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Friday, October 31, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/31 - Joy & Sorrow

Life expectancy in the USA is approaching 80. I wonder if that number will be revised down, given the recent deaths of friends and acquaintances of mine in the their 50’s and 60’s. None of the six even qualified for Social Security. Last night I attended the wake of a former Exchange colleague. As expected, the parlor was packed. Joe was well-liked and, according to Caryn, his ex-wife, was his jovial self until the end, which, mercifully, came fast. He was diagnosed only in mid September. None of the doctors he saw prior to that had a clue as to why he was having problems. He was prescribed antibiotics and then stronger heart medicine. By the time cancer was suspected, it was too late to save him. Although they divorced a long time ago, Caryn and Joe remained friends. She was there for him at the end, as he was there for Caryn and her mom, offering them shelter when their house in Breezy Point, the Irish Riviera, suffered severe damage during Hurricane Sandy.
These affairs are always bittersweet. The sadness of the parting of a friend is mixed with the joy of being reacquainted with old friends and the gratitude of being among the living. I learned that another round of cuts had been instituted at the Exchange. The floor staff of the entire trading floor now numbers 14. At one time that of the Comex division alone totaled 85. That had to have at least doubled when NYMEX bought us out. The futures markets now trade almost exclusively electronically. More and more of the options markets are moving that way. It was on this date in 2007, a vacation week, that I picked up my severance package. I received nearly a year's pay and six months medical coverage. Those let go now received ten months but no coverage other than cobra.
I’m not nostalgic for the business, but I do miss the great people I worked with and got to know. I was thrilled to hear that Adam’s daughter, Kayla, a high school junior, was recently the fourth ranked female high school tennis player in NYC, until an injury pushed her back to eleventh. Joe Mags’ daughter, Ashley, is applying to St. John’s Law School. Bobby Hughes, the model for a character named Flynn in my fourth novel, Exchanges, is writing himself these days, working on both a children’s book and a mystery set in Central Park. Fat Joe has dropped a lot of weight. Yugo & Maria Cheeks, Dave & Annie, and Adam & Sharon are still together after all these years. Kevin looks fit enough to roam the outfield as expertly as he did back in our three straight Wall Street softball championships heyday. Ralphie RAC, just let go, has retired. Gary GAG praised my writing. Another aspect of a wake is the twinge of survivor’s guilt it elicits. It is amazing that we have to be reminded how wonderful it is to be alive. I suppose I’ll be foolishly grumbling about the lack of book sales this afternoon.   


For years many golf tournaments offered a free car to any player who made a hole in one at a designated hole. The LPGA's Danielle Kang, 22, made two in back to back events in China. What are the odds of that? Here she is celebrating after the second:
Clouds persisted this day. There was no sun whatsoever, making it the coldest session of the floating book shop since spring, a precursor of conditions to come. My thanks to those who bought and donated, especially the elderly woman who gave me seven novels that ranged from the 70's to the 2000's.

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Thursday, October 30, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/30 - Editing

The Walking Dead is now in its fifth season on AMC. I’ve been catching up on My Nine, which airs back to back reruns on Wednesday at eight. Season one had only six episodes, two had 13, three & four 16. The station is into the second season. I understand the show's popularity. It is very well done. The characters are interesting. A message appears before each program, stating that the version is edited. Kudos to whomever has done the cutting. I don’t see or hear it, either in depictions of violence or language. Maybe the episodes were made with an eye toward syndication. I’ve never understood why Hollywood film-makers, who shoot so many takes, don’t shoot some that would be appropriate for prime time TV. I recently watched parts of an edited version of Fargo (1996). It was butchered and not worth airing. The print should be banned. Anyway, back to The Walking Dead. Last night it dabbled in existentialism. A female character interrupted a male who was about to pray, and questions ensued. She remarked that a lot of prayers must have been said since the plague had begun - to no avail. Some might think it’s silly or pretentious for a thriller to explore such thoughts. I don’t. There are books by great minds, hundreds of pages long, that don’t come any nearer to solving the God question.

I suffered a bit of embarrassment reading Seth Lipsky’s op-ed piece in today’s NY Post. I did not know that the Tea in Tea Party is an acronym for Taxed Enough Already. I assumed the leaders wished solely to echo the Boston Tea Party.

Activity was bustling as I set up the floating book shop. One block to my right, jackhammers were tearing up the street. A half block to my left, tree pruning was underway. Directly across Avenue Z, a huge truck pulled up next to a Con Ed van, and put a large suction hose into a manhole. Fortunately, all the crews were done within 45 minutes. The quiet was soothing. My thanks to the four kind folks who bought books, and the gentleman who donated two.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/29 - 13

In the ever evolving English language, another wonderful term has come into being. In Jonah Goldberg’s op-ed piece in today’s NY Post, he cites GOP consultant Brad Blakeman, who has labeled the short term interests of all politicians, not just Democrats, as “momentarianism.” This allows me to use a favorite word I rarely get a chance to flash, one that took me so long to grasp: “zeitgeist” - defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary as “the spirit of the times; trend of thought and feeling in a period.”

The predicted showers never materialized today, allowing the floating book shop to complete a full session. With no one interested in purchases for the first two-and-a-half hours, I was fortunate to be able to watch a two-man crew connect new wires to the street lights at Avenue Z & E.13th. I was chuckling as the guy in the hydraulic turret maneuvered around the myriad wires and cursed each time his helmet came into contact with one. As one who has no aptitude whatsoever for that kind of stuff, I'm always impressed by people who do. Strangely, business improved when they started working not 20 feet from me. I contemplated packing up early. I'm glad I didn't. It was unusually warm, so I'd taken off my sweat jacket, although I was a bit self conscious of the worn Giants' jersey I was wearing beneath it. It's at least ten years old, given to me by Kevin Hudson in a Kris Kringle swap at the Exchange. Willie Washington, may he rest in peace, got my gift, CDs of soul classics. Anyway, the numbers have faded and the shirt sports the number 13 and the name Kennell on the back. After a very successful junior and senior seasons as QB of the Florida St. Seminoles, Danny Kennell played seven years in the NFL and one in the Arena Football League, largely as a backup. He now does commentary on ESPN. When Mikhail, one of my regular customers, saw the 13, he asked if I weren't leery of bad luck. It hadn't even occurred to me this day. I wondered if that accounted for the lack of sales. A few minutes later Natalia and Benedict approached with a donation of three books in Russian. Mikhail bought one on his return from his chore, and another regular, a middle aged woman who speaks no English, bought the others. Then Stu and Janet, who will turn 22 Saturday, came along and bought a couple of vampire epics. Finally, Al dropped off 11 works of fiction, several of them classics. My thanks to all of the above.

