Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 5/31 - Five

Congratulations to 13-year-old Arvin Mahankali, winner of the Scripps Spelling Bee. In two previous tournaments he was done in by words of German origin. This time he closed the deal on “knaidel,” a mass of leavened dough. I didn’t know, either.

Perhaps the best aspect of sports are the surprises they bring. When this year’s Subway Series began, I’m sure reasonable Mets fans feared their woeful team would be swept by the Yankees, who have surprised everyone by climbing to first place despite the absence of several of its best players, who are rehabbing injuries. Only the most rabid fans would have predicted the Mets sweep, their first in the history of the series. I caught a few half-innings of last night’s game. I was unfamiliar with many of the players. I was surprised at how quiet the crowd seemed, although the parts I viewed were dreadfully dull. So the Mets’ season will not have been a total waste, although the “What have you done for me lately?” mentally of sports fans will likely rear its ugly head down the line. They’ve found an ace in Matt Harvey and a potential closer in Bobby Parnell, and David Wright is steady as a rock. If Ike Davis can forge a turnaround and Zach Wheeler shows major league stuff, the season will have been a success even if they finish last. If the latter two and Parnell falter, it will be a crushing blow to the team’s future.

Also on the pro sports front: the NHL semi-finals feature the last four winners of the Stanley Cup - the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and L.A. Kings. I wonder if this has ever happened before.

Unemployment in the 17-country Euro-Zone has risen to an all-time high of 12.2%. The stats have been kept sine 1995. Despite this, I'm sure the Socialists among us will still insist we follow their economic model.

It was a great day for the floating book shop. Last night UPS delivered 50 copies of Exchanges, so for the first time ever all five of my books were on display - and it worked! My thanks to Arvid, who bought Killing, and to Marie, who purchased her 4th copy of A Hitch in Twilight, which she will give to her friend Jimmy. My thanks also to all the others who bought DVDs and books. I put quite a dent in the inventory, but still have too much to fit into the trunk of my car, which is actually a good problem to have.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/30 - Prolific

The debate over how much aid government should bestow on its citizens is a healthy one. I've always believed a person must convincingly demonstrate need to receive it. Unfortunately, mismanagement or downright indifference to vetting costs taxpayers millions, if not billions each year. According to the Fox News site, a report shows that New Jersey paid inmates $23 million in benefits over 22 months ending in April 2011. These included unemployment, Medicaid, food stamps, Work First cash assistance and state pension checks the inmates were not entitled to receive. This is one of the most maddening aspects of government - the incredible waste. Yesterday WOR-AM's Mark Simone asked the host of a Massachusetts radio show why the state didn't require photo IDs on the cash cards welfare recipients receive. If it's not racist for workers and drivers to adhere to photo ID requirements, why is it racist to ask the same of welfare recipients? It might cut down on fraud.

I've been a Cablevision internet user for a couple of weeks now, switching from the least powerful version of Verizon DSL. I see no difference in processing speed, but there is marked improvement in the viewing of videos. I haven't experienced any buffering lately. I hope I haven't jinxed myself. I've noticed no difference in the delivery of music streams. Since the move, I've had to change my email address at all the survey sites I use. This morning I finally remembered Valued Opinions, and found a pleasant surprise in that I'd earned enough for a $20 gift certificate for Amazon. My thanks, and also to Toluna surveys, which sent me a $20 check. I love the web.

I had a visit from Steve, the poet laureate of Sheepshead Bay. He was very chipper, having recently returned from a two-week stay in Mexico, where he did a reading in Spanish accompanied by dancers and musicians, which was well received. Kudos, sir.

RIP Father Andrew Greeley, an incredibly prolific author of both fiction and non-fiction. A look at his credits at Wiki is stunning. There may be as many as 200 of his works in print. He wrote 5000 words per day. In 1987 alone he had four novels and two works of non-fiction published. He was a severe critic of President Bush and a booster of President Obama. He donated the money he earned to charitable and political causes.

My thanks to Ol' Simon and Ol' Smokey, who donated more items to the floating book shop. Smokey brought first rate non-fiction in several categories and a slew of DVDs, many of them in the horror genre. Simon just turned 86. Happy Birthday, sir. My thanks to those who purchased wares on this first hot day of the year. I spent practically all the time in the shade. Unfortunately, two of the local drinking crew parked their butts on the ledge that surrounds the garden of the building where I set up shop. By the time I left, one was stretched out on the ground sleeping.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/29 - Heat

Rutgers University is under fire for hiring Julie Hermann as its Athletic Director. 16 years ago she was coaching volleyball at the University of Tennessee. Her players filed a petition complaining of verbal abuse. She eventually resigned. Since Rutgers recently fired its men's basketball coach, who was accused of similar abuse, many have demonstrated outrage. I wondered what she's done in the 16 years since those accusations. Has she been out of work? Has she continued her former behavior? I mean, what exactly is the statute of limitations on the crime of calling players "drunks and whores"? Turns out she's been supervising 20 sports at the University of Louisville. She's served on many community boards, including Frazier Rehab Institute, Metro Parks, Women 4 Women, YMCA, the Louisville Sports Commission, the Kentucky Sports Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Center for Women and Families. She's served on numerous conference committees, the AVCA Hall of Fame selection committee and is the former chair of the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Committee. She currently serves as president of the National Association of Collegiate Women's Administrators. Actively involved in the Louisville community, she was named a 2008 Woman of Distinction by the Center for Women and Families, a 2004 Ladies of Leadership award winner from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, the 2006 Heart of the Community award presented by Women4Women, and in 2008 she received the Mary Kay Bonsteel Tachau Gender Equity Award from UofL. Prior to joining Louisville, she spent one year as an assistant coach for USA Volleyball, helping the National Team to a silver medal finish at the World University Games in 1997. Before joining the National Team, she served as the head women's volleyball coach at the University of Tennessee for six seasons. Under her watch, the Lady Vols improved more than 150 places in the RPI standings and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade. Before her time at Tennessee, Hermann spent one season at Northern Arizona. She earned the top post at NAU following two seasons as an assistant at the University of Georgia, where she helped restore the Bulldogs program to national status. Georgia recorded a 70-16 mark in her two seasons and earned a spot in the Top 20. Hermann opened her collegiate coaching career at Wyoming, where she spent two years helping the Cowgirls to the NCAA Tournament and a final eight finish. As a student-athlete, Hermann was an All-Big Eight volleyball player at the University of Nebraska from 1981-84 as the Huskers won four conference championships and four tournament championships. She appeared in four consecutive NCAA Tournaments and earned a pair of top five finishes. She was honored as the FCA College Athlete of the Year and was an FCA national platform speaker.
Almost all of the above was culled from a UofL site, text condensed by me. This woman seems eminently qualified. Have we become such a gutless society that we cannot withstand verbal abuse? Is a person who engages in it never to be forgiven, to be permanently deprived of work even if she/he no longer engages in said behavior? 16 years have passed. She was good enough for Louisville but not for Rutgers? Some people demonstrate more compassion for violent criminals than for what Herrmann allegedly did. Unfortunately, she has defended herself by acting like a politician, saying she doesn't recall the events. What a shame. She should have admitted to her past indiscretions and said she has grown and moved on. Perhaps she was too wary of the unforgiving political correctness that grips college campuses and too much of society in general. The uproar is ludicrous.

