Category Archives: reviews

Into the wild: ‘the good place’

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Topher

What does it mean to be a good person? A few months ago, I streamed Into The Wild on Netflix. Sean Penn directed the film, based on Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book. The read per se is timeless and has been … Continue reading →

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A Serbian Film (2010): reimagining boundaries

Posted on October 10, 2026 by Topher

What’s the weirdest movie you’ve ever watched? It’s the most radically different film that I ever saw. I’ve beheld many: those from David Cronenberg, Lars von Trier, Jordan Peele, and Catherine Breillat. Hostel seems like child’s play compared to this. … Continue reading →

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The Alchemist (1988) reviewed

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Topher

What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by? ‘And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’ Some might be familiar with the phrase, taken from The Alchemist. I should’ve read this book … Continue reading →

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1Q84 (2009) reviewed

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Topher

What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? After many weekends, I finally finished Haruki Murakami’s piece de resistance. 1Q84 was published in three volumes between late 2009/early 2010. Don’t believe the reviews. Yes, the book is quite detailed but it’s … Continue reading →

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The Namesake (2006): an excursion

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Topher

Which fictional world would be the most fun to vacation in? With fictional worlds, obvious choices are Game of Thrones, Squid Game, and Stranger Things. I’ve reviewed all three. No need to rehash. Ages ago, I saw The Namesake on … Continue reading →

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Mad Skillz

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Topher

What’s a skill you consider basic, that most people don’t actually know how to do? I can name a few, but we’ll focus on taking care of woollens. Firstly, you can’t just chuck wool garments in the washing machine. Being … Continue reading →

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The task: Topher Wins

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Topher

Which book have you read more than any other? I’ve read my 300 page memoir/self-help, cover to cover, a dozen times. I saw it evolve from 151 pages to 224 and finally 300 pages. I did most of the proofing, … Continue reading →

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The city and its uncertain walls (2023) reviewed

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Topher

If you could change the ending of any book, which one would it be? I’ve finished reading this Murakami novel, the year’s first physical book. I’ve crested only one other read, Robert Parish’s bio. My last hard copy was John … Continue reading →

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iPhone 16e: ‘The Return of the Comeback’

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Topher

Who do you spend the most time with? I spoke too soon. In February, I said that my iPhone wasn’t good value. The latest entry level model came out and I had buyer’s remorse. Now I’ve taken a different view. … Continue reading →

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Five-pointer

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Topher

What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness? A few reasons brighten up my day. Happiness is relative. Other WordPress bloggers have varied answers to today’s daily prompt. Even if cloning was legal and feasible, no two humans are … Continue reading →

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