Wknd Feedback

I think Maria Elena Fernandez's parents have it right ("The All-Male Clan of the Cave Bears," March 20). What her papa said hits the nail on the head about fear and sharing those fears with the woman a man loves. It seems that those guys who focus on this introspective, soul-searching stuff are really in love with someone else rather than their partners -- themselves! When I need to, I retreat and come out refreshed with a new perspective. But since we are Latinos, what we must have closest to our hearts and souls is treating people with respect, civility and honor.

I was appalled to read about the further cuts to PBS and NPR proposed by Congress ["$115-Million Cut in Public Broadcasting Clears Panel," by Matea Gold, June 8]. Whatever happened to government serving the public good? Instead, all this Congress wants to do is create war, restrict civil liberties and provide tax cuts to the rich. Shameful! CINDY MEDIAVILLA Culver City

Any comic seeking an off-the-wall venue ["Amusing Asides," Jan. 25] should try making alfalfa seed growers laugh. As a comedienne who earns her living in the corporate convention market, I don't have to combat drunken hecklers, but it's tougher than you think writing company-specific material for dry bean producers, beauty school owners and executives at the Federal Reserve. Besides money and laughs, the payoff is learning about all the cool careers I missed out on -- I could've been a member of the Mushroom Institute.

Although grudgingly respectful by the end, Randy Lewis' critique of Emmylou Harris' concert ("Emmylou Harris Plays Safe," Oct. 9) dwelt largely on what he saw as Harris' lack of "edge" and courage, as evidenced by her artistic decision not to replay her brand-new album straight through (a la Neil Young's recent "Greendale" tour). What disturbs me is Lewis' very narrow sense of what counts as "risk" and "edge." In fact, the decisions Harris made for the evening -- including the one to open with the astonishing and resolutely non-alternative country sound of her guitarist, Buddy Miller -- could not possibly have been more radical.

Overall, I enjoyed Dean Kuipers' overview of the Big Three music stores in Los Angeles ("Where Do You Buy?" Dec. 19), though I don't agree with his lame assessment of Black Flag's songs as "nothing deeper than high school lunchroom conflicts." One negative: I would have appreciated a sidebar on trading in CDs, which would include the chain Wherehouse. Brendon Macaraeg Manhattan Beach

Your beautiful piece on your writing class at the Central Juvenile Hall ("What you learn when love is taken away," Feb. 13)was extremely touching. I have been a teacher of high school-age youth for over 30 years in Los Angeles. Your column brought back vivid memories. I hope, and suspect, that most of the young boys appreciate your sensitivity, compassion, caring and determination. Robert Wood Manhattan Beach As I prepare for my day as a high school English teacher at a highly regarded L.A. magnet school with children of privilege, I contemplate your article.

I came across your article ("We meet, we greet, then it's happily never after," Feb. 6), started reading it and was somewhat laughing, then realized that I have experienced all of the related feelings. As a divorced woman for six years, I went into this whole new dating world expecting at least that everyone was "just like me." Wrong.... I think you just have to go with "when you finally meet your special someone, it's ... well, it's magic." Darlene Delany Palos Verdes Estates

Re "Escaping to the races" (Feb 6): Thanks for capturing the essence of a day of racing. Jay Privman Daily Racing Form Carlsbad

I just had to drop you a line and thank you for your terrific article about the academy ribbons ("At the Oscar Lectern, Just Point to Your Ribbon," March 6). I worked as a consultant for a few years with the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and, much to my surprise, found that the personal/professional/ego/artistic issues were much less confusing than trying to figure out how/where/when to wear the right/wrong ribbons. The most sadly amusing part was when someone figured out that ribbon pins would put holes in women's gowns, thus creating the "ribbon peel-and-stick-ons" that have become fashionable.