Royce A. Ratterman's Blog
June 23, 2023
Retire of Hiatus?
24 June 2023
Time to retire, or engage on an extended hiatus, from this platform of review.
This will free up more time to simply read and enjoy and less time with notes, records and review... so many shelves of books on my shelves to read in addition to the dozens I placed in storage for the time being.
Now I will be able to read my collection with no thought of posting anything related to their content.
Possibly, I may decide to do a 'Book Choice of the Year' type of thing for a special feature... ??? ... who knows?
Note: I may post one more soon, since it seems like the thing to do for a work built upon the writers Dissertation and dealing with a 'Reformation' style individual who completely altered Norway's social structure bringing the country in the modern age of industry and social reform:
"Rebirth of Norway's peasantry; folk leader Hans Nielsen Hauge" -by Magnus Nodtvedt
'
I will leave you with a short list if essential works... all of which should be familiar with:
-The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek (1944)
-The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt (1949)
-America Against America by Wang Huning (1991)
-Towards a Surveillant Society: The Rise of Surveillance Systems in Europe by Thomas Mathiesen (2013)
-1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai Weiwei (November 2021)
Time to retire, or engage on an extended hiatus, from this platform of review.
This will free up more time to simply read and enjoy and less time with notes, records and review... so many shelves of books on my shelves to read in addition to the dozens I placed in storage for the time being.
Now I will be able to read my collection with no thought of posting anything related to their content.
Possibly, I may decide to do a 'Book Choice of the Year' type of thing for a special feature... ??? ... who knows?
Note: I may post one more soon, since it seems like the thing to do for a work built upon the writers Dissertation and dealing with a 'Reformation' style individual who completely altered Norway's social structure bringing the country in the modern age of industry and social reform:
"Rebirth of Norway's peasantry; folk leader Hans Nielsen Hauge" -by Magnus Nodtvedt
'
I will leave you with a short list if essential works... all of which should be familiar with:
-The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek (1944)
-The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt (1949)
-America Against America by Wang Huning (1991)
-Towards a Surveillant Society: The Rise of Surveillance Systems in Europe by Thomas Mathiesen (2013)
-1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai Weiwei (November 2021)
January 25, 2021
More writing - less reading
For the past year I have spent far more time writing than reading. Most reading relates to writing projects these days.
Developing works for the increase of rural tribes reading ability and comprehension has taken a front seat.
But, it is generally a better view from the front seat , . . wouldn't you say?
Developing works for the increase of rural tribes reading ability and comprehension has taken a front seat.
But, it is generally a better view from the front seat , . . wouldn't you say?
September 26, 2018
My Historical Fiction Novel - Posted on my blog
Commencing Wednesday, September 19, 2018...
My novel (renamed) will be posted on my blog chapter-by-chapter every few days.
"Freedom to Freedom: 1746-1963"
- Chapter Links: http://upperstreams.blogspot.com/p/ne...
My novel (renamed) will be posted on my blog chapter-by-chapter every few days.
"Freedom to Freedom: 1746-1963"
- Chapter Links: http://upperstreams.blogspot.com/p/ne...
My Historical Fiction Novel - Posted on my blog
Commencing Wednesday, September 19, 2018...
My novel (renamed) will be posted on my blog chapter-by-chapter every few days.
"Freedom to Freedom: 1746-1963"
- Chapter One: http://upperstreams.blogspot.com/2018...
My novel (renamed) will be posted on my blog chapter-by-chapter every few days.
"Freedom to Freedom: 1746-1963"
- Chapter One: http://upperstreams.blogspot.com/2018...
June 17, 2017
My Background Bio
My father served in Korea, protecting their borders, then built California's Vaca Valley Raceways in the mid-1950s. My step-mother, since I was five, is Native American, as are my two half-sisters and my step-sister. Another half-sister is half Mexican.
When I was four, and after my parent's divorce, my mother dated a black man masquerading as a Hindu named 'Korla Pandit' from New Delhi - he turned out to be married though.
She dated a blind man later who had lost his eyesight building the Oakland Coliseum - a welder.
I won't mention the poor alcoholic fellow she dated and attempted to help.
She also dated my doctor for many years... long before that door became visible on that proverbial 'closet'. He needed to be seen in social life with a woman, my mother. Many of our greatest times were with ‘Doctor and Bob’ (Bob: Doctor's 'house mate'). We got to borrow their blue MGB many times when they went to Europe for vacations.
We also spent lots of time with my Great-Aunt and Great-Uncle in San Francisco where they lived, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and SF Bay - he was a multi-millionaire.
Another family friend was the son of Depression era gangster 'Pretty Boy Floyd' - fond memories there too.
I've hosted numerous Japanese student visitors over the years, as well as some African Children’s Choir kids. I've worked with everyone from former Hells Angel and Bandito Presidents to minor-aged refugees from various countries... and have lived outside of the USA for 15+ years with my 'foreign' wife. Or is the USA actually the foreign locale now?
