It's easy enough for you to put out a new print run of Republican Party Animal through online self-publishing, and many of us would like to read it. Also very easy to set up your own e-commerce site.
Aaron the Moor, Shakespeare’s best and most quotable villain.
Life really sticks it in and breaks it off, but I still think you won. A bunch of parasitic, empty-souled ticks are out of your life; you did right by your mom; your principles are intact.
Very much appreciated, Natalie. And agreed. I do think it all worked out. I have a much better circle of friends now. The one copy of my book I'll never sell is the one I signed for my mom. By the time it was published, she was too far gone with Alzheimer's to read. But she held it and looked at the photos and smiled.
nicely done! Julie Taymor’s Titus is woefully underrated, and it isn’t even streaming OR for rent on any platform, a Shakespearean tragedy all its own.
It's a magnificent film. 36 years ago Alex Cox flirted with the mixing of modern and old technology and costumes in a historical epic (with "Walker") but he was so ham-fisted and preachy it didn't work. Taymor, a true visionary, got it right. The combination of her visuals and a cast of seasoned pros makes for one of the best Shakespeare films ever in terms of transporting the viewer to a slightly-recognizable but ultimately surreal world. She chose the right play; Titus was built for that.
And you, Marc, are one of the reasons I can't be too angry at Rosie. If not for her, I wouldn't have met you. And you're one of the best friends I've ever had in my entire life!
How can I continue to comment, not knowing you beyond your writing, and not come across like a crazed fan or someone with an agenda?
Here's some context. I grew up in a religious cult in Southern California, and my father was in a band signed by Paul Rothchild, my mom danced at the Whiskey, and my aunt worked in the White House under President Kennedy. I've had such an unconventional life full of unbelievable stories that I'm trying to get my memoir published (Baywatch, Woodstock, and Jesus Freaks: A Memoir) and still dealing with the consequences of my past. And those experiences and family history formed my worldview, created serious trust issues, and compelled me to seek the truth, even if it conflicts with my beliefs and inherent biases or has consequences. I often joke that I can't relate to the believers or the sinners.
So, I feel compelled to comment and follow your work because you have a fascinating and complex life and eccentric personality, and I can relate. You also seem to be a man of integrity, make me laugh, and expose your vulnerability and perceived shortcomings. You also give your readers a peek behind the curtain of the political right and share first-hand stories of its most influential people.
In this chaotic, divided society that has abandoned meritocracy, truth, strong values, traditional families, the rule of law, free markets, honest money, founding U.S. principles, and taken for granted the sacrifices and wisdom of previous generations, you are a voice of reason and hope, and a brilliant writer.
If you were king for a day, what specific things would you do to MAGA? Sorry, I couldn't resist! Lol! Perhaps this could be the topic for a future article. Dave's Manifesto for America!
Thanks, Dave! I genuinely value and appreciate your work. And if I survive the consequences of my past, Fed and government tyranny, and inflation, I'll do more than buy you a beer. I'll buy you a case and lunch next time I visit California.
Thank you for the comment, Dino. One of the beneficial aspects of the "outing" is that it's brought me into contact with a wonderful new group of friends, via my work. I'm genuinely grateful for that; I'm truly thankful for the new people I've met. What an amazing life story you've had! If I were a guy with clout in the publishing industry, instead of a pariah, I'd help you get published. Thank you for sharing your story. Next time you're in CA, first round's on me!
I’m interested: would you say the people around you in your IHR, Phil Donahue, Shermer period were weirder, or you FOA period? From your writings I glean that the IHR may have had more weirdos, but they were more personable. The FOA people sound like real drags.
A great question, that actually gave me pause. Yes, I agree -- the people from the early 1990s days were way more fun to hang out with. In no small part because the overriding desire at the time was to challenge orthodoxies, not blindly ape or cater to them. That made the interactions more interesting, even if the people were, indeed, weirdos.
I'll be 55 in September. No regrets - the '70s was a great time to be a kid and the '80s was a great time to be a teen until around '86 when AIDS made you afraid to kiss crackwhores, thus ending one of my life's simple pleasures.
I think anniversaries, like birthdays, can be a good time to reflect on the passage of time (channeling my inner Kamala).
But seriously, I know it's a common mantra that "we shouldn't dwell on the past", and we shouldn't, dwell, but we can and should think about things.
Time being linear, we mostly think about today, and tomorrow; Basically, what are we dealing with right this second, and what do we need to do to be prepared for what comes next.
