Author Archives: george

SUMMER OF SOUL [HULU]

20 Replies

In 1969, right about the time Woodstock was happening, the Harlem Cultural Festival took place. Star acts from the world of Soul came to Harlem to perform in front of 300,000 residents in Marcus Garvey Park. Stevie Wonder, the Gospel Redeemers, B.B. King, The Fifth Dimension, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Chambers Brothers, Nina Simone, the Staple Singers, Mongo Santamaria, David Ruffin, Herbie Mann, The Isley Brothers, Ray Barretto, Max Roach, Mahalia Jackson, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, and Hugh Masekela filled the park with wonderful music.

Questlove and editor Joshua L. Pearson edited down the 40+ hours of videotape–that languished for 50 years–into the best documentary of 2021. How this extraordinary event could go unrecognized for decades is mind-boggling. Finally, it is available and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended! GRADE: A

THIS IS YOUR MIND ON PLANTS By Michael Pollan

37 Replies

Michael Pollan thinks the War on Drugs is just about over. And, the Drugs won. Many states have de-crimalized marijuana, others have legalized it for “recreational” use. In This is Your Mind on Plants, Pollan writes about his experiences with opioids, caffeine, and mescaline (and other psychedelic drugs).

I first used opioids after my first total knee replacement surgery. I was prescribed hydrocodone and it did its magic in helping me manage the post-surgery pain and physical therapy during my Rehab. The addictive aspects of the drug were well known so I careful regulated my dosage and slowly tapered off. Some of the other patients in Rehab didn’t and got “hooked.”

Pollan shows how to grow your own supply of opium in your garden. Opium has a long history and it can be helpful in medicine…and it can be dangerous.

Jeff Meyerson, in his comment yesterday, wondered: “I don’t get how people drink that stuff all day every day.” As Pollan points out, caffeine is addictive (but not as addictive as opioids). When coffee drinkers stop drinking coffee, all the withdrawal symptoms kick in: headaches, fatigue, lethargy, nausea, body aches, difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, and irritability. On the plus side, having a coffee addition improves focus, motivation, and productivity. Other health aspects like protecting against certain cancers, diabetes, and Parkinson’s factor in, too.

One of Deb’s favorite writers, Honore de Balzac, wrote about the effect drinking coffee had on his writing: “From that moment on, everything becomes agitated. Ideas quick-march into motion like battalions of a grand army to its legendary fighting ground, and the battle rages. Memories charge in, bright flags on high; the cavalry of metaphor deploys with a magnificent gallop, the artillery of logic rushes up with clattering wagons and carriages; on imagination’s orders, sharpshooters sight and fire; forms and shapes and characters read up; the paper is read with ink…” (p. 113)

While I use opioids and caffeine, I have never used psychedelic drugs like mescaline (or LSD or psilocybin). Pollan describes his “trip” on mescaline. I’m wary of mind-altering drugs like psychedelics. I like my mind just fine as it is.

If you’re interested in the history and future of opioids, caffeine and mescaline, I encourage to take a look at Pollan’s This Is Your Mind on Plants. There’s a lot to consider here. What do you think of opioids, caffeine, and psychedelics? GRADE: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION — 1

OPIUM — 13

Prologue — 15

“Opium, Made Easy” — 21

Epilogue — 83

CAFFEINE — 89

MESCALINE — 161

  1. The Door in the Wall –163
  2. The Orphan Psychedelic — 166
  3. In Which We Meet the Cacti — 174
  4. The Birth of a New Religion — 187
  5. Peeking Inside the Tepee — 199
  6. An Interlude: On Mescaline — 214
  7. Learning from San Pedro — 223
  8. Drunk at the Wheel — 228
  9. Plan C — 230

Acknowledgements — 249

Selected Bibliography — 253

Index — 259

STARBUCKS SUNRISE BLEND

29 Replies

I’m a fan of Starbucks’s Blonde Roast coffees. During our visit to Ohio last week, I discovered Starbucks Sunrise Blend, smooth coffee with hints of chocolate. Starbucks features various Blonde Roast coffees throughout the year…and then they disappear. If you like mild, smooth coffee–without the “bite” of some of Starbucks’s stronger coffees–I highly recommend Sunrise Blend. Do you have a favorite coffee? GRADE: A

THE TOMORROW WAR [AMAZON PRIME Video]

10 Replies

The Tomorrow War, which cost just under $160 million to make, stars Pratt as a high school teacher with a military background who is among those recruited from soldiers from the future, who need people to come forward in time to fight off alien invaders. No consideration of Time Paradoxes or Temporal Mechanics in this mess of a movie.

But despite the illogical plot and absurd actions of the characters, this sci-fi time travel film starring Chris Pratt already has a sequel in the works, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The reason why is simple: money.

Director Chris McKay is expected to return, along with screenwriter Zach Dean and much of the original cast, which in addition to Pratt included Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin and Sam Richardson. Skydance and Amazon Studios are behind the project.

