.... very excited about...

...lusting after...

... a Diane con Furstenberg pom pom hat... maybe i should make one?

... listening to ...

MGMT, Santogold & Ivor Gurney


... and reading a document about strategic environmental methodologies - applications within the energy sector, and beginning research on the Chad Cameroon Oil Pipeline.

'The Crowd'

'The Crowd' is a silent movie from 1928, directed by King Vidor. It wasn't popular when first released, due to the serious themes explored (financial setbacks, marital stress, tragedy, etc), but is now considered to be a classic.

Bjarni wrote a prelude (the black part) and some music for a clip early on in the film (before the doom and gloom sets in). I think it's fab.

Bollywood

I watched 'Slumdog Millionaire' on Saturday night with Bjarni, Karl, Travis and Stebbi (traitor Steffý bailed on us) - complete with homemade onion bhajis, dhal, jalfrezi vegetable curry and chai. Delicious. Our apartment still smells like a curry house. I'm still not quite sure how i feel about the movie. It's quite western, not nearly enough dancing or singing for me - however i can see why people like it. I wouldn't say it's a 'feel-good' film, as the press seem to say. Yes, the ending is hopeful, but there are some gruesome reminders of India's poverty and the injustices many people, especially children, face. There were some fabulous scenes, wonderful acting and the cinematography was breathtaking.

I've been thinking which film we should watch for our next Bollywood evening (we've already seen 'Om Shanti Om' and 'Monsoon Wedding') - Steffý played me this song from 'The Darjeeling Limited' soundtrack. I found out that it is originally from a Merchant/Ivory film called 'Bombay Talkie' (1970)- this small clip has me sold!

MashUps

I found this MashUp, made by DJ Earworm and thought it was pretty awesome. I'm in awe of people who can put together so many songs seamlessly. In a way, you don't need to listen to these songs in full, most of them only warrant a few seconds of your attention, but all mashed together...? A much better option.

United State of Pop 2008 (Viva La Pop)



I was also pointed in the direction of this MashUp by Girl Talk which mixes in some less contemporary songs as well. Nice. (Thanks Karl)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A series of short films made for the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This particular one is very moving and reminds us of the inherent good in human nature. These films were produced by Ana Garcia, the girlfriend of my childhood friend, Mike. They need to be seen.