Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/31 - Verdict

I’ve sat on a jury of an actual trial for the first time. I’d previously been assigned to civil court and never got past selection. It was interesting - to a point. The details the prosecution offered often went to mind-numbing overkill. I was surprised at how low-key everyone was, so different than what occurs in scripted material when the cameras zoom in on the actors, making them larger than life. The defense quietly objected about 20 times and was over-ruled all but once. The judge advised the man to make his point during cross examination. The most surprising aspect was the acceptance of technicalities that exonerate the accused in fiction. The car in question was said to be blue. It looked black in the pictures. I assume it was navy blue. One can beat a parking ticket on such an error. The most glaring issue for me was the inability to tell if it was actually the accused on the tapes. The testimony of the witnesses had to be accepted as fact. The case involved marijuana, but none was seen in any of the pictures or video. A trained canine sniffed out the odor of weed in two packages in question at JFK, which the accused later handled. Two female employees of a post office in Queens were intercepting parcels and passed them to the defendant, who gave them to a local dealer. It was almost foolproof, as the senders would not put in a claim for such missing contraband. The shenanigans of the women were caught on tape. They were perpetrating their crimes while on the government clock. I’m more perturbed at their arrogance than their criminality, which netted approximately $45000 in seven exchanges. I almost feel sorry for the defendant, who was approached by the other two, and whose wife and baby were in the rear of the court throughout the proceedings. However, his full story was not revealed. Perhaps he is a dealer of all kinds of drugs, in which case I’d have no sympathy for him, even though I believe authorities should concentrate on more serious crimes than marijuana distribution, as long as pot dealers are discreet and not flaunting their business under the noses of the police. I would not vote to legalize ganja, as I’m unsure of the unintended consequences it would bring. That may be just my conservative nature resisting society’s continuance of pushing the envelope left. I think life has improved dramatically in my years on earth in all phases except morality, ethics and education. A convincing argument can be made that mankind is no more challenged in the first two of those than at any other time in its history. There is no doubt in my mind that educational standards have fallen dramatically, however. Anyone who has read my books might say literary standards have collapsed as well. Anyway, what I assumed would be an easy day was anything but. I was sure there was a plea bargain underway, and that we would not even have to render a verdict. The attorney for the defense did not call a single witness. He simply made his points during summation, his main one being that the sum on the day of the arrest was only $340, hardly big bucks. He did not question why there wasn't a transcript of the defendant's confession. We had to take the arresting officer's account of it as fact. He did not question why there wasn't a log of the conversations between the defendant and his accomplice. There were only logs that showed they were in constant communication on the days in question. I thought the case by the lawyers on each side was lacking. Had there been a couple of hardcore skeptics on the jury, the guy would have walked. The deliberation took two hours. The final two holdouts were convinced when I, as foreman, read from the transcript of the arresting officer's testimony. I'm sure the defendant was crappin' his pants when he was busted, but there was no evidence to doubt the integrity  of the authorities, or the dogs, and there was definitely criminality in effect. It was a privilege to serve with the group. The situation got heated only once and very briefly. Of course, people talked over one another at times, but overall the behavior was civil. I did not look toward the defendant as I read the verdict. The guy did something stupid, but I don't know that he's a hardcore criminal, and he has a family. It's not easy taking a man's freedom away. I hope he provides evidence against the others to reduce his sentence. Better yet, I hope he appeals, although time might give the prosecution a chance to make a more solid case.

Sure enough, juror Armand Sarkisian is the second cousin of the George I knew at WMU. The fact that George has a huge scar from open heart surgery in the 60's verified it. He is a retired teacher, and his son and daughter are married. I hope he's on Facebook.

The floating book shop will return tomorrow - if the forecast is wrong.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/30 - Hope

On day two of my jury duty obligation I left my cell phone home and did not wear a belt in order to expedite the check-in process. I was worried about several issues concerning my ability to serve properly: my hearing, which does not matter because the judge, lawyers and witnesses are miked; my eyesight, which also doesn't matter, as there are computer monitors everywhere in the court room, including attached to the wall of the jury box; the possibility of nodding off, which is almost impossible given that the air-conditioning is turned up high; and, lastly, a mad attack of gas that is so common at this stage of my life, which, fortunately, did not happen. My stomach did make a noise at one point and the nice lady to my left and I looked at each other and tittered. My lunch time is two and a half hours later than usual, so there is a lot of rumbling going on inside of me. The woman has the most wonderful voice, so pleasant to the ear. While we were waiting to return to the trial after lunch, she recounted an attack she suffered at the hands of a crazy woman who accused her of a past wrong. The nut eventually violated an order of protection and served three months in jail. The woman is still looking over her shoulder when in the area where the incident occurred. All the other 13 jurors seem like decent folk. There is not one giuche in the bunch. It looks like the matter will be wrapped up tomorrow. We're due in at ten and will be offered lunch. I'm thinking shrimp parm hero. I haven't had one in ages. Although the judge did not elaborate on the sudden turn of events, I sense the defense is throwing in the towel. Mr. Sarkisian said he indeed has a second cousin named George in the Detroit area. I didn't recall a surefire verification point until much later. George had open heart surgery when it was new, back in the 60's, and had a huge scar on his chest. I'll ask if the opportunity presents itself.

It's really nice when an event provides mankind with hope. Brazil seems to be an ultra liberal country, so I was taken completely by surprise when three million people packed a beach in Rio to hear the Pope speak. How encouraging that so many are still looking for something to believe in. If you haven't seen the photo, here it is:

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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/29 - Selected

Any hope that I'd be quickly dismissed from jury duty has been dashed. I put in a long day in downtown Brooklyn, leaving the house at seven-thirty, returning five-thirty, rush hour each way. I'd forgotten the psychological adjustment required for commuting by subway. I took the local going to avoid the sardine-like packing. When I got off at DeKalb Avenue to transfer, there was a delay-- how annoying! On the ride home, the compartment's air-conditioner was leaking -- but at least it was working. Self employment has clearly spoiled me. Six groups were summoned to courtrooms. I was in the last, #19, my number during three straight Wall Street softball championships. There were 75 in our pool, a federal case. Each was vetted for the 14 spots. It took about two hours. Any prospective juror who was questioned was summoned to the front, surrounded by lawyers and the judge while white noise blocked out the conversation. I'm embarrassed by my ignorance of the term, which I'd first heard as the title of a song by the rock band Live. At least I learned something. As for the lucky 14, we are as wide a cross section as one would expect of New Yorkers. One female is reading the same novel I am, which I'll blog about when I'm done. One guy shares the Armenian last name of one of my college classmates. Although it is fairly common, shared by a major college football coach, I hope to ask if he has any relatives in the Detroit suburbs. I'm not allowed to talk about the case, so I'll just say this: the judge's voice is Darth Vader-like.

