Merlin Mann - Part 2: Lando, Olfactory Memories, "Gonna Break All the Windows..."

In part two with Merlin Mann, the free-wheeling conversation picks up speed with the appearance of a special guest (code name: Lando, real name: Christian Pérez), discussing the cultural and creative passing of the baton and DIY inspiration between different New College generations. Merle pays homage to writing coach Jan Wheeler (who he was somewhat paradoxically referred to thanks to the intervention and urging of prof Pete Kazaks in the "Physics for Poets" class). Evocative smells and olfactory memories, both pleasant and painful, are evoked. Merle talks about revisiting the campus and the geography of Sarasota after decades away and everyone shares a surprising class they took at New College. The show wraps up in a Hegelian fashion, synthesizing the contradictions of the past and present, with hopes for progress and the perseverance of the New College spirit. Show notes: Other former Admiral Farragut Academy students include Stephen Stills and Lorenzo Lamas.   Merlin’s “On Not Writing About New College.” Miles Davis as a young musician, filled with ecstatic wonder.  William Zinsser’s On Writing Well.  The Church of the SubGenius now does ShorDurMars online. Photo of Reverend Stang’s TA Event. White Rain was sold to Florida-based Diamond Products in 2000. “Mornin’ Bob” was the beloved physical plant supervisor, a slender man with iron sinews and a sunshiny disposition. The kenning “Mornin’” came from his traditional greeting, no matter what depraved nonsense he happened to have stumbled onto after sunrise.   Guillermo Del Toro makes a model kit every weekend, and sometimes shows his work.  H.C. Bosman, great writer (compare with H.L. Mencken). The Afrikaner Broederbond, real conspiracy (compare with the SACR). Nadine Gordimer’s July’s People (1981) was Merle and Grant’s incoming-class reading. On Lovecraft and Sonia Greene.  Our Episode 11 kicked it with two canonical Surf Fux, throat and bass. Other New College bands mentioned: Ether Mice, Dog School, Skamena.