The Writer's Life 11/18 - Potpourri

In an article in today's NY Post, John Crudele points out that Americans used 7% less gasoline last year compared to 2007. He attributes the drop in consumption to hybrids, which I believe approach cost effectiveness only for those who drive a lot. Then again, even vehicles with traditional engines are not fully cost effective. A car’s value is in its convenience, and its ability to make those who use one for work more productive. It’s worth the investment, I’d guess, for 99% of owners. My trunk is filled with books.

Last night Gotham introduced another of its future villains, Harvey Dent, who will become Two Face. So far the future Catwoman, Riddler and Penguin have been used to great effect. Only Poison Ivy awaits more development. She has been entirely in the background. I may be omitting the presence of others, as I’ve read only one Batman comic since the ‘60’s, loaned to me by a friend. It was beautifully drawn and as hardcore in its violence as Gotham and the Christian Bale series are.

NFL Review: The Patriots seem the best team by far, having drubbed two contenders, the Broncos and Colts, back to back… The Cardinals are the most fun, finding ways to win with a backup QB… The Chiefs have been impressive lately, but I don’t believe they will get to the Super Bowl if they have to play a playoff game in New England… The Rams are the league’s most enigmatic team, having a losing record despite wins against some of the league's upper echelon… I don’t know if there has ever been as big a drop off in an athlete’s play as that of the Redskins’ RGIII, a sensation his rookie season, a bust since, hampered by injury… Big Blue is just about right where I thought they’d be. Ex-Giant Tiki Barber, now a broadcaster, ever desperate for attention, has called for Tom Coughlin's firing. I wonder if he's bitter that the G-Men won the Super Bowl the year following his retirement in 2006 and another a few years later.

My thanks to All Things That Matter Press, which sent a royalty check for the six copies of A Hitch in Twilight I recently purchased using gift certificates at Amazon. It’s nice to have money come into the house on a day the weather makes it impossible to run the floating book shop. AuthorHouse, publisher of Close to the Edge, does not pay royalties on copies bought with a GC, which is really petty. I complained once and was compensated. It seemed the firm had learned its lesson, as I was paid the next time I did it. Now its back to shenanigans.
I've proofed 57 pages of my rock n roll epic, Rising Star, and found six errors. 

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 Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/