Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #46

Dear KK---

No letters from you so far this week--perhaps tomorrow or Friday? In any event, wanted to get a brief note off to you before the long Labor Day weekend. Are you planning a final hedonistic sex/drugs/rock n'roll Bacchanalia as summer unofficially ends?!!

I didn't think so...I will be "near the mountains"... Really, Kelly, have to keep your sense of humor, even if it's the black, twisted kind you & I like in our films!

Ran across the most informative article on "Flash Forward"--the new ABC series you and I have discussed before. Very much like "Lost".

[Ed: I have cut out the rest of the Flash Forward commentary and subsequent Mad Men commentary.]

I admit it: Your "Rolo Dog" made me laugh! Does that canine realize how utterly spoiled life with Kelly is?

BRUJERIA: KK--this was a fantastic story--which totally held my interesting from beginning to end. Your descriptions of the roach-infected apartment "smelling of death, urine & garbage" made my skin crawl.

This is the sort of thing you are so good at KK. And I say again that a book full of these stories/columns/blog entries should definitely be on your radar.

Also enclosed --an article sent to me by someone who thought I was a watcher---of Project Runway. Feel free to keep me posted as the season progresses. Mi casa es su casa...

So--hope to receive letters from you tomorrow or Friday. Either way, will write again over the long weekend. Hope you get some sunshine.

Stay well. Thinking of you and hope to hear from you soon.

Yours,

Michael

New Yorker Article on Sociopaths

New Yorker Article on Psychopathy

Letters from the Inside: I,Psychopath, a documentary about a psychopath

Given my project with sociopaths, I found this documentary very interesting:

I, Psychopath

Letters from the Inside, Christopher Porco, #1

If you aren't familiar with Christopher Porco, here is a bit about him and why he was sentenced to life in jail:

Wikipedia, Christopher Porco

TruTV: Christopher Porco Murder Case

48 Hours Mystery Porco Video

Times Union Archive: Porco

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[typed on blue paper]

Dear Kelly,

Please accept my apology for not getting back to you sooner. I had originally planned on writing ot you when I got your note, but got sidetracked as I often do, and forgot about it until I was going through and tossing old letters out. Please don't be offended by that, I procrastinate way too often, and it usually ends up with me forgetting about someting I needed or wanted to do.

It was very sweet of you to take the time to write, I hear from peopole I do not know somewhat frequently, but rarely write them back, for a variety of reasons. More often than not, it is because despite my status as a guest of the state, I tend to get pretty busy, and don't write the people in my life as often as I should. You sound like a very nice person, one that I wuold love to correspond with, but I do have a concern when you mentioned your background in media. I don't think this was your intention, but I have no interest at this point in any type of media exposure. I didn't get the impression that was on your mind, but you just mentioned that you had some experience. What paper was your column in? I get The Post here daily, it's by far my favorite paper.

I want to keep this brief, but I will give you just a little background on who I am. You may have an idea from the stuff on TV, but unfortunately it is difficult for someone to get an accurate picture of a person through that lens. So if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I am currently appealing my conviction, the briefs are all submitted, and oral arguments shoudl be this Fall, we will have a date soon I think. The lawyers are confident that we will win, but they said that before trial too, so you never know.

I live in a cell block with about 250 other inmates here at Clinton. I think there are a couple thousand inmates total here. Beyond the fact that it is prison, and I am separated from my family and friends, it is not too terrible. After three years or so, I am mostly used to it, which in itself is a good thing. I am taking 15 credit hours right now through Louisiana State University, and am getting closer to a Bachelor's at the ripe age of 26. What is your educational background? Beyond that I just try to stay in shape, and live day to day. I am blessed to have wonderful family and friends, who have stuck around some really tough years.

I would love to hear more about you, where you work, go to school, just general stuff. Career aspirations? I would love to read some of your writing as well. That is, if you can get over the delay in writing slight.

I am going to end this for now, please feel free to write me if you get a moment, I would love to hear from you, and I promise to be better about staying in touch in the future. Feel free to ask whatever you want as well, I am a pretty open person. Take care of yourself, I hope you hear from you before long.

--Chris

P.S. Cute picture by the way...How old are you?

[Ed.: Excessive comma usage and typos are his.]

Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #45

Dear KK---

Much to get to in your two letters, so let me plunge right in: Beginning with two "heavy" subjects-I very much appreciate your sharing:

I can totally understand your thoughts on children. However, I would add only one caveat. I have seen women and men more set against wanting children than you---who have changed their minds when circumstances changed. But you do seem fairly certain.

And I respect your thoughts on HIV and AIDS: But you are so right even though it is the leading cause of death among 3-=40 y/o African-American men in Washington DC you wouldn't know HIV/AIDs still existed in the US.

