It's time for you to get on.
Oh, I know, you've heard it's too complicated, that it doesn't really matter, you don't need another social media network.
But forget about all that.
Twitter is the heartbeat of America. Actually, it's the heartbeat of the world. And you do want to know what is going on, believe me.
Maybe you signed up long ago, during the initial wave, 2010-11. So you've still got an account, you can reactivate it, assuming you remember your user name and password. Or you could sign up for a brand new one, it's easy, like taking candy, from a baby!
Yes, one, two, THREE, just like Len Barry said!
Start with your smartphone. If you don't have one...well, scroll down further.
You know how to download an app, hell, you've got scores of unused ones on your device!
Don't let that deter you. Download Twitter and put it on the very first screen. That's right, you don't want to have to scroll for it. Then you won't check it, and then you'll be left out.
So, download the Twitter app. Of course there are other apps that will allow you to use the service, actually, I prefer Echofon Pro on my phone (which you have to pay for!) and I still use Echofon on the desktop, but now it's buggy.
Well, since I mentioned the desktop... If you've got no smartphone, or if you want to be able to check in on your computer too, download the app there. If you've got a Mac, just click on the App Store, you know, that blue icon with the "A" in your dock. Or, you can always Google, you can do this too on Windows.
So, you've got your app(s). Make that account. Use a recognizable name. You don't have to, but you'll want to, in case you ever want to tweet, which you may never even do...unless you're a hater and want to be anonymous, but if you are you've probably already got a Twitter account.
So you've downloaded the app(s), registered and entered your info, now what?
Don't be daunted.
You need people to follow. Just about everybody with a profile has a Twitter account. Just Google to get their handle. It's as simple as Googling (first name) (last name) Twitter. Or something like that, the handle will come right up. Click on this link in Google, and the person's Twitter page will come right up, just hit FOLLOW and you're all set.
Of course you can search for people in the Twitter app, but I do not want to make this complicated.
So, now back in the Twitter app...
Click on the house icon. That's all you need to know.
A caveat, which I hate to add. Trying to make Twitter more usable, the company has made it less so. What I mean is when you click on your house icon, you'll see curated tweets. Only from those you follow.
You can click for more tweets at the top of the screen, but that will just be more recent tweets from those you follow.
To get your tweets in running order, from everybody you're following, click on the star icon in the upper right hand corner of the app and choose "See latest Tweets instead."
Now I've scared you off. Please, DON'T GO!
Worst case scenario, you'll see a curated thread. That's not bad.
If you want to avoid this entire issue on the desktop, download Tweetdeck, it's free, and very good: https://tweetdeck.twitter.com/
And, not to confuse you, but you can download the standard Echofon app, which is free, on your iPhone or Android device and avoid the problem with the Twitter app recents issue.
So, let's recap.
You can use the Twitter apps. They're good, but unless you click on the star in the upper right hand corner, you're not going to see the absolute latest tweets, and you want to, Twitter is all about keeping up to date. The company is employing this curation to make the app easier to use, but you don't want to use it that way, it's for dummies.
Oh, hope I haven't insulted you.
So, now you've got your Twitter-reading app on your smartphone. Hell, download both if you'd like. But, to make it easy, I say to go with Echofon: https://echofon.com
And maybe you've downloaded Twitter and/or Tweetdeck for your computer, cool.
All of the above is much less complicated than I make it, but I want to be thorough, I don't want you to hit any brick walls and give up in frustration.
So, now that you're following people...
You're gonna use Twitter when you're killing time. Yup, that's right, that's when you're going to check the app. Come on, how often do you do this with your smartphone? Which is why your Twitter app has to sit on the first screen.
And this is all you're going to do, check your feed. All the other features of Twitter...IGNORE!
There's news and trends and search and lists...FORGET THEM! If you become hooked and you want to fiddle, be my guest, invade these other spaces. BUT NOT AT FIRST!
Consider Twitter to be your read-only news source.
Oh, that's another thing, never ever tweet! All that hogwash about Twitter being a social media network of interaction, forget about it. You can tweet, but unless you're somewhat famous, almost none of your tweets will be read by anybody.
Which brings us to followers. What are the chances your followers will read your tweets? In order to do this they have to make a conscious effort, and chances are your info is not that important to them. So, only a subset of your followers will read what you have to say.
AND IT'S NOT ABOUT FOLLOWERS!! Don't worry about gaining followers whatsoever, you're a lurker! And be proud of it! No need to get into any petty wars, and no one cares about your little life anyway.
This is not Facebook, which is about oldsters sharing their lives.
This is not Instagram, which is a place where you brag.
This is not Snapchat, which no one over the age of twenty five can even figure out, never mind be on.
This is about NEWS!
And there's news in every vertical that appeals to you. And it only needs to appeal to you, you're not burdened with threads of others that don't interest you. It's all you, all the time.
So, first you're interested in hard news, what's going on in D.C., the coronavirus. This is where you want to start.
And then there's the stuff you're interested in. Like with me, it's skiing. So I follow ski related tweeters, like @liftblog (all about ski lifts) and @RickysRidge (Rob Katz, head of Vail Resorts) and even Mikaela Shiffrin (@mikaelashiffrin). And I follow even more, I want to know what lifts are running or closed at Vail and...so much more.
But ignore all that. You don't care about skiing. But you do care about something.
Don't overwhelm yourself. At first, sign up to follow five people. Once you get comfortable, you can add more.
Now a good place to find people to follow is by looking at what is retweeted by those you do follow. I could walk you through this, but it's pretty obvious.
So, what you're doing is curating your own news feed. And believe me, you'll get hooked. Because you want to know what is going on.
Forget celebrities, other than maybe comedians. You are not looking for canned info, which is what most celebrities purvey on Twitter, if they're even doing the tweeting themselves. Their feeds are worthless. If you want celebrity info, go to Instagram, it's all migrated there.
But that's all hype, pretty much all the time.
But, once again, Twitter is about information.
All that hogwash in the news about Twitter not being representative of America...IGNORE IT! It's inside the beltway talk from professional writers and pundits who are pissed that they don't control the dialogue. Meanwhile, they're all on the service anyway, posting and reading. Yes, it happens first on Twitter.
Do they sometimes get it wrong on Twitter? Of course. But a lot of tweets you read will link to well-known news sources, like the "New York Times" or "Washington Post"...and you can follow them too!
You are now going to the source. And separating the wheat from the chaff. Twitter is where it all happens and it happens there first, and you do care.
I'm gonna give you some people to follow. These are seen as left wing people, but I think right wing info, tends to be spread on specific websites, like Fox and the Daily Caller. And as far as disinformation, swaying people's opinions...that is done on Facebook, where Zuckerberg controls the algorithm as to what is seen and they charge you to be seen a lot.
Sure, there are ads on Twitter...but you get to see all the tweets of those you follow.
So, if you're a left winger, follow:
@sarahkenndzior
@NaomiAKlein
@paulkrugman
@frankrichny
@maggieNYT
Now Michael Rapino and Irving Azoff tweet occasionally, and if you'd like to follow them:
@Michael_Rapino
@irvingazoff
And you can always follow me, @lefsetz, but just so you know, I don't tweet much, it's easier for me to reach people via e-mail, like this.
All the likes, the retweets...IGNORE ALL THAT!
At least until you feel comfortable and want to do more. But you never have to do more, ever! I never like, I don't get that whole paradigm. But I do occasionally retweet.
And, once again, you are not building a monument to yourself, don't worry about gaining followers whatsoever.
Is the Twitter learning curve steep?
No.
But you do have to jump a few hurdles, all of which I've outlined above.
Which is why the younger generation tends to own participatory media online, they can figure it out whilst oldsters cannot. However, a lot of oldsters have figured out Twitter.
I've got no problem with you wanting to stay in touch with your buddies via another social media platform, but that's not what Twitter is about. Twitter is about feeding your head, giving you information, making you think.
And you need to be on!
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Saturday 23 May 2020
Friday 22 May 2020
Hidden Valley Road
https://amzn.to/3ee6vdg
This book is utterly astounding.
Turns out book sales are down in the Covid-19 era. Digital more than physical. Seems inexplicable to me, then again, readers are a subset of the public, which may explain the adherence to the physical. However, those who do not embrace the future are left out when the screw turns. But that's all of America today. We love our tech, we love its cheap prices, but when we no longer have jobs that can pay for them, we're flummoxed. The future keeps rolling down the track, be prepared for it.
But some things you can't prepare for.
We live in a world where we believe everything can be fixed, where if everybody just lifted themselves up by their bootstraps, we'd all be okay.
Not if you have schizophrenia.
But that's about a third of "Hidden Valley Road." The search for cures to the disease. Actually, they don't even want to call it that anymore, they want to talk about a "spectrum," and they're still arguing how much is nature and how much is nurture. At this late date it's agreed that nature is a huge component, but can patients be improved by psychotherapy?
We live in a world where mental illness is seen as something akin to leprosy. An exotic taboo that you must not get close to for fear you'll be infected too. But at least you can see leprosy, mental illness is hidden.
Well, not always. The Galvin boys act in bizarre ways and do bizarre things and they're not always harmless.
This is a baby boomer story. If you were born in that era, you'll relate to that setting. Mothers did not work outside the home. Fathers worked for the man and were moving up in their careers. And you didn't need a chaperone to play outside the house. It was all dreamy, a simpler time.
Don Galvin was in the Air Force. He moved the family to Colorado Springs. And then...
Six out of his twelve children got schizophrenia.
The mother, Mimi, alternately blamed herself and her husband's genes whilst doing her best to take care of these ill children.
Meanwhile, there were so many children...there was a pecking order, and violence, which the parents were unaware of. And as far as a stabilizing force, Don was oftentimes on the road.
So you're living a charmed life.
As for the twelve children... Yes, the Galvins are Catholic. But it was also a time when you could take care of this many kids on one salary.
So everything is going swimmingly until the oldest boy goes to college and...
Goes off the rails.
And then it happens again and again. Not only with him, but his brothers.
The scientific advancement is interesting. But it's the family and its dynamics that are fascinating. These are the stories that intrigue me, that I'm drawn to. What exactly is happening amongst all the people in the family?
Some are ignored. Some play hockey. Some are abused.
Meanwhile, it's the sixties and music is dominant, such that some Galvins start playing for a living. It was a different era. Where there was less income inequality. You could make it as a music teacher. Sure, college helped, but you did not need to have a degree to become a receptionist.
And the father has relationships that enable the girls, there are two of them, they're the last born, to escape the household. But they're still traumatized, for their entire lives, by what happened back in Colorado Springs.
Meanwhile, the sick brothers are alternately zombies and out of control. In and out of mental hospitals. Men, who could hurt you.
As for the professionals... There's always a new theory. You're looking for answers, so you have hope. Even though some leads are scams. You end up just taking your own counsel, accepting this is the way it is, going through the motions so you don't fall apart.
I guess everything today is about reality. Even though it's faked. We want it visceral, right there on the flat screen. Or we want cartoons on the big screen, both animated and real life.
But we are living real life all day long. Where do we go to be understood, to be accepted.
You'll see yourself in this book. Do you want to dive in, or pull yourself out. Can you let go of the past. Do you think you can fix people.
But this is not an everyday story.
You think everything is going just fine, and then there's a left turn. All around you people are marching forward, but you're lost. Happens to all of us, rich and poor. You have a financial setback. Your relationship ends. You have health issues. Meanwhile, you're having to make decisions all the time...are you practical or do you go by your gut? And really, you're in control, you're the only one who cares, it's overwhelming.
But "Hidden Valley Road" is really not about your life, about you relating, but the story of this family, the Galvins.
Now this is a big best seller. You can order it from Amazon, or dial up your local bookstore for curbside delivery. Or you can download a Kindle copy. Or, you can wait for it to be available at the library, good luck!
Everybody's willing to spend fifteen dollars on a movie, but a book? That's too much!
Which is one of the reasons why Amazon wanted to lower the price on digital books.
"Hidden Valley Road" is available right now, it's just a click away.
I try to avoid non-fiction. Oftentimes it's too dry. I'm truly looking for real life and too often I get facts, but no story, no emotion.
"Hidden Valley Road" is better than all the vaunted fiction from the writing factories. It's not self-conscious. It's not about flowery prose that distracts from the story. It's a winding road that you can't stop driving down.
It's not hard to get into. But when you stick with it, you become engrossed, you're constantly wanting to go back to it, to its world.
The girls are still alive. They're still functioning just like you and me. We all have to make a life, they made theirs, as did their three uninfected brothers, even though they all were worried they would get it, and experienced guilt when they did not. This story starts long ago, but it's positively up-to-date. Sure, it'll make you think about mental illness, but even more it'll make you think about yourself, wowing you all the time with its twists and turns.
You may see the scientific chapters as Tolstoy's philosophizing in "Anna Karenina." Roll through them, you do not have to catch every word.
"Anna Karenina" is the best book ever written. "Hidden Valley Road" is not quite that good, but like "Anna Karenina" it's focused on people.
And that's all we've got, that's all we are.
--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
Listen to the podcast:
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-Apple: https://apple.co/2ndmpvp
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This book is utterly astounding.
Turns out book sales are down in the Covid-19 era. Digital more than physical. Seems inexplicable to me, then again, readers are a subset of the public, which may explain the adherence to the physical. However, those who do not embrace the future are left out when the screw turns. But that's all of America today. We love our tech, we love its cheap prices, but when we no longer have jobs that can pay for them, we're flummoxed. The future keeps rolling down the track, be prepared for it.
But some things you can't prepare for.
We live in a world where we believe everything can be fixed, where if everybody just lifted themselves up by their bootstraps, we'd all be okay.
Not if you have schizophrenia.
But that's about a third of "Hidden Valley Road." The search for cures to the disease. Actually, they don't even want to call it that anymore, they want to talk about a "spectrum," and they're still arguing how much is nature and how much is nurture. At this late date it's agreed that nature is a huge component, but can patients be improved by psychotherapy?
We live in a world where mental illness is seen as something akin to leprosy. An exotic taboo that you must not get close to for fear you'll be infected too. But at least you can see leprosy, mental illness is hidden.
