Black & white magzine issue 67 by Black & White

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Vol.5 Issue 67IIApril 2014

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Waiting… By Adarsh Madhavan

All about X, Y & Z

An imaginary letter… You people don’t understand. You were all looking for a missing plane. You were looking for a black box. You were looking for some floating debris in the mid sea… But, we were looking for our children, our sons, our daughters. We were looking for our spouses, our wives, our husbands. We were looking for our parents, our fathers, our mothers…And we are still waiting for them, even though everyone says they will never be found. You must have read about Sarah Hamil Bajc, who is waiting for her beloved, Philip Wood. And like her, so many of us are waiting for our dearest ones on this missing flight. Now they are saying everything is over but we are still waiting... We have to. We were terrorised. Not just by the fact that our family members were missing, but by everyone around us; all the media, all the nosy people who asked us nosier questions; all of them who have no clue and no sensitivity and just plundered into our beings, stirring our unbearable pain with wild rage. They had looked at us as though we were criminals and had something to do with the plane’s disappearance. We are not some twisted Houdinis who would make our families disappear. And if we had, we would have used the magic wand and made them reappear. Now they say they are going to solve this missing puzzle and the pieces they find floating on the sea would help. What about us? We were not looking for floating debris. We were not waiting to solve a puzzle. All we want is our families back from the clutches of whatever malevolent force that has snatched them away from us. And you are all forgetting that everyone on board the flight were people. Real and alive, pulsating with life and blood! They were like you and I. Like your daughter and son, like your mom and dad, like your wife and husband, like your sister and brother, like

your aunt and uncle, like your cousins, your friends… They were not world leaders, stars, celebrities…but, for us they were more than that. They were our lives; they were a permanent part of us. If fate has snatched them away, fate has snatched away our lives too. Our lives too have ended the day they disappeared. People say that there were similar incidents like this before, where whole planes have disappeared, never to be seen for months and then slowly the debris and pieces would emerge, like it is happening now…but not a word is said about the people in those lost planes. The more we hear such news, the more the pain twisting in our hearts. We don’t know what to say as we don’t even know what pain is anymore. We are praying. All of us are praying. But sometimes, we don’t even know what we are praying. Sometimes, when people issue ugly statements, or pass cruel jokes that are circulated in the media on missing planes, we wonder…can people be so heartless? Can’t they realise that it could have been their own families in the flight? This could have happened to anyone. It could have happened to you like it has happened to us. Now, they say, it is over. Give up hope. They have drawn their own conclusions. But, what about us? What are we to conclude? That the biggest chapter in our lives has come to an end? We mouth these words and it cuts our tongues, tear through our wounds, deepening them… No, this is not a sad movie that we all have watched to its end and now we are going to wipe our tears and go home to the warmth of our family. We can’t do that. Every phone call, every time the door opens, every time we hear a sound, every time we hear people calling, our hearts burst as though the ones we are waiting for are back and as though they were just next door. We just want to see them, talk to them, scream and shout that they are back, they are back, they are back and tightly wrap our arms around them and never ever let them go… editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Xclusive

28 Job ready There are not only great jobs out there but also qualified and enthusiastic young Omanis to fill the gap…a recent trek down the job hunting lane at the Career and Training Opportunities Fair at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) gave us an insight into the complex, yet exciting job scene that awaits the qualified Omani.

Contents

10 Men happier than women

Bitter Batter

A survey has found out that on a general scale, men are healthier and happier about their appearance than women. An international study has found that men reported a higher rate of happiness when it came to their weight, shape, appearance, and the way they are perceived by others.

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212, Wadi Adai Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed Aprilat 2Oman 01 4 Printers

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If your husband has ADHD...

The first step to helping adults with ADHD is to get families to understand the problem first and help the afflicted one through the daily process

Editor-in-chief Managing editor Work editor Editorial Design & production Photography

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Khadija Al Zadjali Beneek Siraj Haitham Al Balushi

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Different meanings; different sense What exactly is reading (re: issue 66) all about? Even among the so-called reading population, the word reading has different meanings. To me, reading means, to read books, novels, fiction, poetry and to a certain extent, the newspapers! Reading does not mean reference books, educational texts or surfing the internet. My type of reading is on a different plane, so, I do not want to get into a debate on that simply because our outlook would be starkly different. But, we need to understand what exactly is the reading pattern among the public, anywhere in the world so as to reach to a better understanding of the real readers out there and if the numbers are dwindling, such statistics will help us get the right perspective so that we can get the non-readers to join the ‘readers’ club’. Dr Arapit Das, Seeb

Readers column

Start young I would say start young. We have young innocent minds out there and it is here where we should have our prime focus. For the youngsters to read, we adults would have to take the effort. We should read to our children every day. We should find some time for that and make it a point to read to them everyday, no not for hours, just 15 to 20 minutes. But make it a habit and it will be one that they will pick up and stick to for the rest of their lives Shalini Rupachand, Ruwi 8

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Not a clear indication I understand that the recently concluded Muscat International Book Fair was quite a success. Yes, I am sure that there would have been more than 800,000 visitors to the fair, but then that is not an indication that there is a great interest in reading. Yes, it does indicate an interest, but not to that extent where we should rejoice and become complacent over that. Book sales of OMR3.5 million is of course an indication of the buying spree among Omanis, but whether these books will be read and if so, is it the usual segment that have bought them? I agree that Omanis do read, but I still feel that we need to scrutiny it much more to arrive at a logical conclusion that there is a wholesome reading culture among Omanis. Abdullah Al Hashmi, Qurum

Reap in reading benefits To paraphrase Albert Einstein, I would say that imagination is more important than knowledge and I am also of the opinion that the true reader is the one who delves into imaginative subjects, more fiction than fact and its various boring derivates. We have one life and I would like to have a life well led. I totally enjoy reading, especially fiction, and would like to reap in its full benefits. Sally Tomas, Muscat

Integrate reading into non readers If people are not reading, then what are they doing? It is important to find out what non-readers do. Obviously, they must be surfing the net or watching television. Watching the TV or surfing the net are not bad activities. But, if we find out that the majority indulge in either of the two, then we should find ways and means to integrate a reading habit

into the daily lifestyle of these non readers. If we somehow make these non readers understand that reading is very important and make them find some time to read, then it will become a habit for them. Biju Menon, Wadi Kabir

More to life in books I think to be able to read is a blessing. There is nothing more engaging that reading and nothing more relaxing and nothing more enjoyable. I understand that not all are able to read. Some of them have no clue as to what reading is all about and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what they are missing. It is such a crying shame, I would say because in reading exist a wonderful world. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think reading makes you weak or that reading is done only to escape into a world of make believe. There is more life in books than in reality, but beyond that, I guess, when you read, it actually enhances your ability to understand and live with reality. But, I disagree with many out there that anyone can pick up a book and read. Although, we would like to believe that, it

is not as easy as that. If you have not had any reading habit, then, it will take some time to get into the reading groove. For those starters, I would recommend that you take it nice and slow. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rush, because as you are aware, all of those who rush are prone to stumble!. Melanie Kirkpatrick, Al Khuwair 9

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Men read

Men HAPPIER than women

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Let us tell you the basic difference between a man and a woman. It is simple. In their looks, yes, but, most importantly, in how they view themselves. Women are notorious for their lack of self confidence when it comes to their own looks.

You have Sarah here who is such a bore when it comes to comparing herself with her friends or other counterparts in the field. She is perennially before the mirror, donning makeup or rushing to the beauty parlour to get herself looking better than her friends. Using makeup or going to the beauty parlour is not a crime. But then Sarah’s prime motivation in doing so and spending hours at the beauty parlour was only to beat two or three of her friends who were equally competitive on the looks front. But, Andy, her husband, however simple looking he was, would never compete with his friends, and certainly not on the looks front. Why should he ever do that? Despite his plain looks, he never felt uncomfortable in his own skin and he never felt the need to get himself to be better looking, especially not better looking than his friends. In fact, he could have, for among his friends, he was the most ordinary looking man and some of his friends, were what many would say, handsome hunks. But, Andy never felt the urge to better himself on the look front, unlike his wife of four years, Sarah. He is quite happy being what he is. A new survey affirms this fact. The survey has found out that on a general scale, men are healthier and happier about their appearance than women. Of course, this is the age where men are increasingly seen as more conscious of their appearances and they are known to visit their own beauty parlours. This is the age where cosmetics for men are also doing well. But, despite all this brouhaha on the male appearances front, there is still a deep-rooted casualness or a don’t-care-of-their-own-appearances attitude among men. It is nothing to boast about yet, men seemed quite happy about themselves. Health and Happiness, a nationwide study of 2,000 men and women found that men reported a higher rate of happiness when it came to their weight, shape, appearance, and the way they are perceived by others. Women, on the other hand, were found to be more self-conscious and slightly less satisfied with their happiness levels at around 49 percent. Women are also much more likely to try dieting compared to men, the femalefirst.co.uk reported. Men don’t feel stressed as often either. Almost 60 percent of male respondents said they only felt stressed once a month, whereas 60 percent of women said they felt anxious once a week or more. Over 70 percent of men also claim they rarely felt depressed or had mood swings, compared to half of women who admitted to feeling low or unhappy at least once a month, if not more. Headaches, bloating or poor digestion were less of a problem among men. Almost half of them said they rarely got headaches, compared to 64 percent women who said they experienced them at least once a month or more. For 70 percent of men, bloating and poor digestion would only occur once a month or less, but almost half of women said it was a weekly or daily problem. “The general perception is that women are more health conscious, but what this survey shows is that women do actually have more health issues to deal with, especially relating to digestion, mood, anxiety and sleep,” said leading nutrition expert, Patrick Holford, who conducted the research. “The results also show that respondents, regardless of their gender, considered the absence of disease to be an indicator of good health. But being healthy means more than that - it’s abundance of well-being indicated by good energy levels, a stable mood and a sharp mind, all of which achieve optimum health,” added Holford. 11

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Musical history Yanni, the centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most original and successful composer and musician, performed in India for the second time in just under two decades. The first of the two shows in India was held in Chennai at the Nehru Indoor stadium and the second at the White Orchid Convention Centre in Bangalore. After this, Yanni also performed at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium in Colombo. Photos by Beneek Sirajudeen and K. J. George capture key moments from the three shows.

