What is so wonderful here is the reference to local foods and not chain foods (Melbourne embraces its foodie reputation proudly, March 3).
The way forward for any destination that values its culinary tourists is to promote that destination's unique and memorable food and beverages.
Sadly this isn't always the case, and around the world there is evidence that suggests that unless we look after our local businesses we will lose them as the chains continue to encroach and fight for business in the current economic climate.
Garry Taylor, International Culinary Tourism Association, New Zealand
Assad is bringing shame to Syria
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad will definitively lose because tyrants don't often survive until the end of the wars they start (Annan trying to sell the impossible, March 4). Whether he likes or not, Mr Al Assad's people will have the last laugh. Dr MA Abdullahi, Nigeria
The Free Syrian Army not only comprises deserters from the Syrian army but also Al Qaeda and other mercenaries. It looks like freedom is on the way to the Middle East and tyrants will be rent asunder.
Robert Van den Broeck, Canada
Dangerous dog will strike again
As an owner of two dogs I am shocked and amazed at the response about Trip and his owner (Pit bull released after pet-show poodle killing, March 2).
Have we all lost all sense of principles and values for the benefit of one dog's life?
Who is representing the grief and sorrow for Pluto for doing nothing wrong? Trip should have been put down and the owner should have had the sense to consider it seriously. This dog is banned in many countries; why is Trip allowed in the UAE?
Moreover, why was there no muzzle on this dog? Was that not a public place it was in? Responsibility lies with the owner of the terrier. I just wish laws were harder on such people.
This dog Trip has crossed the line in behavioural psychology. Trip is a ticking time bomb and will harm again.
Let's pray it's not a small child next time.
Danial Beck, Dubai
Poking fun of style misses its mark
I don't really understand what got Michael Jabri-Pickett to write Bold statements at the expense of common sense make a man look stupid (March 4) or what the purpose was, but some of it was enough to be personally insulting.
I am from the southwestern part of the US and my father wore a bola tie until he died. Now I have one of those beautiful silver and leather ties encased along with his silver belt buckle and his picture. He also wore snakeskin cowboy boots which stood silently beside his casket.
Those of us who have had the wonderful opportunity to live in Hawaii understand the culture and dress there apparently more than you do. I take the following information from Wikipedia:
"Aloha shirts manufactured for local wear are considered formal wear in business and government, and thus are regarded as equivalent to a shirt, coat and tie (generally impractical in the warmer climate of Hawaii) in all but the most formal of settings."
When the company I work for began operations in Hawaii, it became clear to us from our clients that we were expected to dress appropriately and that meant that the men would wear the Aloha shirt as a part of their business attire.
It is a part of Hawaiian culture and not a fashion trend.
Be careful when you poke fun of people's manner of dress. It might strike some a little more offensively than your attempted humour might presume.
Cora Yanacek, Abu Dhabi
Wrong excuse for insulting gesture
I refer to your article Client too French for that insult, says lawyer (March 5), which claims that showing the middle finger was too "Anglo Saxon" for the French to use.
The French should be aware that, according to legend, the "V" sign - or two-fingered salute - was first used by English longbowmen to show the enemy that their arrow fingers remained intact, as the French were in the habit of cutting these digits off.
Apparently the gesture was a sign of defiance but also a sign preceding victory as the soldiers of Henry V went on to win the Battle of Agincourt.
Conversely, Winston Churchill's "V" sign is with the palm facing outward for victory. It is our American cousins who have adopted the single finger salute as their insulting gesture of choice, not the true Anglo Saxons.
David Jay, UK