Well, not always. The Galvin boys act in bizarre ways and do bizarre things and they're not always harmless.
This is a baby boomer story. If you were born in that era, you'll relate to that setting. Mothers did not work outside the home. Fathers worked for the man and were moving up in their careers. And you didn't need a chaperone to play outside the house. It was all dreamy, a simpler time.
Don Galvin was in the Air Force. He moved the family to Colorado Springs. And then...
Six out of his twelve children got schizophrenia.
The mother, Mimi, alternately blamed herself and her husband's genes whilst doing her best to take care of these ill children.
Meanwhile, there were so many children...there was a pecking order, and violence, which the parents were unaware of. And as far as a stabilizing force, Don was oftentimes on the road.
So you're living a charmed life.
As for the twelve children... Yes, the Galvins are Catholic. But it was also a time when you could take care of this many kids on one salary.
So everything is going swimmingly until the oldest boy goes to college and...
Goes off the rails.
And then it happens again and again. Not only with him, but his brothers.
The scientific advancement is interesting. But it's the family and its dynamics that are fascinating. These are the stories that intrigue me, that I'm drawn to. What exactly is happening amongst all the people in the family?
Some are ignored. Some play hockey. Some are abused.
Meanwhile, it's the sixties and music is dominant, such that some Galvins start playing for a living. It was a different era. Where there was less income inequality. You could make it as a music teacher. Sure, college helped, but you did not need to have a degree to become a receptionist.
And the father has relationships that enable the girls, there are two of them, they're the last born, to escape the household. But they're still traumatized, for their entire lives, by what happened back in Colorado Springs.
Meanwhile, the sick brothers are alternately zombies and out of control. In and out of mental hospitals. Men, who could hurt you.
As for the professionals... There's always a new theory. You're looking for answers, so you have hope. Even though some leads are scams. You end up just taking your own counsel, accepting this is the way it is, going through the motions so you don't fall apart.
I guess everything today is about reality. Even though it's faked. We want it visceral, right there on the flat screen. Or we want cartoons on the big screen, both animated and real life.
But we are living real life all day long. Where do we go to be understood, to be accepted.
You'll see yourself in this book. Do you want to dive in, or pull yourself out. Can you let go of the past. Do you think you can fix people.
But this is not an everyday story.
You think everything is going just fine, and then there's a left turn. All around you people are marching forward, but you're lost. Happens to all of us, rich and poor. You have a financial setback. Your relationship ends. You have health issues. Meanwhile, you're having to make decisions all the time...are you practical or do you go by your gut? And really, you're in control, you're the only one who cares, it's overwhelming.
But "Hidden Valley Road" is really not about your life, about you relating, but the story of this family, the Galvins.
Now this is a big best seller. You can order it from Amazon, or dial up your local bookstore for curbside delivery. Or you can download a Kindle copy. Or, you can wait for it to be available at the library, good luck!
Everybody's willing to spend fifteen dollars on a movie, but a book? That's too much!
Which is one of the reasons why Amazon wanted to lower the price on digital books.
"Hidden Valley Road" is available right now, it's just a click away.
I try to avoid non-fiction. Oftentimes it's too dry. I'm truly looking for real life and too often I get facts, but no story, no emotion.
"Hidden Valley Road" is better than all the vaunted fiction from the writing factories. It's not self-conscious. It's not about flowery prose that distracts from the story. It's a winding road that you can't stop driving down.
It's not hard to get into. But when you stick with it, you become engrossed, you're constantly wanting to go back to it, to its world.
The girls are still alive. They're still functioning just like you and me. We all have to make a life, they made theirs, as did their three uninfected brothers, even though they all were worried they would get it, and experienced guilt when they did not. This story starts long ago, but it's positively up-to-date. Sure, it'll make you think about mental illness, but even more it'll make you think about yourself, wowing you all the time with its twists and turns.
You may see the scientific chapters as Tolstoy's philosophizing in "Anna Karenina." Roll through them, you do not have to catch every word.
"Anna Karenina" is the best book ever written. "Hidden Valley Road" is not quite that good, but like "Anna Karenina" it's focused on people.
And that's all we've got, that's all we are.
--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
Listen to the podcast:
-iHeart: https://ihr.fm/2Gi5PFj
-Apple: https://apple.co/2ndmpvp
--
http://www.twitter.com/lefsetz
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Thursday 21 May 2020
The Election
Trump has no intention of leaving.
Every day I'm inundated with info from those on the left decrying Trump's behavior. Hell, even today he refused to wear a mask at the Ford plant. Tune in Rachel Maddow as she scowls at the insanity. She's positively right, but she cannot see the big picture. Trump ain't gonna change, if anything he's tightened the reins on his power. He beat impeachment, punished naysayers and eliminated checks and balances...and this is the guy you think is gonna suddenly wake up and do it your way, the right way? NO CHANCE!
Laurene Powell Jobs bought "The Atlantic." It's amazing what a bit of money can do. Kinda like Bezos's purchase of "The Washington Post." The D.C. paper was declining and now it's giving "The New York Times" a run for its money. Meanwhile, "The Wall Street Journal" is writing ever-shorter articles, dumbing itself down for consumption to the point it's alienating its core business customers. The NYT and WaPo have spent money to gain influence. And despite all the hoopla about "the failing 'New York Times," the truth is anything but. As evidenced by new media columnist Ben Smith's March 1st article:
"Why the Success of The New York Times May Be Bad News for Journalism: In his debut, our new media columnist says The Times has become like Facebook or Google - a digital behemoth crowding out the competition.": https://nyti.ms/2LKJxOC
The scuttlebutt is oftentimes wrong. The story has been about the death of newspapers, of the profit-draining distribution by Google and Facebook. Meanwhile, those left standing have only gained power, no news entity as much as "The New York Times." Hell, digital subscriptions grew by 600,000 in the first quarter of this year. For a total of 6 million. Yes, people are willing to pay for news, as "The Los Angeles Times" shrinks its news hole and heads for extinction. Hell, there's that hedge fund that buys newspapers like "The Denver Post" and then makes draconian cuts, trying to maintain profit margins and make big bucks before the outlets are worthless and then discarded.
So Laurene Powell Jobs bought a moniker, and built it into a monolith. "The Atlantic" is one of the most e-mailed publications these days, at least in my inbox. And it's not garbage, it's not clickbait, but deep thought pieces. And in the new issue, there's a doozy:
"Putin Is Well on His Way to Stealing the Next Election - RIP democracy": https://bit.ly/3cXzl16
You don't need to read every word. A quick scan will do the trick.
Bottom line, our voting infrastructure is full of holes, easy to penetrate by public citizens like the Stanford University hacker in the article, never mind big governments with big money with an investment in the outcome.
Once again, you must listen to the podcast "The Big Steal." As America circles the wagons, cutting ties with foreign countries, decimating treaties, the rest of the world is not only ignoring us, but some nations, like Russia, are actively penetrating us. You can stick your head in the sand, but that does not make you invisible.
"The Big Steal Podcast": https://bit.ly/2XgObcx
But as you read this "Atlantic" article, as you focus on Russia's hacking, you realize...
It really isn't about Russia at all.
Now one of the biggest stories of the last few weeks has been about voting by mail. Hell, Trump is in a war of words, planning to retaliate against Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan because it's a swing state.
Yes, as we learned in 2016, the presidential vote of most people in this nation just doesn't count. But if you live in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Florida it does.
So the Republicans are trying to suppress the vote in those states.
They say it's to stop voter fraud, even though every study extant shows it's a non-issue. The truth is they just want to strip as many indigent and minority voters from the rolls as possible. If you moved, which the poor tend to do more than the wealthy, if you don't drive, if you can't provide the required identification...good luck getting to vote. And sure, many people will be able to cast their ballot, but it only takes a very few to change the outcome.
So most of the left believe Trump wants to eliminate voting by mail because he believes it will encourage Democratic voting.
WRONG!
Oh, right to a degree. But there's a bigger issue. PHYSICAL BALLOTS CAN'T BE HACKED!
Oh sure, there can be tons of fraud. Ballots can be lost. But a paper trail is harder to circumvent. Whereas if the voting is electronic...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Trump planned to protest the 2016 results vociferously. He said the election was fixed. But he was surprised to win.
In 2020 one thing is for sure, Trump does what he says he's going to do.
So let's say the election utilizes machines/electronics. THE OUTCOME IS UP FOR GRABS!
Of course there are the bad actors, i.e. Russia, and the Republicans themselves. They could swing the outcome making it a done deal. But if the numbers say Trump lost, he'll never accept it. He already said he wasn't gonna do this back in 2016. He'll say it was fixed. And he's got plenty of people to blame it on. Enemies like Silicon Valley. China. The list goes on and on.
So, even if Trump loses, he wins.
Forget telling me about the inanities. How Trump voted by mail himself. Doesn't matter, don't you get it! It's not about truth, justice and the American Way, it's about perpetuating Trump's reign. Like Putin, he's running a kleptocracy. Forget his hotels and golf clubs, the head of vaccine development is a drug maker himself?! We see the movie again and again and again. Trump pushes the limits, installs loyalists, makes sure they make money, and life goes on, no matter how many complaints there are. People keep waiting for transparency and justice, but it never arrives. We still don't have the tax returns... He's in control of the government, they're still auditing? He beat impeachment. He installed right wing justices, but you expect to be saved?
Don't call me hysterical.
For over a year, Bill Maher has said Trump has no intention of leaving. And he posits this question to Democratic candidates and toadies ad infinitum and they laugh and brush it off. Cite nonsense like the law says otherwise, or they'll employ the military to remove him.
The Putin playbook is to muddy the water. To get you to doubt your beliefs, or become overwhelmed and stop paying attention all together. Ever notice that Trump does the same thing? Every day there's crazy behavior. But Trump's reign goes on.
And he wins.
Come on, would all these states be rushing to reopen if Trump didn't plead for his acolytes to protest? Furthermore, a lot of these protests were astroturfed. Funded by dark money. Protesters paid to do so, going from location to location. If Jane Roe can be paid to change her mind, do you think others are not open to the buck?
And it is all about bucks. The fat cats want those factories humming. Hell, the latest statistics say the workers, those who have to inhabit the offices, are reluctant to go. But, already they're being threatened. They won't get unemployment, there will be no choice. No one can predict the future of Covid-19, but one thing is for sure, the policy of Trump and the Fortune 500 is to open America for business and if some people die, so be it. Come on, you can see it already. All your friends who were locked down tight suddenly aren't. Trump shifted the wind of belief, and it wasn't that difficult.
I thought Trump's refusal to leave office was crazy until I started listening to Sarah Kendzior. Unlike those on the coasts, the talking heads who are part of the media-industrial complex, Sarah has her boots on the ground in the middle of the country and she is not climbing up the pundit ladder, it's not important to her. Meanwhile, "The New York Times" and "The Washington Post" have refused to review her new book, "Hiding in Plain Sight," despite it being a best-seller, despite it being #1 in Amazon's Democracy category, despite it debuting at #14 on the aforementioned "Times"'s best seller list. And it's not like "Hiding in Plain Sight" is a vanity project, rather it was published by Macmillan.
Meanwhile, all we read about is Ronan Farrow's insistence upon Hachette canceling his father Woody Allen's book. Our priorities are screwed-up. We're more worried about ALLEGATIONS of Me Too as opposed to facts we can see with Trump every day.
But the media establishment does not want to piss off Trump. Or Jared or Ivanka, whose classmates and friends inhabit the ranks of the media.
I know, I know, it sounds like too much.
Keep telling yourself that. Keep watching MSNBC with your fist in the air. You're the same person who missed Trump in 2016, who thinks since some Democratic congresspeople won in 2018, it'll be no problem defeating Trump.
Hell, the Democrats argued for a year who was the best candidate to run. IT DOESN'T MATTER! Statistics say ALL of them would beat Trump, at least all those in contention at the end. But the left is busy triangulating, believing it's about issues when the truth is it's about mechanics.
If Democrats vote, Trump loses.
It's not about switching pro-Trump people back to the blue side, it's about getting out the vote of those already blue. Rachel Bitecofer goes on about this seemingly daily, but her words fall on deaf ears, because the DNC believes it knows better.
But it's really about the integrity of the vote.
Come on, do you believe it's been this long without the propping up of the Post Office? Public companies with CEOs that make millions can get government funds, the Fed rescues Wall Street, but there's no cash for the Post Office?
You keep telling yourself that someone will take care of it, that the Post Office can't fail. Who are these people again? The ones who've stopped Trump so far? The Republican senators who declined to convict him at the impeachment trial?
And Trump is working all avenues. No Post Office, no mail-in vote. Trump is establishing so many ways to make sure he wins in 2020. And only one or two have to work to tilt the election.
They should cancel MSNBC. All left wing outlets, all Democratic voters should be working 24/7 on the integrity of November's election. And making sure it happens. Jared Kushner wasn't convinced. Forget the law. Hell, Trump said government agencies could ignore regulations in an effort to reopen the economy:
"Trump orders agencies to cut regulations that 'inhibit economic recovery': https://bit.ly/3cSEFD5
Trump signed the order Tuesday, there was no debate, you probably aren't even aware of it.
You keep saying it can't happen here.
But it does.
And will continue to do so.
WAKE UP!
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Every day I'm inundated with info from those on the left decrying Trump's behavior. Hell, even today he refused to wear a mask at the Ford plant. Tune in Rachel Maddow as she scowls at the insanity. She's positively right, but she cannot see the big picture. Trump ain't gonna change, if anything he's tightened the reins on his power. He beat impeachment, punished naysayers and eliminated checks and balances...and this is the guy you think is gonna suddenly wake up and do it your way, the right way? NO CHANCE!
