Feedback from the Issue of Thursday, October 8, 2009

REST OF THE BEST

Editor's note: Below is an array of feedback from our "Best of Phoenix 2009" edition, also known as "Wonderland" (September 24). Readers loved and hated us, thought we were right-on and full of shit. Some of you thought our picks were inspired; others called us bad names ("idiot" and "moron" were popular). Some just wanted to offer their own suggestions as to what and who's best. Check it out:

It's a coaster! It's a fun-finder! It's a big, weird magazine!: You folks at New Times outdo yourselves every year with Best of Phoenix. It was an outstanding issue followed by an outstanding party. Way to go!

Every year, I keep the Best Of on my coffee table until the next one replaces it. I consult it weekly to discover a new place to dine, drink, or party. There is no resource like it in Phoenix.

I also like the snarky political items that are always in the issue.

Thank God for New Times; without you we would be adrift in stupidity and mediocrity around here.
Elizabeth Hanson, Phoenix

Actually, the longer you've been here, the more you appreciate the Cards: You know, you guys used to be hip to what was going on in this city, but you have gotten out of touch. Some of your stuff seems written by newcomers. Stop doing a Best Of until you hire some cooler/more in-touch people.

And who was it who wrote "Best Reason the Cardinals Will Be Better than Last Year" and "Best Local Owners of a Sports Franchise"? What an idiot!

Because judging from the beginning of the season — Beanie Wells or not — the Cards suck. They remind me of the Cardinals of old. Last year was a fluke. Way to prognosticate, dudes.

And to give the Bidwills "Best Local Owners"! If the Cardinals ever excel, it will be in spite of these skinflints. Get a handle on things again, New Times!
Tommy Gallegos, Phoenix

Fancy talking: Jeff Farias has one of the best liberal talk shows in the Valley ("Best Webcast that Should be a Radio Show").

He started out with the Truth to Power show with Kyrsten Sinema. At first I thought he was fair, at best, but over time and changes, he just gets better and better and more down to earth about liberal politics. I do believe his best days are yet to come.
Douglas Kladis, Mesa

Farias even impresses Scandinavians: I must say a few words, even if I don't know a thing about other talented people in Phoenix.

I'm from Sweden; our media is good and free. I had in mind to tune in to the BBC, when by accident I heard Jeff Farias' voice. That event was about three months ago, and it has turned my life upside down.

Jeff is unique. It's hard to understand how he manages to catch all the guests of global interest. It's also hard to understand how he can be so well informed on so many different topics. He must be a good organizer with good people around him.

Jeff has really proved that our world is small, and that it's best if we work in concert. With mutual respect, we can do it.
Kerstin Lindstroem, Sigtuna, Sweden

For the record: Dennis Gilman's stuff rocks ("Best Videographer")! This little guy has balls of steel, and he, more than anybody else in Arizona, is showing it like it is with the Nazi sheriff and his goons.

Check out Dennis' many videos [through the Feathered Bastard blog] in New Times and on YouTube. Way to go, Gilman!
Chris Adkins, Phoenix

We'll never know: This "Best Videographer" award should've gone to me instead of this communist punk.
Name withheld

Big drinks in crappy old buildings FTW: You have got to be kidding about Hanny's serving the "Best Old-School Martini"! Old-school means large, morons. Not tiny like at Hanny's.

Old-school also means you want to get drunk on your beverage, preferably in a dark place with red-leather booths, like Durant's.

I forget what Hanny's charges for a martini, but whatever Durant's charges (and, granted, it's a lot), you're getting more bang for your buck at D's.
Charles Hammer

Opening a can of Wop-ass: Thank God your restaurant writers saw the light and returned this honor back to Marcellino's ("Best High-End Italian").

It is, without question, the best Italian restaurant in Arizona. It's like a place you'd find in New York or San Francisco. Thanks for wising up before you lost all credibility regarding Wop food.
Jasper Jones-Jordan

And he was a jolly, happy soul: Mr. Snowman was compliments of three friends from Tempe looking for a little adventure, with the help of one of the friend's 6-year-old twins ("Best Snowman").
Amanda Nielson, Tempe

But she didn't break up The Beatles. Just the cake: It's true, there is a Cake Lady, and she has another quirk; she's a big fan of Yoko Ono ("Best Urban Legend").
Steve Weiss, Phoenix

Hey, what's uncool about cake-stealing?: This once was the coolest "Best Of." Once.

You've lost all of your cool factor. Cable news fills 24 hours of time with bullshit, but I expected better of you. I didn't expect you to find the "Burning Bird," but you could've come up with better than some stupid broad who steals cake.