Since the election, I've stopped listening to/watching the news. I feel like MSM failed us by normalizing Trump's run for president, and because of that, I've vowed never to read another book that comes out about Trump. So far, I've mainly stuck to fiction books (fantasy, etc) for an escape. Only non fiction book I've read was Patriot: A Memoir by Alexei Navalny. **edit** I also read Rachel Maddow's book, Prequel. Hard to believe that we fought fascism in the 30's-40's.
I do. I wrote it: A Graver Danger. I’m a former teacher who’s tried to expose the corruption in our schools since 1995 knowing it would take down democracy. My book explains how the foundation of democracy was hollowed out so we no longer have citizens. There’s no other way so many people would choose a criminal for president.
I’m trying to get people to read it and run for school boards once they get the nature of the scam that has taken us down. Check out one of my websites WhiteChalkCrime.com.
I made the same vow during Trump's first term, but still ended up reading bob Woodward's 3 books on the Trump years. You are spot on about the media and as such I have largely tuned out except for the few sources I learned were trustworthy.
I am also reupping my commitment to not read another book about Trump because this year confirmed that nothing matters to a substantial percent of Americans, so it is pointless to dwell on his many faults. Hopefully our descendents will live in a free country and will read about this disgraceful period in American history. I am living it and am deeply ashamed.
I also read a few books during his first term. Truthfully, with exception of a couple of Bob Woodward's books, and Mary Trump's book, there wasn't much as far as new revelations. I'm also deeply ashamed and disappointed by how many Americans failed us. I do believe that voters have the right to choose their candidate, but shouldn't we also be taking into account that candidate's qualifications? His fitness to serve? We shouldn't just be voting on whether a person has a R or D behind their name. His supporters are living in a dream world, one in which he's going to bring lower prices back .. I had one guy tell me we would be experiencing a "golden age", he thinks all goods will be made in thd US again. But when I asked him what the end costs would be, whst wages would have to be.. crickets.
I believe “the system” itself is what is at fault.
While we cringe at the nominees’ lack of qualifications, the qualifications for the president are even more ridiculous:
“The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency — the President must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.”
I, too, have stopped listening to news. I can hardly believe that I'm doing (not doing) this. It's the complete opposite of my entire life, prior to the election.
Instead of watching the news, I've subscribed to several Substack columns: this one, Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Reich, Robert Hubbell and Lucian Truscott. And I visit BlueSky just in case things go sideways.
I also read Richardson, Hubbell and Reich every day. Others I follow daily are: Timothy Snyder, Joyce Vance, Rick Wilson, Jay Kuo, Dan Rather, and Mary Trump. I survive with Jeff Teidrich's hysterical column, "everyone is entitled to my opinion". For a different approach to news I enjoy "PolitSage". And for international views I subscribe to Edwin Kiptoo Ngetich (Africa) and "The New Voice of Ukraine" weekly. I read "Raw Story" faithfully every day, and subscribe to "The Daily Beast" and "Mother Jones", as well.
I wish there was a way to bundle the Substack columns instead of paying for each of them. I have a list of payments and when they're due and it seems like one is due every day. But I love the ones I've subscribed to and there are more I'd love to get!
Am subscribed to all of these. And Robert Reich, And David Pepper, former ohio dem head, who goes into some state level shenanigans that impact implementing popular voted measures.
Yes, it's like deja vu, only this time around it's much worse. His picks for admin positions are cringeworthy. Not to mention the fact that he has Senate and House, and a corrupt SCOTUS. If elections do come during midterms, if he does any of what he's threatened, I can't imagine them keeping both Senate and House. Just worry about the fate of elections in general now.
I can hardly bear to put this into words, but I'm afraid that we are very quickly going to be living under a fascist dictatorship. So many things about our country that we have cherished may soon be obliterated.
And there were people who were interviewed saying we need a, is it strong man? Or Strongman. Did they understand the difference? Trump is hardly a "strong man". He's a weak man, who uses money and bullying to make himself look strong. But Trump very much wants to be a "Strongman".
Utterly clueless about the difference -- except for the few who do know, but choose to flame their passions. Completely ignorant about the history of fascism. And they are responsible for selling the rest of us down the drain.
Trump’s only way of “governing” is by using people! Trump has no plan or idea what to do-just impulses. He pushes people!
Trump loves any attention, good or bad! Bring on the camera and bright lights. He is an entertainer and nothing more. What a clown! Using our country and reaping the returns! BIG money!
