Find your silver lining
My deepest sympathy goes out to all those who have lost their jobs as a result of the global financial crisis, which has mostly affected the realty sector. Take heart my friends! When one door closes, another opens up. I urge everyone to maintain a positive attitude and trust that there are better opportunities in store for them. For those who still have their jobs - be grateful no matter how little you earn, as some people have nothing at all. Additionally, I urge people to extend their help to those in need. We all have something to give and do not have to be rich to make someone else happy. A kind word, an encouraging conversation, a hug or just a smile can make someone's day.
From Ms Mary Nganga
Dubai
Making a change
As a British citizen, born and raised in England, I am of Palestinian origin and cannot fully express how important and well-written Linda Heard's comments are. Recently, her comment about Gaza's situation and the need for Arab involvement, prompted me to just say 'thank you'. With all the frustration one feels in the situation, sometimes one just needs someone else to express their thoughts eloquently. I would like Ms Heard to know that her comments are educating the human race and creating mutual understanding between people. She is making a difference to this world.
From Ms Farah Nabulsi
UAE
Wrong priorities
Gulf News is focusing a great deal on news from India and when reading, I refused to believe it was published in an Arab country (“Your Turn'', Gulf News, January 1). I object to the fact that the newspaper has devoted its letters page to letters that sing praises either of Bollywood actresses or request donating eyes to a politician. It is shameful that this is occurring when the Arab world is in such anguish and is grief-stricken at the brutal injustice of Israeli aggression in Palestine. Gulf News is being disrespectful of Arab sentiment when it publishes such silly letters.
From Mr Nihad
UAE
Full name withheld by request
One-sided
I work in America, but was happy with Dubai's decision to cancel New Year activities. When I mentioned this fact to some people I know, they were surprised and commented that five Israelis were killed too. That is when I turned to my fellow Americans and asked them if they didn't find it strange that the number of people killed in Israel was disproportionate to the huge number of Palestinians that have died. Their response exhibited shock. The point I have been trying to make is that news in America is so one-sided. In other words - how does one know Paris, if one has never been off the farm?
From Ms Christine Wilson
Massachusetts, USA
Homegrown stars
One of my favourite stories of the year 2008, covered by Gulf News, has to be about Sara Isakovic, who won a silver medal for swimming at the Beijing Olympics. Having spent her childhood in Dubai, the Slovenian is now an international swimming star. Her story gives much inspiration to young people who want to pursue their sporting dreams in Dubai. I have lived in the city for 31 years and feel it is great that access to sports facilities and training areas is improving. I urge Gulf News to continue covering homegrown talent stories, as they are motivating and inspiring.
From Ms Stephanie Price
Dubai
Quite clear
From the announcements made about schools, most of the families I knew were confused, as the situation was not clear ("Parents and pupils confused over holiday in schools", Gulf News, January 4). My child studies in a private school in Sharjah and when I checked the school website over the weekend, the school's reopening date was clearly stated. Hence, I faced no confusion in this matter.
From Ms Beena Vinod
Sharjah
Website comment
Chance discovery
I believe there was a great deal of confusion regarding the holiday announcement, recently. My son took a chance and waited at the bus stop. The bus did arrive and he attended school.
From Mr Mohandas
Dubai
Website comment
Inform parents
The news about school holidays was not clear. My son was waiting for nearly 20 minutes at his bus stop. Schools should have a recorded message in their main telephone line about the schools being open or closed. This would help enlighten parents about the school's status during unavoidable circumstances, even during late hours.
From Mr Nazeer
Sharjah
Website comment
