SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Regarding "A Walk on the Wild Side" (February 19), about the "Boston Combat Zone: 1969–1978" exhibit at the Howard Yezerski Gallery: the complete Naked i sign is owned by neon collector Dave Waller, who lent the Yezerski one section of it; he also owns the "Club 66" signage, from the strip club that was next door to the Naked i. And here's a correction: the Empire Garden is in what was the balcony of the Center Theater (originally the Globe), a movie theater that specialized in "drive-in" styled fare (horror, biker, beach blanket, sci-fi, etc.), before switching to Chinese-language kung-fu movies during the '70s. The McDonald's is in the former Pussycat Cinema, one of the Zone's few porn theaters. Congrats to the Yezerski on an excellent exhibition.
BROTHER CLEVE
DORCHESTER
TURNING TAIWANESE
I read with great interest the review of Formosa Betrayed (February 26), which detailed the unfortunate incidents that occurred during the martial-law period in Taiwan's history. The film illuminates the sharp contrast between the film's Taiwan and the vibrant democracy of Taiwan today. President Ma Ying-jeou remarked, "The mistakes in history may be forgiven, but the process of history itself cannot be forgotten." The martial-law period is like a mirror for the Taiwanese people. It taught them how to face the unsmooth transition to democracy, and to cherish the freedoms and rights they fought so hard to earn. The Freedom House, an American NGO that monitors global human rights, complimented Taiwan as a successful model for Asian emerging democratic nations.
JASON YUAN
SENIOR PRESS OFFICER
TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE
WAY TO GO, BUDDY
I am writing in praise of the February 12 editorial, "TV's Conservative Bias." The cartoon of Sarah Palin in a spaceship by Buddy Duncan and Pete Myette really caught my eye! I want to congratulate you on the article. Also, what ever happened to Jenny Ulysse, the Hyde Park girl who was stranded in Haiti? (See "Boston Teen in Haiti Stranded Without a Country," January 29.) That article by Chris Faraone was also well-written.
SEMIRA E. ROSE
CAMBRIDGE
CHRIS FARAONE RESPONDS
After more than a month in Haiti under terribly troubling circumstances, Jenny Ulysse found her green-card documentation in the rubble of her family's former home and returned to the United States on February 20 (through the Dominican Republic). She is in high spirits, despite pressing challenges posed in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake. Having walked on a swollen foot for several weeks, her bones are fragile, and she is currently confined to her mother's Hyde Park apartment. Her condition has made it difficult to find work; Jenny lost most of her belongings in the disaster and needs a job to provide for herself and her family. She is also trying to rescue three children that she cared for during her time in Haiti. If you can provide help in any form, please contact her at jen.ulysse@gmail.com.