It was a great day at the floating book shop. Two of my best customers, Lev and Mrs. Eclectic, showed and bought a bunch of stuff. Several others also made purchases, and I received donations from Ol' Simon, Ol' Smokey, Madeline and Michael, to the tune of 50 books, eight in Russian. Ol' Smokey is cleaning house, having been evicted from his apartment building. Rather than go to a shelter, he will live on the street. His Social Security disability payments were taken away and the annuity he inherited from his sister has run dry. Considering all the fraudsters in our midst, it's puzzling that someone with such psychological problems does not qualify for assistance. Then again, I don't know the whole story.
Thanks, folks.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/28 - Oops

Yesterday the floating book shop ventured to the hipster haven of Park Slope, which some claim is the most literate neighborhood in Brooklyn. Maryann, a “book junkie,” made the session worthwhile, buying CDs by Tchaikovsky and DeBussy, and a hardcover on natural healing methods. She promised to research my books at Amazon. I was also asked to pose for a picture by a young woman who represented herself as an urban guerrilla. She did not look the part. I hope I haven’t set myself up as a plug for a socialist cause. The most surprising aspect of the day was the sale of Glen Beck’s novel, The Overton Window, in that liberal bastion, and failing to sell a handsome collection of cartoons lampooning censorship, which I was sure would go. There will always be surprises in life - fortunately.

Last night Antenna TV and Cozi each ran war films to commemorate the holiday. I switched back and forth between four of them, none of which I’d ever seen: Eight Iron Men (1952), starring Lee Marvin and Richard Kiley, shot in black and white and modest in scope; Anzio (1968), starring Robert Mitchum and Peter Falk, produced during the Vietnam conflict and decidedly anti-war; The Purple Plain, starring Gregory Peck as a pilot with psychological issues, and Bernard Lee (M to non-Bond fans); and the Battle of Britain, which has an all-star cast of faces familiar to anyone who grew up watching war movies. Anzio was scheduled to run to 11:30. Someone forgot to tell whomever was in charge. When I turned back to the station at eleven an episode of Dennis the Menace was running. Oops! I don't feel I missed anything. None of those four films was much better than mediocre.

Today’s NY Post had another article on the creative ways people earn money. Owners of million dollar homes in the Hamptons are renting them for the summer months while living in a nearby trailer park, and turning a handsome profit. Although I can’t imagine renting a home I loved, I am always fascinated by human ingenuity.

When I stepped outside at eleven AM I was shocked and pissed to find it raining. The forecast said the storm would begin late afternoon. With my back a bit balky, I decided not to haul the crates of books to the viaduct at E. 15th. I waited 15 minutes at the bus shelter, searching for a sign of a break in the clouds, but it looked hopeless and I returned to my apartment. It seems the three and five-day forecasts have been completely wrong lately. Why do I pay attention to them? I'm becoming very adept at the three solitaire games on my PC.
 

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/27 - Thanks

Today we remember those who are serving and those who have served in the cause of liberty, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We owe you our freedom. Thank you.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McRae

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 5/26 - Double

There is a great editorial in today's NY Post regarding a double standard the government is practicing - what - only one? Any hunter who kills a bald eagle faces a $100,000 fine and possible imprisonment. Traditional energy corporations pay millions each year in such fines when an eagle is electrified or killed by an oil spill. One particular company has ponied up 10.5 mil for the electrified deaths of 232, but zero for the 20 chopped up in its wind turbines. In this matter, green energy companies get a pass from the environmental racketeers in government agencies. Last year windmills killed 573,000 birds, among them rare bald eagles. It's another example of the stacked deck facing the producers of 95% of the country's fuels, oil and gas, proving once again that there is no bigger criminal organization than government.

The planet has flip-flopped from global warming to cooling, at least in the tri-state area. Since it is nearly June, the heat in the building no longer kicks in on cool nights. My apartment was so cold this morning. I under-dressed for my morning walk. When I left to run the book shop, I was wearing two sweat shirts and a jacket. I did not begin to feel warm until I sat in my car, which was in the sun. I left the windows rolled up until I reached Bay Parkway. By the time I set up I was sweating and removed the top two layers. The wind diminished a bit and the sun was shining beautifully. Is it safe to say the worst is now behind us? Then again, how foolish to complain given what the folks in Tornado Alley suffered.

Author Bill Brown stopped by the book shop. He was recently let go from his proof-reading job. He is happy to report he's gotten a bite on a resume` he sent out on Monster.com. When he was asked what salary he expected, he gave a low ball figure, which was probably a smart move. He has submitted a novel he has translated from French to publishers in Italy, the book's origin. He had copies in each language and compared them. His chief trouble was trying to figure out how to represent Milanese slang. He sent five hard copies overseas. It cost him $70. Ouch. Good luck, sir.

I didn't earn much money today. I let a Russian gentleman talk me into a four for two. A lady moving to Wilkes Barre, Pa., where "the streets and sidewalks are so clean," bought a sci-fi novel, and Bob purchased Batman and Robin (1997) on VHS. It was George Clooney's only performance as the Caped Crusader, and it pales woefully compared to the Christian Bale films. And an elderly woman donated three Danielle Steel novels, which one of my regulars, Marsha, is always seeking. So I guess I was pretty lucky. My thanks to all.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/25 - Heart

Since nothing on TV piqued my interest last night, I turned to another of the music videotapes I made years ago, #26, circa 2000. All but two of the tracks were from PBS. I caught U2 tearing it up on SNL, doing Beautiful Day, and Santana at his very best on Corazon Espinado (Pierced Heart), featuring Mana`, on the Latin Grammys. That song, from the smash "comeback" album Supernatural, was a huge hit in the Spanish speaking world and to me sounds very similar to the most popular track on the disc, Smooth, which features Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 on lead vocal. I believe there is at least one appearance by Santana on each of the tapes I recorded, which is no surprise, as I am amazed by the passion with which he plays and the tightness and clarity of his band. There wasn’t a single song on this tape that I regret recording. Sinatra made several appearances and was at the top of his game in all of them. He did a charming duet with a young Natalie Cole, a smooth as silk medley with Antonio Carlos Joabim, and dynamite vocals fronting the Count Basie and Nelson Riddle orchestras. There was the wonderful insanity of Iggy Pop on Sessions at West 54th. Before his band broke into The Passenger, he invited everyone to join him on stage and “dance like an idiot.” He looked toward one guy and beckoned: “C’mon, mother….” There was plenty from the PBS do wop shows: the Skyliners, Cleftones, Crystals, Orioles, Classics, Edsels, Diamonds, Maurice Williams and the Fabulous Zodiacs, and the Jive Five, who performed a song with which I was completely unfamiliar at the time: What Time Is It? It reached only #67 on the Billboard chart in 1962. My eyes now glaze whenever it pops up on a CD I burned for my car. It was so touching to see the lead singer, Eugene Pitt, after his stunning vocal, walk off the stage using a cane. I also bagged Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rockin’ out at the start of a convert video, smokin' back to back on Jammin’ Me and Runnin’ Down a Dream. So what did I choose as a highlight amongst all the great performances on this tape? One that blew me away because, as far as I know, the guy had only one hit, and “he stole the show,” as my friend Dougie put it at work the following Monday morning after it was first broadcast. Enjoy:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=591RBZHgrI4

