The Art Party Playlist takes the listener on a creative journey, with each song contributing to a larger theme of falling in love with art. The playlist begins with Björk's "Stonemilker", which asks the listener, "Who is it?" and sets the tone for a journey of self-discovery. This theme continues with Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Ke Sakihitin Awasis (I Love You Baby)", which encourages the listener to visualize and connect with their emotions. The playlist then progresses through a variety of genres and styles, each song building on the creative journey and exploring different aspects of art and self-expression. The playlist culminates with "Adore" by Jasmine Thompson, a haunting and powerful cover of a Prince classic, which reflects on the unexpected nature of falling in love with art. The final song, "Inspiration" by Grace Jones, serves as a message to the listener to leave the session with - that art is a journey and a creative process, and that inspiration can be found in unexpected places.The Art Party Playlist is a carefully curated selection of almost 3 hours of audio landscapes that invites the listener to explore their own creativity and embrace the power of art.
The use of drugs in warfare is not a recent phenomenon, but rather a long-standing tradition that dates back to ancient times.
Governments have played a significant role in the spread of drugs, and drugs have been used as a tool of colonialism.
The use of drugs to control and manipulate soldiers is a common practice throughout history, from keeping them awake to boosting their aggression.
Killer High is an Interesting book that explores the history of war through the lens of six different drugs.
Peter Andreas, a professor of international studies at Brown University, takes readers on a journey through history to explore the role of drugs in warfare.
The book is well-researched and provides a unique perspective on the history of war through the lens of drugs. However, it should be noted that the dates jump around a lot and sometimes the connections from one instance to the next is a bit of a pull. Nonetheless, Killer High is an engaging and informative exploration of a topic that is often overlooked in traditional histories of war.
In his book, Andreas focuses on six drugs that have played a significant role in warfare throughout history. He explores how each drug was used, the effects it had on soldiers, and how it impacted the outcome of wars. And explores the role of governments in the spread of drugs. He sheds light on a little-known aspect of military history, and his insights are sure to spark discussion and debate among readers.
In this book, Andreas digs into the effects of drugs on colonialism and how governments have used this to their advantage. He posits that opium was highly instrumental in helping Britain gain control over China and other nations.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction
Peter Andreas takes readers on a (bumpy) journey through the history of warfare from a unique perspective - the role of drugs. The author emphasizes the undeniable impact of drugs in warfare, and highlights that recognizing this history is essential to grasping what war itself embodies.
Alcohol
American Revolution
Year: 1765-1783
Who was involved: Thirteen Colonies vs. Great Britain
Description: A colonial revolt which occurred between 1765 and 1783. The American Patriots in the Thirteen Colonies defeated the British in the American Revolutionary War with the assistance of France, winning independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America.
World War I
Year: 1914-1918
Who was involved: Allied Powers vs. Central Powers
Description: A global war that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until the start of World War II in 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter.
The author examines how alcohol has been used in wars over time & how it has impacted the soldiers. According to them, alcohol was not only used to elevate morale but also for providing comfort & helping soldiers tackle stressful situations on combat grounds.
How was alcohol used during World War II? The sobering reality is that many of our Armed Forces used alcohol as a way to cope with the trauma of war.
There were indeed many stills creating rum on the east coast of the United States in the early days of settlement. In fact, it was one of the most popular drinks in the colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. However, during the American Revolution, the British cut off the supply of molasses needed to make rum, which led to a shift towards locally-made whiskey, using grains like rye and corn. This was encouraged by figures like George Washington, who saw it as a way to promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
Caffeine
The author delves deep into the history of caffeine and its role in warfare. From tea and coffee to energy drinks, caffeine has been used for centuries to keep soldiers awake & alert. Its impact on modern warfare is undeniable and the chapter explores it in detail.
For many years, the coffee industry in Central American countries has been dominated by a few wealthy families owning large coffee farms. They had a stranglehold on the entire process; right from processing to distribution, leaving poorer farmers unable to join the race.
In the early 1940’s, Soviet General Georgy Zhukov requested a special color-free version of Coca-Cola to disguise its American origins and make it look like vodka. With President Harry Truman's blessing, Coca-Cola was happy to comply with the request, and sent Zhukov shipments of bottles with no labels other than a white cap with a red Soviet star.
Nicotine
The chapter on nicotine explores the use of tobacco in warfare, from the early days of smoking to the development of modern nicotine products. Andreas argues that before World War I, the United States was strongly opposed to nicotine, due to knowing the health dangers.
However, during the war, the US military began providing cigarettes to soldiers as a way to boost morale and reduce stress. This led to a significant increase in cigarette use, which continued after the war and contributed to the rise of smoking culture in America. Andreas suggests that this shift in attitude towards nicotine was a result of wartime propaganda efforts that portrayed smoking as a patriotic duty.
