The 500 - #373 - Volunteers - Jefferson Airplane

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone Magazine's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

Album # 373

Album Title: Volunteers
Artist: Jefferson Airplane

Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Acid Rock, Folk Rock
Recorded: Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco
Released: November, 1969
My age at release: 4
How familiar was I with it before this week: Not at all
Song I am putting on my Spotify Playlist: We Can Be Together

The Vietnam War, or Second Indo-China War (1955-1975), was ever-present when I was a teen and young adult in the 1980s. Not in reality, but in film. 

Vietnam themed films of the 1980s

This wasn't new subject matter. Films about the conflict in Vietnam were being released even as the war raged on -- John Wayne's The Green Berets, is probably the most recognizable example.

The Green Berets featuring John Wayne (1968)

However, unlike The Green Berets, which was decidedly pro-military, the films of my youth examined the war more critically. In the late 70s and early 80s, the returning Vietnam veteran, physically and emotionally wounded from the experience, loomed large in society. So, understandably, they became an important part of contemporary storytelling.

Vietnam veterans hold a silent march
past the White House - April 22, 1971. 

Additionally, many film-makers, including Oliver Stone (Platoon, Born On The Fourth Of July), had participated in combat during this war. 

It was a time when I was becoming a movie buff. The 1980s was also a decade when video-cassette-recorders (VCRs) were an affordable option for families. Additionally, I was fortunate to live a $1 bus ride away from dozens of movie theatres, including The New Yorker, a revival house or repertory cinema, which exposed me to war-themed films from the 70s, including Taxi Driver, Apocalypse Now, The Deer Hunter and Coming Home. 

Vietnam themed films of the 1970s

These films not only helped me develop my understanding of this turbulent period in history, they were also my first exposure to the music of that time. As a result, I became a fan of The Doors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones and, this week's featured artist, Jefferson Airplane. 

Promotional photo (1966) Top Row - Casady, Slick Balin
Bottom Row - Kaukonen, Kantner, Dryden (l-r)

Volunteers was the fifth release by American psychedelic rock group Jefferson Airplane. It also marked the final release by the group's classic line-up: Marty Balin (vocals), Paul Kantner (guitars, vocals), Grace Slick (vocals), Jorma Kaukonen (guitars, vocals), Spencer Dryden (drums) and Jack Casady (bass).

The record was controversial not only because of its lyrics, which were anti-war and anti-government, but also because it contained profanity. The record company, RCA, was initially hesitant to release the album because of the R-rated language, but a precedent had been set when they released the soundtrack to the Broadway musical Hair in 1968. 

Original Cast Recording of Hair - released by RCA (1968)

The times and issues have changed, but frustration with government decision making continues today. Many Ontarians are justifiably angry about the federal and provincial mishandling of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, including the unreliability of vaccine availability. Consequently, I returned to virtual learning with my Grade 7 class this week. 

As I played Volunteers, the themes of frustration, loss, nature, community and ecology found a way to resonate with me in 2021 as they must have with young anti-war protesters in 1969 -- when the second Indo-China War raged into its third decade under a fourth U.S. administration.

What about you? 

Got a favourite Jefferson Airplane song...or a favourite film about the war in Vietnam? 

 

30 Day Challenge #3 - Meatless March

This is the third entry in my series of monthly challenges. In January, I quit alcohol and sugar and reported on the things I learned. In February, I took the 100 push-up challenge, logging at least 100 push-ups, usually in four sets of 25, every day for 30 days and wrote about it here. 

An Update

A quick addendum to last month's post. I have some regrets about doing 100 push-ups a day. I needed to visit my osteopath twice in the to try to fix some back issues. When Darren, my osteopath, learned of my challenge he bluntly stated: "That wasn't a good idea".  

The David Clinic in London, Ontario

It seems I over-developed my pecs without compensating for the strain that would put on my back. Additionally, overworking the serratus muscles, along the back of the rib cage. Darren recommended a workout regimen from Russian author and weightlifter, Pavel Tsatsouline, which is detailed in his book Enter The Kettlebell. 

Rather than working on a group of muscles to their maximum on a daily basis, Tsatsouline's system constantly surprises your body which uses kettlebells. However, the fundamentals of the program can be applied to other exercises, such as push-ups. Consequently, I adapted my workouts in March and I think I'll start investing in kettlebells this summer, rather than renewing my gym membership. The savings from one will eventually offset the other.

Meatless March

Although I intended to adapt to a pescatarian diet this month, instead of meat, I really didn't end up eating that much fish. Instead, I embarked on a a mainly vegetarian diet which included about a dozen eggs and a couple cans of tuna over the 31 days.

My main source of protein came from beans and nuts. I made, and purchased, a lot of bean burritos. Burger King also introduced its plant-based Impossible Whopper, so I enjoyed the "fast-food" experience a couple times too.

The meatless Impossible Whopper - now available in Canada

What I learned

Of the three monthly challenges I have taken so far, March was the easiest. Because I like vegetables and beans, making the switch was effortless. It was just a matter of choosing not to consume meat products. I've also been enjoying vegetarian lunches for a few years now, so most of my day was the same.

I plan to continue being "mainly meatless" and I will certainly abstain from any "cheap" or "processed" meats. No more frozen pepperoni pizzas or chicken nuggets, even when they are on sale at Costco. My meat purchases will be fewer, and will come from local, sustainable sources. 

Today, I registered for the wait-list for my Covid vaccine. This made me pause and think about the many zoonotic (animal based) pandemic threats we are likely to face if we don't change our ways. Covid 19 likely came from a wet-market in Wuhan, China. The next could be from a factory farm in Nebraska or Kansas. Collectively, we need to consume less meat. I'm not gong to climb on a soapbox and try to persuade others. I'll just work on the change within my control.

Final Notes

Despite my dietary choices, I gained weight this month because I increased my intake of carbohydrates and sugars. If I am going to continue with this meatless plan, I will have to restrict the comfort-food-carbs and refined sugars my body seems to crave. 

One thing I won't change and that is continuing to be an agreeable dinner guest. When we return to a time when we can break bread with each other, I will enjoy any meal a friend or family member serves up. 

Next Up

In April, I am doing a 15 to 30-minute stretching routine every day. Let's see how that treats me! I'll update next month.