I was very spoiled when I lived in Chicago as any and every band that I wanted to see came through. My first and second years of university, especially, were little else than a musical bonanza. My friends and I (cloistered in the suburbs west of Chicago) took virtually opportunity those two years to take … Continue reading James Blake, Minneapolis
Lessons from Elementary School
It's been quite some time since I ran riot in elementary school, but this summer has brought some of those glory days back to the fore via a summer school teaching job in Hong Kong. I love teaching, what with the opportunity to entirely brainwash childrens' minds and all, but it has been nearly five … Continue reading Lessons from Elementary School
Because You Cannes Cannes Cannes
Sunshine tickling the celebrity yachts in the French Riviera, all manner of parties and to-dos at night, open air screenings at the Cinéma de la Plage, and a feast of cinema (by invitation only, of course) unlike any other gracing the hallowed The Grand Théâtre Lumière: welcome to the annual Cannes Film Festival. For the … Continue reading Because You Cannes Cannes Cannes
Carousels of Life and Death
Several years ago - five to be precise - I initiated the process of applying for an MSW, a master's in the field of social work. I applied to three different programs (respectively in New York, Oxford, and Jerusalem) and as any application process tends to do, I couldn't help but think about why I wanted … Continue reading Carousels of Life and Death
Derek
Ever since stumbling upon The Office (UK) and Extras, I have been quite the admirer of most things Ricky Gervais. Much has been written about the splendor of these television shows, so I shall refrain from clogging up the air waves with my own brand of gushing here. Some time back, I heard that Mr. … Continue reading Derek
And the Oscar Goes to…
Well, it's Oscar season and yours truly has decided to weigh in on the nominees. Not that the Oscars are a particular favourite of mine (Cannes being my film festival holy grail for all its agony and ecstasy), but I can't seem to resist joining the hubbub. Below, I have selected a few of my … Continue reading And the Oscar Goes to…
A Calendar of Films: Part Two (2006)
To date, I have only had one truly life-changing film experience. Undoubtedly, cinema has offered me plenty of magical, moving, and memorable occasions the deposits of which have only burrowed deeper over time - but what I am speaking of is something that evokes a little more violence. You see, things were processing quite happily … Continue reading A Calendar of Films: Part Two (2006)
A Calendar of Films: Part One (2005)
Ever since the summer of 2005, I have kept a record of every film I have watched, whether it be in the cinema or on DVD. It was a class I took that year - in my last semester of university - called "Cinema" that did the trick, ushering me from Hollywood fluff (which I … Continue reading A Calendar of Films: Part One (2005)
Best of 2012
Though I'm just as much a sucker as the next guy when it comes to end-of-the-year lists (see below), I would like to engage in a few moments of reflection as a means of taking stock of the past year. After all, Socrates said that "The unexamined life is not worth living" and seeing as … Continue reading Best of 2012
Bat for Lashes: The Haunted Man
Have you heard the (stunning, perfect) new Bat for Lashes album "The Haunted Man?" I have decided to attempt a review but before I begin, I thought it prudent to spend a few moments talking about the album artwork, which features perhaps the most compelling cover (warning: NSFW) I've seen in quite some time: Natasha Khan (aka … Continue reading Bat for Lashes: The Haunted Man
Writing Is Prayer 