FREEDOM BEHIND BARS

KUDOS TO Laura Mattingly and Metro Santa Cruz for a well researched and comprehensive article on the Kentucky Shakespeare Behind Bars program. I especially loved the interview with the program director Curt Tofteland who spoke about "habilitating," not "rehabilitating," inmates by teaching empathy to reach their hearts, not their heads. The film Shakespeare Behind Bars was by far the most inspiring, impressive, and hopeful movie I have seen in a long time. The inmates' honesty, transparency, and vulnerability touched me deeply. As a volunteer teacher of Nonviolent Communication at San Quentin, I agree with Mr. Tofteland that there is something very freeing about working in prisons like these. A special thank you to Laurie Brooks and the William James Association for bringing this insightful film to Santa Cruz.

Christine King, Santa Cruz

WHAT'S UP WITH HILL?

LAUREN HILL played a $65 show at the Catalyst last night. I would love to hear a review from Metro Santa Cruz about it. [Note: You can check out our take on the show here --Editor] After waiting for two hours for Lauren to arrive, we were greeted with the promise of the best show on EARTH. I am not sure if Miss Hill is aware of the excellent standard of music that we are spoiled with every day in Santa Cruz. I was very disappointed in the "rehearsal" type show: screaming high levels, consistent feedback, run-throughs of vocal parts with the backup singers, and a complete disconnection from the audience. It was sad to watch a hero fall--I felt ripped off, not only financially but also soulfully. I've seen better shows at the Cat box on dollar night. I wonder what others have to say about it. P.S. The Catalyst needs to get a hold of its sound system--what is up with that!?!?!?!

Amy Di Chiro, Santa Cruz

DUMBER FOR DOING SO

READING Mr. Calahan's recent dining and restaurant review of the 602 Laurel St., Santa Cruz 7-Eleven was the worst thing I ever did; bad enough to inspire this email. His comment on the sushi, "with the inclusion of a wasabi packet, it was hard to believe we hadn't been magically transported to Tokyo," highlights either the author's dismal failure at humor or his delusional asininity. While Calahan was busy checking out the "maitre d' ("dressed in an eye-catching collared, zip-up red shirt with a 7-Eleven on the sleeve," I'm betting his mentioned girlfriend could and should do better every night than spending time with a guy who writes BS such as "supporting the economic growth of Eskimo-land" or "helping to create a better infrastructure that would promote literacy and cultural awareness among the baby seals and polar bears of this Third World entity" for a professional dining review of 7-Eleven.

The review was one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever read. At no point in his rambling, incoherent review was he even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone who read the review is now dumber for doing so. I award Calahan no points, and may Dog have mercy on his soul.

If I were more of an ass, I would email this review to everyone I know, prompting boycott project sites such as www.mikecalahansreviewssuck.com or www.metrosantacruzshouldfirecalhan.org. With that said, I heard Chevron is opening a new minimart locally; perhaps Metro Santa Cruz can run a dining review?

'Scrumscum,' San Jose

THANK 7-ELEVEN

JUST READ the article on dining at the often overlooked 7-Eleven. Very funny stuff! Just wanted to thank you for my early morning smile.

Robin Lerios, Santa Cruz

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