his is s-l-o-w-l-y coming together. Fascinating. An aside I would like to add:

The fine guitarist/instrumentalist and songwriter, JOEL MABUS has written and recorded, on his newest CD, an amazing and brilliant song about Charlie Birger. The Sheltons are mentioned obliquely, but as we have seen, their activities might be drawing more historical attention than when Birger grabbed the headlines in Williamson and Franklin Counties in southern Illinois, and Capone's doings got a lot more ink devoted to his doings in Chicago and environs.---

Joel's song (Charlie Birger) is eight minutes long but it seems like three to me.

The CD is called Joel Mabus--No Worries Now. On-

Fossil Records
PO Box 306--
-Portage, Michigan 49081
www.joelmabus.com

Every song on this CD is an intellectual and poetic gem that makes serious, and often comic points as well, with almost every verse/line. And simultaneously His picking is simply great too. A fine musician.

Ruthie, I'm glad your husband is doing well now. I will surely be in touch soon. If, as you said, would like to see who this guy (me) is, Google me--and the whole sordid tale ;-) will unfold.

Art Thieme