Best way to start a Saturday morning. Here’s what I enjoy about your creation - it’s very personal and at times vulnerable which makes me feel like you are an old friend. It is also fact filled in a way the strikes a chord (D minor in this case). You slip in (figuratively of course) the deep connection to Fabi that you navigate like that captain of the USS love boat that you are. The music knowledge is always pertinent, spot on, and for me and at my age (70…which btw is old) makes the reminiscing meaningful as opposed to just glory day BS. And there is a little tidbit of curated wisdom that reminds me how to open my eyes and experience the life that is arising now, not from a collection of past so-called accomplishments that over time became heroic deeds in my mind. (Sheesh!) Lastly - you are funny which of course is the main reason I read this stuff! I get to say I knew you before you became almost famous. David from El Granada (CA). PS been stuck on The Question by the Moody Blues this week - I think it is a sign that Joe Campbell’s statement is about to manifest?!?
Dear David -- THANK YOU for writing. It's always such a joy for me to hear from you. I am not famous, not even "Almost Famous" (one of my favorite movies), but I am satisfied knowing I do my best. When my scrivenings positively touch someone's life, as they appear to have yours, then I am satisfied a hundredfold. Grazie!!!
I didn't know your age, but now that I do, I'll tell you a song that I'm stuck on and that I'm sure you'll know -- "Never My Love," made famous in 1967 by The Association. I have listened to their version a half dozen times over the past week, and then, out of curiosity, this afternoon listened to covers by The Fifth Dimension, Etta James, the Swedish rock band Ble Swuede, and Audra Mae & the Forest Rangers, the latter from a TV crime series called "Sons of Anarchy," which I've not seen. More on anarchy later.
I did not think the Association's fabulous version could be topped, but I'll admit that one by Bob Dylan's son, Jacob, came close. Very tasty. You'll find it here:
His version is found on a compilation album titled "Echos in the Canyon." Since you are from California, you will probably get the reference to Laurel Canyon, where so much great music was made back in the late 60s. I mention the Canyon in Episode 9 of the podcast, "The Music of Southern California."
Also, a bit of trivia -- I used to play and sing Jacob Dylan's big hit, "One Headlight," in my old band. Memorizing those lyrics was no small trick!
As for anarchy, I am saddened to learn of another act of violence against Jews, this time in Colorado. I feel an essay of warning bubbling up inside me that I may have to write, even though it might get even more political than usual. Since you are one of my devoted readers, please feel free to steer me away from such a thing if you feel it would not fit the spirit of my newsletter.
And again, thank you for your friendship and comments. I appreciate you!
This was exceptional, Brant, from stem to stern. I like how you repurposed material from previous presentations and sources to tell this story. It has a strong theme. I had never heard the George Harrison song or seen that video (very EOL-esque or were EOL very Harrison-esque?). It’s all fab! This starts my Saturday on a great foot! Thanks for creating and posting!
THANK YOU Mark! I really appreciate that you take the time to read my stuff and comment. You are a true friend!
I wish I were all Krishna-like and able to detach from the outcome of my creations, but I’m too vain and mortal for that. I like knowing that my stuff inspires a few and maybe, just maybe, helps them along the way. It’s especially nice knowing that you, an old friend, are one of those.
The Harrison album, “Cloud Nine,” is good through and through. You might recognize “I Got My Mind Set On You” from that record, which you can hear from here:
Look Brant, it is not a secret and not important. We have been expats since 25 years - not many possibilities here. One pays taxes where one lives ( or is registered - in Europe), and in the US as well, as the US is the only country in the world that demands from its citizens abroad to file taxes in the US.
And concerning „liberty and everybody should be able to live where they want“, how do you view the new travel ban on 12 countries in the world? And the countless and useless deportations of not even illegal immigrants? Do they deserve this treatment? How about their liberty?