Eve, who has bought two of my books on Kindle, asked if Close to the Edge will ever be available on it. I've sent an email to the publisher, Authorhouse, requesting it. I've also clicked on a tab on the book's page, and recruited two of my nieces and Eve to do likewise. I'd appreciate if anyone reading this would do the same. Click on the link below to Vic's first novel, scroll down at the page and look right. My only recourse would be to post it myself, but the only file I have on hand is on floppy, and I'm not sure how polished the draft is. It would be so much easier if AH and Amazon do the right thing. 
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/28 - Cred

Rich Lowry takes on ugly truths in his op-ed piece in today's NY Post. Here are excerpts, edited by yours truly, my comments in italics:
Mike Freeman of the web site Bleacher Report wrote that the source of tensions in the Seahawks locker room might be “that some of the black players think Wilson isn’t black enough.” Not black enough? The comment set basketball great and uninhibited sports commentator Charles Barkley, who has often put his foot in his mouth, on an epic rant. He is spot on this time, echoing thoughts Bill Cosby has offered. On a Philadelphia radio show, Barkley spoke about the dirty little secret of how “when you’re black you have to deal with so much crap in your life from other black people.” When black kids succeed in school, he explained, “the loser kids tell them you’re acting white.” There are too many blacks who think that “it’s best to knock a successful black person down ’cause they’re intelligent, they speak well, they do well in school, and they’re successful.” He added: “We’re the only ethnic group that says, ‘Hey, if you go to jail, it gives you street cred.’?” Barkley is saying nothing that, in more politic language, President Obama hasn’t already said. The phenomenon of black kids accusing other black kids of “acting white” is often dismissed as a myth, but it is well-established. By the twisted logic of “acting white,” Russell Wilson’s family is a perpetual offender. His father was a football player, but also graduated from the University of Virginia’s law school. His grandfather was a university president who has spoken of the family’s insistence on education: “Most of us worked our way through college.” Wilson himself graduated from North Carolina State in three years. Of course, there’s nothing white or black about a family determined to lift itself up by dint of the hard work and education that always have been, and always will be, the necessary stepping stones to success in America. Russell Wilson had the perfect response to the controversy about his blackness or lack thereof: “Black enough? I don’t even know what that means. I’m just an educated, well-spoken male.” Just so. But the tough-love message never seems to make a dent against the conventional narrative of black victimhood. It is considered the logic of The Man. It cuts against the grain of the liberal orthodoxy that all that ails the black community is the lack of more government support. It is anathema to civil-rights leaders who have made grievance their stock in trade. And, of course, if a white person says it, it is denounced as racism. Kudos to Lowry and Barkley.

NFL Week Eight: Last Sunday the Colts looked like world beaters in shutting out a decent Bengals squad. This week the struggling Steelers torched them for 51 points! I guess the 16-game schedule is comparable to the 162 slate MLB season that produces such wonderful, bizarre aberrations... Suddenly the Lions have found the knack of stealing and not blowing games... It seems the Rex Ryan era is coming to an end in New York after the Jets wretched performance against the Bills. QB Geno Smith, who had shown improvement in the previous two games, took a huge step backward from which he may never recover - at least not in the Big Apple... The aforementioned Russell Wilson threw a last minute touchdown pass against Carolina, stopping the defending champs' slide... And Hail to the Redskins, who upset the Cowboys Monday night in Dallas, with third string QB Colt McCoy at the helm. Sadly, a former colleague at the Exchange, a huge 'Skins fan, didn't live to see it. Joe succumbed to cancer during the weekend. I'm sure he was smiling from his seat in heaven. He was a hard working man of positive, jovial energy, who put in long hours and was always ready to help others. RIP, my friend.

I'm not sure if I was asleep at the switch in previous episodes of Gotham, but last night I realized the forensics expert, Ed Nygma, is the young Riddler-to-be. Screen veteran Dan Hedaya made a guest appearance, exhibiting his usual gruff flair, as an ex-cop on retired disability. And Carol Kane returned as the Penguin's mom, sponging him down as he relaxed in a bath. Here is a pic of Robin Lord Taylor in the part he seems to have been born to play:
My thanks to the kind folks who bought and donated books today, especially to the gentleman who donated seven pristine hardcovers in Russian, which all sold, and to Herbie, who purchased A Hitch in Twilight.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Monday, October 27, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/27 - Unknowable

I found only one fresh item in today’s news: Jeb Bush is contemplating a run for president. Although he may be eminently qualified, this is a bad idea. The previous Bush administrations have been a failure, and the undecideds, crucial to every election, may be turned off. His candidacy would also seem like in-your-face defiance. There are plenty of qualified Republicans. A third Bush presidency is not needed.

Here’s an excerpt from a story, The Unknowable, published a few years ago. The main character is out on his morning walk. It’s no more than a two-minute read:

   He spotted an adolescent Asian boy sporting a backpack, standing between parked cars, shouting to his brother across the three-lane street, which broke into a fork here. The older boy displayed the listless indifference of a teenager and obviously didn’t want to be bothered. The younger moved a foot back as if bracing for a sprint, and glanced each way, rocking to generate momentum.
   “Hey!” Sal cried, a ripping in his gut. “Hey!”
   The boy froze. A van sped by in the middle lane. Sal rolled his eyes heavenward, relieved. His mind flashed back to the time he was struck by a car as a ten-year-old. Had he been a step faster, he would have been wiped from the face of the earth, no novels or short stories to show for his existence.
   And the world wouldn’t have missed a beat, he told himself. “Easy, big guy,” he said softly.
   “Thank you,” said the boy, smiling, embarrassed.
   Sal was surprised by the thanks. He wasn’t sure the boy even realized he may have been killed.
   The thin line, he thought, shaking his head, wondering if indeed he had saved a life. The incident was now amongst the unknowable, and he experienced a sense of having been cheated, one that gave him the creeps. Of what had he been deprived – recognition as a hero?
   You want credit? he thought; geez, grow up.
   He suspected it also had to do with the mystery of life, the longing to know, to understand what it was all about. And the troubling thoughts robbed any of the satisfaction he might have derived from the deed. Was any act pure?
   That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them, he told himself.

It was a second straight session of no sales for the floating book shop. My current mantra is: Expect nothing, be grateful for anything.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/26 - Cream

RIP Jack Bruce, 71, musical vagabond best known for his work with Cream in the 60’s. He played bass and composed and sang lead on most of the songs, with Eric Clapton singing backup and playing lead guitar, and Ginger Baker on drums. Bruce, who left Scotland at 16, and who was classically trained as a cellist, considered himself a jazz musician. He collaborated with artists across the music spectrum, including Manfred Mann, John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Larry Coryell, Vernon Reid and Robin Trower, a stunning legacy, although his days with Cream were his only major success commercially. Like many artists, especially of the rock world, he had a problem with substance abuse. He survived a near fatal liver transplant in 2003, and was in recovery for more than a year before returning to the music world. Heaven knows how many people have sung along to White Room. Well done, sir. (Facts culled from Wiki)

In today’s NY Post, Kyle Smith writes about a new book by the creator of the Dilbert comic, Scott Adams: How to Fail at Everything and Still Win Big. Adams believes passion is over-rated. He  claims: “Success causes passion more than passion causes success.” I definitely relate to that in my single-minded zeal to promote my writing, which has produced paltry book sales and threatens to sap my will. He believes success is a “combination of desire, luck, hard work, determination, brains and appetite for risk.” I’m glad he included that last part. I hate politicians who try to equalize success among the populace by handing out goodies. I want to earn mine, and if I continue to fail, so be it. Here's Dilbert:
Reason for optimism: In the battle against Isis, Iraqi forces have retaken four towns, and the Kurds are holding their own in the Syrian border town of Khobani.

