imagine if libraries replaced capitalism.
a green-flag that a civilization has the right values is libraries bigger than shopping malls
a green-flag that a civilization has "made it" is an /EXTENSIVE/ library with:
- books in varied genres, countries of origin, topics & languages
- music
- movies
- BOARD GAMES?! (this should be a thing)
- free resources for people to learn stuff (like hobbies and skills; gardening, hydroponics, aquaponics)
- clubs for various interests/hobbies
the mere idea that libraries /already/ exist makes me happy and hopeful for humanity. they're great! they're full of great books and great resources, even right now, and even years ago.
if i believe in nothing else regarding the "civilized" world, i believe in libraries.
in other news guys, i've been doing great with my "reading around the world" experience and not at all so well with my "listening around the world"
i discovered this great icelandic book which hits all of the things i care about: LOVESTAR by Andri Snaer Magnason
it's set in this world where capitalism is in its most purified, laissez-faire form. and where advanced technology has made it so that people can find out who their soulmate is (the technology behind it actually sounds somewhat legit too).
it's sci fi, it's cli fi (climate fiction; because it touches on new ways of producing energy), it's dystopian, it's satire, it's funny, it's creative, the plot is well-woven, it's exciting, it says all the things you've been feeling inside, it is the first book i've ever read where i've slowed down my reading toward the end so i can stay in the world longer
whether i will continue the listening around the world experience...maybe for the moment, no.
but i am so enjoying reading around the world!!!
in other news:
i (re)discovered a french youtube channel i used to like a lot (@Antastesia) and i'm dipping into another french channel that's new to me (@colineblf3530)
they both do that bilan culturel thing that i love so much
plus i like being able to enjoy the fact that i learned french
should i be doing bilans culturels/"my favorite recent experiences"?
BOOKS:
- LOVESTAR -- Andri Snær Magnason
FILM:
- Theatre Camp (2023) (loving and HILARIOUS portrayal of the annoying theatre kids which are a species of children all on their own theatre universe and thank god for their existence but god they are annoying but also thank god for them)
FOOD:
- elena's chickpea soup with my own twist:
(1) canned chickpeas, wash and put in a pot, put some water in the pot (2) throw in vegetable bouillon (3) boil (4) add vermicelli when it boils, cook for a few min (5) add a dash of balsamic vinegar
it is weird but i love it and i craved it the other day and i had it
- dessert for breakfast oatmeal:
(1) sliced bananas (2) SPRINKLE SALT ON THEM (3) add chocolate chips on top (4) add a spoon of peanut butter (5) pour freshly cooked, hot oats on top (could be cooked in almond milk, soy milk, water, whatever) (6) sprinkle coconut flakes
(BOARD)GAMES:
- Micro Macro Crime City (very satisfying cooperative detective game to play with a friend; i played with seb)
EXPERIENCES:
- sleepover with elena & guido on our boat
- these anchorages these days, especially around dusk, and especially when it's cloudy/rainy
- vegan feta
did i talk about...
the /passage/ yet?
that we sailed 3 days and 2 nights from Italy to Greece?