#dale gilbertson

[roddyjo]

Concerning BLACK HOUSE.... do you think that after he healed up and recovered from his wounds, he ever went back to French Landing and visited Dale and Beezer and Doc?

[blepplepwrites]

Black House Summary

Taking place in Coulee County, Wisconsin, we follow a few different characters from a 3rd person POV. The quaint town of French Landing is being rattled by a killer dubbed ‘The Fisherman’. This book is broken into 4 parts and the first part, Welcome to Coulee County, is spent getting familiar with the characters and the town. 

We meet Dale Gilbertson; Chief of the French Landing Police Department and currently in charge of the Fisherman case. The Marshal Family; we really focus on Tyler and Judy, Tyler is the soon-to-be 4th victim of the Fisherman who is troubled by his mother Judy seemingly going insane. Henry Leyden; Dale's blind uncle who also happens to be the voice of 4 favorite radio broadcasts and best friends with Jack Sawyer. Jack Sawyer; an ex-cop from the LAPD who moved to French Landing after a particular homicide case. Thunder 5; we really don't meet them until part 2, but it's best to recognize them as a group of Harley riding men who hope to aid the police in catching the Fisherman.

In Part 2, The Taking of Tyler Marshal, we follow a few characters as the Maxtons Elder Care Facility sets up for Strawberry Fest! which may seem insignificant, but some interactions are worth noting. We also watch the literal taking of Tyler. The whole story so far Dale and Henry have been asking Jack to unofficially be on the Fisherman case, which he declined. Fred Marshal rather insists that Jack is the only one who can help and so Jack initially goes to calm the father down. 

However Jack eventually finds himself at the scene of the Fisherman's 3rd victim. Wisconsin State police take legal hold of the case from the FLPD. This really doesn't deter Jack who enlists the help of the Thunder 5 and takes an interview with Judy Marshal. 

During this interview, Jack comes to the understanding that Judy has not gone mad but rather has been hearing warnings from her Twinner. Much world-building for the Territories/Faraway has been discussed in this book's prequel; The Talisman.

In part 3, Night's Plutonian Shore, we start off by witnessing planted evidence in the Nelson’s Hotel which constitutes a call to the FLPD and the arrest of George Potter. While not the killer, he seems to have some information as to who the killer really may be. After his short interview with Potter, Jack asks the Thunder 5 to look for a house called Black House. At this point the POV switches to follow the bikers as this paranormally haunted house fatally injures the member called Mouse. All the while Jack is interviewing Judy Marshal.

In this interview, Jack's goal is to obtain a tape that had been shipped to her from the fisherman and to speak with her Twinner; Sophie. Both of which he easily achieves, even reconnecting with his old friend Speedy Parker.

BELOW WILL BE ENDING SPOILERS

Chapter 24 is where things really start coming to a high. The Killer, Charles Burnside, goes on a bit of a rampage. Henry makes the first adult victim purely because of his association with Jack. Not wanting to go withholding information, Henry struggles through the last bit of his life to leave a tape recording for Jack detailing the killer's name and whereabouts. Only Jack stumbles upon Henry a bit too late and is in a rather hefty state of shock, wandering an empty field and drifting to the Territories. After Jack evacuates the scene the pov switches back to Maxtons Elder Care Facility and we follow Charles through his second and third adult victims. 

It's shocking just how narrowly Charles escapes the police and manages to retreat to Black House. Here we get to witness the relationship between Munshun and Charles. We finally meet one of the higher orders of the Crimson Court; Mister Munshun. We follow the tragic path through the otherworld of torture and pain as Tyler is relocated. It takes a great deal of bravery from Tyler to attack Charles before the killer attempts to eat him alive. Here is where our pov cuts back to the newly dubbed ‘Sawyer Gang’ as they make their way into the forest, Black House, and start down the long road across End-World. 

After a semi-anti-climactic confrontation between the Sawyer Gang and Mister Munshun, the creature is dead and Tyler is freed. After a minor celebration Tyler is informed that there is still work to be done; freeing the other children. Thankfully Tyler is able to destroy the Furnace Lands and leads hundreds of kids from his own universe home.

By the last chapter the four who went through the Black House and found Tyler and the other kids are giving a public announcement. However it seems tragedy must strike a final time as the wife of Kinderling empties a clip into Jack's chest while he stands on a podium in front of news anchors and 100+ French Landing citizens. It seems yet that Jack is alive, no longer within the same universe or world, but alive nonetheless. As Speedy puts it; “he is a creature of The Territories.”

[theyearoftheking]

Book Forty-Nine: Black House

“Here is a true American loner, an internal vagrant, a creature of shabby rooms and cheap diners, of aimless journeys resentfully taken, a collector of wounds and injuries lovingly fingered and refingered. Here is a spy with no cause higher than himself.” 

