2008's rocky road

I never really cared about new year's eve or saw the point of celebrating. It just means you've got to buy a new date book or calendar which is the only fun part of the whole debacle if you ask me. Although this year I do feel a bit different. I'm still not in the mood to celebrate, just relieved that in a few hours time 2008 will officially be over.

It's been a very turbulent and slightly traumatic year. I've had to deal with a lot of personal issues which eventually lead to some very uncomfortable physical ordeals but I'm on the road to mental health as I've taken the first step and had my first appointment with a shrink yesterday. It was a very strange and moist experience. I'm not quite sure what to make of it really, I guess only time will tell.

2008's big event: I graduated, finally. I'm really happy that that part of my life is over to tell you the truth. It wasn't all bad but it just lasted a tad too long so it ended up being dull and tedious. I left the warm bosom of university and literal got spat out in a cold harsh universe named reality which led to a minor nervous breakdown especially when you realize you've wasted almost a quarter of your life, oh well. One of my new year's resolutions will be to no longer dwell on this depressing fact and just hope for the best. With this in mind I've decided to take that job in the bookstore, if they officially offer it to me at least.

2009 will be the year of a complete mental make over. The year I finally start living my own life and not have it lived by others as my shrink said. I'm gonna make my own decisions, take risks and if I fall flat on my face, who cares? At least I've tried. I'm going to try to stop being scared of losing control, losing my way or caring what others might think. Life's to short or at least that's what 2008's misery has taught me. Besides a mental make over and a job, a driver's license is also on my to do list of 2009, so drivers and pedestrians beware.

Don't get me wrong 2008 wasn't all bad just frustrating and very confrontational. It had it's highlights as well. I discovered that I love baking and haven't looked back since. I was introduced to the wonderful world of pilates and totally relish my work out every other day. I also plan on exercising a lot more in 2009 because it honestly brightens my day. And of course 2008's ultimate high, Disneyland Paris: terrifying, intoxicating, beautiful and freezing fun!

Now usually when people write these roundup posts they talk about their favorite movies, books, music,... of the past year. After a slight detour (resolutions are kicking in already), I'm back on track and will commence with my original plan, namely 2008's entertainment highs.

Usually the easiest part is my favorite movie although this year it's kinda difficult seeing as I've seen less movies than any other year in the history of, well me. For some reason I just wasn't in the mood. I did however see a lot more television series than I've ever have. Although I'm still a die hard fan of Boston Legal and House M.D., this year's highlights have got to be the fabulous Dexter, The Office: An American Workplace (I just want to claw at Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell is simply adorable) and although it's a much older and canceled series, I recommend you all watch Firefly which is simply brilliant.
OK, back to movies. I guess Wall-E was probably the best movie I saw all year. It was visually astounding, the characters were wonderfully heartbreaking and the story was meaningful and timeless. What more do you want? Juno was another winner in my opinion, funny, quirky and upbeat. And finally Leatherheads, George Clooney in a romantic comedy with a forties setting. A guilty pleasure if I do say so myself.

And now music which is a though one seeing as I'm not up to speed when it comes to contemporary music. I also never listen to a radio, nor do I have cable so any music that gets through is just by accident or force fed to me by my beloved. There was one album though that I bought on it's first day of release and it contains some of my most played songs if I take my Ipod's word for it at least. It's Melody by Sharleen Spiteri. For those of you who don't know her, she's the singer of Texas. For those of you who don't know Texas, shame on you! She wrote her first solo album after breaking up with her long term boyfriend and you'd probably expect a lot of depressing I hate you and hope you die a slow and painful death type of thing (or maybe that's just me) but nothing is further from the truth. The album is filled with fun, upbeat and hopeful tunes combined with a funky fifties sound. Trust me, you won't be blue much longer once you put this baby on, that's why Melody has now officially become my happy album.

And finally books. I haven't read as much this year as usual due to my disillusioned state of mind these past months but that hasn't stopped me from buying ridiculous amounts of books. To tell you the truth I haven't read a lot of 'new' books meaning published in 2008 so that makes this part a little harder. But there are two writers that I've been reading a lot of this year and they are Haruki Murakami and Michael Chabon. Murakami did publish After Dark this year (I think) so that covers it. Although After Dark was good, it wasn't one of his best. In my opinion and I can't emphasize it enough, Kafka on the Shore remains a classic and was one of the highlights of my reading year together with Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay. Chabon creates a spectacular atmosphere (a lot of his novels are set in the forties), peculiar characters and riveting tales. But Murakami with his fantastical stories, colorful characters and out of this world experiences is my biggest find of the year.

I just realized that this is one hell of a post so for those of you who have endured my ramblings and got this far, congratulations and thank you. Finally, I'd like to wish you all a spectacular 2009.

Cold feet vs confusion

Today I had an unexpected second job interview with that bookstore I mentioned earlier. The interview went good, great even until the proprietor uttered words that literally shook me to the core: if it were up to me, you'd start next week.

After all those months of rejection, anguish and feeling like a failure, this was the most positive answer I'd ever gotten. And although I was really starting to get desperate and just wanted a job, any job, I wasn't happy; just extremely nauseous when he said that. I thought it was what I wanted but it turns out, I'm not ready. Or maybe I am but just not for this seeing as it isn't exactly what I originally had in mind. What scares me the most are the annoying side effects that are going to turn my beloved world (I know, I occasionally curse the ground I walk on) upside down.

Like I said, I'd be working in a bookstore which could actually be fun. Books and all. I'd finally be doing something productive, I'd be distracted from my other "issues", I'd be earning a living, no dull nine to five and I might even be able to use my education for something else than recreational purposes.

