July | August 2006 Volume 80 Issue 4 |
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Member Feedback Longtime reader's appreciation I've been reading EnCompass for nigh on 54 years. I appreciate you being a legislative watchdog, putting in your 10 cents for us and keeping us informed of new laws pertaining to driving—also auto upkeep info, as models change. I enjoy the scenic articles like Mesa Verde [March/April, p. 24]. So you are a little political—so be it! Can't please everybody. Thanks! —M. F., Sheridan
Interstate comments Just thought I might add a few notes to your story of the interstate highways [May/June, p. 26]. This was the best war souvenir to be brought home from World War II. When Eisenhower and other Americans saw Germany's autobahn, they decided, “Hey! We need this at home!” They all started thinking, and the result was our interstate system. —Marv Scholl, Denver Editor's Note: The autobahns and Eisenhower's military experiences were indeed a major factor in the birth of the interstates. On an army convoy across the U.S. in 1919, Eisenhower realized that the country needed better highways. His conviction was reinforced during World War II when using Germany 's autobahn system.
My favorite interstate highway is I-70 through the Glenwood Canyon of the Colorado River . The challenge to design and build a highway through this scenic, very old and fragile canyon was tremendous, but it was handled with care and sensitivity to the natural beauty of the canyon by both the engineers who designed it and the contractors who built it. The result is a very safe, serviceable section of interstate that is also beautiful and fun to drive. —Joseph Looper, by email
The worst stretch of interstate in Colorado is I-25 south from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs . The road is too narrow, most curves too sharp for interstate speeds and exit/entry ramps are too tight. In contrast, I-70 east from E-470 to the Kansas border is a model of an interstate. —Tom Wilkinson, Highlands Ranch
Top cars not so tops Safety or reliability is not your strong point [“Top Cars for 2006,” May/June, p. 18]. The Subaru Legacy took top honors for safety in the government crash tests. The Subaru Forester is the top SUV in all the other auto magazines. As I see it, you got five out of 13—that's less than 50%. You get an F. —R. C. D'Ascey, by fax Editor's Note: As stated in the article, AAA's criteria for choosing the top cars of 2006 included numerous items beyond just safety and reliability, such as price, performance, fuel economy, cargo space, ride and more.
Da Vinci tourism I find it surprising that a magazine that exists to promote a product would offend Christians by publishing a travelogue of The Da Vinci Code [May/June, p. 32]. I wonder if you would print a travel story that was offensive to Jews, Blacks or Muslims. I think not! —Patricia Reinhardt, Centennial Editor's Note: We believe that the article, far from promoting or approving of the novel itself, was aimed squarely at inspiring travelers to discover the reality behind the fiction by visiting some of the famous locations mentioned. The article was in fact quite disparaging of the book. However, the cultural significance of the Louvre, Westminster Abbey and other notable sites reaches far beyond their brief appearance in a work of fiction, and this was the point of the article. As the author noted, visiting the locations does not add to one's appreciation for the novel, but a greater appreciation for the locations themselves and the real history behind them.
Sweepstakes winners In our March/April sweepstakes, the winner of the Durango three-night vacation was John O., of Bailey. Winners from the May/June sweepstakes will be notified in July and announced in the next issue. For privacy reasons we do not print the full names of winners.
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