Sounds of Gold

I’ve never been keen on watching the news. Instead, I read the news. That way I am not being spoon-fed and don’t gain as much negativity or cynicism as there is in traditional sources.

I’m a fan of KPCC, KCRW, and KPFK. I know they too have their political agenda, but then again who doesn't?

KPFK is owned by the Pacifica Network and I am a devout listener of many of their programs such as Democracy Now, and Thom Hartmann for current events. For entertainment, I like Arts in Review with Julio Martinez. For music, I enjoy Global Village and Rhapsody in Black. For enlightenment, I like Aware with Lisa Garr, and Inner Vision with Nita Vallens.

I read books and listen to podcasts on Youtube, those which inspire and uplift not complain.

Jordan Peterson’s book, Beyond Order has been my last read. I like what I’ve heard on Youtube when he talks about the feminization of men. I’ve listened to his self-betterment advice, particularly when it comes to psychology, philosophy, and responsibility.

As a polarizing figure, Peterson isn’t for everyone. I found his book to be the distillation of common sense but often unarticulated ideas. There were trite catchphrases and easy fixes that plague much of the chapters on how to live a “good life.” I was bored and found that the book, particularly including the context of the last chapters was repetitive and overly metaphorical. Some of the passages were insightful and I didn't disagree per se with any of the rules, but more clinical examples and general explanations would have been illuminating. There was way too much chat about chaos dragons and archetypal representations for my taste.

I also think that more of an exploration of his personal struggles with drug addiction would have been more interesting. It's odd to preach life advice from someone who has been hospitalized for Benzo withdrawals during the past 2 years. I don't mean to make light of his struggles, as he has overcome a lot. However, his moralizing about fixing your own life before tackling other people's problems does seem a bit hypocritical given the circumstances.

On the streaming airwaves, I'm currently watching Succession

It’s based on the life of media mogul Rupert Murdoch. I am enthralled with series that are based on real-life characters where fiction is added. Here, it’s the family and the dynamics between the players that make it fascinating. One son steers far to the left and is power-driven the other is strong and strung out, another is an irreverent eunuch and the daughter is a politically savvy nymph. And since Dad is 80 years old, they all want control of the company. Ironically Wikipedia says it’s a comedy, I didn’t know that until the last time I watched when the patriarch in an attempt to buy another media conglomerate doles out advice for how his adult children are to behave. He tells his youngest son who often acts like a kid at a birthday party who has eaten too much cake and ice cream not to laugh like a hyena. That made me laugh so hard that my stomach ached.

Anyway, if you watch you won’t be disappointed.

I made a trip to Per-la to meet friends for a quick bite. What a magnificent architectural gem, as the original Bank of Italy built in 1922, got a view of the vault next to the ladies' room. (https://www.hotelperla.com/experience/our-building/)

Saw the Soldier’s Play at the Ahmanson, a terrific play that was engrossing with superb acting and a meaty storyline. It takes place on an Army base in the segregated South during WWII. The play uses a murder mystery to explore the complicated feelings of anger and resentment that some African Americans have toward one another, and the ways in which many black Americans have absorbed white racist attitudes.

On a lighter note, went to the oldest speakeasy in LA, Del Monte based in Venice, and walked out immediately. It was so loud the floor vibrated, can you imagine the damage done to the eardrums?

Here’s a classic tune that will soothe your nerves and won’t do any damage.

That sums up my June, the start of summer. How has yours been thus far?