This 1993 New Yorker article profiles Abe Green, a man who spent over four decades as a fixture at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool. Green, a self-made millionaire, established a daily ritual of holding court poolside, becoming a peculiar part of the hotel's landscape. The piece explores Green's evolving relationship with the hotel, from his early days as a welcomed guest to his later years marked by increasing eccentricity and strained relations with management. It paints a portrait of a man seeking community and purpose in a glamorous yet ultimately transient environment, capturing a specific era of Hollywood history and the changing dynamics of the legendary hotel.
The Portland Mercury article argues that Poison Idea, despite their volatile history and lack of mainstream recognition, are the greatest hardcore band of all time. The band's aggressive sound, confrontational lyrics reflecting their bleak Portland surroundings, and relentless touring cemented their influence on countless bands. Frontman Jerry A.'s outsized personality and struggles with addiction, while contributing to the band's instability, also added to their legend. The piece positions Poison Idea not just as a vital part of Portland's music scene, but as a crucial act in hardcore's evolution, inspiring generations with their raw power and uncompromising vision.
HN commenters discuss Portland's hardcore punk scene and Poison Idea's influence. Some debate the band's status as the "greatest of all time," with some suggesting other influential bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat. Others reminisce about seeing Poison Idea live, recalling their intense performances and Jerry A.'s powerful stage presence. Several commenters also touch upon the darker aspects of the band and the Portland scene, including drug use and violence, while acknowledging the band's significant contribution to hardcore punk. A few share personal anecdotes about encounters with band members and reflect on the evolution of the hardcore scene.
Summary of Comments ( 53 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43186050
Hacker News users discuss the intriguing life of Abe Green, the subject of the New Yorker article. Several commenters express fascination with Green's dedication to a singular, seemingly mundane routine, spending decades poolside. Some question his motivations and mental state, pondering whether it represents a life well-lived or a form of obsessive escapism. Others romanticize his existence, viewing it as a unique pursuit of personal happiness, unburdened by societal expectations. A few commenters note the piece's portrayal of a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and the changing face of Los Angeles. There's also a short thread discussing the hotel itself and its history.
The Hacker News post linking to the 1993 New Yorker article, "The Man Who Spent Forty-Two Years at the Beverly Hills Hotel Pool," has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the eccentric character of Swifty Lazar, the Hollywood agent who is the subject of the piece.
Several commenters express fascination with Lazar's unusual life and relentless networking, even by the standards of Hollywood. They highlight his dedication to being at the pool, painting a picture of a man wholly consumed by his work and the pursuit of deals. One commenter notes Lazar's seemingly paradoxical nature, appearing both incredibly successful and deeply unhappy or unfulfilled.
Some discussion revolves around the bygone era of Hollywood dealmaking that Lazar embodied, contrasting it with the present day. Commenters remark on the more "genteel" (or at least less overtly crass) nature of business dealings in that time, though acknowledging the ever-present undercurrent of ambition and manipulation.
A few commenters mention the piece's portrayal of the Beverly Hills Hotel itself, reminiscing about its iconic status and the aura of glamour surrounding it. One commenter shares a personal anecdote about encountering Lazar at the hotel, corroborating the image of him as a constantly working, highly connected individual.
There's a brief thread discussing Lazar's apparent lack of genuine friendships, with speculation about whether his relentless focus on business left room for meaningful personal connections.
Overall, the comments paint a picture of intrigued readers, drawn in by the story of an unusual character in a fascinating setting. They reflect on the changing nature of Hollywood, the allure of the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the potential pitfalls of a life entirely dedicated to professional pursuits. While not a large number of comments, they offer a thoughtful and engaging response to the article.