Since 2002 CBC has run a "competition" to choose a Canadian book which everyone should read. Several spokespeople (usually a mix of literary and political types, with some "celebrities" [in Canada, celebrity is not the same as in the US]) promote a book of their own and then each day one is voted out, with each giving their reasons.
While the "contest" idea might work (it would require some supervision, obviously), we could just start a thread on interesting books (fiction and non-fiction), movies, songs or albums that we've come across lately. They don't have to be current, just what's currently in your CD-player, iPod, bedside table or whatever.
Seeing as it's my diary, I'll start (below)...
Book: I am still reading it, so I won't comment too much on the overall plot, etc.
"The Fountain At The Centre Of The World" by Robert Newman. Published by Verso, 2003 [ISBN 1-85984-573-8]
This is a work of fiction, with a great story and a Dickensian sort of coincidence, which has two orphaned brothers separated by continents and engaged in completely opposite sides on the globalisation battle. The book has great insight into corporatism, capitalism, manipulation of mass media, marketing, etc. A great DKos read.
Movie: Well, this is one that has been on in my house probably about 30 times since we bought the DVD (my kids (aged 6-12) all love it).
"Spirited Away" by Hayao Miyazaki. 2002
Continuing the globalisation theme, in a way, Spirited Away is a beautiful, strange and compelling movie that is (superficially) about the adventures of a young girl (10?) in the "spirit world". Obviously coming of age is one theme, but having seen bits of this movie repeatedly I can assure you that the layers are infinite. Anything by Miyazaki is very good, but Spirited Away is one of the greats. As fun as Shrek 2 is, it ain't deep, or even very helpful. See everything you can by Miyazaki, especially if you have kids, but even if you don't.
Song: This is from the end of Eternal Sunshine. Bought the soundtrack because it engendered such a strong memory of the original (1980--The Korgis).
"Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime" performed by Beck.
I'm not going to say much about the song--you need to hear it. The lyrics are simple (and suitably vague) but feel profound. The arrangement slays me. If you like Beck (including Sea Change) you will probably love it. His voice is so up-front on the recording that it catches you by surprise the first couple of listens. I can't get enough.
Also, I love Beck, but he's not for everyone. Especially since he's so eclectic. And the movie is also fabulous, as many of you probably know.
Album: I don't have anything to add right now, but I will in the future. Don't feel compelled to follow the format--write something up if it's meaningful to you today.
One last note: I gave you links to Amazon on all of these. That's not an exhortation to use their service or obtain things there. I find the reviews and related items stuff worth looking at. I purchase stuff from them when it seems like the best way for me to get it. Not, I guess, all that often.
MY LAST WORD: Please contribute your own recommendations, along with a brief rationale (doesn't need to be much). If you think this is a good idea, maybe we can keep it going on a weekly basis.