JACK THE RIPPER
Posted by anthonynorth on September 18, 2010
Microfiction Monday, ABC Wednesday, more prompts below
Try my Paranormal Flash now!
POLLY TICKS
Microfiction: Be free and walk in white
man’s shoes, they were told. He carried
the shoes, not knowing, yet, whether
freedom is what they had.
JACK THE RIPPER
Jack the Ripper killed at least 5 prostitutes around Whitechapel,
London, in 1888. Or did he? Forensics of the time said he did. Letters
sent said he did. But the reality is, forensics was in its infancy, and no
one letter gives detail of more than one murder. And prostitutes were
being killed all the time. As I see it, we have 5 separate murders, some
of the killers sending letters to put the police off the scent as fear of a
monster began to grow. Jack the Ripper never existed – he was simply
a brilliant example of media hype.
![]()
WORLD NEWS: Think tank says
threat from Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan
is exaggerated. It wasn’t at first, but it is
now. Any administration always has a need to
sensationalise a demon more than it should be. It helps
to keep people frightened and needing control.
HEALTH NEWS: Ofsted advises 1000s of pupils in England are
wrongly labelled as special needs. I often worry about the rise of
‘conditions’ nowadays. I don’t deny their reality, but in defining them
do we create much of the problem?
WORLD NEWS: As the pope visits the UK, a reflection. We hear a
lot about paedophile priests, but let’s remember the vast
majority of priests have done good work. But does
this extend to the Vatican? Apart from
patronage of art, I cannot think
of one good thing it has
done in history.

FUTURE ZONE
What’s ahead … and Beyond!!!
One Single Impression
Friday Flash 55 – Writer’s Island
One Shot Wednesday
JOIE DE VIVRE
To feel the warmth through gentle breeze,
Radiant sun, how much you please,
I smile at life, joyful, renewed,
Such moments – perfect – thoughts imbued;
Emotion chips make androids thrive,
Pity humans no longer feel so alive
FLASH 55 – MONSTER VOYAGE
Sci Fi: They’d wondered about awareness on such a long space
voyage. Were they conscious in any meaningful way as the alien ship
came alongside? Clearly they all died as the monsters came aboard –
violently – setting off the alarms and bringing them out of suspended
animation. A fearful dream, they were ready as the ship came
alongside …
FISHERMAN
Plastic bags and oily sludge,
Killed all the fish in the sea, as such,
But there was a myth that there was one,
Still in tune with Earth’s natural song,
He sat in the boat for ever more,
Rod of tears, sunken jaw
FISHER OF …
Catch another from its land,
Resplendant light lends a hand,
Fishing for everything there is,
In this glorious universal fizz,
Mix to form a peaceful stew,
Join the alien abduction queue
© Anthony North, September 2010
Try my Pictures of Life, a novel
Brian said
Good morning Anthony. Getting ready for work, eating breakfast; all the boring stuff. Bet you’re thrilled.
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
I’m always thrilled – especially by the first comment on a post. Keep well
Trisha said
fantastic collection again. i have seen a documentary on jack the ripper, it was interesting but they too sounded like you. some mysteries never get solved.
Eaton Bennett said
Hi Anthony, the question of was it reality or a dream, I like that! Interesting theory about Jack the Ripper, wonder if you’re correct. Enjoyed all your small stuff today!!!!
Deborah said
It took me a little while to get used to the way your blog was set out, but now I have, it’s always a pleasure to visit, it’s like a writing buffet … just brilliant!
vivinfrance said
Writing buffet: I like that. And I am enthrlled by your take on the Writers Island prompt. You’ve carried on the mood from the Last Redwood prompt.
systematicweasel said
Excellent response to the prompt! =)
-Weasel
anthonynorth said
Hi Trisha,
Thanks for that. And even when a mystery is solved, it’s a little sad.
Hi Eaton,
Many thanks. The problem is it is unlikely ever to proved one way or the other.
Hi Deborah,
Yes, it can be confusing at first. Many thanks for those kind words.
Hi Viv,
Many thanks. Yes, it is a similar theme. And green is so important.
Hi Weasel,
Thanks for that.
Mary said
Very nicely done, Anyhony. Mixing to form a peaceful stew would be good!
anthonynorth said
Hi Mary,
Thanks for that. It certainly would.
