History

WHAT’S UP? A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Published: Apr 08, 2024
Category: History

Friends —
In today’s newsletter, I mentioned that I’m following culture remotely — I have a mobility issue and walk no further than my corner bodega.

Several of you wrote me to express support and ask what’s up.

Let me explain — and indicate this can be an opportunity for those of you who’d like a byline.

In October, I flew to San Francisco to promote a book. The flight was long, the mattress was soft, I had no time to exercise, and a day after I returned to New York, it was as if my left leg had disappeared. I took a zillion tests and scans, I worked with a terrific trainer, I consulted a back surgeon who told me a) the gunk in my spine was common and often went away and b) he wasn’t eager to operate and c) let’s give it a few months.

Five months later, no progress. Surgery is scheduled for April 30th. “Like an oil change,” I joke. Which is almost true. Odds favor one night in the hospital — if that. I hope to be walking 10,000 steps a day by June. Whatever happens, I’m busy — I have a novel to finish, reviews to write, and an excellent home team to provide support and, from the 22-year-old, tough love.

What’s in it for you? Jerry Orbach was once asked, “What do you look for in a script?” His answer: “Days off.” Me too. If you’d like to write 800-1,000 personal words (more like a letter than a formal review) about a book, movie (ideally streaming on Amazon Prime), music CD or favorite product (I forever bless the friend who turned me on to Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C — I haven’t had a cold since 2016), please write me at HeadButlerNYC@AOL.com, and tell me what and why. The upside: 15 minutes of fame. The downside: I’m your editor.

Biggest point: Take good care.

Jesse