Laurene Powell Jobs bought "The Atlantic." It's amazing what a bit of money can do. Kinda like Bezos's purchase of "The Washington Post." The D.C. paper was declining and now it's giving "The New York Times" a run for its money. Meanwhile, "The Wall Street Journal" is writing ever-shorter articles, dumbing itself down for consumption to the point it's alienating its core business customers. The NYT and WaPo have spent money to gain influence. And despite all the hoopla about "the failing 'New York Times," the truth is anything but. As evidenced by new media columnist Ben Smith's March 1st article:
"Why the Success of The New York Times May Be Bad News for Journalism: In his debut, our new media columnist says The Times has become like Facebook or Google - a digital behemoth crowding out the competition.": https://nyti.ms/2LKJxOC
The scuttlebutt is oftentimes wrong. The story has been about the death of newspapers, of the profit-draining distribution by Google and Facebook. Meanwhile, those left standing have only gained power, no news entity as much as "The New York Times." Hell, digital subscriptions grew by 600,000 in the first quarter of this year. For a total of 6 million. Yes, people are willing to pay for news, as "The Los Angeles Times" shrinks its news hole and heads for extinction. Hell, there's that hedge fund that buys newspapers like "The Denver Post" and then makes draconian cuts, trying to maintain profit margins and make big bucks before the outlets are worthless and then discarded.
So Laurene Powell Jobs bought a moniker, and built it into a monolith. "The Atlantic" is one of the most e-mailed publications these days, at least in my inbox. And it's not garbage, it's not clickbait, but deep thought pieces. And in the new issue, there's a doozy:
"Putin Is Well on His Way to Stealing the Next Election - RIP democracy": https://bit.ly/3cXzl16
You don't need to read every word. A quick scan will do the trick.
Bottom line, our voting infrastructure is full of holes, easy to penetrate by public citizens like the Stanford University hacker in the article, never mind big governments with big money with an investment in the outcome.
Once again, you must listen to the podcast "The Big Steal." As America circles the wagons, cutting ties with foreign countries, decimating treaties, the rest of the world is not only ignoring us, but some nations, like Russia, are actively penetrating us. You can stick your head in the sand, but that does not make you invisible.
"The Big Steal Podcast": https://bit.ly/2XgObcx
But as you read this "Atlantic" article, as you focus on Russia's hacking, you realize...
It really isn't about Russia at all.
Now one of the biggest stories of the last few weeks has been about voting by mail. Hell, Trump is in a war of words, planning to retaliate against Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan because it's a swing state.
Yes, as we learned in 2016, the presidential vote of most people in this nation just doesn't count. But if you live in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Florida it does.
So the Republicans are trying to suppress the vote in those states.
They say it's to stop voter fraud, even though every study extant shows it's a non-issue. The truth is they just want to strip as many indigent and minority voters from the rolls as possible. If you moved, which the poor tend to do more than the wealthy, if you don't drive, if you can't provide the required identification...good luck getting to vote. And sure, many people will be able to cast their ballot, but it only takes a very few to change the outcome.
So most of the left believe Trump wants to eliminate voting by mail because he believes it will encourage Democratic voting.
WRONG!
Oh, right to a degree. But there's a bigger issue. PHYSICAL BALLOTS CAN'T BE HACKED!
Oh sure, there can be tons of fraud. Ballots can be lost. But a paper trail is harder to circumvent. Whereas if the voting is electronic...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Trump planned to protest the 2016 results vociferously. He said the election was fixed. But he was surprised to win.
In 2020 one thing is for sure, Trump does what he says he's going to do.
So let's say the election utilizes machines/electronics. THE OUTCOME IS UP FOR GRABS!
Of course there are the bad actors, i.e. Russia, and the Republicans themselves. They could swing the outcome making it a done deal. But if the numbers say Trump lost, he'll never accept it. He already said he wasn't gonna do this back in 2016. He'll say it was fixed. And he's got plenty of people to blame it on. Enemies like Silicon Valley. China. The list goes on and on.
So, even if Trump loses, he wins.
Forget telling me about the inanities. How Trump voted by mail himself. Doesn't matter, don't you get it! It's not about truth, justice and the American Way, it's about perpetuating Trump's reign. Like Putin, he's running a kleptocracy. Forget his hotels and golf clubs, the head of vaccine development is a drug maker himself?! We see the movie again and again and again. Trump pushes the limits, installs loyalists, makes sure they make money, and life goes on, no matter how many complaints there are. People keep waiting for transparency and justice, but it never arrives. We still don't have the tax returns... He's in control of the government, they're still auditing? He beat impeachment. He installed right wing justices, but you expect to be saved?
Don't call me hysterical.
For over a year, Bill Maher has said Trump has no intention of leaving. And he posits this question to Democratic candidates and toadies ad infinitum and they laugh and brush it off. Cite nonsense like the law says otherwise, or they'll employ the military to remove him.
The Putin playbook is to muddy the water. To get you to doubt your beliefs, or become overwhelmed and stop paying attention all together. Ever notice that Trump does the same thing? Every day there's crazy behavior. But Trump's reign goes on.
And he wins.
Come on, would all these states be rushing to reopen if Trump didn't plead for his acolytes to protest? Furthermore, a lot of these protests were astroturfed. Funded by dark money. Protesters paid to do so, going from location to location. If Jane Roe can be paid to change her mind, do you think others are not open to the buck?
And it is all about bucks. The fat cats want those factories humming. Hell, the latest statistics say the workers, those who have to inhabit the offices, are reluctant to go. But, already they're being threatened. They won't get unemployment, there will be no choice. No one can predict the future of Covid-19, but one thing is for sure, the policy of Trump and the Fortune 500 is to open America for business and if some people die, so be it. Come on, you can see it already. All your friends who were locked down tight suddenly aren't. Trump shifted the wind of belief, and it wasn't that difficult.
I thought Trump's refusal to leave office was crazy until I started listening to Sarah Kendzior. Unlike those on the coasts, the talking heads who are part of the media-industrial complex, Sarah has her boots on the ground in the middle of the country and she is not climbing up the pundit ladder, it's not important to her. Meanwhile, "The New York Times" and "The Washington Post" have refused to review her new book, "Hiding in Plain Sight," despite it being a best-seller, despite it being #1 in Amazon's Democracy category, despite it debuting at #14 on the aforementioned "Times"'s best seller list. And it's not like "Hiding in Plain Sight" is a vanity project, rather it was published by Macmillan.
Meanwhile, all we read about is Ronan Farrow's insistence upon Hachette canceling his father Woody Allen's book. Our priorities are screwed-up. We're more worried about ALLEGATIONS of Me Too as opposed to facts we can see with Trump every day.
But the media establishment does not want to piss off Trump. Or Jared or Ivanka, whose classmates and friends inhabit the ranks of the media.
I know, I know, it sounds like too much.
Keep telling yourself that. Keep watching MSNBC with your fist in the air. You're the same person who missed Trump in 2016, who thinks since some Democratic congresspeople won in 2018, it'll be no problem defeating Trump.
Hell, the Democrats argued for a year who was the best candidate to run. IT DOESN'T MATTER! Statistics say ALL of them would beat Trump, at least all those in contention at the end. But the left is busy triangulating, believing it's about issues when the truth is it's about mechanics.
If Democrats vote, Trump loses.
It's not about switching pro-Trump people back to the blue side, it's about getting out the vote of those already blue. Rachel Bitecofer goes on about this seemingly daily, but her words fall on deaf ears, because the DNC believes it knows better.
But it's really about the integrity of the vote.
Come on, do you believe it's been this long without the propping up of the Post Office? Public companies with CEOs that make millions can get government funds, the Fed rescues Wall Street, but there's no cash for the Post Office?
You keep telling yourself that someone will take care of it, that the Post Office can't fail. Who are these people again? The ones who've stopped Trump so far? The Republican senators who declined to convict him at the impeachment trial?
And Trump is working all avenues. No Post Office, no mail-in vote. Trump is establishing so many ways to make sure he wins in 2020. And only one or two have to work to tilt the election.
They should cancel MSNBC. All left wing outlets, all Democratic voters should be working 24/7 on the integrity of November's election. And making sure it happens. Jared Kushner wasn't convinced. Forget the law. Hell, Trump said government agencies could ignore regulations in an effort to reopen the economy:
"Trump orders agencies to cut regulations that 'inhibit economic recovery': https://bit.ly/3cSEFD5
Trump signed the order Tuesday, there was no debate, you probably aren't even aware of it.
You keep saying it can't happen here.
But it does.
And will continue to do so.
WAKE UP!
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--
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Roger McNamee-This Week's Podcast
Writer/investor/musician Roger McNamee was there at the beginning of the tech revolution, ultimately becoming a venture capitalist, most notably with Bono in Elevation Partners. An investor in Facebook, McNamee is now a critic, his book "Zucked" took on the negative consequences of social media. Roger is insightful and articulate and raises the questions that too many in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. do not. Listen as we discuss today's cultural, political and technical landscape.
https://ihr.fm/3gd8UXp
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roger-mcnamee/id1316200737?i=1000475295718
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rT6NfOU5qE7tEa4R2xNiU
https://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=69817347
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https://ihr.fm/3gd8UXp
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roger-mcnamee/id1316200737?i=1000475295718
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rT6NfOU5qE7tEa4R2xNiU
https://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=69817347
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Tuesday 19 May 2020
Writers & Lovers
https://amzn.to/2TmBeg6
"An author is trying to give you an immersive adventure."
The protagonist is a writer.
But don't let that turn you off.
It's kinda like a musician. They've got their whole life to write their first album, but less than a year for the second and at some point in the future they talk about being on the road and how hard that is and...
It's hard to relate.
We live in a country based on income. That's the only marker. Especially now that credibility has gone out the window. Used to be how good a person you were, but if you're not wealthy today, you don't count.
Then there is academia.
Unless you're a household name writer, you've probably got a gig at a college, teaching writing. Yes, even if you've had a well-reviewed book in the "New York Times," chances are you are not rich, that you need the supplemental income.
So there's a whole world, a complete industry, of less than successful authors teaching others to be writers. Kinda like music business school, but with some creative talent involved. We don't need more passionate people in the music industry, we need entrepreneurs, people who can think outside the box, who can push the envelope. And too many of these writing factories turn out books that only appeal to those who've gone through the sausage-making writing factories themselves.
You hear that writing is rewriting.
I couldn't disagree more.
And to tell you the truth, much of what is considered literature I find unreadable. Because the writers are so busy impressing their friends, the writing industry, that each sentence is dense, it doesn't sound like real people, and the story takes a back seat, if it's even in the car to begin with. Think of a record made with ace studio musicians, that sounds perfect, but with lame songs, you've got it.
But in "Writers & Lovers" Lily King seems to bridge both worlds. It's kind of amazing in fact. You can tell the book was rewritten, to conform to the ethos, but the story flows nonetheless.
This book called out to me. I loved living in its world. It was easy to read and I wanted to read it. Which is a far cry from much of which is hyped.
So, Casey is a struggling writer.
Now most writers don't make it. And most musicians don't either.
But there are two layers of wannabe musician. Those living off their parents' largesse, and those struggling to get by. Forget those who've achieved success, that's a different world with different problems. But while you're woodshedding in music, writing, rehearsing, learning, you're either close to broke or driving the car your parents bought you and servicing it on their credit card.
This is a world we're rarely exposed to. Educated, talented people on the wrong side of income inequality. The underprivileged underclass gets all the ink. But those who've chosen the path less taken? They're seen as losers.
Or, they've got a backup plan. They'll try for three to five years and then they'll go straight. Become a lawyer, marry someone rich, so they can have some of the perks of life, like health insurance and a house.
And then there are those who are lifers.
But not all of them make it.
Casey is living in a potting shed, her landlord is an overbearing friend of her brother, who lives across the country. She works as a server, i.e. a waitress. The restaurant is upscale, but comes with its own issues. She's developing skills at the restaurant, but how many of them are transferable to the world she desires to inhabit?
So, she's writing.
But she has a best friend and...
She's got love interests.
One thing about working at a restaurant...you're interacting with people. Too many writers do not. Sure, you get insight at the restaurant, but you also get camaraderie, social interaction, that satisfies your soul. But, you could be drifting to nowhere.
So, Casey's got her work friends, a successful writer friend, she rides her bike to work, but...
She's got her love life.
That's what seals the deal here.
Her family background is complicated. Her mother just died and she used to be a golf prodigy and...every childhood is different, just like every family is different. Then again, the winning families too often are similar. The parents make beaucoup bucks and the kids went to private school and were the beneficiaries of all these enrichment programs, like digging wells in Africa and...
You learn the most from those who are different from you. But unlike in the sixties and seventies, there's been pushback against lifting up the disadvantaged, the privileged don't want their space being taken. Kinda like the rich...they don't mind if you have more money, they just don't want to sacrifice any of their own.
So, Casey attends a writers' retreat.
This is another thing about the world of literature. It's sponsored. There's a whole game of residencies and grants and...prizes too. You read about all these awards academics and writers get...take them with a grain of salt. Oh, the recipients might be deserving, but the truth is they've kissed butt and worked their way up the awards ladder. They didn't get that MacArthur genius grant out of the blue.
Yes, it's a scam.
But life isn't.
And how do you run your life? Do you go for your goals, putting everything on the line, or do you compromise? You can't have it both ways. You can't work at Apollo and be a rock star, you can't go to med school and be a Broadway actor.
So, while some are notching their belts, there are others throwing the long ball, that may never be caught.
So, on one hand I have contempt for the world of writing. The authors go to the best graduate school they can get into, where they're all taught to do it the same way. This was illustrated well in the final season of "Girls," when Hannah/Lena Dunham goes to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the Harvard of the world, and doesn't fit in, and ultimately drops out.
These people spend years writing and rewriting their novels. Casey's taken six. And most of them end up going nowhere, if they're published at all.
I believe writers are born, not made. Same as musicians. You've either got the talent or you don't. Someone can teach you to be a journeyman, but they can't teach you to be new and different, can't teach you inspiration, can't teach you to be better than all the rest, all that depends upon you. Sure, you can have a little coaching, but the key is not to beat out the creativity in those who can grab the brass ring. Too often education makes you conform, when we're truly looking for the nonconformists.
Skills are not enough. We learn this all the time with television singing programs. There's a winner, with good pipes, but no hits, because they cannot write. Whereas someone with a more colored voice, who could never win the competition, composes something that touches our hearts.
Then you've got Lily King, who jumped through all the writing industry hoops, and delivered "Writers & Lovers." Proving there's an exception to every rule.
