by Carl Djerassi

I first heard about NO the novel in December 2000, during the Biochemical Society meeting in Brighton, from Dennis Stuehr, one of several real experts on biochemistry of nitric oxide mentioned in this book by Carl Djerassi. However, it was not until last year that, after Djerassi’s brilliant lecture here in Hinxton, I bought and read it.

Nitric oxide (NO) has multiple physiological effects, but it is its importance for penile erection that made this simple compound the title of the book. Otherwise, the story is not about NO but about scientists who happen to be involved in development of Viagra-like drug. Carl Djerassi defines the genre as ‘science-in-fiction’. I do not have any problems with the science of the book but I do have a serious problem with the ‘fiction’ component. I did not love or hate or otherwise connect with any of the characters in the novel. They are not believable. Why on earth two women scientists, Renu Krishnan and Melanie Laidlaw, feel an urge to convert into Judaism? Renu’s letters to her ‘dearest’ brother in India read like Financial Times articles or something. To sum up: a fascinating read, touching upon many interesting topics, but, with all due respect, I wouldn’t call it great literature.

Alright, Still

by Lily Allen

I do not normally listen to pop music. Not to the pop music of the 21^st century anyway. But, after reading an article in The Big Issue, I thought I may give Lily Allen a try. Not bad, I have to admit, even if some songs there make me cringe. (No, it is not because of the ‘explicit lyrics’ — in my view, mostly justified. I was amused that you can find a ‘clean’ version of Alright, Still, where all the swearwords are somehow edited out.) Apparently, Lily herself said she cringes when listening to her debut album. I don’t think I will listen to it over and over, but still, thumbs up. My favourite tracks there (musically) are Everything’s Just Wonderful, ska-ish Friday Night and reggae-ish Friend of Mine.

Star Trek

a film by J. J. Abrams

Yuri and I went to see Star Trek the movie today. (I managed to catch a short nap in the first few minutes of the film and awoke when the opening title STAR TREK appeared on the screen; apparently, I did not miss much of the content.) I am no Star Trek fan, so I don’t have to compare ‘old’ and ‘new’ Star Treks. (In fact, it doesn’t matter if you are acquainted with ‘old’ Star Trek or not.) I liked the faded colours, red mini-dresses and overall 1960s feel about the whole thing. The acting is surprisingly good. Pavel Chekov the math genius (Anton Yelchin) speaks with a ridiculous but very believable Russian accent, while Scotty (Simon Pegg), predictably, speaks with a charming (but also ridiculous) Scottish accent.

The Music of the Primes

by Marcus du Sautoy

I spent my last Christmas holidays with my friend’s family in Torino. One day, we were talking about the books, films and music and my friend has mentioned the book she just finished reading, La solitudine dei numeri primi by Paolo Giordano (at the time, it was not translated into English yet). By some inexplicable coincidence, I was just about to finish the book by Marcus du Sautoy called The Music of the Primes which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Recently, I came across the du Sautoy’s website designed by du Sautoy which includes, among others, such topics as maths in history, art, and music.

Anna M.

a film by Michel Spinosa

Anna M. is a story of a young woman who falls in love with the married doctor and becomes convinced that the doctor is in love with her too. So what? The plot itself is not particularly inventive, but the whole movie is working thanks to the amazing performance by Isabelle Carré. The scene where Anna and two girls she babysits are digging the tunnel (to the doctor’s apartment downstairs) is both hilarious and scary. In the end, we are left to wonder whether doctor Zanevsky existed at all and whether Anna was cured of her obsession.

Le Moine et Le Poisson

a film by Michaël Dudok de Wit

A beautiful animation by Michaël Dudok de Wit. I’d love to get it on DVD but can’t find it — maybe it does not exist.

The Hi-De-Ho Man

by Cab Calloway

Tonight at dinner time Yuri and Timur had a very highbrow discussion of jazz, what does in mean ‘jazzy’, etc. At some point, Yuri said: “By the way, my favourite jazz collection of what we were listening to <while driving> in Scotland is the one which has Everybody Eats When They Come to My House on it”.

Incidentally, this is my favourite compilation of Cab Calloway too. I never tire of listening to it, and it has the bestest version of Minnie The Moocher ever.