Category: News

In what we are guessing is an attempt to make the Kindle a bit more attractive when compared to the B&N nook, Amazon announced today that the Kindle 2 now ships with PDF support and a battery that lasts almost twice as long as previous Kindle 2s. The battery bump, in particular, gives you 7 days of use with wireless on as opposed to 4.

Even cooler, though, is the fact that if you already own a Kindle 2, there will be a firmware update released over-the-air that will give you the same functionality, including the 85% increase in battery life! No date has been announced for the release of that update, but we’d be surprised if it didn’t arrive any day now. Gotta love competition. You can pick up the Kindle 2 on Amazon.

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Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating hundreds of reports that 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are fitted with defective transmissions that could dangerously fail without warning. Most alarming is that many of the transmissions reportedly fail at highway speeds. In a common complaint, the engine will suddenly surge and then all power is immediately lost. The vehicle is forced to coast powerlessly to a safe spot out of the flow of traffic. Angry owners have flooded message boards to report incidents of transmission failures which leave them stranded and stuck with $3,500 repair bills.

To date, there have been 654 customer complaints and 2,791 warranty claims. However, according to NHTSA, as many as 205,000 vehicles may be affected. The investigation, expected to take a year, will focus on the torque converter output shaft which drives the wheels. Ford Motor Co. has not yet released an official statement regarding the investigation.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req’d]

NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One cannot go online today without eventually being asked to accept a set of so-called Terms of Service (or TOS). Such TOS agreements have become ubiquitous to websites and other online services in the same way End User License Agreements (EULAs) have become the mainstay of the software industry. Yet while we are often aware that such Terms of Service exist, very few of us know and understand what they actually say.

The time has come to shed light on what these Terms of Service agreements contain, and what it means for users. In conjunction with our TOSBack project, EFF is proud to announce Terms of (Ab)Use: a source for news and updates on TOS issues around the Web. We also will be periodically publishing a series of white papers that will provide the average Internet user a general background on many of the legal issues that surround Terms of Service agreements.

BullJustin points us to a short NPR piece about four massive failures by the recording industry. If we skip over number 3 (Kevin Federline), the other three are pretty relevant to what we talk about here on a regular basis: the Sony BMG rootkit fiasco that opened up security holes on computers without letting anyone know, the RIAA’s lawsuit strategy of suing fans and the record labels’ ongoing efforts at payola to get songs played on the radio.

However, BullJustin makes an amusing point in the submission concerning that last one:

It cost the industry untold millions in actual payola, independent promoter fees, and then more than $25 million in settlements, not to mention lawyer fees. If they would have just let people share the music online, the marketing they were looking for could have been free.”

It really does make you wonder what goes through the minds of record label strategists. They tossed away millions paying people to get music heard, when they could have just embraced file sharing and made it cheaper and easier to get music heard without running into the legal problems of payola as well. Of course, the problem with that plan is that the labels also lose “control.” They’ve paid to get songs on the radio because they wanted to just focus on a small group of artists who they could squeeze for as much profit as possible, dumping all the rest. File sharing makes it harder and raises the possibility that other artists might also get heard.

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Filed under: Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi already plans on selling its little MiEV electric car in the U.S. within the next 18 months, and it appears that we may get a gasoline powered version of the roomy micro car as well. Automotive News is reporting that Mitsubishi is mulling the idea of putting petrol power in charge of propulsion of some i models, giving dealers a higher volume line that can compete with the Smart Fortwo. The automaker already sells a gasoline powered i in Europe, but Mitsubishi Motors North America VP John Koenig reportedly told AN that the Euro model’s turbocharged 660cc motor would likely be swapped out for the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder model that powers the Smart.

If Koenig wants to bring the gas-powered i to the States, he estimates that he’ll have to prove that dealers can sell 1,000 models per month in order to get the parent company to pull the trigger. That sounds doable to us considering Smart sold 20,000 Fortwo’s in the first 10 months of production – in spite of the fact that the unique-looking micro mini is premium-priced and only has two seats. The i can comfortably seat four and it can probably be sold for close to the Fortwo’s $11,990 starting price. The typical i sells in more small car tolerant Europe for $16,000.

