Objectifying women?

We just wanted to comment on the tasteless cover on last week's Mirror. Was the photo meant to lure readers to the articles on buying CDs, or was it meant as an advertisement for an escort service? The cover photo was blatantly objectifying women. We see this sort of advertising all the time and we are disappointed that the Mirror, a paper that is intended to represent and inform the men and women of this city, would choose to market itself in such a sleazy manner. Why not use the other, inside photo on the cover instead? I guess we mistakenly thought that the Mirror had more tact, taste and respect for its women readers. You have definitely proven our assumption wrong.

--Kelly Proznick, Yamila Comito and Ronald Lefebvre

A warning from Morgoth

While reading the Nov. 30 Mirror, I came across the CD reviews page and said to myself, "Oh, Dorothée Berryman got a 9 on her new album, guess I'll buy that for my mom." Then, reading on, I said "Great: the new Children of Bodom album is out!!!" But then I read the review that said "Old-school prog-metal à la Megadeth with an overbearing synth. Yech!" What the hell!?

First of all, old-school is not a term to be used lightly--it defines rocking beats and guitar riffs that seemed to be very popular during the '80s.

Second, Children of Bodom are not progressive! They are a mix of good old power-metal (which had a revolution in the '90s) and of the less admired black-metal styles.

Which brings me to my third point: this Johnson Cummins guy thinks their music resembles Megadeth. Do you let your employees smoke weed during working hours!?! They have absolutely nothing in common whatsoever!!!

So, forward this to that imbecile Johnson and tell him to let go of drugs and start listening to the music he reviews instead of just hearing it. He might be a good guy and all, but he definitely sucks as a music reviewer. Sincerely, and I do mean sincerely,

--Morgoth the Impaler

Religious differences

Thanks for the article entitled "Seeing the signs" [Dec. 7], about my tribulations with the Unitarian Church. The Rorschach test ad below the article was a nice touch! Or was that just a "coincidence"?

Rev. Charles Eddis' quotes imply that I am in fact mentally ill. His claim that "a lot" of church members are "concerned" with my personal well- being is not in any way supported by most members' callously indifferent attitude.

In order for my picketing to end, the church must acknowledge that Rev. Drennan's allegations about me are injurious and untrue. I may be a public nuisance to a few people, but positive public response to my demonstration vastly outweighs any negative response. Even some cops can't resist smiling, waving, and giving me the occasional thumbs up when they drive by.

I was genuinely surprised to be arrested, as I have always tried to cooperate with the police. My conduct while picketing is peaceful and hasn't changed significantly since day one. If I am a public nuisance now, why wasn't I arrested over two years ago? A few weeks ago, I was told that everything seemed kosher when I inquired about police surveillance of my picketing. I question the legitimacy of my arrest and will plead not-guilty, but I commend the MUC constables for the reasonably professional and civil manner. As I later told Station 12's Commander Folchitto, his constables made it a pleasure to be arrested. Genuine civil disobedience will be a last resort that I will exercise with reluctance.

Extensive information about this dispute as well as the "Revelation" arising from my "psychotic experience" is available on the Internet at http://homepage.altavista.com/robin_edgar/home.html. My traditional unilateral truce over Christmas/Yule/Hanukkah etc. began a week early due to my unexpected arrest. I can legally return to the "scene of the crime" and resume my constitutional right to peacefully protest (thanks Pierre Elliot, RIP). Thus, like General MacArthur and the "nuisance" cat in that hilarious NFB animation, "I will return." God bless us every one.

-- Robin Edgar

Up with People

I just wanted to say that I'm glad to see Chris Barry is writing the new People column. I've followed Barry's career, both as a musician and a writer, for nearly two decades, and think his twisted perspective will make a good addition to the Mirror. One question: Is there any talk of a 39 Steps reunion?

-- Rob Tay