People who have history of Trauma ( my parents Holocaust survivors but of many kinds) experience—viscerally—any declarations of threats to justice. LGBT friends have historical vulnerability can experience this as “ life-threatening” despite our thinking, “but they’re okay now.” The nervous system has memory, sadly.
I have found it over the past several years, often through people I know who are recovering from a serious illness. We all need to discern what is good for us or harmful.
Ditto. I stopped watching the news on Nov 8, and cancelled Facebook the same day. It’s been hard, as I enjoyed Facebook and was probably addicted to MSNBC. Joe and Mika made that withdrawal a bit easier, since they turned out to be a huge disappointment … I’m still grieving though….i hope it gets easier….i can’t believe we have to endure four years of this….
I just recently tuned into Maddow's show after dropping MSNBC, but it feels strange to do so. I think a poster above has it right. We're suffering from a trauma post election.
I turned to Timothy Snyder after the election. His On Tyranny contains snack-sized truths that are a good reference for the times we live in. But On Freedom is something altogether different. It stitches together philosophy, life stories, history, and politic to weave a tapestry depicting positive freedom. I’m still reading, so I’m unsure what it will look like when finished. Even so, it’s shaping my perspectives in new and helpful ways.
I’m finding it hard to be entertained right now. Movies and fiction feel thin. But the natural world continues to uplift me. I’m thankful for that.
I just received On Tyranny. I also saw Wicked and found it to be disturbingly familiar to these times in which we find ourselves yet again—it does make you rethink good and evil Glenda’s denial of what was right in front of her face was especially chilling. It was mind blowing.
Thanks for your list. I love the Gamache books by Louise Penny for escape. I’ve also just finished The North Woods. I’m watching reruns of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Amazing! I’m escaping for a minute. Or two!
Why did America vote**** for the Mass Murderer** over the First Lady's FREE HEALTHCARE and FREEDOM FROM FEAR?*
Why did Americans put the Mass Murderers pill in their mouth and swallow it*** 2.3 billion times in ONE YEAR?
Why did America ignore Ms.FDR. and believe the Mass Murder's "our pills aren't addictive?"
*science
**science denial by Purdue Pharma(used Valium sales to launch the opioid epidemic)
***Valium was the most prescribed medication for the years 1969-1982
****by vote I mean "economic vote" or even "shift in anxiety treatment from Ms.FDR's science to Purdue's placebo or worse... a shift to other insidious placebos such as hate/anger/etc"
*Eleanor Roosevelt:"Do one thing every day that scares you."
Note: Up to 60% of anxious people are cured by placebo(aka "60% of US love BS"...?)
The scientific consensus agrees. Two top scientists' statements are available on request.
*Eleanor Roosevelt: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Wow... That is brilliant advice from a truly brilliant woman. (Smarter than her husband for sure.)
In this remake of TITANIC titled:"ASYMPTOMATIC SPREAD OF EMOTIONAL IMMATURITY" there is a depiction of the massive self-deception intrinsic to humanity:
Imagine an ocean of possible exaggerated threats finding a way into our beliefs.
These threats cause overflowing anxiety...
...which is cured by the placebo of anger...
...which scientists find humans suck (at reading anger, moods, etc of another... even Moms suck reading their kids)
...3rdly... we act out on our anger with hidden acts of sabotage(the Joy of Sabotage)
I understand that you are playing with the old saying re power and corruption. But I can't make sense of what you've written. (I keep trying it on from different angles, without success.)
(Brief summary, please? I'm exhausted and must go to sleep. Don't think I'll feel like wading through this tomorrow. No problem if you don't want to. Thanks.)
"HOT COFFEE" a documentary that documents US being brainwashed by cabal of corporations(US Chamber) to NOT sue... aka Anti-democracy...anti-Bill of Rights...
Portrays the 3 choices making up the Federal govt( two are chosen by popularity contest... the other makes winners by contests of evidence, science, "metrics NOT labels")
Yes, she's been wonderful with that. It comes to feel like they are MY/our memories! I don't know how she managed to not have that come across for even ONE page in "Grey Wolf". The writing was also terrible in the first half of the book. Groups of words. No real sentences. (I'm copying her.) I really have to wonder if this was a joke on us?
