The use of art and architecture in political spheres is so fascinating. Like making government buildings extra tall and large to convey the importance of the government. Or the flooding of Nazi flags in WW2 Germany just constantly reminding you to think about the existence of the Nazi party and what it means to Germany. Iconography in general is a rewarding deep dive
I really enjoyed this post, in part because we once lived in New Orleans and have fond memories of the city. Thank you for this interesting mix of books, bars, Hitler vs. modern art and more.
Thanks for reading John! I had only been to NOLA once before and it was when I was a really young (and poor!) coach. Didn’t see much other than a red roof in and bourbon street 😀
King Leopold's Ghost sounds interesting! I grew up in East Africa, so wasn't so familiar with Congo, but my dad worked in Rwanda later on just after the genocide, so Congo is familiar.
There is some talk of East Africa in the book as well…specifically, talking about Leopold (and other white Europeans) fighting the “good fight” against Arab slave traders in the east while essentially doing the same thing with their territories in central and Western Africa.
Interesting. Just read about the football book on Amazon…would you recommend? I’m writing a book right now that sounds like it has some similar themes.
I feel like it’s one I may need to go look at first in Barnes and Noble. I’ve excitedly purchased a couple of his before only to read a few pages and realized I’d made a mistake.
Just had to google Exley, hadn’t heard of him. Take it you liked his stuff?
And thanks for the compliment! Your analogy of the venn diagram is apt. Before I got on Substack I wondered if anyone had the interest set that I did.
I would definitely recommend going to Barnes & Noble’s and reading it first and leave it at that. Don’t want to influence your judgment. He has some interesting at hot takes.
I think his readership will likely be divided on it.
If you’re working on something about football, I would highly encourage you to read A Fan’s Notes.
Exley has two other books. The follow up to a Fan’s Notes is good. Only Red the third one if you’re interested in being a completist
A Fan’s Notes Isn’t entirely forgotten, but it’s one of the better books in the American Cannon of the second half of the 20th century.
It’s also the truest in its unbrid
le passion for the game and the complicated love we all have for it.
Yup, Pearlman has penned bios of Kobe and Bo Jackson, *two* books about the Lakers (the Magic Showtime era and the Kobe/Shaq/Phil Jackson years), a history of the Dallas Cowboys and a lot more. Great stuff.
What I like about the Martian is that, as incredible as the story itself is, it's rooted in realistic science. I gave this book to an engineer friend, someone who knows science back and forth, and he said that it's all very realistic and very possible.
If you like "The Martian" and want to take a WILD trip, try "The Hail Mary Project." But first, fasten your seatbelts. I'm NOT a science fiction buff, but Weir's work rocks.
I'll read anything by Jeff Pearlman. Thank you for the USFL recommendation. (My guess is the guy who helped run that league into the ground is a well-known con man, racist and convicted felon, yes?)
About "The Martians": Ever read "The Martian," by Andy Weir? If you're a fiction reader (or not), this will blow you away.
Another great dive into the history of your travel locales. Leopold II was the worst. He thought of the Congo not as a colony, but as his personal property. Now Belgium doesn’t know what to do with all of his statues that were taken down. Museums don’t want them.
That World War II Museum in New Orleans is the best anywhere in the world. We've visited twice. And of course we loved New Orleans, too, and I've been there for weddings and a writers' conference a few times. Crazy, lovely city. I was a cheerleader through all of high school, so good luck to your teenager. Our colors were purple and gold, which would fit right in with New Orleans but we were in little Barneveld, Wisconsin. Go, Golden Eagles!
The use of art and architecture in political spheres is so fascinating. Like making government buildings extra tall and large to convey the importance of the government. Or the flooding of Nazi flags in WW2 Germany just constantly reminding you to think about the existence of the Nazi party and what it means to Germany. Iconography in general is a rewarding deep dive
Totally. The Nazis certainly knew how to propagandize.
I think I would have so much anxiety watching a cheer competition!
I can’t watch her the whole time 😱
I really enjoyed this post, in part because we once lived in New Orleans and have fond memories of the city. Thank you for this interesting mix of books, bars, Hitler vs. modern art and more.
Thanks for reading John! I had only been to NOLA once before and it was when I was a really young (and poor!) coach. Didn’t see much other than a red roof in and bourbon street 😀
We were there in the early 70s teaching at UNO and Susan at Cabrini middle school. Our children were born there.
Nice! A good friend of mine’s dad taught there for a while. He was a brit though.
King Leopold's Ghost sounds interesting! I grew up in East Africa, so wasn't so familiar with Congo, but my dad worked in Rwanda later on just after the genocide, so Congo is familiar.
Holy cow, that’s cool.
