Letters: February 6, 2010

The true picture
As I browse through social networking sites, I see the latest pictures posted by my loved ones to get updates on their lives. But, as I look through them, several questions come up in my mind. I am left thinking of the real stories behind the shots. Meeting new friends and going places is a part of life and taking pictures is a way to justify that we’ve been to a certain place. But, I believe every picture is the opposite of our real life. It is a way of showing our loved ones that we’re having a good time and there’s nothing to worry about. In reality, after the picture’s taken there is a world of silence. The smile lasts till the camera flashes. Beyond the landscape and beautiful surrounding is a hidden truth, which only we are aware of. Life away from home is a sacrifice and a constant struggle. We have to have a strong will to survive and keep ourselves busy to avoid homesickness. But, we have learnt to reform ourselves and move on. Photographs will always be there to remind us that life is a promise waiting to be fulfilled.
From Mr Noel Malicdem
Al Ain

Unnecessary measures
International interference in Yemen will not help or defeat Al Qaida, nor will it help the residents who perhaps should be the most important consideration in this whole new US saga. I recall the last time the US coalition helped ‘the people’, 1.5 million Iraqis died. Apparently, Yemen is a country rich with not only oil but other essential minerals. According to a book I read about five years ago, there are only four countries that have abundance of these very important minerals that we in the world desperately need. The countries mentioned were Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran. Until the recent interest in Yemen I put it down to coincidence, but together with the on-going enquiry farce in the UK, it only furthers my doubt of the US’s good intentions.
From Ms Ann Al Sakar
Dubai

Blurry brakes
Foggy conditions are not an excuse to switch on car hazard lights (“Weather to remain cloudy, misty”, Gulf News, February 2). On my regular morning journeys from Sharjah to Dubai, I often have to brake abruptly when I see blinking yellow lights in the distance. Only at close approach do I find that the car has not stopped, but is driving at an average speed. I have had many near misses because of this dangerous practice. I urge motorists to follow the rules when it comes to driving in misty conditions.
From Ms Hala Zahid
Sharjah

Hot water, please
As a guest in the UAE, I have read with great interest and admiration the articles and letter on saving water. Being in the construction business I thought I would offer an idea I have come across after staying in several hotels in Abu Dhabi. In the several hotels I have stayed in, when I turn on the hot water in the washroom, it takes minutes of running water to get a flow of hot water. I have calculated this to be as much as four litres or more for the shower and at least two litres for the sink. Hotels should have an instant hot water source or constant pressure pumps connected to the hot water loop. The total water savings for this could be huge.
From Mr Raymond L. Hubbard
Abu Dhabi

Not deserving
It was conspicuous that many of the recent Padma Bhushan awards were grabbed by corporate profiles. In general, the Indian government awards its citizens in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity, which focus on the well being of society. Setting precedence in distributing these awards to wealthy people vitiate the genuineness of such awards. These groups will be busy in capitalising these awards to expand their profile, ignoring their social responsibility. Very soon we could expect such awards to be highlighted in their activity indices. Money means what money does.
From Mr Salim Panthodi
Abu Dhabi

Road accidents
The ever-increasing road accidents are playing an amazingly important role in helping decrease the world’s population. Fast-driving and rule-breaking motorists are finding this an effective way to do so. If by any chance their motive is not as mentioned above, then after reading this letter they should pause for a minute and think about the consequences of rash driving.
Even if you are lucky on a particular day and are not able to cause a commotion due to your driving, at least think of the way you are training your younger generation, because ultimately they follow the footsteps of their elders.
Ms Manisha Kakwani
UAE

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