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RE reader Petra Gilbert's questioning Jane Fonda's qualifications to speak out on the war in Iraq [Letters, July 30]: Fonda, as an American citizen, has not only the right but the obligation to express her opinions openly regarding government policies. As was the case with her views regarding Vietnam, Fonda speaks for many other Americans, myself included, who oppose the war in Iraq. That's "who the Sam Hill" she is! RODNEY L. JOHNSON Seal Beach

I've just returned from a two-week visit to London and Paris. If you're heading over and art is important to you, avoid the giant museums and think small. In London, seek out the Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House, the Royal Academy; the Wallace Collection; and the Clore Gallery of the Tate Britain, housing its Turners. In Paris, the Musée Marmottan Monet, loaded with some of Monet's best; the Musée Delacroix (early works); and the Musée de l'Orangerie (surround yourself with Monet's waterlilies)

Some answers to readers' airline questions: Question: I understand that London's Heathrow Airport has a horrendous arrival fee. Is the same true for Stansted and Gatwick, London's two other airports? Answer: I'm not sure if you're referring to the airport landing fee, which is assessed based on the size of the aircraft and does vary from airport to airport but is paid directly by the airline, or Britain's air passenger duty, which is, essentially, a tax levied on airline tickets and varies depending on the class of service (economy or premium)

Siesta Suites Hotel is a charming place, in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but serenely peaceful. It's small (20 suites with kitchens ) but comfortable. There is a long patio for relaxing and enjoying the gardens and the odd bird tweet, yet the Giggling Marlin and the Jungle are only a block or so away. It's professionally managed with friendly help. Siesta Suites Hotel, Calle Emiliano Zapata, Cabo San Lucas; (866) 271-0952, http://www.cabosiestasuites.com . Standard room or suite, $69 a night; penthouse, $80 a night.

The financial crisis fueled anger with the world's "takers" - those people who "like to get more than they give," in author Adam Grant's pithy definition. Everyone is searching for a sustainable formula for recovery that not only curbs damaging self-interest but also promotes a meaningful alternative. Here it is. Grant's new book, "Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success," published by Viking, is perfectly timed and beautifully weighted. An organizational psychologist, Grant crushes the assumption that me-first takers always reach the top of the ladder.

Check any correct answer to the following question: What is 42? a) the number worn by Jackie Robinson when he played with the Brooklyn Dodgers. b) a movie about Robinson's courage in breaking baseball's color barrier in 1947. c) the number of games the Dodgers will win this season. Doug Thomson West Los Angeles :: Perhaps the Dodgers should just put everybody on the disabled list and call it a season. Sterling Buckingham Canyon Country :: I finally figured out what the Dodgers' motto this year means.

It's not often that an article appearing deep inside the paper touches a nerve with readers. But the story of a 2-year-old Kentucky toddler accidentally shot and killed by her 5-year-old brother with a rifle he received as a gift drew nearly a dozen letters, a sizable haul for a short article appearing on Page A-13 of Thursday's Times. Reader Lynn Segal of Woodland Hills, whose letter was published Friday, objected to the article being "relegated" to inside the paper, arguing that "firearms responsibility is one of the top issues of our time.

We recently stayed at Dinah's Garden Hotel in Palo Alto. It's set in six beautifully landscaped acres, with a swimming pool, lake, ducks, blossoming cherry trees, Asian sculptures and large rooms with all the comforts you could want. Very reasonable rates and a helpful and gracious staff. Dinah's Garden Hotel, 4261 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; (650) 493-2844, http://www.dinahshotel.com . Lee Soskin Studio City

This talk of whether the Lakers should re-sign Dwight Howard is a no-brainer. D12 is the superstar the Lakers need to build their future on. Fans and the media have been too hard on a guy recovering from serious back surgery, forced to take a back seat to Kobe, trying to perform in the wrong system while being coached by the wrong coach and all the while trying to live up to Shaq-sized expectations. We all better give him a break or he will take the first offer out of town and leave the Lakers and us fans holding the bag. Gino Cirignano Playa del Rey :: Advice to Dwight Howard: Move on. The Lakers are not the team for you, at least not now. You are a very good player but not a leader like Chris Paul to the Clippers.

A child runs past a mural on Brooks Avenue in Venice in this image by Michael Ares. The image was taken on April 13 with a Nikon D7000. Follow Armand Emamdjomeh on  Twitter  or  Google+ . Each week, we're featuring photos of Southern California submitted by readers. Share your photos on our  Flickr page  or  reader submission gallery .  Follow us on Twitter  or visit  latimes.com/socalmoments  for more on this photo series.