There is some talk of East Africa in the book as well…specifically, talking about Leopold (and other white Europeans) fighting the “good fight” against Arab slave traders in the east while essentially doing the same thing with their territories in central and Western Africa.
I'm going to need at least 100 more photos of your dogs with books because they are amazing
They’re here almost every week my friend!
Go Birds
Love it Henny! Go Birds!
Henny, this historical marker thing is not healthy, man! Seek help.
Oh I’m all in brother, gonna O-D on those bad boys! 🤣
You read Klosterman's, Football yet?
Interesting. Just read about the football book on Amazon…would you recommend? I’m writing a book right now that sounds like it has some similar themes.
I feel like it’s one I may need to go look at first in Barnes and Noble. I’ve excitedly purchased a couple of his before only to read a few pages and realized I’d made a mistake.
Just had to google Exley, hadn’t heard of him. Take it you liked his stuff?
And thanks for the compliment! Your analogy of the venn diagram is apt. Before I got on Substack I wondered if anyone had the interest set that I did.
No! I’ve read several of his books. Not completely sure I love him…what’s the football one about?
Yeah similar take. I'm a fan, but frequently disagree with him, then have interesting arguments in my head about those things
Well Football? it's about football. Just finished it. The venn diagram of my life doesn't overlap with readers and football lovers.
Was curious for someone else's take on it. It's the first time I've read something Iwas almost as well versed as he was on the subject.
Too new for spoilers. But if do read it, curious for thoughts.
Also like your Substack. The mashup of football and literature is good one.
When I read through you stuff, I made me think this is what Fred Exely's Substack would have looked like.
I would definitely recommend going to Barnes & Noble’s and reading it first and leave it at that. Don’t want to influence your judgment. He has some interesting at hot takes.
I think his readership will likely be divided on it.
If you’re working on something about football, I would highly encourage you to read A Fan’s Notes.
Exley has two other books. The follow up to a Fan’s Notes is good. Only Red the third one if you’re interested in being a completist
A Fan’s Notes Isn’t entirely forgotten, but it’s one of the better books in the American Cannon of the second half of the 20th century.
It’s also the truest in its unbrid
le passion for the game and the complicated love we all have for it.
Will check it out!
Crystal sounds like me when I worked in a bar in my 20s, haha. That last picture is hilarious, that baby is sure going to know his liquors!
Crystal was waay past her 20s. Way.
We start ‘em young here!🤣
Very cool commentary about Nola and the Higgins boat! Also, love me a king cake. It’s my favorite season around here, borrowed from our neighbors. 😎
Interesting…didn’t realize that. You’re in Houston, yes?
Yep, not too far.
Yup, Pearlman has penned bios of Kobe and Bo Jackson, *two* books about the Lakers (the Magic Showtime era and the Kobe/Shaq/Phil Jackson years), a history of the Dallas Cowboys and a lot more. Great stuff.
What I like about the Martian is that, as incredible as the story itself is, it's rooted in realistic science. I gave this book to an engineer friend, someone who knows science back and forth, and he said that it's all very realistic and very possible.
If you like "The Martian" and want to take a WILD trip, try "The Hail Mary Project." But first, fasten your seatbelts. I'm NOT a science fiction buff, but Weir's work rocks.
I also love the backstory to the success of the book
I'll read anything by Jeff Pearlman. Thank you for the USFL recommendation. (My guess is the guy who helped run that league into the ground is a well-known con man, racist and convicted felon, yes?)
About "The Martians": Ever read "The Martian," by Andy Weir? If you're a fiction reader (or not), this will blow you away.
You’re the second person on Substack to recommend the Martian to me. Guess it’s time I finally read it!
I remember Pearlman from way back and have just recently re-discovered him. He’s written a ton of books it looks like.
Your girl is flexible! Awesome photo!
Speaking of Gherring— probably misspelled but he deserves it— we watched Nuremberg last night. Good movie.
We love WWII museums. They were the greatest generation.
Which one? I think there are a bunch…is there a new one?
Yes! 2025. Russell Crowe plays Gherring. Rami Malik and Michael Shannon star too.
Super strong cast! I’ve gotta check that out…had no idea about it.
Another great dive into the history of your travel locales. Leopold II was the worst. He thought of the Congo not as a colony, but as his personal property. Now Belgium doesn’t know what to do with all of his statues that were taken down. Museums don’t want them.
I wondered about that reading the book…he built so much shit.
That World War II Museum in New Orleans is the best anywhere in the world. We've visited twice. And of course we loved New Orleans, too, and I've been there for weddings and a writers' conference a few times. Crazy, lovely city. I was a cheerleader through all of high school, so good luck to your teenager. Our colors were purple and gold, which would fit right in with New Orleans but we were in little Barneveld, Wisconsin. Go, Golden Eagles!
Cool! Outside of Madison, correct?
Yup.