So, if you're a fan of non-fiction, "Writers & Lovers" is not for you.
But if you've got more questions than answers, if you want to retreat to a place where it's about feelings, emotions, choices... Reading "Writers & Lovers" is about opening a door to a whole world, that is strangely your own. Meanwhile, the door shut behind you. It's only you in this new world. And the characters.
I've read so many mediocre books during lockdown. Many highly reviewed. I just don't get what the industry sees in them. It's like they check certain boxes but that's all they do, they do not possess the je ne sais quoi that draws you to a book, that makes you hold it close to your heart, that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy when you read it, that makes you feel human and alive.
Reading should not be a chore, but an experience. Sure, movies and TV can be incredible, but rarely. You just sit there passively in your chair and take it all in.
But a book?
As you read it your mind is set free, it starts to wander, to previous experiences in your life, to your hopes and dreams, to your choices.
Somehow, the publishing industry has lost touch with the public. It's too insular, just like the writing industry itself. Whereas books should be a big tent. That's the advantage of the written word, it can be more encompassing than any other medium, it can open your mind at the same time it resonates.
Then again, it's the educational system that turns people off to literature. Making readers jump through hoops of books taught by boring teachers. And, as you move up the food chain, to college and graduate school, it's all analysis of technique, deeper meanings, when first and foremost a book should be an adventure, a ride at Disneyland, it's truly all about what the reader feels.
And what the reader feels is valid. It's the same with listening. You can't explain why you like the track, it just hits you in a certain way.
I won't say "Writers & Lovers" is a chick book. But too often men deny their feelings. Yet, if you're open to yours, you're gonna love "Writers & Feelings," male or female.
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"An author is trying to give you an immersive adventure."
The protagonist is a writer.
But don't let that turn you off.
It's kinda like a musician. They've got their whole life to write their first album, but less than a year for the second and at some point in the future they talk about being on the road and how hard that is and...
It's hard to relate.
We live in a country based on income. That's the only marker. Especially now that credibility has gone out the window. Used to be how good a person you were, but if you're not wealthy today, you don't count.
Then there is academia.
Unless you're a household name writer, you've probably got a gig at a college, teaching writing. Yes, even if you've had a well-reviewed book in the "New York Times," chances are you are not rich, that you need the supplemental income.
So there's a whole world, a complete industry, of less than successful authors teaching others to be writers. Kinda like music business school, but with some creative talent involved. We don't need more passionate people in the music industry, we need entrepreneurs, people who can think outside the box, who can push the envelope. And too many of these writing factories turn out books that only appeal to those who've gone through the sausage-making writing factories themselves.
You hear that writing is rewriting.
I couldn't disagree more.
And to tell you the truth, much of what is considered literature I find unreadable. Because the writers are so busy impressing their friends, the writing industry, that each sentence is dense, it doesn't sound like real people, and the story takes a back seat, if it's even in the car to begin with. Think of a record made with ace studio musicians, that sounds perfect, but with lame songs, you've got it.
But in "Writers & Lovers" Lily King seems to bridge both worlds. It's kind of amazing in fact. You can tell the book was rewritten, to conform to the ethos, but the story flows nonetheless.
This book called out to me. I loved living in its world. It was easy to read and I wanted to read it. Which is a far cry from much of which is hyped.
So, Casey is a struggling writer.
Now most writers don't make it. And most musicians don't either.
But there are two layers of wannabe musician. Those living off their parents' largesse, and those struggling to get by. Forget those who've achieved success, that's a different world with different problems. But while you're woodshedding in music, writing, rehearsing, learning, you're either close to broke or driving the car your parents bought you and servicing it on their credit card.
This is a world we're rarely exposed to. Educated, talented people on the wrong side of income inequality. The underprivileged underclass gets all the ink. But those who've chosen the path less taken? They're seen as losers.
Or, they've got a backup plan. They'll try for three to five years and then they'll go straight. Become a lawyer, marry someone rich, so they can have some of the perks of life, like health insurance and a house.
And then there are those who are lifers.
But not all of them make it.
Casey is living in a potting shed, her landlord is an overbearing friend of her brother, who lives across the country. She works as a server, i.e. a waitress. The restaurant is upscale, but comes with its own issues. She's developing skills at the restaurant, but how many of them are transferable to the world she desires to inhabit?
So, she's writing.
But she has a best friend and...
She's got love interests.
One thing about working at a restaurant...you're interacting with people. Too many writers do not. Sure, you get insight at the restaurant, but you also get camaraderie, social interaction, that satisfies your soul. But, you could be drifting to nowhere.
So, Casey's got her work friends, a successful writer friend, she rides her bike to work, but...
She's got her love life.
That's what seals the deal here.
Her family background is complicated. Her mother just died and she used to be a golf prodigy and...every childhood is different, just like every family is different. Then again, the winning families too often are similar. The parents make beaucoup bucks and the kids went to private school and were the beneficiaries of all these enrichment programs, like digging wells in Africa and...
You learn the most from those who are different from you. But unlike in the sixties and seventies, there's been pushback against lifting up the disadvantaged, the privileged don't want their space being taken. Kinda like the rich...they don't mind if you have more money, they just don't want to sacrifice any of their own.
So, Casey attends a writers' retreat.
This is another thing about the world of literature. It's sponsored. There's a whole game of residencies and grants and...prizes too. You read about all these awards academics and writers get...take them with a grain of salt. Oh, the recipients might be deserving, but the truth is they've kissed butt and worked their way up the awards ladder. They didn't get that MacArthur genius grant out of the blue.
Yes, it's a scam.
But life isn't.
And how do you run your life? Do you go for your goals, putting everything on the line, or do you compromise? You can't have it both ways. You can't work at Apollo and be a rock star, you can't go to med school and be a Broadway actor.
So, while some are notching their belts, there are others throwing the long ball, that may never be caught.
So, on one hand I have contempt for the world of writing. The authors go to the best graduate school they can get into, where they're all taught to do it the same way. This was illustrated well in the final season of "Girls," when Hannah/Lena Dunham goes to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the Harvard of the world, and doesn't fit in, and ultimately drops out.
These people spend years writing and rewriting their novels. Casey's taken six. And most of them end up going nowhere, if they're published at all.
I believe writers are born, not made. Same as musicians. You've either got the talent or you don't. Someone can teach you to be a journeyman, but they can't teach you to be new and different, can't teach you inspiration, can't teach you to be better than all the rest, all that depends upon you. Sure, you can have a little coaching, but the key is not to beat out the creativity in those who can grab the brass ring. Too often education makes you conform, when we're truly looking for the nonconformists.
Skills are not enough. We learn this all the time with television singing programs. There's a winner, with good pipes, but no hits, because they cannot write. Whereas someone with a more colored voice, who could never win the competition, composes something that touches our hearts.
Then you've got Lily King, who jumped through all the writing industry hoops, and delivered "Writers & Lovers." Proving there's an exception to every rule.
So, if you're a fan of non-fiction, "Writers & Lovers" is not for you.
But if you've got more questions than answers, if you want to retreat to a place where it's about feelings, emotions, choices... Reading "Writers & Lovers" is about opening a door to a whole world, that is strangely your own. Meanwhile, the door shut behind you. It's only you in this new world. And the characters.
I've read so many mediocre books during lockdown. Many highly reviewed. I just don't get what the industry sees in them. It's like they check certain boxes but that's all they do, they do not possess the je ne sais quoi that draws you to a book, that makes you hold it close to your heart, that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy when you read it, that makes you feel human and alive.
Reading should not be a chore, but an experience. Sure, movies and TV can be incredible, but rarely. You just sit there passively in your chair and take it all in.
But a book?
As you read it your mind is set free, it starts to wander, to previous experiences in your life, to your hopes and dreams, to your choices.
Somehow, the publishing industry has lost touch with the public. It's too insular, just like the writing industry itself. Whereas books should be a big tent. That's the advantage of the written word, it can be more encompassing than any other medium, it can open your mind at the same time it resonates.
Then again, it's the educational system that turns people off to literature. Making readers jump through hoops of books taught by boring teachers. And, as you move up the food chain, to college and graduate school, it's all analysis of technique, deeper meanings, when first and foremost a book should be an adventure, a ride at Disneyland, it's truly all about what the reader feels.
And what the reader feels is valid. It's the same with listening. You can't explain why you like the track, it just hits you in a certain way.
I won't say "Writers & Lovers" is a chick book. But too often men deny their feelings. Yet, if you're open to yours, you're gonna love "Writers & Feelings," male or female.
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Monday 18 May 2020
Songs With Girls' Names From The Sixties-Part 2-SiriusXM This Week
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Navigating The Gauntlet
Your opinion counts. But if you express it, expect blowback.
There is no center. You are in charge as much as anybody.
Theoretically you can reach everybody, but it's nearly impossible. Be thrilled you have followers/fans at all. If they're bonded to you, they'll spread the word on you. But it will be an ultra-slow process.
No one helps you on the road to fame without payment, other than your fans.
Mainstream media means less than ever before, and it really only reaches oldsters, who tend not to react. If you've got an oldster audience, a publicist will take your money, might even get you some ink, but you're better off knowing who your audience is to begin with and e-mailing them.
Everybody believes they're powerful and count. So, if you try to imply that you're more powerful than they are, bigger in any way, expect blowback. This is what the internet has wrought, everybody's got a voice, and just like politics are divided, every issue and everybody has a take. If you're playing for everybody to like you, you're doing it wrong, that just means you're blanding it down to nothing.
Skill is underrated but ever more valuable. If you know how to play your instrument, that counts. But, the studio is also an instrument. As are turntables, creating samples and working synths.
The hit parade is dominated by the young, but never has the hit parade meant less.
Spotify hits don't necessarily translate into ticket sales. Proving, once again, that listeners are fans of the track, not the act. Everything moves ultra-fast in today's society. So, you're big today, and forgotten tomorrow.
The channel is cluttered. You can cheat, by aligning yourself with someone with a bigger audience, but it's going to be a long hard slog.
If you don't rap, if you're not hip-hop, if you don't base your music on the 808, you will be considered second class, the recording industry and the media that feeds on it will laugh at you. But the laugh is on them.
Careers are made on the road. I know, I know, for most of this decade careers were made on the internet. But with so many tracks and so few genres exposed on hit charts, the best way to make it is by slogging it out on stage. Also, it used to be festivals were only about the headliners. Now, the smorgasbord is a key attraction. You don't want to play at noon to nobody, but if you can appear in the middle of the afternoon or later, there are a lot of grazers who will check you out. Be sure to play every festival extant. Other than the biggies, like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, ACL and Outside Lands...the festivals tend to be local. In other words, your music will be new to the audience. You might get complaints from business people you're overdoing it, but not from people who are just discovering you.
The Covid-19 era is about recordings. Now is the time to dig deep and do your best work. Don't lose touch with your audience completely. Do the occasional live stream. But if you can afford it, pull back and double-down on your material, maybe even release some rehearsal tapes or some video from the studio, assuming it won't inhibit your creative process.
If you make your living on the road and you're struggling, don't complain, get in bed with your audience. You're now on their level, worrying about your job, whether you can make it through, whether the government needs to send more money. Don't worry about offending anybody. Turns out most at home are on the same page. Just look at the polls. The protesters on the Capital steps get a lot of ink, but most people are at home and are scared.
Sympathy, not outrageousness, unless outrageousness is your stock in trade.
You can always learn. Now is the time to get better at your skills.
3-D. A musician is a person. You have interests. The more you talk about them, the more people will bond to you. Sure, some may ignore you, because they just don't care, but those who do will be stunned that you're just like they are.
Fantasy music about a superior lifestyle doesn't work today. Covid-19 knows nothing about wealth or skin color, we're all in the same boat. If you can structure your material around humanity, now is the time.
Don't keep telling people you've written your best song ever, that it's your best work. No one believes that tired trope anymore. Sure, reporters reprint it, but no one is reading the words of those reporters. Let the material speak for you.
Instant notoriety means less than ever before. You dropped the track and everybody's talking about it! But is everybody listening to it more than once? Sales metrics are irrelevant. Now it's all about long term acceptance.
The landscape is no longer cohesive. Every genre is its own lane, more and more. Because the other genres don't appeal to listeners, they want to go deep into what they're into. Yes, there are those in the younger generation who hop genres, but as the world has become more cluttered, this happens less and less. We see this evidenced in the world at large. You're pro-Trump or anti-Trump, no one is in-between. No one is wishy-washy, everybody's got an opinion. People want someone to believe in, hopefully it's you.
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There is no center. You are in charge as much as anybody.
Theoretically you can reach everybody, but it's nearly impossible. Be thrilled you have followers/fans at all. If they're bonded to you, they'll spread the word on you. But it will be an ultra-slow process.
No one helps you on the road to fame without payment, other than your fans.
Mainstream media means less than ever before, and it really only reaches oldsters, who tend not to react. If you've got an oldster audience, a publicist will take your money, might even get you some ink, but you're better off knowing who your audience is to begin with and e-mailing them.
Everybody believes they're powerful and count. So, if you try to imply that you're more powerful than they are, bigger in any way, expect blowback. This is what the internet has wrought, everybody's got a voice, and just like politics are divided, every issue and everybody has a take. If you're playing for everybody to like you, you're doing it wrong, that just means you're blanding it down to nothing.
Skill is underrated but ever more valuable. If you know how to play your instrument, that counts. But, the studio is also an instrument. As are turntables, creating samples and working synths.
The hit parade is dominated by the young, but never has the hit parade meant less.
Spotify hits don't necessarily translate into ticket sales. Proving, once again, that listeners are fans of the track, not the act. Everything moves ultra-fast in today's society. So, you're big today, and forgotten tomorrow.
The channel is cluttered. You can cheat, by aligning yourself with someone with a bigger audience, but it's going to be a long hard slog.
If you don't rap, if you're not hip-hop, if you don't base your music on the 808, you will be considered second class, the recording industry and the media that feeds on it will laugh at you. But the laugh is on them.
