tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57412279550766990162024-02-19T23:59:37.794+00:00Another Day, Another ThingJohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-22114961135000567432010-02-01T20:57:00.004+00:002010-02-04T11:37:22.379+00:00Paris shows us the way to next winterSometimes it seems a little depressing that autumn/winter is 'the' season for fashion, and all the hype around the spring shows makes many fashionistas want to skip what - to me at least - is the loveliest part of the year, the green, the sunshinem the outdoor life...<br /><br />However. Last week was Paris Fashion Week and it seems as though we will be having a fair few treats in store next season:<br />[and, being a guy, I'm going to skip over the continuing reign of Balmain as the bold and beautiful when it comes to womenswear]<br />Military and the 'Gangs of New York' are the looks being touted and shown by many - with 80s revival slowly petering out, looks reflect a time further past - maybe not with quite as much of a modern twist as I would like - but still a refreshing change.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygBM6_PKekGX7V1OvOzygChTGzgN5YTKt0jiYiEz6Di98UCPZV_WsWsR2cVEfvmTfs85wv9vl_VXWBzxNX8Ccdq0q085fJqv7GdJWmGNsrccTcdTopT8R7I-shvSYiUH-lDhKCK5I_cW5/s1600-h/burberry+boot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygBM6_PKekGX7V1OvOzygChTGzgN5YTKt0jiYiEz6Di98UCPZV_WsWsR2cVEfvmTfs85wv9vl_VXWBzxNX8Ccdq0q085fJqv7GdJWmGNsrccTcdTopT8R7I-shvSYiUH-lDhKCK5I_cW5/s200/burberry+boot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434350751951774594" /></a><br /><br />Military buttons, colours, strong coats - developing on 09/10 trends are paired with more sombre hues, less fitted clothing and even more boots. A personal favourite are the Burberrry (okay okay, this was Milan) sheepskin lined black leather ones. In many ways fashion is getting less flashy, more classic but with attention to details - zips, buttons, lines...<br /><br />Dries Van Noten referenced menswears classics and built on 09/10 with strong piping and mixing tweed, stripes and blocks of colour to combine classical looks in a radical new way. For those on a budget - chop and stitch your way to next season's hot trends!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU81LnP5QVJ39LNgOIZAd4PciYjU6lfs77Ol_Y3SyIk9pcKs84zuHwlarFEUCvWzOKDRWkkZmgpfB6s6hGLbjD4cLsargGKqTw6T0XviJnvaR_HSPmZnakksrl4gY2KSjgXAhR7bZgveV/s1600-h/dries-van-noten-fall-2010+2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU81LnP5QVJ39LNgOIZAd4PciYjU6lfs77Ol_Y3SyIk9pcKs84zuHwlarFEUCvWzOKDRWkkZmgpfB6s6hGLbjD4cLsargGKqTw6T0XviJnvaR_HSPmZnakksrl4gY2KSjgXAhR7bZgveV/s320/dries-van-noten-fall-2010+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434350931031297106" /></a><br /><br />Dior Homme has simple, monochrome outfits flowing loosely in a range of fabrics and styles that range from futuristic panelling to stormy Victoriana - retaining a Gothic grandeur throughout. Perhaps one of the most easy to imitate looks, the clothes are also very wearable and versatile.<br /><br /><br /><br />And there's another three fashion weeks to go.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-91330182541666307102010-01-31T22:57:00.004+00:002010-02-01T00:07:42.864+00:00Retrospective Musings on MusicSo about a month ago everyone compiled their best of 2009 and best of the 'noughties' lists - and, don't worry, I'm not going to do that now - which had the effect of making me go back and listen to some of my favourite albums of the past few years, and download a few classic songs I didn't realise that I didn't have. Though in some ways it maybe started off a bit shakily, the noughties was a great decade for music: the rise and fall of 'indie' from Is This It and Up the Bracket to the teenyboppers-with-guitars that are now inflicted upon our ears; the proliferation of electronica and its many forms; the rise of dubstep; folk revival; and just some really great artists, albums and songs. But looking back, which artists will really be remembered in years to come as driving music forward, pushing the limits, innovating, being the vanguard and not the zeitgeist?<br /><br />I offer three suggestions amongst many possibilities:<br />1. M.I.A.: If we live now in a truly post- (or post-post-) modern world, then M.I.A. is one of the first artists to truly capture it in such dazzling style: the fragments of cultures, lives, technologies, worlds, all colliding is right here in her samples, ultra-modern electronic sounds alongside ancient rhythms and sharp, witty and sometimes damning lyrics sung with the confident swagger of a decade that saw no limits, for both better and worse. 'Paper Planes' become one of the defining anthems of the decade, with its combination of a Clash sample, gunshots, and biting satirical lyrics that made you think politics whilst joyfully singing your heart out.<br />2. The Knife: The present and the foreseeable future are electronic, and The Knife have not just embraced this but used electronica in previously un-thought ways. Not simple dance or pop music, on Silent Shout, the swedish act found away to capture mood, atmosphere, weather, and the world in epic yet intimate, grand yet subtle ways. Just as classical symphonies and programme music used 'traditional' instruments to evoke everything from claps of thunder to hidden sorrow, so The Knife harness the possibilities of new, electronic technology to do the same thing. Hauntingly beautiful soundscapes of rain and wind, desparation, loss and sorrow stretch the boundaries of electronic music to startling effect. And it doesn't stop there: their new electronic opera recently premiered in Copenhagen, and from the youtube trailer promises to be a spectacular new take on an old form.<br />3. Animal Collective: Taking something from a huge range of genres and constantly evolving, this is innovation itself, and surely the sound of the future. Dispensing with traditional popular music styles, the Collective manage to create music that is catchy, listenable and of great beauty, evoking mood and emotion in an entirely new, unique and original way. Challenging on first listen, you come to realise that this is only because our ears are thus far untrained to their sounds, and on repeat listening they are an utter revelation. Not for nothing was last year's Merriweather Post Pavillion one of the most feted album releases in years.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-72260956789511005972010-01-29T13:29:00.004+00:002010-01-29T13:38:47.257+00:00How to cause minimal environmental harm when travelling...