In-kind service
I loved Rick Kogan’s article (“Sidewalks,” Dec. 21) on the USO, known as Uncle Sam’s Orphanage by the oldies that volunteered years ago. I was a volunteer with the USO that operated out of the YMCA on (I believe) Wabash & Adams 49 years ago. Just this past year I began volunteering at the O’Hare USO. It is very fulfilling to serve these fine young men and women.They are so appreciative of any little thing we do for them or help them with.It is one of the finest organizations I have ever been involved in and hope it is always there for our servicemen and women.
Arlene Fear / Chicago
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Fizzled? Not quite
Re: “Fizzled: Trends that bit the dust” (“What’s Hot,” Dec. 7), I’ll accept 8 of the 10 items as failed — but not the following two.
Every time I read about the “failure” of the “New Coke,” I chuckle. I suspect many of the Coke executives are chuckling along with me. The company has received more free publicity from what is continually perceived and written about as a failed marketing effort when it really has been a brilliant publicity stunt. All along, I suspect.
And though the Segway may not have revolutionized the pedestrian world — nor sold in the numbers predicted — it remains a viable product for several uses where its unique characteristics are of value. The worth of such a device is further proven by the fact that a number of companies are developing competitive products.
John Fischer / Palatine
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