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Sunday, January 2, 2011
Charles Manson NOW
If you have Charles Manson NOW by Marlin Marynick (I do thanks ST. C) and have not read it yet-get to reading. I can't wait to discuss it with everyone.
I got this book about a month ago and i've got to say it was'nt that great.it was o.k. if you can get it from a local library or a friend then by all means its worth reading but i would'nt pay 17 bucks for it again. i'm more interested in the motives for the tate labianca murders then the people that manson attracts these days(although star is pretty damn cute!) the majority of this book is about people like star, greybeard and john aes nihil(sp?) i guess i'd give it a c+
yeah it was'nt horrible or anything just not what i'm looking for in a manson book. if you're a collector you're going to get it regardless and who knows it might be worth a few bucks someday like the watkins book.
althought this book didnt mention much of the real group of Mansons ATWA friends ( still puzzled of this that NUness or BLUE RED were mainly mentioned in past tense as if now they dont exist in Mansons circle ?) I found much of it very interesting from MArlins work with the mentally insane to insights from Stanton Lavey, Jon Aes-Nihil, and other collectors of Manson memoribilia. Manson has defintely seen it all and MArlin seems to as well with his work with mentally ill patients. The fact that it is mentioned the victims of the TLBA killings and Manson FAmily all ran in the same circle was pretty fascinating and believable really as it seems back in those times everyone knew everyone. I think it is a must for anyone into the Manson mystique or mystery , and yes somewhat a carry on from the MAnson FIle but moreso of NOW exactly still It would have been nice to see MAnsons views on old freinds ( besides Susan he mentions a few times)perhaps he was asked about them and didnt want to comment.
It was pretty good to me.He skipped all the drama, and stuck to the facts. He seemed to understand the people he was talking to were original enough and didn't need to have any layers added to them to make them interesting. There were some things pointed out about the family interaction with victims and there friends that before this I had not sen in print- and and admission if anyone noticed that he did give Tex orders....
There are also some recent pics of the old goat, and some of his art/ pals which were kind of interesting.. at least to me...
If you are a serious collector this is a bookend to the matter you probably will want to have in my opinion as it serves as a very nice Postscript to his life after the crimes/trials...
It may not give you closure on the crimes- but it will give you closure on how the " most evil person in the world"...
finished out his life- which is no doubt in its twilight...
BONUS- My favorite line in the book-
After reading off a list to Marlin of all the disorders he had been diagnosed with- Charlie laughed and told him the truest thing I think he has ever said to anyone:
Kind of eerie that both Roberts and LaVey hear helicopters and feel like they are being watched. He didn't offer any insight (or diagnosis), just left it there for us to chew on. That's a gift of Marynick's. He does it well.
Can't wait for my copy to come in the mail: ordered it over the weekend.
Re: helicopters and being watched: Last time I was in the Goler Wash, a copter flew within a couple of hundred feet overhead, we could hear it coming but could not see it until it was right there [if you have been in the wash you know how narrow it is in places]. Then when we got to the ranch there was a strange dude there who told us that he'd been watching us ever since Ballarat. As Sanders might say, oo-EE-oo!
Turns out that the dead german tourists from 1996 were found that same weekend so there was more traffic than usual in the park. A logical explanation, but I still get the shivers when I think about it.
Yes- he really seemed to get that this is a strange enough story on its own merits- he didnt feel the need to try and spice it up- and the characters he encountered are not your average public sampling lol
I have been to the outside of Cielo- and this summer went to San Fran and saw the House on Cole- some of the other sites- but in 2012 I am going to go on a California tour and hit all the locations for the first time- I cant wait to see Death Valley- of all the spots- this is the one that is hardest for me to imagine .... Marlins Book added a few stops for me as well...
If Helicopters want to come with- lol the more the merrier!!!
I feel that the Manson words which preceded each chapter saved the book........I had very little interest in the balance of what Marynick had to say. I agree with what markprokes says.
St. Circunstance- I've seen many of the locations in the great Manson story. In September while traveling to the eastern Sierra I saw the court house in Independence. The only time I went to Cielo was back in 1980. I'd love to do a trip like you're talking about. Hmmm........maybe.
