Billy's Books 95: Reign of the Empire: Mask of Fear

Time for another Star Wars book! This is a rather wonky book, with political planning and action being the primary focus. Mon Mothma tries to build a coalition against the emperor, Bail Organa looks for evidence suppoorting the innocence of the Jedi, while Saw Guererra seeks the weapons cache of the broken Separatists.

One thing I didn't mention is how important Padme Amidala's memory is to both Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. At imes they'd reach a breaking point, but then stick together to honor the political vision of Padme, as well as their shared friendship. Those are beautiful but sad moments.

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Billy's Books 94: The Left Hand Of Darkness

The Left Hand Of Darkness is today's science fiction masterpiece, by Ursula K. LeGuin. 

While her books have spaceships and stuff, her real alternative worlds are more about alternate social makeups. In this book, Genly Ai, a male human, lands on a planet of adrogynous people who only show maleness or femaleness during "kemmer", each individual's mating time.

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Billy's Books 93: Superman Gone Bad

Today we review two graphic novels featuring Superman. But in both, he goes a little crazy with power, eventually becoming the bad guy. Power corrupts, absolute power... yadda yadda yadda.

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Why didn't you wear a suit?

I made something! I had to, after watching one of the most shameful moments of statemanship in our country's history. 

I don't know how important hashtags are any more, but feel free to suggest more. 

#trumpbetrayal #ukraine #russiangop #GoT

Nazis Are Bad

Listen up. But also, I encourage others to play it too. I wanna see a million covers of this. Or write your own! 

Yes, I published this a couple years ago, but it was less urgent than. Here we are again...

But keep the message simple: Nazis are BAD. (Duh!)

For musicians, here are the lyricds and chords:

Nazis Are Bad

E D A E D A, E A D A

We seem to have reached a time
When Nazis seem alright -- they're not
Nazis are bad, Nazis are bad
Nazis are bad, Nazis are bad
Nazis are bad

When skinheads speak their minds
It's up to us to decide
Is what they say shit or is it legit?
Some have been had, some think it's a fad
Nazis are bad

So you thought you'd stick with the guy
Who sticks his gun in everyone's eye
Fascists decide to give it a try
Italy tried, lots of men died
Nazis are bad

Solo Break

We need to take a stand to keep free our land
We don't need more hate to make this place great
We need to be kind, keeping in mind
Nazis are bad

We seem to have reached a time
When Nazis seem alright -- they're not
Nazis are bad, Nazis are bad
Nazis are bad, Nazis are bad
Nazis are bad

© 2022 William Dechand, Bucktooth Music (ASCAP)

Billy's Books 92: The McCartney Legacy Vol. 2

The McCartney Legacy Vol. 2 covers the years 1974-1980. This was peak Wings era. Everything was going right: new hot lineup, hit records, a world tour... For Paul personally, the Beatles eventually resolved most of their differences, so they started being nice to each other again. Maybe they could even work together?

I think this is interesting and funny.  

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!