There was no cream for the floating book shop today. Maybe tomorrow.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Saturday, October 25, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/25 - Blue Ruin

I watched another independent film last night, courtesy of Netflix. Blue Ruin (2013) is an impressive, violent, low budget film about revenge. There must be thousands of works based on this theme. This one is way above average, ten times better than most Hollywood blockbusters. It comes to only one conclusion -- much blood must be spilled before closure is reached. The protagonist wants to be thorough, wants the killing to end once and for all. I was riveted the entire 90 minutes running time. This is only the second full feature from Jeremy Saulnier, who pulled triple duty as director, screenwriter and cinematographer. He has worked the camera on 13 other films. I look forward to his future efforts. I recognized only one name in the cast -- Eve Plumb, who played Jan on The Brady Bunch way back when. Her part is small. Most of the other players have substantial credits. My only quibble is that the DVD did not have close captioning. I need it these days, especially when the characters speak softly, as they do here. 16,000+ users have rated the film at IMDb, forging to a consensus of 7.1. That may be a little low. The contributors commentary is interesting, citing subtle humor that I missed, and speculating on the meaning of the title. The car the lead character uses is basically a blue ruin. Someone also suggests the guy is a blue, as in the blues, ruin. I ran a search on the term and found nothing to suggest it has cultural significance, although it is mentioned in a Tom Waits song and there is a dive bar by that name in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. Anyone squeamish about violence or downbeat subject matter should pass.

Since the film is only a tidy hour and a half, I got the chance to see the last 20 minutes of a PBS show featuring Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, who recently teamed on an album of standards. I’ve only heard LG a few times, while driving, so I really couldn’t get a handle on her talent level. I’ve always been turned off by her outrageous wardrobe and statements, and referred to her mentally as Lady Caca. I’m happy to say she has a beautiful voice. I was fortunate to catch her solo on Lush Life, a standard that seems very hard to sing. She was great, and she dressed elegantly for the show. The duets were exactly what one would expect. Trumpeter Chris Botti made a guest appearance on the finale, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing, a piece that makes up musically what it lacks lyrically. Fortunately, the phrases weren’t repeated over and over again, as is the case in several performances of it.


RIP Terry Keenan, only 53, who succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage. I read her even-handed business column every Sunday in the NY Post.


Political correctness has claimed another victim, PGA president Ted Bishop. His response to Ian Poulter's Twitter criticism of Nick Faldo included the term "lil girl." This is a firing offense? I don't think it even requires censure.

My thanks to Ralph, who bought six works of non-fiction, and to the elderly woman who purchased the only book in Russian I had on hand today. 
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Friday, October 24, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/24 - Deeds

Author Laura Lippman worked 20 years as a journalist, many for the Baltimore Sun, her hometown paper. Her first novel was published in 1997. Since then she has written 18 more, eleven featuring private eye Tess Monaghan. She has cracked the New York Times Best Sellers list and received an Edgar and several other awards. I just finished the ninth in the Monaghan series, No Good Deeds, published in 2006. It is polished, mature work, the prose and dialogue solid, the events grounded in realism, the tone authentic, the resolution of the mystery sound. The 340 pages of its hardcover edition read like less than 300. Although the crime is solved, other aspects of the novel remain open-ended, just like real life. It has a liberal bias that is not obnoxious. At first I was leery of being preached to, but the lead characters didn’t go overboard in their opinions, and the protagonist seems to be grudgingly progressing toward true open-mindedness. 34 contributors have rated the book at Amazon, forging to a consensus of four stars out of five. I say 3.5. Although I’m not a fan of written mysteries, No Good Deeds has a lot more going for it than simple entertainment. Its portrait of the human condition is more important than the crime solving aspect. Those in search of a high body count and constant shootouts should pass. Lippman is married to David Simon, who reports for the Baltimore Sun and who created the critically acclaimed TV series The Wire, set in their home town.

Speaking of mysteries, last night Fox’s Gracepoint added several layers and possibilities. The jury’s still out, so to speak, but, through four episodes, I’m impressed.


The rain finally stopped and the floating book shop returned to its regular nook on Avenue Z & E.13th for the first time in a week. It wasn't an easy session, as a stiff cool wind had me hiding behind the edge of the apartment building. I was relieved when the sun finally hit the corner, but then clouds rolled in. At least business was good. My thanks to the kind folks who bought and donated books. One was a Lance Armstrong memoir, pre-scandal. I left it in the lobby of my building, doubtful anyone would pay for it these days.

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/23 - Waste

Here are highlights, edited by yours truly, from an interesting article in today's NY Post. My comments in parentheses:
Swedish massages for rabbits and treadmill-riding mountain lions top the list of Sen. Tom Coburn’s annual catalog of how the federal government is wasting billions of taxpayer dollars. The rabbits were given mechanical rubdowns for a study on the impact of massage following exercise, which was funded by a $387,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. Three mountain lions were taught to use a treadmill on an $856,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Their energy consumption and “pounce power” were being monitored for a study on wild cats. Another NSF study had couples push pins into voodoo dolls to study the effects of hunger on anger (Voodoo Economics?). This nutty study cost $331,000. The Postal Service blows $77 million each year shipping Coke, Mountain Dew, and Clorox wipes to remote Alaska villages. The troubled agency has been hemorrhaging money in recent years, but under existing law it is obliged to ferry goods anywhere in the U.S., including tiny Alaska hamlets. “I have learned from these experiences that Washington will never change itself. But even if the politicians won’t stop stupid spending, taxpayers always have the last word,” said Coburn. (And we keep electing people who are spendthrifts.)
Among other items deemed wasteful by the Oklahoma Republican:
The $55,000 spent providing security for Hillary Clinton’s book tour in Europe. (This should have come out of her own deep pockets.)
The Agriculture Department tried to close the US Sheep Experimental Research Station in Idaho, which costs $2 million per year, but Congress intervened to save it. (Baa!)
Dairy grants totaling $1.2 million helped farmers develop kosher artisanal raw milk cheese and helped an Idaho farm market its ice cream so it could maintain its drive-thru store. (Any ice cream that has to be subsidized must be the world's worst.)
The Agriculture Department awarded $200,000 to a company that uses worms for composting. Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand backed the award. One grant helped the company improve the profitability of hydroponic baby leaf spinach. Schumer said the company’s “unique composting method eliminates excess waste from our growing dairy industry as they expand to meet new growing demand for products like Greek Yogurt.” (Then why don't they ask Greek yogurt makers for the funds?)
An NSF-funded gambling study concluded that monkeys share our unfounded belief in winning streaks. The study, at the University of Rochester, presented monkeys with different games, some fixed, some random, to observe their responses. (Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!)
(And this is only chump change compared to what is lost by loose standards and fraud in entitlements.)

