Literature; generally all the classics with a particular liking to 'Beat' poetry and the Harlem Renaissance. Films and Film-making; this is a great idea and a good start to what could, one day, be an interesting career.

There are three movies that i love to watch over and over again, they are in no particular order but I will briefly explain why I enjoy each one:

- Meet Joe Black (1998): This movie, while I know that a lot of people dislike it, always makes me think of my own father. The time it was released, he got sick and I suppose the timing plus the theme of the movie coinsided and thus the film has an individual significance for me.

- Good Will Hunting (1997): This is just a work of genius. The cast couldn't have been more appropriate and the script was written as though it had been written by truly seasoned screenwriters. The highlight for me is Seán's (Robin Williams') speech to Will (Matt Damon) in their second meeting, by the lake. It puts the entire film into a very clear and introvert perspective.

- Pieces of April (2003): Probably the most under credited and underpromoted movies of the 21st Century. Katie Holmes' finest performance and just a superb piece of film-making. While the running theme of the movie is heavily referred to, and luckily for a change, in a humorous light, the sub plots are immense. The movie, while particulary short, is appropriately lengthed, for to 'pad' the movie with waffle would have been a shame. Simply an incredible movie and one that should have been promoted a little more.

Classic R&B/Soul: Otis Redding, Al Green, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, James Brown, Fats Domino
Rock & Pop: Justin Timberlake, Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morrisette, Thin Lizzy, Chris Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson
Misc.: Alejandro Sanz, Los Lobos, Buena Vista Social Club, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk

"On The Road" by Jack Kerouac; if you have read it, I need not explain why it is perhaps my favorite book. If you haven't read it, then go and do so. While the message of the book is often misinterpreted, and is perhaps the reason why Kerouac succumb to alcoholism, anyone who reads it will either be adorned with a new perspective on the things one takes for granted, or will simply ejnoy the ride with Dean Moriarty.

http://smokinghotcoffee...
http://www.realclearpol...
http://www.facebook.com

It depends on how you define artist. If you mean musically, I would have to say that currently Justin Timberlake is perhaps one of the most innovative musicians who has developed endlessly over the past few years. In film-making, I think that Judd Apatow and the Cohen Brothers are probably the most significant film-makers of the current generation. The new style of comedy which mixes spatstick with drama rings bells of 21st Century Monty Python. With regards to other arts, I think Andrew MacPhearson still reigns in the world of photography. Most of the new comedians re introducing some incredible acts, such as Dane Cook. I think his effortless ability to make the mundane things funny is incredible.

Anyone who has ever been wronged by someone else and not sought revenge, but have instead moved on and forgotten about the small obstacles that got in their way on the path to happiness. Anyone who has corrected/not-accepted their friend(s) for making racially, homophobic, belittling or offensive comments about another human being(s). Also, anyone who is independantly minded enough that they so not ricidule others who do not simulate the same functions as they do.

Honestly, I am not much of a television 'oficianado'. Although I do enjoy both Nip/Tuck and Dexter greatly. Nip/Tuck because there aren't many drama/comedy shows that aim to curb mediocrity in an artistic sense and also because I think that the first 3 seasons, despite the unusual surgeries throughout, are the work of someone who has stuck to a path and told a great story. Dexter because I think Michael C. Hall plays the role magnificantly and the whole notion of the Dexter, while adapted from a book, is extremely novel and intruiging. I think that perhaps the idea knowing or hoping that he will be caught is the addictive in a sense.

Sadly, although I have a degree in Politics, Sociology and Social Studies, there are very few groups that are making a difference. While many organisations exist, and are noble in endeavouring to raise oney for funds, they do so incorrectly and appreciate that this is the case. I think this project is excellent. The aims are not too high and the cause is great. I suppose, if you twisted my arm, one of the most significant groups would be the Centre for European Reform, who have done excellent research in integration and promote equality and prosperity within the EU. Likewise, here in Ireland, the National Action Plan against Racism, while set up by the government, are working really well at enabling people from all over the world who have relocated to Ireland to become aware of their rights and also have inspired the Irish themselves, a nation of primarily white christian people , to see past racial and cultural divisions. One independent project which I find great is Naomi Kleins "AdBuster" group which consistantly rebel against human rights abuses committed by multi-national corporations is truly brilliant. Klein is one of the people responsible for disclosing the Nike child/sweat labour factories in Asia as well as the abuses by Nestle in the early 1990's. The AdBuster is a reflection of the ever commodified existence of products and advertisement. You should check it out.