The terrifying downside: 120 minutes of public transport a day, working every Saturday, very long hours (9 am - 7.30pm) and the wages of a sales assistant which once again emphasizes that the past eight years have been for nothing. Zara, anyone?

True, I'd be working, I'd have experience and I could always keep on looking for greener pastures but something about this entire scenario just scares the shit out of me while I actually should be happy seeing as I'd finally have a job. But why aren't I?

Christmas treats

I hope you all had a terrific Christmas, I surely did although it was a bit hectic at times. This year is the first time we had the Christmas dinner at our place and also a couple of parties so a lot of planning, cooking and decorating was involved. In a nutshell, everything I like doing.

I have to admit that for the first time, I wasn't in a very Christmassy mood this year but all the friends, food, family and of course the wonderful presents made this year one of the best Christmases I've ever had. Who'd have thought? As I'm writing this, I'm actually filled with hope and joy. I'm not exactly sure if it's an actual transition or just all the presents talking but I'm feeling happier than I've been in ages.

I even got a bit nostalgic yesterday when we watched The Black Cauldron. It's a Disney movie from 1985 and my sweetheart got it for me. It's a rather dark, twisted and unsuccessful film, or so I gather seeing as no one I know has heard of it. The reason I so desperately wanted to see it again is because it was one of the first movies I can remember seeing in the cinema, a mere 23 years ago and hadn't seen since. Despite the fact that no one else remembers it, the adventures of Taran, Gurgi, Henwen and Fflewddur Fflam battling the still terrifying Horned King have stayed with me ever since. Seriously, he's like the scariest Disney villain ever!

The Black Cauldron wasn't the only movie we saw. We started of Christmas Eve early with Richard Donner's take on Scrooge, namely Scrooged and followed it up after dinner with the classic It's a wonderful life and to tell you the truth, it is from time to time. Santa Claus actually brought me tons of movies so I won't be getting of the couch any time soon.

Santa, probably in cahoots with my pumpkin, also brought me a beautiful Kokeshi doll. I know I've been going on and on about how I wanted a Kimmidoll and how cute they are but I have to say, now that I've got an original Kokeshi, my precious little Seiko jut fades into the background. This doll whose name is in Japanese, damn it, is just so delicate and pretty that I'm simply in awe of the craftsmanship that went into her. She's from this adorably Japanese shop in Berchem, Kupuku, which I highly recommend you'd visit 'cause they have a lot of cute and original stuff there and that's also the place where my pink kitty Snooshi hails from, again Santa's doings.

Besides watching too many movies I'll also be doing a lot of reading on the couch as Santa also schlepped a ton of books over here but one of my favorites as got to be How to be a domestic goddess by Nigella Lawson. Don't get me wrong, the idea of becoming a housewife scares the shit out of me but what can I say, I just love to bake. I love creating gorgeous and tasty cakes. Lately, that's the only time I feel I've actually accomplished something 'cause the fragrant and moist results are usually staring me in the face on their way to my mouth. I'm even contemplating taking evening classes next year to become a qualified pastry chef. It's just an idea so...
Anyway, I'm becoming a real Nigella fan. It's the second book of hers I've got (the other is Nigella's Christmas) and I really like the fact that she introduces every recipe with a story about how she got it, what it reminds her of,... It's not just a recipe book but and actual storybook, something that even kitchen phobics can treasure.

Don't mess with me honey

And now something completely different. My doctor advised me to relax, which is believe it or not very hard if you're as tightly wound as I am, seeing as stress among other things is one of the causes of my gastro enteritis problems. I took my dear friend Katrien up on her offer to do some yoga on her Wii Fit, hoping it would calm me down a tad. But experience has taught me that all that breathing and bending just irritates the hell out of me so no success there.

Luckily, there's also Wii Sports which is in my opinion not only a lot more fun but also exhausting and this resulted in a not only calmer but also very sweaty Ginny Jones, for about 30 minutes or so. I especially loved the boxing seeing as I'm not good at aiming, balancing,... basically everything that requires some form of restraint. Did I also mention that my timing also sucks? Anyway, I just love letting everything go and pounding the shit out of my opponent like any lady would of course. In the end I knocked out three guys in a row, went up a few notches (I am now level 500 something or other), had one hell of a work out and relieved my stress levels for about 15 minutes. Not bad, not bad at all.

The hunt continues

So, I had another job interview yesterday. I've decided to try my chances in retail, why would someone with a couple of university degrees want to work as a sales assistant, you might ask? Well, firstly it would be in a bookstore (that's something, right?), secondly no dull nine to five behind a computer and thirdly, I'm getting a teeny bit desperate OK. So I schlepped my ass all the way to Sint-Niklaas (2 hours of public transport which I wouldn't recommend unless you're in a masochistic mood) to apply for a job in Schelle. For those who don't know either places, it's not only an entirely different zip code but also language or dialect to be precise. The interview went great but speaking from experience (the only kind I have apparently) that's not much to go on. Even if the big kahuna likes me, I'd still have another three people to convince so I'm not counting my eggs just yet.

Santa Claus is coming to town

For those who might have been worried by my absence, no I wasn't contemplating suicide or anything unfortunate like that. The past week I've been enjoying all the fun and exciting things that the holidays offer: decorating a Christmas tree, baking, buying presents,... and I have to say it's done me a world of good.

Christmas carols are playing in the background while I write this and no matter how blue I get, they still give me a warm and fuzzy feeling and that's a good sign. Not all hope was lost apparently, just misdirected like me.

I've even started reading again people! After Dark by Haruki Murakami (not bad, not bad at all) to gently ease myself into Possession, the book I selected for our book club. I just hope it's good otherwise I might end up being crucified on our first meeting.

Anyway this got me thinking about Christmas stories. One of my favorites is A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, a nostalgic and almost glowing tale about the enduring friendship between two innocent souls. Maybe not all that festive but it does fill the heart and eyes with fuzzy yet moist feelings.