[Source: Automotive News – subs. req.]

REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Calve Muscle Anatomy There are two primary muscle groups on the back of the lower legs – the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles. The soleus is a wide, flat muscle that lies beneath the heart shaped gastrocnemius. Both muscles contract to extend the feet and toes, but the soleus can only fully contract when your leg is bent to at least a 30-degree angle. There are several other smaller muscles in your lower legs, all of which will be developed by focusing on working the calves. The only exception is the tibialis anterior muscle, which runs up the front of your shin and contracts to pull your foot and toes upward. If you have trouble developing your calves you can work these muscles more frequently then other muscle groups. They are tough, dense muscles and they can handle a bigger workload. Calve Exercises It is essential that when you do any exercise that you perform the movements correctly, if you don’t you will receive less then optimum benefit from the exercise. It is very difficult to unlearn bad exercise habits, so it is best to learn the right exercise technique from the very start. For each calve workout do 4 sets for each exercise listed below. One workout do high reps (i.e. 15+ per set) the next workout do low reps (i.e. 5-10 per set). This is one of the best ways to get stubborn calve muscles to grow. Standing Calve Raise This is a basic calve movement that works the gastrocnemius muscles. Step up on the foot block of the machine and place your head between the shoulder pads. Position yourself so that your shoulders are comfortably under the pads. Place the balls of your feet on the foot block, with your feet about shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward. Straighten your legs and support the weight on your shoulders. Keep your knees straight during the entire movement. Slowly lower your heels until your calve muscles stretch down as far as possible. Hold the stretched position for a second and then rise up as high as you can on your tippy toes. Hold this position for a second to enhance the peak contraction in the calves. Repeat. Tip – for a variation you can do this exercise with one leg at a time. If you do not have access to a standing calve raise you can perform the exercise with a barbell across your shoulders instead. Seated Calve Raise This exercise targets the soleus muscles because it is performed with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle. This exercise also works the gastrocnemius muscles are as secondary muscles. Adjust the knee pads of the machine so that you can sit with your knees snug to the pads. Place the balls of your feet on the foot block, with your feet about shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward. Rise up as high as you can on your tippy toes. Hold this position for a second to enhance the peak contraction in the calves. Slowly lower your heels until your calve muscles stretch down as far as possible. Hold the stretched position for a second. Repeat. Tip – if you do not have access to a seated calve raise machine you can do this exercise seated on the end of a bench with a barbell wrapped in a thick towel placed on top you’re your knees. Donkey Calve Raises This different looking exercise is excellent for working the gastrocnemius muscles. Secondary stress is applied to the soleus muscles. Stand with the balls of your feet on a block, with your feet about shoulder width apart, toes pointing forward. Bend over and rest your hands on an exercise bench so that your upper body is parallel to the floor while keeping your legs straight. Have a training partner sit up on your hips and balance in place as if they were riding a horse. Slowly lower your heels until your calve muscles stretch down as far as possible. Hold the stretched position for a second. Rise up as high as you can on your tippy toes. Hold this position for a second to enhance the peak contraction in the calves. Repeat. 1 Leg Calve Raise This exercise works the gastrocnemius muscles. Note: This pic shows a 2 leg calve raise, you can also do them one leg at a time. Stand on one leg with the ball of your foot on a calve block and your heels hanging off the edge of the block. You should hold onto something, such as a squat rack, to help you keep your balance. Keep your knee straight during the entire movement. Slowly lower your heel until your calve muscle stretches down as far as possible. Hold the stretched position for a second and then rise up as high as you can on your tippy toes. Hold this position for a second to enhance the peak contraction in the calve muscle. Repeat for the desired number of reps. Repeat with the other leg. Tip – you can hold a dumbbell or do this exercise in a standing calve raise machine to add more resistance. This is a good exercise to do as a warm up or as a finishing exercise for your calve workout.

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

If you’ve been following the Toyota Tundra rust saga, you’re aware that NHSTA recently requested data from Toyota about the purported frame corrosion affecting 2000 and 2001 models. Today, Toyota has extended that recall to include the 2002-03 model years, saying that a small number of trucks could suffer from frame corrosion that could cause the spare tire to detach from its underbody housing. That brings the total up to 110,000 Tundras located in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

Toyota will begin an inspection program next month which will run through January of 2010, and if you’re driving one of the affected pickups, you can get all the details in the press release below the fold. Hat tip to Mike from Pickuptrucks.com.

