Letters for May 8, 2008

Ted Puffer mattered
Re “101 Who Mattered” (Feature story, April 10):

“Lists are always controversial.” Indeed. Here is the dialogue you expected to inspire. In an article titled “The List: 101 Who Mattered,” how in the world could you have omitted Ted Puffer? Not only did he create and sustain Nevada Opera, the state’s oldest performing arts company, but he taught, coached and provided performing opportunities for a large number of the musicians praised in your article. Toni Tennille, Cami Thompson, CeCe Gable, the entire Lenz family would be among the many on your list who I believe would agree with me. Maestro Ted Puffer was an icon, a musical genius. Because of his 40 years of dedication to music and performing arts in Nevada, we have an internationally recognized opera company. Among others who worked with Ted and Nevada Opera and who should have been on your list is Bill Hecht, a brilliant jazz pianist. And what about Dolora Zajick? You chose to eliminate her? She is the international opera world’s reigning mezzo soprano (Opera News Magazine), and a Reno resident, a UNR graduate, and a frequent performer with Nevada Opera over the years. What does it take to “matter?” Dolora credits Ted Puffer with discovering and developing her voice and providing her with performance opportunities that have resulted in her amazing international career. How you could have omitted a person of Ted Puffer’s stature from your list of most influential musicians in Northern Nevada is beyond me. The fact that Ted is no longer with us should not diminish his amazing contribution.

Kathleen Kimmel
Reno

Sweetness/sadness
Re “An affair to remember” (Wedding guide, Jan. 25):</p<p>I came across Kat Kerlin’s story while looking for a perfect memorial keepsake for my granddaughters. You see my youngest son died at 36 years old in June 2003, leaving a 7-year-old daughter; she is now 12. My oldest son lost his wife to a drunk driver crash in August 2004 leaving 9-year-old twin daughters; they are now 13. I found a crystal oil candle that can be engraved that I will have for the girls to use at their weddings should they want to. I know by now Kat Kerlin is married, and I also know in my heart she had her day as she had planned it. It was after all Kat’s day, and she is allowed to grieve the way she needed to, and we must always remember our loved ones. If any at Kat’s wedding may have thought it wasn’t handled just the way they thought it should have been, then we only hope and pray they never have to go through losing a parent so young. My Dad died when I was 30, and it’s neither fair nor easy. But, I tell you the truth, it is much harder to bury a son before his time. You never want to be a member of that club. Anyway, Kat’s story touched my heart. I will always remember Kat’s first name. You see I just hired a new girl for the front desk, and her name is Kat—she starts tomorrow! God bless her marriage real good!

Ann McCright
Bakersfield, CA

Head’s up
Re “Save the web” (Editorial, April 24):

Thank you for your publication of “Save the web.” I recently came across various references to “web neutrality” and “tiered internet.” This article helps me see the issues although I would have to agree with David P. McClure (Letters to the editor, May 1) that there is a bit of confusion there. But I would not agree with his language in describing the confusing points.

I definitely do not agree with Mr. McClure that large interests including the telecommunications industry always put public interests ahead of their own aggrandizement. What is even worse are the attempts by the current administration in Washington to suborn the media in order to present only their side of issues. He uses the phrases: “has little relevance to most consumers, “overwhelming majority of consumers agree,” and “no threats to the rights of most consumers.” Really? I think Mr. McClure is in for a rude awakening as more print and online media take a look at these issues critically and as more social activists become involved.

Finally, it is true that there are crazies on the internet. But isn’t it true that’s better than the not-so-crazies being excluded?

John D. Daniels

RenoSmall world
Re “Now, that’s Italian” (FoodFinds, April 24):

Hi there in Reno, I guess much traditional peasant Italian food such as pasta is simple, but I wonder why you call it simplistic. Too simple for its own good perhaps or too simple to impress the serious minds of the fast-eatin’ Reno set? I have never considered cheesecake an Italian dessert, but, hey, stuff changes, right? So perhaps I’m just being simplistic about the nomenclature of European dishes. Bon appetit/buon apetito.

Joni Farthing
Toulouse, Midi Pyrenees