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Got a date

By Kevin Steel ⋅ April 1, 2006 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Photo credit: Kevin Steel

Who is this? This is Hessa. She was working the Federal Environmental Agency UAE - S S Lootah International booth at the trade fair which was part of the Globe 2006 conference on climate change and technology which ended last night (here’s a list of exhibitors). I stopped to talk to Hessa because… well, to tell the truth because she is beautiful, but as an excuse to talk to her I asked about the reaction in her country to the whole Dubai Ports controversy down the U.S. (Thank heavens for current events.) She wasn’t too upset about that deal. As we chatted a bit about life in Dubai, she served me a little cup of Arabic coffee. And just before I left, as part of her promotional duties, she handed me a mysterious little box from the International Energy Group. Printed on three sides of the box was the word, “Natural.” On the front, below a picture of what appears to be a rising sun set against a black backdrop, were the words, “Natural provides energy in it purest form posing a question of hope and possibilities.” And what was in the little box? Why, a dried date (complete with pit) grown in Hessa’s country! She broke into a broad smile.

As I posted on Wednesday night, I was at the conference hoping to get an interview with Maurice Strong. For those of you wondering, I succeeded though it took me three days of trying. But I thought the audience might enjoy Hessa’s picture more than another picture of Mo. I hope you agree.