I've been a fan of beautiful actress Diane Lane for a long time, although almost all of the 54 titles listed under her name at IMDb are mediocre or less. My favorite is her performance as prostitute Lorena Wood in Lonesome Dove (1989). I probably won't watch Man of Steel (2013), as I associate the role of Ma Kent with a much older woman, the same reason I did not watch the Smallville TV series, which had Annette O'Toole in the part. Now comes word that Lane has been cast as Hillary Clinton, whom I consider an ogre. Although I'd guess and don't care that she is a liberal -- some of my relatives and best friends are -- this has come as quite a blow, and I definitely will not view it even if the critics fawn.
Here's a pic of the lovely Lane. I'd never post one of Clinton, as the sight of her makes me ill. It will be a tough eight years when she ascends, despite a resume empty of substance, to the presidency.

 The make-up people will have quite a job making her look like Hillary.

As for the floating book shop, it managed two sales today, as my youngest niece's sister in law works downtown and was kind enough to purchase both Killing and Exchanges. I'd send her an email alert a week ago. I know -- I'm no good. Thanks, Marie.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/28 - Romcom

My thanks to the elderly Russian woman who blew me a kiss after I let her have two paperbacks in her native tongue for a dollar. I soon packed up the book shop, as the mist seem about to turn into a downpour.

Here's an excerpt from a rom-com screenplay, A Truth Universally Acknowledged, the story of a commodities trader and a magazine writer whose lives cross paths. I tried to emulate the Tracy-Hepburn vehicles. It is influenced mostly by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice:
   Mr. Barski laughs as he steps away. Suddenly Joe is alone. He begins to feel uncomfortable. He takes a class of champagne offered by a waiter. Women size him upas they pass. He smiles abashedly at each.  Suddenly he is bumped from behind. He spiIls champagne and backs away, exchanging the glass from one hand to the other, licking at the fingers that have been wet. It is Kate who has bumped him. She takes exception, turns abruptly.
Kate:
   Watch it ....
   The angry look on her face at first goes blank, then evolves to surprise. They stare at each other.
Joe and Kate simultaneously:
   What're you doing here?
   Joe chuckles. Kate remains stern.
Joe:
   I asked you first.
Kate:
   You did not.
Joe:
   Did too.
Kate:
   You di ....
   She pauses, realizing she is being baited. He smiles.
Kate:
   My parents asked me to come.
 Joe:
   I'm representin' the Exchange.
Kate:
   I didn't realize they were this desperate.
Joe:
   Standards ain't what they useta be.
Kate:
   You're not kidding. I'd've doubted you had a charitable bone in your body.
Joe:
   In my pinky.
Kate:
   You can always have it cut off.
Joe:
   Somehow that's not the part I picture you cuttin' off.
Kate:
   When one has no heart ....
   Joe chuckles. Kate remains stern.
Joe:
   Actually, I only do it for the write-off.
Kate:
   Is that the first time you ever told the truth?
   Joe feigns a shiver.
Joe:
   Damn, it's cold in here.
Kate:
   You should've covered yourself in polyester.
   She attempts to step away. He grasps her arm gently. She glares, first at his hand, then into his eyes. He lets go.
Joe:
   Hey, I'm sorry.  I'm not the jerk you think I am.
Kate:
   Oh?
Joe:
   D'you get the roses?
Kate:
   I threw them out.
   Joe lowers his head.
Joe:
   It's the thought that counts. Listen, if you should happen to be feelin' just a teensy bit bad about the stuff you wrote, I want you to know that it didn't cost me any customers, so it's okay. No hard feelin's.
Kate:
   I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm not surprised. P.T. Barnum didn't get rich overestimating the public's intelligence.
   Joe shakes his head.
Joe:
   Boy, you are one hard case.  You look dynamite tonight, by the way.
Kate:
   You look almost human in the monkey suit.  You must have everybody else here fooled
but me.
   They stare at each other. Kate remains resolute in her dislike. As the orchestra breaks into Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll," both Kate and Joe coil.
Kate and Joe simultaneously:
   Duke!
   They gaze at each other briefly, surprised they have something in common, then look away.
Joe:
   May I have this dance?
   She shrugs. He takes her hand and leads her onto the dance floor. Kate is tense, as if she regrets having accepted.  Other women look on resentfully.
Kate:
   I never figured you for a jazz buff.
Joe:
   I only just started learnin' about it, so don't quiz me.
Kate:
   I picture you as "Disco Boy."
Joe:
   I spent a lotta time in discos, had a lotta fun.  Is there somethin' wrong with that?
   Kate smirks.
Joe:
   I figure you for the alternative scene.
   She resents that he is right, but doesn't articulate it.
Joe:
   I'm really surprised you like Duke. It's the most romantic music I ever heard, and I'd've bet you didn't have a romantic bone in your body.
   She gives him an icy look.
Kate:
   My father was always playing Duke on the stereo. It'd cheer him up after a tough day at work. I remember him holding me in his arms and dancing with me. I couldn't've been more then three.
   Joe glows as he looks at her. She looks sway, as if regretting having divulged something so intimate.
Joe:
   I knew there had to be somethin' human under that hard shell.
   Off the dance floor, Mrs. Barski notices her daughter and pauses as if stunned. She steps lively toward her husband and nods toward the dance floor. Mr. Barski beams.
Mr. B:
   Now this is a pleasant surprise. I had no idea they knew each other already, did you?
Mrs. B:
   No. What do you mean already?
   A wicked smile comes to his face. He slings an arm around his wife and whispers in her ear. Mary nods, smiling. Mr. Barski is then pulled aside by someone.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

  

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/27 - Noogies

The Yankees have traded for Alfonso Soriano, whom they banished years ago and who many fans believed was not a “true Yankee.” So spoiled and desperate is their fan base that Anthony Weiner would be welcomed if he could swing a bat, a wooden one, that is. Although the 37-year-old Soriano’s skills have diminished, he should help the franchise. Some fans have taken to booing the team, unaccustomed to anything but excellence the past two decades. The current scrappy bunch should be cheered, appreciated for staying in the hunt for a playoff spot that might be secured if Jeter, Granderson and Arod can provide any punch to the lineup. Their pitching is fine, although CC Sabathia is struggling right now. This is an old team, a long shot to take the top prize, but it does at least have a shot. That is not enough for many Skankee fans. As we say in Brooklyn: “Tough noogies.” Great news for Yankees-haters like me: the team has dropped its first two games since the addition of Soriano.

Also in pro sports: Hunter Mahan was leading the Canadian Open at the halfway point when his wife went into labor. He withdrew. This may be the most expensive birth in history.

It's been a year since I started receiving Social Security. I am $1650 in the black in that span. Barring those dastardly unforeseen expenses, such as car repair, it looks like the money I've been hemorrhaging since 2009 will be halted. I still have about two-years worth of cash in my emergency fund, and my retirement accounts remained intact and have grown. I still practice austerity, but not as rigidly as I had. I still haven't opted for full medical coverage, choosing hospitalization only. I'll take a look at it once the mess that Obamacare seems kicks in. I don't feel quite as stupid about having gone at the writer's life 100%, but it still seems madness, given the lackluster sales of my books.