I've had a close friend who dodged the Vietnam draft and another WWII Normandy invasion veteran hero. I have worked construction, drywall contracting, youth & adult prisons, Corrections' HQ, CA Dept. of Justice, a rehab center, etc., and with the State Dept. at a US Embassy where I gained the opportunity to meet and shake hands with 'then' President Obama and the First Lady during his visit for reception of the Nobel Peace Prize here in Norway, which included two voluntary HQ-Command Center shifts for the final day of their stay, culminating with the announcement of "Wheels Up!"… and have been fortunate enough to receive a Letter of Commendation from both a California prison Correctional Captain and the USA Ambassador to Norway.
On the party-political front, however, my zealotry remains defused by my persistent ability to see both sides of an argument, or as is my current circumstances… multiple angles of view. I fall far short of obtaining the anti-intellectuals' senseless ability to embrace nauseously archaic two-party political systems. I suppose being nurtured and raised in the ever-fading shadows of those writers inhabiting the 'realms' of Rod Serling, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, George Orwell, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and even King Solomon's works, etc., produced a life-long effect on me - their socio-philosophical sowings planting those multi-level analytical-thinking self-germinating seeds that took their humanitarian toll upon my cognitive processes from my earliest years - as well as stirring up my innate antipathy towards forms of baseless prejudice; all of this occasionally resulting in hours of soliloquy debate between Me, Myself, and I, with no clear 'winner'.
And... guess what... I am an immigrant now myself, as are many of my friends/acquaintances from Syria, Afghanistan, Russia, Poland, Bosnia, Hungary, Serbia, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Africa, and beyond; and, fortunately, live on the side of the globe where people are not labeled by their place of origin, skin color, or political influences.
With a family heritage that spans sharecropping farmers to multi-millionaires, and from a California State Prison inmate to a California Superior Court Judge, not to mention all of the rest... or even the spiritual aspects of life... join me and let’s all keep reading!
When I was four, and after my parent's divorce, my mother dated a black man masquerading as a Hindu named 'Korla Pandit' from New Delhi - he turned out to be married though.
She dated a blind man later who had lost his eyesight building the Oakland Coliseum - a welder.
I won't mention the poor alcoholic fellow she dated and attempted to help.
She also dated my doctor for many years... long before that door became visible on that proverbial 'closet'. He needed to be seen in social life with a woman, my mother. Many of our greatest times were with ‘Doctor and Bob’ (Bob: Doctor's 'house mate'). We got to borrow their blue MGB many times when they went to Europe for vacations.
We also spent lots of time with my Great-Aunt and Great-Uncle in San Francisco where they lived, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and SF Bay - he was a multi-millionaire.
Another family friend was the son of Depression era gangster 'Pretty Boy Floyd' - fond memories there too.
I've hosted numerous Japanese student visitors over the years, as well as some African Children’s Choir kids. I've worked with everyone from former Hells Angel and Bandito Presidents to minor-aged refugees from various countries... and have lived outside of the USA for 15+ years with my 'foreign' wife. Or is the USA actually the foreign locale now?
I've had a close friend who dodged the Vietnam draft and another WWII Normandy invasion veteran hero. I have worked construction, drywall contracting, youth & adult prisons, Corrections' HQ, CA Dept. of Justice, a rehab center, etc., and with the State Dept. at a US Embassy where I gained the opportunity to meet and shake hands with 'then' President Obama and the First Lady during his visit for reception of the Nobel Peace Prize here in Norway, which included two voluntary HQ-Command Center shifts for the final day of their stay, culminating with the announcement of "Wheels Up!"… and have been fortunate enough to receive a Letter of Commendation from both a California prison Correctional Captain and the USA Ambassador to Norway.
On the party-political front, however, my zealotry remains defused by my persistent ability to see both sides of an argument, or as is my current circumstances… multiple angles of view. I fall far short of obtaining the anti-intellectuals' senseless ability to embrace nauseously archaic two-party political systems. I suppose being nurtured and raised in the ever-fading shadows of those writers inhabiting the 'realms' of Rod Serling, Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, George Orwell, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and even King Solomon's works, etc., produced a life-long effect on me - their socio-philosophical sowings planting those multi-level analytical-thinking self-germinating seeds that took their humanitarian toll upon my cognitive processes from my earliest years - as well as stirring up my innate antipathy towards forms of baseless prejudice; all of this occasionally resulting in hours of soliloquy debate between Me, Myself, and I, with no clear 'winner'.
And... guess what... I am an immigrant now myself, as are many of my friends/acquaintances from Syria, Afghanistan, Russia, Poland, Bosnia, Hungary, Serbia, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Africa, and beyond; and, fortunately, live on the side of the globe where people are not labeled by their place of origin, skin color, or political influences.
With a family heritage that spans sharecropping farmers to multi-millionaires, and from a California State Prison inmate to a California Superior Court Judge, not to mention all of the rest... or even the spiritual aspects of life... join me and let’s all keep reading!
June 26, 2016
Novels - Adult, Teen, Youth, Family
A list of four novels I have "Ghost Authored" for E. MH Ratterman can be found on my 'New Releases' page.
Each includes a synopsis and purchase links*** HERE ***
Novels by E. MH Ratterman - at Goodreads
April 2, 2016
Criminal Contagion: Teen Criminal Investigation Unit
Criminal Contagion: Teen Criminal Investigation Unit by E. MH RattermanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun and exciting book, with great people/role models in it. The story can encourage teens to read more and improve their grades in school. Already looking forward to book number 2 !!!
