The Writer's Life 4/6

Rest in peace Chief Jay Strongbow, WWF fan favorite from the '60's through the 80's. Of course, being a pro wrestler, his age is a mystery. Obits list it as anywhere from 79-83. By the way, if you don't already know, he wasn't really an Indian. He was a goombah out of Jersey, real name Joe Scarpa. And contrary to popular belief, he's not related to actor Frank DeKova, who frequently played a redskin in films and on TV, most notably as the Chief of the Heckowee on the sitcom F Troop. Of course, you know how the tribe got its name. After traveling hundreds of miles, the Medicine Man looked out over the plain and said: "Where the Heckowee?" Here are those icons, Jay bottom.

Shocking news out of college basketball - no, not that a player has actually graduated. Isiah Thomas has been fired after three seasons as head coach at Florida International. This despite a record of 26-65. Knicks fans are stunned.

My experiment with the cover of Killing, which features the street sign of 18th Av./Cristoforo Columbo Blvd., had its first test today, and I was disappointed with the result. I set up shop outside Garibaldi Park and was virtually ignored. Fortunately, Loretta, whose family has been in Brooklyn since the 1890's, saved the day, purchasing a copy. She is half Sicilian, half Neapolitan. Her ancestors landed at Ellis Island. My mom and dad emigrated at mid century. By then, the famous landing spot had long closed. Grazie asai, Loretta, and thanks to the folks at mysurvey.com for the $20 deposit into my paypal account, which is over a hundred again. That should be enough to buy 15 copies when I need them. 17 left.

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