A novel of murder and obsession
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Words From Rib
A Collection of Word Art, Poetry and Short Stories.
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A novel of forbidden love
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Past Rib Reads Reviews
(Nonfiction book reviews by Rib)
Title: I Am Not a Psychic: A Novel
Author: Richard Belzer
I was interested in this book right away because… well... it is The Belz, ya know. yummy!! But it can be disconcerting when real people are doing or at least writing about doing fake things. Call me a dunderhead, but when someone writes about themselves...that fine line hazes over. Was this something that happened that is fictionalized or totally made up?? Obviously some traits of his Homicide, Law and Order et al. character are there but that is fake and this is about The Belz who is real. It is kind of like historical fiction but now. Was there real exchanges between two specific real people or is all of this from whole cloth?? Ya see I like the facts, just the facts. I mean real?? not real?? PICK ONE!! . And I lighten up whenever I see his face on the cover. PRRRRRRR. And I do love a mystery so... I dive in... So I didn't find it terribly brilliant but I keep reading.
There is much mention of fecal matter. I wonder if this has anything to do with the Aristocrats. I wonder if the author is familiar with David Brenners book about terrorists in his soup and his many mentions of the shit sandwich. I kept thinking about it. In the dialogue, he sure sounds like Munch with a little Dennis Miller thrown in. I did Laugh when a guard thought he was James Woods. How did I never put that together? He probably gets that a lot. And he seems to wonder why people can't distinguish between he and the character he plays. He must meet some stupid people but if he didn't write books to confuse the issue, it might help. Actors often claim this happens and I thought it ridic. but I know some people can't seem to make the distinction between characters and the actor. I kept going to see how it ends. There were no big twists. If not for imagining Belzer in the story, I wouldn't have made it. I did learn one thing. Please do not call him Rich
Title: The Elephant Whisperer
Author: Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence
This is a heartwarming, heartbreaking book about Lawrence Anthony. Anthony is a man who owns a game reserve called Thula in South Africa. I don't go easily into books or films that focus on animals. Just as my Mother before me, I really lose it when an animal suffers. Of course there is no shortage of that here but oh my!!, the upside!!!
This is also the story of Anthony's wife and the people who do everything in their power to keep that suffering from happening. Along the way they teach some lessons in local lore and language.
The heart of the elephant saga is how the reserve takes in a troublesome herd. They escape and our storyteller decides he must gain their trust. Without them he may not have learned who he himself could trust on his own staff. I am always amazed when 'non animal' humans (which in itself makes no sense because we are all animals)...say ridiculous things like 'dumb animals'. Every day in every way if you pay attention to animals they will amaze you with their senses and love of family. The instincts and smarts in these elephants are wondrous. I mean sound waves?? Who knew?? Stomach rumblings?? Wow!
The down side is rough. I wish that people could have the sense of animals. These creatures could never want dried vulture brain as luck for the lotto. They couldn't make sense of a wildebeest tail for a magic wand. Only human brainiacs could be so superstitious, so wasteful. The poachers are here, they have to make a living but what a heartless way to do so. The book is sort of an advertisement for the reserve itself but a damn good one!!
Title: Miss O'Dell: My Hard Days and Long Nights with The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Women They Loved
Author: Chris O'Dell
This chick whose pic you can find on the back of the Exile album, (the greatest collection of music ever made) was an insider. At first glance, this book seems like a glorified groupie spilling the beans. After reading, many may still see her that way. But O'Dell turned her sudden intro into the heart of the music scene into years of work and friendship and, yes, groupie kind of stuff. She kept secrets and probably got into the middle of some things she shouldn't have. If she is really on the level, who could resist? I mean, fucking Ringo??... fucking Mick??...ok, well lots of women did that. But being on that last rooftop with the Beatles??...yes!! She does some revealing of the outside looking in looking out again. These little snippets are like crack for the Beatles and Stones fan.
Along the way she said some pretty brilliant things. Talking about early relationships she muses...'when it ended, it hurt like hell but I moved on quickly, went with the flow. One of my great strengths would also prove to be a significant weakness.' That statement sums up my life. How terribly profound. She has some good insight into love and higher power with a line that wonders... 'What kind of spirituality is it if it comes between you and the one you love.'
This book says a lot about being in the right place at the right time. She also points out how important listening is. I am always saying that!! Stop talking people... it is so important to pay attention. There are so many interesting tid bits you would not expect so I'll just say go… read... But while you are here… Peter Ashers father Richard did and coined the term Munchhausen. George Harrison's fave movie was 'The Producers'. Miss O'Dell had some hard times but she lived a dream. She lived at Friar Park and tells us its history. As I read about Bangladesh, the world is opening its heart to Haiti. Did George show us the power of music? I hope we don't just walk away from it now and I hope he would be proud. There has always been some mystery that something special about the sixties and seventies, the Beatles and the Stones. She lets us in a little and I think many of us found her a mystery, the subject of songs and wedded in a castle and now we know her a little better. Thanks Chris.
Title: The Queen Mother
Author: William Shawcross
Wow! This is a big fucking book! Of course, I suppose an OFFICIAL royal bio has to be...now doesn't it?
Now, in the beginning...there is about as much begattin' in the lead up to the birth of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon as there is in the bible. Her parents, themselves had ten children. By birth she was a Lady. But there was no inkling she would one day be Queen. She was always known as something very special.
Her childhood as Lilibet is filled with some sadness as are most. There are many technological advances recorded in her diary. It was a thrilling time of adventure and learning. In her teens, the future Lady Di's great Aunt Lavinia became one of her best buds. On her fourteenth birthday World War I breaks out. This brought about great change in all their lives. Elizabeth would never be the same and she would never be forgotten.
Of course we learn much about the family of her future husband. There is almost too much detail but this is the place to put everything. All the Lords and Ladies and Princes seem endless. In Europe almost everybody has a title, how smashing!!
The love story of Albert and Elizabeth is sweet and surprising. One can't help but think of Diana because of the way the public just eats her up. She quickly sees the heartbreaks of royal responsibility, when she has to leave her baby Elizabeth behind to tour Australia for six months. And the power of her station does not give her the right to pick a name for her own child. There is the sacrifice of some rights to gain others.
In the thirties the King became depressed as he lost his sister, the national debt rose, world trade declined, markets shrank and unemployment rose. Hmmm...sounds familiar! Then came Hitler. I was struck by a great paragraph in here that put it so well. It states that nobody could possibly want war again. After all the death and destruction of the last. It shows that those that did just thought their countries hadn't been ruthless enough.
A former nanny to Lilibet was the head mistress at a school in Munich and insisted it was good. That went out the window when they learned she was Jewish. A great line of the time attributed to Harold Nicholson one of the best writers of the mid twentieth century, was... "To attentive ears there came, in the last months of George V's life, the distant grumble of the thunder of a second war."
In 1936 as King George dies and war looms, a scandal takes center stage. The media kept a lid on things better then but of course it eventually became legend. Albert's older brother Edward had planned to abdicate and marry Mrs. Simpson, a twice married American who had taken over his life. With his Fathers death he became King Edward VIII. Once the story broke, she threatened to end it and he swore suicide. He withdrew from his family and became ever closer to friends. Public opinion went both ways. But in December, he abdicates but claims he hasn't much money. This later turns out to be a lie. And so it was that Albert took his Fathers name to become King George VI and little Lilibet is the first commoner to become Queen consort since the seventeenth century.