For those who prefer a more vibrant tale, I suggest Another Night Before Christmas by Carol Ann Duffy. It's a modern illustrated remake of the classic and treasured Night before Christmas by Clement Moore in which we read the story of Santa's comings and goings on Christmas eve. This poem, which was originally published in 1822, didn't only inspire Tim Burton but it is also largely responsible for our conception of Santa Claus, his actions and fury red nosed companions. So if you want to have yourself a merry traditional yet slightly contemporary Christmas, Another Night Before Christmas is the way to go.

Attention shoppers

And on a lighter note, I've decided to get some therapy, retail therapy to be precise. I'm leaving for London tomorrow to bathe in Christmas cheer. Nothing brightens up my day more than repetitive carols, fluorescent lighting, colorful displays, shiny presents and some mince pies.
Money may not be able buy you happiness but it sure as hell can distract you from the pain.

New horizons

I've been feeling pretty down the past few days, unemployment and some other personal issues are really starting to get to me. I'm lacking motivation, inspiration and enthusiasm so I'm gonna apologize in advance for the rather dull and dry nature of this post. They can't all be winners, right?

I guess I'm having some kind of quarter life crisis, having lost all hope, will and direction. My life just isn't turning out the way I'd hoped but then again, whose is? Anything's possible people tell me, yet they regret to inform me that that's just in theory. Practically speaking I'm feeling rather numb from running into one too many brick walls. They just keep on popping up, the bastards, where you'd least expect them. Don't get me wrong, I'm a very positive person but every once in while reality gets the better of me.

I've come to the conclusion that the past eight years of university were a total waste of time. I enjoyed them but now that I've emerged from the intellectual bubble into the real world I've come to realize that literature is nothing more than a hobby, not a career. A few might get lucky but the rest is just kidding themselves. Letting go of these delusions is the only way to blissfully move on and that's what I'm gonna do. I always figured I'd be doing something more or less cultural and I'd feel bad every time I'd get another letter telling me I wasn't qualified enough, thinking I was useless and that it was all for nothing. And these feelings are only adding to my pending depression. But no more!

I've decided that 2009 will be the end of my wallowing, the end of my delusions and the perfect time to start with a clean slate. I'm planning on banishing all negative thoughts and people from my life and start being happy with what I have, not beating myself up for what's lacking. Just because one thing isn't working out for you, doesn't mean nothing will. When you have too many expectations and even hopes, you're only gonna be disappointed as life never fully turns out the way you planned. The future is outside my reach but now I'm ready to embrace whatever it may bring.

I still have certain hopes and dreams that may never be realized but I'm ok with that. They're called dreams for a reason, right? It doesn't mean I'll stop trying, I'm just going to enjoy the road where ever it may lead. After all, the unexpected can be fun to.

Braving it in Brussels

I went to Brussels today on a mission; firstly to get an adorable Kimmidoll which was worth the trip alone and secondly, to get a job. Seeing as paid labor isn't working out for me, I'm planning on giving the unpaid kind a go. You heard me right people, I offered to work for free. No, I'm not having a nervous breakdown and no, my boredom hasn't reached new heights, not just yet anyway.
Seeing as nobody wants to hire me as I lack experience (well, duh) I proposed to gain some experience free of charge in the hope that they'll keep me on afterwards. They get free labor and I get some experience to put on my resume and a way to pass the time productively for a change. Anyway, I start next Wednesday. It's incredible how fast you can get a job that doesn't pay!

My precious little Seiko (she's not as bad as she sounds) wasn't the only thing to make the trip back to Antwerp. While looking for a Christmas present for my pumpkin, I encountered a cute little book. I have to confess I'm addicted to books and not just the ones you read. I love notebooks, address books, diaries, you name it. And this one especially comes in handy with the book club approaching, a reader's journal entitled: Smart women read between the lines. It's not just pretty but even useful, for a change.
It's a book created by Julie Hellwich who has designed an entire Smart Women collection ranging from this reader's journal to notebooks, cards and even stationary sets. It's a combination of retro graphics and clever wordplay, in a nutshell totally my cup of tea.
Now all I need is a book to read, even if it's just an excuse to deflower this one.

Suggestions, anyone?

I bought a few books this weekend and putting them in my already overflowing bookcase always brings me great joy and needless to say a little frustration. My will to read is still dormant but I hope that'll soon change as more riveting titles are approaching (Christmas and all) and I've also decided to start a book club.
Why? You may ask. Well, the answer is simple: to put the only knowledge I have, being of the literary variety, to some use and to gossip a little along the way.
As "organizer" of the whole shebang, I get to choose the first book which is going to be hard because I don't have a clue where to begin. Seeing as I don't have any particular title in mind, I just spent the last 20 minutes or so in a very relaxing lotus pose staring at my beloved books in order to get the juices flowing. Apparently, the juices have dried up...

Brown, beware

I made a shocking and horrendous discovery recently, namely that when The Sumptuous City (my beautiful baby) is read using Internet Explorer, she has a terrible brownish floral pattern as background which is not only against my better judgement but just plain wrong.

So if you want to enjoy The City in all her sumptuous glory as I and possibly even god intended, go Firefox 'cause once you go fuschia you never go back!

Merry Mayhem

Now that the holidays are less than a month away, I'm starting to fill up with holiday cheer. Trust me, they couldn't come at a better time. Besides decadent decorations, priceless presents and tasty treats, there's something else I always think of when I hear that magical word: Christmas. When I grew up I watched a lot of old meaning 1940s and 1950s movies due to my grandparents who'd like to reminisce the good old days and who were convinced that Bogart was the last great actor until Bruce Willis came along but that's another story.

