NationStates Jolt Archive

...book, cd, song, band, film, tv show, place, game, sport, food, artist... anything! Whether well-known things that deserve all the credit they get or un-known things that the vast majority are missing out on, share it with everyone :) I love discovering new things and being introduced to a new experience.

I'll start off.... One of my favourite books has to be 'Noughts and Crosses' by Malorie Blackman. It's about a world where black people are the predominant, powerful race and switches around the roles. It's quite like a modern day Romeo and Juliet with the daughter of a black politician being best friends with a poor white boy. It's amazingly written, very powerful and incredibly thought-provoking.

And I really love the art by Hoshinavi:

Image1 (http://usera.imagecave.com/HeartOfGold/ART/hoshinavi1.jpg)
Image2 (http://usera.imagecave.com/HeartOfGold/ART/hoshinavi2.jpg)
Image3 (http://usera.imagecave.com/HeartOfGold/ART/hoshinavi3.jpg)

I have to reccomend the dvd G3: Live in Concert with some of the best guitarists: Vai, Malmstween and Satriani.

I also reccomend going to Skye. The weather is a bit erratic but if you're lucky it is stunning. One of the best walks I've ever taken.

Photo (http://usera.imagecave.com/HeartOfGold/SCOTLAND/stunningwalk.JPG)

I recommend the book (and film, but more the book) Fatherland by Robert Harris. It's set in a fictional future where the Nazis won the war and follows an SS soldier. Won't tell you any more in case you decide to read it.
I would also recommend the Film Oh! What a lovely War! directed by Richard Attenborough. A very satirical look at the events during the first world war based mainly in a fair ground (well a pier technically).

Artist... Depeche Mode. I love the early light-and-airy sound they had during the 1980s, but most prefer the dark, industrial atmosphere they began to favour in the 90s and to a lesser extent in the 21st century.

Album... Violator by that same artist. It flows well and there are quite a few good songs on it (Personal Jesus rocks, man. Especially the Violator version, which is extended into a depressive but altogether pleasing instrumental with muffled shouts of "Reach out and touch faith!").

My two cents...

I recommend the book (and film, but more the book) Fatherland by Robert Harris. It's set in a fictional future where the Nazis won the war and follows an SS soldier. Won't tell you any more in case you decide to read it.
I would also recommend the Film Oh! What a lovely War! directed by Richard Attenborough. A very satirical look at the events during the first world war based mainly in a fair ground (well a pier technically).
Like anyone needs more WWI/II crap in their lives. (Sorry, that comment was bitter, biased and unfair. But I don't like war... related... media, yes, that's the word I was looking for!)

Um... for younger kids, the Magic Treehouse books are fun and they'll thrill your parents 'cuz they're educational.

One of my favorite TV shows right now is Lost... it's suspensful, eventful, supernatural... oh, yes, and there's a whole lotta hotties. :fluffle: The only other thing it needs is gay/bi peeps. Then it will be perfect. *Giggles.*

I would like to recommend any CD by the Swedish band Kent (http://www.kent.nu). They are a little secret we've kept for some time.

Here's their latest video:
mms://qstream-wm.qbrick.com/00359/00359_K-PM_256k.wmv (Broadband)

mms://qstream-wm.qbrick.com/00359/00359_K-PM_56k.wmv (Modem)

Umm, Mac fans won't like those links. Linux people like myself should know how to make it play (one word: w32codecs).

i recommend a trip to the grand canyon, sure it seems like a great big hole in the ground but it really is worth the trip to the middle of nowhere to see

Album and music: I have many... but here are my latest favs....1. Funeral, by Arcade Fire, or what happens when Texas meets Ontario and Quebec... 2. Music by Bagger United (Legless Pirates' band) 3. Iceberg, Ontario band

Artists: 1. Marc Nerbonne, a local painter here (Gatineau, Quebec, Canada) his work is just.. breathtaking... i have one of his earlier paintings hanging in my dining room... now I can't afford him. lol 2. Artwork by Yslaire and Enki Bilal.

