Lottery Winners
Your article sure dispels the myth that the rich don't pay taxes. It's obscene that after you win $27 million, you only get $530,000 a year after taxes. Although it's a problem I'd love to have!
Tom Robertson, Monroe, N.J.

I was disappointed to see there was no mention of lottery winners giving money to charities. I realize you have more of an obligation to help out family members first, but it would have been nice to see some portion of such large sums of cash going to good causes.
T. Johnson, Worcester, Mass.

Lottery officials should reconsider the rules of the payoff. I don't understand why, instead of, say, one person winning $60 million, 60 people can't win $1 million. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, and I don't even buy lottery tickets, but it makes sense to me that by increasing the odds of winning you may increase sales and make 60 people pretty happy. Some of those jackpots are just way too much money for one person to win.
Kelly J. Prochaska, Richland Center Win.

If I came into that kind of money, you bet your bippy I'd be happy. Whoever said money doesn't buy happiness wasn't a waitress earning minimum wage!
Carrie Mills, Corte Madera, Calif.

Taryn Rose
I began reading your story about Taryn Rose with much enthusiasm. Even after two foot surgeries I have been plagued by foot cramps, blisters, calluses and aching feet from ill-fitting shoes. But then I realized I will never know the comfort of her shoes, priced from $298 to $600. Perhaps to her quote of "I'm still fulfilling my duty to help people," the noble doctor should have added, "who are rich and famous and will make me the same."
Barbara Carik, Wexford, Penn.

Liane Mark
Kudos to Liane Mark and her commitment to multiple sclerosis education. I look forward to the day when I can share the fact that I have MS without getting the reactions I often receive: pity, avoidance or uneasiness. MS has afforded me too the opportunity to learn how strong my relationships are and just how lucky I am. You go, Liane! Enjoy those 4½-in. heels. I have a fabulous pair of heels in my closet just waiting for the day when there is a cure. When it comes, I'll be strutting around right beside you.
Debra Hacke Cotten, Kirkwood, Mo.

John McEnroe
John McEnroe is a real man taking care of his family. He overcame a lot of negatives in his life, and that's not easy to do. The best to him and Patty Smyth. He has found a terrific woman. Two people on the same wavelength can accomplish everything.
Judy Hurley, Las Vegas, Nev.

I agree with Mr. McEnroe; spilling out your emotions onto paper is a good way of achieving an emotional catharsis and making sense of things. But then you throw the paper away. You don't sell it to a publisher. By his actions, McEnroe confirms once again that he is selfish, shameless and hypocritical.
His motives are not to make sense of his life but to get even with all those people he perceives are against him.
Howard Wexler, White Plains, N.Y.

Linda Lay
Why would you publish a story about Linda Lay trying to sell her things? I'll tell you what Mrs. Lay-can do. She can give the money to those who lost everything because of her husband and his company Enron.
Catherin M. Heaton, Baltimore, Md.

Chandra Levy
Over the past year Chandra Levy has become family to many of us who followed her story. Hearing the news that someone had found her remains made my heart sink. May Chandra finally rest in peace.
Kristi Martin, Jackson, Miss.

Scoop
I cried watching the last episode of ER with Anthony Edwards, and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" had a lot to do with it. His version is so poignant that I can't help but cry whenever I hear it.
LouAnn Presas, San Antonio, Texas

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Correction
In a review of the album of the rock group Weezer in the May 20 issue, we ran a 2001 photo of the band that featured former bassist Mikey Welsh. The band's current bassist is Scott Shriner.