Charlatans

"Charlatans"by Moises Naim and Quico Toro give many examples of charlatans and as a skeptic you will be amused or maybe disgusted.  The authors have determined that there are things to learn.  First the victims are not necessarily stupid or ignorant.  The perpetrators do not rely on persuasion.  You, yes YOU are vulnerable.   

A charlatan is defined as "a public figure who manipulatively champions the dream that a group of people share in order to exploit them without overt coercion, turning those marks into enthusiastic participants in their own  exploitation."

The book is listed as published in 2024 which means the research was completed ahead of time.  In one section they point out that one charlatan foolishly predicted that Joe Biden  would be replaced as a candidate by someone before the election.  So, they too were taken in.  More on politics later.

Charlatans have existed for a very long time.  Mamugna visited Venice before 1589 and was elected an official alchemist for the republic.  He was able to create the illusion that he could turn metal into gold.  For awhile he was able to live a life of luxury.  Eventually reality brought him down to earth.  Crypto currency is thought to be another easy path to wealth that few really understand.

Arif Naqvi from Pakistan started off legitimately as a successful entrepreneur.  However he couldn't abide failure and soon switched to setting up an elaborate Ponzi scheme where new clients helped to pay for the earlier clients.  To build his credibility and get a big infusion of capital he was able to get Bill Gates to back him.  Eventually like all Ponzi schemes his scheme collapsed.

Alex Jones was a believer in conspiracies and was able to locate several people who shared the dream of dragging down authority figures.  Perhaps his most dastardly deed was turning a tragic shooting incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School into an extreme reaction where dozens of followers turned on the parents.  The parents were considered actors who were trying to do away with the Second Amendment.  One parent moved from Connecticut to Washington State and still received death threats.  Eventually the parents ganged up with legal help and stopped Alex Jones for the moment.  

A story I read in Michael Cohen's book, "Disloyal" explained how he got a critical endorsement for Donald Trump from Jerry Falwell Jr.  Basically Cohen ingratiated himself with the Falwell family, built up a trust relationship to the point he learned of very damaging circumstances that he used to force them to endorse a most un Christian candidate, Donald Trump.  That endorsement had been sought by Ted Cruz who as an evangelical Christian thought he had it sewn up.  A very significant choice that ended up with what we endure today.  Why did Jerry Falwell Jr. have such an impact?

 

He did not have the preaching ability of his father, but became in charge of Liberty University steering the children of evangelical Christians to this university.  Developed an online presence.  His motive was profit oriented, but he knew he could use his famous name to gain support.  He used Google and the Department of Veteran Affairs to recruit.  His word carried a lot of weight with Christian Evangelicals.  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/disloyal-michael-cohen-version.html

Trump would provide many examples, but the authors focused on Trump University.  Before getting in operation the Trump team was charged with improperly using the title "University".  That was just ignored and steps were taken to set up a curriculum which really just used material already rehashed.  At first outsiders pointed out the dishonesty of the scheme and eventually insiders realized they were being ripped off.  As he was running for the presidency Trump agreed to a $25 million penalty.  This was before his first term.  The authors missed his second term where his followers supported a range of policies that hurt them.  Tump illustrates another trait of charlatans by humiliating references to his enemies.

As outsiders we think that the victims are not well educated or smart.  In fact some very intelligent people have fallen.  The trick is not persuasion, but targeting people with a dream, that are what the authors call

 "marks."  Modern technology make it easier to identify exploitation targets.  The algorithms used by Facebook and Google for example are designed to drive engagement.  

 

As insiders we all like to confirm the rightness of our dreams.  We can latch onto confirmation very easily We use motivated reasoning to justify our hope.  For many, even contrary evidence actually reinforces their beliefs.

What can be done?  The authors feel it is very tricky, especially with modern technology it is easier to identify suitable targets.  Spotting the charlatans out to exploit your dreams has become a critical survival skill.  

On a wide basis we need to strengthen legal protections.  Google has had some success with pre-bunking non scientific ideas.  Social isolation is a risk, but have to be considered carefully.

For individuals it is recommended that we are humble, realizing we can be vulnerable.  Having a network of family and friends is a check on outsiders who want to take advantage of us  If something is too good to be true, it probably is.  Fast thinking needs at times to be replaced by slow thinking.

An earlier blog on Moises Naim; http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/11/the-revenge-of-power.html

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

 "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" (2025) won the Oscar for best documentary feature.  Admittedly it was done without permission of most of the subjects or of government authorities.  Although much was done openly, it was essentially an undercover procedure as it revealed truth against power.

