I know I’m not a recycle freak, and I also know I should be and everyone else in the world.
I think astronauts shouldn’t go up into space. I know astronauts and scientists are thinking about making Mars a second Earth. When space shuttles go into space they pollute the air with millions of gallons of toxic gases. They wouldn’t be thinking about making a second Earth if they weren’t polluting it in the first place.
– Angela O., 11, Woodridge
BOW WOW
I have a Weimaraner too (Aug. 12 Cover). His name is Lucky and he is very well-behaved. Most people are afraid of him because of his size and the serious look on his face, but I would like people to know that he will tolerate everything. He has never bitten anyone or growled at anyone. I think he is the best dog for a family.
– Laura S., 11, Crystal Lake
NOT IN HOG HEAVEN
About “Talk about a match made in hog heaven” (Aug. 12 Cover): I’m sorry, but come on! Who has the time to sit there and pick out any movie and any CD and find so-called “coincidences”? This article really bugged me because it really shouldn’t be there. Who’s going to go and be a better person after reading that? Not I.
– Daisy M., 13, Western Springs
ALL AMERICAN
I am responding to Chris C. (Aug. 19 Backtalk) about “why we all can’t just be American and nothing more.”
I believe that the beauty of America is our differences. It adds spice to our wonderful country. Without celebrations we will be lacking knowledge of each other. Therefore, we will get separated even more.
We can all learn from everyone, just as the Indians taught the Pilgrims to plant crops and the Pilgrims taught us to give thanks on a special day. Just remember, if we never shared our cultures, there wouldn’t be all these great foods, like pizza.
– Leticia R., 14
I agree with Chris C. I think there should only be parades from American holidays, because this is America. When we have parades for different cultures, people become jealous and sometimes racists. I think we become too proud of what we are. It’s not just the blacks or the gays; it’s also all the other cultures. I also don’t think we should separate our history by the color of our skin.
We should show the younger generation that it doesn’t matter what color we are because we’re all Americans, and that’s what we should be proud of.
– Kathleen F., 13, Bloomingdale
PRETTY SMART
In response to your comment about Isaac Hanson (Aug. 19 Wordup): Are you implying that only ugly people can be smart? I am in the top 10 percent of my high school class of 500, and I am not ugly.
I am disappointed that you could be so superficial. Kids get enough pressure to be good-looking to be accepted into the adult world. They don’t need a newspaper devoted to them pushing them down.
Some girls, myself included, think that Isaac is good-looking, whereas his brothers are impossibly feminine. This doesn’t make them any less desirable as people or musicians.
– Sara C., 15, Chicago
ALTERNATIVE PETS
For those people who are sick of taking care of virtual pets and everything about them (I’m one of those people), check out P.F. Magic’s Dogz, Catz and Oddballz.
They are cute, friendly and best of all, you can ignore them all you want — they won’t beep or die. They live on your computer. You can take pictures of them. They grow up cute, and you can teach them tricks.
All three products are available at computer stores for about $20. But you can download starter kits off the Net for free.
But don’t take my word for it – see for yourself at www.pfmagic.com.
– Michelle G., 11, Glenview
“It beeped constantly, kept us up a good part of the night and then had the nerve to turn into an evil looking alien and fly back to its home planet.”
That is a quote from “Pet peeve” (Aug. 19 Backtalk). My Tama-gotchi goes to bed at 8:30, hardly ever beeps and is adorable. If you’re such “bad Tamagotchi parents,” then an ugly cyber creature is what you deserve.
– Amanda S., 12, Naperville
I have a nice living Tamagotchi because I read the instructions. You probably ripped open the package and started pressing buttons.
– Jenny L., 9, West Chicago
WHINING VS. OPINION
In response to Jeff E. (Aug. 19 Backtalk): All of the Backtalk writers are people, and these people have opinions about what others write and say.
I agree with you when you say that insults, bad words and dumb statements aren’t a good way to express those opinions, but then you just contradict yourself by showing the way you feel by calling a bunch of kids “a sorry bunch of whining pansies.” If you don’t like the way Backtalk works, don’t read it.
– Lauren S., 13, Barrington
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Write letters or send editorial cartoons to Backtalk, 5th Floor, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. IL 60611. We won’t use your last name, but you must include your full name, age and phone number (we may call to make sure you wrote it). You can also send us letters by e-mail (screen name KidNews@aol. com).
