Letters to the Editor

What You Say

Oboe you didn't

It's over-written and none of the characters were even remotely likable [Cover Story, "Writing Contest Issue: Death by Oboe," Jessica Penzias, Dec. 31]. This reads like something in an MFA program. It's self-conscious and weird and makes me wonder if the writer isn't a student of the judge. There's nothing redeeming about this at all.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Oboes are silent killers.

Writer Isaiah Thompson attempts to proclaim a growing fondness for this "great, insane city." Unfortunately, the column's highlight is a slightly exaggerated story depicting an uncouth, unorthodox yoga teacher that needs correction [Naked City, "Man Overboard: An Homage," Dec. 31]. Isaiah's depiction of a moment in my class is a misrepresentation of how I teach. During my five years of teaching yoga throughout the city, I have never used profanity in any of my classes. The interruption was handled in a professional manner, contrary to the story Isaiah would have your readers believe.

Readers love a great story, but when the story contains misquotations, the repercussions on the subjects can be negative. Isaiah did not name the specific gym or class, but the South Philadelphia yoga community is tight-knit, and our livelihoods as teachers are highly dependent on word of mouth. I would hate to think that current or prospective students would be deterred from taking my classes due to a perception of unprofessional behavior on my part. I would appreciate if Isaiah would revisit this piece in a future edition of his column, and correct his entertaining, but false interpretation of my class.

Isaiah Thompson responds: I do not question Mr. Spina's word that he didn't swear. I recounted the episode as I remembered it, but memory can lie. As someone who tries to be careful with language myself, I understand why Mr. Spina would be upset, and offer my sincere apology. For the record, he is an excellent yoga teacher and an extremely nice guy (seriously — try out a Monday night session with him!). Sorry, Domenic — I meant no harm.