Disseminated Primatemaia

Right, back to business...

The image above is supposed to represent the destruction of the Earth and is very relevant to what I am currently reading: Straw Dogs, written by John Gray. The book was actually written in 2002 when the author was Professor of European Thought at the LSE (retired now) and unsurprisingly an authority in his field. Although I am still only on the first chapter, I can see that this book is very much a dark, even apocalyptic look at the human species, and how essentially, we are all animals, no better or worse than the rest of the animal kingdom. We are simply the most highly evolved species at the top of the food chain, who have this incredible responsiblity to be the ultimate custodians of planet Earth, and our fellow inhabitants of the planet. Yet the picture John Gray draws is not of this highly intelligent, evolved, self-conscious species who has mastered technology, but of this repugnant, rapacious and ultimately savage species ("disseminated primatemaia" literally meaning a plague of people). Shame on you. Still, I think it is refreshing (and balanced) to read something of this nature, and indeed, I am finding the book compelling, thought provoking and highly provocative. We're all doomed, if you believe John Gray. Should provide good holiday reading anyway.

The other book I have bought for my holiday is "The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga, which won the Man Booker prize in 2008. Don't know a huge amount about it except it is set in India and is the story of a rickshaw-wala's son and how he leaves home and sets about finding riches and making his way in the world. Can tell it will be right up my street, and I certainly like to balance a bit of non-fiction with fiction these days. It can't always be cerebal innit.

So, am off to LA tomorrow and must say, am getting pretty excited now. Have been checking the weather report, and looking at historical data for June (yes, I know I am a geek) and it looks like the average temperature will be about 25 degrees with virtually no rainfall whatsoever. Granted, July and August are quite a bit hotter, but I think a constant 25 degrees or so with almost uninterrupted sunshine will suit me perfectly. Have spent several hours sorting out tuneage for the journey, including some LSE and New Statesman public lectures on various global issues including topics as diverse as "The NHS over the next 10 years" to "America: a decling hegemon" which should hopefully be thought provoking, informative and interesting. Am also planning on doing some intensive Spanish learning out there so have taken my self-teach book and obviously the audio on my mp3 device. Am hoping that being so near the Mexican border, and the fact California has so many hispanics will have a positive effect on my Spanish learning. You never know, I may even bust some out with some unsuspecting Latinos/as if I'm feeling super confident.

Music: have recently procured Lindstrom & Prins Thomas' new offering entitled imaginatively, "II". I've had one listen through and must say that the album sounds more like Pink Floyd than anything resembling disco. I.e. it is an extremely proggy, krautrock-influenced and instrumental piece of music. Not entirely sure what I make of it so far, as I was expecting something altogether more housey and disco-influenced. Still, I shall definitely persevere as I think the album needs at least another listen. On a similar note, have also recently got the Animal Collective's new offering entitled "Merriweather Post Pavillion", which received a staggering 9.6 on Pitchfork Media recently. That in itself, was all the impetus I needed to get the album. Have had a cursory listen and must say it does sound pretty interesting, especially since I am still not that familiar with the AC's stuff. For the uninitiated, the AC's sound is very avant-garde, experimenal, pschedelic folk-rock. Well, that is my stab at describing their sound. But for the elctronic heads there's plenty of discordance, bleeps and solid kick drum action in there. The band seem to have this incredibly devoted, cult following who seem to think they can do no wrong so I am willing to persevere. As I write this however, I am listening to Carl Craig's "Sessions". The man is a Detroit legend. 'Nuff said.

Anyway, that's how for now. Will update with pics and ramblings of my trip to the States. Will be taking in a few nights in Washington DC so will hopefully get to shoot some hoops with Barack at some point.

Inabit amigos,

F.