I was fascinated that the King and Queen tour Canada (which she becomes extremely fond of) and the U.S. and their ship gets stuck for days by icebergs at about the same time of year, in almost the same spot where the Titanic sank.
The King and Queen show their spunk by learning weapon training as war breaks out. She presses for health care for all then loses her King. They were married for twenty eight years. She sees her daughter's coronation in 1953. The meaning of Monarchy started to change. There was a need to diversify. She spends much of the rest of her life in charity to churches, military and medicine. Her staff was loyal and stayed for years but she outlives them. Camilla Parker Bowles Father in Law becomes a good buddy. How often does anyone live to their hundreds? A royal?
Title: Runaway Dream
Author: Louis P. Masur
Wow! All Springsteen all the time. Is this guy excited about Bruce or what!!!?? Ok...I get it but whew!! kiss kiss...c'mon
Title: The Sisters Who Would Be Queen
Author: Leanda De Lisle
So... This is the story of the 1500's and how Henry the Eighth wanted a son. That, of course, didn't go too well. There is much going on at this time in history. So many people are vollyin' for position, some with just a spot of royal blood, that it gets confusing. Different branches of the family seek to be in charge all while on the brink of religious civil war. On a personal note, there was mention of the Lady Shrewsbury which brought a tear to my eye.
Before the legacy of Queen Elizabeth there came the nieces of Henry, Jane, Katherine and Mary. Edward VI died young and picked Jane to be Queen. This lasted all of nine days. Public sentiment was against her and she was quickly done away with. It's good to have a bit more detail about this than what history told us. All in all the whole family saga has more that it's share of heartbreak and secrets. I wasn't crazy about the way it was all pulled together but if you love this era, the royal line and or Europe in general, it is informative and enjoyable.
Title: Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin
Author: Kathy Griffin
Ok… right off the bat… this is one of my fave books of last year. Go Kathy!! And I never, not for a minute thought Leopold and Loeb would be mentioned. Wow!! Kathy's childhood was much like mine and most other kids I knew growin' up. No matter where one lived in this country, it seemed parents and or grandparents were stoned in the seventies. I think that booze and the little clocks that only contained 5's were everywhere. Children were being taught the art of bartending. Bad as that sounds in our pc forum today, it did make us feel a part of things. I wanted to understand the current events of the day that they all sat around and talked about as they loosened up. I was taken with politics and celebrity gossip. I remember Rona Barrett's 'Gossip' and 'Hollywood'.
Kathy tells of she and her Mother watching movies. Her Mother told her the real tales of the stars lives. I have found myself doing that with my son. He sure has an understanding of pop culture and loves Kathy Griffin. He also turned out much like her, in fact, he's the funny one and dislikes drugs and alcohol hmmm. I keep wondering how she popped into my brain, there is so much similarity, without the fame and money. I also watched Dr. shows with my Mother and developed intense tv crushes. I mean who needs real boys? ok…well... I had them too but only cuz I had tits, I think. But tv and movie stars were better cuz they couldn't disappoint you. I'm not sure I ever really got over David Soul or Robert Redford. I agree with her about Dick Van Dyke being good husband material. She also brings up the ice cream parlor Farrell's. I remember them too. And who knew Margaret Cho sold sex toys. I guess I have something in common with her too. ...yea, yea, I know this is about Kathy's book, not me...so I will get back on track...
The book takes serious and heartbreaking turns. Ms. Griffin tackled these battles in life like a trooper. She gets through it all with a sense of humor, staying sober and staying away from denial. Many could learn a lesson here.
One of the best chapters contains the Andy Dick story, so Andy Kaufmanesque? Priceless!! I could not believe her raw honesty about the marriage. Occasionally, many years after the pain, people will spill their guts, but damn!! But, once again, no denial, just facing it and laying it all out there. I admit to feeling a little cheated that they sort of play acted through a season of a 'reality show'. But none of them are real anyway. I guess. That's why there are very few worth watching. I do love hers, despite the smokescreen.
The book could have done with a lot less of Woz's e mails but it was funny how he (and I am sure it is just the tip of the iceberg), went on about computers et al. Yet he didn't seem to have a clue about most pop culture. Kathy's story is sad and hilarious. Read it! If you are familiar with any of the things I mentioned abut growing up. Really C'mon read it!! And just to bring me back into this...another thing we had in common....a bit of a crush on Fred from Howard Sterns show. Kathy...Get out of my head!!!
Title: Columbine
Author: Dave Cullen
Part one of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. It's like reading Bugliosi's book about JFK. The events keep pushing along and you know what awaits you at the end but it is the little known facts in between that stay in your brain. You want to warn someone, you are horrified. As the reader you feel so helpless.
The terror of simple American high school kids who should be worrying about homework and dates just chills you to the bone. The journalist, author, Cullen writes, no paints a damning picture of killer Eric Harris and goes easier on Dylan Klebold. But as in almost all duos, there is a leader and a follower. When events are recreated, we see it all so clearly, as is the case here. Just as in yet another Bugliosi book, Helter Skelter, we also see what can go wrong with trained pros. Sorry about all the Vince references. Police and FBI can be trained extensively but when unexpected madness happens, it can all go awry.
I so respect the way this is written. As suspenseful as it was, it was cold hard fact and did not leave you wondering when discussing a particular student or situation. Fact presented-outcome given. When I started part two and read of one of the first victims whose body lay on the sidewalk for 28 hours, tears came. What? Did I read that right? As I continue, I see how easily media can twist facts. At times it certainly isn't on purpose. As anyone knows who keeps up on their detective shows, various witnesses can confuse facts. Easy catch phrases like 'trench coat mafia' can catch on fast, true or not. And all though it wasn't something I'd heard before, I wasn't surprised Jerry Falwell jumped on to accept that the killers were gay (they weren't), when those rumors spread.
The parents of these boys were, of course, pulled into the spotlight, again and again. It tells of how they were blamed by many. I, too felt that way the first day I heard of the tragedy. Yet, as a parent, I know life swirls around us and one can't be responsible for everything a child does. And to know all the while that police were hiding what they knew about Eric and his rage is horrifying.
Part three delves into the journals that the killers kept. If ever teens were screaming for help (and I believe most are), it was these boys. One truly needed a Doctor and some tender love, the other perhaps to just let it out. The angle of the clergy portrayed here is stunning. Who hasn't seen a pastor or two pull out all the stops for God when all the eyes are upon him. Love the lines from Rev. Max Hausen, a hero in this book who says he'd felt 'hit over the head with Jesus.' Funny that religion is the only thing not blamed. From the sound of it there was quite a collection of Catholic, Lutheran, evangelicals et al.in the area. But one person, publication or broadcast after another blamed the Marines, the drug luvox, video games, goths, music, you name it. I was particularly touched by the story of Valeen. She proclaimed her faith in God as another girl, Cassie was reported to have done. Cassie died. The evangelicals went crazy for Cassie dying for the Lord. Valeen was looked at a little sideways, presumably because she had lived. When it was all said and done, Cassie had never uttered her famous quote. She had prayed quietly while the witness to Cassie's death found out he was recalling Val's shooting.
