blogosphere took notice. Already the album is the most pre-ordered album in the history of the iTunes music store. And sales are sure to be astronomical when compared to the sad state of music sales in 2008 (down 10% this year according to an industry institute. Those damn kids and their Myspace!).
With so much new music now available at one's fingertips, it is hard to pay attention to any album that sounds less than stellar over the first few listens. But music is not just an intellectual pursuit, it is also very much a common human experience, one that is shared with friends, family, coworkers and strangers. Coldplay seems to understand this, striving to compose songs that are sound different yet are immediately relateable. Time will tell whether their output will manage to stand the test of the years, but they at least deserve credit for not selling themselves or their audience short.
Official Myspace
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
a new world
The separation between the sexes in Saudi Arabia is so extreme that it is difficult to overstate. Saudi women may not drive, and they must wear black abayas and head coverings in public at all times. They are spirited around the city in cars with tinted windows, attend girls-only schools and university departments, and eat in special “family” sections of cafes and restaurants, which are carefully partitioned from the sections used by single male diners.
While the systemic violence against women is, appallingly, worse than most people might imagine, one does get a measured sense of hope through the fact that at least these youngsters seem more exposed to the outside world than previous generations. Here and there small but significant proofs of desire and expectations show up, as underlying signs of how universal much of what they are going through is. While that will not compensate the darker sides of these countries' social conservatism, it does give a face to these issues. And in the process, invites the reader to reflect on these problems not just in those countries, but in theirs as well.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
what, me worry?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Osmosis Jonesin'
- heart: "um, not sure that's the greatest idea"
- feet: "yeah dude, that's the fourth day in a row. We're getting kinda sore down here"
- legs: "Are you kidding me? We're not 19 anymore, you dumbass"
- brain: "screw you guys, I'm in charge here"
45 mins later
- heart, feet, legs: "TOLD YOU SO!!!!!"
- brain: "...."
Sunday, April 13, 2008
northern lights
1. they're Swedish
2. consistently play at London's hippest venues. Last year it was the Institute of Contemporary Art, and this past week they were at Bush Hall (where the overall vibe is prom night at Nijni Novgorod dance hall)
3. had several songs featured on the indie-tastic soundtrack of The OC
4. take on the synth-driven pop sound made famous by the Cure and manage to make it sound as fresh and modern as ever
5. sole-female bandmember Bebban Stenborg plays all sorts of instruments, from the accordion to the glockenspiel
6. 5 bandmates, 5 different hairdos
7. have a track on their new record called Meat Is Murder (even if it isn't a cover of the Smiths song)
8. always seem happy to be up on-stage, even after doing so much of it.
9. sell band logo-emblazoned tote bags for their eco-conscious fans to carry their groceries from Tesco
10. only make the audience wait for a couple of minutes before going back onstage for their encore
Monday, April 07, 2008
walk of life
After about half an hour of leisurely waiting, the first sign came upon us: the TV news choppers, not a frequent sight in this tranquil village, were buzzing not too far, and with them we started to hear a joyful cheer. Kids stopped playing along the sea docks, and strained their eyes up the road. By now the sides of the road were much more full, just like on the 4th of July parade with the fire trucks and parade of vintage cars. As the cheer got closer, the excitement spread, and enthusiastic shouts of "I See it!" could be heard. Only a few minutes more and there it was: the Olympic torch, on its way to Atlanta. Not at all imposing, but beautifully symbolic all the same. And just a few moments later, it was gone from our view, though the general good mood lasted long after. Just one moment in one small town, but hopefully there were many others like it that year, and for many more to come.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
shortcuts - 06/04/08
Monday, March 31, 2008
the count is 0-0
Sunday, March 30, 2008
parting shots
Where New Yorker correspondent Adam Gopnik had managed to make light of the tons of small annoyances one encounters when living in France in such a breezy and enjoyable way in his book Paris To The Moon, Mrs Sciolino sounds mostly like an outsider who never really figured out how to adapt to the charms and frustrations of this old country. It's far from bad, and she actually nails some of the details about life in France that generally take some time to understand (for instance the air-kiss thing, one of the big mysteries to Americans when they move to France), but there is unfortunately no sense that she understood the country beyond those details. Not to say it's an easy thing, in fact it's not one I'd necessarily try to describe myself even after spending nearly 10 years there, but if you're going to try, moving beyond the cliches might be a good start. Stating that no one says "bon appetit" before a meal make me wonder what type of French people she encountered during her stay. Methinks a lot of Varenne-St Germain-Montorgueil types and perhaps not too many of the 99.5% of those she's trying to describe. I might be incredibly dismissive here, but that's the feeling I got from reading her article.
