2005, a year in a list

Lists are a typically British thing, I am told. In any case they are a very economical way of conveying memories, tastes and experiences. Given the limited amount of time that I can devote to this blog - and, to be honest, my total lack of imagination - I have decided to summarise my 2005 in a mini list.

Best fiction book
A Year in the Merde - Stephen Clarke - Some pages actually made me laugh out loud.

Best non-fiction book
Ser de Derechas - German Yanke - Ensayo razonado, claro y sin complejos.

Best film
The Constant Gardener - Excellent camera work. Great performances.
Special mentions to Downfall and Un Long Dimanche de Fiançailles.

Best TV programme
The Thick of It - Helped me overcome my cravings for more Yes, (Prime) Minister episodes (alas, I can only re-watch the DVDs). It also came as a surprise when re-watching my beloved Local Hero I realised that it is in fact Peter Capaldi that plays Malcom Tucker (a.k.a The Policy Co-ordinator, a.k.a The Enforcer). What a versatile actor.

Best DVD (purchased in 2005 watched on January 3rd 2006)
L'Armée des ombres - I have tracked this film down since I first watched it some years ago. I cannot really say in words what this film makes me think and feel. Definitively on my all-time top 10.

Best record (underdog factor)
Blinking lights and other revelations - Eels

Quote of the year

Señoría, usted para mí nunca será Van-Halen «Dixi» ni «Pixi»; será su señoría, el senador Van-Halen, precisamente porque estamos en una Cámara de representación democrática en nuestro país, precisamente porque estamos en el Senado.Y desde ahora le adelanto que ese modelo de intervención, con alusiones pretendidamente ingeniosas acerca de las personas, en este caso de mi persona, si quiere, se las puede ahorrar, porque no voy a contestarlas.

Carmen Calvo - Ministra de Cultura, respondiendo a Juan Van-Halen, quien habia citado palabras de la ministra añadiendo la apostilla latina dixit. La cita completa aqui.