The Writer's Life 12/23 - Nuts

70 years ago at this time American forces were engaged in the Battle of the Bugle, the Nazis last desperate push to turn the tide of WWII. On December 22nd the Germans dispatched a contingent requesting American surrender. General Anthony McAuliffe, commander of the legendary 101st Airborne, sent back a one-word reply: “NUTS!” It is alleged that a G.I., one of the “Battered Bastards of Bastogne,” quipped: “They’ve got us surrounded, the poor bastards.” Young men thousands of miles from home spent Christmas repelling the evil that threatened the world. Many lost their lives. Because of their sacrifices, all of us enjoy the fruits of liberty, won at so terrible a cost. No amount of words could ever express the gratitude they are owed.
My thanks to Rich Lowry, whose op-ed piece in today’s NY Post recalled this pivotal moment in world history.

NFL Review: The Seahawks are at once impressive and exasperating in light of the ridiculous amount of penalties they incur. The cavalier attitude that jeopardizes a second straight championship is nuts… All AFC playoff-bound teams should consult the Jets’ Rex Ryan on how to defend against the Patriots offense, or perhaps New England simply played down to their opponent’s ability on Sunday… I sense the Broncos will crash and burn early in the post season. Suddenly Peyton Manning looks his age…As usual, the playoff picture is so muddled only the most rabid fans will bother to delve into it, but there are two games in the final week of the regular season that are terrific matchups: Detroit at Green Bay, and Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, each for a division title. Given the recent history of these franchises, it would be surprising but refreshing if the Lions and Bengals prevailed. I think the Steelers are the only threat to New England. Is Seattle a lock? Let’s not forget that in Week Six the Cowboys, on a great roll, beat them on the road.

The term “roids” has become part of the American vernacular. The first thing one thinks of when hearing it is "performance enhancing drugs." The past day and a half I’ve been thinking of its other application -- hemorrhoids, as I’ve been experiencing my worst bout ever. I feel like Al Bundy did whenever he moaned of the discomfort. I try to avoid foods, such as nuts, that bring them about. The only different item I had lately was a Progresso vegetable soup. Could something so healthy have caused the attack? I’m not sure, but I won’t ever be having it again. Fortunately, the nastiness seems to be subsiding.

The floating book shop was rained out. I did the last of my Christmas shopping at Kohls at the former Caesar's Bay. I was there and back in 90 minutes. Then I banged my head against the wall for a couple of hours trying to get a file that matches Create Space's requirements into its system. I have an ace in the hole, at least I hope I do, but I'm hesitant to ask the favor. Stay tuned.

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

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