Press conference at Park Hyatt Chennai on April 13

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Dinner with Indian music maestros at Park Hyatt Chennai on April 13

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Live in concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on April 14

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Yanni welocmed at Hilton, Colombo on April 19

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Live in concert at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo, April 20

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Black magic powder?

wall he t ff

By Adarsh Madhavan

Off the wall

Folks here at my home are in a bit of a tension. Recently, two strangers came and dusted some kind of powder on the flower pots, which are kept outside our home, and also sprinkled the dust below the small opening under our front gate. This was seen by a passerby, a lady, who took some time to register what was happening and then informed the folks at home. She described what she saw to us: “Two men got out of a car in front of your home…they had something in their hands…both of them dusted the contents out on the two large flower pots in front of your home. I did not see what it was, looked like some dust or ash or something like that…after that they dusted the remaining portion in their hands below the slight opening below the front gate, which was closed. “ The lady who chanced upon this scene was a bit nonplussed because she was not able to exactly place a finger on what happened. And in the same instant she played it in her mind, it looked like some ritual of sorts. But, she had no clue as to what. She detailed what she had seen to my folks who were equally at a loss. What happened here? Of course, on the back of our minds, a needle of suspicion was stitching its own tale of sorcery, black magic and the like. Back home from where I come, there used to be acts like this which clearly border on black magic. We had a neighbour who was mad at us for something and because of that they took a black magic potshot at us. I was too young to understand the machinations of the act, but I remember my parents getting a weird soothsayer cum sorcerer who lived in a remote mountainous area (I remember totally disliking this man). One of our cousins got this sorcerer for us and the latter did a pooja and discovered that a lady and a man had buried some sordid stuff in our compound, which everyone claimed

was the reason behind the many troubles we were facing at that point of time. People use to indulge in such acts then, now, I don’t know… They used to bury powerful mean spirit laden trinkets in front of the yards of their rivals or pierce them on the trees in their compounds with the sole intention of seeing their downfall. Oh, I could really wax lyrical on this. These neighbours of ours were locked in some kind of heated verbal battle with my folks back home then and that was perhaps their reason to seek such silly means to er, ‘destroy’ us! The sorcerer (who took a penchant in holding my favourite dog by his snout for which I hated him) through some means of mumbo jumbo discovered that such a trinket with venomous designs was buried on the side of our house. We dug around and actually discovered it! And this sorcerer with the help of his supernatural ancestors destroyed its potent evil spell for which he was rewarded handsomely. I didn’t think of it in any mean way but, when I grew up I often wondered if this man would himself have buried it there, but then, he was actually brought in from some far of place. There are too many tales of this manner that I know but this was the only key one in which my family and I were involved. The occult, the supernatural does hold a fascination for me, but then I never pursued it because I did not feel that I was adept enough to enter such a world of mysteries. I was of course affected when I learnt of some lady’s curse on me and although I tried to rationally root out any such effect of that on me, sometimes, when things are all going wrong, as they mostly are with me, and as they are as of this moment, I wonder… I just wonder… And this dust episode could be just a trivial one where some people must have simply dumped some powdery garbage out of their car. But, what if it is not, what if it portends something sinister, like someone wanting to harm us with evil spells…? But, we have only friends, no enemies… Or, could I be wrong? adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Ferrari 458 Speciale makes its debut in Oman n

Alfardan Motors recently launched the Ferrari 458 Speciale – the most powerful and technologically advanced naturally aspirated V8 Berlinetta in the illustrious marque’s history.

The 458 Speciale was launched at an exclusive ceremony organised nised by Alfardan Motors ors at the Ferrari Showroom m in Al Azaiba. Commenting on the h launch of the Speciale, Mohamed Kandeel, general manager of Alfardan Motors said, “The 458 Speciale is the ultimate expression of the V8 range from Ferrari and a natural progression of the Ferrari product line. The 458 Speciale is the very essence of what a Ferrari is, with sleek lines, advanced aerodynamics and power that can translates to outstanding track times with ease. This is a car like no other, one that brings another level of sophisticated design ethos, extreme technologies and ultimate power.”

Alfardan Motors multi-brand motorcycle showroom in Wattayah

Alfardan Motors recentlyy launched their first motorcycle showroom in Oman. Housed in the stylish new Muscat showroom are motorcycles from six of the world’s most well renowned brands, together with a huge array of riding gear and branded merchandise, all of which made their Oman debut at the glittering opening ceremony. Having already established a strong reputation with customers for sales and customer service excellence, as

well as its state-of-the-art service facilities at their Ferrari and Maserati Showrooms in Al Azaibah, Alfardan has now expanded its portfolio into the two-wheeled segment with the launch of its new multi-brand motorcycle showroom located in Wattayah. The new showroom houses motorcycles from Triumph, KTM, Aprilia, Piaggio, Vespa, as well as SAND-X. Commenting on the new showroom and the launch of new motorcycle brands in the Sultanate, Mohamed Kandeel, general manager of Alfardan Motors said, “With the opening of the Alfardan Motorcycle showroom here in Muscat, the choice of models available for riders has grown exponentially. Each of these six brands truly epitomise all the characteristics that make motorcycles special and unique, and the opening of our showroom offers riders and enthusiasts the broadest spectrum of choice for premium high-performance motorcycles, ATVs and scooters in the Oman market.”

Bank Sohar’s Al Mumayaz savings scheme Bank Sohar continues its bank-wide tour to promote Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 2014; this time holding its OMR 5000 weekly draw under Al Mumayaz savings scheme at its privilege banking premises in Al Qurum area, after having successfully conducted the previous draws in the MBD, Barka and Al Qurum branches during the past few weeks. The tour aims to visit each of the bank’s 25 branch locations during the year to promote the scheme and its many benefits. The weekly draw, which took place recently, saw Abdullah Al Farsi from the Bank Sohar branch win OMR 5000. 19

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Bank Nizwa in house electronic cheque clearing Bank Nizwa has become the first bank in the Sultanate to implement an electronic cheque clearing solution which enables the bank to clear cheques drawn in Bank Nizwa between all of its branches without any hassle. The bank has partnered with leading technology company ProgressSoft Corporation to offer speedier cheque clearing to its customers through imaging technology which reduces the time required for payment of cheques. The technology, known as PS-ECC

PromptOnUs, enables Bank Nizwa customers to enjoy instant cheque collection and deposit as they receive image based deposit slips and can easily track their cheque transactions online. Speaking about this new technology Dr Jamil El Jaroudi, Bank Nizwa Ceo commented, ‘With the success of introducing this new service to our core banking system, we are confident of adding to the technology to increase the benefits to our customers. We eagerly anticipate innovative platforms

such as Corporate Remote Cheque deposit and capture on our ATM network and very soon our customers will be even able to clear their cheques via our online banking system.’

Dream Coats exhibition by Moosa Omar A solo exhibition by Omani artist Moosa Omar was opened by Eng. Hamoud bin Mohammed Al Mahrooqi, head of Royal Estates Affairs, Royal Court Affairs at Bait Al Zubair recently. Moosa Omar said: ‘In these paintings and others, I endeavor to explore implicit and explicit spaces in history in order to reflect on our daily life and explore the spirituality of humanity. These paintings are inspired by the

story of Prophet Yousef (PBUH). They are presented as an artistic vision where colours are used on jute combining the roughness of old textures with deep reflection. This combination takes you to a former eras where you can smell history and hear its stories. Art, from my perspective, is not just an instrument for expression and communication with others but rather a hidden power of the soul. Art creates a parallel

world to real life.’ Dream Coat follows on from a previous exhibition of the same name hosted by Bait Al Zubair in 2012 which then was exhibited in the Musueum of Modern Art in Kuwait and the Visual Arts Centre (Katara) in Qatar in 2013.

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Jotashield ColourLast and Jotashield ColourXtreme Jotun Paints, has launched two new products, Jotashield ColourLast and Jotashield ColourXtreme under its leading exterior paint brand Jotashield. The products were unveiled to a select audience at a well-attended function organised by Jotun Oman’s dynamic marketing team in Muscat. The newly introduced Jotashield ColourLast is a state-of-the-art product of the advanced binder technology that ensures colours are protected from extreme weather conditions. The exterior wall paint does not fade for a longer period and thereby creates a lasting impression 20

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for homes. The second new offering Jotashield ColourXtreme, the next generation of exterior paints, has been developed using cutting-edge technology that surpasses stringent internal and external requirements to deliver outstanding durability, colour protection and heat reflection.

The newly launched Jotashield ColourLast and Jotashield ColourXtreme, specially formulated to keep the sweltering summer heat in Oman at bay, will be easily available at all leading Jotun dealers throughout the country from May onwards.

Mars – ninth shopping destination in Wadi Kabir Mars International opened its ninth shopping destination in Wadi Al Kabir recently. The new hypermarket was inaugurated by Sayyid Yahya bin Nazer bin Mohammed Al Harasi, the Wali of Muttrah. V. T. Vinod, managing director of Mars International, Naveej Vinod, executive director, Rajeev Sharma, chief operating officer, Saif Al Malki, GM (administration), and Unnikrishnan Pillai, general manager, were also present at the inaugural event. The new Mars Hypermarket is spread over two floors. The service

layout has been designed to enable a convenient shopping experience to the customers. A wide bouquet of international brands will be a major highlight of the new facility. Cash counters with swift billing system will enable the customers to have a hassle free shopping experience. Rich shopping experience “Mars will bring convenience plus a rich shopping experience for the people of Wadi Kabir. We are a consumer-driven company, which ensures that all our outlets fulfil the needs of the entire household under

one roof. This is our ninth outlet in the Sultanate and we plan to have a significant presence across the country. The great offerings that we provide to our customers, both in terms of quality and competitive pricing, have helped us earn the trust of the people across the country, said Vinod.

