Letters to the Editor

DISTAFF DEVOTION
What a charming story by Howard Rosenman about his lifelong obsession with Elizabeth Taylor. It was touching that he took the time to assist her grandson with his application to film school. But after all, Miss Taylor once hugged him to “the most famous tits in the world,” so he owed her. Tit for tat?
Peter Boam, San Pedro

I loved your article on Elizabeth Taylor. Most magazines write nostalgic stories that don’t have such a personal touch. Mr. Rosenman really made me laugh at his antics, which I can’t imagine anyone would have the guts to do today. All in all, your magazine is just fantastic.
Miles Roberts, Santa Monica

I can appreciate Howard Rosenman’s obsession with Liz Taylor. Thankfully, he didn’t pursue a career in investments with his easy proclivity to “...use the key privileges of some unknowing guests, charge our meals and massages to their rooms and delight in these great, luxurious ‘vacation’ days.” I can only ponder in horror how Bernie Madoff spent his youthful days.
Allene E. Swienckowski, Arcadia

GOING FOR THE GOLD
I’ve always been led to believe the Academy Awards is an event created to acknowledge superlative performances. Now, Lori Goldstein tells me it’s really a couturier competition in which the actresses are there to show how over the top and, in some cases, freaky they can look, in order to entertain a writer who claims she is now bored. No, Ms. Goldstein, Oscar night is not about you, the fashion industry or swan dresses. It is about rewarding fine artists for fine work, whether you think so or not.
Sylvia Lewis, Thousand Oaks

RUFF TREATMENT
I was so happy to see your cartoon on “Prop. 88.” Speaking for all the other golden receivers ( yes, golden receiver—it’s the returning I’m not so good at), we know no boundaries with our love. It would be so wonderful if all living creatures could be more like us! Unconditional love to all.
Zoe Treadwell, Summerland

MUSIC MAN
I thank you for bringing Nic Harcourt to LA. I have been a fan for his entire run on KCRW. As an old-time musician myself (I mean “old”—I was lucky enough to be a part of Sammy Davis Jr.’s career for 20 years), having him on board excites me. The first “Turn It Up” column was superb, and I especially appreciated Harcourt’s recommendations.
Phil Seymour, Encino

MOTHER OF A TALE
I wanted to commend you on the new LA, specifically on “Anita’s Girl.” Carole Bayer Sager combined pop culture with the depth of what many baby boomers are experiencing daily—the impending loss of a parent. It was a brilliant piece that showed no matter who we are, we all experience the grander trials and tribulations. It brought me tears and joy.
Leslye Kasoff, Sherman Oaks

Many thanks to you, your staff and Carole Bayer Sager for the personal story “Anita’s Girl.” It was a lovely, compassionate and touching reminiscence. Every now and then, a short piece like this appears in the Times and reminds me why yours is such a fine publication. Thank you again.
James P. Taylor, Claremont

Carole Bayer Sager wrote an extremely touching piece. My mother is 95, and in the last 10-plus years we have become extremely close. She is a treasure to me—her quick wit, her memory, her laughter and, most important, her love. As I was reading, I reminisced about my youth in Philadelphia and my years with my parents, and I thank you for reminding me how very similar we all are in the panoply of life.
Michael Nissman, Los Angeles

CHOCK-FUL O’ GOODNESS
What I like most about your magazine is it surprises me every time. I get used to some departments that seem to be regular, and in the next issue some come back and others appear. I love that—especially since they are all so interesting and so different from things other magazines cover.
George Martin, Anaheim

I laughed. I cried. I felt melancholy and curiosity. This is a keeper. I wish there were another 30 pages.
Gino Sullivan, West Hollywood

AND ANOTHER THING...
Dear Fashion Industry,
I’m worried. If the Fashion Police were real, I would be arrested daily. You see, I’m a 30-mumble-year-old woman who perpetually wears an item that has been deemed unfashionable, sloppy and (horribly) age-inappropriate for anyone over 18.

My name is Jennifer, and I’m addicted to hoodies!I own more than 30 hooded garments (even my bathrobe!), and sadly, if I ever ran into my idol, fashion guru Tim Gunn, he’d say, “I assert that you must give up the hoodie! Are you going to your job as a professional woman or as a high school gym teacher?” (Insert sad face here.)

So, Fashion Industry, bring the hoodie back into vogue so I can (a) fit in, (b) be comfortable and stylish and (c) not have to deal with the fact that Tim Gunn thinks I’m slobbing up America. As a gesture of compromise, I grant you permission to take away sweatpants with words on the backside. This would be a true gift to everyone!
Jennifer Eolin