I understand that the Mason Jar isn't the most "fashionable" place in town, but those of us who are associated with the place don't care. It's the only place in town where we can go and not get society's "culture" rammed down our throats. It's not much, but we call it home.
Find somewhere else to make a pet project for your "culture."
Mike Carter
Phoenix
Flash Card
Flashboy, you are the reason I make sure to pick up New Times every week. That and the fact that your paper is the only non-establishment paper in the Valley of the Gun.
I loved your "Spare Us" blurb on Davy Libidowitz (Flashes, June 11). Also, thank you for being one of the few journalists willing to take on Joke. I remember when Libidowitz first wrote for the Tribute, he was Joke's lapdog.
Jim Brigham
via Internet
Writer's Digest
There have been many occasions on which I have wanted to scribble a letter to the editor after reading New Times. I always envisioned it being a congratulatory pat on the back for a job well done. Unfortunately, that letter will have to be written another day. Today is the day I finally write the letter I have pondered writing since you hired Barry Graham to fill the void normally occupied by Screed.
Interesting premise--hire a Scotsman to give his viewpoint on Phoenix and its culture, or lack thereof. He convinces New Times that he has something worthwhile to say, then offers up line after line of crap.
At least when Screed seemed to be about nothing in particular, there was some insight or thought-provoking underlying message there. When Mr. Graham writes about having diarrhea ("The Cowering Inferno," May 28) in an attempt to prove he is manly (which, by the way, hasn't convinced me), he is merely talking about diarrhea. While reading Graham's columns, I can't help but feel I'm listening to the drunken ravings of a washed-up loser at a 15-year reunion. Actually, it's more like suffering through the immature prattlings of someone who just turned 21 and is subtly trying to convince everyone he is all grown up by making as many references as possible to alcohol and bars. How revolting. Then, to top it off, I'm supposed to feel some sort of sympathy or empathy toward the criminalistic scum of society by reliving Barry's little "I almost committed murder and armed robbery" story.
You haven't hired a thought-provoking, entertaining writer. You have hired an immature, crap-spouting, criminal-minded, socialist, bleeding-heart brat. If there's so much wrong with America and its citizens, why doesn't he go back to Scotland? I know, if he had to wear the kilt, we would all see why he's constantly having to "prove" his manliness by committing crimes and drinking vast amounts of liquor before riding carnival rides.
Gary Kahland
Phoenix
Born in New Mexico and having had a chile pepper as a pacifier, I haven't stopped laughing. Thanks for a great article. I have mailed copies to New Mexico, and they've enjoyed it as much! Gracias.
Dan Otero
via Internet
