Robert Kettering divides his time between the U.S.A. and France (Colorado Springs and Courbevoie, to be exact). In the United States, his time fragments among various shopping malls, television stations and a humor website called dearprofessorknowledge.com, whereas in France, life is simpler, usually apportioned more or less equally between the café on the corner and the one down the street. Over the years, he has hobnobbed with many famous literary figures, and enjoys dropping names and telling stories about these luminous characters. Samuel Beckett, for example, was a drinking buddy of his for several months without Mr. Kettering being aware of Sam's full name, professional achievements or mutual eminence. He did most of the talking and all of the bragging. Ticket On A Crippled Crab is something else. Recently published, he hopes readers will enjoy it.