THE YEAR OF THE G.O.A.T.

It kills me to announce that...I suffer from Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA). Just when you thought I was invincible, flawless and perfectly well-adjusted, I bow my head in shame and throw a monkey wrench into the tight ship...that I'm known to run..

The Pseudobulbar Affect or Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder (IEED) is an emotional liability or an emotional incontinence. This neurologic disorder is characterized by involuntary crying or uncontrollable laughter. In laymen's terms, it's an internal defense mechanism that allows certain individuals (like me) deal with the stress of a tragedy...or even less dire situations involving anger, frustration etc.  A prime example would be someone (other than me) laughing at a funeral.  While this behavior would seem inappropriate to other mourners and embarrassing to the PBA sufferer, psychologists agree that this venting of  tension is a normal response to acute pressure.

In my case, I don't laugh at funerals.  But the long reach of PBA does extend to my reaction to vomit, (I'm smirking as I type, at the mere thought of the word).

I can't explain my weird internal wiring but as my son Andrew would attest, my laughing disorder is not limited to the one word, vomit.  It also includes many "getting sick" synonyms such as; barf, puke (my previous half-smile has now blossomed into a grin). I should be fighting off the apparent tears of joy while adding; hurl, spew forth, retch, heave, throw-up, toss one's cookies and everyone's favorite, upchuck.

WHAT A CRAZY CYCLE...ALTHOUGH THIS PHOTO SEEMS "POSED,"  CRYING AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES, LIKE WEDDINGS, COMES UNDER THE SAME PBA HEADING AS LAUGHING AT FUNERALS.  SO, AT MY NEXT WEDDING, IF I CONCENTRATE ON THE WORD RALPHING,  EVERYONE WILL THINK I'M CRAZY FOR LAUGHING.

Beyond laughing at the word "vomit" when I see someone do "it," I usually do it too, (this is not a good in casino work...but THAT'S another story).  My point will be proven by a conversation I had at work, with a clean-up guy.

In Las Vegas, the casino custodians are called, "porters."  Here in Atlantic City they are the Environmental Service Department, (EVS).  For over ten years, I've been friendly with an EVS man from Albania. Ruben speaks great English and is proud to now be an American citizen. But sometimes, he's difficult to understand.  

I remember years ago asking him why he was so sad.  Ruben said, "I just cleaned womit."  This was not a good time for me to forget that he pronounces "V" like "W."  I shrugged, "What's womit?"  Poor Ruben sighed, "You know, throw-up, barf..."  Before he got to a third example, the picture of a puke puddle on the imported Italian marble floor came to mind. I couldn't help myself...I laughed in his face. I was ashamed as I held a hand over my mouth and scurried away.

I remember sharing Ruben's womit story with my son, Andrew.  I think he might have been too young to understand that I wasn't disrespectful of a man's difficult job...but it was a weakness in me.  To make my point, I reminded my boy that when he was a little kid and something (relatively bad) went wrong...like bumping his head on a coffee table, I would distract him from his pain, with a key word that always made him laugh.

Maybe I'm a better father than I give myself credit for because I discovered that my five-year old laughed every time he heard the word, "goat."  It shouldn't sound far-fetched...that concept might be linked to him inheriting my PBA gene?   Please note, the word "guppy" worked too but not as well as, "goat."

MAY 18, 2000, EGG HARBOR CITY NJ  -  WHILE PLAYING TEE-BALL FOR THE SOUTH JERSEY SCREAMING NEWTS, ANDREW WAS POSITIONED ON THE PITCHER'S MOUND.  A FOUR MPH "LINE-DRIVE" HIT OUR HERO IN THE CHEST.  FOR A SPLIT SECOND I THOUGHT HE WAS OKAY.  BUT HE SAW THE ANXIETY LOOK ON THE SPECTATORS' FACES...AND CRIED.  I ARRIVED FIRST AND WHISPERED ONE WORD, "GUPPY."  THERE WAS NO RESPONSE.  LUCKILY I SWITCHED TO, "GOAT." IT WAS A MIRACLE! THE CHUCKLING PATIENT MADE A FULL AND IMMEDIATE RECOVERY...AND FINISHED THE GAME...IN  "DEEP"  RIGHT FIELD.

The word goat, even as Andrew matured, (a lot faster than I did), has remained a happy term between us.  Coincidentally, earlier this week, many oriental cultures celebrated their New Year. That's why I think this year is going to bring monumental positive energy for many Asians because the twelve-year, Chinese astrological zodiac chart that features animals represents 2015 as, "The Year of the Goat."

THE GOAT IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR YEARS.  IT REPRESENTS GENTILITY, CALM AND BEAUTY.  SO, 2015 IS EXPECTED TO BE TRANQUIL AND LUCKY.  CONSIDERING THE CURRENT STRIFE BETWEEN NATIONS AND IDEOLOGIES, A DEEPER NEED FOR WORLD HARMONY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. 

I hope that my Andrew, after he laughs at the mention of the word goat, finds serenity and good fortune in 2015.  Because in two days, he'll be crossing into adulthood with his benchmark twenty-first birthday.

LIKE CONFUCIUS HIMSELF, ANDREW WAS BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE DOG.  DOGS ARE KNOWN AS MAN'S BEST FRIEND  BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTAND THE HUMAN SPIRIT.  ASIANS REGARD THEM AS FAVORABLE AND SYMBOLS OF SUCCESS .  THEIR OTHER TRAITS THAT FIT MY BOY'S MOLD: LOYALTY, FRIENDLINESS, BEING FORGIVING, AFFECTIONATE, HONEST, GENEROUS AND SPORTING. 

According to their zodiac chart, this year, dog people will experience a general stability in their lives. Whatever trouble they encounter can be easily handled with tolerance.  Progress in their careers will be temporarily sidetracked.  But through diplomacy, patience and hard work, their future upward mobility won't be jeopardized.

For me, horoscopes are for entertainment only.  However, it is amazing how they are general enough to fit most people.  I can't wait to share these thoughts with Andrew when we all celebrate his big milestone birthday next week with his friends, Tom and Matt.

HILLSBORO NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 2014.  THE "ATM" STARRING, ANDREW, (left), TOM (right) AND  MATT (center) .

For Andrew's first legal taste of alcohol, he has selected Houlihan's, a restaurant/bar at the Mercer Mall in Lawrenceville NJ.   Apparently, it's trendy to go there because this watering-hole does something special for newly crowned "adult" birthday celebrants, (I found out through an anonymous source that the special thing is a toy blue whale if you order a blue whale).

ESTABLISHED IN KANSAS (1972), HOULIHAN'S HAS EIGHTY-FOUR USA LOCATIONS, IN EIGHTEEN STATES.  THEY ARE KNOWN FOR FINE DINING AS WELL AS PUB FARE.

