Belfast_Nomad
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belfastnomad.bsky.social
Belfast_Nomad
@belfastnomad.bsky.social
Academic interested in cities, regions, uneven development and public policy. Ice-hockey fan and reader of quality magazines and books. Movies, live music and travelling. PhD in Human Geography.
"We Did Ok, Kid". What a great thing to be able to say to your younger self.
This is one memoir I know that I am going to enjoy. Sir Anthony Hopkins is one of my all time favourite actors and he is a global treasure.
Nice one @simonandschuster.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Jim Carrey's performance was brilliant in "The Mask" (1994). It oozes cartoon energy from a whirlwind of mischief - a groundbreaking film for its time. Another great release from @arrowvideo.bsky.social with decent extras.
November 18, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Things have changed immensely but I'm glad that I kept these 3 books after taking a certain Cultural Geography module in 1998 @jsharp1436.bsky.social. I liked how they were written and how they framed the topics. A couple of years later, I would end up in Durham taking Kay Anderson's seminars. ☺️
November 17, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The market for short stories may have dwindled but there are some brilliant collections out there. "Angels at the Ritz" (1975) was William Trevor's 3rd collection - "Mrs. Silly" remains one of my favourites. In my view, Trevor was one of the best short story writers working in the English language.
November 16, 2025 at 11:45 PM
As far as historical dramas go "John Adams" is very good. America's second President and his wife Abigail refined that country's values and the basis of its democracy. He was also an inspirational leader during the Revolutionary War. Paul Giamatti absolutely nailed Adams.
November 15, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I rate #MatthewMcConaughey as an actor. I had no idea that he had been writing poetry for years. I stood reading "Poems & Prayers" in my local supermarket for 20 mins before purchasing it. The Texan is handy with words. He is also very deep and honest in this book. I appreciate this sort of stuff.
November 9, 2025 at 8:22 PM
I am watching the Blackhawks @ Redwings game and Patrick Kane's achievements popped up on the screen. Whoa! He is the best American born hockey player, a #Blackhawks legend and a future Hall of Famer. The Redwings are so lucky to have him on their roster. 🏒
November 9, 2025 at 7:26 PM
I found another G-Shock watch that I like. 😜 #casio #gshock #watch
November 8, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Not only is this book very well written and entertaining, it is also replete with examples of the sort of progressive politics that America desperately needs right now @barackobama.bsky.social @katmabu.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 11:18 PM
The game against Calgary was a reminder that the Bedard-Bertuzzi-Burakovsky line is pure dynamite. Bedard's numbers are insane - he's now tied with #Celebrini for the league lead in scoring.
Congrats to Spencer Knight on his first shout-out as a Blackhawk. #GoHawks!
November 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I took a punt on "Cutter's Way". What a fantastic movie with colourful characters who become embroiled in a murder mystery. Jeffrey Alan Fiskin's script is top notch. I doubt that I would have gotten to see this one had it not been released on #Blu-ray.
November 7, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot - France's Alfred Hitchcock, #Diabolique (1955) is an early reminder that the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house. I can see how this movie laid the groundwork for #Psycho (1960). It's one of the best French psychological horror thrillers out there.
November 4, 2025 at 4:23 PM
November 3, 2025 at 12:10 AM
In one of his lesser known dystopias, J. G. Ballard subjected America to a massive ecological disaster following an energy crisis, which has turned the country into a desert. The leftover nuclear weapons are in Las Vegas.
A brilliant book.
I also love Bill Botten's original cover.
October 30, 2025 at 6:51 PM
This week's new word "Enshittification" comes from @wired.com.
October 29, 2025 at 11:15 PM
"Sleep" (2020) is a beautifully shot and complex film. The visual essay by @antbit.projectedfigures.com helped me peel away the layers to appreciate the depth of the story. Another great #Blu-ray release from @arrowvideo.bsky.social.
October 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I'm glad that I took a punt on "Mute Witness". I appreciated the 'film within a film' beginning and I liked the way that Waller went onto smudge the lines between fantasy and reality. Good analysis from @horrornonna.com as always. Lovely release from @arrowvideo.bsky.social 👌
October 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM
My undergrad students are coming to end of their Reading Week. I got through some reading myself, "Clearing the Air" by @hannahritchie.bsky.social has given me lots of new info and data about #climatechange.
October 16, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Does anyone remember this #anime movie from Satoshi Kon? The topic is now more relevant than when it was released in 1997. #PerfectBlue is a psychological thriller that doesn't put a foot wrong for 80 minutes.
October 12, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The part about economic growth would have been a good time to mention sustainability @teamlabouruk.bsky.social @labourlist.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I enjoyed this Brandon #Cronenberg movie. It's edgy and atmospheric throughout. The idea of having a female assassin taking control of your body to carry out her hits is terrifying. It reminded me of a futuristic version of Frankenheimer's #ManchurianCandidate. @secondsightfilms.bsky.social
September 23, 2025 at 9:15 AM
I first became aware of "Mamet speak" in relation to "The Untouchables" and "Glengarry Glen Ross". I love Mamet's witty style of writing and choice of subject matter. I tend to learn lots from his writing, same with this book which is so very honest in an anti-Hollywood sort of way.
September 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I don't remember a time when I was unable to appreciate sitting down with a coffee to read a good book. This was one of William Maxwell's best and Anne Patchett would know. Her introduction pointed out why I ought to be reading this particular book, so here I am.
September 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM
I hadn't watched #CrimsonTide in years. It still holds up as a brilliantly crafted action thriller. The tension between Commander Hunter and Commanding Officer Ramsey feels all the more palpable within the confines of an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine!
September 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Dear Hector Abad. "Obvilion" was very good. I appreciated your insights. Your writing was honest and beautiful. Thank you 🙏
September 8, 2025 at 12:17 PM