Santos

Based on John Weyler's article, ("Crowin', Flowin', Throwin' and Mowin' 'em Down," March 31), pitcher Chuck Finley seems to approach each start like an artist facing a blank canvas, with enough talent and drive to inspire himself and his teammates. Weyler has convinced me that the California Angels, with the big left-hander leading the way, just might not fall short again this year. Clarence B. Santos Adelanto

Your cover story on Carol Burnett ("Bump Up the Lights," by Barbara Isenberg, Dec. 21) was absolutely fascinating. Burnett is truly a comedienne's comedienne, who has been supported by an outstanding cast of characters. Unlike many of today's comics, she doesn't need four-letter words and double-entendres to convulse an audience with her humor. Clarence E. D. Santos Adelanto

Basketball organizations need to be reminded that the players, not the coach, win games. Coaches get blamed for entirely too much. If anything, Mike Schuler failed at the other delicate level of coaching: keeping his players' egos in check and maintaining a high team spirit in the face of adversity. CLARENCE B. SANTOS, Los Angeles

I have enjoyed the "Columbo" series for many years and was very pleased with the new film "Columbo Goes to College." In an age of Rambos, commandos and other characters who disappear like the wind, it is a pleasure to see Lt. Columbo endure and grow-especially with the same old Columbo hero, so ably portrayed by Peter Falk. Clarence B. Santos, Los Angeles

Henry Chu's "A King's Lasting Impression" was superb [Foreign Briefing, May 3]. King Henry VIII's founding of the British naval power not only changed the world of the early 1500s but was also instrumental in Britain's victory over Germany in WWII. Without Britain's emphasis on naval strength dating to Henry VIII's time, Germany would've invaded England and our world would be very different. Evan Dale Santos Adelanto

If they made a movie about Robert Daly ("Hemorrhaging Dodger Blue," by James Bates, March 12), a young Jimmy Stewart might play the lead. Daly has that same original, all-American quality--that of a friendly, modest man who exudes fundamental decency and common sense. However dire a crisis the Dodgers may face, Daly's calm voice always would have a way of reassuring the team. Clarence Evan Dale Santos Adelanto

My favorite TV personality is Ted Koppel of "Nightline." He is in control not only of those he interviews, but also of the medium itself. Who else can look straight into the camera and tell his network's affiliates that since he has a few more questions to ask, the show will run an extra 20 minutes? He knows when his audience wants more and knows, too, when it's time to say "Good night." Clarence B. Santos, Los Angeles

When the nominations for the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards were announced, the absence of Aventura seemed like a glaring omission. After all, for the last 16 weeks, the Bronx-bred quartet has held the No. 1 spot on the Latin album charts with "The Last," their latest recombination of spit-polished R&B grooves, frisky reggaeton beats and bachata(music), the angst-ridden genre of rural romantic music born in the countryside of the Dominican Republic. So far, the record has spun off three hit singles and helped the group sell out concert arenas across the country, including tonight's gig at Staples Center, with a second show Wednesday evening.