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Also this issue: Hillary Aisenstein: Social Entrepreneur Flying the Flag of Controversy Get a Job |
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June 19-25, 2003
mailbag
I have just returned home to Hamilton after spending a fast-paced, action-packed weekend in your city. Observing the U.S. Pro Cycling race, I was impressed by the performance not only of the athletes, but also of Philadelphia's front-line staff and citizens.
Spending time among the crowds at both the downtown start/finish and the Manayunk Wall, the spectator enthusiasm was overwhelming and contagious! Ringing cowbells, fervent applause and impassioned hollers encouraged the cyclists at every turn and up every daunting incline. Locals celebrated the victory finish of my fellow Canadian, Lyne Bessette, like she was one of their own. Afterwards in the nearby "Gayborhood," the entertainment of your pride parade and festival rivaled the cyclists' outfits in colorfulness and zeal.
While my trip was motivated by the race and the destination was secondary, I was warmly hosted by a welcoming city and realized the two go hand in hand. Your city makes the race. My hotel (the Wyndham) was fantastic -- pleasantly decorated and staffed by a clever and prompt concierge. Although I declined the heavily promoted steak and cheese sandwich, the meals I savored at Cuba Libre and Sukhothai (ribs and pad Thai, respectively) were outstanding. After dinner, strolling through the cobblestoned city center with a chocolate gelato from Capogiro, I felt as though I was in Italy. Fortunately, I was still in Philadelphia.
Ted Flett
Hamilton, Ontario
Hey Boy Scouts, you are on a roll! The Supreme Court gave you the green light to discriminate against gays (they're not "morally straight"); now you're giving the boot to Scouts who don't believe in God (a Scout is "reverent"). Why stop there? Keep the momentum going! I think you should get rid of the fat Boy Scouts and leaders (after all, they're not "physically strong"). How about cigarette-smoking Boy Scouts and leaders? (They're not "clean" and work against being "physically strong.") Then there are the leaders who drink alcohol. Get rid of them! (They're not "mentally awake.") I think there's a case to be made that Scouts who throw out gay and atheist Scouts should be thrown out themselves! (They're not "friendly.")
To the people who contribute money to this openly discriminatory organization (and to the United Way groups who do, too) I say: Give your money to groups that don't discriminate. To the churches and schools who sponsor Boy Scout troops I ask: Do you really want to sponsor an organization that has an official policy of discrimination?
Roger Rafson
Eagle Scout
Pittsburgh
Due to an editorial error, the contact information for Philadelphia Hot Tubs was left out of last week's Naked City story ("Bubble Rap," June 12, 2003). Philadelphia Hot Tubs can be reached at 215-843-3950, or online at www.philadelphiahottubrentals.com.
Due to a production error, the following information was left out of the story about landscape painting classes in the Summer Fun package ("Painting Al Fresco," June 12, 2003): The class takes place Saturdays June 21 and 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Azalea Garden, Kelly Drive (adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art); registration (suggested donation for Fleisher membership is $15) may be done on-site on class days between 9:45 and 10 a.m.
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