No dirty fingers

What’s this I see? The Baltimore City Paper, Vol.36 No. 44, stapled, and glossy, and the ink is not coming off on my fingers.

May Tuesday’s election results be as magnificent!

Leslie Robin Kassal

Baltimore

Who You Callin’ “Jazzer?”

In the recent music section, Mr. Zaleski uses the word “jazzer” as a synonym for “jazz musician.” (“Blue Notes,” Music, Oct. 24) I realize journalists and critics commonly use this word as a term of endearment, however I also understand that in some circles it is regarded as a derogatory term. Especially in a city with a classical conservatory and a strong symphony orchestra, this could be interpreted as condescending, separating those who play “jazz” and those who are “legitimate” musicians. Some might be offended if they were called a “jazzer,” because it comes with an undertone that jazz is a lesser music.

I personally prefer not to be labeled as any type of musician. I do not believe in genres. I perform all kinds of music, including jazz, classical, tango, funk, folk, etc., and if somebody called me a “jazzer,” I might be upset that they only see me in one dimension.

Jake K. Leckie

Baltimore

A Sandy Sandwich?

Frankenstorm Sandy is one more dramatic demonstration that climate change and its extreme weather patterns are now part of our future (“Baltimore City Power Rankings,” Mobtown Beat, Oct. 31)

Although we’re unlikely to reverse climate change, we can still mitigate its effects by reducing our driving, our energy use, and our meat consumption.

Yes, meat consumption. A 2006 U.N. report estimated that meat cosumption accounts for 18 percent of man-made greenhouse gases. A 2009 article in the respected World Watch magazine suggested that it may be closer to 50 percent.

Carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas, is emitted by burning forests to create animal pastures and by combustion of fossil fuels to confine, feed, transport, and slaughter animals and to refrigerate their carcasses. The much more damaging methane and nitrous oxide are discharged from digestive tracts of cattle and from animal waste cesspools, respectively.

We have the power to reduce the devastating effects of climate change every time we eat. Our local supermarket offers a rich variety of soy-based lunch “meats,” hotdogs, veggie burgers, soy and nut-based dairy products (including cheese and ice cream), and an ample selection of traditional vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts. Product lists, easy recipes, and transition tips are available at livevegan.org.

Bill Canterbury

Baltimore County