Again, my immersion in the disease and its devastating toll in Africa probably pushes me to keep it on everyone's radar. My apologies. For now I will demur on inflicting some of my harrowing stories from those years, out of respect for your feelings.

Well, that's a cheery start, isn't it?! I guess you're still waiting for your topic for your "Story Slam" on 28 SEP. How do they choose topics and who chooses them? Seems as though that could make a huge difference especially with HBO Specials & Hollywood careers apparently now in play!

Was able to re-read the article after you so kindly sent me a copy. It really is an entire sub-culture. Fascinating how these things develop. Now I have a much better idea of your surroundings when you perform at one of these. Takes guts, Kelly. Kudos.

Two more things about your "Slam Life". Did you or will you go to the "Moth Ball"? And I stand by my opinion (for what it's worth!) on your potential guy who lives with the ugly girl: The amount of attention he is paying to you shows he is quite interested and wants more. Unfortunately, one can be in a relationship and by coincidence or serendipity meet someone who just blows you away. It ain't pretty, it ain't convenient, but it happens. This is of course as obvious as it is true. Good luck--I will say again--you have everything going for you, Kelly: looks, intelligence, twisted sense of humor (the best kind!)...and (don't get upset please, I call 'em as I see 'em) and intense & inventive sensuality that explodes like a volcano for the right man...When you do find him, whether it's online scrabble guy or someone else, he will be very lucky if he has the energy to keep up!
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(Ed.: The next part of the letter discusses MAD MEN and various movies. I'm cutting that out of the transcription here.)

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Yours,
XOXO
Michael

Letters from the Inside, Sarah Pender, #15

Dear Kelly,

I enjoyed the Cuban witchcraft story and the "coincidental" meeting with Alan Streets, but my favorite part was that Mini shoplifted a pack of Rolos. What a precious sight, you wrenching the pack from his mouth and paying for a slobbery, teeth marked pack of Rolos, shoplifted by a wiener dog. Fucking perfect. I love dogs. They are second best to children. I am not familiar with Duane Reade. Obviously it's a retail store, but one that you can take your pet inside with you?

Have you ever considered doing yoga or meditating to help with your PMS? Or perhaps an herbal medicine? It really works, and since you are prone to down moods, you could really use it.

What are you depressed about anyway, Kelly? What don't you have besides a significant other? I am curious.

My mom was supposed to set up the blog and link it to my Myspace page. her and my friend are working on. It's in its infancy stage, but slowly it's coming along. I guess you can Google it.

You are going to do GREAT! at the GrandSlam. And hey, maybe there will be a good subject and perhaps an agent out there will notice you, since you want to write a book. I think you should focus on something like that, and it will manifect. I said it was "coincidence" that you ran into Alan because I think we do manifest things with our thoughts and focus. You didn't just run into him in your daily life, you INTUITIVELY deviated from your norm, and led yourself to him. I think you can do more of this if you follow your intuition and focus. Did you say anything to him? At all? When he turned and sneered would have been good, even if he was less than thrilled to have people behind him. (At the height of my anxiety issues, I had a full attack b/c a man stood behind me (I was seated) talking loudly.) Even if you didn't speak, you see how you can manifest good things.

Does Mr. Whitaker list who his agent is? Who is the publisher?

Why wouldn't the g/f agree to let the guy take you to the MothBall if she doesn't want to go? If you both would have fun, I don't see why not? Wait. You have to stop talking to him b/c he has a g/f? Is it that stressful for you to be his friend? wow. That seems like it's really hard for you. Perhaps he could tell his g/f he'd liek to date other people. If they were agreed, would you date him? Most men don't stay single for long in a town where women greatly outnumber the men, but your man will come. Maybe he'll keep seeing you at events and feel compelled to break free of his commitment to pursue you. But by cutting him of, you lose out on the opportunity to show him why he should do just that.

OMG. I totally didn't get your client was still married. I thoguth he was divorced and simply bringing up the subject. your so funny. Like a magnet for men in committed relationships. I totally understand. While I was free, even in my life of generally avoiding people and being anonymous, I was pursued by four married and successful men. Strange.

Regarding my preference. I'd say I'm 85% gay. Although I'm really good at pleasing men, I enjoy the feminine connection, body, mind, and spirit much better. When I choose to be a man, I love every part of him, but I secretly feel superior. Even with a man who had many worldly successes, I felt superior. I guess I see how their sexual weakness has led them (as a gender) to commit molestation and rape and to cheat on their wives. I still worship them and adore them when together. Treat them with great respect. Perhaps I do so because I am full of love and empathy. It is out of their genes that they cause war and death and corruption. Sure, women do, too. But the ration of men & women who are mean, negative, hateful destructive, is big. Women are nurturers, lovers, creative and intuitive beings. Women are full of joy and understanding. And they are soft. They are beter. Men are good. Women are better.