My thanks to the kind folks who bought books and DVDs today on Bay Parkway, a second consecutive good session both financially and in terms of weather.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/26 - Kickstart

Kyle Smith has an interesting article in the entertainment section of today’s NY Post. There is a website, kickstarter.com, that solicits donations for ideas, some of them artistic, such as films. Recently, fans of the cancelled Veronica Mars TV show raised five million for a film version. Smith focused on Spike Lee, who is raising money for his next project, and wonders why the director, whose net worth is estimated at 40 million, doesn’t spend his own money on it. Lee hosted a $36,000 per plate fund-raiser for President Obama at his Upper East Side townhouse, which is worth millions. Although I would never ask the public to fund one of my novels nor would I donate to such ventures, I believe people are free to be stupid with their own money, even if it amounts to charity for the rich. I'm more infuriated by government waste of taxpayer dollars. The aforementioned are not investments. No donor receives any financial return. So far the Lee proposal has attracted $241,740.

I’ve neglected to mention the passing of Dennis Farina, 69, who succumbed to a blood clot last week. The son of a Sicilian immigrant doctor, he spent 18 years on the Chicago police force. His mom was also of Sicilian extraction. He began his acting career at 37 and often played cops or mobsters. He has 75 titles listed at IMDb. He appeared in 46 episodes of Law and Order as Detective Joe Fontana, replacing the beloved Jerry Orbach, which could not have been easy. One of his character’s comments remains with me, even though I viewed the episode as far back as 2006. Unfortunately, I was unable to find the exact quote online. It went something like: “I’ve tried everything once.” It was delivered with the every day subtlety that characterized the series and was left unquestioned by his partner, played by Jesse L. Martin, who simply raised an eyebrow. It had this viewer wondering: Heroin? Group sex? Gay sex? I have used this technique quite often, leaving a particular issue to the imagination of the reader, allowing him/her to fill in the blanks. L&O always trusted the intelligence of its audience. Although many of those types of remarks went over my head, it was my fault for not paying attention more closely or not being astute or versed enough to get it.

For the first time in weeks the floating book shop did not have to contend with intense heat, high humidity or the threat of rain. It was a lovely day. Marie stopped by. She is half way through Killing, having just finished my favorite part, Christmas dinner. I had to fight from getting choked up when I mentioned the wife's high heels clicking along the driveway. Since my book sales are so paltry, and I have a hard time getting readers to rate my work at Amazon, I'm not very confident in it right now, but there are instances I believe I really nailed. "You're a helluva writer," Marie said. Thank you, madam, and also to Mrs. Eclectic, who purchased eight novels, including the Charles Dickens classic, David Copperfield; and to the gentleman who bought four World War II DVDs and a Barbra Streisand 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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/25 - Crazed

Aguirre, Wrath of God (1972) is on Roger Ebert’s all-time Top Ten list. I caught up to it last night, courtesy of Netflix. I wouldn’t place it on my list, but I found it fascinating. It is the story of a late 1500’s expedition down the Amazon to find El Dorado, the lost city of gold. The leader is played by Klaus Kinski, who specialized in oddballs. He looked crazy and, by all accounts, he was. Perhaps he was a living example of the seemingly fine line between genius and madness. He spoke five languages. He played a hunchback blown away by Lee Van Cleef in the spaghetti western classic, For a Few Dollars More (1965), and was one of the prisoners in the pit with John Savage in The Deer Hunter (1978). He has 135 credits listed at IMDb. He was married four times. Only one of his three children attended his funeral. He feuded with his frequent collaborator, Werner Herzog, the director of Aguirre..., with whom he exchanged death threats. In 1944, at the age of 18, Kinski was drafted into the German army and soon captured by the Brits in Holland. Neither of his parents survived the war. His most famous role was in the remake of Nosferatu (1979). Aguirre... is rated 8.0 at IMDB, and a group of its users listed it at #48 in 50 Films To See Before You Die. I rate it 3.5 of five. Its chief assets are location shooting and authenticity. It is geared toward those who don’t mind unconventional cinema. Here is a pic of Mr Kinski, who once said of himself: “I’m like a wild animal who is behind bars. I need air. I need space.”

And here is that aforementioned list:
1. Apocalypse Now (1979) - Obviously influenced by Aguirre, not crazy about it.
2. The Apartment (1960 - Charming, took on sexual hijinks in a conservative era.
3. City of God (2002) - Gut-wrenching, disturbing.
4. Chinatown (1974) - One of my faves.
5. Sexy Beast (2000) - Loved the dread of the characters, otherwise fairly routine.
6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - Needs editing, scenes go on way too long.
7. North by Northwest (1959) - Great fun.
8. Breathless (1960) - Couldn’t stand it, probably should give it another shot.
9. Donnie Darko (2001) - Different, original.
10. Back to the Future (1985) - Fun.
11. Alien (1979) - Love it.
12. Lost in Translation (2003) - Serious American cinema, a rarity.
13. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - I’m the only one I know who doesn’t like it. Jailhouse bull.
14. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (Hindi - 2001) - Unfamiliar.
15. Pulp Fiction (1994) - Good but over-rated.
16. Touch of Evil (1958) - Bizarre, over the top fun.
17. Walkabout (1971) - Like it.
18. Black Narcissus (1947) - Disappointing.
19. Boyz n the Hood (1991) - Effective.
20. The Player (1992) - Haven’t seen.
21. Come and See (1985) - Haven’t seen.
22. Heavenly Creatures (1994) - Good but disturbing.
23. A Night at the Opera (1935) - “The party of the first part…”
24. Erin Brockovich (2000) - Hate stacked-deck movies.
25. Trainspotting (1996) - Rare drug movie I respect.
26. Hero (1982) - Off by a decade if it's the Dustin Hoffman flick, which is mediocre.
27. The Breakfast Club (1985) - Solid, teens authentic.
28. Fanny and Alexander (1982) - Haven’t seen.
29. Pink Flamingos (1972) - Haven’t seen.
30. All About Eve (1950) - Very good. "Fasten your seat belts..."
31. Scarface (1983) - Great fun.
32. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - Great fun.
33. Three Colors: Blue (1993) - Didn’t get it.
34. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) - Didn’t like, probably should re-watch.
35. The Ladykillers (1955) - Haven’t seen.
36. Fight Club (1999) - Liked it a lot.
37. The Searchers (1956) - Just can’t get into it.
38. Mulholland Dr. (2001) - Typical Lynch, bizarre.
39. The Ipcress File (1965) - On my list at Netflix.
40. The King of Comedy (1982) - Interesting despite infuriating protagonist.
41. Manhunter (1986) - Last 15 minutes are awesome.
42. Dawn of the Dead (1978) - I’m boycotting zombies, vampires & serial killers.
43. Princess Mononoke (1997) - Haven’t seen. Not a fan of animation.
44. Raising Arizona (1987) - Comedy based on kidnapping? Not for me.
45. Cabaret (1972) - Musical with meaning.
46. This Sporting Life (1963) - Un-glamorizing pro sports.
47. Brazil (1985) - Don’t get, perhaps for smarter people.
48. Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1972)
49. Secrets & Lies (1996) - Powerful.
50. Badlands (1973) - Don’t get what’s so good about it. Film-makers film?




