Dear Barry…

(This page is currently under construction, but in the meantime, enjoy what’s here.)

Here are some selected emails I’ve received over the years. Some responses have been edited. I respond once to all emails, but I don’t include the responses here.

2/11/21 - In response to “What’s a 5-letter Word for ‘Bad at Crosswords’”

Hello Barry! I just wanted to drop a note to let you know that we are of one mind when it comes to crossword puzzles. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent guy. I have a Masters Degree in History and, like you, am an avid reader and keep-up with current events. That should certainly be enough to be proficient at crossword puzzles, right? Well, apparently not!

In addition to the points you mention (composers, periodic table, foreign languages, clues that end in a question mark), I am also baffled when the author doesn't let us know that the answer is more than one word! What? Unfair, I say! And don't get me started when they ask for a singer who is from a decade more recent than the 1980s or just about any author. I can tell you the name and subject of the dozens of books I read each year, but rarely do I remember the author!

My wife, on the other hand, is clearly possessed by a crossword demon, as she can finish even the most difficult puzzle before I have time to read the first ten clues. It is sometimes frightening and always frustrating!

Anyway, thanks for an entertaining column and one that I can relate to!

1/30/21 in response to “If Only for a Little While, We Had Some Unity”

I just read your article. I must say I’m concerned about (the newspaper) because its clearly leaning left wing in a community that is clearly right wing. I have no problem with reading both sides of the political spectrum but articles in the editorial section always seem to lean left. Such as your guest opinion. (And others)

Now my opinion about your  article:

Bernie Sanders is a radical left wing socialist. Actually he’s a communist.. To celebrate anything this politician does, from his radical left wing political agenda to the influence he has on millennials makes him  a very dangerous person to the future of our democracy and the country as a republic. I don’t care if he dressed up as Santa Claus, which would have been appropriate since it’s the role he plays in Washington spending taxpayer money on loser voters looking for government handouts.

Whoever is  inaugurated as president, the ritual should be considered a solemn occasion not a Sesame Street PBS episode. How that becomes a scene of unity in your opinion leaves me wondering??? I’m guessing you’re just giddy because the democrats regained complete control of the federal government and socialists like Sanders are influencing the future direction of the Country.. Which leaves me to suspect your political ideology is radical leftist. That’s Okay. You’re entitled to vote for and try to influence with your readers the direction of  whatever you think is best for our country. America is still relatively free in terms of the first amendment as long as you’re a democrat.

So put that “Bernie sign” in your front yard. Just don’t put “Vote For Trump” in your front yard.. Its just not allowed.

Personally, I think Bernie Sanders is an evil old man hell bent on destroying the country and should never be celebrated for anything.

Enjoy your toaster oven. My childhood neighborhood has become a drug infested hell hole in a democrat controlled city.