Desert Island Disks - BotRH Style!

[Samuraiflip05]

    Well the world of WoT first came to my attention back around 1991 or 92.  I had recently ventured into fantasy after a prolonged bout with horror(Namely Stephen King).  I had burned through dozens of novels in the Dragonlance series, and was browsing for something new.  While wandering a bookstore in St Louis Union Station, a large paperback(I think they call them Trade paperbacks) caught my eye. 

 

    I pulled the book and saw the title, The Eye of the World.  Looking at the artwork was the selling point.  I bought the book and read through it in only two sittings.  Unfortunately, that copy(I believe to have been a first printing) was lost when a pipe burst in my old house.  I actually did not realize that later novels came out until 1995 when I was telling some friends about "this awesome novel I had read a few year ago".  One of them informed me that there were now 5 novels.  I purchased 1-5 in mass paperback and have reread the series with each new release since.  Around book 9 I purchased 1-5 in hardback to match the books after LoC.  The rest as they say, is history. 

   

    As for Dragonmount....I, like so many people, was impatiently losing hope in the release of Book 12.  Then one day, I am checking news headlines on MSN, when I come across the news of RJ's passing.  The title read "acclaimed fantasy author dies".  I cringed inside as I clicked on the link.  Reading the story confirmed my worst fears, RJ was gone and the final book had not been completed(Callous of me, but it seems to have been a shared response).  I began searching feverishly for some word that the novel was close to finished, and could be completed in some form.  That was how I found DM. 

 

    I guess this is the part where I provide some of my favorite music?  I am feeling meditative right now so I will delve into the traditional musics of Japan.

 

Kodo-Taiko Drummers

[Corki]

Well, you are actually one step ahead of me with the music, as that was going to be my next question! ;) A nice and relaxing choice, I must say. Especially after the manic day I have had in the office! It would be pretty awesome to have that drummer's skill to elevaiate some stress after a day at work.

 

You weren't the only one taken by the artwork. I know the UK books have different covers to the books in the US, but I loved the simplicity of the UK covers. That is what drew me to the books...as well as the interesting blurb on the back.

 

Now your piece of music takes me back to my visit to Japan a few years ago. A wonderful country! Have you been lucky enough to visit? If not, do you plan to? And what draws you to the country? Please note I am assuming you are a fan of the country from a few comments in the Warders' Guild, you posting the music and your name!

 

Oh, and hold your horses with posting your second piece of music! ;)

[Samuraiflip05]

I have not been to Japan.  It is on my must see list, though. 

 

I am drawn to the country because it is my heritage.  My Grandmother was a Japanese citizen who married an American soldier(in an arranged marriage).  My oldest Aunt and my Mother were both born in Yokohama, Japan.  They lived there and in Okinawa for a few years before my Grandfathers military career took them to Germany and the United States. 

 

Growing up I had plenty of exposure to the culture, from cuisine, to artifacts.  When my Grandmother passed a few years back, she was cremated and the ashes were split among the 5 children.  At some point they plan to make a trip to Japan to spread the ashes.  I hope to be able to save up and make that trip as well. 

 

 

[Corki]

If you get the chance to visit, do so! I was incrediably lucky that my school had links with 2 schools in Osaka, and there was an exchange up and running. It was a fantastic 3 weeks, and I plan to go back at some stage. I do hope you are able to save up to make the trip.

 

Now, we move onto your second piece of music. What is it, and why have you chosen it?

[Samuraiflip05]

I do keep my hopes up that I can make it, but sometimes it feels like the only chance I have to see it would be to star in the TV show, I Survived a Japanese Game Show.  :D

 

Doucette - Mama Let Him Play

 

This song has always been one of my favorites.  It is however a very difficult one to obtain as it has been out of print for a number of years.  I cannot say what it is about the song that makes me like it so, other than it is very catchy. 

[Corki]

I see what you mean about it being catchy! A nice little number.

 

You've been a member at DM for nearly 2 years - you're still a youngun' in my eyes! ;) What keeps you here? Are you still surprised you are here after this time?  And what has been your greatest achievement while on the site?

[Samuraiflip05]

Well as I said initially, I came seeking news on what would happen post RJ, but, I would have to say that what has kept me here are the people.  A lot of people say that it is easier to be friendly when under the anonymity of the internet.  But, so many of the people here share their lives with each other, meet in person, or attend the conventions.  It has been that level of companionship that has made me want to stay.....that and the updates on the series. 

 

Sometimes I am a little surprised I have been here as long as I have.  Other times it is no surprise at all. 

 

My greatest achievment thus far......well, I would probably say that taking the reins over at the Ogier would be it......but, that is still a work in progress. 

[Corki]

Apologies for my slow reply, but I have been having a few dodgy nights with my internet. Anyway, it seems to be working at the moment, so time to move this on.

 

Well, the Band is still work in progress, even after being in charge for 4.5 years now. The current climate in the ORG makes this a challenge, as well as a new place to start and improve. I'm looking forward to the coming months ahead.

 

And good luck with the Ogier! ;) I am sure you will do a great job.

 

Now, what is your third piece of music? And why have you chosen it?

[Samuraiflip05]

 

When I first heard this song, it was being used in Highlander the Series.  It is a beautiful song and I have always been a fan of Scottish and Celtic music.  I was recently re-introduced to this song when I watched the entire series on Hulu recently.  In reviewing the music I came across this snippet:

 

According to Wikipedia:

"Bonny Portmore" is a Scottish traditional folk song which details the centuries of Scottland's old oak forests, specifically The Great Oak of Portmore, being leveled for military and shipbuilding purposes.

