Barry Manilow, you are one of our desert’s treasures

I went to the Barry Manilow Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 17 at the McCallum Theater. It was nothing short of fantastic on every level. The beautiful set, full orchestra, great backup singers and then the amazing Barry Manilow himself. He moved and sang like a man in his 50s. The show was like a Las Vegas review with a Christmas theme. So much energy, gorgeous music, lights and nonstop singing. Barry is such a classic showman.

Of course, he gives the money from these concerts to charities here in the valley. How generous is that gesture. Honestly, it was one of the best concerts of my life. The audience was on their feet for the last 30 minutes of the show. Never have I witnessed such adoration for a performer in my life as I did Sunday. Barry’s charming personality and good spirit were so welcoming to everyone in the theater.

How lucky we are to have Barry as a permanent resident here in our desert community. Honestly, he should be an ambassador for our country. He truly brought so much joy and goodwill to the world last night. Thank you, Barry, for all you do for our community. You truly are one of our desert treasures.

Ray Matlock Smythe, Cathedral City

Recipe disappointment: $250 Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookies

I’m writing to you today because I have never been so disappointed in a newspaper recipe as I was with the above-mentioned one. I consider myself a pretty good baker, however, this recipe looked strange from the beginning but I followed it anyway because I always loved the chocolate chips from Neiman Marcus. The recipe had too much oats and flour and not enough sugar and butter. I wasted a whole afternoon and not to mention lots of money!

I hope that the next time you use a cookie recipe your test kitchen would try it out. Just letting you know because every Wednesday I do look forward to the recipe section and have made other things with success.

Sherry Davis, Rancho Mirage

“Year in Photos” glaring omission: Israel

After reading my subscribed Desert Sun Sunday newspaper I felt compelled to write the following comment. As I looked through the USA Today special section, "2023 The Year in Photos,” I was disappointed to find a glaring omission. The front-page photo viewing migrants at the border was touching. The second page called "Facing despair amid war" viewed heart-wrenching photographs of distressed Palestinian families and ruins. Page 3 titled "Fighting for freedom" concerned Ukraine. Pages 4 and 5 showed photos of political issues. Pages 6 and 7 covered photos of nature's havoc and consequences. Pages 7-12 viewed moments in sports, entertainment and nature.

Have you decided "from the river to the sea" has already been established? Are you not expressing antisemitism in your omission?

Charlene Lane, Indio

Why was Israel left out of “Year in photos”

In Sunday’s edition, there was a special section, ”2023 – The year in photos.” There were four – count them four – pictures showing the suffering of the Palestinians. However, where were the pictures of the dead Israelis? Is there bias in the news?

Israel has the absolute right to defend itself…and the news should reflect this.

Edward Paull, Rancho Mirage

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Barry Manilow, you are one of our desert’s treasures