My thanks to Michael, who donated five thrillers in Russian, and to the people who made purchases at the floating book shop on this October-like day.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/24 - Drafts

After three hand-written drafts, I finally put my latest short story, Symbiosis, into a file on my PC. I will read it once each of the next few days, polishing and correcting. I'm disappointed that it is very similar to 80% of my literary pieces - until the end. At least it will soon be out of my head except for those moments when something I should have added occurs to me, as is the case with most my works, even those going back to the 80's. I think it's at 98% now. The similarity to other stories would be a hindrance only if all of them were to be in a compilation. Published years apart in magazines hundreds of miles from each other, no one is likely to notice. How many people even read a particular piece? I'd be thrilled if it were a thousand but doubt it's half that much. One of mine, His Destiny, a Hitchcock-like tale, part of the A Hitch in Twilight collection, has received almost 16,000 hits at buzzle.com. Rain & Rhubarb, a literary story, has received almost 12,000, Brief Look at the Subconscious of a Middle Age Man, humor, has 9500. The rest have 7000 or less. Those I've posted at fictionaut.com have 100-200 each. Of course, there's no way to distinguish between a hit and an actual read except for a comment someone may leave, and those are few. I was thinking about changing the title of the latest, as I'm not confident I applied it correctly, but I chose to add a line about that instead. Does that invalidate it? I'll let others decide.

Anthony Weiner's wife, Huma, has been an aide to Hillary Clinton for years. The Weiners remind me of the former and future first couple in that they are undeterred by scandal. They will cling to the allure of political office, convinced their services are indispensable to the public. Their hope is to be major players in the theater of the absurd that is politics. The Weiner's problem is that they are trying to do it in a weak economy. The sins of the Clintons were forgiven because of  the trickle down wealth the internet boom brought. Some people believe Slick Willie created it. He probably believes it himself.

I feel as if I lost a great opportunity to sell books today. I spent this cool afternoon accompanying a handicapped friend to the doctor, and it turned into a marathon of waiting -- an hour-and-a-half for a five-minute visit. Why didn't he simply phone and tell her the biopsy had come back negative? My guess is he wanted the easy money of a Medicare billing. He treated the woman, who is now crawling around with her walker, in agony going up and down steps, as a piggy bank. What a disgrace.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
 

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/23 - Legacies

I was just listening to the Rita Cosby Show on WOR-AM in NYC. It has been reported that six months after the scandal that forced him to resign from congress, Anthony Weiner exchanged explicit tweets for six months with a 21-yearold woman - under the moniker Carlos Danger! He even offered to help her get a condo in Chicago. Any doubts of his fitness for the office of mayor should now be laid to rest. He is eminently qualified and fits right in with all the other whores in NYC politics.

Ryan Braun was named NL MVP in 2011. Last year he was accused of using performance enhancing drugs and vehemently denied it. He has now been suspended for the rest of the entire 2013 season for his connection to the Biogenesis Case and has issued an apology. Alex Rodriguez, currently rehabbing a hip, has also been implicated in the scandal, along with several other major leaguers. I understand why a player would use steroids, as there are millions at stake, but it is shocking to learn that Braun's denials were boldfaced lies. That makes his behavior seem as pathological as Weiner's and Eliot Spitzer's. Will the legacy of such players be damaged? My hunch is that their cheating will be forgotten in the long run. After all, steroids and the wild card revived baseball after the last strike. By looking away during the Sosa/McGwire home run race and the accomplishments of Barry Bonds, the game's management acted as enablers.

Sportswriters are often fickle and ridiculous. I laughed when several used the word "legacy" in recent articles. It was said that Phil Mickelson had cemented his and Tiger Woods had damaged his. Before the British Open, Lefty had won 42 tournaments, including four majors, Woods 78 and 14. They are two of the greatest golfers of all time, despite what happens during the rest of their careers. Mickelson, 43, Woods, 38, show no signs of slipping. If Woods has slipped - he finished sixth - it was from a perch no golfer had ever attained at such a young age. The men are one and two in this year's FED-EX Cup race. One legacy no one will worry about is that of the writers. What clowns.

My thanks to today's buyers and donors. Fortunately, the thunder storms that were predicted did not materialize, and it was considerably cooler than last week, although still very humid. Conditions are supposed to improve, although that was said last Saturday too.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/22 - Slummin'

I slummed on the golf course today. Neither Cuz nor I played well, but at least it didn't rain. We both ended with a 96. Cuz made birdie at the 18th. The only positive for me was that I actually made some putts. Otherwise I might have hit the dreaded triple digits. Any rhythm we might have established after two consecutive weeks of play is threatened by my jury duty obligation next Monday. The golf gods have been cruel this season.

Congratulations to Will & Kate on the the birth of their son. He seems to have had fantastic genes passed down to him.

Since I haven't had a web sale of any of my works in five weeks, I declare this Shameless Self Promotion Day. The five books in print are available at the floating book shop for $10, as well as on the web at these links:
 Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh Print:$16, Kindle: $2.

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3 Print: $15, Kindle $3.

Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb 
Print: $16, Kindle $2.

Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6 Email Order: $15.

Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h Print: $18.67.

Vic's Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Kindle Only: $1.

Vic’s Short Story: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx 
Kindle Only: $1.

 Thanks for your patience.

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/21 - Symbiosis

I was up at 4:30, a short story rapping at my subconscious. After 38 years of writing, they now come few and far between. The last, Bad Form, yet to be published, came to me almost a year ago. I’m not one of those authors who seems compelled to write, such as Stephen King or Mary Higgins Clarke, although I blog just about every day and feel nagged on the rare days I have nothing to say. This particular story is another of my musings about the bittersweet mystery of life, hopefully with a spin that will make it a little different and worthwhile. The tentative title is Symbiosis, which is defined as: “Noun -- Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both; A mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.” I may change it, given that the relationship in question is neither mutual nor beneficial. What I’m striving for is the connection between those who seem to have been meant to be but aren’t together. Part of the musing is questioning whether such a thing even exists, if it is something we merely want to believe in. I incorporated the current heat wave into the narrative: “Never had the rumble of thunder and the flash of lightning been so welcomed." Ideas were floating around my head while I was on my morning walk and will be for the next few days, less so after that, until it is finalized. As I’ve said before, no work is ever finished. There is always more to the story, and more polish possible. I’ve written several notes at the bottom of the second page. I expect the piece to be about 1500 words. I still do the first few drafts in long hand.

Well, the heat wave has finally broken, but life had a hot twist in store for me. It was about an hour into the session of the floating book shop when a couple of large vans pulled into the driveway of the Chase bank. Soon one a crew of four was taking measurements and marked out a three by ten foot rectangle of the first part of the black top. It wasn't hard to figure out what was coming, so I moved my wares 100 feet to the left, the corner of 85th Street, as far from the drilling as I could get. Unfortunately, I was now out of the shade of the tree and in the sun. In truth, it wasn't too taxing. My thanks to the young lady who overpaid for two Dean Koontz thrillers. She didn't want any romance, as she hasn't had much love luck lately and such novels make her sad. I doubt she'll be without companionship for long.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/20 - Remarkable

I read an eye-opening article at Yahoo Sports yesterday. There are 30 MLB teams, and each carries approximately ten pitchers. So there are about 300 pitchers in pro ball. 124 have had Tommy John surgery! That’s about 40%. The procedure is named after the first player to have it. At the time, 1974, the odds of success were calculated as 100-1. John rehabbed for 18 months and went on to pitch until he was 46, winning a total of 288 games, 164 after the surgery, which involves replacing a tendon in the elbow with another from somewhere else in the body. These days recovery time is down to a year and the success rate is 85-92%. And since some pitchers experience an increase in velocity post surgery, misguided parents are asking doctors to perform it on their uninjured sons. In the words of Ralph Kramden: “Boy, medicine is remarkable.”

