Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

"It’s astonishing to me that, despite the blizzard of barbarism currently being visited on them, Palestinians continue to produce such stunning writing. This excellent compilation is essential reading.” The above are the words of praise Brian Eno, long-time activist and one of the most consequential musicians of our time (as evidenced by his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Roxy Music; and that doesn't even touch on his contributions to electronica and ambient music), heaped on Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader. Co-edited by Malu Halasa and Jordan Elgrably of The Markaz Review, a literature and arts from the center of the world and the diasporas of the Middle East and North Africa, this volume gives voice to the culture of Palestinians and its relationship to political resistance. On this edition of Parallax Views, Malu Halasa joins us to discuss Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader and the collection of poetry, visual art of all kinds (from conceptual art to posters), literary criticism, and even speculative fiction/science fiction contained within it. Although many, especially since the war in Gaza, have become aware of the political dimensions of the Palestinian people, Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader highlights the cultural dimension that is sometimes overlooked. However, that is not to say that the poltiical dimension is ignored in book. In fact, Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader illustrates the connection, the ties that bind, between the cultural and the political for Palestinians. Contributors to the book include Israeli New Historian Ilan Pappe, noted Gaza expert Sara Roy, Palestinian-American poet Noor Hindi, Paris-based journalist Olivia Snaije, British-Palestinian writer Ahmed Masoud (whose speculative fiction/sci-fi short story "Application 39" is featured in the book and a topic of discussion in our conversation), Gaza's Theater for Everybody founder Hossam Madhoum, and many, many more! We'll discuss a number of topics in this conversation including Gaza, political resistance, Palestinian humor, allowing Palestinian voices to speak for themselves, and much, much more!

On this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, award-winning journalist and author Simon Parkin joins us to discuss his latest book, The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice. This gripping true story explores the incredible sacrifice of scientists at the world’s first seed bank, who risked—and even gave—their lives to protect a vast collection of plant biodiversity during the brutal Siege of Leningrad in World War II. We dive into the differing scientific views of pioneering botanist and geneticist Nikolai Vavilov and Soviet agronomist Trofim Lysenko, whose controversial theories led to disastrous agricultural policies and whose influence in the Soviet Union did Vavilov no favors. In the latter part of the conversation, Parkin shares insights from his work as a video game journalist, addressing concerns about the "Fortnite-ification" of the gaming industry—where games are increasingly developed as just monetized content rather than as artistic experiences. We also discuss his Atlantic article, "How a School Shooting Became a Video Game", which covers The Final Exam, a controversial video game designed to raise awareness about school shootings. Created by Change the Ref, an organization founded by Manuel and Patricia Oliver after their son Joaquin was killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting, the game forces players to experience the horror of a school shooting scenario—not for shock value, but to confront the grim reality of gun violence in America. Tune in for this powerful discussion on history, science, video games, and social issues—only on Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael.

You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, it's Valentine's Day Parallax Views special! And to celebrate the J.G. decided to dig up an interview that was previously unreleased related to holiday. In 1981, George Mihalka's Canadian slasher My Bloody Valentine hit theaters. In the years since it has become a cult classic, enough so, in fact, to get a Hollywood remake in 2009 directed by Wes Craven protege Patrick Lussier & starring heartthrob Jensen Ackles from the hit TV show Supernatural. The original movie, in which a town known as Valentine Bluffs experiences a series of murders seemingly committed by a vengeful, deranged miner known as Harry Warden, has never received a proper sequel. Fans of the movie, however, came together to get a professionally done, feature-length fan sequel. It's called Valentine Bluffs: A My Bloody Valentine Fan Film and even features a guest starring performance from Troma's Lloyd Kaufman as the Mayor of Valentine Bluffs. It features all the bloody mayhem one would expect from a sequel to My Bloody Valentine, and, best of all for fans of 80s horror, features lovingly made practical effects rather than CGI. In this previously unreleased interview, I speak with director and special effects artist Tom Smith and lead actress Rachel Keefe about Valentine Bluffs: A My Bloody Valentine Fan Film in-depth! You can view the fan film for free on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIIOv49awUU. Near the end of the conversation Rachel talks about her upcoming role in Joe Lam's horror movie The Fetus. As it turns out, The Fetus is set to be released next month, March 2025, and, in addition to Rachel Keefe, stars Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3's Lauren LaVera as well as genre stalwart Bill Moseley from Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil's Rejects, and Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre! All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!