Al Hayat International Hospital crosses another milestone Al Hayat Hospital crossed a milestone by performing the first single port bariatric surgery in Oman. Al Hayat Hospital employed a new technique called SIMPS (Single Incision Multi Port Surgery), where in they made three tiny holes separate from each other under the skin of the belly-button. “We are happy to report what we believe is the Oman’s first single port bariatric surgery. Kadija (name changed) from Pakistan underwent this unique procedure recently at Al Hayat Hospital. She had Dibesity (Diabetes + Obesity). Her BMI was quite high and her sugar controls deranged, she underwent removal of two-thirds of the stomach recently. “The entire procedure lasted for about 100 minutes and she has made a very uneventful recovery. In the past we have also done a few gall bladder removals by this SIMPS technique at Al Hayat International Hospital. We

The exciting grand finale of the Khafeef witnessed a youth fashion walk.

will continue to offer this unique technique to our patients and hope to see the maximum number of patients benefit from this unique procedure. “This innovative technique has been introduced in Oman for the first time by the world renowned consultant laparoscopic surgeon, Dr J.S. Rajkumar of Al Hayat International Hospital. Over the last six months Dr Rajkumar has performed 39 bariatric surgeries at Al Hayat International Hospital. Soon we hope to complete 100 cases and publish it internationally,” a spokesperson from the hospital said.

Youth Icon – Singing 2014 enthralled Muscat recently. The event also

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CBFS Open Day

programme

The College of Banking and Financial Studies recently held an open day event under the patronage of Sulayem bin Ali Al Hikmani, chairman of economic and finance committee at the Majlis A’Shura. This year and after six years of conducting the open day it came with a special cultural theme called “bridging culture”, with the aim of highlighting the talents and hobbies of students in various fields within an annual fun filled atmosphere. The theme of this year's open day was based on merging various cultures within the college healthy environment, in order to enhance the cultural and social aspects among students in various areas of interest in their life, and to represent different cultures and values.

Inauguration of Duqm Frontier Town - Phase One Under the auspices of Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, the chairman of the board of directors of the Duqm Special Economic Zone, and in the presence of a number of royal family members and other dignitaries, Duqm Development Company officially inaugurated Phase One of Duqm Frontier Town project. This ambitious project comes as a direct response of the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said towards expanding the Oman’s economic development objectives and achieving a balance of economic growth within all regions of the Sultanate. The completion of phase one of the expansive Duqm Frontier Town project is a significant addition to the growth of the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

Innovative Oris Calibre 110 To mark its 110th anniversary, Oris has recently announced the Oris Calibre 110, the first mechanical movement developed from the ground up by Oris for 35 years. A hand-wound calibre, it features a 10-day power reserve and a patented non-linear power reserve indication. These two complications have never come together before. Uniting them provided an exceptional challenge for Oris’s in-house team of watchmakers and designers, who worked with

Swiss technical specialists and with L’École Téchnique Le Locle on the project over a period of 10 years. The result is a milestone in mechanical watchmaking. It has been achieved using a combination of industrial techniques and engineering. Each calibre will be hand-assembled and tested in Oris’s Hölstein factory by expert watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the brand for over 40 years. “The Calibre 110 will appear in a

new watch, the Oris 110 Years Limited Edition in steel, and in solid 18-carat rose gold. There will be 110 pieces in 18 carat rose gold and 110 pieces in stainless steel. We urge our patrons to watch out for this marvel of a timepiece, a symbol of the brand’s rich 110 year legacy,” says, Madhusinh Jesrani, general manager, Khimji’s Watches.

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Two new eateries debut in Muscat Four Seasons Tourism LLC has announced the grand opening of two exciting new restaurants – Mamasan and Trattoria – at an event attended by select VIP guests. Both outlets are located in Al Assalah Towers (Saud Bahwan Plaza) at Al Ghubra. While Mamasan offers a range 22

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of popular as well as signature dishes from across various Chinese provinces, Trattoria takes diners on a gastronomic tour of Italy with its fresh pastas, delicious seafood main course specials and pizzas. Together, the two restaurants promise to lure food-lovers in Muscat

with some of the best-known foods from the Orient and Occident.

NABIL scratch and win offer After a thundering success last year National Biscuit Industries Ltd SAOG (NABIL) are back again with their annual scratch and win offer, this time from April 1 to May 31, this year. Shoppers need to purchase a selected range of Nabil Biscuits and will find a 'scratch and win' coupon inside the multipack of these products. They will get an opportunity to win exciting prizes which includes I pad,

PSP Vita, LED tv, mobile phone and digital camera. The offer is open to all residents within Oman and is available in all leading outlets. The coupon can be found in the multi pack of selected products produced between March 23, 2014 to May 31, 2014. National Biscuits Industries Ltd SAOG, makers of brand Nabil biscuits, snacks, wafers and confectionery have been producing fresh and tasty products since 1986.

The support from the consumers of Oman has always ensured that Nabil enjoys the number one position in the biscuit segment.

Nawras extends international off-peak call times Nawras is offering customers an extra two hours of international off-peak call time to stay connected with friends and family overseas. Under the new plan, international off-peak timing will now begin at 6pm every evening and continue until 6am the next morning from Saturday to Thursday and all day on Fridays, giving customers more opportunity to enjoy great value from their Nawras service. Marwa Al Farsi, Nawras proposition manager, international segment – consumer marketing,

said, “The additional two hours each day allows customers to stay in touch with friends and family for longer and helps to overcome the difficulties of time differences between Oman and other countries around the world. Nawras customers can also enjoy low calling rates to over 200 countries, making it even easier to share special moments with their loved ones.”

Infiniti Q50 launched in Oman Infiniti Q50 has been officially launched in Oman, making a new era for its model range. Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), the importers and distributors of Infinitivehicles in Oman officially launched the Infiniti Q50 amidst media guests, officials and car aficionados at the InterContinental Muscat. “Infiniti Q50’s muscular, athletic appearance brings a blend of dynamic exterior styling and Infiniti’s signature ‘double wave’ interior to create design, which creates an emotional engagement. Infiniti Q50’s looks alone make it standout in its class,” said Juergen Schmitz, general manager, Infiniti in the Middle East. “But Infiniti Q50 also introduces a new era of technology and features to our range. After 10 years of development, we have transferred the digital steering system used in aviation for decades to the automotive industry and made it standard across the Infiniti Q50 range in the Middle East in the form of ‘Direct Adaptive Steering’. “As a global brand Infiniti is entering a new era focussed on new products, new technology and new designs for our

customers. Infiniti Q50 is the embodiment of this new vision,” said Schmitz. “The Infiniti Q50 will definitely create a great impact among customers in Oman. With stand-out compact looks, class-leading driving dynamics and an interior design offering comfort, convenience and space, the Q50 is a class apart vehicle,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bahwan, chairman of SBA group, after officially launching the Infiniti. “The Infiniti Q50 is equipped to reward the diverse lifestyles of the Middle East’s customers,” said Divyendu Kumar, managing director of SBA group. 23

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Mitsubishi ‘Pajero Train’ hauls 80 passengers at Mara Land At the recently hosted family day held at Al Mara land in Muscat, General Automotive Company, the official dealers for Mitsubishi in Oman, showcased not just the towing capability but also its reliability by using it to haul three carriages containing 80 passengers in a first of its kind ‘Pajero Train’. The Pajero Train kept people entertained throughout the day by taking families on relaxing rides around the park. Commenting on towing performance of the legendary Pajero, Mark Tomlinson, general manager of GAC said, “The Pajero really is legendary, here in Oman and around the world, and that status is well earned with all the technology, power and four-wheel-drive capabilities on offer. As a showcase of its torque and reliability, we had the ‘Pajero Train’ pull a host of carriages filled with people

around the park throughout the evening. By the end of the even the Pajero had completed over 300 rounds nonstop, each time pulling carriages filled with close to 80 people. Furthermore, as a testament to its reliability, this was done with a single vehicle only.”

Sayarti launches Magneti Marelli Sayarti has officially signed an agreement to distribute the world renowned automotive brand ‘Magneti Marelli’ in Oman. Present at the event were Ed Cummins, head of service and parts at Mopar, Serdar Toktamis, the group general manager of the Zubair Automotive Group, and Arun Kumar, the general manager of Sayarti, along with other MOPAR and Magneti Marelli representatives. Serdar Toktamis, group general manager of the Zubair Automotive Group noted, “Sayarti has over these past few years created a modern and dynamic environment and a chain of outlets that are today capable of attracting such world leading brands as Llumar, Kenwood, Cooper Tires,

Sonax, and Mickey Thompson - to name but a few. Today we’re very proud to announce that the world renowned Magneti Marelli brand will be joining the Sayarti family, this is a brand that will certainly be playing a starring role in the ever expanding Sayarti line-up.”

Wordpress

The Zubair Corporation supports workers’ union The Zubair Corporation recently pledged support for a charitable fund set up by the worker’s union of the L&T Industrial Construction Complex in Sohar. During a visit, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, managing director of The Zubair Corporation met with the chairman of L&T Industrial Constructions Complex in Sohar, together with members of the union and the management of the charitable fund. Commenting on the actions of The Zubair Corporation, Sheikh. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, said, “Our contribution to the worker’s union charitable fund at the L&T Industrial Construction Complex demonstrates the whole-hearted support of The Zubair Corporation for their objectives. Unions are created to ensure a productive environment for workers and companies, by meeting and achieving the goals and 24

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visions. We are confident that the benefits will positively impact the relationship between employees and company and both will be stronger for its foundation.” The L&T Industrial Constructions Complex in Sohar established the charitable fund with the support of the shareholders, who will contribute on a monthly basis. The idea of the fund was adopted by the union and was developed in order to assist with the request for loans and requests for emergency aid from employees in the company.

