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One way of battling the problem of fat: throw away the TV set. Nutritionists believe overweight people are particularly susceptible to external cues about food--and commercial TV offers a relentless barrage of such cues, showing creamy, crispy, salty, sugary, savory, toasty, melts-in-the-mouth, betcha- can't-eat-just-one concoctions. The dieter who wants to stop constantly thinking about food, yet spends each night in front of the tube, is doomed to failure.
David English Somerville, Massachusetts
As someone who just lost 28 lbs. in three months, I think the secret to weight loss is to write down everything you eat, listing the calories and fat grams for each item. This forces you to think about what you are eating. Next, make sure the calories and fat grams you consume are at a level that results in weight loss. This is not that difficult today, as we have fat-free cheese and potato chips (that are almost as good as the originals). With just a little discipline, most people should be able to lose weight and keep it off. Dan Seamon Apex, North Carolina
A Political and Military Mess
President Boris Yeltsin is sufficiently sophisticated to realize that his political survival is at stake as a result of actions in Chechnya [Russia, Jan. 16]. But it would be harmful for us to cynically view his motivation as solely political. He knows that instability in Russia alienates investors outside the country and that support and aid from the West and the International Monetary Fund are all at grave risk. Accordingly, it is highly doubtful Yeltsin would think he could boost his popularity by using force to suppress secession in Chechnya. Separatism in Russia is infectious! If Yeltsin resigns, does anyone seriously think his immediate successor would consent to free elections in Chechnya?
Elliott A. Cohen New York City
Last year Boris Yeltsin threatened the West with a ``cold peace'' if NATO extended its membership eastward toward Russia. Well, Yeltsin's cold peace has already begun in Chechnya.
Paul Etxeberri Reno, Nevada AOL: EUSKO
If Yeltsin has gone too far, he could lose his position to an opposition group, a more thoughtful and reliable choice for democratic Russia. But what if Yeltsin continues his strong line, breaking laws and violating human rights without any fear of legal reprisals? That would mean the worst possible scenario: a return to a totalitarian regime.
Robert Niczewski Warsaw
Again, as so often before, Russia has proved that it is in fact an ``evil empire.'' It is committing genocide in Chechnya. What's next? Estonia? Ukraine? When will the leaders of the free world realize the dangers of playing with the bear?
Jonas Kjellberg Alingsas, Sweden
The myth about the strength of the Soviet military was carefully nurtured by the West in order to build up its own military-industrial might. The debacle the Russians suffered at the hands of the Chechens has brought this lie to the fore.
Jaffer Khoonjee Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Failure of Justice?