Dear Editor:
I have been reading Sinorama since 1987 when I first came across a copy in Boston's Chinatown. Over the years, contrary to recent criticisms expressed by readers under "Letters to the Editor" about format, print, misleading translations, etc., I have found Sinorama to be an outstanding publication. For me, a Franco/Anglo/Native-American living in predominantly WASP northern New England, Sinorama serves as a cultural link to not only Taiwan (where I have traveled numerous times) but to Chinese culture as well. The publication is chock-full of valuable and up-to-date information about every aspect of Taiwan and "Chineseness" not found in any other periodical--certainly not in any English-language publications! Alas, nothing is ever perfect, but the complaints about Sinorama's shortcomings are moot when contrasted against the overall excellent publication.
The July 1995 overseas edition's cover story "Teresa Teng Forever" plucked at my heart strings. Living as I do "in the boonies" of central New Hampshire, I had no knowledge of her passing until I read about it in Sinorama. When I first saw Teresa Teng's face on the cover, I was elated. I have been an avid fan of Teng's since 1981 when I bought my first Teng Li Chun tape in Yokohama's Chinatown. I thought the article would be about her recent adventures. However, when I opened to page 7 and began reading about her untimely death, tears welled in my eyes and I became numb.
Teng Li Chun was, and in my estimation will always remain, a world-class superstar. Her spirit and music will live forever.
Stephen W. F. Berwick, USA
Give the Proceeds to the Twins
Dear Editor:
Hello! Thank you for informing me that my article will be reprinted in the "Potpourri" section of your magazine. I have included a statement of my permission with this letter.
I have personally been a Sinorama subscriber for many years, and have on many occasions given gift subscriptions to family and friends. For this reason, I consider it an honor that my small article, "McDonald's Game," was reprinted in your magazine.
Last year your magazine published an article on the present-day lives of the Siamese twins Chung-jen and Chung-yi. After I read it, the article never escaped my mind. This April, many of my compositions of the last few years will be published by Mr. Liu Yung in book form, under the title A Carefree Life, and I have donated the royalties from the first printing to the League of Welfare Organizations for Disabled, ROC. I have indicated that some of the proceeds be given to the brothers Chung-jen and Chung-yi. You could say it is a little echo effect from reading your magazine article. When the proceeds from your reprinting of "McDonald's Game" are processed, please forward them directly to Chung-jen and Chung-yi. This is a little wish of mine. Thank you.
All the best to you,