Hiba El Qawas, the star of Andalusia ‘The Lights of Andalusia’, starring Hiba Al Qawas, will be staging its world premiere, at the Royal Opera House Muscat on May 29, 30 and 31. The conductor and soprano Hiba El Qawas will perform an exciting musical and dancing concert composed, produced and starred by her for the first time. This event takes the audiences through a journey crossing the times by reciting a unique cultural dialog, which attempts to restore the Andalusia glory and dreams. More than 150 performers from different parts of the world participate in this astonishing concert accompanied by the Transylvanian Philharmonic Orchestra and choir lead by the international well-known John Axelrod, the Carmen Cantero Ballet and Riccardo Lopez with the solo dancer Jose Maldonado. The dance combines the contemporary ballet and the Andalusian dance with flamenco designed by Manuel Diaz. The orchestra and choir are accompanied by Ensemble flamenco and a group of flamenco solo singers in corporation with an Arabic Andalusian Ensemble and the Arabic Andalusian solo singers group. The vocalist Abdurrahman Mohammed will take part in this concert as a traveller. The international guitarist José María Gallardo Del Rey who collaborated with El Qawas in more than a performance is all set to dazzle audiences at the concert. This concert is directed by Andreas Morell, scenography by Adan Hernandez and lighting designed by Mateo Davison. Hiba El Qawas sings of a story, which falls under the shades of love and the flames of jealousy to break the spell and spread the infinite love, inventing a musical universal language inspired by the Arabic Andalusian civilisation. This adorable framework is rich with imagination and fantasia.

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The soap of the matter

Bikram Vohra, internationallyknown Gulf based scribe

By Bikram Vohra There are too many self styled experts on life. Like I am at this dinner and there are all these arty types who say profound things like ‘moi’ for me and puree for paste and ciao which is about twenty years out of date so it is very in and this guy says, our bodies like bars of soap, they wear out over time from usage. The conversation comes to a halt and everyone looks at him with awe, like he was Aristotle in our midst with Seneca trotting behind. Next thing you know everyone has gravitated to this party pundit and he is elaborating on this bit of whimsy, explaining the comparison between soap and homo sapiens. The ladies are overwhelmed. Turns out this chap is a doctor of high thought or something, one of those newfangled turn your life around types who help you discover the real you as compared to the illusion. He is evidently flavour of the month and everybody lionises him. And I am standing there saying, just a second, I don’t want to be a bar of soap, I find that most absurd. For a start what bar, is it the big family sized cake of soap or the little sliver you get in hotel rooms and aircraft, you know, that postage stamp which slips out of your hand and falls into the tub while the suds sting your eyes and you are groping for it. If that is the equivalent of the human body then we are in big trouble, better start saying our good-byes pretty fast.

Sunny side up

This soap versus man thing is a sobering thought at my age because in soap years I would be about the same as the squishy, mushy blob that lies in the dish and sogs. Now, if he was talking washing soap, you know that hardy tablet that hangs in there I wouldn’t feel so badly about it but the normal 26

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sweet smelling creamy soap, no way, it has no staying power. So he is still holding forth and the ladies are hanging onto every word and I decide this is going too far, I mean it is time a man made a stand when he can’t go to a social gathering and not be upstaged by people advocating soap and suds comparisons. I say, yes, but there is a flaw in the philosophy. There is a sudden silence. Acts of lese majeste, how dare Vohra break the flow of thought? The hostess looks miffed. The host looks miffed. The guests look about the same. You can’t expect better from these Gulfee types. Let’s just say generally miffed describes the atmosphere, though my wife is the exception, she does not look miffed. She looks daggers, sharp little stilettos. The man looks at me and says, oh, you wish to record your dissent, you have a reverse flow (why can’t they talk normally.) Well, I say, it’s just that soap and mankind don’t merit comparison, there is an intrinsic flaw in your theory, if you don’t use soap it won’t wear down but the human body hasn’t got the option, whether it is used or not it ages and it deteriorates. I don’t expect a standing ovation but I wouldn’t mind a little support. You are splitting hairs, says the host. The soap is symbolic, idiot, says a guest. Yes, says someone else, the soap is the id (where did that come from) the soap is the symbol, how we use the soap dictates how we use our bodies, the more the neglect the swifter the retribution. So now, I have to be nice to my soap, sort of purr over it , read it bedtime stories, hello, read my lips there are just too many of these homespun philosophers getting freebie dinners with their little undergrad analogies. About time we burst that bubble. Soap indeed. Ask me, its all lather, no substance.

In black & White

In Black... A good citizen cannot happen just overnight, the goodness has to be grown and nurtured over the years, which finally becomes a habit in your daily life. So let us start the grooming and ethics part at home, teach the young the value of hardworking and the principle of earning a baisa Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief A HEALTHY WORKFORCE My first experience of a job fair was at my university level. I was still a student and so it amazed me when I saw big companies wooing freshers straight out from the colleges and universities. How could you get a job when you are just out of college? These top companies selected the best of the students and ensured them of a future career, and the latter did not have to go around knocking doors. The concept though not fully comprehended then, made sense after many years when I realised a degree or a certificate alone was not going to take a young job hunter places unless he/she is groomed to work professionally. Which subject in your science or math major will help you learn punctuality, work ethics, team work or even loyalty? These are variants you learn when you are exposed to corporate philosophies, a team of colleagues and good training in the sector concerned. Most of us study the best of the majors, but hardly know that what we learn academically is not utilised in a day-to-day office schedule. Oman has to go a long way as far as the job fairsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scene is concerned, but the SQU career fair is making a great effort to bring the candidates and prospective employers together on a professional platform. These fairs allow the students a glimpse into the human resource department of many companies. GROOM YOUTH AT HOME Discipline, organised behaviour, punctuality, hard working attitude and an open mind has to be cultivated right from childhood. All of these lessons have to start from home.

A good citizen cannot happen just overnight, the goodness has to be grown and nurtured over the years, which finally becomes a habit in your daily life. So let us start the grooming and ethics part at home, teach the young the value of hard work and the principle of earning a baisa. Make your kids work at home, and acknowledge their contribution with suitable rewards, which at a later point could include money. Let them have a healthy respect for money and let them slowly understand the importance of earning their own money. Let us not spoil them with pocket money and gadgets. When they earn their gift, they will respect the effort they put in to get the gift and appreciate the money they earned on their own. The soft skills can be learned at home, and we should also impart our youngsters with the right attitude. The most heartening aspect on the job front is the fact that a good number of Omanis are being employed in many international companies, groomed and trained to work in a highly competitive international work atmosphere. So why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we groom them in the local markets?

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B&W Xclusive

Job ready

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There are great jobs out there and qualified and enthusiastic young Omanis to fill the gapâ&#x20AC;Śa recent trek down the job hunting lane at the Career and Training Opportunities Fair at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) lends us an insight into the complex yet exciting job scene that awaits the rightly qualified Omani. Not only are there jobs, the companies are also finding the right candidatesâ&#x20AC;Ś

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“Omanis are…lazy, indolent, irresponsible, non qualified and non-serious workers. They have no job or work ethic and cannot be trusted to do a job properly…” Whoever is saying the above is painting a totally wrong picture on the young, vibrant Omani population out there. If the above was true, why did the recently concluded job fair at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) generate so much interest from young Omanis? If Omanis were not interested in getting jobs, why did nearly 15000 of them turn up at the Career & Training Opportunities Fair (2014), organised by the Centre for Career Guidance (CCG), SQU at the Grand Hall? It was indeed a beehive of activity at the Grand Hall where the fair was held and anyone who witnessed the hustle and bustle of the career fair would think twice before passing any negative comments about the interest among Omanis to grab job opportunities; or devalue the ability of the young, job ready Omani. Of course, we are not painting a rosy picture and saying everything is hunky dory; surely, there are related problems too, but this is universal and not endemic to Oman’s potential workforce alone. JOB CONNECT The top companies at the fair showcased a wide range of career paths and allowed the companies to connect directly with the Omani students and discover their own potential candidates for their career programmes or directly induct them into their companies. True, there was a time when there was always a question mark raised when young Omanis knocked private sector doors for jobs. Then the mood among many in the private sector was well, if the job has to be done, it has to be done by the expatriate and the Omanis were taken to fill the quota or the percentage that the company has to achieve as per the government dictum. That dismal scene is a far cry today, say some industry pundits. Their reasoning is based on many new developments, but most importantly on a recent threeday job fair, which they said witnessed over 15,000 job/ career hopefuls and also revealed a highly encouraging scene where a neighbouring country’s airline company was actually engaged in wooing talented young Omanis to join their rapidly growing firm. In fact, since the last few years, this top airline company has inducted several 100s of Omanis into their midst and their interest in the Omani youth was quite palpable in their permanent participation in the SQU job fair. A top official of the CCG echoes the emerging sentiment at this fair too, which he concludes was a resounding success. “When we began this fair, some 15 years back, only a handful of students, maybe a few 100s would

Mohamed Nasser Al Amri

walk in with their resumes. “Look at the scene now,” Mohamed Nasser Al Amri, director, CCG says sweeping his arm at the sight of the filled hall. Almost all of the 60odd stalls that were participating in the fair were milling with excited young Omani students. There was a real buzz in the air of wanting and seeking and that unique element of being able to connect. Nearly every inch was filled with the students who were keenly questioning the officials manning the stalls, who, in return were quite obligingly passing on the required information. “We started the first-ever job fair in Oman, 15 years back in 1999, with just a three-member team. This was done when the CCG had just got established. During the earlier days, we used to hold it in one of the conference halls of the SQU,” Mohamed Al Amri said, noting how, although the fairs saw a good number of companies participating, it however generated lukewarm interest among the students. 31

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“Today, after 15 years, the scene has changed drastically. The 2014 fair saw 15,000 students attend (in three days) and visit the 60 odd stalls from various corporate in public and private sectors. It is good to see companies come forward to select, and offer training for fresh graduates. Moreover, the students and graduates show much more enthusiasm to join reputed companies. Though this fair is meant for the SQU students, we allow all students to walk in and participate.” Detailing the aim and objective of the career fair, Mohamed Al Amri said it was “to groom and train the graduates to become market ready, in fact 'job ready’! A degree or a certificate does not make a student ready and smart to take up a job, straight out of college. But again, if no one wants a fresher, how will he or she gain job experience? Someone has to train or employ the fresher, giving them opportunity to face the challenges of a career and the market. With the thought to train and empower students with soft skills and work ethics, the centre organises the annual career fair, inviting the corporate to participate and give opportunity to the students of the university,” Mohamed Amri said. 1193 JOB VACANCIES, 664 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES This year the career fair offered 1193 vacancies and 664 training opportunities to the students, the CCG director said. “We hope our students will benefit from the opportunities offered to them and the companies too will benefit. It is actually a ‘win-win’ situation,” he enthused.

