MAILBOX

This Week: An 8 Million Stories writer loses his job over his story; a guy and his girlfriend relate to a story about filming their lovemaking; a Gallagher fan takes issue with those “college kids”; and someone turns her computer on to read Mugger.

Writer for Hire
I would like to thank you again for publishing my story, “In Front of the Hotel” (8 Million Stories, March 5-11). This publication, my first in a major paper, has had a significant impact on my life. Aside from being a great encouragement, it also cost me my job at the hotel. It turns out that, even with the omission of the hotel’s name, I breached a privacy contract that I signed upon getting hired. There was no bad blood, and neither party wished harm to the other. It was actually a really bittersweet and surreal experience that left me strangely consoling my bosses who felt like they had no choice in the matter. I instantly perceived this situation as an opportunity to pursue a lifelong goal of becoming a professional writer. I realize that I have a tough road ahead of me, but I feel that this is the time to take myself seriously as a writer.
—David Rodich

A Guy and His Girl
I’m an avid NY Press reader and thought the “Making Love to the Camera” story (Flavor of the Week, March 19-25) was really funny. That couple sounded a lot like my girlfriend and me after a few drinks. Anyway, keep up the great “true to life” imperfect adventures for us regular readers. I’d like to hear a few more from that writer.
— Rob Calder, Union Square

Gallagher, the Icon
Shame on the Blender Theatre for putting such a bad opening act on before a comedy legend like Gallagher. If the “college comedy group” and their following had not been there, it would have been a different situation not only for Gallagher but also for the audience that came to see him (“Ballsy and Bawdy,” March 19-25). I have been to a dozen of Gallagher’s live performances over the years (of which all were fantastic) and never once was there an opening act.

I was embarrassed by the behavior shown by the college kids that came to see the opening act. They heckled and talked throughout the whole show and showed no respect to Gallagher or his fans. Those kids should pay more attention to a comedy icon, if they ever want to be in the same league as Gallagher.

I have Gallagher’s Sledge-O-Matic Collection of 14 of his cable specials. I can only think of one other comic that has that many and has lasted this long and that would be George Carlin.

Gallagher’s interview on Howard Stern on March 12 was one of the best I have ever heard. I have many friends and colleagues that have seen and heard the interview and agree that Gallagher has only gotten more brilliant: not only as a comedian but as an honest and truthful person.
—Ann Maness

A Luddite Speaks Up
I just got a new computer after struggling with a 1999 iMac. I had quit computer activity for many years, and I forgot how entertaining Mugger and his columns are. This one [“Presumed Innocence,” March 12-18] is just priceless.
—Myra Washington, Oceanside, Ca.