THE 25 MOST INTRIGUING
While the events surrounding Andrew Cunanan's 15 minutes of fame certainly were intriguing, naming him one of the year's most intriguing people sends a dangerous and encouraging message to other would-be killers. Next time, think before you act.
MICHAEL DAVIS, Madison, Wis.
Can someone please tell me what's so intriguing about Ellen DeGeneres? Yes, she is a lesbian. So what? So are thousands of others. It's not like she's the first lesbian to walk on the moon'.
ANGIE BRUCE, Broken Arrow, Okla.
I can't imagine anyone less intriguing than Kathie Lee Gifford. She is loud, rude and crass. Lots of us have wonderful children, but most of us don't bore others with every detail or talk of our husbands as "love machines."
MARCIA ANTWORTH, Crescent, Iowa
Somewhere in your 25 Most Intriguing I expected to read about Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. After all, she won a Nobel Peace Prize, inspired a 120-nation treaty and could save hundreds of thousands of lives in years to come, but I guess Kennedys, cheesy actors and serial killers sell more soap.
JOHN COWLING, Guelph, Ont.
Mother Teresa unselfishly devoted her life to the poor and sick. I question a society that considers Ellen DeGeneres more intriguing than a woman who labored unceasingly for those deemed not acceptable by society.
D. JACKSON, Washington
As an independent, self-sufficient and married woman of the '90s, I say Bravo! to Bill McCartney and the Promise Keepers. To NOW president Patricia Ireland, lighten up! A group of men wanting to improve themselves and their family roles does not mean women are being oppressed.
MEREDITH GALLAGHER, Las Vegas
Come on, PEOPLE, don't try to pull the wool over our eyes. Since when is a four-legged woolly animal considered a "people" in your 25 Most Intriguing issue? Was it that hard to find one more person?
MARTHA B. JOHNSON
Andrews AFB, Md.
PICKS & PANS
I was very disappointed when you dissed my favorite band, the Backstreet Boys. I love them so much I am flying from Vancouver to Washington to go to their concert. I hope next time you will write something more appropriate.
NEWSHA TOWFIGH, Vancouver
Enough is enough! I don't understand how any contemporary magazine could classify U2's Pop album as Worst in Song. When we are inundated with music from groups that have apparently spent more time choosing their names than writing their lyrics, U2's Pop offers an alternative that is inventive, insightful and demonstrates maturity when commenting on contemporary issues.
SUZY LEE, Roswell, N.Mex.
Thank you for giving the TV show Homicide the credit it deserves! If only the Emmy people would sit up and take notice!
ELISA VACINEK, New Brighton, Minn.
MAIL
After reading a few of the responses in your letters column, I would have to say that those who criticized the McCaugheys are just spewing sour grapes. My wife and I have been unable to conceive or adopt. I think it is wonderful that the McCaugheys were responsible enough to accept these children and take them into their hearts. I will be praying for them and wish them well.
CHUCK THERRIEN, via e-mail
SEQUELS
As a 13-year-old, I was incredibly upset with your article "In Slums or Suburbs, The Year of Living Viciously." I will quote you: "Herewith, updates on six cases of something going radically wrong with our children." What is that supposed to mean? That all children are bad and that parents these days are doing a horrible job raising their children? There are a few kids who are messed up, with parents as bad as they are. But the majority are kind, warm, loving and know the difference between right and wrong.' I feel your magazine brings out too much of the worst of children and not enough of the best.
TINA SADARANGANI
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
TRIBUTE
You did a good job honoring the talented and sorely missed public figures who died this year, but we're missing someone important: Chris Farley. After all, I think his passing was more important than the death of the White House dog.
HEATHER REINDL, Menchalville, Wis. Chris Farley died after our issue had gone to press.—ED.
I would like to thank you for not including William Burroughs among your obituaries, since neither he nor I would consider ourselves "people" according to your loser standards.
BRAD FREEMAN, Peterborough, Ont.
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