Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/30 - Revelation

It's usually fun whenever OWS Jack visits the floating book shop. Today he was wearing a three-quarter length black raincoat on which he'd scrawled "Occupy Sandy Wall St" on the back. Recently, he'd immersed himself in a demonstration near the U.N., where supporters of Israelis and Palestinians squared off. He was raised a Jew but has forsaken all religion. He held a sign denouncing Israel, while shouting words denouncing Palestinians, one of whom asked: "Whose side are you on?" He said he was against all of them. A cop was called and Jack was told to vamoose. Today he spotted a Korean/English New Testament I had on display, picked it up and searched for passages that proved its evil intent, reading them to me. He wants all religious people to "Wake up" and stop believing the lies told them. He cited the young Hasidic men who stand in front of the Sheepshead Bay train station and try to convert other Jews to their particular brand of faith. He is insulted when they ask: "Are you Jewish?" Sure enough, two of them came walking toward us. He immediately confronted them. At first he seemed bent on ridiculing them, asking if they knew who the first Prime Minister of Israel or the first President of the United States was. They had no idea. He also asked if they preferred the boundaries of biblical Israel or the current state's. I moved away. Fortunately, he toned it down and they had a reasonable discussion for a half hour. Jack is not a bad person. He's simply a character. I much prefer his rhetoric to that of Political Man, whose left wing rants are annoying and boring. Jack is at least entertaining, and he isn't a leach like PM is. He works for his money and is charitable. He calls himself an Occupy Wall Street Capitalist.

A gentleman who lived on the first floor of one of the apartment buildings on East 13th approached me. I hadn't seen him since the storm and knew he must have been hit hard. He came by to pick up his mail and see how re-construction was progressing. The night of Sandy he fell asleep on his couch and was awakened by the pounding on his door by the young women in the next apartment. They hurried up the street as the water was rising. Just as they reached the corner where I usually set up shop, water started rushing along Avenue Z. By a stroke of luck, a friend of the girls was passing in his car. He took them to safety. The gentleman, whose name I don't know, has been staying with a friend, which he prefers to staying in Florida with his mom. I laughed when he told me this, knowing how crazy a mother can make a child, but if I had that choice I'd take the warmth of Florida over a Northeast winter. He was told it would be six to eight months before he would be able to move back to the apartment. He is the only ground floor occupant returning. He lost everything but clothing that stops at the waist. He was certain his cats had drowned but found them perched on his couch, which the flood water had tilted onto its side, an image easily envisioned.

The floating book shop was completely lucky. I got the most advantageous parking spot, which allowed me to sit in the car whenever the cold became too much, which made it possible to extend my winter hours. My thanks to the people who bought, swapped and donated books.
Visit Vic's sites:
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Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/29 - Feud

Last night I watched the third and final part of The Hatfields and the McCoys, the History Channel’s first foray into scripted material, which drew impressive ratings for a cable show. It features a host of seasoned pros: Kevin Costner, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Tom Berenger and Mare Winnigham, all of who acquitted themselves well. The performances I enjoyed most came from younger members of the cast: Matt Barr as a young Hatfield who abhors the feud and loves a McCoy woman; Noel Fisher as a mentally handicapped Hatfield; and Jena Malone as an angry McCoy cousin turned prostitute. The series’ strengths are its authentic feel and look, and an appropriately somber sound track. As for its historical accuracy, no one can say for sure what is fact and what is fiction. Certainly, license was taken. One thing is certain, there was a long, bloody feud between the families along the border between Kentucky and West Virginia. I found it difficult to empathize with most of the characters. Both sides seemed equally at fault. I do not think it was the intent of the film-makers to draw a parallel with all armed conflict or, say, the Arab-Israeli issue. It is simply a plausible account of the madness that afflicted the clans, which began as a dispute about the Civil War. Wikipedia lists twelve deaths to violence. There seemed to be considerably more in the show. In 1979 descendants appeared for an entire week on Family Feud (Survey says!). In 2003 the families signed a formal truce. The mini-series was directed by Kevin Reynolds, who worked with Costner on Waterworld (1995) and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), neither of which I like. He also helmed The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), starring Jim Caviezel, which was okay. The Hatfields and the McCoys is far superior to those. Its total running time is less than five hours. On a scale of five, three. The folks at IMDb were far more enthusiastic, rating it 8.2 out of ten. 

I thank the people who patronized the floating book shop today, especially Alexander Evans, author of The Meaning of Love. I'd been waiting for him to show and sign the copy I purchased at Amazon. Best of luck, Big Al.
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Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/28 - Fame

Last night I watched another of the music videotapes I made years ago. It was easy to pinpoint the period, as Jay Leno introduced Tom Jones as ushering in 1999 with a performance of It’s Not Unusual. Most of the two hours consisted of performances from PBS’ Sessions at West 54th Street, highlighted by four songs by the wonderful Brian Setzer Orchestra. Pat Matheny made an appearance, playing a four-in-one string instrument, which was fascinating, although it did nothing for me musically. The segment that was the most fun was Bobby Darin lampooning and being interrupted by Jimmy Durante, a live bit in which the old pro flubbed a line and ad-libbed a joke about it that got a big laugh. Sarah MacLachlan did Adia flawlessly on Late Night with David Letterman. The out-of-the-mainstream P.J.Harvey made two appearances, both riveting. Elvis Costello teamed with Burt Bacharach, trying to establish new standards which so far have failed to generate lasting enthusiasm. I loved Garbage’s performance of Special on Letterman. Front-woman Shirley Manson is surely that. I’ve always respected John Mellenkamp and his band, and they were at their best doing Rain on the Scarecrow on Sessions. David Byrne was his quirky self performing I Love America. He would soon become the host of the show. Only three of the spots were disappointing: Bette Midler, who I enjoy when she is being outrageous rather than conventional; the Cowboy Junkies, whose selection missed the melancholy, moody poignancy they usually hit; and Beck, who exhibited none of  the oddball charm that made him unique. Of course, there has never been an artist, however successful, that hasn’t had an off moment or night. As for a highlight, I choose Wynona Judd’s take on the old Dionne Warwick ballad, Anyone Who Had a Heart, from a Burt Bacharach tribute. Click on Skip Ad to go right to the song. Enjoy:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf1XkbawMJs

Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa are now eligible for the Hall of Fame, the first Steroid Class, as a headline at Yahoo called them. Although my respect for all three has evaporated, I think the issue should not be a factor. No one knows how many other players escaped detection. The Commissioner and team owners looked away, silently encouraging usage as the game was recovering from its last players strike. There may come a day when the ultimate enabler, Bud Selig, is elected to the Hall. As big a doofus as he appears, MLB has experienced an impressive boom during his tenure. There is also talk that Marvin Miller, who was so instrumental in empowering the players' union and who just passed away, should be enshrined. Anyone who enjoys paying current ticket prices would agree.  

Also from the world of sports: The PGA has banned the belly putter, the long shaft referred to by many as "the broom." Oddly, no one has kept statistics as to whether it provides an advantage. My guess is that it doesn't, that it's a wash at best. Only three of the last 48 majors has been won by someone who used one. It's been in use for at least 20 years.

