Helvetica. The Movie
A fascinating documentary about graphic design and typography on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Helvetica.
Can Dance Be Disgusting?
In one of my recent papers I address the observation that scents can be disgusting, but watching dance rarely is. Stephen Fry begs to disagree, although not in response to my article.
The Best Albums of 2008
These are the albums that I play(ed) most often and rated highly.
Art vs. Games
My problem with games is that I just can’t be bothered. I don’t feel any desire to find the treasure, rescue the princess or score points. By contrast, art engages me both intellectually and emotionally and allows my thoughts to wander.
Holland Animation Film Festival 2008
My favourite shorts from the 2008 edition of the Holland Animation Film Festival.
I'm a Cyborg But That's OK
"I'm a Cyborg But That's OK" is yet another highly intelligent movie by Park Chan-wook. It's also a visual treat and in its own special way profoundly moving.
The Economics of Hotel Prices
The primary determinants of hotel room rates are location and room size. Of course the more expensive hotels do their best to hide this.
Richard Flanagan: The Unknown Terrorist
The Unknown Terrorist feels very contemporary and has a great sense of urgency.
The Informal City
The Informal City is governed by an inverse logic of the fixed and the ephemeral. Rigid structures are temporary and can be replaced at any time, whereas ephemeral structures are permanent, not in terms of site or structure, but as building types that pop up everywhere and at any time.
Teatro de Ciertos Habitantes: De Monstruos y Prodigios
A history of the castrati doesn’t sound like an obvious theme for a theatre production. But at least it’s different. And difference is interesting.
Dan Ariely: Predictably Irrational
Predictably Irrational is a fun read and if you're unfamiliar with behavioural economics you may do some interesting discoveries about yourself that you can take advantage of. If however you are already familiar with behavioral economics you may find the book a bit flimsy.
The Correlation Between Finance and Architecture
There is a remarkable correlation between the world of contemporary architecture and financial markets.