The Writer's Life 4/12 - Wire to Wire

While NYC thrives due to tourism and real estate sales, the rest of the Empire State is struggling mightily. In an op-ed piece in today's NY Post, Kyle Smith examines reasons why. Governor Andrew Cuomo appears in TV commercials touting economic revival, incentives, stating: “The new New York is open. Open to innovation. Open to ambition. Open to bold ideas.” Government has spent 28 million on the ads so far. Here are the early results: 76 jobs -- in the entire state. NY often comes in last in polls on business or tax friendly environment. As an example why, Smith cites the rigamarole to qualify for one particular career: A physical; application for license, $40; two-year apprenticeship during which work days and hours must be logged on forms; second physical; second application for license, $40; training period; await certification. What job requires this? Believe it or not -- barber. Smith reminds that Obama spent only two years in the Senate before becoming President. Of course, an article on  business conditions in the state of New York is not complete without mentioning that a certain high-paying field is banned, fracking, that is. 


Only 21, Jordan Spieth (pronounced Speeth) has won a major golf tournament, The Masters, going wire to wire, his excellence taking the drama out of the event. The only suspense was whether he would set a new record for lowest score. The baby-faced Texan darn near did it, just missing a par putt on 18. He is the first golfer to have ever reached 19 under at those hallowed grounds. He now shares the record low score, -18, with Tiger Woods. Remember him? The former number one actually had a decent showing, finishing 17th. If he doesn't improve off the tee, though, I doubt he will make the cut at the U.S. Open. As for the current top dog, Rory McIlroy, he did very well, finishing -12. Phil Mickelson, 45, finished tied for second with Justin Rose at -14. Those guys must be shaking their heads, asking themselves what they have to do to win. The great Mickelson has won multiple majors and has finished second an astounding 12 times. Although the usual drama was absent, there was a lot of great shot-making to entertain enthusiasts, and I still get chills when the winner shares hugs with his family at the end. If there's a heaven, wouldn't it be grand if all hackers finally got a chance to play Augusta National up there? Of course, one has to qualify for a spot up there too. Kudos, young Mr. Spieth. I think I may have found a flaw -- it looks like he will bald prematurely.


After yesterday's success, I was raring to get the floating book shop underway today. I put more books on display than ever. The only genre lacking was the classics. Unfortunately, the public was indifferent. The only action was a young man stopping by to pick up a book he'd paid for about a week ago.

Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic'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://tinyurl.com/pdxwsnt

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/