There were no web sales of my books for the fifth straight week, but I managed to funnel $49 into my paypal account today thanks to my survey work - just in case I ever need to buy more copies to sell on the street. My thanks to Jack of Chase bank, who purchased a David Baldacci thriller, to the gentleman who donated three Barbra Streisand CDs, and to the people whose offer of book donations I had to refuse. My inventory is becoming unmanageable. as for the weather, it wasn't nearly as hot as yesterday, especially under the tree in front of the bank, but the heat wave continued. A brisk breeze made it tolerable in the shade. The forecast calls for thunderstorms and sub-90 temperatures tomorrow. I look forward to it. It's a been a tough stretch, almost like work.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
 

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/19 - Sighs

Olen Steinhauer received a one-year Fulbright scholarship to visit Romania and write a novel set there. That effort failed, but the experience inspired The Bridge of Sighs, published in 2003, and which I just finished. It was nominated for the prestigious Edgar award, the Oscar of the mystery genre, for Best First Novel. While most of the mysteries I’ve sampled have a sameness about them, this one is distinguished by time and setting: 1948, an unnamed eastern block city under Soviet occupation. What’s remarkable is its authenticity, given that the author had not spent much time in that part of the world back then. The landscape has been ravaged by war, debris everywhere, the drip of leaks a constant. Recovery is proceeding at a snail’s pace. Commodities are scarce. Suspicion, despair is prevalent. A 22-year-old detective is assigned to a murder investigation. Along the way he is roughed up more than Phillip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Lew Archer or Mike Hammer ever were. The trail leads briefly to Berlin during the airlift, a fascinating backdrop wonderfully incorporated into the narrative. It does not lead to Venice, where The Bridge of Sighs is actually located, but the structure, which the protagonist has only read about, stands as a symbol for the tone of the book and the era. It is the last point of civilization criminals pass before entering prison. The story has nothing to do with the great Robin Trower blues song, although its music track would fit the narrative perfectly. The novel is the first of five in a series which culminates in the fall of communism. Steinhauer has also written a three-book espionage arc featuring a character named Milo Weaver, which has drawn Hollywood’s interest. George Clooney has been approached to star. My only criticism of The Bridge of Sighs is an occasional odd choice of words, i.e., describing a building as skinny rather than narrow. Otherwise the prose and dialogue are solid, the characters interesting, the plot sound and grounded in gritty realism. On a scale of five, 3.75. Steinhauer currently lives in Budapest, Hungary. (Facts culled from Wiki & the author’s website.)

Detroit, governed for ages by liberal Democrats, has become the largest American city to ever file for bankruptcy. Let the excuses begin.

The phrase "suffer for one's art" is a cliche, a way of artists patting themselves on the back for work that is a lot more fun than most jobs. Well, it was close to that at the floating book shop today. There was a lot of sighing. Most passersby looked at me as if I were nuts. A couple suggested I wear a hat even in the shade. That doesn't make sense to me. Maybe I missed it in all the tips about keeping cool that have appeared in the papers this week. At one PM I considered packing up, but decided to stay another half hour. At 1:30 I told myself "15 more minutes." At two a woman spotted January Valentine's books and began negotiating. She talked me into a two-for-eleven deal, which I'm pretty sure my literary angel won't mind, as she's told me to give a book away to anyone who shows a real interest. That I will not do. Anyway, my thanks to the woman, and to the one who bought a dictionary, and the young man who bought the American Outlaws (2001) DVD. And happy 80th birthday to Mikhail, who has purchased so many books in Russian from me. We should all look as good at that age - if we make it.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/18 - Dolls & Guys

When Roger Ebert passed away recently, I resolved to finally view Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970), for which he wrote the screenplay, and which I was certain I wouldn’t like, despite its cult-like following and the “so bad it‘s good“ mantra that accompanies it. It was exactly what I’d expected. Although I made it through its entire 1:50 running time, it did not work for me on any level. What was shocking then, is standard now. It’s a bit more substantive than the soft core porn for which director Russ Meyer is noted, but not much. Ebert described it as such: “…a satire of Hollywood conventions, genres, situations, dialogue, characters and success formulas, heavily overlaid with such shocking violence that some critics didn't know whether the movie ‘knew’ it was a comedy.” I see it as simply corny and unconvincing. I’m not sure I laughed aloud even once. Then again, I had trouble laughing at George Costanza until about my third time through the Seinfeld series. The thin plot centers around a three-member female rock group. The sound track is intentionally bad, the band's songs forgettable, although the vocals are surprisingly good, dubbed by Lynn Carey, a blue-eyed L. A. soul artist. The music of the Strawberry Alarm Clock is also used, including its #1 hit Incense and Peppermints. I did like the lush color, and the many pretty faces that brighten the screen. Meyer’s wife, Edy Williams, the star of many of his films, enlivens the proceedings whenever she appears, playing - what else? - a porn star. The star is the charming Dolly Read, who has only eight credits listed at IMDb. The three band members (Cynthia Myers, Marcia McBroom) have only 19 between them. Williams has 50. Veteran character actor, the late Charles Napier, wasted here, has 196. Produced on a budget of $900,000, it grossed an impressive nine million, and it is discussed to this day, vindicating the film-makers. There is a disclaimer in the beginning, stating there is no relation to Valley of the Dolls (1967), the adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s wildly popular novel. It is rated 5.9 at IMDb. On a scale of five, I rate it two. I suspect it would appeal chiefly to those nostalgic for the late 60’s and early 70’s. About the only things I miss about that era are being young and strong. Here are pics of Williams and Read:

While business at the floating book shop was surprising yesterday, given the intense heat, it was unsurprising today. I thank the woman who purchased the DVD of Lift (2001), the proceeds of which I immediately gave to Ol' Smokey, who needed to buy bread. He had a tough night. While sleeping in a nearby park, someone stole some of his T-shirts. Richie, a young man who works in the area, had a tough morning. At 8:30 he was pulled over by a patrol car and given a ticket for riding his bike on the sidewalk. Not only does he have to pay the fine, he has to appear in court. It's  nothing but another form of taxation to cover the over-spending of liberal politicians. I'm surprised I haven't been cited for not having a proper set-up. While it is legal to sell books, music and films in most areas, the vendor is supposed to use a table. Maybe they cut me some slack because I use the ledge of the garden and don't spread onto the sidewalk. Richie is thinking about moving to Mexico.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/17 - Valentines