My thanks to the cranky old woman who purchased a large print book, my only sale of the day, and to Marie, who donated several videotapes, DVDs and CDs, and to the elderly woman who donated ten paperbacks, several of which are by the ever popular Mary Higgins Clark.
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Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/27 - Recovery -

Lately, I hadn't had one of those vivid dreams I've been experiencing. I just awoke from a nap to one in which I was walking with two unidentified companions, male and female, and looked up and saw a cumulus cloud I could almost reach up and touch. I came wafting down and I soon recognized it as a huge piece of styrofoam apparently torn away by the wind. I'm pretty sure the root of the dream is my concern that the floating book shop will be sidelined on consecutive days, tomorrow by wind and cold.

Despite the rain, I accomplished some minor chores, the more important one being the recovery of several articles I wrote years ago and saved on a floppy disc. Staples has computers with that capacity. The customer simply sticks a credit card into a slot and logs in. The exchange is on a timer. I was getting a bit nervous, as I was unable to figure out how to email the entire file in one shot. I decided to attach the articles individually. The final tally was three bucks. The rate is $12 per hour. If my math is right, I was on the machine 15 minutes. One of the pieces is about the many deaths of Exchange employees in the year following 9/11. A friend loved it, read it periodically, and was upset at losing it when his computer crashed. I sent it to him as soon as I returned home.

I noticed fliers in several languages about storm recovery assistance on lobby door. I hope it doesn't encourage fraud. I'm sure the people who lost cars in the underground lots were taken care of by their insurance companies. The other victims were those on the first floor who suffered flood damage and most likely had no coverage for such an event. No one I spoke to, no matter how old, had ever seen the streets turn into rivers. I don't know how anyone else would be eligible, but whenever government is involved fraud follows. It deprives people who really need help, like Adrian, a cashier at Stop n Shop who is about 70, I'd guess. When I didn't see her for two weeks I knew she must have been hit hard by Sandy. She lost everything, spent days throwing it all away and repainting -- and then was told to leave by her landlord. Her eyes glazed as she related this to me. She has spoken to representatives from FEMA. Hopefully, they will help.
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/26 - Quickly

The initial shock of my friend Bill's passing has subsided. Now I'm angry that such a good guy was taken prematurely. Seeing him at rest in the casket was gut-wrenching and galling. He should be on his way home from work right about now, ready to sit down to dinner with Susan and Junior, not dead. He is the closest friend I've lost so far. More will come -- if I don't go first. The autopsy revealed he'd suffered a previous heart attack. We'll never know if it was one of those silent ones that go undetected, if he mistook it for heartburn, or if he was in denial. His dad was only 56 when he died of cancer, his brother only 50 when he left us two years ago. His mom was in her seventies when a heart ailment took her. Terrified of hospitals, she refused to go in for what is a common procedure these days. The entire immediate family is gone. Fortunately, Junior remains to carry on the name. I'm not sure if what I'm feeling is survivor's guilt. I was slightly inconvenienced by Hurricane Sandy, while so many around me lost so much. Why? I wondered. As terrible as it was, it did not affect me nearly as much as Bill's passing has. Why him and not me? Why am I so lucky? If there is a Creator, I know He doesn't decree these things, so I don't curse Him. Maybe the feeling is nothing more than the acknowledgment that my time will come, perhaps as suddenly as Bill's did. If one of life's good guys so quickly perished, what chance does one as selfish as I have? I often mentally refer to men with a wife and children and a mortgage as "real" people, as opposed to me, especially these days when I no longer even have a "real" job. Maybe that's it. Maybe Bill's passing has reminded me of all I have failed to attain, and that time is running out. The past few days I've had good luck selling books on the street. The endeavor seems even sillier than usual in light of Bill's passing.

Shifting gears completely, I am intrigued by a story from the world of college sports. Four years ago Auburn University made the surprise hiring of Gene Chizik as its football coach. Many alums were appalled. Chizik's teams were only 5-19 in his two seasons at the helm at Iowa St.. Auburn has a proud tradition. Southerners take football very seriously. There was still grumbling when the team went 8-5 in Chizik's first season. That just isn't good enough at some schools. Then, in 2010, Cam Newton burst onto the scene, carrying the Tigers to 14-0 mark and a national championship. With Newton gone to the NFL, the team slipped back to 8-5 in 2011. This season was a total disaster, 3-9. Auburn was outscored by its opponents 272-81, and Chizik was fired. How quickly it can all change.

I went on a foolish odyssey today operating the floating book shop. I decided to go to Park Slope, although I did not have a single sale there last week. I waited a half hour for a parking space to open up, lost patience and left. I waited another half hour for a spot back in Sheepshead Bay. By then, I had about an hour before sunshine and warmth left my usual nook. My luck continued, as a tall Russian gentleman approached, returning one book and buying four others, grossly overpaying. Spasibo, sir. I just don't understand why I'm so lucky while someone like Bill is not.
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Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/24 - MMM

Last week, before the latest batch of book donations starting coming in, I found it difficult to choose something to read. I’d sampled almost all of the authors whose works I had on hand. Isabel Wolff was an exception. I have a copy of Making Minty Malone, which I’d assumed was romance or chick-lit. The jacket was missing, so I was in the dark about its content. I dreaded starting it and told myself I could always put it aside if I didn’t like it, which is not easy for someone who feels compelled to finish what he starts. I was impressed immediately. The prose is as good as I’ve ever read, the dialogue is natural and witty, and the characters are realistic. The novel is a year long first person account of a woman just shy of 30 who experiences a public humiliation. She is described as “so nice” by others, especially her colleagues at the London radio station where she is employed. Her thoughts are on display throughout the narrative. It is handled expertly, never confusing, and there aren’t as many puzzling usages of terms as there usually are in works from across the pond. Wolff, a Londoner herself, describes her work as romantic fiction that focuses on self deception. It is lighthearted even in its instances of unpleasantness. She worked as a producer and reporter at the BBC and traveled worldwide. She also wrote free lance articles about a fictional young woman, which eventually led to a publishing contract. MMM is her second novel. Her books have been published in 29 languages. Although I prefer meatier content, I was enthralled and rooting for the heroine. On a scale of five, three-and-three-quarters. The writing is just so damn good, “like butter,” as Linda Richman/Michael Myers used to say on the hilarious Coffee Talk sketches on Saturday Night Live.

I check my books stats every Saturday morning. I hadn’t had a web sale in about a month, so it was a nice boost to my morale when I discovered someone had purchased the Kindle version of Killing. It’s only a drop in the bucket, but it gives temporary hope -- delusion -- that it is the beginning of the gold rush. My spirits were bolstered even further during today's session of the floating book shop, despite the cold, windy weather and occasional snow flurries. I sold eight used books and had a visit from Bill Brown, whose book of articles on the 80's music scene I'd recently purchased at Amazon. He'd just finished reading Killing. He enjoyed the natural dialogue and the way the theme was corroborated throughout the novel. He pinpointed the character who was most like me and was impressed that it wasn't the main character. His criticisms were valid. The entire narrative is from the protagonist's point of view, and is also linear, traveling from A-Z in a straight line. He would have liked it to have begun with a clip from the climactic chapter and have the novel explain how the character got there and why. Fortunately, this did not deter him from purchasing A Hitch in Twilight. Thank you, sir, and to my other customers.
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Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/23 - Carbs

Please don’t tell Mayor Bloomberg, our nanny-in-chief, but yesterday I had at least 20 ounces of Coca Cola, a pastry, and a sliver of apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream, and that was after turkey with all the fixings. It was a mega carb meal and I thoroughly enjoyed it. His efforts to manage the lives of New Yorkers took another blow this week when cabbies who were forced to buy hybrids reported that they were losing any savings on fuel, and more, to repairs. Thus far, the hybrids haven’t been up to the constant use a taxi experiences. Maybe they will be in the future, but for now it's less profit for some medallion owners, the possibility of going out of business for others. Their pockets are not as deep as the mayor's.