Yeah- I grew up in New Jersey, and am down in Florida now. So California has always had a special attraction to me... I managed to live out in San Diego for a few years after high school ( late 80's)- but only made it up to L.A. once- and had to beg the guys who took me to drive around while I tried to find Cielo lol- we ended up getting chased out of the area by the cops..
Now that I am older and have the means- I want to go to Laurel Canyon,Topanga canyon- Chatsworth, Venice beach, The Barker Ranch...
I am going to rent an RV and start in SF and head down to L.A. - really get to see the area, and explore the scenes of all these books and movies I have been watching all these years...
If I get to meet some people along the way- that would be an added bonus!!
Just got the book too - Haven't read enough to say anything yet - His cover picture looks so horrible. I'm shocked they put such a bad picture of him on it - If I wasn't interested in him I bet I wouldn't have recognized that THAT was him. And yes, he does look high - Hey St C - where are you in FL?
Where Bob Weir is playing tonight!! The Jamcruise sets sail tommorow- and he is headlining it.. I have gone the last three years, but am passing this year as i have already been to the ports it is hitting and I am planning for the California trip lol...
But if any of you ever want to try something awesome- Google Jamcruise- it is a week long party on the high seas with 5 days/nights of great bands and nonstop party for adults...
Saint, you will need a four wheel drive vehicle to get you up the Goler Wash. Inyo County improved the road a few years ago when they were digging for bodies, but every winter the waterfalls get carved back in a little at a time. We were able to go in a Jeep Liberty, but Husband is also an experienced rock crawler. Definitely take a hand winch and a spare tire with you, just in case. It will cost several thousands to tow you out if you get stuck.
This March we are going to try an approach from the east through Anvil Springs. Why? Because I CAN'T GET ENOUGH, that's why.
WEll Patty- When it gets closer to time for my trip- I am going to hit you up again for advice- cause it sounds like you really know what your talking about- I was going to hire a guide or someone to take me in who knows there way around...
Yeah lol they are already pre-booking for next year, and this year didn't even depart yet lol- it sells out every year by the summer- and after your 5'th trip they give you a " repeat offender" bathrobe to wear around the ship which is prety funny to see.. it is a real crazy fun trip- and it is always right after New year - so when everyone else is back at work, and going through Holiday withdrawal- you are floating around the Caribbean listening to great music with 4 thousand drunk stoned friends...
St.Circumstance........ I just bought tickets to see Bobby and Phil in their new band Furthur. I mean I just purchased them online and then came over here to see what's up. Next thing I know your talking about Bob Weir. Strange!!!
It was a pleasant read for the most part. I was saddened to read that "pincushion" had died. It just isn't a book I would re-read every few years like I have with the others.
You folks are aware Barker Ranch is no more, right? The only thing remaining is the bunkhouse. Myers Ranch has been rebuilt a few years ago after it burned. I was last up there in Sept. Let me know, I'll meet you in Ridgecrest.
BTW: St.Circumstance - I was born and raised in NJ too, Asbury Park, Belmar area.
I saw Further while I was n San Fran lol they played at a music festival I went to called Outside Lands Music festival. I thought seeing Phil and Bobby in Golden Gate park would be as close as I could get to being in the summer of love lol- the park was filed with Hippies for the festival - lol sigh.... I can dream right? but it was fun ...
I heard they are re-building the ranch? but even if not lol- I am going to drive all the way out to Chatsworth to stare at empty space- I guess I can do it out in the desert as well ...
Alot of my friends never escaped Jersey, so I go back alot to visit lol- and every summer they still get a place at Belmar :) I was at Bar A this past summer lol
bunch of jersey folks here! i was born in east orange and lived there til i was five or six not a great place to live from what i recall. been in rhode island ever since.
Grump - did they knock down what was left of the main house after the arson? Is it just the foundation now? Who did it - the park service? And if so, I wonder who took posession of the rubble? There were some interesting tidbits left in it - pieces of the dining room table, the burnt out stove and fridge, etc?
(somewhat) sorry for hijacking this thread again, Liz.
