The Writer's Life 6/11 - Batty

The term "bats in the belfry" is familiar to most folks. Here's a novel idea reported today in the NY Post's Weird But True column, in my own words: Two historical libraries in Portugal use bats to help kill insects that threaten valuable books. The blurb didn't elaborate, but I guess the critters go to work once the lights are out, since they're nocturnal. I don't imagine they're flying around during visiting hours. Or are they? Here's a wonderful illustration from a children's book published in 2008. Pipistrelli are the specific type of bats:

President Trump's critics have accused him of being unprepared for the summit with Kim Jong-un. Is there more to it than "If we give you what you want, will you get rid of your nukes, and will you allow us complete inspection access?" Of course, Robert DeNiro disagrees - and he knows all.

Matt, a Vietnam vet just turned 70, is a private school administrator. He frequently stops by the floating book shop to chat. He had me laughing out loud today. His dad, who's nearing the century mark and living in a home, placed a $100 bet on Justify in the Belmont Stakes. The overwhelming favorite returned just six bucks on that amount. Matt asked his dad if he got excited watching the race, and his dad complained that the winner was apparent very early... Also in sports - when there are 30 teams playing 162 games each, a lot of batty stuff happens during the course of the season. Last night the betting lock of the year seemed to be the Yankees and their ace Luis Severino slaughtering the Mets, completing a three-game sweep. On the mound for the Amazin's was journeyman Seth Lugo. Bettors must have taken a bath. Then again, the return on the investment was likely so paltry many - unlike Matt's dad - might have passed on the game, which the Mets won 2-0.

My thanks to the gentleman who purchased The Fall of the Dynasties: The Collapse of the Old Order: 1905-1922 by Edmond Taylor, and to the young man who bought the Bill Clinton bio My Life; and to the young woman who selected Edith Hamilton's Mythology and a book on spirituality. The weather was energizing. The best aspect of the session was that Political Man didn't show up and let loose one of his batty anti-Trump rants. Today also marked the first time I ever voted for a Democrat. Ed, who lives in one of the three buildings, is running for the co-op's board. I gave him my proxy ballot. His chances are slim, but so were Trump's. Good luck, sir.

My Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Fortezza/e/B002M4NLJE

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Vic-Fortezza-Author-118397641564801/?fref=ts

Read Vic's Stories, free: http://fictionaut.com/users/vic-fortezza