Al Mickler

January 1, 1997

Keep on writing for PBS – we recently really enjoyed your talk about the “missing trees” and are sorry they died. At least one year ago (two?) you wrote one of the greatest articles ever – you were sick with the flu and your wife wasn’t – is there any way I could get a copy of that? I think of it often and wish I could read and/or hear it again! Keep up the great writing!

Pam Vieira-McGinnis

January 1, 1997

Greetings Mr. Pinkwater…

I guess I was pretty much the last person to hear about your web page on tonight’s All Things Considered rebroadcast judging your stack of mail. I jumped right up out of bed and rushed to surf for some Pinkwater.

It would be hard to add something new and original, so I would just like to say my family and I all have enjoyed your writing, most particularly The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death, which we have on audio tape (oh, so would that be reading and writing, I am not sure, oh well either way, you are swell.

Thank you so very much. I send my most sincerest regards and best wishes.

George

January 1, 1997

OY!

Please excuse my late night ravings and English errors…

I really should read my posts and correct both English and grammar before writing to the SAGE of NPR.

Why the Sage of NPR? It is no simple feat arranging for a frog-pond story starring all of the folks who get more time than 3 min/month!

This apology is directed to both The SAGE of NPR (OK, Andre is a distant second) and all of the web page readers.

Now, how do I find out what happened in that “P”city? I’ll pay. I’ll make a donation to any person, place or thing for the lowdown. I DID not let my mind wander…I happened to be on the way home and when I turned on ATC you were at the end of your 1 minute out of the 5400 I have to filter through each month to gain those pearls of wisdom you cautiously share.

I will never forget the Radio-favor story when your stereo was stolen; the Automotive-fitness manual story and most of the remaining 36 stories per year that you share with us. I just know that the “P” city story must be a classic. How can I beg, borrow, buy or steal that 1 minute of Pinkwater Haiku?

Your Fan,

George R. (Rick) O’Connor

Frank Kelly

January 1, 1997

Do you devote a specific time or day or amount of time each day or week to writing? How did you make the leap into supporting yourself as a creative writer? Did you “have a day job” or did you just start out as the one and only DP, author and entertainer? Please respond.

Brian & Lori

January 1, 1997

I consider it a lucky day when I happen to be listening to NPR at a time when your comments are broadcast. Thanks!

Stefan Jones

January 1, 1997

Dear Captain:

Many months ago I asked you what I should do with two avacados I’d bought after being inspired by your novel _The Snarkout Boys and the Avacado of Doom_. I turned these into guacamole (that’s Spanish for “guaca sauce”), but thoughtlessly threw away the pits.

Now I have two more fresh avacado pits, and would like to grow them as you suggested way back when. My question: Which side goes up? The skinny side? The fat side? If I get it wrong will the plant grow with its roots in the air until it can no longer hold its breath and drown?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Martha Silverspring

January 1, 1997

You are an inspiration. I am 45, 5’7″, 275. Diet pills at 11, pediatricians threatening to wire my jaws together, every diet in the world since then. After the last one I gained 150 lb…

I had tried to diet for my beloved husband. I lost 80 with O.A. It was gruelling: I weighed and measured all my food, schlepped containers of healthy stuff everywhere, refrained from all sugar for 3 years. Finally I couldn’t hold my head under water anymore, I gained that 150, and now I am divorced.

I used to think, “if there was a pill I could take to make me a lesbian, I’d take it. At least dykes don’t care so much about weight.” Then I read ‘The Afterlife Diet’. Now I am looking for a Pinkwater-type man.

Oh, yes, and your voice on the radio is wonderful too.

P.S.- I am an R.N., and when some idiot tells me I’m overweight I say, “NO [censored]??!! No one HAS EVER SAID THAT to me before!!!” If that doesn’t stop them, I say, “You know, dear, there are worse things than being overweight. Like making personal remarks about other people’s bodies.” It’s great to be alive.

Malcolm Phillips

January 1, 1997

My Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

I so injoyed your comentary ( 3/18/98) on finding a good deli in upstate NY. We finally have such an establishment in Oneonta. How ever that is not my reason for writing. There was a deli which my family and I loved in New Jersey….Pianicone’s, bakery/deli/resterante was a focal point of trips to the inlaws….fresh bread….picked out by it’s own number. This fall there was a fire, and we lost an old friend. The bakery is gone. I was surprised at the feeling of morning we all experienced. You comentary today reminded me of the wonderful tastes of an old friend.

Thanks for the reminder,

Malcolm Phillips, Oneonta NY