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Beloved Country

While I was thrilled to see country music getting the recognition it deserves, I don't think there is any logical comparison between Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich and Garth Brooks (''Garth Who?''). One great, successful CD for a new act does not a country legend make. Why not wait for these new artists to prove themselves beyond the duration of a single album to the point where they deserve to be mentioned alongside the modern-day greats like Reba McEntire, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Brooks?
ALISON PORTER
jporter2@airmail.net
Arlington, Tex.

First of all, thanks for putting a little country on your cover! Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich are just what country music needs to gain some status. Your article was great, and mentioned artists (Dierks Bentley and Julie Roberts in particular) who aren't afraid to write good music and take chances. One omission: Keith Urban. He has charmed Nashville (and country fans) with his Down Under country style. Since you guys have talked about Aussie power (Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe), how could you leave off such a yummy little Australian/country treat?
KELLI MCDONALD
kellimac24@hotmail.com
Monmouth Junction, N.J.

Money Talk

All I can say is ''Wow'' to your article on greed in the entertainment industry (''The New Age of Greed''). What really bothers me is that I'm supposed to be impressed when these people give charitable donations after tragedies like September 11 or the tsunami. Do they think they can spare it? Are any of those victims on their minds when they are making ridiculous requests for certain kinds of M&M's? After reading that article, I'm more inclined to believe their ''charity'' is a publicity stunt. Movie studios need to wake up and hire people who actually care about their craft and not just their bottom line.
JILL LAUDERMILCH
jillielaud@hotmail.com
Lebanon, Pa.

A 'Guy' Thing

Josh Wolk's article on the resurrection of Family Guy was an interesting read (''Return of Family Values''). Though I am not a fan of the show, I hope it succeeds during its second run. It might alert network executives to the importance of the devoted audience, and may begin an age of hope for the previously unthinkable — when the cancellation of a beloved series doesn't necessarily mean the end. Now, how do we go about getting Fox to bring back Futurama?
MICHELLE V.L. MIKO
m_v_l_m@myrealbox.com
Moss Landing, Calif.

Welcome 'Homefront'

I was so happy when I found that you listed my favorite TV show of all time, Homefront, among the reruns to watch, along with a fantastic photo (Television: What to Watch). Homefront dealt so well with many important issues (racism, unionization, women in the workplace, war brides' adjustment to living in America, among others), always with the highest quality and always with a view toward making history entertaining and enlightening. I am so glad that AmericanLife TV Network is re-airing it, but for those of us without cable who can't watch the reruns, I would like to add my vote for issuing the complete Homefront series on DVD.
EMMIE FORMAN
Olympia, Wash.