Continue reading Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks

Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shares of Bank of America were down slightly today but activity in the options market indicates that long-term bulls are unshaken.

Could this be a play on the possible nomination of a new CEO tomorrow?

Phil of Phil’s Stock World (incidentally, one of the best options blogs around) reports:

Long-term Bank of America bulls are out in full force today, scooping up call options like they’re going out of style. BAC’s shares are off slightly by less than 1% to $16.19.

Plain-vanilla call buying in the January 2011 contract indicates investors expect shares to surge over the next 13 months. A large chunk of 50,000 calls were picked up at the January 25 strike for an average premium of 86 cents apiece. Shares must rally 60% from the current price to breach the $25.86 breakeven point on the trade. Twice as many calls were coveted at the higher January 30 strike where 100,000 calls were purchased for 45 cents each. The investor responsible for the massive position breaks even if shares jump 88% to $30.45 by expiration.

Finally, another BAC-optimist established a ratio call spread in the same contract. The investor purchased 20,000 calls at the January 20 strike for 1.95 apiece, spread against the sale of 40,000 calls at the higher January 30 strike for 46 cents premium each. The net cost of the spread amounts to 1.03 per contract and positions the trader to profit if shares exceed $21.03 by expiration in January of 2011. Maximum potential profits available on the transaction amount to 8.97 per contract.

Option implied volatility on Bank of America is currently 38.65% – a scant 2.93% above the 52-week volatility low of 35.77% – attained back on October 20, 2009.

Click here for Phil’s other reports on GE and the seed market.

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See Also:

• BOFA Board Member Was Against Merrill Deal, Wanted To Wait (BAC)

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

This year’s Sprint Cup was awarded this past weekend at Homestead, where Jimmie Johnson scored his record fourth consecutive championship with a fifth-place finish behind race winner Denny Hamlin. (Oh yeah, “spoiler alert”.) Anyway, on to the interesting part: the oval speedway had some unlikely German visitors for the series finale, leading the motorsport press and the fans to begin asking questions.

The Volkswagen Group’s head of motorsports Hans-Joachim Stuck was reportedly among the spectators at Homestead this past weekend, and took a few visible meetings with NASCAR officials. But Stuck was quick to dispel any rumors. Although he kvelled over the purity of the spectacle that NASCAR offers, Stuck said that convincing the bean counters back in Wolfsburg that stock car racing made sense for them would be a tough sell.

If you think it would be an even tougher sell to fans, consider that VW’s new plant in Chatanooga, Tennessee, could be only the first step in an increasing American presence for the German automaker, and that Toyota may have already prepared the ground for foreign makes to enter the series.

Meanwhile Stuck did confirm ongoing negotiations over the German auto group’s potential participation in the Grand Am sportscar series, also owned by NASCAR’s France family. According to Stuck, the Audi/Lamborghini V10 could be a perfect fit for the prototype racers, though they’d have to make it work with the spec ECU. Stuck also revealed that his company was discussing a possible entry into the IndyCar series.

The VW racing chief wasn’t the only notable German at Homestead this past weekend, though, as Red Bull flew out its star driver Sebastian Vettel to witness the spectacle as well. After watching the race and chatting with former colleague Juan Pablo Montoya, Vettel said that F1 could stand to learn a lot from NASCAR, and that while he’s committed to F1, he’d like to try out a stock car on an oval. This after his professed fascination with rallying as well. It’s worth noting that Heikki Kovalainen, now looking for a new drive since leaving McLaren, was also at the race as a guest of Penske Racing, leading to speculation over the Finnish driver’s prospects for next season.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Jason Smith/Getty]

Big Deal? VW racing chief, F1 drivers visit Homestead for NASCAR season-closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plenty of fiction authors base their characters on real life people. But, perhaps they need to be more careful. A jury has ruled in favor of someone who claimed libel against an author for supposedly writing a character “inspired by” a former friend. That former friend was not happy about the portrayal, in which she was a “sexually promiscuous alcoholic.” This seems like a really bad precedent. Fiction authors quite frequently take people from real life, but then exaggerate them to extremes. But if that opens them up to potential libel charges, that seems quite ridiculous.

