Welcome to my top 10 favorite roundup! It’s my birthday, so I’m treating you to a vanity‑style list that blends the bizarre with the beloved. I’ve hand‑picked ten things that not only make my heart race but also give you a glimpse into the quirks most people don’t know about me. Buckle up, because we’re about to wander through poisonous gardens, haunting composers, secret‑scented aftershaves, and more.
1 Places You Don’t Want to Visit
Choosing a winner between a list of unsettling clowns and a catalog of off‑limits destinations was a nightmare, but the latter clinched the crown because it sparked a tiny controversy. A Canadian newspaper from one of the towns on my list—yes, the one with the notorious asbestos mine—called me out for suggesting you “don’t want to visit” their home. My personal favorite entry is the Alnwick Poison Gardens. It perfectly marries the bizarre with the forbidden, two themes that have always fascinated me. The gardens are a labyrinth of toxic flora, each plant whispering a warning to the curious.
2 Composer Alfred Schnittke
Alfred Schnittke, the Russian‑German maestro, blew my teenage ears wide open when I first encountered his Concerto Gross 2 in music school. His style is a wild cocktail of pastiche and polytonality, echoing the experimental spirit of Charles Ives. I also adore Ives for his groundbreaking Concorde Sonata—though my attempts at the piano have been mostly a comedic disaster, I persist. And then there’s Bach, whose rule‑bending compositions from centuries ago still echo through every concert hall, reminding us that genius knows no boundaries.
3 Website Rorate Caeli
While I’m not a web‑surfing addict, I do indulge in a few favorite sites when I need a break from the grind. My top pick is Rorate Caeli, a news outlet for traditionally minded Catholics. I visit it each morning, skim the headlines, and dip into the comments when something catches my eye. Their writers have a knack for unearthing stories that feel both timeless and fresh. The Latin phrase “Rorate Caeli” (or “Rorate coeli”) opens the Book of Isaiah: “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just.” I love the poetic resonance of that line, especially when paired with a Gregorian chant version that drifts through the site’s audio clips.
4 Actor Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando stands tall as arguably the greatest film actor ever. His magnetic performance in Streetcar Named Desire set a new bar, and his raw intensity in The Godfather remains iconic. Even James Dean tried to emulate Brando’s craft, hoping to snag a slice of his brilliance. My runner‑ups include Jared Leto, whose chameleon‑like roles never cease to amaze; Christian Bale, who dazzled even as a child in Empire of the Sun; Leonardo DiCaprio, whose talent shines despite occasional polarizing choices; the timeless James Dean; and the quirky Edward Norton, who brings a unique edge to every character.
5 Car Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne is a marvel of craftsmanship, taking over two months to assemble with half of its components handcrafted. Launched this year, it replaces my former love, the discontinued Bentley Arnage. With a price tag north of $350,000, buyers can choose from 114 paint shades, 21 carpet tones, nine wood veneers, and 24 interior leathers—truly a bespoke experience. While I dream of one day owning a Mulsanne, I’m content cruising in my runner‑up, the Chrysler 300C, which currently lives in my garage.
6 Aftershave Lonestar Memories by Tauer
Perfume aficionados know Basenotes as the hub for fragrance reviews, and I’m no exception. My top three scents, discovered via Basenotes, are Lonestar Memories by Tauer, Millésime Imperial by Creed, and Attar Homage by Amouage. Lonestar Memories is a bold, masculine blend that starts intense but mellows beautifully over the day. Millésime Imperial, my runner‑up, offers a fresher vibe perfect for gym sessions. Attar Homage, the most expensive at $350 for a tiny bottle, is a rose‑laden masterpiece—ideal for special occasions, though its price keeps it just out of my everyday rotation.
7 Director Michael Haneke
My current cinematic obsession is the Austrian auteur Michael Haneke. I recently acquired a box set of his films after being intrigued by the U.S. remake of his own Funny Games. Each film in the collection has held my attention, but Code Unknown, starring Juliette Binoche, tops the list for its intertwining narratives. Of course, his most celebrated work remains The Piano Teacher. If you haven’t delved into Haneke’s unsettling yet masterful storytelling, now’s the perfect time.
8 TV Show The X‑Factor (UK)
Confession: I’m a fan of Glee, but the show that truly dominates my viewing schedule is the UK’s X‑Factor. Since 2004, it’s launched stars like Leona Lewis and offers a vibrant audition process where quirky talents shine. The judges’ homes become boot‑camps, giving viewers a peek into their personal lives. My runner‑ups—Great British Menu, MasterChef (UK), Glee, and The Sarah Silverman Show—represent the eclectic mix of programs I record or stream when the mood strikes.
9 Band MGMT
MGMT burst onto my playlist with their instantly catchy, upbeat sound. Their tracks are perfect for singing along, and their quirky style keeps me coming back for more. While I also enjoy The Script, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and Muse, MGMT remains my go‑to band. I purchase all my music from iTunes, steering clear of free downloads to support the artists I love.
10 French Cheese
When it comes to culinary cravings, French cheese reigns supreme. My favorites include Roquefort, with its salty, blue‑veined punch, and Pont l’Eveque, a strong‑smelling, brie‑like delight. Even while on a strict diet, I never skip cheese and crackers. My secondary indulgence is a classic roast—be it chicken, beef, lamb, pork, or veal—served with gravy, roast potatoes, seasonal veg like Brussels sprouts, and a touch of pumpkin or carrots. I’ve even been known to have a roast every day of the week, a habit that fuels my occasional diet breaks.
Why This Is My Top 10 Favorite List
Each entry on this list reflects a facet of my personality—whether it’s a love for the forbidden, an ear for avant‑garde music, or a palate for sophisticated scents. By sharing them, I hope you get a taste of the eclectic world that fuels my passions.