Better Than Friday - 222 (Patreon)

Hullo and THANK YOU, so much, to everyone who raised their pledge.

It's nerve-wracking beyond description to make a change like this in such an economic climate, and I certainly understand those who declined to raise their pledge, but for those of you who did, and are continuing along into 2024 with me, a serious heartfelt Thank You, and onward we go.

Hope you're all having a nice holiday season thus far and eating something calorically irresponsible. My waistline has not quite been annihilated but there's still time...

1. Book I should read - Jon Fosse's Septology (Paid link)

Brought to my attention by my friend Sky Fuzell-Casey (the designer of the logo on the BTF mug).

Jon Fosse is a Norwegian author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature this year.

Knausgård had good things to say about him.

2. Interview with Raymond Queneau

Novelist, founder of Oulipo, translator of Amos Tutola's 'The Palm Wine Drinkard', and at one time intellectual compatriot and friend of Georges Bataille.

3. Legendary Detroit Proto-Punk band Death

What a track. Their sound captures so much of the era and location.

Sick live version here.

Politicians in My Eyes is another classic.

4. Prospero’s Books by Peter Greenaway

Mentioned by friend and patron Zero - Thanks man!An adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'.

Starring the famous Shakespearean actor John Gielgud.

A great accompaniment for reading it.

5. Lauren Bacall's Slinky Dance at the end of To Have and Have Not

That look she gives him - Those are the eyes of a woman who truly loves her husband.

Anything with Bogey and Bacall just tears me up. He went way too soon.

Winter in the park by the Bay