Onlookers stay away
A couple of weeks ago, a tipper/heavy duty truck overturned in front of my vehicle, near a roundabout. I immediately pulled my car to the side, called for assistance and helped the driver and his co-passenger get out. This was during the evening rush hour. No one stopped to help but each driver slowed down to see if everything was okay. The ambulance and medical help arrived within minutes but they couldn't get through due to the block caused by the onlookers. My advice to such people - if you cannot help, please don't slow down or take photographs or a video, either.
From Mr Abdul Salam
Dubai
It's a sign!
Can something be done to educate drivers that a triangle before a pedestrian crossing requires them to give way to people intending to walk across? I have seen cars including those belonging to driving schools in Dubai and Fujairah - who are aware of what different signs mean - zipping past crossings while pedestrians wait in the heat. Such pedestrians are left with no choice but to risk their lives by running across at the first given opportunity.
From Mr Manoj Sabharwal
Dubai
Not enough time
The biggest problem faced by sport clubs in the UAE is that they change coaches too often. This doesn't give the coach enough time to build a technical structure or a professional environment within the club - aspects which are necessary for inculcating discipline. Being a professional is more important than winning or losing a game.
From Mr Jan Versleijen
Australia
Pen story
I have a complaint to make. A few days ago, I found a pen, sent to me by Gulf News. For one, it's an extra light pen and ergonomically shaped. It is very easy to write with, forcing me to write far more than I wish to. Moreover, it's got Gulf News's logo stamped on it which makes it even more special. To make matters worse, I have just one! How am I supposed to keep this away from the rest of my family? Gulf News - I expected better of you! That not withstanding, thank you!
From Ms S. Hashmi
Abu Dhabi
Personally affected
I completely agree with the views expressed by Mr Vivek ("Teachers doing homework," Gulf News, June 13). Based on the various issues mentioned in the letter, I feel that my wife, too, works for the same school. Teachers of this particular school are subjected to extreme pressure. They have several strenuous activities, programmes and events which involve students as well. Not many schools do this. This is causing a strain on our personal lives.
From Mr Suhas I.
Dubai
Quit, don't sulk
I have been a professional teacher for a very long time and must admit that Mr Vivek's letter didn't make any sense to me. A teacher must do enough research and prepare herself well before starting to teach a class. For that, homework is necessary! It depends on an individual how well he or she organises their work. If they think that they are overworked, quit instead of sulking! Teaching is not an easy job - it requires more if not equal responsibility than any other profession. This is because teachers create the future.
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah
An eyesore
Ms A. Khan was perfectly right in her observation ("Culture code," Gulf News, June 12). Often it is time for prayer and no one cares to cover up despite the call for prayer going off in the background. I wish people would simply learn to respect the culture here and not become an eyesore for others. If this happens in Ramadan too, it would be shameful.
From Ms Farida S.
Abu Dhabi
Flying with trouble
A few weeks ago, while travelling to India I had a first-hand experience of "in-flight entertainment", thanks to some passengers. A group decided to make the most of the ticket money invested by consuming beverages served free of charge. A few rounds later their decibel levels increased while common sense dropped. Soon they started demanding more drinks. The crew members, realising the danger and the nuisance that might follow, decided to politely decline the requests. This provoked the men who insisted on being served! Finally, a senior crew member had to step in and take charge of the situation. He decided to serve a couple of rounds more. This was warmly welcomed and calm followed. The senior crew member shared some jokes while serving the drinks and walked away with his head held high and a smug expression - probably to show his staff how well he had handled the problem. Unclear and loud conversations followed with the group members walking up and down the aisle and some making vomiting sounds - disturbing other passengers including families and children. Later a crew member announced that one of the toilets was "unfit" to use as the floor was "flooded"! I asked her why there were no restrictions in supplying beverages to which she simply smiled and replied "good question". She explained that she would have loved to limit the supply but the management's policy did not allow her to do that. Additionally, she could not object or question her senior from serving more even though they knew what was to follow - the policy allows staff to decline drinks only if a passenger behaves in an unruly or nonsensical manner. Airlines choose to entertain a few passengers without realising the nuisance caused to the majority. What would it take for the senior management to realise the "real effect" of serving such drinks? Maybe they should set limits after considering inputs from crew members based on experience.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
My road or yours?
This is in reference to the letter by Mr Mathew Litty wherein he asked me a very funny question ("Fast and Furious Part 2", Gulf News, June 12). No, I didn't get inspired by any movie prior to writing my letter as I don't watch movies. If someone drives at a speed of 120 km/h on a highway, it doesn't mean he's a reckless driver. Neither am I. I drive at that speed simply because it is acceptable, as mentioned in my previous letter. Driving slow in a fast track is a huge disturbance to those that may be in a hurry to reach their destination, for whatever reasons. Mr Litty, I would never follow your suggestion to "simply overtake slow drivers", either, as that is what a reckless driver would do. Maybe you are one? Or maybe you are very naive to understand that overtaking from the right side of a fast track is illegal. I've personally come across many people who drive at 80 km/h on a 120km/h fast track and don't budge despite the driver in the car behind, indicating to do so. Mr Litty's letter conveys the pride he takes in driving slow on a fast track. Forget giving way to people in a hurry, I think Mr Litty wouldn't spare ambulances either, for he is the sole owner of the highway and can flout all rules!
From Mr Aslam Quadri
Sharjah
