Top Comments: Foie Gras Controversy

This week, Redondo beach Patch commenters shared their opinions on foie gras, Locks of Love, beach restrooms and other topics. Here's a sample of their comments; feel free to join the discussions!

Commenters Weigh in on Foie Gras Debate

celebrity chef Ludo Lefebvre's use of foie gras for his at Casa Pulido on Wednesday, and commenters argued both sides of the debate.

"As a diner there last night, we didn't order the foie gras out of curiosity. We ordered it because it's delicious! Ludo is known for playing with different ways to serve foie gras. It's sad that these protesters can't see beyond the bad farms (that should be shut down) and acknowledge that there are humane farms. Reputable chefs source from human farms. These people should focus instead on chicken farms where beaks are cut down and they only have 1 square foot of space to move around in.

"On top of being obtuse, the protesters were also personally attacking the patrons. Bad form all the way around." —KrisDub

"There are a lot of cultural comestibles that are becoming questionable in our era, and foie gras is definately one of them. The World Health Organization now says 10% of the world population is obese, and over 30% of Americans are obese. Artery clogging fois gras, the fatty, diseased liver of force fed waterfowl should not be a part of any healthy diet. Frivolous consumption of anything and everything is leading to a epidemic of sicknesses that no 'health care plan' is going to deliver us. Crying 'cultural' pleas is no longer useful or ethical. The Chinese are claiming the same prejudice when marine scientists point to the demise of the keystone predator of the oceans, sharks, and the teetering extinction caused by harvesting the animals simply to chop off their dorsal fin for 'shark fin soup'. It is very uncomfortable to have anyone point out hypocrisy, especially when it seems to tread on your individual rights. It takes a stronger ethical and principled perspective to listen and frankly admit that perhaps, given the evidence, these impulses to 'eat what we want' are up for evaluation. If we had been holding up banners showing the butchering of dogs and cats for human eating, as occurs in Asia in deliberately 'farmed' situations, I guarantee many of the passers-by (walking their dogs) and diners entering the restaurant would have been sympathetic and appalled." —Susan Rudnicki

Neighbors Agree: Beach Restrooms Are Filthy

This week, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said are a "major health issue," and commenters seemed to agree:

"I live in Redondo Beach and I love my neighborhood... but it comes to bathrooms it's another thing. They are extremely dirty and I'm glad that somebody brought it up. Hope they do something about it." —Martha Crow

"All of the restrooms at the beach over the last 40 years, in the south bay have really never been maintained the way they should, so this should be nothing new to the county. The Restrooms in the past are ether locked up, down for repairs, or just dirty. Sure they have built new restroom locations that are newer and more pleasing to the eye from the outside but the inside is the same story at all.

"Maybe it would help to teach folks proper restroom etiquette to help keep them cleaner. Oh that will never happen, lots of luck their in that camp." —Tony Czuleger

Lots of Love for 'Locks of Love'

This week, Katharine Blossom Lowrie wrote a column about how her granddaughter, Jordan, decided to chop off her hair and , an organization that provides prosthetics and hairpieces to children suffering from hair loss due to cancer or other illnesses. Our commenters applauded Jordan's actions:

"What a wonderful and brave young lady Miss Jordan is! Just when you think today's kids are self absorbed you find one that is thinking of others. The bonus? In my opinion she looks fabulous with shorter hair!" —Bonnie Daybell

"Very selfless act on the part of Jordan. Great story and this young woman should be applauded and celebrated. I've always had admiration for those willing to endure personal sacrifice for the benefit of those troubled or less fortunate." —Michael Brown

Domoic Acid Project Gets Positive Response

Of course, we're not above tooting our own horn once in awhile at Patch. Our recent in-depth piece on received some praise from readers:

"Great article. Interesting and balanced. Love it when science is reported as science without editorialization. Articles like this could teach 'mainstream' media a thing or two about science reporting! Well done!" —Jeff G.