ORDEAL AT SEA
The story of Janet Culver (PEOPLE, Aug. 21) was inspiring. Her courage and dignity under the worst of conditions give her reason to be proud for the rest of her life. Glad you made it, Janet! Welcome back.
Keith Allen
Deptford, N.J.
Rather than telling of her experience and how she survived, Janet Culver used this opportunity to do nothing but complain about and berate a man who, tragically, is no longer here to defend himself.
Nancy Montanaro
Broomall, Pa.
After reading Janet Culver's coldhearted, self-centered and curiously spiteful account of her ordeal at sea, I think it is no wonder she has been through two unsuccessful marriages.
E. Berry
Portland, Maine
Janet Culver gives true meaning to the saying "The only thing a person needs to survive is ice water in the veins and sanity in the brains."
Sarah E. Richards
Laguna Beach, Calif.
REMEMBERING THE KING
Each year some member of the Presley family, or a "close" friend, chooses to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Elvis by writing a sleazy expose of his life. Where were those people and their accusations when Elvis was alive to respond, and why don't they remember his charity and generosity? The answer is undoubtedly that cheap shots pay better.
Sue Cooper
Fort Smith, Ark.
It is truly amazing that this country could make a national hero of a man who spent his entire life abusing drugs, overeating and sleeping with Las Vegas floozies. Couldn't we choose someone else to idolize—someone who sets a better example than a man who gleefully introduced a 17-year-old to drugs and prostitutes?
Sandra L. Douglas
Arlington, Va.
PAUL LINKE
Since my sister and father were victims of cancer and I have been operated on for lung cancer, I did not think I'd be able to watch Time Flies When You're Alive. However, I tuned in and found myself mesmerized by Paul Linke's loving tribute to his late wife, Chex. His narrative was inspirational. Chex will remain immortal through her three beautiful children and the love of a good man.
Jeanette Ruzicka
Canoga Park, Calif.
I was disturbed by your article about Paul Linke's HBO special. I was diagnosed with cancer at age 26, and since then I have had to find sources of strength and courage I never knew I had. It takes courage to walk into that hospital for surgery, to drive to chemotherapy sessions that you know will make you ill, and to explain away a new "hairdo" (which is really a wig because your hair fell out last night). It's a tough life, but it is life, and I can't understand anyone who would choose to die. I respect Mr. Linke's loss of his beloved wife, but I do not respect her decision to allow her cancer to kill her.
J.P. Simmons
New York City
QUENTIN CROMMELIN
Nothing in Washington, D.C., surprises me, so when reading your article about Quentin Crommelin I felt not the least bit of shock. It is ironic that Sen. Jesse Helms, who considers himself a great upholder of morality, ignored a warning about his friend's misconduct. It's no wonder D.C. has such a high crime rate when the criminals are making the laws.
M. Schaffer
Bethesda, Md.
LIVING COLOUR
Your article on the rock band Living Colour mixed up the New York Music Awards with the International Rock Awards. It is the latter that calls its trophy the Elvis. Artists like Living Colour are appreciative of the NYMA, in part because we would never demean their work with a silly moniker.
Robbie Woliver
SKC New York
Music Awards
TAKE ONE
On behalf of families who have a loved one with mental illness, I hope Lily Tomlin will reconsider making a comedy out of Chris (The Three Faces of Eve) Sizemore's tragic life. I have always admired her talent and am sure she would intend to treat the subject with "consciousness and compassion," but mental illness in any form is not comedy.
Sandra Mullen
Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Portsmouth, N.H.
TWINSBURG TWINS FESTIVAL
I was delighted to see my 17-month-old daughters' picture in the Twinsburg article. But I was disappointed to see their names were incorrect. The caption should have read Shannon and Megan Murphy.
Penny Murphy
Perrysburg,
Ohio
Twins are used to being confused—but not usually with complete strangers. See Shannon and Megan above.—ED.
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