Panamint Patty and everyone-hijack away, thats what its here for! i wanna go on cruises and trips too! hoping 2011 will be a better year money wise! i had the chance to go to CA years ago ans see all the sites, had a friend out there well versed on the case with a free place to stay and someone that knew the spots. i had all the money saved and everything. BUT- at the same time my daughter was offered to go to FL with some relatives. Disney, all the touristy stuff. being the wondeful mother I am, i sacraficed my trip and gave her the $$$ i had saved up for CA, to go to FL.
Im going to Disney Sat Liz lol - if you come down here- I have hook-ups for that stuff- you can do it cheap...My uncle is in the time- share business in Orlando- my mom lives up there.. you can tag along with us when we do California as well if you want to :)
Your going to make it hard to keep calling you evil- if you keep showing so much heart lol.. Must be the holidays or something lol
Patty - sorry it took so long to answer your question. Living so close to Death Valley in the middle of the desert, our internet is not the most reliable. But we have a Wal Mart!
The ranch is all cleaned up. Only a few interior walls remain. I recall seeing the stove. I can't remember if the toilet is there or not, but I know the bath tub is gone. The park service put up a nice plaque.
As far as spending the night, most of us desert rats stay at the old Lotus mine now. Lots of room and a nice place to explore.
Certainly most ardent readers of this blog won't find anything "new" here, but it has its personality insights and if anything is a good primer on a post-BUG take on TLB.
I got this book about a month ago and i've got to say it was'nt that great.it was o.k. if you can get it from a local library or a friend then by all means its worth reading but i would'nt pay 17 bucks for it again.
ReplyDeletei'm more interested in the motives for the tate labianca murders then the people that manson attracts these days(although star is pretty damn cute!) the majority of this book is about people like star, greybeard and john aes nihil(sp?)
i guess i'd give it a c+
mark, i agree totally, except for the "don't purchase it" it is a must for collectors and i thought the price was very reasonable.
ReplyDeletethe only way i can describe it is-
an updated "Manson File".
the book was o.k. but i was expecting clues, confessions something.
Marlin's life was interesting though.
yeah it was'nt horrible or anything just not what i'm looking for in a manson book.
ReplyDeleteif you're a collector you're going to get it regardless and who knows it might be worth a few bucks someday like the watkins book.
speaking of libraries, that is how i was able to get leslies book. which was a terrible piece of crap.
ReplyDeleteanyone want it, go to your library and get it under an inter library loan.
In the picture on the cover of the book, Charlie looks like he just smoked some weed : )
ReplyDeletealthought this book didnt mention much of the real group of Mansons ATWA friends ( still puzzled of this that NUness or BLUE RED were mainly mentioned in past tense as if now they dont exist in Mansons circle ?) I found much of it very interesting from MArlins work with the mentally insane to insights from Stanton Lavey, Jon Aes-Nihil, and other collectors of Manson memoribilia. Manson has defintely seen it all and MArlin seems to as well with his work with mentally ill patients. The fact that it is mentioned the victims of the TLBA killings and Manson FAmily all ran in the same circle was pretty fascinating and believable really as it seems back in those times everyone knew everyone. I think it is a must for anyone into the Manson mystique or mystery , and yes somewhat a carry on from the MAnson FIle but moreso of NOW exactly still It would have been nice to see MAnsons views on old freinds ( besides Susan he mentions a few times)perhaps he was asked about them and didnt want to comment.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty good to me.He skipped all the drama, and stuck to the facts. He seemed to understand the people he was talking to were original enough and didn't need to have any layers added to them to make them interesting. There were some things pointed out about the family interaction with victims and there friends that before this I had not sen in print- and and admission if anyone noticed that he did give Tex orders....
ReplyDeleteThere are also some recent pics of the old goat, and some of his art/ pals which were kind of interesting.. at least to me...
If you are a serious collector this is a bookend to the matter you probably will want to have in my opinion as it serves as a very nice Postscript to his life after the crimes/trials...
It may not give you closure on the crimes- but it will give you closure on how the " most evil person in the world"...
finished out his life- which is no doubt in its twilight...
BONUS- My favorite line in the book-
After reading off a list to Marlin of all the disorders he had been diagnosed with- Charlie laughed and told him the truest thing I think he has ever said to anyone:
" I am whatever you want me to be"
And isn't he just that to him, us and everyone???
