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. SENIOR EDITOR JAN HUBBARD RESPONDS: Sounds like a great Boston experience on a Dallas-St. Louis flight, Mike. All you were miss- ing were a couple of Fenway Franks, but that's something to look forward to on your next trip to Boston. VANISHING CONVERTIBLES I was inspired to write this when I read the July article about the diminishing sales of convertibles ("End of an Era? "). We have heard the premature death sentence pro- nounced for the convertible before, and each time it's come roaring back. But what about the bench seat? From what I can tell, the last one was in a 2013 Chevy Impala. While many romanticize about having sat close to their partner in the front seat, at 6-foot-5, I enjoy the legroom afforded by the bench seat. I recently shopped for a new car and was horrified to find not a single manufacturer offered the bench seat. I understand auto- makers are catering to a sporty demand, but what about us tall folks with long legs who will now have to search for a good used car just so we can fit in the driver's seat? Mike Pascuzzi, Kew Gardens, New York WRITER MIKE DOWNEY RESPONDS: You are right on the money, Mike. Is the bench seat gone for good? I have noticed that in old movies and TV programs, someone is always opening a car door on the passenger side and then sliding all the way across the bench seat to get behind the steering wheel. I also enjoy the scenes where three adults ride up front, even if the backseat is free. Bench seats may be a thing of the past, but I believe you are correct about convertibles. They will roll on and on. MAGIC AND R ESPECT In your August issue, I commend you for your interview with Penn & Teller ("Magic Men"). I especially identified with Penn's unequivocal response — "respect" — to the question, "How do you guys make it work?" Indeed, it's all about trust, which over time engenders re- spect. I have seen Penn & Teller perform, and it is obvious they have tremendous trust for and in each other — otherwise, how could they have worked together for 39 years perform- ing breathtaking and dangerous acts includ- ing catching bullets, swallowing needles and making bunnies disappear? James M. Tien, Coral Gables, Florida S E N IOR E DITOR AN NA FIALHO BY E RS R E- SPONDS: Anyone who credits "respect" for their ability to catch bullets and make bunnies vanish while delighting audiences for 39 years certainly is worth ours, James. Penn & Teller are a classy pair of entertainers. THR EE ACROSS This is not a gripe about seating. In fact, I've been stunned of late to discover that getting "stuck" with the middle seat isn't the horror I imagined it to be. When I fly — whether in the middle seat, the aisle or the window — my moment of nervous anticipation occurs when I reach for your magazine and turn to the crossword puzzle. Will it already be filled in? I can feel my heart thudding just thinking about it. As an avid New York Times crossword attempter, I feel semiqualified to review your puzzles, and you get high marks. They aren't so easy that you roll your eyes, nor are they so difficult you want to fold the page into a paper airplane and launch it. Like Goldilocks once said: "Blondes are good at crossword puzzles!" Or was she misquoted? I believe she said something about some crossword puzzles being just right. Yours, for me, are exactly that. Mary Hogan, New York S E N I O R A R T D I R EC TO R B R IA N S M ITH R E - SPONDS: This may be the first time that we've received a note that quoted Goldilocks, so we en- joyed that, Mary. Please know that if you ever find your crossword puzzle filled in, the flight atten- dant will get you another copy of the magazine. DOWN TO EARTH I really enjoyed Carlton Stowers' article on Morgan Freeman ("Mississippi King") in your September issue. It gave us a fresh look at one of the best actors of all time. It's amazing how a man who has everything in material life and could afford living anywhere finds peace and the real meaning of life back in his childhood home, helping his closest neighbors and enjoy- ing his community. It is a lesson for all of us. Darío Chiriboga, Quito, Ecuador A HAPPY MOM Over the years I have used your magazine to entertain my kids by showing them pictures of interesting places. This year, you really brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. I traveled with my two sons, Thomas, 9, and Jonathan, 7, on a recent trip, and they couldn't wait to read the August cover story on David Ortiz ("The Boston Paragon"). As a mom, I was elated as Thomas read the entire article to his brother, who listened with rapt attention. In that moment, I felt rewarded for all the times I have nagged them to finish their 30 minutes of daily reading when I know they would rather be playing baseball. To top it off, Thomas picked up the September issue and read the article on winglets ("Gearhead") and then handed it to his father to read. Thank you for this magazine that has an amazing ability to appeal to readers of all ages. Ann Ranelle, Aledo, Texas E DITOR ADAM PITLU K RE SP ON DS: What a great story. We have received similar letters in the past, but it always delights us when our magazine appeals to young readers. Many times, kids just look at the photos, but you obviously have had an impact on your sons' desire to read. Very well done, Ann. A GR EAT R ED SOX TRIP Imagine my surprise as I flew from Dallas to St. Louis to watch my beloved Red Sox play the Cardinals, picked up American Way and saw Boston's ow n "Big Papi" gracing the cover. Once again, you nailed it with a great story about a great player and person who helped hea l a city in the wa ke of the Boston Marathon tragedy. I greatly enjoy your magazine (and airline), and as an added bonus, also enjoyed a Sam Adams beer on my flight. Thanks for making me feel part of the home team, even when I'm away. Mike Ragoza, Madison, Alabama 14 N OV E M B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY

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