February 2, 2008

Environment is the victim
Whilst shopping, if you use plastic bags, you would be destroying the environment by way of contamination.

By using paper bags, you would be felling trees that contribute to clean air, better environment and weather conditions. Therefore, no matter what one does, the environment is the victim.

Also, it would help to realise that even though we can minimise pollution, it can never be totally eliminated.

An effective solution would be to use personal bags, whenever one goes shopping. It could be a plastic or a cloth bag that could be recycled, until it wears out completely.

A shopping cart wouldn't be a bad idea either, it's what most elderly people in the West use to help save the environment.
From Mr Danny Martinez
New York, USA

In line, outlawed
It is wonderful to note that the Dubai Festival City has a non-smoking policy in line with the Dubai municipality's directives.

However, once outdoors, it feels like you have entered a smoking room with innumerable smokers puffing away to glory.

I am not sure what, but hope that something can be done by the management, as it is a real awful to go outdoors. It is truly a revolting and disgusting experience.
From Mr Murtaza Rashid
Dubai

Timely assistance
The whole of last week, I had been experiencing server problems, each time I tried accessing the internet service. I could see only the home page of the website I was trying to connect to.

Finally, I tried etisalat's homepage link. Within a short while and after providing my details on the page, I got a call from an etisalat staff member.

He provided the necessary details to help me solve the issue, and though I made mistakes and asked him to repeat the solution thrice, he was very patient and addressed my problem without any irritation or hurry.

I was finally able to view the web page. I thank etisalat for its cooperation and such dedicated staff.
From Ms Navaneetha Krishnan
UAE

Power failure?
I was thoroughly amused to read a report that had the Indian Health Minister requesting Bollywood stars to quit smoking ("Bachchan, Shah Rukh urged to stop smoking in movies", Gulf News, January 28).

What a shame! If Mr Ramdoss is so anxious to have this evil eradicated, he should know how to get things done effectively, especially since he has the power to implement strong measures to protect public health.

Why not have a legislation passed that would ban a movie if it contains smoking scenes?

Looks like the minister is scared of going against the strong Bollywood lobby.

And to think such administrators are deputed to guard public health.
From Mr Dharam Bir Singh
Dubai

Left in the lurch
On a recent trip to a popular supermarket, I purchased my month's grocery, filled up the trolley and decided to head home.

For this reason, I tried to avail the services of a taxi. Bad decision, as it was a complete nightmare.

Firstly, there were no taxis in sight. Whatever few were available had people queuing up and rushing for it across the road, so much so that at the end of the sprint, the ratio of people to taxis was 10:1.

It was quite amusing to watch the puzzled expression on the taxi driver's face. There should be better provisions for taxis, especially during the weekends, if families are to avoid hassles.
From Mr Vipin Methassery
Dubai

Human value
For the past year, I have been a resident of an industrial area in Sharjah, near the Airport Tunnel. There is no way a pedestrian can cross the road, leading to a lot of fatal accidents.

I have witnessed two such deaths, caused by road accidents. Is there no value for human lives?

I am writing this out of social responsibility. I request the authorities to please take up the matter and save lives.
From Mr Manesh Jacob Mani
Dubai

Just in case
Everyone should know that the 999 contact number is purely for emergencies ("Trivial calls hinder work of emergency staff in Dubai", Gulf News, January 29).

Those who make mundane queries on 999 should be fined.

They are wasting the valuable time of the police staff and causing serious problems for those who need to get through.
Of course, the authority should make people aware of this penalty through the media in advance.
From Ms Gigi
Abu Dhabi

No option
I have had a similar experience of calling 999. The only reason I did so was because I didn't know of any other call centre number for my queries.
From Mr Litao
Abu Dhabi

Prayer needs
I recently moved to Sharjah near the National Paints roundabout, on the Kalba road.

It is with regret that I note a lack of mosques in the area, even though it is heavily populated.

I request the authorities concerned to kindly look into this matter, at the earliest.
From Mr Mohammed Khan
Dubai