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On last week's issue:

In your cover story "Top 100 Philly Albums of All Time," you list (as No. 87) Mario Lanza's Be My Love, and in the first sentence say that he " ... was considered one of the top opera stars of the last century ... "

While there's no denying that his was a beautiful and thrilling voice, he was not an "opera star"; he was a recording star and movie star who would occasionally sing selections from operas, not entire operatic roles. In his entire too-short life, only twice did he perform an entire opera on the stage.

An opera star? That would be a Caruso, a Tucker, a Domingo, a Tebaldi, a Sutherland--singers who've sung entire operatic roles hundreds of times in the theater, not just the occasional aria in the movies or the recording studio.

An outstanding singer? Yes. An "opera star"? That he was not.

Paul Sofian
Philadelphia

 

First of all, I'd like to say thank you for taking the time to compile the list; it's always good to see positive press about Philly musicians. I'm sure you've gotten a hundred letters saying "How could you not include ... " Well, let me add one to the list.

How could you not include Go to Blazes? I had to look through the list three times to makes sure I didn't miss them.

Not even an honorable mention?

Without a doubt one of the best bands ever to call Philly their home, they released four albums of great roots rock during the 10 years they lived here, and one album, Anytime ... Anywhere, belongs in that Top 100 list, for sure.

There, now I feel better. Thanks for listening.

JOE ANKENBRAND
Collingswood, N.J.

Second Opinions

On Steve Volk's story last week about local implications of growing debate over the Heimlich maneuver:

I was forwarded your article regarding Dr. Heimlich's controversial technique for drowning victims.

The doctor has been promoting it for years. I have been in the industry for more than 14 years, and it has been around for as long as I can remember. And I have to say this: If the practice worked, the certifying agencies for lifeguarding would have adopted it by now. The absence of the American Red Cross, United States Lifesaving Association, and Ellis and Associates should scream volumes for the unsubstantiated statements made by Dr. Heimlich: It doesn't work.

Regarding issues of the Lima Case and others--again hearsay, but we need to keep in mind the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute as well as other small certifying bodies review their materials every few years for choking victims and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and they have yet to even suggest that anything different be offered. These are key facts to consider, and I believe that you're not far off when you assert that Dr. Heimlich has used his status to promote highly controversial and often dangerous techniques.

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