I frequently get asked if it is possible to contribute to Ron Orp's Mail for free. Yes it is. Become a cityscribe! If you know the city well or if you have a special interest then keep reading. Further down in the newsletter you’ll find the first entry by a cityscribe.
Give my love to the city, Ron

Almost at the same time as when the Occupy Paradeplatz movement settled at Lindenhof, four designers took over the deserted lobby of the Ernst&Young office building at Bleicherweg 21. But while the Occupy Paradeplatz members had to leave their camp this week (and moved to St. Jakobskirche) the designers (Christian Deuber, Isabel Bürgin, irion, schindlersalomon) are officially allowed to display their work until 26th November.
Thursday until 26th November, 1 to 6.30 pm, Bleicherweg 21

At the Lo-fi-Sci-fi-Marathon this weekend they are taking the joys of watching silent movies accompanied by live musicians to a higher dimension. Over 3 nights many classic silent sci-fi films such as Metropolis and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as well as short, less known movies will be shown back-to-back. Each movie will have different musicians playing live to the action, from electro to classical piano. If you’re a fan of either sci-fi, silent movies or live music, which should include everyone, then get ready to strap in and blast off to places unknown (actually, it’s at Provitreff!)
Friday to Sunday, Provitreff

It was a couple of months ago that I named Ghostpoet’s song, Liiines, as one of my favourites and now, due mostly to my recommendation I believe, he has come to Zurich to play at Exil. Ghostpoet originates from London and his rapping style has the feel of an early morning after a heavy night before. He documents the everyday trials of city living with a trance-like and mellow vibe that has the shadow of some unseen menace lurking in the background.
Saturday 7.30 pm, Exil

I don’t think I’ll ever forget the first cityfox party at Härterei five years ago. It was crowded. It was loud. Everybody was there. And it was brilliant. I rarely get so reminiscent about a night out, but that night was really something else. So my expectations for this Saturday are ambitiously high. But looking at the line-up, I’m fairly confident that I won’t be disappointed.
Saturday 11 pm, Härterei

While most comic book heroes have multi-million franc movie franchises and fans worshipping at their feet, Popeye, apart from a terrible film in the early 80’s, has been unfairly ignored. He may only be a sailor but he can grow strong like the Superman, has a cute girlfriend like Spiderman, he even has a little song that most superheroes would surely be jealous of. Now, Popeye’s Godda Blues at the Plaza Theatre has come to the rescue with a virtual comic strip performed live on stage. With animated backdrops, jokes, fights and love this is how Popeye the sailor man should be remembered.
Saturday 8 pm, Plaza Theatre

Museum Rietberg have an ongoing exhibition called Mysticism – Yearning for the Absolute running until mid-January 2012. This Sunday morning, as part of the exhibition’s theme, they have controversial and renowned Indian writer Kiran Nagarkar reading from his latest novel God’s Little Soldier, tracing a character’s journey from liberalism to religious extremism. Nagarkar is one of India’s best contemporary writers and if church isn't for you on a Sunday morning then maybe this is a good alternative. Entrance is free.
Sunday 11 am, Museum Rietberg

When Fleet Foxes released their debut album a couple of years ago it was one of the records that became the soundtrack to my summer. Their second album was released earlier this year, which they’re now touring and play at Komplex 457 on Monday. You can call their music folk if you like, but the band create a joyous, timeless sound that seems to exist in a space all its own. And if their harmonies don’t give you a tingle you may need to check your heart is still beating.
Monday 8 pm, Komplex 457

A couple weeks ago, I was taken out for dinner to a Portuguese restaurant with the (for me unpronounceable) name Marisqueira. I wasn’t so sure what I had let myself into but then I got served the fish dish. An amazing plate filled with various kinds of fish as well as seafood. Beautifully arranged and skilfully served in two rounds. As I was invited, I don’t precisely know how much it was, but certainly affordable Zurich style. And worth every penny.
Restaurant Marisqueira, Hohlstrasse 365, 8004 Zurich

Her vocals sound as fragile as glass but the music has the strength of a thunderstorm. These Days by Ane Brun confuses me, but in the best possible way. Enjoy

Life may sometimes feel fluid but, like a film being projected onto a screen, it is made up of individual moments that move by so fast they produce the effect of continuity. Life in a day is a film that takes this idea of moments to its digital conclusion. 80,000 people submitted short videos of moments in their lives that happened on the 24th July 2010. These were then edited and sequenced to give us this 90-minute movie that shows how just living can sometimes be an act of quiet heroism. Watch