Pavel  Talankin among other things was a school videographer in the city of Karabash, Russia (noted for its pollution) and for awhile it provides a cover for his anti war views, but he learns he has to be cautious, most of the staff knows his anti-war attitude.  Part of his job was teaching students video production skills including editing.

Putin is quoted a few times saying "War is not won by commanders.  War is won by teachers."  After Russia invaded Ukraine there is a marked increase in propaganda  coming from education authorities and passed down through the teachers.  Marching drills become part of the curriculum.  Marksmanship is practiced and at one point it is noted that grades declined and the teachers realized nothing could be done about the military training.

One example of the propaganda was Putin pointing out that Kyiv was one of the key counter forces against the Nazis when they attacked Russia.  Some members of the Wagner group attended the to lecture students.

Students and staff have brothers, fathers, husbands and sons involved.  We learn the desperation of at least one relative who wanted to get out of the military and subsequently died.  The deaths are noted by relatives, but kept quiet from the general public.  Pavel was not allowed to videotape a funeral, but provided us with some audio coverage.  

The fact that you are able to view this film indicates Pavel is no longer in Russia.  

This information was difficult to be revealed and to be organized to a credible production.  Here are some of the key people.

Without Pavel Tarankin, there would be no film.  He grew up and worked in Karabash, Russia.  After his escape he worked with Danish and Czech experts to put it together.  He served as co-director and cinematographer.  When he had to show the Oscar trophy to airport authorities he was told it could be a weapon.  When he reached his German transit point, the Oscar had disappeared.  Fortunately it has been recovered.

David Borenstein was the producer, director and writer.  When Pavel reached out regarding his efforts he made contact with David who encouraged him to stay a little longer.  David had been a graduate from the University of Florida with degrees in Chinese and political science.  He then spent 10 years in China working on a film project.  He had started in radio broadcasting.  He has 6 producing credits, 6 for directing and 4 for writing including episodes for Nova.  During his Oscar acceptance speech he made some anti Trump remarks.

The music was shared.  Jonas Struck has been guitarist and songwriter with the Danish rock band, Swan Lee.  He has 41 composing credits, 15 for the music department and 12 for soundtrack.  Michal Rataj was a Czech composer and sound designer with 26 composing credits and 2 for the music department.

Editing was also shared.   Rebekka Lonqvist has 29 editor credits, 6 for the camera and electrical department and 4 for the editorial department.  Nicolaj Monberg has 48 editor credits, 17 for the editorial department and 2 for directing including "Borgen". See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/borgen.html

I watched it on a DVD, but believe there must be other ways you can check this one out.  My version was subtitled. You may get a more accurate view of Russian leadership regarding the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

An African History of Africa

What was learned about Africa in Canadian and American schools was written from the perspective of colonizers.  Zeinab Badawi decided to add an African perspective with"An African History of Africa" (2024).  This post is necessarily skimpy, but should open your eyes to an important part of the world.

Scientists agree that man originated in Africa. Over time geographical forces pushed early man outside towards Arabia and Europe.   

Egypt is where most westerners were made conscious of an African culture.  Taming the Nile was critical to Egyptian development.  They mastered irrigation and canals.  Calendars progressed with the concept of a month, based on observations of the moon's orbit and calculated a year at 365 days (out by only a fraction).  

Egypt had been invaded by Asians, but also conquered parts of Asia including areas that became Israel, Lebanon and Syria.  The area below Egypt was known as the Kush  (modern day Sudan) and it helped supply Egypt with gold, ebony, ivory and ostrich feathers in return for grain, linen and wood.  It has been thought that Moses married a Kushite woman who may have been black.   

 Ethiopia was close to Arabia and traded with India including rhino horns and ivory.  They developed the idea of metal coins for trading. They accepted Christianity.  

Another group in North Africa were the Phoenicians who had originated in Lebanon.  They were major traders in Africa and Europe.  They built a significant city in Carthage which was eventually destroyed by the Romans.  

Berbers were active before being invaded by the Arabs.  Today 40% of Morocco is Berbers.  The first United States war was against the Barbary state in 1801 and 1805 as the Berbers were acting as pirates in the Mediterranean.

Timbuktu has been thought of as mythical, but did exist as major trading centre connecting western Africa to North Africa.  It also became a host for Islamic scholars. 

The area now known as Zimbabwe was found to have significant amounts of gold and diamonds.  Cecil Rhodes took advantage and was cruel to the Africans.