Part four gives some real answers. We get into the meat and potatoes. It has a timeline moving back and forth and then the lawsuits start. In the end, I was so pissed but found myself smiling with the last paragraph.
The aftermath is as heartbreaking as the day itself. The whole thing from beginning to well, we don't know where it ends goes on. People still write about Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden and the Boston Strangler. Some of it is inspired, some indifferent. These tragedies, unfortunately, give us our best studies of humans. And we should never forget that all of the examples are now heroes to some.
Title: Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White
Author: Tim Reid, Tom Dreesen, and Ron Rapoport
Ok… Listen… This book has been out awhile. One of my favorite things is to discover a book I've always wanted to read that I never knew existed. I really can't figure out why I never heard of this. I have always had great affection for these guys. I had no idea they were once a team. I keep up on my celeb stuff but this slipped by me. Of course, as with all of us, life gets in the way of entertainment, tee he he. Sometimes we miss what's going on in the world beyond us for good reason. ...So, I'll review not only current books but also discover some from the past. Hell, If I get an itch to read something I have previously loved or hated, I may review that. I mean this is writing raw, after all. I can do whatever the fuck I please, thank you very much. So... to get back on track…
I thought I knew more about comedy than I apparently do. Reid and Dreesen, a team WOW!! I am humbled. The first chapter rocks. I was so there in the room, feeling the tension and the relief. It was short and sweet and to the point. Right on! As we move on, the comics tell of their young years. Tim writes of an Aunt Belle and Grandma Beulah. Those are two of my favorite names ever. A heartbreaking childhood to be sure but Belle and Beulah!! When it is Dreesen's turn to tell, my eyes well up with tears about his sister Darlene. Tim and Tom are both excellent examples for the phrase… Never give up. I don't usually wonder why I feel so compelled to read about what makes others tick. But when I read of lives like these that could have turned out so different, I think about it.
Where they are right now says it all. Every story makes an impact. Everybody has strength that they don't know they have. The strength of this duo shines. That is so good for them and theirs and the rest of us. They paid attention when the good in the world crossed their paths. They teach a crucial lesson here, to learn from the bad, remember it, but let it go. Embrace the good and pass it on. When you are at a turning point, look all around you for the signs.
The book, of course, has plenty of laughter too. The showbiz crazies they meet are priceless. The book should also be read as a lesson in race relations. As with all great teams, things start to come between them, little by little and then Poof! no more duo…
The second part of the book is a quick look at the success years and where they are now. The question that kept going through my mind was how could I see them together. They answered that and a few others that came to me as well. I am so glad I read this book.
Title: The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero
Author: William Kalush and Larry Sloman
There has been so much written about Houdini, in life and death. His name is still used everyday. I'll bet you heard it in some context just this week, I
did. How could a poor immigrant who went out in the world at the age of 12 to seek his fortune become one of the most famous men in the world?
This book will tell you. His family had a long road from Budapest to Appleton, Wisconsin to New York. But Houdini wasn't just smart and talented, he was a great salesman. He knew how to market himself to the masses. The boy known as Eric Weisz took little bits and pieces from his heroes and things he witnessed to create Houdini and later Hardeen for his brother.
He took pride in his brothers but his Mother was the apple of his eye. His other partner was his wife, Bess whom he married after only about a week. Everyone has a turning point and his came when he had to switch trains once to get to a booking. Being late, he threw himself across the tracks until he was sure he and his trunks would be loaded. Harry learned all the tricks of a spirit medium but didn't have the stomach to keep it up. Later in life, he went after them. Would he have lived longer if he had left it alone?
Once he headed down the path of escaping form virtually everything, he became a sensation. Part of his marketing ploy was showing up in cop shops and breaking out of their handcuffs and cells. He took on many challenges from jumping into icy water, escaping lit cannons, rotating wheels, iron boilers and milk churns. Some of his old rivals complained that he stole their tricks. Surprisingly, Harry sort of soiled the reputation of Robert Houdin, from whom he got his name.
I think the most interesting aspect of the book is his interest in flight. We even read of the first death by plane crash. Just before the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, Houdini and others experimented with aviation. It started to dawn on countries that in war there could be air attacks.
He made it to the top and became an international star. After his private audience with President Woodrow Wilson, he commented that he'd never met so gracious a ruler, so human a man. There is insight to so much here. In addition to flying, magic and self promotion, he went into movies. He may have been a spy and worked on creating a diving suit that was easily shed to escape drowning. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't do. He never forgot what it was like to be poor, either. Harry helped friends, donated to hospital and once gave away $7000.00 in coins, one person at a time. There is some scandal here too. Give the book a read and see if you end up disgusted with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Title: The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt
Author: J. Stiles
Title: The Uncrowned King: The Sensational Rise of William Randolph Hearst
Author: Kenneth Whyte
Ok, now I read these books back to back, so I am gonna do a double review. It worked out well cuz as the bio of Cornelius Vanderbilt ended, the bio of William Randolph Hearst sort of continued on with the history of New York, the U. S., and the world. As one mover and shaker dies, another rises to the top. The First Tycoon is about the railroad king, Cornelius Vanderbilt. At one time, the Commodore, so named for the way he dominated railroad and steamboat transport, was the richest man in the United States. In January of 1877, at the time of his death, if his assets had sold at full market value, it would have taken one of
This biography seems well researched and spans his entire life. The start of the U.S. and the vibe of the country through different presidents are thought provoking. It just proves again that everything old id new again. Conservatives and liberals, no matter the label, have always been here in our history and were usually at odds. The people who make it to the top are not much different now either. Without a family fortune, one makes his money little by little, by seizing every opportunity, by always being there. Of course, one must also be frugal. Where would this country be if not for Mr. Vanderbilt? He was at the forefront of so much we take for granted. As a man, he talked little, was six feet tall and was economical to extremes… and, except for sex, had no real appetites. He married his cousins and had favorites when it came to his kids and grand kids. As a youth he was always in fist fights and loved high speed races to the end of his days.
In business he took chances and was rarely wrong. He made passenger steamships something that people could not live without. He built the New York railroad system, created the Grand Central depot. He expanded the nations transportation infrastructure, transforming the geography of the U.S.. Cornelius did so much to help in the Civil War that there was talk of making him Secretary of the Navy or Treasury. He taught us how to consolidate one company into another and another. This was brought on by the railroad for it spanned far and wide and needed individual managers. This is just the tip of the iceberg of his accomplishments.
This book has other history woven into the story. Included in this is how the Dutch played a central part in introducing slavery to North America, the origins of stock in New York, the first potato chip, filibustering and the game of Whist. Learn about vertical integration where a single owner takes control of his business at every step of the manufacturing process to capture profits at every point. Read of the fads of the day like Euchre and medieval tournaments. And how did I never before hear that Edith Wharton was once named Pussy Jones?? I would have remembered that. But mostly this is about a man who was sick and almost dead more than once and his rise to power and the aftermath with his will in court. Vanderbilt, a name we still know for many reasons to this day.
