Today’s Podcast
Something has turned, and it’s more than one worm. Shall we discuss?
The Gaslighting Parade got one hell of a wet slap in the face. No naked emperor miscalculated this bad before.
Reality is a dish best served smokin’ hot, eh? Let’s dig into the less-appreciated facts and color . . .
In Case You Missed It: Minnesota
Whoa! Jeff Sharlet knows all about the Bible School the Minnesota assassin attended … from personal experience. See his story about the “Violent Prayer” ideology.
My mother’s family are from Minnesota. Hearing people with Great Lakes accents, their voices quavering, talking about political assassination— it tore me to pieces.
I decided to subscribe to the Minneapolis Star-Trib for a little while, so I can read the local news as this unfolds. It will be more thorough than anything at the Times, et al.
May I share this gift link with you? Here’s another.
Susie Sexpert in The New Yorker
New Yorker writer Jennifer Wilson interviewed me for her story on sex in cinema.
Also my friend/colleague, Constance Penley, the most interesting part of the story, in my opinion.
The result of my long-interview is just a brief quote. Oh well! Jennifer must have had a draft ten times as long. The story is more in depth than you might expect, from all the typically-banal hype on the subject.
Film Not to Miss
I went to see a matinée of Celine Song’s new film, “Materialists” — a tour de force in comedy, dare-call-it-romance, and philosophical underpinnings. Those of you who saw Song’s last Oscar nominated “Past Lives,” know she is devoted to cinema. The direction, cinematography, how her actors live to the moment. I actually had never seen Chris Evans act. Didn’t recognize him. Pedro and Dakota, what incredible control. The movie starts with many laughs, because the set-up — inside the craven nightmare of high-end Manhattan matchmaker agency— is a brutal takedown of any true-love naiveté. But as things move along, at the French philosopher pace, other truths are revealed that actually left me with a tender tear in my eye!
Do not watch the trailer! Yikes, Celine didn’t cut it, it’s not at all the feel of the movie and it has spoilers. Instead, watch this anatomy of a scene:
Bedtime Story
Daniel Lavery always makes me laugh. Have you read his newsletter? I love this story, “The Pages of Hop on Pop as Ranked by our 14-Month-Old” because it brings back the amazement of first sharing books with babies and tots … and even my first memories of being read to, when I didn’t quite know how to read. My zeal for repetition! —How the characters were as real as you and me.
Happy Mama and Papa Bear Day to everyone who’s ever shared a bedtime story!
RIP Edmund White
Many years ago, I followed Edmund White’s advice to touring Paris, as described in his book, “The Flaneur.”
I followed his instructions the letter! I believe I had the greatest trip to Paris that anyone has ever undertaken.
From that introduction, I read White’s interview with Gert Jonkers in BUTT, and fell in love with him even more.
Thus, I began with what critics consider his minor or whimsical works, and then got to know him, as my friend Ed, in our San Francisco coterie.
I loved him, as all did who knew him . . . and finally, I read all his major and much-awarded works. I’m glad I did it that way. Backwards. Ed liked it that way. What a lovely generous loving friend and inspiration.
Word of The Day!
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