 

The song laments the destruction of the Ornament Tree, an old oak which is believed to have stood near Portmore Lough.

 

 

Adding the weight of the songs message to my previous enjoyment of the music makes it even better in my opinion.  Plus it goes along with that Ogier feel.   :D

[Corki]

You had me confused there for a minute. I didn't realise that there was a Highlander series in addition to the film. There again, that shows how poor my TV knowledge is and I wouldn't be much of a help on a quiz team! And taking of quizzes, what would you say was your specialist subject be?

 

That is a nice, relaxing piece of music. It reminds me of Enya - but there again, Enya is also Celtic music. A stark contrast to the metal I was listening to beforehand!

 

So, sticking with TV and film, what do want from a film when you see one? What TV series really grab your attention? And finally, favourite film and/or TV series?

[Samuraiflip05]

Well, the song was also used in Highlander III.  As for quiz specialties......I am kind of the Jack-of-all-trades, Master of none sort.  I usually call myself a plethora of useless knowledge.  :D

 

When I see a film....first and foremost, I want it to make sense.  You can have the most oulandish plot, as long as you have explained it so that it makes sense.  As far as TV series.....I erally don't watch much TV.  I only recently got into some old shows thanks to Hulu.com.  Usually I watch baseball or other sports. 

 

Favorite Film/TV.....Well, I guess favorite film would be either The Dark Crystal or Legend.  Both were excellent fantasy style movies from my younger days, that have remained favorites as I grew.  Favorite TV......probably Fringe.  I knida dig the freaky stuff.  :D

[Corki]

I totally forgot this! lol! My bad! I have heard of Hulu.com, while looking for episodes of Legend of the Seeker online as I couldn't wait for them to be aired in the UK. It's a pretty cool set up!

 

I don't recognise either films or the show...that just shows how much I watch TV! lol!

 

Anyway, time to move onto music choice number 4. What is it, and why have you chosen it? Oh, and how many pieces do you want to do?

[Samuraiflip05]

Rush - Freewill

 

Rush ranks up as my favorite band.  This song ranks up as my favorite by them.  The song's lyrics deal with the subject of free will, emphasizing that it is not a gift but rather a choice; explaining that Man can attempt to evade the fact that he must choose, but that evasion is itself a choice.

 

My favorite line is "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." 

 

It has always struck a chord with me, as my religious beliefs are rather indeterminate. 

 

How many pieces are the average? 

[Corki]

5 is a standard.

 

I have to say having washing machines going in the background is quite strange.  :-\ And that is a lot of people at the gig! The song grows on me...but it is quite slowly. I did enjoy the guitar parts around 3:30 minutes in!

 

So, before we move onto the final piece (if we are sticking with 5 songs), what have been your ambitions in life? Have you met any of them? Will any be fulfilled in the near future? And any totally unattainable but there just in case the chance ever arises?

[Samuraiflip05]

Well my main life ambitions have involved starting a family, which I have accomplished, and raising my children to be good people. 

 

Past that, I am geared to maintaining good employment and hopefully getting a RV/Camper to take the kiddos camping.  If the chance arises?  Maybe a motorcycle.  ;) 

[Corki]

Those sound some great ambitions...but you can keep the motorbike one! Anything on two wheels and myself don't get along at all. Just ask the poor lamp post I cycled into when I started learning - and I haven't ridden a bike since (except an exercie bike, which is the best type of bike ever!).

 

Before we get to your luxury items, what is your final piece of music? And why have you chosen it?

[Samuraiflip05]

 

This song was my Father's favorite song.  He once told me an elaborate story about listening to this song on an LSD, and the resulting daydream of being onstage.  It fit him well, and I had it played at his funeral services when he passed away.  I have always liked Lynyrd Skynyrd, but that association has given it a permanent place on my top lists. 

[Corki]

That is quite a relaxing song to listen to! I really enjoyed listening to that. And a great little story associated with it that can be passed down the generations. ;)

 

And we are now drawing this Desert Island Disks interview to an end. But before we do, which of the songs you have chosen would you take to a desert island? Also, which book would you take and why? And which one luxury item and why?

[Samuraiflip05]

Hmmm A desert island?  I would probably take the Kodo song.  I'd need the meditative assistance all alone like that. 

 

As for a book.....well I guess that it would be The Eye of the World.  It is my most reread book(I have read it 8 times).  So I know from experience that I haven't tired of it. 

 

One luxury item?  Hmmmm, on a desert island I'd probably want something cool to drink, so I'd say an ice machine. 

[Corki]

Some interesting selections to take away to your desert island - I am sure they will make you happy! ;) So thank you for taking the time to be here on Desert Island Disks - Band of the Red Hand Style. It was very informative and extremely interesting discussion. :)

 

Feel free to pick the next person (Bander or non-Bander) to continue this thread. Don;'t take too long otherwise you will have the Producer (i.e. me! ;)) jumping up and down on you!  ;D

[Samuraiflip05]

I'm on it.  It may be a few days. 

[Corki]

Latest news?  :P

[Samuraiflip05]

Hadn't been around much getting used to a new work schedule.

 

[Corki]

Latest news, Sam? It's over a month now, and you don't want an angry producer jumping up and down at you! ;)

[Samuraiflip05]

Well the jumping up and down part might be funny, but I think I have a couple candidates, I just have to ask them.