I find it somewhat amusing when terms such as "God particle" and "dark matter" are thrown around by physicists ("New evidence for the 'God particle'," July 3) and "Yes, scientists exclaim, there is a 'God particle' Thursday, July 5). It is my guess that such terms mean little to the average person, and I have taken the liberty to use them differently: •Dark matter: Includes all those things that reek of darkness and negativity -- wars, injustices, prejudice, poverty, murder, intolerance of differences, sickness and a lack of reverence for our Earth. •God particle: That spark of decentness in humanity that often is what allows life to be endurable when up against dark matter. I do believe most persons might relate to those definitions.


MARGARET DEHARPPORTE, EDEN PRAIRIE