An amazing book for the young teen.
A story that shows the basics of investigative techniques for the young to learn and grow by.
No violence or other distasteful crimes included.
A secret code, a suspicious stalker, the discovery of a mysterious chemical substance, and a trip to the country of Norway all produce opportunities for Robert, Rebecca and Kelly to intervene in exciting mysteries.
Criminal Contagion is filled with things for the young fiction reader to enjoy ... mystery, suspense, crime, family, friends, and just plain old fun.
View all my reviews
January 17, 2016
New Release - Crack of the Whip: 1746-1963
Crack of the Whip: 1746-1963Crack of the Whip: 1746-1963
. . . is an historical fictional novel filled with the realities of life's struggles and hardships. It is a story of faith, hope, and determination, during tumultuous times; of adventure, challenge, and success; of romance, love, and the joys of youthful courtship. This literary work’s tale transcends the cultural, political, social, and racial dialogue of a time during our world’s history wished forgotten. Captivity and slavery, Chicago’s underground tunnels and criminal organizations, New York youth gangs, historic wars, and idealistic dreams, all fill the hearts and minds of those individuals found within the pages of this poignant work.
Across the Horizons of the Seven Seas
From 1746 Liverpool, England through the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement in 20th century America, this account follows the life of a youthful slave, Bullahah, and his progeny. We begin during a time when the sale of fellow humans was a normal and lucrative global activity. This controversial period of history strikes hard at humanity's heart, soul, and conscience, and of what it means to be a human being.
Join the obscure maritime world of slaving sailors as they sail the seas, many in the basest of jobs. Some are in search of fortune, while others simply desire better lives across the ocean in the New World. Colorful pirates and adventurous ship captains fill and romanticize our minds, while brutal floggings, extreme disciplinary actions, harsh labor conditions and the pit-and-gallows judgments, terrify our 21st century contemporary understanding.
A Family’s Two Century Quest for Freedom - The Slave Trade Era and Beyond
"It was a time when the golden days of global slave trading grew and flourished; days that birthed the gluttonous greed of New World capitalistic society; days that touted equality, but conveniently excluded those peoples defined as being from a lower order, reclassifying them as the basest of commodities… property, simple human chattels; days when ruling classes refused to recognize that there is only one race of peoples upon this Earth… humankind." -Author
Crack of the Whip: a novel that offers the literary connoisseur a plethora of historic flavors with which to douse their knowledge-thirsty palate. It is a story embracing immense hope, undying persistence, and incredible family strengths that prevail throughout generations; a story that stretches beyond continental boundaries and transcends the racial barriers that divide peoples, nations, and cultures. Era related adult content and epic themes: slavery, punishment, floggings, death, racism, etc., all surface in this brilliant account of life during the era of the transatlantic slave trade and beyond.
-Cross Walk Publishing 2015
. . . is an historical fictional novel filled with the realities of life's struggles and hardships. It is a story of faith, hope, and determination, during tumultuous times; of adventure, challenge, and success; of romance, love, and the joys of youthful courtship. This literary work’s tale transcends the cultural, political, social, and racial dialogue of a time during our world’s history wished forgotten. Captivity and slavery, Chicago’s underground tunnels and criminal organizations, New York youth gangs, historic wars, and idealistic dreams, all fill the hearts and minds of those individuals found within the pages of this poignant work.
Across the Horizons of the Seven Seas
From 1746 Liverpool, England through the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement in 20th century America, this account follows the life of a youthful slave, Bullahah, and his progeny. We begin during a time when the sale of fellow humans was a normal and lucrative global activity. This controversial period of history strikes hard at humanity's heart, soul, and conscience, and of what it means to be a human being.
Join the obscure maritime world of slaving sailors as they sail the seas, many in the basest of jobs. Some are in search of fortune, while others simply desire better lives across the ocean in the New World. Colorful pirates and adventurous ship captains fill and romanticize our minds, while brutal floggings, extreme disciplinary actions, harsh labor conditions and the pit-and-gallows judgments, terrify our 21st century contemporary understanding.
A Family’s Two Century Quest for Freedom - The Slave Trade Era and Beyond
"It was a time when the golden days of global slave trading grew and flourished; days that birthed the gluttonous greed of New World capitalistic society; days that touted equality, but conveniently excluded those peoples defined as being from a lower order, reclassifying them as the basest of commodities… property, simple human chattels; days when ruling classes refused to recognize that there is only one race of peoples upon this Earth… humankind." -Author
Crack of the Whip: a novel that offers the literary connoisseur a plethora of historic flavors with which to douse their knowledge-thirsty palate. It is a story embracing immense hope, undying persistence, and incredible family strengths that prevail throughout generations; a story that stretches beyond continental boundaries and transcends the racial barriers that divide peoples, nations, and cultures. Era related adult content and epic themes: slavery, punishment, floggings, death, racism, etc., all surface in this brilliant account of life during the era of the transatlantic slave trade and beyond.
-Cross Walk Publishing 2015
