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Hi All!
Here is the current issue of my weekly “Sunday Share,” a list of what I have been engaging with, excited by or otherwise found intriguing.
What I’m reading —
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. There are certain authors who enrich my mind by the fresh insights they bring to the human condition. I rush to buy their latest offering and am never, ever disappointed by what I read. Well, there is always one disappointment: the book eventually ends and I sigh with a longing for more as I reluctantly close the covers. Such an author is Malcolm Gladwell and his new book is exceeding my already-high expectations. I love Gladwell’s depth of research, his fascinating speculations, his bold conclusions and his inspirational mindset. I don’t care how right he necessarily is all the time. What I value is just how much he stimulates me to think anew about deep topics. This is one of his most nuanced efforts. I urge you to check it out…
What I’m watching —
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool. As a teenager, I went through a period where I would play certain jazz records over and over and over. John Coltrane was in a class of his own, for me at least. Ornette Coleman was another big favorite. In terms of overall stature, though, neither of these two matched the towering genius that was Miles Davis. This new documentary is often wrenching in its portrayal of addiction and daunting in its damning revelations about racism as Miles experienced it in America. The interviews are wide-ranging and the evolution of Miles’s craft amazing to contemplate. A fine, fine work.
What I’m listening to —
Neu! 75. In 1971 I bought and loved Neu’s first album which was at least twenty years ahead of its time. Neu had a big impact on David Bowie and his Berlin period, although I am not sure many folk know that. While nothing beats the first album, Neu! 75 is transcendent in its own right. Interesting anecdote: I attended Neu’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall back around 1972. They began the show with one of the most startling intros ever: this burly, bearded dude in a big black leather trench coat breaking up a massive piece of rock with a jackhammer. Damn! Turns out Richard Branson had come up with the impromptu idea after noticing this road worker banging away outside just before the concert. And invited him to “open” the act. Branson tells the story in Losing My Virginity which is a great read by the way.
What I am putting into my body —
Plus CBD Oil Ah, CBD! Man o man, this stuff is just everywhere now — from shampoos to lip balm to salves to capsules and eh, vapes… It’s enough to make your eyes roll and then roll some more. I am immensely careful not to put addictive substances into my body (let’s describe me as having an “allergy” in that regard) so I approached the pitch for the wonders of CBD with some genuine concern for my future well-being. But I took the plunge. The Plus CBD brand was the first I saw on sale, perhaps two years ago, in all my local health food stores and co-ops, so I trusted their recommendation. Since then, I have popped a capsule every evening. When I’ve flown abroad, I’ve doubled the dose for the flight. Why have I continued to take it? A better quality of sleep. End of story.
Thoughts, comments, wishes, suggestions? Hit me up by email at johnrducane@gmail.com