After almost fifty books, The Talisman still stands at the top of the leader board as my favorite Steve book. It’s richly layered, full of memorable characters and horrible villains, with a satisfying conclusion. It’s the type of book fantasy and horror lovers alike are eager to escape into. 

It’s sometimes hard to embrace the sequel to a book you love so much... I mean, I can be bought, but my criteria are stringent:

Consider setting the book in Wisconsin... perhaps the beautiful, sad, remote, desolate western part of the state right along the Mississippi river.

Maybe a Dahmer reference? 

Scratch that. Instead, go with an old-school serial killer no one really talks about anymore. How about... Albert Fish? He’s pretty gross. 

On second thought, reconsider a Dahmer reference. Maybe an evil spirit that links Dahmer and Fish together? 

TONS of Dark Tower references. 

If Steve and Pete were to consider writing a follow up to The Talisman with all these elements, I might consider reading it. 

Spoiler! 

Dark House contains all this goodness, and more. 

It’s so fucking dark, y’all. I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to drive past a long-term care facility and NOT think about an old man inside wanting to eat the buttocks of small children.

Oh hey, trigger warnings for cannibalism, and violence against children. 

So, Dark House is set in fictional Coulee County, Wisconsin (not a place). But Steve and Pete (I need to start giving Peter Straub some shout outs as well) describe the western part of the state magnificently. Not too long ago I had a sales job that required me to travel the entire state, and I always loved my jaunts west. I’d park right along the Mississippi, eat my lunch and just soak up the isolation. I’d much rather make the drive to Pierce county than the Quad Cities, which my current employer is asking of me. *Silent scream for help*

Despite Coulee being fictional, the actual Wisconsin references are thick:

De Pere (where we recently found out Steve spent a few formative years)

The Brewers 

Miller Park 

Kingsland Ale- while fictional, it’s a nod to Wisconsin’s rich brewing history, and favorable climate for microbreweries

Dahmer (several times, actually)

Racine. Y’all. I have no idea what Steve’s obsession is with Racine... it comes up in multiple books. It’s really not that great. Take that from someone who spent a brief period of time working there. Honestly, my favorite thing about Racine is the authentic Thai restaurant right in downtown, Sticky Rice. If you find yourself in Racine, please go check them out... their red devil curry is amaze-balls. 

So, yes... lots of Wisconsin. Also, lots of Dark Tower:

Eye of the King

Crimson King

The Tower

Red roses

Breakers

Little Sisters 

Gunslingers and their weapons

Roland and the ka-tet

Monos! Blaine and Patricia

Chief Breaker Brautigan- who allegedly tells hilarious stories about his escapes. I miss him already. 

I have questions about how Steve convinced Pete to include so many Dark Tower elements into this book...

Steve:  “Pete, bud... I know you might have a different vision for how this book plays out. Buuut what about if we make it part of the Dark Tower universe?”

Pete: Stares for a long minute. “Um, I thought that series was dead in the water. Do we really need to use Dark House to resuscitate it?” 

Steve: “Remember the car accident? You know, the one that almost took my leg?” 

Pete *Oh fuck, he’s bringing up the car accident as a bid for sympathy, and to convince me to make this a Dark Tower book...* “Of course I remember!”

Steve: “Well, it shook some things loose. I’m about ready to finish the series. I just thought it might be fun if we make this book a lead-up to the finale” 

Pete: “It’s intriguing, but I’m not really sure it’s the direction I want to go in. I was thinking more-”

Steve: “I ALMOST DIED IN THAT ACCIDENT!” 

Pete: “Cool, Dark Tower book it is!” 

I should write fan fiction. I’ve obviously got a gift. 

Black House is told from a birds-eye narration view. Literally... there’s this fat, evil crow named Gorg flying all over town, giving us the lay of Coulee County. Bad stuff has been going on: little children have gone missing, and only a few of their bodies have turned back up mutilated and broken. 

The chief of police, Dale Gilbertson, knows he’s in over his head, and keeps trying to convince his pal, retired police detective, Jack “Hollywood” Sawyer to come consult on the case.

Jack isn’t having it. He retired young and moved to Coulee County from Los Angeles after tracking down and arresting serial killer Thorny Kinderling. The majestic beauty of western Wisconsin caught him by surprise, and he happily invested in reasonably priced (read: cheap) real estate with a view. 

