I write in reference to your article Cyclone Fani: Monster storm smashes into eastern India (May 3). As an Indian, I found this piece on the ongoing cyclone in the eastern Indian state of Odisha deeply moving. Odisha has faced one of the toughest cyclones in recent memory and the government has taken precautionary measures to evacuate more than one million people to safe places. That, itself, is very welcome.
In the past, Odisha has been the target of many natural disasters. I pray for all those affected by this terrifying weather pattern and that it dissipate as soon as possible.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Indians must turn out to vote in this important election
I refer to your article At halfway mark, Indian officials trek into lion-filled jungle to find a solitary voter (April 23). These elections are certainly well organised. Thus far, elections have been held in four of the seven phases, without much violence or upheaval. Election booths are opening on schedule at 7am and the voting process, at least in my case, takes two to three minutes. The entire process was seamless, with preference being given to senior citizens, the disabled and women. Separate queues for women helped them to vote faster. It is a positive reflection of the administrative machinery, police and security staff of the country.
It is also heartening to note that many Indians who live or work abroad returned to the country to exercise their franchise. Indians are fortunate to live in a democracy. It helps us to decide, collectively, who will manage the country. If we do not vote, we lose the right to complain. We cannot complain if the country is not managed efficiently. We cannot grumble if the borders are not protected, or the cost of living inflates, if there are traffic snarls, if the farmers are forced to live in poverty, if trains run late. If we do not exercise our right to choose our leaders, then we lose the right to admonish them.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Hopes for peace in war-scarred South Sudan
I write in reference to Charlie Mitchell's article South Sudan negotiators in race to save peace deal (May 3). Tribalism and a lust for power in South Sudan have created an utter disregard for human rights. I hope peace returns to the country.
Name withheld by request
A grim new trend in modern electoral politics
I refer to Samanth Subramanian's opinion piece Sadhvi Pragya Thakur's election run embodies the worst fears of many Indian voters (May 1). This appears to be a trend in modern politics. Many political parties are fielding alleged criminals, who could decide the destiny of a nation while sitting in parliament. The voters are equally guilty of supporting them.
Name withheld by request
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Name: Colm McLoughlin
Country: Galway, Ireland
Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free
Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
Oppenheimer
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
