Black & White magazine issue 26

Vol.2 Issue 26II January 7-20, 2011

New Year resolutions for men p10 Camels everywhere p17 Alternative methods to lose weight p58

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3-16 Shafar

Bend it like Khamis p30

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Dates to remember Feb 9, Indian Republic

Day event

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Autism Sudoku , 7 il r p A vent ness e aware

October 15, White

Cane day, Awareness event for the blind

CAUSES & EFFECTS

One more reason to be proud I know I am a little late in sending you my congratulations, but, then, better late than never. I am a fan, no, I am an ardent reader of Black & White magazine and have been reading each and every one of them, save one (issue 3).

I have also read the current issue (issue 25) and I must say that each one covers topics that are close to my heart and about this country, which I can proudly say is mine (and so many others).

As an Omani, I am not just touched, but overwhelmed by the kind of stories that you have done on Omanis and about Oman. Of course, I am not just singing praises, I also want you to improve on various factors and also go indepth into stories as well as find more and more tales of Oman scattered across the country and not just in the vicinity of Muscat. Yes, you have had done stories from Sohar, Barka, Sur, Musannah etc, but go on, get out of the usual path and try to get gainful insight of people living in other pockets of the country too. I urge you to do this because it is an education, not only for you, but also us, the readers. Black & White is today one of the main medium to tell the world about the tales of Oman and giving us Omanis, in particular, one more reason to be proud of this great country.

Said Suleiman Al Battashi, Seeb (Ed. Thanks. You may please contact us to get a copy (issue 3) from our office.)

Oman has around 100 Baobab trees Reading your interesting tale about the Baobab tree (issue 25), made me google the Baobabs in Oman and I came upon a post in Omanholiday.uk where it was noted that “Oman has about 100 Baobab trees, mainly in the south and a few in the north�. The post also said that fruit of the Baobab trees could be used in smoothies and cereal bars. Hope this might be of some interest to B&W as well as its readers.

Yahya Al Balushi, Muttrah

66January January7-20, 7-20,2011 2011

Healing powers of the Mashuu I am keen to know more about the healing side of the oldest Baobab (Mashuu) tree in the village of Zahaimi. Where I come from (India), visitors to sacred trees are quite common. In fact, in India, sacred trees are visited by petitioners seeking blessings, especially for health and fertility. Some are know to even leave food and flowers at the foot of the tree. Many also tie ribbons of cloth or coloured wish bags on the branches of these trees. In Africa, you will find the sacred Marula tree, which is known as the marriage tree. Many trees in Europe (at least until the beginning of the 20th century) were said to have magical healing powers. I see that you have downplayed the healing side of the Mashuu tree, so, I guess, the only way to find out more is to visit Zahaimi myself.

Arul Rajan, Qurum

A teenager's mind I am a teenager, all of fifteen!

I'll tell you what people think of being a teen You always think you're right, and when you get it wrong, You blame it on the person who knew it all along You boast about all the different things that you could do; You sulk around for months if someone does it better than you You never seem to care about what happens in the world; You won't even want to know how to turn lead to gold You'll always act as if you are the leader of the kingdom; I think you'd guess that we would chose wealth over wisdom Yes, as a teenager my mind might seem like a shallow pool; But in fact I only need your strength and support to make it rule There's more into a teen's mind than what you might have known; We all have a desire to make Earth a better home In every teen's heart there's an urge to face the world together; Most acknowledge the fact early and embrace the truth forever Yes, I am a teenager, I believe there will be a time, Where teens will be looked up to for having such great minds!

Maisoon Mohamed Al-Mahrouqi

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 7

Xclusive The wizard of Asa bin Bilal Al Balushi is a 30 Khamis master craftsman of the Asa in Barka. This master Asa maker has made over 10,000 Asiyas (plural of Asa) in the last 25 years

Cover Photo: Najib Al Balushi

The language of upliftment

54

Sanskrit is not a dead language.

