Appreciation

Congratulations to Barry Siegel for one of the most well-balanced pieces of reporting that I have come across in a long time ("The Whale Man," Dec. 8). I was afraid of reading about how Navy sonar is killing whales, thinking that perhaps I would end up so furious at the Navy that it would wreck my day. Instead I found myself sobered by an even presentation of the facts and an appreciation for an issue that is complex and unfinished. I take heart that the work of Ken Balcomb, Joseph S. Johnson and U.S. Magistrate Elizabeth D. LaPorte is in play and on the table.

This year in the World Champion, I have read about the lack of responsibility by two local college football players, an appreciation of Jim Healy, a look at the excessive coverage of high school athletes signing with college teams, among many other excellent columns by a single individual. Where'd you find this Dwyre kid, anyway? DOUG THOMSON Los Angeles

Several members of our lawn bowling club in Long Beach were delighted with your recent article (Southeast/Long Beach sections, July 31) and, as secretary, the group urged me to write expressing our great appreciation for the story. We players thoroughly enjoy the game and the fellowship with friends. We truly hope to welcome new members and trust such stories as yours will help toward that goal. --HAROLD KEY Long Beach

Sharon Dirlam's article " 'Tis Soon the Season" (Oct. 19) drew more inquiries on our deluxe annual Christmas/New Year Holidays than all of the advertisements that have appeared on the trips this year. It is encouraging for me to know that there is one travel writer in the United States who has an appreciation for the unusual and deluxe holidays which we offer. We have repeat guests on each trip. WILLIAM D. BUCKMAN Traveltime Chicago

YOUR focus on bread ["Start Simple, Finish Big" by Amy Scattergood, Sept. 27] and its various forms (fougasse being one of my favorites -- and what a great picture of it on the front page!) provoked me to send along a note of appreciation. There's a reason my license plate frame says "I'd Rather Be Baking Bread." RANDY CLEMENS Los Angeles

Re "Catholic confessions," Opinion, April 16 I am not a Catholic, but in a day when the extreme religious right and various esoteric forms of Christianity are causing so much confusion to both individuals and society, I read with deep appreciation Gregory Rodriguez's modest, reasoned yet firm convictions regarding the value of church affiliation. Mr. Rodriguez, you are an inspiration to many of us. KENNETH DALE Claremont

Re "Night and Day, Van Gogh Is the One This Weekend," May 16: I don't know if such gratitude has already been expressed--if it hasn't, I'm certain hundreds of thousands of persons wish to express our appreciation and thankfulness to all those who gave to us the magnificent exhibition and catered to us. Personally, I wish to offer a prayer of thanks to the Almighty for Vincent van Gogh. NIMROD TORKOMIAN Victorville

Extend my highest compliments to photographer Wally Skalij for his powerful image of the nun crossing the basement of the Doheny Mansion ("Our Life of Prayer," Nov. 22). It is a wonderful piece of journalistic art. I hope that eventually it finds its way into gallery showings, museums and national art publications. My compliments also to his editors for featuring the image so prominently. I hasten to add that my appreciation of this unique photograph is prompted strictly by my awe of its artistic quality, not the religious aspects.