News for the Uptight Seattleite

Thank you for the Uptight Seattleite's excellent discussion of whether to buy Real Change [Dec. 20]. We worry, however, that he may have offered a false impression. Real Change is not just for nervous liberals. We are also enjoyed by overeducated professionals, despair-ridden environmentalists, self-righteous vegans, and long-suffering suburban commuters.

For those who found Uptight's point system for buying our paper overly cumbersome, we offer this simple alternative. Take what you spend at Starbucks any given week and divide by the probable value of the Real Change vendor's shoes. If the ratio is greater than 3-to-1, you must buy the paper and read at least half of it before discarding to an appropriate recycling receptacle.

Timothy Harris
Executive Director, Real Change
Seattle

Plain-Jane Cate

Ella Taylor describes Cate Blanchett's looks as "fabulous" [Holiday Film, "Tea and Cate," Dec. 20]. Why is it always necessary to describe famous women as beautiful? The fact is that Blanchett is plainer looking than the average movie star actress. Her facial bone structure has an angular, harsh, rugged-type look that is almost masculine; and her body, while thin, is too sinewy to be considered stereotypically sexy.

She is a good actress, and she plays intelligent roles. She does not play bimbo-type parts probably because she focuses on developing talent instead of being able to coast by on looks.

Mark Bee
Seattle

Flush WIth Success

I love it [Pet Cemetery, "Hurtin' for a Squirtin'," Dec. 20]! Mike Seely is amazing. He did a really great job on this. Yes, it was just a fish, but it was also a part of the family, and flushing a family member can be rough. His writing has healed my broken heart! I'll finally have my closure!! Thanks.

Haley J. Fisher
Seattle

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