Having recently watched Asteroid City and Wes Anderson’s adaptions of Roald Dahl’s stories of Poison, The Swan and The Ratcatcher, it seemed perfect timing to see an exhibition based on the visual style of the Texas filmmaker. With the writer/director/producer’s 11 feature films including Rushmore, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom, there was certainly plenty of inspiration for the seven themed rooms covering 200 of the “most beautiful, idiosyncratic, and interesting places on Earth”.
George Costanza: [to Jerry] You’re a good friend. If you killed somebody, I wouldn’t turn you in.[George leaves] Jerry : Hey, Kramer, if I killed somebody, would you turn me in? Cosmo Kramer : Definitely. Jerry: You’re kidding! Cosmo Kramer: No, no. I would turn you in. Jerry : You would turn me in? Cosmo Kramer: I wouldn’t even think about it. Jerry: I can’t believe I’m hearing this. You’re supposed to be a friend of mine! Cosmo Kramer : Well, what kind of person are you going around killing people? Jerry : Well, I am sure I had a good reason! Cosmo Kramer : Well, if you’ll kill this person, who’s to say I wouldn’t be next? Jerry: But you know me! Cosmo Kramer: I thought I did!
Jason Alexander, Jerry Seinfeld and Michael Richards in the riotous New York comedy Seinfeld (1989 – 1998). I’ve quoted this show so many times (and only a few months ago), but with the upcoming release of the Jerry Seinfeld directed Unfrosted it seemed timely for another gem.
It wasn’t the sunniest of days (for most of it) but when I had the chance to take a set of photos from the top of three different London rooftops I had to take it. First off was Horizon 22, which is even higher than the Shard. Then it was London’s highest public garden. Among the many flowers and plants in The Sky Garden are African Lily, Red Hot Poker and Bird of Paradise – alongside fragrant herbs such as French Lavender. Finally, it was time for The Garden at 120 on Fenchurch Street.
Principal Garrison: Your intentions are good, Mr. Carter, but your methods are a bit extreme. Coach Ken Carter: You painted an extreme picture. No one expects these kids to graduate, no one expects them to go to college. Principal Garrison: So you take away basketball, the one area of their lives where they have some success? Coach Ken Carter: Yes, ma’am. Principal Garrison: And you challenge them academically? Coach Ken Carter: Yes, ma’am! Principal Garrison: And if they fail? Coach Ken Carter: Then WE’ve failed! Principal Garrison: Unfortunately, Mr. Carter, both you and I know that for some of these kids, this basketball season will be the highlight of their lives. Coach Ken Carter: Well, I think that’s the problem. Don’t you?
Denise Dowse and Samuel L Jackson in the sports biopic Coach Carter (2005). The film is based on basketball coach Ken Carter’s inspirational leadership of the struggling Richmond Oilers high school team.
CaseyMathis: What the hell is wrong with you? DavidClark: What’s wrong with me? Look, this job has a deadline, and it’s in…four fucking hours, all right? And if you think I’m gonna lose a half a million dollars payday because one of Kenny’s boo-boos, then you are out of your goddamn mind! RoseO’Reilly: Whoa. Wait a second. You’re making half a million dollars on this deal? DavidClark: I…roughly. RoseO’Reilly: I can not believe you. You’re making $500,000 and giving me only $30,000? Casey Mathis: $30,000? I’m only getting $1,000! Kenny Rossmore: You guys are getting paid?
Emma Roberts, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Anniston and Will Poulter in We’re the Millers (2013), a comedy about a small time drug dealer who needs a group of neighbours to pretend to be his family in order to transport drugs through the boarder.
Having heard about a Lego exhibition in the very aptly placed Brick Lane, I just had to go. Especially as there were over 150 displays made entirely out of the child-friendly toy, all made by American artist Nathan Sawaya.
Sawaya’s upbeat attitude is constantly reinforced throughout the exhibition. There is a mention that Lego is easy to get hold of (unlike marble), that “there are no rules in art” and a reminder to celebrate the fact we are all different. Most pieces are titled, with the number of bricks used also included, for those who are curious to guess the amount. This includes his most iconic work, Yellow.
The Art of the Brick first premiered in 2007, and has been moving across the globe ever since, with 100 cities in 24 countries so far. Each room has a different title, and though there is a playful tone throughout, there are some more thought-provoking pieces, such as Mask, Disintegration and Incomplete. You’ll be especially delighted at his take on famous pieces, as well as ambitious ones like depicting a Labrador and a dinosaur.
This literary-themed cartoon really made me laugh so just had to share it with you. John Deering list of honours include National Press Foundation’s 1997 Berryman Award and seven-time Arkansas Press Association’s Best Editorial Cartoonist award.
In a burrow, deep underground, lives a grumpy Dachshund. He moans and he groans, and he huffs and he puffs. He goes by the name of Grumpy Gus. He stays at home all day, never going out to play. He is Grumpy Gus. His nostrils flare at the sound of birds chirping in the air. He is Grumpy Gus. He stomps on his paws as he does his boring chores. He is Grumpy Gus.
The opening lines of Grumpy Gus and the Midnight Owl (2024) by Alice Blackholly. The children’s story tells of a dachshund who goes outside of his comfort zone to help an owl find her owlets.
Taken from the song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by English duo Tears for Fears from their second studio album Songs from the Big Chair (1985). Both the song and album topped the US charts and cemented the Bath group’s popularity and influence. I’ve quoted their songs Head over Heels and Mad World, as well as from seeing them live in 2019.
John Dalton : I want you to be nice until it’s time to not be nice.
Patrick Swayze in the action film Road House (1989), about a cooler who is assigned to protect a newly refurbished roadside bar from an unsavoury crowd. Its remake, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor MacGregor, will be released this year.
Alex Raphael 