Week notes - 27 July 2025
It's been a super busy week at work for me, one of those where I truly earn my money.
I'm very surprised that I'm actually writing a post for the third week in a row and I'm even a day early!
The Materialists
Given how spectacular Past Lives was, it's no exaggeration to say that this was one of the year's most awaited movies for me.
Although it's not as good as her debut, Celine Song still delivers a great movie. I've often felt grateful that I met my wife before the era of app based dating really took off. The dating culture depicted in Materialists only serves to confirm my reservations.
Let's just say that I'm definitely no unicorn and (despite being an accountant) think that numbers, wish lists and non-negotiables may not be ideal criteria for choosing a life partner.
I'm not sure the ending quite works, but the lead performances are great and, as with Past Lives, I love that Song isn't afraid to take her time on scenes and not force feed every little detail to the audience.
Apple Silicon Case
Even whilst writing Apple Silicon Case, I had to stop for a second and consider that this could actually refer to a case for an SOC.
Anyway, I've never had an official case before as £50 is beyond the level I'd usually spend on a phone case. But I got this on sale for less than half price and its honestly quite nice. In particular the button feel is excellent, very nice and clicky. But still, not £50 nice!
Summer Camp
The kids are now off school for the Summer and we've already been to two Summer Camp sessions at our local stores.
I'm often critical of on various topics, but I have nothing but praise for Summer Camp. The trainers who've lead our sessions have all been brilliant and the kids have always had great fun, whilst also learning a useful skill. The high quality free t-shirts are just icing on top.
If you're looking for summer activities to do on a budget and/or just don't have the patience to teach your kids how to use iMovie, I'd highly recommend this.
Mehdi Hasan debates far right fanatics
I may be late to this, but happened to click onto it during a late night YouTube session.
The surprise for me was how unsurprising the people and views expressed were. Is the Overton Window still even a thing at this point?
Acquired discuss Google
I love Acquired and can't think of an episode I haven't enjoyed. This episode on Google is no exception.
Clocking in at over three and a half hours, it's only the fist of a multi-part series!
Marathon update
I've completed five runs so far and can comfortably complete a (slow) 5KM. At this stage, just running three times a week is a big win 🥳.
I literally have a very long way to go! ☹️
What I’m playing
I'm onto the Lightning Temple in Tears of the Kingdom and have completed the other three already.
I still don't really enjoy going into the depths, but everything else about this game is just outstanding.
Really glad that I waited for the Switch 2 edition to properly play it. This is the hardware that the game deserved on launch.
What I’m reading
I've been reading The Count of Monte Christo for a few months now. I absolutely blew through the first quarter but the second took a fair bit longer. I'm about 60% through now and am just wondering how much more there is to go as it's a super long book.
I'm intrigued to watch one or two of the movies after I finish to see how they handled the adaptation to the screen. It doesn't feel like it lends itself particularly well to a reasonable length movie.
See you next week!