With reference to the report Whoopi Goldberg suspended from 'The View' over Holocaust comments (February 2): one should weigh his or her words carefully when they are on a public platform or on-screen conducting a show or interview. Ms Goldberg may not have meant what she said, but spoken words – like shot arrows and passing moments – never come back. It is just an unfortunate fact.
Nazim Hasan Khan, Dubai
India's budget focuses on long-term growth
With regard to Rebecca Bundhun's piece India's growth-focused budget to boost economy as inflation rises (February 1): India’s budget delivered by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman received mixed reactions from industry leaders, political parties, particularly those in the opposition, and panelists in TV debates. The lack of agreement seemed to be one of the main outcomes of the budget.
Salaried middle-class people’s tax slabs remain the same, which is both good and bad news. But it is regrettable that there won’t be a rise in bank interest rates for senior citizens this year either. As a senior citizen myself, I am sad about this apparent negligence towards pensioners. Countless retired people and pensioners have for decades contributed to the growth of the nation.
That quibble apart, I applaud the thought given to the future of the country and its development across sectors. That the intention has been to make India a force to reckon with in the coming decades is laudable.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
The unpredictable range of lightning?
With reference to the video on the US lightning bolt measuring 768km sets world record (February 2): it’s interesting how we are only just hearing about this now – almost two years after it was actually recorded. Lightning struck in April 2020 and spanned 768 kilometres. That’s a stunning record, especially as the previous longest bolt – almost four years ago – measured a “meagre” 59km.
Stephen Andy Wise, Austin, Texas, US
The struggle for bird-keepers is real too
I am writing to you about Mahmoud Rida's video Pigeon breeders in Lebanon are struggling to survive (February 2): this is an old Islamic tradition of the Shaybanid dynasty. We see its influences in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. They built special towers for the birds, some of which still survive. It is incredible to see evidence of such a different way of life even today.
Ijaz Ali, Abu Dhabi
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti
Group C
Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia
Group D
Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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The biog
Name: James Mullan
Nationality: Irish
Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”
Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”
The Lowdown
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss
Rating: 4/5
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UAE's role in anti-extremism recognised
General John Allen, President of the Brookings Institution research group, commended the role the UAE has played in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He told a Globsec debate of the UAE’s "hugely outsized" role in the fight against Isis.
"It’s trite these days to say that any country punches above its weight, but in every possible way the Emirates did, both militarily, and very importantly, the UAE was extraordinarily helpful on getting to the issue of violent extremism," he said.
He also noted the impact that Hedayah, among others in the UAE, has played in addressing violent extremism.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
Test series fixtures
(All matches start at 2pm UAE)
1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday
2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18
3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31
4th Test Manchester from August 4-8
