Bourne

I am a huge fan of the Bourne movies. Liked the first, loved the second, and went nuts for the third. Matt Damon has said the Bourne stories end with the third film, which is a massive shame, because they've turned into one of the greatest movie serials of the past 20 years. Yes, they are primarily action movies, but they are by no means the mindless, run-of-the-mill shoot-em-ups that pose as popular entertainment these days.

Frame for frame, there is no movie out there as fast-paced, intense, or spellbinding. Besides the outstanding array of acting talent in front of the camera (Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Chris Cooper, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Albert Finney etc...has there been a more accomplished cast in recent memory?), no other movie out there right now has been more shaped and moulded by the person behind the camera than Bourne Ultimatum - the distinguished direction by Paul Greengrass is hyper-kinetic and inventive, propelling the movie from one scene to the next with an urgency that is palpable.

Forget Daniel Craig, Bourne is the new Bond.

What an incredibly entertaining few hours at the movies. Go now.


P.S. In anticipation of your forthcoming rant: Zigzag you're a clown. Go watch 13th Warrior again on DVD.

So....

So, I feel a bit like James Bond. I was approached a week or so by a headhunter from a firm that had apparently heard of my "reputation" and wanted to initiate a meeting. Given neither the name of the company, nor even a simple job description, I did some sleuthing and figured out the identity of the mysterious suitor. Unsurprisingly, it was a direct competitor to my current firm, known for poaching away talent whenever possible. Thus begun a game of cat and mouse, secretive phone calls and tactful correspondence that more often than not took place on facebook...yes that's right, facebook! It's how they found my information and initiated contact.

Fast forward to 5:45pm this afternoon, and I am sitting across from an English gentleman in a darkly lit hotel bar, sipping a pint of Guinness, and listening with satisfaction as he expounds on the opportunity he is presenting; in essence, it is a sales pitch, and to be sure it is a fairly good one. More responsibility, more growth, more money and the ability to become an entrepreneur inside a growing organization. But forget all that, this was the ultimate reverse job interview, a complete role reversal. This time I was the pursued and not the pursuer, and I must say it was quite a revelation, this reversal of power.

Drinking with the enemy, I felt a bit like a cheating husband must...small pangs of guilt, slight uneasiness and constantly wary of being caught. I guess only time will tell whether it ends in divorce or reconciliation.

g'damn it's late!!!!!!!!!! Cheers.

80's kick

I am on such an eighties kick right now it's ridiculous. My iPod is pumping sweet 80's tunes 24 hrs a day. Power ballads, synthesizer rock, I love it all. Toto, Pet Shop Boys, Phil Collins, pre-coked up Whitney Houston, UB40, Roxette, Queen, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Simply Red...Funnily enough it all began at karaoke a few weeks ago, when an intoxicated co-worker, under the impression he had quite the voice (he tried out for Canadian Idol twice), belted out a reasonable rendition of Journey's "Don't stop believin'".

I've always liked the 80's, even in the 80's. I think it has a lot to do with the music - anthemic rock, melodic pop. Innocent lyrics for an innocent time. The music is like a jump-starter to old happy childhood memories long since buried under a sea of cynicism and responsibilities. I've always thought music to be better at evoking memories than photographs - we all remember those songs that serve as soundtracks to our lives (hey, it's a cliche but it's true) - first dance, first kiss etc...nothing brings back those moments as powerfully as the songs that were playing in the background. i.e.

80's b-day party, first slow dance - Groovy Kind of Love, Phil Collins.
First disco - Mr Vain, Culture Beat.
First song I remember from a movie - The Living Daylights, A-Ha (from the Bond flick).
Holidaying in Cape Town, late 80's/early 90's - End of the Road, Boyz 2 Men.

I've compiled a list of 200 must have 80's hits, and it is truly awesome I shit you not. And if only I knew how to copy the playlist and paste it here, you would have a rad afternoon.

And feel free to post those early music memories! Like totally take it easy dudes!

what luck

So this Monday I am heading back to my car, feeling quite content at shooting one of the best rounds of golf in my life, when I look up and stop. I think I see my car but I can't be sure, because this car has 5 windows instead of 4. The entire back window is shattered, glass everywhere. In disbelief, I take a second look then saunter over and immediately see the culprit - a golf ball, imprinted with the logo of the course's driving range, sitting peacefully on the back seat, oblivious to the carnage it caused. The extent of the damage from one single ball was quite incredible, and I was forced to shatter the remnants of the window to make the car drive-worthy.

Bottom line, my brother the budding lawyer interviewed the staff and had them sign a memo, exchanged contact details and we then left. During the drive home, several humourous people, noticing the rush of air through the back window, asked how the air-conditioning was. To say I was less than enthused is an understatement. Now it's a matter of determining the best way to handle this. That involves insurance companies - who I am convinced are the leeches of the modern world. We pay hefty prices for insurance, and now, when I actually need it, I am told there is a $500 deductible. Let me get this straight, I pay a monthly fee specifically to cover these sorts of events. Now, when I actually need to claim from it for the first time, I have to pay again, $500, for the rights to use it?? This is modern highway-fucking-robbery. Even if I do opt to go through insurance, they advise me not to put anything less than $800 through, as it will leave a bad mark on my record and ensure my monthly payments increase. You must be fucking kidding me, I think to myself.

Anyhow, minor issues in the grand scheme of things. Work is going well and it must be getting noticed elsewhere as a headhunter for the opposition has approached me with, what she says, is an offer I can't refuse. Will keep ya updated on that, in the meantime, good-afternoon, good-evening and goodnight.