At each birthday or holiday I get to catch up on the progress of the family of my youngest niece, Sandra. Her husband, a superb banjo player, has put together another CD, his band's fourth, which I look forward to playing in the car this weekend. I’m not a fan of bluegrass, but I know the musicianship will be fine. Meanwhile, Ron Jr., a high school sophomore who has become serious about guitar, entered a contest with a friend who plays banjo - and they won the $300 prize for first place! His sister, Danielle, is a freshman. She made the JV volleyball team but didn’t see much playing time. She will begin basketball next week.

I expected traffic to be light yesterday, given the fact that Hurricane Sandy has taken out so many cars, and so many homes have been damaged. I was wrong, at least going, although it eased once we hit the Garden State Parkway. The drive home was smooth, as we’d come to expect since Easy Pass Express went into effect. The only damage my niece’s family suffered was an uprooted tree in the back yard, which fell away from the house and, fortunately, just missed their neighbor’s boat, which was parked near the border of the properties. They aren't far from Seaside Heights, where damage was severe, but far enough away as to never having been threatened by flooding. They lost power and decided to buy a generator, which they haven’t used, as their power was restored while they were at the store. Hopefully, they’ll never need it, but it’s wise to be prepared. Government will help, but it works slowly. By then it may be too late.

My thanks to the four kind folks who purchased books today.
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/22 - Billy

On this day when we give thanks for our blessings, I have a heavy heart. Billy Costakes, a dear old friend, has suddenly passed away at 62. I spoke to his son, Junior, who said his dad was in a pizzeria in the Bronx, said he didn’t feel well, and keeled over. I don’t recall exactly when his family moved to Bay 37th Street, but I’m pretty sure we were pre-teens at the time. I can still picture him on his bike, the basket in front. On many summer mornings we would ride to the shadow of the Verrazano Bridge and fish for striped bass. We saw many of the Sean Connery Bond films together. He was always a kind soul. I still can envision the agonized look on his face when I broke down during my father’s wake. He was a talented artist, although he never pursued it professionally. He delved into photography, although he was unable to make a living at it. He was always trying to better himself and his family. As a teen, he had a subscription to Playboy, and whenever the latest issue arrived a group of us would go to the vacant lot up the street to take a look. He served as the equipment manager of the football team at Lafayette High School during the ‘66 & ‘67 seasons. Upon graduation, he entered the career development program at Gimbel’s, at the time the world’s second largest department store. Ever faithful, he remained there until its doors closed for good. He then went into the food business. One day I ran into him as I was getting off an elevator at Four World Trade. His company provided the food to the Exchange’s cafeteria. I hadn’t seen him in so long. I was shocked that his hair had gone completely white. Recently, he tried his hand at selling solar panels on the side. His younger brother, Paul, who passed away a few years ago, always worried that Billy was working himself to death. He had an old-fashion work ethic, a throwback mentality. This past year he immersed himself in election politics, endorsing Mitt Romney, sending countless emails. His home suffered damage during Hurricane Sandy. The next day he was on the roof, covering the spots where solar panels had been torn away. He cut his leg, lost a lot of blood, and had to be hospitalized overnight. I wonder if the stress and disappointment of the past month contributed to his death. How unfair, especially to his wife Susan and Bill Jr.. He was a prince. I can’t believe he’s gone. He is the third Bay 37th stalwart to pass away in two months. There is a sad acceptance when one of our old-timers leaves us. Bill's passing is a kick in the gut. I will always remember him, remember the Greek cuss words he taught me long ago and that we still laughed about. He joins his mom, dad and brother on the other side. I love you, my old friend. Rest in peace.

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/21 - More -

Kofi, who works in the psych department at Coney Island Hospital, visited the floating book shop today. His 2012 van was swamped by flood waters, and he still has no hot water in his apartment. A bearded gentleman who suffers emphysema brought on by heavy smoking must climb six flights of stairs, as the elevator in his building is still out of order. He said that crabs and fish were found in the Waldbaum's, which is two blocks from Sheepshead Bay. Miguel, who makes pizza at Delmar, said the shop needs to be completely renovated and is a month from re-opening. I miss it. A truck towed away a disabled car on East 13th this afternoon, blocking the street for about five minutes, which drew the ire of drivers, who honked angrily. During my morning walk I spot many vehicles that have the name of an insurance company written on one of its windows. The back wheel of a new Nissan still rests on the curb just past the bus stop where Sheepshead Bay Road and Avenue Z meet. Every time the sanitation guys remove the trash bags lining the curbs, residents put out more. On Monday there was a pile of downed branches and tree trunks a hundred yards long and 30 feet high near one of the entrances of Prospect Park. Our local post office is still closed, although we are receiving mail. The post-Sandy clean up seems as if it will go on forever.

Simon, the 85-year-old veteran, asked if I were familiar with a certain song and sang a couple of bars. I was stumped. It was from Snow White (1938). He donated several books today, as did the elderly Russian hand-holding couple, and a gentleman whose taste in literature is offbeat. One of his was about Knight Templars and the others were second line romances. He's never bought or donated a book by an author whose name I recognize, although all are contemporary. Thanks, folks, and to Mikhail, who purchased two books in Russian, my only sale of the day. The paltry returns are baffling right now, as I have several books in excellent condition by Clancy, King and Koontz.
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/20 - Dust

PBS is running a new Ken Burns documentary, The Dust Bowl, which covers the hardships suffered in America’s bread basket in the 1930’s, decades before the terms “Global Warming” or “Climate Change” came into use. Of course, there is a liberal bias prevalent throughout the program. That is to be expected, although it would be nice if reasonable counter arguments would be allowed rather than the typical portrayal of the right as scolds who call anyone seeking a handout un-American or stupid for staying in ravaged areas. A few authors have argued that FDR’s policies prolonged the Great Depression, but there is no hint of that here. The disaster that occurred in the region is seen, naturally, as largely man made, attributable to poor farming techniques. The drought lasted eight years and the land did not recover fully until rain returned, despite improved strategy. Approximately one-third of the residents relocated. Those who stayed behind were a hardy lot. Independent by nature and averse to government interference, they eventually caved and all of the survivors interviewed agree they would not have survived without assistance. The photographs are the show’s strength, especially those of the massive dust storms approaching menacingly toward towns. Incredibly, they dropped up to three feet of dirt. One of the most reasonable arguments advanced is that the government's purchase of land, which became off limits to farming, helped reverse the tide. The grasslands returned once the drought ended. In the end, this is at once a cautionary tale of man’s folly and an ode to government. There is no mention that bad weather may occur entirely in cycles. Is it unreasonable to conclude that current powerful storms are also part of a cycle that will reverse itself in time, and not due to man made emissions? One cannot expect such an argument from Burns. I wonder what percentage of the global population even knew of this disaster at the time. These days, any news of a violent storm or natural disaster in any part of the world, however remote, is available in a matter of hours. And is there anyone left, even among the most conservative, who would argue that there should be no government assistance at all? Isn’t the argument really about how much assistance is reasonable? 

