Hometown vs. Anytown

Hey Casey,

Man, I hear you about the box store blues.It's nice to see Fairbanks have a little expansion, but this booming sort of freaks me out.

Everywhere you look, there is another new building being constructed. Alaska is unique because of its natural beauty and Fairbanks is unique because of its hometown feel.We are losing both of these elements with all of the non-Alaskan-owned companies that are sprouting up like weeds around here.

I already boycott Wal-Mart, and I sure as hell will actively boycott any second one that tries to lay claim here.Wal-Mart embodies nearly every social problem that affects our country.I believe that if more people were educated about this issue, they would be fighting the store as well.Some people say that they can't afford to boycott Wal-Mart, due to their "always low prices"--but this is ridiculous.The store's discounts are minuscule and reflect the lack of quality in their products.

Fairbanks is NOT meant to be Anytown, USA.We should be fighting for the perseverance of our town's character, not celebrating across-town non-locally-owned grand openings.

Thank you,

Terin Walton-Rantz

Praise for 'Nerdism'

I just wanted to drop a quick note to thank Andrew Paris for the constant fun and amusement his wonderful "Tao Of Nerdism" comic provides. I look forward to it every week, and have several of my favorite installments cut out and hanging on my wall. The insight and humor he provides in his work always brightens my day.

Brittany Summers

Yeah, Nerdism is hilarious and we look forward to it every week too. We're starting a new advertising campaign: "Tao of Nerdism: It's better than a sharp stick in the eye!"-Ed.

Fear not

I truly enjoy all your stories, even the ones I don't like!They are always enjoyable to read and make me laugh more often than not.Keep up the good work guys.I especially liked to see your not afraid to report on things such as, "UAF's Gay Club" It concerns me to no end with all the religious organizations on campus attempting to proselytize with their propaganda, it might cause other groups to feel pushed out or intimidated.It's nice to see that they still have a voice in your paper. Great job!

Regards,

Casey Bywater

How can you enjoy something you don't like? Isn't that masochism? -Ed.