For example, I once read a book that had a character that was based on my father, written by someone who knew him many, many years ago (in the copy the author sent my father, it was inscribed with my father’s name, followed by the character’s name in parentheses). It was entertaining, to me, to see such a character who certainly resembled the rather content, laid back, unflappable nature of my Dad… except at the end where the character went crazy and had to be locked up. That, clearly, did not happen in real life, but it never struck me as “libelous.” It was obviously just a fictional story, where the author needed the character to do something and act in a certain way. That’s why it’s fiction. Besides, for it to be defamatory, you have to be able to show the harm caused, and that’s only going to happen if a lot of people know that the character is supposed to be the real person, which seems unlikely in most cases. In the meantime, though, if you’re writing a fictional story, be careful who you base your characters on.

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The paper reviewed here is ‘Pain and Depression in Older People: Comorbidity and Patterns of Help Seeking’ by Bonnewyn and colleagues. In the conclusion to the abstract the authors write that

‘(Painful physical symptoms) were more likely in people with a 12-month major depressive episode (MDE) than in those without (OR=2.0)‘

In the introduction, the authors cite research showing a prevalence of pain in older adults of between 25 and 88%. The authors then briefly discuss the pain-depression dyad explaining the antecedent and consequence hypotheses which expand on the nature of the dyad. The aims of the study are clearly outlined and include an evaluation of the relationship between pain and depression in a community-dwelling sample of older adults (65 years and older) as well as the interactions with the use of mental health services and benzodiazepine use.

The data was obtained from the European Study on the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) a study which was initiated by the World Health Organisation. Data was obtained from 6 countries – France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Spain. The researchers write that some of the specifics of the sampling process have been described in another paper. I wasn’t clear on the details of the sampling method as a result and the researchers note that

‘a stratified, multistage, clustered area, probability sample was used‘

59.4% of the sample were female and 38.4% were age 75 and over. 36.3% of the sample lived in rural areas compared to 26.6% that lived in urban areas. The majority of the sample (52%) had 0-11 years of education. Participants were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview with major depressive disorder diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria and a list of questions used to detect the presence of painful symptoms specifying within the last 12 months in some of these questions. They were also asked if they had one of a number of chronic medical conditions some of which are common medical conditiosn (e.g. asthma and diabetes). They were also asked about antidepressant and benzodiazepine use. Their estimated point prevalence of painful physical symptoms in the sample was 31.8% and although they were calculated as more common in men there was no confidence intervals for this comparison. PPS were significantly more likely in females with major depressive episode than those without. Using depression as the dependent variable, the researchers ran a multvariate analysis which identified female gender and pain as predictors of depression. Without major depression, the likelihood of antidepressant use was three times greater in those with painful physical symptoms compared to those without. For participants with depression, there was no significant difference between those with and without painful physical symptoms in the use of antidepressant medication. There was a doubling in the use of benzodiazepines in those without major depression but with painful physical symptoms (PPS) compared to those with major depression but without PPS. Major depression was also found to be signficantly associated with benzodiazepine use.

In the discussion, the authors note that from their results somatic conditions mediated the relationship between depression and pain. The authors also  comment on the two-fold increase in PPS with major depressive episode and the increased prevalence of PPS with female gender. Whilst these latter two findings were consistent with previous literature, like the researchers I found the results for antidepressant and benzodiazepine use interesting. Firstly antidepressant use was found to be higher in those without major depression but with pain. The use of benzodiazepines was increased in those with major depression also. I wasn’t clear if there was a prominent anxiety component in those using benzodiazepines but given that only 20% of those with depression were receiving antidepressants a different pattern of prescribing could be explored. This however would depend on local guidelines particularly as the sample is taken from 6 countries.