Exchanges received its first customer review. My thanks to Daniel Walsh, who had this to say: "I might be a bit biased as I worked where the Author did for many years as well.He is a devoted family man who happened to work down at a place that was as addictive as it was frustrating.If you ever wanted to know what it was like to be there in the midst of the action then this book is for you .If you are a hard working person just trying to raise a family with all its ups and downs then this book is for you.I truly enjoyed this wonderfully written book." My thanks also to whomever purchased the print version at Amazon. After a two-day hiatus due to global cooling, the floating book shop will return tomorrow.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/24 - Hallelujah

I had another vivid dream this morning. I was walking along the lower part of the Sheepshead Bay promenade, on the Manhattan Beach side. I asked someone leaning against the railing if anyone were swimming in the ice cold water, which was filled with what looked like hail stones. Sure enough, two people were. I suppose this aspect has something to do with Saturday’s forecast, which calls for temperatures in the 50’s. Suddenly my mother emerged from the water - topless! No doubt this hearkens to that painting of Maude that sold for 1.9 million recently. Fortunately, ma didn’t slap me or hit me with a shoe, or “ah scarpa,” as she would say, threatening whenever I was bad in my youth. Anyway, she dove back into the bay and came up with a doll that was incredibly life-like. This, of course, taps into my feelings on being childless. The doll was a “Cancer Baby.” Last weekend a rerun of the original Law and Order series featured the plight of American couples who had unknowingly adopted sick children from overseas brokers. I am amazed it stayed so long in my subconscious. The dream ended with a woman in a wet suit holding a huge dolphin across her lap, stroking it affectionately. I’d guess this too taps into my childlessness. I’ve said it many times - the mind is amazing.

Are we all relived now that the President has announced that the war on terror is finished, that all that needs to be done is an occasional mop up by law enforcement?

Although the floating book shop was rained out today, I did make a sale. My old Exchange nemesis, Joey Fork Tongue, sent me a check, overpaying for both Exchanges and the Ultimate Sinatra CD I keep on file in my PC. Thank you, sir. I was amazed upon entering the post office and finding only one person in line. It was the same the previous time I visited. It was flooded during Hurricane Sandy and re-opened only a month ago. Do people not realize it is again doing business, or have they found alternatives? It used to be a minimum wait of 20 minutes, and people would fume and fuss. I always brought reading matter. 



Hallelujah and praise be! Delmar Pizzeria has finally re-opened. I just wolfed down a couple of slices. As a thank you to returning customers, they are charging only two bucks a slice. No more frozen pizza!

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/23 - Angel

Mother Nature provided a substantial rainless window for the floating book shop. Unfortunately, only one of my regulars showed. I thank her for buying the book on love. In the great beyond, Frankie Lymon must be smiling. I don't have the will to comment on the terrorist act in London, so here's an excerpt from my horror screenplay, All Hallows, in which five nuts escape from an asylum and wreak havoc on a small town. It's less than a five-minute read:

Meanwhile, Angel is seated in the idling car, thinking, observing. A witch on a bicycle sails past her, humming the witch's theme from "The Wizard of Oz." Angel follows, pulls even with her, rolls down the window.
   Samantha, imitating Margaret Hamilton: I'll get you my prit-tee.
   Angel: Excuse me. Can you tell me how to get to the Bates- Myers Institute?
   Samantha tenses demonstrably.
   Samantha: You stay away from me.
   Angel: Mary Shelley?
   Samantha pulls a can of canned string from her cape and fires at Angel, who hits her brakes momentarily, tears the string away, and pursues. Samantha takes to the sidewalk, finds a shortcut, and puts distance between Angel and she. She turns a corner too fast, however, and falls. She scrambles to her feet and runs.
   Samantha: Daddy! Daddy!
   Angel's car screeches to a halt. She exits, gun drawn. She didn't hear the cry of "Daddy!" She follows across a lawn. The witch climbs porch stairs. A shotgun blast goes off. Angel is so startled she falls backward and checks herself for wounds. She looks up and sees the Clown pointing a shotgun at her. A waft of gunsmoke hangs in the air above him.
   Clown: I got more in here if you desire.
   Angel, resting on her elbows, has a flashback of her rapist's stocking-covered face.
   Clown: Never killed a woman before.
   Angel: I'm with the Sheriff's department.
   The Clown smirks.
   Clown: Doesn't surprise me.
   Angel: That's your daughter, I take it?
   Marge emerges from the shadows.
   Marge: That's right. And whose daughter are you - the devil's?
   Angel: I'm sorry. She fit the description of someone at large.
   Marge: Get off our property right now.
   Angel rises. Samantha sticks her tongue out at her.
   Marge: Come inside and have some cocoa, honey. It's like New York out there tonight.
   Samantha: My bike!
   Marge: Fetch it, Jim.
   As Angel nears her car, Schottsie's nemesis emerges from the shadows.
   Angel: Whatta you want?
   The dog growls, baring its fangs.
   Angel: As if I didn't know. Typical male.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/22 - Darkness

I tell myself I will never watch a Holocaust film again. After all, what is the point? Only the deniers don't get it. Then one comes along that seems a little different and I add it to my list at Netflix. Such is the case with In Darkness (2011), a Polish film based on a book, In the Sewers of Lvov… by Robert Marshall, who co-wrote the screenplay with David Shamoon. It is based on actual events. One of the most shocking things about it is the portrayal of the every day bigotry to which most people, including Jews, occasionally descend, which reminded me of Crash (2004), rare Hollywood fare that depicts prejudice as universal, not exclusive. Of course, the film in question doesn’t place such bigotry on a par with the atrocities of the Nazis and their collaborators. It is just as frank sexually. Men and woman screw under dubious circumstances in full view of their peers, in one case in open infidelity. Much of the film, which is in color, is shot underground, only faces illuminated. It seems influenced by two classics: the Polish WWII set Kanal (1957) and The Third Man (1949). It is alternately gut-wrenching, repulsive and infuriating. Above all, it is honest. It is subtitled. Polish, German, Yiddish and Lithuanian are spoken. There is high drama regarding which, if any, of the characters will survive. In researching the film at IMDb, I was stunned to find it was directed by a woman, Agnieska Holland, whose other works are totally unfamiliar to me. Born in Warsaw, she has directed episodes of The Wire, Cold Case and The Killing. Kudos, madam. On a scale of five, I rate In Darkness four. It is rated 7.1 of ten at IMDb. It is long and unpleasant but worthwhile, running  about 2:20.

