Letters: May 27, 2012

Losing all respect
The current IPL cricket series has been filled with controversies that are tarnishing its image and reputation (‘We didn’t do drugs, cricketers say’, Gulf News, May 22). The allegations of match fixing should be investigated by an independent agency. The unnecessary quarrel between Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and cricket officials could have been avoided. The unsavoury language and threats used in the spat and the entire verbal exchange being published in the media brought no credit to anyone. Khan should have managed the situation with composure. Then came the news of an IPL player Luke Pomersbach attempting to molest a woman at a post match party. None of these incidents bring lustre to IPL or to the game of cricket. Cricket is a gentleman’s game — known for its chivalry, values and integrity. Now, the game is being reduced to crass commercialisation, in the name of entertainment.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai

Who do we call?
Am I driving safely? If not please call this number. This message is clearly displayed behind all commercial vehicles. My question is what about private vehicles? Are they driving safely? If not then who do we contact? A message should be there on all vehicles irrespective of their owners and the contact number should be an authority’s hotline for the public to lodge their complaints against reckless driving.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai

Healthy stars
This is in reference to Gulf News reader Susheila Jayakar’s letter (‘A good star’, Gulf News, May 22). I really liked her idea of giving star badges to well-behaved students — it would surely instil a sense of responsibility and good behaviour. I would like to suggest a similar idea for healthy eating habits — students who bring healthy snacks from home should be given extra points or some other kind of appreciation, as it would happily make them eat more fruits and vegetables.
From Ms Fatima Jabeen
UAE

Helping society
Can the authorities give residents some kind of power to help stop littering in the UAE (‘Civic campaign will target litterbugs’, Gulf News, May 21)? Is there a toll-free number that we can call when we see a person littering? Can a driver note down the registration number of a vehicle if its driver throws a cigarette butt on the road as he or she drives without a care? How about cancelling the driver’s licence in such a case? Some very severe punishments are needed for these people.
From A Reader
Dubai

Here to stay
The world has lost another gem (‘Bee Gees’ Robin Gibb dies after long cancer battle’, Gulf News, May 21). The Bee Gees’ music was here to stay and it will stay with us forever. I offer my condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.
From Mr Melwyn
Doha, Qatar

A great artist
I offer my condolences to Robin Gibb’s family. He was such a great singer. I got the chance to watch him perform in Dubai a few years ago during Dubai International Jazz Festival.
From A Reader
Dubai

Different names
I have noticed a similar issue on Jumeirah Beach Road (‘Error must be corrected’, Gulf News, May 21). When you cross Burj Al Arab towards Dubai Marina, many signboards spell the word ‘Jumeirah’ differently. Another one is the name Al Qusais — in some areas it’s written as ‘Al Qusais’ while in other areas it is ‘Al Ghusais’. It always puzzles me.
From Mr Fahd Bawani
Dubai

A serious issue
Very observant Ajeet Kumar [community reporter]! This is an error that needs to be looked into as it can confuse newcomers. I am so glad that readers raise issues that need to be dealt with.
From Mr Mathew Litty
Dubai

There are other ways
Blocking the website is not the solution (‘Facebook too should be banned, activist says’, Gulf News, May 21). There are many other ways to prevent these kinds of issues or acts from happening on the internet. The Pakistan government could easily block such content, links or images through filtration. These social networking sites are also used by many Muslims for positive activities such as sharing Islamic information with the world.
From Mr Anser Khan
Sharjah

Pure luck
It seems Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Midas touch has left him after the World Cup win, but luck still seems to be holding on to him. Even during the recent World Cup, he was a total failure until the final match, when he finished the match by hitting a six. Even during the match, Gautam Gambhir’s knock was the backbone of the innings. Before him, it was Yuvraj Singh all the way. Coming to this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), I feel that Chennai Super Kings doesn’t deserve a place in the play-offs. But other deserving teams like Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab were magnanimous enough to give a place to Chennai Super Kings in the play-off. This clearly proves that Dhoni’s luck is being held by a string. Let us wait and see whether it continues until the finals.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Chennai, India