Feedback: Why type when you can write?

Buried within Laila Lalami’s entertaining essay [“The Power of Procrastination,” June 24] are the words “the blank screen.” Therein lies her problem. For years, well-intentioned friends have urged me to use a computer instead of writing longhand on yellow lined paper, because, they say, “it is faster.” That’s why I don’t do it. I want to savor each word, shape each sentence and luxuriate in the sound of my writing. Tomorrow, may I suggest, Lalami might like to return to the way the majority of us continue to write -- with paper and pen.

Dale Salwak

Glendora

Anchored in network news

Regarding: “America’s at Sea Without a (Network News) Anchor” [June 16]. Mary McNamara couldn’t be more right about the gravely diminished stature of contemporary news anchors. Once, networks valued coherence and trustworthiness in their news anchors, presuming that audiences strove to be enlightened. But that was before the advent of reality TV. society is paying a steep price, as our abject presidential campaign confirms. So sad, that Cronkite-esque gravitas seems forever lost.

Nancy Stone

Santa Monica

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You failed to mention Scott Pelley, managing editor of CBS News, anchor of “CBS Evening News” and a correspondent on “60 Minutes.” He never ceases to amaze me and never ceases to garner my praise and trust as a purveyor of current events.

Kevin Rafferty

La Cañada Flintridge

Man? Animal? What’s the diff?

Regarding: “The lawyer fighting for animal rights in ‘Unlocking the Cage’ asks: ‘What kind of being are you?’” [June 24]. The documentary “Unlocking the Cage” did give me some hope that after centuries, man is on the cusp or tipping point of coming to a better appreciation of the worth of animal life.

Elaine Livesey-Fassel

Los Angeles

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The lawyer fighting for animal rights asks: “What kind of being are you?” We are all connected. A man is a pig, is a boy, is a dog. It’s all the same, except that certain species don’t have voices. It’s important that we treat them with respect if we want respect. It’s one of the things: What comes around goes around.

Matt Bogusz

New Providence

‘Zootopia’ had potential. But ...

I just wanted to thank you for declaring “Zootoopia” as overrated [“Overrated/Underrated,” June 26]. I was very disappointed in the film. It was simplistic and so concentrated on delivering its message that it sacrificed its story to do so. A pity, as the story itself had potential. I am glad I am not the only one who has failed to be dazzled by it.

Erica Garbutt

Laguna Beach

(Mis)fortunes of Zappa estate

Regarding: “It’s brother and sister against brother and sister in bitter fight over control of Frank Zappa’s legacy” [June 24]. The apple does not fall far from the tree. A mean mom begets a mean child.

Donna Miodovski

Torrance

MOCA, this one’s for you

I was excited to see your piece on Chase [“Restoring the Portrait of an Artist: How a new exhibition is giving William Merritt Chase his due,” June 23], but then disappointed to discover the show is not even coming here. Sometimes, I think I live in a cow town. It would be a perfect show for MOCA.

Alex Tavoularis

Los Angeles

A highlight of her TV viewing

The writer of Sunday Calendar’s “TV This Week” is the unsung hero to those of us old-timers who love a paper guide and want help culling through the many programs each day. Your wit is refreshing, and I truly look forward to reading the clever blurbs about selected programs. I realize this column isn’t the height of a journalist’s career aspirations, but please know that your time and efforts are enjoyed and appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Louise Cunningham

Signal Hill

[Editor’s note: Our thanks also to “TV This Week” writer Matt Cooper.]

Won’t get fooled again by HBO

Regarding “Quick Takes: HBO Scratches ‘Vinyl’ ” [June 22]. I’d forgotten why I wait a few seasons to watch an HBO series. Otherwise, you are unceremoniously dropped off the boat mid-voyage. Since I loved the “Vinyl” series, I guess I’m not surprised. “Vinyl” was the best thing Mick Jagger has ever done. It was his view of the business, which is filled with low-life no-talents ripping off those with the talent. Thank you, HBO, for reminding me not to start any more of your new series.

Paul Zimmelman

Marina del Rey

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