While I'm away, readers give the advice. On curbing proselytizers (i.e., on using animal-training techniques on people to curb any manner of annoying behavior).

Smart Homes: Jim Dulley discusses range hoods.

Smart Homes: Jim Dulley discusses range hoods.

Smart Homes: Jim Dulley discusses range hoods.

Smart Homes: Jim Dulley discusses range hoods.

DEAR DR. GRAHAM: About a year ago I gave my life to Jesus. I've been working in a convenience store, and a few weeks ago the owner told me to start showing some customers the pornography he's started carrying, and urging them to buy it (it makes him a lot of money). But when I refused he fired me. Was I wrong?

DEAR DR. BROTHERS: I'm terribly afraid of heights. This really doesn't affect me on a daily basis, since I don't have to go anywhere high for work or anything, but it's totally unreasonable, and I feel bad when I have to tell my kids that we can't go on roller coasters or up to the top of the Empire State Building. How can I fix this problem? ? W.E.

Living Green: Buy the proper-sized dishwasher. Small households that don't use many dishes can cut energy use with drawer-sized dishwashers.

Holiday Brandi: Brandi Carlile, who played Marymoor Park two weeks ago, will bring her powerful, bell-clear voice back to Seattle for a concert with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 29. The Thanksgiving weekend gig will be the first performance with an orchestra for the singer from Ravensdale, as well as her first appearance at Benaroya Hall. Tickets go on sale Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.

Haute couture-inspired hotels provide a sense of privilege--and a new way for designers to stay relevant and competitive.