Plainly the writer of your article Why it's cruel to be Kindle (August 13) likes paper books.
I too like the smell of them, the feel of them, even the concept of them, because I spend far too much time staring at a screen all day anyway.
But I also have a Nook Color e-reader and it's been a blessing. The reality is the buyers like e-books and e-readers so grousing about them like a whiney child just makes a person look silly. E-books are the wave of the future.
Bryan Thomas, US
Parents, teachers must cooperate
I refer to Teachers call for parents to help (August 16).
How does one change the attitude of most parents toward schools, teachers and education?
Creating and sustaining a strong parent-teacher partnership is key. Certainly a good start would be to enforce parent responsibility to communicate regularly with the school.
Rebecca Lavallee, Abu Dhabi
Parents alone cannot be blamed for the misbehaviour of children. But parents and teachers do have to work closely together.
If children fail to follow a school's code of conduct, authorities can and should bring the problems to parents' attention.
Parents should be sure to attend orientation sessions, parent-teacher meetings and other such points of contact.
Close co-ordination between home and school can overcome most failures.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Don't use 'gift' as a verb
I greatly enjoyed the Oasis feature Sacred artefact (August 16).
The majestic cloth on display is not only beautiful but fascinating, combining as it does religion, history, art, craftsmanship, and more.
My pleasure in encountering this photo spread was diminished a little, however, by the fact that the writer chose to use the noun "gift" as a verb.
Carmella Petz, Dubai
Don't give up yet on Andy Murray
I have a comment on your story Murray needs to stand up and deliver soon (August 16).
Andy Murray has won sets against both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic this year. He hasn't played Roger Federer so far this season.
I'm sure Murray will win at least one slam in his career. His hard work will pay off in the end.
Kit Jones, Dubai
Thesiger still a good guide
Thank you for the flashback piece about the late Sir Wilfred Thesiger (The last of the great explorers, August 16).
Like many expatriates, when I knew I was coming to the UAE I read Arabian Sands.
Anyone who reads it can see that Thesiger plainly idolised the people of the desert.
But the book is packed full of lively observation. I would still today recommend Arabian Sands to anyone coming to this part of the world.
Leonard Gregory, Abu Dhabi
Gift box concept needs expansion
The idea of giving a box of basic toiletries and small daily items to the ill-paid (Campaign aims to donate everyday items to 10,000 labourers, August 15) is a fine one.
I give full credit to the Radisson hotel chain which is conducting this initiative. But I regret that there is no simpler way for more people to get involved. Could all hotels, for example, get involved and provide drop-off points?
Edwin Dorf, Dubai
Animal deaths are not really tragic
Is it really tragic when an animal is killed, as suggested seriously in your otherwise droll editorial A truly bull market (August 16). I'm not so sure.
In this era of vegan fanatics and animal "rights" zealots, it's easy to overlook the millennia-long relationship between humans and domesticated animals: we raise them, perhaps admire them, kill them and use their bodies. We evolved eating meat. I like mine medium-rare, please.
Marty Picard, Dubai
Why do we pay so much for internet?
I was saddened, but not surprised, to read your story UAE subscribers paying high price for broadband (August 16).
Eastern Europe is not often held up as a symbol of enlightened capitalism, but when people in those countries can get high-speed internet for much less than we pay, we have a lot to learn.
TK Mehta, Dubai