B&W Xclusive

“The students get to know what their majors can offer them in the market and how to go about procuring the right job for the education they have in hand. The training opportunities are more important. The young graduate gets an opportunity to get trained in a professional atmosphere and gets absorbed 32

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in the same company they got trained in. This gives the companies the advantage of grooming a fresher to their exact job requirements, while meeting the Omanisation percentage too,” Mohamed Amri explained. CHANGE IN ATTITUDE The market perception that young Omanis are not job ready, lack soft skills and work ethics is fading fast, Amri argued. “The younger generation, especially the ones that come out of universities locally, are full of aspirations to become something in life and are ambitious to grow in career and establish themselves. The attitudes have changed and the change is positive and progressive. The centre facilitates their aspirations.” WHEELS OF PROGRESS “We plan a whole year to get this fair going successfully and we are happy that more companies are showing confidence in the local market and recruiting fresh graduates. A graduate today is academically qualified, but lacks leadership qualities and is mostly weak in communications skills and other soft skills required for a job. Every industry needs good manpower, trained and intelligent. Oman is no different. Unless the market gets good work force, the wheels of progress cannot move forward,” Amri emphasised. STUDENTS DISPLAYED GREAT ENTHUSIASM Mariam Al Masroori, the deputy director of CCG and Haifa Najeeb Al-Zubaidi, from the awareness and guidance section of the CCG also gave their inputs about the career fair. “The fair has grown in numbers and opportunities over the years. I am part of the fairs since 2002 and the best part of this year’s fair is the enthusiasm displayed by the students. The way they approached the various corporate stalls and handed over their CVs (curriculum vitae’s), took down the details all showed how keen they were to get into a proper career world,” Mariam said, a fact endorsed by Haifa. “The young graduates are ready to take to the local market with their education and enthusiasm to join the work force immediately after their education,” Haifa added. “They are open-minded, accept opportunities and know what they want in future. They are ready to groom, train and make themselves market worthy. They are more street smart and confident. Earlier we needed to guide them to choose their fields, explore and be confident,” Mariam noted. “The centre also organises various training seminars, career and awareness programmes for the students during the year, making them eligible for the job markets.

Both male and female candidates came in huge numbers this year and we are happy at the net result. There are more career opportunities under the fair this year and we hope the student’s benefit from the opportunities. Earlier most graduates wanted a job in the public sector. Now the trends are changing. More candidates are looking at the private sector jobs and ready to enter their job of choice, rather than any available job in the market,” both Mariam and Haifa said. PREFERRED CHOICE OF CANDIDATES The best compliment that a country’s workforce can obtain is when they are wooed for employment in the private sector of other countries. Omanis can take great pride in the fact that the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds the Omani workforce in great esteem. In fact, since recent Jawahir Said years, Etihad Airways has been taking eligible Omanis into their midst. Identifying and attracting Omani talent has helped them in their road to success and in fact, the airline has always maintained that the “Omani workforce is renowned for its skills and knowledge levels”. The SQU officials were also quite happy to point out that the Etihad recruitment campaigns always included Omanis into their fold, which has helped the airline in support of its growth plans around the world. The stall at the fair, manned by Etihad staff, including Omanis, generated great interest. “Omanis are indeed our preferred choice of candidates; they are academically sound, easy to train and are very dedicated and hardworking. Etihad has always wooed Omani graduates and we have in our midst 600 and odd Omanis,” Jawahir Said, one of the Etihad members manning the stall, detailed. “I have attended the SQU career fairs for the last three years. They have always generated great interest. We have received quite a lot of applications this year too. Oman is our neighbouring country and before we go looking for candidates from other countries we look at our neighbouring region, which makes Oman the favourite choice.

50 OMANI PILOTS IN ETIHAD “Etihad has Omanis in various sectors from customer service to relationship to marketing departments. There are over 50 Omani pilots employed with us. We hope this year also we can get a good number of young graduates. “The graduates are more confident and walk in to our stall and ask everything they want to know. We encourage them to apply online and give them all information from what skills they need to what their pay scales could be,” Jawahir said. AVIATION INDUSTRY, A GREAT SECTOR TO WORK IN We also spoke to Abdul Raouf Al Barwani, an Omani, who works in the HR and recruitment segment of Etihad. “I have been employed with Etihad for the last six years. It has been a fantastic journey so far. I have had an excellent training opportunity, good pay package and a great career. The Abdul Raouf Al Barwani aviation industry is a great sector to work in. “As for the SQU career and training fair, I think it is a fantastic opportunity for young Omani graduates. They get a lot of different options on a platter. We are very keen to appoint Omani candidates, as they are hard working and loyal. We have had excellent results in the past few years and we hope this year too, we will get good Omani candidates.” 100 OPENINGS AT TURKI AL MA’AMARI OFFICES An advocate firm’s booth jostled for space among the many corporate stalls at the fair. Turki Al Ma’amari Offices for Advocates had its owner and lawyer, Turki Said Abdullah Al Ma’amari, manning the counter. Turki Al Ma’amari had only good things to say about the job fair, noting how a good number of law students came to his stall and enquired threadbare about the possibilities of employment as lawyers. “The graduates of the College of Law at the SQU are of high calibre, responsible, thorough and meticulous in their work. They produce the best of students. “My law firm and its many branches require nearly 100 lawyers. 33

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Abdul Aziz Al Balushi of the HR department of Orpic noted how they were keen to have performance driven, people focussed young Omanis who would love to have a challenging career. “A good workforce is the need of the hour for every corporate! And fairs like this can make a huge difference! It is good to see thousands of male and female Omani candidates walking around with CVs in hand, seriously contemplating a good and illustrious career in some of the top companies exhibited here. The real growth for a nation is when the youth participate in the country’s economy. Such a good sign is evident at this fair!

Turki Said Abdullah Al Ma’amari

I have received a lot of applications and my team and I will sift through and choose.

“Primarily we meet students, we offer internship and training opportunities, we explain to them what the Orpic does and the various career opportunities and skills required to procuring a job in the company. The SQU produces good candidates and we hope many of them will apply online and utilise training as well employment opportunities available with Orpic. We offer quite a lot of training opportunities!” MORE JOB FAIRS, MORE EXPOSURE, MORE OPPORTUNITIES

"Personally, I am happy to see the Omani youth come to the fore. They have now a sense of ownership to their future and the future of this country. This is seen in the way they begin their job hunt from the time they are studying itself. I feel that Oman’s future looks bright with the youth growing up with responsibilities, pride and confidence!” TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES GALORE AT THE ORPIC

Ghalia Al Balushi and Alyaziya Al Zadjali

Just outside the Orpic stand were two young Omani girls, one of them already employed but seeking better prospects and the other fresh out of college and hopeful for a door to open. Ghalia Al Balushi and Alyaziya Al Zadjali said that they were quite excited to see the various corporate stalls offering job and training opportunities.

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Sultan Al Alawi and Abdul Aziz Al Balushi

The Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) counter featured some young, but thoroughly experienced company personnel who took great pains in explaining to each and every student who ‘knocked’ at their stall asking about their chances at this rapidly growing premium businesses in the Middle East’s oil industry. Both Sultan Al Alawi (head) and 34

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“We hope we will find jobs to our liking and education. We are basically looking at marketing jobs. This career fair is a great platform for young Omanis to find out what skills we have or rather need to secure a good job. We are ready to train and groom ourselves to meet the market needs and grow in our careers. More job fairs will give us better exposure and opportunities. We hope to find good jobs soon!”

JOB FAIR GROWING EACH YEAR

Tariq Mohammed Suliman Al Balushi

Tariq Mohammed Suliman Al Balushi, HR and admin officer of Petrogas Rima (a sister company of MB Petroleum Services LLC) took some time off from his busy schedule of speaking and explaining about his company’s activities to the students who flocked by the dozen at the company stall and noted how the SQU career fair has grown over the years. “We have been participating for many years in this fair and we have seen it grow. This year we have seen not only more candidates, but more from the corporate segment participating too, which clearly shows the interest this fair generates in the private sector. “I have seen plenty of engineering graduates actively looking for jobs in the oil field sector. Oman’s corporate bodies are ever keen to induct fresh young talent into their midst to take their companies to new heights. It is quite a good time for the jobs' scene in Oman!” BEST PLACE TO WORK The Bank Muscat ‘Best Place to Work in Oman’ attracted

a large turnout of prospective job seekers to its stall at the Career and Training Opportunities Fair at the SQU. The main objective of the bank’s participation in the threeday event was to highlight the career development and training opportunities available to qualified Omanis. The bank personnel were on hand to meet the enthusiastic job seekers and interact with them on various career options. Hundreds of youth, especially those graduating this year, submitted CVs, expressing keen desire to work in the Sultanate’s leading financial institution. A regular participant at the SQU career fair, Bank Muscat seizes every opportunity to extend support to Omanis seeking career development and training opportunities. Over the years, the bank has adopted innovative strategies to equip Omani staff to take up leadership positions in tandem with future challenges. The bank has developed a comprehensive learning and development strategy for skill and knowledge enhancement vis-à-vis the requirement of various departments. The bank continuously invests to build human capacity and create career opportunities for highly-qualified Omanis who have been able to derive maximum mileage out of its HR processes as most of its middle and senior management cadres are drawn from within the bank. Salim al Kaabi, DGM-HRM, said: “Bank Muscat has achieved qualitative advance in the human resources sector as it attracts the best Omani cadres for employment at all levels. The bank’s women empowerment strategy is also notable as 42 per cent of the staff are women holding various positions, including senior management positions. Bank Muscat is keen to develop its leadership pool from among the young Omanis, thereby contributing to Oman’s future by investing in talent which is the real wealth of the nation.”