Hey Brant - thanks for writing back - I have a pen pal in Turkeye’! Not sure if you will get this as I am not sure how Substack works. But on the off chance I will respond -
The Associations were one of the many happenings in the 60’s, early 70’s that I actually think may have been caused by something in the fabric of the universe being torn apart a little bit and letting some miracles through before the miracle police (the real hell’s angels) closed it back up. Bob Dylan and the Beatles are the big obvious ones, but there were tons of less stellar but no less important groups, individuals, writers etc. that slipped through briefly. Lest we forget Elvis I mention him. And Glen Campbell and Leonard Bernstein (second symphony - piano solo) and Kerouac, Warhol, Coltrane and of course the Associations. Cherish is the word and Never my love are songs of the psyche - that will echo as we exit (I think). In the same way as my recent romance with Vanessa Hemingway allowed me a focused glimpse into the real life of the genius, (which I will share when we meet someday - requires a cocktail) you reminded me of my brief, arms length encounter with the Associations.
After a joyous 22 year marriage to my childhood love ended, I was one lost motherfucker and I had NO experience with women as I was nearly a virgin (nearly a virgin, is like nearly pregnant) and never strayed during the 22 years. So a redhaired woman that I met in a yoga class asked me out. She was a psychiatrist or all things. I was so nervous I thought I was coming down with the flu - turns out her Mercedes had a heated seat (never even heard of such a thing) so I was good. When we got back to her house in the Burlingame Hills - very nice house - she said she was house sitting for a friend whose husband had been in the Associations, made a lot of money and then never did anything else. I asked with wide eyes - you mean Cherish is the Word Associations? “Yes”, she replied, “now open another bottle of Chardonnay”. We then made love (had Sex really) me for the first time with a different woman - it was such an out of body experience, I felt like I was cheating the whole time and the song Cherish is the Word kept playing over and over in my head. Her being a Shrink knew exactly what was going on and as I escaped she said - you can’t handle a real woman, you will end up with a waitress or hairdresser. Bingo - right on both counts.
Anyway - thanks for the suggestion - If you want to get a true glimpse into Hemingway as he transitioned from his genius to his insanity I would recommend Running with the Bulls by Valerie Hemingway - still alive.
On the issue of writing an essay about the violence against Jews - that is a no win topic, you will receive hate no matter what you do. And to what purpose? If there is one then go for it. These times are not like the raging 50’s 60’s and 70’s in my opinion. They are far more crass, almost soulless and without “never my love” serenading the insanity.
Interesting that you omit the roughly 20 million Russians who perished under Stalin‘s rule 1924-1957 (number varies greatly according to different sources) in the former Soviet Union.
On another note I presently feel the crumbling and slow destruction of everything this country (the US) stands for with great sadness and silent rage. Not great anymore.
Hi Regula. Thank you for reading and commenting. I enjoy hearing your thoughts.
There are two reasons why I did not go into further depth on the 20 million Russians (some say as high as 100 million -- no one really knows) who died under Stalin. First, that fact was not central to the theme of my letter, and I thought it might distract my readers.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, I have shed light on those millions many times before in my other writings. I have said: "Hitler killed his six million, and Stalin his 100 million." It’s another shocking truth of history that I don’t think most Americans are aware of or appreciate.
If you add up all the millions killed by leftist tyrants, like Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Pol Pot, it far exceeds the numbers killed by fascists. Yet, Progressives have this one-sided and, in my opinion, unbalanced fixation on anti-facism. The real enemy is totalitarianism, whether from the left or the right.
Right. Good point. Just to be clear Hitler killed many more than the 6 million Jews … thousands and hundreds of thousands who opposed him or were not of his liking , like communists , gays, etc. - plus, as is now becoming clearer, was assisted by the government in Poland, France, Holland who wanted to Jews gone as well. History is not clean cut.
So enjoy your musings. Be happy you are not here in the US. It is terrible. We are preparing our slow Sortie as we speak.
Yes, it's probably time for me to review that visualization of the WWII deaths so I get a more accurate picture. But you are right about history, which is one reason I do not share my fellow conservatives' angst about "The 1619 Project -- A New Origin Story," which I wrote about in this post:
In that post, I quote one of my favorite historical storytellers, Dan Carlin from the podcast “Hardcore History,” who said: “History is not like math, right? It’s not two plus two equals four. There’s a Fox News version of history and an MSNBC version of history.”
