Don’t believe in miracles
Alli, like most pills that are designed to solve all our problems, is ridiculous (“Pill seekers,” June 20 cover story). There is no way I would ever take a pill with the side effects Alli has. Besides, according to the article, Alli only works if you’re eating right anyway. So why not supplement eating right with exercise instead of a pill that can potentially embarrass you by causing you to inadvertently belch, fart or even defecate in public?
Eric B. Barnes, 29, Chatham
No Alli-oopsies yet
I am one of those dieters who is risking the side effects [of the new drug Alli] in order to lose weight. I have tried everything from Weight Watchers to the Atkins Diet and I have not been successful at losing and/or keeping whatever weight I’ve lost off. I think of the [side] effects as behavioral modification.
So far I’ve been on the Alli pills for five days and not one accident has occurred. I am far more vigilant about what I eat and I watch my fat intake at each meal like a hawk. So far I’ve lost 3 pounds, so I know it’s working for me.
I admit I now have a “fear of farting” anywhere but home, but that’s largely due to all of the hoopla I’ve read regarding the effects, not anything that has actually happened.
Deborah Easton, 52, Hyde Park
Not married, not pathetic
Regarding “Amanda’s comment: “Hopefully by 40, I’m not still dating, desperate for a man. I mean, it’s just pathetic, I think” (“Kittens vs. Cougars,” June 18 TV story):
Pathetic? Why? I’m 43, I’m not married, seeing someone casually at the present time, and far from desperate. While I certainly enjoy who I’m seeing and would like our relationship to blossom, I don’t moan if he doesn’t call. I have a job to attend to, a band I’m pursuing and a college degree to complete. Besides, who’s to say you won’t be thrice divorced by the time you’re 43?
Starbuck Severin Avon, 43, Rogers Park
Crimes of fashion
I hate ugly, clunky, yucky shoes (“Saggy pants and other walking felonies,” June 15 column by Kyra Kyles). The fashion police need to be in full force!
Crocs: 10 days in jail, or a $1,000 fine. Plus, the shoes will be confiscated.
Black closed-toe shoes or boots with clunky/platform heels: eight days in jail, or an $800 fine.
Keens or Tevas: six days in jail, or a $600 fine.
Ballet flats: five days in jail, or a $500 fine.
Any plastic or jelly shoe: a full-force fashion intervention. Yuck!
Gina Matthiesen, 38, Lakeview