And then there's William Randolph Hearst, another name we still remember for many reasons. Some of he same people are in play in this book like Jay Gould, Jim Fisk and Ed Stokes. The two famous men have similarities but are really very different from the start. Hearst was born into wealth. This book concentrates on the early years. It\'s a bit refreshing because the latter part of the story has been told many times. That said, I do have other problems with this book, but we'll get there. Let's just take it from the top. Hearst seemed to put most of his effort into work. San Francisco was where he got his start but it just wasn't enough. He had to take on New York, then the country. His Mother thought nobody was good enough for him and wasn't even at his wedding. By the end of the twenties, he already owned 26 papers in 18 cities, magazines, a radio network, motion picture studio, property and a great art collection.
This book is only a little bit about all that. This writer admitted right off that his passion is newspaper. I sometimes forgot I was reading about Hearst. The focus is squarely on the newspaper biz. There are many points of history to jump off to another subject. The Vanderbilt book somehow tied it together, but this one brings in lots of other names. Suddenly we are totally away from our main subject. Some of this is priceless, I love headlines of old. There were stories and photos of all kinds about bikes....There are great sound bites (ok...written bites)… like… McKinley has the backbone of a chocolate eclair...The media had such an impact on politics, then as now. It does give one pause to see the November 1896 election have a record 79% of eligible voters cast ballots. Do we really just not care anymore?? Politics was very fashionable at this time in history. The papers went all out and boxing drew an even bigger crowd.
It becomes so clear that the party of Lincoln was changing. The major parties started to almost trade places. And William Jennings Bryant traveled the campaign miles like Clinton. By the way, if you like to read about Cuba, this is the book for you. But to me, the interesting parts are reading about yellow journalism. There are also many other terms from the period that we take for granted like all the news that's fit to print, the great white way and who was that lady I saw you with last night? Comics came into their own, as well with The Katzenjammer kids.
Both books point out what so many people today forget. Immigration has always been a part of this country. DUH! That is why we are all here. History tells us the way people from all different places shaped this country.....
Title: The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation: Stories of My Family's Journey to Freedom
Author: Jr John F Baker
The whole idea of our roots, of family trees and local history can be a very personal subject. I think it's a shame that everyone doesn't feel compelled to track down the past. But just because we think John F. Baker has delved into his own family history and found some pretty interesting stuff. I walked past the book a couple of times on the shelf.
The cover, a haunting photo of pride and sorrow got me to wondering what it was about. There was a reason he needed to share his story. Never mind that this may all lead back to George Washington. The tightness of the people through all the generations, black and white, at this particular stretch of land is heartwarming. There are good tales and bad of struggle and triumph. The beating of slaves, which should never be taken lightly, is tempered with families that were kept together.
The start of this story that begins with the haunting picture is inspiring in itself. You truly believe that somebody somewhere wanted this story told. Thank goodness for the technology of today that roots can be found down to the region of Africa. Where word of mouth leaves off, labs pick up the trail. My only real problem with this book was the repetition. Honey, you don't need to tell the same stories in the same book. He kind of goes back over the stuff again to flesh out the story. But he gives due where needed. I found it more than fair when he writes about people who actually own people. There are some truly horrible things here. He writes that the plantation had slave dwellings better than most whites of the period. I found his tales closer to the 'Beulah land' trilogy than any other southern equivalent. At times, reading this, I found myself forgetting there were owned but we should never forget.
I am sure at the time and well, yes, probably even today, a few 'people' are left that would say "Hell, everybody had a purpose, they were well fed and had free health care but it wasn't free. To give your whole life is heartbreaking. And many turned to Christianity. Some hid to practice a religion that just continued to Americanize them. I love this line that one expert on negro spirituals suggested, that if the bible were destroyed, much of it could be reconstructed from the songs that slaves sang. Most slaved believed in the occult or ghosts. Some of this is of African origin. But whites also taught of witches, omens and signs to maintain control. Slaves sometimes turned that around to frighten whites and avoid punishment or gain favors.
We also learn of things as varied as hoe cakes, soul food, life expectancy and cemeteries. The end of the book surprises me with a connection of the first president of the United States to our current president. It all seemed hurried at the end, though there could have been much more on the excavational dig. But he was right about the Wessyngton plantation touching many lives. He can add me to the list and when I visit Tennessee, I'll make a visit to the area.
Title: The Monsters: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Frankenstein
Author: Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler
Two of the most famous radicals of their time, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin begat Mary Jr. Most people with any interest in Frankenstein know the basic story of the party with Mary and Shelley and Byron which also included Claire, Mary's stepsister and Byron's Dr., John Poldori. The challenges was for each to write a ghost story. Well, this book goes far beyond that fateful night. It wasn't just a beginning for 'Frankenstein'. The good Doctor wrote 'The Vampyre', based loosely on Byron. The story, about an aristocratic vampire who preys on the life blood of others. Tales of vampires were not unheard of then, but this was eventually committed to paper and forever after vampire stories would tend to cling to this character type.
Mostly this book concentrates on Mary Shelley, the writer of one of our greatest masterpieces. From her birth when her Mother died eleven days later to the birth of her own child who died after eleven days. There was hardly a dull moment. Her Father, a founder of anarchy and her Mother, an early feminist, made her later life seem destined. She was adored and reviled because of her parents. Surrounded by intellectuals, she heard Coleridge recite 'The rime of the ancient mariner' in her home. But her Father was depressed and confused after losing his wife and she spent two years in Scotland with family friends and also found refuge in books.
These pages delve deeply into the group itself. Mary and Shelly had a scandalous affair amidst the free love advocated by her Father. That this was his teenage daughter however, brought forth his disapproval. Even as he banished them, he was more than willing to take Shelley's money to support himself and the rest of his family. And then there was Mary's stepsister, Clare Claremont who had an affair with their cohort Byron. He was the first international superstar. He was the Elvis or Beatles of the early 1800's. Thanks to mass market publications of his poetry and copperplate images of his beauty he was known throughout the world. But he had his demons. He had a birth defect on one foot, was manic depressive and battled with weight. The book digs down into his interesting family tree as well. The stories of this groups lives as they collide and unravel is fascinating. And always continuing are the experiences and technology that are pushing Mary Shelley ever closer to completing Frankenstein.
Mary's brilliance in this story is that she was changing the usual man of magic in gothic novels to a man of science. This was a new innovation when linking creation and death. There are a lot of ups and downs, heartache and loss as in everyone's life. I wasn't always crazy about the way it was written but if this is all true, then kudos to their research. I found some great phrases in this book as well. For instance...'That marble paradise of sherbet and sodomy' and 'marriage is only suitable to stupid people'. The book continues to the different incarnations of Frankenstein and Dracula. It is not short on details and I am amazed to see the origins of these two great characters from my childhood. That they were born out of the same party. the same time and place, the same vibes in the air surely makes us think deeper about this period of history.
Title: The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins,
FDR'S Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience
Author: Kirstin Downey
Frances Perkins was the first female cabinet secretary. She was FDR's secretary of labor. It's a shame that her name is not a household word. Obama could use her right now. Without her, the government may not have started down the path of helping those in need. It's a good reason for the republicans to hate her. It's one of the many reasons we should look at her as an example for all women, for all people.