Upon moving to Wisconsin, Jack befriended Dale’s blind uncle Henry Leydon; who voices several radio programs, including The Wisconsin Rat, which plays indy screamo bands and has plenty of shock-jock antics. The two hang out together, listen to jazz music, and sometimes Jack reads to Henry. Henry was able to use his elevated senses to study Jack’s speech pattern and figure out Jack’s mom was THE Lily Cavanaugh; the Queen of the B’s. 

While Jack and Henry are reading Bleak House, Charles “Burny” Burnside is wandering around the Maxton Elder Care Facility, pretending to have dementia, and dragging children into The Territories for Lord Malshun to either use as Breakers, or for Burny to snack on if they have no Breaking skills. So, Burny’s a bad dude who did some suspicious things in Chicago; but an evil spirit (the same one who invaded Albert Fish and Jeffrey Dahmer’s bodies) is what’s causing his kidnapping and cannibalistic urges. I know I say this every ten books or so, but Burny might be the worst King villain ever. I was not upset later on when his intestines were violently ripped from his body.

A sweet little boy (with strong Breaker powers) named Tyler Marshall goes missing outside the Maxton Elder Care Facility. While he was being pulled into the bushes by Gorg who kept repeating his name; his mother, Judy receives a taunting package and letter from The Fisherman, which sends her over the brink, and she’s institutionalized. 

Tyler’s disappearance really amps up the town outrage, and Jack agrees to help the police department out. He’s starting to suspect there’s some Territories nonsense going down, and he can help. 

From here, the book goes at break-neck pace and includes everything from micro-brewing bikers, a dog bite that causes one to dissolve into a foamy puddle on the couch, our old friend Speedy Parker showing up as a gunslinger, the world’s most annoying newspaper reporter, plenty of flipping between worlds via the creepy old black house hidden in the woods, and a happy(ish) ending. Honestly, there’s a warning at the end of the book, which allows you to choose your own ending. You can stop reading five pages before the end, and enjoy a happy ending where the good guys win; or you can get the real world ending. Both are satisfying... I recommend reading all the way to the end. 

So, just a few quotes for you... 

“Wolf died of a disease called America.” 

This line gutted me. I didn’t realize how much I loved Wolf as a character, until I had to read a follow-up that didn’t include him. His soul was too clean and beautiful for a fucked-up world like the one we currently live in. 

“He doesn’t like the cell phone to begin with- twenty-first-century slave bracelets, he thinks them...”

No explanation needed. 

“Why must life always demand so much and give so little? Parkus answers her question with a single word: ka.” 

Again, no explanation needed. 

Was this book as good as The Talisman? 

No. 

Did I want more? 

Absolutely.

But was I satisfied with the end?

You bet your (un-chomped on) ass.

Total Wisconsin Mentions: 33

Total Dark Tower References: 50

Book Grade: A-

Rebecca’s Definitive Ranking of Stephen King Books

The Talisman: A+

Wizard and Glass: A+

Needful Things: A+

On Writing: A+

The Green Mile: A+

Hearts in Atlantis: A+

Rose Madder: A+

Misery: A+

Different Seasons: A+

It: A+

Four Past Midnight: A+

The Shining: A-

The Stand: A-

Bag of Bones: A-

Black House: A-

The Wastelands: A-

The Drawing of the Three: A-

Dolores Claiborne: A-

Nightmares in the Sky: B+

The Dark Half: B+

Skeleton Crew: B+

The Dead Zone: B+

Nightmares & Dreamscapes: B+

‘Salem’s Lot: B+

Carrie: B+

Creepshow: B+

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon: B

Storm of the Century: B-

Cycle of the Werewolf: B-

Danse Macabre: B-

The Running Man: C+

Thinner: C+

Dark Visions: C+

The Eyes of the Dragon: C+

The Long Walk: C+

The Gunslinger: C+

Pet Sematary: C+

Firestarter: C+

Rage: C

Desperation: C-

Insomnia: C-

Cujo: C-

Nightshift: C-

Gerald’s Game: D

Roadwork: D

Christine: D

Dreamcatcher: D

The Regulators: D

The Tommyknockers: D-

Now I move onto From a Buick Eight. I’ve had an advanced reading copy since the book came out, but never had the urge to actually read it. That should tell you everything you need to know about my level of enthusiasm right now. I’m hoping it’s not a Christine 2.0. 

