Down Under

I have read a few reviews of The Cove—yours was the best yet (Aug. 5). Lots of us have known about the dolphin killing for years, but it takes a special movie to get it out into the public domain. I have been attempting for the last six years to get the New Zealand government to take legal action against Japanese whaling in the southern ocean, but because it could endanger trade, they prefer "talking." The posed question is: "What actions can individuals do to show their horror at what Japan does to cetaceans?" Simply, stop buying anything made in Japan or made by a Japanese company.

Dave Head

Napier, Aotearoa, New Zealand

Still Stomping

Being from deep in the East Bay, I remember going to see the Oakland Stompers during their one and only season (1978) and quickly realized that the vibe was entirely second-rate compared to those balmy evenings and afternoons in the southern tropics of San Jose's Spartan Stadium ("Goal Oriented," Cover Story, July 29). The Quakes were the legitimate ambassadors to the furgol-loving masses bringing us Beckenbauer, Pele, Mueller, (did Cruyff ever play at Spartan? If he did I missed him, ahhh ...) and, of course, Georgie Best.

Frankly, though, the original players highlighted in your story made the Quakes what they'll always be remembered for and what really is most important to the history of this franchise. Thanks for the entertaining piece of writing. My only complaint about the modern-day (MLS) Earthquakes: Why the hell didn't they keep their original colors? Relating to your team through it's tribal markings should never be undervalued in the historical context.

PS: love them Shakers

Arturo Villaseñor

San Jose

Board Bonds

Thank you for the spotlight on shuffleboard! ("Shuffle Along," Club Scene, Aug. 5) I have enjoyed playing at the Old Wagon and recently won their first team tournament. Many of the kids do not know how to play let alone know the rules. I try to help when I can. Some of the guys I keep seeing again and again and notice their game has been getting better. I expect the competition will heat up in the next tournament. Beyond the competition, the game brings smiles, cheering, loud yells, high fives, laughter, and like you said, strangers bonding in the simple game of shuffleboard.

Scott Paul

San Jose

Listen to the Letter

The Doobies have sold over 30 million records and remain one of the most popular live acts around. They have roots all over the valley and still have strong ties to the area.

Co-founders Tom Johnston (San Jose State) and Pat Simmons (Leigh High School) formed the Doobies out of their 12th Street house downtown. Not only did Johnston pen such classics as "China Grove" and "Listen to the Music" in the basement but came up with their name at the kitchen table. It became a central jam site for local musicians (including Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac when both were SJS students).

The band's early local gigs [were] at the Gaslighter Theater and Bodega (in Campbell), Ricardo's Pizza and the Hell's Angels hangout the Chateau Liberté in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The San Jose rock & roll museum is working with the band to make their long-overdue induction a big event. KFOX DJ Greg Kihn insists that the name of Mineta Airport be changed to Doobie Brothers International. San Jose should be proud of the greatest retro icon from what is considered the most creative period of music ever.

Tim Pasetta

Santa Clara