Design for the masses

I've been looking at a lot of practical design lately, and I've seen some great work, particularly from smaller firms and independent designers.

• Santiago Calatrava is currently my favourite architect. His sweeping lines, surreal structures and brilliant ideas, that combine form with function, just take my breath away.
  
• Philippe Starck has an extensive portfolio, with product design, print and so much more. His Icon Condominiums are a sight to behold as well.
• Check out Lebedev Studio's Industrial Design section. They have some beautful products on display and in progress.
  

Upwardly Mobile

::Film::



Cellular / Starring Chris Evans, Kim Basinger ][ Directed by David Ellis

Its been a while since I watched a good thriller. This film can't be described as a classic, but its fast-paced, energetic and fun. None of the performances are spectacular, but they do justics to the script. I enjoyed every minute of this!
3 and a half stars / 5 stars

::Film::

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Starring Jack Nicholson, Directed by Milos Forman
File under 'heartwarming', 'poignant', 'Jack Nicholson's finest moments'...
I loved this one from the very beginning. A great story, fantastically told, with just the right details. Vintage Nicholson is obviously a novelty, and he also delivers the goods. A very strong performance, with his classic go-on-slap-me-i'll-think-its-funny smile adding to his character an indescribably apt element. Human and alien emotions express themselves beautifully through the thoroughly captivating inmates. A must-watch!



The Usual Suspects (1995)
Starring Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio Del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Spacey, Directed by Bryan Singer
Now this is a carefully wound surprise that leaps at you over a span of an hour and a half. This jack-in-the-box of a crime flick is brilliantly directed (and edited on film) by Singer, and stars the brilliant Spacey. Although every actor delivers a splendid performance, Spacey steals the show. His delivery, timing, everything, is just impeccable. The story twists and turns at a hundred a second on a roller coaster rail, and takes you with it. Verbal (Spacey) is a character unlike any I've seen before. Another fine yarn. Definitely a must-watch.

::Book::
Tokyo Cancelled - Rana Dasgupta
Still reading it... its a wonderful collection of 13 stories disguised as a novel. I'm halfway through, and each tale is as enchanting as the next. The stories take you across the globe, through various moments of trepidation, horror, pity, and so much more. Great stuff!