But the past... that's an entirely different animal.
Part of what I like about your article is that while you recognize the the challenges that life's twist & turns caused, you also consider the different paths that it opened to you, and how, often, it's actually for the better.
I think about the course of my own life, and all the things that I "wanted", or at least, thought I wanted, that didn't come to fruition, and the disappointment I felt at the time.
But the truly amazing thing is that right now, my life is great, truly amazing, and I have so much more than I ever dreamed that I might. And why? In part, because none of those other things came to pass! If at any time during my life, prior to the last 10 years or so, had I been granted what I wished for, I would never have reached where I am today.
I don't claim to know exactly what it is, but there's a valuable life lesson in there somewhere. Not to get all cosmic and wacky, but there is also something majestic about that fact. Maybe it gives us some perspective, or perhaps it just makes it easier for us to accept the times when we don't get exactly what we want?
Hence, we will never know how our lives would be if things had gone differently. You- not getting involved with a "hyper appetized succubus" (my words, not yours) and getting "outed" as a previously highly esteemed holocaust researcher/revisionist, ending your "Republican Party Animal" days, but what we do know, is where, and what, you are today, which is a successful author with a large, loyal following, and a place in history, so catalyzing, that "they" must blacklist and censor you.
And that's pretty great, from my perspective!
Yes, there are times when it's worthwhile to take pause, look over our shoulder about where we've been and the path that got us here, and consider the journey... because that's what life is, one long journey.
Or, as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull phrased it "Life Is A Long Song"...
It's easy enough for you to put out a new print run of Republican Party Animal through online self-publishing, and many of us would like to read it. Also very easy to set up your own e-commerce site.
Tut, I have done a thousand dreadful things
As willingly as one would kill a fly,
And nothing grieves me heartily indeed
But that I cannot do ten thousand more.
Aaron the Moor, Shakespeare’s best and most quotable villain.
Life really sticks it in and breaks it off, but I still think you won. A bunch of parasitic, empty-souled ticks are out of your life; you did right by your mom; your principles are intact.
Very much appreciated, Natalie. And agreed. I do think it all worked out. I have a much better circle of friends now. The one copy of my book I'll never sell is the one I signed for my mom. By the time it was published, she was too far gone with Alzheimer's to read. But she held it and looked at the photos and smiled.
<3 <3 that's incredibly sweet.
BTW, not sure if you ever read my Taki piece about Aaron: https://www.takimag.com/article/the-curse-of-aaron/
nicely done! Julie Taymor’s Titus is woefully underrated, and it isn’t even streaming OR for rent on any platform, a Shakespearean tragedy all its own.
It's a magnificent film. 36 years ago Alex Cox flirted with the mixing of modern and old technology and costumes in a historical epic (with "Walker") but he was so ham-fisted and preachy it didn't work. Taymor, a true visionary, got it right. The combination of her visuals and a cast of seasoned pros makes for one of the best Shakespeare films ever in terms of transporting the viewer to a slightly-recognizable but ultimately surreal world. She chose the right play; Titus was built for that.
YouTube. Full movie. Free.
just opened it to save for tonight. they’re running my ass ragged today
Tut, indeed!
BACK, n. : that patch of flesh into which one’s friends are most likely to install their stilettos
— DDR
Gotta admit, Rosie is pretty.
No argument. You walked into a room with her, all eyes turned.
Damn . . . I am 60, never had a birthday party as fun appearing as your 40th !!!
Thanks for sharing. I learned more about your life. You are awesome. I am lucky to have you as a friend.
And you, Marc, are one of the reasons I can't be too angry at Rosie. If not for her, I wouldn't have met you. And you're one of the best friends I've ever had in my entire life!
You should do a post on recommended reading sometime! I'm sure everyone here would appreciate that kind of thing.
One of the burning questions of biology: if Cluster B personality disorders are a deleterious genetic defect, why are Cluster B girls so good in bed?
It has something to do with the Hot-Crazy Matrix
How can I continue to comment, not knowing you beyond your writing, and not come across like a crazed fan or someone with an agenda?
Here's some context. I grew up in a religious cult in Southern California, and my father was in a band signed by Paul Rothchild, my mom danced at the Whiskey, and my aunt worked in the White House under President Kennedy. I've had such an unconventional life full of unbelievable stories that I'm trying to get my memoir published (Baywatch, Woodstock, and Jesus Freaks: A Memoir) and still dealing with the consequences of my past. And those experiences and family history formed my worldview, created serious trust issues, and compelled me to seek the truth, even if it conflicts with my beliefs and inherent biases or has consequences. I often joke that I can't relate to the believers or the sinners.