Until next time, Long Days & Pleasant Nights, Rebecca 

[dunwannawakeup]

SNM #51-52 02/12/2017

Early

Macbeth: Joe Poulson Lady Macbeth: Ida Saki Macduff: Sam Asa Pratt Lady Macduff: Jenna Saccurato Duncan: Phil Atkins? Malcolm: Tim Heck Banquo: Brendan Duggan Bald Witch: Stephanie Crousillat Boy Witch: Tyler Phillips Sexy Witch: Emily Oldak Hecate: Mallory Gracenin Porter: John William Watkins Agnes Naismith: Ryan VanCompernolle Danvers: Hope Davis Speakeasy: Nick Dillenburg Fulton: Matty Oaks Taxi: Marc Cardarelli  Matron: Jackie Schram?  Nurse: Marissa Maisle Man in Bar: Paul Corning / Nick Bruder Woman in Bar: Ava Lee Scott

Late

Macbeth: Erik Abbott-Main Lady Macbeth: Annie Rigney Macduff: Austin Dale Tyson Lady Macduff: Kelly Todd Duncan: Phil Atkins Malcolm: Adam Griffith Banquo: David Botana Bald Witch: Marissa Maislen Boy Witch: Steven Apicello Sexy Witch: Evelyn Chen Hecate: Onalea Gilbertson Porter: Nick Dillenburg Agnes Naismith: Mallory Gracenin Danvers: Jenna Saccurato Speakeasy: Nick Bruder Fulton: Parker Murphy Taxi: Sam Asa Pratt Matron: Virginia Logan Nurse: Risa Steinberg Man in Bar: Shane Jensen Woman in Bar: Jackie Schram / Ava Lee Scott

I spent too much time in the bar in the early show and made a rookie mistake not having cast written down during the break, plus hangover from the party, so pls everyone who was there tonight help me complete the list.

What an emotional night. 4 residents are checking out after tonight.

If I had known that Hope was also leaving, I would have followed Danvers longer in the early show. I love Hope as Bald Witch and Danvers. So sad another brilliant and inspiring resident is checking out. 

I followed Hope until she chose another follower for the 1:1. I moved on to find Boy Witch. Tyler’s solo broke my heart into pieces. Also, I have never seen him crying and screaming so loud during the shower. After passing him the towel and helping him with the shirt, he tossed his trousers to a guy, who refused to pick them up. I pointed to the trousers on the floor and then looked at that guy, he obviously misunderstood it and passed them to me, lol. 

After a full loop with Boy Witch, I went back to the bar to find Annabella. Every time I spent time with her, I always felt welcomed, touched, and enlightened. Tonight my time in the bar was the highlight of all night. Before the reading, we watched John Lindsay’s last performance together. Paul has a beautiful voice, and my heart ached when hearing him singing Every Night About This Time and Moonglow (with Charlie). The most touching moment was his last number, which was a song about Annabella. Annabella told me about their old days in the Gallow Green. The whole performance was truly sweet and beautiful. 

Annabella’s reading was, like always, an amazing experience. Tonight even I didn’t tell her what exactly was my question, the signs were apparent. They really spoke to me. After the reading, she offered to do my hand print. My palm and fingers were covered with ink, and firstly I had fun stamping my hand prints onto my mask. Then I was invited to leave my hand print in a book, which is filled with residents’ and guests’ handprints and messages. So many stories to be told, so much power. Meanwhile, Victor Adare approached us and sat next to me. He was a curious and sensitive guy. I witnessed him and John Lindsay leaving their hand prints in the same book, with messages true to their hearts. Annabella told us by doing this, we forever became part of the hotel. 

After the magical time spent with Annabella, I went back to the hotel to catch the last Agnes/Hecate scene. The moment Ryan’s Agnes walking in replica bar, she and Mallory all had tears in their eyes. It was a truly emotional moment. I heard sobbing from the audience. I was trembling, and taking deep breaths trying to keep myself together. 

The late show was all about Mallory. An enormous amount of residents were in the audience watching her last performance. Some performers altered some interactions when their parts encountering Agnes, as a way to express their love to Mallory. I watched her for 1.5 loops. I felt sadness all over me so I had to leave and find some peace. I spent some time with Matron. Then the rest of the last loop I was completely blown away by Marissa’s Bald Witch. 

Had a good time at the bar chatting with @errrrtythebabber and @drinkthehalo , recalling our days in McKinnon. Glad to meet some new to be residents, moreover, what a lovely surprise to see Paul Zivkovich returning to McKittrick! 

No one leaves forever. That is what left for me to hold on to. Hope one day we can see them checking in the hotel again. 

[bayintegratedmarketing]

Taken - The abuse of Civil Forfeiture

Taken – The abuse of Civil Forfeiture

Under civil forfeiture, Americans who haven’t been charged with wrongdoing can be stripped of their cash, cars, and even homes. Is that all we’re losing? by Sarah Stillman – Clockwise from left: James Morrow, Javier Flores, Jennifer Boatright and her son Jacob, Dale Agostini, and Nelly Moreira. Many police budgets depend on money from forfeiture. Photographs by Ashley Gilbertson / VII On a bright…