"Youve discovered what weve known all along -- that the sport has a surprisingly rich and fascinating history and that, dang it, its fun for everyone."

Feature, October 19, 2006

Viper griper: With regard to Chad Garrison's "Snakes in the Office," I was an agent in the Webster office of Blake & Davis when Andy Dielmann opted out of what had become an untenable "partnership." The following week I left Blake & Davis, because I didn't want to work for what can only be described as a misanthrope.

Steve Peterson is one of the weirdest, coldest, meanest and most dishonest men I have ever met in my long career. He had no interpersonal skills and was one of the worst communicators I've ever dealt with. He's just the kind of guy you would hesitate to turn your back on — unless you enjoyed the feeling of a knife penetrating flesh. Calling him a snake is doing the snake an injustice!
Joan Clear, Normandy

Snake charmed: Wow. I am a former agent of Blake & Davis and found Chad Garrison's story to be one for a tabloid rag like the Star or Enquirer. I have never experienced any of the printed examples of Steve Peterson. I found him to be an experienced, knowledgeable and capable man. Also, any complaints regarding compensation or behaviors of an agent and/or broker have to be filed with the Missouri Real Estate Commission.

Print something uplifting, not some trash talk.
Paul Bales, St. Louis

Cafe, October 12, 2006

Toothless criticism: I'm not a crazed Blues fanatic or Federko fan, but I have eaten at his place for lunch and prior to a Cards game. Bernie worked the room a little bit and stopped by to greet our table. I'm not sure if Ian Froeb knows anything about hockey, but Bernie never knocked anyone's teeth out. He was never a fighter. There is no better ambassador of St. Louis sports and I'm really put off by the rather personal attack in the review. It was quite rude.

I've been a longtime reader of the RFT and this is exactly the sort of stuff that drives readers like me off. I'm white, 29, professionally employed and quite active in nightlife and restaurants in town, and I must tell you that you're losing guys like me to rags like Sauce and St. Louis Magazine — and very few people I know advertise with you because of just that. There was a time when I would peruse your pages looking for new places to try, but I'm losing faith.

The food I've had at Bernie's was different and quite good. It's always been my opinion that you don't go to Red Lobster and get a burger, and you don't go to a sports bar and get a steak. It's on the menu, so I suppose it's fair game — but come on. My experience is limited, of course, but I think Ian's must be, too.

St. Louis is a small town and nobody likes cheap shots at our "heroes." Win me back, guys, you're almost out of time.
J. Samuel Donnelly, St. Louis

Feature, October 5, 2006

We love Tony: Shortly after Tony Twist's accident, he called me at work to reassure our golf committee that he would attend his annual Tony Twist Golf Tournament [Ben Westhoff, "Twist of Fate"]. I was director of development for the St. Louis Society for Children and Adults with Physical Disabilities. Despite my insistence that he was in too much discomfort to worry about the tournament, he was determined to be there. And so he came to Algonquin Golf Club on crutches, accompanied by his parents and Jocelyn. When the St. Louis media got wind of his appearance, they all came to the club hoping to get his story and photo.

Tony did not and does not disappoint. Even the late Jack Buck came to offer his support and it was his birthday. In my book, Tony Twist was a wonderful asset to our organization and the people it benefited. Too often we hear about what's wrong in this world. This tough guy showed me and others his gentle and generous heart. I will always think of him with fondness.
Carol Cutak, St. Louis

Music, October 5, 2006

Dad loves ya! Thank you for shining your spotlight on the music of Gentleman Auction House. As a proudly biased parent of one of the band members, I have looked forward to the release of their debut EP and appreciate Kristyn Pomranz sharing the story of GAH with RFT readers.

I would encourage anyone who appreciates live music to attend a show. Their skilled songwriting and remarkable talent makes The Rules Were Handed Down a great record, but a passion for their music makes Gentleman Auction House a great band.
Kevin Enger, O'Fallon

Best of St. Louis 2006

Dang it, bowling is fun! Thank you so much for recognizing the International Bowling Museum and Hall of fame as the "Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests" in your "Best of St. Louis" issue. You've discovered what we've known all along — that the sport has a surprisingly rich and fascinating history and that, dang it, it's fun for everyone.

On an almost daily basis, visitors remark that they've lived in St. Louis their whole lives but had never been to the museum before. Now that the RFT has given us the thumbs up, we expect even more locals to indulge their curiosity with or without out-of-towners in tow. Whether they've come from Germany or Japan, Fargo or Festus, the hundreds of thousands of visitors we've had through the doors would agree with you that bowling — and the Bowling Museum — is right up their alley!
Sandy Ellebracht, director of visitor services
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame

Toy with us: As I was on the net doing a search of my store, the RFT link to "Best Toy Store" caught my eye. I have to commend you all in the highest regards for such a great description of my store. Being a new store, I sometimes wonder if people really "get" what we're all about.

Thank you!
Denise Hoffmann, A Pocketful of Toys
O'Fallon