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Sunday, September 9, 2018

The Writer's Life 9/9 - Potpourri

Captain John McKenna IV, raised in Brooklyn, was killed in action in Iraq in 2006 at the age of 30. Yesterday a park in Windsor Terrace was renamed in his honor. Kudos to those who made it happen.


NFL 2018 is fully underway. I just glanced at the results of the four o'clock games. Buffalo may replace Cleveland as the worst team in the league. For the past decade or so it seems the season boils down to who will face New England in the Super Bowl. Again - hope I'm wrong. I will not be watching any games on TV, not in protest but because I so enjoy the commercial-free highlights on youtube.

Author Barry Spunt, associate professor of Sociology at John Jay College, has been one of the floating book shop's best customers. Today his picture appears in the NY Post among others accused of sexual harassment at the school, where he has taught since 1993, and formerly chaired the soc department. He is on paid leave while the drama plays out. His lawyer said his client “plans on cooperating with their investigation, and he will be vindicated at the conclusion based on the evidence that I’ve seen of the falsity of the allegations made against him.” He cited the charges as “vague and nebulous” and made by a single individual, and also said: “Professor Spunt is completely innocent, and it’s a shame how people with hidden agendas and nefarious intentions can manipulate the system and the public in the name of #MeToo.” I wonder what defense will do to his finances, and if the matter will change his ultra-liberal views. I didn't mention it when I saw him today. From Boston, he was hurrying home to watch his beloved Patriots.

The scaffold bailed out the floating book shop for the umpteenth time since it was constructed, keeping out the light rain. My thanks to the woman who bought three books in Russian for her mom. Rosemary, who lives in the building that is being renovated, visited. We both went to Catholic school. She laughed as I related being pummeled by nuns. We agree that things are a lot different from back in the day. She said her husband was strict. When her son screwed up big time one day and knew he was about to suffer a smack down, he said her knew two lawyers. Dad countered with: "I hope you know two doctors" and commenced the beating.

Shana tova to Jews worldwide. Long live Israel.


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