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about Washington and misty rain showers on the city, Barbara Rose publicly proclaimed (at a panel discussion) a curious proto-historical ultra-absurd but "threatening" critical pledge that she (as well as others of her caste) might exercise a "moritorium on writing" about my effort after I merely repeated Barnett Newman's remark to me, and I paraphrase, that artists should beware of critics, particularly those who pose as their chums. Alas, and "Oh, by gosh by golly", she was serious.

Some months ago, in The New York Times, Mike Nichols issued this comment during an interview after the release of his film, "The Graduate", " Critics are like eunuchs watching a gang-bang. They must truly be ignored". Well now, I haven't ignored Barbara and her inauspicious first anniversary, have I, Phil.