Black and Blue: The Redd Foxx Story- Michael Starr

On January 14, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

51uo3gpiogl-_sy344_bo1204203200_ October 11, 1991-Comedian Redd Foxx dies of a massive heart attack in Los Angeles, California while on the set of the sitcom ‘The Royal Family’. His death stuns the entertainment industry and households across America. The hard scrabble, gravely voiced comic from St. Louis had made a name for himself with a profane but utterly realistic stand up routine and the hit sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’. When Foxx passed, I hadn’t yet started high school, but had watched routinely, the re-runs of Sanford and Son on television. His catchphrase “ya big dummy” was one that my friends and I would toss around from time to time. However, none of us could understand at the time how far-reaching his legacy would be and why his life and death were so important to thousands of young aspiring entertainers.

Michael Seth Starr presents this definitive biography on Foxx’s life and the demons that plagued the star throughout his life. It’s often said that comedians tend to have a dark side that’s often unseen in the public eye. This couldn’t be more than in the life of Jon Sanford, born in 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri. From an early age, the his life was one of struggle as he dealt with an absent father and mother, difficulties in school and a life of crime in New York City with a young Malcolm Little, who later changed his name to Malcolm X upon his conversion to the Islamic faith. Working his way up through show business, mainly doing stand up routines, singing and releasing comedy albums, years would pass before he starred in the show that would cement his legacy and make him a household name. But for all of the success and fame, his personal life was one of turmoil, tragedy and love. All of this is on full display and nothing is hidden, allowing the reader to see the good in Redd’s life, the bad and even the downright ugly at times. Not without his faults, Foxx’s behavior, drug use and the battles with the Internal Revenue Service are confusing and shocking. However, in spite of his many flaws, the list of friendships and acquaintances seemed to grow as he aged and the lifelong friendships with Della Reese, LaWanda Page and Slappy White remind us that there are some people who always remain with us throughout our lives, every step along the way. Starr’s account of Redd’s life is an excellent look into the life of the legendary entertainer.

ISBN-10: 1557837546
ISBN-13: 978-1557837547

The Devil’s Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA and the Rise of America’s Secret Government-David Talbot

On January 12, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In American History4 Comments

920x920 July 26, 1947- President Harry S. Truman signs into law the National Security Act, establishing the formation of an intelligence agency dedicated to serving the president. The end result is the formation of the Central Intelligence Agency. Later in life, Truman came to regret the law as the CIA grew beyond his original intentions into an unaccountable, dangerous and highly suspicious agency seemingly under the control of no one. Stories of operatives such as Allen Dulles, Bill Harvey, Richard Helms, David Atlee Phillips, Cord Meyer, Jr. and James Jesus Angleton are both endless and legendary. But what was really going on within the CIA and what was the true nature of its relationship with the White House? David Talbot presents to us his investigative report into the dark side of the CIA and the secret government within the United States.

January 29, 1969-Allen W. Dulles dies at the age of 75 of complications from pneumonia in Washington, D.C. Dying with him is an unknown number of secrets of the U.S. intelligence apparatus. The former director of the CIA, former intelligence operative of the OSS and member of the Warren Commission, was relieved of his post by President Kennedy following the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion in April, 1961. Kennedy and Dulles continued to maintain a strained relationship that would never fully heal. Although officially relieved of duty, Dulles continued to engage in intelligence operations and keep close contact with top members of the CIA. And nearly fifty years after his death, his name evokes both admiration and fear. However, as more information comes to light about the dark operations of the agency he lead, the more we are exposed to the dark side of Allen W. Dulles and his older brother and former Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles.

In March, 1945, the Allied forces in conjunction with the OSS, conducted Operation Sunrise, the black operation that obtained the freedom of several high-ranking Nazis including Karl Wolff. Dulles, at the time working for the OSS, spearheaded the campaign which was done secretly under the radar of the oval office. This mission would be one of many in Dulles’ career that could have caused international turmoil and embarrassment. Operation Sunrise was followed by equally as controversial programs such as Operation Paperclip, ZR/RIFLE and MK/ULTRA the agency’s attempt at a real life Manchurian Candidate. All of the details are included in this book and the full story is beyond shocking.

