Crying Carl
You have an opportunity to produce a really good magazine, but unfortunately you miss the mark by printing articles such as "Steal-J" by Christian Hazel. Why do you allow this kind of crap in your magazine? He states in his article, "Fair is for fairies." How about lying is for losers or cheating is for cretins. This guy actually seems proud of the fact that he is a liar, a cheat, and an overall jerk. In the article he complains about scammers on eBay. Is he any better? I think not.The end doesn't justify the means when the cost is your honor and self respect. Of course, he probably lost that a long time ago.I sincerely hope there is such a thing as karma. I know this doesn't matter to you, but I will not renew my subscription to your rag.Carl GilbertVia e-mail
Now, let's see. I gave the seller every penny he was asking for the Jeep. That's right. Full asking price, despite the fact the interior was a total throwaway, the top was a throwaway, the A/C didn't work, the turn signals and brake lights were inoperable, one headlight was out, and the rear axle was completely destroyed. How did I rip him off? Not only did I overlook all of those items, I smogged the Jeep myself and got it to pass inspection so the sale could go through, despite the fact that in California the seller is responsible for getting the Jeep ready for the smog inspection, which would have included rebuilding the rear axle ($750 minimum), replacing the turn signal multi-switch ($80), and the headlight ($10). I also paid the back registration because the bonehead had let it lapse - again, that's his responsibility. Technically, I did him a favor. The only thing I may be guilty of is taking steps to ensure I was gonna be the buyer of this Jeep and not some other yahoo.As for the story and how it was written, apparently some people have never heard of a little thing called humor. I pity them. What shallow, unhappy lives they must live. For them I submit the following amended version: I saw a Jeep for sale and persevered until I was able to buy it. The end.- Tech Editor, Christian Hazel
OD Road Trip
I read your article on the deuce ("Baddest Jeep Ever," June '06). Yes, they can be fun to drive. I have had an M35A3 up to 65 mph or so on the open road in the mountains of New Hampshire (on the downhill side, specifically). The guys with me were nervous, but they tend to worry a lot. It is not often that you look down on a moose from the driver's seat. Anyway, your idea of taking deuces across the Rubicon is a great one. Now, since it is always best to go with at least one other vehicle that can assist with recovery, you will need a partner.John BrennanLebanon, New Hampshire
Hmmm, how about an OD Road Trip open to all military vehicles instead? Tell us about your rig if you're interested in tagging along on a West Coast Olive Drab on- and off-road trip. Your vehicle must either be a real discharged military rig or still in the military, if you can swing that past your commanding officer. At the very least it should be painted Olive Drab, Battleship Gray, desert or snow camo, and so on. Flat black or gray primer don't cut it. Send info and pics to Jp Magazine, OD Road Trip, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 or e-mail john.cappa@primedia.com with OD Road Trip in the subject line.
Jp Loves Land
Wow, your May '06 editorial (Trail Head) sure described how many Californians feel today! Great job. While your rant may have held just a few exaggerations (smile), your point was well taken. The radical excessiveness of some special interest groups has caused California to become a ridiculous place to live by some standards. Our only hope is to stay involved in the process, especially as it relates to our beloved Jeeps and four-wheeling experiences. Groups like the BlueRibbon Coalition (www.sharetrails.org) and the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs (www.cal4wheel.com) are still fighting for us here in California. I tell folks to join these groups and to help with at least that much of the fight. It's a start. I know you remind your readers often to do the same, and I want you to know we appreciate that. Jp Magazine is helping us keep our lands and trails open by doing that. Thank you. Del AlbrightBlueRibbon Coalition 4WD Ambassadorwww.delalbright.com
Bree's Belated Anniversary Letter
I'm writing this e-mail to tell you how much we used to love Jp Magazine. Our lives revolve around the Jeep. I love Jeeps, am married to a Jeepaholic, and am the mother of four little gearhead boys. Every other word my three-year-old says is rockcrawler. Those boys will be the rockcrawler builders of the future. When your magazine would come, all the boys would get together with their dad and look at all the great pictures in your magazine and make plans for the Jeep/rockcrawler he's building. I hope to someday see that Jeep in a four-wheel drive magazine, but not particularly in yours now that your magazine is nothing but a poor excuse for Playboy that includes a few cool Jeeps - it is on the bottom of the pile!Fortunately, the subscription runs out this month, and I will no longer have to worry that my kids choose the Jp out of the four other off-road magazines we receive. It's too bad when a great magazine has to become a dirty secret in our house. It's not worth the worry. If your readers want Bree in there, then they can have her. If you ever get rid of her, let me know and we'll renew and maybe even give you a picture of our Jeep when it's finished so you'll have something decent to print!Leah SloanVia e-mail
We're Lonely, Please Send us Letters!
Apparently we've scared off all of our pen pals. How come no one writes us anymore? We'd really like some friends. Tell us we suck. Tell us Christian Hazel should wear a wig you made from tennis-ball fur. Tell us to do an all-Bree bikini issue. Tell us anything; we're desperate for attention! Write to Jp Magazine, Be John's Pen Pal, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 or e-mail john.cappa@primedia.com.