Although this historical Indo-Aryan language cannot be used for communication, Sanskrit is still alive and well, a dedicated Sanskrit teacher in Muscat tells Black & White

Exercises after holidays

14

Check out for some easyto-do exercises right from home

Bitter Batter

Contents

rates are different 44 Weekend If you are visiting a

Women get more terrifying nightmares

supermarket this weekend, please check the item rates and see whether there are any discrepancies

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed at Mazoon, 8 January 7-20,Muscat, 2011 Oman

60

BPA Consumer Audit applied for December 2009

Studies claim that women experience far more terrifying nightmares than men

Editor-in-chief Managing editor Work editor Design & production Photographer Advt. & marketing

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Najib Al Balushi Swithun Fernandes Aloni Mehta

All about X, Y & Z

They ain’t WikiLeaks, but…

By Adarsh Madhavan

I wanted to tell this to my media friends before the year ended, but I couldn’t. Well, let me do it now.

But, before that: a whole round of applause to all of you out there, especially the ones who have slogged it out and made a great difference in the media scene here. Go on, make a difference always and forget the ones who are trying to bring you down!

To the naysayers and the whiners, I want to say this: please give the media guys, the journos and the scribes here, a break! Let them be. If possible, try to help them, instead of bringing them down.

Look at the scene today: someone conducts fraudulent activity, gets caught and his case is made known to the public; some case is in the court and the newspapers report it, there is a crime somewhere and it is flashed prominently; sources from the authorities concerned are quoted (although under anonymity)…then on the other end, social problems like divorces, harassment of girls, rather, eve teasing are all being discussed and exposed… and hey, there was this recent story where a lady won a case against some people who were trying to give her a raw deal at a medical centre, which she had created…isn’t this enough reason for us scribes to cheer about? It is not about freedom or anything. Let us not get over excited. All I am saying is that the media – especially the print media – is now doing more than its bit to bring some issues out in the open and shouldn’t this be a reason enough to roundly congratulate the ones who are behind this change? Shouldn’t we all thank the authorities concerned for letting us share a bit more responsibility and enjoy a slightly better role in spreading awareness than before?

Why should we only focus on the negative? There are so many out there, especially the netizens, who feel that net news was hotter than the print media. Of course, the net scribes can pound away with nary a care as they do not come under the strict scrutiny of neither, the powers that be, or the lawmakers. The print media operates under a

stricter code and they don’t have the means or the wherewithal to work under anonymity and reveal stories by the dozen. Both exist and operate under starkly different conditions and any comparisons are simply put ‘odious’.

But, instead of wallowing in self pity, the local scribes are slowly emerging from the woodwork and the words are indeed flying, duly measured, but definitely effective.

They cannot reach the level of whistle blowers like WikiLeaks, but, today, more than decent efforts are being made and why in the world isn’t anyone appreciating these emerging brave young lot that exist in Oman’s media scene? The web will continue to evolve and produce scintillating stuff because they rely less on official sources, while the traditional media and reporting today, especially here, has to and must (as per rules) depend on official matters. The day this changes, you will see the traditional media also unleashing some media rockets and land in some hitherto unheard of planets and make big leaps for mediakind. Until then, let us appreciate and promote the scribes here because they need that sometimes.

A bit of applause, a bit of cheering and appreciation and some warm pats on the backs for jobs well done.

Enough of looking down at them, especially with a microscope…

So, dear friends in the media, I repeat: all of you are doing a great job and you must know it…not to rest on your laurels, but just so that you don’t get depressed and drop your roles as scribes and start selling cars or land (not that it is bad). You have started the change and may you and your followers enjoy the fruits of your hard labour. Let us doff our hats to all of you! God bless you all!

And before we close, a li’l joke, which obviously has been doing the rounds and most of us have been tickled with the same. But, for those who haven’t: “Dear kids, sorry, there is no such person as ‘Santa’/ Santa Claus.

“Those presents were from your parents!

Love, WikiLeaks!” editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 9

This

2011, let us resolve to‌

New Years and resolutions go hand in hand, and so here are some new resolutions that you may need to take to have a better, livelier and enjoyable 2011.