The Kingdom of the Kongo covering present day Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Gabon  was established around 1390.  They had developed several skills and traded using a barter system with cowrie shells, textiles and agricultural products.  They achieved a population thought to be about 3 million at a time when England had about 2.5 million subjects.  The Portuguese and other Europeans came and the Kongo was discovered to have a huge reserve of cobalt.  Belgium gained control of what was then known as the Kongo.  King Leopold was one of the cruelest European leaders as he exploited the rubber resources.  Joseph Conrad in "The Heart of Darkness"  commented that the treatment meted out to the Congo amounted to "the vilest scramble for loot that ever disfigured the history of human conscience and geographical exploration."  

The British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury was heard to say "We have been engaged in drawing lines upon a map where no white man's feet have ever trod".  The Europeans were very condescending towards the Africans 

Barrack Obama's grandfather had served in the British army in Burma, but was dissatisfied with progress towards independence in Kenya and joined the Mau Mau.  He had been imprisoned and tortured.

Slavery is strongly associated with Africa.  Slavery existed in other parts of the world, but was usually tied to conquerors taking the losing side and making the survivors slaves.  Arabs came to Africa and started exporting slaves back to Arabia, Persia and parts of Asia.  Africans also had slaves, but they were somewhat like Arabs when they ended up with mixed race children, treated the children as free and sometimes even the slave mothers.  Europeans first came to Africa for trade purposes, but soon discovered the availability of slaves.  The Portuguese were the first and developed networks in such places as Zanzibar and Cape Verde.  Soon the other European nations got involved as they felt riches could be had in the New World requiring human labour.  They rationalized that the Africans were not civilized.  Archaeologists were told not to credit Africans with any creations. 

There were slave rebellions with perhaps the most noteworthy in Haiti.  There, the slaves were able to defeat Napoleon.  Many of the slave owners fled to Louisiana and generated hate towards the Haitians.  Americans have ostracized the island nation resulting in extreme poverty and anarchy.  More recently many Haitians have immigrated, legally or illegally and although many struggled to escape poverty others have made contributions.  Still Trump was able to scare voters claiming Haitians ate dogs.  

Around 15% of Americans have an African background.  More than half of the Brazilian population amounting to  over 100 million have an African background.   

Now that the rest of the world has extracted a fortune out of Africa there is a cry for restitution.  European and American museums contain artifacts that African authorities would like back.

Botswana was not covered in the book, but researching for a  previous blog uncovered some information.   It was used as a positive example of a success story.   The author of "Why Nations Fail"  demonstrated how an inclusive society developed in Botswana, in the middle of African colonial powers by getting some relief from British authorities after a visit to England by some chiefs.  At the time they were one of the poorest nations in Africa, but because they developed an inclusive society they became one of the richer ones.  Today they have one of the highest incomes in Africa and also one of the best records of democracy.  Fortunately for them diamonds were not discovered until after independence and now help to benefit the whole society in stead of just a few foreigners.

 In truth Africa is a big topic, but Zeinab Badawi does a good job bringing out many details that we westerners have overlooked.  Africa today has the youngest population in the world.  The average African is 19 years old which contrasts with average age of 49 for the Japanese and 41 in the United Kingdom.  They are demanding education of their own history.  They have access to technology, are innovative and are less concerned about ethnic loyalties .  It may not happen overnight, but Africa will play a more significant role in the global future.  Ignore it at your peril.

The poster at the top was designed by Leah Jacobs-Gordon

My third Octopus film is not a documentary

 

 Octopi are getting attention.  A few years back there were two documentaries that got my attention.  Certainly they proved to be more unique than anticipated and I am glad to have seen them.  How humans fit in is also fascinating.   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/for-me-this-is-year-of-octopus.html

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" (2026) is really about human relationships with plenty of misunderstandings, but Marcellus, the octopus is a key mover in the story.  First he is a creature that Tova loves to relate to in her late night cleaning job and then to Cameron her replacement after an injury he also relates to Marcellus.  But to clear up an misunderstanding that I probably share with my readers; although octopi are truly remarkable, the "Remarkably Bright Creatures" are the people Marcellus watches, analyzes. and strives to help.

Tova has suffered from a missing son.  Cameron came to this small Washington town (actually filmed in British Columbia) wanting to right an imagined wrong.  Marcellus can detects some unhappiness.  Both Tova and Cameron develop new relationships and Tova pushes Cameron on at least three occasions to exceed his comfort zone and two of them work out.   