On this edition of Parallax Views, another year has passed and longtime listeners will know what that means: a look back at the news that DIDN'T get adequately covered by the corporate press. Yes, it's that time again. The annual Project Censored check-in to Parallax Views. This time we have not one but two guests from Project Censored: the returning Mickey Huff and first-time guest Shealeigh Voitl. We'll look back at the state of the media ecosystem in a turbulent year that ended with Donald Trump being elected President for a second time. We'll look at the problem of junk food news, important stories that haven't received their due coverage in the news, and much more in this conversation!

On this edition of Parallax Views, last week President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he'd like to "clean out" war-torn Gaza. He suggested Egypt or Jordan take Palestinian refugees. Joining us to discuss Trump's floated idea of "cleaning out" Gaza is the Quincy Institute's Dr. Annelle Sheline. Dr. Sheline made headlines during the Biden-era because she resigned from the State Department over that administration's handling of Gaza. In this conversation Dr. Sheline will explain why Trump's "cleaning out Gaza" idea is concerning, not least of which because it would amount to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. She will also delve into how carrying out the idea would impact the peace between Israel and Jordan. In the latter portion of the program, we'll discuss the potential factional disputes in Trump's administration over U.S. foreign policy as it relates to the Middle East.

On this edition of Parallax Views, Antiwar.Com's Dave DeCamp joins the show to discuss Trump's appointment of Michael DiMino, a former CIA analyst and fellow at the realist and restraint think tank Defense Priorities, to head up Middle East policy at the Pentagon. DiMino, if his past comments are any indication, wants U.S. involvement in the Middle East to be drastically reduced. We'll also Trump envoy Steve Witkoff (specifically in relation to Gaza and Iran), Trump redesignating Cuba as a state sponsor of terror, Trump's comments about possible military intervention to deal with Mexican drug cartels, Trump's controversial statements about Greenland and the Panama Canal, and much more.

In this hard-hitting episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, we welcome Chris Gunness, former Director of Communications and Advocacy for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), to discuss Israel's controversial ban on UNRWA and its far-reaching consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis. With the Knesset's legislation poised to expel UNRWA from Jerusalem and restrict its humanitarian operations, the episode delves into the grave repercussions of this move, including its impact on over 63,000 Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem and the broader implications for regional stability. Gunness breaks down how this decision not only undermines UNRWA’s vital services, such as education, healthcare, and food aid, but also sets the stage for the de facto annexation of Jerusalem in violation of international law, as highlighted by the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent ruling. Tune in for a compelling discussion that unpacks the complex layers of this issue and why it’s not only a humanitarian crisis but also a political and moral one that could harm not only Palestinians but also Israel itself. We will discuss Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem in the course of this conversation and Chris will answer questions about some of the attacks that have been made on UNRWA in the past year. This is a must-listen episode for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between international law, humanitarian aid, and the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. Don’t miss it!

Victor Pickard, a renowned media policy expert and author, dives into America's troubled media landscape, particularly during the Trump era. He discusses the corrosive impact of media oligarchy on democracy and highlights the rise of news deserts as a threat to civic engagement. Pickard advocates for public funding of media and explores how reforming local journalism could restore integrity. The conversation also critiques sensationalized coverage and emphasizes the urgent need for ethical journalism to empower informed citizens.

Arno Rosenfeld, a reporter for The Forward, shines a light on the controversial Project Esther by the Heritage Foundation. He discusses how the project positions pro-Palestinian activism as a source of antisemitism, linking it to high-profile figures like George Soros. Rosenfeld critiques the project's conspiracy-laden approach, noting the divergence from traditional Jewish institutions in combating antisemitism. The conversation also navigates the complexities of Jewish identity and the evolving political landscape, urging a nuanced understanding of these sensitive issues.

In this fascinating discussion, Michael Meeropol, son of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, advocates for his mother's exoneration. He reveals insights from a newly declassified NSA memo purportedly proving Ethel's wrongful conviction for espionage. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Rosenberg case, including the controversial role of Judge Kaufman and the emotional journey of their sons. Meeropol emphasizes the ongoing quest for justice against systemic injustices amidst the chilling climate of the McCarthy era.