Why not try some of them, or, if possible, all of them?!

Men read

BE FIT IN FITNESS

10 January 7-20, 2011

It is not just about fit fitness; there are so many fringe benefits like a better lifestyle, enjoyable quality of life and a feeling well being. A fit man will also have a fit mind and are also good to look at as you are also going to lose that bulge in the bargain. You are not just going to live longer, but enjoy life in a better manner than ever before.

So, F is for fitness and regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Yes, work should come first on most occasions, but there are times when family and friends should take centre stage, what do you think you workaholic or Ceo Sir? For this year, take a vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with family or friends for camaraderie soirees at suitable locations.

STUB IT

Okay, you may have made this promise last year and the year before and the year… No problems. This time you are going to win over temptation to become a human chimney.

Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

GET OUT OF DEBT

Okay you may not be able to be Mr Money Bags in a month, or even a year for that matter (it is not the movies)! But, try to get rid of that one big source of stress in your life last year. Let us all resolve to spend this year getting a handle on our finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

It is not just about having will power, or finding the time…There is scope for all of us to try out something new, learn something new… Let us try to make a vow that this year (is going to be different from the ones before) and that we will all try to learn something new. It can be anything from a career change, learning a new language, or just how to fix your computer… Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating resolutions to keep.

HELP OTHERS

Explore the altruistic side of your life. It is important that you also learn to give. It doesn’t mean that you have to give everything away or think only about the poor and the downtrodden. No, but, at least you could think of them sometimes. At least once a week and start to do something for them. You can try to volunteer your skills or services at the NGOs (non governmental organisations) in town or if time is a constraint, at least donate something (money or clothing or furniture or other household items – which you don’t need) to causes that need them. Try, you will enjoy this change.

ENJOY LIFE

Life is not about being miserable. Although there are enough reasons for some of us to lope about in abject misery, that is not the order of the day or the role we should adopt.

Just learn to let go and enjoy the moment, or the ordinary pleasures of life. If there was a beautiful bird that has caught your attention, don’t just stop gazing and run off to your errand. Let it wait for some moments.

Enjoy the bird, enjoy the sunshine, the cool breeze, the flowers, the grass, enjoy this sheer form of life that you are living…why should we find pleasure in materialistic things? Can’t we just enjoy nature for a change?

Black & White 11

Men health 12 January 7-20, 2011

Treadmill vs walking If you have recently bought a treadmill, you are going to be assailed with some doubts. The first one would be: which is better? Is it better to walk indoors on the treadmill or outside on a track, sidewalk, or path? The workouts are similar, but have some basic differences, experts say. Let us hear them out:

CALORIES ON THE TREADMILL VS OUTSIDE WALKING The basic motorised treadmill has no incline. So, there you are likely to burn lesser calories per mile than you do outdoors. The moving tread does some of the work for you, and you have no wind resistance. According to research, you can overcome these by adding a slight, as little as one percent. There are pros and cons of using a treadmill. The problem with the treadmill is that most of us may hold on to the handrails while exercising, but this will reduce calories burned further, and wreck your walking posture. It is best to train yourself to walk a speed you can sustain without holding onto the handrails.

ADVANTAGE WALKING When we walk outside, the biggest advantage in challenging your balance and stability with all of the small obstacles, dodges, starts and stops.

This will give you an advantage for distance walking as well as overall health as we age -- maintaining our stabilising muscles. Here is what you face walking outside vs on a treadmill: Up and down curbs, steps, short stairways, and stepping over small obstacles. A little workout for your climbing muscles.

Sloped sidewalks and road sides. A challenge to your balance muscles.

Dodging people, puddles, and poodles. A challenge to move sideto-side as well as forward. Stops and starts at street crossings. A challenge to the muscles to come to a halt and to start from zero. Treadmills only go uphill or level, only very rare models have downhill incline. Going downhill challenges muscles in a completely different way. On the treadmill, the tread is moving and you may not be giving yourself a good push off with your back foot. Concentrate on doing this correctly on the treadmill.

