Jesus Wept With Laughter

Dear Editor,

Thank you, Joseph Gonzalez, for the delightful cover story on Michael Medford [“Heavy Metal Jesus Rages On,” Arts, March 20]. In a world gone wrong, y’all made me laugh, repeatedly.

Paul McMullen

Jesus Christ Superstar

Dear Editor,

Joseph Gonzalez’s story about Heavy Metal Jesus Michael Medford was great! [“Heavy Metal Jesus Rages On,” Arts, March 20.] A story about a fascinating guy, very well told, with many evocative photos. Superlative piece. Thank you!

Aleta Fairchild

Rum for Improvement

Dear Editor,

In 1954, in the old town of San Juan, someone was having an especially delightful day mixing coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum to form the classic and divine flavor profile we all know and love. I must say, there is no piña colada as important to the weird and spunky town of Austin as bringing J. Reynolds back and out of retirement. His words in the weekly crossword are the freshly cut pineapples, the coconuts being cracked open at just the right time, and the especially lucky soul who gets the pleasure of sipping such a combination. Rum and tell it, we, the people of Austin, need this more than ever in a time of such uncertainty, a time where a Thursday Chronicle is the solace that brings us back to healthy headspace, a place we look forward to outside of rising gas prices, impending inflation, and regurgitated rhetoric at our local pub. With due diligence, I ask the message to be relayed and if he refuses, perhaps, he will coach Margie on how to craft a puzzle that makes a bit more sense.

With the most love,

Danielle Judy

Crossing Swords

Dear Editor,

I’m as loath as the next guy to get baited into a spat over crosswords in the Chronicle letters and comments section, however there was something in Captain Billy’s defense of the new crossword that bears notice [“Pleased With the Puzzle,” Feedback, March 20]. Namely, the Captain – if that is his real rank – begins his perhaps too enthusiastic rebuttal by asking who I am, yet signs with a pseudonym. Not to state the Obvious, but I signed my real name.  

When the Chronicle publishes letters anonymously, it’s hard to determine if they are genuine or the work of some mailroom Chronicle intern stoking phony controversy for clicks when they should be doing something productive like making coffee. I’ve had my trust in institutions eroded enough already this year, thank you. Anyways Captain, if you are indeed a real person and want to find me, I can sometimes be found at the coffee shop known for loud overhead sounds in the days of the Mueller airport. These days, mostly reading Luv Doc or Mr. Smarty Pants.  

Get a clue,

Ethan Smith

This article appears in March 27 • 2026.

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