Could I please ask your readers to consider contributing to a very special book.

Bruce Springsteen gigs in Ireland sell out faster than any other. Since Slane Castle, in 1985, he has enjoyed a unique relationship with Irish fans.

Now a new book called Springsteen In Ireland will tell the story of the shows, and fans will be a part of it. I am looking for stories or memories from Bruce fans or thoughts on why his music strikes such a chord in Ireland. I've already had a phenomenal response from Springsteen fan sites but I know there are many more fans out there.

Please write to Moira Sharkey, 6 Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR, or email springsteeninireland@googlemail.com

M Sharkey Cardiff

Olympic boycott

With all the excitement surrounding the Beijing Olympics, it's easy to forget what life is like for normal Chinese people.

Recently, a teacher who photographed crumbled schools after China's devastating earthquake in May, was sentenced to one year in a forced labour camp.

He hoped to highlight concerns that many of the schools were built with shoddy materials, used to save money.

This man was punished for daring to criticise the government. I, for one, will not be tuning into the Olympics.

T BRADY TERENURE

Mower danger

Tragically a boy, aged three, died recently after falling off a quad bike.

The dangers of quad bikes are well known; even adults can be injured if they fall off them, as happened to actor Rik Mayall several years ago. He was seriously injured in the accident.

But less well known are the dangers of allowing children to ride on lawnmowers.

A plastic surgeon has said that four children have been maimed in the past two months after falling off lawnmowers and getting cut by the rotating blades.

F SINCLAIR BY EMAIL

Britney rocks

I read a letter (Herald, Thursday, July 31) saying that no wonder Britney Spears doesn't have custody of her kids as she smokes in front of them.

K Murphy doesn't know what he or she is talking about and doesn't know the reason why Britney's ex-husband Kevin Federline has the kids.

She might have been smoking in front of her kids but it was outside. Plenty of parents do that and so what?

Britney Spears is great.

B MAHON DUBLIN 11

Adieu long lunch

The French are well known for their long, leisurely lunches in restaurants, while we in Ireland are used to scoffing a sandwich at our desk in 20 minutes.

Sadly, that long-cherished French lunch is under threat as they try to save a few euros.

Restaurants, cafes and bistros are reporting a drop in takings as people turn to sandwiches and picnics.

And if they do go out for lunch, they have a one-course meal and a single glass of wine.

This is a shame as one of the great pleasures in life is a long restaurant lunch. It seems we'll only have time for it at the weekend from now on.

B DALY DUBLIN 6

Robbie's move

I'm delighted that Robbie Keane has made the move to play for Liverpool. During the recent match against Villarreal, supporters showed their delight at Keane's move by singing: 'He's quick, he's red, he talks like Father Ted. . . Robbie Keane, Robbie Keane.' How appropriate.

M NOLAN BY EMAIL