Speaking of darkness - Anthony Weiner has announced his candidacy for the mayoralty of NYC. What field other than politics could such a man enter? He fits right in, especially in the scandal ridden Big Apple.

I got a letter from Dr. K, my dentist since the mid ‘80’s, announcing his retirement. I’d guess he’s 80. I always teased him by calling him "The Legend." He is a mensch. All the best to you, sir, and to your lovely assistant and wife, Ann, and to your son David. I will miss you. You brought light - and a lot of pain into the world.

It was a quiet day at the floating book shop. I had two quick sales at the start, and nothing thereafter. My thanks to the young woman who bought the anonymous epic poem Beowulf, believed composed between the eighth and eleventh centuries, and the Jules Verne classic Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea; and to local security guard Will, who bought an Elvis gospel CD.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/21 - America

Pop Quiz: Who is pictured below?

Despite suggestions to the contrary in the press and at Facebook, it is not the President of the United States. It’s Sgt. Schultz of the sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, who, when threatened with exposure of corruption by the American POWs he guarded, frequently espoused: “I know nothing - nothing!” He was played by John Banner, who appeared in all 168 episodes of the series, which ran from ’65-’71 on CBS and is probably still running somewhere on cable. The late Banner, who died in ’73 at 63, was actually a Jew who fled Europe and sought political asylum in the U.S.. I suppose what made me think of the endearing Schultz was the terrific episode of American Masters I watched on PBS last night, which spotlighted the great Mel Brooks, another Jew who lampooned Nazis and even portrayed Hitler himself. There were touching as well as zany moments in the piece. His wife, Oscar-winning actress Anne Bancroft, an Italian-American Bronx girl, said he looked like her father and acted like her mother. Melvin Kaminsky, a Brooklyn boy, wed Anna Maria Louise Italiano at City Hall, and asked a stranger, an Afro-American, to act as witness. I love America! 

RIP Ray Manzarek, 74, keyboardist extraordinaire of the Doors. His work was as essential to the band as Jim Morrison's vocals. Any baby-boomer can probably conjure in his mind the dynamic opening of Break on Through to the Other Side, the haunting tinkling on Riders on the Storm and, of course, the unique styling on Light My Fire. Well done, sir.

If the following doesn't get your dander up, I'm don't know what will. Islamist terrorist Major Nidal Hasan, who murdered 13 and wounded 32 in the Fort Hood massacre, is still being paid by the government, which cannot rescind his salary. Since that infamous day in November 2009 he has drawn $278,000. If he'd been a civilian defense worker, his salary would have been cut off after seven days.

Well, I turned 63 today. The good news is I don't feel any different physically this year than last. I got a big present from Alexander E. Poet (the E is for excellence) in the form of a massive donation of books, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes. It was so much that it wouldn't all fit in my trunk. I had to take a bagful up to the apartment. Thank you, sir, and to the kind folks who bought items. I made an accounting error during the session, costing me six bucks. Mrs. Harlequin stopped by. She buys those thin romances in bulk and I give her a great price on them. Today she added three DVDs and five novels centered on indians. At first she gave me six singles, then changed her mind and gave me a twenty. About a half hour later I realized I'd given her the singles and $12. Duh! Oh, well - stuff happens - even on your birthday.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/20 - Longings

Among the recent donations I’ve received was a modern classic I’d yet to read, Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio. First published in 1919, it endures, resonates because it is about a constant - the inner workings of mankind, the eternal questions, the search for meaning, the longing to break free. Although it is considered a novel, it is a collection of short portraits of the residents of a small fictional town tied together by the presence of an 18-year-old who works for the weekly newspaper. I was surprised by the unpolished prose, although I suspect it was intentional. The storyline is often bleak, too often, perhaps, almost completely absent of the great moments that make life worth living. I had to remind myself that it was not too far removed from how I viewed life in the first half of my span - third if I live long enough - before I realized the glass was half full. The insights are the book’s strengths. In the introduction to this edition, Jeffrey Meyers states the work is an argument against Puritanism, sexual repression. It is in part, but, as the post ’60’s sexual revolution has shown, the longing in the souls of humans is much more than sexual. The characters are as much bewildered by the mystery of life as I was, which I dub bittersweet. In the narrative they acknowledge only the bitter, and are frustrated they cannot express or define it clearly. Even at my lowest points I saw the great beauty that surrounds us. I was capable of laughter, although I might slip into serious reflection immediately afterward. Music, film, sports allowed me to escape the cruelty that so often characterizes existence. Even though Winesburg is populated chiefly by the poor and downtrodden, I expect a glimmer of hope, a spark of joy, however fleeting. I feel blessed that my work did not begin to see the light of day until I was 38. Most of it stares boldly into the scary, apparent meaningless of life, yet there are moments of exultation. I regret not having leavened my first novel, Close to the Edge, with a bit of humor. There are two brief scenes I wish I’d included to show the main character’s personality was not entirely downbeat. No work is ever finished. I think an artist can get to 99%, as I believe I’ve done for the most part, especially with Killing. I won’t rate Winesburg, Ohio. It has stood the test of time. In six years it will have lasted a century. Kudos, Mr. Anderson.

It was an interesting day at the floating book shop. Michael brought eight more novels in Russian, Madeline contributed 24 testosterone driven paperbacks, and a tall Russian gentleman donated three thrillers and bought three others, as he has often done in the past. My thanks to them and the others who bought, and especially to Jeanette, who paused from passing out leaflets advertising her husband's dentistry practice to purchase A Hitch in Twilight. I also was visited by Richie, a young man who grew up with author Bob Rubenstein's sons. He has not one but two interesting occupations. He is a secretary for a social worker by day, and at night plays guitar and sings to a man of 40 who has been in a coma for several years. He can definitely write a book. Alas, every silver lining contains a cloud. A manager for the apartment building where I set up most days asked if I had permission to conduct business there. I said I'd been doing it for three years without incident. I'm sure I'll be getting the boot. I won't fight it. After all, it is their property. I just hope she won't complain if I set up along the curb. I will miss not being able to use the ledge that surrounds the garden to display books. I'll have to work out of more boxes to condense the spread, as I do on the weekend. I've already alerted some of my regulars. Life constantly calls for adjustments.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/19 - Mr. Lucky

My run of good luck continues, despite a rain-out for the floating book shop. I checked my mailbox before going on my morning walk and found a letter from the SEC, which had investigated Schwab for fraud regarding one of their mutual funds. Although I never felt cheated, I received part of the settlement, $170. Speaking of frauds, I imagine there will be a lawsuit or two directed toward the IRS and/or the federal government in the coming days. Although I have minimal to no trust in them, I’d hate to see the country get even messier. The fight against Socialism will be won or lost at the ballot box. According to an op-ed piece in today’s NY Post, Kyle Smith says President Obama recently, indirectly, admitted he was a Socialist, saying he longed for a Bulworth-moment. It is a reference to a film in which Warren Beatty, running for President, disgusted at veiling his true beliefs, begins telling the truth. “Say the dirty word,” the character urges. "Socialism" still is a dirty word to approximately half the country.

