Monday, October 29, 2007

So, farewell then Tony Soprano?

And so it ended - The Sopranos, a show that was groundbreaking, shocking, genre-defining, and, I would argue, one that eventually almost became a cliche of itself, has finally come to a close.

Over the years it's been fascinating watching the relationships around Tony evolve - especially those between himself and Uncle Junior and his sister, Janice. It's also been fun watching AJ and Meadow grow up - as they first realise, and then accept, exactly what their father does for a living.

However... the ending??? I felt cheated - it had 'future Christmas special' written all over it. As a creator and director who often sought to 'break the mould', I expected more from David Chase.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Website of the week

The iPhone? Credit cards? Golf balls?

And a blender?

Well, will it blend?

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Ratatouille

Rats. Kitchens. Is it just me or have UB40 really missed out by neither supplying the theme tune, nor a tie in release of a single, with the distribution of the new Disney/Pixar movie?

Anyway... Remy possesses a great sense of smell, an ability to cook and ends up in a kitchen of a famous restaurant in Paris. The fact that he is rat doesn't hinder him and before long he is turning the kitchen garbage boy - a slacker/stoner type who would be played by Keanu Reeves in a live action version of the film - into the hottest chef in town.

There is comedy, romance and cuteness in abundance in this picture - several times most of the women in the cinema went 'ahhh' at various saccharine moments. Technically the film is superb, the animation is magnificent with the food, Paris and the rats all looking stunning. Unfortunately the story is a bit, well, Disney. I think I have two quibbles, firstly, it lacks the humour and bite of previous Pixar outings, like Toy Story and The Incredibles. Secondly, the story goes on a bit of a walkabout about two-thirds of the way in - 10 minutes could have been axed and I feel the pacing would have improved.

But, in reality, these are minor quibbles. The film is far better, and funnier, than most comedies I've seen this year, and the short animation that accompanies it is a brilliant warm-up featurette. If nothing else you'll leave the cinema hungry and wanting to visit Paris.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

This doesn't apply to be me...

... but at what point does 'being organised' become 'obsessive compulsive disorder'??

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Website of the week

Grommit's favourite TV channel??

Enjoy the cheese.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Paris in the autumn

For some reason the mid morning Eurostar to Paris was full of rugby fans...

It also ran out of beer before reaching Paris...

Linked?

Thursday, October 18, 2007

England Expects??

So, the football team who are supposed to be 'world class' and full of 'greats' and 'superstars' are unlikely to qualify for Euro 2008.

Yet the rugby team, who a month ago capitulated to a workmanlike opponent in a group match, have somehow ended up in the World Cup Final.

Sport - it's just cruel.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Well, Cilla

Over the nibbles before a meeting last night a friend sidles up for a catch up chat - what have you been up to since we last met? how are things? - the usual stuff. A pause, and then...

"Anyway, there's this woman who has just started working with me - I think she'd be great for you."

Well, you have to admire their directness! Never quite know what to say in these situations. I'm always slightly (but only slightly) intrigued as to who my friends would consider to be my 'type' and set me up with - my mind wanders to the scene in Notting Hill when the friends of Hugh the bookshop owner set up a range of dinner dates with an increasingly bizarre collection of women.

Batted it back with the usual 'a couple of years ago this would have annoyed me but now I'm grateful - it shows you've not given up hope for me yet!'

Mind you - did I miss the memo? This has been the second time this has happened in a month (see here) - perhaps friends feel my time is running out and making a last ditch effort?! ;o)

Monday, October 15, 2007

A lot on your plate?

At the church service last night the minister gave us a paper plate to write things on as a way to illustrate the message.

All fine... but I couldn't help wandering what others made - several grown-ups walking down the high street carrying paper plates with felt-tipped writing on at 8pm on a Sunday evening.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Website of the week

Do you ever worry about invitations that are 'black tie'?

What exactly is 'business casual' or 'cocktail dress - informal'?

Do you know what's acceptable for 'smart casual'?

The answers are here.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Explains a lot...

So far this week only one of my journeys on SouthWest Trains has been on time. Tonight there was the following annoucement.

"The 17:29 is running 8 minutes late and is due in at 17:38."

When they can't the basic maths right...

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Double meaning??

Noticed on an advert that Katie Melua's new song contains the lyric,

"If you were a piece of wood, I'd nail you."

Now, is it just me?.?.?

Probably...

Monday, October 08, 2007

Kenny

Quite how the filmakers pitched the idea of a 'mockumentary' following an Aussie bloke who works in 'corporate bathroom rentals' I don't know - but Kenny is a wonderfully quirky movie.

Kenny is a 'plumber' working in 'corporate bathrooms rentals', i.e. he supplies the portaloos you seen at umpteem festivals - the exact quantity needed varies depending on whether alcohol or curries are available at the event. He's an ordinary bloke, doing a vital job - he sees the necessity of the service he provides and seeks to do it to the best of his ability. Above all he's not ashamed of his job, even if his friends and family are.

Yes - there's lots of toilet based humour in this film, but little is gratutitous. You get the philosphical ramblings of an everyday, good, solid Australian bloke who knows people probably think less of him because of his job, but is determined to see the bigger picture.

It could have easily descended into a dreadful 'gross-out' comedy, but it doesn't. There are even some wonderfully poignant moments looking at his relationships with both his father and son, and a sweet romantic interlude at a trade exhibtion in Nashville.

Unfortunately it seems to have a fairly limited release in the UK, which is a pity - it's like Kath and Kim with more toilet gags, which you would have thought would be a winning commercial proposition here. If you get chance - and can stomach toilet humour - go and see it, you'll be rewarded with a lovely little character driven comedy.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Website of the week

Away on holiday or business??

Fed up with expensive hotels or impersonal travelodges??

Then try Couch Surfing

Saturday, October 06, 2007

How did that happen??

England win?!

France win?!

At this rate we'll have an England v Scotland rugby world cup final.

Seeing the forest for the trees?


After a varied week - time for a Saturday morning stroll and some space.

Friday, October 05, 2007

TW3

That was the week that was... A 'fun' week.

Interview went well but, as expected, I didn't get offered the promotion. Not a huge surprise as it would have been a massive promotion. Main aim was not to disgrace myself in the interview - and the early feedback is I didn't, quite the contrary. The following days contained office gossip about who was going to the get the job. Friday morning the current head of dept came into my office.

"It's X," he said.
"Really?" was my mildly surprised response. "That will be ... interesting."
"Yes... it'll put a lot of pressure on you."

I was sworn to secrecy, it won't be 'official' until Monday.

Interesting times ahead...

Monday, October 01, 2007

Blimey...

Have been called for interview...

Extreme outcomes would be
a) disgrace,
b) being actually offered the job.

Not sure which is more frightening...