Dans Papers - May 11, 2007

Dear Dan,

On behalf of my family, and myself I wanted to say thank you for including an obituary for my mother Diane Rothschild-Spencer, in Dan's Papers. Knowing that people are thinking of us in this difficult time means so much.

I recently received a message from your assistant Joan, saying that you might be interested in attending the memorial service for my mother.

The memorial service will be held in New York City, at the University Club on May 14 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m.

For more information please email me at or feel free to call me.

Dear Dan,
Dear Silvia Lehrer,

How absolutely brilliant it was to tell the "Tale of Two Pies", in your cooking column in Dan's Papers, and how eloquently you described our family story, what fun...you certainly are a clever wordsmith and a great food person.

I used to get up early, early Sunday morning to bake these, I think I'll put on some Puccini today and take you suggestion about the day before to increase flavor, makes perfect sense.

Thanks again, it was lovely to see in print.

How did it taste? - DR

Dear Dan,

I am a resident of Sag Harbor and live on Millstone Road...Almost every day I see a dead deer on the side of the roads all over Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, and especially Noyac Road. The deer on Millstone are plentiful, as they herd up at the golf course, "Golf at the Bridge", and dart across the road mostly at that curve. That's where they meet their demise...Sometimes they are severely injured and are left there to die.

What is wrong with the town of Southampton? Where are the "Deer Crossing" signs that used to be on every road here on the East End? Not one to be found. Maybe if the town would put those signs up again, people driving will be more cautious and drive a little slower, aware that the deer cross these roads. I have already hit a deer, luckily I was not driving fast and he got up and ran into the woods. I had to replace my headlight. My neighbor (who happens to be a Veterinarian), also hit a deer in the same exact spot, near the golf course, and he picked the deer up and took him home, wrapped him in a blanket in his garage, and fortunately, the deer was fine the next day and ran off when he opened his garage door.

I think visitors that come to this area are not aware of the wildlife that is here. The signs would be a big help.

What about the lions of Shelter Island? - DR

Dear Dan,

How much did Alex Baldwin pay you to write that article "Father & Daughter"? What didn't you hear in his tirade at his daughter that wasn't verbal abuse? Also how convenient that you left out the word "pig" in your quoting what he said. How is it that you know so much about what is going on in that family that you are so sure that this was the first time that Mr. Baldwin was verbally abusive? Maybe the first time it was recorded. Mr. Baldwin has a dark side and many people know it, but you.

How much did his ex pay you to write this letter? This is ridiculous. Anyway, dark side or bright side, no judge has said Alex has lost his right to be a father to his daughter. And they would know better than either of us. - DR

Dear Dan,

Don't pump gas on May 15th. In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices. Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15, 2007, all Internet users are to not go to a gas station in protest of high gas prices. Gas is now over $3 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000 + American members currently on the Internet network, and the average car takes about 30 to 50 dollars to fill up.

If all users did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take $2,292,000,000.00 (that's almost 3 BILLION) out of the oil companies pockets for just one day, so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and let's try to put a dent in the Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day.

If you agree (which I can't see why you wouldn't) send this letter to your entire contact list. With it saying, ''don't pump gas on May 15th."

Gas up on May 14th. - DR

Dear Dan,

My husband and I have been "East Enders" for more than thirty-five years, first as vacationers, then as homeowners. We sold our house in Bridgehampton and recently moved to Southold.

We look forward to reading each new issue of Dan's Papers, which provides us with valuable information and insight into life on the East End. I feel compelled to express my feelings (negative) about your Passover article in the April 13 issue. I pride myself on my heritage and make all effort to import the traditions and history to my children and grandchildren.

The Passover story is one of freedom from oppression - the liberation of enslaved people who happen to be our ancestors. Since many continue to be oppressed, I believe that sensitivity to the plight of others is critical to the evolution of a world of peace and tolerance.

I quote from an article written by Ether Kastanowitz in The Jewish News - "The liberation of the Jews from Egypt is the plain and simple reason for the Seder. But if reading about slavery in Egypt and thinking of oppression in Darfur or anywhere else brings an increase in activism and helps alleviate oppression, I think that's a voice worth having at the Seder table."

Your words affect may readers - the pen is a mighty strong instrument. What must the neighbors think?