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukklJ6o05T5NAMDQA_p0nnLL-Oc0vnb7V_y1fJKsDpQJM1apdDfY6ElG8iv6pRZlIrJ2SK53EcwiahimwtTAlKXQ9NfQtLFB0Y8u_M2cp0hjtOVb2W8FHk9kNKklSbHxxMnzTfvf6pAbJ/s1600-h/from+duomo+roof.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukklJ6o05T5NAMDQA_p0nnLL-Oc0vnb7V_y1fJKsDpQJM1apdDfY6ElG8iv6pRZlIrJ2SK53EcwiahimwtTAlKXQ9NfQtLFB0Y8u_M2cp0hjtOVb2W8FHk9kNKklSbHxxMnzTfvf6pAbJ/s320/from+duomo+roof.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432155208221257378" /></a><br /><br />...check out www.greentraveller.co.uk - a website that I have been working for recently, which is a really clear, clean, useful and non-preachy source of information and inspiration for amazing holidays and journeys across Europe and beyond. It tells you step by step how to travel without flying, as well as giving some great holiday ideas and linking to accommodation en route. The blog section gives you all the latest green and ethical travel news as well as further trip ideas and entertaining stories from top travel writers. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_G3093OROdyF2l0RpEJTbPH02UOZlKqQOWDsDNNhKTsE9iVOUSxsxK04EWN_mGj-ISdNOn1lDk4NEAUoaWySaf_CdsNvEdTBhlO2JEWxK6OhR-eFLb0LSXElHkW1TDqNeMR98BqguJ3A/s1600-h/poetto+-+my+image.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_G3093OROdyF2l0RpEJTbPH02UOZlKqQOWDsDNNhKTsE9iVOUSxsxK04EWN_mGj-ISdNOn1lDk4NEAUoaWySaf_CdsNvEdTBhlO2JEWxK6OhR-eFLb0LSXElHkW1TDqNeMR98BqguJ3A/s320/poetto+-+my+image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432155200978300546" /></a><br /><br /><http://www.greentraveller.co.uk><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcRSRsMngSj8Bubc8gmfLlgGeycaLciijCfEU-acTilEjsDkdbaU9cHpLmPdtG_jyvKbl_J6PqnVxMMChBLlt0jGo6Y4CR-oYOFbgLuVPJvVdZuBfFfy8hq9JOs2WHm2f8uE6lhnlw9sU/s1600-h/grenoble6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcRSRsMngSj8Bubc8gmfLlgGeycaLciijCfEU-acTilEjsDkdbaU9cHpLmPdtG_jyvKbl_J6PqnVxMMChBLlt0jGo6Y4CR-oYOFbgLuVPJvVdZuBfFfy8hq9JOs2WHm2f8uE6lhnlw9sU/s320/grenoble6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432155205337303554" /></a>JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-85587137450285546982010-01-13T17:49:00.001+00:002010-01-13T20:37:27.858+00:00Causers of AmazementDownload the debut album from Toro y Moi, Causers of This, now. South Carolina's Chazwick Bundick creates warped, tripped-out lo-fi psychadelic electronica to sooth every soul into a state of bliss. Like watching city lights flash by in a languorous state of half-sleep, this is a new kind of trance music: a sweet anaesthetic that gets under your skin, not a flashback to '90 Ibiza. And it's just what you need when it's below freezing outside and daylight lasts for only about seven hours.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPzWDUU9OpoJohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-56265052147685849182010-01-10T20:11:00.002+00:002010-01-10T22:27:31.540+00:00The bleak mid-winter and beyondSo we're in the grips, or depending on who you hear it from, death throes, of the coldest, snowiest winter that Britain has seen during my lifetime. I sway between gazing adoringly at the flakes of snow and relishing the squeak of fresh snow beneath my shoes and ranting to anyone who will listen about how much I wish I lived somewhere with permanent heat and sunshine, with none of this irritating ice and sole-destroying slush. Either way, this bleak winter isn't going to get me down. Because when you live in one of the world's great cities, there is always something to do.<br /><br />So, spurred on by a visit from friends from California, I have seen the dubiously-acquired treasures of the British Museum and learnt about rocks in South Kensington, taken High Tea and seen as much of the interior of St. Paul's as one can without paying the steep entry fee. And, of course, I have partied. New Year's at Scrutton Street warehouse saw the wonderful Boy 8 Bit and many others spin dazzling electro to East London's finest... and softening cement coated our shoes. The bars of Shoreditch don't seem to suffer from people's alcohol-renouncing resolutions, and Dalston Superstore's glorious sense of camp fun was in full swing as ever last wednesday as we quaffed wine and played, er, ping pong. When the snow falls, we just make sure not to fall down. Literally, figuratively, or otherwise.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-26110981007952947982009-12-27T22:34:00.002+00:002009-12-28T00:44:02.503+00:00I gave inIn the intimate surroudings of Dalston's beautiful art deco Rio Cinema, I watched Where the Wild Things Are. And I loved it unconditionally. Sure, it had faults and it was quite clearly one person's singular interpretation of the book, but it was a truly wonderful cinematic experience. Landscapes that let the heart and imagination soar, from verdant forest to windswept dunes, sucked you into the screen, and the plaintive emotions of the (quite obviously symbolic, admittedly) eponymous 'wild things' struck chords all over the place. Complex, simple, resonant for children and adults alike, and a thing of great beauty to behold: this is what the cinematic experience is all about. My congratulations, Mr. Jonze.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-38050640262948714342009-12-27T22:21:00.003+00:002009-12-27T22:29:38.532+00:00And we had a White Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk4arB0iMbmB27vIk3wpFifqPknuiwz4SFVKTeU5_t_MCbezRMUtFdnCJo_3bUuHeoLyjlTG24BY7bVr4RMWyhl5w7BwkDtQHrfHaDLtmHGLjk1KVZBEUJUjNR-4UjsA-RNqt-eq8wWxx/s1600-h/22370_560549085219_223803089_3894608_938069_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk4arB0iMbmB27vIk3wpFifqPknuiwz4SFVKTeU5_t_MCbezRMUtFdnCJo_3bUuHeoLyjlTG24BY7bVr4RMWyhl5w7BwkDtQHrfHaDLtmHGLjk1KVZBEUJUjNR-4UjsA-RNqt-eq8wWxx/s320/22370_560549085219_223803089_3894608_938069_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420045184264778994" /></a><br />Firstly, a belated Merry Christmas to you all.<br />Secondly, as those fortunate enough to dwell in the many areas of Britain that experienced the fabled cultural-meteorological phenomenon will know, this year saw the first real White Christmas that I can remember. And most likely, the only one of my lifetime thus far. Though temperatures have now started to creep back above freezing point, much of the UK actually experienced real, cold, snowy winter weather for nigh on two weeks, and, come Christmas morn, I looked outside and, lo-and-behold, all was carpeted in white.