The agency faced its biggest challenge under the Kennedy Administration. Kennedy, convinced that he was unable to trust information provided by the CIA, vowed to shatter the agency and placed the control of covert operations under the control of the military. Following his assassination, the policy was reversed, authorizing covert operations in domestic and international affairs resulting in disastrous foreign policy which culminated with the Vietnam War. Dulles wouldn’t live to see the war’s end, but his agency’s role in the conflict is still the topic of debate. Talbot’s account of the strained relationship between the Kennedys and the CIA reveals an administration at war with its own intelligence community and one that ended violently in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Many of the figures in the book are now deceased, but the book reveals a very disturbing part of U.S. history that continues to haunt this nation and forces us to ask ourselves what power truly is and who really wields it? And just how much do we know about the intelligence community and what their objectives are? Additionally, the book a critical asset to JFK assassination researchers and those who desire to know the truth about what happened in Dealey Plaza.

ISBN-10: 0062276174
ISBN-13: 978-0062276179

Billie Sol: King of Texas Wheeler-Dealers-Pam Estes

On January 8, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

May 14, 2013-Billie Sol Estes dies at the age of 88 in his sleep at his home in Granbury, Texas. Estes was convicted in 1963 on charges of fraud and embezzlement and his conviction and imprisonment sent shock waves through the halls of Washington, D.C., including the oval office. Once a close friend of Lyndon Johnson, Ralph Yarborough and Sam Rayburn, the former Texas wheeler-dealer found himself alone in multiple battles against the U.S. government. The evidence and testimony in the cases was sometimes flimsy or non-existent, but nonetheless, he was convicted in two separate trials resulting in two separate prison sentences. A self-made millionaire, Estes showed a flair for arithmetic and his skill at generating revenue is still a tale of legend. Highly connected to powerful politicians and officials in the Democratic party, Estes became a top player in Texas and U.S. politics. He was largely convicted in the court of public opinion resulting in his image being forever tainted. His oldest daughter Pam, tells her side of the story and the experiences of Estes and his family as they fought two legal battles for her father’s freedom.

One would expect a memoir by his daughter to be slightly biased, but she does an excellent job of being critical of her father when necessary but clearly displays her love for her dad and highlights the many great qualities he possessed which would also be used by his enemies to engineer his downfall. A strong supporter of civil rights and integration, Estes sent hundreds of Mexican-American and African-American children to school at the height of his career. His integration beliefs would cause him to receive significant backlash, but he pushed on disregarding what others thought of his actions. Later in his life he would be haunted by several demons, and his daughter doesn’t hide them at all. I firmly believe that there are some discussions that are never had between parent and child, not because it’s not possible, but because we accept our parents as they are. Estes’ actions and career will always be subjected to ridicule and examination, but the fact remains that he is a crucial part to the history of Texas politics, the career of Lyndon Johnson and American history.

ISBN-10: 0915733005
ISBN-13: 978-0915733002

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced-Nujood Ali and Delphine Minoui

On January 7, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

Najood On April 15, 2008, Nujood Ali stood in a Yemeni courtroom and pleaded her case for a divorce from a physically, sexually and emotionally abusive husband. At the age of 10, her case caused shock and outrage around the globe. The marriage and subsequent divorce shed light on the old customs in the outskirts of Yemen. Born in the remote Yemeni village of Khardji, Nujood’s story is one of many that go untold each year not only in Yemen, but in countries across the Middle East. Married in exchange for the sum of US $750, her new life quickly becomes a nightmare as she is forced to leave her family and reside with her much older husband whom she does not know.

Her petition for a divorce catapulted her into international spotlight and her story gave hope to thousands of other young girls in other countries in which women are forced to marry at extremely young ages. The Yemeni government raised the legal consenting age for marriage to 17 but outside the major cities the old tradition of young brides is still practiced leaving human organizations with more work to do in reducing or eliminating the system of child exploitation. The belief system in which women are viewed as property extinguishes the dreams and hopes of education, success and freedom that many young women envision in their youth. Her courage is admirable, inspiring and an example that sometimes all it takes is one person to stand up to injustice for others to follow. Nujood’s story has been made into a feature film of the same name as this book. Directed by Khadija Al-Salami and filmed entirely in Yemen, the film was shown at the Dubai International Film Festival and won the award for the Best Fiction Feature. The filmmaker is still looking for a distributor for the picture in the hopes that it will be seen by international audiences. The book however, has been translated in 36 languages and sold in over 15 countries putting her story on the shelves of bookstores worldwide.

