Then We Came to the End

This is a supplemental post. After Christmas I will no doubt spill an epic stream of consciousness that sums up two of the hardest months of my life so far...but for now here is a review of a great book my bestest mucker DragonDrop gave me.

Working in a creative role you often wonder if the challenges, pressures and cultural nuances are the same in other companies. Then Came to the End by Joshua Ferris reassuringly and sometimes scarily confirms this! It tracks the lives of a group of creatives working in a US advertising agency during an uncertain economic climate (sound familiar folks?). The unwritten competition and peer pressure to out-perform and out-create each other is compelling and fascinating. The limited lifespan of the creative comes into its own and younger blood threaten the old school, whilst others hit pre-midlife crisis and consider U turns and drop-out strategies in their careers. My favourite term and concept in the book, which I am sure every designer can relate to, is 'Polishing Poo'. You know, a client gives you a load of badly written copy on a scrappy piece of A4 and expects a great design to mask the poor quality in the final piece. How many times have I been asked to do that?! Three words - Copywriter...Hire One. This book may not appeal to those not working in a similar industry, but it is a great insight into the human condition, office politics and power struggles. Made me want to quit my job and farm Emu though (or something). 8/10. Cheers DD.

Deathray Exposure

Deathray Trebuchay are a Ska/Punk/Surf band from East London, and their performance was without doubt one of my highlights from this year's Latitude Festival. Llewelyn from the band got in touch and has asked if they can use my photo as the main image on their MySpace site. Check them out - they're boss!

Thanks for the exposure guys.

Vapour Trail

First you look so strong

Then you fade away

The sun will blind my eyes

I love you anyway

Thirsty for your smile

I watch you for a while

You are a vapour trail

In a deep blue sky

Tremble with a sigh

Glitter in your eye

You seem to come and go

I never seem to know

And all my time is yours as much as mine

We never had enough

Time to show our love

Lyrics by Ride c. 1990. 

Image by ChrisM

Waltzes, circles and crossroads

C and I went to the flicks last night to see an extraordinary film - Waltz with Bashir. A full length animated film by Ari Folman, it tells the story of an ex-soldier in the Israeli/Lebanese war in 1980 and his search to find truth in his dreams/nightmares and hallucinations. Without doubt the most elegant and beautiful animation I have ever seen, this film is part documentary, part storytelling and has an incredible drive and pace. It is truly harrowing, but with elements of warmth and reaffirming humanity. Again, one of those films I don't need to see again for a long time (and...note to self...not unless you are really in the mood for such a heavy visual and emotional impact). 9/10 - go see.

On to other bobbins. This is truly a time of reflection and throwing your life out in front of you to evaluate what is going on, who you are, what you are, why you are and how that effects those around you. Alcoholics talk about reaching moments of clarity after going through fear, guilt, joy, self realisation - I can empathise (though don't drink enough red wine to see it through their particular eyes though thankfully). It has been and still is a roller coaster (and not a rubbish one like The Corkscrew...we're talking Oblivion territory here). I have been going through emotions not experienced for many years and it has knocked me for six to be perfectly honest. It is too easy to become entangled in what a fast paced society deems to be important and relevant, and is cathartic to take a big step back (I am as guilty as the next man for not doing this more often). The whole 'grass is always greener' attitude is good, as is to take what life throws at you and also recognise that things could be so much worse. We will all be continually tested in our lives and the challenge makes us stronger, even if we get the grey hairs or wrinkles to prove it. I see the positives in the negatives (no, really) and know what I must do for those most dear to me and myself. 

Phew...and finally, I am saddened and properly sick of the celebration of celebrity in this country. Applaud achievement and champion pioneers, but don't let children aspire to the irresponsible, self obsessed and obnoxious private lives of such people. Being famous shouldn't an aspiration, it should be the recognition of talent, hard work and being an inspiration to others. As such I have stopped reading the free morning and evening rags and am concentrating purely on my books and tunes. Right...spleen vented...onward to the round-up...

Home - Took the train home to spend some much needed time with my family and friends. The usual script of walking int'Dales and doing the rounds. Spent some long overdue quality time with my best mucker Matt and for much of the night were the only punters in the excellent Tap and Spile. I miss such pubs living down here...and the beer for that matter. Also spend some great time with the rest of Le Famile Dragondrop - lovely to see them and chew the fat (salmon and curry - both great)! Went to the dentist - no probs, though I did get told off for drinking too much red wine and coffee.

Fodder - As a 'just because' surprise took C to Mini Mundus for a french feast. Snails and steak, great wine and all in the company and conversation of my lovely lady.

More fodder - Lennie our printer took me out for a mid-day Ruby. Great food and company, but my thoughts was elsewhere.

Heather - My old muckeress H stayed over - a really nice night and long-overdue chats, putting the world to rights, ciders and tunes.

Really loving listening to Radio 6  all day long at work and zoning out - it is a good distraction and focus at the moment. I'm sure there was more trivial stuff in-between, but the important stuff has overshadowed it. 

All for now. Beep.

Let it flow

In times like these, keep fighting for what is most precious and just let it flow.

Phew!

Good on you BO! Now the real work begins - there's an awful lot to do and you've inherited quite a legacy from that muppet. Good luck.

Polar magnifica

Those who frequent my Flickr site will be familiar with my Polar Coordinate photos. I've stumbled across a talented chap who has raised the bar and taken the concept to a whole new level. Check it out - quite amazing.