We are continually learning new history as new facts come to light and as they are viewed from different perspectives.
I am obsessed with Germany and the war as Lothar’s family are traumatized easterners (Schlesiens) who lost everything and had a terrible escape to the west. His mother just turned 90 and still talks about it in great detail.
I had a hard time living in Germany 1993-98 as I felt the energy of the tragedy so closely, even then. We were in Berlin, the eastern part still raw and wild and wounded. As you say 12 years under fascism, 40 years under socialist dictatorship. Generations of trauma. The Weltbild is changing now to show how so many Germans were victims as well. Anyway, such great discussions.
So what is happening now here is so similar to 1933- the undoing of a democracy is hard to witness when you live in it.
I have some thoughts on that for later. In the meantime, I am curious to know: What are you seeing in the US, in the streets or in your neighborhood (i.e. not online) that makes you feel like things are so bad?
Why this ignorance of relative war deaths and left-wing holocausts exists is mere speculation on my part, but I will venture that it has three sources.
First, US government schools, more commonly known as public schools, chose to overlook them, allowing the myth of American military dominance to prevail. While I have tremendous respect and gratitude for every American who served in WWII, I was shocked to learn how many more British and Russian soldiers fought and died fighting the Nazis. The following jaw-dropping visualization will give anyone who watches it new respect for the sheer number who died in WWII:
Second, there is the Anti-Defamation League, which has successfully ensured that every American knows the number "six million." There is no comparable league for the diverse peoples killed by Communists.
Finally, there is Hollywood -- the greatest propaganda machine in history. Need I say more?
Best way to start a Saturday morning. Here’s what I enjoy about your creation - it’s very personal and at times vulnerable which makes me feel like you are an old friend. It is also fact filled in a way the strikes a chord (D minor in this case). You slip in (figuratively of course) the deep connection to Fabi that you navigate like that captain of the USS love boat that you are. The music knowledge is always pertinent, spot on, and for me and at my age (70…which btw is old) makes the reminiscing meaningful as opposed to just glory day BS. And there is a little tidbit of curated wisdom that reminds me how to open my eyes and experience the life that is arising now, not from a collection of past so-called accomplishments that over time became heroic deeds in my mind. (Sheesh!) Lastly - you are funny which of course is the main reason I read this stuff! I get to say I knew you before you became almost famous. David from El Granada (CA). PS been stuck on The Question by the Moody Blues this week - I think it is a sign that Joe Campbell’s statement is about to manifest?!?
Dear David -- THANK YOU for writing. It's always such a joy for me to hear from you. I am not famous, not even "Almost Famous" (one of my favorite movies), but I am satisfied knowing I do my best. When my scrivenings positively touch someone's life, as they appear to have yours, then I am satisfied a hundredfold. Grazie!!!
I didn't know your age, but now that I do, I'll tell you a song that I'm stuck on and that I'm sure you'll know -- "Never My Love," made famous in 1967 by The Association. I have listened to their version a half dozen times over the past week, and then, out of curiosity, this afternoon listened to covers by The Fifth Dimension, Etta James, the Swedish rock band Ble Swuede, and Audra Mae & the Forest Rangers, the latter from a TV crime series called "Sons of Anarchy," which I've not seen. More on anarchy later.
I did not think the Association's fabulous version could be topped, but I'll admit that one by Bob Dylan's son, Jacob, came close. Very tasty. You'll find it here:
https://youtu.be/XLujdHfDIL0?si=RAAekkYGNNgFCWCp
His version is found on a compilation album titled "Echos in the Canyon." Since you are from California, you will probably get the reference to Laurel Canyon, where so much great music was made back in the late 60s. I mention the Canyon in Episode 9 of the podcast, "The Music of Southern California."
Also, a bit of trivia -- I used to play and sing Jacob Dylan's big hit, "One Headlight," in my old band. Memorizing those lyrics was no small trick!
