Ballwaxing alternatives

Regarding your article on testicle wax jobs ["Strip and rip!" June 10]: for the last 15 years I've been shaving the hair from my testicles and pubic region for the simple reason that my lovers have been most thankful for the gesture.

Machismo is and always has been completely and utterly useless. What woman wants to go down on a man sporting a small afro between his legs, let alone endure the odours emanating from such a man?

That said, save your money and avoid the useless pain of waxing. All you need is a very good razor, a few minutes under the shower head, shampoo and the basic understanding that nothing swings sweeter nor gets the ladies' attention than a man who takes pride in the hygiene between his legs.

» Gary-Lydell Womac, Plattsburgh, New York

Cat ladies crucial

We wish to congratulate the Mirror for reporting that small item about Monica Campo, the woman who stood in front of bulldozers in order to save cats living in an abandoned building scheduled for demolition.

This is not the first time something like this has happened. Remember that 70-ish lady in Ville St-Laurent who was accused of something because she pointed an accusing finger at a man working for the then city of St-Laurent when he was taking away the food she put out for the abandoned cats?

Something is very wrong with our officials and inspectors who allow civil servants to intimidate ladies taking care of abandoned animals. We have been denouncing this for years because it seems that the same people who could do something about it don't care.

At one point, we thought Ville St-Laurent was getting pet friendly when they got rid of the bylaw forcing cats to be on leash when outdoors. It now seems more of a culture among city inspectors to assert their power with old ladies and animal lovers. Even the judges in criminal court will give more rights to a murderer with a good lawyer than to the animals. Cruelty to animals is very real. The subject should be addressed by the conference of judges when they finish discussing their salary hikes.

But, the more intriguing aspect of Campo's day in court was where was our local SPCA? Not only was it not defending the cats in 2003, it was not in court to support the lady's gesture which we find very brave. We at least hope that SPCA director Pierre Barnoti will dip in his personal pocket to pay the fine. At his $150,000 yearly salary he can surely afford it.

But remember all the work those ladies are doing in the streets. Having helped during a whole winter to feed the hungry ones myself, I assure you they are there for the homeless cats. If you happen to meet one of them on her rounds, do not be bashful and please, give her a little money. They buy most of the food out of their own pocket, and it costs a lot to have all those cats fixed - something they do more often than regular cat owners, and vets are not contributing much either.

» Catherine Bégin, Researcher, Lost and Found Pet Network

Metro cop blues

About three months ago I was singing in Berri metro. Two guys in metro cop uniforms showed up. One of the guys gestured something to me, but didn't say anything. I didn't know what he meant at first, and they finally left me there to sing. Then I realized that I wasn't allowed to sing in that spot. So I tried to put my guitar in its case, but they came back and started pointing in my face, telling me I was under arrest and asking for my identity.

I didn't have any identity on me, but I told them my name and my birthday. They checked in the computer and finally said they couldn't find it. After that, they searched through all my stuff and put me in a small room like a box, talking to me like a king talks to a slave. I was in that box about 15 minutes before they finally let me go.

Why the hell did these cops treat me like a dog in the street? I admit that I made a mistake by singing in the wrong place, but it didn't call for putting me in that box for 15 minutes and being an asshole. That's much worse than what I did! These cops have to learn how to associate with humans, because they only know how to associate with dogs! To those Berri-UQÀM metro cops: I spit on your face!

» Marten Rulliyanto

Frenchman searching for Metallica

Hello, sorry to importune you, but I have something significant to ask you. I am a stonemason, and I maked a stone guitar. I know that you interviewed, some time ago, Metallica ["Basses loaded," July 17, 2003].

Precisely, this group plays June 23 to Paris, I go to the concert and by the same occasion, I would like to offer my stone guitar to them!

The rise until the Group appears difficult to me, it is for that that I contact you. In your relations, know a person in charge, near to Metallica, which I could contact of your share, so that I can present my idea to him? It is very significant for me!

» Sébastien Decourt, Chablis, France

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