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar

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BLACK AND WHITE MAGAZINE, OMAN

By Dr CK Anchan

Having a great idea, and assembling a team to bring that concept to life is the first step in creating a successful business venture. While finding a new and unique idea is rare enough; the ability to successfully execute this idea is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs. As a leader, its important to learn to think outside the box and to choose which of two bad choices is the best option. Don’t immediately choose the first or easiest possibility; sometimes its best to give these issues some thought, and even turn to your team for guidance. Being able to inspire your team is great for focusing on the future goals, but it is also important for the current issues. When you are all mired deep in work, morale is low, and energy levels are fading, recognise that everyone needs a break now and then. Acknowledge the work that everyone has dedicated and commend the team on each of their efforts. It is your job to keep spirits up, and that begins with an appreciation for the hard work. You need to have a vision. It doesn’t matter whether others can see it or not. But most importantly, you have to have confidence and you have to show that confidence. It is critical that your followers - and your opponents - see that confidence. If you are confident of reaching your vision your followers will follow you there, even if they can’t see the vision yet. And your opponents will hesitate, at least slightly, and that will give you the advantage you need. The key to delegation is identifying the strengths of your team, and capitalising on them. Find out what each team member enjoys doing most. Chances are if they find that task more enjoyable, they will likely put more thought and effort behind it. This will not only prove to your team that you trust and believe in them, but will also free up your time to focus on the

Management Talk

Great leaders... follow

Dr Anchan C.K. managing director, World Wide Business House

higher level tasks, that should not be delegated. It’s a fine balance, but one that will have a huge impact on the productivity of your business. Promote a healthy inter-office lifestyle, and encourage your team to live up to these standards. By emphasising these standards, and displaying them yourself, you will hopefully influence the office environment into a friendly and helpful workspace. Training new members and creating a productive work environment all depend on healthy lines of communication. Whether that stems from an open door policy to your office, or making it a point to talk to your staff on a daily basis, making yourself available to discuss inter-office issues is vital. There may be days where the things aren’t going according to plan. This is true with any business, large or small, and the most important thing is not to panic. Part of your job as a leader is to put out fires and maintain the team morale. Keep up your confidence level, and assure everyone that setbacks are natural and the important thing is to focus on the larger goal. As the leader, by staying calm and confident, you will help keep the team feeling the same. If you expect your team to work hard and produce quality content, you’re going to need to lead by example. There is no greater motivation than seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else, showing that hard work is being done on every level. By proving your commitment to the brand and your role, you will not only earn the respect of your team, but will also instill that same hardworking energy among your staff. However you see yourself, whatever your age may be, as soon as you make that exciting first hire, you have taken the first steps in becoming a powerful leader. Wishing you all the best! 37

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hiccupsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Kidstuff

Some interesting facts about

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m The hiccups are caused by an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm. m This spasm causes the person to take a quick intake of air into the lungs, which is what causes the hic noise associated with the hiccups. m Rare cases of the hiccups being an intractable hiccup, which can last for years. m Hiccups occur at a frequency that can range from four to 60 hiccups per minute. m That can mean one hiccup every second. m Another fact is that even a foetus can have the hiccups while in the womb. m A hiccup is also referred to as a diaphragmatic spasm or singultus. In Old English days, a hiccup was called a yox, hickot or hiccough. m The longest hiccup record is held by Charles Osborne of Anthon, Iowa who experienced a hiccup fit that lasted from 1922 to 1990. m There are many different ways to cure the hiccups. Try eating a spoonful of dry granulated sugar or honey, pull on your tongue or swallow dry bread to relieve the hiccups. If these donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, try the old fashion cures of holding your breath, drinking a glass of water slowly or have a friend scare you.

Hiccup teacup! Hiccup teacup!

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We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Finally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fortnight, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:

Drop names and jaws will drop It is not just the scribes who have painful encounters with their sources; those in the advertising segment would have various stories to tell about their know-it-all clients. Here is one of them: Recently, some ad officials went to meet a not-so-potential client only to swipe the slate clean of his bad opinion about their publication. The man they met had a skyscraper ego and an ant’s brain. Problem was that despite his limited knowledge, he unfortunately thought too much of himself. He did not have a clue about the publication, yet seems to have hated it at first sight. It was not based on any measured opinion, but just an instant dislike sans reason. And he had all the facts wrong about the publication. But, however much the publication’s ad team tried to dispel this man’s lopsided notions, it did not work until, a senior member decided to drop names. Besides being in the field for many years, key members of the publication’s group were not only well connected, but their higher ups were among the powers that be in town. Then, the stuck-up man’s jaw dropped. It dropped

further when the ad officials switched their usual ad speak gobbledygook and engaged in a plain, hard-hitting conversation that soon made the man realise he was actually treading on wrong grounds. He quickly dropped his pose and then began trying to patch up. But, for once, the ad officials were in no mood to reconcile and they made sure that they stamped their authority on the show off and gave him a piece of their mind(s). This is one man who may soon adopt a more humble approach to everyone thanks to the word hiding he received from this unexpected source!

Nitter natter

The machinations of the green-eyed monster There is a jealous or envious streak in all of us. It is just that some people have it in decent, controllable levels, while others can neither control it, nor are they able to hide it. Some display this aberrant behaviour straight out into the open. Readers bring us many stories of how any achievement – let it be anything, someone’s singing or musical talents, someone’s drawing or painting skills, or someone’s ability to make money or simply do something better than many… All of this invites the wrath and fury of so many out there. One top entrepreneur always refuses to have his picture taken for any of his interviews or exciting company news that he reveals saying that he fears the green-eyed monster’s wrath on him. “Try to avoid my name also, because the moment I get some publicity, there are so many out there, wishing me ill luck!” We tried to laugh it off, but he sternly told us that it is not a laughable matter. In fact, there are some who even resort to extreme measures when bitten by the green-eyed 40

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monster and attempt many despicable means to destroy not only the competition, but even those with whom they are remotely connected.

Need a law to root out rudeness Humility is something that is lacking among many in the field today. Rudeness is in. And egocentricity rules the roost. Wherever you go, you will find rude sales personnel, thickskinned officials, sitting in a position of authority, downright horror story of secretaries to prominent businessmen, who do not let an inch, nor even a ray of light in, let alone a suspicious looking stranger (according to her), impatient mechanics, intolerant and insensitive medical personnel and so onâ&#x20AC;Ś If you, the gentle reader, out there, are like us who have no wasta, have little or no influence and do not like to be pushed around and really like to be respected, even if no special favours are done, then you will go wild. The more we interact and link with those in different strata of the workplace and on the services front, the more we get blue in the face, telling them that you should not be treated in this manner. Like other laws and legislations and rules in place on various aspects of life, we should also campaign for a climate of respect, of understanding, service and sympathy among those who have to deal with the public. What they should realise is that if not for the public, they would not have anything to sell, anything to serve, anything to do, or rather, they would not have a jobâ&#x20AC;Ś they would be out in the streets. So, let them engage in service with not just a smile, but with a heart beating for the customers!

Parental competition In line with the above, a reader tells us about how the growing competition among students to excel in the academic level and also the cultural, art and other extra-curricular activities has gone into the heads of the parents too. Today, you see many a parent in heated competition too to make their wards not just better than the rest, but try to put down the ones who come close or better their children. Here also, the green eyed monster is raising not just its ugly head, but is actually propelling them to wipe out the competition, whatever the means!

(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on editor@blackandwhiteoman.com or call 99218461)

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Your ARIES March 21-April 20 Your expertise and confidence will attract attention at work. Expect colleagues and business officials to rely heavily on your advice or ask your opinion concerning personnel or office dynamics. Close friends and lovers will compete for your affections. Be diplomatic in group settings and refuse to show favouritism.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

Areas of concern may be unresolved emotions in relationships and romantic regrets. Spiritual awareness and emotional strength are highlighted this week. Pay close attention to dreams, intuitions and insights into the behaviour of others. Watch co ntracts and important documents for hidden clauses or potential mistakes.

New ideas and announcements at work will cause much discussion amongst coworkers. Although information is scattered or unreliable, the underlying theme is solid: workplace change will be forthcoming in the next three weeks. Areas of prime concern will be groupings of office staff and restructured responsibilities.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

Key spiritual issues involve admiration for unethical individuals or accepting the flaws of past teachers, mentors and leaders. All of this will, eventually, be quite liberating. In the mean time, however, watch business details carefully and expect others to offer mistaken information. Friends and family members may need emotional approval.

Plan to spend extra time with close friends and partners. Others may need emotional encouragement concerning long term business goals and family decisions. Be supportive and optimistic. Emotions are unpredictable this week: expect others to doubt their own actions and second guess major decisions.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Over the next few days the added scrutiny of minor finances and spending habits will bring increased income over the coming three weeks. Avoid lending, offering business advice or taking on new financial obligations. At the moment, many Virgos will feel a strong desire to help others and provide quick business or financial solutions.

Horoscope

ALFREDO JAMES 'AL' PACINO (BORN APRIL 25, 1940) is an American film and stage actor and director. He is well known for playing mobsters, including Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy and Tony Montana in Scarface, and often appeared on the other side of the lawâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;as a police officer, a detective and lawyer. For his performance as Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1992. He had received seven previous Oscar nominations, including one in that same year. He made his feature film debut in the 1969 film Me, Natalie in a minor supporting role, before playing the lead role in the 1971 drama The Panic in Needle Park. Pacino made his major breakthrough with the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather in 1972, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Other Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor were for Dick Tracy and Glengarry Glen Ross. Oscar nominations for Best Actor include The Godfather Part II, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, ...And Justice for All.