As for anarchy, I am saddened to learn of another act of violence against Jews, this time in Colorado. I feel an essay of warning bubbling up inside me that I may have to write, even though it might get even more political than usual. Since you are one of my devoted readers, please feel free to steer me away from such a thing if you feel it would not fit the spirit of my newsletter.
And again, thank you for your friendship and comments. I appreciate you!
This was exceptional, Brant, from stem to stern. I like how you repurposed material from previous presentations and sources to tell this story. It has a strong theme. I had never heard the George Harrison song or seen that video (very EOL-esque or were EOL very Harrison-esque?). It’s all fab! This starts my Saturday on a great foot! Thanks for creating and posting!
THANK YOU Mark! I really appreciate that you take the time to read my stuff and comment. You are a true friend!
I wish I were all Krishna-like and able to detach from the outcome of my creations, but I’m too vain and mortal for that. I like knowing that my stuff inspires a few and maybe, just maybe, helps them along the way. It’s especially nice knowing that you, an old friend, are one of those.
The Harrison album, “Cloud Nine,” is good through and through. You might recognize “I Got My Mind Set On You” from that record, which you can hear from here:
https://youtu.be/_71w4UA2Oxo?si=EbAlhcSXjmQ-HIzR
Look Brant, it is not a secret and not important. We have been expats since 25 years - not many possibilities here. One pays taxes where one lives ( or is registered - in Europe), and in the US as well, as the US is the only country in the world that demands from its citizens abroad to file taxes in the US.
And concerning „liberty and everybody should be able to live where they want“, how do you view the new travel ban on 12 countries in the world? And the countless and useless deportations of not even illegal immigrants? Do they deserve this treatment? How about their liberty?
Hey Brant - thanks for writing back - I have a pen pal in Turkeye’! Not sure if you will get this as I am not sure how Substack works. But on the off chance I will respond -
The Associations were one of the many happenings in the 60’s, early 70’s that I actually think may have been caused by something in the fabric of the universe being torn apart a little bit and letting some miracles through before the miracle police (the real hell’s angels) closed it back up. Bob Dylan and the Beatles are the big obvious ones, but there were tons of less stellar but no less important groups, individuals, writers etc. that slipped through briefly. Lest we forget Elvis I mention him. And Glen Campbell and Leonard Bernstein (second symphony - piano solo) and Kerouac, Warhol, Coltrane and of course the Associations. Cherish is the word and Never my love are songs of the psyche - that will echo as we exit (I think). In the same way as my recent romance with Vanessa Hemingway allowed me a focused glimpse into the real life of the genius, (which I will share when we meet someday - requires a cocktail) you reminded me of my brief, arms length encounter with the Associations.
After a joyous 22 year marriage to my childhood love ended, I was one lost motherfucker and I had NO experience with women as I was nearly a virgin (nearly a virgin, is like nearly pregnant) and never strayed during the 22 years. So a redhaired woman that I met in a yoga class asked me out. She was a psychiatrist or all things. I was so nervous I thought I was coming down with the flu - turns out her Mercedes had a heated seat (never even heard of such a thing) so I was good. When we got back to her house in the Burlingame Hills - very nice house - she said she was house sitting for a friend whose husband had been in the Associations, made a lot of money and then never did anything else. I asked with wide eyes - you mean Cherish is the Word Associations? “Yes”, she replied, “now open another bottle of Chardonnay”. We then made love (had Sex really) me for the first time with a different woman - it was such an out of body experience, I felt like I was cheating the whole time and the song Cherish is the Word kept playing over and over in my head. Her being a Shrink knew exactly what was going on and as I escaped she said - you can’t handle a real woman, you will end up with a waitress or hairdresser. Bingo - right on both counts.
Anyway - thanks for the suggestion - If you want to get a true glimpse into Hemingway as he transitioned from his genius to his insanity I would recommend Running with the Bulls by Valerie Hemingway - still alive.
