I had heard of Ricky Martin in the past and noticed his good looks. But at this year's Grammys, his amazing, sexy star quality seemed to put him right in my living room. I went completely loca and haven't been the same since!
Lori Donaldson, Rockaway, N.J.
The only thing missing on your Ricky Martin cover are the words "The Sexiest Man Alive." He's hot! Hot! Hot!
Jane Backes, Pasadena, Calif.
Gracias, PEOPLE, for a great story on Mr. Martin's career and an in-depth look at his personal and spiritual life.
Miguel Angel Tijeras, Downey, Calif.
A great cover, but I have to take exception to your "instant fame" headline. Ricky Martin may have found new fame in the U.S., but he has had a following for years in Latin America, Europe and Asia. While I am very proud and happy for the recent attention he is receiving in the U.S., believe me that it will be those original, loyal fans who will stick with him if the trend fades.
Mireya Soto, San Diego
I simply do not understand the whole Ricky Martin mania. Am I the only female in this country who thinks he bears way too much resemblance to that Joey Lawrence kid?
Jennifer Nelson, Rockville, Md.
I'm a businesswoman in my mid-30s, and Ricky Martin makes me swoon like a teenager. This guy is HOT!
Debbie Bergmanis, Toronto
Scoop
Letitia Baldrige, give me a break. Since when has the White House been like a church? President Kennedy entertained females there, and President Clinton had an affair in the Oval Office. All Martha Stewart did was wear a pink pantsuit. I think that is mild!
Ellen Schmidt, Naples, Fla.
White House protocol? I believe Martha Stewart is not the one who needs to worry about following protocol or treating the White House with respect. I applaud you, Martha. You look fabulous!
Kim Clark, Lancaster, S.C.
Wearing pants around a skirt chaser is a good thing!
Lynn Underwood, Moore, Okla.
So, Martha's pink cropped pants weren't appropriate for the White House? At least she kept them on!
Jean Burt, Meriden, Conn.
I owe Martha Stewart a strong letter of apology. My quote to PEOPLE about her capri pantsuit at the White House state dinner was uncalled for, catty and everything I'm supposed to not be about. I can only excuse myself by saying that I was joking around, but I have been in public life long enough to know one doesn't joke when the press is around. It was an unbecoming, uncalled-for crack on my part. I wasn't practicing what I preach. Furthermore, I wish I looked as good in pants as she does.
Letitia Baldrige, Washington, D.C.
Did Martha Stewart confuse a White House dinner with a barbecue? Her only missing accessories were a Frisbee and a boom box.
Randy Sindelar, Cleveland
Courteney Cox Arquette and David Arquette
Courteney and David make a beautiful couple. Many articles said their relationship was never going to last and that they were mismatched. Well, they survived the tabloids, and I wish them well.
Eileen McConville, Concord, Ohio
I was truly amazed that you pointed out the eight-year "age gap" in your story. Was it mentioned in this case because the woman is older? What a sad double standard when a man can marry a woman young enough in some cases to be his granddaughter without a word of an "age gap." Good luck, Courteney! I am seven years older than my husband and couldn't be happier.
Linda Tomporowski, Batavia, N.Y.
In 1997 I spent a week with the Arquette family, helping care for their beloved Mardi. Never in my 10 years of nursing have I been so touched by the love and devotion given to a mother by her children. If you can tell how a man will treat his wife by how he treats his mother, then Courteney Cox Arquette is the luckiest woman in the world.
Sue Luftglass, Studio City, Calif.
Jenifer Estess
Twenty-five years ago I lost my grandmother to ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]. At that time, little was known about this horrible, debilitating disease. I have wondered why ALS has gotten so little coverage, but I am thankful that your magazine and others are finally shedding light on the effects this disease has on its victims and on the people who love them. I applaud the celebrities who are raising money, and I especially applaud the extra-"ordinary" people, like the sisters in your story, who are fighting every day to find a cure.
Michelle Pattan, Dallas, N.C.
Jenifer's courageous story and her sisters' incredible devotion are inspiring. Cheers to her friends and many supporters. Please tell me how to contact Project A.L.S. to make a contribution.
Joy Huang, New York City
Donations can be sent to: Project A.L.S.-Suite 341 511 Avenue of the Americas New York, N.Y. 10011—ED.
Picks & Pans
I must respectfully kick Sunset Beach sand in your face! It is probably the most original and outstanding soap on the tube. The writing is excellent, the camera and lighting are Emmy-worthy, and it has one of the best casts. Just watch it. It's one wild ride!
Karen Gurich, Nashville
I was outraged when I read your review of Sunset Beach. Afraid of a little change? SB dares to be different. It provides a refreshing mix of romance, comedy and drama, which sets it apart from every other soap on daytime. Give it a chance.
Alliayah LeClaire, Easton, Pa.
You raised some valid points in your critique of Sunset Beach. Most fans are unwilling to read negative comments. But in this case, the criticisms were right on. Sunset's plots are trite, much of the acting is mediocre, and it's obvious this show has not yet found its voice.
Lisa Ziarnko, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Linda Ginzel and Boaz Keysar
As a grandmother of four with two more on the way, I was very moved by the story of little Danny Keysar. I applaud his parents for having the inner strength to go forward to help all children. The government should take a more active role to assure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Toni Raw, West Haven, Conn.
Nancy Richards-Akers
Excuse me? Am I missing something here? When a family friend says, referring to Nancy's estranged husband, "Jeremy would say he was going to kill her, but none of us took it for real. We all knew he was such a good guy...." Since when is someone "such a good guy" while threatening to take his wife's life? No way could this story have a happy ending.
Barbara Lundy-Baker, Newark, Del.
Mailbag
As a teenager whose parents are divorced, I disagree strongly with Leila Miller's statement that "an essential component of being a 'good father' is loving your children's mother. This includes staying married to her...." My dad has been an incredible father, even after he and my mom divorced seven years ago. And believe it or not, Ms. Miller, he and my mom are still very good friends. He has always been there for me and my mom during rough times, and my mom has been there for him. Divorce can be bad for a family, but not all dads are deadbeats. As my math teacher says, "He who generalizes generally lies."
Lauren Davis, Raleigh, N.C.
I am responding to vegetarian Cory Kirchert. Julia Child is a cultural icon and what she said was not a hate message, but rather a light-hearted statement of how much she loves to eat meat. Let's not demonize her over it.
Andy Davis, Middleton, Mass.
Celebrity Dad
It is said that a picture speaks a thousand words, but only one came to mind when I saw the beautiful shot of Christian Slater holding his baby son: peace.
Kristina Sanborn, Groveport, Ohio
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