In 1901, people tended to think of 8 hour work days, labor unions, public parks and playgrounds as socialist platforms. By 1932 when Roosevelt won the Presidency, socialism was thought of when social security and unemployment benefits became major issues. Health care didn't pass along with all of those at the time. It is hard to imagine where we'd be without all those systems in place. Did we learn nothing? Here we are still fighting about the health of this great nation, but I digress. This book tells of the life of a courageous, gifted trail blazer. It lays out the facts from the early life she left behind including her name, her religion and the politics of her family. She crossed paths with the Vanderbilts, Grover Cleveland, Churchill, Benny Goodman and Clarence Darrow to name a few. These were good connections to make. She worked hard before she got to the white house. It wasn't just reform that found her talents. Francis wrote several short stories and helped Sinclair Lewis edit a book. But helping others was clearly her calling. She helped girls who were lured to brothels posing as employment agencies. She took up the cause of maternity care when more women and babies died in the U. S. than any other developed nation. She helped at Hull House in Chicago, modeled after Toynbee Hall in London where Jack the Ripper left a victim. Jane Addams settlement house was like a boarding house where people could live and eat communally. Social workers and community activists could live there in exchange for working with the needy. She worked to quell strikes. Her turning point came when she witnessed a fire in the triangle Shirtwaist Manufacturing Company where 146 workers died.
Francis married and had a daughter, both a handful, before she ever became a part of the cabinet. She started under FDR only to find rampant corruption under the republicans. It was a new day in America. FDR repealed prohibition. People started to get jobs. Even artists, historians, actors and researchers were utilized. It could be a blueprint for today. The labor Department cafeteria was even desegregated. And just as she was assuming control of immigration, she heard about a man called Hitler at a dinner party she attended. She worked to get German Jews into this country. It was a country divided about going to war and then came the communist scare and three terms for Roosevelt.
Francis Perkins is a name everyone should remember. This is a woman who never really got her due in life, in death or in the years after. The administration in power today should have her determination. She made sure people could take care of themselves with a little help. She gave the elderly, the lost and the poor a leg up. Every woman, if not everybody should read this book. This is what the strength of a big hearted woman can do. Her time has come.
Title: 39 Years of Short-Term Memory Loss: The Early Days of SNL from Someone Who Was There
Author: Tom Davis and Al Franken
Let me just start this by saying that I don't think I can judge this too harshly. Right off the bat, I was excited as I opened to the first page. My insides quivered a bit as I contemplated the words that were assembled before me. To be Frank(en), SNL changed my life and I usually read anything that contains notes, lessons or stories from it's early years. Of course, what it has become today is writing for another day. At the moment let's concern ourselves with Tom Davis. In the early days of SNL, there was the goofy looking comedy team of Frankin and Davis. It was one of my fave things about the show. They not only helped write some iconic sketches but brought to the late night airwaves great duo stuff they had been perfecting for some time.
More people have heard of Al Franken but to be honest when I was a thirteen year old, I had a bit of a crush on Tom Davis. Here was a cute, tall and lanky comic actor, writer with my sense of humor. In reading this book, I realized he sometimes just writes stream of consciousness, I tend to do the same myself so I think I like him more now. It's like he will seem to start a story but it can be simply a one oe two sentence fact then onto the next subject. The back and forth can be annoying if you're looking for complete cohesive writing. On the other hand, I was amazed at how he could remember exact quantities of LSD or pot he was carrying at any given time. I mean it seems those memories are often the first to go with age.
His journeys, especially in India are sweet and funny. A life is not fully lived unless one has a collection of off beat stories like these to pass onto others. I laughed out loud at some of these fascinating people and crazy places. One of the things I learned to love even more about Tom is his love of reading. I can relate, I mean this is RIB READS.
He dissed his Father a bit but gave him his due as well. Who does not have a thing or two to say about differences with a parent. There are too many great names here to even mention them all. But I was just as thrilled about the lesser known ones. But to me the American premiere of Rocky Horror and hanging with Micky Dolenz, I will be forever grateful for. The Timothy Leary stuff is gold.
Davis does not draw out a story, he gets to the point. He is so matter of fact. I am not sure I ever wanted to meet anybody so much as I wanted to meet Fran Tarkenton after reading this. He was a childhood hero too. Being a collector of Rolling stones and SNL, this hits both categories. There is great backstage stuff with the same inevitable conclusion of Mick and his moodiness. Davis bitches a bit too much about the Coneheads. But it is true that Hollywood can't wait to hurry up and change something successful and ruin it. And, of course all the SNL stuff is priceless. From Don Novello to Harry Shearer to Jane Curtin there are no disappointments here.
But with all this amazing crap, there is really quite an amazing collection of quotes. My God, next time he should just do a book of quotes. People so often put quotes in their books which seem meaningless or pretentious but these all hit home.
And I love how he wonders about re-releasing Frankin and Davis at Stockton State if a certain partner were to become President. I think making the Senate is close enough...so c'mon… re-release. Thank you Tom Davis, the Garfunkel of Frankin and Davis, for making me feel like I was there.
Title: Lincoln's Men: The President and His Private Secretaries
Author: Daniel Mark Epstein
There is no need to wait...just go read this book. If you like to read about the White House, Presidents, Lincoln...get going... go get this book. Epstein takes us through Lincoln's time in office. The ordinary, extraordinary men that he depended on, John Milton Hay and John George Nicolay are at the center. They published their own ten volume bio of Lincoln so most of this is out there. But how wonderful to see some appreciation for these men. There are some other characters that played key roles for Lincoln but this mostly concentrates on this cohesive team.
What could be more fascinating than to be a part of the inner workings of the white house during the Civil War and all its turmoil? I dare you to put this down. There are excruciating moments for Lincoln as the country is on the verge of great change. Every Thursday he indulges himself in thoughts of his lost son Willy. He has to face the death of his best friend, Owen Lovejoy. There are moments that make us cringe such as Lincoln seeing John Wilkes Booth in an earlier play, 'The Marble Heart'. The President gives him rapturous applause only to be evaded when he tries to meet him.
Of course, it was not easy for Lincoln from the start. The Democrats of Buchanan wanted nothing to do with the so called 'black Republican', most resigned and moved south. Lincoln had to build a new executive branch from the ground up. Two rooms on the second floor were the inner sanctum that stayed calm. Outside, the halls and waiting rooms were chaotic with legislators, army officers and tourists. All this was directed by Hay and Nicolay. No one was denied access which is so unbelievable to our world of today. The security started to pile on after Lincoln's assassination.
There were same political and personal scandals but the best parts delve into the human side of the President and the way he took care of his men. On the scandal side there was always Mary Lincoln. The secretary of the interior, William Osborn Stoddard seemed to be the only one who could handle her.