In conclusion, I thought there were some interesting findings here particularly the use of antidepressants in those with pain but not major depression. It could be that the depression had been previously treated and was in remission. Alternatively it could mean that the subject or the prescriber had intended for the antidepressants to be used for the pain. It would be interesting to see how factors such as pain duration and intensity impact on antidepressant use. The paper provides valuable insights into the relationship between pain and depression in older adults and I would be interested to see in particular if there are any follow-up studies examining the use or underprescribing of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepine in the same or other regions.

References

Bonnewyn A, Katona C, Bruffaerts R, Haro J M, de Graaf R, Alonso J and Demyttenaere K. Pain and Depression in Older People: Comorbidity and Patterns of Help Seeking. Journal of Affective Disorders. 117. 193-196. 2009.

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We need a state income tax to fund services, spending

Editor, The Times:

The Times, in its Nov. 22 editorial “State budget shortfall requires urgent action” [Opinion], urged Gov. Chris Gregoire to call a special session to make further cuts in state spending.

The state’s economic crisis — and budget shortfall — is largely due to underemployment. How would firing more state employees help that? Having fewer people with cash to spend on housing, health care, and local goods and services doesn’t seem to be the way to go.

There are people in our state who don’t have to worry about affording those things. They have time and means to make use of well-maintained state parks, ferries, bridges and highways. They benefit from workers and neighbors having an excellent education system, physical and mental hearth, crime prevention, and rehabilitation services.

These people now pay less than their fair share of the costs of such benefits.

Washington needs a state income tax, with a progressive rate sufficient to finance improved education and needed services, while permitting a reduction in the sales tax.

Let those who don’t have to spend every dime they take in, take some load off the rest of us.

— Bruce Pringle, Normandy Park

When will new, fresh leaders emerge?

Lately there has been a lot of talk and some action by city, county, state and federal legislators, governors, commissioners and mayors about raising taxes, fees and other sources of revenue to cover budgets ravaged by the economic meltdown and protect services provided by these entities [“State’s budget hole expands,” NWFriday, Nov. 20].

Well, here’s a suggestion for all of them:

It’s about time that taxes were raised on the people and industries most responsible for causing the meltdown.

The banks, investment firms, insurance firms, Wall Street and all their executives, mortgage brokers, traders, and anyone involved in the latest swindle over the last 10 years. Not to mention the 40 U.S. senators and many U.S. representatives still in office who removed the Great Depression-era safeguards 10 years ago that gave legality to their actions.

When will these people be held accountable? When will the average taxpayer of this state and country be relieved of the burden these people have placed on them? When will we see real leaders instead of professional politicians in office at all levels who are willing to do what’s right for the country as a whole?

Probably next November when every member of the House of Representatives is up for re-election, as well as many senators.

If we, the voters across the country, would concentrate on getting rid of any incumbent of any party who has served in the Congress for more than 12 years, new leaders could emerge.

We might then have a real representative government at the national level, and we could also apply that standard to city, county and state elected officials.

We need to clean house, and until we do nothing will change.

— Bill Davis, Kingston

Timing stinks?

It’s disappointing that The Seattle Times slammed the careful work by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force because it was politically convenient [“Mammogram debate,” Opinion, editorial, Nov. 22].

On the question on when to begin screening, the task force commissioned an outside institute to research the question. It was verified by 15 outside scientists before the task force considered it. Many other countries begin routine screening at age 50, and their death rate is not much different from the U.S.

The data on how frequent women should have mammograms is more clear-cut: every other year gives the same benefit as every year.

If we cannot make objective decisions on what works and what does not, how can we possibly hope for a better health-care system?

Lastly, The Times said the “timing of the report stinks.” Should political considerations hold up important recommendations?

— Kim Riddell, Edmonds

Forgetting the payer, a key player in the health-care system

The Times’ editorial about mammograms persists in the delusion that there are only two parties to a medical decision: the patient and the doctor.

But the newspaper forgot one key player, the payer.

Since the rest of us are paying for this, we have a stake in the decision. As a payer, I’d like to know that the treatment I help pay for is medically necessary and cost effective.

The current situation, where the patient and the doctor decide what to do, and a third party — uncomplaining — pays for it all, is not sustainable. Neither of them has any incentive to reduce costs.

It’s a large part of why health costs are so high in this country. If we want to bring health-care costs under control, then we’re going to have to make tough decisions.

