Come Sail Away


In the edition dated February 28, author Sara Rubin incorrectly used the phrase “taking a different tact.” (“A Monterey brick-and-mortar bookstore survives – even thrives – by taking a different tact,” Feb. 28-March 6). I am truly surprised that this happened, both because I have long considered the Weekly to be one of the more brainy papers here locally (kind of like our own local NPR digest) and because we have a strong sailing community in the county. To “take a different tact” is meaningless; to “take a different tack” is the correct phrase, and refers to the action of turning a boat into a different direction. With “tact,” there is only one direction: that of using sensitivity and regard for others. With “tack,” there is a choice to be made, hence the opportunity to take a different one. - Lara Grossman | via Web


(Editor’s note: Actually, author Sara Rubin’s editors are the ones who botched this one. And we even knew better too.)


Thrill Is Gone


He came on stage at 9:10… did a great comedic set and introduced his band using jokes and stories (“Fleeting B.B. King performance proves major disappointment,” posted to the music blog Feb. 27). The cut short “Thrill is Gone” was a medley of three songs. Lay off the booze and pay attention. His fan interaction and storytelling still beat anything.


Want theatrics and three hours of music? Go watch Pink swing from the ceiling. And he stayed for autographs and handshakes… no one else does that.


Left the stage at 10:45. Not bad for 87. Let’s see how you do at that age. - Americanmom | via Web


He’s 88 years old, what do you want from him?? I saw Ravi Shankar a couple years before his passing, playing with his daughter Anoushka. He also literally had to be carried on and off the stage by assistants, and was easily outplayed by his daughter (who is amazing). But it was still absolutely worth it to see Ravi flippin’ Shankar! It’s totally worth it to see legendary musicians such as him and Mr. King, even if the sparkle is faded. Not everyone can be James Brown. - Marisa Ponte | via Facebook


How absolutely despicable. Your “past his bedtime” and “on his gut” (among other) comments are disrespectful and childish. You may have been disappointed with the performance and you are entitled to your opinion, but you do not need to be rude and disrespectful. B.B. King is a living legend and deserves some respect. - David Jensen | via Facebook


If you are a legendary guitar player and you accept a fee for displaying your talent, paying attendees have an expectation of witnessing a display of that talent. Instead, we were “treated” to the “legend” taking advantage of every opportunity provided to not play. Even if he had just snapped his fingers and let his band play it would have been better, as his band was very good. Thankfully, we were introduced to a legend in the making named Ray Goren. He is worth seeing again. - Gino Antonio Brucia-Abraham | via Facebook


Potty Mouths


The use of the c-word to describe any woman is incredibly crude (“Squid ponders the vulgarities used against a young Oscar nominee,” posted Feb. 25). I think men (and women) younger than me (50) have watched or been exposed to way too much pornography which has gone totally mainstream. I’m no prude, but I think it’s led to confusion about what real sex and real bodies look like and can do. I also don’t get the use of the word motherf*****, especially by women. Jon Stewart, whom I LOVE, has started to use it too – can’t get more mainstream than that. Why? My guess is it sounds cutting edge and it is – but there are some things I don’t plan on getting used to, and the use of those two words by men and women is one of them. - Mocolocal | via Web


Scribble Hill


I was shocked to learn that the magnificent dune described in this article – a major topographical and recreational landmark along that particular stretch of coastline – is privately owned (“Developers request for no-trespassing signs raises questions of public beach access,” Feb. 21-27). It’s a prime location for hiking, picnicking, checking out the incredible view, even sand-sledding for those inclined. That a major recreational resource like this could be made off limits to the public for any reason, or worse yet, have its current natural beauty ruined forever by a developer, is outrageous. I hope you’ll publish more information about the local groups who are tying this developer up in court. This gorgeous area should be preserved for public use forever. - TGreen | via Web


Support Your Local Planet


My name is Savannah, I am 10 years old. I go to school in Carmel Valley. At my school we are having Zero Waste Week from March 17th to March 23rd. Our 4th grade is sending letters to people asking them to be eco-friendly. I would like the people who read the Weekly to help our Earth, and make it a better place by bringing their own bags when they go shopping for food and clothes. If something is recyclable they could throw it away in a recycling bin.


We are using reusable napkins and composting food scraps. We have an organic garden to grow vegetables and sometimes we have them as part of our own lunch. I hope you can do the same. Thank you for being part of the solution. - Savannah | via Web


Two-Foot Boogie


Thanks to Sara Rubin and the Weekly for this story, and to Alex Cappelli and Megan Tolbert for their steadfast support for improving bicycling, walking and transit use (“City of Monterey’s bike/pedestrian plan head to City Council with fierce support – and opposition,” Feb. 28-March 6). Indeed, approving the multimodal plan is only a first step. Pedaling or walking about town was part of the process, but so was sitting in committee meetings and careful study of the plan draft. Cappelli’s generously giving his time in this sit-down volunteer work (when this Velo rider would surely prefer spending those hours in the bike saddle) reflects awareness that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Passionate citizen volunteers like Alex Cappelli will be critical in the push for implementation of projects and programs (especially since, as of January 2013, the city of Monterey does not have a Safe Routes to School coordinator, nor will they for the foreseeable future). People who want better conditions for biking, walking, and use of public transit can take even a small step now. Let the City Council know you support the multimodal plan! - Mari | via Web