In case the powers-that-be missed it, buried in Under My Hat ("Crooks R Us", #101) was a serious point. A barb aimed at those yes-men bureaucrats who waste two full working days for this nation when King Gyanendra travels abroad. Can this country afford this sort of waste? Who decides about such things? Maybe the king himself should put a stop to this sort of nonsense.

Amar Thapa,
Lazimpat

. The bureaucracy is turning sycophantic. The government should not declare holidays on the day that King Gyanendra leaves or returns from a foreign trip. If the king himself took that practical decision, his "no nonsense" attitude would be lauded by the public who want to respond to his exhortation to take the country forward. The palace would also do well to take domestic royal image-building more seriously by presenting the affable, approachable and friendly image of King Gyanendra that was projected in the Indian media during his recent visit there. Also, the royal couple are already grandparents, but the public hasn't yet seen them, or the girl's parents for that matter, with the little princess. What a boost it would do to the royal image, especially after last year's tragedy, if their majesties were to be seen in public carrying or holding on to their granddaughter. What a powerful message that would send in Nepal's patriarchial society about the importance of the girl child.

Rupa Joshi,
Kathmandu

. Thank you, Nepali Times, for being bold and professional in telling us readers what is really going on in the countryside during these difficult times. Your role during the emergency is much like what the Indian Express did in India during their emergency. Please keep the light burning.

Mangal Shrestha,
Bangkok