Better Than Friday - 58 (Patreon)

Good morning everyone, woke up to rain in Portland this morning, which was much needed. 

Hopefully, the skies continue to clear this weekend. 

Lord knows that this much inhalation of smoke without nicotine leaves one feeling stale and cheated. 

Thanks for the support ya'll, hope you enjoy. 

1. Book I've been meaning to read - Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch 

A fan informed me that, apparently, I bear a striking resemblance to the author who was responsible for the word 'Masochism'. (See Wikipedia screen capture below)

For anyone wondering, no, I don't consider myself one, but I've been meaning to read this classic for years. 

'Venus in Furs' describes the obsessions of Severin von Kusiemski, a European nobleman who desires to be enslaved to a woman. Severin finds his ideal of voluptuous cruelty in the merciless Wanda von Dunajew. This is a passionate and powerful portrayal of one man's struggle to enlighten and instruct himself and others in the realm of desire. Published in 1870, the novel gained notoriety and a degree of immortality for its author when the word "masochism" - derived from his name - entered the vocabulary of psychiatry. This remains a classic literary statement on sexual submission and control. 

2. Les Surfs 

French 1960's Surf-Rock from a Madagascan group. 

I thought of this the other day, so good. 

3. I'm not a fan of communism but I think I lift heavier while listening to the Red Army Choir.  

Also - I've been watching the Soviet Army dancers. 

I don't think I have ever in my life seen such incredible dancing.

There are moves in there that seem legitimately impossible. 

4. Will Self talks about J.G. Ballard 

Interviewer: Do you think that the world in which we find ourselves, do you think this is something that in a way was anticipated by Ballard? 

Self: Absolutely, 100% anticipated. 

5. Future Library 

There's a forest in Norway that has been planted. One author each year is contributing a book that will remain unpublished, up until 2114, when the books will be published using the trees in the forest. 

- From Wikipedia