<br />I have to admit, I didn't venture into the subzero air to fully embrace this glacial benediction on the great day itself, but when on the night of the 23rd my friends and I saw the snow begin to fall (I mean really fall) outside from the bar in which we were quaffing, we reverted to the children that truly everyone is deep down and frolicked, screamed and generally threw snowballs for a few minutes of festive bliss. In the centre of town - beats sophistication any day.<br />I also am proud to have contributed to quite a large ball of snow, which you can here see me stood upon.<br />Who would have thought precipitation could be such a source of joy?JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-8581278687659029722009-12-18T00:20:00.005+00:002009-12-27T22:21:45.442+00:00The annual winter weather panic. Mon Dieu, les Anglais.Despite my sometime attempts to distance myself as some kind of nebulous 'citizen of the world' or 'internationalist,' I guess that deep down we really all are a product of the place that we grow up in. And I'm British. It's snowing outside and I'm going to get excited about it. Okay, okay, so half an inch and a few blizzards isn't something necessarily worth getting all worked up about, but the fact that it's - gasp - December and it vaguely resembles a bad Christmas Card anywhere near to a Church, park or Old Building means that the entire country has been given free reign to wax lyrical, and as I presume we will see by the morning, turn into a state of mass panic. If we get the forecast four inches (eight on high ground), there will be transport closures, offices closed, emergency service shutdowns, blackouts... everything. For some reason major cities like Moscow and Montréal deal regularly with months of feet of the white stuff, but we can't seem to cope with a few hours or a light dusting. Changing from tube to bus at Kings Cross I ambled past assembled masses unable to take the train home, following general cancellations - all this from a little snowfall. I have to admit, as it doesn't directly affect me (yet, at least), I find it all very amusing. And who doesn't like a feeling of occasion? To fall in with the old Christmas song cliché, my feelings are: let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-84851810300453067522009-12-13T23:23:00.004+00:002009-12-13T23:27:56.353+00:00OopsWhen the train announcer said "Next station: Stansted Airport," I realised that I had left my passport in my bedroom. I would have loved to tell you about Norwegian Christmas markets, Oslo's stunning new opera house, the beauty of the fjord surrounded by snow-capped fields, the stylish Norwegians and their boutiques and over-priced cafés, the festive joy of ice skating in Scandinavia... But I can't. Instead, I tortured myself by heading to the West End the second Saturday before Christmas and enraged myself by descending into the confused-tourist-and-shopper-filled depths of Piccadilly Circus station. Clearly I am a glutton for punishment.<br /><br />Brick Lane today, however, was as spirit-lifting and comparatively-easy-on-the-wallet as always. (Though I couldn't settle on what to pick for a New Year's outfit.) At least life has its comforts and predictable pleasures.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-8998694602834747182009-12-07T17:10:00.004+00:002009-12-07T21:01:08.858+00:00I ♥ McQueenSaturday dawned one of those glorious late autumn days: crisp air, a clear blue sky, and bright sunshine that still offered a little warmth. Better still, I awoke to the promise of an Alexander McQueen sample sale. Barely able to contain ourselves, my friends and I joined the melée in a crowded room in Clerkenwell. Whilst the men's section was somewhat meagre compared to the huge range of dresses and other pieces beautiful shapes and structures floating off the women's rails, there were still some sharp trousers, an industrial navy jumpsuit I desperate tried to think of an occasion I could wear on, a handful of shirts that were sadly not in my size, a luxurious burgundy blazer that fitted like a dream and cost a fortune, and a selection of wonderful shoes. I have wanted another pair of boots for a while, and the cherry creepers would have been perfect, were they not three sizes too big. Industrial silver DM-style boots caught my eye but bizzarely all six sizes had been cornered by two men who presumably have now sold them on at inflated prices. In the end though, I found my prize, a rhapsody in patent leather: a pair of dark forest green lace-up Oxfords. To say they fitted like a dream would be, at a size too small, an exaggeration; however after their first outing on Saturday night the leather had softened a little and they were definitely extremely comfortable. Now I just need a full McQueen suit to complete the outfit. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0b2mJIm1KWpiFgv5nRHu6-dG0ACyygranj1rEDZicA48QaYC6thssx3RX3oTb1zy-syVY6JWWB1B2uR9SRXfgIrU8-vbH246A7kzgOKpfFtKgoc1HkwiqwTwiX-WfrCvLUXvk8uJoIi8/s1600-h/P1010001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0b2mJIm1KWpiFgv5nRHu6-dG0ACyygranj1rEDZicA48QaYC6thssx3RX3oTb1zy-syVY6JWWB1B2uR9SRXfgIrU8-vbH246A7kzgOKpfFtKgoc1HkwiqwTwiX-WfrCvLUXvk8uJoIi8/s320/P1010001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412602168886142338" /></a>JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-36964594035411516962009-12-03T22:10:00.006+00:002009-12-03T22:28:10.814+00:00Wild Things and Shiny Rings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbZCAJYuDLn9Wd6Wpa9H9Fb1noEzWwHJqk-4ljbyLq8P1hT4RN72Bzem0zf1YLHBsgBNYl7zcxMADUj9YQfXFg0LyQcDFkLgR9oZAxl3TW2OpJO3zLPBihp_UkVv2Y7kSk0DLF9wFi-94/s1600-h/wild+things+opening+ceremony.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbZCAJYuDLn9Wd6Wpa9H9Fb1noEzWwHJqk-4ljbyLq8P1hT4RN72Bzem0zf1YLHBsgBNYl7zcxMADUj9YQfXFg0LyQcDFkLgR9oZAxl3TW2OpJO3zLPBihp_UkVv2Y7kSk0DLF9wFi-94/s200/wild+things+opening+ceremony.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411137338590330802" /></a><br />I have to admit, I have been loth to go and see Spike Jonze's adaptation of 'Where the Wild Things Are', because I am always dubious about film adaptations of books, and though it does look beautiful and my friends have loved it... well, I am quite attached to the images I have in my imagination since childhood of Maurice Sendak's dark and beautiful classic. One thing that I am enthusiastic about, however, is the Wild Things-inspired collection of faux fur delights for Opening Ceremony. Evoking the characters of the book/movie with lush, thick layers of surprisingly realistic fur, the collection manages to be fantastical whilst wearable, a real labour of love and artistry. http://www.openingceremony.us/p318.html<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRp-APocEPZgEtNXyBr0UIfjbeDwFONdmgz-Z8iZ02aIDfPRAgzxhs68VXfWP0RAIDG5-3gzL032h87-VY8tnl8m4nYo4jMxAQzHs0QNAXIccjCZt0n_NQEFV97tNawcTQadutszr7QKN/s1600-h/dellal+dominic+jones.