No men on moon, please

It’s absurd to think that colonizing the moon is a good idea [Angel, “The Moon base,” Dec. 7]. We have a perfectly good planet right under our asses; why not engage our rocket scientists with finding ways of living on Earth?

This is indicative of how the Mirror promotes the values of a disposable society, from the pay-by-the hour escorts whose services are advertised in the back of your kitty-box liner, to the full-page ads for soon-to-be obsolete cell phones. The Mirror used to be an alternative weekly. It’s now clear to see who your masters are.

» conrad rigby

Holiday pep talk

On November 1, the shopping malls put away their witches and goblins and brought out their Christmas trees and angels in preparation for the busiest and most expensive season of the year. The window displays exhibit children playing in loads of powdery white stuff and dressed up in their best suits. The carolers are singing loudly and the Christmas tunes are stridently ringing in store speakers. Everyone is in a frantic rustle searching for that new PS3 or the latest Britney Spears perfume. Caught up in the rush, people rarely stop to consider the materialistic toll the Christmas season has taken on the world.

When the store clerk wishes you “Happy Holidays,” how many people can actually confirm that they genuinely heard her comment or even regarded her comment. Or how many times has the store clerk uttered those two words that it has merely become a tedious routine. The two simple words may not signify very much for those people caught up in the frenzy, however, for that lonely man sitting on the corner of the street begging for a dime, the simple words can touch his soul and offer vivid memories.

As the city lights up for this joyous occasion, many of us forget the true meaning of Christmas. While it is a nauseating time when people spend too much money and eat too much, we often overlook the reason for which we are celebrating this holiday. Jesus Christ was born on this day and that is merely what the celebration is about. It is the season to get together with friends and family and share in laughter and joy. It is the season to cuddle up by the fire with that special someone. It is the season to enjoy and appreciate the company of that irritating grandparent. It is the season to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and his suffering.

So this year, as you prepare to celebrate this festive occasion, think about the little boy or girl who will not be opening presents on Christmas morning and the man who will have no family to share the event with. As we splurge our money, let us consider the real meaning of the celebration; let us hear the words the store clerk uttered and respond appreciatively, let us be grateful for the PS3 and the Britney Spears perfume our parents and friends have searched frantically for, let us be thankful for the moments spent with a loved one.

As we look forward to another paid holiday, as Raf Katigbak mentioned [Riff Raff, “Happy Holidaze,” Dec. 7], may we all sip our eggnog and spend a little less time going crazy and little more time taking pleasure in the spirit of the holiday season. So as I leave you with these two special words, I sincerely hope they touch your hearts with that special holiday happiness: Merry Christmas.

» Connie

Rugged role models

Regarding the story on the Rugged Riders snowboard community [“The shredding sex,” Nov. 23]: I love that there are young women out there today who aren’t afraid to go out and break into a male-dominated area. As a mother of two young girls, I am generally disappointed at the market-produced role models for girls today. It was wonderful to read that there are a couple young enterprising women out there demonstrating some real strength for a change! I will look for an opportunity to introduce my girls to their club! Great story.

» Lisa Burke

Wolf Prince

Now that I’ve learned about Wolf Parade, AIDS Wolf, Wolfmother, We Are Wolves and Wolf Eyes in the pages of the Mirror, your edifying article on the plight of actual wolves (not a band name yet) in your news section last week was a treat [“Wolf parade,” Dec. 7].

I did, however, take issue with your not reviewing Bonnie Prince Billy and Matt Sweeney’s 2005 collaboration Superwolf, despite its relative obscurity. That said, Mr. Prince Billy’s latest album, The Letting Go, recorded in Iceland with Björk producer Valgeir Sigurdsson, is easily one of 2006’s best releases of its genre.

» Olafur Magnússon

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

Send your comments, compliments or criticisms to:

Letters to the Editor,
c/o Montreal Mirror,
465 McGill, 3rd Floor
Montreal, Quebec
H2Y 4B4

You may also fax us at (514) 393-3173, or reach us by e-mail:

Letters to the Editor

All letters should include your name, address and daytime phone number.

If you wish to reach someone in particular, here's a list of people involved with the production of the newspaper and this site.