Last night I received a care package from my literary angel, Victoria Valentine, who has adopted the pen-name January. She sent copies of her latest two books Head over Wheels and the recently released Beautiful Experiment, plus a whole bunch of swag: pens, key chains, magnets and bookmarks. Unlike me, she is not reluctant to spend to promote her work, and it's working. Each of her four novels has a sales' ranking of 600,000 or better. There are nine million books listed at Amazon. I am green with envy. Today, for the first time, all of our books were available at the floating book shop. Here's the blurb for her latest:
"Six unruly teens are abducted on their way to a juvie home. Dumped onto an uncharted island. Could things get any worse? Hell, yeah. Hostility and envy run rampant. Throw in some alphas, divas and demons, and what do you have? Beautiful Experiment. Book One of the Island of Defiance Trilogy.
The teens are referred to as waywards, informed their parents have sent them to the island for rehabilitation. While they struggle with their predicament, and each other, they come to a shocking realization ... for once in their lives, they have to follow rules.
Brook has lived on the Island of Defiance his entire life, with no choice but to believe everything he has been taught. As he approaches eighteen, the secret of who he is, and the ultimate fate he must face, begins to unfold. To complicate matters even more, Brook grows to experience something he has never known ... love.
How do you convince a stranger a dreadful mistake has been made? Gabriella Winslow is an honors student who has always helped others, but now has to fight for herself. Something unimaginable wants her as much as the beautiful island boy with whom she is falling in love.
Beautiful Experiment is Book One of The Island Of Defiance Trilogy (paranormal - fantasy - romance - for teens and adults) Mature 17+ for adult language, drugs & alcohol, mild sexual situations & violence."
And the cover:

The picture doesn't do it justice. Order it here: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Experiment-Paranormal-Defiance-ebook/dp/B00DIQU1KW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374095238&sr=1-1&keywords=beautiful+experiment+january+valentine Also available in Kindle.

I saw some interesting things today on the street. During my morning work, I noticed a personal license plate: Kal-El, the Kryptonian name of Superman/Clark Kent. Has Jerry Seinfeld or George Costanza moved to Sheepshead Bay? While operating the book shop, I spotted a family of five across the street, waiting for the change of light at Avenue Z. The three sons had red hair like their dad. The oldest was at least 13. As they stood there, the parents pecked like new lovers, not once but twice. I was impressed - after all this time. Kudos. I was also impressed with the woman who bought the last three of my stock of thrillers in Russian, the gentleman who bought three DVDs, two featuring Steven Seagal; the woman who bought the DVD on Gacy, a serial killer who entertained children while dressed as a clown; and the young man who bought the huge, handsome pictorial on the history of the Tour de France. My thanks for braving the intense heat. Unlike yesterday, there was no stiff breeze to mitigate the temperature.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/16 - Heat Wave

The first two items of today's blog were gleaned from articles in the NY Post, pared, in my own words. Observant Jews everywhere are celebrating. The Rabbinical Council of California has given its approval to 95% of the products of Trigg Laboratories, manufacturers of sexual lubricants. Each package will be stamped with a K for Kosher.

The average asking price for a ticket to tonight’s all-star game at the Mets’ home field is $808. Has there ever been a better example of disposal income? The game is usually a colossal bore. I know of two better viewing options, commercial free on PBS, during the early part of the telecast: Part Two of a documentary on the Lewis and Clark expedition on one channel (Part One was fascinating), and a mystery on another. If I watch any of the game, it will be later and I doubt I’ll be able to stand more than a few pitches at a time. Remote control is one of the greatest leisure inventions ever. Gene, who has made several donations to the floating book shop, visited, beaming. A friend gave him a ticket to the game, - face value for an upper deck seat: $320. The guy paid $500 for it. God bless America.

This morning during my walk, which began just before six, I came upon young men playing cricket in a park. These days in Brooklyn one is more likely to see this or a game of soccer than stickball, softball or two-hand touch, staples of my youth. I rarely encounter anyone playing ball in the street. We were there all the time back in the day, late 50's through the 60's. The only American sport I see youth engaged in on playgrounds as much as those two foreign sports is basketball. While I was passing, the young man at bat (batsman) blasted one out of the park. I was impressed, as the pitcher (bowler) was throwing very hard. I’m sure the game broke up once the field was under the merciless glare of the sun.

I may have hit on a way to beat the heat at least for an hour or so. While I was waiting for a parking spot to open up, I read the paper. It was a typically beautiful summer morning, and breezy. I may read the paper outside the rest of the week.

The heat did not have an effect on the floating book shop. It was a routine session, the pedestrian flow no different than other days. I stayed in the shade and enjoyed the brisk breeze along Avenue Z, as did Ali Baba. He went into his gyro truck only when a customer approached. He is fasting in the day time during Ramadan 7/8-8/7, not even drinking water, which must be murder during weather like this. My thanks to the four people who bought books.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/15 - Expectations

After a three week absence, Cuz and I were back on the links today, and back on our home course, Forest Park, for the first time in two months. It has rained or there have been outings each Monday in that span. It is the only time we can play, as Cuz sees to his mom, who's in her mid 80's, on Sunday, his other day off from his chauffeur work. Given the heat, it was basically us and the Asians playing. I went through at least four twelve-ounce bottles of water during the round. There are four Gatorade containers filled with melting ice set up along the way. Management doesn't want any fatalities on its hands. There is a lot of shade at Forest Park, although it does not, of course, mitigate humidity. We were dripping from the start, despite the frequent cloud cover. The course is in top condition, which is unusual for July. There has been ample rain and cloud cover to keep the grass from burning. It will be tested severely this week. As for the golf, it was pretty much what I expected, although early on Cuz was in vintage form and I was quickly six back. By the turn, he was only two shots better. At the seventh hole, which we call The Ravine for obvious reasons, two of the ground crew were working on the other side of the abyss. I got to wondering, if my drive traveled at them, if I should yell "Fore!" or "Cuatro!" Fortunately, the ball flew to the other edge of the fairway. Not so at the ninth, where I pulled a three-wood toward the tenth tee, straight at the threesome standing there. "Fore! Fore!," I cried, wondering what the Mandarin word was for it as the ball rolled between them. It wasn't a bad shot by my standards, as it stopped ten yards to the left of the green, pin high. It is one of two spots on the course where there is particular danger from incoming shots. I steadily closed the gap on Cuz, but blew it when I brutalized the last hole, three-putting from less than 20 feet for a seven. I had a 93, Cuz 91. I've been struggling with the flat stick for a number of years. I had at least five three-putts today. Everything else was so so, good shot/bad shot, as it is 90% of the time. Given that we've played only six times since April, I should've been happy with that, but, since golf makes one insane, I wasn't. It's hard to post a good score playing only once a week, let alone once every three. Or is that just a rationale?  

The floating book shop will return tomorrow. My expectations will be as low as they were on the golf course, although I managed to sell two of my own books on recent days of intense heat. But that was mid 90's. The index is suppose to reach triple digits the rest of the week.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/14 - Strategy

JK Rowling went from welfare mom to worldwide sensation on the wings of the Harry Potter series. Her attempt at a serious novel, A Casual Vacancy, was not successful commercially and was panned by critics. She came up with a different strategy, a pseudonym, Robert Galbraith, for her latest novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling, a mystery, which is a hit. The first hint that Rowling and Galbraith are one and the same is the fact that they share the same agent. Researchers compared her works electronically and found similarities in style and phrasing. She has come clean. She chose the moniker to thwart high expectations, and it worked. Well done, madam.