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRp-APocEPZgEtNXyBr0UIfjbeDwFONdmgz-Z8iZ02aIDfPRAgzxhs68VXfWP0RAIDG5-3gzL032h87-VY8tnl8m4nYo4jMxAQzHs0QNAXIccjCZt0n_NQEFV97tNawcTQadutszr7QKN/s320/dellal+dominic+jones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411139241498316434" /></a> If you haven't heard of Dominic Jones by now, I don't know where you've been the last few months, but the London-based jewellery designer, whose muse is none other than rock-chic icon Alice Dellal, is making huge waves in the fashion world. His gutsy jewellery, which draws influence from punk and gang subcultures, as well as the animal kingdom, manages to be at once bold and aggressive and subtle and elegant. And I'm going to join the long list of people desperate to get my hands on a piece: a single or double (knuckle-duster referencing) claw ring, if I had to make a choice, would come just above the metal claw-detail leather gloves. Currently available at Matches Fashion but bound to be in every stylish boutique from London to NYC by the time winter is over. www.dominicjonesjewellery.comJohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-56819595676551139252009-12-03T20:26:00.003+00:002009-12-03T22:09:58.791+00:00Return to the Gothic Spires and Arctic WindsIt's funny how places take on a totally different face when you don't live there. After spending years bemoaning the cold, the grey, the small-town feel and the lack of anything remotely alternative in the Scottish capital, I return to find all these features somehow endearing. When you aren't accustomed to it, jaded by the wind, Edinburgh's beauty is striking, its gothic skyline full of dark allure, its weather almost, dare I say it, refreshing.<br /><br />A weekend 'up north' couldn't have been better spent: celebrating Thanksgiving with one of my best (American) friends and her extended entourage of international acquaintances was a decadent feast and a great chance to catch up with people I haven't seen in months. The rest of the weekend passed in a haze - I didn't realise quite how many friends still lived in Edinburgh until I got there. But despite flitting around, indulging myself in mulled wine far too early in the afternoon and sleeping little, I still felt relaxed, nostalgic and heart-warmed. If, admittedly, a little on the chilly side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLJ_2Sn5Xpjn1SOlhdxiqcCSK-DHDjA4ARFyNbJi-LatWaULAvDX0Q4OV1ZmTRejATsOO8GpJdgStsO-28jmUWtljGB2HZ67iF9Cs0aMC0LyYXy8cspYL0AK-Z-drnxk6lMbtTZt5sQOC/s1600-h/xmas+market.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLJ_2Sn5Xpjn1SOlhdxiqcCSK-DHDjA4ARFyNbJi-LatWaULAvDX0Q4OV1ZmTRejATsOO8GpJdgStsO-28jmUWtljGB2HZ67iF9Cs0aMC0LyYXy8cspYL0AK-Z-drnxk6lMbtTZt5sQOC/s320/xmas+market.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135272015886562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FFdUMhu7WjK8oRfhvbrpaffyjCP6ZREODgdtObqsWt37Oy2Gzkmn8-OvBqqKeicaOOgoqHmKwb7wtFGo91Pr08XU3SKsY3WnFbLHcxyaDuxQtcdKR-OTHxS3uInoIxippCBoUYixnF2h/s1600-h/garib's.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FFdUMhu7WjK8oRfhvbrpaffyjCP6ZREODgdtObqsWt37Oy2Gzkmn8-OvBqqKeicaOOgoqHmKwb7wtFGo91Pr08XU3SKsY3WnFbLHcxyaDuxQtcdKR-OTHxS3uInoIxippCBoUYixnF2h/s320/garib's.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135262647346898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NjN36HTGT6F9bwUBuUwT7PQgyXVasoHp8pP3rGTIX7785Wg-9XResxWDMffYXjGNtntjw-SQCtbyPQgZPB9roEzQj7G3hSoiJLAYj4kwVhad5W22G-iALhB5sMZiUINv8XPZKk0fxPoa/s1600-h/ed+from+wheel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NjN36HTGT6F9bwUBuUwT7PQgyXVasoHp8pP3rGTIX7785Wg-9XResxWDMffYXjGNtntjw-SQCtbyPQgZPB9roEzQj7G3hSoiJLAYj4kwVhad5W22G-iALhB5sMZiUINv8XPZKk0fxPoa/s320/ed+from+wheel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411135260867319666" /></a><br /><br />(The first two photos are courtesy of my beautiful friend Jai)JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-60834589166616754702009-12-02T18:50:00.008+00:002009-12-03T20:25:44.470+00:00The joys of springtime are back!Vampire. Weekend.<br /><br />Andddd you can download the obviously lovely 'Horchata' for free on their website, <br />http://www.vampireweekend.com/horchata/<br /><br />The home page is now the video for the fantastic new single, 'Cousins' - which you can also view on youtube<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0u11rgd9Q<br /><br />Typically upbeat, with a sense of humour that comes through the giggling guitar and African-influenced percussion, this could almost be straight off their debut, but for a stronger, rockier sound that starts to come through. Whilst the humour and satire that has always permeated their lyrics remains fairly gentle, and I think we're all relieved that Koenig et al aren't exactly angry, it could be an interesting departure... <br /><br />I personally can't wait til January to find out!JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-90750282524479882312009-11-19T22:04:00.004+00:002009-11-19T22:20:31.407+00:00More mediocre attempts at capturing America on camera<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIszWifzLq4JIesoo-8MJIbLYR8K3nmaBLe58fzU0vqgORooEy9jBw5SyMs6g5eyc8woyE0gZoWlHwfrXEGS-fKBVqzQ5dn0BUHKoU-SrxN9mldni8v3tJ0yPBEDfafaHq9NxBDhhs5yty/s1600/P1010078.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIszWifzLq4JIesoo-8MJIbLYR8K3nmaBLe58fzU0vqgORooEy9jBw5SyMs6g5eyc8woyE0gZoWlHwfrXEGS-fKBVqzQ5dn0BUHKoU-SrxN9mldni8v3tJ0yPBEDfafaHq9NxBDhhs5yty/s320/P1010078.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941603521855330" /></a><br />Despite what you might think, freedom of speech is thriving - right opposite the White House<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlOr9kMRH3dxG_F2C2RAP3OJ8X2gibzYI-mR0O1i72N_Scla09nQsl0b1DmiKRvYlD4mgAIoRHUlgOmpvLktl2WVDavJMIFSvDHjmZ_PgigOqBtJqqtV-4JWm1bbtyZf9DaYLpFM3_4wQ/s1600/P1010056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlOr9kMRH3dxG_F2C2RAP3OJ8X2gibzYI-mR0O1i72N_Scla09nQsl0b1DmiKRvYlD4mgAIoRHUlgOmpvLktl2WVDavJMIFSvDHjmZ_PgigOqBtJqqtV-4JWm1bbtyZf9DaYLpFM3_4wQ/s320/P1010056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941281322798914" /></a><br />Monumental juxtaposition<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs1Ja64OpqFE4zq61M8VmQ6cEERkacI-ADyJuzNDs2gEaMO6vt5M8sp_vp9TdJ3iwgZLCHQrE1gIoi1buUKUzRQ6a74AmfWkz7AOKHpG4GdjFUeamFimLPCCDIpth4oFmyDukqeuiVkse/s1600/P1010180.