Irv Rastin Writes the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Asks if His Dollars Are Keeping up with Inflation

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Irv Rastin Writes Mayor-for-Life Marion Barry, on Whom His Sarcasm Is Lost

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Irv Rastin Writes WV Gov. Cecil Underwood, Describes Sordid Adventure

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Irv Rastin Writes James Muns, Mayor of Plano, Texas

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Irv Rastin Writes the Federal Reserve Bank to Open an Account

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Irv Rastin Writes Georgia-Pacific, or, The Toilet Tale

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Irv Rastin Writes First Brands, or, The Severed Toe

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The Irv Rastin - Bob Dole - Cheetoh Breath - Newsweek Saga

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Irv Rastin Writes Delaware Gov. Tom Carper

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Irv Rastin Writes Metro

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Irv Rastin Writes McDonalds

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More Signed and Numbered Giclée Prints Available

The following prints, each in an edition of 45, are available:

"Supper Club"

"Supper Club" is on 11x14" archival art paper; image size is approximately 9x12". $45.00, includes shipping.

"11th and Rhode Island"

"11th and Rhode Island" is on 11x14" archival art paper; image size is approximately 9x12". $45.00, includes shipping. This is the recently demolished Diamond Cab HQ building at 11th and Rhode Island Ave, NW, in DC.

"Bread Factory"

"Bread Factory" is on 12x9" archival art paper; image size is approximately 6.8x5". $30.00, includes shipping.This is the Wonder Bread Factory at 641 S St., NW, in DC. This is a 2003 view of the west facade seen from 7th St.

"Mavie"

"Mavie" is on 11x14" archival art paper; image size is approximately 9x10.8". $45.00, includes shipping.

"Enter Here (Durham)"

"Enter Here (Durham)" is on 12x15" archival art paper; image size is approximately 9x12". $45.00, includes shipping. This is the Liberty Cafe in Durham, currently being redeveloped.

Email me at chris[at]goodwinart.com if you want a print.

Giclée Prints of New Painting "Enter Here (Durham)" Featuring the Liberty Cafe Available

I will have a limited run of signed and numbered giclée prints available in the next week or so.  Paper is 12" x 15", approximate image size 9" x 12". If you want one, email me at chris [at] goodwinart.com. $45.00 including shipping.

Old El Paso Replies to My Letter of Complaint with a Box o' Stuff

Here's a consumer complaint letter I sent to General Mills. (The cardboard I enclosed was the proof of purchase). Above is the loot they sent.

Christopher Goodwin
PO Box 676
Glen Echo, MD 20812

Juliana Chugg
Senior Vice President; President, Meals
General Mills Corporation
1 General Mills Blvd
Golden Valley, MN 55426

September 27, 2013

Dear Ms. Chugg:

The enclosed bit of cardboard packaging from a 10-count box of Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells has essentially the same mouth feel and flavor profile as the unfortunate taco shells the box contained. I am not mad, exactly, but you could definitely paint me with a Disappointed Brush, if painting is a hobby you enjoy.

In recent weeks I had come to rely on Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells—with their authentic Mexican roots—as the perfect container for my tasty Cole-Slaw-Textured-Vegetable-Protein-Canned-Corn-Broad-Bean-Garlic-Chili-Paste-‘n’-Catsup taco slurry.

It was with confidence and even a bit of swagger that I opened the 10-count box of Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells in question; after all, wasn’t the “BETTER IF USED BY” date well off into the undiscovered land of the future? November 22, 2013 seemed very far off. Surely the Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells would be as crisp and fresh as every other 10-count box of Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells that I had bartered for over the previous weeks were. (By the way, while it is an unusual tribute, having the 10-count box of Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells expire on the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s expiration, is nevertheless powerfully moving. I have no doubt that our fallen leader would have loved Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells if he had not been killed by Kevin Costner. Or was it Gary Oldman?)

As you may have deduced by now, I would like a refund for my 10-count box of Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells, nothing less and nothing more. I’m sure that the 10-count box of stale Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells was an exceptional mistake, flukey in the flukiest imaginable way.

Everybody likes a little lettuce with their tacos, so I enclose $2.00 cash to incentivize the prompt processing of my refund for the 10-count box of Old El Paso® Stand ‘n Stuff™ taco shells.

Off to the supermarket! I remain,
Your svt. &c.,

Christopher Goodwin

P.S.: I still very much enjoy your Fri-Tos salty snack product!

Postcard Diaspora: Portage, Michigan 1976

Mailed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Portage, Michigan, on February 22, 1976. "I'M IN HEAVEN. NEVER DREAMED I COULD BE SO HAPPY. AMEN. STAYING WITH FRIENDS TILL I SIGN A LEASE. NO YMCA WITH ROOMS HERE. HOTELS TOO EXPENSIVE. SEND MAIL PLEASE TO: [address]." I'll mail this today to the Portage address.

Postcard Diaspora: Portsmouth, England 1982

Postcard mailed from Florida to Portsmouth, England, on July 14, 1982. Message: Dear Vicky, A little song from an old friend. BLOOD ON THE SADDLE [musical notation]. (sung an octave lower) Love to all from Charlie. I'll mail this to the Portsmouth address today.