I've never previously encountered the term 'flames of rebellion', but I like it. I definitely have these flames, though that's not necessarily notable as I'm only in my early-20s and still at a relatively liberal university. It's worth mentioning that these flames are something I value and would like to maintain, thus I have been considering how to keep them alight. Is it possible to keep them alight?

One solution I've considered is to keep oneself outside 'the system', as such, while youth is fading. e.g. if one completes tertiary education only to jump straight into a 9-5 office job, it seems unlikely that one would maintain focus on rebellion. This seems to tie in with the idea of having "interest...vested in a way of life", as you mentioned--your focus/interest shifts to your job, and your job relies on 'the system'.

Failing that, the second solution I've considered is to actively surround oneself with others who also have the flames of rebellion. This is obviously easier when younger; your mentioning of your friend losing this trait seems to be evidence that surrounding yourself with such people is not going to occur naturally--it needs to be active. So the task would be to join organisations or groups or communities which are likely to draw such people, and which are relevant to whatever ideas of rebellion resonate with you.

My personal planned strategy is to attempt volunteer work in teaching English as a second language overseas--I've not yet thought about what to do after this; my hope is that it comes to fruition before I lose my flames.

I definitely agree with sounds_sound about Sun Kil Moon.

Winter music to me is typically quite depressing. I really like listening to artists where there are vocals which are a bit obscured by a wall-of-sound effect: shoegazey bands like Have a Nice Life, particularly the album Deathconsciousness. A bit different, but The Soft Moon's self-titled album is a pretty good winter album in a similar way.

Beyond that, listening to black metal is always great, but I'm not sure how many people on Hubski are into that!

Perhaps a bit more than just nostalgia. I thought it was quite nice, and more than a few of my American friends have listed it among their favourite beers. I found it fairly similar to White Rabbit Dark Ale, for the Aussies playing along.

I definitely enjoyed Deschutes Black Butte Porter and Ninkasi Oatis stout when I was in the states, but I think I was just a fan-boy for any Oregonian beer.

thenewgreen mentioned Moose Drool, and while it's not what would initially come to mind as far as dark beers go, it's a damn good ale. Very drinkable, yet still satisfying.

I should preface my response by stating that I've been vegetarian/vegan for the past three years--that is, vegetarian when I travel, vegan when I can cook for myself--so I am probably biased.

I think vegetarianism is a worthwhile thing to at least try out if you're interested in it, and 'trying it out' is exactly how I would start. Set yourself a time-period--say a week or a month--during which you will only eat vegetarian food, and see where you're at after that time-period. Even if you decide it's not for you, you'll still come way with an expanded repertoire of food you can cook!

I'm not thoroughly convinced that vegetarianism is necessarily healthier or unhealthier. However, it does force you to pay a bit more attention to what you're putting in your body, and that in itself can feasibly improve your diet. I'm not particularly advocating this site, but look for similar sites to see what you should be making sure to include in your diet. In public perception, there is perhaps bit of an over-emphasis on protein in-take (it's in a lot of standard food sources) and under-emphasis on Omega-3 and Vitamin D for vegetarian diets.

There is so much in the way of vegan/vegetarian blogs that it's hard to know where to start. I have found this blog really great as it has a lot of simple recipes. Additionally, I would definitely recommend having a go at making your own seitan. It is easy and so versatile!

One final thing to warn you about: depending on where you live, do expect that some people will get very defensive, or occasionally aggressive, about their omnivorous diet when you mention you're trying vegetarianism. This can seem disheartening, but I've found that most people don't have a problem with it once you explain why you're trying vegetarianism. That part is pretty well up to you, as you know much better than I do why you're interested in trying vegetarianism.

All the best with it, feel free to contact me if you would like any help or have any further questions!

Currently reading Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons, the fourth book in his Hyperion cantos/series. I've been really impressed with this series. For the first point, it has a really well thought-out mythology. But what I really appreciate is that though the story is gripping, there is still room enough for Simmons to discuss his philosophy and thoughts, making it thought-provoking at times.

It looks as if there is an upcoming film adaption of the series, so we'll see how that goes!

Absolutely fantastic series. I won't ruin anything for you, but just know that it keeps getting better!