Love-Hate Mail

In praise of Randall's 'Rebel'
What a pity that Mr. Martin chose to fire off his scathing criticism of Alice Randall's stirring new novel Rebel Yell after (by his own admission) reading about three paragraphs ("Love/Hate Mail," Oct. 29). If he had read Rebel Yell cover to cover, as I did a few Sundays ago, he would have been moved by the intimate human portraits Ms. Randall paints of all the characters in this serious work of fiction. If novelists were not allowed to draw upon their real-life experiences for inspiration, sadly, very few novels could or would be written.

Lucie Carroll
Nashville

Flaming the fans
To respond to the comments of Coach Fisher and Bo Scaife in the Nashville Scene article by Terry McCormick: Fisher says, "I'm not concerned what people think outside this building..." ("Don't Call 'Em Quitters," Oct. 29). Scaife weighs in by saying, "Most people that are talking haven't played a down in their life, haven't played a game in their life."

Those are the words of losers with no future in the NFL.  Fisher's comments make it clear that he is unable to coach his way out of the current situation.  He is simply at a loss, and so he is defensive.  It is understandable to be frustrated, perplexed and even angry for a 0-6 start.  But if it is true that Fisher isn't concerned about the opinion of the fans and media, then there's your trouble.

The fact is, the fans have invested a lot more than their time each Sunday in the Titans organization. I am sure Mr. Adams is quite aware of the amount of tax dollars that are poured into that stadium each year, not to mention ticket and product sales, etc.  People pay big money to support the Titans.  Comments like Mr. Fisher's get us asking "why."

Fans will tolerate losses, but they won't support losers.  Where would this team be if none of the fans were concerned about the Titans?  Professional sports is a partnership between the organization and the fans.  They better be concerned about each other.  The fans are concerned for the Titans, so it doesn't make sense that anyone in the organization would disregard that.

No one expects that the Titans install a suggestion box at LP Field.  But the comments of Coach Fisher and Bo Scaife leave little hope for this team.  They could learn a lesson from Keith Bulluck's comments of self-responsibility. Mr. Bulluck "gets it."  Mr. Bulluck will be playing in the NFL next year—unfortunately, not likely with the Titans.  But I suspect there will be a lot more change in store for the Titans than just the departure of Keith Bulluck.  It's all very concerning.

Steve Patton
Nashville

Free range children
I really like this column, but I think I'm somewhere in the middle ("The Slow Parent," Oct. 22). I think Slow Parenting, like Slow Food, is pretty cool. It's about not overscheduling, not eating in the car on the way to a gazillion events, and about taking the time to connect with our kids over dinner. I think it's also about telling our kids to "go outside and play."

It sounds like I'm Grandpa Crabby or something, but I definitely remember playing outside by myself with my friends when I was as young as 6 and 7 years old, in a university-adjacent neighborhood in Seattle. I'd like to be able to do the same for my children.

Kathy Newman
Pittsburgh

Use somebody else, Spin
Just finished reading this article and as a huge fan of [Kings of Leon], I am upset ("The Spin," Oct. 22). Their OKC concert was an awesome experience. To say that they are not charismatic, that they don't engage the audience and they play as if miming to a recording is outrageous! What concert were you guys at, because the guy next to me sang every word of their songs—how is that not engaging? Furthermore, the concert had the feel of being in a pub listening to them as opposed to an arena, and therefore they don't need all of the light show and guitar changes and dress changes. Fans like it when artists keep it real!

My parting comment is, how dare you criticize and belittle the type of people that do enjoy this band? Just from where I sat, there was a wide range of ages, and I think that is a true testament to the band—that they can attract all types of people. Isn't that why they are in the business—to share their music with many people?

To the Followill boys: Keep rockin' and doin' it your way, cuz this fan loves it!!!

Heather Flood
Dewey, Okla.

Friends in Lowe's places
I don't know which big box you shop at, but it has been our experience that ALL the folks at both blue and orange boxes have been super-helpful and knowledgeable ("How to befuddle the staff at your local big-box retailer," Oct. 22). They'll spend as long as it takes to help us solve our problems, even if the solution is just a part that costs a dollar, or doesn't even result in a sale.