1sojournal said
As usual, Anthony, your words demand that I think, ouch.
About definitions being a problem. Of course they are. Far better to look beyond the specific definition to the maker of said definition and what might be gained by making it.
You said that the Vatican’s one good contribution was patronage of the Arts. I beg to differ, their patronage was decidedly patriarchal in view and attitude and helped to retain a very narrow view of woman far longer than it was necessary. Guess that means Vatican 0.
I very much liked your take on The Fisherman. You took a timeless piece and gave it a very necessary contemporary message.
Good work, Anthony…as usual.
Elizabeth
Diane said
Lots to think about here, Anthony!
Jeeves said
Like fisherman ..:D
anthonynorth said
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for that. You’re right about definitions and I certainly take your point about the arts. Very true.
Hi Diane,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
Hi Jeeves,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
wayne said
lots of great words here Tony….and what you did with the prompt…thanks for this
anthonynorth said
Hi Wayne,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Irene said
ooh I like “Still in tune with Earth’s natural song,
He sat in the boat for ever more”.
pamela said
Anthony
“Joie De Vivre,Fisherman and Jack the Ripper”
three excellent pieces!
Pamela
zephyr said
Microfiction as usual, was my favourite in the post! So poignant; and so was the Fisherman. Jack the Ripper was a surprise. Why do you want to deprive generations of film makers of a good story, eh?
anthonynorth said
Hi Irene,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Pamela,
Many thanks. glad you liked them.
Hi Zephyr,
Many thanks. I don’t think the film makers will be put off, though
Amity said
what these androids can do? and what a pity for humans?
i thought it would end up til last verse to be joie de vivre!
anthonynorth said
Hi Amity,
Thanks for that. Yes, we’re forgetting how to live nowadays, in many ways.
Aoife.Troxel said
Re: Joie de vivre, it is such a pity that many have forgotten the joie de vivre in small things. Nice poem.
anthonynorth said
Hi Aoife.Troxel,
Yes, it is indeed. Many thanks.
Trisha said
very true. thats why they say, let the dead rest in peace.
loved the monster voyage and fisher of….
Bill said
Another good week of Posts and Stories Anthony. Loved the MfM, I couldn’t think of anything as Profound as yours, so I went a different route with mine. It is scheduled to Publish in about 8 hours. Your Joie de Vivre, oh so many of us don’t stop and just enjoy the simple things in life. I included sometimes, getting so caught up in the necessities of life or so I think they may be.
A Wonderful Week is wished for you.
kimmy said
on Jack the Ripper: in that case, the reading materials i came across with are very convincing..
anthonynorth said
Hi Trisha,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Bill,
Many thanks. No, so many just don’t get the simple things.
Hi Kimmy,
There won’t be many researchers in the field who would agree with me.
Ramesh Sood said
Yes, anthony, millions of living dead move around with plastic smiles fixed on their masks.. well you said it beautifully.. loved your take on prompt..
And yeh, thanks for your constant presence on my page.. it enhances me..
anthonynorth said
Hi Ramesh,
Thanks for that. And you’re so right.
Twilight said
Re The Vatican, AN, you say I cannot think of one good thing it has done in history.
– But without it, AN we would never have had the wonderful Monty Python sketches with the legendary line:
“I wasn’t expecting the Spanish Inquisition!” ;-O Small mercy but a fun one.
Your “alien abduction queue” is sounding good – abduction from Earth People’s craziness might be just the ticket….or maybe out out the frying pan into…..another kind of inquisition.
Nice bloggy combination of fun and serious, as always AN.
anthonynorth said
Hi Twilight,
Damn! When I posted that Vatican bit on Facebook, loads tried to get a good thing and failed. You’ve done it. Very well done
I think mankind may always live in that frying pan in some form or another.
Pat said
Yeah, he might as well keep those shoes clean till he knows that he’s really free. I like your take on this week’s MfM
ladynimue said
enjoyable posts again
Here’s a small token of love for you : http://ladynimue.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/bliss/
anthonynorth said
Hi Pat,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Ladynimue,
Many thanks. To me, comments are reward enough, but the mention is very much appreciated.
gautami tripathy said
I loved monster voyage!
about fish, chips, nothing much else
And do get aboard the Poetry Train every Monday mornings and thereafter!
BJ Roan said
I always enjoy stopping by for a visit. There is so much interesting reading. I wish I had more time to spend.