I must apologize for not knowing my fourth novel, fifth book, Exchanges, would be listed online at Barnes & Noble, where it is three bucks cheaper, $13, than at Amazon. An old friend from the Exchange asked about it in a Facebook message, and I decided to check. Close to the Edge and A Hitch in Twilight are listed at the same price at both sites. I don’t know why there is a difference for my latest. I assume the publisher was given an option. I would prefer it be listed at the lowest price possible, even if my royalty are less. A virtual unknown’s works are much more likely to sell at the lower. I’m thrilled that the Kindle version is only $2, a dollar less than I myself listed Killing before Valentine Press put it into print. Since the sales ranking of Exchanges has held, it was definitely the right move. My thanks to Gregory Banks of WheelMan Press, from whom I just ordered 50 copies of Exchanges. Soon I'll have all five of my books available at the floating book shop. Here's a link to the Barnes & Noble listing: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exchanges-vic-fortezza/1115249933?ean=9780615808192
 

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/18 - Cookies

Last night I watched an episode from the third season of Route 66, courtesy of Netflix. It aired originally in 1962. My favorite element of these old shows is the guest stars. I was not disappointed. Buster Keaton and Joe E. Brown played bumbling brothers. Each began their storied film careers in the silent era. Brown will always be remembered by film buffs for the closing line of Some Like It Hot (1959), the cross-dressing opus starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon: “Nobody’s perfect.” The episode also featured John Astin as a gas-pumping yokel, and Edgar Buchanan as - what else - a judge. I wonder how many times he took on that role in his long run in the movies and on TV. Unfortunately, the content, outside of Astin’s brief stint, was awful, the gags lame, the storyline shoddy, highly unusual for a series that usually toed a strict dramatic line. The show is from the black and white era. Color did not become a staple until 1965, although there were color broadcasts as far back as 1951, available only on something like closed circuit. Although I love the black and white format, especially film noir, I think Route 66 suffers by not having been in color. It was shot entirely on location throughout the U.S.. Oddly, according to Wiki, only three episodes in its four year run were filmed along the famed highway that cuts through eight states.

Congratulations to Vince Young, 30, who has earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas. He led the Longhorns to the 2005 national championship, dazzling the opposition with his elusive running and pinpoint passing. After a solid rookie season in the NFL, his game went south and has yet to recover. He also has had financial problems. Perhaps he has turned a corner.

RIP Ken Venturi, 82, winner of the 1964 U.S. Open, his only victory in a major, played in triple-digit temperatures that had him reeling from heat stroke. He also spent 38 years in the broadcast booth, offering astute commentary. I vividly remember his call on the approach to the 18th at a Masters in which Greg Norman had another of his many chances to win. “That’s not enough club!” he said before and after the shot. Sure enough, the ball fell short of the green, the Shark made bogey, and the fabled Green Jacket again eluded his grasp. 

It was raining so lightly today the ground didn't even get wet. I set up the floating book shop beneath a tree, which provided enough shelter to keep my wares dry. My thanks to Jack of Chase bank, who purchased a couple of thrillers, to the Latino who bought Mi Propio Libro de Salmo 91, and to Sue, who donated a bunch of books. I asked Yon, also an employee, how the bank was doing, given that it's been giving away cookies and beverages every day. He said it was business as usual. The bank spends $200 a day on the goodies.

Special thanks to whomever purchased Close to the Edge at Amazon and the Kindle of Exchanges. My guess is that the new book has made former employees of the trading floor interested in my others.

Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/17 - Changes

Spoiler Alert - If you’ve taped or wish to catch last night’s two-hour season finale of Elementary during a rerun, don’t read this. This modern adaptation is usually a lot of fun, despite the overbearing arrogance of Holmes as played by Jonny Lee Miller. Fortunately, his attitude is toned down considerably in this episode, as he is humbled by his arch-nemesis Moriarty, who he believes is responsible for the death of the love of his life, Irene Adler. It’s always interesting to see how the numerous adaptations interpret the players. This one casts the beautiful Lucy Liu as Watson, Joan not John. It came up with a novel twist concerning Adler, who is actually the diabolical Moriarty, played by lovely Brit Natalie Dorner, who has appeared regularly in Game of Thrones and The Tudors, neither of which I’ve seen. Now that Moriarty/Adler has been dispatched, temporarily I presume, it seems that Holmes and Watson will become lovers. Although I didn’t mind the change to Adler’s character, I’m not comfortable with the heroes sharing a bed. Who knows - maybe the next adaptation will have the two as gay lovers. It wouldn’t surprise me, but it might kill me. I doubt Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is spinning in his grave at the alterations. I would expect he would be thrilled that his creations still resonate 83 years after his death in 1930.

Scandal # 4: Two terrorists who were put in witness protection have disappeared. If these four events were were in a novel, who would believe it? I imagine Slick Willie is laughing himself silly as the memory of his scandals get shoved further down the line. I picture him pumping his fist, saying: "Go, Bam, go." I almost feel sorry for the President and those who voted for him. Then again, the most partisan will pooh-pooh moves what would have made them livid had Republicans done them. It's just politics, or it's all Bush's fault. Almost half the respondents in a recent poll still blame Dubya for the state of the economy.

Our mailman, Ken, just delivered the two copies of Exchanges I purchased on gift certificate from Amazon. They look beautiful. The first goes to my sister. I can't wait to see the expression on her face tomorrow. As for today, there were few buyers, but I received a massive donation from Old Simon, and several books from Justin, a local porter, including a Russian translation of a book by notorious beat writer Charles Bukowski. I'll have to warn potential customers of its vulgarity. Simon was thrilled when I handed him Katherine Hepburn's last book, Me. He eats up that old Hollywood stuff.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh 
Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/16 - Bets

There are many interesting items in today’s NY Post. An op-ed piece by Thomas Reppetto bore this headline: New York Pols: The New Mafia? He argues that the only way to clean up the corruption is to follow the same path that was used to cripple the mob: the involvement of the federal government. I'd bet there will be nothing but slaps on the wrist.

It is reported that the economy of Euro-using countries has sunk for the sixth straight quarter. I’d bet the Socialists amongst us still believe we should follow their path.

The top five earning athletes last year were: boxer Floyd Mayweather, 90 million, LeBron James, 56 mil; Drew Brees, almost 48 mil; Kobe Bryant, almost 47 mil; and Tiger Woods, 41 mil. This includes endorsements. Mayweather fought only twice. What a country!