The University of North Carolina is being rocked by an academic scandal involving 3100 former students, 1500 of them athletes. For 18 years, from 1993-2011, students were enrolled in no-show classes in the Afro-American curriculum. During that span, the storied basketball team won three national championships. I wonder how many of those 3100 actually graduated. And it seemed the education bar couldn't get any lower.

Given the mist, I had two choices regarding the floating book shop. I checked out conditions at the viaduct at E. 15th, where it was very windy. I decided to go to the rear of the Sheepshead Bay train station, which, while outdoors, is enclosed on three sides and dry. Besides my desire to sell books, I wanted to see if cops were still shooing unlicensed vendors away. I didn't see a single patrol for two hours. Finally, one came to a stop to the left of the station. No one exited, so I figured I was home free. Ten minutes later another car pulled beside the first. Soon the second came rolling to a stop. The two officers, a man and woman, couldn't have been nicer. The male told me to ditch the sign I was wearing, as it was evidence that I was selling and not giving away my books. Speaking quietly, he cautioned me about his superior, a woman in a white shirt. "She has no heart," he said. When she approached she was nice also. She asked if the books were religious. I wasn't nervous but I didn't think it would be wise to make a joke of that. She asked for my license and said to give it to the other female officer, who took out her cell phone and walked away. I haven't even gotten a parking ticket in a decade. She soon returned my ID, apologizing, the boss having returned to her car. Her partner said I could have been arrested. I was shocked, expecting that such an offense would warrant only a ticket. He said train stations were off limits. I thanked the pair and began to pack up. I won't be going back there.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/22 - Battles

There's an interesting op-ed piece by Jonah Goldberg in today's NY Post, another blow to environmentalists. Here's the first few lines, edited by yours truly:
"Never let it be said that Mother Nature doesn’t appreciate irony. Research led by staff at Occidental College and the University of California at Santa Barbara has found that the oil platforms dotting the California coast are fantastic for sea life. In a 15-year study, researchers found that the ecosystems that build up around artificial rigs host 1,000 percent more fish and other sea life than natural habitats such as reefs and estuaries. The California rigs outstripped even famously rich ecosystems such as the coral reefs of French Polynesia..." Goldberg also reminds readers that a system of "clean" energy greeniacs love, Windmills, kills thousands of birds. Love it!

On his radio show, Sean Hannity was just going over the most recent polling on this year's election. It looks like the Democrats, trying desperately to distance themselves from Obama, whose policies they have supported wholeheartedly, are facing a rout. I'm not letting my hopes get up for three reasons. One, the polls may be wrong, especially those that fall within the so-called margin of error. Two, the President will likely continue his policies by executive fiat, bypassing congress. Three, many Republicans move left, or are forced to by circumstances, once elected.

It's odd -- I want the shooting at the Canadian parliament to be the fault of Islamic and not domestic terrorists. I just read that earlier in the week two men were run over by a car, one fatally, driven by a terrorist. Canada has pledged to join the fight against ISIS. Perhaps this is retaliation.

The floating book shop was rained out today. Since I hate not earning any money, I brought my empties to the recycling center at Stop n Shop... Lately I've been following a lot of literary sites on Twitter. They offer free publicity in return. It has yet to result in any web sales. It's a shot in the dark. There are twelve million books listed at Amazon, a lot of authors vying for attention. I have two choices: give up or keep trying. Since I don't want to work for anyone else and my finances are sound, the choice is easy -- but at times oh so frustrating.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/21 - No-Brainer

NFL Week Seven: If memory serves, at this time last year the Broncos looked like the best team in the league. The same holds true now. The trick is to stay reasonably healthy in what is always a war of attrition. A lot can change in the nine remaining games. It looks like the Colts are the second best team. They put a whoopin’ on the Bengals, who are again proving to be pretenders. I’d be surprised if the Seahawks don’t rally, although the post-championship malaise has victimized many teams. I admire the decisiveness of the move to dump gifted WR Percy Harvin on the desperate Jets. It was a no-brainer for Gang Green, although the adding of jerks has not worked out for them lately. Are the Lions finally over the hump, matured -- or are they again teasing their long-suffering fans? Two straight rousing wins have followed a devastating loss. The Cowgirls look great. The Giants have a long way to go.

Gotham aired another impressive episode last night, a scientist creating a deadly wonder drug that brought super-hero strength. So far, the weekly villains have been as interesting as those of the series' arc. The only drawback, at least for my taste, is that it is a bit too decadent, and most of that centers around the character of Fish Mooney, played by Jada Pinkett Smith. The entire cast is solid. Robin Lord Taylor is killing it as the young Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot. It looks like another of those cases where an actor is born to play a role... Scorpion remains silly fun. Last night I realized that the four geniuses are three whites and an Asian. I wonder, should the show have staying power, if the creators will be criticized and cave into pressure to add a black member.

Since rain was in the forecast, I took the floating book shop to 20th Avenue & 86th Street, where I have partial shelter under the staircase leading to the elevated train station. Unfortunately, there were no buyers. October is proving a very disappointing month. Tomorrow looks like a washout and Thursday may also be.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Monday, October 20, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/20 - Free Speech

Tonight the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC is staging a performance of a controversial work: The Death of Klinghoffer. In October 1985 Leon Klinghoffer, 69, and his wife, New Yorkers, booked a cruise on the Achille Lauro to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. The ship was hijacked by Palestinians, who murdered the wheelchair bound retiree, a Jew, and dumped his body overboard. The work in question, first produced in 1991, is from the point of view of the terrorists. The creators try to get into their mindset. Its critics claim it is anti-semitic and plan protests outside the venue. I have not seen the work nor will I. First off, outside of an aria here and there or a rousing overture, I’m not a fan of opera. Second, I think those who believe there is a moral equivalence between terrorists and their targets is hopelessly naïve. In films and TV shows I derive great visceral satisfaction when terrorists get their just desserts. However, as I writer I must support free speech, and this is a rare instance when it is painful. I must also remind myself that many might attack my third novel, Killing, because of its climax, even though the protagonist does not follow through on his mad scheme. What I hope is that the Met is empty, that the production loses a lot of money, and that donations take a big hit. I also hope the protesters don't go overboard, resort to vandalism or assault, which would give the enemy public relations ammunition. Although I support free speech, I certainly wouldn't join a counter protest in this instance.

On a much lighter note -- Occasionally, the Weird But True column in the NY Post comes up with a gem. Here’s one from today, edited by yours truly: “Springfield Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois has arranged for races to pass through its grounds in an effort to market the graveyard. ’We know if we get people back into the cemetery, they’re going to be amazed at its beauty,' the chairman said. ’Then, hopefully, they’ll think of us when the time comes.’” The old cliche can safely be applied to this: "Only in America."

