How to give away a fortune

I feel great sympathy for Max Levchin, the young Silicon Valley entrepreneur who regrets that he doesn't have the time to make philanthropic contributions from his fortune of $100 million because he is too busy pursuing the next $100 million ("Beating the 'prematurely rich' blues," Oct. 30).

Perhaps Levchin, like Warren Buffett, should write a big check for a charity like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates may have felt similarly driven in his younger days but appears to be a happier man now knowing that he is saving thousands of lives through the foundation's contributions.

Jacqueline Martin La Motte, France

Take a break

Although the article "Game playing on the job" (Workplace, Oct. 2) points out that playing computer games at work can help lower stress and allow an employee to recharge, this applies to mental stress. But what about physical stress?

When workers stay at their desks they are not taking a break away from their computers and therefore they are not allowing their eyes and muscles to recharge. In the long term, this could lead to eye strain, muscle pain and repetitive stress injuries.

Taking regular breaks away from the computer is recognized as a key requirement for preventing RSI. Taking breaks at the computer completely negates this. In fact, some countries recognize this and do not allow employees to remain at their computers during breaks.

Executives should be mindful of the benefits of proper breaks.

Kevin Taylor Christchurch, New Zealand

Sarkozy's private life

Regarding the article "Sarkozy pulls plug on interview" (Oct. 31): As an American residing in France for 16 years, I am writing in support of President Nicolas Sarkozy's right not to speak about his private life in public, least of all to a foreign journalist for a foreign news show.

Having lived through the embarrassment of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which made American politics a laughingstock in France and elsewhere, I had hoped that the U.S. media had learned to respect the privacy of politicians.

Evelyn Chih-Yih Chan Fontenay-aux-Roses, France

NATO on the front lines

Roger Cohen ("Afghanistan at the Tipping Point," Globalist, Oct. 31) writes that Afghanistan must not be lost. That means a better and more sustained effort by America's NATO allies.

Few of America's NATO allies are doing their part in the hot zones of the south. German and Italian politicians say that public opinion will not allow their countries to take a bigger role. But aren't members of NATO sworn to help protect each other?

Andreas Ninios Alexandria, Virginia