
No Other Choice, The Handmaiden – Film Review

I skipped the beach and went to the Classic Cinemas for a South Korean double from auteur director Park Chan-wook.
The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham – Book Review

This 1957 sci-fi novel about a very different kind of alien invasion raises questions about morality and survival, and has some of my favourite genre tropes: small English villages and weird creepy children.
My Cats by Charles Bukowski

I know. I know.
they are limited, have different
needs and
concerns.
but I watch and learn from them.
I like the little they know,
which is so
much.
they complain but never
worry,
they walk with a surprising dignity.
they sleep with a direct simplicity that
humans just can’t
understand.
their eyes are more
beautiful than our eyes.
and they can sleep 20 hours
a day
without
hesitation or
remorse.
when I am feeling
low
all I have to do is
watch my cats
and my
courage
returns.
I study these
creatures.
they are my
teachers.
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons – Book Review

A send-up of the early 20th century rural novel, this sharp and funny parody clearly outlived its subject of mockery and stands on its own as a highly amusing read.
New Music 01/2026 – David Gilmour, Olivia Dean

Latest album from the voice and guitar of Pink Floyd; delightful retro sounds from a young breakout star.
The Luzhin Defense by Vladimir Nabokov – Book Review

This is a rare book that I loved mainly because it made my brain tingle with its brilliant, beautiful prose, even if I found it emotionally chilly and distant.
Bad Santa – Film Review

Bad Santa is really a sweet Christmas story, if you look past all the booze, R-rated profanity, various bodily fluids and outrageous dark humour.
Mountain artwork in progress 12/2025
I missed a few weekends here and there, especially with my overseas trip, but I used the Christmas break and lack of beach weather to complete the mountains. I’m ready to move on to sky and clouds, which will be fun as they’re not as angular and I can experiment more with the fabric textures.

Kokuho – Film Review