The Tomorrow War debuted on Amazon Prime July 2 and appears to have garnered strong numbers for the service, according to Pratt. While — like many other streamers — Amazon does not provide viewership numbers, Pratt celebrated its release by stating on Instagram this week that the film broke records in its first 48 hours and “was the No 1 film in the world.” One insider said the movie exceeded all expectations. This despite the ridiculous plot and the monotonous battle sequences. Skip this one (and the sequel!). GRADE: C-

FRIDAY’S FORGOTTEN BOOKS #647: THE BEST FROM FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION, SEVENTH SERIES Edited by Anthony Boucher

18 Replies

I’ve always liked the Ed Valgurskey cover on the hardcover edition of The Best From Fantasy and Science Fiction, Seventh Series. This collection features the classic SF puzzle story, “The Cage,” by Australian writer, A. Bertram Chandler.

Another feature of The Best From Fantasy and Science Fiction series is the inclusion of women SF writers. Margaret St. Clair and Mildred Clingerman are represented by fine stories.

I’ve always been a fan of C. M. Kornbluth’s “MS Found in a Chinese Fortune Cookie.” Many of you will remember Fritz Leiber’s “The Big Trek.” I’m also fond of Robert F. Young–who worked as a janitor in Buffalo, NY schools–and his fantasy “Goddess in Granite.” All in all, a solid collection well worth rereading! GRADE: A-

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

THE FOLK YEARS: SIMPLE SONG OF FREEDOM [2-CD Set]

33 Replies

Back in 2002, Time-Life released four 2-CD sets in their Singer and Songwriter Collection under the title The Folk Years. This is set is The Folk Years: Song of Freedom.

No one would quibble that Bob Dylan’s classic, “Boots of Spanish Leather” was a folk song. But I would argue that the enthusiastic live version of “La Bamba” by Trini Lopez is NOT a folk song. Neither is The Circle’s catchy “Red Rubble Ball” (co-written by Paul Simon). Is Scott McKenzie’s hippy anthem, “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair),” a folk song? I think not.

Listening to these CDs took me back to the 1960s when these songs were popular. You don’t hear most of these tunes played very often anymore. Do you remember these songs? Any favorites? GRADE: B

TRACKLIST:

1-1Bob Dylan–Boots Of Spanish Leather Written-By – Bob Dylan Written-By – Bob Dylan
1-2The Band–Long Black Veil Written-By – Danny Dill, Marijohn Wilkin Written-By – Danny Dill, Marijohn Wilkin
1-3Joan Baez–Love Is Just A Four Letter Word Written-By – Bob Dylan Written-By – Bob Dylan
1-4The Byrds–The Times They Are A-Changin’ Written-By – Bob Dylan Written-By – Bob Dylan
1-5Donovan–Colours Written-By – Donovan Leitch*Written-By – Donovan Leitch*
1-6Tim Hardin–Simple Song Of Freedom Written-By – Bobby DarinWritten-By – Bobby Darin
1-7Judy Collins–Early Morning Rain Written-By – Gordon Lightfoot Written-By – Gordon Lightfoot
1-8The Kingston Trio*–Greenback Dollar Written-By – Hoyt Axton, Ken Ramsey Written-By – Hoyt Axton, Ken Ramsey
1-9Trini Lopez–La Bamba Written-By – Ritchie Valens Written-By – Ritchie Valens
1-10Jose Feliciano*–Light My Fire Written-By – Jim Morrison, John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger* Written-By – Jim Morrison, John Densmore, Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger*
1-11The Cyrkle–Red Rubber Ball Written-By – Bruce Woolley, Paul Simon Written-By – Bruce Woolley, Paul Simon
1-12Harry Belafonte–The Midnight Special Arranged By – Harry Belafonte Arranged By – Harry Belafonte
1-13Billy Grammer–Gotta Travel On Written-By – David Lazar, Larry Ehrlich, Paul Clayton (2), Pete Seeger Written-By – David Lazar, Larry Ehrlich, Paul Clayton (2), Pete Seeger
1-14The Brothers Four–Scarlet Ribbons(For Her Hair) Written-By – Evelyn Danzig, Jack Segal Written-By – Evelyn Danzig, Jack Segal
1-15The Mitchell Trio*–Leaving On A Jet Plane Written-By – John Denver Written-By – John Denver
2-1The New Christy Minstrels–TodayWritten-By – Randy SparksWritten-By – Randy Sparks
2-2The Rooftop Singers–Tom Cat Written-By – Erik Darling, Lynne Taylor, Thomas Salvatore Geraci, Bill Svanoe* Written-By – Erik Darling, Lynne Taylor, Thomas Salvatore Geraci, Bill Svanoe*
2-3The Sandpipers–Kumbaya Written-By – William Justis*, Tommy Leonetti Written-By – William Justis*, Tommy Leonetti
2-4The Brothers Four–Blue Water Line Written-By – Dora Graf, Martin Seligson Written-By – Dora Graf, Martin Seligson
2-5The Kingston Trio*–M.T.A. Written-By – Bess Hawes, Jacqueline Steiner Written-By – Bess Hawes, Jacqueline Steiner
2-6The Clancy Brothers–The Whistling GypsyWritten-By – Patrick McGuire (2)Written-By – Patrick McGuire (2)
2-7Chad And Jeremy*–Willow Weep For Me Written-By – Ann Ronell Written-By – Ann Ronell
2-8The Seekers–A World Of Our OwnWritten-By – Tom SpringfieldWritten-By – Tom Springfield
2-9Pozo-Seco Singers*–I Can Make It With You Written-By – Chip Taylor Written-By – Chip Taylor
2-10Jerry Jeff Walker–Mr. Bojangles Written-By – Jerry Jeff Walker Written-By – Jerry Jeff Walker
2-11Kris Kristofferson–Me And Bobby McGee Written-By – Kris Kristofferson Written-By – Kris Kristofferson
2-12Roger Miller–England Swings Written-By – Roger Miller Written-By – Roger Miller
2-13Van Morrison–Brown Eyed Girl Written-By – Van Morrison Written-By – Van Morrison
2-14The Mojo Men–Sit Down, I Think I Love You Written-By – Stephen Stills Written-By – Stephen Stills
2-15Scott McKenzie–San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair) Written-By – John Phillips

