Children should play outside
As a teacher, we have this issue at school where the children only want to play on tablets and phones (‘The ‘deprived’ generation’, Gulf News, September 26). I can’t count how many times I have had to tell children as young as five and six years old to go outside and play. They, in turn, ask if they can take their iPad with them. To this they get a resounding ‘no’ from my part. iPads aren’t allowed outside anyway, in case something happens to them. We have so many play equipment pieces and huge areas to play and run or sit, but they are glued to these devices.
From Ms Em Dodds
UAE
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Constant traffic woes
This is with reference to the letters I read in Gulf News about getting fined waiting to order food (‘Letters to the editor: Fines will deter illegal acts’, Gulf News, September 25). I totally agree with that because sometimes people block the roads waiting in front of restaurants after placing orders for food. I would suggest that if you are regularly ordering food from a restaurant, you should order on the phone earlier and when you reach the place, call them again saying that you have reached. This way, you can get it quickly without getting ticketed from breaking the law and blocking the road. Otherwise, find a parking slot nearby and park in a designated place.
Another problem, which goes unnoticed in the area where I am staying in Abu Shagara in Sharjah, we have a lot of used car showrooms and we see a lot of cars parked on the road from people who want to sell their cars. Even the people working in these showrooms talk and deal without even being bothered about blocking the traffic.
From Mr Ajeet Kumar S. Pillai
UAE
Migrant solution is possible
It is really unfortunate that the European Union (EU) member countries are still divided in finding an external solution to the exodus of refugees from Syria and elsewhere than Europe (‘Europe’s existential strife’, Gulf News, September 19). Thousands of people have been trying to migrate to the European nations as they look for a safe haven. These migrants are forced to leave their motherlands due to poverty, unemployment, political unrest and wars. There are talented, skilful, educated and qualified people among the migrants. I think they are moving to Europe in search of a peaceful and economic settlement, rather than looking for political asylum. Europe may have challenges to face this refugee crisis, but with unified political will power, the EU can definitely find a solution to this problem. The majority of the migrants should be shared among the wealthy European countries for the betterment of both the migrants and Europe. As the author of this article said: “The West bears some moral responsibility for their plight since its interference — both militarily and politically — in the Syrian crisis created more problems than it solved.”
Despite the unfriendly approach of some member countries, we can hope that a unified Europe will find a remedy that is stable and successful for all.
From Mr P. A. Jacob
Muscat, Oman
People twisting God’s words
To all Muslim brothers and sisters, love, respect and honour each other as God’s creations and condemn the attack on the mosque in Yemen last week (‘25 killed in Yemen mosque bombing’, Gulf News, September 25). I hope that despite the mishaps over Eid Al Adha that all Muslims had a happy Eid.
I feel that all those attacking their brothers and other innocent people are a misguided lot. I believe that the only way to break this chain of events is through prayer and taking a stand. It’s the only way to achieve peace. No holy book of any religion teaches hatred against another. I have seen and read only about love.
From Ms Gertrude Maria Drewitt
UAE
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Hard chain to break
Thank you, Ms Gertrude Maria Drewitt, for your valiant comment however, needless to say, people like this have been killing others in the name of religion throughout many centuries. As long as ignorance, backwardness and superstition prevail, they will continue to fight and kill regardless of the time or age they find themselves in.
From Mr Alex Ali Kam
UAE
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Prayers for the victims
I express my sympathy for all those who lost their lives last Thursday during the great occasion of the Eid Al Adha prayers in Yemen. God bless them and may their souls rest in heaven.
From Mr Mohammad Zia Al Deen
UAE
Facebook comment
So misunderstood
Those who blame the teachings of Islam for the sectarian violence should study the concept of jihad in depth because it is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts. Jihad is an Arabic word that means struggle. The struggle can be against anything in life that one comes across, such as a struggle against poverty, disease, literacy and unemployment. There are very strict rules for military jihad and it can be only declared by governing bodies. If you are really interested in reading Islam, it is necessary to read it with an open mind and a peaceful interpretation. You should read all the aspects of the religion.
From Mr Haroon Khan
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Extremists lacking sense
Kindly remember that it is not Muslims who are killing people of their own faith. Instead, use the term extremists who killed the worshippers. No religion taught people to harm others and religion has no responsibility when people lose common sense. Pray for peace.
I believe extremists are the product of some unknown force. Their wealth and collection of armed forces always shows that. They just use the name of a specific religion as their cause, but they do not follow the core concept of the same religion.
From Mr Mohammad Ashraf
Dubai
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Beyond mad
I don’t understand these extremists who thought that killing these people would do anything good! Blowing up mosques is not God’s work. It is as if civilisation and humanity went whizzing past them and they were all looking the other way. They are just feeding the US media’s views. I’d like to say it was the work of madmen, but I think even the mad would be going: “Wow, are you really sure about this?”
From Mr John Hunter
UAE
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Teach children eating habits
Food education is needed from an early age to help children make better food choices (‘Obesity rates increasing in the UAE’, Gulf News, September 27). A school vegetable garden is a great place to construct a foundation for healthy eating. Children who plant their own vegetables are more likely to eat them. There’s a local group that provides Edible Educational Projects in schools across the UAE.
From Ms Sarah O’Connor
Dubai
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It takes self control
I don’t think that losing weight is either rocket science or super tough. From 66kg, my weight went up to 85kg in the three years I started living in the UAE. It took me 10 months to bring it back down to 74kg without any doctor’s help. I primarily eat from outside, it’s just about self control and will power to not be obese.
From Mr Nabeel Siddiqui
UAE
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Stay away from fast food
I find that when you go to the malls, there are very few health food restaurants. Most of it is fast food – junk food.
From Mr Paul Kinnock
Al Ain
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A commitment
Losing weight is a 24 hour thing. It’s about what you eat and the little activities you do that add up such as walking to the car and using the stairs. The gym is a tiny fraction of that and one bad snack will negatively impact any calories you burnt that day. Gym and sport is about other rewards for your cardiovascular, digestive, muscular and skeletal systems, as well as your mind. Do what you like and stick to it! Go dancing, ice skating, walking, aerobics or gym. Be active and eat well.
From Mr D. Dani Lapin
UAE
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Anyone can make time!
The common excuse is not having enough time to work out. I’m a bachelor, I cook for my four flatmates twice a day and I never eat outside. I work in a sales job that makes me work long hours and be on the road throughout the day. I still manage a good 60 to 70 minutes to either workout at home with some videos for yoga or I listen to music and run along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, which also includes some amazing aids for body weight exercises such as sit ups and pull up bars. It’s a total lie if anyone says they can’t manage at least 30 to 60 minutes for their health and well being. Time comes with interest!
From Mr Raju T.
UAE
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