Like you, Steven, I have been distracted by the events of the past several months to the point that the pile of deserving books on my bedside table have gone somewhat untouched. But I am now reading James, by Percival Elliot. It’s a masterful and sobering story recounting the remarkable person whom we know as Jim, the slave who travels with Huckleberry Finn. Before that, I read A Table for Two by Amor Towles. Next up is Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and the latest Louise Penny. I really like Erik Larson’s nonfiction, so thank you for the recommendation.
I really enjoyed them because of the marvelous characters in the book who really came to life. But these stories about public utilities, etc. being blown up and the danger of mass murder of unknown people is an utter bore. Given me a plain old murder mystery any time. (This was the one book I read since the election. Disappointment after disappointment.)
I'm 77 years old. I first read East of Eden, perhaps in my teens, maybe in my 20s. Now, in the luxury of my retirement, I have listened to it as if for the first time - on Audible. It is simply a once in a lifetime book, America’s and John Steinbeck’s greatest novel. Why? So many reasons: The precision and beauty of the language. The capturing of the tortured souls of its Biblical cast of characters. The violence and construction of the story. Steinbeck’s love for nature, the Salinas Valley and the wickedness of humanity. His understanding of the battle between “good and bad”. The deep empathy and connection he masterfully creates between his characters and the reader. I/one can’t possibly say enough about Steinbeck and his masterpiece. If you haven’t read it, LISTEN to it now. A great storyteller is the reader. If u have read it, LISTEN to it here - again.
My dad grew up on the road, living in a car and then in CCC camps, and buried his mother by the side of the road when he was 5 or 6. He always said The Grapes of Wrath was the story of his childhood.
Wow! I've heard people talk about their hellish experiences in concentration camps, but never of an experience like this during the Great Depression -- despite its catastrophic impact on 1/3 of the U.S. population...
Great assessment of East of Eden. Adding another, it is the classic emotional relationship of the oldest and second oldest son in birth older pattern (over-achiever, high stress hero first born and second born scapegoat). Often eschewed by psychologists who understand little how important emotional factors are (Jung vrs Freud), though verified by the fact that birth order emotional patterns are universally verified both in world-wide geography and through-out history, Steinbeck clearly knew it intuitively.
Agree! Steinbeck is a national treasure. Grapes of wrath is also worth revisiting and all of his short stories. He’s the best. And did you know that Docs laboratory is open to the public on certain days of the month. Check it out next time you’re in Monterey.
I am currently watching “Madness” on Netflix! Wow, it has a great perspective of what it is to be a black man and accused of a crime you didn’t commit. It is a little sugarcoated, but entertaining nonetheless. Enjoy!
Finished Demon Copperhead just before the election and could not stop thinking how every one in the book, except maybe Angus, would have voted MAGA.
Saw Conclave yesterday and found it absorbing. I know little about Vatican inside baseball, but I found it hard to take as anything but a Hollywood movie. Fiennes does pensive as well as it can be done.
Curious what you thought of the movie. I read the book when it was released and was disappointed. I do know a fair amount of about Vatican politics (particularly for a Jewish woman) and thought Robert Harris had written a silly, melodramatic book with an ending that defied belief. However, I do want to see the movie but I’m too lazy to actually search it out in the theater. I’ll wait for it come out on Max or whatever.
Oh, and if you are interested in papal politics Andrew Greeley’s The Making of the Popes 1976 is a goodie.
Frankly, I thought it was like many stories about ambitious men jockeying for their organization’s top spot by dredging up scandals to take out the front-runner du jour.
The main difference was they weren’t wearing suits and the protagonists would pray together instead of having a drink after a confrontation.
At several points it seemed the conclave was so off the rails it looked like it was ready to collapse.
The denouement was bizarre and unconvincing.
What saved it for me was the strength of the acting, my unfamiliarity with the subject (also being Jewish), the beautiful cinematography and my desperate need for escape.
I also love Copperfield and was also apprehensive when my bookclub chose Copperhead. But I thought it made effective and respectful use of Dickens to reveal a different kind of misery. Check it out
I just finished Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. I cannot recommend it, or any of his books highly enough. I am working my way thru On Freedom by Timothy Snyder and A Theory of Justice by John Rawls. No movies except on HBO and TV is mostly British murder mystery.
I love Ordinary Grace because it reminds me so much of my own childhood — living near the train trestle and the might Willamette River in Oregon, riding my bicycle everywhere, even that my dad’s good friend was the town police chief. This book captures the moods and descriptions exquisitely.
I recommend "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson, which chronicles his efforts to exonerate innocent people on death row. One person really can make a difference.