Visit: the Canadian Rockies!

I recommend the book (and film, but more the book) Fatherland by Robert Harris. It's set in a fictional future where the Nazis won the war and follows an SS soldier. Won't tell you any more in case you decide to read it.


Too much of a rehash of Dick's The Man In The High Castle and Deighton's SSGB.

I recommend the book (and film, but more the book) Fatherland by Robert Harris....I would also recommend the Film Oh! What a lovely War! directed by Richard Attenborough....

The book does sound interesting and I'm sure it rings a bell.... As does the film...

Artist... Depeche Mode....
Album... Violator by that same artist.....

Seeking out at this very moment....

the Magic Treehouse books

For a moment I thought you were talking about The FarAway Tree, wow I loved those books...

One of my favorite TV shows right now is Lost... it's suspensful, eventful, supernatural... oh, yes, and there's a whole lotta hotties

Mmm.. I just had a look and there sure are!

I would like to recommend any CD by the Swedish band Kent.

Not my usual thing but certainly interesting.

i recommend a trip to the grand canyon, sure it seems like a great big hole in the ground but it really is worth the trip to the middle of nowhere to see

My parents have been there (damn them not taking me!) and they said it was amazing; much better in real life than in photos or anything like that. I don't think they liked the whole 'no alcohol' thing though :p

Artists....

I just had a look for some Nerbonne and the little I could find.. wow, I see what you mean. Yslaire and Bilal very interesting too though not generally my kind of thing.

Visit: the Canadian Rockies!

Will do!

Oh yes and BUMP!

introducing the Alex Skolnick Trio. jazz covers of classic metal songs by one of the best guitarists in metal, ex-student of Joe Satriani himself, ex-lead player of critically acclaimed excellent band Testament, Alex Skolnick.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008ZA2A/qid=1115132875/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl15/002-9727598-3148009?v=glance&s=music&n=507846

introducing the Alex Skolnick Trio. jazz covers of classic metal songs by one of the best guitarists in metal, ex-student of Joe Satriani himself, ex-lead player of critically acclaimed excellent band Testament, Alex Skolnick.

Wow, sounds great. I really want to get into some more Jazz... thanks :fluffle:

Hmmm...

If you like hardcore...
Agony Scene's self titled CD.

The play, "Much Ado About Nothing".
Read it before you see it.

"The Great Divorce"
by C.S. Lewis

For men, I suggest learning how to love their women (assuming you're hetero).

If you're a gay man, I suggest learning how to love your man.

I`d have to recomend the series of books "The Ender`s Saga" by Orson Scott Card. One of the best sci-fi books i read. Especially "Ender`s Game", the first book of the series.

Wow, sounds great. I really want to get into some more Jazz... thanks :fluffle:
np :fluffle:

they seem to have 2 cds out - i got one and its freakin' amazing! :)

Hmmm...

If you like hardcore...
Agony Scene's self titled CD.

The play, "Much Ado About Nothing".
Read it before you see it.

"The Great Divorce"
by C.S. Lewis
I'm just getting into hardcore so thanks :) And the play and book I've heard of (obviously) but never gotten round to reading....

For men, I suggest learning how to love their women (assuming you're hetero).

If you're a gay man, I suggest learning how to love your man.

What about women loving their men? And what would you recommend as good ways to learn how to love someone or ways to express your love?

I`d have to recomend the series of books "The Ender`s Saga" by Orson Scott Card. One of the best sci-fi books i read. Especially "Ender`s Game", the first book of the series

I've never really gotten into Sci-Fi but I'm always willing to have my tastes changed!

np :fluffle:

they seem to have 2 cds out - i got one and its freakin' amazing! :)

Hmm.. just need money now... damn friends having birthdays....

