Bad start

The dire consequences of alcohol consumption are known to all. The article Not so cool,after all, (KnowHow, January 1) by Dr Gita Mathai was timely. Every New Year is marred by reports of ugly incidents and almost always, alcohol is the one to blame. But it’s really unfortunate that people, even those holding responsible jobs, do not learn to exercise control and drink as if there’s no tomorrow. Women, too, are following this trend. And the whole thing is given a big boost by the easy availability of alcohol and other such products. Only awareness and will power can refrain one from these unhealthy and socially harmful practices.

Moumita Sengupta
Calcutta

Blame it on genes

Your article Caste in the genes (January 1) was an eye opener. I myself am a student of history and was quiet taken aback by the theory proposed by Kumarasamy Thangaraj that genetics and not the Aryans should be blamed for the caste system. I hope you will continue to come up with more such interesting stories in the future. I also have a complain against your supplement. You don’t seem to carry any stories on archaeology or related fields. I know KnowHow is a science supplement, but you can at least feature some articles on the latest scientific developments apropos archaeology. It would be greatly appreciated by readers like me.

Suman Chatterjee
Calcutta

Local gadgets

The story Great time to be a geek (January 1) certainly made for a very good year-ending story. However, some of the gadgets mentioned in the story are not yet available in India. I feel it would be very helpful if you can give an update on the technologies and gadgets that will be available in the domestic markets this year. You can also give us regular updates on new technologies like you do in the Crystal Ball column.

Rajesh Kanoria
Howrah

We invite readers’ opinions about the articles published in KnowHOW. Mail your letters to:

Rants & Raves, KnowHOW,
The Telegraph,
6 Prafulla Sarkar Street
Calcutta-700 001
E-mail: knowhow@abpmail.com