I did not sell books today, as I accompanied a friend on another of her trips to the doctor. After that visit and lunch at KFC, we went to pick up her car rental, which Geico is providing since her 1998 Ford, which had less than 30,000 miles on it, was done in by the raging waters generated by Sandy. She is now driving a handsome 2012 Mazda, which she thinks is too big for her. As we were walking home, she suddenly wondered if she'd parked beside a hydrant, which may have been obscured by a pile of garbage bags at the curb, more storm debris. Since a garbage crew was working along the block, I thought I'd better check. Sure enough, the base of the hydrant, or Johnny Pump, as Brooklynites call it, was peeking through the pile of Hefty bags. As I moved the car, there was a feature I immediately disliked - the gear shift, which was more like the old standard version rather than automatic. I suspect another vehicle will be requested.
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Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/19 - Lifer

The term "lifer" is usually used in reference to prison inmates convicted of the most serious crimes. I spent six years as an assistant high school football coach, three in Michigan, three in Brooklyn. The term was also used to describe a man who had dedicated his life to coaching young men. Such a man is John Gagliardi, Head Coach at Division III St. John's College, located in Minnesota. 86, he announced his retirement today. His first head coaching position was at the high school level, when his coach was drafted into WWII. He was 16, a member of the team. His first college job was at Carroll College in Montana in 1949. He took over at St. John's in 1953. He is the winningest college football coach ever: 489-138-11. His teams have won four national titles. He is a member of the Hall of Fame. The trophy for the outstanding player at that level is named after him. His coaching style has been described as unique: no tackling at practice, no extended calisthenics or wind sprints, no team captains. His players must have loved him. Kudos, Coach.

Today the floating book shop ventured to the hipster haven of Park Slope, dubbed the most literate neighborhood in Brooklyn. It was one of my most frustrating sessions ever, no sales despite the many people who stopped and looked over the wares, which includes books by almost ever big name in the business. I had to fight to keep from grumbling aloud. Fortunately, our thoughts, especially the most negative, cannot be seen.
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Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3 

Selling My Books on The Streets of Brooklyn 11/18 - Fires

There are movies and there are films. Movies are sheer entertainment, films are arty or concentrated on serious themes. It is rare when a piece of cinema is both. Some fail at serious subject matter or come off as pretentious. Anyone who uses the term "film" risks appearing pretentious, ala George Costanza in the episode of Seinfeld where he runs into Susan at a video shop and is embarrassed to be renting Rochelle, Rochelle, “a young girl's strange, erotic journey from Milan to Minsk.” He says: “A film is what it is.” Of course, it’s nothing more than soft core porn. Last night I was privileged to watch a French Canadian production, Incendies (2010), courtesy of Netflix. In it, twins in their 20’s, male and female, fulfill the dying wishes of their mother. They trace her origins in the hell that often characterizes the Middle East in search of a brother they had not known existed. The mother’s harrowing experiences are seen in flashbacks that are at once gut-wrenching and infuriating. The French term "incendies" translates to "fires." Viewers can only fight back tears and wonder: “How can such things happen? What kind of a world is this?” The solution of the mystery is heart-breaking and sets the mind working. One of the themes is forgiveness. I was questioning just how much could be forgiven, having never faced such circumstances or anything remotely close to them. Concentration is required. It is not pleasant. How could it be, given the subject? The main language is French, with some Arabic and very little English. It was directed by Denis Villenueve. Impressed, I added one of his earlier efforts to my Netflix watch list. I haven’t see anything as powerful in a long time. On a scale of five, four-and-a-half. It is rated 8.1 of ten at IMDb. 

It was a fun day at the floating book shop. Bad News Billy showed and bought three sports books, although he was recently bilked out of $70 by a woman he'd helped. He has such a good heart he just can't say no. He gave me a small box of apple juice. A young man purchased Sweet Dreams by my literary angel, January Valentine. As a token of appreciation, I offered him a couple of free books and he chose small paperbacks on Hinduism and Judaism, which seemed odd, given that SD is about a serial killer. Bay 37th Street alum Lorraine visited and said she had a bag of books for me. She returned a half hour later with half a shopping cart full, and most were best sellers by the most popular authors. Actor/singer extraordinaire Johnny Feets turned up and bought two of them. He just completed shooting what will be a 30 minute Twilight Zone-type short, a part for which he was actually paid, albeit a token sum. He brought me cookies.Thanks, folks.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/18 - Why

While I operate the floating book shop, people often ask for street directions, sometimes in Russian, at which I am clueless, despite 24 years in Sheepshead Bay. Yesterday a woman approached and asked: “Hablas Espanol?” It’s been about 40 years since the last course I took in my college minor, and now five years since I’ve worked on the trading floor, where I would break chops or have mine broken by co-workers in Spanish. Given that lack of practice, I tense whenever a Hispanic addresses me in his/her native tongue. “Poquito,” I warned the woman, my thumb and index finger barely apart ala Robert DeNiro in Goodfellas. She drew an imaginary figure on her hand that I was unable to decipher and said: “I griega,” and I immediately realized she was looking for Avenue Y. I pointed to a red light in the distance and said: “La luz roja.” She thanked me and went on her way. I chuckled, delighted. There have been times when my mind has gone into total lockdown trying to conjure the right word, others when I would confuse Spanish and Italian, which I have become equally inept at speaking or understanding. “Use it or lose it” applies especially in language. Even my English vocabulary has been slipping. Lately I’ve come across several words whose meaning I’ve forgotten, the latest “cynosure,” in this case anything that guides or directs, like the North Star. This recalls that old slogan from a public service ad: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” I suppose it would help if I chose more challenging reading matter. I’ve gotten lazy in intellectual curiosity.

I visited my buddy Bags at about noon, and our old friend Impy stopped by. It's hard to believe, but it's been 25 years since his family moved to Staten Island. He earned his nickname as a mischievous child and young adult, wreaking havoc on the block and neighborhood. He gave us an eyewitness account of the storm damage on Staten Island. Fortunately, his home and cars were spared. One of his businesses involves ice cream. The lot where he parks his trucks was hit by looters who siphoned gasoline from all the vehicles. He's been spending the days since Sandy dispensing coffee and soup to first responders and people in need from a truck, without compensation, although organizations have been donating supplies to him. I'm proud of him.

