Bargain Basement

"The following is written after reading "In Poland, Style Comes Used and by the Pound" by NICHOLAS KULISH in The NYTimes."

In Chicago I had a plethora of secondhand stores to cherry pick: The Ark on Lincoln, The Brown Elephant in Wicker Park and The Salvation Army next to the tracks behind Grand, were my favorites. And if I was in the market for vintage or a unique gift, a quick trip to Milwaukee avenue between Damen and Ashland would give me more choice than necessary with Recycle, Lenny & Me and Uma Ma. Back in London the availability of quality, style and bargain price is not as accessible. While I have been lucky to find the odd treasure, a repeat visit to the same locale has proven fruitless. Vintage chic on the other hand is plentiful, however the price tag is not one I'm willing to pay. London's high sense of fashion and heavy pound is seemingly hindering this lady's healthy wardrobe and gifts for the holidays. Books I would pay 25cents for State side, start at $2 and go sharply up dependent on your postcode. The Brit's appear to have mistaken the penny wise shopper for the Kensington tractor and fleecing us all. So my advice to Poland is grab it before someone realizes there's money to be made in what's left behind.

Free Falling

Heartache, new frontiers and a child's lucid imagination, come together under the blue sky of an early twentieth century Hollywood. With a palette of vivid primaries, in a wash of golden yellows, Alexandria, a mischievous little migrant girl recuperates after a fall leaves her in hospital with a broken arm. In need of stimulation, Roy, a newly acquired friend aids her in a fantasy adventure. Unfortunately her guide, a stuntman who has suffered a fall to impress a lady, has ulterior motives in mind. As the fall guy weaves his bandits through truth and fiction, the real world takes greater presence within his magnificent fable, until fatal consequences fall out. A real treat of the senses with sweeping landscapes of distant shores, beautiful dialogue that ebbs naturally and a cheeky little monkey to boot. The Fall (2006) was released on the festival circuit in 2006 and has hit select cinemas since. Now on DVD, a great excuse to get the projector out and remind yourself what the movies is all about.

London Knowledge

My first experience of Will Self was at The Green Carnation. The tall somewhat timid man passed me twice before my friend pointed out to me I was obstructing the author's path. Self called for the crowds attention and we took our places cross legged on the floor ready for story time. Within moments I was catching flies with ears agog, as without actively knowing I lived every word he spoke. Self's unique prouse that roll fourth with a bounty of rich texture are illuminated by their own language and dialect, excentuating their every fiber. After the reading I left high on literary prowess, caipirinhas and a promise to read everything Will Self.


The Book Of Dave was my first accomplishment and what an excellent introduction. Set in three different time periods, Dave is a black cab driver, a pathetic shell of a man and a god. We follow him through life, the points and eternal being. His Knowledge is unquestionable, yet he finds the simplest of tasks excurciating. Pages of dense dialogue turn with verlocity as Dave monouvres the city, fatherhood and future London. As I pick up The Quantity Theory Of Insanity I attempt to push high expectations aside.

Breath New Life Into Old

"This entry was originally written 2nd of November, but unfortunately since updating the ShoZu app' on my iPhone, none of my entries have actually been published on Blogger, even though ShoZu confirms they have."


It's always impressive when a concept conceived decades ago, can survive in today's fast-paced entertainment circus and Quantum of Solace does so effortlessly. Growing up, 007 was full of charm, intellegence and a sly smile that knew exactly how to deliver those double entendres. Daniel Craig's Bond still has the quick witty banter of Her MAjesty's Secret Service, but it takes a back seat to his down & dirty tactics.

Quantum of Solace continues on from Casino Royale, a first for Bond. With his sights focused on a personal vendetta, the authority that empowered him, seek to rein him in. Daniel Craig delivers an outstanding performance as a Bond on the brink of self destruct, with little hope on the horizon of a positive resolution. Beautifully shot vistas and a subtle twist in the plot, bring this old school advisory very much into the contemporary foray.