ISBN-10: 0307589676
ISBN-13: 978-0307589675

The Morning Breaks: The Trial of Angela Davis- Bettina Aptheker

On January 2, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In Civil Rights Movement1 Comment

davis October 13, 1970-Angela Davis is arrested in New York City and extradited to Marin County, California, where she is charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The charge stems from the death of Judge Harold Haley, taken hostage by Jonathan Jackson and accomplices in an effort to free the Soledad brothers and all political prisoners from United States federal prisons. Davis’ arrest and trial became a focal point in the struggle against an unjust and discriminatory judicial system in which the privileged often found themselves defenseless in frivolous trials resulting in equally absurd prison sentences.

Bettina Aptheker, close friend and supporter of Davis, penned her recollections of the trial and the hurdles and obstacles in the way of Davis’ path to exoneration. Set in Palo Alto, California, a stronghold of conservative political views, the defense became embattled in a David and Goliath struggle against a prosecution bent on Davis’ imprisonment. There are many highs and lows in the trial, but the shining moments are the selected readings of Davis’ letters to George Jackson, at the time incarcerated at San Quentin. Davis and Jackson had become deeply involved with each other and Davis’ confession of love are moving and revealing.

The book isn’t always an easy read, there are parts where the ugliest side of human actions are shown. Racism, sexism and political suppression are shown unrestricted for the reader to digest. Her standing as a professor, civil rights activist and communist thrust her into the spotlight and her trial was one of the most important in the history of this nation. Her acquittal would force America to re-examine itself and the concept of justice. All of the negative aspects of society are brought to the surface bringing the past to life. The very pitfalls common in that time period, while tragic, are also the same pitfalls that do make this nation great. Our ability to constantly examine and self-criticize are the tools of any great democracy. Our constitution says that all men are created equal, but for hundreds of years, minorities, women, the disabled, LGTB and many others of society have struggled in their cause for equality. Angela’s story reminds us that while it may seem difficult, justice can and does prevail.

ISBN-13: 978-0801485978
ISBN-10: 0801485975

Born On The Fourth of July-Ron Kovic

On December 31, 2015June 3, 2018 By Genyc79In Biographies, Vietnam WarLeave a comment

Kovic On January 20, 1968, Ron Kovic was shot and critically injured while leading a reconnaissance mission near the village of My Loc north of the Cua Viet River. The injury leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. After being transported back to the United States, he is moved to the Bronx VA hospital and witnesses first had the substandard treatment given to soldiers injured in the conflict. Upon his discharge, the young marine leaves the hospital a changed man forever, no longer an innocent 18-year-old kid with dreams of being a rough and tough marine. As outcry against the war continued to grow and he began to read literature given to him by his cousin’s husband, his views on the war began to change and he eventually became one of the most outspoken anti-war activist in country.

This autobiography is Kovic’s life story and what he has learned before and after Vietnam. The Long Island native of Massapequa, brings us back to a time where communism was the paranoia gripping the country and southeast Asia, the hotbed of U.S. military intervention. The book at times is haunting and reminds the reader of the horrors of war. Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, he revised the book adding a new foreword. Thirteen years have passed since the invasion of Iraq, but Kovic’s words were prophetic and his wisdom unchallenged. Movies and documentaries sometimes glorify war, but this is the view from a side we often never see. A deeply moving account, Kovic is the living example of the horror of war that can afflict any young man or woman. His story is so moving that in 1989, director Oliver Stone released ‘Born On The Fourth of July’, Kovic’s life story in which he is played by actor Tom Cruise. The film remains a personal favorite and chilling look into a dark side of war.

ISBN-10: 1888451785
ISBN-13: 978-1888451788

The Short Timers-Gustav Hasford

On December 29, 2015December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In Vietnam War1 Comment

The late Stanley Kubrick left behind a collection of films that have stood the test of time and have been used as inspiration by filmmakers to this day. Known for such hits as The Shining and A Clockwork Orange, his legacy continues to grow in American cinema. In July, 1987, Warner Brothers released Full Metal Jacket, Kubrick’s gritty portrayal of the Vietnam War focusing on the Marines and their role in the conflict. The film is considered a classic and the performances by several actors are still revisited today. Presented in two parts, the first shows the young men as they learn to become marines and the second, their experience in the war. The film, as it is widely know, is based on of this novel by the former and late Marine Gustav Hasford (1947-1993).

Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish, the short novel pulls the reader in refusing to let go. We are introduced to the characters of Joker, Cowboy, Animal Mother, Rafter Man, Doc Jay and Capt. January, all of whom make an appearance in the film adaptation. The notable differences are the characters of Sgt. Gerheim and Alice. In the film they are changed to Sgt. Hartman and Eightball. Because the book was written by a former Marine, military jargon, comradeship and the pride that comes with being a Marine is found throughout the book. Hasford did a masterful job of taking the reader into the battle zones with Joker, Alice, Animal Mother and the unit to witness the terror, fear and carnage that is war. He followed up this book with ‘The Phantom Blooper’ and had planned a third book but died before it could be written. This novel has been called the best work of fiction about the Vietnam War and Full Metal Jacket is a film full of unforgettable performances and memorable scenes. Next to Oliver Stone’s Platoon and Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, it remains one of the best films about the Vietnam War. However, Hasford’s novel is even better and those who love the film will find this book to be priceless.

ISBN-10: 0553267396
ISBN-13: 978-0553267396

Me and D*ck: It’s Now Who Know, It’s Who You…

On December 28, 2015December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In fictionLeave a comment

There are certain elements of life that remain constant, never-ceasing to captivate, intimidate and stir controversy. An accepted part of life, sex is one of many things that always sells no matter how taboo it may be in some cultures. For some, it’s a very private subject that shouldn’t be discussed in conversation outside of the home and for others, it’s a topic which should be freely discussed. No matter which side you find yourself on, we can all agree that sex always remains fascinating and its explicitness is part of its aura.

In this intriguing fictional tale, author C. Robinson brings to us Sunshyne Mercy, teacher by day and escort by night. Existing in two different worlds, Sunshyne exemplifies the human ability to live a life full of contradiction but at the same time, maintaining integrity and hope in world that can be full of treachery, tragedy and disparity. Jung explained it the best in his analysis of the duality of man.

The book contains an entire cast of characters and I believe that if Oscar Wilde were alive today, this would be by far one of his favorite books. While the book is about sex in most parts, it’s also about human emotions, psychology and self-reflection. No one in the book is beyond reproach and through these characters we see the internal struggle for self-acceptance that plagues so many of us. Sunshyne is an escort, but she’s not the ordinary one and her escapades and thoughts pull the reader in one page at a time. And through her eyes, we see that we all have secrets, some are just darker than others. This is the first part of a continuing project and the second part should be just as good as the first if not better.

ISBN-10: 1463517440
ISBN-13: 978-1463517441

A Nation of Enemies: Chile Under Pinochet-Pamela A. Constable and Arturo Valenzuela

On December 26, 2015December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In Latin America3 Comments

The Cuban Revolution, carried today by Raul Castro, set an example for other Latin American nations and became the shining example of a successful campaign to resist U.S. intervention. In time, more countries began to look to Cuba as a model for their own revolutionary goals in an effort to spread Marxist ideology throughout Central and South America. Salvador Allende’s efforts to spread the beliefs throughout Chile would be in good faith but severely short-lived. On September 11, 1973, he was overthrown in a military coup led by the late General Augusto Pinochet. Allende, who died of reportedly self-inflicted gunshot wounds, tried unsuccessfully to lead Chile down the path of socialism inspired by his Marxist-Leninist beliefs. The removal of Allende and assumption of power by Pinochet, would bring Chile some of its darkest days. Political suppression, unemployment, famine, murder and corruption became constant aspects of Chilean society under a dictator with an insatiable appetite for power, greed and subordination. Pamela Constable and Arturo Valenzuela bring the past to life with this excellent historical account of a crucial period in the history of Chile. Under Pinochet, the dreams of change, freedom and economic prosperity began to fade as the income gap between the rich and the poor became the largest in the country’s history. Poverty, depression, health issues and domestic surveillance by the notorious DINA would transform a once free society in a military state. Freedom of press, expression and religion became archaic ideas subject to intimidation, imprisonment and in some cases, death. Schools and universities were under rigorous scrutiny in efforts to purge them of any ideological teachings by the far left bearing a haunting similarity to Nazi controlled Germany.