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs1Ja64OpqFE4zq61M8VmQ6cEERkacI-ADyJuzNDs2gEaMO6vt5M8sp_vp9TdJ3iwgZLCHQrE1gIoi1buUKUzRQ6a74AmfWkz7AOKHpG4GdjFUeamFimLPCCDIpth4oFmyDukqeuiVkse/s320/P1010180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941277448408978" /></a><br />I'd be lying if I said the colour was intentional, but you've got to love my framing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR6vQCvttcS70jy0Cqmm_7E-d9VPYWVBr5_iNF0McD7OhdeDinzqbp4TXPKEbevw_rjzt219TBMOpx6MbOu6SlbbvGChJATBAtRqEEuEYaywg9_M_j5JhN1YY6wxQwmxFcqTM82N5I2jO/s1600/P1010154.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR6vQCvttcS70jy0Cqmm_7E-d9VPYWVBr5_iNF0McD7OhdeDinzqbp4TXPKEbevw_rjzt219TBMOpx6MbOu6SlbbvGChJATBAtRqEEuEYaywg9_M_j5JhN1YY6wxQwmxFcqTM82N5I2jO/s320/P1010154.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941272487367666" /></a><br />"Hmm... leaves..."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzPGOLmtpswM8FP6zk70D1TVsi8CRZ1Mzu56ykyxNDOCJT_u0VwMp-Le_zqaULWJbtfKz8L4VVxJaGK1kDLIncRYMqQs-0rwiu_1stIkW0987I2H-y_PFUKadp5RxJw72Fks-p8Yd7ALy/s1600/P1010214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzPGOLmtpswM8FP6zk70D1TVsi8CRZ1Mzu56ykyxNDOCJT_u0VwMp-Le_zqaULWJbtfKz8L4VVxJaGK1kDLIncRYMqQs-0rwiu_1stIkW0987I2H-y_PFUKadp5RxJw72Fks-p8Yd7ALy/s320/P1010214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941270583273138" /></a><br />Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the sun just shone and shone<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg359ChRm9Pdir2nW7ahbhPF5rjslgezmNxzywdlpn8toRSjxSN-of0Dcn-sSOOJhc8tMwNj2duQOii_6UpTmpE4WZO2chCC0EeU97jCe-UwuMpJukoIoYdBQcZjOFQAG7E__9PbVhugcYI/s1600/P1010069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg359ChRm9Pdir2nW7ahbhPF5rjslgezmNxzywdlpn8toRSjxSN-of0Dcn-sSOOJhc8tMwNj2duQOii_6UpTmpE4WZO2chCC0EeU97jCe-UwuMpJukoIoYdBQcZjOFQAG7E__9PbVhugcYI/s320/P1010069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941264251645122" /></a><br />Until it set over the Pacific in a show of epic grandeur that no human will ever reproduce.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-50375966859558873952009-11-17T22:01:00.002+00:002009-11-17T22:14:33.365+00:00Another Weekend, Another Party (or 2)This weekend saw me once more on the party trail across Londontown, hitting up Odd One Out's Freaks and Geeks night at the new place to be, Cable, under London Bridge station. Whilst there's no denying that this is a great venue, with the expected exposed brick, and large, slightly ramshackle, cavernous spaces, mezzanines and a vaguely Dickensian atmosphere, the event itself was something of a let down. Admittedly, I was tired from a busy week and various dramas earlier on in the night, but despite some decent music (a pretty eclectic selection including some standard electro, fun-time disco and a little bit of afrobeat), the atmosphere was somewhat confused - with a selection of Clapham yuppies, a lost looking East London contingent and some people who really went for the Freaks and Geeks theme (most people, myself included, were a little more half hearted). It didn't really seem to mesh - though drinks prices were fairly reasonable. I'd definitely give Cable another go, but maybe only for a seriously big name DJ where you know the music will be enough in itself to make the party.<br /><br />The not-so-mean-anymore back streets of Dalston are where you will find Stamford Works, a warehouse space that played host to DDD's Bad Birthday Shindig on Saturday night. This was my kind of party. They didn't make a huge effort with the venue, but it divided nicely into a large, coolish room playing electro and techno deftly mixed in with splashes of jazz and world music; and a smaller, cosy, and warm (well, roasting and humid) room with velvet sofas, reclining wannabe-models pouting, and retro disco tunes. Not as crowded as you might think, and with a diverse crowd perhaps drawn by a mention in Metro (quote of the night: "What are you dressed as?" to my friends and I... Erm, ourselves?), this was one party where the fun went on, and on, and on, accompanied by impressive lights and lasers and an impressive DJ line-up: Crazy P and The Revenge alongside DDD residents. An added dimension to the Shindig was its Michael Jackson theme, which saw a decent chunk of the crowd sporting slogan t-shirts ('Hero to Paedo' sticks in the mind) or dressed as Jacko in one of his many iconic incarnations. Shame about the rain on the way home.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-12162275369550309072009-11-17T21:50:00.004+00:002009-11-17T22:00:57.783+00:00Things I Like That You Should Like TooThis weekend a friend recommended Taken by Trees to me. The solo project of Victoria Bergsman, formerly of the Concretes, whom I must admit I am ignorant of, other than having heard their name banded about a few times, Taken by Trees are subtle, lilting, and entirely enchanting. Combining the other worldliness of Natasha Khan with rays of sunshine and folk guitars, this is music to lift your spirits and indulge your inner Romantic poet to on a cold November evening. Even better, it is available on the wonderful Drowned in Sound to stream for free: http://drownedinsound.com/news/4137777-listen--exclusive-dis-stream-for-taken-by-trees-album-east-of-eden<br />Taken by Trees' official website is http://www.takenbytrees.com/ - worth a visit just for the beautiful photograph used as background, which must insipire a desire to see the world and be amazed even in those with less of a predilection for travel than me.<br /><br />Which brings me on to my second recommendation for the world at large: Where's Cool.<br />I am biased, being a major contributor and content editor, but this really is one of the best travel websites out their for young, hip travellers on a budget. If you're looking for the coolest, cheapest, most interesting, unusual or cutting edge places to go, things to see an bars to drink in in major western cities, then www.wherescool.com is the site for you. All my favourite places are there, as well as those of a few thousand other contributors. If you disagree or think something is missing, you can join up and easily add it yourself. The layout and graphics are pretty sweet too - and whilst a lot of the world isn't covered yet, it's still early days, and the US and much of Europe is chock full of awesome spots for everyone to enjoy.