The average monthly rent in NYC is $3017. The national average is $1062. Rent control works as well as other liberal economic strategy.

The SYFY channel has created a social media firestorm with an original film, Sharknado. In it, a tornado dumps tons of water on L. A., and the sharks that come with it have a field day feasting on the populace. During its broadcast, there were 318,232 tweets. Even Mia Farrow weighed in. It is described as ridiculous and cheesy, so bad it's good. Appropriately, it stars notorious party girl Tara Reid, the wet dream of gossip columnists, and Ian Ziering of Beverly Hills 90210. It will run again Thursday, 7PM EST. Expect sequels set in other coastal cities. Pop culture is endlessly fascinating.

The latest heat wave has begun and there is no end in sight. No one said it would be easy. My thanks to Bob, who bought the VHS of The Mummy Returns (2001), and to Lorraine, who dumped about 25 books on me, fiction and non.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/13 - Elevation

We are so fortunate to be living in a country of great wealth, which allows artists of all stripes to flourish. Last night I watched music tape #27 of my personal collection, recorded circa 2000. It began with U2 doing Elevation on SNL, which was a perfect theme for the entire two hours, as many of the artists hit incredibly high notes. 75% of it was drawn from the PBS old rock n roll shows, which have been big fundraisers. I do not regret including any of the acts. All were at least solid. I laughed when Brian Johnson, the most unlikeliest of singers, fronting AC/DC, followed two incredibly talented Broadway divas with You Shook Me All Night Long. Cathy Young and the Innocents sang their lone top ten hit, A Thousands Stars in the Sky, which was recorded in 1961 when she was only 15. She must have married a rich man, as she looked like a million dollars. Jay Black, Lou Christie and Little Anthony and the Imperials all hit high notes, remarkable given their ages. In the past, I’ve chosen one highlight from the two hours. I’ll choose four today. Each gave me the shakes and made me misty. The first features one of the world’s great singers, Broadway’s Linda Eder, performing Man of La Mancha, which is of course a man’s part. Six-foot-one, drop dead gorgeous and incredibly poised and talented, she commands a stage. Pay particular attention to the song’s break when she hits successive notes, each higher than the last, and the look on her face as she completes the amazing run:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWP7l0OTXJI Next, the Duprees performing You Belong To Me. The lead singer, Richie Rosato, is different from the one who has sung with the group on other shows. I don’t know which is the original. I know only that this performance is perfect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BapfOW8HLVA Three: Eddie Holman doing Lonely Girl. One word -- unbelievable. My God - is he a eunuch? This one has a 15-second ad before it. It’s worth the wait: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lscp1GCjUQ Finally, three giants of American culture, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin performing a medley on Garland’s short-lived CBS variety show, which aired in 1962. The vocals manifest their fantastic artistry, and the simple choreography and script are charming. One aspect I noticed for the first time is the greater warmth Judy showed toward Dino than Ol’ Blue Eyes. Maybe Ava Gardner was standing in the wings. The segment sandwiches the lyrics of two of the greatest writers of all time, Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer. The segment, preceded by a 15-second ad, runs 8:30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xszbbPoylIM

Bonus Track: In 2012 I happened to catch the Jefferson Starship performing White Rabbit, fronted by someone other than Grace Slick, on a PBS show. I was blown away. Yesterday it finally dawned on me to look it up at youtube. The singer is Cathy Richardson. I enjoyed her histrionics as much as the vocal, and the music is spot on, chilling. It runs less than three minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuaH-Ao2lKw

My thanks to the four people who purchased wares on Bay Parkway today. No web sales for the third straight week. And my thanks to you for reading:
"...And so I'm borrowing
A love song from the birds
To tell you that you're marvelous
Too marvelous for Words...."
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/12 - Genius

I received the following in an email. It's attributed to Jeff Foxworthy. Whoever wrote it, I agree with all the sentiments, although the logic of some are strained.
If you can get arrested for hunting or fishing without a license, but not for entering and remaining in the country illegally — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If you have to get your parents’ permission to go on a field trip or to take an aspirin in school, but not to get an abortion — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If you MUST show your identification to board an airplane, cash a check, buy liquor, or check out a library book and rent a video, but not to vote for who runs the government — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If the government wants to prevent stable, law-abiding citizens from owning gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds, but gives twenty F-16 fighter jets to the crazy new leaders in Egypt — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If, in the nation’s largest city, you can buy two 16-ounce sodas, but not one 24-ounce soda, because 24-ounces of a sugary drink might make you fat — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If an 80-year-old woman or a three-year-old girl who is confined to a wheelchair can be strip-searched by the TSA at the airport, but a woman in a burka or a hijab is only subject to having her neck and head searched — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If your government believes that the best way to eradicate trillions of dollars of debt is to spend trillions more — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If a seven-year-old boy can be thrown out of school for saying his teacher is “cute,” but hosting a sexual exploration or diversity class in grade school is perfectly acceptable — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If hard work and success are met with higher taxes and more government regulation and intrusion, while not working is rewarded with Food Stamps, WIC checks, Medicaid benefits, subsidized housing, and free cell phones — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If the government’s plan for getting people back to work is to provide incentives for not working, by granting 99 weeks of unemployment checks, without any requirement to prove that gainful employment was diligently sought, but couldn’t be found — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If you pay your mortgage faithfully, denying yourself the newest big-screen TV, while your neighbor buys iPhones, time shares, a wall-sized do-it-all plasma screen TV and new cars, and the government forgives his debt when he defaults on his mortgage — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.
If being stripped of your Constitutional right to defend yourself makes you more “safe” according to the government — you might live in a nation that was founded by geniuses but is run by idiots.

I hate this kid. 16-year-old Will Grimmer, playing in a Juniors event, shot 59 (eleven under par!) at the recently remodeled Pinehurst #1, one of golf's meccas. It is a record on the new layout - and they don't make courses easier in this age of long hitters. He made a 20-foot putt on the last hole to reach the magic number so rarely achieved. Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval of the PGA, and Annika Sorenstam of the LPGA are the only pros to do it in sanctioned events. The best score I ever posted was ten over par.