On the issue of writing an essay about the violence against Jews - that is a no win topic, you will receive hate no matter what you do. And to what purpose? If there is one then go for it. These times are not like the raging 50’s 60’s and 70’s in my opinion. They are far more crass, almost soulless and without “never my love” serenading the insanity.
Interesting that you omit the roughly 20 million Russians who perished under Stalin‘s rule 1924-1957 (number varies greatly according to different sources) in the former Soviet Union.
On another note I presently feel the crumbling and slow destruction of everything this country (the US) stands for with great sadness and silent rage. Not great anymore.
Hi Regula. Thank you for reading and commenting. I enjoy hearing your thoughts.
There are two reasons why I did not go into further depth on the 20 million Russians (some say as high as 100 million -- no one really knows) who died under Stalin. First, that fact was not central to the theme of my letter, and I thought it might distract my readers.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, I have shed light on those millions many times before in my other writings. I have said: "Hitler killed his six million, and Stalin his 100 million." It’s another shocking truth of history that I don’t think most Americans are aware of or appreciate.
If you add up all the millions killed by leftist tyrants, like Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Pol Pot, it far exceeds the numbers killed by fascists. Yet, Progressives have this one-sided and, in my opinion, unbalanced fixation on anti-facism. The real enemy is totalitarianism, whether from the left or the right.
Right. Good point. Just to be clear Hitler killed many more than the 6 million Jews … thousands and hundreds of thousands who opposed him or were not of his liking , like communists , gays, etc. - plus, as is now becoming clearer, was assisted by the government in Poland, France, Holland who wanted to Jews gone as well. History is not clean cut.
So enjoy your musings. Be happy you are not here in the US. It is terrible. We are preparing our slow Sortie as we speak.
Where to next? Regi
Where to next? Greenland! We are on a reconnaissance mission for Trump, to scout out sights for his towers and parking lots. :-)
Yes, it's probably time for me to review that visualization of the WWII deaths so I get a more accurate picture. But you are right about history, which is one reason I do not share my fellow conservatives' angst about "The 1619 Project -- A New Origin Story," which I wrote about in this post:
https://open.substack.com/pub/branthuddleston/p/motown-and-the-1619-project?r=1g9mu8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
In that post, I quote one of my favorite historical storytellers, Dan Carlin from the podcast “Hardcore History,” who said: “History is not like math, right? It’s not two plus two equals four. There’s a Fox News version of history and an MSNBC version of history.”
We are continually learning new history as new facts come to light and as they are viewed from different perspectives.
I am obsessed with Germany and the war as Lothar’s family are traumatized easterners (Schlesiens) who lost everything and had a terrible escape to the west. His mother just turned 90 and still talks about it in great detail.
I had a hard time living in Germany 1993-98 as I felt the energy of the tragedy so closely, even then. We were in Berlin, the eastern part still raw and wild and wounded. As you say 12 years under fascism, 40 years under socialist dictatorship. Generations of trauma. The Weltbild is changing now to show how so many Germans were victims as well. Anyway, such great discussions.
So what is happening now here is so similar to 1933- the undoing of a democracy is hard to witness when you live in it.
I have some thoughts on that for later. In the meantime, I am curious to know: What are you seeing in the US, in the streets or in your neighborhood (i.e. not online) that makes you feel like things are so bad?
The question says it all.
You must be here, and, above all, not be FROM here to understand.
Why this ignorance of relative war deaths and left-wing holocausts exists is mere speculation on my part, but I will venture that it has three sources.
First, US government schools, more commonly known as public schools, chose to overlook them, allowing the myth of American military dominance to prevail. While I have tremendous respect and gratitude for every American who served in WWII, I was shocked to learn how many more British and Russian soldiers fought and died fighting the Nazis. The following jaw-dropping visualization will give anyone who watches it new respect for the sheer number who died in WWII:
http://www.fallen.io/ww2/
Second, there is the Anti-Defamation League, which has successfully ensured that every American knows the number "six million." There is no comparable league for the diverse peoples killed by Communists.
Finally, there is Hollywood -- the greatest propaganda machine in history. Need I say more?