RE: "All Tomorrow's Bovines" [Feature, March 19], regarding the impact of farming on the environment along with potential solutions.
If you think vegan food sucks, you're doing it wrong, especially in Portland. Vegans also have less to worry about concerning food spoilage, and have much lower concerns about contamination. In addition, vegan chefs tend to be the kind of people who step up their game when presented with a challenge, so in terms of interesting and flavorful food, it is hard to beat a vegan diet—if the cooks know what they are doing. I went vegan this year (vegetarian for several before) for the reasons you talk about in this article. (There is a great TED Talk on using insects for protein that doubles as a great argument for environmental veganism, but I actually switched after looking at some Scandinavian studies on meat agriculture and climate impact.) I frankly couldn't care much about food-animal quality of life, but the amount of Koch money that comes from fertilizer for animal feed crops is repulsive, not to mention the direct climate change results from animal products, and [it] made me decide I better change my lifestyle. I haven't regretted it for a minute.
phizzi
RE: "Shoots and Ladders" [Film, March 19], an unfavorable review of the film Divergent.
As a Vietnam vet who led bombings over Cambodia, I found myself agreeing with this reviewer and Andrew O'Hehir in Salon, who labeled this film as capitalist agitprop. As such, I was contented by not having to exist in a post-apocalyptic Chicago kibbutz-like walled community, but rather a pre-apocalyptic world of global warming, the end of oil, and endless wars, with the NSA breathing down my neck—where seemingly my toughest choice is whether to Google Glass or Yahoo. One thing still puzzles me about the film: Who manufactured all the armaments, computer tech, and cosmetic makeup? Oh, right, it's a Hollywood film...
Zayha
RE: "Better Than The Godfather III!" [Film, March 19], a mostly positive review of Muppets Most Wanted.
What? No Robin? This movie is dead to me. Couldn't they have left out Fozzie. I fucking hate Fozzie. So much I'm not even going to figure out if I spelled his name correctly. TAKE THAT, UNFUNNY BEAR.
pork chop
RE: Dinosaur Comics [March 19], in which the drawn figure of T. Rex complains about what a boring game driving is.
DEAR MERCURY—Please pass on this heartfelt note to T. Rex and anyone else struggling with the driving game. I was so saddened to read that you find the driving game boring. Having spent countless hours playing and enjoying the game I have one big tip. You must select the right vehicle. From the results you've gotten it sounds like maybe you've been playing with a Prius or perhaps an older Hyundai. Allow me to suggest a few options. American muscle cars are perennial favorites for high-level players. BMW 3 Series is also a really good bet. Locally, Subaru WRX is always in the game. How about a Miata? Don't ignore some of the fun front-wheel drives such as the GTI, Fiesta ST, Mini Cooper S, and Civic SI. Jeep Wranglers and lots of old trucks (before they got too plush) are good options too. What about a motorcycle? Generally speaking, you can play harder for longer in a new vehicle but anything older ups the interest level because you never know if you'll arrive at your destination or how expensive the game will get with repairs. You can add other variables to customize your experience and take control of the game instead of the game controlling you. Once you have the right wheels you can MAKE the game fun and win!
Amy
YOU KNOW WHAT else is fun, Amy? Driving your American muscle car over to the Laurelhurst Theater to enjoy your two movie tickets for winning this week's Mercury letter of the week! Then you get to play the beer and pizza game, too (our favorite).
