A few people asked me for recommendations lately, so I decided I'd make a short list: (that turned out to be not so short, so maybe choose the category that interests you?)

Crime/Mystery

Agatha Christie.

Everything. Absolutely everything. Those who know me well know that I worship the woman. They're not only very good mysteries, but also they have an atmosphere of eternal elegance. These books deserve to be savoured, don't rush them, don't look ahead; enjoy them. I promise you you'd never guess the murderer.
My personal favourites: the Hollow and the Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

Nero Wolfe Series by Rex Stout

I haven't read enough of them. Last time I read one my internal temperature was between 38-40 C so... but amazing. the structure and story, while you may suspect the killer, the surrounding and personalities of the characters are brilliant.

Both of the above writers make very good studies of human character, this makes the detail of the interactions incredible.

Fantasy

Darkweaver/Imperial Series by Mark Robson

Technically the Series are connected and are in the same universe/same decade. However the stories are quite different. What I love about this writer is the fact that he doesn't make excuses, there is no introduction; these books employ the sink or swim method. And once you get the hang of the storyline you really appreciate the detail - which is very intricate and rather, well, creative.

The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

Only the first book; it is a series but in this case the first book is the best. I suppose it counts as a young adult book, but not a lot of morals and lessons to be learned. So I see it more as one of my comfort books; it is a very sweet desperate story with bits of every genre included.

Cozy Mysteries

This is a genre I'm still discovering, it is a mysteries but I guess softer. In Rita's newly discovered maths: cozy=mystery - thriller.

Gray Whale Inn Series by Karen MacInerney

I guess these are more focused on a female audience, but they really are feel-good books despite being murder centered. I especially love the main character, the reality of her life and the homey feeling of the books. It's a combination that makes these books irresistible to me and easily consumed in a day.

Humour

Absolute Power (DVD)

Not a book, I know. But there is such power and dedication in the script. I think the idea(s) are the things that makes this series really really consuming. It has a modern feel without becoming all chrome and angles. It also shows the world, media and people in a unique and rather harsh yet humorous light. It also challenges the popular conceptions we have about truth, morals and deception. Rather sharp, sarcastic humour very often at the expense of others.

Art/Photography/Unconventional Writing



This is a photographer that really inspires me, his photographs show a lot of skill and reality. I am in awe of how he shows human nature through a combination of photographs and writing. His projects are unique and in a way he really has the dream job. I also am drawn like a moth to a flame, to his thought process and personal reception of his work.
One of my favourite photographs of his is this one. For me it's the simplicity and the relaxed atmosphere.
However to fully appreciate it you really need look at his photographs as a group, project by project.

Kmye Chan

This artist creates something we often see with very good fantasy writing. She creates universes, proper structured universes that you see in you mind with her art. Her pieces aren't in proportion or conventional and yet they give of the feelings and atmosphere that I generally get from a very good book.
My favourite art of hers is the one I've seen first. Yes it was the theme that drew me in, but it is the unrealistic detailed that captured me. Most people when doing a fantasy setting simplify the art and focus on a few aspects, she does the opposite and this is what makes it so much more real.

On the Subject of ... Masters, serenades and songs of black humour

My hopes and theories have come to life: that's right my Master's back.

*giggle*

Snooped through the Internet and found details of the upcoming regeneration episodes of Doctor Who. The cast to be precise: Jack, Donna, Sarah Jane Smith, the 11th Doctor and of course... the Master

*giggle giggle maniacal laughter* Oh, Master.... Mr. Saxon... *love-sick sigh* my gorgeous time traveling genociding psycopathic alien.

(What? Villains are attractive. 'Specially is suits.)

Thanks to Fallow I'm currently still on a sugar-like high. So, I thank her for introducing me to the Gothic Archies, they sing the most amazing things.

If I ever get serenaded I want it to be with their song Shipwrecked.

*sings*
I can't think of a single thing I'd rather do
and that's why I had to get rid of the crew
So I lopped off their heads and dropped them into the sea

Very romantic.

Their songs:
Shipwrecked
The world is a very scary place
Walking my gargoyle
and other's...

*sigh* Sugar High....Bubblegum-Goth....

Watercolour Pencils

Because I was feeling slightly inadequate with all these art geniuses I decided to experiment with portraiture and my watercolour pencils. Looks better in real life and from a distance so probably will photograph tomorrow.

I am tempted to ask you to guess who this is, but I know that it is doubtful that anyone knows. This is Captain John Hart as portrayed by James Marsters.

On the subject of...Frog legs, Psychopath-looking Doctors and June air.

Some of the people I know are currently on a short visit to France, may you enjoy it there.
As for my Mud and Fallow. Well it's right up Fallows alley, she's been there many times; as for Mud. I hope that she'll enjoy her first time in a foreign land and be willing to travel alot in the future (with us two of course.)

As pretty much always I don't have time for a well written article of philosophical line of thought. However two notes:

1. The Eleventh Doctor is upon us!!!
2. And there are rumours that the Children of the Earth (short 3rd season story line) will be aired in June... (On BBC1, which is a big deal)
   

On the subject of... lyrics and dry tissues

Two artistic (meaning, not word for word) translations of Russian songs with lyrics I love:

Она идет по жизни смеясь

She goes through life laughing,

She's as light as wind

Nowhere in the world

Her face won't hit the dirt

A tried method of dealing with questions

Like they're not even there

In everything there's sunlight

She goes throught life laughing

Meeting and parting

No regrets in parting easy

and meeting each time

And all the new faces

Quickly mixing

Into a melting circle

Of friends

She goes throught life laughing

As a guest she's like at home

Where everything is known

Luck is with her

Life is Sucessful

With no exceptions

All with amazment

Watch her leaving

Not noting the night that are spent crying

By the one who goes throught life laughing.

The original, does sound much better however this is the best translation I can give. The tune is amazingly catchy (in style I personally call old-style rock) and it was sung by Машина Времени (Machine of Time).

Иностранец (part of lyrics)

Gift me with the first dance,

Take me away with you,

Far and wide I am a foreigner,

And everywhere I'm like their own,

Like a boat upon the ocean,

I have lost the shore my own,

Far and wide I am a foreigner,

Take me, mother, home.

The Original

Подари мне первый танец,

Забери меня с собой,

Я повсюду иностранец,

И повсюду я вроде бы свой.

Словно лодка в океане,

Затерялся берег мой,

Я повсюду иностранец,

Забери меня, мама, домой

Maybe this will tell you something about me. Maybe it wont. Don't over analyze it please. The original was sung by Валерий Меладзе (and the words and the music were by his brother).

I also suspect that at somepoint I shall take upon my self to translate Russian into English (I do take suggestions).

And finally...

Last weekend: Mother wonders if our visa will let us visit England.

Chance of going to England (for a quick holiday visit): 98%

This saturday: A week of finding absolutely no information and being always re-directed.

Chance of going to England: 60%

This sunday morning: Andrew saying that on the Internet there are tales of similar problems.

Chance of going to England: 10%

This sunday afternoon: Found confirming information in Wikipedia.

Chance of going to England: 0.1%

Chance of running out of dry tissues in the house: 90%