In 1991 artist John Currin caught a lot of flack for a painting titled Bea Arthur Naked, which was labeled misogynistic. Yesterday it sold at auction at Christie’s for 1.9 million. Spokesman Koji Inoue said: “It’s historically significant - it’s radical to sexualize someone people think of as asexual.” Here’s the piece in question, for which the woman who had an amazing TV run on Maude and Golden Girls did not pose:

Surprisingly, the print version of the Post went full frontal, while the web version cropped it. I don't get why it's worth so much money. Then again, that is frequently the case, especially concerning modern works, and I'm no art expert.


It was inevitable - Nashville has introduced a gay male character. I sense there will soon be a female one as well. I’d bet that Juliette’s assistant is in love with her, although there has been no hint of it as yet. Hayden Panettiere’s character has had awful luck with her lovers. She may "switch teams," as Seinfeld said when Elaine tried to convert a male.

The floating book shop's good luck continued. Michael donated six books in Russian. I commented on his weight loss and he simply raised an eyebrow. I hope he isn't ill. I thank him and all the buyers and the elderly woman with the lovely British accent who donated an autobiography by Katherine Hepburn.
Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/15 - Scenarios

Here’s an item that I at first found dismaying, then got me to thinking. Wealthy families have found a way to avoid long lines at Disney World. They hire a handicapped guide, who poses as a relative. The person charges $108 an hour, which amounts to more than a thousand bucks for an eight hour day. It cuts the waiting time for attractions from hours to a few minutes. I sneered at what seemed taking advantage of a person with an infirmity. But at that cost, is that really the case? Is anyone forcing them to do it, perhaps a nasty parent using a child for his/her own ends? That’s the only possible negative I see in this scenario. Is it unethical? Certainly, but do the positives outweigh the negative? I’m always amazed at the ingenuity of the human race. And I love trickle down economics, especially of the underground variety. Some of that money may help meet medical needs not covered by insurance, or put food on the table for those paying costly doctor bills.

Last night I watched a real science fiction film, Moon (2009), courtesy of Netflix. At first I thought it was going to be a reworking of 2001 A Space Odyssey, a malfunctioning computer hampering a scientific expedition. It evolved into a story of humanity and ethics. The voice of the computer is done by Kevin Spacey. Sam Rockwell shines in multiple roles. There are no aliens, no explosions. It is geared toward those who prefer serious sci-fi. Made on a budget of only five million, it was the first full length feature from Duncan Jones, a Brit, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Nathan Parker. Jones went on to do an effective thriller, Source Code (2011), starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and has a bio of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, in the works. On a scale of five, I rate Moon 3.5. Those at IMDb were even more enthusiastic, rating it eight out of ten. The impatient are warned to stay away from this film.

As soon as I'd lugged the book laden crates to my usual nook, droplets of rain began to fall. They were so sparse the sidewalk barely got wet. I left the wares covered, hoping the precipitation would stop. Soon a woman who has purchased spiritual matter from me in the past approached. For the third time, Old Simon had donated a large, handsome, paperback illustrated family Bible. All of them have sold the first day I put them out. Then a lovely young woman with a heavy Russian asked me to recommend an easy read in English. I handed her a John Sandford thriller and suggested she try the first paragraph. She bought it and thanked me. So in just a few minutes, despite the raindrops, I'd earned enough for one of Ali Baba's gyros. I thank those two women, and the other three kind folks who made purchases. If I ever complain about bad luck, slap me.
Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/14 - Print

It was another good day. This morning I discovered that my fourth novel, fifth book, Exchanges, is available in print format at Amazon. I ordered a couple of copies, paying with gift certificate money I earned doing online surveys. Check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh 

 

RIP Dr. Joyce Brothers, 85, TV's first pop psychologist, Brooklyn born. She earned a Ph.D at Columbia University, and rose to fame by going all the way on The $64,000 Question. She hosted her own advice program and appeared in numerous films and on TV shows, which often lampooned her. It is believed her presence graced The Tonight Show more than 100 times. She also wrote many books. She was the epitome of good cheer and class.

Benghazi, the IRS harassing conservatives, the Attorney General's office seizing the phone records of the Associated Press to find out where leaks originated - it is amazing how scandals arise in a President's  second term, and it's not restricted to party. Only the naive are surprised at such things. Politics is hardball by the hardcore.

Parking is often a problem within the five boroughs of NYC. I accompanied a friend to the doctor today. Since we got home a little earlier than expected, I decided I'd open the floating book shop - if I didn't have to wait too long for a spot to clear. I sat reading, double-parked. 20 minutes later I heard an engine turn over on the opposite side, my right. I backed up to get into position. As I did so, a long line of cars formed, waiting for the light to change. Sure enough, the last tried to take the spot. I moved behind him, blocking his way. He rolled down the window and I made my case. I was about to relent when he pulled away. I should have let it go, as I've always done in the past. I'm now worried I might find a slashed tire or a broken window tomorrow. Of course, the spot directly ahead of mine cleared five minutes later. Life will do that to you.

My thanks to the elderly gentleman who bought a pictorial on the human body,  a book on poverty in America, and hardcovers by Al Franken and Paul Krugman. He left behind Dinesh D'Souza's Letters to a Young Conservative, so I think it's safe to assume where his affiliation lies.

  Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/13 - Fore!

I got an email from Cuz recently, saying he was ready to begin the golf season. Back in the day we would have been out there six weeks already. We are now fair-weather golfers. Although it was cool and windy today, the conditions were infinitely better than many of our past early season rounds. Since we hadn't played since late August, I set the modest goal of breaking 100. I did better than expected, 93, sinking six one-putts. Cuz wasn't as fortunate, although he showed flashes of his old self late, parring 15 & 16. He's put on a few pounds since I last saw him. He's still his old positive self. His son, Will Jr., is finishing his junior year of college and working a minor league pro wrestling circuit. Fortunately, his mom, with whom Cuz spent yesterday, is still with us. The chauffeuring business that employs him has picked up. He has rubbed shoulders with a few celebrities of late. He spent an entire day driving around the entourage of country artist Clay Howard, who was very generous and nice to him. This does not surprise me. I've always respected the appreciation country artists have for their fans and the reverence they display toward their past greats. Cuz also praised Holly Peete Robinson, whom he described as a sweetheart, and Dan Rather as a nice guy, which surprised me, as I would have expected him to be aloof or reserved. We played with a carpenter named David, who seemed about 35. He had walked off the job this morning after a dispute with his boss, which doesn't seem like a good idea in this economy. Fortunately, he got a call on the back nine from someone who offered him work. He recently became engaged. He spent eight years in the Army. Although he's been playing only three years, I expect he will improve dramatically if he sticks with the game. He swings hard and hits the ball a long way. the hardest thing to learn is the finesse of the short game. It was a great day. Bob, the course manager, Frank at the receiving desk, Artie, the starter, and John, who runs the concession, made us feel right at home, as usual. John's son is a center on the Holy Cross college football team. We've been playing at Forest Park since '86. Its condition has improved 1000% in that time. It lost a few trees to Hurricane Sandy, but it's in good shape right now, although the greens weren't as lush as the rest of the grass. There's no place like home.
Vic's 3rd Novel: 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 5/12 - Moms

Happy Mother's Day. Moms were very kind to the floating book shop. My thanks to Stephanie, who purchased A Hitch in Twilight, to Katerina, who bought Killing, to the Russian woman who allowed her pre-teen daughter to choose two National Geographic pictorials, and to Miguel, who recently lost his 86 year-old mother, and who I knew would be interested in a book that explores claims of alien abduction. He is fascinated by the unexplained. I wasn't expecting much business, figuring people would be tapped out after buying gifts. I'm happy to have been wrong.

