Letters from the week of February 8

Backwash, January 25Hopp to It
KC Hopps is the purveyor of some of the best beers in the KC metro area, and beer drinkers certainly do not want to see it fail as a business. However, CEO Ed Nelson would be able to answer your question about when smoking will end in public establishments with a little business analysis of current worldwide trends (or a call to the Psychic Friends Hotline).

I can now enjoy quality craft beers anywhere in Italy; Ireland; California; Washington, D.C.; and even New York City, all in a smoke-free environment. Third World (developing) nations will take a bit longer. It will happen here, with the free market nudged into the 21st century by a greater awareness of health threats (or a heavy hand from Big Brother). Employees and customers will remember which businesses failed to install adequate ventilation, allowed unrestricted pipe and cigar smoking, and were the last to eliminate unwanted secondhand smoke from the public's breathing space. Government can play a role to level the playing field for businesses that want to "do the right thing" but are averse to doing it first or alone.

Here's to high-quality beer served where we can enjoy its taste. Tom Ciccateri, Kansas City, MissouriBackwash, January 18Blade Runner
Regarding your item about National Hockey League players who are from Missouri: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ken Klee went to Rockhurst for at least two years. He has played for the United States at the Olympics and in the World Championships.

Chris Esch, IndependenceFeature: "Girl on Film," January 18Reeling in the Years
Your profile of my friend Lisa Marie Evans left me spellbound after a couple of late-night reads. You dissected her life tastefully, such that everyone can see what a beautiful human being she is —from her college years and exploration to the quest for her true passion of filmmaking, to her work with juveniles in midtown, her relationship with Kathy and Mike, and her final oil gusher when she was reunited with her biological father.

From the sounds of it, I have had in my head maybe 10 percent of her life experiences. Another story like the one this week, and I may investigate with my intersexed friends how realistic it would be to make a transformation to a full-blown lesbian. It would undoubtedly take years, but my success in the man-to-man genre is yielding a big, fat goose egg!

I love you, Lisa ... Dave Davis, Overland ParkCamp Fire Tales
Thanks for your piece on Lisa Evans. Please relay this message to her: Lisa, great to see you on the cover of the Pitch! You were always one of my very favorite Camp Fire Girls.

Steve McCue, Roeland ParkFocus Groupie
I've had the unique opportunity to watch Lisa Marie Evans' filmmaking evolve from "Tell Me" on up, and every time I see a new film or read about her other work with Sentenced to the Arts, I am truly inspired. I have always said one day I will say, "I knew her when."

Lisa, thanks for your great heart and true vision, Mariah Andrews, Cedar Falls, IowaCafé, December 28Chili Out
No article on Kansas City chili can be complete without a visit to Hayes Hamburgers and Chili on Vivion Road north of the river. I'm sorry to see it wasn't mentioned.

Scott Mallen, Kansas City, MissouriCafé, December 21India Ink
I just wanted to make a few comments about the review of Taj Palace. I'm a personal friend of Harry Kumar, the owner, and a guest who eats out all the time with family. I have tried all of the Indian restaurants in the KC area and am proud to say that this is one of the best. Their chicken Marsala, korma and curries are the best.

Charles Ferruzza wrote a wonderful review but gave one piece of wrong info: their fax number instead of their phone number. Could you please change their phone number to 816-756-0134? I'm sure Harry would love it. Thank you. Gurbhushan Singh, Kansas City, Missouri"Joe Mama," January 4Mother Lode
Excellent story on Necia Gamby! I can think of few figures on the local music scene more worthy of your attention.

Danny Alexander, Overland ParkSong of Praise
I am amazed by the glowing warmth I feel when reading about this mother, daughter, sister, woman. I can only aspire to be as open and clear as she is. Thank you for bringing Necia Gamby to your readers — what a wise choice.

Merri Morningstar, Kansas City, MissouriCritics' Choices, January 25Macon It
Todd Broockerd's preview of Little Richard's VooDoo Lounge performance states that James Brown was Richard's "fellow Macon, Georgia, native." Although he spent some time there, James Brown was not from Macon. He was born in South Carolina, but Augusta, Georgia, was considered to be his hometown.

Darryl Oliver, Overland Park