WDET’s betrayal
We were glad to see some mention of WDET’s changes in programming in the News Hits column (“Making airwaves,” Metro Times, Oct. 20), as we, and many of our friends, are very angry and disappointed at the decisions that have been made. We have supported WDET for many years and did so because of the diversity of programming. We now feel a real sense of betrayal. They did not “cut several national programs,” they cut almost all of them except Morning Edition and All Things Considered. What is going on? What is Caryn Mathes thinking? If programs like the Detroit jewel Folks Like Us have a good following, why would she turn that into a negative? Also, this station, which we thought was so “warm and fuzzy,” not only didn’t inform the listeners prior to the program changes, they did not even inform Matt Watroba or Larry McDaniel until the Thursday before their demise. Has WDET become another corporation that has little concern for its employees or its listeners? We’re wondering if WDET is forgetting that its diversity of listeners is a positive, not a negative. Wanting to have a continuous audience reminds us of the marketing schemes of all of the commercial radio stations in Detroit. Maybe it’s time for Caryn to go “commercial” and give the citizens of Detroit back our public radio station! —Jack & Audrey Chase, Detroit
Bush’s bad faith
Having read Jack Lessenberry’s weekly column “Saving the nation, the only choice” (Metro Times, Oct. 27), I must admit his comments were “off the hook.” I hear the viewpoint of the Christian evangelicals that says that Mr. Bush, with all his negatives, is at least a proponent of “morality” and against the killing of babies (as in partial birth abortion), etc., and therefore a Christian should not in good faith support the other candidate. However, my common sense tells me if it looks like a duck and quacks likes a duck, it’s a duck. In other words: I do not buy the “Christian George” story. If Mr. Bush can lie as I believe he has (repeatedly), support the Swift Boat guys and continue to smear and tear down his opponent in a less-than-honorable fashion, my guess is, he is no more Christian than the next person. So, my kudos for a very well-written article. —Debra Guilbeaux, Detroit
A liberal dose of humor
Your review of Team America (Metro Times, Oct. 20) is almost right on the money, though I have to disagree upon one point: I thought making fun of the self-righteousness of liberal Hollywood actors was the highlight of the film, not the low-point! Could the movie have made fun of Fox News or Dubya? Sure, but considering that’s been tackled by most liberal comedians already, what fun is that?
It’s sadly amusing how most liberals who’ve seen Team America despise it; guess it’s proof they can dish it but can’t take it. —Jonathon Kecskes, St. Clair Shores
Angry about “goofy”
I read the “Letters to the editor” in the Oct. 27 issue regarding Proposal 2. Re: the person who wrote the letter that read (and I quote) “They are people who have never really grown up mentally, don’t care who they hurt. … I don’t want to pay for your AIDS because you were goofy.” Obviously, you have not grown up mentally. Have you checked the statistics of AIDS victims? It’s not high among the gay community, it’s high among the heterosexual community. —Danyell Moseley, Detroit
Roadhouse blues
Re: “Grub heaven beckons” (Metro Times, Oct. 13), after several delays and much anticipation we finally made our way to Zingerman’s Roadhouse about a month ago. Having had many an excellent sandwich from Zingerman’s Deli, it’s a regular destination for us when visiting Ann Arbor. The meal we had at the Roadhouse did not provide enough reason for a return trip.
The macaroni and cheese, indeed, was very good. We had to order it, because, to paraphrase John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, we had to know what $15 macaroni and cheese tasted like. The menu, as stated, did offer quite an array of tantalizing entrées. Our waitress was kind enough to bring us a sample of their barbecue, as we were experiencing a bit of indecision. They need to consult with the Metro Times’ Food Guy if they intend to keep that item on the menu.
I settled on sturgeon, as much for its rarity as any other reason. Some stones are best left unturned. We can’t even remember what my in-laws ordered as the selections were so lackluster.
We do, however, remember the onion rings, a guilty pleasure of ours. I hope some will recall the item from the now long-departed Home Sweet Home in Novi as an example of what they can be. At the Roadhouse they were so inedible that we sent them back. Even the kitchen agreed with our assessment. The replacement was barely an improvement.
When planning your next itinerary to Ann Arbor, stick with the Deli. —Randle Samuels, Hartland
Lay off Clay
Your so-called piece of journalism on Clay Aiken (“Morrissey vs. Clay Aiken,” Metro Times, Oct. 13) was disgraceful. Clay’s obviously got more class in his little finger than you have in your entire body. Why can the man not be praised for his talent and success without being bashed by no-talents seeking a laugh? —Mary Ann Everett, Kinston, N.C.
Only famous people important
I read your story on Clay Aiken with interest. I have never read anything you have written before. I will say that your opinions are different than mine. I am a big fan of Clay Aiken. I watched him come to life on American Idol. I have bought every one of his CDs. You know what, my friend? You may be a good writer, maybe even a great writer, but more of us have heard about Clay Aiken than we have of you. I know we have also heard more of John Grisham, Danielle Steel and even Erma Bombeck. When you reach that point in your career when more people have heard of you than have not heard of you, that is when you have something important to say. Have a good day. —Doris Ballard, Russellville, Ark.
Critics just jealous
After reading such a disgusting article, I can only assume you’re a bigot. I found your article extremely insulting — and a slap in the face, to not only Clay but to his fans who appreciate his voice and morals. Finally there’s music out there that is listenable. We’re tired of watching wannabes who have to grab their crotch because they can’t sing. Radio as we know it today is in for a rude awakening. Clay is genuine, and you critics better get used to it. Apparently you’re just jealous or envious of his celebrity. —Karen Rockal, Trenton, N.J.
Critics just want attention
Yeah, yeah — we know that people like Serene Dominic write articles about Clay Aiken so they will get attention and get swamped with e-mail from “Claymates.”
My only words to Mr. Dominic is that Clay was voted Sexiest Singer over the likes of Justin, Usher and Enrique because he doesn’t prance around like his shit don’t stink like they do. Ah, jealousy is not pretty, is it, Mr. Dominic? —Pam Bohannan, Magnolia, Ark.
More of the Clay affray
Obviously, you are an idiot. Your article is trash. I’ve never heard of Morrissey. To compare him to Clay is a waste of everyone’s time. Get a real life. —Shirley Collins, Lancaster, Texas
You can have him
Regarding all those letters about Clay Aiken (Letters to the editor, Metro Times, Oct. 20), I have never been a big fan of American Idol, but these overly zealous fans need to take a chill pill. For one thing, no one can deny how Clay Aiken comes across. I mean he is constantly shoved down our throats, even more so post-American Idol.
Secondly, you can have him. If, when all the glamour and glitz have washed away, Clay turns out to be gay — no thanks! We in the gay community don’t need yet another “closet” twink boy to come out so we can feel like we have made it. Take it from the queerest of queers, he can sing; but, dear God, I hope he swings the other way. —Neil Moore, Detroit
Errata: Due to an editing error, in “It’s a small world after all” (Metro Times, Oct. 20), the name of the “institute” that houses the International Mini-Café was not given in the review. It is the International Institute. Also, in our story about the Gorilla Funk Mob (“Funk, yeah,” Metro Times, Oct. 27), the photo should have been credited to Jill Switala.
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