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-68429459327612461032009-11-12T20:26:00.005+00:002009-11-12T21:18:49.602+00:00The ethics of scarvesScarves may not seem like the most obvious subject for moral or ethical debate, but my recent choices in this area have left me more contemplative than your average winter accessory buy. The dilemma, if you can call it that, will become clear upon describing the objects at hand:<br /><br />Exhibit A: A Brown, Jersey, American Apparel Circle Scarf<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYzxSb1JMmGoGUqzmoX7DAGBsr0cCqhJgReYlVeJihjdyNw7Y_0bKtaj-K6mrGdSV8euo7bfo18F0xExG2wkXywa8pXl7xLbFr5f8AJ7AfteDrc786yfi_-Fb-za9GiTPa6-gMl2l4yqb/s1600-h/am+ap+circle+scarf.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYzxSb1JMmGoGUqzmoX7DAGBsr0cCqhJgReYlVeJihjdyNw7Y_0bKtaj-K6mrGdSV8euo7bfo18F0xExG2wkXywa8pXl7xLbFr5f8AJ7AfteDrc786yfi_-Fb-za9GiTPa6-gMl2l4yqb/s200/am+ap+circle+scarf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403317084445495922" /></a><br /><br />Exhibit B: An antique fox fur stole<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI9r9U6lI8aFibTbBJbUBrwKM-tSUT2WWpOw44pYRngdwftKN0zs-UPP6brROirWxnQaPFYn0WwQdJUgDUuuIxzXCEGBatq72gjA1UabUSs0rEFfYgQSjOA4uE4UEiRSBsSZTdrf-TBkw/s1600-h/15851_202621431577_546626577_4540565_6119473_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI9r9U6lI8aFibTbBJbUBrwKM-tSUT2WWpOw44pYRngdwftKN0zs-UPP6brROirWxnQaPFYn0WwQdJUgDUuuIxzXCEGBatq72gjA1UabUSs0rEFfYgQSjOA4uE4UEiRSBsSZTdrf-TBkw/s200/15851_202621431577_546626577_4540565_6119473_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403318514213056082" /></a><br /><br />Before you say anything, I am not in favour of seal clubbing or inhumane treatment of animals generally. In fact I was a vegetarian for a long time. However. There's no denying that fur both looks and feels good - so soft, so warm. Humans have been wearing it for thousands and thousands of years. Go to siberia, it's not a luxury there, it's a necessity. Not that this applies in London, but I think that when it comes to fur - yes, a lot of it is inhumanely killed or farmed, but vintage fur is already long dead and not wearing it doesn't benefit the animals. In fact, wearing a fur - especially a complete fur like mine - is a preservation of the creature's beauty, and as much of a memorial as they would ever get. You can argue that wearing a vintage fur still glorifies the trade, which does have some truth... but beauty always hurts, n'est pas.<br /><br />And my circle scarf comes guilt free, from the sweatshop free icon itself. So on balance, I'm just an imperfect human. With nice scarves.<br /><br />This almost makes up for not being able to afford the burberry snoods...JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-25227347945010702762009-11-10T22:41:00.001+00:002009-11-11T22:40:38.977+00:00There were fireworks, but not the kind you'd expect on Bonfire weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_1VpuAc4i4hqsVMve_nLrnYNOt7HWz5G9r633WpyhclGRgqVSJxDG33iNooo9TlpvgAd-6ARYrcP_tozVvVAzVbXG7Gof7JRMT8jIs5Dg3j7RqJ9241_grNJ5tS5ehXGnfO81JwL2BTD/s1600-h/15851_202628916577_546626577_4540612_3785946_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_1VpuAc4i4hqsVMve_nLrnYNOt7HWz5G9r633WpyhclGRgqVSJxDG33iNooo9TlpvgAd-6ARYrcP_tozVvVAzVbXG7Gof7JRMT8jIs5Dg3j7RqJ9241_grNJ5tS5ehXGnfO81JwL2BTD/s200/15851_202628916577_546626577_4540612_3785946_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402979572979574082" /></a><br />The night didn't start off well. After getting off the diverted bus in Mare Street, we wondered why exploding rockets weren't lighting up the Hackney sky as we trudged along the canal in the chilly evening air. Two minutes later our questions were answered by a swarm of bonfire-nighters heading in the opposite direction, towards us. Clearly we had missed this year's display. On arrival at Victoria Park, sure enough, the fun fair was closing too...<br /><br />But the night was still young and I do not give up on the chance to party that easily. After a somewhat surreal bus journey involving consumption of various pseudo-cocktails from plastic bottles with people in various more advanced stages of inebriation, we ended up at a house in Clapton where hilarity, involving skulls, foxes and a lot wine ensued.<br /><br />But the (figurative) replacement for the missed fireworks came with a trip back down to Mare Street and the rather wonderfully named Disco Bloodbath. Despite failing to blag our way in for free (I got a discount for my effort, haha) the night was worth every shakily-remembered penny. Though I'm not paying £4 for a can of tepid beer again. Music music music. Dancing dancing dancing. Is there any greater joy in life?<br /><br />Don't answer that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i4cbHp6NhgOzjkSj4no24Pr9JJofJQ3HEcI9X-gZgzzvMzS590W-UZHX8jV2htQJh9O-QpZVvDdGvomiIYqS08PT77KiW8rZbi9XuD32TKeLzaNRxn-p72eDy-J9NHXIY_V_F39xyvPW/s1600-h/15851_202626786577_546626577_4540597_4380632_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1i4cbHp6NhgOzjkSj4no24Pr9JJofJQ3HEcI9X-gZgzzvMzS590W-UZHX8jV2htQJh9O-QpZVvDdGvomiIYqS08PT77KiW8rZbi9XuD32TKeLzaNRxn-p72eDy-J9NHXIY_V_F39xyvPW/s200/15851_202626786577_546626577_4540597_4380632_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402979566738505170" /></a>JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-70899680342571645102009-11-10T14:25:00.002+00:002009-11-10T14:33:56.903+00:00How my faith in humanity was destroyed and restored.Well, if I wasn't extremely cynical to begin with, the title might have a greater degree of truth.<br /><br />In short, I was mugged.<br /><br />About ten days ago, I was walking back from Highbury Corner, admiring the beautiful old houses with a certain degree of jealousy and appreciating the grandeur of the huge, old oak trees with their almost leaf-less limbs, and slipping into a semi-automatic state of gothic reverie... In other words, I was probably too unaware of my surroundings. But, I was on a well-lit street which a bus goes down, and there were other people around. I certainly didn't expect this to be the kind of place I have my pockets emptied and my bag snatched... but appearances, clearly, can be deceptive. Maybe my gothic mood was portentous.<br /><br />I'd rather not discuss the actual mugging, suffice to say I was initially very shaken and subsequently massively annoyed at the huge inconvenience of having no cards, phone, access to money, ID, etc, etc.