So then, Christmas is almost here, the older I get, the more I like Christmas. Yes, there's a lot to dislike, the commercialism, having to go out and drink heavily every night, the overpriced German market that clogs up the centre of Brum at it's busiest time of year, but there's still that unmistakable Christmas "buzz". I think I'm looking forward to it more because next year will probably see some big changes for me - but it seems the whole year is winding down now, it's hard to plan ahead - so I may as well just enjoy the holidays.

And the period is not as culturally bereft as usual - decent films are out, some interesting records in the shops, (what's the new Ravonettes one like? Same as usual?), and it's been a "quiet, but interesting" year for music. I know it's way too early, but album of the year already has to be Radiohead - just because they've redefined what an album means, and what it can be.

Listening - the new Pram album (moving frontier) is in the "drony, but good" category - although they do lose a lot without the films they show when they play live. Plus a decent Christmas album "Merry Xmas from the Double Down". Oh, and the new MC Solaar album "Chaptaire 7" - picked it up in my weekend in France (OK, Calais) last week, mes amis. Not bad at all, even if I can't understand most of it (apart from the bit when he raps about Ayrton Senna).

Reading - tried and failed to read some sensible books, (how annoying is Atlas Shrugged? Read the start as part of my Bioshock further reading, but it's way too heavy to continue reading something so irritating) and have ended up with Alan something's Scar Night, entertaining fantasy bobbins, which is possibly the most goth thing I've ever read (and I've read some Poppy Z Brite novels). Ne'r a sentence passes without mention of blood, angels of death, chains, black leather, poision or fire. If you are 16 and dress predominantly in black, then this book will change your life. I'm not in the mood for anything better though. Has anyone read World War Z yet? I've not had a zombie fix for a while - might give that a go next.