Lincoln let these three men leave sometimes for months at a time to take care of things for him and to enjoy some leisure. The men had to deal with everything from a treaty war with Indians to stepping out most every night on the social scene. A favorite moment is the President getting out of bed to share a funny story with others. But the Lincoln running the Civil War was very much in charge and very focused. A lesson any modern commander in chief could learn from. He commanded his troops and was right over and over again. The big problem was that Generals would often not listen. There was a dramatic turn of events from May to July 1863 which included the sheer exuberance of the 4th of July to the weather. But, alas, incompetent Generals seemed determined to drag the war out.
Other famed people of the time are mentioned as well, some well known, some not so much. Some of these sound so delicious I want to read more about them. There was Rear admiral Samuel Dupont, Mark Twain, and infant phenom Jean Margaret Davenport. Tolstoy. an admirer of Lincoln, had begun War and Peace. The boys themselves forged ahead through all the chaos of the day. Hay, who started as a volunteer became very close to Lincoln and shared his love of Poe and Shakespeare. He and Nicolay went on to great endeavers in their own right.
Quotes about Lincoln here are rich. A congressman from Michigan, after the state of the Union, said "The President is the only man. He is the great man of the century. There is no one like him in the world. He sees more widely and more clearly than anybody." A letter about Lincoln felt that he had clearer perceptions of military possibilities than any in his cabinet or the field. It is all seen through the eyes of his loyal assistants. You feel like you are there. Read this book.
Title: Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist
Author: Michael J. Fox
A lot of this book is what one might expect - Attention: Man faces Parkinson's and other of life's folly with a positive attitude. There are adorable stories that include Eric Idle and Robin Williams. The biggest surprises were the loving yet lethal jibes at our political leaders. As a fellow political junkie, he had me all the way. While relating a story about George Stephanopoulos, I wondered how he could continue this tale without explaining the elephant in the room but then I realized he had felt my curiosity all along.
I have sometimes tried to explain stem cell research to those who do not seem to want to hear it. I still do not understand their discomfort. But he gave an easy to read detailed description that should be read by all. For those who remember the Limbaugh controversy and were mad as hell, as I was, it was great to hear the inside track from the object of it all.
And you won't want to miss the section on Bishop Pearson and a typical evangelical reaction. These are the stories that keep most level headed people away from organized religion.
The book kept my interest yet by the end and a recap, things had been told numerous times like the when the first child was born, at times he drank too much, he was diagnosed etc. etc. I mean enough already. It got to be like a Sylvia Brown mantra. c'mon, Fox, we're on your side. Oh yea, I am sure Rush had heard this before but ...Limbaugh would you please just shut up!
Title: Titanic's Last Secrets: The Further Adventures of Shadow
Divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler
Author: Brad Matsen
I have always kept my eyes and ears open when it comes to the big T. Like so many, when I first heard the story of Titanic as a child, I was hooked. The years have brought many tragedies but this one never lets go of us, the human race. And there have been many tellings as well. It involves rich and poor, progress and arrogance, heartbreak and heroism. So here we are again, with another explanation for all the senseless loss.
After almost one hundred years, there are still things to learn. This time the Titanic (here described as model builders, artists, society of naval architects, construction theorists, marine engineers, forensic experts, amateurs and lunatics), is faced with new evidence from the deep sea detectives of U-869, Hitler's lost sub, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler. But, of course, there is a whole book to wade through to get to the fine points. I was very glad for that. The construction of Big T, the turn of the century and the ideas to and the actual dives of today and yesterday were really brought to life.
To get to the wreckage, a crew needs a sure fire submersible. We learn of the MIR, built in 1987 in Finland that is overhauled every five years. It is mostly aluminum with an inside diameter of 6.9 feet. It carries one pilot and two observers with a 640 lb. capacity among many other interesting things. Years ago, watching Bob Ballard on the National Geographic special, I was fascinated with the details if his ride. They are much like space craft.
The pages about the construction of Titanic, itself describe every inch, even how to make steel. We learn about the Olympic and its legal problems before Titanic is even launched. Most people with even a passing interest can recite how Captain Smith was a well respected seaman at the end of his career. But the military captain had some wealthy fans who would only travel with him at the helm. He was known for his high speeds and showy departures and arrivals.
As in most tragedies, hindsight is 20/20. Everything seemed to be working against that first voyage from the weather to a coal miners strike. But I loved that this book didn't present these challenges as an omen of what was to come. It was fact, pure and simple. Smith and the others preparing did what we all do, overcome obstacles and move forward. Big T had much going for it as well. It was as tall as the tallest building in the world, it had the most powerful Marconi afloat. And we learn more of the other characters in play. Was Ismay as bad as we have been led to believe? Could anybody really tell Captain Smith how to run his ship?
After the sinking on April 15, 1912, the world was in a state of shock. The papers of the day devoted page after page. Imagine the 24/7 spin it would receive today. President Taft demanded answers. He had just lost a primary to Teddy Roosevelt and one of his best friends was on that ship.
As I read on, I kept wondering who this McCluskie was that was pictured prominently. But then suddenly, you know that Tom McClusky held all the answers. Oh, this book is so worth the read I can't go much into the ending but after Titanic sank, it is interesting to note that the White Star line had its most profitable year in history.
Title: Spellbound by Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies
Author: Donald Spoto
But if you think you can't know enough about old Hollywood, these are the books for you. This brings me to my third selection, Spellbound by Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies, the third in a series of Hitch books by Donald Spoto. One deals with the films one by one, the second delves deeper into Hitch himself. But his latest is mostly about the women. In contrast to the Fleming book finding mostly the good in a director, Spoto does the opposite. Any fan of Hitch "with or without the cock", knows he had a rep for gross conduct with the ladies in his films. Spoto seems to spin some things that do not seem that out of line. Of course, some that have been heard before show him as a sadistic pig. But simple statements that make some of the casts happy are cast aside while he focuses on the bad. It makes for interesting reading, I suppose. And make sure you are watching for the end of the quotes. It can be tricky in this book.
David O Selznick appears again and again in these books. Today we can't help but wonder what was in the water in Hollywood in the late thirties and early forties. To think that in some form or another, GWTW, Oz and Rebecca were all being created sort of leaves me in awe. And how wonderful to know that Hitch was helping on GWTW as far as reactions and advice. And what would a Hitch- Selznick Titanic have been like? But back to just Hitch... I am sure that some people will work in any atmosphere to get ahead but he has to have had some sort of a good side. Hitch, like Eastwood or Howard today worked with a lot of the same actors, art directors, cinematographers, writers etc. He had built a pretty cohesive team that understood him. I do not want to excuse humiliating behavior yet most brilliant directors are task masters.
It sort of boggles the mind to know that Joan Fontaine in Suspicion is the only performance in a Hitch movie that brings home the Oscar. When one thinks of Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton in Shadow of a Doubt or Anthony Perkins in Psycho and the list can go on and on of deserving Oscar moments. The same things still happens today, I suppose. There is a lack of Hitch quotes in this book about the actresses. He could be tight lipped. It is interesting in the last two books to see Ingrid Bergman fall madly in love with one director (Fleming), and diplomatically fending one off (Hitch) in the other. They, in fact contain the exact same quote.