SandyCarlson said
It’s good to visit your blog. The new school year is crazy busy, so I appreciate your stopping by so I can return the favor! I enjoyed your piece on Jack the Ripper, and I enjoyed the OSI piece. Oh, to be real and know that joy.
anthonynorth said
Hi Gautami,
Thanks for that.
Hi BJ Roan,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Sandy,
And it’s always good to hear from you.
Deborah said
Very good MFM.
anthonynorth said
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Ellie said
I loved your microfiction this week – well told.
Have a great week x
anthonynorth said
Hi Ellie,
Many thanks. Glad you liked it.
JanePoet/deborah said
excellent, as ever. especially enjoyed ‘joie de vivre’ … reminder that we all need to embrace life more fully.
Akelamalu said
Nice microfiction Anthony and I like your theory on Jack the Ripper.
anthonynorth said
Hi Deb,
Thanks for that. We certainly do.
Hi Akelamalu,
Many thanks for that.
sandra.if said
Pity humans no longer feel so alive”…that was deep…well said Anthony!!
Michael G-G said
Great mM, Anthony. The other piece that resonated with me is the need for government to keep the people in a state of fear. It’s certainly working here in the US of A.
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandra,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for that. Yes, fear is an important tool of power.
Sylvia Morice said
Hi Anthony– it took me awhile to get used to your posting format, too–but I love visiting here now and enjoy reading your ‘take’ on such a wide variety of subjects. Always interesting and thought provoking.
Have a great week. Cheers!
john said
ooh political, love it Thanks for dropping by to read my 140 Hope your week goes well
Thom said
Brilliant your microfiction is. It does make one wonder. I loved it. You know Deborah said your blog is like Writing Buffet…that sums your blog up perfectly. And your 55 is just screaming for a continuation if you ask me. I’m not so sure it’s a fearful dream. Very well done
Have a great week ahead
Jim said
Like your chips for the androids, Anthony.

Coming up, emotion chips for humans.
..
Love your polly ticks µfiction. Reminds
me of the kids, “Are we there yet?”
..
anthonynorth said
Hi Sylvia,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi John,
Many thanks. Glad you liked it.
Hi Thom,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Jim,
I think I’d have chips with everything if I could
systematicweasel said
Wonderful Joie De Vivre! =)
-Weasel
KB said
Love your MM. Thanks for visiting mine.
anthonynorth said
Hi Weasel,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi KB,
Many thanks, and you’re welcome.
Cheong said
Hi Anthony,
great stuff, as usual.
“JOIE DE VIVRE” made me smile. now who are the masters?
in “MONSTER VOYAGE”, i am looking at it in another way : the ones in suspended animation are the monsters.
that’s a new angle on the Ripper mystery, something to think about.
anthonynorth said
Hi Cheong,
Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated.
EG Wow, Canada said
Ah, you took a totally different tack from any other microfiction posts I have seen this week so far. Interesting!
anthonynorth said
Hi EG Wow,
Many thanks for that.
Trisha said
JOIE DE VIVRE is really funny.
anthonynorth said
Hi Trisha,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it
Sylvia Kirkwood said
Love the history of Jack the Ripper — whether he was real or not! Great post for the J Day! Hope your week is going well, Anthony!
Sylvia
anthonynorth said
Hi Sylvia,
Thanks for that. Yes, it’s a fascinating subject.
Reader Wil said
The yorkshire Ripper really exist, but Jack the Ripper? I don’t know, but he was very important for many producers of thrillers.
The pope is a very controversial person. I don’t see him as the representative of Christ on earth, but then I am a Protestant.
Good post Anthony!
quilly said
“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose …” Smart man, that. One should always question gift shoes.
I find that not watching TV has greatly helped my emotional health.
anthonynorth said
Hi Reader Wil,
Thanks for that. I remember the Yorkshire Ripper very well. I’m from Yorkshire. And he was very real.
Hi Quilly,
Yes, always question any gift, I say.
Tumblewords said
So much of what we believe is grounded in superstition or faulty info – and usually a few people make a fortune selling it. Hm. That sounded a little cynical, didn’t it?
Good J post!
anthonynorth said
Hi Tumblewords,
Sometimes it pays to be cynical
brian said
haha. what a playful oneshot…joining the alien abduction in the unversal fizz…smiles.
