AMERICANWAY

AIR MAIL We enjoy reading your thoughts about the magazine — so much so that if your letter to the editor is published in a 2014 issue, you'll be entered into a drawing to win 100,000 AAdvantage miles. To have a chance at the miles, email your thoughts to us at editor@americanwaymag.com. Please include the city and state or the city and country where you live. 100,000 AAdvantage miles for your thoughts. A BIG PAPI FAN IN NEW YOR K? I enjoyed reading the article on David Ortiz in the August issue ("The Boston Paragon"). Heretical as it may sound for a New Yorker and a Yankees fan, there's a lot to admire about Big Papi's career and his general at- tit ude towa rd the Boston public. Spor ts- men who step up to be great on the field and constructive citizens off it contribute much to a local society, just as the Yankees' Derek Jeter has to New York City. It was nice to read how Jeter praised Ortiz in the way he did, a good example of how the camaraderie of sport rightly transcends intercity rival- ries when careers are viewed in the appro- priate perspective. A n opponent is feared only when he is good enough to earn that deg ree of respect, and Or tiz is deser v ing of the praise (gnashing of teeth). I have no doubt that when Jeter's final season ends, Big Papi will honor him with his words and actions. Let 's look for ward to seeing both of these icons in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. John Moore, New York J.H. RESPONDS: Big Papi and Jeter are definitely in an elite class on and off the field, John. It is obvious the two respect each other, and they certainly are a credit to baseball. STUDYING FOR R EST GUMP As a high school English teacher, I am always on the lookout for articles I can use with my classes. In the July issue, as I read the For- rest Gump article about Eric Roth's "sequel" to the movie, I came up with all sorts of good ideas. I showed Forrest Gump to my seniors as part of my fate/free-will unit (and there's nothing that works better than "Life is like a box of chocolates … "). Reading about Roth's idea for a sequel gave me the idea for my students to write their version of a sequel to this movie that would further delineate their ideas of fate and free will. (I might even share with them his ideas for the sequel — but only after they've finished.) I also want you to know that every time I travel, your magazine gives me examples of fine writing in many different venues and on many dif- ferent subjects for many different audiences. This allows me to show that no matter what one chooses to do in life, it is important to know how to write well. Sharon Swanson, Skokie, Ill. S E N IOR E DITOR AN NA FIALHO BY E RS R E- SPONDS: Making us a part of your classroom is high praise that we truly appreciate, Sharon. We are fortunate to have talented people writing for our magazine, and it's always great to get a compliment from an English teacher. TALK IS NOT CHEAP Rob Britton's article "Talking to Stran gers" (July) has changed me. As an Executive Plat- inum flyer, I have so many chances to meet new people. Rob reminded me that the fun of travel often includes meeting new people and seeing a new community though local eyes. Now I go out of my way to start talking — and listening — to strangers to make every trip a new adventure. Keith Glasch, Dallas WRITER ROB BRITTON RESPONDS: It's great to know my article changed you, Keith. I'm delighted that you're now going out of your way to initiate a conversation. Talking to strangers, and listening to them, makes every trip better. AFFORDABLE AND DELICIOUS I've just read you r Aug ust a r ticle " Beat- ing the Crowds in Italy," which focuses on the Amalfi Coast. It brought back fabulous memories for me of visiting the region the previous year for three weeks, which were idyllic a nd ever y thing the a r ticle stated: beautiful, interesting and, for us "foodies," a "must-go" destination. The article was enjoy- able, but I couldn't help but feel that it could have said more about how affordable Italy is, especially the Amalfi region. My wife and I were expecting to come home with empty wallets and loaded credit cards, but we were pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive it was. All the food is organic and fabulous, and we found that we were able to eat like a king and queen. James Moore, Miami Beach, Fla. WRITER ANNIE SHUSTRIN RESPONDS: I'm so glad you enjoyed the article, James. The Amalfi Coast is absolutely one of those places that sticks THOROUGH R EADING My love a f fair w ith American Way began when, as a fledgling writer, I pitched a story on Mor ga n Cit y, L a ., my hometow n . In 1918, it was the location of the first Tarzan movie, and 75 years later, a celebration was planned. My elation, however, was shor t- l ived , a s Hu r r ic a ne A nd rew h it a nd de - stroyed any hope for festivities or my first byline. I still make frequent trips back to the relatives, and I scour American Way. The crossword puzzle always went to my mom until she died; now I do it in her memor y. The rest of the magazine is disseminated to friends and family members. In the June is- sue, I sent the article about veteran farmers ("From Camouflage to Carhartt") to my son, who has 110 acres outside of Oklahoma City and plans to farm it when he retires from the military. I tore out the terminal map of Heathrow for my trip to London. The article on Hotel ZaZa ("Small But Mighty ") went to my sister, who frequents Dallas. "Bold Colors in Home Decor" went to my daughter, who is decorating her first home. "Modern Wine" went to a fellow wine-club member. I tore out an ad about cancer care for a friend who was just diagnosed. The St. Kitts article ("A Weekend In: St. Kitts") went into my "future travel" folder. "Leading Lady" will go to my hairdresser, one of Emily Blunt's big- gest fans. The list goes on until the magazine is down to a few pages and a cover. Thanks for maintaining your high quality through all these years and for giving me one of my fondest writing memories. Katie Nielsen, Carmichael, Calif. SENIOR EDITOR JAN HUBBARD RESPONDS: It's wonderful to know that so many of our articles resonated with you, Katie — and that you shared them with friends and family members. We strive for diversity each month, and when a reader lets us know we've done a good job, it's appreciated. 14 O C TO B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY

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