The trouble with irony

Last week's Angels & Insects column opens with "While environmental doomsayers boo-hoo about the extinction of thousands of the world's species annually, a group of Danish scientists have shown those pessimists that Mother Nature is actually restocking her shelves." Why is this mockery of environmentalists justified? Because one tiny creature has recently been discovered? That's supposed to make up for "the extinction of thousands of the world's species annually"?

It's certainly clear why the Angels & Insects column lacks a byline. Not that I don't heartily endorse your employment of the mentally challenged, but shouldn't you give them tasks more suited to their abilities? How about handing this writer a mop?

--Vivian Unger

Big Brother's photo radar

I'm happy that you ran that story about speeding last week ["Highways to heck"] because although it may seem like old news, car accidents do happen all the time and Quebec certainly isn't a provincial poster-child for safe driving or safe roads. But although speeding is a danger to my kids, I cannot tolerate photo radar.

The fact that it was instated in this city in 1970, only to be removed immediately thereafter thanks to a barrage of public anger and protest, says something doesn't it? If cops are too lazy to do it the old-fashioned way and hide in the bushes in their cruisers until the chase, then they don't deserve to catch speeders.

How lame that Big Brother-esque surveillance tactics can be employed these days by everyone from the government to employers and random internet folk and nobody makes a peep! I'm hoping that come next June, we'll see the same vocal objections to this dehumanizing surveillance so that the government gets the message once and for all.

-- Sandy Phelps

The real next big thing

While all of this city's scenesters and DJs were scrambling to pontificate on "The Next Big Thing" [Nightlife '00, Oct. 19] and tripping over themselves to sound clever and ahead of the game, I can't help but feel that so much was left out of your wacky little survey. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to let you know about some important hot, underground, ultra-next-shit trends that you failed to include in your article. I've been talking about it with some friends and we've noted that some tendencies are coming up quick. Yeah, man, it's the year 2000 and shit's getting mad complex, trends pop up overnight, only to disappear in a matter of weeks.

First up: the rapidly-catching-on Romanian folk 'n' metal rave--like hardcore gaber with gypsy flavours, honking tubas and death metal vocals overtop. Then there's the nouveau-pastiche of Country-R&B-goth-swingabilly that's catching on with all the suburban wheelchair-bound vampire types. Oh, and we can't forget about the very now sound of '80s trance-chanson-française-dub-hop 'n' doo-wop (picture a duet between Robert Smith and Charles Aznavour over an epic trance melody with barbershop backup vocals). Keep your ears peeled!

-- Toby Trendsetta

Punk alone

The Mirror is one of the finest free newspapers in town. But this letter is not just to compliment your paper, but to ask for your help. I'm a 23-year-old working man who loves punk, metal and other alternative music, but there's something wrong. Every year new bars open, but they usually play dance, techno or hip hop. Those who love punk and metal must go to the good old spots. That's the problem: the few places we have left are turning to techno and hip hop, not because of popular demand, but because of a desire to attract more customers and get fast cash. For example, many old timers still go to Foufs, but you'll notice they stay on the bar floor where the music is acceptable. I'm not the only one crying for help. Three years ago you could go to many bars and listen to metal, rock, punk and hardcore music. Now all you can catch is the latest hit from Slim Shady and Puff Daddy. Help me please.

-- A desperate punk