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Friday, February 9, 2018

The Writer's Life 2/9 - Big Bucks & More

In the wee hours of the morning, while the government was temporarily shut down during yet another last minute budget argument among its bag men, Rand Paul made a speech on the floor of the Senate. Here are highlights: "When the Democrats are in power, Republicans appear to be the conservative party. But when Republicans are in power, it seems there is no conservative party... The dirty little secret is that, by and large, both parties don't care about the debt... it's a big ball rolling down a hill grabbing up your dollars... it gets bigger and bigger... But nobody has the guts to stand up and say no..." Kudos, sir. 

 

There were interesting doings in the sports world yesterday. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have been to the NBA Finals the past three years, winning the title in 2016, have been struggling mightily of late. Management decided a dramatic makeover was due. They traded six players and two draft picks. Among those sent packing were future Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade and young star Isaiah Thomas. Damn, pro sports is a cold business. I wonder how much input Lebron James had in the transactions... QB Jimmy Garoppolo, a second round draft pick several years ago, has started about ten games in his NFL career, throwing 12 TD passes against five interceptions. His efficiency rating is a solid 99.7. The 49ers acquired him from the Patriots in mid season. With JG at the helm, they won their last five games to finish 6-10. JG has been rewarded with a five-year deal worth $137.5 million. Annually, he will be the highest paid player ever - at least until Kirk Cousins signs a contract. Like a top draft pick, JG is being compensated for potential, not performance. I'll be surprised if he becomes a star, but the team can definitely win with him under center. Think Nick Foles... The mother of Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Elias Diaz has been kidnapped in the socialist paradise of Venezuela. This is something Russian mobsters did to great effect with the families of NHL players.

Last evening I received the updated copy of my ninth book, Present and Past. I looked through it last night, paying particular attention to the most recent changes. It looks good. Here's the novel's blurb: "Brooklyn born and raised, Freddie and Tony are lifelong friends, despite having very different personalities. After settling scores, they embark on a cross country trip. When not on the prowl for women, they engage in long conversations in which present and past merge. In such close proximity, the relationship is threatened. Will it sever? Sex, violence, locker room talk, political incorrectness. Set in early 1987. Mature audiences only." In the narrative's conversations I mention instances that I either experienced or observed personally, heard from others, or a combination thereof. In a recollection about Catholic school, I didn't remember why a friend was battered by a nun, so I incorporated it with an incident wherein I was launched into the blackboard in much the same way. I hope readers will find the instances as fascinating as I do. 


It was a cold session of the floating book shop. My thanks to Barry, who bought a Henry Fonda bio, to the sweet elderly woman who purchased two books in Russian, and to the gentleman who selected Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson.
Vic's Sixth novel: http://tinyurl.com/zpuhucj 
Vic's Short Works: http://tinyurl.com/jy55pzc
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