The floating book shop turned into an odyssey today. For the fifth consecutive time, I was unable to find parking in Park Slope. I was willing to haul two of the crates three long blocks and still couldn't come up with a spot. I won't go back there until at least next spring. It was noon by the time I reached Bay Parkway and 86th. Several people stopped to chat, but only one purchased a book. Fortunately, I had an ace in the hole. On Saturday a handicapped woman name Kathy approached and showed an interest in Adjustments, which she wanted to purchase for her son. Lacking funds, she gave me her number and asked me to call her the next day. Just as I dialed, the phone's battery drained. As luck would have it, I was parked 100 feet from her door today. She was a first responder on 9/11 and has come down with a bone ailment that will require a marrow transplant. Her blood type is A positive. She is also having trouble with her aged landlord's children, who are trying to evict her and jack up the rent from $1700 to $2400. She was sniffling and had tears in her eyes as she related her woes. I was ashamed by the mean thoughts I'd suffered while trying to sell books. It seems I need to be reminded of how lucky I am way more often than I should. Thank you, madam. 
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Sunday, October 19, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/19 - Family

There's a thought provoking op-ed piece in today’s NY Post by the author of The Undocumented Mark Steyn: Don’t Say You Weren’t Warned, a collection of essays. The title is The Real Fight for America, and the caption beneath it reads: “Liberals are winning because they care more about changing the culture than winning elections.” Although the leftists policies of nationalizing banks, steel, coal, airlines, railways, cars and healthcare have produced disastrous results -- and been largely abandoned, he argues that the left is succeeding in the "Nationalization of the Family,” a phrase coined by Professor R Vaidyanathan of India, who explains: “Old age, ill health, single motherhood -- everything is the responsibility of the state.” Steyn states that “…technology has advanced but liberty has retreated.” He likens the evolution to those cautionary sci-fi tales like Brave New World or 1984, which are vague about how the society got there. He believes the Nationalization of the Family will answer that question in the future. As a conservative, I found this discouraging, as it makes perfect sense. Free societies tilt left. Does this mean the right should cease fighting? No, especially economically. As long as the majority of Americans feel affluent or that affluence is within reach, I think the country will be fine. Citizens, even conservatives, will adjust peacefully to social changes, new norms. Vehement arguments will occur, just as they do now, but only the same fringe, a tiny percentage, will react violently. If prosperity ever evaporates, only then will the republic as we know it be threatened. It’s a scary thought, especially when liberals are in power, but likely one that will prove groundless. I'd bet at least 50% of Americans are appalled by the philosophy of the Nationalization of Family. That's a good hedge

My thanks to the woman who bought three books today on Bay Parkway.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Saturday, October 18, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/18 - Open Grave

Open Grave (2013) was another of those titles arriving from Netflix that puzzled me. I’d probably added it to my list, months ago, because it‘s rating was decent. Given the title, it was obviously a thriller. I was pleasantly surprised. It combines horror, mystery and sci-fi, and features creepiness rather than gore. The premise is simple: four men and two women find themselves in an isolated area where dead bodies abound, and five have no memory of how they got there. The other is a mute who doesn’t speak English. The main problem with such fare is the resolution. I was pleased that it actually made sense. Is the film perfect? Hardly. There are elements that remain a mystery, although they are open to interesting speculation. The cast is fine. Although all six have significant credits, I recognized only two: Thomas Kretschmann, who has logged 118 credits including being the ship’s captain in King Kong (2005); and Erin Richards, currently playing Jim Gordon’s fiance in Gotham. Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego, a Spaniard, did double duty as director and editor. I was unfamiliar with his previous work, most of which was done in his homeland. Eddie and Chris Borey wrote the screenplay, the third from the former, first from the latter. I’d be interested to see what they come up with next. 15,000+ users at IMDb forge to a rating of 6.3 of ten. I say 3.4 of five. Most of those who posted in the commentary section were negative, overly harsh. It is certainly above average for this kind of flick. I did not pause the DVD once during its 1:42 running time. Fans who prefer gore would probably be disappointed.

My thanks to the young man who purchased three thrillers, and to the grateful woman who overpaid for Estoy Bien by JJ Benitez. I just visited its Amazon page, which is a blend of Spanish and English, and discovered it's about communicating with the dead. It is listed under the category: Ciencia ficción y fantasía. Born in Pamplona, Spain, where The Running of the Bulls takes place, the author, 68, has more than 50 books in print, fiction and non. As far as I could tell from the list of credits at his Wiki page, he writes exclusively in his native tongue. The aforementioned work is his latest, published this year. Arriba!
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/ 

 

Friday, October 17, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/17 - Company

There was an article in yesterday’s NY Post that rated the new network prime time programs, using ratings as its basis. I’ve watched five of the shows. The piece rated Gotham, The Flash, Scorpion, and How to Get Away with Murder as A. In terms of quality, I’d rate Gotham A-, The Flash B+, Scorpion B-, and How to Get Away with Murder F, although I’ve seen it only once and didn’t make it through the entire episode. Gracepoint has so far not attracted the number of viewers FOX had hoped. The article rated it C. I rate it B+. It is by far the most realistic and grounded show of the bunch. I hope it completes its twelve episode arc. I’ll be disappointed if it is axed and the murder goes unresolved.

NYC officials are baffled by a startling increase in violence in its jails. They've done what liberals always have -- throw money at the problem, with typical results. According to an article at Yahoo, the annual cost per inmate has increased more than 42% to $96,232 since 2007, while the average daily population has decreased to about 11,400 inmates this year, from nearly 14,000. Inmate assaults on staff has more than doubled. Guards using force on inmates has nearly tripled. The amount New York City spends per inmate was more than twice that spent by Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles last year. Much of the rising budget was due to increasing staff overtime costs.

Soon after I set up the floating book shop, a disheveled male placed his belongings at the curb and lit a cigarette, mumbling to himself. He stayed for two hours, smoking nearly half a pack of butts, pacing. I kept my distance, avoiding eye contact. I doubted I was in any danger, but I kept track of him. I was uncomfortable the entire time. I'd never seen him among the neighborhood's downtrodden, who gather at the entrance to the Sheepshead Bay Road train station. Several passersby commented on his presence. Eugene asked if I'd hired an assistant. My thanks to the kind folks who stopped and made purchases despite the company I kept this glorious day characterized by sadness. I found out a friend's husband, about my age, is terminally ill. Life does what it will, at times mercilessly. 
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Thursday, October 16, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/16 - Fusion

Almost everyone has experienced nightmares dealing with government offices, which are not staffed by the brightest people in the work force. They're glorified paper pushers, many of whom would have a tough time keeping a private sector job. It's scary to think this may also apply to the CDC. They are not inspiring confidence right now. On his show on WOR-AM, Mark Simone quipped that even ISIS is afraid to get on flights to the U.S. right now.

Kudos to the Kurds who, with the aid of U.S. bombers, have made advances in vicious street fighting in Khobani. ISIS now holds only 30% of the city, down from 50%. If only the Iraqi army would fight so valiantly.

Lockheed Martin may succeed where so many other innovators have failed in converting nuclear fusion into energy in a cost efficient manner. They are making progress on a reactor that fits into the back of a truck. Fusion may produce three to four times the volume of energy of fission, and also produce less radioactive waste. A fusion reactor will shut down if things go wrong, a fission reactor risks meltdown. Fission involves the splitting of atoms. In fusion, as the term implies, atoms are fused together. An article at Yahoo News led me to diffen.com, which explained all this. Science was my worst school subject, although I enjoy science fiction. In this case, I believe the energy issue is so vital I couldn’t help but notice and be encouraged. I have no idea how environmentalists will react to this. Their negative opinion of the current delivery of nuclear energy is common knowledge.