I love my son, I'm also especially fond of both Tom and Matt.  So I'm not setting any food boundaries. However, my mama didn't raise no fool.  So, having nothing to do with economics, I'll be limiting the ATM to two alcoholic beverages each with one additional caveat...ominous sounding cocktails will be strictly verboten like; Corpse Reviver, Zombie, Paralyzer and Irish Car Bomb.

NOBODY'S GETTING PICKLED BY ANYTHING CALLED A "GRAVE DIGGER" OR AN "OPEN  GRAVE" ON MY WATCH.

Obviously, even though they are "of age," I don't want to be responsible for getting them too liquored up.  First, I wouldn't want you to lose that saintly, perfectly well-adjusted image you have of me. Secondly, I don't want to lose that ideal, halo-encrusted conception I have of the "ATM.".  More importantly, you know what they say about an ounce of prevention. ***NOBODY ***is losing their friggin' lunch from drinking too much, in my car...because I'll probably die from laughing so hard.

You wanna know the deeper reason why I'm not letting the "fire-water" flow?  Because I've been there.  I know how "intoxicated" inexperienced drinkers can get with unlimited, free, (or extremely inexpensive) booze.

In my early years of drinking, a bar, (Grandma's) on Nostrand Avenue, (near my old Alma Mater, Brooklyn College), offered a five-dollar entrance fee for "nickel beer night." They even had a live band, (I wonder who would appear in such a rat trap?)  I went with DRJ7 and GRAMPS, (no relation to the establishment's proprietor).

(stock photo)  THE GRANDMA'S WE WENT TO WAS AN ,"OLD MAN BAR."  WHICH MEANT THAT MY CONTEMPORARIES WOULD GATHER WITH OLD BARFLYS AND GET "TANKED-UP" ON CHEAP HOOCH BEFORE THEY WENT CLUBBING. THIS GIN MILL WAS SUCH A DIVE THAT YOU WERE REQUIRED TO WIPE YOUR FEET BEFORE YOU LEFT...SO YOU WOULDN'T GET THE STREET DIRTY. 

I have few clear recollections of that night.  One was that the place was jammed...but even with a band, zero females were attracted to this nickel beer gimmick.  Another was, at some point, I was so wasted that I sat in a phone booth (facing out) and vomited between my legs, (pretty funny, eh).

MAYBE THIS IS HOW MY NICKNAME, "THE INCREDIBLE EDELSTEEN," STARTED.  JUST LIKE SPRINGSTEEN (above),  I WAS FACING THE BAR AS I GAVE THE OLD HEAVE-HO BETWEEN MY LEGS.  WOULDN'T IT BE COOL IF THIS WAS THE SAME PHONE BOOTH?  MAYBE BRUCE WAS THE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THAT NIGHT...FOR HIS SAKE, I HOPE HE MADE HIS CALL BEFORE I GOT THERE BECAUSE IT DOES LOOK LIKE HE'S PRAYING FOR THE STENCH TO DIE DOWN.

Yes, my PBA has me laughing as I type this.  So it's important to mention that Grandma's was such a classy joint that management did NOT rush over to tend to my mess or eject me.

More importantly, while retching, through the din of the music and ten simultaneous conversations, I overheard bits and pieces of a chat between two strangers.  One guy said, "Hey Ernie, where's your brother Eric?" Even without being fully lucid, my storehouse of useless information started running through old files. Despite being impaired, my mind went into overdrive. When something clicked, my trusty memory pulled out the document I was searching for. I struggled to my feet and staggered to my target.  I'm not sure what put them off more, me interrupting or the pronounced gob of putrid spittle on my chin. But for the sake of a good laugh, they heard me out.

I said to the taller fellow, "Are you Ernie?"  He smiled, "Yeah."  After a mammoth, caustic belch into their faces I said, "You have a twin brother Eric?"  Ernie took a half step backwards and said, "Yeah."  My voice went up an octave in anticipation as I said, "Did you go to Wingate Day Camp in 1963?"  Like looking at a lunatic Ernie squinted at me and stammered, "Y-y-yeah."  Then in triumph I said, "We were best buddies!."  My long lost friend fought off my bear hug because he had no recollection of me.

In my incapacitated state, I told him what I remembered about our past. I cinched the deal when I recited the cross street of his grandparents bakery in Manhattan Beach, (they don't call me, "INSTANT RECALL EDELBLUM" for nothing).  Even though his brother Eric didn't remember me from camp either, we wound-up with many mutual Brooklyn College friends...including DRJ7 and GRAMPS.

DRJ7 and GRAMPS were smart enough to let Ernie and Eric drive me home.  Their wisdom was proven when I stuck my head out the window as we crossed Ralph Avenue and painted the outside of their late-model, white Plymouth Coronet.

I CAN TELL, ERNIE AND ERIC DON'T HAVE PSEUDOBULBAR AFFECT.  THEY NEVER LAUGH WHEN THEY BUST ON ME FOR PUKING OUT THEIR CAR WINDOW.  NEVERTHELESS, WE ARE STILL CLOSE TO THIS DAY.  SO THEY NEVER LET ME FORGET THE PEA-SOUP-LIKE STAIN ON THE OUTSIDE OF THEIR FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE DOOR .  I'M FRIENDS WITH DRJ7 AND GRAMPS TOO, BUT ONLY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.  I  HAVEN'T SEEN THEM  SINCE 1977.

Currently, my main objective next week will be to usher in, "The Year of the Goat," while hosting Andrew's birthday...without enabling any drunken escapades from his buddies. So in honor of the month-long celebration of Andrew's twenty-first birthday, let's all lift our goblets of skim milk high and salute my legally adult son. May he continue to spiral upward and maintain the wonderful traits of straightforwardness, faithfulness and fairness while remaining smart, warmhearted and fun (virtues that far surpass the Chinese zodiac or any other astronomical chart).

I solemnly declare without a snicker or any signs of PBA: To a caring loving MAN who inspires confidence in others, I wish you a, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!  And while you're at it, my little Farnsworth, remain stubborn to your principles when you know you are right.  

The next Year of the Goat will be in 2027.  I'm anxious to see where your destiny takes you.  Maybe, you'll be well on his way to becoming the latest:  G. O. A. T.

                                               #

EPILOGUE - What's the opposite of G. O. A. T?  To my knowledge, Grandma's never offered another, "nickel beer" night.  Do you suppose, it was because of me?  Hee-hee-hee...

FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY...HAIR

Unlike anchorman (former anchorman?) Brian Williams, I am permitted to inject exaggerations into my blogs for the sake of entertainment. 

THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING, BRIAN WILLIAMS MIGHT REPORT THAT HE WAS SITTING BETWEEN THE KENNEDYS IN DEALEY PLAZA (above), OR ON THE MOON WITH NEIL ARMSTRONG OR RIDING SHOTGUN FOR O.J. IN THE SLOW SPEED CHASE OR THAT HE'S NOW NEW JERSEY'S FIRST POPE.

I base many of my articles on the truth, but the reality is, I am NOT reporting the news.  So I take full advantage of that flexibility to use an estimated 15% embellishment factor, to further insure that my material is interesting. However, this statement is NOT a disclaimer.  It is a reminder that the story below is barely sensationalized and  99% true.

                                                                       *

Today is Friday the thirteenth.  This morning in South Jersey, the temperature is twelve degrees and the wind chill factor is negative one.  So with that double-whammy of bad luck and Arctic weather in mind, I hereby take on the responsibility to warm the cockles of your heart...and hopefully steam up your glasses...with some good old fashion smut.

For this week's MGTP entry, I was playing around with the idea of a movie theme because the Oscars are around the corner...plus tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  I was still struggling for the definitive way to combine the two when a radio talk show got on the topic of, "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY."

THE "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY," MOVIE IS BASED ON THE BEST SELLING EROTIC ROMANCE TRILOGY BY NOVELIST, E. L. JAMES.  COMPLETE WITH SCENES OF BONDAGE/DISCIPLINE AND SADOMASOCHISM, THE HYPE FOR THIS FILM'S OPENING TONIGHT, ( THE EVE OF VALENTINE'S DAY),  IS ENORMOUS.

The radio show host caught my attention by quoting an item in the newspaper.  The piece suggested that in preparation for the strong possibility of the audience engaging in their own sex acts while watching, "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY," that many theater owners were covering their seats with protective plastic. I can't imagine that being true but as a clever marketing gimmick, it's genius.

Whether or not you see, "FIFTY SHADES OF GREY," or not, is secondary.  What is important is, I have a Valentine's Day story about someone whose sexual exploits are really worthy of a movie...and it's NOT a fantasy.

I was twenty-four when I got hired  to deal craps in Las Vegas' Stardust Casino.

(stock photo from 1959)  DEALERS AT THE STARDUST (1958-2006), HAD THE STATUS AND PRESTIGE OF BEING N THE MAJOR LEAGUES...ON A LOW-ECHELON TEAM.  I NEVER LOST SIGHT OF MY UTTER GOOD FORTUNE TO HAVE WORKED THERE. AND...THE COMPANY HAD THE PLEASURE OF MY SERVICE FROM 1980-1982.

Considering my youth and lack of connections, it was a minor miracle that I got such a great job..  At first, I was overwhelmed by the veteran presence there, (that's a nice way of saying, I dealt with a bunch of old men...almost everyone was at least in their forties).

Casino personnel, primarily craps dealers, are weary of newcomers.  The Stardust was no exception. So I had to prove my meddle before I gained acceptance.  I was still in this feeling-out period when one man stepped forward and made me feel at home. His name was Robert E. Lee, (he wasn't related to the Confederate general but was named after him).

Lee was (and still is) the most universally loved craps dealer I ever met.  He was so nice to the players (and everyone else) that he was nicknamed Courtesy Bob.

IF THERE WAS AN AWARD FOR "WORLD'S MOST BELOVED CRAPS DEALER," COURTESY BOB WOULD WIN.  HE WAS SO INTERESTING THAT HE APPEARS IN MORE OF MY BLOGS AND VEGAS SHORT STORIES THAN ANYONE ELSE.  IF I WAS SMART, I'D WRITE A SERIES OF SCREENPLAYS ABOUT HIM...AND I'D WIN A TROPHY CASE FULL OF OSCARS.  

A couple of weeks after I started at the Stardust, management changed the four-man crap dealer teams. Bob would become one of my new crew mates. Prior to our first shift, Bob's magnetic personality poured out as he introduced himself.  In his heavy southern drawl, (with key points punctuated with his ancestral Scottish accent), he was charming, cordial, funny and enthusiastic as he welcomed me.

Bob Lee (to me) was an old man. So I was surprised he was only forty-eight. His sagging, leathery face was dominated by deep, thick wrinkles.  He dyed his short-cropped Afro chestnut brown, but the kinky hair around his temples were left, fifty shades of gray.

Oddly, our first conversation had nothing to do with shop-talk.  To Bob, I was just a kid.  So he thought I could relate better to his son Louis. Later, it turned out that he didn't know much about his son.  So it was natural that he wanted my prospective in suggesting gifts for Louis' all-important, sixteenth birthday.  Little did I know that this seemingly innocent chat would be a prelude to a man obsessed with sex.

Once I got to know Bob, I found out that he was an incredible babe-hound.  In addition to his age, Bob did not possess the physical traits associated with a a ladies man.  He was five-seven, scrawny and not especially good-looking.  It sounds like a fairy tale but Bob's genuine niceness must have given off a scent that women couldn't resist.  I witnessed this and was amazed. Then when you add on a confident demeanor that was more friendly than a predatory swagger, he picked-up customers at work regularly.

Bob did not discriminate due to age, looks or ethnic groups.  When there was more than one girl, he had a pecking order of horny supervisors that gladly volunteered to act as his wing man.  Sometimes these men were afraid of getting stuck with an inferior choice and Bob as if insulted would say, "Hey, the ugly one's mine."

To prove he had a Svengali-like hold on women Bob would seal the deal by saying, "Be back at four o'clock.  And between then and now, make sure you take a shower and brush your teeth."  If I didn't see these ladies coming back after our shift and saying something about showering and brushing their teeth, I'd never believe it.  That catchphrase earned him another nickname, "Be-Back-Bob."  He even bought "B-BACK," vanity license plates   In an industry with countless skirt-chasers, NOBODY in my thirty-six years of casino experience compared to him.

Bob had a lot of practice.  Hardly a night would go by that something sexual didn't happen to him.  If it didn't, he talked about it.  Our first conversation about his son's birthday gift was in reality, him feeling me out about...hiring a prostitute to de-flower his son.

That same night an average-looking woman with an exposed cleavage stopped at our game and said to Bob, "Will the south rise again?"  He was sincere as he said, "Not tonight honey, definitely next time."  I still had no idea how vast his erotica empire was when I said, "What was that all about?" He said, "It's our code. You know that movie, 'MARATHON MAN,' it's about me. She 's a librarian in Phoenix and comes around when she's looking for some action.  She uses the code because it means, I won't take long before the 'south' rises again and again and again."

Bob went on to explain his code system of getting paged over the public address system by various girlfriends. That way, while he's at work, to reduce the chance of a scheduling conflict, he could identify the caller and be prepared to accept or reject the offer.

A short time later, the PBX operator announced, "Telephone call for Mr. Million, Mr. Duane Million telephone."  Bob smiled, "Duane Million, that's my West Covina girl calling."  I said, "Really?"  He said, "I'll call her on my next break.  If she leaves around eleven, she'll be here at four."  He saw I was confused and added, "If you hear a page for Matt Lapper, that's my San Bernadino lady...but I'd have to drive out to Victorville for some of that...but it's always worth it."  I was nodding as Bob continued, "When you hear Dick Marathon, that's my nurse here in town...and I don't have to tell you the true value of a good enema..."

We were interrupted by the busyness of our craps game but Bob managed to add, "If you hear Phil Dole get paged that don't count...it's my wife."

Bob and I took on a mentor/protege relationship.  In addition to teaching me the fine art of buttering up craps players to solicit tips from them, he also taught me about the stock market, real estate, gardening, health foods, travel and so much more.

On one of my breaks, I bragged how great Bob was. A bible thumping dealer disagreed and said some derogatory things about Bob. I defended my friend.  The man politely said, "Go ask your buddy how he lost his virginity.  Trust me, he'll tell you.  Then we'll see how much you admire him."

Later I got Bob on the subject of this son 'losing his cherry" with a prostitute.  Bob bragged, "Do you know Dennis the bell captain?"  I shrugged.  He said, "'Good ol' Den can get you anything, any time...for a price.  He hooked me up with a whore that's perfect for what I need. Her name is Candee Cotton.  Geez, the names they come with.  Let's face it, where's the fantasy if her went by Margaret Waslewsky.  Candee is twenty-two and fits the bill because looks fifteen.  For two-fifty, I arranged it that my kid is gonna think she's a daughter of one of our high-rollers. He'll take her out on the town in taxis, have a bite, go to the movies and whatever the hell kids do these days.  After, she'll take him up to her room at the Dunes.  Nature will take it's course.  She'll be gentle and he'll think he just got lucky."

In addition to all his quirkiness, Bob was also extremely cheap.  So after going on and on how cute, sweet and innocent Ms. Cotton could be he added, "But if the little bastard gets scared off or can't get it up, there's no refunds and I'm stuck two-hundred and fifty bucks."

Bob's candor made it easy for me to transition into asking, "How did you lose your virginity?"  Bob's smiling face lit up like a Christmas tree as he said, "Anna, my sister."  My jaw dropped as without hesitation he detailed how his sixteen year-old sister (Bob was thirteen), extorted him into having sex with her, (my short story "A TALE OF THREE CITIES," deeply describes those circumstances).

It was difficult to comprehend whether Bob was boasting or just reporting the news as he went on, "We did it every other Saturday night, for three years."  With a sly grin he added, "I pretended hating it...but I loved it."  Apparently, Anna was mentally skewed.  Perhaps a psychologist could trace assaulting her brother back to loneliness and perceiving herself to be big, awkward, unattractive and socially inept.

I believed Bob.  I believed everything perverted thing he ever said.  In the 1970's, way before "Fifty Shades of Grey," Bob realized that women are conditioned to protect their virtue and reputation. But in a foreign environment...like Vegas even the most conservative women can let their hair down.   When you consider the current tagline used by the Las Vegas, Better Business Bureau (BBB), "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," I'm confident my Robert E. Lee was a genius and way ahead of his time. Of course, the "Fifty Shades," movie depicts the extreme of letting yourself go.

THE PHRASE IMPLIES, "IT HAPPENED.  IT ONLY HAPPENED THERE. AND IT HAPPENED FAR ENOUGH AWAY TO NEVER HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE HERE AND NOW."

On the night of the 1981 Super Bowl, my crew did well in tips.  We were walking out when Bob asked us for fifteen dollars each.  One of the other dealers asked, "Why? You at least a buck and a half in your pocket. "  Bob avoided the question and said, "It's for a good cause." The dealer said, "You gotta do better than that, I ain't givin' up squat without a reason." Bob blithered all kinds of nonsense and repeatedly said, "Trust me." Bob was notorious for being cheap.  If he asked you to loan him money, he paid the next day.  But if you asked him for money, he wouldn't give you a dime.  Unless you really begged...then he'd do it but ask for collateral...like your watch.

We knew Bob wasn't a sports fan so he didn't need the cash to cover a losing a Super Bowl debt.  So we stood at an impasse outside the time office until Bob gave in, "Look you cheap bastards.  When you work with me, you get fringe benefits.  I'm connected with Dennis the bell captain, so I get inside information. In two weeks, Mr. C., one of my best players is coming in for Valentine's Day.  For sixty measly bucks, Dennis will go into their suite and have a box of his stinky-ass stogies and a dozen roses for his wife on the bed when they walk in.  PLUS, a note from me, inviting them to our craps table.  So the fifteen bucks that your so afraid of investing with me, is just about guaranteed to return a hundred...EVEN ON A BAD NIGHT!"

We paid up.  Then as we went our separate ways Bob called,back to us, "My West Covina girl is waiting for me...and she loves anal."

Two hours into our Valentine's Day shift, the much ballyhooed Mr. C. was yet to make his grand entrance. It was unlike Bob to be nervous but he "casino-gazed" every chance he got in the hope of spotting his target. That's when I saw a well-dressed couple both around fifty rush towards Bob. The stocky gangster-like man was Mr. C.  He crowed, "Big Bob-A-Lou, how are you?"  Mr. C. paused for a second, blew a huge plume of nauseating cigar smoke across the table and whispered to Bob, "Thanks for the heaters, how'd you remember I only smoke Berings."

Ever so cocksure Bob broadcast, "The best deserves the best...and you got me.  Now, who's this vision of loveliness?" I was expecting it to be Mr. C's wife but he said, "Oh, this Therese, my mother-in-law."  Therese said, "My daughter, wherever the hell she is, liked the flowers."

I DON'T KNOW ONE CIGAR FROM ANOTHER.  TO ME, THEY ALL STINK!  MR. C. WOUND-UP CHAIN-SMOKING THAT CAUSTIC CRAP ALL NIGHT.  MANY TIMES, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO LOSE MY LUNCH. BUT HE WAS AN INCREDIBLE TIPPER, SO I HAD TO LITERATELY AND FIGURATIVELY...SUCK IT UP.

Mr. C. and Therese swilled scotch and stayed on our game for four hours. He regularly gave us ten-dollar tips (sometimes more) and she gave us fives. At 2:00AM, a drunken Mrs. C., decadently dragging a narrow gray fur behind her, finally arrived.  Around thirty years-old, this plainly pretty, petite brunette was carrying a pair of black stiletto heels.  She was wearing a bright red silk blouse, a tight black skirt hemmed above her knees and black hose.  To accent her outfit, a gold fleur-de-lis stickpin adorned the lapel of her matching black jacket.

In loud whispers, Therese and Mrs. C. started bickering.  Suddenly Therese announced, "It's late, I'm taking Francine upstairs."  Mr. C. remained generous until we were ready to go home. He tipped us his last twenty-two dollars in small chips and tossed in a fifty-dollar bill."  We made $345.00 a man that night (mostly from Mr. C. and Therese).

Outside the employee entrance Bob crowed, "It's a good thing I'm not an I told you so kind of guy...but the next time I tell you to bet fifteen dollars on a sure thing, you shouldn't think twice."

Bob called out sick the next night.  An Asian kid on his first night took his place. We didn't do well until Mr. C. showed up at 1:00AM.  He asked, "Is Bobby on break?"  Our supervisor said, "No, he called out."  Mr. C. lit the nub of his cigar and said, "We're flying back to Chicago tomorrow, be sure to tell him Tom Cabroni came by to thank him again for everything."

Mr. C. then shrugged, "What the hell," and bought in for there-hundred dollars. We didn't do as well this time but Mr. C. still made our night.  While playing and chugging double Johnny Walker Black he told me, "We ate at Caesar's Bacchanal Room and saw Rodney Dangerfield.  After, the girls started playing slots, I got bored, left them there and came here."

IN JANUARY 1981, MY WIFE SUE AND I TOOK MY PARENTS TO THE BACCHANAL ROOM.  IT WAS AN 8-COURSE, WINE-FILLED GOURMET MEAL REMINISCENT OF A ROMAN ORGY.  THE  ORIGINAL 1966 "GODDESSES" (above) WERE THE SERVERS .  OUR GORGEOUS WAITRESSES WERE CLAD IN SKIMPY TOGAS.  I PRIVATELY TIPPED ONE OF THEM AND SHE MASSAGED MY DAD'S SHOULDERS...MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE BEST IDEA I EVER HAD.  SADLY, DUE TO SOARING COSTS, THAT OPULENT DINING EXPERIENCE IS NOW GONE.  FAR WORSE, IT WAS REPLACED BY THE "BACCHANAL BUFFET"...CHECK YOUR ADVERTISEMENT FLIERS FOR FRIGGIN' COUPONS.

Two weeks after Valentine's Day, Bob came by my condo.  It was the first time I saw his mint condition 1963, split window coupe Corvette...with the "B-BACK," vanity tags.  He said, "Don't look at this baby as a car...it's an investment."  I said, "Looks more like mental masturbation to me."  He laughed, "Hey, I'm gonna use that line."

Inside I said, "How did you explain the B-BACK plates to your wife?"  "Easy, I told her that's what I say to my favorite players."  He nudged his elbow into my ribs and grinned, "She doesn't have to know all my favorites are female."

In my backyard, I showed him the vegetables I grew under his tutelage. He grabbed one of my long zucchinis, toyed with it and made a crude  dido joke.   I interrupted, "How did it go with Candee Cotton?"  He said, "Forget about that.  Check this out!"  He took a wallet-sized photo from his billfold.  I got a quick glimpse and thought it was a woman in a bikini.  Bob carefully placed his thumb over the face, showed me the picture and gushed, "What do you think?"  I said, "She's okay..."  "OKAY! " he squawked. "What are you, fucking blind?"

I took a second look at the spread-eagled woman posed with her hands clasped above her head. I focused on the frilly, black satin, crotch-less panties and matching brassiere with cut-outs at the nipples. I sighed, "It's just a picture.  You could've clipped it from a magazine. Without the face, it's meaningless."  Bob warned me, "Swear you won't tell anyone." I was nodding as he exposed the familiar face.  It was Francine Cabroni, Mr. C's wife.

Bob said, "I call out once a year for her and she bankrolls everything.  This time after we got wasted, she wanted to see pornos.  The first flick was called, "DOUBLE PENETRATION NATION."  I had to stop him because he was telling me highlights of the movie.

He got back on topic and said, "When her Quaalude hit home, she was all over me.  I had to fight her off till we got to the Crest Motel."  He strayed again from his story to brag how Dennis the bell captain gets him a cut-rate at that dump. Bob said, "Frannie is a minx.  She's one of the few who can keep up with me.  Man, she does it all!"

THE CREST STILL OPERATES UNDER A DIFFERENT NAME IN DOWNTOWN VEGAS.  THIRTY YEARS AGO, THE MOTEL CATERED TO BUDGET-MINDED DAY-TRIPPERS FROM CALIFORNIA AND GUYS LIKE BOB WHO PAID A HOURLY RATE.

I said, "Wow."  Bob said, "You think that's great? After, I phoned a taxi for her. When it came, I lifted up her skirt, slapped her bare ass and called her, "A dirty two-bit tramp."  She loved it and the cabbie got a rise out of it too. My pay-off is, I keep what's left of the three-hundred she fronted."  While I struggled to add up all the information he added,  "It beats going to work...plus, I still have her pantyhose."

I didn't want him to think I was impressed so I said, "You were going to tell me about Louis' birthday with Candee Cotton."  He said, "Ah, it was nothing."  I said, "C'mon, its been killing me.  What happened?"  Bob sighed, "An hour before he was going to leave, I was jumpy, breaking his balls on what to wear, how to act and other shit.  I guess he figured out whats what.  Louis said, 'You know I have girlfriend?  We do 'it' all the time."

I said, "You must've been shocked. So what happened?"  Bob said, "So I ask him, in that case Louis, what do you want for your birthday?"  My kid said, "A bike."  The ever-thrifty Bob said, "A bike! Sure, you can have any bike you want."  Louis smiled. Bob realized how devious a person he was and feared his son might be just like him.  Bob continued, "You can have any bike that is...without a motor."

I said, "Well at least you got out of that one cheaply after losing your $250.00 with Candee Cotton." Bob said, "Hell I didn't lose shit. I made Candee Cotton my early birthday present...I went in his place...and I got my three hours worth...and then some!"

I shook my head, "You are amazing, you always come out on top."

Bob furrowed his brow and blasted, "WRONG!  I should have known that little prick was flimflamming me.  How was I supposed to know Louis is a competitive cyclist?  He picked out a seventeen-hundred and eighty-nine dollar bike!"  And could you believe it...for that kind of money...it had no motor."

                                                 
                                                                  *


For a long time, after I left the Stardust, I kicked myself for not keeping in contact with Bob.  He was flipped housing before that term was invented and had his hand on the pulse of every money earning trick in the book.

About five years ago, my wife Sue name-dropped Courtesy Bob, to a former Stardust coworker of his. This man said, "Bob and I closed the place back in 2006.  He was seventy-five years old and still dealing dice."  That probably means Robert E. Lee never struck it rich. Too bad, I pictured Bob retired, on his own private Pacific island and getting pampered and sexually pleasured by native girls. Now with that picture in my mind ruined, I'll have to photo-shop Bob out...and replace it Brian Williams.

THE MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF ANDREW'S 21st BIRTHDAY

Oops!  How unlike me.  Last week, I forgot to share an important twenty fifth anniversary with you.

On January 30, 1990, in Atlanta Georgia, I emancipated myself from a poor business choice.  While it's true that my alternative profession has forced me endure some severe bumps in the road, I can look back and say with complete clarity that  I don't miss anything about my previous life. So despite all my current physical, mental and emotional baggage...I declare to everyone that on that fateful day, I MADE THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE!

I am not an ethereal person. I believe in what I see.  But within the bounds of common sense, I can be pretty cosmic in my own way.  A wise man once said, "Whatever you're doing and whatever you see...means you're not doing and seeing something else."  Roughly translated...you can't have it all. While it's true we can do or see more than one thing at a time, it's impossible to find perfect balance in our lives...something, somewhere has to suffer.

While I wore the suit and tie shackles of being a businessman, too much of my mindset was dedicated to making the entity a success.  Which to a certain extent is good.  But when you don't share the same visions with your partner or think they are wrong, then the whole achievement process and the degree that success is judged, causes an incredible, irreconcilable wedge.

To my discredit, I wasn't smart enough to keep anxiety out of my home, I turned my back on friends and allowed my personality (values) to be mangled. I had tried to quit two other times but I was weak and got manipulated into giving it another try.  But when promised compromise never comes, it's just a matter of time.

When I finally had enough, I quit.  The idiot then lectured me on the difference between quitting and resigning. So I shrugged, "Okay, I resign."  But if I had a chance to relive that golden moment, I should have said, "I'm resigning from the business...but I'm quitting YOU."

Like I said, I'm not an ethereal person.  So I didn't have a grand scheme in mind when I emancipated myself...so far from home, (Atlanta Georgia).  It was a knee-jerk reaction done without a safety net of a new job. That means that it was a coincidence (a convenient coincidence), that a new casino was opening a month later, here in Atlantic City.  And even though they were done hiring, I used a couple of favors to get a last second job.

The positive karma of casino work was immediate. It felt great to end the chase (suffering) of reaching the non-existent, "pride of ownership." I had the added bonus of never regretting my actions and soon looked at myself as both a genius and my own hero. My home life improved, I made new long-lasting friends and added significant leisure time...all while making more money...DUH!

Still, the most important piece of my life's puzzle was missing.  It's crazy to look back but while in business, I stupidly squelched starting a family.

Once I was free, my wife Sue and I were on the same page.  But just because you stop trying to prevent having babies, it doesn't mean you snap your fingers and say, "Voila!"

While Sue's biological clock ticked, our frustrating journey till my son Andrer was born would last four years.

IN THE HEIGHT OF OUR QUEST TO GET PREGNANT, THE 1992 MOVIE, "MY COUSIN VINNY,"CAME OUT.  IN IT, MARISA TOMEI (above),  IN REGARD TO HER HOPE OF GETTING MARRIED AND STARTING A FAMILY, REPEATEDLY STAMPED HER FOOT AND PUT THE CATCHPHRASE, "MY BIOLOGICAL CLOCK IS TICKING," ON EVERYONE'S LIPS.

Right now, (early February) we are halfway through the doldrums of winter 2015. But we can't relax because we are still in the cross-hairs of catastrophic weather.  To make the most of our cabin fever, Sue borrowed a contraption that will convert our miles of VHS videos, (Andrew's early childhood) onto DVD's.

This process has allowed us to view tapes (from birth to twelve years old), that we haven't seen (for at least nine year), since the VCR became obsolete.

During our nostalgic retrospective, I melt every time an old (wonderful) memory is stoked.  This warm and fuzzy feeling is also due to the concept of...how fragile life is.  Plus, in terms of the universe's size, how unlikely it is that any of us are here. So I can't help but think...any subtle change, no matter how slight...would have altered the uniqueness of the wonderful bundle the stork delivered to us.

A STORK BRINGING BABIES IS NOT ANCIENT FOLKLORE.  THIS SERVICE WAS STILL PROVIDED UNTIL RECENT COST ANALYSIS STUDIES INDICATED THAT SOARING LITIGATION FROM ANIMAL WELFARE ADVOCATES AND ESCALATING INSURANCE PRICES MADE IT UNPROFITABLE.

The bond between baby Andrew and his parents was immediate and would prove to be eternal.

A COUPLE OF DAYS OLD, MY LITTLE GUY'S  FIRST CLOSE-UP.

All parents kvell over their own child.  When that pride is reinforced, those memories last a lifetime.

(MARCH 7, 1994). OUR FIRST WELL-VISIT TO PEDIATRICIAN.  DR. AMIR (above) SAID THE GOLDEN WORDS THAT FOREVER REMAIN WARM IN OUR HEART AND SOUL, "YOU GOT GOOD BABY."

Nothing is more important to a parent than seeing your child happy.

MORE THAN JUST LUCK, SUE AND I HAD A LOT TO DO WITH ANDREW'S HAPPY DISPOSITION BUT EVEN AT A YOUNG AGE, HE ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO HAVE HIS OWN GOOD TIME.

When Andrew first socialized with other children, we got an inkling that he was truly special.  It was only natural that my little Uberman (see below) related to the Man of Steel...even if eventually...through the process known as osmosis, he developed a kindred spirit to the Dark Knight...Batman...and let's not forget Sponge Bob.

OCTOBER 31, 1998, KOUNTRY KIDS PRE-SCOOL IN SMITHVILLE...ANDREW DIDN'T NEED TO RIP PHONE BOOKS IN HALF TO STAND OUT IN THE CROWD.

My little Farnsworth's lust for life isn't limited to mere good fortunate.  He is also intelligent, a skilled, hard worker and a winner.

OCEAN CITY MARYLAND JUNE 25, 1999.  ANDREW RACKS-UP FOUR TENS ON THE POKERENO MACHINE.  AFTER THE ARCADE'S MANAGEMENT REVIEWED THE TAPES, THEY RULED MY BOY'S DOUBLE REVERSE BACKSPIN MANEUVER ILLEGAL... AND BANNED HIM FOR A YEAR.

Nobody knows how to party better than Andrew...in his own way...of course.

AUGUST 1998.  ANTHONY L.'S FOURTH BIRTHDAY CARDIFF NJ.  ANDREW IS FAMOUS FOR COCKING PARTY HATS OFF TO A SIDE...EVEN THOUGH MANY MOMS INSISTED ON  RE-ADJUSTING IT FOR HIM.

I taught Andrew many life lessons including being open, to new ideas, all different people and strange foods he never heard of.

DECEMBER 30, 1999. AT OUR MILLENNIUM PARTY FOR MY MOTHER, AT FLORENTINO'S IN BENSONHURST BROOKLYN.  ANDREW WAS INTRODUCED TO SCUNGILLI AND CALAMARI.  AT FIRST HE WAS RELUCTANT TO EAT SQUID AND CONCH...BUT HE STILL LOVES THEM TO THIS DAY.

Like Marisa Tomei's biological clock, time keeps ticking.  To celebrate this fact, Andrew rings in the new millennium.

JANUARY 1, 2000 MANAHAWKIN NJ.  BUOYED BY FISTFULS OF M and M's AND SKITTLES, NOTHING, NOT EVEN THE Y2K THREAT, COULD STOP ANDREW  FROM STAYING AWAKE LONG ENOUGH TO USHER IN THIS SPECIAL OCCASION.

Andrew's appreciation for the finer things in life include a great sensitivity towards animals.  The list of pets he loved included Pierre, Frenchy and Lucky the frogs.  Cutie (aka Zhitnik) and Picasso his guinea pigs.  And his "sister" Roxy (aka Muttzilla).

WANNA SEE PRIDE IN OWNERSHIP?  THAT'S ANDREW TAKING CUTIE FOR A WALK.  PLEASE NOTE THE SKIES OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARE FILLED WITH HAWKS AND ANDREW NEVER LET HIS PETS GET EATEN...NOT EVEN ONCE!

From a parent's perspective, it was always a joy to travel with Andrew.  It didn't matter if it was an exotic foreign country, a fancy, far away hotel, a museum, the beach or the zoo, my guy found the goodness in everything he did.

SEPTEMBER 2000.  A QUICK DETOUR TO "LUCY THE ELEPHANT" ON OUR WAY TO THE MARGATE STREET FESTIVAL.

A great part of Andrew's essence, is his respect for others.  I've never heard him raise his voice or use vulgar language against anyone.  Even in his adolescence, he had the ability to be diplomatic, calming and friendly.

 CUB SCOUT FATHER-SON OVER NIGHT OUTING. JULY 13, 2002,  BROOKVILLE NJ. ANDREW WOULD NEVER TELL SOMEONE TO, "GO JUMP IN THE LAKE," UNLESS HE DID IT FIRST. 

My boy's value system is beyond reproach.  Back in pre-school, Sue and I weren't sure what an aide meant when she said, "Your son is incredibly righteous for a three-year old."  It didn't take long for us to figure out that she said was right.

JANUARY 6, 2002.  IF YOU CAN GET BEYOND THAT THIS IS A NUDIE PIC, PLEASE REALIZE THAT FEW KIDS EMBODIED THE CONCEPT OF WHOLESOMENESS AND FAIR PLAY MORE THAN ANDREW.

Throughout grammar school, Andrew's teachers recognized his ability to relate to others.  When they noticed how mature he was, they groomed to help solve social problems.  Two of the programs he was recruited into were, "Big Buddy" and "Peer Group Mediator."

IN 2003, WE REALIZED THAT ANDREW COULDN'T FIX MANY THINGS WITH STANDARD TOOLS.  BUT HE HAD THE INCLINATION TO HELP YOUNGER SCHOOLMATES WITH TROUBLED HOME LIVES, (BIG BUDDY) OR TO INTERVENE IN STUDENT DISPUTES (PEER GROUP MEDIATOR), WHEN TEACHERS OR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS COULDN'T FIND A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL SOLUTION.

When I think back to Andrew's infancy and my awkwardness as a parent, I remember wanting to skip the crying, eating, sleeping and pooping stage.  At around four-months old, I remember the joy of being able to play with my son and get a positive reaction.  A friend commented on my epiphany, "Savor every minute because he's constantly changing.  And the best part is, now every new stage, gets better and better...and it never stops."  That friend's wisdom was absolutely correct.

CHERISH EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT...BECAUSE TIME MARCHES ON.

While converting our family VHS tapes onto DVD's, I don't expect you to sit through it, (see how much I love my readers), So, I made the pictorial display of his youth (above), to sum-up the greatness of my Andrew's character.  At the same time, I ask you to help us celebrate the month-long extravaganza of his twenty-first birthday, (adding your comments at the end of this blog is a great way to do it).

So while I claim to only be slightly cosmic, I remind you that Andrew's middle name is Bennett...when translated into Hebrew is, Baruch...which is their word word blessing!  Talk about your self-fulfilling prophesies.

More importantly, no doctor, no scientist and no tarot card reading Gypsy could ever convince me that any change leading up to conception would have netted us the same Andrew that we all know and love.

HERE I GO GETTING COSMIC AGAIN.  IT'S MY STARRY ANDREW ...YOU KNOW HIM, YOU LOVE HIM, YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT HIM...(Photo Credit to Heiner).

Now, I think I want to take back my "OOPS," from the top of this page.  I'm glad I forgot (temporarily) about that silly anniversary.  We shouldn't dwell on decades old negativity.  Especially, if like me, you have better things to think about. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!  I say just keep doing what you've been doing and you'll get the most out of life.

NOT ANOTHER SQUEAK OUT OF YOU!

Hold on to your hats, we have a new edition of Edelblum Mystery Theater...and it won't be easy on your ears.

Edelblum Mystery Theater is reserved for the un-understandable moments of my every day life. The fun begins when I lay out the evidence and see if you can unravel the absurdness of my puzzle.

We all have strange entertainment weaknesses.  One of mine, I'm afraid to admit, is chimpanzees. More specifically, chimps dressed in clothes and even better if they act on TV or movies with dubbed in voices.  I was fifteen when a new TV show knocked me off my feet.  It was called, "LANCELOT LINK, SECRET CHIMP."

A SPY GENRE PARODY, "LANCELOT LINK," LASTED TWO SEASONS AND HAD THIRTY EPISODES.

In 1970, my big problem with Lancelot Link was in my social circles it was uncool, to watch kiddie shows.  So my friends never knew of my guilty pleasure, (hell, maybe they watched it too)?  Either way, to cover my tracks, I went outside when the adventure segment was over.  That's when the show ended with a two-minute segment featuring an all-chimp rock-n-roll band, (the Evolution Revolution). I still think talking chimps in business suits is funny but my oddball taste has evolved.

Starting in my late-twenties, I became a big fan of the smash sit-com, "CHEERS."  In one episode, even without talking monkeys, my sophisticated, new and improved guilty pleasure brought a big smile to my face.

"CHEERS" WAS A FIXTURE ON NBC FROM 1982-1993. DURING ITS ELEVEN SEASON RUN, (275 EPISODES) , IT WAS FAMOUS FOR IT'S WITTINESS AND SEX APPEAL. IN ADDITION TO MANY OTHER ACCOLADES, CHEERS WAS NAMED TV GUIDE'S 18th GREATEST TV SHOW OF ALL-TIME.  

CHEERS took place at a neighborhood bar in Boston,. Their theme song, "WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME," embodied the idea that everyone was welcome and everybody was a somebody there. The ensemble cast of barflies included John Ratzenberger (far left in photo above), as a customer...mailman, Cliff Clavin.

Cliff Clavin was an annoying know-it-all, (who really knew nothing).  Unfortunately, guys like that are everywhere...and most are avoided.  To prove how out of touch they are, they aren't bright enough to realize that their unsolicited and unsubstantiated factoids, repel the people that they are trying to impress.

Outside the barroom, one would expect Cliff to be a lonely loser but inside the sanctuary of the tavern...despite being a wind-bag, he is tolerated which perpetuates his nonsense.

My favorite Cliff Clavin moment was in the, "AND GOD CREATED WOODMAN," episode (originally aired January 14, 1988).  In it, to supplement his income, Clavin sells mail order shoes to everyone in the bar.  The shoes look great and are reasonably priced.  On the day they arrive, everyone is pleased by how comfortable they are...until they start walking around and discover...all the shoes squeak.  Call me crazy but anything squeaky is funny and squeaky shoes are hilarious.

OOPS, NOT ALL SQUEAKY THINGS ARE FUNNY.  LYNETTE "SQUEAKY" FROMME (1948-PRESENT) WAS PART OF CHARLES MANSON'S INFAMOUS "FAMILY." SHE WAS SO BRAINWASHED THAT IN 1975, SHE ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE PRESIDENT GERALD FORD.  SHE SERVED THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OF HER LIFE SENTENCE AND WAS PAROLED IN 2009.

A few years ago, my son Andrew turned me onto the 2002  movie, "KUNG POW; ENTER THE FIST."  Theatrically it was awful but  it was a great excuse to bond with my kid.  Plus, I still found enough funniness to get me through.

THIS FLICK WAS DIRECTED, PRODUCED AND WRITTEN BY STEVE OEDEKERK WHO IS ALSO THE STAR,  (see above...HE'S HOLDING NUNCHUCKS MADE OF SQUIRRELS).  HIS MOVIE SATIRIZES ASIAN MARITAL ARTS FILMS.  TO DO IT, OEDEKERK GUTTED AN EXISTING 1976 MOVIE FROM HONG KONG CALLED, "TIGER AND CRANE FIST."  NOT ONLY DID HE REMOVE THE SOUND TRACK AND DUB IN HIS OWN DIALOG BUT HE ADDED ORIGINAL SCENES, TO MAKE THE PLOT UNIQUELY HIS. 

My favorite KUNG POW character is the nerd, Wimp Lo.  Although he has a small role, the squeaky shoe sound effects when he walked cracked me up, (it's especially clever because Wimp Lo wears slippers that are probably so soft that they couldn't ever squeak).

Now that you know how I feel about squeaky shoes, you can imagine how embarrassing it was for me when I recently discovered that my new (eight-month old) expensive New Balance work shoes...squeak, (only the right one).

You might recall in my previous August 18, 2014 blog, "EDELBLUM MYSTERY THEATER; THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOE BUSINESS," all I did was brag how those New Balance babies were my savior.  Now, that same footwear is a matter of utter distress whenever I walk on a hard surface.  Before I could act on preventing that vexing sound, my face was really red when I went through a back-of-the-house corridor, at work.  The head of security (ahead of me) turned around and said, "You'll never sneak up behind anyone with that racket going on."

If you were expecting a challenge from me to unravel that mystery, you are wrong.  I googled the problem but for the true comic effect, I chose to delay the repair.  Instead, I texted Andrew and shared the laugh.  But seeing (hearing) is believing so I waited between his colleges terms to have him witness this squeaky phenomena.

While still on Andrew's winter break, the plot of this mystery thickened.  Last week I took my wife Sue with Andrew into Manhattan to see the Broadway show, "JERSEY BOYS."

SPEAKING OF UNFUNNY SQUEAKS, THERE'S NO MYSTERY HERE.  NEXT DOOR FROM THE AUGUST WILSON THEATER WHERE WE SAW "JERSEY BOYS," IS THE DERELICT BUILDING THAT ONCE HOUSED THE ROSELAND BALLROOM.  UNFORTUNATELY, JUDGING FROM THE NOTIFICATION, THE PLACE I SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN BACK HOME...MIGHT CONSIDER THE SAME FUMIGATION SERVICE.

We had five hours to play tourist before the curtain went up.  We did a lot of walking down Broadway, browsing through stores in Times Square, up Seventh Avenue and along the diamond district on West 47th Street.  At dinner, Sue regretted not wearing her Fitbit bracelet because she thought she would have had a new high for steps taken in a day.

FITBITS ARE FLEXIBLE, CORDLESS ACTIVITY MONITORS, (SUE'S IS BLACK WITH HOT PINK POLKA DOTS).  IT HELPS TRACK SLEEP, STEPS TAKEN AND CALORIES BURNED.

The next day, I was wearing the same sneakers I wore to Manhattan.  Suddenly, inside a convenience store, I couldn't help but notice that the right shoe squeaked.  I altered my stride.  The noise stayed the same. Then I checked to see if I stepped on something weird like a pistachio nut shell...no foreign object was jammed into the sole. When I drove home, I spotted  Andrew walking our dog Roxy.

ROXY LOVES SQUEAKY DOGGY TOYS SO MUCH THAT IF YOU PLAY WITH HER'S WITHOUT PERMISSION, SHE HAS THE SUPER-POWER TO INCAPACITATE PEOPLE WITH HER DEATH-RAY VISION.

I shared my latest squeaky discovery with Andrew.  He thought I was kidding and was purposely making the squeakiness.  I demonstrated in the house.  He saw that I serious. 

Again, that is NOT the mystery.

The mystery I pose to you happened later that same night.  I was in the house, in bare feet and my right foot squeaked.  Sue said it was the floorboards under the carpet.  But I said, "Then why is it only the right foot?" Again, Andrew thought I figured out a way to do it on purpose but I assured him that I wasn't...and I really WASN'T.

The true mystery is, why did my sneaker and my foot NOT squeak the next day...or ever again?
It's not something you can ask Siri, google or the Dalai Lama.

Trust me, I know better than to waste the high priest of Lamaism's time on nonspiritual questions about vanishing squeaks...but he did say, "You will find eternal peace by creating my own story about monkeys wearing squeaky shoes."

P.S. - I used google's suggestion on my New Balance shoes to get rid of the squeak.  First I identified where the squeak was coming from, by moving my foot forward and back and side to side.  I used talcum powder without success and then used to WD-40 to kill the beast.  If that doesn't help for you, you're a simple click away from solving a more stubborn problem by googling it for your self.