Careers are made on the road. I know, I know, for most of this decade careers were made on the internet. But with so many tracks and so few genres exposed on hit charts, the best way to make it is by slogging it out on stage. Also, it used to be festivals were only about the headliners. Now, the smorgasbord is a key attraction. You don't want to play at noon to nobody, but if you can appear in the middle of the afternoon or later, there are a lot of grazers who will check you out. Be sure to play every festival extant. Other than the biggies, like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, ACL and Outside Lands...the festivals tend to be local. In other words, your music will be new to the audience. You might get complaints from business people you're overdoing it, but not from people who are just discovering you.
The Covid-19 era is about recordings. Now is the time to dig deep and do your best work. Don't lose touch with your audience completely. Do the occasional live stream. But if you can afford it, pull back and double-down on your material, maybe even release some rehearsal tapes or some video from the studio, assuming it won't inhibit your creative process.
If you make your living on the road and you're struggling, don't complain, get in bed with your audience. You're now on their level, worrying about your job, whether you can make it through, whether the government needs to send more money. Don't worry about offending anybody. Turns out most at home are on the same page. Just look at the polls. The protesters on the Capital steps get a lot of ink, but most people are at home and are scared.
Sympathy, not outrageousness, unless outrageousness is your stock in trade.
You can always learn. Now is the time to get better at your skills.
3-D. A musician is a person. You have interests. The more you talk about them, the more people will bond to you. Sure, some may ignore you, because they just don't care, but those who do will be stunned that you're just like they are.
Fantasy music about a superior lifestyle doesn't work today. Covid-19 knows nothing about wealth or skin color, we're all in the same boat. If you can structure your material around humanity, now is the time.
Don't keep telling people you've written your best song ever, that it's your best work. No one believes that tired trope anymore. Sure, reporters reprint it, but no one is reading the words of those reporters. Let the material speak for you.
Instant notoriety means less than ever before. You dropped the track and everybody's talking about it! But is everybody listening to it more than once? Sales metrics are irrelevant. Now it's all about long term acceptance.
The landscape is no longer cohesive. Every genre is its own lane, more and more. Because the other genres don't appeal to listeners, they want to go deep into what they're into. Yes, there are those in the younger generation who hop genres, but as the world has become more cluttered, this happens less and less. We see this evidenced in the world at large. You're pro-Trump or anti-Trump, no one is in-between. No one is wishy-washy, everybody's got an opinion. People want someone to believe in, hopefully it's you.
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Sunday 17 May 2020
Re-Quarantunes
Bob,
In the words of Grouch Marx "Fuck that out of touch arrogant tool."
Also, no public service announcements. Why should I be telling people what to do from my successful comedian's home? I'm shocked how many of my peers are out of touch. Ego and insecurity rule the day and it makes me sad.
In the words of Tom Petty "Stop Jamming Me."
In the words of Nancy Sinatra "Has anyone seen my boots? I want to go out. Maybe a walk. I have a mask. Where did I put those fucking boots?"
I seemed to have gotten off track.
Thanks Bob.
Sincerely,
Jeff Garlin
__________________________________
A bunch of fuckers that act like they care. No wonder the right hates them and those of us that get associated with them. You hit the nail on the head, why not put it out there for all to see. We pay their fucking bills by going to see or hear their too often mediocre products. Meanwhile the hospital staffs and other first responders risk their lives doing real work everyday, for a fraction of what most of these overpaid jackasses make. BTW I won't even get into what is going on with the MLB and their money arguments.
Denman Schmid
__________________________________
They need these because they're missing they're Oscar, Grammy and Emmy self-congratulatory celebrations.
Alex Novielli
__________________________________
Bob
A bunch of bourgeois fuckers
jeff laufer
__________________________________
Great piece Bob. I've been reading these "exclusive party" pieces for a about 2 weeks.
When You said in your piece " That's another problem, members of the club refuse to criticize, refuse to cry foul because they're afraid they won't be invited next time."
It reminded me of something Timothy White once told me about the upper echelons of the Music Industry (Artists & Executives) - "The music industry WILL NEVER criticize ANYTHING that makes money - ESPECIALLY A LOT OF MONEY!"
Ritch Esra
__________________________________
The best description I heard is that in the US, we have socialism for the rich and the most brutal form of capitalism for the poor and everyone else.
Perry Resnick
__________________________________
You nailed it Bob!!
Last night Kaskade did a livestream from the Grand Canyon West Skywalk. He broadcasted it on Twitch, YouTube, Periscope and a new app called BeApp. All free, and literally the best show I've seen in years. I had agents and managers calling me during it who literally have seen every kind of show in their lives and are generally desensitized to getting excited about ANYTHING and they were EXCITED.
This is a moment in history where people need something to believe in. Artists should be providing this and Kaskade did. He showed everyone that their minds can still be blown, even in their living rooms. All for free because when it's time to give back, some do.
Jodi Call
__________________________________
Dear Mr Lefsetz,
I was once extremely successful in the music industry and enjoyed myself thoroughly.
However, it was changing while I remained in it.
I no longer recognize the freedom of creativity and wonderful music that was my experience working for Elton John and Bernie Taupin and establishing The Chrysalis Music Group USA as a leading, independent and successful music publishing company.
I have the privilege of working with top creative names, Sir George Martin, Rod Temperton (who I signed), the Bowie catalog, Blondie, Carlene Carter (Johnny and June regarded me as a friend) and others.
Sincerely,
Ann P. Munday
__________________________________
I don't know anything about these shindigs but I like what yer sayin'
and the way yer sayin' it!
Paul Zullo
__________________________________
Let them eat YouTube.
Blake Sturgis
__________________________________
Another good one.
YUCK. It's just like politics... SELFISH.
Beth Kraft
__________________________________
I hear you. Now is a time to bring people together.
I've been performing DJ sets on my rooftop for the neighborhood to help lift the spirits of the people. It got coverage on KTLA5 and ABC. And earlier this week, to my surprise, it got shown on Ellen!
https://youtu.be/XRUD1cZwW8g
I did this because it's a time to be sharing. It's hard for a lot of people. My work has suffered since my job requires crowds, but that doesn't mean I can't contribute something positive for the people. I think all of us can do something, big or small, regardless of our situation. Spinning is my way of doing that.
-Shammy Dee
__________________________________
Hi Bob,
Fuck them.
Excuse my french.!
Keep it coming and stay well.
Leigh Goldstein
__________________________________
Hi Bob,
Has it not occurred to these people that if the Covid wars go on for an extended run, thereby stifling live music and the ability to film movies with more than one character that they may become irrelevant? I can't stand to see Melissa Etheridge in her hippie house every week wailing into the camera. Her heart is in the right place and I applaud her effort, but man, it's painful. Some of my favorite bands are streaming live, but one band member at a time. Again, it's noble, but the thrill is gone. So many of these rich and famous have become so because we pay crazy money to see them. Or Netflix or the studios pay and we subsidize that via ticket prices or subscription fees or the suffering through of endless ads.
If they lose their stage, who will care a whit about their Quarantunes parties?
Stay healthy.
Medea Bern
__________________________________
Awesome!
Richard Lawrence
__________________________________
Thank You for daring to write it like it is.
In hashtag-speak
#notme
#countmeout #notthattheywouldevercountmein
Ubuntu,
amyah parrish
__________________________________
Not me either
Zannman
__________________________________
Love it!
Marc Gentilella
__________________________________
Who cares about that guy and his Zoom party? Why is that news?
Mark Burrell
__________________________________
There are two separate economies in this country, and I am glad you are banging that message home. Corporations and the ultra-rich are the truly socialists, how incredible that they have masqueraded as capitalists for so long and convinced the middle class to go along for the ride. The so-called "growth economy" serves the CEOs and shareholders exclusively, and it is worthy of reexamination. A majority of Americans do not want quarantine to be lifted, partly, I suspect because they have come to realize that their lives will go on if the "economy" as it stands ceases to exist. Also, sadly, partly because they have been driven into a heightened state of fear over another remote, invisible enemy (after 9/11 it was Islamic radicalism and we gave up a lot of freedom, I hope we don't sign more of our privacy away, but I am not optimistic).
In any case, living in NYC puts these issues front of mind, and I am glad you are writing about them.
--Tim Pistell
__________________________________
Basta with these bastards!
Colleen Kenny
__________________________________
"Who'd want to be a member of this club of tone-deaf wankers"
BRILLIANCE !
Mark Flores
__________________________________
Bob love this rant, you got balls, I'll say that much!!
Doug Gillis
__________________________________
Can't think of anything I'd rather do less than attend one of those quarantune zoom parties... One of the benefits of middle age, I guess.
Dave Mason
__________________________________
Right on, Brother.
Hugo Burnham
__________________________________
I wouldn't want to belong to a club that would have me as a member. The one with power in any relationship is the one who can say "no."
Dave Wood
__________________________________
Good for you!
Corey Bearak
__________________________________
Rock On Brother!!!
Scott Palazzo
__________________________________
It's like you don't get it. You keep describing America as if you guys have some hope. You don't. It's done. No mater how you try to explain how this happened the rest of the planet has to try to fix its self absent the leadership the USA used to provide.
You voted him in. Take responsibility.
Shame.
Rob Braide
__________________________________
Ya got this one wrong Bob -
Weitz is one of the good guys - and he and his daughter have philanthropic hearts.
Your idea of making these shows available to the public is worthy of consideration but your unfounded and misplaced criticism is simply mean spirited and off base.
There are over 2 million reasons why this grass roots fund raising effort is deserving of respect.
Ya got this one wrong Bob!
Rob Heller
__________________________________
Amen.
Stay well.
Lee Posner
__________________________________
The look at me's smelling each other's glorious farts. Frankly, I don't think anyone other than them gives a damn. There's much more to worry about for most. See you on the other side, whatever that's going to be.
B Chapin
__________________________________
Well spoken, Bob.
Hoping you're well,
Simon Hermansen
__________________________________
Bon - I love you.
Thank you for telling the truth.
Xx
Sylvie Lewis
__________________________________
Preach, Bob!
Peter Buffett
__________________________________
Fabulous!
Thanks for the insight and the passion, mon ami.
John Parikhal
__________________________________
Right on, Bob. Power to the peeps.
Scott S. Hazlewood
__________________________________
I guess I missed the part where you raised $3 mm for charity. Jesus Bob - if you wanted to go so badly you should have just emailed me.
Jed Weitzman
__________________________________
While I'm writing you to defend my best friend since 1983, more importantly I'm writing you to say that while you're obviously entitled to your opinions (many of which I've loved over the years), what's truly disappointing and just flat-out lame on your part is your thoughts and opinions below are based on articles and second-hand information. You're belittling yourself on par like those who watch Fox News and then take what's said as gospel. I really thought you were better than this Bob. Why not make the tiny effort to check out Quarantunes yourself, first-hand and then shit all over it?
Plain and simple, you've totally missed the narrative on this one as it relates to what Richard Weitz and his 17-year old daughter are doing.
What started out as a father creatively coming up with a way to celebrate his daughter's 17th birthday amongst family and friends in a fucked-up world where those of us with half a brain social distance (I know Bob, it's clearly his fault he's friends with famous people), quickly grew into something else, something that could actually be parlayed into a significant charitable effort in a dire time where millions of people are really struggling and need help. And guess what? It worked!
I'm wondering where is Richard Weitz and Quarantunes saying that anyone in your words is "inconsequential, not good enough, not smart enough, not connected enough, not rich enough to get into the club"?. Please, show us. You're pissed because everyone can't participate and Quarantunes isn't adopting a Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren like strategy? Really? That's your gripe/argument? And what do politician's campaign approaches have to do with this anyway? If what they were doing worked so goddamn well why aren't they the nominee Bob?
And Weitz should, according to you "take suggestions for performers from the regular people"? If you had done your due diligence Bob you'd know that there are hundreds of "regular people" from all walks of life participating in these weekly parties. And I should know, because many of them are friends I grew up with in Philadelphia who are still there. What you'd also know is there's been a multitude of incredible speeches from the likes of the mayors of Los Angeles and Atlanta, to get this Bob, actual real doctors and nurses, first-hand responders, the people who you're saying can't get behind the velvet ropes who are not only sharing their incredible stories, but deeply expressing their gratitude to Richard Weitz, his daughter, and all of those who have donated north of $2m. to date to help combat this horrible virus that's upended our lives.
So next time you want to piss on someone/something, get your facts and shit together first bro,
Richard Suckle
__________________________________
I swear, chumps like this were born with almost no sense of self worth. What kind of person needs the illusion of others thinking they're important to feel comfortable with who they are?
Tim W
in Calgary
__________________________________
You are so right, Bob! The Indigo Girls raised over $200,000 (and counting) with a livestream on Thursday raising money for Heal The Earth. They totally get it, including that some people cannot afford to donate right now. NOBODY was excluded. All were welcome. The Indigo Girls are FABULOUS.
J.A. Etchison
__________________________________
THANK YOU!
Patti Jones
__________________________________
God bless you Bob for being so independent and brave enough to call out on such travesties. If it's so exclusive why not keep it classified (CIA style) so we won't know its existence.
This reminds me of similar "invite only yatch parties" that were advertised every year in the general brochures of a major international annual music conference in the South of France that I attended. Even though there was clearly no way for most us attending this conference to enter these parties, they were listed on all general events schedules. My question back then was the same as it is in this case now: why do you advertise something so secret in the general brochures? Turns out you Bob, are right. The goal was then as it is now to show how cool they are.
Mac
__________________________________
Bob, they've raised millions of dollars for multiple charities. I'm startled that a well-meaning project created by 17-year-old woman causes you such trauma.
Had you been on one of those calls (I got to be on the one that raised over $500k for Team Rubicon), you would've witnessed joy, tears, surprise, and a diverse cross-section of society. I, too, hope everyone gets to see this project that's still in its infancy, but I'm also troubled you choose to dim the light of something that wasn't supposed to go as far as it has, but by doing so, only benefits society.
The crux of your recent work is perfecting the not-so-humble brag that reeks of the private school elitism you try so hard to conceal but is such a core part of your voice. So to state you wouldn't have bragged is dishonest, invalid commentary that contradicts about half your output since 2010. Makes me think you're mad you didn't get an invite.