Especially during the holidays we watched all the classics that held the top spot on BBC, so now that this joyous season is again upon us, I can't help but delve into some of my all time favorites starting with the brilliant Arsenic and Old Lace.

This 1944 black and white screwball comedy is simply too good to be true. It stars one of my personal favorites, The ultimate yet slightly neurotic gentleman, Cary Grant who once again gives us a stellar performance (for some odd reason, the man is at his best in black and white). He plays Mortimer Brewster, a man who has just got married and decides to pay his elderly aunts a visit in order to break the news. Here he finds out that their notion of charity isn't the "let's help the sucker out" kind but more of the "let's help the sucker out of his misery" variety. In the end, things start to get very twisted indeed.

Based on a play by Joseph Kesselring, Frank Capra created an intelligent, macabre and funny little package wrapped with a stylish bow. Something we'd all like to find under our Christmas tree.

Tainted love

As you might have noticed by the illustration in my previous post, I've recently rediscovered the delightful works of Anne Taintor. She uses beautiful vintage advertisements ranging from the 1930s to the 1950s and combines them with to the point, often sarcastic but mostly accurate statements which describe women' state of mind during that glossy, repressed yet glorious age in a fun and flamboyant contemporary kinda way.


Once again, none of the products are available in Belgium. Damn! And her official site doesn't deliver over seas, making them yet again something for me to covet.


But on a lighter note, my Kimmidoll issues have been solved, hurray! One issue down, 88 or so to go.

learning not to hope but cope

I feel like a complete idiot, gushing the way I did in my last post 'cause I'm still waiting for an answer. Apparently he used the term tomorrow quite loosely implying sometime in the hopefully near future. I've already mailed him for a friendly update but nothing, nada, bupkus. Damn me for getting my hopes up! I should know better.

I did however have another interview this week for a job I didn't want but could probably do in order to occupy my time until something else eventually turns up that motivates me enough to get out of bed in the morning, preferably with a smile. In a nutshell, it didn't go well. It started with utter embarrassment and ended with me slamming the door shut. Sometimes my temper gets the best of me. I applied for a receptionists position with Stad Antwerpen but apparently even though I have not one but two university degrees I'm not qualified enough, oh well. Fuckers! And I say that in the nicest possible way.

I've basically been doing a lot of wallowing and waiting this past week while feeling blissfully serene thanks to my anti-anxiety meds. Sometimes even too serene that I have to occasionally remind myself that I'm still alive although barely kicking.

I was supposed to have another interview today but it was postponed to Monday so I've got something to look forward to, relatively speaking anyway. This time it's with a production company, as in movies. Who knows maybe my luck's about to change. It has to someday, right?

Gifts: the key to job satisfaction

Heavily sedated I went to another job interview today in the swanky design center called De Winkelhaak. The job ad said (and I'm translating literally) administrative centipede for theater agency Goedenavond, so I thought what the hell. At least this one's in Antwerp and culture is involved, finally.

When I got there I was pleasantly surprised not only by the employer, job description but also by the fact that I got presents, a DVD and two audio books to be precise. The interview went pretty well and I think this job might even be fun. I'll give you a clue, show business is involved... I'll know more details tomorrow.

It's part-time which is great as well seeing as I'd have time to embark on my own little project entitled Rebecca Benoot something or other but I'll keep you posted. For now these are just wild ideas floating around underneath all that red hair.

I just hope this is it, there's only so much rejection a girl can take.

Zombies are our friends

Yesterday my beloved was ordered to buy a movie he had never heard of and all because I told him it was a fifties zombie spoof he was gonna love. Being the great boyfriend that he is, he obeyed and we watched it last night. The movie I'm talking about is the enchantingly quirky Fido.

Fido went straight to dvd in Belgium and although it received a top spot at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, this Canadian treasure was only released in 6 theaters over the entire USA, hence it's shocking anonymity.

The movie takes place in a quiet suburban 1950s town after the fated zombie wars. Thanks to a company called Zomcon (check out their great website and especially read the kids letters!), zombie are no longer a threat but low maintenance domestic help. Fido eventually turns out to be more than just help in the Robinson household as he and little Timmy Robinson embark on an endearing friendship with a few bloody glitches along the way.

What I personally loved about the movie besides the classic setting and gorgeous dresses (I'm a girl, I can't help it) is that it literally blew new life into the exhausted zombie genre by taking it back it's glory days (1950s) and yet giving it a twist by combining it not only with a lot of comedy but graceful elegance as well. This original clash between bright and cheerful Americana vs. death, gore and destruction was also mixed with loads of 1950s pop cultures references making it a delight to watch. In the end Fido is a social satire about family values, homeland security, illegal immigration and zombies, who just happen to bring out the humanity in all of us.

The classic technicolor 1950s "boy and his dog movie" for the next generation.

Let the soul searching commence

As some of you may know I've been having stomach troubles for about a week now and it turns out the dürüm wasn't to blame, although it couldn't have helped. The entrance of my stomach is apparently infected causing not only my stomach but also my oesophagus to contract. It's not only painful and nauseating but also makes me feel like I'm going to choke as my oesophagus is also influencing my windpipe. Needless to say lots of fun to go around.
If that wasn't bad enough I've also started getting panic attacks for no good reason besides constantly thinking I'm gonna choke. Well, there probably is a reason but I'm so happy in the wonderful world of denial that it's not getting through to me, thank god. But seeing as my mind can't get me to listen, my body is giving it it's best shot. These so called "issues" are apparently at the root of my recurring gastro-enteritis problems which are a bitch and that's putting it nicely.
And that is why dear friends I've been quiet of late, nausea and sheer panic have gotten a hold on me.