Here's a very brief excerpt from my unpublished, near 200,000 word rock n roll epic, Rising Star. It introduces the mom who figures most prominently. Each chapter begins with a quote from a song. I will list the tile and artist after the piece. Guess who:

2                                            "...I'm so tired of losin', but I still play the game...."*

   "Wake up, Paulie," said his mother, who was lean, delicate, bespectacled. "C'mon, it's four o'clock. I don't want ya father to find in ya in bed."
   He rolled to a sitting position and frowned as he noted his ears were still ringing. He wondered why he was so tired. He then recalled how the night ended. He wished he could sleep until he'd forgotten her.
   He climbed the stairs out of the finished basement that served as his room.
   "Where's Stevie?" he said, entering the kitchen, where his mother was preparing dinner.
   "The schoolyard, probably. He ain't workin' today. How'd it go last night?"
   "Good."
   "How's the new singer?"
   "Good."
   "'Good' -- everything's 'good.' I'm startin' to not believe a word ya say any more."
   He chuckled lifelessly. "You're right. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure how things are. The guys're startin' to lose hope. The playin's good, but it's just so hard to get that break you need to get anywhere. I think Richie and Mike're gonna quit. I know I can count on Mitchell, and I think I can count on the new guy, even though I don't know anything about him 'cept that he's really, really good."
   "Let 'em quit. They'll be sorry."
   "It'd be almost like startin' over again. We've been together so long. We know each other inside out. You can always find guys who can play, but it's so hard to find the right chemistry. It's somethin' how the new guy fit right in. He's unbelievable, Ma. It's almost like God sent him to us."
   "Stick with it. Ya still young."

The quote is from the Doobie Brothers’ Wheel of Fortune.
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 5/11 - Dashed

Vegas is my least favorite of the prime time shows I watch. Last night’s episode was fun. The main protagonists, the sheriff and the mob boss casino head, formed an alliance against a powerful rancher who sees how the town is evolving and wants to be the only real player. The dialogue between Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis was witty, the tension and mistrust between them unique, the pace fast. I doubt the story has any relation to the truth of Sin City’s origins, but I don’t expect that from strict entertainment. I also enjoyed the subplot of the doomed love between the deputy and the mob daughter floor manager, how she ripped his heart out. She made the intelligence choice, denying her feelings for him, although she knows a part of her will regret it the rest of her life.

And here’s more from the television front. While I was in the check-out line at Stop n Shop this morning, three women conversed about the Kardashian’s TV show. Two loved it. Adrian, my favorite cashier, who’s about 65, said, in her inimitable blunt fashion: “It’s the biggest piece of trash I’ve ever seen.” I laughed. Despite the beauty of Kim Kardashian, nothing attracts me to the show. I’ve never seen it. I’ve pretty much shunned the reality TV craze except for the first season of The Amazing Race, which I abandoned after it began defining participants by sexual preferences.

RIP NY Jets WR George Sauer Jr., 69. He wasn't fast but he had great hands and ran precise routes. He had 309 receptions in his NFL career. In the monumental 16-7 upset of the mighty Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, he snagged eight of Joe Namath's passes for 133 yards.

I was filled with hope as I checked the Kindle ranking of my latest novel, Exchanges, this morning. Alas, last week's encouraging numbers were a temporary blip. It was #252,672. The trickle down effect my other books experienced has also ended, as none sold online this week. Oh well - it was nice while it lasted. I had no luck on the street today, either. Since the threat of rain was in the air, I brought out only one-third of the wares in case I had to make a quick getaway. Tomorrow is another day, God willing and the creek don't rise, as the blue grass folks say.
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 5/10 - Body Counts

I think Person of Interest set the record for shootings in a prime time television series. Even the most violent episode of 24 might lag last night’s body count. Women as well as men participated. The concern groups have expressed through the years about the deleterious effects of such depiction has apparently been dismissed by programmers who figure they must compete with the carnage on cable to retain viewers. I suppose the next step will be to have the blood spurting once again. Right now the kills are largely clean, bloodless. Is it damaging to the psyche of those watching, especially the young? Will there even be a debate about it? Maybe there would be if the characters were smoking cigarettes or drinking large sodas.

It’s been said that most modern bank robbery will occur by computer. There was proof of that yesterday, as a group hacked into gift card accounts to the tune of 45 million. I have so far resisted the temptation of online banking for fear of having my information swiped, but this crime seems to show that even those who do not bank online may be vulnerable. Is it possible that an institution can be bankrupted by a cyber attack? If so, will depositors' money be insured? Scary stuff. 

The New York City Council is considering a law to allow the right to vote to non-citizens who have lived within the five boroughs for at least six months. This is mind boggling even for a liberal bastion. Proponents defend it by saying these people, an estimated 800,000, have been paying taxes and other charges for years. Just when it seems impossible that politicians can sink to a new low, they do. Of course, this is nothing but a cynical ploy to add more Democrats to the rolls - in a town where they already outnumber Republicans by five to one. 

It was a beautiful summer-like day in Brooklyn. The Fed-Ex guy donated two books to the floating book shop, one on poverty, the other on art. No sooner had I displayed the latter than a bird baptized it. I cleaned it immediately. Sure enough, a young man purchased it a while later. Mrs. Eclectic stopped by for another batch of books, and Old Simon left a bag full of Harlequin romances at Ali Baba's gyro stand. My thanks to them and to the other kind folks who purchased today.
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 5/9 - Cuss

