Upon reading Edward Keenan’s cover story on Toronto-based Muay Thai champion Clifton Brown (“Unknown warrior,” July 31), I want to say that it was a very well-written piece, insightful into both the world of full-contact fighting and a man who has risen to the challenge many times. I always wonder what is right: to pursue what is safe and secure, and know that you will not be enlightened, or to risk everything — including your human dignity — to find strength and truth within. Even as many parents, academics and other types of professionals slip into the mediocrity inherent in their unfulfilling lifestyles, they try to dissuade others from swimming upstream in search of elusive dreams. Then there’s the viral-like contagion of snobbery, narcissism and entitlement that has infected our society.

You have to put aside the myth that one can be a standout without hard work and sacrifice before you can acknowledge the achievement of individuals like Brown. There are many times when it isn’t so easy for me to give my absolute best — but I think about what others went through and the weight is lifted. I would enjoy it greatly if EYE WEEKLY covered more Toronto-based athletes like Brown in the future. Brian J. D’Souza

The “retreat” defence
I’m all for celebrating Fort York, and all for protecting it from the TTC’s planned incursions; but to suggest, as Shawn Micallef does (The Devil Is in the Details, July 31), that Fort York has “repelle nd, as they did, exploded a powder magazine, which killed dozens, if not more, of the advancing Americans. Thereafter, the Americans torched the Fort and much else of York, which provided a later pretext for the burning of Washington, the historical origins of the White House. In the long run, it’s not the Fort that has protected Toronto; it’s Toronto that has protected the Fort.
Glen Henderson

Poorly dressed “fan” thinks we’re cocks
Re Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks review, Live Eye, July 18, eyeweekly.com: On behalf of Still Life Still “fans,” I just want to give you at EYE WEEKLY a big Fuck off! Are you writing a show/music review? Are you a quality paper Torontonians should be proud of? Or are you bullshit supermarket tabloid garbage? If you want to knock a band, then hit them where it counts, the music. Their clothing choices are those of a local indie group that struggles to survive and do what they love... play music. They invest their time and money into their craft. Sorry they can’t all be in $200 nudie jeans, with $100 haircuts from some shithole on Queen West. Maybe they should try and get American Apparel deep Vs. Would the show have been better then?

Everyone starts some place. The band knew mere hours before the show that they would be doing it. And were understandably nervous. How about we shove Chandler Levack in front of one of her idols unexpectedly and see how she does? Give the local talent a break, and perhaps some support, you fucking cocks. A pat on the back for a job well done. Great job.
NAME WITHHELD

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