Nicotine has been used to calm nerves and provide a sense of comfort, but that it has also led to addiction and other negative consequences.
Opium
Opium Wars
Year: 1839-1860
Who was involved: China vs. Britain
Description: Two wars fought between Great Britain and China in the mid-19th century over the British trade in opium, a key factor in the damaging of the Chinese economy by forcing the Chinese to trade valuable commodities for a drug that was devastating their population.
Vietnam War
Year: 1955-1975
Who was involved: North Vietnam vs. South Vietnam and United States
Description: A Cold War-era proxy war that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was fought between North Vietnam, supported by the Soviet Union, China, and other communist allies, and South Vietnam, supported by the United States, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, and other anti-communist allies.
The author examines the historical context and implications of opium. How it diffused across China, and how its consumption has changed in the past century. Starting from ancient China. Then exploring the 19th century Opium Wars before finally arriving at modern-day Afghanistan. In this chapter, the author looks into how opium consumption has evolved and how various changes in its composition have made it more potent & addictive.
According to the author, opium had a major impact in facilitating Britain's influence in China. The opium trade seemed to have contributed significantly to this effect. It is worth noting that the Vietnam War had a massive influence on the development of the heroin industry, especially in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle region - including portions of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.During the Vietnam War, the United States government aided anti-communist forces in the region, unfortunately, these forces were also associated with heroin production and trafficking.
The main goal of the United States concerning the Vietnam War was to contain Communism by preventing its growth in Southeast Asia. Conversely, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong were striving for Vietnam to be reunited under a communist government.
Amphetamines
World War II
Year: 1939-1945
Who was involved: Axis Powers vs. Allied Powers
Description: A global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the majority of the world's nations, including all of the great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It was the most widespread war in history, and directly involved more than 100 million people from more than 30 countries.
This chapter takes a look into how amphetamines have been used in combat, ranging from Benzedrine in WW2 to newer stimulants currently being researched. The author's does say while amphetamines may help troops stay awake and responsive, they can also lead to addiction and other adverse effects.
This chapter provides a brief look into how drugs are utilized in conflict, however there may be more details and subtleties that were not touched upon. Take a look at Norman Ohler's - Blitzed - it gives an in-depth and accurate look into how drugs were used during Nazi Germany.
Fact - during World War II, German soldiers took Pervitin which was an OTC drug with amphetamines.
This chapter is all about amphetamines and their use in warfare. We take a look at the early use of Benzedrine during WW2 and its evolution into the stimulants we have now. The writer's point is that, although drugs like amphetamines have been taken by soldiers to stay vigilant and sharp, they also cause dependency and other undesirable results.
Pharmacologist Leslie Iversen writes about the non-medical use of amphetamines spreading rapidly in the 20 years after the Second World War. While the use of amphetamines to enhance soldier performance was abandoned after World War II, the availability of amphetamines increased in the post-war years, leading to their widespread use for non-medical purposes.
Cocaine
The chapter on cocaine explores the use of cocaine in warfare, from its early use as a local anesthetic to its development as a stimulant.
The War on Drugs
The War on Drugs, which was initiated by the United States government in the 1970s, has been heavily criticized for its disproportionate impact on minority communities and for its failure to effectively reduce drug use and drug-related crime. Additionally, there have been allegations of United States government involvement in the drug trade, particularly in the context of the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s, where the United States government was accused of facilitating the sale of drugs in order to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. These allegations have been the subject of much debate and investigation, and it is unclear to what extent they are true.
Conclusion
The book wraps up with a summary of the main points made & topics discussed. The writer believes drugs have been an important part of wars all throughout and understanding this is essential to knowing what war truly is.
Is a fascinating read, as it provides a fresh perspective on war history by looking at six distinct drugs and their influences. This book dives deep into a lesser-known part of military history.
Through the lens of Shakespearean plays, M.L. Rio’s “If We Were Villains” intricately weaves together a tale that explores the relationship between art and reality, the power of storytelling, and the consequences of our actions. The novel offers an in-depth look into human nature and its complexities, highlighting the obsession, love, and ambition that drive individuals to take extreme measures. Murder, guilt, and failure are key themes that are explored in the novel. The impact of their actions on others forces the characters to face the consequences of their mistakes.
While the characters may lack depth, the plot offers surprising twists that can engage certain readers. However, different readers may find varying levels of appeal in this story.
Oliver and his classmates navigate through intense pressures of their craft while also developing complex relationships between them.
The book's characters are flawed and self-absorbed, and their obsession with Shakespeare can at times feel contrived. The characters mostly come across as flat, which is precisely the point. They are theater students who are deeply invested in their roles, and their interactions with each other are often characterized by the dramatic language and gestures of the plays they are studying. The competitive atmosphere of the school and the pressure to perform well also contribute to the tension between the characters. As a result, they often prioritize their roles over their personal relationships, blurring the lines between their true identities and the characters they are portraying.