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stars LIBRA September 24-October 23 Others will respond well to displays of confidence and frank emotional statements. Expect close friends to reveal their vulnerabilities or doubts concerning business decisions and relations with authority figures. Offer advice and words of encouragement: it may now be important for others to improve their reputation. CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Key issues may involve attitudes toward parent/child relationships and a lack of respect for the past. Expect to hear news, messages or subtle invitations from a past employer or colleague. You’ll take a great deal of comfort and pleasure from being with people who feel like kindred spirits and who share your outlook in many ways.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22 Delicate information at work or conflicts of interest in business relationships may be the theme. Expect colleagues and business partners to reveal a series of recent ethical mistakes or misunderstandings. Key issues may involve office policy, hidden alliances or finding fault with the reputation of a friend. AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Large corporations or government agencies may now offer permissions, needed paperwork or delayed funding applications. Business ideas are expansive and positive over the coming three weeks. Look for valuable opportunities for investments and partnerships in publishing, advertising and the management of personnel.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Expect slow but steady emotional movement in key relationships over the coming few days and weeks. Some Sagittarians may also now discover an exciting group of friends or social outlet. If so, expect this to arrive quickly in your life and be highly passionate. New love affairs, however, may now cause strain in present social relationships. PISCES February 20-March 20 You will develop a fresh approach to expressing emotions and setting boundaries in relationships. Over the next few days expect others to be drawn to your confidence and frank method of self expression. Use this clarity and insightful awareness to encourage new honesty and open communications in important relationships.

JOHN FELIX ANTHONY CENA (BORN APRIL 23, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, bodybuilder, rapper, and actor. He is currently signed to WWE. Cena started his professional wrestling career in 1999 with Ultimate Pro Wrestling, where he held the UPW Heavyweight Championship. Cena signed a developmental contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later renamed to WWE) in 2001, débuting on the main roster in 2002. As of February 2014, Cena has had 21 championships reigns, including a record 11 reigns as WWE Champion and three reigns as World Heavyweight Champion. He is a 14-time World champion, and has the fourth-highest number of combined days as WWE Champion, behind Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino. Cena has been described as one of the most polarising and divisive figures in WWE history, despite being a babyface for the majority of his career. Outside of wrestling, Cena has released the rap album You Can't See Me, which débuted at No 15 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and starred in the feature films The Marine (2006), 12 Rounds (2009), and Legendary (2010).

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PICK-UP POINTS MUSCAT WADI KABIR Bait al Zubair Bait al Baranda Marina Bander Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al Jissah Sri Lankan School NHI Pencil Building (Stationery shop) Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden Oasis Sana Fashions Al Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)

Circulation

CBD AREA TO DARSAIT Al Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad Sultan Al Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving) Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD area Pizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower) Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD area Centre point-Splash Muscat Securities market Times of Oman Shell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton) OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM) KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – Ruwi Palayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance Office Al Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High street Damas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC Centre Air Arabia Office- Shanfari Travels Ruwi Hotel Gulf air building – Gulf air office Saravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroom OTE Moosa Abdul Showroom – next to al Jadeed Toshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shopping Badr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pm Ministry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom) Haffa House Hotel Al Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait) Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx) Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx) Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shop Al Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic

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Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD area Bank Muscat Bank Sohar HSBC Standard Chartered Oman Arab Bank Harmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks area OTTB – Oman Travels Bureau Air India office – CBD next to Costas Costas Papa John Supa Save – CBD Woodlands Bank Dhofar Horizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels) Oman post office Lulu Darsait Khimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen) Indian Social Club Melody Music Centre – Next to ISM German Embassy – Hamriya roundabout Apollo Medical Centre Computer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot) Hatat House Passage to India Best cars Hyundai/Subaru/GM showroom Al Asfoor Furnishing Ahli Bank Shell marketing office SEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda Showroom Sabco Head office wattayah NTT travels Wattayah Toyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroom Lexus Ford showroom Shanfari Automotive Wattayah Motors- VW showroom Khoula Hospital Institute of Health sciences – opposite Khoula Kia showroom- wattayah QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIR Al Harthy ComplexPizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complex Sultan Center Nissan showroom BMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centre Pizza Hut – Qurum Capital Store Al Asfoor Plaza KFC Hardees Fono showroom next to Sabco centre Shah Nagardas Sabco Centre- Barista coffee shop only Al Araimi Panasonic Showroom NBO Qurum Al Khamis Plaza Al Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shop Mercedes showroom

CCC- Stand CCC Al Fair Bollywood chat Pizza Hut – Qurum Second Cup Nandos McDonalds Salman Stores Jawahir Oman Hamptons Business Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) Starbucks Hawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum park Mumtaz Mahal Left bank Oman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20) Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- stand Oasis by the sea - crepe café stand LNG Office Al Qurum resort Bareek Al Shatti Complex Al Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin Donuts Al Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotel Hotel Ramada Al Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schools Grand Hyatt Muscat Al Masa Mall Radio Shack Al Sarooj Complex Shell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al Fair Ramee Guestline Rock Bottom Classic Institute of Arts- next to Asas Oman Asas Oman Apartments Crowne Plaza Coral hotel Qurum Pvt school PDO Ras Al Hamraa Club Omanoil head office AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBA Al Thabat Travel & Tourism ELS – Al khuwair service road British School Muscat – MSQ British Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza Hut Khimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fair Family Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildg Starbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist Floor Fotomagic Al Noor Hall Al Jadeed Eqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al Khuwair Domino Pizza Oman mobile Safeer Hypermarket Mustafa Sultan Souk Technia Omantel Oman international Bank – Al khuwair main office

Ibis Hotel Park inn Hotel Friendi Office Muscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams Subway Pizza Hut service road Ice Skating Rink National Training Institute Golden spoon Restaurant Shell Select- Al Khuwair Mcdonalds Mct holiday Inn Hotel Oman Bowling Center Halliburton Café Vergnano Khimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suites Axa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair) Zakher shopping Mall PAN Furnishing Harley Davidson Thrifty Al Amal Medical Centre – Dr Bashir Hotel Radisson Pizza Hut Al Khuwair Ozone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut) American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door) V Kool TAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex Café Aviation Club Restaurant AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEB Lulu Hyper market – Baushar Oman Medical college College for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, baushar Azzan Bin Qais school - Baushar Muscat private Hospital Dolphin Village – Bausher Royal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTI National mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn) Oman oil Azaiba Spicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – Ghala Oman oil – Ghala Towell head office – Enhance & Ist floor Mazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell Azaiba Oman Tribune – Al Watan office New India assurance Azaiba office Safeer Hypermart Nawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot Institute GU Tech – Beach road Azaiba Chedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate office NACA – national cancer Awareness Assn MCC – Crepe Café Al Bahja– Mood Café & food Court Al Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip) Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip Hotel Air port Select Shell – Seeb Pizza Hut airport

MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB MUSCAT continued...

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

KFC Muscat golf hills, SEEB KOM SQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area) Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ office Caledonian college – principal’s office Oman Foot ball association

SHOPPING MALLS Lulu shopping center Al- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah) Dhofar shopping center Bab Al- Salam market Al- Mashoor (Salalah) Al- Mashoor (Saada) Al-Khareef K.M Trading Al-Isteqarar (Saada) Al-Hoq super market Hamdan commercial market Fresh super market (Al-Sarat) Union Salalah Market Family bookshop

Spicy Village Restaurant Lulu Hypermarket Jumeirah Shopping Centre Khimji’s Mart Al Salem shopping Centrepoint Moosa Abdul Rahman – GMC Toyota Nissan Mitsubishi LG showroom Sohar Bakery Sohar University Bank Muscat Habib Bank Bank Sohar Oman International Bank Al Raffah Hospital Badr Al Samaa Oman Arab Bank Bank Dhofar HSBC Travel City National Travels and Tours Universal Travels and Tourism DHL Dhofar Insurance Al Ahlia Insurance Taeeger Finance Co Omantel Al Jazeera Group Narenjee Hirjee (International)

OIB, Nizwa OIB, Firq BankMuscat, Nizwa BM main branch, Nizwa BankMuscat, Firq NBO, Nizwa NBO, Firq Bank Abudhabi Toyota OTE Omantel Nawras Khimji, Nizwa Khimji, Izki Muscat Bakery, Nizwa Pizza Hut Discount centre Family shopping Al Diyar Hotel Safari hotel Al-Nif shopping, Izki Hungery Bunny, Nizwa College of Science College of Technic Nizwa Medical College Busmath Clinic Thalal Clinic Omanoil, Izki Omanoil, Firq Omanoil, Nizwa Omanoil, Marfa Shell, Izki Shell, Firq Shell, Nizwa Al-Maha, Firq Nizwa university -Dept of foreign lang Al-Maha, Marfa

RUSAYL AREA Rusayl Industrial Estate Oman Cables Sadolin Paints Jotun Paints Al waqia shoes Mehdi Foods Areej veg oils MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIR Ministry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG) Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct) Ministry of foreign affairs

SUR Al-Hashar LNG LNG, Club Sur Sur Beach Hotel Sur University OTE, Sur Mitsibushi Rawaya coffee shop Toyota Nissan Sur Plaza Hotel Mazda Khimji Omantel Private Hospital, Sur BankMuscat Sur Hotel NBO, Sur Bank Dhofar, Sur ELS, Sur

HOTELS Crown Plaza Hilton Salalah Hamdan plaza Dhofar Hotel Salalah hotel Haffa House Redan Hotel Al- Hanaa Hotel BAMSIR hotel Al- Jabel hotel Al- Nile suite (Saada) Salalah Mariott MINISTRIES Ministry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of education Ministry of defense Ministry of housing & electricity Ministry of water Ministry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah) Ministry of primary court and justice Ministry of Commerce & industry Dhofar municipality (Baladia) Ministry of man power PETROL STATIONS, BANKS Shanfari filling Station shell select, al saada Oman oil Shell Salalah Bank Muscat Omantel Oman Arab Bank Pizza hut Dhofar University Al Maha souk

BARKA Lulu hyper market Safeer Centre Al Nahda resort Al Maha Souk Oman Oil Rumais Oman College of management OIB NBO Bank Muscat Shell OTE SARCO Nissan showroom Omantel

FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINE AVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN ON 7TH & 21ST

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By Vandana Shah

It's my life

Pack of Cards – King, Queen, Joker...

Vandana, award winning author (‘360 Degrees Back to Life')

As the cards kept flipping over and my fortunes waxed and waned I waited (and worked) with bated breath for the next card to reveal what was in store for me.

The wait was long and I saw the next card was a lowly two and again I waited (and worked )for the next card and I let out a whoppee of joy as I spotted a queen and then with a lilt in my steps I walked away waiting for the next card. NA! I HAVEN'T BECOME A GAMBLER…but am just looking at my life!

