Importance of manners
This is the first time I am writing to a magazine and I wish to tell you that I enjoyed the October 10-16, 2003 issue of Friday, which covered a lot of topics. There were features on planets, health, food, how people should relax, personalities...

The two new columns - on etiquette and a helpline for people with psychological problems - are good. The importance of etiquette cannot be undermined. The article on how to reduce eyestrain was also very informative. These features will encourage children and adults to cultivate the reading habit. - Prerana, Dubai

Stimulating read
The Peter Arnett article ('Truth be told...,' October 17-23, 2003) was a stimulating read. You might have mentioned that on being fired from America's NBC for his Iraq war coverage in March 2003, Arnett was immediately hired by the Daily Mirror. - Neil Hynd, Abu Dhabi

Contact details
I am a regular reader of your magazine and find it really attractive and informative. While publishing articles related to eminent personalities it would be helpful if you could give their contact details.

I would also like to suggest that you give more coverage to charitable organisations. This might help people who are interested in serving society. - Shaji Rajan, Dubai

Food facts
Your article, 'What's the truth (October 10-16, 2003),' was extremely informative. At a time when information (and sometimes misinformation) is available aplenty, thanks to the huge choice of media available, articles like this which help bust myths are welcome.

I was particularly impressed by the one on fruits. I always believed that more fruit was better. But I learnt from your article that some fruits, if consumed in excess, could lead to weight gain. Thanks. - Rego Fernando, Dubai

Calling males
Ahhh! After a long time we get to see a male model in the fashion section of your magazine ('The power club,' October 10-16, 2003). I am not complaining that you do not cover male-related issues in Friday, only that male fashion seems to be fairly infrequent.

Please make it regular. I also wish to congratulate you for introducing some new columns, particularly the one on etiquette. - Raj SIngh, Sharjah

Setting off
The article, 'A whispering land (October 10-16, 2003),' was timely. Now that the weather seems to be getting better, this is the right time to be taking off on short breaks to sightsee this wonderful country.

The harsh summer makes it difficult for many to check out the lesser known spots in and around Dubai. How about a regular column on the must-see spots in the UAE? - Jenny J, Dubai

Illuminating
Your fashion spread in the October 17 -23 issue of Friday was simply superb. It was in keeping with the spirit of Diwali. - Nimisha, Dubai

Arranged marriage
Arranged marriages may be a novelty to Westerners. But it is quite common in India. Is this the reason why the divorce rate is said to be less in India? - S. Raghavan, Dubai

If you want to air your views, write to:
The Editor,
Friday, Gulf News,
P. O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE.
Fax: 04-3441627.
E-mail: friday@gulfnews.com