This morning I spent a couple hours listening to Bach, loudly, while I puttered around the house. As good as earbuds or headphones get, there’s nothing that can replace big speakers moving the air, recreating the space and reverb and texture from when it was recorded. (Of course, the extension of the argument is to go to a more live shows…)
I’m enjoying cooking as a creative outlet lately. I think I always have – thinking back to attempting scrambled eggs with a childhood best friend after every sleepover (surely one more spice will make them good?) – I just never point my time or energy in that direction on a regular basis. This weekend: an apple tart, and savory quiche. I think my “I don’t care about cooking” identity might be helping. I’m not invested that much in the end result, as long as the vision is clear and ideas are flowing and the process feels fun. Probably better this way.
Art
Spring, study for the Jusélius Mausoleum frescoes, tempera on canvas by Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Evocation d’une forme humaine, lunaraire, spectrale, sculpture in polished bronze by Hans Jean Arp.
Books
Wolf Hall. Predicting a DNF, but slight chance I’ll dip in again.
On the Calculation of Volume, Book 1. A woman relives the same day over and over. Will probably finish this today. (Will I do it again when I wake up?)
Running
More morning runs over the last week, even managed to squeeze one in before I went to the office. If I’m going to wake up naturally at 5am for no reason at all, might as well take advantage of it.
Around the Web
Why is Rear Window so tense?
37 takeaways from 200 hours with Bach. “How much of Bach do you know? You’ve tasted only a morsel of the world’s biggest cake.”
A narrative on fulfilling jury duty in DeKalb County, Georgia.
“Managers don’t often think about their power collectively, but you have it and you can use it.“
A Treatise on AI Chatbots Undermining the Enlightenment.
How AI, Healthcare, and Labubu Became the American Economy. “We need to live in the future to build the future!”
100 years of Art Deco: a movement comes of age. (Thanks, James)
Music
Balimaya Project, When the Dust Settles. Tight jazz / west African blend. “For Aziz” is good; the riff in “Anka Tulon” got stuck in my head for a couple days.
Boards of Canada, The Campfire Headphase. I was vaguely aware of this act two decades ago, but never gave it any time. So now my 2025 ears can’t help hear “chill vibes to study to”.
Two albums of classical guitarist Jason Vieaux playing Bach: Lute Works, Vol. 1 and Violin Works, Vol. 2. Can’t go wrong.
Movies
Smile. Had to watch because I heard the second was even better. It’s good, and the lead is so good, but couldn’t help thinking the roots-in-trauma horror is getting a little worn out.
The Princess Diaries. What an absolute treasure. So glad I saw this.
Smile 2. Thematically richer than the first, maybe less haunting, with another intense, capitivating lead performance. Undermined a little bit here and there with repetitious moments, but it’s good.
TV
Ballard, s1e7–8.
CSI: Miami, s7e3.
Line of Duty, s1e1–2. Off to the races.
Mark Larson 