Saying that the patient and doctor should do whatever they want is avoiding the necessary action.

— Alan Davidoff, Bellvue

I am a breast-cancer survivor

I would not be on the planet if it were not for self-examination and mammograms [“Breast-cancer flap gets political,” News, Nov. 19].

Many of my friends would also not be here for the same reasons.

I attended three breast-cancer support groups, two where the majority of women were 30 years or younger. They all were dealing with breast cancer.

I am in shock that a panel of federal, independent so-called experts advises what is important in women’s breast-care health. I am wondering if any of these experts are women. Are these experts connected to big money in anyway?

Though I would not wish this on anyone, I wonder how these experts would feel if their daughter or young wife died of breast cancer because they knew nothing of self-breast examination, or were not covered by insurance to get a mammogram because of their age.

— Shanti Schenker-Skye, Seattle

Cable company already too controlling and costly

Prepare yourself for higher cable rates if Comcast Corp. buys part of NBC Universal [“Protect consumer choice: block NBC/Comcast deal,” Opinion, Ryan Blethen editorial column, Nov. 22].

Where I live, Normandy Park, the city gave Comcast a 75-year franchise. If they inhale NBC, Comcast will renegotiate those city franchises for a century or more.

That’s way too long for an industry that is changing every day.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission should stop cold Comcast from becoming any bigger or more controlling.

— Bill Wippel, Normandy Park

Consumers are clearly shopping again. J. Crew just posted a third-quarter profit of $44 million, up more than double from $19 million last year:

Marketwatch: J. Crew Group Inc. late Tuesday reported its third-quarter net income more than doubled to $43.9 million, or 67 cents a share, from $19 million, or 30 cents a share, in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue increased to $414.1 million from $363.1 million a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had forecast the New York-based company to earn 58 cents a share on $406.6 million in revenue. The fashion retailer projected fourth-quarter earnings of 37 cents a share to 42 cents a share

Currently, J. Crew’s stock is up 5.4% at $43.05 a share.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Motorola Not Screwed? Surprise Profit, Strong Guidance (MOT)
• Kellogg Posts Higher Profit As Poor Americans Chow Down On Cereal (K)
• J.Crew Quietly Crowing About Obama Family Endorsement

Toxic impacts of mining endanger Pacific Northwest icon

As a longtime Seattle resident and restaurateur, I commend the efforts of fellow chefs to educate our customers on the perils of mining in the Bristol Bay area [“13 restaurants enter fray over wild Alaska salmon,” NWTuesday, Now. 17].

Wild salmon is not only an iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest and the centerpiece of our region’s culinary heritage; it serves as a critical link in our region’s ecosystem. The sockeye salmon of Bristol Bay represent one of our region’s last remaining healthy fish runs.

The toxic impacts of mining in this pristine environment present unacceptable risks to fish and the watershed upon which they rely.

I applaud our colleagues in defending this vital resource, and encourage Seattle diners to patronize their fine establishments.

— Buzz Hofford, Shoreline

A letter to my family: the true meaning of thanks and giving

Editor, The Times:

I sent the following note to my family, and I am pleased that they have responded enthusiastically:

Dear family,

After considerable thought, I have decided to take a different approach for this Christmas. I am mindful that it is stressful for many of our fellow citizens, especially those who are unemployed, during these difficult economic times.

I have been supporting the Lake City Food Bank, and I just received a letter from them that they are very short of turkeys for Thanksgiving and are asking for help.

I have decided to confine my gift-giving at Christmas to the grandkids and use the money that I would normally spend on adult gifts to contribute to charity instead. I just made an arrangement with Safeway to buy two dozen or more turkeys to contribute to the food bank, and I plan other contributions as well.

I trust no one will be offended my decision.

I love you all dearly, but we all are so fortunate that I don’t feel right without helping others in greater need. I, of course, do not expect any presents and I urge you all to consider some similar giving.

During the holidays, and at other times, my greatest joy is to spend quality time with each of you. I hope that we can find more occasions to connect, and have the benefit of each other’s company.