Mike McFarland
__________________________________
Thank you.
Kaveh Rastegar
__________________________________
Right on, Brother! Nail on the head.
Gerry Spehar
__________________________________
To steal your own words, forget the home run you just hit a grand slam. Just don't expect any medals from the inner sanctum.
Multiple elbow bumps from across the atlantic
Fachtna Ó Ceallaigh
__________________________________
Here's someone doing it the other way around : Questlove
The drummer for the legendary Roots, Jimmy Fallons house band and producer par excellence has been DJ-ing from his house since weeks.
It's all free, streaming live on Instagram, Youtube, Twitch and a few other outlets almost every night for hours, each night a different musical focus.
What makes it so interesting are the little stories in between that he tells, being the musical encyclopedia that he is. Plus his vault of unreleased songs,
b-sides and so on is unmatched. And it has it's share of celebrities for sure as well. Stevie Wonder called in unannounced live to a baffled Questlove the other night,
Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, etc etc all show up in the respective chatrooms of the streams from time to time.
But just as well as with the celebs, Questlove interacts with the "normal" people, in fact a lot more than with the stars.
He's also not playing just Hiphop, in fact most nights it's everything but.
It's really really worth tuning in. Just search for The Roots on Youtube or Twitch (I personally recomment Twitch as it has the best sound and it's where the music nerds are), or tune in on Questlove's IG. Here are two links, hit the notification bells to get a notice whenever he goes live:
https://www.twitch.tv/theroots
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbZwpdul2Oa5Fl6hxllcSzA
Best,
Frank Baach
__________________________________
Tone deaf wankers.
High five from the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, Bob.
David Brewer
__________________________________
Mr. Lefsetz,
What the world needs now is more kindness and your article definitely does not show any whatsoever. Instead of trashing someone who raised millions of dollars to support different organizations why don't you reach out with positive and encouraging ideas to make It better if you feel like Quarantunes is an exclusive club. Did you try that?
How about his daughter (17!!) who helped create the idea? Did you think of her when you wrote the article?
I find your article to be mean spirited and very angry. It reminds me of other people who use their bully pulpit to attack from behind the safety of an offense only playbook. Such a shame because you typically have some great insight.
And what exactly IS the point of your article? Feels more like a personal attack? Calling someone "neither smart or insightful " without knowing them personally enough to have said insight. Quite frankly its exactly as you sound in this article. Neither insightful or smart or most importantly done with any research to back your claims. It's a personal opinion of someone who feels left out.
Inclusion is absolutely a worthy constructive suggestion, It seems that may have been the best way to achieve your goal if you had one here. Make a call. Introduce yourself. We read your articles. We know who you are. Do you know who we are? You seem to suggest you do by calling all of us who participate and listen to RWQuarentunes "minions...of tone deaf wankers". Maybe it's just a community who appreciated one young woman's efforts to make a difference and her dad who had the wear with all to achieve something. It started as something small and fun and just organically grew. And what a beautiful experience for father and daughter to share.
You can choose to not participate. Listen and join the community. Try to help by making it a more communal and inclusive. But criticizing ANYONE who is trying to help, NOT hurt anyone, is just plain mean spirited. It's like those people with their weapons and fatigues marching on the capitals accusing the government of curtailing their freedoms. What do they plan to do with those weapons? Hurt is all that can be achieved with those weapons which appears to be your goal here. Your "pen" is your gun. Use It wisely or It will be the very weapon that brings you down. The world needs critics, commentators, insights and lessons from the objective.
But don't you think there is enough meanness in today's world without adding to It.
We wish you a good Sunday nonetheless and would welcome a dialogue any time.
Sincerely
Paul and Renee Haas
__________________________________
That's it - I've had it with you Lesfstz's - you Grumpy Old Dude !
I've been a Loyal reader (follower and fan!) from the time you offered your first email list, sorry I wasnt t in on your Snail mail letter - I give you credit! Remember when you started (had a heart!) from that good place!?
What Richard & Demi have created is straight from the purist place - the Heart !
The best place to start from, with only Love for those who put their asses on the line for all of us daily and give so much for so little- attention or credit. They do it bc they care !
It might help if you had a bit of 'knowledge / context'- a good solid place to start your story from - what RW has done these past 6 weeks (while we've all been quarantined!) before you pulled out your old Toshiba electronic typewriter to bag on others who DO - not talk !!
That said, I've been meaning to write this for awhile now - Take me off your damn Email list, Dude ! ASAP.
You owe Richard a Big apology !
Frank Samuel
__________________________________
Re: Frank Samuel
Love you!!!
Richard Weitz
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In the words of Grouch Marx "Fuck that out of touch arrogant tool."
Also, no public service announcements. Why should I be telling people what to do from my successful comedian's home? I'm shocked how many of my peers are out of touch. Ego and insecurity rule the day and it makes me sad.
In the words of Tom Petty "Stop Jamming Me."
In the words of Nancy Sinatra "Has anyone seen my boots? I want to go out. Maybe a walk. I have a mask. Where did I put those fucking boots?"
I seemed to have gotten off track.
Thanks Bob.
Sincerely,
Jeff Garlin
__________________________________
A bunch of fuckers that act like they care. No wonder the right hates them and those of us that get associated with them. You hit the nail on the head, why not put it out there for all to see. We pay their fucking bills by going to see or hear their too often mediocre products. Meanwhile the hospital staffs and other first responders risk their lives doing real work everyday, for a fraction of what most of these overpaid jackasses make. BTW I won't even get into what is going on with the MLB and their money arguments.
Denman Schmid
__________________________________
They need these because they're missing they're Oscar, Grammy and Emmy self-congratulatory celebrations.
Alex Novielli
__________________________________
Bob
A bunch of bourgeois fuckers
jeff laufer
__________________________________
Great piece Bob. I've been reading these "exclusive party" pieces for a about 2 weeks.
When You said in your piece " That's another problem, members of the club refuse to criticize, refuse to cry foul because they're afraid they won't be invited next time."
It reminded me of something Timothy White once told me about the upper echelons of the Music Industry (Artists & Executives) - "The music industry WILL NEVER criticize ANYTHING that makes money - ESPECIALLY A LOT OF MONEY!"
Ritch Esra
__________________________________
The best description I heard is that in the US, we have socialism for the rich and the most brutal form of capitalism for the poor and everyone else.
Perry Resnick
__________________________________
You nailed it Bob!!
Last night Kaskade did a livestream from the Grand Canyon West Skywalk. He broadcasted it on Twitch, YouTube, Periscope and a new app called BeApp. All free, and literally the best show I've seen in years. I had agents and managers calling me during it who literally have seen every kind of show in their lives and are generally desensitized to getting excited about ANYTHING and they were EXCITED.
This is a moment in history where people need something to believe in. Artists should be providing this and Kaskade did. He showed everyone that their minds can still be blown, even in their living rooms. All for free because when it's time to give back, some do.
Jodi Call
__________________________________
Dear Mr Lefsetz,
I was once extremely successful in the music industry and enjoyed myself thoroughly.
However, it was changing while I remained in it.
I no longer recognize the freedom of creativity and wonderful music that was my experience working for Elton John and Bernie Taupin and establishing The Chrysalis Music Group USA as a leading, independent and successful music publishing company.
I have the privilege of working with top creative names, Sir George Martin, Rod Temperton (who I signed), the Bowie catalog, Blondie, Carlene Carter (Johnny and June regarded me as a friend) and others.
Sincerely,
Ann P. Munday
__________________________________
I don't know anything about these shindigs but I like what yer sayin'
and the way yer sayin' it!
Paul Zullo
__________________________________
Let them eat YouTube.
Blake Sturgis
__________________________________
Another good one.
YUCK. It's just like politics... SELFISH.
Beth Kraft
__________________________________
I hear you. Now is a time to bring people together.
I've been performing DJ sets on my rooftop for the neighborhood to help lift the spirits of the people. It got coverage on KTLA5 and ABC. And earlier this week, to my surprise, it got shown on Ellen!
https://youtu.be/XRUD1cZwW8g
I did this because it's a time to be sharing. It's hard for a lot of people. My work has suffered since my job requires crowds, but that doesn't mean I can't contribute something positive for the people. I think all of us can do something, big or small, regardless of our situation. Spinning is my way of doing that.
-Shammy Dee
__________________________________
Hi Bob,
Fuck them.
Excuse my french.!
Keep it coming and stay well.
Leigh Goldstein
__________________________________
Hi Bob,
Has it not occurred to these people that if the Covid wars go on for an extended run, thereby stifling live music and the ability to film movies with more than one character that they may become irrelevant? I can't stand to see Melissa Etheridge in her hippie house every week wailing into the camera. Her heart is in the right place and I applaud her effort, but man, it's painful. Some of my favorite bands are streaming live, but one band member at a time. Again, it's noble, but the thrill is gone. So many of these rich and famous have become so because we pay crazy money to see them. Or Netflix or the studios pay and we subsidize that via ticket prices or subscription fees or the suffering through of endless ads.
If they lose their stage, who will care a whit about their Quarantunes parties?
Stay healthy.
Medea Bern
__________________________________
Awesome!
Richard Lawrence
__________________________________
Thank You for daring to write it like it is.
In hashtag-speak
#notme
#countmeout #notthattheywouldevercountmein
Ubuntu,
amyah parrish
__________________________________
Not me either
Zannman
__________________________________
Love it!
Marc Gentilella
__________________________________
Who cares about that guy and his Zoom party? Why is that news?
Mark Burrell
__________________________________
There are two separate economies in this country, and I am glad you are banging that message home. Corporations and the ultra-rich are the truly socialists, how incredible that they have masqueraded as capitalists for so long and convinced the middle class to go along for the ride. The so-called "growth economy" serves the CEOs and shareholders exclusively, and it is worthy of reexamination. A majority of Americans do not want quarantine to be lifted, partly, I suspect because they have come to realize that their lives will go on if the "economy" as it stands ceases to exist. Also, sadly, partly because they have been driven into a heightened state of fear over another remote, invisible enemy (after 9/11 it was Islamic radicalism and we gave up a lot of freedom, I hope we don't sign more of our privacy away, but I am not optimistic).
In any case, living in NYC puts these issues front of mind, and I am glad you are writing about them.
--Tim Pistell
__________________________________
Basta with these bastards!
Colleen Kenny
__________________________________
"Who'd want to be a member of this club of tone-deaf wankers"
BRILLIANCE !
Mark Flores
__________________________________
Bob love this rant, you got balls, I'll say that much!!
Doug Gillis
__________________________________
Can't think of anything I'd rather do less than attend one of those quarantune zoom parties... One of the benefits of middle age, I guess.
Dave Mason
__________________________________
Right on, Brother.
Hugo Burnham
__________________________________
I wouldn't want to belong to a club that would have me as a member. The one with power in any relationship is the one who can say "no."
Dave Wood
__________________________________
Good for you!
Corey Bearak
__________________________________
Rock On Brother!!!
Scott Palazzo
__________________________________
It's like you don't get it. You keep describing America as if you guys have some hope. You don't. It's done. No mater how you try to explain how this happened the rest of the planet has to try to fix its self absent the leadership the USA used to provide.
You voted him in. Take responsibility.
Shame.
Rob Braide
__________________________________
Ya got this one wrong Bob -
Weitz is one of the good guys - and he and his daughter have philanthropic hearts.
Your idea of making these shows available to the public is worthy of consideration but your unfounded and misplaced criticism is simply mean spirited and off base.
There are over 2 million reasons why this grass roots fund raising effort is deserving of respect.
Ya got this one wrong Bob!
Rob Heller
__________________________________
Amen.
Stay well.
Lee Posner
__________________________________
The look at me's smelling each other's glorious farts. Frankly, I don't think anyone other than them gives a damn. There's much more to worry about for most. See you on the other side, whatever that's going to be.
B Chapin
__________________________________
Well spoken, Bob.
Hoping you're well,
Simon Hermansen
__________________________________
Bon - I love you.
Thank you for telling the truth.
Xx
Sylvie Lewis
__________________________________
Preach, Bob!
Peter Buffett
__________________________________
Fabulous!
Thanks for the insight and the passion, mon ami.
John Parikhal
__________________________________
Right on, Bob. Power to the peeps.
Scott S. Hazlewood
__________________________________
I guess I missed the part where you raised $3 mm for charity. Jesus Bob - if you wanted to go so badly you should have just emailed me.
Jed Weitzman
__________________________________
While I'm writing you to defend my best friend since 1983, more importantly I'm writing you to say that while you're obviously entitled to your opinions (many of which I've loved over the years), what's truly disappointing and just flat-out lame on your part is your thoughts and opinions below are based on articles and second-hand information. You're belittling yourself on par like those who watch Fox News and then take what's said as gospel. I really thought you were better than this Bob. Why not make the tiny effort to check out Quarantunes yourself, first-hand and then shit all over it?
Plain and simple, you've totally missed the narrative on this one as it relates to what Richard Weitz and his 17-year old daughter are doing.
What started out as a father creatively coming up with a way to celebrate his daughter's 17th birthday amongst family and friends in a fucked-up world where those of us with half a brain social distance (I know Bob, it's clearly his fault he's friends with famous people), quickly grew into something else, something that could actually be parlayed into a significant charitable effort in a dire time where millions of people are really struggling and need help. And guess what? It worked!
I'm wondering where is Richard Weitz and Quarantunes saying that anyone in your words is "inconsequential, not good enough, not smart enough, not connected enough, not rich enough to get into the club"?. Please, show us. You're pissed because everyone can't participate and Quarantunes isn't adopting a Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren like strategy? Really? That's your gripe/argument? And what do politician's campaign approaches have to do with this anyway? If what they were doing worked so goddamn well why aren't they the nominee Bob?
And Weitz should, according to you "take suggestions for performers from the regular people"? If you had done your due diligence Bob you'd know that there are hundreds of "regular people" from all walks of life participating in these weekly parties. And I should know, because many of them are friends I grew up with in Philadelphia who are still there. What you'd also know is there's been a multitude of incredible speeches from the likes of the mayors of Los Angeles and Atlanta, to get this Bob, actual real doctors and nurses, first-hand responders, the people who you're saying can't get behind the velvet ropes who are not only sharing their incredible stories, but deeply expressing their gratitude to Richard Weitz, his daughter, and all of those who have donated north of $2m. to date to help combat this horrible virus that's upended our lives.
