This is an eclectic list of those things I've enjoyed of late! or books I've found inspirational and useful,

Hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard is the book that I always cite as the one that got me started in this field.  Read it too many years ago to mention in my teens and was blown away.  Got it again a few years ago but held of reading it (just in case it didn't live up to expectations!) for a couple of years but when I did get round to re-reading it it was just as good.

Influence: science and practice ny Robert Cialdini (and its follow up Yes!) is a brilliant book.  Easily read, well written and very informative - top of my recommendation list - if you only read one book a year ...

I've just finished reading Wordweaving (Vol I and II) by Trevour Silvester, both good, probably vol I is the more enjoyable read and covers how we use language (NLP influenced) to persuade etc., worth seeking out.

 25th August 2009

Just finished reading Miller's biography of Kris Kristofferson - fascinating insight into the man who wrote one of my all time favourite songs (Me and Bobby MacGee if you're interested).  Interestingly the book is better on the early stages of Kristofferson's life rather than the last 10 to 15 years - probably because that where's there's more info out there and hence more material to build the book on.  If you're a fan of the man or his songs (the films and film anecdotes are rather rushed over in many cases) then I'd recommend reading this book.

Also read John Fisher's (no relation) biography of the funniest British comedian (W. C. Fields having the ultimate honour).  Unfortunately the book, whilst fascinating and insightful, is very dry and rather staid in its writing.  That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book - I did it wasn't the pleasure it should have been!   The structure was a little awkward in the jumping back and fowards in time as well.

 August 2010

Must read book - Dr Michael Nicholls - The Lost Art of Listening - absolutly tremendous!  Some very good examples of how we can all improve our listening skills.  Some sections less relevant than others but overall up there with the best books I've read!

Enjoyed the new Tim Burton take on Alice in Wonderland - nicely surreal and visually stunning.  As is the Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus.  Also loved The Book of Eli

 Not seen much at the pictures recently but a couple of old films still do it for me.

The first is Carnival of souls a very old (1930/40's) black and white film about a mysterious carnival site and the hold it has over a young woman rescued from a car crash that killed her friends.  Loads of atmosphere. 

I also like Jacob's Ladder which, in many ways, has a similar overall theme.  This is a more modern film (1980/90s) where Tim Robbins plays a Vietnam vet haunted by nightmares and visions and trying to make sense of things.  the visual imagery is stunning. 

Although I have to say another of my favourite films is Groundhog day (is Groundhog day, is Groundhog day!)

On TV its things like Twin Peaks and Farscape that did it for me, although must admit the third series of Torchwood is spot on!  Also True Blood is one of the best shows since twin peaks for style and surrealism!

My favourite artist - sadly now in the great band in the sky!

 Waylon Jennings  and "Honky Tonk Heroes" is my favourite (and first one I bought) of his albums -

One of the, if not the, greatest singers I've heard (and had the pleasure of seeing live a few times now - always a stunning performance)

k d lang    

one of my favourite bands

Molly Hatchett (Southern/country rock - or at least it is to me!)