Letters
Nerve Damage
I had begun to fear that an entire month might pass before I read another letter to the editor from the Environmental Defense Fund denouncing my book A Moment on the Earth. Imagine my surprise, then, when the November Outside arrived. The EDF has written snarling letters to numerous publications that have given my book good reviews, but judging from Fred Krupp's letter in response to your August Dispatches item "A Moment on the Goofs," you hit a nerve in asking why the EDF seems so afraid of a mere book. I'm sure you also ruffled some feathers with November's "The Wayward West." The East Coast press is attempting to cover western land matters as if the people involved were all Branch Davidians; in a way it's more frightening to show, as you did, that many proponents of western conspiracy theories are unobtrusive, average people. Congratulations on a good job.

Gregg Easterbrook
Brussels, Belgium

Really Quite Something
As an ice climber and mountaineer, Dan Osman is a member of The North Face Expedition Climbing Team, probably the finest group of alpinists in America. As a professional mountain guide, he trains Navy SEALs on big walls. He is a master of ropes and climbing hardware. I found it insulting that you gave this brilliant athlete the headline "Really Quite Stupid" ("The Outside Prognosticator," January). He jumps off cliffs because he has the guts to try it, and he likes it. By the way, Osman uses standard climbing ropes, not "extra-elastic" ones.

Eric Perlman
Truckee, California

Thoroughbred Fare
Jane Smiley's article "My Gelding, Myself" (November) was a refreshing switch from the typical outdoor fare found in other publications. I also ride and compete in combined training events, and I found her thoughts and reflections to be very much my own. Recently I picked up the December issue and found it, too, to have something for everyone. I've been looking for a magazine that so perfectly blends intelligent commentary on all that is "outside" and am thrilled to have found it.

Kathy Lasher
Rochester, NY

Reece Wronged
I was shocked to read Joan Westlake's letter referring toGabrielle Reece as "emaciated" and "gaunt" (December). To describe a 172-pound woman in those terms is laughable. While Westlake may have legitimate concerns about how society views women, she is completely off target in her criticisms of both Reece and Outside. Reece embodies the qualities that all women should strive for in their livesstrength, spirit, the desire to succeed, and the ability to recognize and build on unique talents. I have a 13-month-old daughter, and I would be thrilled if she were to choose such inspiring role models as Reece and other female athletes like her. Thanks for recognizing and applauding these outstanding qualities.

Amy Mancuso
Lake Mary, Florida

Knock on Woody
I strongly agree with your nomination of actor Woody Harrelson for the Embarrassing Enviro Celeb of His Generation ("The Outside Prognosticator," January). By the way, his mother's answering machine message is actually a quote from Chief Seattle's famous speech to the Pacific Northwest Tribal Assembly in 1854. I can only hope no one thought Woody wrote that himself! Keep up the great work.

Sonya Lenzi
Moscow, Idaho