Coverage of poet’s visit a big hit

I want to thank your entertainment staff, both columnists and Neon, for the Review-Journal’s excellent coverage of Beat poet Michael McClure’s visit to Las Vegas. The poet’s weekend foray comprised two separate events, and both were enthusiastically publicized by the paper.

On behalf of Bruce Isaacson, Clark County poet laureate, I wish to thank “Neon” editor Stephanie Grimes for recommending Mr. McClure’s reading in her Arts supplement of April 29. Then on Saturday, after interviewing Mr. McClure in California, your colorfully insightful columnist Doug Elfman really caught the spirit of the legendary poet, dramatist and song lyricist. Finally, Norm Clarke put a wrap on the visit with his on-line mention of a Michael McClure “sighting” that spanned both days’ events.

Beyond the hype and dubious worth of some Vegas events, I again thank Ms. Grimes, Mr. Elfman and Mr. Clarke for their great coverage of iconic Michael McClure’s visit — a trek of true literary importance.

Lee Mallory

Las Vegas

The writer is an official Clark County poet laureate representative.

Park place

In response to the Thursday story, “Project targets dorm shortage”:

The article outlines the plan for dormitory-style housing on the north side of the UNLV campus. The school plans to build some 758 beds and a parking garage for 365 vehicles and 86 bicycles. Absent any detail on the studies conducted for arriving at these numbers, I can only conclude that they were not thought out at all.

Like most campuses, UNLV has a tortuous parking relationship with its campus classrooms. The school’s main parking structure is a high-rise at the outermost edge of campus. As the campus has grown, centralized parking has all but been ignored. Overall parking needs have been addressed but travel distances to the various buildings were never considered.

Parking for housing is different An assumption has been made that fewer than half of the residents in this new facility will have vehicles and one-tenth will have bicycles. Are they expecting to thin the parking herd by charging fees for parking places?

This program is being touted as a move to redefine UNLV from a commuter school to one whose students live on site and enjoy campus life. But local and out-of-city students will invariably have automobiles and difficulty securing a parking space will be a huge negative for prospective renters, free or not.

Why not put parking under the residences?

Jim Cassidy

Las Vegas

Struggling veterans

Paul Harasim’s Friday commentary, “Flag captures plight of homeless veterans,” sheds light on some real problems facing homeless veterans. While it’s admirable that Lucas Payton takes responsibility for his less-than-stellar military service, he obviously didn’t learn much, considering his ongoing criminal behavior and drug use. Mr. Payton was a problematic soldier, and now a problematic civilian.

The media have led Americans to believe that all veterans are honorable heroes, needing our ongoing support. Yet many problems of veterans are self-induced. Those veterans who want help can get help. Those who don’t, won’t.

One of the first things they try to instill in us during basic training is self-discipline — something not everyone learns, to their own detriment. No tears here.

Victor J. Moss

Henderson