In the end the reader's response to this piece will depend on their initial opinion of the French. Which means that publishing it will have had no positive impact whatsoever. And that, unfortunately, is fast becoming the norm when it comes to the traditional news media's cultural relevance.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
striking gold
Sunday, February 17, 2008
shortcuts - 17/02/08
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
who goes out on Friday nights anymore?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
chug chug chug
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
too close
Monday, January 21, 2008
southward-bound
Okay, not quite, but it definitely is a great excuse to enjoy a delicious nutella crepe from Crepe Affaire. Although nowhere near as delicious as the ones made by the French guy at Exmouth Market (and certainly not in the same universe of deliciousness as the ones made by my mom). Something tells me a lot more trip planning sessions are going to be necessary before this thing gets off the ground...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"only in London" is the new "only in America"
me (sorta-French guy, American accent): "hi mate"
him (British-educated Sri-Lankan): "what's up dude"
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
hip hip
Monday, January 14, 2008
perfectly acceptable existential questioning
Friday, January 11, 2008
majestic
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
pick me! pick me!
Monday, January 07, 2008
shortcuts - 08/01/08
watching: The OC season 1. Seth Cohen rules.
buying: Jinga trainers. Finally, Veja gets some competition.
eating: New Covent Garden Food's Thai chicken soup
reading: considering re-reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road, easily the best book I read last year, if not longer
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
2007 - the year in movies
10. Sunshine (directed by Danny Boyle)
A epic feat of meditative filmmaking - until the last 20 minutes, although admittedly the ending wasn't as bad the second time around. Another stellar (hey-O!) performance by Cillian Murphy
9. Michael Clayton (Tony Gilroy)
A throwback to the politically engaged flicks Hollywood used to churn out in the 70s, this had some of the strongest ensemble acting I saw this year. Even some of the overly self-conscious aspects, such as the ending shot, do not seem too grating thanks to the calm and assured way in which the movie unfolds
8.The Bourne Supremacy (Paul Greengrass)
Edge-of-your-seat action, from start to finish. And not a single CGI shot, hurray
7. La Mome (Olivier Dahan)
Edith Piaf's story might seem too tragic, even as far as musician biopics go, yet Marion Cotillard's ballsy performance never lets this fall into MOW territory
6. I Am Legend (Francis Lawrence)
Fantastic acting by Will Smith to go along with a decent script, and some directing choices that seem bold when compared to the average blockbuster (no music during the suspenseful scenes? Yes please)
5. A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (Dito Montiel)
Directed by first-timer Montiel, based on his book relating his childhood in the Bronx during the 80s. It all sounds self-referential, but a tremendous young cast (Shia LaBeouf and Channing Tatum in particular) and some interestingly varied directing make for a mesmerizing trip down memory lane
4.The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford (Andrew Dominik)
Possibly the most beautifully-shot movie this year, the story of Jesse James' assassin unfolds ever so slowly, yet captivates throughout. Casey Affleck eclipses Brad Pitt, even though he's far from a slouch himself
3. Paranoid Park (Gus Van Sant)
Actually this might be the best-shot flick this year, thank to visual genius Christopher Doyle (he of the many Wong Kar Wai collaborations). GVS finishes up his teenagers-in-peril trilogy in style
2. The Darjeeling Limited (Wes Anderson)
I've always felt Wes Anderson's movies were quirky for the sake of being quirky, but with this tale of three brothers going on a train-trip through India, everything came together for me. Epic, touching, funny and never boring
1. We Own The Night (James Gray)
People have been hailing this as a neo-classical gem, a descendant of the kinds of movies Scorcese and De Palma used to make in their heighday. People are right, and when you consider that Gray has only made three movies in 13 years, something doesn't seem right. This deserves The Departed-level hoopla and awards, now.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2007 - the year in music
So without further ado, here are my top 20 albums for 2007:
20. Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City
19. Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
18. Patrick Watson - Close To Paradise
17. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
16. Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
15. Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Boat Even Sank
14. Kevin Drew - Spirit If...
13. Holy Fuck - LP
12. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
11. Radiohead - In Rainbows
10. Justice - Cross
9. Kanye West - Graduation
8. Bright Eyes - Cassagada
7. The National - Boxer
6. Jeremy Larson - Jeremy Larson
Great songs and a fresh sound from this promising new talent
5. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
4. Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
It's amazing how much the best post-rock bands manage to express, without uttering a single word
3. Ola Podrida - Ola Podrida
2. Loney, Dear - Loney, Noir
1. Eluvium - Copia
The Arcade Fire - (Antichrist Television Blues)
Band Of Horses - Marry Song
Andrew Bird - Scythian Empires
Bright Eyes - No One Would Riot For Less
Explosiong In The Sky - It's Natural To Be Afraid
Feist - 1234
fennesz+sakamoto - haru
Jeremy Larson - More Than You
Justice - Phantom pt. II
Kanye West - Flashing Lights
Kevin Drew - Tbtf
Kings Of Leon - Knocked Up
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
Lil' Wayne - Ride For My N***
Loney, Dear - Saturday Waits
Lovedrug - Everything Starts Where It Ends
Modest Mouse - Missed The Boat
The National - Fake Empire
Ola Podrida - The New Science
Paramore - When It Rains
Phosphorescent - Cocaine Lights
Radiohead - Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Rogue Wave - Chicago X12
Sea Wolf - I Made A Resolution
The Shins - Sleeping Lessons
Stars - The Night Starts Here
Valerie Leulliot - Caldeira