Heist Films

After running around like a fool on Saturday (made a batch of truffles, hit the gym, took some notes at the new exhibition at Christina Parker - you should see the new Janice Udell!) I did the best Saturday afternoon thing ever, which is watch a matinee. I saw Armored, which was not half bad at all, and may I now personally state that my admiration for Matt Dillon remains firm. One reason the film succeeds is that is a compact and competent heist film, a most enjoyable genre. Here's a take on the heist's Top 10.

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102.3 Mailout

Almost a go...

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Magi, Stars

Some people have had their Christmas trees up for three weeks. When did this start? Maybe it was all those icicle lights that were all the rage about ten years ago...in any case it's pointless to argue over the rising tide of Christmas decore and they do brighten the early winter. I myself have been scouting for stars of Bethlehem, those sweet white flowers named for the resemblance to the bright star that guided the Magi. And speaking of which, for a classic take on the approaching fete, here's the O. Henry tale:

...But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

(Image: allthingschristmas.com.)

Abraham's Diary

If you missed this beautifully calibrated radio feature, which aired Monday and Tuesday on Ideas, Battery Radio aka Chris Brookes has a great site, lots of listening, lots of info.

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New show @ CPG

The Christina Parker Gallery opens From the Studio III this Saturday, art from the gallery stable including Tom Hammick, whose work has an intriguing sweet depth, along with Grant Boland's lucent still lifes, what looks like some gorgeous nightscapes from NQ blog fav Laurie Leehane, and more. (The painting is by Tom Hammick, courtesy reeselliott.co.uk.)

Newhart's Christmas Take

One of the pleasures of the movie Elf (which stars Will Ferrell and includes a scene of James Caan earning his place on Santa's 'naughty' list because he repossesses children's books from nuns and orphans) is Bob Newhart's take on being Santa's Helper, his flawless delivery intact. Watch the film, by all means, and here's a short clip of Newhart discussing the finale of his second series.

(Image: sharetv.)

Let's (World) Par-tay

With the issue finally proofs I mean proofed it's time to party, or at least

World Party- yes, that band is on my mind, sailing their ship of fools and making it all come true.

(image: uulyrics.com.)