Readers write: Nonexistent numbers, top-notch director, and more
Letters to the editor for the July 27, 2020 weekly magazine. Readers discuss whether or not “one zillion” exists, and more.
Staff
The benefits of service
As grandmother to four exemplary college graduates and undergraduates, I heartily endorse Anna Mulrine Grobe’s cover story “Boosting national service” in the June 8 Monitor Weekly.
That period of immaturity in older teenagers is often sorely challenged in that first year of college, when the lack of familiar structure and access to potentially injurious experiences can be chaotic and disturbing. Even though my grandchildren have emerged whole, many do not, and I have often thought a year or 18 months of mandatory national nonmilitary service would be a good antidote to many problems.
Just to live together with a diverse group of peers would be educational, somewhat like Israeli kibbutzim. And government funding for employees of the program should attract those with the highest qualifications.
DeAnne Hart
Watsonville, California
Nonexistent numbers
Many thanks for Melissa Mohr’s delightful column “There are a zillion different names for big numbers” in the June 8 Monitor Weekly. It reminded me of my son Nathan when he was 7 or 8. At the time, I doubted how well he was paying attention when I imparted my math wisdom to him. When he used the term “gazillion,” I told him, “You know, there really isn’t a number called ‘gazillion’.” He flatly contradicted me at once, then asked me if there is an infinite number of numbers. I agreed he was correct. He then pointed out that if each conceivable number is assigned some name, then one of the infinite set of numbers must logically be called “gazillion.”
I was speechless. He was right. My warm sense of fatherly pride in seeing that my son had indeed been paying attention during our chats about infinity was dampened only by my abject logical defeat. And – sadly, for it’s a charming turn of phrase – we may have to eliminate the category “indefinite hyperbolic numbers” of which “gazillion” was an alleged member.
Lance Matteson
Seattle
Revisiting favorite stories
Thank you for the article “Readers share their favorite poems of comfort” and the book review “Longfellow gave Americans their history” in the June 15 Monitor Weekly.
They inspired me to reread “The Song of Hiawatha.” The edition I have is a children’s book with beautiful illustrations by Susan Jeffers. In that vein, Robert Service and his tales of the Yukon have always been a joy to read as well.
Also, a thank you to Peter Rainer for the article “Home theater: A feast for foodies and film fans” in the same issue. I agree with Mr. Rainer that “Big Night” is a marvelous movie. The final scene is a classic. After the two main characters have a huge fight, they come together with quiet understanding and brotherly love. Fade out!
Nancy Robison
Newport Beach, California
Top-notch director
Regarding Peter Rainer’s article “Home theater: Satyajit Ray’s enthralling world” in the June 8 Monitor Weekly: I was so glad to see this director covered in the Monitor. I was introduced to The Apu Trilogy in a 1967 class on film history. The instructor required us to see all three. He shared his view that these were among the finest movies ever made. I’m glad to learn that they now can be rented online, and plan to do that very soon. Thanks to Mr. Rainer for the well-written review.
Carl Treseder
Winters, California