The connection between the characters is rooted in their shared passion for Shakespeare and their status as theater students at the elite Dellecher Classical Conservatory. As fourth-year students, they are part of a select group that has survived the rigorous training and competition required to reach that level. The pressure to perform well and excel in their craft has created a cult-like atmosphere in which the students prioritize their roles over their personal relationships. The fact that they live and study together in a closed environment also contributes to the intensity of their relationships, blurring the lines between their true identities and the characters they are portraying.
The book is told through the perspective of Oliver, one of the students, who has just been released from prison after serving ten years for a crime he may or may not have committed. The main plot of the novel is to uncover the truth behind the crime Oliver was convicted of in 1997. The story is told through a frame narrative of Oliver's confession to Colbourne. There are also several subplots, such as Oliver's conflicting feelings for Meredith and James, Richard's violent tendencies, and Alexander's substance abuse. These subplots work together. Each chapter builds towards the resolution of the novel - the discovery of James' culpability.
One of the primary themes of the book is the relationship between art and reality. The characters in the novel are so absorbed in their roles that they often lose sight of their true identities. This theme is further explored through the use of Shakespeare's plays, which are not only performative but also deeply philosophical. And dealing with issues such as power, and morality.
The novel is structured in five acts, each corresponding to a Shakespearean play.
Act I introduces the characters and sets up the drama with Richard's attack on James.
Act II focuses on the cast's preparation for and performance of Julius Caesar.
Act III contains the novel's climax with Richard's death and ends with Oliver's realization of his love for James.
Act IV explores Oliver and Meredith's relationship, as well as Alexander's drug issues.
Act V explains how Oliver came to take the blame for Richard's death.
The chapters in the book are referred to as "scenes" to further emphasize the theatrical theme. Rio's writing is elegant and immersive. Although the novel's structure is heavily influenced by Shakespeare's plays, with each act corresponding to a play and the characters often speaking in iambic pentameter, an appreciation for Shakespeare is not necessary to enjoy the book. The themes and characters are universal, and the novel can be appreciated by anyone who loves literature and theater.
Characters
Oliver Marks the main protagonist and a senior theater student at Dellecher Classical Conservatory. He is one of the seven fourth-year students in the Shakespeare program.
James also a student in the Shakespeare program at Dellecher and a close friend of Oliver Marks. He is known for his talent in playing comedic roles and is often the comic relief in their productions. James is described as being kind-hearted and loyal to his friends.
Richard is an accomplished actor who excels at portraying regal and authoritative characters on stage. His commanding presence and gravitas lend themselves well to these roles, and he has become known for his talent and dedication. Richard's performances have earned admiration of his audience.
Meredith is a fellow theater student at Dellecher. She is a highly skilled actress with a talent for playing strong, independent women. Meredith is a supportive friend to Oliver, and they work together on various theater productions.
Filippa is a talented student at Dellecher who is known for her impressive range as an actor. She often takes on male roles in theater productions and is particularly skilled in portraying complex and nuanced characters.
Alexander Another fourth-year student in the Shakespeare program and one of Oliver's close friends.
Detective Colbourne investigated Richard's death and was certain that Oliver wasn't at fault.
Wren is Richard’s cousin and a member of the Dellecher class. Her petite frame and delicate facial features have often drawn comparisons to a pixie or fairy.
Gwendolyn plays a vital role as a drama instructor at Dellecher. She works hard to equip students with the emotional and spiritual tools they need to deliver exemplary performances.
Frederick is a dedicated drama teacher at Dellecher. He has a special interest in interpreting Shakespearean works and is well-versed in the language and style of his texts.
ACT 1
In the first act the reader is introduced to the main characters of the novel. The students at the Dellecher Classical Conservatory are doling out harsh criticism to one another as they rehearse Shakespeare's plays. They are stoic in their approach to their craft, often prioritizing their roles over their personal relationships.
The muse of the students is Shakespeare, whose quintessentially theatrical language is the perfect vehicle for their emotions. The characters are curious about one another, constantly trying to uncover hidden truths and motivations. They are also resilient in the face of adversity, banding together to overcome challenges both inside and outside the theater.
The setting of the Dellecher Classical Conservatory plays a significant role in shaping the characters' actions. The school's remote location and insular community create an atmosphere of intense pressure and competition, which is heightened by the characters' shared passion for Shakespeare. This pressure is particularly evident in the characters' interactions with one another, as they constantly compare themselves to their peers and compete for recognition and approval. The tension between the characters is further exacerbated by the fact that they live and work together, blurring the lines between their personal and professional lives. The setting of Act I thus serves as a powerful force that shapes the characters' actions and emotions throughout the novel.
