I write in reference to your editorial Profligate plastic waste needs action now (June 12): The National's passionate editorial on the scourge of plastic waste was an interesting read and also echoed a very important truth.
It really is high time that people took serious steps to reduce their single-use plastic usage, start recycling more and work towards saving the environment for future generations.
Already today a number of countries have started implementing policies to eliminate single-use plastics in the day to day lives of their citizens.
As your editorial noted, it might soon be the case across all European Union member states. Saving the environment is an end that clearly justifies the inconveniences of doing away with plastic.
K Ragavan, Denver
Important summits call for serious statesmanship
I refer to your editorial A denuclearised North Korea just moved a step closer (June 11): while everyone is happy that the summit will help to usher peace, was it really necessary for US President Donald Trump to show Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, a Hollywood movie-style trailer by "Destiny Pictures" depicting their meeting and the outcome?
After all, Mr Kim Jong-un is not a child who will be swayed by a possible movie on their summit. This was crass sensationalism from the US president and an insult to people’s intelligence.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
The road ahead for the US after the Trump-Kim summit will be vague if Donald Trump loses his political compass and takes the wrong path.
On the other hand, the positive developments could be long-lasting as the entire world very much wants peace now.
So Mr Trump and Kim Jong-un can show the way by sidestepping the minor obstacles that are bound to come. What makes me optimistic is the news that the rapprochement has China’s support.
Name withheld by request
A treasure trove of books is the greatest gift for a child
I write in response to your online feature New Abu Dhabi Children's Library to open next year - in pictures (June 12): there is a grave need to offer classes to parents to teach them the importance of reading to their children. This library looks like a great place to do that.
Nicole Long, Dubai
At long last, a library in Abu Dhabi.
Helen Rugg, Abu Dhabi
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
US%20federal%20gun%20reform%20since%20Sandy%20Hook
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Five famous companies founded by teens
There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:
- Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate.
- Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc.
- Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway.
- Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
- Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
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AIDA%20RETURNS
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