Last season on Nashville its lead diva, Rayna James, barely survived an auto wreck. In last night's episode she was a passenger in a sports car speeding away from paparazzi, gleeful despite a near collision with a huge truck. If she made a comment about how grateful she was that the accident was in the past and no longer had an effect on her, I didn't hear it.

It was misty when I left the house this morning at ten-thirty. After I'd cashed in recyclables, I scanned the sky and saw no sign of clearing. I dreaded the thought of returning to the apartment, so I hopped into my car and drove to 20th Avenue just off 86th Street. I set up shop beneath the staircase leading to the elevated train station. I sold four books, about par for the course these days. My thanks to the buyers, and to Dennis and Neil for stopping to chat.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/15 - Tough Stretch

My thanks to the woman who dropped off a bag'o books, one of which, Secrets in the Attic by V.C. Andrews, Herbie bought. Among the others are novels by John Grisham, Dean Koontz and Nelson DeMille. I don't know if anything will help during this tough stretch, but such popular authors certainly won't hurt.

Here’s an excerpt from a short story, Panorama, published several years ago. It’s 700 or so words, a few minutes read:
 
   Brooklyn was crisp and sunny this day. Ben walked slowly down the quiet street, face hot. He hoped the temperature would cool what he assumed was a symptom of hypertension. He wondered if worrying about it exacerbated it. He'd hoped to go his whole life without using prescription medication. He'd done all the right things: diet, exercise. If the readings remained high, he would have to concede, although it would be a blow to his pride. He had a daughter to put through three more years of college. She would be home in a few weeks. He was eager to see her. How hurt he'd been that she chose to spend spring break with friends rather than family. In his heart, she would always be the baby. The absence of his son and elder daughter had been mitigated by her sweet presence. She was the greatest mistake he had, or anyone could have,
ever made. He was amazed at how much more he worried about his girls than his boy.
   Sexist dog, he thought.
   Suddenly he realized there wasn't any pain in the right side of his hip. That’s one good thing, he thought. He didn't understand it. It came and went. He was even able to swing a golf club with no problem. Was it deterioration, arthritis? Even the doctor wasn't sure. There would be no x-rays unless the pain worsened.
   He was shaken from his musing by the charge of a stocky, red-haired young woman, perhaps 20, from an apartment building. She was speaking loudly into a cell phone.
   "He keeps textin' me, sayin' he wants to _ _ _ _ me, wants to _ _ _ _ in the ...."
   Ben sniffed contemptuously. He didn't know why he was surprised, although it was the most outrageous cell phone conversation he'd ever overheard. He stifled the urge to shush her, certain she would tell him to "_ _ _ _ off." She seemed excited rather than appalled, and without care if her parents or neighbors, let alone strangers, heard her. Of course, Ben's thoughts were immediately of his daughters. Were they part of the pornographic mindset that seemed to be gripping much of the nation? Several female educators had joined it, seducing the underaged. Even an astronaut, one of the country’s so-called best and brightest, had. Whenever he saw an image of young revelry in the media, he looked away, fearful he would spot one of his children.
   A block later he was telling himself not to gaze across the street to check the price of gasoline. Don't, he thought; no. He was unable to resist, and muttered angrily when he saw the sign. He was not placated by the knowledge, just gleaned from an editorial, that the price, measured against inflation, was at the level it was in 1982. After all, thirty cents of it was taxes, and then there was the cost of changing to the silly summer blend environmental wackos demanded. He wanted to see crude oil go down to $30 a barrel, see the president of Venezuela hanged in the streets by those who’d bought his populist nonsense, see al Qaeda bankrupted.
   He flushed crimson and gazed about as he passed gas. Fortunately, no one had heard. This was another of the irksome quirks that now afflicted him.
   Too bad you can’t put that in the tank, he said to himself.
   His eyes were forced shut as he recalled the humiliation he’d suffered last week in the cafeteria when a young man complained about the flatulence. He tried to make a joke of it, was berated for minutes, and just sat there, taking it. And although the young man was 30 years his junior and apparently eager for a fight, Ben felt like a coward for not retaliating verbally. He had to struggle to keep his mind from making a racial incident of it, especially when the word “disrespect” was uttered. Even though no one else had been present, he was unable to forget it. It seemed his humiliation would linger forever. He wanted to believe that not having challenged the young man was the right course of action, but he was unable to shake the suspicion that this was mere rationalization.
To read the entire story and others, go here: http://fictionaut.com/stories/vic-fortezza/panorama
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/14 - Here & There

The economic acumen of U2 front man, Bono, continues to grow, although leftists would argue vehemently to the contrary. Here’s another surprising quote from the now free market advocate: “Tax competitiveness has brought our country (Ireland) the only prosperity we’ve known.” I would love to hear what the band’s guitarist, Edge, would say about his mate’s conversion. Any comment I’ve ever heard from him had a socialist bias.


ISIS found stores of Saddam Hussein's chemical weapons in northern Iraq and has used them in its attacks. They are not the more sophisticated and lethal type many once feared, but deadly nonetheless. I suppose President Bush will be blamed for their not having been found on his watch.


Last night's episode of Gotham featured it first false step. Detective Gordan drove up to the Mayor's mansion, found two police cars empty of the cops that were supposed to be guarding His Honor, and knocked at the door. And the mayor answered himself! No one else was in the place, not even servants. I suppose this was done to simplify the ensuing action scene, but come on.

The NFL season has thus far produced three very surprising teams: the Cowboys (5-1), Chargers (5-1), and the Browns (3-2). Dallas’ new formula of less passing from Tony Romo and more running from DeMarco Murray has worked beautifully. I expect the Chargers to fall back to the pack, but it’s great to see QB Phillip Rivers continue to rebound from his disastrous 2012 season, when several writers suggested he was washed up. Many expected number one draft pick Johnny Manziel to immediately step into the job as the Cleveland signal caller, but the unheralded Brian Hoyer has played very well. His rating is currently higher than future Hall of Famers Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Joe Flacco. As for the locals: the Giants talked trash the entire week leading up to the big game in Philly, and embarrassed themselves in front of a national audience. The Jets showed improvement, but it’s little consolation to their long suffering fans. QB rankings don’t always tell the story, but Geno Smith is last in the league. He is their only viable option at present, so he should continue to start. Handing the reins to Michael Vick would not likely turn the season around. The organization has to find out if Smith is its future or if it has to find someone else. At present it seems like the latter. 

My thanks to those who donated, swapped and bought books today. And thanks also to Toluna surveys, which added 20 bucks to my paypal coffers, as I build my war chest for the self-publication of my rock n roll epic, although the way sales have been lately it seems silly to throw another book into the mix. I hope the account covers 50% of expenses.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Monday, October 13, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/13 - Big Heart

Not much luck selling books for this Italian-American on Columbus Day. My thanks to the elderly woman who purchased the Mary Balogh romance.