A few words on Marcellus.  We hear his thoughts, but nobody else does.  I hadn't realize octopi could travel on land, but apparently for limited periods of time they can.  He can change colors to camouflage and his body is so flexible he can squeeze through some very small openings.  Marcellus escapes his aquarium and has to be retrieved by Tova and Cameron, in effect saving his life.  We are vaguely aware that he is contemplating his own death.  Critically with his natural talents, makes a move that resolves some issues and leads to a happy ending for the two leads.  

A lot of work and talent went into this effort that keeps you engaged and, in the end satisfied.  Here are a few.

The creator of the original idea was author Shelby Van Pelt who wrote the book..  She was inspired in a creative writing course looking for something unique.  Going back to her childhood she recalls she was interested in aquariums, but mostly forgot about as she moved on to motherhood and jobs such as  litigation consultant.  Her grandmother inspired the character of Tova.  "My Octopus Teacher" (2020) made a strong impression.   Shelby was also an executive producer.

Olivia Newman was director, writer and executive producer.  She has a B.A. in French and women's studies from Vassar College and a M.F.A. in film from Columbia University.  She has10 directing credits, 5 for producing and 3 for writing including "Where the Crawdads Sing" (2022) 

Peter Craig was one of the producers.  He happens to be a son of Sally Field.  He also has written 3 novels, one of which was adapted for a movie.  Peter has 15 credits for writing, 5 for producing and 1 for directing including "The Town" (2011) and "Top Gun:  Maverick" (2022).

Dickon Hinchcliffe was the composer.  He has been a violinist for an alternative rock group, Tenderticks.  He has 49 composing credits, 20 for the music department and 13 for soundtrack.

Ashley Connor was the cinematographer.  She has also done music videos.  Ashely has 86 cinematography credits, 10 for directing and 14 for the camera and electrical department including "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" (2018) and "Polite Society" (2023).

Tamara Meem was the editor.  Originally from Australia, has moved to California.  She has 26 editor credits, 15 for the editorial department and 3 for Visual Effects.

Mary Vernieu was involved with casting.  Although a much sought after casting director, she runs a restaurant and wine bar in Los Angeles.  She has 493 credits for casting director, 45 for the casting department and 40 for producing including "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012), "The Whole Truth" (2018), "Knives Out" (2019). "Promising Young Woman" (2020), "Cruella" (2021), "The Good Nurse" (2022), "The Whale" (2022), "Gran Turismo" (2023) and "Rule Breakers" (2025).

Sally Field played Tova.  She has been a Broadway performer and won 2 Oscars for best actress.  Sally has 71 acting credits, 6 for producing and 3 for directing including "Norma Rae" (1979), "Not Without My Daughter" (1991), "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), "Forest Gump" (1994), "Lincoln" (2012), "The Amazing Spiderman" (2012), "Absence of Malice" (2014), "Hello, My Name is Doris" (2015) and "Spoiler Alert" (2022)

 Lewis Pullman played Cameron.  He is a drummer and has been part of Atta Boy.  Lewis has 37 acting credits including "Top Gun:  Maverick" (2022), "Lessons in Chemistry" (2023) and "The Sparling Girl" (2023).

Joan Chen played a close friend to Tova.    The wife of Mao Zedong spotted her in a marksmanship contest and recommended her for movie.  Joan has 101 acting credits, 5 for directing and 5 for producing including "Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart" (1985), "The Last Emperor" (1987), "Heaven and Earth" (1993), "1911" (2011),  "Hemingway & Gellhorn" (2012), and "The Wedding Banquet" (2015).

Colm Meaney played Ethan, a good friend for everyone.  He has been active in theatre on both sides of the Atlantic.  Colm has 152 acting credits, 4 for soundtrack and 1 for producing including "Far and Away" (1992), "The Englishman Who Went up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain" (1995), "Parked" (2010), "The Conspirator" (2010), "Alan Partridge" (2013), "The Journey" (2016) and "Tolkien" (2019).

Alfred Molina was the voice of Marcellus.  Born in London to immigrant parents.  Alfred has 234 acting credits including "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), "Not Without my Daughter" (1991), "Dead Man" (1995), "Frida" (2002), "The Da Vinci Code" (2006), "An Education" (2009), "Love is Strong" (2014), "Secret in Their Eyes" (2015),"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (2016), "Promising Young Woman" (2020), "Three Pines" (2022) and an uncredited part as a patient in "The Pitt" (2024).

