Your Letters
14:34 UK time, Wednesday, 14 November 2007
The says there are XXX nations [censored so as not to spoil the fun]. But where is this taken from? The UN has 192 members and there are more than one seeking membership or keeping out. Perhaps the YYY option censored so as not to spoil the fun] is in fact nearer the mark.
Martin Dalton, Leeds
Monitor note: XXX [censored so as not to spoil the fun] is the answer National Geographic was after. And the clue to their expertise is in their name.
OK, so we Brits aren't so bright when it comes to knowing how many countries there are in the world. But I'll bet that a higher proportion of Americans either:
1) also got that question wrong or
2) were confused by the lack of an option for "five" (i.e. US, Russia, China, Europe and Iraqistan).
Bob Jones, London, UK
Can I introduce a new competition - to be the first to report when the and stories occupy the top spots of the "most emailed" league. I'll go for 16 November.
John, Surrey
Following on from Dan Wilkinson's sterling work to produce a Facebook graph predicting *when* our letters will be published, I've done some thinking about predicting *which* letters will be published. So, to all you frustrated wannabe-contributors, here are the top five ways to get published, as demonstrated by Tuesday's letter writers:
1) Make it clear you've gone away and done a lot of work on your letter - stand up, Tom Webb.
2) Our old friend pedantry - give us a wave, Teresa.
3) Did you notice two unrelated but comically confusing stories on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ news website - let us know, Dick Hobbs.
4) Don't hold that pun in, Edward Green.
5) A recent favourite gaining ground: are you bothered by a caption on a photo - shout about it, Lydia.
If all else fails, pretend you're Kip.
Nicky Stu, Highgate, London
Along with iPhones, can I add Eurostar to the list of PR masquerading as news. You can't open a newspaper (or click on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News website) without a story about the new St Pancras, the old Waterloo, etc.
Andrew, London
What can we say about the state of our transport system when is considered newsworthy?
Elaine, Newcastle
Ta-dah! Here I am, thundering over the brow of the hill to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's rescue. Slash! It wasn't a superfluous caption on . Cut! Some international readers may not recognise Emma as a girl's name, and thus would need to have Emma Watson pointed out in a group photo. Parry! There. Job done, I gallop back off into the sunset. Wish I had a horse though. Cue William Tell Overture.
Rob, London
Re : Oh, come on. Show us the cartoon.
Dr Reece Walker, London
The 
