To the editor: I anxiously await each issue of Fort Worth Weekly just so I can read your Chow, Baby column. I often wonder if I have ever seen Chow, Baby at a restaurant or just on the street, although I'm sure Chow, Baby's is an image not quickly forgotten. We are very curious as to the identity behind the outrageous reviews! How about a picture for some loyal fans? Thanks.

Nadine Parsons
Fort Worth

Editor's note: Chow, Baby moves too fast to be captured on film. But for a rough visual, imagine a cross between Julia Roberts as a neurotic food critic in My Best Friend's Wedding, and Homer "Nine Thumbs Up" Simpson, in the "Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner'' episode. Beyond the speed factor, dining-out columnists traditionally wish not to have their faces known, so that they are more likely to get "real-world" service in restaurants, rather than star treatment.

To the editor: Thanks so much for your informative article on the county jail ("Stinkin' Up the Kitchen," Dec. 10, 2003). I'm concerned that Jack Madera still has the commissary contract, given the improprieties you reported. I plan on contacting my commissioner, Dionne Bagsby, to voice my concerns about the apparent lack of ethics.

Steve Epstein
Fort Worth

To the editor: I meant to send this sooner, but the holidays got in the way.

I keep telling everyone that the best article on the whole [Passion Parties] situation so far can be found in the Fort Worth Weekly ("Shtupperware," Dec. 31, 2003). You did such a great job! Honest and thorough! Chris and I have read it at least five times each and have given copies out to friends. I've put your writer, Jeff Prince, into my e-mail group to keep you posted on what's happening. Of course we all know this can go on for a year or two (although we hope not), but I'll be sure to keep you up to date. Thank you again, from Chris and I. It just felt like the truth was finally getting out there.

Joanne Webb
Burleson

To the editor: You recently wrote about poor and homeless people in Fort Worth ("Poverty by Policy," Dec. 17, 2003). I am an American Indian. I am an insulin-dependent diabetic, with a long list of other related and unrelated health problems -- mental, physical, long-term, and immediate. I am also homeless. I've been turned down for the fourth time for Social Security disability (SSI) benefits. I've run out of friends and relatives who can help. A week ago Sunday, I was asked to leave the Simon Program (operated by the Salvation Army on East Lancaster Avenue) with no money, no transportation, and no place to sleep.

I was asked to leave because I had an argument with a roommate who has mental problems and threatened to use weapons against me. The Salvation Army staff took weapons away from this fellow but did not remove me from his room. I do admit that I am not always the most pleasant companion -- it's hard to stay in a good mood when I feel so bad. I was also asked to leave because I couldn't do all that was asked of me, such as go to group meetings daily. I missed some meetings because I was receiving medical care.

I am unable to get the proper food to control my blood sugar. I don't have a clean place to bathe. I feel like I will die on these streets and no one seems to care. It seems as though every agency looks for -- and finds -- reasons not to help a person in need. It is not true that just because a person is Native American, he gets a check. We Comanches once roamed the land around Fort Worth. A lot of my relatives shed their blood around here, and I feel at home here -- it's a great place to die.

This country was founded on greed, and greed will always rule in the hearts of most Americans. When the white man first came, my forefathers could not figure out what they wanted. This land was a gift from the Creator, and no one could ever possibly own it. My people believed there was enough land for all. But look what we have done to it.

What do I want? Peace and to be left alone, just like my forefathers wanted. Most of all, I need a home and a chance to find work that I can do. God bless you.

Elgin Red Elk
Fort Worth

To the editor: I enjoy Swiss cheese. And American. And Muenster. Ricotta, Edam, Gouda, even occasionally, cottage. In fact, I haven't met a cheese I didn't like. But I wouldn't sleep with 'em, even the Swiss with its many orifices.

Katherine Ortega Courtney ("A Good Dose of Queer Eye," Dec. 31, 2003) states, "I believe that people of all walks of life deserve to be tolerated in their lifestyles, regardless of whom they choose to bring between the sheets ..."

Oh, rapists and pedophiles are going to have a field day with that one! Also, polygamists and those in love with sheep. Not to mention prostitutes and necrophiliacs.

And while we are at it, let's not confine nudists to the old colony; let's give them free rein to roam the streets in their birthday suits. After all, it is their chosen lifestyle. Wait a minute: It's not their "choice" -- they were, after all, born that way! What's not to tolerate?

Jim Hoekstra
Joshua