Mike doesn't like Bukowski?

[spaceprophet]

Touche'.

I feel the same way about the Shins. I have no idea if you like them or not, btw. But their stuff makes me want to vomit. And claw at my face like that dude in the kitchen in the movie Poltergeist.

Just thought I'd throw them in there since it was mentioned last week.

[Tim K in DC]

I wish I coulda attended one of his poetry readings before he died. I heard he'd get so drunk on stage that by the end of the night they had to carry him off.

A lot of students would go just to antagonize and challenge him, so there's some pretty mad heckling at times.  There are some good recordings of his readings, if you're interested.

My favorite Bukowski quote from a bootleg I heard of one of his readings where he was dealing with hecklers: "I'LL CLEAN OUT ALL YOU BABIES."

It was like Buk's version of "I'll turn this place into a carwash."

[masterofsparks]

I wish I coulda attended one of his poetry readings before he died. I heard he'd get so drunk on stage that by the end of the night they had to carry him off.

Do you like the Pogues? I think a Pogues show might fulfill your need for this type of entertainment.

Sounds like GG Allin to me, which is probably why I loathe Bukowski.

[iAmBaronVonTito]

i dont get things like LA tours that will take you by the liquor store he frequented. 

yes, the pink one. 

[hugman]

his grave's pretty cool.

[fyodor]

At one point in that documentary Born Into This it shows him going into this restaurant. I go there from time to time so I asked the server (who has been there forever) if she knew about this. She informed me that not only did she know that he would come there but that she served him and he was a mean person.

[fonpr]

\ he was a mean person.

I saw a movie where he kicked his wife in the leg, hard, while they were being interviewed.

That changed my opinion of him pretty quickly.

I felt saddened but then I asked myself: "What did you expect?"

Now I read Richard Downing poems instead.

[Steve of Bloomington]

I didn't really get the impression he was nice from the stories about puking up blood and getting beat up and made to eat watermelon the bully had just had relations with and stuff.

Still, there's no excuse to be mean to your server at a restaurant. Tacky.

[orator]

 Does anyone know what Bukowski poem this Tom Waits lyric is based off of?

Hey Charlie I'm pregnant
and living on 9th street
Above a dirty bookstore
Off Euclid avenue
I stopped takin' dope
I quit drinkin' whiskey
My old man plays the trombone
And works out at the track

He says that he loves me
Even though its not his baby
He says that he'll raise him up
Like he would his own son
He gave me a ring
That was worn by his mother
And he takes me out dancin
Every saturday night

Hey Charlie I think about you
Everytime I pass a fillin' station
On account of all the grease
You used to wear in your hair
I still have that record
Little Anthony and the Imperials
But someone stole my record player
How do you like that?

Hey Charlie I almost went crazy
After mario got busted
I went back to Omaha
To live with my folks
Everyone I used to know
Is either dead or in prison
So I came back to Minneapolis
This time I think I'm gonna stay

Hey Charlie I think I'm happy
The first time since my accident
Wish I had all the money
We used to spend on dope
I'd buy me a used car lot
I wouldn't sell any of 'em
I'd just drive a different car
Depending on how I feel

Hey Charlie for chrissakes
Wanna to know the truth of it?
Don't have a husband
He don't play the trombone
Need to borrow money
To pay this lawyer
And Charlie, hey
I'll be eligible for parole
Come valentines day

 I've always loved this song.

thanks