A Nazca Lines-like mystery in Kazakhstan

Ancient mysteries

The article “Etched in Time” by Hilary MacGregor (Nov. 1), which speculates about the motivation behind the Nazca Lines in Peru, is timely, especially in view of the recent announcement by NASA of mysterious ancient earthworks in Kazakhstan. The site, like the one in Peru, may be best viewed from space. Viewers see what looks like the back of an envelope, but what in fact are many raised mounds over a huge distance. What these works represent, who knows?

But let us recall that it was Shakespeare who wrote, “There are more things in heaven and earth.”

David Tulanian

Los Angeles

When in Rome ...

Regarding the letter about restricted driving in Rome (Oct. 18): My husband and I traveled to Italy in 2010, staying in Rome, driving to Florence and Massa Lubrense and back to Rome. Rome and Florence are “ring” cities, with residents and business owners who live/work within the ring able to drive/park there. It’s not unlike areas in Orange County and L.A. where certain streets are only for those who reside there, and residents have specific tags on their vehicles.

We made sure that we knew the boundaries and used our rental car only outside the rings in Florence and Rome. I believe the information was available from the rental car company and in tour books I had read.

I’m sure the violations were unintended, but reading up on the rules of the road ahead of time can save headaches.

Jane Gottlieb

Orange

Vegas, a real page-turner

Regarding “Literary Las Vegas? Jackpot!” by Dawn-Michelle Baude, Oct. 25: When one hears the words “Vegas” or “Sin City,” among the things that come to mind are all-night happenings, giant jackpots, a run on the dice and “he had too much to drink.” What usually doesn’t come to mind: “literary pilgrimage,” “literary landmarks” and being ranked in the top 25 U.S. cities for public library holdings.

As much partying as Vegas is known for, reading is on an equal level. I’m a Vegas-type person who enjoys spending an occasional few days in Sin City doing what most typical visitors do, so I must admit I’m guilty of not turning a lot of pages.

But for people like me without the proverbial thirst for reading, our personal Vegas experiences would no doubt fill a plethora of literary-type rhetoric.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach

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Baude really did her homework on literary Las Vegas. Can’t wait to return and see Sin City in a whole new light. Another reason I’m drawn back is Lee Mallory’s weekly poetry readings featuring local poets and musicians. Mallory is an Orange County transplant who facilitated readings there for years.

Diane Dorman

Mission Viejo