With much love to all,

Dad

— Stanley Graves, Lake Forest Park

China: the real location of Santa’s workshop

As Christmas draws closer, we are bombarded with advertisements for new toys and armed with our children’s wish lists [“Charming, cheap toys are holiday must-haves,” Business, Nov. 21].

Before you buy, please stop to consider the real cost behind these toys. An estimated 70 percent of the world’s toys are made in China, but those of us buying these toys know very little — if anything — about the conditions under which they are produced.

The fact is, the migrant workers in China’s southern provinces who labor over these toys are underpaid, overworked and underrepresented. They work 16-hour shifts, seven days a week for weeks at a time. They handle toxic chemicals, glues, paints and solvents with shoddy equipment and lax safety regulations inside a factory where temperatures push 100 degrees.

Labor laws are routinely violated and poorly enforced.

Also, the Chinese government prohibits the formation of independent trade unions, so these workers have no representation to discuss labor violations. They are paid wages as little as 13 cents an hour.

We all deserve to make a living wage, work in a safe environment and be treated with fairness and dignity. Please help advocate for, and defend, the human rights of factory workers in China.

This season, shop responsibly.

— Kari Solberg, Seattle

Deck the halls with patience, courtesy and a smile?

In this holiday shopping season, let’s all be kind to each other [“For retailers, it’s a make-or-break season: What holiday shoppers can expect,” page one, Nov. 12].

Please be understanding when I ask you to check in when you enter my store. I have been instructed to do this, not with the goal of being intrusive, but of making your shopping experience as smooth as possible.

After all, you are likely used to checking in at most restaurants.

As for those who are fortunate to be working at any store or public establishment, remember that you have a job, and the person you are helping may not or may be worried about where the money is going to come from this year.

Let’s all just take a second and put ourselves in each other’s shoes.

Finally, on a busy day I easily greet more than 100 people. I am so grateful to those who stop on their way out to thank me for my assistance.

You have no idea how that really makes my day.

— Barb Paxhia, Renton

Fed up with the politically correct holiday tree? Join the club

I recently saw the picture of a holiday tree that will be on display in Seattle [“Dwarfed by neighbor,” NWSaturday, Nov. 14], and I could no longer keep quiet about this ridiculous situation.

Will somebody please explain to me why we can no longer celebrate Christmas because it is not politically correct?

For hundreds of years we celebrated Christmas, and others celebrated Hanukkah or whatever religious festivals they wished, without any of this nonsense. Let’s be honest: We have St. Patrick’s Day and St. Valentine’s Day, which believe it or not are religious, and even Easter.

I came to this country as an immigrant more than 40 years ago, with the belief that this was a free country, and I am disgusted that a small group of people have imposed their will on the majority.

I will be celebrating Christmas, with a Christmas tree, Christmas presents, Christmas decorations and sending Christmas cards to family and friends. I will also go to church and not insist that everyone has the same religion, so I will respect other people’s beliefs, which I feel is only right.

Let us accept the fact that we are all different, but let’s stop this nonsense of the minority imposing their will on the majority.

By the way, I will also be wishing my family and friends Merry Christmas, and not happy holidays.

— Janina Sierakowska, Bothell

State Liquor Board staying warm, jolly this holiday season

While reading about the State Liquor Control Board wanting to experiment with seasonal gift stores [“Holiday spirits with a twist: Malls to host liquor stores,” page one, Oct. 16], I was filled with irritation and mystification.

I, myself, am a firm believer of family traditions, gift-giving, white Christmases and holiday toasting to kick off the season. But, I must ask, has our society reached a point where we throw out the thoughtful gift-giving and settle for a fancy, overpriced bottle of wine?

An increase of $3.8 million over two years is quite a lot of money to be spending on alcohol. I am well-informed that the United States economy is in poor shape, however, is constructing holiday spirits stores really the answer to pulling our state out of a huge budget deficit?

I find it really odd to have the state be the liquor retailer; what kind of environment is this creating?

Many people in my family suffer from alcoholism, and the addition of liquor stores, all the while encouraging to make things Irish, isn’t helping. Christmas time is not specifically the time to uncork your best wine and nothing else.

There are other ways to be jolly throughout the Christmas season, without the consumption of alcohol.

— Liz Rodriques, Kirkland