noellelynn writes

November 25, 2008

Mind-blowing Entourage ep.

In a truly spectacular episode of Entourage (Season 5, “Return to Queens Boulevard“) – I went from laughter to worry to shock to wowed. I have to say I was legitimately wondering if Vince’s career could ever be revived and BAM – he fires E.

Talk about a turn of events. E takes it like a man, tells Vince to fuck off and leaves. I couldn’t be more proud. And the final whammer comes in the form of a phone call from Martin Scorcese (how awesome are the cameos this season) who offers Vince a lead in his next movie. Too hot for words! Entourage kicks ass.

November 24, 2008

A Mixed Bag.

Quite a couple of things going on in this one – firstly, I would like to refer to an earlier post Of Designers and Art Directors and fine print that my beloved Weicong was never included in my description of anti-establishment designers.

I praise myself for having a salad today for lunch. I reproach myself for having a whole Crunchie bar after.

I am ridiculously excited that an old movie, Only You is on HBO. It stars Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. and is as hilarious now as it was before.

I was listening to Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine“, basically to break the Aimee Mann playlist that has been plaguing me with pits of depression. So, I blasted Just Fine and danced around like a buffoon. It also got me thinking of what a nice cover “Growing Pains” is and so added a few more covers I like.

I love the way the J forms the B in her name – smart, simple typography.

I love that the title of the album is followed with, “by Modest Mouse” – it makes it seem more than just a music album, almost a narrative and a story. And once you get in it, it is just that. I love Modest Mouse and I love the clean typography on this album.

I have always loved Pearl Jam covers and experimental CD formats but this is one of my favourites cos it’s so random and came with this series of cards.

The Shins – I prefer this album to their others which had more a vector feel, which dated quickly. This one factors in a quirk value that definitely spans time.

Added: Ben Lee’s “Awake Is The New Sleep” – I love organic design; design that has been conceptualised and realised without the use of the computer.

Within this year, I have pushed ideas aside that would require tedious photography in favour of quick fixes as time is of the essence. Time always seems to be of the essence, how wonderful it would be when design is of the essence.

November 23, 2008

Insomnia is depressing.

You think the worst thoughts at 4am.

The worst part of yourself emerges at 4:01am.

You wonder who you truly are at 4:02am.

You wonder if anyone will ever know the real you at 4:03am.

You hope someone will like you for who you really are at 4:04am.

You question your capacity to love at 4:05am.

You wonder what the hell happened to your life at 4:06am.

You pop a pill at 4:07am.

Insomnia is a painful, lonely struggle. Dolce is of little company past 9pm, her official bed-time. I have tried insomnia sprays, warm milk, exercise, TV, no TV, reading – but my only saving grace are pills. On one of my many sleepless nights, I remember thinking about a line from Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn“.

Illusion never changed into something real
I’m wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You’re a little late, I’m already torn.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bPndxNNKfA]

November 21, 2008

I’m watching Garden State. Yes, again.

I’ve absolutely been in love with this movie since the first time I ever saw it. Everytime I watch it, it never ceases to amaze me how amazing it is. Although, it always depresses me at the end. Life is never like a movie, maybe that’s why I watch so much TV. And so, I decided to list the reasons why I love this movie.

1. Zach Braff

I find Zach Braff irresistable. It’s simple – he’s talented in more ways than just acting. He’s a great eye as a director, fantastic writing as a scriptwriter. He’s clearly got a sense of humour and a fantastic ear for music.

2. Quirk Factor

Let’s see: it starts from the split mirror screen, the faucets, the wallpaper shirt, meeting the Girl while a dog is humping your leg, the side car bike, the fire arrows, the garbage bag raincoats. I love quirk and this movie has it in droves. It also has words like “conundrum”. I love the scene where she brings him to her room and lays out all the idiosyncracies. Who does that anymore?

3. The wait for the Kiss

I love a movie that makes you wait for a good kiss. So many opportunities and I’m always glad he didn’t take them because that kiss in the rain was fantastic – it always feels unplanned and awkward (mostly because a 3rd character is there) but fantastic timing.

4. The Soundtrack

There are few soundtracks that can rival this one. From start (Coldplay’s “Don’t Panic“) to finish (Frou Frou’s “Let Go“) – it’s a fantastic range (Zero 7, The Shins, The Shins, The Shins, Iron & Wine) – it’s such a soundtrack to life.

So, for all those who have not seen this movie (it’s completely ludicrous to think this movie has passed you by), here’s the trailer.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u82n0e1mgmQ]

xxx

November 20, 2008

If I Were A Boy.

Thanks to Mish for recommending this video. Completely stunning – fresh take on music videos. It’s been a while since someone pulled a Thriller – making the music video actually a journey. Good editing, appreciate the black and white cinematography (although Beyonce is less believable as a cop, but it makes sense in the end) plus her partner is hot.

It’s also a really good mature song. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7x-UXjZpRM]