From the Editor

Hi all,

We guess that the final countdown to your judgement day, meaning of course your nemesis, the impending examination, is already underway. We are Understanding personified, but still hope that you manage to take your precious time out for Us.

When it comes to Shakespeare, folks, words do not come easy to us, for it is not easy to praise the Bard. And as for criticism, we would let the uh not very bright students do it, but it is only fair to warn the dissenters that they would do so at their own peril; for they just might be taken as flats by their more erudite friends. Most people think that Shakespeare is boring because they find it difficult to understand him. Love him or hate him; it's entirely up to you, but try to try him out without the typical prejudice students reserve for difficult subjects!

Folks, we are jabbering on and on without a break about Shakespeare, as this week's issue is dedicated to the Bard. Awais - as always - does a commendable job with the cover story, and Naeema chips in by taking us back in time in her quest to make Shakespeare more meaningful to the readers. Fatima Zakir provides the lighter touch by taking on the movies made on Shakespeare's plays. Read on and you will find a lot more.

We are pre-empting one question from a certain section of readers: Why an issue on Shakespeare? Why not on religious events etc. Let Us tell them that since we are living in an Islamic country, most newspapers and periodicals are inundated with material on the events alluded to above; we also carry sometimes cover stories, and at other times articles on our religious and national events!

Till next time,

Allah he Hafiz

Dear Editor

Queries

Dear Editor,

Us is a great magazine for youth. All your contributors are doing a great job and I really appreciate their efforts. This is my first letter to your magazine. A friend of mine told me about this mag, and after reading it for a few times I developed interest in it. I want to write for your mag. Where should I send my contributions? Do you people pay money to the writers for their contributions or not? Please publish my letter in your mag, this is my request.

Mariyam, Islamabad

You can send your contributions to us.mag@thenews.com.pk. And yes, our contributors do get paid, but usually after a loooooooooooong time.

Start a recipe section!

Dear Editor,

Assalamualikum! Your mag is going fabulous these days and I like it more than ever. I am glad you're starting a new section 'A Fussy Future' - I mean there would be at least something new to look forward to. Anyway, I have my own suggestion, too. I want you guys to start a recipe section. There should be at least two recipes in every issue, or you guys can make a forum in which readers can get advice or suggestions on food and stuff from a professional. It would be interesting and fun, too. Point to note: I am a cooking freak...

Please tell me what you think about my suggestion. That's enough for now because I am hungry, so off for now...

Sidra Amir, Peshawar

Make Us religious!

Hello Editor,

No doubt this magazine has improved a lot over the years. It has gone through so many changes, satisfying its readers across the country. We salute the Us team for its brilliance. However, I have felt one big change and it really hit me. Earlier, Us used to have a fairly large portion dedicated to religious topics. Today, it has just a small paragraph in the form of 'Reflections'. It's my request to please give my suggestion some consideration. I hope my letter won't be thrown in the garbage bin.

Ubaid Rahim Khan

Attention politicians! Enough is enough!

Hi Ed!

Let's take a look at the political scenario of our country. We feel ashamed to be a part of this society where no one has respect for anyone. Beating up two of our former ministers was shameful. Why don't they think for the people of Pakistan? Will our politicians ever think about Pakistan the way the Quaid did? Will we ever be able to proudly declare ourselves as Pakistanis? Why don't our politicians insist on solving problems rather than fighting with each other? Please, politicians, enough is enough! We are worried about our future!

Usman, Lahore

Think about it…

Ed,

What forced me to write this letter was an incident which took place a few months ago in my school. My friends and I were roaming around when we noticed a girl, wearing a white duppata on her head, wearing glasses. She was walking and waving her hand slowly towards some unseen audience. We realised that she was actually trying to imitate the late Benazir Bhutto in an indecent and impudent way. Someone even shouted ''Oye Benazir'' at her. I was shocked and my face flinched with sadness and anger. Such incidents have started taking place a lot in our daily lives. Levity and facetiousness are two things which can drive me mad. Girls in their early teens tell jokes about our great Quaid and whenever I get a chance I chide them even though I know it would make no difference. I've seen my classmates verbally abuse and humiliate their servants; play practical jokes on them even though our religion orders us to treat our servants with respect. Is this the youth which is going to make Pakistan proud? They misbehave with teachers, poke fun at the great Pakistani leaders, even at those who have passed away and take everything in a light way. Are they the future of Pakistan? If yes, the future of Pakistan is quite stark. I believe that not all the youngsters are like this, but to those who are, I want to convey this message that you might think all this is 'cool', but jokes should be made within the boundaries of respect and the limits set by our religion.

Hafsa Omar