-

Dear Stan, I heard the news on the TV that some of the pirates drowned with their ill-gotten loot after freeing the Saudi tanker once a hefty ransom was paid. A case of rough-sea justice, methinks.

Hard-hearted,

Sitra

Dear Stan,

With reference to GulfWeekly (December 3-9, 2008) the article by Asma Salman about 'Smart Shoppers' was really interesting.

The comments and conclusions by each of the five participating ladies coming from different cultures and backgrounds were thought-provoking.

Well, I'm new in Bahrain having settled here only about nine months ago (I'm from Pakistan) and my spouse joined me about two months ago.

About the article, would it not have been better if the earning bracket was also provided in each case? And, also the nominal budget range maintained by them? Well, it might be, perhaps, a bit too personal to reveal or share, but still it would have given a clearer picture of the cost of living.

It depends upon the lifestyle of individual families and the number of children. I've no children so far. I've come to conclude that it depends a lot about your earning bracket. A good range just increases your purchasing power and affordability but it doesn't mean that life is not yet expensive.

The survey published in your paper weekly about price tags of items shopped from different malls and hypermarkets is interesting to read as well.

Once again, I'd say that it was a good effort on your part.

Thanks and regards,

Kashif Ali,

Bahrain