A refreshing view of national lakeshores and seashores

Great article on Aug. 21 on the national lakeshores and seashores (”Wave Hello to Serenity,” by Catharine Hamm), punctuated by the quote by President Kennedy, who said, “We all came from the sea.”

Now I know the science behind how we feel when we hear, see and touch the various forms of water. There is no substitute for time well spent.

Thanks for the well-thought-out issue.

Paul Flores, Long Beach

Keep the booze on the ground

We recently saw another video taken on a plane, showing the pilot of the plane having to physically take down a passenger because the flier refused to sit down when instructed by the flight attendant.

Not surprisingly, this man was quite drunk. This behavior has become a common occurrence, and alcohol often is involved.

Why don’t the airlines just stop serving alcohol? Why is it necessary for passengers to drink alcohol during a flight? If a person can’t get through a flight without a drink, then he or she has bigger problems.

The flight attendants are not supposed to be bartender waitresses or bouncers at a dance club. They are there primarily for our safety.

If alcohol is provided as a source of revenue, the airlines need to review their priorities.

Joy Shebroe, Walnut, Calif.

Not on board for a ‘Guardians’ ride

Plans to turn the iconic Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure into a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction has many fans not feeling the Disney magic (“Will Disney’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ ride anchor a Marvel-themed land?, by Brady MacDonald, online at www.lat.ms/guardians).

What sets Disney apart from other amusement parks is that Disney always has a theme that tells a story. Walt Disney began this tradition when he created Disneyland, just across the walkway from California Adventure.

As a ride enthusiast, Disney fan and marketing expert, I believe this may be the worst marketing idea since new Coke.

While Guardians of the Galaxy looks like a great idea on paper, it doesn’t fit with the theming of the park. California Adventure is a tribute to the Golden State. Nearly every ride and attraction is themed for the state.

If Disney loses its theming, it loses the storyline and experience for the guests.

I hope Disney will reconsider replacing Tower of Terror, which is one of its most popular rides. Instead of messing with things that are already popular, it should focus on refreshing Florida’s Epcot.

Scot Squires, Midland, Mich.

Likes the letters

A huge thank you for maintaining a wonderful letters column in the Travel section.

While many newspapers have decided to eliminate this feature, it is refreshing to find thoughtful, illuminating letters in the print edition of the Los Angeles Times week after week.

Keep up the good work.

David Tulanian, Los Angeles