Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #3

Hi KK---

Well, this time your letter came through unscathed. Very glad to finally year from you---so much to talk about:

Your questions on rules & procedures here are right on point--so let me answer those first, as I am very interested in reading your articles/stories and blog.

>Obviously, your typed letter is just fine. If I had regular access to a typewriter I would certainly use it as well. Even though I am a bit out of practice--my typing is faster than longhand.

>You can send printouts from the next 2-3 pages at a time---but your method of pasting them into the body of your letter is far superior. I have a few friends who send me info/items off the net from time to time--and they have all adopted that method.

: Your letters can be as many pages as needed with articles, etc. simply incorporated into the letter as you did.

>you can send an actual newspaper article cut-out, but again--only 2 or 3 at a time to be safe. Once again - if they can be scanned and put into a letter, so much the easier & better.

>Insofar as content of your relationship column or anything else you've written-- absolutely no problem with any "curses" or risqué material....or more...Again, no problem. So please send when you can. A "darker Sex-and-the-City-type thing sounds like a welcome relief from the sometimes way too saccharine content of the original!

>Finally, as mentioned above but to repeat--I would not mind at all if you would share your blog [redacted] with me.

If you do wish to editorialize or comment on your blog [about my letters], that is fine with me.

And since I know that finding time to write can be difficult, feel free to simply send me some blog pages & with a "Hi Michael" at the top, in lieu of a full letter, etc.

So-there it is. Appreciate your acumen in asking those questions.
* * *
Now - turning (finally) to content :)

I have no problems answering questions about my situation here. It is what it is--and I can assure you, is far better than any image you might have- Truly.

You might be surprised that my days here are very busy by choice. Your card intrigued me when I received it, but I do not answer every letter because there is only so much time to write in any given day or week. A few details: I have a TV- so I am able to keep up on news & politics, etc. It was amazing following Obama from the very beginning, before he even ran for Illinois senator in '04.

There is a modest library with books--but subscriptions to magazines & newspapers are allowed; and paperback books can be sent in--so long as they are sent directly from Amazon.com/B&N.com/a bookstore/or the publisher. Amazon.com gives very reliable & fast delivery.

Obviously, since we just met :-) I would not ask you for anything now! However - should you ever run across or know about a book [or magazine article you can't get off the net] that you want to share with me or think I would benefit from - feel free to have it sent. Thanks!

I know of two friend in the hinterlands who literally (almost...) would "die for" the chance to see all the newly released films, which more & more is possible only in New York and L.A.

Thank you for your comments on "The Wrestler". You are actually the first person I know (besides the TV & print critics) who has actually seen the film. Clearly, the critics got it right, from your comments. As previously mentioned, I have been a huge Mickey Rourke fan for as long as I can remember. Even during that long stretch when he was a Hollywood pariah. By the time you receive this, we will know if he won the Academy Award on Sunday (z-zz). The cognoscenti say it's between Rourke & Sean Penn in "Milk".

Do give me your capsule comments on "Revolutionary Road" and "The Reader" if and when you see them.

And if you see "tons of movies"; then we have tons to talk about. you mentioned that you just finished watching "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" Talk about a good year (1967) for films: Besides "Dinner", "In the Heat of the Night", "Bonnie and Clyde", and "The Graduate."

I recently saw two outstanding films from 1973: "Save the Tiger" and "The Last Detail".

Since you see films via NETFLIX-may I ask you to order a particular film when you get the chance--and tell me what you think: "PRIMER" 04.

This is a film made on a shoestring budget/78 minutes/ but a highly original film about time travel which takes place in a corporate business park & self-storage facility! I have seen it once- but without the benefit of multiple viewings and the chance to review certain portions. Whatever you think it might be like, it's not.

Anyway - if you get the chance, perhaps between "The Conversation" (1974) and Nashville" '75 or whichever classic you have reached by then!

The pool story was hilarious. I can totally see the insane battle for 12 lounge chairs. "I considered 'roiding up" - love it.

Did not get to travel destinations and Africa (my years there) - but will in my next letter. Must get this in the mail so it goes out today. However- if I were a travel agent: the first four places in Africa I would recommend: Egypt (Giza); Cape Town; Zanzibar; Djibouti. [Rationale to follow!]

We didn't get to the econony, either. That's another fascinating story. I've watched developing these 3-4 years. Hope your business manages to weather the bad times. Keep me posted.

Take care, KK, and hope to hear from you again son. Again, look forward to reading your blog, any articles, and definitely your "life stories" in your "darker-version-Sex-and-the-City" column.

As you have probably gleaned, I am quite direct - no subject is off limits. Life is far too short to not talk about whatever you want. So ask away as you wish..

Take care & talk to you soon.

Yours,

Michael