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Readers applauded our Conan coverage (#450, Sept. 18, 1998), deplored a reporter lighting up with Willie, and had strong feelings about stories on the Beastie Boys and Marilyn Manson. But ironic umbrage was taken by Steve Voldseth of Campbell, Calif., who had this to say about Lisa Schwarzbaum's review of At Home in the World: ''In defense of my fellow writers, may I say that writers do not 'as a species' have 'latex-thin skin,' are not 'competitive SOBs,' and most certainly do not (hic) 'drink too much.''' Replies Schwarzbaum, ''Another thing writers do: They exaggerate for effect.''
Conan's High Five
It is about time Conan O'Brien got some credit. Along with Buffy
the Vampire Slayer, Late Night With Conan O'Brien is one of the
most underrated shows on television. He may be a goofball, but
those who don't watch are just as goofy.
Ryan Engblom
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Thank you so much for paying homage to Late Night With Conan
O'Brien. It has been providing insomniacs with quality
entertainment for five years now. The show has always been good,
and it is the only talk show that doesn't dwell on the Clinton
scandal every single night.
Sean Magers
Huntsville, Ala.
Beastly to the Boys
Being a huge Beastie Boys fan, I was upset by your comment that
they are the ''self-righteous rappers of the week.'' I applauded
the Beasties when I heard they had asked Prodigy not to play
''Smack My Bitch Up,'' an insulting and degrading song meant only
to stir up controversy and record sales. Obviously Prodigy used
that opportunity to steal press coverage from a band that is
more successful and will be around a lot longer than Prodigy can
hope to be.
Michelle Hay
San Diego
Reefer Madness
I was shocked to read that one of your scribes actually sat down
and smoked a joint with Willie Nelson. I can't believe your
magazine condones that sort of behavior from its employees. By
the way, are you hiring? I used to be pretty good at
uh...writing.
James P. Hall
Tempe, Ariz.
Manson Overboard
I was disappointed to see your page-and-a-half review of Marilyn
Manson's new album. I was shocked to read Manson is ''valuable to
society — it's important to have decadent rock heroes who upset
conservative institutions.'' Then at the end of your review for
Hootie and the Blowfish's new album, Musical Chairs, you say ''If
you don't dig 'em, don't bother.'' What's happened to our world
that Manson's demonic style of music is considered ''valuable''
and the uplifting style of Hootie is trashed?! I am glad I read
this issue before I sent you a check to re-subscribe; I am
going to use the money to buy Musical Chairs instead.
Matthew Noble
Captain, USMC
Springfield, Va.
Critterculum Vitae
I'm mystified at the exclusion of a cinematic blemish on Leo
DiCaprio's video record (''This Boy's Work''), namely Critters 3.
Cinematic Limburger though it may be, it is a Leo film and thus
worthy of inclusion.
Daniel Lister
Des Plaines, Ill.
I was upset by comments made by Stephen Whitty. Depicting Kate
Winslet as ''nicely upholstered'' and Claire Danes as ''plain'' was
inappropriate. Kate is a wonderfully gifted actress, as well as
a beautifully formed woman. Women aren't supposed to be waifs,
you know. Claire is talented and quite beautiful. It seems that
EW has stooped to name-calling when referring to some women.
Cassie Bowman
Knoxville, Tenn.
Whoopsi!
Your article on the new Hollywood Squares called Whoopi Goldberg
a ''TV neophyte.'' I guess her 1992-93 talk show (Whoopi) was
pretty forgettable.
Ellen Ripstein
New York City
Editor's Note: In addition to appearing in numerous TV specials,
Whoopi also had a recurring role on Star Trek: The Next
Generation and starred in the short-lived sitcom Bagdad Cafe.
Utahking to Me?
Doesn't it seem a bit unfair to hold the entire state of Utah
accountable for the activities of one video store (''Snip Shape'')?
You might as well blame Arkansas for adulterous politicians.
Anne Thwaits
Tucson, Ariz.
I am a resident of Utah and like most others here have made fun
of Sunrise Family Video in American Fork for its editing of
Titanic. What offended me was your term ''Utah version.'' Utah
didn't edit Titanic, Sunrise Family Video did. And all Utah
residents are not polygamous. If you want to poke fun at Sunrise
and polygamists, go ahead. Just leave the majority of us out of
it.
Loralee Barlow
Salt Lake City
Retro Racket
That '70s Show is a prime example of all that is wrong with
sitcoms. None of the characters exhibit any real emotions or
feelings. While Ken Tucker considers this to be ''wonderfully
deadpan,'' I consider it crappy acting. Showing kids drinking,
smoking dope, and having sex should be great, but this is one of
the best anti-drug programs because it makes it all so boring.
Shawn Beaverson
Bowling Green, Ohio