So next time you want to piss on someone/something, get your facts and shit together first bro,
Richard Suckle
__________________________________
I swear, chumps like this were born with almost no sense of self worth. What kind of person needs the illusion of others thinking they're important to feel comfortable with who they are?
Tim W
in Calgary
__________________________________
You are so right, Bob! The Indigo Girls raised over $200,000 (and counting) with a livestream on Thursday raising money for Heal The Earth. They totally get it, including that some people cannot afford to donate right now. NOBODY was excluded. All were welcome. The Indigo Girls are FABULOUS.
J.A. Etchison
__________________________________
THANK YOU!
Patti Jones
__________________________________
God bless you Bob for being so independent and brave enough to call out on such travesties. If it's so exclusive why not keep it classified (CIA style) so we won't know its existence.
This reminds me of similar "invite only yatch parties" that were advertised every year in the general brochures of a major international annual music conference in the South of France that I attended. Even though there was clearly no way for most us attending this conference to enter these parties, they were listed on all general events schedules. My question back then was the same as it is in this case now: why do you advertise something so secret in the general brochures? Turns out you Bob, are right. The goal was then as it is now to show how cool they are.
Mac
__________________________________
Bob, they've raised millions of dollars for multiple charities. I'm startled that a well-meaning project created by 17-year-old woman causes you such trauma.
Had you been on one of those calls (I got to be on the one that raised over $500k for Team Rubicon), you would've witnessed joy, tears, surprise, and a diverse cross-section of society. I, too, hope everyone gets to see this project that's still in its infancy, but I'm also troubled you choose to dim the light of something that wasn't supposed to go as far as it has, but by doing so, only benefits society.
The crux of your recent work is perfecting the not-so-humble brag that reeks of the private school elitism you try so hard to conceal but is such a core part of your voice. So to state you wouldn't have bragged is dishonest, invalid commentary that contradicts about half your output since 2010. Makes me think you're mad you didn't get an invite.
Mike McFarland
__________________________________
Thank you.
Kaveh Rastegar
__________________________________
Right on, Brother! Nail on the head.
Gerry Spehar
__________________________________
To steal your own words, forget the home run you just hit a grand slam. Just don't expect any medals from the inner sanctum.
Multiple elbow bumps from across the atlantic
Fachtna Ó Ceallaigh
__________________________________
Here's someone doing it the other way around : Questlove
The drummer for the legendary Roots, Jimmy Fallons house band and producer par excellence has been DJ-ing from his house since weeks.
It's all free, streaming live on Instagram, Youtube, Twitch and a few other outlets almost every night for hours, each night a different musical focus.
What makes it so interesting are the little stories in between that he tells, being the musical encyclopedia that he is. Plus his vault of unreleased songs,
b-sides and so on is unmatched. And it has it's share of celebrities for sure as well. Stevie Wonder called in unannounced live to a baffled Questlove the other night,
Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, etc etc all show up in the respective chatrooms of the streams from time to time.
But just as well as with the celebs, Questlove interacts with the "normal" people, in fact a lot more than with the stars.
He's also not playing just Hiphop, in fact most nights it's everything but.
It's really really worth tuning in. Just search for The Roots on Youtube or Twitch (I personally recomment Twitch as it has the best sound and it's where the music nerds are), or tune in on Questlove's IG. Here are two links, hit the notification bells to get a notice whenever he goes live:
https://www.twitch.tv/theroots
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbZwpdul2Oa5Fl6hxllcSzA
Best,
Frank Baach
__________________________________
Tone deaf wankers.
High five from the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, Bob.
David Brewer
__________________________________
Mr. Lefsetz,
What the world needs now is more kindness and your article definitely does not show any whatsoever. Instead of trashing someone who raised millions of dollars to support different organizations why don't you reach out with positive and encouraging ideas to make It better if you feel like Quarantunes is an exclusive club. Did you try that?
How about his daughter (17!!) who helped create the idea? Did you think of her when you wrote the article?
I find your article to be mean spirited and very angry. It reminds me of other people who use their bully pulpit to attack from behind the safety of an offense only playbook. Such a shame because you typically have some great insight.
And what exactly IS the point of your article? Feels more like a personal attack? Calling someone "neither smart or insightful " without knowing them personally enough to have said insight. Quite frankly its exactly as you sound in this article. Neither insightful or smart or most importantly done with any research to back your claims. It's a personal opinion of someone who feels left out.
Inclusion is absolutely a worthy constructive suggestion, It seems that may have been the best way to achieve your goal if you had one here. Make a call. Introduce yourself. We read your articles. We know who you are. Do you know who we are? You seem to suggest you do by calling all of us who participate and listen to RWQuarentunes "minions...of tone deaf wankers". Maybe it's just a community who appreciated one young woman's efforts to make a difference and her dad who had the wear with all to achieve something. It started as something small and fun and just organically grew. And what a beautiful experience for father and daughter to share.
You can choose to not participate. Listen and join the community. Try to help by making it a more communal and inclusive. But criticizing ANYONE who is trying to help, NOT hurt anyone, is just plain mean spirited. It's like those people with their weapons and fatigues marching on the capitals accusing the government of curtailing their freedoms. What do they plan to do with those weapons? Hurt is all that can be achieved with those weapons which appears to be your goal here. Your "pen" is your gun. Use It wisely or It will be the very weapon that brings you down. The world needs critics, commentators, insights and lessons from the objective.
But don't you think there is enough meanness in today's world without adding to It.
We wish you a good Sunday nonetheless and would welcome a dialogue any time.
Sincerely
Paul and Renee Haas
__________________________________
That's it - I've had it with you Lesfstz's - you Grumpy Old Dude !
I've been a Loyal reader (follower and fan!) from the time you offered your first email list, sorry I wasnt t in on your Snail mail letter - I give you credit! Remember when you started (had a heart!) from that good place!?
What Richard & Demi have created is straight from the purist place - the Heart !
The best place to start from, with only Love for those who put their asses on the line for all of us daily and give so much for so little- attention or credit. They do it bc they care !
It might help if you had a bit of 'knowledge / context'- a good solid place to start your story from - what RW has done these past 6 weeks (while we've all been quarantined!) before you pulled out your old Toshiba electronic typewriter to bag on others who DO - not talk !!
That said, I've been meaning to write this for awhile now - Take me off your damn Email list, Dude ! ASAP.
You owe Richard a Big apology !
Frank Samuel
__________________________________
Re: Frank Samuel
Love you!!!
Richard Weitz
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Sarah Kendzior
She's nobody from nowhere.
You've got to listen to this podcast "The Big Steal": https://www.thebigstealpodcast.com It's all about Putin's kleptocracy.
A reader recommended it. It's about the transition in Russia from communism to autocracy, with a bit of supposed democracy in between. We keep reading about Putin's crimes, but they never get any traction. I remember "Vanity Fair" did a whole piece on graft in the creation of the infrastructure at Sochi, but it was too soon, it was pre-Trump, if you read it today...
Then again, despite having a moment, which actually lasted twenty years, the written word is fading again, being superseded by pictures on Instagram and audio on podcasts. Yes, the technology has gotten to the point where phones have better cameras than the ones you used to buy separately and if you stream at all, you have an unlimited plan, so why not listen to a podcast in the car?
Actually, if you're pressed for time, you can get away with listening to just the first and seventh episodes of "The Big Steal." The first sets the stage, tells you what is going on in Russia. The seventh covers Putin's disinformation campaign, which he uses to upset democracy throughout the developed world.
If you listen to the entire podcast you'll also learn that Russia has no money and Putin's all bravado. He's the world's richest man, but he knows if he loses power he'll be broke, but he'll probably be killed first. So, he holds on to power with an iron fist.
"The Big Steal" is utterly fascinating. It covers Bill Browder, the Magnitsky Act and "Red Notice," which I've written about before, https://bit.ly/3bBWcxS, but the podcast gives more context, it's not so personal, knowledge is power, and it's also thrilling, you'll listen to "The Big Steal" and pontificate about it and Russia to all your friends.
Sarah Kendzior calls Trump's administration a kleptocracy.
Not that I knew who she was. I knew she wrote that book "The View From Flyover Country," but that was it. Actually, I knew the book, not her name. But then my friend and webmaster Jeff told me to DVR her on Seth Myers. She was hyping her book, but late night shows are all about humor, ever since David Letterman, there's no substance, and Jeff apologized for her the lack of protein in her appearance and sent me her new book "Hidden in Plain Sight" and...
I was intrigued.
It always happens this way. For all the hype in the media, we really only trust our friends.
So I saw Sarah was appearing on last week's L.A. Bookfest, and playing around on my phone in a funk, I decided to pull up the stream.
Sarah was in conversation with Connie Schultz, who is married to Sherrod Brown.
Now one thing you've got to know about the book business is it's positively ancient. It's still living in the last century. Not only is its goal to protect physical, believing price points are everything, despite music and streaming TV proving otherwise, but its marketing is positively lame, it doesn't know how to get the word out. Watching a book event is like viewing an SNL skit. These people take themselves so seriously, what world are they living in?
That was the host, who threw it to Connie.
And Connie and Sarah are acting so friendly. There's been a bunch of stories recently how countries run by women have done much better in the coronavirus era. And one thing about women, they converse differently from men. For all the alpha females in TV dramas, for all the "Housewives" shows, most women are enthusiastic and want to get along and have no trouble being friendly and making conversation, whereas with men it's all about climbing the totem pole, or you can see them being obsequious, kissing ass.
So, Connie asks Sarah questions and I'm intrigued. Because Sarah is so normal, she's not media-trained, and she says things that are taboo.
Like she has no hope. Didn't Obama run on hope?
And she also said we're all waiting for someone to save us, we believe there's some bigger power that's gonna stand up to the insanity, but that is patently untrue.
And I'm watching Sarah and I realize...
She's a rock star.
And I was going to tell you this last week, but they took the video of the Bookfest down, and I felt you had to see it to get it.
The truth is it takes longer than ever to make it. Sure, you can be hyped by the machine and get some traction, but the machine always needs something new, which means you're suddenly old, and forgotten.
And my inbox is inundated with musicians bitching. Angry their cheese was moved, that the pre-internet label deals no longer exist, and pissed that they're not stars.
They've just got no perspective.
Sarah Kendzior has been at it for YEARS! She's 42, and she didn't get any real traction until 2010. Now I'm here telling you about her, because you should know.
She lives in St. Louis. The aforementioned flyover country.
The truth is there is no flyover country anymore. Everybody's got broadband and mobile. But the coasts pooh-pooh the people in-between. They think they're irrelevant and have no clue what is going on. And then suddenly Sarah says Trump is gonna win in 2016 and collects her essays in "The Flyover Country" and she's Hillary Clinton's big expert after she loses the election.
You see people are drawn to truth. We all know it, very few say it. And those who do say it oftentimes have no commitment, they say it and move on, whereas to have impact you've got to do the hard work.
Sarah has a Ph.D. In anthropology. Her thesis was all about autocracy in Uzbekistan.
I bet you can't find the country on a map, but that's not the point. While you were home practicing your instrument, honing your craft, angry that no-talents were usurping your place in the hit parade, you were paying dues, you were taking steps on the long road to a career. You want it right away, anything easy is not worth having, you've got to work hard to get to your goals.
So, we live in a world where expertise is pooh-poohed and if you live in St. Louis you're irrelevant. Sarah was actually contacted for a story about rural America. She told the producer that St. Louis has 3 million residents. That's how dumb those on the coasts are.
But it gets worse.
But before I get there, I was sold on Sarah Kendzior by watching her on the L.A. Bookfest. Proving, once again, you've got to give it your all each and every time, because you never know who will be watching.
And chances are you're gonna have to give it your best for years before anybody significant notices. Because there are just that many media messages in a world where people are already overwhelmed. They need great, but they haven't got time to wade through the detritus to find it. But when they do, they tell everybody about it, like I am doing with Sarah.
So, Jeff sent me the new book, "Hiding in Plain Sight." And it's hard to get into a book. Getting over the hump is the hardest part. But I was intrigued, I'm not much for non-fiction, but I kept going back to it.
And I wanted more.
So I listened to her podcast, "Gaslit Nation." And Sarah said she wasn't worried about her reputation. HUH? Isn't your reputation what you're protecting, isn't it everything?
Also, Sarah has death threats. Because if you speak the truth, those in power don't like it. Believe me, I know.
So, last Sunday I wanted to write about the path Sarah Kendzior took to becoming a rock star.
Today, I want to talk about what she's saying.
First and foremost, not only does she live in St. Louis, she's on the borderline between Gen-X and the Millennials, and no one wants to listen to those people. And she's married with two kids.
In other words, Sarah Kendzior grew up through all the turmoil. The switch to the internet, the consequences of income inequality, the economic crash.
Her first gig after college was at the "New York Daily News." Paid 40k in 2000.
Today that job is done by an unpaid intern.
After getting her doctorate, she was ready to interview for an academic job. She couldn't afford the trips on her own dime, and when she brought this up she was told to ask her parents.
That's a big theme of "Hiding in Plain Sight." How the elites control everything. It's a club, and they protect each other, and you're not in it.
"Hiding in Plain Sight" is heavily researched, with footnotes. Sarah is constantly railing that despite facts, no one in mainstream media followed up on these stories. She posits writers don't want to alienate their brethren. Yes, the privileged class, those with money who went to good schools, have now permeated everything...government, finance, media, entertainment.
Come on, you see the talking heads on TV. They're all impeccably groomed, speaking in the same monotone. It's all gravitas all the time.
Meanwhile, hell goes on all around them.
Those are the reporters. The pundits? The opinion shows? They're buffoons, usually discounted because they're one-sided and one-sided only.
And at this point Sarah is invited on these shows. Not that people can hear the truth, not that they can amplify the truth. As for pundits...she's got a friend who was a regular guest who is now broke. You see you do it free for exposure. But the dirty little secret is the exposure usually leads to no monetary reward.
