Fortune Cookies

* Re “The Sage of Fortune Cookies,” Nov. 4: I’ve saved some cookie fortunes over the years. I thought I’d share two:

“You will get a new inspiration soon, but unfortunately it won’t be any better than the others you have had.” Hong Kong Noodle Co. (Ha!)

“You will be fortunate in everything you put your hands on.” Panda Express. (Wow!)

The best slip I’ve found in a fortune cookie wasn’t a fortune. I photocopied and enlarged this one and had it framed over my desk: “This person is serious and true and deserves to be respected.” (No company name on the back.)

And yes, I do believe in fortune cookies.

JEAN BRANDT

Encino

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* My quiet moment on Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and a bagel is the only relaxing time I get to enjoy the newspaper. And this article has just made my day. After reading it, I had to go to our jar of collected fortune cookies and open one, which said “Happiness is an attitude.” I’ll probably play those six numbers in tonight’s Lotto.

Thanks, my day is shining.

PAUL J. KRAJESK

Agoura Hills

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* The fortune cookie writer profiled would have his workload doubled in Canada, where the country’s bilingual laws apparently require that messages be written in English and French. Last year, while dining at a Chinese restaurant in a small Alberta town, I received a fortune cookie with the message: “You would be a good lawyer”/”Vous seriez un bon avocat.” I am, in fact, an attorney; it was oddly reassuring to have my choice of profession validated by a cookie.

RUSSELL W. CLAMPITT

Long Beach