Gay Cannon said
When I visit your blog each week, I’m struck that here lives a philosopher who could have many other titles as well. I’m never sure just how to comment; or for that matter exactly how to read. Sometimes so tongue in cheek, sometimes so passionate, sometimes so gently observant. I guess changing modes is good. It’s like hearing the radio in Britain..not just one specialty. Regarding Jack The Ripper, I believe you’re right but at this point it doesn’t matter. What an artistic legacy the stories left behind. Very enjoyable stopping here! Thanks, Gay (@beachanny)
Roger Green said
Why is the Jack the Ripper story so fascinating? We’ve had mass murders before and since, and worse ones at that, yet this is one that has captured the imagination for over a century.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
suzicate said
So I guess the media has always been in a frenzy…they get as bad as society allows them. Wonder if Old Jack had anything to do with the fish?!
Talon said
“Fisherman” made me sad because it’s just about that bad now!
Your Flash 55 was eerie! How do you pack so much into so few words? Amazing!
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
Thanks for that. glad you liked it.
Hi Gay Cannon,
Many thanks for those kind words.
Hi Roger,
Maybe because it designed itself as a story. Or alternatively, it came totally out of the blue. There were supposed to be no serial killers around at the time.
Hi Suzicate,
You’ve got the media so right.
Hi Talon,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Shashi said
So Many gems and I tend to agree with your thoughts too… I liked it. Microfiction was a beautiful piece.
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Connect with me at Twitter to get one verse everyday of love, longing and life… @VerseEveryDay
Glynn said
That Fisherman/Fisher Of — I think I’ve met him before with his “rod of tears.” Well done, sir.
Claudia said
ah – let’s mix to form a peaceful stew…smiles
RiikaInfinityy 마왕 said
Lovely thoughts over here!=D~ I enjoy everyone of them, thank for sharing^^~
anthonynorth said
Hi Shashi,
Many thanks for the kind words.
Hi Glynn,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Claudia,
Yes, a good idea. Many thanks.
Hi RiikaInfinityy,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked them.
signed .............bkm said
You have the best news around town and the globe…love the Jack and Ripper and the Alien abduction queue…always a delight to start my morning….bkm
anthonynorth said
Hi Bkm,
Many thanks for those kind words.
Eric Alder said
Not exactly the kind of publicity a city would like, I’d imagine.
Speaking of Jack The Ripper, I once wrote a piece called Jack The Stripper!
anthonynorth said
Hi Eric,
It certainly isn’t.
john said
So have you been watching the Hawkins programs on C4? He discussed the ‘is there life out there’ question. Which given the sheer size of the universe, means that if only 1% of the planets have intelligent life and only 1% of those survive their equivalent of the atomic/global warming ages then we still have millions of technological advanced civilisations. Some of which may have the technical means of using a sun’s energy to create wormholes to travel across long distances. The downsize is that they would be in a fact hunter-gathers with our systems being what is used which is not likely to be good news for us. Of course we can still hope it’s a Startrek type ban meaning no real contact until a key technological breakthrough. But of course most of what could be picked up such as radio and TV chatter and atomic blasts as barely got out beyond a 90-100 year radius Thats still around 170,000 stars with over 500 similar to our sun so enough to have one come aknocking!Thanks for reading and commenting on my poem. Hope your week goes well.
anthonynorth said
Hi John,
It’s a fascinating subject. As I see it, in order to have the tech to star travel, they’d have gone through the phase of having tech to destroy themselves. The best way not to is to come to peace on their planet. Hence, my argument is that, to pass this test, any star travellers would have to be benevolent. Which has two upshots – first, we’re approaching our own test; and second, if they come, we’re okay as long they accept we’re sentient. Otherwise, we’re lunch.
pete marshall said
ha…just reading through the comments and yes..the monty python sketch….wondered why he wasnt serving 99′s from his ice cream van…but that would have been to obvious!!!!!great page again..pete
anthonynorth said
Hi Pete,
Many thanks. Yes, Monty Python’s certainly knew how to do it.
Comedy Plus said
I think there was a Jack the Ripper. He killed all those women. Just my two cents.
Have a terrific day Anthony.
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandee,
Yes, most people would agree with you.