Not much action at the floating book shop this afternoon. My thanks to the two women who made purchases.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/16 - Als

Today I celebrate the publication of a book of poetry by one of my customers, whom I call Big Al. He is a gentle soul confounded by the violence around the world and believes he has the solution to it. He and his wife meditate each morning. He is retired from the rat race, having been rich and poor. He describes his poetry as Love Kus. They are short philosophical statements. Here's hoping that they catch the public's imagination and the book soars to the top of the best sellers' list. I ordered a copy, which I bundled with a book of essays by another customer, Bill Brown, taking advantage of gift certificates I'd amassed at Amazon from survey sites. It qualified me for free shipping, something someone with Sicilian blood loves. It was nice to be able to pay those guys back in a small way for buying my books. Here's a link to Al's book:
 http://www.amazon.com/The-Meaning-Love-New-Insights/dp/1477243879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353011610&sr=8-1&keywords=The+meaning+of+love+new+insights

During this afternoon's session of the floating book shop, the gentleman I refer to as the Other Al and Big Al showed up at the same time. BA is Alexander, OA is Alan. OA was my only sale of the day. An avid baseball fan who attends college games throughout the five boroughs, he was unable to resist Now I Can Die in Peace by Bill Simmons, a Red Sox fan exulting in the 2004 championship that broke the Curse of the Bambino, which began when the owner traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees in order to finance No, No Nanette, a Broadway play. OA was in Huntington, West Virginia when the Sox came back from an 0-3 deficit to the Skanks that year, and commanded his son to collect all the local newspapers the morning after. He waxed ecstatic about it to me. We Yankees haters are a strange lot. He invited me to pick up some books at his apartment. Since there wasn't any sun to speak of and I was starting to tremble an hour later, I knocked off early and walked one block to his building. Among the donations was a pristine hardcover of Kafka's The Trial. Thanks, Als.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/15 - Dance

While channel hopping with the remote control last night, I happened on an exciting scene from the American version of Shall We Dance? (2004), a remake of a wonderful Japanese film of the same title (1996). It was broadcast on a Spanish channel, Telefutura, which I visit regularly to see how further my command of the language I studied in college has deteriorated. In the scene, Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere engage in a steamy spin in a dimly lit loft. I’m always impressed when film-makers get the art of sexuality right, especially when the characters are fully clothed. I find most film sex lame, gratuitous. I can think of only one scene among thousands that really worked, between Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland in Don’t Look Now (1973), a thriller based on a novel by Daphne Du Maurier, wherein the latent clairvoyance of Sutherland’s character is exhibited during intercourse. I’m sure there must be others, but I find sex in legitimate films to be little more than soft core porn. The Lopez-Gere scene is up there with the smoldering Gene Kelly-Cyd Charisse segment of the Broadway Melody suite in Singin’ in the Rain (1954), and the can you top this moves between the Sharks and the Jets in the dance at the gym in West Side Story (1961). And JLO is so damn beautiful. The Japanese version is rated 7.6 at IMDb, the remake 6.0. Perhaps I caught the movie’s best scene, which is less than three minutes long and is driven by the pulsating Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre) by The Gotan Project. Here’s a link to the clip. Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bibtqDxXv1o

It was a quiet day at the floating book shop. I sold only four books. My thanks to the buyers and to Dave, who donated two David Baldacci thrillers in excellent condition.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/14 - More Luck -

As I was taking my morning walk and scaled the Belt Parkway overpass at East 12th, I noticed that the swimming pool of the apartment building nearby, which had been drained after the summer, was half filled with water. There are still cars here and there with a tire on a curb, having been carried there by the torrents that poured through the neighborhood. Today I ran into Jeff, who used to work at the Exchange. He had the misfortune of having two cars parked in the underground lot of Atlantic Towers. "I've had better weeks," he said. There is a generator in front of Astoria Federal, which is still closed. Yesterday customers were allowed to check their safe deposit boxes, which are downstairs. When my friend's son opened his, water came pouring out. All the documents inside were ruined. Fortunately, his mom had wrapped a stack of two dollar bills she is saving in plastic. She almost had to give them up. There were agents there looking to confiscate large amounts of cash from people hiding income. Somehow they let her slide. Two weeks ago Victoria Valentine, my literary angel, mailed me two copies of her second novel, Sweet Dreams. I finally got them today. I assumed they were lost to a postal worker like Newman, who might take advantage of the storm to plunder the public. I wonder if I will see the DVD of The Hunger Games, which I earned at Zoom Panel Surveys. Will it go the way of the Elvis greatest hits compilation that never got to me? Huge plastic garbage bags and discarded furniture and fixtures still dominate the landscape.

The rancor over the election continues on Facebook. I don't see what it accomplishes. I don't think people on the fence will be persuaded to side with such negativism. If the President's policies are to be defeated, it has to be done with reason, sound argument, not vitriol. One old friend said I was too magnanimous in defeat and professed fear for his children's future. I'm afraid for the country, but hope my fears are unfounded, exaggerated.

I continued to experience good luck as many of my neighbors are having their vehicles towed away. As I approached the corner of East 13th and Z, a car was leaving the lead spot right beside where I set up the floating book shop. I hustled to get it, and it proved a boon. Since I'm running low on the most popular books, I was able to put out two great compilation CDs I've burned, Sinatra and Oldies from the 50's and '60's. Sure enough, a Russian gentleman spotted them. I offered to pop them into my Hyundai's CD player, but he said he trusted me. Later, a woman donated five books in Russian, all of which I sold. Spasibo, folks.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/13 - Rockin'

The floating book shop was rained out today.

A few days ago I submitted my rock n roll epic, Rising Star, to a new small press publisher. It was returned the next day. The gentleman saw the word count, 194,000, and didn't bother to give it a look. I always imagined it as a mass market paperback. Anyway, I will continue to submit it whenever there is a call for material. I'm waiting for word on the progress of publication of my novel based on my experiences at the Commodity Exchange. I sense it isn't going to happen. Here's an excerpt from Rising Star, Chapter Seven. Each chapter begins with a quote from a rock song. This one is obvious:

7                                                                                 "...Who are you?"*

   She was awakened from a deep slumber by the ringing of the telephone. She staggered out of bed.
   "Where've you been?" said Bonnie. "I've been calling since noon."
   "What time is it?" said Susan, holding her head as she gazed at the clock. "Oh, God, five already. You won't believe it, but I've been here, sleeping."
   "You must've really tied one on."
   "No more than usual. Maybe it's just starting to catch up with me."
   She fell silent.
   "Sue?"
   She shook her head, returning to the present. "Sorry. I was just thinking about something the guitarist said to me last night about getting old too soon. I got the tape. Cost me a couple of hand jobs. He was a character, but a pushover. I was up late breaking it down, taking notes. Thanks for covering for me, by the way."
   "No problem, but be careful. He was pissed that we switched without telling him. I thought he was gonna fire you."
   "Is he on a power trip again? Who cares? Waitress jobs are a dime a dozen. Why should it've made a difference if the spot was filled?"
   "Men. Anyway, I won't be able to cover for you any more."
   "He fired you?"
   "No, I quit. I finally got a part."
   "Really? Great. I'm jealous, you slut. So spreading finally paid off?"
   "I didn't even have to this time. It's strictly legit, network, a new soap. It's not Broadway, but it's a start."
   "So save your money, get some experience, then leave and throw all your time and energy into auditions."
   "I can't believe it. I didn't think I had a chance. I thought my chances were a lot better for that off-Broadway play. They're not even sure what it's going to be called yet. We're all on trial. We might get axed right away if the ratings aren't there. Any character they feel isn't working can go too. I'm really worried about that. I have a small part, and everybody else in the cast is gorgeous."
   "Look at it this way, even if it doesn't work there'll be a lot of agents, producers and directors who'll see you."
   "Stop, you're making me even more nervous than I already am."
   "Why don't we celebrate? Mind coming to Brooklyn for a while? We can hit an after-hours place later."
   "I'm definitely in the mood to party. Who knows, this may be my last serious bender."
   There were tears in Susan's eyes as she hung up. Bonnie's success made her own failure seem greater. She did not understand how Bonnie could have beaten her. In high school and college she'd done half the work Bonnie had and still achieved higher grades. And now that she was working as hard, if not harder than her friend, she'd fallen behind. She questioned her ability to assess talent, as she'd never expected Bonnie to make it. Bonnie would not have been accepted to the drama school had not her father pulled so many strings.
   She studied the videotape once more. Despite the stationary camera and the confinement of the small stage, the band came across well. The joy of performing was in each man's face. Even Mike, after a shaky start, was at ease before the friendly crowd. She wondered how she might help him maintain such poise before a neutral audience. She was certain he would crumble before a hostile one.
   She hit the rewind and pause buttons constantly, jotting notes. She was surprised at Paul's skill and Richie's confidence. She'd expected Mitchell to be good and Mike to be weak, but she was encouraged that the others were far more talented than she'd thought. She wondered if she were deluding herself.
   The doorbell rang. Susan spoke into the intercom to make sure it was Bonnie, then pressed the buzzer, releasing the lock of the lobby door. She met her in the hall and threw her arms around her. Bonnie was toting her VCR in a large shopping bag.
   "I could kill you," said Susan. "I'm so jealous." She broke away and stepped into the apartment. "You're late. I was afraid you'd gotten mugged."
   "I didn't think you'd be ready so early."
   "Actually I'm not. I'll just go as I am. I have no reason to doll up. Sorry I've been so forgetful lately."
   Bonnie smiled. "You're melting your mind away."
   "I've decided to quit, at least unless it's absolutely necessary in the line of business. I haven't done any coke all day. Of course, I've been asleep through most of it."
   "Can your resolution wait until tomorrow? I was planning on getting my last binge in tonight."
   "I can't see why not."
 