Here's a short story that was published several years ago. It's only 700 or so words, a few minutes read. The title is Hip Hop:

   Kenya Williams, eight years old, was out of bed before anyone else in her family, even Grandpa. It was Easter Sunday. She had a mission of mercy to carry out. She dressed quietly and tiptoed past her mama’s bedroom. She dared not wake her new daddy, who was mean. She’d had several new daddies the past few years. None had loved her the way her real daddy had or Grandpa did. Although she knew her daddy was with God in heaven, she missed him terribly, as did her brother, who hardly spoke any more.
    She opened and closed the apartment door carefully, backpack in hand. The streets were deserted, as it was just before dawn. The bad boys had finally gone home. She had waited until their voices died down. She went into the alley and to the back of the building, where her Grandpa, the super, kept the small cage.
   “Good morning, Jesus,” she said to a plump white rabbit.
   Her Grandpa had objected to the name, saying it was disrespectful, and told her to choose another. She had, but still thought of the rabbit as Jesus. She lifted it gently from the cage, petted it tenderly and placed it in the backpack. It remained as docile and trusting of her as always.
   “This is the day of your eman..., emanci… – your freedom.”
   Her brother had made her cry, saying the rabbit would be their Easter dinner. Her Grandpa immediately came to her comfort. When she asked if it were true, she could tell by his hesitation and tone that it was. She recalled how the rabbits had “run away” the past two Easters. Her mother had told her they were having chicken. No wonder the birds had looked so odd.
   The day was going to be glorious, the sky brightening to a pristine blue, not a cloud in sight. Kenya smiled, basking in life’s wonders. She did not understand why others did not see the beauty of the world, why everybody was always so mad. She hurried to the park, breathless, surprised at how heavy Jesus was, at how much he had grown the past year. She wished she would grow as fast. She went into the woods and opened the backpack. Jesus remained in it obediently. She took the rabbit in her hands and kissed its nose.
   “Will you remember me when Mama brings us here?” she said, looking into its eyes, which stared blankly. “I’ll look for you.”
   She was startled by raucous laughter, and cradled Jesus protectively to her chest. Ahead, milling around benches, she spotted a group of bad boys. There were bottles at their feet. Soon a boom box was blaring. “The devil’s music,” her daddy had called it. He’d always been chasing boys from the front of the house. She did not understand why the music was so different from the sweet records her Grandpa was always playing, from what she would be hearing in church later today. She so wanted to be in that choir.
   She set Jesus down and pointed him in the opposite direction of the bad boys. The rabbit took a labored step and another, then a hip-hop, and then began a hippity-hop. Kenya was amazed at how boldly the white coat stood out in the surroundings. Jesus seemed like an angel. She had to tear herself away. She was unable to resist a final glance.
   “Bye. I love you.”
   Head down, she left the park, tears flowing down her cheeks.
   Free of his cage, the rabbit moseyed along, sniffing, exploring, circling, covering ground.
   “What’s that?” said a young man in gangsta garb, springing from a bench, switching off the boom box.
   One of his companions jumped to his feet, pulling a handgun from his belt. “Target practice.”
   A shot rang out. Outside the park, Kenya, weeping, came to an abrupt halt, listening. It was the same sound that had killed her daddy, soaked his white shirt red in an instant, as she sat on the sidewalk drawing with chalk he’d bought her. Hoots and hollers ensued. She broke into a sprint and did not look back.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/12 - Lines

The Sunday NY Post is, as usual, filled with interesting articles. Unfortunately, almost all the topics have been done to death. What more can be said about Obama’s presidency? How can anyone be surprised by the actions of  NYC mayor DeBlasio’s administration, given his well-known leftist sentiments? As for the Sayreville H.S. football hazing scandal -- why is anyone surprised when society has pushed the envelope of acceptable behavior to extremes? In an article on academic research, Naomi Schaefer Riley, cites a recent informal poll that explains why a lot of it isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. A show of hands at a gathering revealed a ratio of 267/1 liberals to conservatives. Riley believes it is even higher, as many conservatives choose to keep their beliefs hidden in fear of retaliation. In her op-ed piece, Peggy Noonan takes former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to task for trying in his new book, Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace, to separate Obama from other Democrats, particularly the Clintons. Would Hillary have governed much differently than Obama has? My guess is she would have made the same economic moves. I sense she would have been wiser in terms of security. Her detractors would have been labeled anti-woman rather than racists. I hadn’t feared nationwide disaster in America since the 70’s. I hope current circumstances prove to be a similar false alarm.  

It seems the only people who now celebrate Columbus Day are Italian-Americans and conservatives. I ask his detractors this: Has any great civilization come into existence without extensive bloodshed?

The floating book shop had its usual Sunday visit from B.S. Bob. He claims to have at least 30 projects up and running. I asked if they were "Treatments," a term I've heard in film and on TV, which I assume is an outline. "That's all I do," said Bob. I related a dream I had last night in which a softball umpire was the reincarnation of Alexander the Great. Seated in the dugout, I comforted a friend who was returning from his time at bat: "At least you can tell your grandkids you were called out on strikes by Alexander the Great." "The pitch bounced right behind home plate!" "Maybe he remembers you from a previous lifetime and was exacting revenge." Who knows what demented thoughts lurk in the minds of men? Anyway. Bob mentioned the lines of Nazca in southern Peru, which I'd never heard of, and which he believes are ancient landing fields of alien spacecraft. There is no mention of that at the Wiki page. It states that it is believed the "geolyphs" were created by a now defunct civilization between 400 and 650 AD. It is theorized that they may have been dug for irrigation or religious purposes. A lot of it is designs, such as the monkey, pictured here:
My thanks to the six kind folks, all repeat customers, who purchased books.
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/

Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Writer's Life 10/11 - Sound & Fury

The floating book shop was rained out today. Here's an essay I wrote 13 years ago, about a ten-minute read:
Philosophy and Religion in Rock: Sound and Fury Signifying Something

