The Age of Wire and String — Ben Marcus
Initially, this book is very disorienting. It’s a set of short descriptions of a strange, primitive society based on our own. Common words (house, dog, wire) take on bizarre meanings that you just have to guess at as you read … Continue reading
Flower-watching
I have spent a lot of time looking at cherry blossoms recently. It’s “hanami” season in Tokyo, so everybody spends as much time as possible picnicking under sakura trees. This photo is from early April at Mizumoto Park, in Kanamachi … Continue reading
Stickmen
Three men with big sticks get their shot at the big time. This is a really fun film set in the world of seedy pub pool tournaments. It compares favourably to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and it’s great … Continue reading
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Another side of Australia. A true story about achieving a seemingly impossible goal against apparently overwhelming odds. But despite that unpromising description, the film is absorbing and fairly unsentimental. Beautiful sound and visuals too. Link to website Continue reading
John Peel
Three shows a week of the best music radio show in the world. I want to be John Peel when I grow up. The range of styles on this show is astonishing. Not all the artists sound good, but their … Continue reading
Sheehan Brothers
The Sheehan Brothers’ website showcases a couple of their excellent comics. Long Man is surreal, cinematic in scope and otherwise hard to describe. In contrast, Go Gorillas features explosions and excessive coffee consumption as well as the antagonistic protagonists. I … Continue reading
The Salmon of Doubt — Douglas Adams
Lots of amusing snippets of writing, and part of an uncompleted third Dirk Gently book. A great reminder of how much fun Douglas Adams’s writing could be. Link to website Continue reading
The Man from Elysian Fields
Nice, downbeat tale of a desperate writer’s tangled web. Mick Jagger is fun to watch in support. Link to website Continue reading
Sydney
Coffee, turkish bread, great weather (except for the rain) and fun people. Aaah. Link to website Continue reading