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/12 - Taxed

All these days later, many of the shops along Sheepshead Bay Road, where water rushed in torrents when the bay breached, have yet to open. So far, Dunkin' Donuts, Anatolian Gyro, the Albanian pizzeria, the Chinese bakery, a few convenience shops and one produce store have made it back. I'd guess one of three businesses has re-opened. CVS doesn't seem close to returning. Surprisingly, all the banks are still closed. I wonder if the money was damaged. It doesn't seem it would be difficult to replace the furnishings. Maybe they have to reach some sort of regulatory criteria. One woman, who I hadn't seen since Sandy, got all choked up recounting the damage her neighbors suffered. A moment after she left me she was hugging a woman down the street.

Political Man is still active. These days he isn't urging "Four more years," he is saying "We beat the southern racists and Republicans." I'd hoped the election results would end his rants, but I guess it's just his nature. He is thrilled that gay marriage will soon be the law of the land, although he will not marry his partner because the latter has too much money and it would have to be reported to the IRS. Soon he may not have to sneak about to acquire his marijuana, which he spends $500 a month on. He can say, like Granny does of her jug in the The Beverly Hillbillies, it is for medicinal purposes. He calls Romney and Ryan morons and crooks. He spends a lot of money on music, which he believes ended after 1980. He is trying to sell a box set of The Kinks live performances, as he somehow ended up with two of them. His gravy train will continue. He believes that taxing the rich will solve the country's fiscal woes, and I hate that I have to hope he is right, as I doubt Republicans will be able to prevent the Bush tax cuts from expiring. Between that and Obama-care levies, it will be the largest increase in American history. Will they hammer the economy, or will an unforeseen boon make them irrelevant? Stay tuned.

There is some great news, at least for everyone but environmentalists. The U.S. will soon surpass Saudi Arabia as the world's largest producer of oil. Wouldn't it be ironic if that is the sector that generates the revenue that saves the Democrats from the fallout of a bad economy?

My thanks to the folks who bought books today. The floating book shop's inventory continues to dwindle, at least of popular literature. I wouldn't mind going back to selling just my own, traveling to different locations each day, but for that to happen the gasoline situation will have to return to normal. I have less than a quarter tank left and dread the thought of waiting hours on line. My sister is worried we won't be able to travel to my niece's in Jersey for Thanksgiving.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/11 - Thanks

Our thanks to veterans nationwide, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom.

Last night I watched a lively thriller, Brake (2012), courtesy of Netflix. It reminded me of two other works: the film Buried (2007) and the TV series Last Resort. The plot is similar to Buried in that a man awakens and discovers himself trapped in a box. While Buried works both cinematically and allegorically as an indictment of the war in Iraq, whether one agrees with its theme or not, Brake works only as thriller. It is reminiscent of Last Resort in its depiction of violent right wing revolt. Are film-makers anticipating attempted violent overthrow of the U.S. government, or are they merely seeking to entertain? While exciting and fast-paced despite its confined setting, the plot of Buried will likely have viewers wondering about its logic. I enjoyed the film until its ending, which I hated. It stars Stephen Dorff, who effects all the necessary emotions. It was directed by Gabe Torres, who has helmed mostly TV crime documentaries. He shows a real flare for high intensity and I hope he will continue to make such fare, although Buried was a flop at the box office. On a scale of five, two-and-a-half. It is rated six of ten at IMDb. 

It looks like the Giants have fallen into the same second half of the season funk as last year, so I will write them off again, hoping they'll turn things around.

My thanks to the gentleman who purchased five education-oriented books, as he did last week, to the young man who bought a text on psychology and Song of Susannah, the sixth in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and to the young woman who chose a history text and a biography of one of the left's most hated villains, Sam Walton, the visionary who gave America Walmart.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets if Brooklyn 11/9 - Fall

Here's a second political disappointment of the week for those of us on the right: David Petraeus, Director of the CIA, who did such a marvelous job turning around the war in Iraq, has resigned  because of an extramarital affair. He has been married 37 years. I'm not sure I understand this. If everyone in government resigned because of infidelity, how many would be left? Is there something more to this or is he just so distracted at the moment as to be unable to concentrate on work? He denies that it has anything to do with testifying about Benghazi. It's amazing how there is always an instinct to attribute such things to political intrigue and not just human foible.

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is premiering across the country. He is worried that the public will find it confusing, as the Republicans of the Civil War era are heroic and the Democrats are not, which he believes is the exact opposite of how things are now. I hope the film reflects a firmer grasp of history than his comments on the current scene do.

Several conservative pundits have suggested that Republicans should reach out to Hispanics, who backed the President by a margin of 70-30%. Immigration policy is said to be the blame for the poor showing. Because of their supposed conservative beliefs, it is thought Hispanics are a natural constituency for Republicans. I'd guess they vote along economic lines like everyone else. Republicans should offer an alternative to Democrats. They should not pander to attract votes. If the economy continues to suffer under Obama, Republicans will not have to do anything to compromise their beliefs. They gained many converts the past four years. If the economy recovers, no amount of pandering will help them.