My wife was Jamie, the woman who helped me escape. Before I escaped, we telephones 2X per week, she visited monthly (it's a 3 hour round trip drive) and corresponded weekly. We have been close for eight years. Intimate. The wife status grew out of our close friensdhip. It is not an ownership or control title, just a description of how committed we are to one another's happiness and well being. We encouraged each other relationships, sexual or otherwise, that bought each other happiness, and were open about these relationships. In solitary, contact with other offenders is not possible. It doesn't bother me. I am okay being sexually inactive. I rarely have a physical relationship. I value friendships above all. Sex is a side not (But really nice at times.)

I got through phases of activity. Generally, I am happy to play volleyball, guitar, read, learn, laugh, job, write, and sing.

I ready your brujeria blog to a lady up here. Wild. Obviously, Umberto was on target. Ever gone back to a psychic? (Sans cockroaches). Over the 8 years I was locked up, 3 different psychics told my mom and a friend I'd be out in 2008 or by 2008. Funny, huh?

It's late. Time for bed. Hope you are well and enjoying life.

Life is good.

--Sarah--

Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #44

Dear KK--

Wow! Much to get to. After receiving your letter late Thursday (8/20), I received another one on Friday...so interesting and sparkling. Since subject matter intersects in both letters I will go back & forth. Needless to say, it will take several letters to cover everything..so let me make a brief beginning today:

The season opener of "Mad Men" was brilliant. Obviously, the scene with Salvatore Romano & the bellboy in the motel room will get a lot of attention, but to me the writing shines through in the follow-up scene on the airplane: Clearly on the flight back, Romano is very nervous, and we can surmise that Don Draper has said nothing so far about what he saw at the hotel. It seems like he is about to, when he instead shows Romano his idea for the new "London Fog" campaign...with the tag line: "LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE". But we know there is a whole subtext in those three words. Draper is telling Romano- simply be talking to him as before, like two ad-men--that what he saw will not affect their professional relationship, and will stay with Don. But these three words are also his strong advice to Romano: "Limit Your Exposure". In 1963, such a revelation would destroy Romano in the macho world of the MAD MEN. Don is telling Romano "you must be more careful--much more careful. I'm not judging, just advising.

So much is communicated in that brief interaction on the plane...Brilliantly done.

Please feel free to share your comments & opinions on MAD MEN--the first episode and as the season progresses. I am very interested in what you think, Kelly. AND if you see any critical analysis of "MAD MEN" on-line, do send me whatever you can. There must be multiple web-sites devoted to "MAD MEN." Thanks!

Well KK--at least you went to see "District 9". Have to give you credit for that!! You & science fiction really, really don't get along, do you?! Given the extremely positive reviews of "D9" from multiple sources, calling it only brilliant sci-fi, but also a very good film, I thought it might be one you would like. Oh well.

By the way, I have no patience for bad science-fiction, any more than lame comedy, turgid drama, or mindless violence. And as we both know so well, there is an awful lot of garbage out there in all film genres.

Anyway, I won't be looking for your glowing review...but so many more films upcoming...

Wanted to be sure to talk about "Mad Men" and "District 9". Now on to your many other items of interest:

Thanks for your brief comments on some other films. "Public Enemies" did sound like a rehash of 20 other films--but sometimes performances can overcome that. Sounds like Depp * Bale didn't quite make that happen.

Glad that the highly original film "HUMPDAY" was a great movie. I've not seen many of the "MUMBLECORE" films--but they sound like films I'd like to see. Original, talky, filled with ideas.

Once again, your marvelous mind read my own. Thanks for the copy of the "Going Solo Gets Crowded" --now I can read it in more detail. Plus they often condense articles, reviews & op-eds when they reprint them.

And "Assault in the Ring" -- the HBO boxing doc. Did sound good---glad you confirmed.

KK-Did you see that other boxing documentary I mentioned and saw- The Death of Bernie Parr...(sp?) in the ring in the early 1960s at the hands of Emile Griffith.

Must get this in the mail--will write more tomorrow (Sunday). But wanted to briefly mention something we have barely mentioned--the Michael Jackson case. I am quite familiar with Propofal & medications like it--and it is mind-boggling that his "concierge doctor" used it to help Jackson sleep. Talk about playing with fire. And now we see the timeline that shows Jackson was given three powerful sleep meds before the Propafol.

This has all the elements of a mini-OJ if it goes to trial, which I think is doubtful...

You take care, sunshine. Will write more tomorrow, and probably Monday. Much more to talk about.

Be good, Kelly

Yours,

Michael