NO COMPARISONS Actually, there are no comparisons.

The treadmill is a rich cousin of walking. So, there is no substitute for walking. Bbut treadmills are useful in many ways, so let us not rule it out as most of us have used it and benefitted from it. Using a treadmill for your regular workouts is a great way to burn calories and give basic training to your walking muscles and practice your walking form.

Workout programmes: You may enjoy the pre-programmed workouts the treadmill offers to give you a controlled workout challenge. The treadmill may also have readouts for heart rate, calories burned, etc. which give you data feedback.

More Speed = more calories burned: Most people set their treadmill workout for time rather than for distance, and can often go faster on a treadmill due to lack of obstacles. More speed = more distance for the same amount of time = more calories burned than if they walked outside for set distance rather than for time.

Safety: If you don’t have access to a safe walking route, a treadmill is a good substitute.

Weather: You can usually control the indoors weather, but never the outdoors weather. Easy access to restrooms, water, and changing your gear.

Entertainment: Some of us are bored with treadmill walking, while others prefer watching TV or listening to their music indoors to walking outdoors.

Fewer excuses: If your treadmill is always available, you can’t use excuses such as the weather, darkness, etc.

WALKING INDOORS Other options for indoors walking include mall walking, indoors tracks, walking the halls and stairs, and marching in place.

(Source: various and Net) Black & White 13

Men health 14 14January January7-20, 7-20,2011 2011

Exercises

AFTER HOLIDAYS (But from your own home) SURE. YOU NEEDED THAT HOLIDAY. And yes, we hope you’ve all had fantastic holidays. The last few weeks were the season to be jolly, to be merry; to share the spirit of giving and sometimes indulging...

In other words, all that self-imposed, strict '20 off by this month' weight loss programme and on the other end, the weight cum muscle training regime you must have had prior to this holiday must have already gone down the drain. You have been stuffing yourself up and probably forgotten even what a long walk (forget running) feels like.

But, then it is going to be a long walk back to shape if you don’t start off now!

So, how are you going to recoup? What are you going to do now to get back into shape and action?

So, begin now. Don’t even waste a minute! Start by getting into a small 20 minutes workout regime and then slowly build up. And when you feel that you are ready for a full muscle-building, gut-busting workout get the necessary equipment or simply shift venue to a fullfledged gym. Until then make do with what you have at home and around: WHERE THERE’S A WEIGHT, THERE’S A WAY Do you have an old pair of rusty dumbbells in the garage? Oh, only one dumbbell? So, what? Well, try something else: if all that you have is paint cans, then, use them in place of dumbbells. Perhaps your little brother has a set of water weights. Even if one plate has sprung a leak, the other will suffice. Pair it with a bar, even a rusty lead pipe that’s been left out on the street for the garbage man—and you’ve got all you need. In short, if there’s a weight, there’s a way!

THE BARE NECESSITIES The ‘bare essentials’ programme features two circuit workouts—you’ll choose one depending on the materials you have access to. To keep it simple, one workout is

designed for dumbbells (or paint cans, as the case may be) and the other is made for a barbell (or any long, moderately heavy, bar-like instrument). Both work the entire body and are easily adaptable to your specific environment.

The key is that nearly every other exercise in each circuit works an unrelated muscle group. For example, you might do a lift for your legs and then immediately follow it with one that works your back. Since you don’t have to wait for one muscle group to recover and can move on to work another one, organising your workout this way allows you to train your whole body in a short time while doubling as a heart-pounding cardio session.

GO LIGHT, GO LONGER As the song goes, “If you can’t be with the weights you love, love the weights you’re with,”...or something like that. Because your options for how much load you can use on each exercise may be limited, we’re going to save you the trouble of changing weights on each exercise (which may not be an option, anyway, depending on what you have). Instead, you’ll choose the heaviest weight you can handle for 10 to 12 reps on the exercise that is most challenging for you, and stick with it for every exercise in the circuit. To ensure that your muscles get enough resistance on the exercises that are easier for you, you’ll simply perform each rep a little slower.