Oh, I reccomended something before but I wasn't sure if you ever saw the post... Anyway, if not it's a CD called 'An evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess'. Acoustic tracks. It's amazing (as it would be involving Petrucci) :)

For Books, I'd recommend the "Empire" (Daughter/Servant/Mistress) series of novels by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts. Very well written fantasy *really only serves as a backdrop* fiction centring on a woman who finds herself the head of a house in an almost stereotypically Japanese world, where she's expected to marry and hand over herself and the clan to some other husband. Naturally, it'd be a boring trilogy if she did that. But in case you decide to read it, no more spoiler-lite.

I had a whole bunch of other stuff to recommend... but it's all slipped my mind.

Music: Regina Spektor - quirky antifolk, great stuff, go to www.reginaspektor.com

Life Habit: Budgeting... I always hated the thought, but since I started I've saved so much money, and have so much more to spend, try www.daveramsey.com for help

Book: Well, Syrup is always super obscure, except for here, so... The Sun Also Rises, it's amazing

Movie: House of Flying Daggers, my husband drug me to it, and I LOVED it

Place: Portland, Oregon. I went to college there, and after two years I'm dying to go home - it has EVERYTHING

For Books, I'd recommend the "Empire" (Daughter/Servant/Mistress) series of novels by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts. Very well written fantasy *really only serves as a backdrop* fiction centring on a woman who finds herself the head of a house in an almost stereotypically Japanese world, where she's expected to marry and hand over herself and the clan to some other husband. Naturally, it'd be a boring trilogy if she did that. But in case you decide to read it, no more spoiler-lite.

Sounds interesting especially as I know very little about Japan.

I had a whole bunch of other stuff to recommend... but it's all slipped my mind.

Well if they ever come back to you, you know where to post :)

Music: Regina Spektor - quirky antifolk, great stuff, go to www.reginaspektor.com

Life Habit: Budgeting... I always hated the thought, but since I started I've saved so much money, and have so much more to spend, try www.daveramsey.com for help

Book: Well, Syrup is always super obscure, except for here, so... The Sun Also Rises, it's amazing

Movie: House of Flying Daggers, my husband drug me to it, and I LOVED it

Place: Portland, Oregon. I went to college there, and after two years I'm dying to go home - it has EVERYTHING

(I'm starting to realise replying individually to each reccomendation is too hard....) All sound good, and I love quirky things so... :)

I recommend watching Aussie Rules Football. It is an awesome game and those guys are the toughest athletes in the world.

Album - Kyuss, Welcome to Sky Valley. It ranges from sludgy metal to acoustic blues, and somehow the songs blend together seamlessly (The album is divided into three tracks, each over 15 minutes long, and the inside cover urges you to "listen without distraction). It's really heavy, but strangely mellow at the same time. I love it. :D

If you like metal or heavy 90's rock, anyway.

I recommend watching Aussie Rules Football. It is an awesome game and those guys are the toughest athletes in the world.

I live in the AFL capital....I am surrounded by football jocks. :mad:

For music, I recommend Biffy Clyro, a 3 piece from Scotland who have three albums out, but are still relatively unknown.

Mediæval Babes: The Rose, Undrentide, Salva Nos, Mistletoe Wine... any one of their albums! They are a great musical group. They do mediæval music. It's so gorgeous; they have awsome voices and the instrumental melodies that accompany their seductive song...it's just so nice.

I'd agree with Kanabia, Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley is great.

Anything by Isac Asimov is awsome, the best sci-fi writer ever. You should check out the Foundation series.

I'd agree with Kanabia, Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley is great.

Anything by Isac Asimov is awsome, the best sci-fi writer ever. You should check out the Foundation series.

Oooh, you deserve a beer. *gives beer* :D

And i've been meaning to get back into reading. I guess i'll check out Asimov! :)

One more thing. When you have left over cheese that's too small to get any slices from and too big to put on bread, put it in a mixer along with garlic, basil, salt and olive oil. Mix the ingredients for some cheap homemade pesto, great for pasta or sandwiches. :D

Thanks, mate. Australian lager is great :D

Album - Kyuss, Welcome to Sky Valley....
If you like metal or heavy 90's rock, anyway.