Kind of eerie that both Roberts and LaVey hear helicopters and feel like they are being watched. He didn't offer any insight (or diagnosis), just left it there for us to chew on. That's a gift of Marynick's. He does it well.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for my copy to come in the mail: ordered it over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteRe: helicopters and being watched: Last time I was in the Goler Wash, a copter flew within a couple of hundred feet overhead, we could hear it coming but could not see it until it was right there [if you have been in the wash you know how narrow it is in places]. Then when we got to the ranch there was a strange dude there who told us that he'd been watching us ever since Ballarat. As Sanders might say, oo-EE-oo!
Turns out that the dead german tourists from 1996 were found that same weekend so there was more traffic than usual in the park. A logical explanation, but I still get the shivers when I think about it.
Yes- he really seemed to get that this is a strange enough story on its own merits- he didnt feel the need to try and spice it up- and the characters he encountered are not your average public sampling lol
ReplyDeleteAmen, St. C ...
ReplyDeleteI have been to the outside of Cielo- and this summer went to San Fran and saw the House on Cole- some of the other sites- but in 2012 I am going to go on a California tour and hit all the locations for the first time- I cant wait to see Death Valley- of all the spots- this is the one that is hardest for me to imagine .... Marlins Book added a few stops for me as well...
ReplyDeleteIf Helicopters want to come with- lol the more the merrier!!!
I feel that the Manson words which preceded each chapter saved the book........I had very little interest in the balance of what Marynick had to say.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what markprokes says.
St. Circunstance-
I've seen many of the locations in the great Manson story.
In September while traveling to the eastern Sierra I saw the court house in Independence.
The only time I went to Cielo was back in 1980.
I'd love to do a trip like you're talking about.
Hmmm........maybe.
Yeah- I grew up in New Jersey, and am down in Florida now. So California has always had a special attraction to me... I managed to live out in San Diego for a few years after high school ( late 80's)- but only made it up to L.A. once- and had to beg the guys who took me to drive around while I tried to find Cielo lol- we ended up getting chased out of the area by the cops..
ReplyDeleteNow that I am older and have the means- I want to go to Laurel Canyon,Topanga canyon- Chatsworth, Venice beach, The Barker Ranch...
I am going to rent an RV and start in SF and head down to L.A. - really get to see the area, and explore the scenes of all these books and movies I have been watching all these years...
If I get to meet some people along the way- that would be an added bonus!!
Maybe Monkeyboy will go with me...
When I drive I keep both hands on the wheel ;)
Just got the book too - Haven't read enough to say anything yet -
ReplyDeleteHis cover picture looks so horrible. I'm shocked they put such a bad picture of him on it - If I wasn't interested in him I bet I wouldn't have recognized that THAT was him. And yes, he does look high -
Hey St C - where are you in FL?
Im in South Florida near Ft. Lauderdale...
ReplyDeleteWhere Bob Weir is playing tonight!!
The Jamcruise sets sail tommorow- and he is headlining it.. I have gone the last three years, but am passing this year as i have already been to the ports it is hitting and I am planning for the California trip lol...
But if any of you ever want to try something awesome- Google Jamcruise- it is a week long party on the high seas with 5 days/nights of great bands and nonstop party for adults...
A " floating music festival"
Saint, you will need a four wheel drive vehicle to get you up the Goler Wash. Inyo County improved the road a few years ago when they were digging for bodies, but every winter the waterfalls get carved back in a little at a time. We were able to go in a Jeep Liberty, but Husband is also an experienced rock crawler. Definitely take a hand winch and a spare tire with you, just in case. It will cost several thousands to tow you out if you get stuck.
ReplyDeleteThis March we are going to try an approach from the east through Anvil Springs. Why? Because I CAN'T GET ENOUGH, that's why.
Well, I Googled Jamcruise, per your request, and now I wanna book for 2012! I assume married couples are welcome, LOL?
ReplyDeleteWEll Patty- When it gets closer to time for my trip- I am going to hit you up again for advice- cause it sounds like you really know what your talking about- I was going to hire a guide or someone to take me in who knows there way around...
