Letters to the Editor

RIGHT OF WAY
Good for Joel Engel for writing on conservatives in this town (“ Hollywood’s New Counterculture”) and how they are attacked “like coyotes on a carcass.” How sad that they can only be identified by letters. Where is our liberal “right of speech”—or just plain civility? It takes courage to be a conservative in L.A. So much easier to just go along.
Sandra Campbell, Santa Monica

Waah! Welcome to life for your average liberal in Los Angeles! Or anywhere else, for that matter. If I express my opinion on politics, three people with the ability to fire me tell me my party knows nothing about finance and that we’ll ruin the economy. They always finish with some comment about how Bill was a womanizer and Hillary shouldn’t wear pantsuits.
Helga Thomsen, Eagle Rock

NOW EAR THIS
I loved the Jon Stewart interview by David Steinberg (“The Daily Factor”). To read how two major comedians relate to each other was fantastic. Stewart being disarmed by Steinberg was moving, and the mutual respect was palpable. It’s no wonder I keep your magazine around all month.
Jack Cornelian, Alhambra

I love the Q&As in LA. They tell stories in such a way that you can hear both people thinking out loud. I liked Michelle Obama and Frank Gehry, but my favorites are David Steinberg’s “Ear” columns. They have personality, and the admiration the comedians have for him is fun to read. Keep em comin’.
Suzanne Emerson, Pasadena

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL
I have lived in L.A. for years and have never seen a beautiful architecture issue. I especially like that you are spotlighting local talents that are recognized worldwide. And as for the Nancy Heller home (“Elements of Style”), I want to move in—tomorrow.
Alice Margolis, Thousand Oaks

KIND WORDS
As a reader of the Los Angeles Times Magazine for more than 20 years, I would say Josh Radnor’s piece is the most valuable article you have ever published. If everyone would focus on being just a little bit kinder every day to even their enemies, many of the grave problems in our world would resolve themselves. Mr. Radnor’s piece is taped to my refrigerator.
Karen Shapiro, Stevenson Ranch

Thank you to Josh Radnor. Kindness has been my mantra to my now college-age daughters throughout their lives. You don’t have to have a Hollywood job to know kind is not a four-letter word. Bravo! I hope to read more from him!
Monica Caliri, Whittier

I suggest we all volunteer to participate in the Radnor Theory experiment until the effect on the physical world of kind behavior is as well understood and as anticipated as gravity.
Yuma Michaels, Duarte

SINGLE SOLUTION
Your October sudoku said, “The solution is unique.” But there are two solutions—clearly not unique!
Richard Terasaki, Rolling Hills Estates

Merl Reagle’s Response: I wish I had a dollar for all the guys who say they’ve found alternate solutions to our sudokus! What all of these well-intended folks have done is copy the original wrong. Just one number missing or out of place, and the whole puzzle is changed. That’s not to say we’ll never make a mistake, but the chances are really, really remote (knock on wood).

POETT-IC JUSTICE
Holy cow. What a treat to finally find something new to read in the Los Angeles Times that is positive, exciting and diverse. Your Santa Barbara ranch story (“Almost Heaven”) was excellent. Being a lifelong cowboy and avocado consumer, I was elated to view the great western photos taken by Kurt Markus.
Chris R. Dryden, Dubois, Wyoming

PLAUDITS
I couldn’t wait for the new issue of LA to grace my doorstep. And once again, it did not disappoint. My only request is that you be careful not to focus too heavily on things (architecture, cars, food). Continue to be different, and stay true to the soul of your first issue. People are the glue of Los Angeles, and the ones you featured just happen to be pursuing extraordinary professions.
Kurt Patino, Burbank

I’d like to congratulate you on having redesigned, made relevant and turned out a beautiful, well-written and thoughtful magazine. In these times when attention spans are measured in seconds, you have created a publication worthy of hours. I’ve picked it up three times, and it’s not too ponderous, like that magazine from the other coast—no offense to them.
Leslie Lindeman, Pasadena

Thank you for this magazine. I love the variety, the format and the photos. I had almost given up on the L.A. Times, but you rescued it. Best of luck. I believe in angels, too.
Ewa Witt, Culver City

ONE MORE THING
Dear Influenza,
Every year, Flu, I give my family a Christmas list that includes fun things like electronics, books and hoodies. (I love hoodies. It’s a problem, and I’m aware of it.) But every year I get something I didn’t ask for—you. EVERY year.

The worst “gift” you gave me one year was the 104-degree fever that landed me in the ER—on Christmas morning. While others opened presents, I sat in a toilet-paper gown, waiting to throw up in a plastic bowl. We couldn’t celebrate for days because I was too sick to do anything but sleep (and drool). My family always reminds me how I ruined Christmas—not you but me. Thanks bunches.

So please don’t spread your “joy” into my life this season. I’ll give up hoodies if you’ll go away for good. (Which will be a problem for me, but I’m aware of it.)
Jennifer

P.S.: Sure, I could get a flu shot, but everybody I know who got it got the flu. That’s not based on scientific fact, but that’s how I roll. (Yet another problem, but I’m aware of it.)