For instance, in the dumbbell workout, you may be able to do 15 reps of the single-leg RDL (Romanian deadlift) with the weight you have available. However, you may only be able to complete 10 reps for the side plank w/ lateral raise. Therefore, perform your reps in a more controlled manner for the single-leg RDL, so that you get the same amount of fatigue in 10 reps as you would doing the side plank w/lateral raise at normal speed.

(Source: various and Net)

Black & White 15

Days like these…

Off the wall

Days like these…

When you absent-mindedly hold a door to an office open and a pretty young thing edges past you saying a happy and warmth-laden thanks. You had no idea why you opened the door, why you kept it open and why you are still holding it, but, maybe, there must have been a reason…

Days like these…

When you crack a dry, boring and oft-repeated (ad nauseum) joke and somehow it seems to have tickled the funny bone in many; everyone seems to find it so funny and roll on the floor with laughter…

Days like these…

When you speak politely over the phone to some caller and the person is effusive in his/her compliments to you for your “extremely polite and helpful nature”… and little would they know that you had actually stifled a yawn and was actually snapping at the person on the other line, face slightly contorted in a mixture of bored annoyance cum arrogance. If the caller would have seen my face…

Days like these…

When you accidentally smile at someone at an official party and they return the smile and come to you and become a strong media contact. The person you had smiled at and exchanged notes and cards is apparently not just ‘someone’ but someone big and becomes your official ally in all future endeavours…how did it happen? No one knows…

Days like these…

When you bump into some strangers and they in turn stop and say that they recognise you and floor you with compliments about “the way you write” and how it “has touched them” and you are so afraid to not go into details because of the fear that they might have mistaken you for someone else and was actually talking about some totally different articles…

Days like these…

When the person who owes you some dough and has been avoiding you since long suddenly gives you a cheery call, asks where you are then come directly there and hand over the money you had thought had gone down the drain…

Days like these…

When the lady caller from the bank where you have taken a loan and have been defaulting (for just some weeks, yaaki) calls up and you pick up after the 21st ring as you try to hunt for some realistic advice and she says that she is calling you for an entirely different reason and the loan installment can wait…

16 January 7-20, 2011

O

By Adarsh Madhavan

f

he ft

wall

Days like these…

When you suddenly awake late one morning and find that your alarm has not rung and you jump up cursing because you cannot afford to be late to office and then you suddenly realise that it is actually an off day…

Days like these…

When you are all worn out, tired and dying for attention then someone close to you comes to you and say, hey, you look tired, how about going for a quick drive, coffee, or a drink…and you just melt and blend with the affection they wrap you with…

Days like these…

When you pour out your woes and someone close, who usually expects you to listen come what may, suddenly listening attentively to you and hearing you all out…

Days like these…

When you need a strong shoulder, or any shoulder, to lean on or bawl your head and from out of the blue, a strong and steady one come and just offers itself...

Days like these…

When somehow, due to some God-given blessing you feel good about yourself and not down and out like usual and people are good at you and the ones you want to be with actually seem to like your company and everything is hunky dory…

Days like these…

When you are given some moments for yourself in some quiet and serene environment and you dip down into your inner being, plunging into a voyage of self discovery; a world where you can be yourself and you revel in the untapped resources of your heart, your being, your self and you learn that sometimes, there is nothing better than being alone… adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

Camels, camels, camels... everywhere

Black & White 17

All of them were in various stages of repose. Some, lying down, nose to the ground, others leisurely chewing grass; some huddled together, while other loners, spread out, probably ruminating about their future… It was a world of camels out there…Camels, camels, camels everywhere, in various sizes and shapes. All leisurely resting (probably after a heavy meal) at the grounds opposite the Maidan Al Fatah Stadium in Wattayah recently. These ‘ships of the desert’ had come from various parts of Oman, especially Ja’alan Bani Bu Hasan to participate in the annual horse and camel show, which was held on a grander

Oman watch

scale this time as it coincided with the 40th National Day celebrations.