“Demon of Unrest” is riveting, relevant, deeply researched, and brilliantly written. Every American should read it, especially in these troubled and perilous times.
Wonderful comments and suggestions and a brilliant idea to post, Steven Bechloss. Love the suggestions. I, too, have stopped watching the news except for popping into The Meidas Touch and Bulwark podcasts now and then.
Books: Hannah Arendt On Lying and Politics,,Origins of Totalitarianism, We are free to change the world- needed the inspiration but didn’t get past the title. Biography of Zelensky The Showman. Lots of poetry- Mary Oliver, Neruda. Novels: There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Sharak. Reread All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Movies:,On my way to see Moana 2. Moana is a myth for these times in joyful form. Perfect Days by Wim Wender if you want to be in Tao and experience “komorebi”- sunlight leaking through trees. Gorgeous film.,Monsieur Spade post WW II in France is superb film noirish.
Though I have sworn off political books for a time after the election trauma, I started Alexi Navalny’s autobiography and am so impressed with his commitment to freedom and his sense of humor. Such a tragic loss for Russia and democracy!
Currently I am thoroughly enjoying First Steps - How Upright Walking Made Us Human by Jeremy DeSilva, about the evolution of bipedalism in hominins. So much new scholarship I was not aware of on this topic
I was a political news junkie, but on election night I turned off cable news, and I haven’t returned. MSM turned me off the second they started blaming Democrats for this loss, instead of looking in the mirror about the way they harangued Joe Biden about Gaza, and their constant ageism. They sanewashed Trump, and nitpicked Kamala. I am done with listening to them, and I don’t have the focus to read, but I’ve watched a lot of TV since Nov 5. The first two weeks I tuned in to women assassin movies, where they sliced and diced the bad guys. Kill Bill was a fun revisit, and Gunpowder and Milkshake is great women’s empowerment movie. It was quite satisfying to watch. Then I started watching weird shows that mirrored the crazy crap Trump is doing, like Happy. Weird, bazaar and funny, and more bad guys eliminated. This past week I moved into more intelligent shows on Apple TV: Bad Monkey, Sugar, and Before. I have Heather Cox Richardson’s “Democracy Awakening” waiting to be read, but I’m not quite there, yet. I don’t know when this election angst will stop, but I have a feeling it will get worse before it gets better.
Since the election, I've stopped listening to/watching the news. I feel like MSM failed us by normalizing Trump's run for president, and because of that, I've vowed never to read another book that comes out about Trump. So far, I've mainly stuck to fiction books (fantasy, etc) for an escape. Only non fiction book I've read was Patriot: A Memoir by Alexei Navalny. **edit** I also read Rachel Maddow's book, Prequel. Hard to believe that we fought fascism in the 30's-40's.
Ah, thanks for mentioning the Navalny book. I’ve planned to read it.
Oh, I forgot a book. I'd also read Rachel Maddow's Prequel. Very interesting reading. She has a way of giving us teachable moments.
Can't believe you'd come in here spreading disinformation.
No, they're not.
❤️Steven❤️, Do you know of a book that answers:
Why did America vote**** for the Mass Murderer** over the First Lady's FREE HEALTHCARE and FREEDOM FROM FEAR?*(details&footnotes below)
www.americaamerica.news/p/what-are-you-reading-and-watching/comment/79467004
aka "NO American practices Ms.FDR's inoculation...ALL Americans know the word Valium"
I do. I wrote it: A Graver Danger. I’m a former teacher who’s tried to expose the corruption in our schools since 1995 knowing it would take down democracy. My book explains how the foundation of democracy was hollowed out so we no longer have citizens. There’s no other way so many people would choose a criminal for president.
I’m trying to get people to read it and run for school boards once they get the nature of the scam that has taken us down. Check out one of my websites WhiteChalkCrime.com.
I made the same vow during Trump's first term, but still ended up reading bob Woodward's 3 books on the Trump years. You are spot on about the media and as such I have largely tuned out except for the few sources I learned were trustworthy.
I am also reupping my commitment to not read another book about Trump because this year confirmed that nothing matters to a substantial percent of Americans, so it is pointless to dwell on his many faults. Hopefully our descendents will live in a free country and will read about this disgraceful period in American history. I am living it and am deeply ashamed.