Rio makes use of the frame narrative structure to tell Oliver's last year at Dellecher. It builds up tension, as the reader is already aware that something bad happened which resulted in Oliver being jailed for ten years. The frame narrative in the novel establishes its confessional style, with Oliver telling the story to Coulbourne. The prologue provides plenty of insight into Oliver's mental state with Shakespearean quotes mixed in his dialogue as well as stage directions. Even after serving his sentence, Oliver remains devoted to his acting career and can't seem to break away from the path he had chosen before being incarcerated.
The theme of homoeroticism and repressed sexuality is introduced early in the book through the friendship of James and Oliver. At the end of the first scene, Oliver's feelings toward James become obvious; he confides in his closest friend and flatmate about his admiration, “You’ll have to be Cressida… You’re the only one of us pretty enough” (19). James' emotions are subtly exposed through the joke he tells to his friend while they are lying side by side. It is more information than he would choose to reveal consciously. Oliver is still not completely comfortable with his sexuality. However, spending time with James brings out a more carefree, romantic side of him which is usually held back due to his anxiety.
During the combat lesson, James' strong bond with Oliver is evident. When Camilo instructs James to think of a reason why he should be mad at Oliver, it's astonishing how his expressions changed rapidly from being peaceful to hurt and vengeful: “James had never really been angry with me, to my knowledge."
Character Name
Primary Archetype/Role
Shakespearean Parallel
Key Traits and Motivation
Fate or Final Status
Oliver Marks
Protagonist, narrator, and the perpetual understudy.
Lear (gradual recognition/blindness), Kent (loyalty/sacrifice), Benvolio (observer/peacekeeper).
Observational, loyal, and chameleonic; motivated by his deep, often suppressed devotion to James and the desire to protect the group.
Served ten years in prison for Richard's murder to protect James; ends up living with Meredith in Chicago and searching for the truth of James' death.
Represents the ultimate sacrifice and the blurring of personal identity through total devotion to a role (both on stage and as a martyr).
James Fane
The star and leading man of the group.
Macbeth (guilt/madness), Brutus (assassination for 'greater good'), Romeo (tragic romance).
Brilliant, star-quality, and increasingly fragile; driven by a descent into madness and psychological guilt after killing Richard.
Revealed to have killed Richard; faked his own death by drowning after Oliver's imprisonment; current whereabouts unknown (implied alive).
Embraces the destructive nature of guilt and the inability to escape the tragic narratives of the characters he portrays.
Richard Stirling
The group leader and antagonist; typically plays the tyrant.
Julius Caesar (the fallen tyrant), Tybalt (instigator of violence).
Charismatic, demanding, and abusive; motivated by dominance and maintaining his status as the group's alpha.
Died in Act III after being struck by James with a boat hook and left to drown in the lake.
Represents the toxicity of hierarchy and how the 'role' of a tyrant can manifest in real-life abuse and violence.
Meredith Diciacci
The ingenue and femme fatale.
Lady Macbeth (ambition), Cordelia (recognition of truth), Juliet.
Beautiful, isolationist, and resilient; motivated by her complex romantic ties to both Oliver and Richard and her need for belonging.
Lives in Chicago ten years later; reunites with Oliver and reveals she always knew the truth about the night Richard died.
Symbolizes the isolation caused by being defined solely by one's appearance and the friction between staged and genuine intimacy.
Filippa Kosta
The anchor and pragmatist; the group's conscience.
Horatio (the loyal survivor/witness).
Intelligent, secretive, and observant; motivated by group survival and protecting her friends' secrets.
Remained at Dellecher as a teacher; provides Oliver with the final clues regarding James' potential survival.
Represents complicity through silence and the moral ambiguity of protecting those one loves.
Alexander Vass
The fool and comic relief.
The Fool, Mercutio (the reckless friend).
Sarcastic, hedonistic, and reckless; uses drugs and humor to cope with the pressure and eventual guilt of the group.
Survives the novel's timeline after a near-fatal overdose in his fourth year; remains haunted by Richard's death.
Illustrates the use of humor as a defense mechanism and the eventual collapse of the 'comic' mask under real tragedy.
Wren Stirling
The ingenue and Richard’s cousin; plays supporting roles.
Ophelia (psychological fragility), Juliet.
Vulnerable and empathetic; motivated by her family ties to Richard and her romantic interest in James.
Diagnosed with PTSD after Richard's death and her own physical assault; survives but remains deeply scarred.
Represents the collateral damage of tyranny and the psychological cost of being caught in others' dramatic conflicts.
Goodreads is one of my favorite websites to use. This really cool widget for displaying the books I have read by year (as long as I have used Goodreads) are displayed. Personally, I like that I can quickly scan this one post for that book title I couldn't quite recall but want to share.
Let me know how you keep track of your reading habits.