Angry Little Girls

I'm sure everyone has those guilty pleasures they like to indulge in when they are feeling blue, frustrated or just plain bored. For most woman those guilty pleasures are either edible or the kind you put on your feet. Mine (actually just one of them) came to me on a cold night via the computer screen. A while back I literally stumbled on Lela Lee's wonderfully poignant creation named Angry Little Girls. Her cartoons are very vibrant (the book versions at least which I highly recommend), incredibly funny and oh so true. In a nutshell, it's a bittersweet dash of reality for those who were planning to spend eternity in denial.

Parties "R" US

The performance was two days ago and everything basically went according to plan, go figure. The turnout wasn't that big but I did have a lot of fun and it opened the door to some future prospects which I'm mildly, to say the least, excited about.
Yesterday was my dear friend Katrien's birthday and as usual I couldn't help myself and made her a birthday cake. I hope it was yummy... (hint, hint) and that she had a great time.
Today, another birthday party but this time there won't be any cake, only sushi. Talk about festive! Normally I'd be able to fake a little more enthusiasm (although not much, long story) but I've been nauseous since yesterday morning due to my very first and needless to say last nocturnal dürüm encounter.
Note to self: never eat anything out of tinfoil.

Lights, camera, action, oh my

It's finally here, the opening night of And Then We Changed The Screenplay. I have to say I'm very excited and also a tad nervous. I'm hoping there won't be any technical problems but knowing our director, there will be. That's all that can basically go wrong, that and missing my queue which I hope won't happen. I'll have to focus on the dialogue, my character which changes with each version of the dialogue and my accents, oh my. It'll all probably be fine, we're simulating a rehearsal and no rehearsal is ever full proof so we've got an excuse.

I'm also very curious to see if people will understand what's exactly going on because sometimes it's not even that clear to us. We'll just have to wing it. I just hope some people show up otherwise it would be really embarrassing. Luckily, I've got my devotees. And I also hope my voice can handle it, a 4 hour rehearsal followed by a 3 hour performance. My guess is that I'll be keeping pretty quiet for the remainder of the weekend.

I want one!

When we were in Paris last week, we were making our way through the toy department of Galleries Lafayette, because I had to pee as usual, and that's when I encountered something very pretty, very cute and very girly: the Kimmidoll.

It's an elegant little wooden Japanese doll inspired by the traditional Kokeshi dolls. They are decorated in vibrant colors, each with their own name, character and message. My personal favorite as you can see here is Seiko, the inspirational and motivational spirit.

I was too preoccupied with my bladder at the time but now I deeply regret not adopting one. I've done my research and they're not available in Belgium. I'm going to London in a few weeks time and I hope to score one there. Otherwise, if someone knows where you can get one, let me know or better still, you're always welcome to donate one.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

It dawned on me that I haven't written anything about books for a while now. The reasons range from preoccupied to lazy but mainly because I've been reading the same book for a shocking three weeks now and still haven't even reached the middle. Don't get me wrong, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is a great book but for some reason I'm just never in the mood to read. I'm slipping I know, unemployment is starting to get to me.

Anyway, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is Michael Chabon's magnum opus for which he received the Pulitzer Prize in 2000. It's a historical novel about the golden age of comic books being the 1930s and 1940s. It's a captivating and funny tale about two cousins who create the latest craze in comic land namely The Escapist, the anti-fascist superhero. Their fascinating story is inspired by the lives of real comic book creators like Stan Lee, Will Eisner and Jerry Siegel to name a few. Other important historical characters like Salvador Dali and Orson Welles make cameo appearances adding multiple angles to an already vast and colorful landscape.

Chabon's Jewish heritage is also an important issue in the book. He recently wrote the wonderful The Yiddish Policemen's Union about a fictional Jewish settlement in Alaska during the second world war. As Kavalier and Clay roughly takes place during the same period, the issue once again becomes relevant. On multiple occasions Chabon also tries to make us aware of the impact of Jewish artists and writers in American popular culture.

I have to say I'm definitely not a comic buff but I've heard a lot of great things about this novel and after reading The Yiddish Policemen I was utterly in awe of Chabon's talent, originality and wit. Kavalier and Clay isn't only fun and freakishly informative but exudes a certain nostalgia that makes you want to delve into the inner realms of comic history which I'm planning to do and by the rate I'm going now, I'm probably take my damn sweet time doing it.

Due to the success of his novel and Kavalier and Clay's creation The Escapist, Chabon followed it up with an actual comic and vintage inspired series entitled The Amazing Adventures of The Escapist which I'm actually dying to read. Who would have thought? Maybe they'll make a believer out of me yet?

Better late than never

I just wanted to wish you all a happy Halloween. I hope you had a great time full of scary surprises and ghoulish treats. This year my sweetheart was ordered to carve his very first pumpkin and I have to say he did an excellent job!

It's a small world

I have finally returned from a fabulous trip to the wonderful land of Disney. I regret to inform you that I wasn't successful in my quest for Pooh but I am determined to go back and hunt the sucker down. I did however encounter Tiger from afar and almost touched Eyore but alas his break started just before I could get to him. However, my beloved was able to take a picture, with two other women.

I'm also very pleased that I got on not one, not two but three roller coasters in one day. I was nauseous, trembling and cursed more than your average sailor but I did it! Previously my coaster adventures consisted out of one nerve wrecking experience on the Vampyre, an experience that makes me nauseous till this very day.

Needless to say I had a great time in this gorgeous place that surpassed all my expectations, except the Pooh part, and brought back a cute souvenir to cherish until I return.

Date with destiny

Alas, I'll be leaving you for a couple of days seeing as I've got a rendez-vous with Winnie the Pooh in Paris. So long...

