My Brave New World

[Image by Robisklp -- LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA Dreamstime Stock Photos - January 2017]

Hello, and welcome to my Brave New World.

It’s the first full day into a world utterly transformed by world events. No longer are the collective minds of authors enough to convey us into dystopian worlds.

Until now, only speculative fiction or alternate history fantasy could spin reality into something truly bizarre that rivaled present day. Now, we need only turn on the TV or go to online newsfeeds to become fully immersed in the fantastical or sublime. For all our sakes, may the future not simply be a nightmare or a throw-back to earlier days in the Republic when the plights of so many went unheard in favor of profit and nihilism.

Where Were You, Jaz?

I can scarcely believe it’s already late January 2017. It feels like it was New Year’s Day only days ago. As for me, my life kicked into immediate high-gear beginning Tuesday, January 3rd as I returned to my stressful, competitive day-job. Then the days flew past me, and before I knew it, I realized that I had neglected to post anything on my blog. My apologies to you.

But here I am, ready to update you on where I’m at creatively. I’m writing on new material and feeling very positive about it. For more details, be sure to sign up for my newsletter to the right of this blog post in order to hear more. I’ll sending out one of my “Very Occasional Newsletters” in the coming days!

Guilty Pleasures

Like most people, when I’m feeling stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, I turn to "streaming escapism." Some of my guilty pleasures include Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, and the entire line of superhero programs on cable, including The Flash, Supergirl, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, the line up of Netflix Marvel series, and even Marvel’s Agents of Shield. However, one of the exceptions to my “geekfest” is an Amazon Originals program called Mozart in the Jungle.

Amazon Productions: Mozart in the Jungle

I’ve been an avid fan of classical music since I was a child, so when you fictionally combine the behind-the-scenes drama of the New York Symphony Orchestra with topics of love, money, ambition, and the plights surrounding the journey of self-actualization, that’s a series that gets my immediate buy-in. On top of that, the show is produced by the impressive talents of Jason Schwatrzman (of Rushmore and The Grand Budapest Hotel), Roman Coppola, and Alex Timbers. The seasons are available to stream for free if you have Amazon Prime, and each season is comprised of ten, 25-minute episodes, so it’s an easy watch. Oh, but how I wish the episodes were SO much longer!

The cast is amazing, including Malcolm McDowell as a semi-retired conductor and Bernadette Peters as the chairwoman of the symphony’s board of directors. Most of all, the two central cast members are mesmerizing to behold with their skillful depictions and on-screen chemistry. Gael Garcia Bernal portrays the symphony’s newest conductor, Rodrigo, who’s taking over the mantel from Malcolm McDowell. Add to that, the electric talent of actress Lola Kirke as budding oboe player, Hailey, who’s seeking both her place in the symphony while negotiating the tenuous, complex relationship with Rodrigo, an equally emotionally torn individual in his own right. Oh, and the rich MUSIC in the show is…fantastic; ranging from soothing to emotionally-charged to downright mesmerizing. One gets to immerse themselves in the symphony’s series of performances, which roam well beyond the home stage of their performing arts theater. In fact, New York City serves as a character in its own right in the show, grounding the show in realism with its spectrum ranging from beautiful to oppressive.

I highly recommend giving this program a try.

Well, it’s time for me to go. But leave a comment and let me know what YOUR guilty pleasure is when you’re seeking escapism.

Until later, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Reading! Peace.