But one does feel for Tippi Hedrin. There was truly a great distance in their stations in life. Hitch the seasoned director, and Tippi the young model. This does seem like a textbook example of sexual harassment. It would seem that the obsession with his actresses grew until it reached the boiling point with Tippi. By the early sixties, clearly his spring had sprung. He was never quite the infallible genius after that. As much as Hitch worshippers may not want to see it, his nasty streak went completely over the line. He should have been held accountable. These books show many examples of the madness of genius. And I implore you to count how many times this Spoto used the term "on the mark" in this book.
Title: Annie Leibovitz at Work
Author: Annie Leibovitz
In the first pages she had me as she wrote of one of my heroes, Hunter S.Thompson. I might as well admit that I have realized the people I find to have true genius have almost always been in the realm of madness in their prime. This seems true from Poe and Hitchcock to Hunter and Zevon. That is just a personal aside. But this book is about Annie and her genius, and she doesn't seem mad at all.
The little stories that accompany the Rolling Stones (my biggest influences), O.J. Simson, John Cleese, Keith Haring and Whoopi Goldberg are a great quick read. But the stories of the not so famous are wonderful little nuggets too. This book is truly about the beauty of the photographs, though. I wish there were more. I have loved staring at Annie's pics since the seventies. The 1975 tour book of the Stones were gold to a Midwest high school kid. I could never thank her enough. And the mag photos since then of just about everybody are in a class all their own.
In the end, the book is a bit technical on the use of equipment. I took graphic arts years ago but she lost me on most of it. These segments will probably appeal mostly to other artisans. Though, really what else would a book of professional photos have in it? You Go Annie!!
Title: Pieces of My Heart
Author: Robert Wagner
I started with Robert Wagner telling of his life in Pieces of My Heart. This book is simple and straight forward but it got my attention. Almost every page tells a golden nugget about someone or sometime in Hollywood. I am a sucker for the old glamour and stories of the tormented artists chained to the studio system. Wagner's honesty about his hardnosed, self made Father rings so true of men from that generation. But R.J. himself seemed to come of age in the perfect era of the fading untouchable movie star and the hip swinging superstar. I don't want to go into detail for it is just too fun to discover these things on your own. But I will say that when I got toward the end and read about the casting of Rosemary's Baby, I pretty much thought the next paragraph in my head before I read it and I loved Cassavetes but...well, read it!
The Natalie Wood stuff is heartbreaking. And on a personal note, their reunion was very relatable as I read it at a time I was reuniting with a lost love. In all three books, I find it fascinating to see how different people of different generations have different perspectives of some of the same events. There are paragraphs about some of the same celebs, like John Cromwell, Clark Gable and Barbra Stanwick in each book. It is like various witnesses to an accident that have different recollections. In the next book a bio of Victor Fleming, the author often writes "In this version" because of the different takes. If you like Hollywood dish, don't listen to the rags of today, see the words of insiders who were really there. These people experienced the rise of this great industry. They weren't outsiders looking in. I am sometimes guilty of wanting to know gossip but today's paparazzi and talking heads could do with some discretion. Sometimes in the past if a few incidents had not been 'handled' we may have missed some great performances. I think finesse instead of intrusion can lead to a better understanding of celebrity.
Title: Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master
Author: Michael Sragow
The next book by Michael Sragow of Victor Fleming is fueled by enthusiasm. It makes one want to see these movies of yore. I personally am excited to see 'Bombshell.' If you tire easily of the technical text of movie making this may be a bit much. And there were quite a few quotes from other books, adding to the volume of this one. I thought he sometimes got off subject too much with the history of minor characters. But often, the tale can be worth it. Since I love the details, it was fine with me. At least it is well researched.
One also sees that idiocy abounds thru all periods of time. Be it moguls, studios or corporations, there are always bad judgment calls. Adapting book to film is never easy. There is a priceless exchange between cohorts in changing the classic M. K. Rowling novel, The Yearling. Of course, the masses will want to read the chapters about The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind. These pages do not disappoint. Fleming practically worked himself to death to give us these classics along with the nearly forgotten The Great Waltz. What Fleming did is genius. Most Fleming aficionados know the term, man's director associated with him. It was so nice to hear how much he seemed to respect Judy Garland. And GWTW fans will love the scenes with Mickey Kuhn who played a young Beau Wilkes and be touched by Melanie's death scene.
Later at the premiere in Atlanta it is uncomfortable today to know that none of the black actors were invited. This is a movie that would not be the same without the performances of its black cast. It was hard to read of the contribution of a ten year old Martin Luther King Jr., dressed as a slave.
Read them all RIB
Rib comes into the light and sees the things happening now that make her glad to be alive, the things that keep her from slitting her wrists and/or blowing her brains out.
Quotes
Woman who cries all the time is only because she knows she can get away with it.
Malcolm X
____
Rib Lists
everybody has a fuckin list so why can't I?? There are no no surveys, no educated editors, no judgemental panelists for these lists. There is nobody throwing their weight around...it's just me...RIB... and please feel free to contradict me...send me your own lists on my current subject...But remember only mine really count cuz they are picked by...RIB
The best movies ever made:
1.Psycho
2.Head
3.The Wall
4.The Sting
5.Performance
6.The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The 6 hottest men that ever lived....(of course these are famous men because what would be the point if nobody knew who you were talking about)
1.Mick Jagger
2.Micky Dolenz
3.Robert Redford
4.Kieran Culkin
5.David Letterman
6.Anthony Perkins
____
Rib Rabble
- let us not forget these violaters of religious freedom: Myanmar... China... Iran... Eritrea... North Korea...Saudi Arabia... Sudan... Uzbekistan... Iraq... Nigeria... Pakistan... Turkemenistan... Vietnam
- On July 11 the earth, moon and sun will be alligned. Will we experience major earthquakes??
- Manson alert: After a 3 hour hearing and for the 19th time..Leslie Van Houton was turned down for parole. That new lawyer didn't help. She can try again 3 years from now.
____
Rib Celebrates
- Happy Birthday Debbie Harry, Dan Akroyd, Farley Granger, Karen Black
____
Rib Raves
- History Detectives is back on PBS
- The Dick Clark tribute was so touching on the Daytime Emmys . I wept for his heart and to see Marie Osmond again. She sounded sort of odd but peace be with her anyway..And Hooray for Ben Bailey getting the win along with Cash Cab....But C'mon One Life to Live and Days of Our Lives rarely win anything. I mean the writing, acting and directing on OLTL is just top notch. How can the ratings be so low??
- Have you see the movie'MOON'? Well go get it... is very good but the short 'Whistle', that Mr. Jones has on there is just as good
- Wow The emmys sure are diverse this year...Go Betty White..... And way to go Conan!!!!!!!!!
- Larry's guest Bill Maher had some great things to say though... Why can't we have an athiest in the supreme court? Where is the representation for the rest of us?? Obama has done a lot but isn't exactly sticking to all he said in the campaign. Off shore drilling?? The war drags on?? Nobody really takes on the gun lobby??... and I fell off the chair when he called Arizona... Whiteyville'... stay on their ass Bill....
____
Rib Rants
- LeBron James... who cares??
- Lindsay... take the time to contemplate... and really who cares??
- Holly's world on E had a raging bitch fight... calm down u guys... way to bring down Holly at her own party that u worked so hard on. duh... please.
