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After reading Joel Stein's account of finding out his testosterone level [VIEWPOINT, April 24], I was convinced that his editors at TIME should give him a raise, no matter what his T level is. This was the most intelligent satirical piece I've ever read in TIME. Stein's suggestion that he would enjoy getting his dose of testosterone as pasta with a light sauce known as "testosteroni" was hilarious. DON PERRYMAN Roswell, Ga.
I have enjoyed Stein's outspoken articles on various topics. The one on testosterone, however, was unnecessarily crass and offensive. I implore the editors to keep such unwanted immorality out of your otherwise fantastic magazine. If Stein's articles had some purpose, I might overlook his failings. But as they are intended only for humor, their value is completely negated by the frequent references to sex and pornography. ANGELIQUE MOSES Searcy, Ark.
I finally got to see what Stein looks like. Zowie! Now I'm in love not only with the writer but also with his bod! LORI INDOVINA VALUS McHenry, Ill.
Save the Planet
Congratulations on your issue covering Earth Day 2000 and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of this event [SPECIAL EDITION, April-May]. As a marine biologist, I am gravely concerned about the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem and how it will be affected by global warming. I was appalled, however, by the choice of Leonardo DiCaprio to write about global warming. DiCaprio has adopted a facade of "caring" about the environment, but ethically he had no problem starring in a movie like The Beach, for which the production team altered the beach in one of Thailand's most cherished natural parks. Do I smell free publicity here or what? HAYDEN DE GRAAF Phuket, Thailand
Your special issue should have relied more on the numerous well-documented scientific studies that support the conclusions you reached in your articles. Marxists have found a successful way to preach their gospel: using lies (which they think nobody can prove false) to make the masses afraid. But those who care about the environment have proof in scientific studies to substantiate important information about it. We need to bring it to the attention of those who have the power to change the course of disastrous political decisions. JOHANNES W. BLOEMENDAL Abcoude, the Netherlands
The environmental problems afflicting the earth will not be solved until people in the mainstream adjust their behavior so that they live in harmony with nature. But environmentalists also need to adapt to a new reality and join in a search for workable solutions rather than acting like prophets crying in the wilderness. The best solutions can be found in compromise. In the quest to attain sustainable global development, the middle way must be sought--and sought urgently. RAYMOND M. KEOGH Bray, Ireland
Zimbabwe's Cheerless Future