While working at the Commodity Exchange I was always interested in what the personnel were reading on their long commutes from Jersey and Long Island. At one point a lot of males were carrying thrillers by Clive Cussler. When there were two copies of Valhalla Rising among recent donations, I set aside one for future perusal. I just finished it. I'm disappointed, especially after its strong beginning. It is too outlandish for my tastes, over-written, a little too technical, and the dialogue frequently does not ring true. Its chief asset is imagination. The novel incorporates a bit of fantasy, sci-fi and myth. It reads like a second tier modern action film, pure escapism, enjoyment dependent on suspension of belief. It even has Hollywood's favorite villains, corporate heads, at the heart of the dastardly plot. It is the 16th in a series that casts Dirk Pitt as the hero. He saves about a total of a million lives in four specific spectacular events. He also uncovers ancient artifacts. Cussler even creates a character who solves the planet’s thirst for oil, and who uses teleportation to deliver it! Beam me up, Scotty. The works of Jules Verne were a major influence on the novel. I expect Cussler, who was born in Illinois, not the UK, as his first name suggests, is a fascinating raconteur. Before becoming a writer, he produced radio and TV ads, winning several awards. He has written more than 50 books, all but four fiction. At least 17 have cracked the NY Times Best Sellers list. He founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), which figures heavily in Valhalla Rising. In fact, Cussler appears briefly as a character himself, which I found most amusing. In the real world the organization has discovered 60 shipwrecks. Cussler seems one of the most fascinating people on earth. Alas, I prefer novels grounded in realism, so I rate Valhalla Rising only 2.5 on a scale of five. He can laugh at me all the way to the bank. The back cover of the Berkley paperback shows him leaning against the first antique car in a long row of them. (Facts culled from Wiki)

For the second straight time, the assignment of accompanying a handicapped friend on a medical visit fell on a rainy morning. By the time we arrived home in mid afternoon, the sun was shining, but I didn't have the oomph to set up the floating book shop. After two straight days on the shelf, I look forward to tomorrow's session.
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 5/8 - Unconditional

Looking for an uplifting film rated PG-13? I watched Unconditional last night, courtesy of Netflix. It is a message-movie touchingly rendered, its heart always in the right place. It is not overbearingly preachy, which is always a concern with such a work. It stars Lynn Collins and Michael Ealy, who I recognized from appearances in other films and TV shows. The ubiquitous Bruce McGill lends support as a cynical detective. It was directed, written and edited by Brent McCorkle, who also composed most of the soundtrack. On a scale of five, 3.5. It is rated six of ten at IMDb. It is geared the religious, so it's unusual that I liked it.

Here’s another positive item: The odds of an amateur golfer making a hole-in-one are about 12,000 to one. The odds of making two in the same round are 67 million to one. 22-year-old Kassandra Kimma, a senior on the Oakland University (Michigan) golf team, did the nearly impossible in a recent tournament, leading to a personal best score of 69. Will you marry me?

There are two interesting op-ed pieces in today’s NY Post. Bob McManus points out that in the past seven years there have been 32 political leaders in the state of New York indicted, convicted, censured or forced out of office for their crimes. And he doubts the culture will change, given those who hold the most power, who should be forced out of their positions due to the conflict of interest between their private law practices and the public’s interests. For some reason, current law allows this.
Heather MacDonald cites the odd stance the city council takes on health issues. Members obsess about large calorie drinks, want to raise the purchase age of tobacco products to 21, yet have no problem with allowing 15-year-olds to buy the morning-after pill without parental consent, which is especially odd considering that schools are not allowed to dispense a simple aspirin without such consent. Apparently it has no qualms about encouraging sexual activity, perhaps promiscuity, and the STDs it causes, ten million a year, 110 million overall.

The floating book shop was rained-out, which provided me an opportunity to finally get an eye exam. My last was in 2007. I've been relying on Stop n Shop glasses for a long time. It was a lot more expensive than I'd anticipated, although it was an alleged two-for-one deal. The lenses are specifically designed for computer use but are fine for reading print matter as well. Will it make a difference, especially in the long run? Who knows? It needed to be done and I had the resources to do it.
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 5/7 - Improve

I awoke several times during the night, having dreamed of a certain someone I haven’t seen since late 2007. She hadn’t visited my dreams for a long time. During the dreams I experienced the pain of separation from her. Upon awakening there was no pain. I was simply fascinated by the clarity of the images, which included a gold wedding band, and the power of the hold the woman continues to have on me. I know exactly what triggered it. My friend Bob’s love is 34 years younger than him, the lady in question is 17 years younger than me. I hope his pursuit is more successful than mine was. He is certainly more direct with women than I ever was. Good luck, sir.

How ‘bout the Chicago Bulls? They’ve been without NBA superstar Derrick Rose the entire season, and still managed to earn the fifth seed in the eastern conference playoffs. They've lost Luol Deng, their second best player, to a freak medical issue, and guard Kirk Heinrich to a calf injury - and still won game seven of the series against the Nets in front of a packed house in Brooklyn, and game one against the heavily favored, defending champion Heat in Miami - without Hyman Roth! I laid the eleven points at Crowdpicks.com, certain they'd be too gassed to challenge an excellent opponent. It's a good thing that involves no cash. Kudos to the players and their coach, Tom Thibodeau.

The floating book shop was visited by a Russian woman who came to the United States at the age of 43. I'd guess she's now 60. She forced herself to learn five words of English per day. Her mantra was: "Improve, improve." She does not understand those of her friends who refuse to learn the language of their adopted homeland. I was reminded of my mom, who time and again frustrated my attempts to teach her English. Hats off to you, madam.

I hadn't seen Marsha in about two months. I now know why - she became a grandma for the first time. She asked me to tell her about my books, and bought Killing. Thank you, and also to Anita, aka the Merry Mailwoman, to Alan, and to the pre-teen, who asked his mother to buy Jeffrey Toobin's The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court. And to think I'd suggested a couple of sci-fi novels to the kid. Silly me.
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 5/6 - Rationalizing

I’ve made the change from Verizon DSL to Cablevision internet. The physical side wasn’t very difficult, outside of the stubborn resistance to joining of the co-axial cables, which had me muttering epithets the neighbors might have heard. They already thing I'm weird, anyway. I had a greater problem creating an account. The home page did not recognize me. I sought online help and waited 15 minutes, then I had a trouble reading the code on the bottom of the modem, which was required for verification. I used a second pair of glasses as a magnifying glass and still got it wrong. Finally, I guessed that what looked like a B was an 8, and that did the trick. So far, there seems to be no difference in performance speed. The only thing left is how much I will be billed by Verizon for the partial service this month. The customer service lady mentioned nothing about a disconnection fee, but having been billed in the past for services I never requested, I don’t trust Verizon very much. To avoid a sales pitch, I said that I was moving in with someone who already had service. I told myself the greater truth of not wanting to be hassled trumped the lie. How easy it is to rationalize.

The NY Post is known for its great front and back page captions, the most famous being: “Headless Corpse Found in Topless Bar.” Today it did a great take-off on Cinco De Mayo, relating it to the dismal performance of NY Knicks star Carmelo Anthony in the first game of the playoff series with the Indiana Pacers: "Stinko De Melo."

Bob Rubenstein, author of Ghost Runners and The White Bridge, visited the floating book shop today. We had a long chat. He is smitten. Bob is 69, Petra, a Hungarian immigrant, is 33. My advice was to follow his heart but to get a prenuptial agreement. He is obsessed with getting his books into audio format. I wouldn't mind it myself, but it is something I would never use personally. I'm sure my mind would wander. My thanks to Bob, who purchased a Martin Cruz Smith thriller, the gentleman who bought two books in Russian, and the one who bought the huge Jackie Kennedy bio.
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