   Rock is a broad canvas that includes pop, blues, R & B, acid, metal, etc., etc.. 99% of it is about lost love or hormonal desire, barely scratching the surface of the psyche, however skillfully or passionately executed. I'll focus on eight songs that strive for more, all of which have a raw, dark edge lyrically as well as musically. Each is blunt rather than sophisticated.
   Tool's Aenema (1996) offers nihilism, the belief that society is so corrupt that it must be destroyed to its roots, replaced entirely. This was the philosophy of the revolutionaries in Dostoevsky's The Possessed (The Devils, in some translations). Aenema is a portrait of a man at the end of his rope, overwhelmed by triteness: "...Fret for your latte and Fret for your hairpiece...." He deems such things, in a soft, almost subliminal tone, as "stupid shit." I've reached a point where I avoid using profanity in writing. It has become so casual and overdone as to become tedious. In Aenema it works. Several lines in the final chorus begin with our favorite epithet, as the likes of dysfunctional actresses and gangster wannabes are excoriated. The singer prays for Armageddon, for the world to be flushed away. It is the soul of man at its darkest.
   When listening to the piece and to Sober (1993), the only other of Tool's songs I know, I worry that these intelligent young men will become victims of negativism, of the rock 'n roll lifestyle that has claimed so many. I hope they live long enough to realize that good at least equals, if not greatly surpasses bad. I did not learn until middle age that life is a precious gift, despite the suffering that goes with it, which, in my case, has been almost entirely self-inflicted ("Fret for...."). It was a gradual realization, not a lightning bolt. I now prefer the genius of tunes like Cole Porter's The Best Is Yet To Come. Still, I must respect pieces that compel me to listen despite dark themes, grating music and unrhymed lyrics. Sober, the tale of a drunk, is chilling drama. The couplet: "...I will only complicate you/ Trust in me and fall as well..." scares as well as fascinates me. A beautiful young woman once said something similar to me. I thank my friend Adam for introducing me to these pieces. I no longer devote energy to the exploration of rock. I do not condemn it, however, as it was once so meaningful to me.
   Black Sabbath (1970) is the title cut of the debut album of rock's most notorious band. It is not profound theology but rather a compelling tale a master of horror might have concocted, a ponderous rendition of man coming face to face with the evil one - ponderous until the final chorus, when the pace quickens urgently. It is Ozzie's shining moment as a vocalist: "...Is it the end, my friend?/ Satan's coming 'round the bend...." How often I've had such a thought while reading the paper or watching the news. It was what I was thinking those first few hours that terrible day in September.
   And for those who believe the members of Sabbath are satanists - would a devil-worshiper scream at the top of his lungs for God's help? This, of course, does not condone any of their personal behavior. Ozzie remains an adolescent, although he, a husband and father, is past 50.
   The fact that this British quartet has not been elected to the hall of fame shows how ludicrous the idea of such an institution is in the first place. In its infancy, rocked bucked the establishment. Now acts are expected to conform to a liberal world view. Are Paul Simon and James Taylor rock artists? That seems a huge stretch.
   At the risk of incurring the wrath of Bags, a lifelong friend, I would be remiss not to mention Sabbath's Heaven and Hell (1980) from the brief, much-despised Ronnie James Dio era. Unfortunately, the lyrics are unpolished, although meaningful. For instance, "sinner" and "beginner" are rhymed when "sinning" and "beginning" would have worked much better. One couplet stands out beautifully, however: "...The closer you get to the meaning/ The sooner you know that you're dreaming...." I've experienced flashes when I thought I had the mystery of life solved only to have them vanish immediately, leaving me feeling I'd yet to learn anything. What intrigues me most about Heaven and Hell, however, is the music. It begins in Sabbath's typical ponderous style and gradually evolves to one of lightness, closing with medieval-like guitar work. I've always enjoyed their changes in tempo. In this piece I wonder if they meant to communicate ascension -- Hell, Purgatory, Heaven. Could it have been just coincidence?
   In Birth, School, Work, Death (1988), the Godfathers, a UK quintet, tackled bleak existentialism. The title says it all. The lyrics tap into the monotony suffered in carrying out daily routine, a monotony that makes life seem pointless. Of course, one need not agree with the theme of a piece in order to appreciate it. This one describes the overall picture while omitting the wonderful in-betweens, the surprises, the laughs, that give life color, that make it worth living. Still, it is a state of mind not uncommon.
   Man in the Box (1990) by Alice in Chains features one of the all-time great rock vocals. Alas, Layne Staley's passion for drugs has proven greater than his passion for music, thus derailing a band with great potential. I cannot say exactly what the song is about. It inspired a short story in which I speculated that the box was a coffin and that God and the devil were whispering in the ears of the deceased, fighting for his soul. Forgive me, AIC fans, if this was way of the mark. "...I'm the dog who gets beat/ Shove my nose in...."
   Iggy Pop is regarded as the Godfather of punk. In Winners and Losers (1986) he took a stab at existentialism: "...which one am I/ Is it the same under the sky?...." His writing is often bizarre, yet uncompromising and often powerful: "Winner and losers/ In love with themselves/ No Santa Claus/ No happy elves...." There is irony in the piece I doubt he intended: "...surly leeches gain the right/ To send their message screaming/ One that has no meaning...." I assume he is lambasting entrepreneurs. However, he, a successful artist, a sort of entrepreneur, is sending his own message screaming. And, like many of us, he hungers for meaning: "...I'll just eat my breakfast/ Keep my questions starving all night...." Iggy has used profanity to hilarious effect in concert. His live performances are legendary. He has a gift for showmanship for which most artists would kill, and it always seems spontaneous, improvised. His use of profanity in recordings does not work as well. In Winners and Losers there is none, proving that rawness can be achieved without four-letter words. Its power can only be equaled, not surpassed. In his set on PBS's late, lamented Sessions at West 54th Street, his use of profanity seemed silly, forced. I wondered if it was my age or his that was showing. We're both 51.
   John Lennon's Working Class Hero (1970), recorded with the Plastic Ono Band, is un-Beatle-like. Rarely heard on radio due, I assume, to the use of profanity, it had almost disappeared from my consciousness when it was revived by Marianne Faithful, backed by a beautiful, almost jazzy arrangement, in a performance on Sessions.... Here again is a tale of someone overwhelmed by the enormity of life. While I no longer agree with most of what it states, I respect it because I was in a similar state of mind as a young man. Fortunately, the American working class has it pretty darn good, although the socialists among us would argue the contrary.
   In another irony, Lennon sang: "...learn to smile as you kill/ If you want to be like the folks on the hill...." A child of the working class who had reached unprecedented heights, he was preaching from the very hill he condemned, proving that one need not kill to get there. Still, the song works, as many feel similarly.
   These songs share a common thread: the young staring in the face of the puzzling realities of life, the individual's smallness in relation to the universe. I hope these intelligent men learn to embrace the vast good in life. John Lennon was not allowed that opportunity, as a young man tried to vanquish his demons through a gun rather than work. I have no sympathy for that man. Rockers often behave reprehensibly, but they do not kill and, therefore, may find redemption. There is no redemption for a murderer. Of course, some would argue that rockers do kill -- indirectly. The young, easily influenced, might take songs to heart and rationalize a lethal lifestyle. I would argue that millions hear these songs and yet very few, if any, are spurred, even subliminally, to violence. There are many other factors that might contribute to subliminal hopelessness - a million abortions a year, for one. Still, these are abstractions that cannot be quantified. Blame always resides with the individual.
   Upon reading this, many might say: "How could he leave out...?" I'm sure I, too, will recall pieces I would have liked to include. They would likely fill a book. We all have songs that are especially meaningful to us. Write your own article or book. In other words:
   What do you think?
Aenema & Sober -- James Keenan Maynard/Adam Jones/Justin Chancellor/Danny Carey
Black Sabbath -- Iommi/Osbourne/Butler/Ward
Heaven and Hell -- Geezer Butler/Ronnie James Dio/Tony Iommi/Bill Ward
Birth, School, Work, Death -- Peter Coyne/Chris Coyne/Kris Dollimore/Mike Gibson/George Mazur
Man in the Box -- L. Staley/J. Cantrell
Winners and Losers -- James Osterberg (Iggy Pop)
Working Class Hero -- John Lennon
Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/