IN BRIEF

We hope you survived the holidays in good fashion. A few pounds later, perhaps a bit wearier, it’s time to rejuvenate. It’s natural, even obvious, for magazines to run a resolution-laden, get-in-shape article for a January issue — but we’re still thinking about the joys of food. And you will be, too, when you check out our annual “Top 10 Tastes of the Year.” Every January, our food columnist John T. Edge assembles notes from his peregrinations to and from tables all over the country and beyond. He selects the most memorable palate pleasers and reports in.

So if the New Year means you’re adamant about shedding pounds, do not click on “Top 10 Tastes.”

Also in this issue, take a look at the smart fortwo (yes, that’s the name). If you’ve been to any major European city, you’ve seen them on the road. They’re now arriving in the states, and the orders are mounting.

Until the writer’s strike, a big event for many TV viewers this month would have been the season premiere of 24. Fans of the show will know CTU Chief Bill Buchanan at a glance. What might surprise those who know his TV character is that actor James Morrison has the perfect antidote to the adrenaline-rush intensity of 24. It’s no wonder he’s calm under duress.

Our interview with Ringo Starr rounds out the issue. After reading the story, click on the link in the Post-it for some comments from Ringo, as well as a music clip from his new release.

Until next month, enjoy your flight.

Lance Elko
Editor

CAPITAL TASTE

I read the “Sake 101” feature article in your November 2007 issue. I was surprised to see that you omitted from the “Where to Try” section a sake destination in one of your hubs: The Sake Club in Washington, D.C., serves 60 different sakes and cutting-edge Japanese cuisine.

John Hornick
via email

FAITH RESTORED

As a lifelong Civil War buff, I finally made the trek in 1999 to Gettysburg. Imagine my horror when I saw the mammoth observation tower stuck in the middle of the battlefield. I had read about it being an eyesore, but it wasn’t until I arrived that I understood it to be a sacrilege. I know that it was torn down a year after my visit, but I had no idea about the restoration efforts being made to preserve the authenticity of the park — until I read about the details in your November issue. Thank you for reporting this. Perhaps this summer I’ll take another trip back east and see Gettysburg in a much truer light.

D.G. Ogburn
Portland, Oregon

MORE MEAT

In “Best Steaks of New York City” (November), you nailed the great ones. For a little bit less money, but an amazing taste (and portion size), try Sparks Steak House in Midtown. Get the prime sirloin. You won’t be disappointed. Sparks is classy and has a great all-around menu. It’s at 210 East 46th St.

Phillip Ciccarelli
New York City

SURPRISE

You guys rock! I couldn’t believe you wrote up Maynard James Keenan in an inflight magazine. I’ve been a Tool fan since the ’90s, and I never knew about Keenan’s love of wine. And I never expected to see an article on him in this kind of magazine. Thanks!

Taylor Springer
Columbus, Ohio

GOOD ADVICE

I was “downsized” by my company last month and was second-guessing myself on the best strategies to use as I began to look for a new job. (I’m shy, too, like Tongue-Tied Teresa, the woman who wrote the letter.) Donald Asher’s advice in Save My Career (“If You Don’t Network, Get Started,” November) gave me lots of great ideas (and very specific ones) for what to do next in my job search. When I get hired, I’ll write back, hopefully with a success story. Thanks for the ideas and the inspiration.

M. Tressler
via email