Here's the latest selection of items from the Candid Camera mailbag. (Please note: Only signed letters will be considered for publication.)

GIVE BADMINTON A BREAK!
     Regarding the reference to badminton on your July 28 show (Richard Lewis and a student): Badminton has always gotten a lot of disrespect and snickering but in fact it is a faster game than tennis. Also, in one game of badminton singles a top flight player runs further than a running back does playing a full 60 minutes of a football game, and a badminton player uses more arm action in one game of singles than does a baseball pitcher in an entire nine inning game. Badminton is also an Olympic Sport. Please give us badminton players a break! Or better still, visit the Orange County Badminton Club (1432 N. Main Street, Orange, CA) and see some really good players. This facility was built only for badminton -- the first in this country although there are many elsewhere in the world (especially Asia).
—Doris Brooks

MORE ON COOPER
     I was moved and brought to tears as I read your story about Cooper. It was a wonderful idea for you to let everyone know that in today's world there needs to be more done so that parents hopefully seek help from someone before ending their lives or the lives of those around them. I will make sure to watch that episode and think of Cooper as I watch, and hold my children and let them know how much I love them.
—Shawnte Jones

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Much of the life that my wife and I spend is in contact with individual and corporate business clients. There is a natural regression towards stereotyping people's reactions in settings where we presume to know that an unexpected outcome will induce an expected response. We thank you, Peter, for re-educating us that people are still basically good and responsive to sudden changes to their lives with a sense of humor rather than immediate defensiveness and anger. It's a lesson that we all should remember before we forget to smile, as your father and you remind us weekly. Best wishes and thanks for the "continuing education program" (an unfortunate term still used in certain Canadian circles.)
—Andy & Alda Hans, King City, Ontario, Canada

HER FAVORITE SMILES
     I love Candid Camera. Some of my favorite episodes are: when Suzanne trick or treated; when Peter was on the pretend talk show; when Peter did the pretend court case; the secretary who was hired and had to cut blank pieces of magazine to form a notebook; the music in the supermarket following people's actions. I could go on and on. Sometimes I am in a situation and think, wow, this could be on Candid Camera.
—Joyce Goldsmith, N. Bellmore, New York

HOOKED ON A FEELING
     When your show came back on the air it just put a smile on my face. I never really saw the original Candid Camera show but I am certainly hooked. Peter and Suzanne: I love you; keep up the great work!
—David from, Boston, Mass.

NO LONGER BUMMED
     I love, love, love Candid Camera. I watch it with my husband and 20 month old daughter every Friday night. I was so bummed earlier in the year when it was taken off Fridays! It is such a treat to come home after a hard week at work and be just totally entertained by your show! Now, if you could just make it an hour. I just read on the website that videotapes will be going on sale. Put me down for one! God Bless Allen and Peter Funt. They make the world a much more enjoyable place! Oh yeah, Suzanne Somers is great too.
—Jocelynn Y. Cool

PETER'S 'MENTALITY'
     I really enjoy your show! I wish it ran longer. I love the mentality of Mr. Funt. It's obvious he thinks people should laugh more and just loosen up. Sometimes in my job, I use some of the Candid Camera tricks, like asking guests for ID when paying with cash. I feel it is my job to loosen people up, everyone is so uptight nowadays! Thanks for the laughs!
—Mark J. Wallace

CATCH MY HUBBY
     My husband and I love your show. I know my husband would get a kick out of being on Candid Camera. Would it be possible to set something up for him to be surprised?
—Tory Bobadilla, Orlando, Florida

[Peter's reply: No! We don't plan who will be caught by Candid Camera. It's a completely random process. However, we are coming to Florida soon, so maybe your husband will be one of the lucky ones!]

KEEP THOSE LAUGHS COMING
     Just a note to let you know my family loves your show and watches all the time. It is great to come home from a long day and be able to laugh at the funny things that you show! Thanks for the laughs and keep 'em coming!
—Cheryl Sitzes, Sikeston, Missouri

CANDID KEEPSAKE
     I received a gold colored medallion the other day in a box of jewelry I bought at an auction. The medallion has on one side the name Candid Camera and a camera with two reels on the top. The other side has: "In Appreciation: You were caught in the act of being yourself, and were big enough to enjoy it." Is this a genuine coin given out by you? If it is, can you tell me the history of this and if you still use the same coins?
—Janet Martin

[Peter's reply: Yes, those medallions were given out by Candid Camera in the mid-60's and again - a slightly different version - in the early 90's. I don't know what one is worth, but I think it's a great collector's item.]

WHY THE CLIPBOARD?
     Working night shift, I have to tape Candid Camera so I can watch it later. I notice most of the clips your staffs usually have a clipboard on hand, sometimes not necessary, I think. Thanks for the good laughs for stress relief, I really need them.
—M. Trinh, Los Angeles

[Peter's reply: Here's a hint: we not only hide cameras, we hide microphones too.]

LOTSA COMPLAINTS?
     I have noticed a lot of complaints on every subject imaginable in your feedback. I don't have any complaints. I take your show as it is...entertainment. You can't please everyone. I really enjoy the old flashbacks as well as the new stuff! Keep us laughing! You're doing a great job!
—Dave Hildebrand New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

[Peter's reply: We don't mind constructive criticism. Our viewers really become involved with Candid Camera - more so than with sitcoms and dramas. After all, Candid Camera is truly of the people, by the people and for the people.]