Turning Back the Clock

The Weekly* has reached a new high in its reputation for muckraking with the recent criticism of Ira Yellin and the Grand Central Market restoration ["Grand Central Stalemate," March 27�April 2].*

Comments (0) Wednesday, Apr 22 1998

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PRIORITIES

DEAR EDITOR:

Yesterday, while flipping through the L.A. Weekly for the first time, I was initially impressed by the array of articles and resources available in the paper. Then I was struck by a more significant impression: how many of the advertisements focus on self-improvement. Be it information on the latest nutrition trips/tricks; problems with excess cellulite, weight or hair (anywhere); the need for a date; loss of potency; or merely a desire for some laser vaginal rejuvenation, there was some advertiser who wanted to help. I swear, I have never seen so many "before and after" shots in one place. How perfectly these ads symbolize Los Angeles. Is there any other city on Earth so consumed by superficial images and surface impressions? How sad that so many people are under the false impression that their lives will be happier and more fulfilling if they only endure a bit of cosmetic surgery. —Jennifer WolfLos Angeles DEAR EDITOR: Not that I think this will have any impact whatsoever, but just what is the deal with your ads these days? Penile enlargements, laser vaginal surgery, liposuction, fitness shops, gyms, implants, hair removal, colon hydrotherapy, laser vision correction, weight medication, endermologie (?), cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening! You should consider promoting yourselves as having "the most insecure readers in the nation." So let’s see, first you go see stars in the movies to prove how inadequate you are, then blow a wad on self-mutilation, then blow your wad on hooker and phone-sex services, then cruise over to the bankruptcy, counseling and drug-treatment section to pick up the pieces of your sorry life. Oh, and don’t forget that AIDS test! —Allen RubinsteinVenice DEAR EDITOR: You have a fine paper. I just wish it was stapled. —Taylor JensonBurbank

CORRECTIONS

An April 17–23 story on the campaign for governor incorrectly identified Ron Unz’s initiative to end bilingual education as Proposition 226. Actually, the Unz initiative is Prop. 227. In the same issue, due to an editing error, a story on medical-marijuana activist Todd McCormick stated that he awaits trial on charges of growing pot for sale. In fact, he is charged with simple cultivation.