Responses to "Vegas' Seven Deadliest Sins"

April 2005

A different view of the Stratosphere

REGARDING Steve Friess' recommendation to avoid the Stratosphere ["Some of It Should Stay in Vegas," March 20]: Yes, the Stratosphere is expensive, and the waits can be excruciatingly long, but it is worth every penny.

The views are great. Ear and nose doctors will probably assume that I am nuts, but when I walked on the open-air level - removing my hearing aids because of the strong wind - it was absolutely exhilarating. Not just that, but my hearing improved, at least for a while.

Henry Brunell, Chatsworth

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Take that . . .

GLENWOOD- [Re: "Las Vegas' seven deadliest sins"; March 13] Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden at the Mirage is well worth the $12 and more. Steve Friess' comments about the fact that the animal handlers do not wish to discuss the attack on Roy annoyed and baffled me. Who cares? The attack was horrific and a tragedy, but wild animals are wild animals. These men knew the risks they were taking. To inject this issue into a glorious exhibition of beautiful animals makes as much sense as saying we should avoid aquariums in which they exhibit sharks because sharks kill and eat people.

-Elyse Krug Miller

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. . . And that

RALEIGH, N.C.- First of all, Siegfried and Roy are far from a "now-defunct illusionist duo." They continue to work in the field of illusion, supporting the College of Magic in South Africa, the annual World Magic Seminar for those in the trade and with their protege, Darren Romeo.

Neither Siegfried nor Roy have describe their animals as "cuddly cats". Family, yes. But they always held the greatest respect for their animals and what they are. Anyone who attended the show that night will tell you that Montecore did not go "haywire" and certainly didn't "snack" on Roy's neck. Montecore carried him backstage-nothing more. If he intended more, Roy would not be with us today continuing his recovery. Considering your treatment of the subject, does it really surprise you that the people working at the Secret Garden would keep tight-lipped on Roy's accident?

Perhaps another trip to the Secret Garden might be in order? Don't try to critique, just sit and feel the true magic of the place. Then go see the penguins and flamingos [at Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo].

-Elizabeth Mackey

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Clint Holmes fan

ROSCOE, Ill.- I totally agree that Clint Holmes puts on a terrific show. And the price of the tickets are within reason; not so with Celine! Someone has to pay for her theater, and that is us.

-Kay Cavanagh