I re-opened the floating book shop for the first time since Monday. My thanks to the young man who purchased the Tony Robbins DVD collection. With Delmar down because of the storm, I had a choice to make: pizza from the Albanian-owned shop or frozen. I chose Celeste. My parents must be turning over in their graves.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/8 - Bond

On Election Night I chose to watch a movie, courtesy of Netflix, rather than the returns. One of my favorite film makers is Chinese: Zhang Yimou. His samurai trilogy, especially the first two, Hero (2000), The House of Flying Daggers (2004) and The Curse of the Golden Flower (2006) are fantastic, as is Raise the Red Lantern (1991), the story of a concubine. The Flowers of War (2011) is not up to those but still good work. The story is centered on the Japanese Rape of Nanking, a phrase both literal and figurative. Christian Bale stars as a drunken mortician who takes refuge in a Catholic school for girls. The themes are redemption and heroic sacrifice, most exemplified in Bale’s character, a lone Chinese soldier and a group of prostitutes who also take refuge at the school. The action scenes are intense and brutal, recalling Saving Private Ryan (1998) and another film based on the horror of Nanking, City of Life and Death (2009), which I viewed a year or so ago. 99% of the Japanese come off as monsters and, by all historic accounts, deservedly so. This is not a pleasant film, although there are moments of sentimentality. The actions of the heroic soldier border on super-hero status. The prostitutes are a bit too charming, especially the one played by the beautiful Ni Ni, whose English is flawless. Bale’s character is Hollywood-like. These are minor flaws. The film is solid and elicits a visceral response. On a scale of five, three-and-a-half. It is rated 7.5 out of ten at IMDb. Anyone unfamiliar with this chapter of history would be shocked.

Here's a fun quiz: Who is the woman below?

She is Linda Christian, the first Bond girl. Don't remember her? That's because she appeared in a TV adaption of Casino Royale in 1954, eight years before the release of the first film in the series, Dr. No (1962). I didn't know, either.

The gasoline situation has not improved in NYC. Odd and even rationing has been instituted.That should shorten the lines, but I still will not wait hours to buy. I have enough to get through the weekend. I'm hoping the situation will improve by next Saturday, but the Mayor has estimated that it will be longer. Only 25% of stations have supplies. Fortunately, the nor-easter has not worsened conditions, at least in my area. It's amazing how some people take advantage. I've seen many drivers running street lights as if the power is still out. I was so happy yesterday when one was bagged by a patrol car. Fortunately, if the forecast is correct, relief is on the way: four straight days of sunshine and rising temperatures, which means the floating book shop will be back in operation.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/7 - 4 More

The people have spoken, and they are deeply divided. Although I am disappointed with the results, I hope the President’s supporters are imbued with a wisdom beyond my grasp. What satisfaction would it bring to be able to say: “I told you so” should America collapse? I should hope to be proven wrong. Despite a solid campaign, Romney failed to convince enough voters in the swing states that his was a better way. At first, I was skeptical of his candidacy as not being conservative enough. I was won over once his tax returns, charitable contributions and personal history became public. He is a decent man. Enough people are still blaming Bush rather than Obama for the economic malaise. If the economy should turn around in the next four years, Republicans may never regain the White House, at least in my life time. True, Romney garnered half the vote, but that will not hold if things improve. Will they improve with what pundits call Taxmegeddon on the horizon? When Clinton raised taxes, the internet boom saved him. Will a sector take off and mitigate the negative effects of Obama’s tax increases? It will be interesting. I woke up at 3:30, too troubled to sleep. Whenever this happens, I lay down in front of the TV. As I was scanning for something soothing to watch, I came upon the silly spectacle of roller derby, and chuckled, thinking, hoping that it meant everything was right with the world. I hope the silly spectacle of politics will continue to be a mere annoyance and not a danger to America.

I had another, milder disappointment yesterday. WordPress has banned my blog. I tried to look into it but it led nowhere. As far as I can tell, they consider it spam, maybe because I post the same links each day. I will never pretend that it’s main objective is not book promotion, but I almost always include commentary on other books, music, film, life in general and politics. I thank WP for the almost two years they allowed me. The blog did not receive much traffic there, so it was perhaps merely an exercise in futility, as the literary process often seems. Most of my readers follow on blogger.com. One positive aspect of the ban is that posting will be 25% less tedious. Life often forces us to adapt, as the past two weeks have so vividly manifested.

A nor-easter will keep the floating book shop on the shelf today and probably tomorrow, but the news isn’t all gloomy. I’ve found a new source of inspiration - Blayne Barber, a pro golfer trying to earn a PGA tour card. Golf is often called “the great game of honor,” and Barber proved it again. In a recent qualifying tournament, he assessed himself a one shot penalty for an infraction involving a leaf in a sand trap. He still managed to qualify by five shots. Days later, while speaking to an ex-college teammate, he learned the penalty should have been two shots. He was unable to live with the knowledge, prayed for guidance, and came clean, which resulted in disqualification. He will have to play on the minor tour next season and hope he does well enough to rise to the big leagues. He is an example to all. Kudos, young man.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/6 - Duty

I was out the door just after 6AM. As I anticipated, the voting place was chaos. It’s never smooth under optimum conditions, so it only stood to reason that it would be a mess in the wake of the storm. I waited a half hour, then was sent to the wrong table. Fortunately, when I finally found the right station, my name was in the book. It seems it isn’t every other time. I recognized the faces of many of the staff, people who regularly pass the floating book shop. Two live in the same building as me, as does Mike, who was late for work and decided to return later. Marie, who has donated so many Cds to me and has purchased three copies of A Hitch in Twilight, was assigned as a door monitor. I filled out a paper ballot that was fed into a scanner, a far superior method than the clunky old booths. I sense that Romney will win the popular vote, but Obama will win the electoral count. The President’s support has dwindled in the states he carried last time, but, if the polls are correct, he will still carry them. I expect Republicans to retain the majority in the House of Representatives and to narrow the gap in the Senate. I voted Republican straight down the line. I don’t think the country can prosper with so many people receiving some form of government assistance. So much of those funds are lost to fraud, slimes gaming the system. It is sickening to hear how many dirt bags are taking food and clothing meant for the real victims of Sandy. I would never say that no one should receive help, but everyone who applies should be thoroughly vetted, and Democrats believe that asking for proof is demeaning to the needy. That and the salaries and benefits of ever expanding government payrolls are insanity. And I believe we should take advantage of our vast resources, drill more aggressively for oil and natural gas. Democrats oppose all those measures.

Since my friend's car was lost to the water that flooded the streets of Sheepshead Bay, it was up to me to drive to her latest doctor's appointment. The gas lines are still long, astonishing. Fortunately, I won't be driving again until Saturday and should have enough to last into next week, if necessary. While we were having lunch in KFC, which she was visiting for the first time, her son called. He is a security officer in the Coast Guard, stationed in the south. Like many who constantly see threats up close, he is extremely cautious, asking me to not use even his mom's first name in the blog. He has heard about the looting and the approaching nor-easter and scolded her for having left the house. He has become the parent. By the way, I don't know if it was to humor me, but she said she loved the food. What's not to like about fried chicken?  

14-year-old Guan Tianlang has qualified for the Masters by winning an amateur event in China. Damn snot-nosed kid. Who does he think he is?

Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/5 - Fortune

In an op-ed piece syndicated in today’s NY Post, George Will had some clever commentary on the exhausting length of the presidential campaign, using two notable artists to make his points. Shakespeare is first not only in literature but other things as well. I’d argue that he was the first writer to employ psycho-analysis to characters. Mr. Will suggests that many would agree that Polonius, in Hamlet, deserved to be stabbed to death because his speech to his son taught politicians to speak in trite sayings. He closed the article by quoting Woody Allen from My Speech to Graduates (NY Times 1979): “One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.” Conservative radio host Mike Gallagher said that 30 newspapers nationwide that endorsed Obama four years ago have reversed course.