Old opposition movements began to re-form and newer organizations began to take shape eventually dividing Chilean society between Communist, Christian Democratics, Humanist parties and pro-regime organizations. Tension began to simmer and Pinochet’s time in office began to see its last days. His reign lasted from 1973 until October 1988, when the Chilean people demanded change and elected Patricio Aylwin by a large margin bringing democracy back to a country in need of hope and security. His election was a culmination of years of disillusionment by the Chilean public, and even the Regan administration. The Chile we know today is far removed from its darkest days under one of the most notorious dictators in Latina American history. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the regime of Augusto Pinochet and Chilean politics.

ISBN-10: 0393309851
ISBN-13: 978-0393309850

Orders To Kill: The Truth Behind The Murder of Martin Luther King-William F. Pepper

On December 24, 2015December 6, 2018 By Genyc79In Civil Rights MovementLeave a comment

peppers order to kill April 4, 1968-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated as he stands on the balcony in front of room 306 at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. That same night, Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-New York) gives what is considered by many to be the best speech of his career on the back of a pickup truck to a crowd of stunned and angry supporters. A drifter and ex-convict by the name of James Earl Ray is arrested at Heathrow Airport in London after a manhunt and extradited back to the United States. Following his indictment, he pleads guilty to the crime, but many questions about his motive and actions continue to go unanswered. The murder of Dr. King and of President Kennedy would be the subject to investigation by the House Select Committee on Assassinations. And although the investigations revealed new evidence in both murders, new suspects and evidence of a probable conspiracy in President Kennedy’s murder, the complete truth about both murders continues to elude the American public.

Decades have passed since Dr. King’s murder and the official story still stands. But this book by William F. Pepper will challenge everything you thought you knew about the murder and his alleged assassin James Earl Ray. The Freedom of Information Act completely changed the face of investigative reporting and gave citizens of all professions and walks of life a powerful tool in their efforts to learn the truth about historical events in which disturbing questions still linger. The FBI, under the tutelage and direction of J. Edgar Hoover, conducted illegal domestic wiretapping and surveillance on American citizens, political organizations and figures. The infamous COINTEL program cast a dark cloud over the agency and re-enforced the suspicions and concerns of an agency out of control.

1968 was a tumultuous year with the Vietnam war raging and American involvement increasingly escalating. Social tensions brimming under the surface resulted in race riots across the country and the murders of John F. Kennedy and Medgar Evars were still fresh in the minds of civil rights activists and citizens deeply concerned about the direction in which their country was headed. Destined to break with the Johnson administration, King’s opposition to the Vietnam war, his rhetoric and social standing sent chills down the spines of the politicians in Washington and the military industrial complex. Unwilling to tolerate civil unrest at home, the government began to increase domestic surveillance using MIGs (Military Intelligence Groups), the CIA, FBI, ONI and NSA. Their trail of King would lead them to Memphis where fate would take over resulting in the tragic events on April 4. Ray’s conviction seemed simple enough, he pleaded guilty as recommended by then attorney Percy Foreman and sits in jail to this day. However, as Pepper’s reveals, the guilty plea and evidence presented, both crumble under intense scrutiny and there were events that transpired that day unrelated to James Earl Ray. Over the years, Ray has given many accounts of his actions that day and none are in tune with those of a lone nut. Portrayed as a stone cold killer and rabid racist, he was convicted in the court of public opinion even before he set foot in a courtroom. Pepper’s investigation unearths a mountain of evidence and cast strong doubt on Ray’s guilt and forces the reader to re-examine everything he/she thought they knew about one of the most infamous murders in American history.

There’s an entire cast of characters in the book, including President Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, H.L. Hunt and Carlos Marcello. The web of intrigue between these once powerful figures is nothing short of spell-binding and disturbing. A common question Americans ask one another is who really controls this country? I believe that investigations into the murders of President Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will provide insight into the machinations of the U.S. Government and show what true power really is. Had Dr. King lived to this day, he’d be 86 years of age and we can only guess as to what he would think of the current state of our country. Next month is the national holiday for his birthday, but this year, the celebration will have a different meaning for myself and I’m sure others that have read this book. I no longer question why he was murdered but question what if he had not been.

ISBN-10: 0786702532
ISBN-13: 978-0786702534

FREETHINKING BIBLIOPHILE

Author: Genyc79