The pain of pilates

I recently started doing pilates and I have to say, I'm feeling the burn in places that were previously comfortably numb. I've been wanting to take exercise classes for a while now since I basically like doing it (strange but true) and hate all other kinds of sport. Let me tell you why: first of all I'm required to go out into the world which is a real buzz kill at 7 pm on a cold and dreary night and secondly I'll be confronted with my fellow man. Don't get me wrong, I like the human race and all, I just don't like them there when I'm huffing, puffing and sweating all over the place. And that is why, people, I decided to buy some exercise DVDs so I can work up a sweat in the comfort of my home. Some might call me crazy for jumping around and clenching my buttocks in front of the warm glow of my TV but all I can say is, in a few weeks (hopefully) I'll have buns of steel, what about you?

Pondering

Rehearsal started yesterday and I have to say I'm not quite sure exactly what And Then We Changed the Screenplay is going to be like. It's all still so vague and cryptic. All I know is, 6 characters, 4 dialogues, 2 versions, a movie theater, an auto queue and the only thing visible will be the back of my head which is a shame since the front is much more appealing.

Two of the other cast members were sick yesterday, making it difficult and very confusing to make out who's who as certain people had numerous roles and we already have 8 each depending on the version of the dialogue. Still with me? We weren't in the theater but in a gallery in Ghent which due to it being a white gaping void didn't feel as comfortable as a dark and plush movie theater. We were all sitting in a circle facing each other, something that's just not done on the opening night as the whole point of the performance will be us talking to a big screen. This artsy version of Big Brother also contains a mystery guest, namely the audience who are supposed to fill in the blanks quite literally. I wonder if it'll work.

Anyway, it's all still a work in progress. Although the dialogue is a bit confusing at times, the characters are fun ranging hysterical mistress to mysterious nocturnal guide and they're both mine, hallelujah. I wonder if we'll be able to pull it off.

Love me, if you dare

Personally, I don't really like romantic movies as they are usually filled with clichés and are oozing so much sweetness that I just get pissed off. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a romantic comedy from time to time and I occasionally even liked being carried away by a bold and beautiful romantic epic although the romance part usually is a minor inconvenience.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a romantic at heart, I like romance but just not the cookie cutter, obligatory pre-packaged kind. And over the years we've seen every possible version of boy meets girl, boy loses girl and eventually (90 minutes later) gets girl again. Situations change, names change, actors rarely change (Meg Ryan, Kate Hudson, Hugh Grant,... usually pop up) and ultimately it all turns to predictable mush, that is why I basically don't like romantic movies as they all tend to be the same.

Now, I may be prejudiced but that doesn't make me a cynic. There are a few romantic comedies that I really love and that I'll probably elaborate on sometime in the future. The movie that renewed my faith in the genre was the utterly inventive and colorful Jeux d'Enfants. I loved the movie so much that I even went to see it twice in the cinema.

Sophie (Academy award winner Marion Cotilliard) and Julien (Guillaume Canet) are best friends. When they were children they invented a peculiar game: whoever had the tin box could dare the other to do anything. The dares were simple but as they grow older the stakes got higher and a lot more dangerous.

Yann Samuell has created a true ocular treat, reminiscent of Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, in which the scenes are simply vibrant, original and fun adding a quirky and contemporary French twist to the tale. Samuell's visual style turns a quite ordinary tale into an adrenaline fueled extravaganza aided by a wonderful cast and some outrageous dares. In the end he proves that you don't have to be sweet to be romantic and I couldn't agree more.

Ginny Jones, actress extraordinaire

On a lighter note, I may not be able to get a regular job after a mere 8 years of university but I did get the part I auditioned for, shocking I know. So for all those who are interested:

And Then We Changed the Screenplay

Who knows, maybe I'll change course yet again...

Do panic

Last night I watched the film adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Ever since I read the book a few years ago I've been charmed by Douglas Adams' ingenious stories, remarkable wit and charming characters. Needles to say I became a huge fan who has thoroughly enjoyed the wacky adventures of Arthur Dent, Ford Perfect and Marvin the paranoid android to name but a few.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was originally supposed to be a trilogy but ultimately ended up being 5 enthralling books. Adams even wanted to write a sixth : "I suspect at some point in the future I will write a sixth Hitchhiker book … I would love to finish Hitchhiker on a slightly more upbeat note. Five seems to be a wrong kind of number, six is a better kind of number." Alas on May 11, 2001 he died rather unexpectedly.

A few weeks back, September 17 to be precise, I read something rather shocking. After years of negotiation (and probable harassment), Adams' widow has granted Penguin Books the right to create the sixth installment to our beloved and inaccurately named trilogy. They have approached Eoin Colfer to create the next episode entitled "And Another Thing..." Colfer may be a bestselling children's author but he certainly is no Adams. Personally I think it's disgraceful, even sacrilegious, to use another man's legacy to promote not only your own career but to prey on the hunger of unsatisfied fans that will only end up being disillusioned in the end as Colfer's unholy version will not be able to compete with Adams' brilliance. When will people learn not to mess with the original just for the sake of a few million pounds?

Alas death is only a minor glitch in the road of publishing.

PG Porn

I just stumbled on a new and very interesting web series called PG Porn. Writer/director James Gunn (Slither) teams up real life porn stars with mainstream Hollywood actors in order to create some very appealing sexless pornography. His motives were simple: "How many times have you been watching a great porn film – you're really enjoying the story, the acting, the cinematography – when, all of the sudden, they ruin everything with PEOPLE HAVING SEX?"

The utterly adorable Nathan Fillion (I can't help it, I just want to hug him to death) stars in the first installment as a construction worker who is seduced by his boss' wife played by adult movie star Aria Giovanni. Staying true to his style, Gunn adds a very "tasteful" ending.