I do indeed so yay! Thanks :)

For music, I recommend Biffy Clyro, a 3 piece from Scotland who have three albums out, but are still relatively unknown

Already somewhat of a fan ;)

Mediæval Babes: The Rose, Undrentide, Salva Nos, Mistletoe Wine... any one of their albums! They are a great musical group. They do mediæval music. It's so gorgeous; they have awsome voices and the instrumental melodies that accompany their seductive song...it's just so nice.

Ooo sounds interesting and something I've never really listened to before...

One more thing. When you have left over cheese that's too small to get any slices from and too big to put on bread, put it in a mixer along with garlic, basil, salt and olive oil. Mix the ingredients for some cheap homemade pesto, great for pasta or sandwiches.

Mmm sounds nice... could make cheesy garlic bread :D

Already somewhat of a fan ;)
Brilliant :D

Ive been liking them since "the Vertigo of Bliss" (the second album), hadnt heard much about them before that. the first albums great though.

I do indeed so yay! Thanks :)

You're welcome! :)

Thanks, mate. Australian lager is great :D

:D *adds you to list of people who rock*

Hmmm.... so much to recommend...

Read: The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams (has some great essays)
Anarchism and other Essays by Emma Goldman
Um er.... ANNE RICE!!!

Don't watch too much TV, unless it's Law and ORder, the Simpsons or the news on a public station.

Edit: Check out an exhibition of Man Ray's photography. It's just awesome.

Brilliant :D

Ive been liking them since "the Vertigo of Bliss" (the second album), hadnt heard much about them before that. the first albums great though.

:D I found out about them through a friend working on a website dedicated to up-and-coming bands who got to be friends with them. I haven't heard any more than Blackened Sky but it's enough for me to be saving up for their other albulms (along with about a million more :p)

:D I found out about them through a friend working on a website dedicated to up-and-coming bands who got to be friends with them. I haven't heard any more than Blackened Sky but it's enough for me to be saving up for their other albulms (along with about a million more :p)
Cool, "The Vertigo of Bliss" is truly awesome :)

Hmmm.... so much to recommend...

Read: The Salmon of Doubt by Douglas Adams (has some great essays)
Anarchism and other Essays by Emma Goldman
Um er.... ANNE RICE!!!

Don't watch too much TV, unless it's Law and ORder, the Simpsons or the news on a public station.

Well I like Douglas Adams so I'll be on the lookout for that :) And Anne Rice... haven't read a good horror story in ages.

Rick Riordan books... as a native Austinite, his books are a religious experience.

The books on "the weather project" on the artist "Ólafur Elíasson" (in english).
Other of my favorite artists include "On Kawari" the date painter.
As for music, the DJ Morpheus "freezone" compilations make me very happy.

And If you're european, I recommend anything written by by Tim Moore.

Spoon's new album Gimme Fiction. It is released May 10th and will be a great one.

I Turn My Camera On (http://mergerecords.com/Spoon_GimmeFiction_I_Turn_My_Camera_On.mp3)

I Summon You (Demo) (http://media.prod4ever.com/spoon/SPOON_-_I_SUMMON_YOU_demo.mp3)

Sister Jack (Demo) (http://media.prod4ever.com/spoon/mp3/SPOON_sister_jack_intro_mix2b.mp3)

Sister Jack (Piano Demo) - I highly recommend this one (http://media.prod4ever.com/spoon/mp3/SPOON_sister_jack_piano_2Vs1C.mp3)

Thanks for the replies. And VO, thanks for the reccomendation-love the piano demo.

And VO, thanks for the reccomendation-love the piano demo.

You are very welcome.

Book: Anything Anne Rice
CD: Believe by Disturbed or Comalies by Lacuna Coil
Band: Disturbed, i think they are better than people expect, if you listen to the music OFF the radio. Anti-Flag for something punk, and Lacuna Coil for best female rocker.
Film: Identity is kinda creepy
TV show: I've really gotten int Medium lately
Place: NOT MICHIGAN, I love Chicago though
Game: Diablo 2 w/ expansion pack, or Sims2
Food: Fusion foods