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" is an unusual film with its focus on an octopus, but it just proves that everything is connected.  Available on Netlix.

As usual I have bolded films I have seen.  This cast has really done a good circuit.

Phantom Lawyer

 Like most of you, I like to think I am realistic.  "Phantom Lawyer" (2026) is not realistic, but it is very funny and perhaps makes a few realistic points.  Science fiction is said to use tools to make a point.  This is more a fantasy, inside reality to give another perspective.  The dead can't testify, although science allows some information.  This series is the one I felt most addicted to this year as I found waiting for the next episode very anxious.

This series allows a lawyer to get a different view of a crime and pursue new clues.  Another lawyer wants to know how come he knows some critical facts.  Ghosts are really a tool that are used in different ways in the 16 episodes.

I-Rang graduates from law school, but finds it difficult to find a law firm as his father died with a corrupt reputation.  I-Rang gets an office that used to belong to a shaman.  

He is greeted by a ghost that at first scares him.  Over the initial episodes we learn the ghosts tend to be above ground until after they contact the lawyer.  They can pass through solid objects, but cannot  move objects.  At first they have a fuzzy memory, but it turns out they are usually involved with a crime.  Only I-Rang can see them and, at least once in an episode is possessed by them, often voicing their frustration with no memory recall afterwards.  His brother-in-law, his mother, a rival attorney and a priest are all aware, but unable to see.

The romance starts out as competition between two lawyers, both with good ethical standards.   Han Na Hyun is recognized as a very talented lawyer, but with a win at any cost boss at Taebaek firm.  Na Hyun is stunned by how I-Rang is able to know things no one else does. 

The ghost tool is used cleverly to emphasize tricky situations.  The final episode (number 16) helps resolve another tricky situation and is very touching.

This series required some deft handling and here are some of the contributors that made the unbelievable engaging.

Jon Hun Shin was the director.  He has 2 directing credits, 11 for assistant directing and 1 for writing.

Kim Cheol-gyu was the writer.  He has 14 directing credits, 2 for writing and 3 for producing including "Flower of Evil" (2020),  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/10/flower-of-evil.html

Dapalan handled the music.  He had been a member of both heavy metal and electronic bands.  He has 70 music credits including "The Good the Bad the Weird" (2008), "The Thieves" (2012), "For the Emperor" (2014), "Assassination" (2015), "The Wailing" (2016), "My Name is Loh Kinan" (2024) "Killer Paradox" (2024) and "Romantics Anonymous" (2024). See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/10/romantics-anonymous.html  see also http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/a-killer-paradox.html

 Yoo Yeon-seok played Sin I-rang, the male lead.  He has 40 acting credits and 1 for the sound department including "Oldboy" (2003), "Werewolf Boy" (2012), "The Beauty Inside" (2015) and "When the Phone Rings" (2024).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/when-phone-rings.html

Esom plays Han Na Hyeon.  She has 30 acting credits including "Because This Is My First Life" (2017).

Kim Mi-kyung played I-Rang's mother.  She has been involved with a theatre group.  Mi-kyung has 83 acting credits including "Secret Sunshine" (2007), "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020), "Trolley"  (2022-23), "Doctor Cha" (2023) and "Welcome to Samdal-ri" (2023-24).  see  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html  Also http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/02/the-trolley.html  and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/welcome-to-sandal-ri.html 

Kim Kyung-Nam played the CEO of Taebaek, the opposing law firm.  He has 13 acting credits including"Strongest Deliveryman" (2017). 

Choi Kwang-il plays the co founder of Taebaek and father to the current CEO.  He has 54 acting credits including "The Glory" (2022) and "When the Phone Rings" (2025)

Jeon Seok-ho, played the brother in law.  He has been with a theatre group since 2003.  He has 40  acting credits including "Misaeng" (2014), "Hyena" (2020), "Love Next Door" (2024) and "Squid Game" (2024-25).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/squid-game-season-2.html

Son Yeo-eun played I-rang's sister.  She has 21 acting credits including "The King's Affection" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/the-kings-affection.htm

Jeong Seung-gil played a former shaman turned priest.  He has 56 acting credits including "Tunnel" (2016), "Agency" (2023) and "Our Unwritten Seoul" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/our-unwritten-seoul.html

 When you watch any film, in the back of your mind it is a pretend world, but you enjoy the well done ones.   Using ghosts as a tool there are more plot moves. see  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/12/my-favorite-ghost-movies.html  It is available subtitled on Netflix.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.