Orangutans are one of the species affected by deforestation.Credit:R.M. Nunes
Manners matter
Oh dear,Roby D’Ottavi,I can’t decide if you’re being facetious or if you’ve learnt nothing since school (“Have you ever been shushed? It’s humiliating and now I know why”,October 5). I feel the pain of the other diners subjected to the noise coming from you and your friends. Some groups tend to forget there are others present as they enjoy themselves,and as such impinge greatly on other people’s liberty to also enjoy themselves. It’s just plain good manners,really.
Judy Finch,Taree
Seriously! D’Ottavi presenting himself as a victim because he was asked to be a little quieter in a restaurant! He then proceeds to make his case by writing that he was asked to be quiet at school,but thought that when he left school he could “do whatever he wanted”! In other words,continue ignoring the rights of others. Maybe having a little more consideration for others around him might go a long way.
Jenny Thompson,Bateau Bay
The write stuff
Well done,Thomas Mitchell (“Write or wrong? I’ve forgotten how to use a pen”,October 6). My writing,formed in the 1950s when we went from cursive to modified cursive,using pencils to fountain pens to ballpoint pens,is still used to write much,including letters. How it warmed my heart recently on a bus to see a young woman get out a notebook and pen and begin writing thoughtfully. Thomas,keep on doing the same. Just keep on writing.
Lyn Langtry,East Ryde
Mitchell’s dilemma is far from unique and reinforces the need to explicitly teach the fundamentals of handwriting,including posture,grip and top-to-bottom letter formation. I notice modern writing books involve tracing with small indicative arrows to show the desired direction to undertake. By looking at the finished page in such a textbook,one cannot tell if the correct formation was employed. More teacher-directed instruction is needed to ensure that the basics for fluency and legibility are learned. Handwriting is a skill needed throughout life.