18 January 7-20, 2011

Black & White 19

First Free Fortnightly magazine

AVAILABLE

all over Oman on 7th & 21st of every month ‡0XVFDW ‡6DODODK ‡6RKDU ‡6XU ‡1L]ZD ‡%DUND ‡,EUD ‡,EUL ‡5XVWDT ‡.DVDE

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Sunny side up

The name of the game

By Bikram Vohra Many years ago I wrote a piece about how we con people when we cannot recognise them. Like, heeeeeeeyyyyy, how are you, long time no see,(who theheckishehaventthefoggiest) and I was thinking to myself have things changed since then.

Do we say, sorry, can’t remember you?

Not really.

We now have more categories for the con.

Like when you don’t remember the name you go for paternalistic quasi-religious: guruji, rajasahib, big man, Singh is King, Sir, that sort of stuff.

If you can’t do that with panache go with the bold and the beautiful angle.

For the women: Lovely lady, Gorgeous, look at you, migoodness, is that Vision really you? (if only I could remember your name!)

For the men: hello Chief, what a pleasant surprise, you are looking well, you have lost weight. Deflect, that's the name of the game. Flattery is the best bet.

If you don't want to say Chief, you have a clutch of choices: Tiger, Champion, Big Boss, Captain, Hero (declasse) Big Shot, take your pick. New ones heard in this end of decade are Big Brother, Monsieur (utterly mispronounced), Senor (too show how global you are) Kemo Sabay (from a wilting generation that watched Lone Ranger.)

Naturally, since we have no desire to be rude we desperately try to camouflage our inability to dredge out the right name at the right moment.

Here are some tips so that you might still aspire to climb a couple of steps higher. If you can't figure who that is sailing towards you at the next party quell the panic and move resolutely forward, breaking his stride.

Hit him with it: Superman, imagine meeting you here. Now, Superman is flummoxed, odds are he doesn’t remember your name but the way you are behaving you are obviously buddies. Now, wipe him out by punching him on the shoulder in great display of camaraderie.

If someone else joins in and now you have two you don’t know a safe bet is always to say we go back way when. That has a nice stretchy feel about it and no one can argue.

Have you ever heard anyone say, no we don’t, we

Bikram Vohra, internationallyknown Gulf based scribe

only met last week.

‘Way back when’ is a complete winner.

Add “Remember the old days” and you are home especially if you kill it with “those were the days.”

Neither of you have a flipping clue what you are talking about but it works.

The odds now favour your having even less of an idea what this guy’s wife's name is, so use similar strategy. Ask how is the memsahib, the better half(ouch) the Home Minister (double ouch) or with splendid elan, where is that charmer of yours. Of course if he doesn't have one or they have just split go in to a corner and shoot yourself.

Never commit yourself through specifics. Pretty silly you would look if you said, how's the textile business doing? And he said, how the hell should I know I am in the electronics trade. You would never win back territory.

Play it cool. Ask how things are. ‘Things’ is a wonderful word, it is flexible, it is wide ranging and it covers up for rampant ignorance. If you want to be more with it, sort of hep, ask him how tricks are?

Don't know what it means but it makes for great performance. Another good one is, how's the world treating you? For some reason members of the human race loves answering this question, their vanity reassuring them that you are fascinated by their equation with the world. They will tell you.

If none of this works use the back up plan. Ask him where he has been hiding himself. It is such a stupid question but adults love responding. Like they do to another question: been travelling? Amazing, isn't it, that articulate, intelligent people mumble such inanity?

Finally, be careful of the tripwire. Your wife. Wives have an uncanny ability to suss out when husbands are faking it. And since they derive much pleasure from putting said husband on the spot when you hear your wife say, ah there you are, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend, do the only thing you can to save your self.

Spill your cold drink and go into profuse burst of apology.

It might work. It might not.

You can always thump him on the back again.