<br /><br />My parents received a letter addressed to me from my local police station saying they had found something that belonged to me. How? It was this that made me realise that the police had my drivers' license, obtained when I still lived at home. This morning I went in to collect it and found they also had my bag (catch broken my the ignorant fools who stole it and mistook it for a lock), scarf, book, sunglasses and, most shockingly of all, all my (now cancelled cards). In fact everything, other than my phone and gloves. I shudder to think what they'll use the gloves for. But the fact someone even found my bag and handed it in... and that the thieves were decent enough to leave the stuff I actually needed... I don't know. I just feel as though deep down, there are a lot of people that aren't that bad.<br /><br />And I'm happier for it.<br /><br />(I just want my bank cards.)JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-30027866940914368572009-11-04T22:26:00.002+00:002009-11-04T22:57:03.297+00:00Sushi: an OdeWho would have thought that tiny pieces of uncooked fish on sticky rice with a little salty sauce, sinus-clearing paste and a few other, largely decorative, flourishes could taste quite so very good?<br /><br />Here's my gripe: why is it that in California, a huge roll or the best quality sashimi will come to a price comparable to a standard take-out nigiri in the UK. Almost, at least. Clearly, the West Coast of America is closer to Japan, with a larger Japanese population, but it's not as if sushi is flown in. Britain may not have a lot of things, but a coastline is one thing we do have. We're an island! We have a lot of seafood and a big (sometimes environmentally dubious) fishing industry. The ingredients can't weigh in at much more of a cost! I would start a campaign for cheaper good quality sushi, but I really wouldn't know where or how to begin.<br /><br />A special mention here must go to Sushi Spot, on Ventura Boulevard, in the depths of the Valley. Tiny and unassuming, located in the corner of a mini strip-mall, it served up quite possibly the best sushi that I have ever tasted. I was in and out in less than three-quarters of an hour, but that is one meal that I will remember when I'm old and grey. The slithers of toro literally melted on my tongue, a lingering culinary ecstasy that required not a single bite or chew. The prawn and crab tempura roll was huge, fresh, warm and succulent, rich and creamy without being overpowering. The unagi could have been caught five minutes ago and wouldn't have tasted better. Angelenos do not know how lucky they are to be blessed with this place.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-50035439815945358522009-10-28T22:58:00.008+00:002009-10-28T23:11:31.481+00:00I miss the Bay Area: in photographsA picture says a thousand words, and lord knows I can ramble, so here is evidence that speaks (mainly) for itself:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPrC1K8EB81Hxost4SLIg8UAMTY-ZM92mj6R36kBWn7YZWUePkP4T_u0dkPQtILLu58GEPWDJIWIFQ8t_ek_YtDmElYSWGxg9snJXC7IYzVTt8fP0Ni-01x2ipjmyGV6y_j8Nk-1K5kAL/s1600-h/DSC00167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPrC1K8EB81Hxost4SLIg8UAMTY-ZM92mj6R36kBWn7YZWUePkP4T_u0dkPQtILLu58GEPWDJIWIFQ8t_ek_YtDmElYSWGxg9snJXC7IYzVTt8fP0Ni-01x2ipjmyGV6y_j8Nk-1K5kAL/s320/DSC00167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397790545814011010" /></a><br />The Mission's grafitti must be some of the most beautiful and creative in the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYku4haV3rpi7lc0HhMi4KvHj38XG7XEvbNi4zxE7_X0prUWr52CAhrzLVuUEexwA3FWUkK5sUHwWdnSnnSougIkOtJw3jH1Ly0VRn0mhDlyqXVL_0TG6pP5rP9nAi5PuJQk9NnD-f6i3/s1600-h/DSC00187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYku4haV3rpi7lc0HhMi4KvHj38XG7XEvbNi4zxE7_X0prUWr52CAhrzLVuUEexwA3FWUkK5sUHwWdnSnnSougIkOtJw3jH1Ly0VRn0mhDlyqXVL_0TG6pP5rP9nAi5PuJQk9NnD-f6i3/s320/DSC00187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397790544449828626" /></a><br />I spent a whole day here. Why not?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaufoNyRYWpcSYnRpQDZMhPLW0fny0_w_I2abEZUrDroercPOQhHx_EWc1DZnHY5bAyLNi_JIJlCOm-U-0TO5PbkAIX-703DaGtevrzCCCVxbDkhwdfZo_VCVkZwLenRsi29EPH8zaqfh/s1600-h/P1010172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaufoNyRYWpcSYnRpQDZMhPLW0fny0_w_I2abEZUrDroercPOQhHx_EWc1DZnHY5bAyLNi_JIJlCOm-U-0TO5PbkAIX-703DaGtevrzCCCVxbDkhwdfZo_VCVkZwLenRsi29EPH8zaqfh/s320/P1010172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397790539306091490" /></a><br />If you can find me a view that beats this, I'm yours.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAQhvlXhA-cUByawP9oQ2Ottfu3NXDNcOIxBWS7iIxIEYHTv1oK4b-nJajzqfq9wxRI_mWVKk3fqDDg6PyJyiLAxjLDbks-ZyTEfjTsHL9zSucjI_W45YYraFr7iRjAyMlXnwNwlFeZcm/s1600-h/P1010142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAQhvlXhA-cUByawP9oQ2Ottfu3NXDNcOIxBWS7iIxIEYHTv1oK4b-nJajzqfq9wxRI_mWVKk3fqDDg6PyJyiLAxjLDbks-ZyTEfjTsHL9zSucjI_W45YYraFr7iRjAyMlXnwNwlFeZcm/s320/P1010142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397789914447622850" /></a><br />Thinking about it, maybe there are things in this view that would make me even happier.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOJCQe1r3O6RnO0ntQo7H6uvB4E7AZkymD0ku6deAUZJcNFhDWXXmYpfL0Cj8i7Aj8qAY2S4ZbDEXV0ceq4fcwlMMgvXZiqLzFngy1qWqsjkaRUDLAm10-MkfT29NHdVevDivzYS7fIw-/s1600-h/P1010129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOJCQe1r3O6RnO0ntQo7H6uvB4E7AZkymD0ku6deAUZJcNFhDWXXmYpfL0Cj8i7Aj8qAY2S4ZbDEXV0ceq4fcwlMMgvXZiqLzFngy1qWqsjkaRUDLAm10-MkfT29NHdVevDivzYS7fIw-/s320/P1010129.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397789912066723426" /></a><br />The vineyard itself isn't too bad either...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT8kCE67Y_kOTF02ij8PWrOV-ecXji8h7JJ-GW8v7pkY3a0eC9aRMJAyz5-dB5GSoJMATUNJkYQLIfpy_qqXTZ9Hi6JCU_xpLmqyQsobtG0hwFDVvGCLoX8qH3aQknlW6Z8Eohgcx2_Vj/s1600-h/P1010089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT8kCE67Y_kOTF02ij8PWrOV-ecXji8h7JJ-GW8v7pkY3a0eC9aRMJAyz5-dB5GSoJMATUNJkYQLIfpy_qqXTZ9Hi6JCU_xpLmqyQsobtG0hwFDVvGCLoX8qH3aQknlW6Z8Eohgcx2_Vj/s320/P1010089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397789905380090514" /></a><br />Dolores Park: It may be small, but yet again, with a view like that, I'm not complaining.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLvFCFqzKV2lsSsHqH7V5eYO9NFBajPnd2fd7vsKgFL-xj6nUMSqBX3sAdb0oq0XziqzfvCg4NirD4vrsdpI8g_hSQVfHsbLYMAB06y-ushu5LgeN7twMfpZ7ub7RPqVmIn7Gxsa5VA2V/s1600-h/P1010074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLvFCFqzKV2lsSsHqH7V5eYO9NFBajPnd2fd7vsKgFL-xj6nUMSqBX3sAdb0oq0XziqzfvCg4NirD4vrsdpI8g_hSQVfHsbLYMAB06y-ushu5LgeN7twMfpZ7ub7RPqVmIn7Gxsa5VA2V/s320/P1010074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397789899598181762" /></a><br />This is what the California Dream is all about: Highway 1.