Untold story of Ledger

RE “6-Drug Combo Blamed,” by Paul Lieberman, Feb. 7: The widespread misuse and abuse of prescribed medications is largely an untold story, one about which few have concern until a case like that of Heath Ledger comes into the public consciousness.

Ledger appeared to have everything one could want and what few are fortunate enough to be granted: great looks, the ability to act and earn a spectacular amount of money, and the adulation of adoring fans. Even with all of these attributes, he was unable to live his life without vast pharmaceutical aids. His was a tragic end that is incomprehensible and one that has brought untold misery to the loved ones he leaves behind.

Oren M. Spiegler

Upper St. Clair, Pa.

A hypocrite?

Iread with interest your profile on the novelist Lydia Millet, who worked at Larry Flynt Publications 15 years ago and is apparently still mining it for material [“Lydia Millet Really Goes to Extremes,” by Scott Timberg, Jan. 30]. Millet’s characterization of Barely Legal magazine as “particularly vile” is very surprising. By condemning Barely Legal, Millet is condemning every person who reads it.

It’s disappointing when any novelist passes judgment on people, but especially so when the novelist is known for her “unlikable” characters and is lauded for her ability “to see through certain hypocrisies.”

Speaking of which, if Millet truly believed that the magazine was vile, why did she continue working there? Oh, yeah – to earn her “MFA” by exploiting people she regarded as reprehensible. Does she have the same contempt for her fictional characters? If so, I guess I won’t be reading any of her novels.

Lisa Jenio

Beverly Hills

The writer is executive editor of Barely Legal magazine.

Hurt by strike

Thank you for “Portrait From the Strike: Left Out to Dry by a Trickle-Down Effect” [Paul Brownfield, Feb. 1]. I am a relief worker for entertainment industry workers, from hairdressers to boom operators, and I can tell you that these are the people who need to be highlighted in the press. From Santa Clarita to Santa Ana, thousands of families are in trouble as the third month sans paycheck rolls around. Savings are used up and mortgage payments still come due. In addition, the emotional stress of having a family member out of work for such a long time wreaks havoc on relationships.

I am not on the side of Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers or the Writers Guild of America. I am on the side of getting back to work. I don’t know why more politicians aren’t screaming about the toll this is taking on California’s economy.

Tracy Greene Mintz

Redondo Beach