Black & White 21

Mazda’s Hofu Plant builds ninth millionth car Mazda Motor Corporation’s Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture has reached a cumulative production volume of nine million units.

The cumulative volume rose from eight to nine million units in just 29 months due to high volumes of the Mazda Axela (known as the Mazda3 overseas), which commenced production in November 2008.

The Hofu Plant is one of Mazda’s

Muscat Private Hospital turns 10!

major passenger vehicle production facilities in Japan, together with the Ujina Plant located near the company’s headquarters in Hiroshima.

The total production capacity of Hofu Plant No.1 (H1) and Hofu Plant No.2 (H2) is approximately 481,000 units per year. H1 produces the Mazda Axela and H2 produces both the Axela and Mazda Atenza (known as

the Mazda6 overseas). Towell Auto Centre provides quality service to all models of Mazda and provides efficient after sales service and quick response time.

Muscat Private Hospital is celebrating 10 years as Oman’s leading private medical facility, and looks set to continue this high standard of care, since announcing plans to open seven new departments in the next 12 months.

The 72-bed premier private hospital will be entering a new era by expanding its in-patient and outpatient facilities to offer an even higher level of

care to the population of the Sultanate. A brand new sports injury clinic is set to open along with expanded heart centre, breast centre, and weight loss services. While expansion plans for its emergency room and surgical services facilities as well as the opening a new out patients department building on the Hospital campus, looks likely to happen during 2011.

Radisson Blu and Park Inn joint beach clean up Park Inn and Radisson Blu hotels in Muscat recently teamed up for a joint social responsibility initiative with the common goal of tidying up a stretch of Oman’s well enjoyed public beach areas.

The sister hotels both belonging to the Rezidor Hotel Group embarked on the beach cleaning drive displaying a true ‘Yes I Can’ spirit in the process.

Swan Foods new frozen donut factory in Sohar

Wordpress

Swan Foods, an equal joint venture between Dawn Foods USA and the bakery focussed Switz Group, inaugurated a frozen donut plant in Sohar. The two giant manufacturers in the bakery industry joined forces to utilise their years of knowledge and experience to launch their unique frozen bakery concept, which will be developed from Swan Foods’ new 8000sqm set to produce 90million donuts per year for markets in the Middle East and Far East.

22 January 7-20, 2011

MyNawras is now a free iPhone App Nawras launched MyNawras iPhone app - another ‘first’ for Nawras customers to enjoy. This free download from the Apple Store is designed to make it even easier for Nawras iPhone users to check their bills or prepaid balance and easily manage their mobile accounts anywhere and at any time.

After trying out the new app himself, Ross Cormack, Nawras chief

executive officer, enthusiastically welcomed this latest creative development: “This is really cool.

After a simple registration I can now get all the information on my recent calls, my SMS and my bills, by just clicking on the app. We are delighted to be one of very few operators in the whole region and the only one in Oman to be offering our own customer-friendly iPhone app."

NBO at cash management conference in Malaysia National Bank of Oman (NBO) participated in the International Cash Management Conference – 'International Commercial Cash Operations Seminars’, ( ICCOS), held recently in Kuala LumpurMalaysia. Over 150 delegates, from

33 countries participated in the four day conference.

In keeping with its ongoing strategy to develop talented Omani staff, NBO deputed Abdullah Jaffar Al Obaidani, NBO’s head of cash management and off site ATMS, to represent

the bank at the conference. He was also the only candidate to have represented banks from Oman, at the conference.

Muscat Singers premiere performance The Muscat Singers brought festive cheer to a sell out audience of over 500 at the British School Muscat recently with a now familiar repertoire of both contemporary and older choral works.

Accompanied once again by the Muscat Brassworks ensemble, the choir treated the audience to a first half that featured works by Daniel Pinkham, Bach and Billings.

To celebrate the 300 anniversary of the birth of composer Frederick Chopin, pianist David Posnett started the second half with a lively and stirring performance of the Scherzo No.3 in C sharp minor that earned a standing ovation.

