The Writer's Life: The Writer's Life 9/13

Thursday, September 13, 2018

The Writer's Life 9/13 - Attributed to...

According to a blurb in today's NY Post, people are reading less fiction these days. Since 2012 the numbers have dipped from 45.2% to 41.8%. This approximates the breakdown at the floating book shop, despite the fact that the inventory is two-thirds fiction. Surprisingly, the reading of poetry has risen in that same period, 6.7% to 11.7%. It is attributed to poets who use Instagram to promote their work.

Also on the literary front: Bob Woodward's new book on the president is setting sales records. This is attributed to rabid Trump-hatred.

Another post blurb offers great news: The USA has surpassed Russia and Saudi Arabia as the number one producer of oil. It is attributed to fracking and, possibly, deregulation. Will the standing be endangered by a leftward tilt in the makeup of Congress? Probably. That would be attributed to voter naiveté.

When he turned pro in 1999, England's Justin Rose did not make the cut in his first 21 starts on the European Tour. He is now the number one ranked player in the world. To what is this attributed besides great skill? Hard work, no doubt.

For the first time since baseball's salary cap was introduced in 2003, the Yankees will not be paying the luxury tax for exceeding the threshold, which is currently $197 million. That is attributed to great scouting that brought in a plethora of talented young players seasoned in the team's own farm system.

My thanks to the middle age woman who bought My Secret Garden by Nancy Friday, which deals with women's sexual fantasies; and to the gentleman who selected DVD's featuring Michael Jackson and Chris Rock. Their purchases are attributed to smart shopping. As for the guy selling the stuff - that is attributed to lunacy.