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuCy9CGlCvymCLpYEx3RIxcQFWovJxH4bqHErOiP1mI_4dCfDtbdnLHYJZEmT2ISMhyphenhyphenF46sqLUZlH0W8ZTb6Q8VduOjVPizSY8JwP0RPJZJJQOtS5gSULdvhV-agx_sy7pGjJtCUCtG0P/s1600-h/P1010018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuCy9CGlCvymCLpYEx3RIxcQFWovJxH4bqHErOiP1mI_4dCfDtbdnLHYJZEmT2ISMhyphenhyphenF46sqLUZlH0W8ZTb6Q8VduOjVPizSY8JwP0RPJZJJQOtS5gSULdvhV-agx_sy7pGjJtCUCtG0P/s320/P1010018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397789893769141362" /></a><br />Okay, so I shot in the direction with no people. But the white sand arc made up for it just a tiny bit.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-64569049337793153842009-10-27T22:31:00.002+00:002009-10-27T22:36:31.072+00:00When raves go wrongApologies for any offence caused to the organisers of Saturday's 'Canal Plus' Rave in Cambridge Heath, but this was a textbook case on how not to throw an event.<br /><br />It could have been brilliant: the choice of an outdoor car park was brave in British October, but the weather held. Looming semi-complete buildings and industrial monuments added to the atmosphere. A crowd gathered...<br /><br />...a crowd started to disperse. When you emphasise the need to be there at a certain time and nothing happens for forty five minutes, you're just not going to keep the whole crowd. When the event starts with a mediocre-at-best electro-pop group who repeated at least one song in a set lasting around half an hour, you know things just aren't looking up. And to top things off, the music that followed could hardly be described as appropriate for a rave.<br /><br />A decent sound system? Dream on.<br /><br />Did anyone dance? Was anyone going to? Come 145, we weren't sticking around to find out.<br /><br />(Fun times ensued in an abandoned petrol station and a Dalston function room... but that's another story)JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-40714636797886715542009-10-26T20:21:00.003+00:002009-10-27T22:40:04.466+00:00It rained a lot in DC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon4gGr9Dbog2ANeER0DgjOli5WK4Z_6PcjY1kdGX3jv7jIuG-s8QPE2hxv-RPej678W9WAIDywSyoprN5apVJH3RhldeUeZC6Ai_KSQmWX-VGdaLNHGVHvWx5s9h341Rr8X_FNrkPHxOc/s1600-h/DSC00275.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon4gGr9Dbog2ANeER0DgjOli5WK4Z_6PcjY1kdGX3jv7jIuG-s8QPE2hxv-RPej678W9WAIDywSyoprN5apVJH3RhldeUeZC6Ai_KSQmWX-VGdaLNHGVHvWx5s9h341Rr8X_FNrkPHxOc/s320/DSC00275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397413236623295330" /></a><br />So after a sojourn in the land of almost-eternal sunshine, I headed to territories new: Washington, DC.<br /><br />In some ways, DC was what I expected. The Mall is indeed both grand and vast, the Capitol imposing, the downtown area sober and full of political activists, the Washington Monument a huge phallocentric symbol of might and power. But it did hold a few surprises. The Lincoln Memorial, for instance, surprised me by its cleanliness. Perhaps a strange thing to note, but it made me realise that once upon a millennium or two ago, the crumbling temples of Rome and Greece were once gleaming white marble, and not quite so ancient.<br /><br />But perhaps more worthy of note, and more general, was the fact that outside of downtown, DC is a thriving, vibrant place with a huge population of young people, and a massive selection of bars. Adams Morgan's main drag, just a hop skip and a jump from the yuppiedom of Dupont Circle, has a heady mixture of hip bars, greasy pizza joints, street art and vintage clothing. And H Street North East, close to the home of my friend I was visiting, is undergoing a renaissance from deprived, almost ghetto area into the coolest place to party, with sushi and dancing, indoor mini golf and a clutch of uber-cool cocktail bars that you wouldn't even know were there during the day.<br /><br />And of special note: E Street cinema - the kind of much-loved arthouse theatre that you wish every filmhouse could be, smelling deliciously of fresh popcorn, in place of the cleaning-liquid sanitisation of your average multiplex.<br /><br />But above and beyond all of this, the rain. Oh, the rain. Pretty much non-stop from the time I landed until the day of my departure, nothing marked my stay in the federal district more than the deluge of water beneath perpetually grey skies. I hear that the Smithsonian and the Monuments are quite a sight in the sunshine, but when you can barely see across the Mall... the experience just ain't the same.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-27846669257590659132009-10-22T22:23:00.004+01:002009-10-22T22:40:07.657+01:00Is this lycanthropy?Amongst the treasures in this month's i-D magazine (how much do I want a sheepskin-and-leather Acne jacket now?), is the ever-wonderful Shakira. Not content with being intelligent, philantropic, a multi-million seller and a brilliant singer, she also insists on being ridiculously hot. Awoooo, indeed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwTueXEnzoYbk4Bn_679ojDbHBCmNG1TSz6uQxst0fHtySL8N4V6r47nWP5OFhlbo-WDFhGHhKtVVJDAK_3sxAYBq_XtWtxUkp89ImLn114bCWjqfXu_QoJ-Mwaup6ZXCcNM_xLSZ7lo6/s1600-h/shakira3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwTueXEnzoYbk4Bn_679ojDbHBCmNG1TSz6uQxst0fHtySL8N4V6r47nWP5OFhlbo-WDFhGHhKtVVJDAK_3sxAYBq_XtWtxUkp89ImLn114bCWjqfXu_QoJ-Mwaup6ZXCcNM_xLSZ7lo6/s200/shakira3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395541942586099650" /></a><br /><br />www.id-mag.comJohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741227955076699016.post-5414659350120330742009-10-22T22:11:00.002+01:002009-10-22T22:23:02.195+01:00America made me like bad music.I have no radio, and never listen to it, so for the most part I choose what I want to listen to, and of course like everyone I have my guilty pleasure songs, but I manage usually to avoid getting sucked into the mediocrity of sanitized commercialism spewed forth by 90% of radio stations. Deprived of total control of my musical choices in the US, I found my ears pricking up at the irresistibly perky yet utterly bland strains of Jay Sean's 'Down,' the catchy awfulness of LMFAO's 'I'm in Miami Bitch,' and to round things off with yet another delightfully-titled treat, I ended up succumbing to the pounding beats of David Guetta (who I by and large don't mind anyway), accompanied by possibly my least favourite 'artist' ever, the squaking, misogynistic Akon on the humourous and ultimately brilliant, umm, 'Sexy Bitch.'<br /><br />Here ends my confession.JohnSannaeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18174964663203267650noreply@blogger.com