Some James Ellroy Novels

James Ellroy began his career writing detective fiction. His “LA Quartet” series is perhaps the best well known and includes The Black Dahlia, The Big Nowhere, LA Confidential, and White Jazz. The first book by Ellroy that I read was The Big Nowhere. This book hooked me on Ellroy’s writing. His work is not pretty, nor is it neat the way some crime fiction is. In fact, the mess of Los Angeles corruption is Ellroy’s fodder. He chews it up and spits it out like no other writer I know. His characters stand head and shoulders above the lame, hand-wringing ninnies of some series. He’s not afraid to have bad cops do good things, evil politicians stoop lower than a snake in the sand, and civilians get whacked in the cross fire. The plots are more convoluted than the frieze on a Hindu temple, and yet as believable as the reality they reflect.

But (and there’s always a ‘but’ in these posts of mine) Ellroy’s work grew beyond detective fiction to include a book that stands out among my top five books of all time, and that would be AMERICAN TABLOID. I put it in all capitals because this book will not only make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, it’ll cause you to break into a cold sweat and the occasional shaking fit. This one takes place in the run up to and aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. It features real-life characters salted in among two CIA agents gone off the reservation. One is Kemper Boyd. The other is Ward Little. These guys are on a collision course with history and each other, not to mention J. Edgar Hoover, Joe Kennedy, Sam Giancana, and a few movie stars in between. Ellroy winds his plot through the minefield of historical drama, giving the reader almost no rest between crooked and kinky deals that ultimately bring Boyd and Little face to face with what they’ve done.

Over the years, Ellroy’s style has evolved into a clipped, almost machine gun fire blitz of language. At times this can wear on me. Nonetheless, I think he is one of America’s great writers in this field. He holds nothing back and that’s what impresses me the most in an age of politically correct sterilization.

Published in: on August 17, 2008 at 8:21 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Island Solar Power, Aruba

The photo below shows the roof of the Dutch Marine Base located in Savaneta, Aruba. A few years ago, they installed these solar panels in order to power their motor pool facilities. I have not been able to go inside to check them out up close, but I’m told the system works very well.

This is a large installation of panels. About 10 times what I will put up for my own house. Still, it shows what can be done. Furthermore, since the system activated, the price of electricity on the island has increased significantly. Thus, the payback time has decreased, making it a better investment than originally anticipated.

At this time, there is a flurry of activity in alternative energy in Aruba. The local power company has a monopoly on electricity generation and distribution. They are not pleased with the clamor for private systems that are grid connected. No monopoly likes to have it’s authority and revenue questioned. There is talk of 500 permits being issued for grid-connected systems. This is a smoke and mirror approach that will only lead to special fees and taxes designed to limit the private sector and make private ownership of power generation too costly. Nonetheless, private individuals are installing systems that are OFF-GRID. It won’t be long before the flood gates are open. The cost of electricity in Aruba is blindingly high and the incentive to have individual systems is extremely rewarding. Thus, the private sector will not only reduce pollution but also give those people who put forth the effort a great return on their investment. Go for it.

Published in: on August 17, 2008 at 10:59 am  Leave a Comment  
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Some Mario Puzo Novels

Mario Puzo is famously known for his novel, The Godfather. I’ve read the book three times. It is definitely among his best. However, another book of his that I found to be very good and more insightful was The Fortunate Pilgrim. This is another immigrant tale, albeit one that is much shorter. It takes place in New York City and features all the characters you might expect including a woman named Lucia Santa. Every one of them is well drawn, each with their motivations, flaws, and virtues.

And then there is Fools Die. Fools Die is a story not only about Las Vegas, but about human nature. (I’ve also read this book three times.) One of the most fascinating characters in the book is named Gronevelt and he owns the Xanadu Casino. He’s as much an archetype as Don Corleone, but with a more mathematical sensibility that he applies not only to the returns on his gaming tables, but also to the people around him. Gronevelt knows that people will try to steal from his casino, that they will attempt scams, that they think they can somehow beat the house. All the while, the percentage is against them, not to mention a keen observer of human behavior like Gronevelt who can be on the merciless side. Thus, fools die, literally and figuratively.

Still, there is more to this book than simple casino derring-do and big-shot hustling. The book takes some wild tangents to follow a budding novelist, a wacky prize-winning author, and some other minor characters. If you’ve read The Godfather, you’ll remember that the book followed Johnny Fontain to Hollywood along with his hard drinking neighborhood upstart friend. Some people complain about this type of diversion in a book. I actually enjoy them, especially when a writer like Puzo keeps the characters and plot interesting to the point where you don’t realize how far off the main highway you’ve gone until you’re on your way back.

Too many novels I’ve read of late are too short, too bland, and too simple so as to leave me wondering what, exactly, was the story. Mario Puzo never takes the short or the easy road in the novels I mention above. He drags the story up a hill and the climb is not only worth it but also leaves you with a view you never forget. The finely tuned power of Don Corleone, the ruthless calculating mind of Gronevelt, or the perseverance of Lucia Santa, all deliver the reader to a place they will never forget.

So, if you haven’t checked out these Mario Puzo novels lately, I highly recommend a visit. You won’t be disappointed. As for his other books, well, they’re not on my list of favorites.

Published in: on August 16, 2008 at 10:04 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The New Pueblito Paisa, Aruba

If you’re looking for stick to your ribs kind of food, there’s a place in San Nicolaas, Aruba called The New Pueblito Paisa. This restaurant is operated by a nice Colombian woman who I’ve gotten to know over the years. The food, as you would expect, is Colombian, including the famous Bandeja Paisa platter, oxtail soup, and homemade fruit drinks. It’s on a corner of Helfrichstraat.

With an exterior painted like that, it’s hard to miss. I sat at the counter for many hours, writing, learning Spanish from the waitresses, and watching the people come and go. Pueblito is very popular with the refinery workers who phone in their orders. The best time for lunch is about 11:15, right before the big rush, or after 1:00 when it is over. Either way, the food will fill you up. For example, the other day I ordered the lomito platter, which is a steak pounded flat, grilled and sauced. It comes with fries, rice and a small salad. I took the photo after the salad was gone.

That was tasty! Filled me up for the rest of the day. The Chuleta Colombiana is a pork chop pounded flat, battered and fried. The batter has enough garlic to last three days. Excellent. Again, this isn’t the place if you’re worried about cholesterol or salt. But, if you’re working hard these meals will give you the energy to keep going. Of course, my desert is the beloved, and ice-cold, Coca Cola.

Notice that plate in the background is about wiped clean. More important, that can of Coca-Cola is frosty cold, exactly as it should be. Never accept less.

Published in: on August 16, 2008 at 10:24 am  Leave a Comment  
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