United 93Director: Paul GreengrassWriter: Paul GreengrassCast: Christian Clemenson, Trish Gates, Polly Adams, and Cheyenne JacksonGenre: Drama/HistoricalRating: RRuntime: 90mins
UAE: If your child’s facing up to a lack of self-confidence, it couldn't be because of a lack of clothes, surely. There seems to be more around for the little tykes than there is for adults.
The green hills and thatched huts dotting the countryside could be part of a miniature toy landscape but are a reminder that we are in one of South Africa’s least developed regions.
What place does etiquette have in today’s society? It should have a large place. Unfortunately it doesn’t have its fair share neither in the business, nor in the social arena.Why do we need etiquette? That answer comes from the definition of etiquette: Etiquette is the rules and conventions governing correct or polite behaviour in society in general or in a particular social or professional group or situation. Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously, and is about being comfortable around people (and making them comfortable around you!) In a place like Dubai, where everyone is always on the rush, etiquette always seems the first casualty.Being in a rush does not mean we forget our manners, the proper way to conduct ourselves, nor does it does mean putting etiquette on the shelves to get dusty. We can be in a rush and courteous at the same time. We still can close our mouths while chewing, hold the door for the person behind us, shake hands properly, and say thank you while in a rush.Technology has considerably impacted our interaction with other people — but does this mean answering a telephone call on your mobile over lunch, or checking your email while talking to someone at your desk, is fine and acceptable? Technology is a good thing, but we should not abuse it. A person who is physically in front of us is always more important than a telephone or a computer. When at lunch, whether business or social, the cell should not be a part of it. If one is expecting an important call, then s/he should advise fellow diners accordingly and this particular call should be the only one answered, after which the cell disappears. As a reply to your question, no, it is not fine nor is it acceptable.What about chivalry? Is that totally dead?Well, if not totally dead, then it is dying fast.How much does women’s liberation have to do with the demise of chivalry? Or are we just generally ruder? Women’s liberation is a convenient excuse to ignore chivalry. Etiquette is not only a social skill, but also exists very strongly in the business arena. And in business, both genders have to extend equal courtesy to the other. A woman, for example, has to stand up to greet a man coming into her office. I do agree that many women these days refuse the courtesy (if any) extended to them by men. As well as many men saying, “you want equality, then open the door yourself”. Different situations have different rules. You see, in business we are women and socially we are ladies where etiquette somehow differs. I wouldn’t say we are generally rude, that is a too strong word to say, but would say ignorant about the subject and do lack the skills because as mentioned earlier, people think etiquette is only for the crème de la crème of society, which is not true.In a multi-cultural society like the Gulf, how does one figure out the right etiquette? There are basic rules and international codes of etiquette, regardless of culture. For example, one rule is to say ‘thank you’ and I don’t think any culture is against that. And I’m sure no culture says slam the door in someone’s face! If we take handshaking as an example, well, in some cultures and traditions, different genders do not shake hands, but one can show it with one’s body language so one doesn’t embarrass the other person. We do not need to figure out the right etiquette, we have to acquire the skills.
for better or verse(Italy, hungry for their first World Cup title in 24 years, took to Germany plenty of comfort foods — parmesan, prosciutto and lots of pasta — and beat France 5-3 on penalties in the World Cup final)
