Category: Movies

Books Read in 2024

Not as many books read as I’d hoped, as my aim was 24 in 2024.

The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien)
I enjoyed listening to this while walking Rufus.

Everything Is F*cked (Mark Manson)
Don’t be put off by the title, an excellent book to guide you through life and manage your expectations and mental health.

Tin Men (Christopher Golden)
Great science fiction with a good human element and twists.

Alien (Alan Dean Foster)
A novel based on the movie, what happens when you don’t listen to a smart woman with a cat.

She/He/They/Me (Robyn Ryle)
An interactive book that guides you through the issue of gender, your journey depends on your answers to questions.

Wrong Place Wrong Time (Gillian McAllister)
A journey backwards in time to understand a murder.

Eating Robots (Stephen Oram)
Short stories that anticipate the near future of technology, often shocking.

Biohacked & Begging (Stephen Oram)
Another series of short stories to pull you up sharp and challenge your thinking.

Fathomless Riches (Rev. Richard Coles)
A brutally honest autobiography that covers attempted suicide, time in a mental hospital, London’s gay scene, drugs, pop stardom, broadcasting, writing, and life as a vicar – and that’s just for starters! Not for the easily offended.

Beyond the Burn Line (Paul McAuley)
A science fiction novel set in the distant future that addresses big issues. I rarely give up on a book but, like many other people, I gave up with this one. My advice, avoid like the plague!

How to Sleep Well (Dr. Neil Stanley)
An excellent book covering all aspects of sleep.

Aliens (Jim Al-Khalili/Editor)
A comprehensive study about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe from a variety of authors and experts.

Night Sky Almanac 2024 (Storm Dunlop & Wil Tirion)
This is a yearbook I wouldn’t be without; each year’s edition is always by my side.

So, my aim is now at least 25 in 2025, and I’m off to a good start.

Die Hard IS a Christmas Movie

Yes, Die Hard was released in July 1988 as a summer blockbuster, but everything about it shouts CHRISTMAS. It’s both a Christmas movie AND a movie set at Christmas. It’s been criticised for its swearing, violence, and moral ambiguity, but it does contain themes of forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation, healing, and transformation. It also ends with the characteristic warm glow of Christmas movies. The latter being emphasised by the end credits music Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, a recurring thematic and musical motif throughout the movie.

Die Hard has acquired status as a Christmas movie over the years since its release, although others would totally disagree with this attribution. Both sides can be very vocal when expressing their view, some allowing no discussion – it just IS a Christmas movie.

Let’s consider the evidence. Christmas is integral to the story, John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) was in Los Angeles because of the season. The Nakatomi Plaza (where the action takes place) only had minimal staffing because of the Christmas break, this being the reason why Hans Gruber (played by Alan Rickman) chose Christmas Eve to take over the building. There was a Christmas party happening in the building with the head of the corporation present. One crucial scene features a gruesome, yet humorous reference to Father Christmas, and another references a miracle because it was Christmas. Finally, McClane’s wife is called Holly, and the start of this poem is quoted, ‘Twas the night before Christmas.

All things considered, the action had to take place at Christmas. For me, and for many others, it feels like a Christmas movie, that’s the time of the year I watch it. Therefore, it IS a Christmas movie, end of.