- It will not be the same without Larry King around. It had to happen one day I guess but will specials be enough?? Nancy Reagan and Regis called in to whine.
____
Rib Regurgitates
- Moreland and Arbuckle...check them out!! great band!!
- Roger Waters bringing us the Wall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Exile fever is still hanging in there!!!!
WritingRaw.com: Evolution Taken To The Next Literary Level
WritingRaw.com is a
Shelter Island Press
PRODUCTION
Francois Says:
Reach for the stars
IN small LIFE
by Rib
dirty shirt
no papers no hurt
cancer rots her from the inside
the crack eats away at her brain
factory boy picks up that mentor Jim Beam
for that long slow ride home
meg agents are drunk at the neighborhood bar
proud of their busts that day
stumblin' out the door
the daily robots in and out like a living lottery
it's the chance that they take
camels and owls and wolves
Is it better to die face to face with a grizzly
or straight from the can??
local pages bring updates of old
and stories of new
Extra! Extra! new death to sell
jobless Generals and Governors goin' down.
darkness before dawn
rain before shine
small life continues
come one, come all.
© 2009 Rib
Mythology in the Ditch
by Rib
Her numbers came in at 4.0
a wonder of age and beauty
she leads the pack
flyin' high, runnin' free
worshipped by man.
I can't compare, yet I press on
overwhelmed by age and ugly
can't pay the rent,
the place falling down around me
while working doubles for the man.
She takes no advice from the backroom Buddha
bounces between North and South Dakota
with an ace up her sleeve
letting those good times in
finding long lost friends.
© 2009 Rib
Mushroom Chronicles
2nd sight
by Rib
hee hee ho
same day
different day
2:50 p.m.
kind of a pina colada mystery
Eli asleep in the chair
sort of a family intermission
starback, burning woman
cheeseburger head
so many discarded shoes...a few socks
and half full boxes of crushed cigarettes
I wanna go thru the crowd with your head on a stick
12:09 p.m. back in time alone
but...oh the flowers
and the big wet sloppy pussy cakes
© 2009 Rib
After January
By Rib
How did you know the love was gone?
a little voice whispered it was so?
How did you know the coldness set in?
the wind whistled and started to blow?
My heart still heavy with love
will wait an eternity
my body and soul give in
and let you go
How did your mind trick you into taking the blame?
the years of crazy convinced you?
How did the lust turn into a problem?
sometimes we over think when we do what we do
My love still heavy in my heart
here until certain death
the rest of me gives in to your requests
bye bye baby
here’s to your happiness...
© 2010 Rib
Sage of Empty House
on the Hi Way
By Rib
We were young
classmates in a tiny school in a small town
we wondered why
suicide??
she needed out of there worse than we did
was it a story?
No more did we see her
not night ,not day
but 35 years...give or take...
she walks in and knows my name
she seems to be her
illusion? mystery?
She had simply moved away?
local urban legend?
fiction can change your life
especially in the event of death
© 2010 Rib
Mushroom Chronicles
By Rib
ingest
digeat
hold for response
and...begin
Friday 2:37 p.m.
waves
normal feet
moe is over
Friday 2:38 p.m.
eyeballs dry but big
BIG HANDS
no ears
Friday 2:39 p.m.
tingly belly button
happy
SO
HAPPY
trip not all good
Friday 3: 09 p.m.
I'm green and wish I had a cuddle partner
as always
u gotta stand to get down
© 2010 Rib
Poem
By Rib
Moon Pie
Surrender the nines
open pits
cosmic burning........................over the top
the annals of microbiology, the surface banter
orange blasts
draw me out from behind this fog
infuse me with bliss open my heart
and take me
HOME...
© 2009 Rib
The Neverending Tales of
Uncle Heini And Kimjo
The Marshmallow Queen
By Rib
They are right next to me but they are gone
a million miles away
purple and orange, bright and swaying
bubbles rockin' on
pichuli pungent in a sea of natural colors
Wings of brown alight
with a little yellow friend on his head
'tis I' he yells,'cactus back Jack"
like an umbrella in the sun
All the fuzzy people with cowboy legs so happy
all together
hope lingers, surrounded by dope
So carry the flag, my brother
carry it well daisy head
like Captain America lost in the breeze and a phoenix rising from Asia.
© 2009 Rib
Didn't Think I'd Hear
A Xylophone Tonight
by Rib
Spot the man with his eyes crossed
it never works out for him
a bad mother, the usual suspect
the I's are dotted and still things aren't in order
tables tapped, legs twisted
Gibberish Told In A Mocking Style
What kind of nurse could he be?
He sees her flash her ass and paint her tits
and the drones just keep on coming
but I didn't think I'd hear a xylophone tonight.
"Hi!" she yells to anybody
monotony in bloom
keep your $ and leave me be
crazy Carl is at the door
© 2009 Rib
Winter Crush
By Rib
Love and snow
all mush the first time around
so pure before all the dirty settles in
smells clean...feels right
Then a BLIZZARD weights us
an obsession blocks our path
trapped in winter
lost in the blinding gleam
take me...I'm cold
leave me... it's old
spring
waiting
warmth
welcome
© 2009 Rib
Love
By Rib
Take my breath away, my lost love
give me hope, give me passion
make me rejoice in the sky above.
take me to a place that seemed long gone
find me warmth and new beginnings
in your heart where I belong.
You've been years away, my found love
but what lies before us takes away the pain
I am found, I am whole, we are one.
© 2009 Rib
Pact
By Rib
Mother and son, dead on the floor
sweet bliss of the unknown
never again these sorrows
the gift of life is so overblown
He mentions "I'm ready for it to be over"
she answers "Don't talk that way."
but it plants a seed
all the colors swirl gray.
But how, this gives them pause
now a project ensues, a mission
something to live for, creativity renews
finding a way to the end
A small drink of the kool aid might not taste too nice
no guns for the peaceniks, knives wouldn't do
Mother and child press on, they're no quitters
rope? a closed garage? an open window?
the possibilities are endless
a tigers cage? train tracks?
as long as the end is the end.
© 2010 Rib
YOU
By Rib
Like the song said, 'You send me'
months without you and it still goes on
a glimmer of memory
a mention of Old England
and I,m right back to us.
The man sings of you being on my mind
and the clock goes back to a time
when you were mine
I thought it'd help to put your pictures and letters away
but the feelings are just too strong
Again they replay that love story we saw on late night tv
it's just another thing to put me in mind of you.
The duke and the stranger are everywhere
and I see someone who dresses just like you
why am I dead inside? why?
© 2010 Rib
Poems, Stories and Other Musings
Rib Raw
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On the Path of Woman...
Female Family, Feminine Friends
by Rib
She walks in confidence
emracing the spiritual
soul sister, blood sister
She skates in comparison
knocking out the competition
sport sister, blood sister
Me, like Mother,
she like Mother we miss
Little she, so like Daddy
the blood runs thick
Fiery porcelin lady
we can share a murder spree
put it down to self defense
sweet unassuming woman
our words lift us up
and let us focus thru a clearer lens
My girls share faeries and fantasy
and warm empty memories of home
This bond of the trilogy leaves us never alone.
© 2009 Rib