I think it’s great about the septuplets and how they all survived (Dec. 2 Tough News). But with all these multiple births popping up lately and being on the news, it’s like the “Battle of the Babies” -see how many babies you can have in one pregnancy.
It’s great that scientific research is helping people who have infertility problems to have babies. But seven! Do you see women not on fertility drugs having seven babies? Even though I don’t agree with having seven babies at one time, I commend the mother for not having an abortion.
One thing that bothers me is the fact that an African-American woman had seven too (but one died). What publicity did she get? What new van? Who bought them a house?
Kelly J., 13 Palos Heights
Here today…
In your networking column (Nov. 25), you gave the address for “How much does it cost?” When I attemped to go to that address, I was told that either the address entered was wrong or it was out of date. Since I re-entered the address many times, I believe that it is out of date. Please do not hand out Web addresses that are no longer accessible to your readers.
Rosemary America Online
Editor’s note: We’re sorry you had that experience. We do check every Web site we print. Unfortunately, Web sites sometimes do disappear between the time we send a page to press and the section arrives at your door.
Freedom dress
I’m writing in response to Samantha K. (Dec. 2 Backtalk). I would never wear any of the styles you described in your letter, but I think it is horrible that you could judge a person like that. Calling someone a freak because they wear different clothes than you do is wrong. I think it is good for kids to express themselves through their clothing. Even if they are in 6th grade, they still have this right. I also don’t think deans should say anything about it, because what can they say? I think dress codes are stupid and pointless and should not be used in schools.
M.L. America Online
I have one thing to say: PREJUDICE! How dare Samantha K. judge people on their choice of dress! I mean, it is their First Amendment right to wear what they want. How you dress is a way to express yourself. If someone takes that right away, this is no longer a country that can claim to be free. I think that those people who think that black makeup is bad should look around at the people with glitter and blue and purple. How is black any different from that? People automatically seem to assume that if you wear black you are depressed and that you should get help. That is wrong.
Megan America Online
Lighten up, lovebirds!
In response to Diti G. (Nov. 25 Backtalk), I totally agree with you! All these “cool” people start bragging. It’s like, “Oh, Mallory, I just broke up with Lyndsey. Oh, well, McKenzie’s next on my waiting list.” Besides, they aren’t really even going out! Fifth grade and dating? Puh-lease!
Mallory R., 10 Somonauk
Virtual overkill?
Thank you for mentioning the new virtual pets (Dec. 2 Features). They sound interesting. It sounds fun to raise a monster to fight other monsters. I think normal virtual pets get boring after a while, especially during the school year! You have to feed them, play with them and a few more things. Hopefully, the new ones won’t be so much trouble.
Scott M., 11 Darien
I’m writing in response to Nicholas D. (Nov. 25 Backtalk). I agree that virtual pets are very annoying and a waste of your and your parents’ money. The reason why is some schools don’t allow them in school because they distract you. So if you can’t bring them to school they’ll die.
Jessica W., 12 Downers Grove
Striving for colorblind
I am writing in response to “Racism’s reach” (Nov. 25 Tough News). In my opinion racism is still a major factor in our society. People of certain ethnic groups are stereotyped and shamed for things they probably didn’t even do. Racism doesn’t affect me as much as other people, but you can still see it in our society.
We should stop judging people by their skin and judge them more by their accomplishments.
C.T., 13 Palos Heights
Garth who?
I couldn’t believe John Z. (Dec. 2 Backtalk)! Garth Brooks is better than Hanson? In your dreams. Maybe people who moved to Illinois from the South or people who just plain have no taste in music listen to Garth Brooks.
The Hanson brothers have a strong talent, and I like their music. They are great examples for kids to follow; they’re not snobby or stuckup and they seem like really decent boys.
Hanson is a great deal better than Garth Brooks and that whiny noise he calls music.
K.B., 13 Bolingbrook
Bye-bye, B&B
In response to Adam G. (Dec. 2 Backtalk), Beavis and Butt-head are just full of swears and pointless things. Sure, I have never seen an episode, but a few kids I know tell me what they say. I will be so happy when B&B go down the hole.
Jacob S., 9 Palatine
