vic fortezza

I am fascinated by the irony that occurs in life. I, a pro-capitalism conservative, helped edit my friend Bob Rubenstein's The White Bridge, which is in large part an anti-capitalist screed. Now he has given a glowing review to my third novel, Killing, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Here is a link to the review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1VVI4UPCSI0W4/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp Food for thought from a discussion between conservatives Ann Coulter and Mike Gallagher this morning, which I believe they heard elsewhere: If the man who shot Trayvon Martin - Zimmerman - is a white Hispanic, does that mean President Obama is a white Afro-American? The floating bookshop battled a stiff northeast wind today. I thank Herbie and Mr. Almost for their purchases, and all the nice folks who voiced concern for my welfare. I spent the abbreviated session standing behind the corner of the apartment building where I usually set up, so it wasn't as bad as all that. I mailed another copy of Killing to my niece in Denver. Hopefully, Newman won't get his mitts on this one. Read Vic's stories, free: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/...

Our postman arrives after 4 PM. I frequently forget about it and don't pick up my mail until the next morning. Logging off the computer at 7:30 last night, I suddenly remembered and went to the lobby hoping there would be a mail order for Killing in the box. There was even better news - a letter from a TV producer interested in purchasing A Hitch in Twilight and any other stories I might have in that vein. The compensation offered was staggering. I've been writing since 1975. All those years have finally paid off. I have a meeting scheduled in midtown Manhattan tomorrow afternoon. The floating book shop's customers will have to do without me for a day. I haven't told any family members yet for fear the deal will fall through. I have no idea what to say. I'm so grateful I don't dare make any demands, even if drastic changes are proposed for the stories. Unlike my novels, which I would not want changed, I intended the stories in Hitch as sheer entertainment, diabolical fun. Wish me luck.   April Fools! Maybe some day. I did have good luck today, though, selling a copy of Killing to an Italian-American woman. She laughed when I bookmarked the Glossary of Brooklyn Sicilian terms at the back of the book. "I probably won't need it," she said. Thank you, Maryann, and thanks also to my buddy Bob, who purchased Primal Fear (1996) on VHS. He can't stop talking about the last...

The floating bookshop was shelved by rain today, which gave me the opportunity to get some chores done. Recycling empties and check cashing put some moola in my pocket, but the most important part of the day was filling the gas tank. A couple of weeks ago I had a huge repair bill, $863. Every time I went to the station the pump would stall repeatedly, every fifty cents or so's worth. Five parts needed replacement. Since I don't use the car much, it took a while for the needle to descend to a quarter tank, the point where I refill. If the stalling continued, I would have to have the gas tank replaced. Lord knows how much more that would cost. Fingers crossed - as if that would help - I approached the pump, the cheeks of my butt puckered in anxiety. Fortunately, things went smoothly, although I immediately wondered if they would next time. A couple of famous senior citizens were in the news the past few days. Last night, comedian Jackie Mason, 75, was roughed up by his 48 year old companion, who was arrested for assault. Here's my favorite Mason joke, paraphrased from memory. It will help to conjure a heavy NYC Jewish accent: "Marry a Jewish girl and you go from Chinese restaurant to Chinese restaurant for the rest of your life. 'If I cook today, I don't cook tomorrow.' Just once I'd like to hear a Chinaman say: 'I'm lookin' for a nice piece of...

I didn't anticipate much business at the floating bookshop today, as the wind was very brisk. Marie stopped by on her way to Manhattan to return items to Bed, Bath and Beyond. She described herself as an "impulse buyer." I'd never have guessed it. She seems so level-headed. She's been so kind to me, donating darn near 100 CDs and videotapes, most of which I've sold. And she bought A Hitch in Twilight, which she is currently enjoying, as is Mark, who also visited. He bought the collection almost two years ago and has finally gotten to it. He really enjoyed the second story, Defining Moment, which is about a whipping boy wrestler, although he believes the steroid angle briefly cited is "antiquated." Steroids saved his life. He opened up about himself as never before. About a decade ago he had a real drug problem. He kicked it cold turkey and said everything ever depicted about the process, especially the vomiting, was true. Then he began having problems with his stomach, and doctors failed to pinpoint the cause. I assumed it was a consequence of abuse but said nothing. His weight dropped to 130. If the loss continued, he faced organ failure. He was prescribed steroids and recovered. He still takes them. He feels and looks great, but worries about the long term effects. He had to make a choice: improved quality of life or constant pain and the possibility of future problems. He chose ten to fifteen good years and...