I also read a few books during his first term. Truthfully, with exception of a couple of Bob Woodward's books, and Mary Trump's book, there wasn't much as far as new revelations. I'm also deeply ashamed and disappointed by how many Americans failed us. I do believe that voters have the right to choose their candidate, but shouldn't we also be taking into account that candidate's qualifications? His fitness to serve? We shouldn't just be voting on whether a person has a R or D behind their name. His supporters are living in a dream world, one in which he's going to bring lower prices back .. I had one guy tell me we would be experiencing a "golden age", he thinks all goods will be made in thd US again. But when I asked him what the end costs would be, whst wages would have to be.. crickets.
I believe “the system” itself is what is at fault.
While we cringe at the nominees’ lack of qualifications, the qualifications for the president are even more ridiculous:
“The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency — the President must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.”
—The Executive Branch (www.whitehouse.gov)
NO EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE, OR MORAL CHARACTER IS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION OF MOST POWERFUL LEADER IN THE WORLD!
ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!
True! A convicted felon should NEVER bd able to run for any office. Nor should someone who attempted a coup.
Please excuse typos!
I suspect the statistics on who regularly read books displayed next to those who rarely (or never) do would be shockingly predictable.
I, too, have stopped listening to news. I can hardly believe that I'm doing (not doing) this. It's the complete opposite of my entire life, prior to the election.
Instead of watching the news, I've subscribed to several Substack columns: this one, Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Reich, Robert Hubbell and Lucian Truscott. And I visit BlueSky just in case things go sideways.
I also read Richardson, Hubbell and Reich every day. Others I follow daily are: Timothy Snyder, Joyce Vance, Rick Wilson, Jay Kuo, Dan Rather, and Mary Trump. I survive with Jeff Teidrich's hysterical column, "everyone is entitled to my opinion". For a different approach to news I enjoy "PolitSage". And for international views I subscribe to Edwin Kiptoo Ngetich (Africa) and "The New Voice of Ukraine" weekly. I read "Raw Story" faithfully every day, and subscribe to "The Daily Beast" and "Mother Jones", as well.
Yes, I read most of them!
I wish there was a way to bundle the Substack columns instead of paying for each of them. I have a list of payments and when they're due and it seems like one is due every day. But I love the ones I've subscribed to and there are more I'd love to get!
I pay annually for the ones I know I will want to read for a very long time.
I do, but there are so many good ones. I want to try one before I pay annually.
Am subscribed to all of these. And Robert Reich, And David Pepper, former ohio dem head, who goes into some state level shenanigans that impact implementing popular voted measures.
Yes, it's like deja vu, only this time around it's much worse. His picks for admin positions are cringeworthy. Not to mention the fact that he has Senate and House, and a corrupt SCOTUS. If elections do come during midterms, if he does any of what he's threatened, I can't imagine them keeping both Senate and House. Just worry about the fate of elections in general now.
I can hardly bear to put this into words, but I'm afraid that we are very quickly going to be living under a fascist dictatorship. So many things about our country that we have cherished may soon be obliterated.
And there were people who were interviewed saying we need a, is it strong man? Or Strongman. Did they understand the difference? Trump is hardly a "strong man". He's a weak man, who uses money and bullying to make himself look strong. But Trump very much wants to be a "Strongman".
Utterly clueless about the difference -- except for the few who do know, but choose to flame their passions. Completely ignorant about the history of fascism. And they are responsible for selling the rest of us down the drain.
Trump’s only way of “governing” is by using people! Trump has no plan or idea what to do-just impulses. He pushes people!
Trump loves any attention, good or bad! Bring on the camera and bright lights. He is an entertainer and nothing more. What a clown! Using our country and reaping the returns! BIG money!
Interesting that many people suffering physical or emotional health issues are strongly advised NOT to read or watch "the News."
People who have history of Trauma ( my parents Holocaust survivors but of many kinds) experience—viscerally—any declarations of threats to justice. LGBT friends have historical vulnerability can experience this as “ life-threatening” despite our thinking, “but they’re okay now.” The nervous system has memory, sadly.
Eliminating the unnecessary negativity gives those suffering more of an opportunity to build healthier connections and experiences.
Very well said.
Seriously?! Where have you found this information? I would love to read it.
I have found it over the past several years, often through people I know who are recovering from a serious illness. We all need to discern what is good for us or harmful.
Me too. Just mere glimpses that sneak through. Right now I cannot take it.