WEDNESDAY’S SHORT STORIES #29: EXPANDED UNIVERSE By Robert A. Heinlein

29 Replies

When I was a kid, Robert A. Heinlein was my favorite Science Fiction writer. I read his “Juvenile” SF novels in the 1950s. My favorite was Citizen of the Galaxy but I enjoyed them all. Later, in the early 1960s, I read Heinlein’s short stories and novelettes. His stories had “A Sense of Wonder” that made me excited about the Future.

But during the Sixties, other SF writers gained my attention: Keith Laumer, Poul Anderson, Clifford D. Simak, and Jack Vance. Also, Heinlein changed. I read Stranger in a Strange Land (1961) and came away confused. Reading Glory Road (1963) didn’t thrill me. I did like The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (1966), but nothing Heinlein wrote after that book appealed to me. However, in 1980, Heinlein published his Expanded Universe, a mix of fiction and essays. It’s an odd book in many ways, but it does capture a scintilla of that Sense of Wonder that had been missing in Heinlein’s work for many years.

If you’re a Heinlein fan, you probably have Expanded Universe. But if you’re a casual SF fan and want to read the stories and thoughts of one of giants of Science Fiction, this is the book for you! GRADE: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

NO SUDDEN MOVE [HBO Max]

17 Replies

If you’re in the mood for a noirish movie set in Detroit in 1954 with a brilliant cast, Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move will dazzle you. Curt Goynes, a petty criminal with a dark past (played by Don Cheadle), is soon joined by Benicio Del Toro’s charmingly conniver, Ronald Russo. Both men are supervised by Kieran Culkin’s Charley. The thugs make a surprise visit to the suburbs, where an attractive couple and their two kids live in a pleasant brick house. It takes a minute to realize what the men are about to do to the family that can never be undone. And every time a new set of characters is introduced, the screenplay, by Ed Solomon (Men in Black), ups its ante of suspense…and surprise. 

 The finely tuned ensemble in “No Sudden Move” also includes Bill Duke, Ray Liotta, and Jon Hamm. As the plot unfolds, Goynes and Russo realize they’re involved in a complicated scheme that could be a monetary bonanza for them…if they play it right.

My favorite character in No Sudden Move is Julia Fox, wife of a gangster, who is having an affair with Russo. Frankie Shaw plays a secretary who yearns for change, but gets something else. Amy Seimetz, as the mother of the hostage family, questions her whole life-style as a result of events.

No Sudden Move is the best movie I’ve seen in 2021 so far. Highly recommended! GRADE: A

LAST BEST HOPE: AMERICA IN CRISIS AND RENEWAL By George Packer

24 Replies

George Packer thinks the United States is in trouble and we better get our shit together quickly because the country is going down the tubes fast. Part of Packer’s analysis of our dire state of affairs centers around the divisions in America and who is winning…and who is losing.

“The financial crisis of 2008, and the Great Recession that followed, had a similar effect on the home front. The guilty parties were elites–bankers, traders, regulators, and policy-makers…. But those who did the suffering were lower down the class structure: middle-class Americans whose wealth was sunk in a house that lost half its value and a retirement fund that melted away; working-class America thrown into poverty by a pink slip. The economic collapse was triggered by fraud, but no financier was ever charged with a crime. A Wall Street trader told me that the crisis had been ‘a speed bump’ in his world.” (p. 107)

I agree with Packer’s analysis, but I’m not to sure of his “solutions.” In effect, Packer wants America to progress from a divided country into a unified one. The pathway includes more equity and equality. I’m dubious that the current political system will address these problems. They won’t deal with immigration, gun control, voting rights, or climate change. Why would Packers’s “elites” push for a more equal union? What do you think? GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:


Prologue — 3
Strange defeat — 13
Four Americas — 63
Equal America — 141
Equalizers — 165
Make America again — 187
Epilogue — 217
FURTHER READING — 221
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS — 225