May I present: Nailing your Wife

the dangling diva speeks

The past few days have been rather hectic to say the least. I've just returned from a funeral which was as you might have guessed not that amusing despite the fact that the minister sneezed on the microphone and we were all witness to a colorful display of mucus dripping down ever so slowly for the remainder of the ceremony.

What else? I booked a trip to Paris which I'm really excited about. We're also going to Eurodisney and I'm finally going to meet Winnie the Pooh, in the flesh so yippee! Besides our next "vacation" I'm also going to have a lot of planning and possibly even baking fun as I'm helping my dear friend Katrien organize her undoubtedly exceptional 26th birthday party.

I made an excursion to the toy store which was a lot of fun as I haven't been in one in years. I highly recommend it, it takes off years instantly! Especially if you happen to be in the presence of a ferocious Boing Boing Tigger. I was actually brainstorming for a present seeing as my godson will have his first birthday next month. Although the options are endless, my budget isn't so numerous field expeditions will still be required.

I've also done quite a bit of reading: The Wind-up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami, highly recommended (although I haven't finished it yet) but I finished watching Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and am convinced of Hollywood's gradual retardation seeing as they axed this sublime show.

And finally I also had an audition in Leuven on Wednesday. As I'm not having any luck finding a job backstage, I decided to make the transition to center stage if only to quench my inner diva's thirst.

LouLou, c'est moi

Some of you might know that besides independent film, I truly love Classic (meaning 1940s and 1950s) Hollywood movies. They exude a lavish era full of glamour, style, wit and sophistication that is lost in contemporary Hollywood. Movies back then relied purely on a well written script and stellar performances and were able to be utterly amazing without help (?) from special effects. They were pure and simple works of art that entertained you with engrossing stories and chilling adventures.

Another aspect that I love about the period is that the actors weren't just entertainers, they were stars that shined brightly in the grueling wonderland that is Hollywood. Despite maybe George Clooney (sigh) there isn't an actor today that has as much masculinity, style and humor as Cary Grant, James Stewart or Clark Gable. When we look at actresses it's even worse, name one contemporary actress that exudes as much glamour, sophistication and femininity as Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth or Carol Lombard. Tough question isn't it?

One of the first real stars (be it from the silent movie era) was the engaging Louise Brooks, who was ironically enough most famous for her haircut namely the original bob. She had a short but incredibly fruitful career from 1925 until 1938 during which she starred in numerous comedies and flapper films which were very popular at the time. Brooks, a true flapper (Jazz loving, short skirted, scorning sexual misfit), made her big break in Georg Wilhelm Pabst's Pandora's Box (1929) in which she played Lulu, a sexually adventurous woman and the first lesbian to be captured on celluloid. This role only enhanced her now iconic image. Sadly, Brooks started to lose interest in films after that. Although she withdrew from the spotlight, she wasn't forgotten.

Louise Brooks was a fine actress but the reason she'll live on in every film buff's and fashionista's heart is her unique style and look. She even inspired Chacharel to name a fragrance after her. Brooks is The quintessential 1920's glamour girl. It is my personal belief that some of the countless black and white photo's that she posed for are the most elegant, feminine, seductive and simply breathtaking pictures ever taken. Whenever I look at one of her photographs I am simply in awe of the woman who is the epitome of girly grace.

Welcome to Zamonia

There isn't a lot you can do on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon except read the latest Facebook gossip (check), do dishes (check), watch a movie (check), blog (almost check) or read a book. I personally love curling up on the couch on a rainy day with a cup of cocoa and an exciting book full of fantastical tales and unique characters that take you to the outer limits of your imagination. No, I'm not talking about His Dark Materials, The Chronicles of Narnia or even the latest addition to the Inheritance Cycle but of the astounding creative talents of Walter Moers.

Moers is a German writer and illustrator who already has quite a reputation in his homeland for his not only fantastical but utterly compelling novels in which he combines ingenious drawings with eloquently told tales. He started his career drawing comics with an ironic and politically incorrect world view, an example is the now infamous Adolf, die Nazisau (watch the video, you won't regret it). His characters especially, are responsible for his success. Never before were such uniquely colorful and oddly lovable creatures created, examples are Captain Blue Bear (a blue bear (duh) and professional liar escaping from the world's largest ship) Little Asshole (a nasty but nice boy who always outsmarts the adults), The Old Curmudgeon (an old, sarcastic and very funny dying fella) and Optimus Yarnspinner (dragon, dinosaur, who knows)

My personal favorite is The City of Dreaming Books which is basically a dazzling ode to literature. It is the fourth part of the Zamonia series, a fictional land that Moers has created and where most of his characters reside. He shows the wacky yet influential nature of books as they can not only entertain and move but also kill you... Moers is not only able to create immensely entertaining and engrossing worlds but also characters and stories accompanied by exactly the right amount of illustrations and inside jokes like his beloved anagrams (Aliesha Wimperslake = William Shakespeare). Children will love his novels but my guess is that it'll be the adults who will truly cherish them.

The City of Dreaming Books, a whimsical roller coaster ride of a novel that combines adventure, horror, romance, larger than life characters with Moers' love for literature making it the perfect Sunday afternoon delight.

Damn you little pig!

I went to the hospital this morning to get my stitches removed and have the doctor take a look at a nasty case of gingivitis. My stitches had to, supposedly, dissolve by them selves but didn't and caused an incredibly painful and disgusting infection. Needless to say I'll spare you the details but I'm just gonna add that I almost made myself faint. Try it, it ain't easy.

Furthermore, I have to confess that I've got a new addiction. It's not exactly new but it's been getting out of hand lately ever since my significant other did something to the computer (I have to admit I'm a real girl when it comes to computers) to make it bigger, better and able to induce a compulsive habit. It's unbelievably embarrassing but I'm hooked on a very simple and stupid (significant other's words, not mine) game called Goldminer. You basically have to aim and catch as many gold nuggets as you can in 60 seconds. When you're a few levels ahead they let loose these incredibly cute and infuriating pigglets who get in the way and screw everything up, bless 'em. And as you can see, I'm not the only one who desperately needs some rehab.

