My great-grandfather Anthony Swierczynski had a coronary on a wharf of the Franklin Sugar company on November 26, 1932. There was some confusion about his age; three weeks later, my great uncle Charles had to appear before a notary public to set the record straight for the state health department: “Swierczynski was born April 9, 1876, and was 56 years, 7 months and 17 days of age at the time of his death.” Until I started doing family research a few years ago, I never knew what my great-grandfather did for a living, nor how he died.
Good stuff. I was also a big fan of Spy Magazine back in the day. (Hard to imagine that one of their favorite whipping boys, who once cashed a check for 19 cents and whom they referred to, accurately, as a "short-fingered vulgarian," would one day be our President.)
I'm Italian, so the description (“men of the meaner sort” who possessed “neither skill nor energy nor any initiative of quick intelligence") applies to me, too. Mostly the mean part. And the lack of energy and initiative. And, I guess, the absence of quick intelligence (since I'm just reflecting on that part now).
Fantastic issue, as usual Duane. I’ve only read a couple of Goodis novels. I want to read more now. OK, time to toss my necktie over my eyes and get some shut eye.
Thanks for your newsletter. Great stuff. I too know the feeling of closure finding out family history can bring.
I also use real locations in my work. I also do the same with character names, and have a 'name bank' in a Word document. I use real first and last names found in real life or literature and then mix and match them. That's how I come up with cool names like 'Trimmer Waltz,' 'Jett Targo' and 'Nola Bliss.'
It's funny. When you moved to LA, I moved away from it, so it's always great to see what films you're screening at the New Beverly. It's the only thing that makes me homesick for LA. I did my time for twenty years on those mean streets, and now the call of nature fills my heart.
Good stuff. I was also a big fan of Spy Magazine back in the day. (Hard to imagine that one of their favorite whipping boys, who once cashed a check for 19 cents and whom they referred to, accurately, as a "short-fingered vulgarian," would one day be our President.)
I'm Italian, so the description (“men of the meaner sort” who possessed “neither skill nor energy nor any initiative of quick intelligence") applies to me, too. Mostly the mean part. And the lack of energy and initiative. And, I guess, the absence of quick intelligence (since I'm just reflecting on that part now).
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Love the article. Really fascinating stuff about the way your family name changed over the years.
My son just married Christine Krysinski. She is most certainly keeping her name.
That Malanowski is a dolt. You have clearly done well for yourself, consonants notwithstanding.
Fantastic issue, as usual Duane. I’ve only read a couple of Goodis novels. I want to read more now. OK, time to toss my necktie over my eyes and get some shut eye.
Thanks for your newsletter. Great stuff. I too know the feeling of closure finding out family history can bring.
I also use real locations in my work. I also do the same with character names, and have a 'name bank' in a Word document. I use real first and last names found in real life or literature and then mix and match them. That's how I come up with cool names like 'Trimmer Waltz,' 'Jett Targo' and 'Nola Bliss.'
It's funny. When you moved to LA, I moved away from it, so it's always great to see what films you're screening at the New Beverly. It's the only thing that makes me homesick for LA. I did my time for twenty years on those mean streets, and now the call of nature fills my heart.
I'll leave with you my favorite Polish joke:
'Did you hear the one about the Polish starlet?
She slept with the screenwriter.'
Cheers!