ReplyDeleteYou're on. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah lol they are already pre-booking for next year, and this year didn't even depart yet lol- it sells out every year by the summer- and after your 5'th trip they give you a " repeat offender" bathrobe to wear around the ship which is prety funny to see.. it is a real crazy fun trip- and it is always right after New year - so when everyone else is back at work, and going through Holiday withdrawal- you are floating around the Caribbean listening to great music with 4 thousand drunk stoned friends...
ReplyDeleteI "Highly" reccomend it
St.Circumstance........
ReplyDeleteI just bought tickets to see Bobby and Phil in their new band Furthur.
I mean I just purchased them online and then came over here to see what's up.
Next thing I know your talking about Bob Weir.
Strange!!!
It was a pleasant read for the most part. I was saddened to read that "pincushion" had died. It just isn't a book I would re-read every few years like I have with the others.
ReplyDeleteYou folks are aware Barker Ranch is no more, right? The only thing remaining is the bunkhouse. Myers Ranch has been rebuilt a few years ago after it burned. I was last up there in Sept. Let me know, I'll meet you in Ridgecrest.
BTW: St.Circumstance - I was born and raised in NJ too, Asbury Park, Belmar area.
I saw Further while I was n San Fran lol they played at a music festival I went to called Outside Lands Music festival. I thought seeing Phil and Bobby in Golden Gate park would be as close as I could get to being in the summer of love lol- the park was filed with Hippies for the festival - lol sigh.... I can dream right? but it was fun ...
ReplyDeleteI heard they are re-building the ranch? but even if not lol- I am going to drive all the way out to Chatsworth to stare at empty space- I guess I can do it out in the desert as well ...
Alot of my friends never escaped Jersey, so I go back alot to visit lol- and every summer they still get a place at Belmar :) I was at Bar A this past summer lol
bunch of jersey folks here!
ReplyDeletei was born in east orange and lived there til i was five or six not a great place to live from what i recall.
been in rhode island ever since.
Grump - did they knock down what was left of the main house after the arson? Is it just the foundation now? Who did it - the park service? And if so, I wonder who took posession of the rubble? There were some interesting tidbits left in it - pieces of the dining room table, the burnt out stove and fridge, etc?
ReplyDelete(somewhat) sorry for hijacking this thread again, Liz.
Im going to donate to these guys so it can rebuilt in time for me to sleep there one night on my trip :
ReplyDeletehttp://www.savebarkerranch.com/
I have read they are trying to restore it....
Panamint Patty and everyone-hijack away, thats what its here for! i wanna go on cruises and trips too!
ReplyDeletehoping 2011 will be a better year money wise! i had the chance to go to CA years ago ans see all the sites, had a friend out there well versed on the case with a free place to stay and someone that knew the spots. i had all the money saved and everything. BUT-
at the same time my daughter was offered to go to FL with some relatives. Disney, all the touristy stuff. being the wondeful mother I am, i sacraficed my trip and gave her the $$$ i had saved up for CA, to go to FL.
Im going to Disney Sat Liz lol - if you come down here- I have hook-ups for that stuff- you can do it cheap...My uncle is in the time- share business in Orlando- my mom lives up there.. you can tag along with us when we do California as well if you want to :)
ReplyDeleteYour going to make it hard to keep calling you evil- if you keep showing so much heart lol.. Must be the holidays or something lol
Patty - sorry it took so long to answer your question. Living so close to Death Valley in the middle of the desert, our internet is not the most reliable. But we have a Wal Mart!
ReplyDeleteThe ranch is all cleaned up. Only a few interior walls remain. I recall seeing the stove. I can't remember if the toilet is there or not, but I know the bath tub is gone. The park service put up a nice plaque.
As far as spending the night, most of us desert rats stay at the old Lotus mine now. Lots of room and a nice place to explore.
Hmmmmm. An EviLiz.com Manson tour in 2012. Let's stsrt planning.
ReplyDeleteThank you grump. Much obliged.
ReplyDeleteck out DEATH VALLEY TALK.COM
ReplyDeleteT
I enjoyed this book and posted my review to Goodreads.
ReplyDeleteCertainly most ardent readers of this blog won't find anything "new" here, but it has its personality insights and if anything is a good primer on a post-BUG take on TLB.