Speaking of Allen - while researching the quote at Wiki, I stumbled upon my favorite exchange from his prolific film canon. In Play It Again Sam (1972), he is getting some coaching on approaching women from Diane Keaton, who is married. While strolling in a museum, he spots a young, goth-type woman standing before a painting by Jackson Pollock. Keaton encourages him to make a move. Here’s the dialogue:
Allen: That's quite a lovely Jackson Pollock, isn't it?
Woman: Yes, it is.
Allen: What does it say to you?
Woman: It restates the negativeness of the universe. The hideous lonely emptiness of existence. Nothingness. The predicament of man forced to live in a barren, godless eternity like a tiny flame flickering in an immense void with nothing but waste, horror, and degradation, forming a useless, bleak straitjacket in a black, absurd cosmos.
Allen: What are you doing Saturday night?
Woman: Committing suicide.
Allen: What about Friday night?

I'd have to say I'm the luckiest guy in Sheepshead Bay right now. The floating book shop returned to its usual nook at East 13th and Avenue Z. I wasn't expecting much business, as many stores in the area have yet to reopen and possibly will not do so. Many people took a beating from the storm. When the bay breached and water flowed into the streets, it not only took fixtures and cars, not only filled basements, but entered into ground floor apartments as well. Dave, a chef at a Manhattan hotel restaurant, lost his car, which is bad enough, but his son's furniture was floating in four feet of water. A few other people described similar hardship. We asked each other how we had fared. I was feeling a little guilty for having escaped unscathed. I let an elderly man who loves religious books have five for a dollar. A Russian woman bought two more educational books for her grandson. I thought that would be it, then along came lovely young Victoria, who asked if I had any dramas. "Not romance," she said. I picked out novels by Iris Murdoch, Anne Tyler and two other authors whose names escape me at present, and then told her about Killing. To my surprise, she was interested. I was so grateful I let her have the other four books for free. Two of my regulars, Alan and Herbie, also made purchases. Wow. Thanks, folks. I was thinking I might have to take the show on the road every day once the gasoline situation improves. Now it looks like I'll stay put.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/4 - Contrast

Helen Macie Osterman has lived an extraordinary life. She was a nurse in her native Chicago for 45 years, raising five children along the way. She is the author of the Emma Winberry mystery series, as well as several other books. Four of her paintings hang in the Chicago History Museum. Like her heroine, she bakes and gardens and is an ardent fan of opera. Maybe she should be called Wonder Woman. I just finished the first novel in the series, The Accidental Sleuth. I feel bad saying this, but I found it ordinary, a tad over-written, although I enjoyed the aspect about a troubled teenage girl and had a visceral reaction to the plight of a homeless woman. Although there is a lot of unpleasantness in the narrative, it lacks the genuine feel for menace, the realism, that the better works of the genre share, and I was not at all surprised at how the story lines turned out. I’d guess her books would appeal to fans of Debbie Meier and Debbie Macomber rather than those of Tami Hoag and Michael Connolly. On a scale of five, two-and-a-half. I’m much more impressed with the life she has led than this one book. Kudos on that, madam. I expect she is as noble as her heroine.

Things were back to normal at the floating book shop following two unusually strong sessions. I sold books to two of my regulars, Sue and Lorraine, and I suspect they were merely being charitable. Thanks, ladies, and to the woman who bought a non-fiction account of WWII Frogmen for her 80-year-old dad, a veteran of the Navy. I have now sold all but one of the Stuart Woods novels Joanne donated about a year ago. There were at least ten. I've put a major dent in my overall inventory and don't expect to see any donations for a while. Tomorrow I will return to my nook at the corner of East 13th & Avenue Y and see how it goes. The contrast between conditions in Bensonhurst and Sheepshead Bay is stark. There is no evidence of the storm along the busy 86th Street, while in the Bay CVS, Rite Aid and Stop n Shop do not seem to be close to re-opening. I wonder how voter turnout will be affected. The gas lines are still long. I have more than enough to get my friend to her doctor's visit and back on Tuesday. I hope the situation will be better if she keeps her Thursday appointment, or she will have to cancel. I will not wait hours to buy gas.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3  

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/3 - Plug

I met Bill Brown, a writer who has self-published four books with Lulu, several weeks ago. Today he bought a copy of Killing, so it is only fitting that I return the favor by giving him a plug. He writes what he describes as niche books: American Colossus, The Grain Elevator 1843-1943; You Should've Heard Just What I Seen, a collection of articles from 1981-'84, many on music; Not Bored, another collection, 1983-2010; Fenced Off, Obscured or Painted Over, Photographs of Murals.... The least expensive is 24.99. Not many sell. At that price it's hard to get any reader to bite on a relative unknown. Good luck, Bill. And thanks.

There have been times I've stood at Bay Parkway and 85th Street, trying to sell books, and wondered if I were nuts. The last two days have been unbelievable, at least compared to those many sessions when the floating book shop generates just a few dollars. I sold all but three of the children's books I had on hand, and several novels, but the sale that tickled me most, other than that of my own book, was El Testigo en La Sombra, Mary Higgins Clarke's Witness in the Shadow translated into Spanish. Muchisimas gracias, Senora, and everyone else. My luck was so good that I even made a sale as I was carrying the crates back to the car, when a young man spotted and bought Steven Sagan's WWII thriller, The Formula.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 11/2 - Lines

As the post-storm clean up continues, different aspects emerge. The first thing I noticed during my morning walk is the garbage piled up at curbs. People have been throwing out water-logged stuff from their basements, including furniture. That musty smell is prevalent. On our street, East 13th between Avenues Y & Z, there is an oddity, a side street about three feet below street level in the middle of the block, Margaret Court. At that point, the entire sidewalk is blocked with Hefty bags full of debris. Stop n Shop and CVS have still not reopened. We don't have heat in our complex, but at least we now have semi-hot water. My Cablevision box has stopped flashing, but the picture is just snow. Overall, small potatoes compared to what some folks are suffering.

It was no surprise to hear that NYC's nanny-in-chief, Michael Bloomberg, has endorsed Barrack Obama for President, citing Global Warming as the reason. As absurd as that is, it makes sense. Although MB is listed as a Republican, he is so only as an opportunist. He is a dyed in the wool liberal in lock step with everything O is. Both should read the op-ed piece in today's NY Post by Ben Garrett: Don't Blame Sandy on Global Warming. He cites the mid to late '50's as the period with the most major storms, along with other interesting facts.

Since Sheepshead Bay is still a big mess, I decided to re-open the floating book shop on Bay Parkway and 85th, where any evidence of a storm is gone. I expected people to be too preoccupied to buy books, but that wasn't the case. I had four customers purchase in bulk, almost covering my entire outlays for the day: gyro lunch, stock up at CVS on 86th Street, and two L&B squares. Thanks, folks, especially to the young woman who purchased January Valentine's Sweet Dreams. She was on her way to work in Staten Island, which figured to be an excruciatingly long bus ride, and needed something to read. While I was there, Yon, an employee of Chase, came outside for a smoke break. He lives on the border between Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach. He sent his family to relatives and stayed behind to protect his property, knife and flashlight in hand, small dog that barks loudly at his side behind locked doors. He saw looters all night. Fortunately, he didn't have to defend himself. On my way home, traffic was backed up as I approached the spot where Stillwell, McDonald and Avenue X meet. There were long lines of cars and pedestrians, cans at their feet, waiting to buy gas. I have half a tank and don't plan to drive more than a few miles during each of the next two days. I just heard a radio report that the ports are open and accepting delivery of fuel.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3