553: No Such Thing As A Shooting Star

9 snips

Oct 17, 2024

The hosts dive into the enchanting world of 'Dune,' discussing its tumultuous journey and rich themes. They humorously explore the bizarre demands of Salvador Dali in film, showcasing the absurdity of Hollywood. The conversation shifts to giant stars and their unexpected temperatures, unraveling cosmic mysteries. Further on, they cheekily dissect the evolution of vegetarian meat substitutes, including space experiments with growing meat. Lastly, they reflect on Bruce Lee's cultural legacy and the curious trend of 'Bruceploitation' that followed his untimely death.

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ANECDOTE

Dune's Difficult Journey to Publication

Frank Herbert's Dune was rejected 20 times before Chilton Books, a car repair manual publisher, printed it.
Chilton's editor, Sterling Lanier, was sacked a year later due to poor sales.

ANECDOTE

Dune's Fungal Inspiration

Frank Herbert's fascination with fungi inspired Dune, from the spice to the worms.
He made a significant mycological discovery: growing mushrooms at the base of young trees using a mushroom slurry.

ANECDOTE

Real-Life Dunes and Dune's Ecology

The sand dunes of Florence, Oregon, inspired Dune's setting and its ecological themes.
Ironically, the grasses introduced to stabilize the dunes are now considered invasive.

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Recipes from the Garden of Contentment

Yuan Mei

Sean J. S. Chen

This book is a treatise, cookbook, and memoir written by Yuan Mei in the late 18th century. It reflects his 'orthodox' stance on Chinese cuisine, criticizing opulent displays and advocating for simplicity. The work includes a wide range of recipes and offers insights into Chinese culinary culture.

The Oxford companion to food

Davidson, Alan

The Oxford Companion to Food, edited by Alan Davidson, is a groundbreaking encyclopedia that explores the history and culture of food globally. Published in 1999, it features over 2,650 entries on various foods, cooking terms, and culinary traditions, making it a seminal work in the field of food studies. The book does not include recipes but provides extensive information on food-related topics.

The Tao of Bruce Lee

Davis Miller

The Tao of Bruce Lee is a unique blend of biography and autobiography, where Davis Miller reflects on how Bruce Lee's philosophy and life impacted his own journey. The book delves into Lee's complex personality and his profound influence on martial arts and action movies. Miller's narrative also explores his own coming-of-age story, influenced by Lee's teachings.

Mycelium running

Paul Stamets

In *Mycelium Running*, Paul Stamets delves into the applications of fungi in bioremediation, detailing methods for using mycelium to decompose toxic wastes, control insect populations, and enhance ecosystem health. The book combines scientific research with practical applications, offering insights into how mushrooms can benefit both nature and humanity.

Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].