Letters: One-trick ponies

It was with dismay that I read the letters "No coffee in that milk" by Herman Lategan and "Brown sugar? I don't think so" by Beezy Bailey (Lifestyle, March 28) regarding Lin Sampson's article "Café Society" (March 21).

Sampson is one of our country's most accomplished journalists and certainly, for me, the only reason I buy the Sunday Times. She is intelligent, funny and seriously talented. Both letters have personal vendettas. Lategan is a very close friend of my previous maitre d', who didn't work out in my establishment and is very bitter. Beezy Bailey is furious with Lin for not giving him better publicity. Lin Sampson is certainly not a friend of mine. I've met her on two occasions. Both have unnecessary racist remarks ... cheap, silly trick that fools no one with intelligence. - Theresa Beukes (owner of The Duchess of Wisbeach), by e-mail

Ndumiso's been framed

I loved Ndumiso Ngcobo's article, "Not another B&B. Ever" (March 21), so much, I have framed it. I absolutely get what you had to say about the B&B versus the hotel, and your examples were hysterical. I have recently opened an accommodation facility and, based on your article, I have already edited my "welcome pack", deleting (to my partner's relief) the alphabetised point on Cassie and Simba the Golden Labradors, and the bit on how to use the radio - I pictured your dismay at me underestimating your ability to turn the right knob to the right. I have framed your brilliant article in my welcome pack, if that's okay? In this day and age, we need to be able to laugh at ourselves. - Karen, Randpark Ridge

To B&B or not to B&B

I can't agree more with Ndumiso Ngcobo in his column on B&Bs. My last experience almost ended in tragedy when (excuse the pun) my karma almost ran over their dogma. Their wretched dog ran under my vehicle, forcing me to brake somewhat vigorously to prevent its demise, and then it proceeded to bite my leg as I alighted from my car. Give me an impersonal hotel any day. - Roy Michaelis, by e-mail

BUDDING BOOKWORMS

THANK you so much for writing about kids lit in Kate Sidley's article, "Lighting up with lit" (March 14). I was lucky enough to be a spectator in the 2009 world final in Johannesburg, as my sister's team from New Zealand was competing. The final was held at the Constitutional Court. Chris van Dyk, Gcina Mhlophe and John van de Ruit were speakers at the finals lunch. The competition was won by the team from the UK - also coached by an ex-South African teacher. New Zealand came second by one point.

- Linda James, by e-mail