Archive for December, 2007

Back in ‘99, I bought a fabulous compilation CD called Serve Chilled. One of the first albums on the new Hed Kandi label, it had a great selection of chill-out tracks that introduced me to several new artists. I’m not a clubber or a big fan of most club music, but since discovering Hed Kandi, I’ve purchased several of the better compilations — mainly down-tempo stuff from the Winter Chill brand, or retro stuff from Back to Love.

Recently I was looking to get some new low-key background music as my collection was looking a bit dated. I opted to buy Angels Fall, a new compilation on a new label founded by original Hed Kandi helmer, Mark Doyle. I based my decision on the the very high ratings on the album’s Amazon Review. I really should have known better. Read more »

About a month ago, I visited the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton for the first time. A beautiful picture house, it was originally built in 1910, refurbished in 1954, closed in 1976, re-opened in ‘78 and finally refurbished and extended in 1994. It reminded me a lot of my favourite cinema haunt back home, the Duke of York’s in Brighton. Indeed, both are part of the PictureHouse chain and are maintained with a philosophy sadly lacking in most commercial ventures these days.

Anyway, I went to see Once with my new girlfriend, having heard only a little about it, but intrigued by the idea of a heartfelt modern ‘musical’ acted by real musicians. Ninety minutes later, my tears said it all. Read more »

When meeting someone new, the question will be asked “What do you do?” Easy: I fart, sleep, tell silly jokes and make bad puns. What do you do?

No-one actually means “What do you do?” or is even that interested in the answer, they are asking how you make your money (and therefore get a clue to how little you’re worth). This trite question has become so ingrained in us as a conversation opener that it’s hard to avoid and with my recent changes, I’ve been answering this question a lot.

“Freelance web designer” either meets with fascination or a look of terminal blankness (it might be bordeom, it’s sometimes difficult to tell). Observant conversation partners pick up on the “Freelance” part and their next comment is usually “Oh, it must be lovely working when you choose to.” Of course. Read more »

Bloxorz is a fabulous little flash game that will really test your both your spatial awareness and your patience. 33 levels of block tumbling fun will have you glued to the screen for hours. It certainly did for me. And not only is it infuriating and addicitve, it’s incredibly well produced too. Check it out:

http://www.gameabode.com/games/1898/bloxorz.html