Echinops's recent activity

  1. Comment on Recommendations about which Android texting app to use? in ~tech

  2. Comment on Midweek Movie Free Talk in ~movies

    Echinops
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    I did a double horror feature this past weekend that turned out to be 2 of the best in class films I've seen in a long time. Longlegs was well done in just about every way. It lives up to the...

    I did a double horror feature this past weekend that turned out to be 2 of the best in class films I've seen in a long time.
    Longlegs was well done in just about every way. It lives up to the hype, with great performances, a compelling story, and wonderful ambiance. I won't spoil the main stick of the film, but it dovetails perfectly with the second one that I watched unrealizing how connected they are.

    Cure 1997 This film, which is both Criterion and Janus, really creates a whole new genre. I'd recommend going in without knowing much about it. Once you read up on it, you'll see several master directors tipping their hats to it.

    4 votes

  3. Comment on Oregon decriminalized drugs. Voters now regret it. in ~society

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    I agree completely as an Oregonian. We can have discussions about issues with PTown, but if anyone out of state attacks Portland I'm gonna rip into them. The media attacks during the BLM protests...

    I agree completely as an Oregonian. We can have discussions about issues with PTown, but if anyone out of state attacks Portland I'm gonna rip into them. The media attacks during the BLM protests were vile. And I'm amazed at how many people took that as fact.

    5 votes

  4. Comment on Best open source EPUB reader app? in ~books

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    I've used most Android readers extensively. I almost always resort to FBreader, which was once open source. But I have to say Librera is the best open source epud reader hands down. I've also...

    I've used most Android readers extensively. I almost always resort to FBreader, which was once open source. But I have to say Librera is the best open source epud reader hands down.

    I've also recently started using the auto scroll feature, which is really an amazing way for me to read stuff. It's incredibly lazy to never have to tap page change or thumb scroll. It's won me over.

    2 votes

  5. Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    Hesse is one of my favorites, but I think Strppenwolf is one of his worst books. If you ever want to pick him up again, try Narcissus and Goldmund.

    Hesse is one of my favorites, but I think Strppenwolf is one of his worst books. If you ever want to pick him up again, try Narcissus and Goldmund.

  6. Comment on So, any good horror flicks lately? in ~movies

  7. Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music

    Echinops
    Link
    I've been stuck on a band called Celebration lately. If you like Siouxsie and the Banshees, PJ Harvey, or Cocteau Twins; you'll adore this band immensely. All five albums are great with a high...

    I've been stuck on a band called Celebration lately. If you like Siouxsie and the Banshees, PJ Harvey, or Cocteau Twins; you'll adore this band immensely. All five albums are great with a high density of stand out songs.

  8. Comment on <deleted topic> in ~talk

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    We're the counter culture freaks now for NOT having them.

    We're the counter culture freaks now for NOT having them.

    6 votes

  9. Comment on Which Kindle/e-reader are you using? in ~books

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    Yes! I've substantially increased my reading time with my phone. I use FbReader though. It's very easy to switch between light background dark text, and dark background to green or red text for...

    Yes! I've substantially increased my reading time with my phone. I use FbReader though. It's very easy to switch between light background dark text, and dark background to green or red text for night viewing. It's much easier on my eyes.

    Plus, with Guttenburg, Standard Ebooks, or Library Genesis; almost any book is on my phone in seconds.

  10. Comment on Any hardcore leftists here? in ~talk

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    He wrote an entire book on it: American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America.

    He wrote an entire book on it: American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America.

    3 votes

  11. Comment on What are some short story collections you'd recommend? in ~books

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    I'd add the Pastures of Heaven to this. I recently read it and it is PEAK Steinbeck.

    I'd add the Pastures of Heaven to this. I recently read it and it is PEAK Steinbeck.

    1 vote

  12. Comment on Artists you love, and are surprised are not more popular than they are? in ~music

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    St. Paul is incredible. Their newest album is rock solids all the way through too.

    St. Paul is incredible. Their newest album is rock solids all the way through too.

  13. Comment on Is there any book that you keep trying but can not get through? in ~books

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    I'm a huge Hesse fan. I try to read a different book of his at least once a year. That one is a slog. It's a wonderful meditation, and many of his insights are fleshed out more fully into the...

    I'm a huge Hesse fan. I try to read a different book of his at least once a year. That one is a slog. It's a wonderful meditation, and many of his insights are fleshed out more fully into the Ludi's odyssey, but it often feels pointless and meandering. I personally loved it and thought it was a wonderful read, but you have to abandon a sense of continuity and typical storytelling devices.

    I read it in winter, which helped too. For slow, cold days, it helps to pass the time. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone but the most ardent Hesse fan.

    1 vote

  14. Comment on GenX, what is a music video that you feel best represents us? in ~music

  15. Comment on What music documentaries have you enjoyed? in ~music

    Echinops
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    Two films that have widespread critical acclaim as films themselves, that happen to be about music: Searching for Sugar Man Stop Making Sense about the Talking Heads.

    Two films that have widespread critical acclaim as films themselves, that happen to be about music:

    Searching for Sugar Man

    Stop Making Sense about the Talking Heads.

    1 vote

  16. Comment on Favorite ambient / instrumental music? in ~music

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    Anything by Balmorhea is pretty amazing. I'll often put on the entire discog and hit shuffle. Fantastic winter music.

    Anything by Balmorhea is pretty amazing. I'll often put on the entire discog and hit shuffle. Fantastic winter music.

    1 vote

  17. Comment on TV Tuesdays Free Talk in ~tv

    Echinops
    Link
    Just finished the Last of Us. I played the first game but not the second. It was very well done and riveting with amazing performances all around. I'm glad I finally got a chance to watch it.

    Just finished the Last of Us. I played the first game but not the second. It was very well done and riveting with amazing performances all around. I'm glad I finally got a chance to watch it.

    3 votes

  18. Comment on General product recommendations in ~life

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    I actually came here to mention Pact's apparel as well. I've got shirts, pants, shorts, PJs from Pact. They are all very comfortable and visually appealing. This on top of the ethical philosophy...

    I actually came here to mention Pact's apparel as well. I've got shirts, pants, shorts, PJs from Pact. They are all very comfortable and visually appealing. This on top of the ethical philosophy of fair wages, water usage, and end-of-life they seem to embody. They're my current go-to for anything textile.

    2 votes

  19. Comment on Beer peeps, what have you been drinking? in ~food

    Echinops
    Link Parent
    I love the Hell or High watermelon. I can drink that every day all day, it I could. It's a delicious session beer for me.

    I love the Hell or High watermelon. I can drink that every day all day, it I could. It's a delicious session beer for me.

    2 votes

  20. Comment on Wildflower plantings in ~hobbies

    Echinops
    Link
    I would highly recommend looking for native plants for your region. Once established, they will require little maintenance and become a huge draw for native insects and wildlife. Starting with...

    I would highly recommend looking for native plants for your region. Once established, they will require little maintenance and become a huge draw for native insects and wildlife.

    Starting with seed on the ground is often difficult even for experienced gardeners. It is recommend to start them in trays or 4 inch pots. Then, once established with healthy roots, transplant them into the garden.

    4 votes