It was shaping up to be a better than average haul for the floating book shop until it began sprinkling. I didn't have the patience to wait it out. My thanks to those who bought and donated, especially Michael, who surrendered seven crime novels in Russian. The weather sucks, but at least it's been cool the past two days.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/11 - Easy Money

As someone who rarely has used drugs, I’m not attracted to works on the subject, although I’m more likely to watch one that concentrates on the criminal aspects rather than the addictive or comic. Easy Money (2010) is an intense Swedish thriller that has an international scope. I was surprised to find the country had such a variety of immigrants. The plot concerns a poor college student’s descent into money laundering, and the fight over a huge shipment of cocaine. Most of the characters’ origins are negative, spent in poverty or abuse. There are Serbs, Albanians, Latins and Arabs involved in the quest for the bounty the ironic title promises. None can be trusted. The storylines of three of them generate suspense and curiosity as to which, if any, will survive. I found the storytelling far superior to the filming technique, which was frequently choppy, hand-held cameras apparently in action by director Daniel Espinosa, whose mom is Swedish. A few incidents did not make sense. Still, it is absorbing work, based on a novel Jens Lapidus. The star, Joel Kinnaman, reminded me of Keith Carradine. One of the cast, Dragomir Mrsic, actually served three-and-a-half years for a bank robbery. A sequel was issued in 2012. I’m not sure yet if I will add it to my list at Netflix. My chief curiosity is the fate of a beautiful eight year girl who has the misfortune of being taken away from her drug addicted mother and put into the custody of her criminal father. She tugged at my heart strings. Knowing that the fate of such children usually is negative, I am reluctant to view the second installment. The film is rated 6.6 of ten at IMDb. On a scale of five, I rate it 3.25. Scandinavia has become a mecca of crime fiction, on film and in print.

Last night I had the privilege of listening to a sports radio show, through iheartradio, co-hosted by Mike Taylor, who I coached for a couple of years at Loy Norrix H.S. in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is mentioned several times in my second novel, Adjustments. Five-six, 145 pounds, he was an amazing three-sport athlete: football, basketball, baseball. And he was/is quite a character. I affectionately refer to him as my all-time favorite "coach killer," a kid who frequently did things his own way. He is a natural for such a gig, full of energy and knowledge. Most of the hour dealt with local sports: a long interview with a DB at Ferris St. whose parents adopted several children from Africa; and a short one with the athletic director at Kalamazoo Central H.S., a school with a rich sports tradition, about girls playing football. The show concluded with Mike offering several fun trivia items, including the fact that Coco Brazil, who wrestled in the 50's and 60's and whose finishing move was the Coco Butt, was actually from Benton Harbor, Michigan. Who knew? Kudos, Michael.

It wasn't exactly easy money on the street today, but it was more than I expected. The only mistake I made was not displaying my own books, as I was certain it would pour at some time during the session. Aside from a stray drop here and there, the rain held off. I sold The Godfather III (1990) on VHS, Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001) on DVD, and several works of non-fiction. 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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
 

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/10 - Matinee

I didn’t operate the floating book shop today, as I accompanied a friend to the doctor. Here’s an excerpt from my screenplay, All Hallows. Five nuts escape an asylum, wreak havoc on a small town:

   Part 20: Lover's lane. Wally, unconscious, is fastened to a tree with duct tape, his mouth covered. He is naked except for underwear and socks. One of the lenses of his eyeglasses is cracked. A man in a Frankenstein mask (Spec Richards) is squatting beside him, smoking a cigarette through a slit cut at the mouth. He has donned Wally's uniform. Wally awakens. His eyes spread as he realizes his predicament. Richards blows smoke in his face.
   Richards, imitating Boris Karloff: Smoke good.
   He flicks an ash on Wally's leg and snickers as Wally flinches.
   Richards: Damn, not a soul in sight, Cleaver. All the boys in this town turn fruity? Wouldn't surprise me. I always suspected you were one. I never saw you with a girl in school. That ring just a front?
   Wally's left hand clenches as if to protect the ring.
   Richards: If no babes show up, I'm gonna make you the happiest man in the world. (Southern accent): Can you squeal like a pig?
  Wally's eyes fill with terror.
   Richards: Or maybe I should just cut your throat, get back in that fancy car, and cruise. That's gotta be as big a babe magnet as my old man's useta be.
   He sniffs the air.
   Richards: Damn, boy - you crap your drawers?
  Wally looks down at the feces-stained shoe. Just then, a car pulls into the area.
   Richards: Well looky here. The Lord certainly works in mysterious ways.
   He takes a final drag on the cigarette and extinguishes it on Wally's thigh. Wally's head jerks as he thrashes about, fighting the pain. Richards snickers gleefully. He waits, watches the male pour from a bottle into champagne glasses. He sticks his tongue through the slit and licks the lips of the mask.
   Richards: Be right back. Wait for me, hear?
   Inside the car, the couple, glasses raised, arms entwined, kisses. The young woman breaks away.
   Laura: Oh, Rob.
   Rob: Let's do it, Laura.
   Laura: Well, we are engaged now.
   A flashlight taps at the window. The couple starts and pulls apart. They see the badge and gun.
   Richards: Roll down the window, please.
   Rob does so. Richards squats abruptly, shining the flashlight on the mask. The couple
screams and falls back. All is quiet a moment. Suddenly the couple begins giggling.
   Rob: Miller?
   Richards: No.
   He swings the flashlight into Rob's face. Laura screams. In the woods, Wally
struggles to free himself, in vain.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 7/9 - Legion

William Peter Blatty set the literary world ablaze with The Exorcist, published in 1971, adapted explosively to the screen by director William Friedkin in 1973. He wrote ten other novels and twelve screenplays, a number of which he collaborated on with Blake Edwards. I just finished Legion (1980). It too is set in Washington, D.C., twelve years later. Many of the characters return. The plot centers around murders committed with the M.O. of a serial killer believed dead. Most of the action is seen from the point of view of an aging, overweight detective, Lt. Kinderman, a wonderful literary figure reminiscent of TV’s Columbo, so brilliantly played by the late Peter Falk. The major difference is the depiction of the protagonist's thoughts, which hunger for meaning, an explanation for the terrible suffering he witnesses, especially when the trail leads to a mental institution. He is a natural acerbic wit who frequently employs Yiddish. Although I grew up in a neighborhood that had a large Jewish presence, I was unfamiliar with several terms, chazarei (bad food), for instance. Kinderman is very well read, in effect a renaissance man, probably self taught. He is a close friend of priests, whose brains he picks. In the film version of The Exorcist he was portrayed by the great Lee J. Cobb, whose image I envisioned and voice I heard while reading. He did not have much screen time, if I remember correctly. I wonder if many of his scenes wound up on the cutting room floor. Anyway, Legion is much more than a mystery. It is existential drama. Some of the classical references went over my head. At times Blatty goes too far with the cop’s ramblings. Despite this, it is a fast read, prose and dialogue solid, its 269 pages reading more like 220. I suspect the resolution would not satisfy fans of the mystery genre. Does Kinderman reach a conclusion about the universe? Yes, in the epilogue. My guess is that he is speaking for the author, whose opinion may have evolved or changed entirely since he completed the work. It's as good as any theory of what brought about the great mystery that is life. On a scale of five, I rate Legion 3.5. I will add the DVD, titled Exorcist III (1990), to my list at Netflix, although the film was universally panned and failed miserably at the box office. The reception was the same for The Ninth Configuration(1980), which I feel is under-rated, although it has a crude feel to it. Both were adapted and directed by Blatty himself. George C. Scott, who I cannot imagine spouting Yiddish, stars.

My thanks to the woman who donated more than 20 DVDs and VHS tapes, five of which sold, and to Madeline, whose book on HTML was bought by Richie, who has become a regular; and to Old Simon, who donated three books on spirituality. He also attempted to give me about 20 CDs. One problem - each case was empty! I still love you, my friend. Man, it was sticky out there today.
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
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx