ELI GIVES IT GOOD

STRANGER: God fucking DAMMIT, that's the last time I read The Stranger at work. Eli Sanders's visual descriptions in "The New Pornographers" [Sept 7] were enough to make me pop wood under my desk. Jesus, that's good writing.

Zachary Van Brunt

PROPS FOR MOORMAN

DAN SAVAGE AND DAVE SEGAL: I am writing to say that you have a writer—Trent Moorman—in your midst whom I have come to really like. I just wanted to give him props. I'm a freshman at Seattle Central and try to read often. His Black Keys article ["Rubber City Soul"] in the August 31 edition was great. And all his past Lineout stuff too! He is always inventive and makes me want to read more. I think he's one of your better writers and I say keep 'em coming. Go Stranger; you all are the saving grace of this town!

Daja

DEVO THE FUTURE

DEAR EDITOR: I love Devo and I'm glad they're finally cashing in on de-evolution ["De-evolution Is Real!" Nathan Carson, Sept 7]. But at every Devo show I manage to see, I'm surrounded by 50-year-olds who can afford the $55 ticket, and while it's vaguely satisfying knowing more lyrics than these first-wave fans, you reckon they would consider a discount for their poor twentysomething fans? Don't even mention Oscar Peterson. Missed Devo at the 930 Club in D.C. last year and still can't afford them in Seattle. Sorry for the whining.

Clementine

TALK TALK

DEAR STRANGER EDITOR: I disagree with Paul Constant's opinion of Steven Roseta's (Just Like) Starting Over ["Leaping Lennon!" Sept 7]. Constant claims to be a John Lennon fan, but missed the point of the play. For those of us who were truly changed by John and Yoko, sitting in Yoko's office for two hours hearing meaningful dialogue that still rings true today is a marvel. I'm 42 with small children and was given the bonus gift of hearing John speak of his relationship with his son. I could relate to him in a new adult way that touched my heart. The list of artists with an alternative message that reaches across borders is sadly lacking these days. I'd recommend this play to anyone ready to tap into the collective thought process that still holds true.

Susan Mackey

TOUCHED BY A REBEL

DEAR MR. WATADA: I woke up thinking about the nauseating speech President Bush gave yesterday. And I finally realized why he wants secret kangaroo trials: They know they can't get convictions in a legitimate court of law because their evidence is tainted by torture! And as for all those men and women who might be charged with war crimes just for trying to do their jobs—he's talking about himself!

So I found your story ["War Crimes," Eli Sanders, Aug 24], decided you're a worthy cause, and made a donation. Thank you for your courageous stand.

Jim Williams

ALL GOOD THINGS

DEAR EDITOR: Noel Black's August 17 article, "Shopping Spree," gave step-by-step instructions on how to order items from www.family.org as a means of activism.

I tried it today. After ordering several items with a mixture of guilt and glee (okay, mainly glee), this is the message that I received when I tried to give a $0 donation:

"We are unable to process your request online as the amount you've chosen is less than the suggested donation. We may be able to complete your request, but you must first contact us directly at (800) A-FAMILY in order for us to assist you. If you wish, you may return to the previous screen and specify a different donation amount for these resources."

I'm wondering if this is in response to the article. I would like to think that it is.

Teresa

LABOR DAY LETDOWN

DEAR BUMBERSHOOT: I just wanted to say Fuck You Bumbershoot. I am new to this city and was excited about my first Bumbershoot experience. The lineup looked wonderful and the diversity in genre and style was amazing. Unfortunately, you had to go and fuck it up. First of all, I did nothing but wait in lines. Lines to get in, lines to get in the show, lines to get out of the park... lines fucking everywhere. When I got in, there were so many people that I felt like I was in a herd of cattle. I actually stood in line for an hour and a half to see a comedy act and couldn't get in because you gave out too many damn VIP passes. I understand they paid more money, but it's not cool to screw everyone else over every single fucking show! Next up: the security. How in the hell are you going to have a rock show where you aren't allowed to get a little rowdy? I heard one guard say you could move around but you couldn't touch anyone else. What is that? The band loses energy when the crowd isn't involved and no one has any fun. I was so disappointed that I sold my ticket for the last day. Thanks for nothing, you fucking sellout of a festival.

Name Withheld