No laughing matter – or is it?
As I read this alarming declaration from Anjana Ahuja in her column in Gulf News, a chill went down my spine: “Inappropriate laughter was identified last week by scientists as a possible early-warning sign of dementia” (‘Laughter — a condition with a mystery punchline’, Gulf News, November 19). For a moment, I was really shaken. So many times I have laughed just for the heck of it. Was I turning mad and was it because of such inappropriate laughter that my wife was giving me those ‘I don’t know you’ looks?
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of related conditions resulting from the progressive degeneration of the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. People suffering from it experience changes in behaviour or problems with language. There is no apparent cure as such and patients are known to deteriorate with time. Yet, the irony is that research from the University of New South Wales has proven that laughter may be good medicine for dementia patients.
So on one side, a person who laughs at banal things may actually be taking his first step towards this disease, and in order to let him feel better, science advocates humour therapy so he can laugh.
It isn’t a laughing matter, but actually a laughing matter that one should take seriously.
From Mr Nasser Zaidi
Dubai
Facebook connects the world
There is no doubt that Facebook is the most popular and effective social media platform (‘Poll analysis: Facebook comes out on top in poll results’, Gulf News, November 18). Be it for entertainment, news, debates or pleasure, everybody uses Facebook. No other social media can create as much attractiveness as it does because most of the multimedia innovations are being connected with it. Everything and anything is being made possible. It is believed to have 1.5 billion users worldwide and around one billion active users.
The emergence of Facebook helps society to disseminate information and knowledge. The main benefit of this is mass communication being possible without incurring any cost.
Facebook is creating friendships globally.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Truly wise and truly humble
It was interesting reading the view that knowledge makes us dogmatic in the Speak Your Mind discussion last week (‘Speak your mind: Is Web true knowledge?’, Gulf News, November 20). It brought back many memories. I was lucky to come in contact with some of the most unique individuals in my life like one of my college professors who had a most formidable knowledge of American literature and pop culture, combined with an open mind. He had the eagerness of a learner and could speak to a child on the same wavelength.
I was taken completely by surprise when he recognised me in a crowd some years later when he came to lecture at a university and the experienced professor who had enlightened and entertained so many audiences before, confessed that he was nervous. Knowledge had not made him arrogant in the least.
At least 30 years ago, I had the opportunity to see the difference that technology can make to a presentation. I attended a lecture on architecture and architectonics at the American Studies and Research Center at Hyderabad, India, but poet and architect Hasan Masud Taj had made it seem so simple. It was a true example of showing, not telling. These people never advertised their knowledge. They impressed us with their open minds and humility.
It is really important to remember at all times that we have a lot to learn from others and that possession of knowledge does not have to necessarily make us arrogant or dogmatic. I thank God for having come in the presence of such brilliant people who were truly knowledgeable. I think having an open mind is the mark of a truly learned person. If we adhere to any view rigidly, we may be committing the same fallacy that some experts do.
From Mr Chandrani Basu
UAE
Divorced bride deserves better
I think the groom that divorced his new bride on their honeymoon should be ashamed of himself (‘Groom divorces bride on honeymoon in Saudi Arabia’, Gulf News, November 20! Marriage is not a game. It takes time, money and commitment. How could he want a divorce that quickly? It sounds like he gave no thought or time towards the marriage before he decided to marry this woman or after. I think he deserves to get sued! She deserves someone way better anyway.
From Ms Nadia Ahmad Hethail
UAE
Facebook comment
Vindictive action
Marriage has become a joke nowadays. It’s like there are no values or family ethics anymore. If there was any complaint about the bride from the groom or if he did not approve of her, then why did he marry her? Clearly it seems he only took revenge in defaming her.
From Ms Mariam Angel
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Stop the madness!
The US ended up training terrorists to oust Syrian President Bashar Al Assad (‘Mastermind of Paris attacks died in police raid: prosecutor’, Gulf News, November 20). When they failed in their mission, they turned against the West and now the West is trying to kill them. There is no logic there. Various nations need to stop supporting these ruthless Daesh otherwise they will continue attacking you. Well done to the French Police for killing the useless rebel who they called the mastermind.
From Mr Shimoh Morris
UAE
Facebook comment
Everyone is angry
Every human being condemned such thoughts, propaganda and actions against humanity and valuable lives. But, does anyone have the guts to condemn former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and associates who killed millions just for crude oil on the pretext of weapons that never existed and now they’re saying sorry?
From Mr Ali Liaqat
UAE
Facebook comment
Condemnable anywhere
The Islamic stance on terrorist attacks remains the same whether these actions take place in a Muslim country or not. Islam condemns all acts of terrorism, such as kidnapping, beheading and suicide bombings.
From Mr Jonas Hebal
UAE
Facebook comment
Not a fair comparison
I don’t know why people are insulting dogs by comparing this murderer to a dog! Dogs are very loyal, love unconditionally and are, in my opinion, way better than most people on this planet!
From Ms Farhanah D.
UAE
Facebook comment
United and long lasting
Religious tolerance was and should continue to be the basis on which societies are built. If people from the many different religions do not appreciate and respect the diversities in each faith, then there is no difference between the animal world and the so-called civilised human world.
Radicalised extremist terrorist groups need to be tackled by a concerted global effort. It needs to be united with a lasting solution.
It would be rather unfortunate if we handed over a violent world to our future – our children! They deserve a peaceful world, one in which they can thrive and reach their maximum growth potential!
From Dr Leena Mahana Kapoor
UAE
Run for you and for God
I found this article interesting that a bank is encouraging people to get in shape – not a bad idea (‘Walk, run more to earn more: UAE bank tells customers’, Gulf News, November 19). I think that it would be narrow-minded to think that it encourages money lust because if you walk, you get higher interest on your money. If you expand your way of thinking you would see that yes they offer money, but that’s not the issue. What is the potential concern is how you use it.
You can run for your health and to honour God by taking care of yourself, you can give the money to the needy.
Don’t think of it as running for money think of it as running for Allah to help the poor.
From Mr John Saf David
UAE
Facebook comment
A great initiative
The initiative taken by residents with prosthetic limbs to participate in the ‘7 Emirates Run’, which raises money to donate to Al Jalila Foundation to help young children with amputations or with leg disorders where they need artificial limbs is a wonderful idea (‘7 Emirates Run’ to help young amputees get back on their feet’, Gulf News, November 20). It not only raises donations for charity, but also spreads a message of being an amputee is nothing to be ashamed of! In today’s world people with special needs are ignored or sometimes insulted in public. The fact that people are willing to participate despite the amount of stamina and strength that you need to cover 575km and that too with a prosthetic leg is just amazing! Kudos to all the organisers and best of luck to all the participants!
From Mr Ashwin Gopalakrishnan
Dubai
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