Thank you for highlighting the importance of art and music education (Call for more drama and art lessons in schools, August5).
Art and music education and immersion enhances aural and visual literacy. It increases the integration of right and left brain hemispheres, leading to better test scores in other academic subjects.
But more than this, art and music appreciation are what make us human, and allow us to authentically enjoy our lives. This appreciation is a valuable gift we are obligated to pass on to our children, and to share with others.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all artists, musicians, and art and music educators in the UAE for adding so much to the fabric of the nation.
Tracy Wilson, Abu Dhabi
Prepare ahead for extreme weather
Regarding Heat is on to solve the global climate crisis (August 6), it is unlikely that global warming will cause increased extreme weather.
If the world warms due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures at high latitudes are forecast to rise most, reducing the difference between arctic and tropical temperatures.
Since this differential drives weather, we should see weaker midlatitude cyclones in a warmer world and so fewer extremes in weather.
Instead of vainly trying to stop extreme weather from happening, we need to harden our societies to these inevitable events by burying electrical cables underground, reinforcing buildings and other infrastructure and ensuring reliable energy sources so that we have the power to heat and cool our dwellings as needed.
Tom Harris, International Climate Science Coalition, Canada
Name and shame tactic may work
In Mangroves destruction stopped (August 6) it is sad that the developer in question seems to have been let off remarkably lightly.
The lack of transparency makes it much easier for companies to take the decision to break the rules, as they know their reputation is unlikely to suffer in the event they are caught out.
I feel that more may have been achieved by releasing the name of the developer on top of requiring the submission of a management plan - something that should have been done anyway.
David McGrath, Dubai
How to identify fake electronics?
I was concerned to read Dh4mworth of fake electronics seized (August 6).
While I am pleased that the authorities have taken action, there seems to be a lot of this merchandise out there.
As consumers, how do we distinguish a "fake" from the real thing? Are we legally protected if we inadvertently purchase these products?
Jane Rogers, Dubai
Extremism has no place in the world
Having read Front line in Israel's war of the sexes (August 5), I believe extremism in any form should be stopped in its tracks.
Compassion, understanding, respect for others and a wish for world peace should be everyone's slogan.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Romney follows Bush's footsteps
Regarding Bizzarely, Romney's gaffe was good for Palestinian cause (August 5), I 'm not at all surprised by the ignorance of the Republican presidential candidate.
Remember George W Bush? What a disgrace he was to leadership.
S Foley, Dubai
Executions shed poor light on FSA
In reference to Syria's rebels defy Assad's claim of victory in Damascus (August 6), you have to admit that President Bashar Al Assad must still be popular with a large number of Syrians.
If he keeps holding on, he could even remain in power, despite what is being said in western media outlets.
The Free Syrian Army is walking a dangerous line by carrying out kidnappings and executions. Frederick Malick, Australia
Questions over banks' tactics
Regarding Bank put my debt on the net (August 5), banks in the UAE are very rude when collecting from small-time debtors.
I have heard of bank personnel calling to threaten debtors with telling their employer, transferring their accounts to the bank's legal unit, or instigating police and court processes.
James Donato, Dubai
