last last year i posted about reading a nonfiction book that dealt with rise of cocaine in the united states in the mid 80s to mid 90s, and how much of it was allowed by the government, and in some instances, encouraged. it’s really eye opening and well written, however dense as shit. i was trying to re-read it earlier in february but could only get about halfway, right past (the real) Rick Ross‘ story, which is the most interesting part imo. i haven’t picked it up since, but it doesn’t mean i’ve lost interest.
i’m now reading kings of cocaine, which goes on more with the earlier times of the whole cocaine scene, and focuses heavily on the source than with the effects it had in the states – atleast from where i’ve read up to. i’m only a quarter of the way probably. it’s not as well documented as gary webb’s book, but it’s got some great moments that seem ripe for a script treatment. there’s actually already a documentary that sources a lot from kings of cocaine, called cocaine cowboys which i’ve seen as well, and it’s decent – my only gripe is, after dark allliance, i’m more perceptive to a conspiracy theorist slant with reagan and co. playing a major role, and KoC/CC seem to be more about aggrandizing Colombians and the other nefarious civilians rather than revealing implicit government involvement.
the book also deals more on the Colombian side of the story, which is of more interest to me after i did a project on Pablo Escobar one term. i’ve got kind of an obsession with infamous characters it seems.. but Escobar is genuinely interesting! he had his own newspaper and would pay off journalists to make him look good and respectable – so much that he got a seat on Colombian congress. he labeled himself a robin hood, and would go into Medellin slums and hand out money. but then he’d also kill people that got in his way, frequently. cool guy.
before KoC i was reading Disneywar, a book outlining Disney’s operating history from the mid 80s to early 00s, coinciding with Michael Eisner’s tumultuous tenure at the company. all the Disney movies i enjoyed as a kid – Aladdin, Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid – were produced while he was in power. can’t knock him for that right? however it seems that most of those successes could be attributed to Jeff Katzenberg’s influence and management as well – he left Disney and made Dreamworks, and once he peaced out, Disney started making movies like.. Emperors New Groove.. Atlantis.. Treasure Planet.. you get the idea. i stopped watching Disney stuff after Lion King – a grave mistake i’ve been told! i’m missing out on Pocahontas, Mulan, Tarzan, and Hercules. however i digress. the book is full of corporate drama type shit that i found super interesting.
other books i have on the horizon after this are the pentagon papers and den of thieves. i’m loving nonfiction.
Take Tarzan off that list. WORST. SOUNDTRACK. EVER.
I dunno, maybe it was a good movie, but what is a Disney movie without a stellar soundtrack? Phil Collins is usually cool, but not like that. Not. Like. That.
oh no…oh man…i finally can open your site…
reeeelly long time no see Ya!
how’s everything going?
my campus net sucks…