Fall has finally fallen. Is that a thing? I woke up feeling cold the other day and not because the AC was grinding. It was actually chilly. We’ve had an extended summer this year, so any relief is welcome.
The featured image is a rare Magritte landscape. It’s simple, spare, and autumnal with nary a bowler-hatted Belgian in sight.
It’s been another weird week in the news. My reaction to the East Wing teardown was understated until I saw the film. Renovating the White House is within the presidential powers; renovations during the Truman administration gave us the Oval Office and the Truman balcony. Harry did not name it. Unlike the current occupant, he had a modicum of modesty
BUT there’s supposed to be a process and approval for renovations of the executive mansion. The Kaiser of Chaos is above such things: He’s a special boy living the impunity lifestyle, so down it came. Thanks again, Chief Justice Roberts.
I just felt my blood pressure spike. Let’s move on to more pleasant matters such as this week’s theme song, which is one of the ultimate power pop anthems.
Pete Ham wrote No Matter What for Badfinger’s 1970 album No Dice. There’s a line in the lyrics that works with the Trump teardown, “Knock down the old gray walls.”
Change gray to white and Bob’s your uncle. Beats the hell outta having the Darnold in your family tree.
We have two versions of No Matter What for your listening pleasure: The studio OG followed by Marc Cohn with Aimee Mann on backing vox.
Do you feel a part of it all? I have another question:
I’ve already used that tune as the theme song for a 2021 edition of Saturday Odds & Sods, but it’s the ultimate hangover song. I’m having a Trump hangover. Everything that stupid motherfucker does gives me a headache.
Our second act may provide a cure for your Trump hangover. If it doesn’t at least we tried.
We begin with this image:
Documentary Of The Week: Andrew Young: The Dirty Work tells the life story of one of my political heroes. I admired him even before moving to his hometown of New Orleans. In his time as Dr. King’s right-hand man, Andy Young did all the jobs that nobody else would. I identify with that: I’ve served the same function in organizations I’ve been involved with.
The documentary came from Rachel Maddow’s shop at MSNBC, but she wisely allowed Young to tell his life story in his own words. What words. What a life.
As we confront MAGA’S march to authoritarianism, there are many lessons to be learned from the Civil Rights movement. Foremost among them is PATIENCE. Things don’t happen overnight they take effort and organization.
A reminder that Andrew Young has already experienced American fascism: It was called Jim Crow.
My favorite line in the film is something Andy Young’s father taught him: Don’t get mad, get smart.
Here’s the trailer:
Grading Time: I give Andrew Young: The Dirty Work 4 stars and an Adrastos Grade of A-.
Repeat after me: Don’t get mad, get smart.
The last word of our second act goes to Mavis Staples:
We begin our third act with our favorite stolen feature.
Separated At Birth Casting Edition: Andrew Young has been depicted on film several times including 2014’s Selma in which he was played by Andre Holland:
Good looking guy, but not as handsome as Andy Young or the guy in this song:
Your Basic Basie: The transition from Your Weekly Oscar to Your Basic Basie is complete. We kick things off with one of Bill Basie’s signature songs.
Have I told you lately how much I love Count Basie?
The Best Of Colbert: We recently resubscribed to Apple TV+ so we could see the current season of Slow Horses. Here’s the estimable Mr. Colbert cutting up with Jonathan Price, Kristin Scott Thomas, Gary Oldman, and Jack Lowden:
Are the horses slow or wild? Let’s ask the Glimmer Twins:
For the uninitiated, Mick Jagger does the theme song for Slow Horses.
Classic Movie Trailer: We’ve all had Nazis on our mind of late. Thanks, Donald.
Here’s the ultimate antifa film from an era in which America knew how to deal with Nazis. It’s followed by a modern trailer mockup of sorts; at least they didn’t muck things up.
Grading Time: It’s a breeze. I give Casablanca 4 stars and an Adrastos Grade of A.
Saturday GIF Horse: I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some comic relief courtesy of the ladies of Abbott Elementary.
It makes me think of my own schooldays. I don’t think any of my teachers were as hot as Janelle James. Was the same thing true for Stanley Clarke?
Toon Time: This week’s toon comes from the Dallas Morning News. Cartoonist Lee Judge judges the demolition harshly.
Meme Time: This one popped up on my FB timeline via my old blogger buddy, Howie Luvzus.
Repeat after me: Don’t get mad, get smart.
Let’s close down this virtual honky tonk with some more music.
Saturday Closer: I suspect some of you were surprised I didn’t close our second act with a certain relevant Steely Dan tune. I was saving it for the end. It’s a decent audience shot video from 2023:
Not bad.
That’s all for this week. The Andrew Young documentary included footage of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The last word goes to Muhammad Ali and the torch:
