The author had an interest in urban legends but those appearing in the wake of 9/11, several with a patriotic aura, inspired him to publish this book. The chapters are organized to deal with misadventures such as scams, celebrities, pets, military, college, the workplace, etc. This will be an ideal book for the shelf at the old soldiers and sailors' home for someone wishing to kill an hour. Among the chapters I read the cat in the dryer was one of the weaker tales to me and the college tales among the best. Each chapter ends with several 'short takes' that briefly offer urban legends in a couple of sentences.
A detailed letter of instructions from a West African crook seeking help to recover funds deposited by a deceased parent (a boodler), promising generous remuneration is included. Of course, we readers may recall that 'you cannot cheat an honest man,' i.e. the supposed fortune was stolen. There is an error on page 54--it is now documented that the CIA did raise funds for the Contras with cocaine sales in Los Angeles (KPFK fund raising, every two months). A sample short take: "The alligators in the sewers of New York City are dying! The international organization 'Save the Seewer Gators Coaliton' is uring the alligator-loving public to join in petitioning New York City officials to clean up the toxic chemicals destroying the gators' unique sewer habitat."
No index.
A detailed letter of instructions from a West African crook seeking help to recover funds deposited by a deceased parent (a boodler), promising generous remuneration is included. Of course, we readers may recall that 'you cannot cheat an honest man,' i.e. the supposed fortune was stolen. There is an error on page 54--it is now documented that the CIA did raise funds for the Contras with cocaine sales in Los Angeles (KPFK fund raising, every two months). A sample short take: "The alligators in the sewers of New York City are dying! The international organization 'Save the Seewer Gators Coaliton' is uring the alligator-loving public to join in petitioning New York City officials to clean up the toxic chemicals destroying the gators' unique sewer habitat."
No index.