I have my reasons

A while back a reader (Oh Happy Day!) asked me why I always write about out of date books, movies and what not. Every topic that ends up on The City is something dear to my heart and something that I personally believe deserves more recognition or a reminder that it's still out there waiting to be discovered by a fresh audience.

Newly released books and movies already get enough coverage and blogs that review them are a dime a dozen. That's why I think it is more interesting to dig up the dirt on some forgotten gems rather than spilling my guts about why I hate the latest Will Smith movie or Ian McEwan novel, both are true.

The bigger the glasses, the better the movie

From the moment I saw Happiness, I was hooked. For me, this pitch black (dare I say) comedy is the highpoint of the indie genre and has everything a truly great movie should have: excellent performances, compelling characters, quirky story, wry humor, controversy and above all humanity. The movie presents us with a dozen characters who have interlocked lives ranging from utterly shocking to incredibly endearing and it is also constantly walking the fine line between satire and brutal honesty. Happiness isn't afraid to delve into our collective subconsciousness and portray not only the disturbing but delightful traits that make us human and it does so without shame or sugarcoating. This masterpiece was created by a highly underappreciated genius, namely Todd Solondz.

Solondz's movies are all very cynical and despite the depressing stories they sometimes (actually always) tell, he is in fact a self-confessed optimist who is just trying to show that we're a flawed, lonely and dysfunctional race and there is nothing to be ashamed of 'cause we're not alone.

His first feature film was 1995's Welcome to the Dollhouse which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It tells the tale of Dawn, a bespectacled 13-year-old girl who is not only being bullied by her peers but also neglected by her parents. You're probably thinking garden variety adolescent abuse issues but where Dollhouse excelled was in making the characters so humane and easy to relate to that you even started to feel compassion for the nastiest of them because at some level their actions simply made sense. Solondz has a way of making us confront not only ourselves but our demons, for better or worse.

In 1998 Happiness followed and is still one of the most honest, touching and thought-provoking satires of middle class suburbia out there. This movie turned Solondz into a respected filmmaker, aided by the International Critics Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

In 2001 Storytelling premiered at Cannes. This movie has an ingenious plot stucture: Fiction / Non-Fiction and develops the same story in various ways. Storytelling had its fair share of controversy as the film includes a rather graphic and if you're a catholic sinful sex scene between a white woman and a black man, a scene Solondz refused to cut. Being a firm believer that all censorship is bad, Solondz was able to include the scene. Still, a bright red box was placed over the actors, you can't have it all once you enter Hollywood apparently.

His last film was 2004's Palindromes which was entirely self-financed as he wasn't able to find backers for his oddly moving tale of statutory rape, abortion and child molestation.

As we speak, Solondz is in the middle of the production of Life During Wartime which is supposed to be "A dark comedy of sexual obsession" starring Emma Thompson and Demi Moore. Knowing Solondz, it'll definitely be dark.

McSweeney's madness

I am pleased to inform you that I just decided to start collecting McSweeney's Quarterly Concern. Alas, I am the proud owner of only one copy but more shall quickly follow. For all those who are now thinking McWhat? Let me explain.

McSweeney's Quarterly Concern is a literary journal that came to life in 1998 and is edited by Dave Eggers who decided to bundle a series of short stories of that he liked but were rejected by other magazines. Since their immanent success, McSweeney's has counted on not only the support but also contribution of famous and established authors like Joyce Carol Oates, Rick Moody, Michael Chabon and Roddy Doyle just to name a few. Now, the Quarterly concern, is one of the most popular and respected literary magazines out there and has made it its mission to seek out and promote new and underappreciated talent like Stephen Dixon, Amy Fusselman and J.T. Leroy. Due to their excelance, McSweeney's, has already won various literary (The O. Henry Award, National Book Critics Circle Award,...) but also design awards (AIGA 365 Illustration Award, Print Design Regional Award,...) due to their magnificent covers and gorgeous artwork.

Besides the magazine, McSweeney's also publishes books that they personally vouch for as these books not only represent their own talented inhouse writers but it is also their way of distributing their literary vision in a more mainstream manner. Examples are Dave Egger's What is the What and a personal favorite, Nick Hornby's The Complete Polysyllabic Spree which is composed entirely out of his columns from The Believer.

The Believer, also worth collecting in my opinion, is their monthly magazine that combines short stories, literary interviews and book reviews with the ever changing world of art, politics and music brought to you by Nick Hornby, Amy Sedaris, Michel Houellebecq,...

And last but not least they also have a quartely DVD magazine named Wholphin with short movies, documentaries and animation from the likes of Spike Jonze, Miranda July, David O. Russell and Steve Soderbergh.

Now if that hasn't tickled your fancy, I don't know what will. What I personally love about McSweeney's is how every issue is so intricately created that it ends up being this amazing combination of stories, illustration and what not. Each issue is a little work of art as the cover and the layout are so lusciously designed that you actually feel bad opening it in fear of making a crease or, god forbid, stain. They are full of gags and clever little stunts like my own issue (Issue 21 and highly recommended) where every story is followed by a letter to Ray Charles.
Each McSweeney's has it's own theme like the now already infamous Issue 13 which was edited by Chris Ware and is dedicated completely to comics with a few essays inbetween to lighten the load. A personal favorite of mine and possible my next purchase is Issue 17 that oddly enough resembles a bundle of mail yet in each bill, letter and even catalogue a potential literary masterpiece is concealed.

McSweeney's I am you latest devotee.