Sarah goes into Ferguson. How the media's coverage was a drive-by. They didn't go where the action was and interviewed interlopers and then disappeared, even though the problems persist. Sarah lives five miles from Ferguson. But people don't want to listen to her, but the coastal experts who control the media.
Now we've got right wing bozos like Milo Yiannopoulos, who blew himself up and then disappeared. And bomb-throwers like Ann Coulter who just want attention, and to get paid for it. They're cartoons. To the point where you tune out, because you're sick of the Animaniacs.
But that's what Putin wants. To muddy the water of truth and to get you so overwhelmed that you tune out.
Forget Russia interfering with U.S. elections, sans Putin there's a very good chance that Brexit never would have happened. Trump may only get four years, but Brexit is FOREVER! Impacting the finances not only of the U.K., but the remaining European Union!
Not that Sarah only attacks Trump. She goes after Obama. Because the truth is Obama was compromised too. And Biden wants to return us to a past we're not enamored of. But Sarah says we've got to vote for Biden. Not that she thinks Trump will leave.
You see Sarah Kendzior keeps going back to her education, her Ph.D., her study of autocracies. We keep saying it can't happen here, but it is!
This is not about tribes. This is not about protesting, which she believes is essentially useless today, because the criminals in charge of things know they'll never be held accountable, why should they listen to whiners?
This is about our country. Irrelevant of whether you consider yourself to be on the right or the left. There's an elite club, of corporate titans, financiers, government officials, the media and Jeffrey Epstein who control the world, you may think the voters do, but they don't. And they absolutely do not want to give up power. They'll do whatever they want, tell you whatever you want to hear, but nothing is gonna change. You're busting your ass to stay afloat and if they don't have cash, their buddies will take care of them.
This is a perspective we have not heard. From someone living in the Midwest, of an ignored age. It's refreshing.
Do I agree with absolutely everything Sarah Kendzior is saying?
No, but I'm absolutely sure it's her truth, that's she's not sugarcoating anything, not telling any lies to get ahead.
It's been going on for forty years folks, and Sarah has blown the whistle. The rich have gotten richer, the government has been stripped and the powerful are ever more so.
You want to believe someone is on your page. That there's someone to listen to, to inspire you, who is not a product of plastic surgery made for consumer consumption. Someone real, just like you, who has a 3-D life, who just wants a better future for her kids.
That's Sarah Kendzior.
P.S. Yes, that L.A. Bookfest video is down, so I recommend you listen to the episode of Gaslit Nation wherein Sarah talks about "Hiding in Plain Sight." There's some amateurish girl talk at first, and the interviewer can go on for too long at times, but the essence is there: https://bit.ly/2Tbw72j
P.P.S. Or don't do any of the above, don't read her books, listen to her podcast, move on down the line. But now you know her name, you'll be aware the next time you see or hear it. That's how you build a career these days. By hacking away forever, being as great as you can be all the time, and waiting for word to spread. And believe me, if you're great and telling the truth, people will notice.
"Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America": https://amzn.to/2z4csKK
--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
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-iHeart: https://ihr.fm/2Gi5PFj
-Apple: https://apple.co/2ndmpvp
--
http://www.twitter.com/lefsetz
--
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You've got to listen to this podcast "The Big Steal": https://www.thebigstealpodcast.com It's all about Putin's kleptocracy.
A reader recommended it. It's about the transition in Russia from communism to autocracy, with a bit of supposed democracy in between. We keep reading about Putin's crimes, but they never get any traction. I remember "Vanity Fair" did a whole piece on graft in the creation of the infrastructure at Sochi, but it was too soon, it was pre-Trump, if you read it today...
Then again, despite having a moment, which actually lasted twenty years, the written word is fading again, being superseded by pictures on Instagram and audio on podcasts. Yes, the technology has gotten to the point where phones have better cameras than the ones you used to buy separately and if you stream at all, you have an unlimited plan, so why not listen to a podcast in the car?
Actually, if you're pressed for time, you can get away with listening to just the first and seventh episodes of "The Big Steal." The first sets the stage, tells you what is going on in Russia. The seventh covers Putin's disinformation campaign, which he uses to upset democracy throughout the developed world.
If you listen to the entire podcast you'll also learn that Russia has no money and Putin's all bravado. He's the world's richest man, but he knows if he loses power he'll be broke, but he'll probably be killed first. So, he holds on to power with an iron fist.
"The Big Steal" is utterly fascinating. It covers Bill Browder, the Magnitsky Act and "Red Notice," which I've written about before, https://bit.ly/3bBWcxS, but the podcast gives more context, it's not so personal, knowledge is power, and it's also thrilling, you'll listen to "The Big Steal" and pontificate about it and Russia to all your friends.
Sarah Kendzior calls Trump's administration a kleptocracy.
Not that I knew who she was. I knew she wrote that book "The View From Flyover Country," but that was it. Actually, I knew the book, not her name. But then my friend and webmaster Jeff told me to DVR her on Seth Myers. She was hyping her book, but late night shows are all about humor, ever since David Letterman, there's no substance, and Jeff apologized for her the lack of protein in her appearance and sent me her new book "Hidden in Plain Sight" and...
I was intrigued.
It always happens this way. For all the hype in the media, we really only trust our friends.
So I saw Sarah was appearing on last week's L.A. Bookfest, and playing around on my phone in a funk, I decided to pull up the stream.
Sarah was in conversation with Connie Schultz, who is married to Sherrod Brown.
Now one thing you've got to know about the book business is it's positively ancient. It's still living in the last century. Not only is its goal to protect physical, believing price points are everything, despite music and streaming TV proving otherwise, but its marketing is positively lame, it doesn't know how to get the word out. Watching a book event is like viewing an SNL skit. These people take themselves so seriously, what world are they living in?
That was the host, who threw it to Connie.
And Connie and Sarah are acting so friendly. There's been a bunch of stories recently how countries run by women have done much better in the coronavirus era. And one thing about women, they converse differently from men. For all the alpha females in TV dramas, for all the "Housewives" shows, most women are enthusiastic and want to get along and have no trouble being friendly and making conversation, whereas with men it's all about climbing the totem pole, or you can see them being obsequious, kissing ass.
So, Connie asks Sarah questions and I'm intrigued. Because Sarah is so normal, she's not media-trained, and she says things that are taboo.
Like she has no hope. Didn't Obama run on hope?
And she also said we're all waiting for someone to save us, we believe there's some bigger power that's gonna stand up to the insanity, but that is patently untrue.
And I'm watching Sarah and I realize...
She's a rock star.
And I was going to tell you this last week, but they took the video of the Bookfest down, and I felt you had to see it to get it.
The truth is it takes longer than ever to make it. Sure, you can be hyped by the machine and get some traction, but the machine always needs something new, which means you're suddenly old, and forgotten.
And my inbox is inundated with musicians bitching. Angry their cheese was moved, that the pre-internet label deals no longer exist, and pissed that they're not stars.
They've just got no perspective.
Sarah Kendzior has been at it for YEARS! She's 42, and she didn't get any real traction until 2010. Now I'm here telling you about her, because you should know.
She lives in St. Louis. The aforementioned flyover country.
The truth is there is no flyover country anymore. Everybody's got broadband and mobile. But the coasts pooh-pooh the people in-between. They think they're irrelevant and have no clue what is going on. And then suddenly Sarah says Trump is gonna win in 2016 and collects her essays in "The Flyover Country" and she's Hillary Clinton's big expert after she loses the election.
You see people are drawn to truth. We all know it, very few say it. And those who do say it oftentimes have no commitment, they say it and move on, whereas to have impact you've got to do the hard work.
Sarah has a Ph.D. In anthropology. Her thesis was all about autocracy in Uzbekistan.
I bet you can't find the country on a map, but that's not the point. While you were home practicing your instrument, honing your craft, angry that no-talents were usurping your place in the hit parade, you were paying dues, you were taking steps on the long road to a career. You want it right away, anything easy is not worth having, you've got to work hard to get to your goals.
So, we live in a world where expertise is pooh-poohed and if you live in St. Louis you're irrelevant. Sarah was actually contacted for a story about rural America. She told the producer that St. Louis has 3 million residents. That's how dumb those on the coasts are.
But it gets worse.
But before I get there, I was sold on Sarah Kendzior by watching her on the L.A. Bookfest. Proving, once again, you've got to give it your all each and every time, because you never know who will be watching.
And chances are you're gonna have to give it your best for years before anybody significant notices. Because there are just that many media messages in a world where people are already overwhelmed. They need great, but they haven't got time to wade through the detritus to find it. But when they do, they tell everybody about it, like I am doing with Sarah.
So, Jeff sent me the new book, "Hiding in Plain Sight." And it's hard to get into a book. Getting over the hump is the hardest part. But I was intrigued, I'm not much for non-fiction, but I kept going back to it.
And I wanted more.
So I listened to her podcast, "Gaslit Nation." And Sarah said she wasn't worried about her reputation. HUH? Isn't your reputation what you're protecting, isn't it everything?
Also, Sarah has death threats. Because if you speak the truth, those in power don't like it. Believe me, I know.
So, last Sunday I wanted to write about the path Sarah Kendzior took to becoming a rock star.
Today, I want to talk about what she's saying.
First and foremost, not only does she live in St. Louis, she's on the borderline between Gen-X and the Millennials, and no one wants to listen to those people. And she's married with two kids.
In other words, Sarah Kendzior grew up through all the turmoil. The switch to the internet, the consequences of income inequality, the economic crash.
Her first gig after college was at the "New York Daily News." Paid 40k in 2000.
Today that job is done by an unpaid intern.
After getting her doctorate, she was ready to interview for an academic job. She couldn't afford the trips on her own dime, and when she brought this up she was told to ask her parents.
That's a big theme of "Hiding in Plain Sight." How the elites control everything. It's a club, and they protect each other, and you're not in it.
"Hiding in Plain Sight" is heavily researched, with footnotes. Sarah is constantly railing that despite facts, no one in mainstream media followed up on these stories. She posits writers don't want to alienate their brethren. Yes, the privileged class, those with money who went to good schools, have now permeated everything...government, finance, media, entertainment.
Come on, you see the talking heads on TV. They're all impeccably groomed, speaking in the same monotone. It's all gravitas all the time.
Meanwhile, hell goes on all around them.
Those are the reporters. The pundits? The opinion shows? They're buffoons, usually discounted because they're one-sided and one-sided only.
And at this point Sarah is invited on these shows. Not that people can hear the truth, not that they can amplify the truth. As for pundits...she's got a friend who was a regular guest who is now broke. You see you do it free for exposure. But the dirty little secret is the exposure usually leads to no monetary reward.
Sarah goes into Ferguson. How the media's coverage was a drive-by. They didn't go where the action was and interviewed interlopers and then disappeared, even though the problems persist. Sarah lives five miles from Ferguson. But people don't want to listen to her, but the coastal experts who control the media.
Now we've got right wing bozos like Milo Yiannopoulos, who blew himself up and then disappeared. And bomb-throwers like Ann Coulter who just want attention, and to get paid for it. They're cartoons. To the point where you tune out, because you're sick of the Animaniacs.
But that's what Putin wants. To muddy the water of truth and to get you so overwhelmed that you tune out.
Forget Russia interfering with U.S. elections, sans Putin there's a very good chance that Brexit never would have happened. Trump may only get four years, but Brexit is FOREVER! Impacting the finances not only of the U.K., but the remaining European Union!
Not that Sarah only attacks Trump. She goes after Obama. Because the truth is Obama was compromised too. And Biden wants to return us to a past we're not enamored of. But Sarah says we've got to vote for Biden. Not that she thinks Trump will leave.
You see Sarah Kendzior keeps going back to her education, her Ph.D., her study of autocracies. We keep saying it can't happen here, but it is!
This is not about tribes. This is not about protesting, which she believes is essentially useless today, because the criminals in charge of things know they'll never be held accountable, why should they listen to whiners?
This is about our country. Irrelevant of whether you consider yourself to be on the right or the left. There's an elite club, of corporate titans, financiers, government officials, the media and Jeffrey Epstein who control the world, you may think the voters do, but they don't. And they absolutely do not want to give up power. They'll do whatever they want, tell you whatever you want to hear, but nothing is gonna change. You're busting your ass to stay afloat and if they don't have cash, their buddies will take care of them.
This is a perspective we have not heard. From someone living in the Midwest, of an ignored age. It's refreshing.
Do I agree with absolutely everything Sarah Kendzior is saying?
No, but I'm absolutely sure it's her truth, that's she's not sugarcoating anything, not telling any lies to get ahead.
It's been going on for forty years folks, and Sarah has blown the whistle. The rich have gotten richer, the government has been stripped and the powerful are ever more so.
You want to believe someone is on your page. That there's someone to listen to, to inspire you, who is not a product of plastic surgery made for consumer consumption. Someone real, just like you, who has a 3-D life, who just wants a better future for her kids.
That's Sarah Kendzior.
P.S. Yes, that L.A. Bookfest video is down, so I recommend you listen to the episode of Gaslit Nation wherein Sarah talks about "Hiding in Plain Sight." There's some amateurish girl talk at first, and the interviewer can go on for too long at times, but the essence is there: https://bit.ly/2Tbw72j
P.P.S. Or don't do any of the above, don't read her books, listen to her podcast, move on down the line. But now you know her name, you'll be aware the next time you see or hear it. That's how you build a career these days. By hacking away forever, being as great as you can be all the time, and waiting for word to spread. And believe me, if you're great and telling the truth, people will notice.
"Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America": https://amzn.to/2z4csKK
--
Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/
--
Listen to the podcast:
-iHeart: https://ihr.fm/2Gi5PFj
-Apple: https://apple.co/2ndmpvp
--
http://www.twitter.com/lefsetz
--
If you would like to subscribe to the LefsetzLetter,
http://www.lefsetz.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1
If you do not want to receive any more LefsetzLetters, http://lefsetz.com/lists/?p=unsubscribe&uid=0eecea7b60b461717065cbde887c8e25
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