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I lived in aLaska for 12 years and was in ANWR and the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Most people living in the Lower 48 have absolutely no comprehension of the sheer size of Alaska and the very small part of it that ANWR covers. I've seen caribou and other wildlife walking and feeding all around the existing Prudhoe Bay site. The state-of-the-art techniques being used to explore for oil, together with the realization by oil-producing companies that they cannot be reckless in their approach, suggest to me that we can have both the wilderness and the oil at the same time. MICHAEL J. MAEHL Kennewick, Wash.
Sacrificing ANWR to oil development is not a long-term solution to America's energy problems. Our nation is addicted to petroleum, with an ever increasing habit, and even the most optimistic estimates of what might be recovered from anwr would only briefly delay the inevitable crisis. Selling the family jewels for another fix may hold a momentary attraction for the junkie in the throes of withdrawal, but it is always a bad idea. Perhaps our evangelist-in-chief should propose a 12-step program instead. EARL P. JONES Redding, Calif.
The hell with caribou in Alaska! Don't I have a right to all the energy I need to run my SUV, VCR and DVD? We can put a picture of a caribou on a new nickel so our kids can ask us what one is. Isn't that the American way? ALLEN FRISHMAN Mountaindale, N.Y.
For the Freshest Cup of Joe
Your story on new inventions "What Will They Think of Next?" [SPECIAL REPORT, Dec. 4] incorrectly referred to the Swissmar Alpenrost as "the first home coffee roaster." I patented the invention of the first home roaster in 1985. It is a countertop device capable of roasting coffee in five to eight minutes. My roaster allows one to view the beans as they are heated (and to vary the roasting time). It requires less counter space, and its roasting chamber can be cleaned in the dishwasher. HAROLD GELL Silver Spring, Md.
Gell's Fresh Roast coffee-bean roaster is licensed by Fresh Beans, 760-723-2826.