Sometimes there are bad times like you being dealt the lowly twos, but in these times if you keep your cool and work hard and just hang in there, your hard work will pay off, your luck will turn, and then, lo and behold, even that two will become as powerful as a king .

The cards don’t remain the same as the game of life has to go on and soon the next card may be a queen or an ace; so you are on the top of the world. Even when that happens it’s important to maintain your equilibrium because you don’t know when there is another two round the corner.

Life really has its ebbs and flows which no one can predict or control so the beauty is to play the game of life fairly, never to despair or lose hope and cut short your life knowingly during your bad times because each time any such thought enters your mind remember today you may be a ‘two’ but tomorrow again you will be the king of the world.

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com. Email me what you’d like to say on 360degreesbacktolife@gmail.com Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

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Beef is

versatile,

hearty, and

delicious,

and

Cooking

nothing spells comfort than a pot of hearty beef stew simmering on the stove. Stew beef is inexpensive, and vegetables and potatoes round out this one-pot mealâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Easy beef stew Ingredients: 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 medium onion, cut into eighths 1 bag (8 oz) baby-cut carrots (about 30) 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed beef broth 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves 1/4 teaspoon pepper 12 small red potatoes (1-1/2 lb), cut into fourths 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (about 5 oz) or 1 package (3.4 oz) fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced

Method: Slow cooker directions: Chop onion (1/2 cup). Omit tomato sauce. Increase flour to 1/2 cup. In 3-1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except beef. Add beef (do not stir). Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 9 hours. Stir well.Heat oven to 325 degrees F.In ovenproof 4-quart Dutch oven, mix all ingredients except potatoes and mushrooms. Cover and bake 2 hours, stirring once.Stir in potatoes and mushrooms. Cover and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes longer or until beef and vegetables are tender.

Vegetable beef stew Ingredients: 1 pound cubed beef stew meat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 (14.5 ounce) can low fat, low sodium beef broth 1 cup chopped carrots 3 potatoes, cubed 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 10 ounces button mushrooms, quartered (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed Method: Remove any bits of fat from the meat. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Saute the meat in the oil for 10 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Remove meat and set aside. Add the onion and tomato paste to the pot and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes, or

until onion is tender, stirring often. Return the meat to the skillet along with the beef broth, combining with the onion and tomato paste mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender. Add the carrots, potatoes, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and crushed red pepper flakes and simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes. (Note: It may be necessary to add some water if the stew seems too thick.) Finally, add the mushrooms and the peas and allow stew to heat through, about another 10 to 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving.

If your husband has

Psyche

ADHDâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Kate has always wondered why, in her seven years of marriage, her husband, Dave, was always labeled ‘lazy’ or ‘stupid’ by everyone in his circle and at times, even by her. Dave was known as the ‘absent-minded professor’ for quite sometime and while during the early days, it was funny and cute to peg him thus, later on it became difficult to digest a man who was perennially forgetful and was not finishing any tasks that he has to do. That was when everyone stopped laughing around Dave and soon began laughing at him. Soon they were calling him a ‘clown’ and many found him to be too tedious to deal with as he was failing on all fronts. But better late than never for a medic friend soon discovered that Dave was suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Long said to be a disorder that afflicted children, it is now very clear that even adults suffer from the same. Dave’s case could be considered to be a childhood disorder, which continued to afflict him as he grew up or perhaps it could be a latent problem. Whatever, it was soon established that Dave had ADHD. He was one of those who were never diagnosed as a kid, and thereby it has developed more obvious symptoms in adulthood. Poor Dave, who never realised that he had ADHD, was always mystified that his goals always seemed to slip out of reach. But, Dave had all the classical signs so it was quite unusual why no one could detect it. The ADHD in adults follows a slightly different pattern than in children. Dave was always late for work, and even important events. Dave knew his tardiness was ‘killing’ him yet he was unable to fight it, nor make up for it in some way. No, it was sending him down a spiral of depression. Dave, like all ADHD affected adults had a huge problem of starting and finishing tasks. Not only was he disorganised,

restless, and easily distracted, he also had trouble concentrating while reading. Dave was also quite temperamental. He not only displayed an impulsive behaviour, but he also could not contain his anger. Earlier, they said he was quite innocent as he used to quite often blurt out his innermost thoughts, but later on, it became quite difficult when he was voicing rude and insulting thoughts. Dave could focus, in the sense, if it was something he really enjoyed doing, he could hyperfocus, but give him something he had no interest in and he would not know where to start, where to begin. He would always struggle to pay attention to tasks that bore him. Doctors however point out that the trouble was that almost all of the tasks that have to be undergone for success in everyday life was quite dull. Dave, however, would put off all boring tasks in favour of the ones he enjoyed doing. Dave was lucky that he had a devoted and an understanding wife. The biggest problem on the family front for those adults with ADHD was that it could destroy relationships and marriages. Dave was always forgetful of any social or family commitments. “He could never remember birthdays, anniversaries… That was fine to an extent, but he kept forgetting to pay bills on time and that was quite difficult for us,” Kate remembers. But, she held on to her husband and now when she realised what her husband was going through, she is glad that she withstood the pressure and took the burden of being married to a man with ADHD. The first step to helping adults with ADHD is to get families to understand the problem first and help the afflicted one through the daily process. Adults with ADHD may not be able to outgrow the condition, but would still learn to manage it. Treatment will help and it is the family’s responsibility to help ADHD victims to reach their personal as well as professional goals.

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Health 52

April 2 01 4 20 14 Black &White

Employers to the rescue? You may call the women of today independent, liberated, strong and free spirited and not just on par with men, but a step ahead. Yet, when it comes to the working field, one should ask this question: are the independent, liberated, strong and freespirited women treated on par with men? Is there a resounding yes, or just a quiet affirmation?

know that she is earning less than her male counterpart, but still has to do more. There is competition nipping at her heels and does she have any peace when she goes home? No! Because she has to handle her equally stressed husband and her children who are behind her demanding attention!

In the absence of a very enthusiastic response, shall we just settle for the quieter version? So what does it imply? That the scene is bad for women at the workplace front?

There are of course some companies where gender is not an issue and equality is the norm. But, largely gender is an issue in many companies. How does a woman emerge a winner after confronting all these issues? Sadly, some don’t and are experiencing burnout due to the overwork and increased stress from the job as well as the home front. Thanks to such pressure, women are now prone to stress related illnesses, doctors who have seen many a woman with related problems, say. “Some of the women who come to me are on the verge of an emotional and physical burnout,” Dr Edward Bernstein, a doctor who have had such women on his client list, says. Persistent stress can result in serious health problems, he notes.

Yes, it may vary from one workplace to another, but the majority of them don’t. In fact, this is one of the biggest challenges that many women still face today on the work front. At one end they have this issue that they are still earning lesser than their male counterparts, and at home the pressure of handling both work and family responsibilities takes its toll. Why does this happen and what is the way out? Why are women still facing gender challenges at their work places? Technological changes have hardly brought in a change for the plight of women on the work front. In fact, the scene has become more competitive, adding to the woes of the already pressured women. Adding salt to the wound is the sad fact that in some companies, the problem of women earning less than men, still persists. As that continues, women are also forced to endure the dual stress of finding a balance between family and career. At the work front, she has the pressure of working in a male dominated atmosphere, and

But, in real severe situations, women maybe forced to bail out one of the two as they are unable to keep a balance. This would mean that they may have to quit a well-paying job to keep their family life afloat. But, that is hardly an option for those women who have to depend on their salaries to run their family in the first place. If companies come out in aid of such women facing real time problem juggling work and family, it would be a help not only to the woman concerned but also the company as such work-life balance is beneficial to the productivity and creativity of their employees. Women, by far, are good workers and if their employers realise that they should offer flexible working arrangements. It may also be noted that those women employees who are given some leeway in terms of their work will almost never leave the organisation and would work with greater pride and put in more effort on the work front. In the absence of a real trueblue formula out of this work-life imbalance that women face all over the world, understanding employers can give some element of relief. 53 53

Ap Apriril l 22001144 Black &White Black&White

Not a math person!

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar I hate x. I hate maths. Numbers of all sorts I would say hate is a small word to use. The feeling is much more negative and caustic. All my school life and college days, I hated math, math teachers and anything to do with the subject. Hate is a subtle word when I think of the subject and the after effects it has on me. Whoever discovered the subject did it for a good reason. Whoever extended, expanded, researched, reproduced and captured in it the textbooks and curriculum must have been with creativity and good intention of saving the mankind using math. Like every other child who enters the school, I did too. I learnt mathematics very meticulously with every other subject. As long as it was limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, I was enthusiastic and open-minded. I was as thirsty for numbers as anybody else. As numbers grew from 0 to 10 to 100 to 1000, I was still alright. The formulas sounded simple at first, when the x and y and z entered, the confusion grew. It was then I hated growing up with math. I did what I had to, with everything in me. I wrote, read, and memorised all possible formulas available in the textbooks. Each year I dreaded the subject. I never understood why I had to find out x, but did it because my teacher asked me to. Till date the formulas

I memorised, the values of x and y never came of use to me, not in a shopping mall or the dinner I cook or the battles I fight, personally or professionally. But again, I am not a mathematician. Maybe, I am not a math person. Maybe I did not learn it right. Maybe I was prejudiced. But the truth still remains that I could never get an answer right. With maths, you are either right or wrong, there is no way in between. Probably that is what I hated most. The formulas looked always easy to memorise. But when applied on to a problem, the solutions looked bleak. Why did they call all those questions in math as problems? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong. I believe math has a right to exist in this world. And with people who love it. I am sure someone out there must be passionate to find out the area of a triangle, the values of trigonometry, the lowest common multiple, the square roots, the quadratic equations, and all the related formulas! They say learn your times tables right and fast. But learning that is tough unless you know your addition and subtraction tables. All formulas are linked and related just like your family members! Trigonometry cannot be taught without algebra. Calculus cannot be taught without trigonometry. Where is the alternative? It is just that it is scary that when donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand something, why get judged on how well we could do it? Why judge someone by the standard created for all? priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

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