Ditto. I stopped watching the news on Nov 8, and cancelled Facebook the same day. It’s been hard, as I enjoyed Facebook and was probably addicted to MSNBC. Joe and Mika made that withdrawal a bit easier, since they turned out to be a huge disappointment … I’m still grieving though….i hope it gets easier….i can’t believe we have to endure four years of this….
I still turn in for Maddow, and while I love Lawrence, I believed I needed a break.
I haven't even been watching Maddow. Never thought that would happen. I, too, love Lawrence but haven't been watching him, either.
I just recently tuned into Maddow's show after dropping MSNBC, but it feels strange to do so. I think a poster above has it right. We're suffering from a trauma post election.
Yes!
I added Navalny's book after seeing this comment.
I turned to Timothy Snyder after the election. His On Tyranny contains snack-sized truths that are a good reference for the times we live in. But On Freedom is something altogether different. It stitches together philosophy, life stories, history, and politic to weave a tapestry depicting positive freedom. I’m still reading, so I’m unsure what it will look like when finished. Even so, it’s shaping my perspectives in new and helpful ways.
I’m finding it hard to be entertained right now. Movies and fiction feel thin. But the natural world continues to uplift me. I’m thankful for that.
I just received On Tyranny. I also saw Wicked and found it to be disturbingly familiar to these times in which we find ourselves yet again—it does make you rethink good and evil Glenda’s denial of what was right in front of her face was especially chilling. It was mind blowing.
I'm in midst of it too, in conjunction with his Black Earth. I find Black Earth more compelling.
Thanks for your list. I love the Gamache books by Louise Penny for escape. I’ve also just finished The North Woods. I’m watching reruns of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Amazing! I’m escaping for a minute. Or two!
I'm looking for a book that answers:
Why did America vote**** for the Mass Murderer** over the First Lady's FREE HEALTHCARE and FREEDOM FROM FEAR?*
Why did Americans put the Mass Murderers pill in their mouth and swallow it*** 2.3 billion times in ONE YEAR?
Why did America ignore Ms.FDR. and believe the Mass Murder's "our pills aren't addictive?"
*science
**science denial by Purdue Pharma(used Valium sales to launch the opioid epidemic)
***Valium was the most prescribed medication for the years 1969-1982
****by vote I mean "economic vote" or even "shift in anxiety treatment from Ms.FDR's science to Purdue's placebo or worse... a shift to other insidious placebos such as hate/anger/etc"
*Eleanor Roosevelt:"Do one thing every day that scares you."
Note: Up to 60% of anxious people are cured by placebo(aka "60% of US love BS"...?)
The scientific consensus agrees. Two top scientists' statements are available on request.
*Eleanor Roosevelt: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Wow... That is brilliant advice from a truly brilliant woman. (Smarter than her husband for sure.)
In this remake of TITANIC titled:"ASYMPTOMATIC SPREAD OF EMOTIONAL IMMATURITY" there is a depiction of the massive self-deception intrinsic to humanity:
Imagine an ocean of possible exaggerated threats finding a way into our beliefs.
These threats cause overflowing anxiety...
...which is cured by the placebo of anger...
...which scientists find humans suck (at reading anger, moods, etc of another... even Moms suck reading their kids)
...3rdly... we act out on our anger with hidden acts of sabotage(the Joy of Sabotage)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B_DMsyROMQ
Lack of power corrupts, and absolute lack of power corrupts absolutely.
Discuss.
I understand that you are playing with the old saying re power and corruption. But I can't make sense of what you've written. (I keep trying it on from different angles, without success.)
Try "power over themselves," with Trump as a paradigm case. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics/
(Brief summary, please? I'm exhausted and must go to sleep. Don't think I'll feel like wading through this tomorrow. No problem if you don't want to. Thanks.)
Let's collaborate? :-)
Depicts an "easily cleanable room analogous to anxiety" overflowing into a "lethally uncleanable room analogous to anger"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN7rXLJGTXM
"HOT COFFEE" a documentary that documents US being brainwashed by cabal of corporations(US Chamber) to NOT sue... aka Anti-democracy...anti-Bill of Rights...
"...Bill of Rights..."
https://youtu.be/psebm9RJDvU?t=507
Portrays the 3 choices making up the Federal govt( two are chosen by popularity contest... the other makes winners by contests of evidence, science, "metrics NOT labels")
I enjoy her books too!
(But latest Gamache book was a complete fail. I couldn't believe it! Those books have been among my favorite!)
Oh no. I’m reading it now.
