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Dear Stan,

I have so much to be thankful to Bahrain for and when I was reading the Dear Betsy article (GulfWeekly, December 10-16 edition) I wanted to share with your readers that I too love what has become our adopted country.

It has given my husband a better job than he could ever hope to have in the UK, it has given our children a better education than they would get in England, plus the health care is wonderful and appointments easy to get.

We have a feeling of safety that we would not have if we were still living in the UK and the Bahrainis are so kind and non-judgmental. All in all, a wonderful lifestyle and the sun shines practically every day, so why would anyone want to leave? Not us, so thank you to Bahrain and her wonderful people.

The Cassidy Family,

Bahrain.

Dear Stan,

ELEVEN gentlemen of five nationalities so far have signed up and we are still looking for more contestants who will vie for the title of 'Mr Pogi International 2008' to be held at The Palace Hotel this Friday. So far Filipinos, Indian, Pakistani, Bahraini and Thai men have signed up for the event.

All participants have gone through a personality development course taking in hair and skin care, photo and video shooting, public speaking, fashion power and ramp modeling.

The main objective of the pageant is to improve participants' personality and to promote unity among different cultures.

The contest involves four rounds - traditional wear, casual, formal wear and talent. Prizes will include cash, electronic items and goodies from participating sponsors and part of the show proceeds will be donated to helping Filipinos trapped in Kish Island, Iran.

Albert Gayo, pageant director and host,

albertgayo@lycos.com

Dear Stan,

This refers to the article 'How to get a baby to eat' by Joanna Moorhead in last week's GulfWeekly. Here, I would wish to share a part of my life experience in this matter. If one wants to go easy with feeding a baby, the parents have to simply become a child themselves and start entertaining the baby by funny tricks and silly jokes. Just see how it will work out. Parents should just try it out.

Seturam Aspari,

Adliya

Dear Stan,

It was lovely to read Sarah Clarke's piece in last week's GulfWeekly about helping to look after disabled animals. I have only been in the kingdom a few months but have already met Tony 'the dogfather' and I can honestly say his kindness to animals seems to know no limits, he certainly doesn't give up just because an animal is not as healthy as he would like.

However, I know he always struggles with veterinary bills so for Christmas, I'm going to make a donation so that some of the abused and abandoned animals in his care can have an extra treat.

I would urge anyone else who loves animals to do the same. I am sure the money would be very welcome and well used.

Wishing everyone, especially the animal lovers in the kingdom, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ellen Scanlon, Adliya