Jay from The Depp Effect said
We will never know the truth about Jack the Ripper, but there are many, many books on the subject, some of which I have – I developed an interest in him after seeing the movie ‘From Hell’. The consensus of opinion is that he did exist, and did kill a series of prostitutes, with the murders getting progressively more brutal and gory. Some think he had a disease like syphilis which sent him mad, and since the madness comes fairly soon before death, that’s why the murders ceased. The last one killed was Mary Kelly, I think, and she was almost unrecognisable, if I remember rightly…
anthonynorth said
Hi Jay,
Yes, Mary Kelly’s injuries were horrendous. The thing that I’m uncomfortable with about many of the characters put forward as Jack is that serial killers are inevitably non-entities.
Susan at Stony River said
I love Sci-Fi Fifty Fives! (hey, that sounds really good –)
I imagine the Vatican contributes quite a bit to the Italian/Roman tourist industries… through history however, there’s food for thought — great post as usual Anthony!
MorningAJ said
Interesting SciFi 55. Did they all die? Or did they wake in time to see off the attack? Was the whole thing a recurring nightmare? Not sure. That’s cool.
anthonynorth said
Hi Susan,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi MorningAJ,
Many thanks. I like doing these 55s so much as you can leave it obscure – let the reader’s mind interact with it.
brian said
yeah i am wondering now…guess that is what concerns me about suspended animation…you could go to sleep and get eaten…
Hootin' Anni said
Eerie!!! Guess that’s why you say it’s fiction!! Science and fiction all rolled into one 55.
“Pop…goes the weasel” is my link to my 55…just scroll down below the Halloween part. I do hope you can find time to visit with me! Have a super Friday, and a blessed weekend.
Claudia said
agh – one can get tired on a long space trip – agravic…
anthonynorth said
Hi Brian,
Yes, this is the problem
Hi Hootin Anni,
Thanks for that. Yes, I enjoy doing sci fi.
Hi Claudia,
You can indeed.
Alice Audrey said
Uh-oh. Sounds like your 55 could be a deadly misscommunication.
anthonynorth said
Hi Alice,
It certainly could.
nessa said
The latest documentary I’ve seen on Jack has suggested that at most maybe 2 were really done by the same person.
55 – I don’t think I will care for space travel. I’m scared already.
anthonynorth said
Hi Nessa,
I haven’t seen that one. Interesting.
G-Man said
Loved your Sci-Fi Tony!
Of course all your other masterpieces were Top Notch as well!
Thanks again for your wonderful support and encouragement that you give other writers as well.
You are a Class Act…
Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End…G
anthonynorth said
Hi G-Man,
Many thanks for that
Akelamalu said
Love your sci-fi 55 Anthony. A dream or reality – sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
Thanks for that. It is indeed.
Monkey Man said
Great group of stories – a media created J the Rip, wouldn’t surprise me; Alien 55; and stubborn fisherman in denial.
anthonynorth said
Hi Monkey Man,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Mama Zen said
Wouldn’t that be something if Jack the Ripper never existed at all?
anthonynorth said
Hi Mama Zen,
I certainly know many writers would never accept it.
Jamie said
Truly interesting take on “Jack The Ripper”. Given the modern media … totally plausible.
Nara Malone said
Enjoyed the science fiction theme thIs week.
Teresa said
Very interesting!
anthonynorth said
Hi Jamie,
Long time no see. Thanks for that.
Hi Nara,
Many thanks. Glad you liked it.
Hi Teresa,
Thanks for that.
john said
Of course its Thursday for me – time travel so does your head in. Thanks for reading my Friday 55. Hope your week goes well
anthonynorth said
Hi John,
It does indeed. Never know whether you’re coming or arriving.
Annas Adornments, Sweden said
Interesting choice of ‘J-word’, ‘Jack the Ripper’. You may be correct in your theory about who he was or if he even existed. Forensic science was not what at that time what it is today. But I don’t know enough about it to have an opinion of my own. I’ve read so many theories about who the real identity of this person could have been.
I have become more interested in the literary side of crime, that is fictional crime that does not hurt anyone. I prefer fictional mystery stories more than the tragedy of real crime.
Your post always get others, such as myself, to start thinking.
Best wishes,
Anna
Anna’s J-word (abc-Wed rd-7)
anthonynorth said
Hi Anna,
Thanks for that. Yes, I like crime fiction too.