After the 240th page, it got interesting. Hang in there!
I just love her way of evoking moments and memories and emotions.
Yes, she's been wonderful with that. It comes to feel like they are MY/our memories! I don't know how she managed to not have that come across for even ONE page in "Grey Wolf". The writing was also terrible in the first half of the book. Groups of words. No real sentences. (I'm copying her.) I really have to wonder if this was a joke on us?
Well as a musician, I have to say that perfection is illusive. I did enjoy the book after all!
What was the latest book? I too love the Gamache books by Louise Penny
"The Grey Wolf".
Me too!
I have read all of them
I have currently read the first one so far. Extremely entertaining.
Like you, Steven, I have been distracted by the events of the past several months to the point that the pile of deserving books on my bedside table have gone somewhat untouched. But I am now reading James, by Percival Elliot. It’s a masterful and sobering story recounting the remarkable person whom we know as Jim, the slave who travels with Huckleberry Finn. Before that, I read A Table for Two by Amor Towles. Next up is Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and the latest Louise Penny. I really like Erik Larson’s nonfiction, so thank you for the recommendation.
Yes, "James" was powerful. Erik Larson's work is outstanding. Don't buy "Grey Wolf", just borrow it from the library. You won't want to keep it.
I didn’t buy it. I find Penny’s novels a tad repetitive.
I really enjoyed them because of the marvelous characters in the book who really came to life. But these stories about public utilities, etc. being blown up and the danger of mass murder of unknown people is an utter bore. Given me a plain old murder mystery any time. (This was the one book I read since the election. Disappointment after disappointment.)
Everett, not Elliot! I can’t figure out how to edit my comments.
I'm 77 years old. I first read East of Eden, perhaps in my teens, maybe in my 20s. Now, in the luxury of my retirement, I have listened to it as if for the first time - on Audible. It is simply a once in a lifetime book, America’s and John Steinbeck’s greatest novel. Why? So many reasons: The precision and beauty of the language. The capturing of the tortured souls of its Biblical cast of characters. The violence and construction of the story. Steinbeck’s love for nature, the Salinas Valley and the wickedness of humanity. His understanding of the battle between “good and bad”. The deep empathy and connection he masterfully creates between his characters and the reader. I/one can’t possibly say enough about Steinbeck and his masterpiece. If you haven’t read it, LISTEN to it now. A great storyteller is the reader. If u have read it, LISTEN to it here - again.
Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath made the biggest impact on me as a teen.
My dad grew up on the road, living in a car and then in CCC camps, and buried his mother by the side of the road when he was 5 or 6. He always said The Grapes of Wrath was the story of his childhood.
Wow! I've heard people talk about their hellish experiences in concentration camps, but never of an experience like this during the Great Depression -- despite its catastrophic impact on 1/3 of the U.S. population...
Great assessment of East of Eden. Adding another, it is the classic emotional relationship of the oldest and second oldest son in birth older pattern (over-achiever, high stress hero first born and second born scapegoat). Often eschewed by psychologists who understand little how important emotional factors are (Jung vrs Freud), though verified by the fact that birth order emotional patterns are universally verified both in world-wide geography and through-out history, Steinbeck clearly knew it intuitively.
Agree! Steinbeck is a national treasure. Grapes of wrath is also worth revisiting and all of his short stories. He’s the best. And did you know that Docs laboratory is open to the public on certain days of the month. Check it out next time you’re in Monterey.
East of Eden is my favorite Steinbeck, too. I live north of Salinas, and recount the novel whenever we drive through on Hwy 101.
Hi neighbor! 👋
I am currently watching “Madness” on Netflix! Wow, it has a great perspective of what it is to be a black man and accused of a crime you didn’t commit. It is a little sugarcoated, but entertaining nonetheless. Enjoy!
I am watching it too. Great series
His Three Daughters is a master class.
Finished Demon Copperhead just before the election and could not stop thinking how every one in the book, except maybe Angus, would have voted MAGA.
Saw Conclave yesterday and found it absorbing. I know little about Vatican inside baseball, but I found it hard to take as anything but a Hollywood movie. Fiennes does pensive as well as it can be done.
Curious what you thought of the movie. I read the book when it was released and was disappointed. I do know a fair amount of about Vatican politics (particularly for a Jewish woman) and thought Robert Harris had written a silly, melodramatic book with an ending that defied belief. However, I do want to see the movie but I’m too lazy to actually search it out in the theater. I’ll wait for it come out on Max or whatever.