So, I feel compelled to comment and follow your work because you have a fascinating and complex life and eccentric personality, and I can relate. You also seem to be a man of integrity, make me laugh, and expose your vulnerability and perceived shortcomings. You also give your readers a peek behind the curtain of the political right and share first-hand stories of its most influential people.
In this chaotic, divided society that has abandoned meritocracy, truth, strong values, traditional families, the rule of law, free markets, honest money, founding U.S. principles, and taken for granted the sacrifices and wisdom of previous generations, you are a voice of reason and hope, and a brilliant writer.
If you were king for a day, what specific things would you do to MAGA? Sorry, I couldn't resist! Lol! Perhaps this could be the topic for a future article. Dave's Manifesto for America!
Thanks, Dave! I genuinely value and appreciate your work. And if I survive the consequences of my past, Fed and government tyranny, and inflation, I'll do more than buy you a beer. I'll buy you a case and lunch next time I visit California.
Thank you for the comment, Dino. One of the beneficial aspects of the "outing" is that it's brought me into contact with a wonderful new group of friends, via my work. I'm genuinely grateful for that; I'm truly thankful for the new people I've met. What an amazing life story you've had! If I were a guy with clout in the publishing industry, instead of a pariah, I'd help you get published. Thank you for sharing your story. Next time you're in CA, first round's on me!
20th of April, what's the odds?
364 1/4 to 1 against
I’m interested: would you say the people around you in your IHR, Phil Donahue, Shermer period were weirder, or you FOA period? From your writings I glean that the IHR may have had more weirdos, but they were more personable. The FOA people sound like real drags.
A great question, that actually gave me pause. Yes, I agree -- the people from the early 1990s days were way more fun to hang out with. In no small part because the overriding desire at the time was to challenge orthodoxies, not blindly ape or cater to them. That made the interactions more interesting, even if the people were, indeed, weirdos.
Jimmy the Greek and Al Campanis? You're older than you look!
I'll be 55 in September. No regrets - the '70s was a great time to be a kid and the '80s was a great time to be a teen until around '86 when AIDS made you afraid to kiss crackwhores, thus ending one of my life's simple pleasures.
You know, if I was 13 years old again, I´d be yerking off to those perfect little tt's ....
Mood
I think you on Santa Monica BLV in short shorts at 2 am would be funny as hell . I'd buy you a beer .
I think anniversaries, like birthdays, can be a good time to reflect on the passage of time (channeling my inner Kamala).
But seriously, I know it's a common mantra that "we shouldn't dwell on the past", and we shouldn't, dwell, but we can and should think about things.
Time being linear, we mostly think about today, and tomorrow; Basically, what are we dealing with right this second, and what do we need to do to be prepared for what comes next.
But the past... that's an entirely different animal.
Part of what I like about your article is that while you recognize the the challenges that life's twist & turns caused, you also consider the different paths that it opened to you, and how, often, it's actually for the better.
I think about the course of my own life, and all the things that I "wanted", or at least, thought I wanted, that didn't come to fruition, and the disappointment I felt at the time.
But the truly amazing thing is that right now, my life is great, truly amazing, and I have so much more than I ever dreamed that I might. And why? In part, because none of those other things came to pass! If at any time during my life, prior to the last 10 years or so, had I been granted what I wished for, I would never have reached where I am today.
I don't claim to know exactly what it is, but there's a valuable life lesson in there somewhere. Not to get all cosmic and wacky, but there is also something majestic about that fact. Maybe it gives us some perspective, or perhaps it just makes it easier for us to accept the times when we don't get exactly what we want?
Hence, we will never know how our lives would be if things had gone differently. You- not getting involved with a "hyper appetized succubus" (my words, not yours) and getting "outed" as a previously highly esteemed holocaust researcher/revisionist, ending your "Republican Party Animal" days, but what we do know, is where, and what, you are today, which is a successful author with a large, loyal following, and a place in history, so catalyzing, that "they" must blacklist and censor you.
And that's pretty great, from my perspective!
Yes, there are times when it's worthwhile to take pause, look over our shoulder about where we've been and the path that got us here, and consider the journey... because that's what life is, one long journey.
Or, as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull phrased it "Life Is A Long Song"...
Cheers!
Oh well, Abe was a bad president, turns out