Old Master

This is a great photographer who recently gave a very entertaining talk I attended. Wheather it's portraits of the avant guard or documenting a travesty or even corporate advertising, Barry Lewis has most probably shot an image that simply encapsulated it's very essence. After a life time of devotion, photography is more than just his forte. It's quite impressive how his stlye has maintained a fresh and contemporary aesthetic over the decades he has been shooting. Even if you know his work, I would recommend taking the time to reaquaint yourself with his impressive portfolio.

A Short History Of Tractors In Ukranian

Even though I subscribe to The Guardian's Art blog and read The New Yorker, I'm not someone who pays attention to a book's critical success when making a purchase. So it came as quite a surprise to discover my latest read's popularity...extending to random stranger's asking me "how are you enjoying it?" or stating "that's a really good book." with a casual interest in advances in engineering the title of the book caught my eye. I choose a paragraph at random to scan for confirmation of its querkiness. "A Short History Of Tractors In Ukranian" is just as it sounds; fun and poignant, laughable and sassy, but with hardships and honesty that can only come from an Eastern European perspective. Our narrator, Nadia, guides us through an episode in her family's life that spans 2 years and brings up events never spoken of before. Written in a fresh and spontaneous manner, my eyes raced across the pages as I lusted after more. I read this book whilst on my daily commute in under 1 week and yet I can recall every detail with clarity. As I approached the last 30 pages I became nervous of the ends iminant presence, of which I happily mispredicted and also just wanted the book to continue. This book is shear delight disgusted in pink peep-toe mules and boil-in-bag mackerel, reminding us all how bland life would be without family.

Web App's To Go

A great web app that I have to give praise to, as well as a financial contribution, is Cinema Times for the iPhone. Thought up by 2 students in Scotland, this gem not only has a great looking icon to place on your screen, but actually works! In fact I've been to the movie theatre more often of late due to its efficiency. You simply tap in your movie choice and location (which can be as vague as London) and it will list all available cinemas and showtimes. It even gives you a direct link to the film's trailer on Apple's website and it's IMDB page. If you're not a movie person, don't worry, because these guys have a number of useful web apps that appear to work better than the originals and some fun games to boot. I found them through the iPhone & iPod Touch's Application website which has a host of amazing links for you to save to your home screen...but you can also find them by going directly to their website The Mac Box.

Tumbleweeds, A Case Full Of Money And A Kept Promise

It's hard not to appreciate the talent of The Coen Brothers. For the majority of men I know "The Big Lebowski" sits high above all other's as "the coolest film ever!" Although I enjoyed "The Big Lebowski" it was only after seeing "The Man Who Wasn't There" that I fell under the spell of their film making. Shot purely in black & white, every scene is composed like a still photograph with amazing use and development of depth of field, subject and lighting. Yet somehow "No Country For Old Men" blows it out of the water on all counts. Where T.M.W.W.T. had a very strong score that added to the films tension, N.C.F.O.M. has only 1 scene with music, lasting less than a minute. The silence of the film is deafening, causing me to involuntarily hold my breath repeatidly through its duration. What to some may appear to be a slow drawn out story is a big part of the films success.



The patience they have with each character as they fumble and carniage ensues, reminds us of the time and energy each action and reaction takes in the real world. Along with the lack of music and speed, is an ever present lack of dialogue, stripping the story down to an amazing example of (almost) silent movie making. Conveying everything on a visual level works to perfection here, with The Coen Brothers again treating movie making as a succession of still photographs. This is what sets them apart from the crowd. This film needs to be seen on the big screen. Don't bother taking a date, as you'll lose all hope, as the world before you turns dark and all encompassing.

Mirror Reflections

By pure chance, I just read 2 books that are complete polar opposites, back to back. George Orwell's "1984" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "Herland"...both second hand finds at a charity shop. I had seen the film "1984" years ago and so was familiar with the story, but knew nothing of "Herland" apart from the synopises on the back of the book.


While I thoughly enjoyed the film adaptation of "1984" there is something to be said for the unlimited ability of the human minds imagination that a book like this is apt to. Conjuring up not only a visual field of dispair and no hope, but the aromas and sensation of grit and grim engraved into the soul if ever being. "Herland" as the name might elude, is set in a very different world. One of peace and harmony, of living in an open and free land, with no conflict or desire for want and greed. It is ironic that in "1984" people are governed by Big Brother with his all seeing Telescreens and undercover agents, where suspects disappear without ever existing. Where in "Herland" although there is a hierarchical order, it is more relaxed. Those at the top are there because of their selfless giving to the community as a whole and are available for advice and help whenever needed. They are not feared or hidden behind iconic pictures that stand as tall as buildings. They are there to serve the people, not vice versa.



Regardless of my personal bias as to the more ideal world, both books are more than worth the time and energy and are possibly even more enjoyable for reading back to back.