Miscs

Better Call Saul is an American television series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It’s a spin-off, prequel, and a sequel to Gilligan’s previous series, “Breaking Bad.” First aired in 2015, “Better Call Saul” has been highly praised for its writing, character development, and complex storytelling. The series focuses on the character Jimmy McGill (played by Bob Odenkirk), a former con artist who becomes a small-time attorney and eventually transforms into the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman, a character introduced in “Breaking Bad.” The show explores Jimmy’s evolution from an earnest lawyer struggling to escape the shadow of his successful brother, Chuck McGill (played by Michael McKean), to the flamboyant and ethically flexible Saul Goodman. Set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, several years before the events of “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” provides a detailed backstory to the transformation of its main character. The series also features other characters from “Breaking Bad,” including Mike Ehrmantraut (played by Jonathan Banks), a former police officer who becomes involved in the criminal underworld, and Gus Fring (played by Giancarlo Esposito), a calm and calculating drug lord.

苏打绿 (Sodagreen), a prominent indie pop band, is widely admired for its melodious compositions and emotionally resonant lyrics. The band, formed in 2001, quickly rose to fame in the Mandarin-speaking world, known for their poetic storytelling and the unique, ethereal voice of their lead vocalist, Qing-Feng Wu. Their album “冬 未了 (Winter Endless),” released in 2015, is a remarkable work in their discography. This album, part of their “Vivaldi Project,” is themed around the four seasons, with “Winter Endless” representing the winter phase. It showcases Sodagreen’s signature blend of poignant melodies and reflective lyrics, encapsulating the introspective and often bittersweet emotions associated with winter.

Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a critically acclaimed science fiction film released in 2014. Known for its ambitious storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and scientific accuracy, the film explores complex themes such as time, space, love, and survival. The plot of “Interstellar” is set in a dystopian future where Earth is becoming uninhabitable due to climate change and crop blights. The story follows a group of astronauts and scientists, led by former NASA pilot Cooper (played by Matthew McConaughey), who embark on a daring space mission through a wormhole near Saturn. Their goal is to find a new habitable planet for humanity, as Earth’s resources are rapidly dwindling. The narrative delves into the realm of theoretical physics, particularly the concepts of wormholes, black holes, and relativity. The film is renowned for its scientific realism, with theoretical physicist Kip Thorne consulting on the script to ensure the accurate portrayal of these phenomena. “Interstellar” uniquely visualizes the effects of time dilation, where time passes at different rates for different characters, a concept rooted in Einstein’s theory of relativity.

My favorite anime about love and music.

Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人, Shingeki no Kyojin) is a critically acclaimed and highly popular Japanese anime series, adapted from the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. The series first aired in 2013 and quickly gained a massive international following for its intense storytelling, complex characters, and dark themes. Set in a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures, “Attack on Titan” follows the story of Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert. After their hometown is destroyed and Eren’s mother is killed by Titans, they join the military to fight back against these seemingly invincible foes. The series is known for its intense action sequences, deep lore, and its exploration of themes such as freedom, the brutality of war, and the moral complexities of revenge and justice. As the story progresses, it delves into the mysteries behind the existence of Titans, uncovering shocking truths about their world.

繁花 (Blossoms), a novel by 金宇澄 (Jin Yucheng), represents a significant work in the landscape of contemporary Chinese literature. Jin Yucheng, an esteemed Chinese author, is known for his exquisite narrative style and his deep exploration of life in urban settings, particularly in Shanghai. His writing often reflects a keen observation of everyday life, capturing the essence of the rapidly changing urban landscape with a nostalgic yet fresh perspective.“Blossoms” is a masterful work that stands out in Jin Yucheng’s literary career. This novel, written entirely in Shanghai dialect, is a remarkable feat that not only captures the unique linguistic flavor of the region but also serves as a vivid portrayal of the city’s life. The narrative is richly layered, interweaving the lives of multiple characters across different time periods, reflecting the complex social tapestry of Shanghai. Set against the backdrop of Shanghai from the 1960s to the early 2000s, “Blossoms” delves into the lives, loves, and struggles of ordinary people, bringing to life the city’s evolution through their stories. The novel is characterized by its intricate plot, detailed character development, and the seamless blending of historical events with the personal experiences of its characters.

张悬 (Deserts Chang), also known as 安溥 (An Pu), is known for her unique voice and deeply introspective songwriting. Born in Taipei, Deserts Chang has carved a niche for herself with her distinctive style, blending elements of folk, alternative rock, and poetic lyrics. Her album “神的游戏 (Games We Play),” released in 2012, stands as a testament to her artistic depth and musical versatility. This album is particularly noted for its exploration of complex emotional landscapes and social commentary, delivered through Chang’s captivatingly raw and honest vocal style.

Person of Interest is an American science fiction crime drama television series created by Jonathan Nolan and produced by J.J. Abrams, which aired from 2011 to 2016. The show is known for its unique blend of procedural elements with overarching narrative threads that explore themes of surveillance, artificial intelligence, and privacy. The series centers around Harold Finch (played by Michael Emerson), a reclusive billionaire and software genius who develops a sophisticated machine for the government. This machine is designed to predict terrorist acts by monitoring and analyzing surveillance data from various sources. However, Finch discovers that the machine can also predict ordinary crimes, prompting him to take action. Finch recruits John Reese (played by Jim Caviezel), a former CIA operative presumed dead, to help him prevent these crimes. Reese acts as Finch’s field agent, using information from the machine to intervene and protect individuals identified as “persons of interest.” The team is later joined by other characters, including NYPD Detective Joss Carter (Taraji P. Henson) and Detective Lionel Fusco (Kevin Chapman), who become integral to their mission.

Steins;Gate" is a highly acclaimed Japanese anime series that first aired in 2011. It is based on a visual novel of the same name developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus. Directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki and Takuya Sato, the series is known for its complex storyline, engaging characters, and exploration of time travel’s theoretical and ethical implications. The story of “Steins;Gate” revolves around Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his friends Mayuri Shiina and Itaru “Daru” Hashida. They accidentally discover that their microwave oven machine can send messages to the past, effectively allowing them to alter the course of history. This leads them into the complex world of time travel, where they must navigate the consequences of changing past events. “Steins;Gate” stands out for its detailed and accurate portrayal of time travel and its impact on the storyline and characters. The series delves into various scientific theories and concepts, making it a thought-provoking experience. The narrative is filled with suspense, twists, and turns, keeping viewers engaged throughout.

万能青年旅店 (Omnipotent Youth Society) is a Chinese indie rock band known for their unique blend of various musical genres and their deeply poetic and often socially reflective lyrics. Hailing from Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, the band was formed in the late 1990s and gained significant attention in the Chinese underground music scene.