A Bet, a Pilgrimage and a Scandal
Welcome
Hello Friends! Here's this month's recommendations.
From the Desk
Bookshelf
Currently Reading
- Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke
In this book Annie Duke, a former poker player (and a very successful one), teaches us to frame our decisions as bets because in life, like in every game of poker, there is uncertainty and luck always plays a part in the outcome of any decision we make.
On the Shelf
I'm told Richardson wrote two outstanding biographies on the transcendental philosophers Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson and another on the pragmatic philosopher (and psychologist) WIlliam James. I plan to read him very soon.
One of my favourite articles in The New Yorker. It's a few years old but that takes nothing away from the writing.
Playlist
Although Jim, drunk or high on something, slurs a few words (and gives the impression he doesn't want to be there) I love the energy in this performance.
Somebody (maybe a music critic) referred to this band as the American Radiohead. They're kind of, but they have their own distinctive sound. The chorus in this one is just ... mwah!
I feel lost for words to describe this one. (It's just good?)
Cinema
- The Defiant Ones
Though this is a docu-series some episodes are as long as films. The series follows the parallel stories of Jimmy Iovine, music mogul and business extraondinaire, and Dr Dre (who really needs no introduction) from the rags of Compton to the riches of a billion dollar deal with Apple for Dre's Beats headphones. (Can you imagine having a billion dollars?) I don't usually rewatch a series but this impressed and inspired me enough for a second run. Plus it's produced by HBO so it looks fantastic.
A short documentary on the Yamabushi, monks of the Shugendo religion who pilgrimage across The Three Mountains of Dewa in Japan. I wouldn't mind joining these guys.
- The Two Popes
Pryce and Hopkins are brilliant as the current Pope Francis and his predecessor Pope Benedict the sixteenth during the Vatican corruption scandal in 2012.
Until next time,
Stu