Oh, and if you are interested in papal politics Andrew Greeley’s The Making of the Popes 1976 is a goodie.
Frankly, I thought it was like many stories about ambitious men jockeying for their organization’s top spot by dredging up scandals to take out the front-runner du jour.
The main difference was they weren’t wearing suits and the protagonists would pray together instead of having a drink after a confrontation.
At several points it seemed the conclave was so off the rails it looked like it was ready to collapse.
The denouement was bizarre and unconvincing.
What saved it for me was the strength of the acting, my unfamiliarity with the subject (also being Jewish), the beautiful cinematography and my desperate need for escape.
That’s a pretty fair summation of the book. I had hoped the movie would be better.
I can’t read Demon Copperhead because I love David Copperfield—I’m afraid. Want to see Conclave and Bonhoeffer.
I also love Copperfield and was also apprehensive when my bookclub chose Copperhead. But I thought it made effective and respectful use of Dickens to reveal a different kind of misery. Check it out
I just finished Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. I cannot recommend it, or any of his books highly enough. I am working my way thru On Freedom by Timothy Snyder and A Theory of Justice by John Rawls. No movies except on HBO and TV is mostly British murder mystery.
Of all Krueger’s books, Ordinary Grace is my absolute favorite!
Ordinary Grace is one of my favorite books ever. I recently read The River We Remember, and can also recommend it. Krueger is a wonderful writer.
I love Ordinary Grace because it reminds me so much of my own childhood — living near the train trestle and the might Willamette River in Oregon, riding my bicycle everywhere, even that my dad’s good friend was the town police chief. This book captures the moods and descriptions exquisitely.
I recommend "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson, which chronicles his efforts to exonerate innocent people on death row. One person really can make a difference.
“Demon of Unrest” is riveting, relevant, deeply researched, and brilliantly written. Every American should read it, especially in these troubled and perilous times.
Thanks for highlighting it.
I just listened to Orwell’s Animal Farm, which I never appreciated enough as a teenaged reader. Absolutely chilling and frighteningly timely.
Wonderful comments and suggestions and a brilliant idea to post, Steven Bechloss. Love the suggestions. I, too, have stopped watching the news except for popping into The Meidas Touch and Bulwark podcasts now and then.
Books: Hannah Arendt On Lying and Politics,,Origins of Totalitarianism, We are free to change the world- needed the inspiration but didn’t get past the title. Biography of Zelensky The Showman. Lots of poetry- Mary Oliver, Neruda. Novels: There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Sharak. Reread All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Movies:,On my way to see Moana 2. Moana is a myth for these times in joyful form. Perfect Days by Wim Wender if you want to be in Tao and experience “komorebi”- sunlight leaking through trees. Gorgeous film.,Monsieur Spade post WW II in France is superb film noirish.
Though I have sworn off political books for a time after the election trauma, I started Alexi Navalny’s autobiography and am so impressed with his commitment to freedom and his sense of humor. Such a tragic loss for Russia and democracy!
Currently I am thoroughly enjoying First Steps - How Upright Walking Made Us Human by Jeremy DeSilva, about the evolution of bipedalism in hominins. So much new scholarship I was not aware of on this topic
I was a political news junkie, but on election night I turned off cable news, and I haven’t returned. MSM turned me off the second they started blaming Democrats for this loss, instead of looking in the mirror about the way they harangued Joe Biden about Gaza, and their constant ageism. They sanewashed Trump, and nitpicked Kamala. I am done with listening to them, and I don’t have the focus to read, but I’ve watched a lot of TV since Nov 5. The first two weeks I tuned in to women assassin movies, where they sliced and diced the bad guys. Kill Bill was a fun revisit, and Gunpowder and Milkshake is great women’s empowerment movie. It was quite satisfying to watch. Then I started watching weird shows that mirrored the crazy crap Trump is doing, like Happy. Weird, bazaar and funny, and more bad guys eliminated. This past week I moved into more intelligent shows on Apple TV: Bad Monkey, Sugar, and Before. I have Heather Cox Richardson’s “Democracy Awakening” waiting to be read, but I’m not quite there, yet. I don’t know when this election angst will stop, but I have a feeling it will get worse before it gets better.
Did you watch Slow Horses? There's also a great show with Patricia Arquette...I forget the name but she's absolutely wonderful in it.
Yes. Slow Horses is another favorite!