The choir then presented a selection of tunes both old and very new – including the world premiere of Carina Kogh’s Personent Hodie, a piece written especially for the Muscat Singers in honour of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in

this the 40 year of the Rennaissance, and his support and encouragement of cultural and musical development in the Sultanate.

This was followed by the haunting Wexford Carol featuring soloists Jason Drahos and Emma Lukey, and a sultry interpretation of ‘Santa Baby’ by the ladies of the choir with their feather boas.

To finish off the evening, the audience joined the choir in a rousing rendition of festive favourites such as Silent Night and We Three Kings of

Orient Are. Once again, the choir surpassed all expectations with a performance worthy of a professional group and have well and truly set the bar at a very high level.

Music director, Gwen Willson commented, “It ceases to amaze me how much we continue to improve year on year.

Every time we start rehearsals for a new season, I worry that perhaps we are pushing ourselves too hard but time and again, the choir steps up to the mark and pulls it off.”

The choir now takes a well-earned break and will start rehearsals for their Spring Concert in the New Year and always welcome new members – no matter how experienced they may or not be. Rehearsals take place every Saturday evening from 7.30pm in the main hall at the BSM. Contact: www.muscatsingers.com Black & White 23

BankMuscat

wins top banker award as ‘Bank of the Year’

Born To Excel programme in January Internationally acclaimed trainer, motivational speaker and career guidance specialist, professor C. F. Joseph will be conducting Born To Excel Leadership and Personality Development Programme for students during the school vacations from January 4 to 6, 2011, at Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat.

Prior to the three-day programme, Prof. Joseph is also conducting free seminars at Al Falaj Hotel.

All parents having children in the age group of 10 to 18 years, are invited to attend the free seminar with their wards, to get an insight of the real programme that brings about positive transformation in children.

BankMuscat has notched another rare distinction, winning for the eighth time the ‘Bank of the Year – Oman 2010’ award by The Banker (Financial Times, London).

Reckoned the most prestigious global banking award, the 11th annual banker awards were hotly contested this year by the world’s leading financial institutions.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive of BankMuscat, received the award at the grand ceremony in London.

NATO parliamentarians at GUtech A group of parliamentarians of different NATO countries (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) who are members of the Mediterranean and Middle East group visited the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), recently. The 22 members of the delegation were on a two day familiarisation trip to Muscat.

The delegation is particularly interested in the development of the youth and women in the Sultanate. Professor Dr Burkhard Rauhut, rector of GUtech and professors of different departments welcomed the delegation and presented the development of the university throughout the past three years.

Wordpress

Priyadarshani congress member remembers ‘leader’ A top member of the Muscat Priyadarshani Cultural Congress (OICC – OPC) who had attended the recent funeral of their leader, K. Karunakaran, reminisced about the time spent with him on an earlier occasion. “I had met our late leader, Karunakaran, in Ernakulam in Kerala. He had advised me then to muster proper support of the congress followers in Muscat and I had come back quite energised 24 January 7-20, 2011

and ready to promote the cause among the supporters here,” Ummer Eramangalam, who is the founder president of the unit and currently is its advisory and executive member, said here in a press note.

After this meeting, P. T. Mohanakrishnan, former MLA of Ponnani, visited Muscat and inaugurated the Muscat unit and since then it has grown from strength to

strength. “Our leader may have passed away, but his spirit will live on forever in our hearts,” Ummer, said.

MEJI’S AROY THAI

opens at Shatti Al Qurum Meji’s Aroy Thai restaurant, an embodiment of authentic Thai, was inaugurated in Shatti Al Qurum under the auspices of the Thai ambassador, Voravee Wirasamban, recently.

“To get that authentic Thai cuisine, you need to have plenty of experience and also well-selected ingredients. These are the winning combinations that our restaurant cooks are endowed with. At Meji’s Aroy Thai, every dish is freshly

prepared from the very best ingredients. High-quality meat and seafood are chosen to create our delicious dishes.

To make sure every dish provides nutritional value, fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are skillfully introduced in our cooking,” a spokesperson of the restaurant said.

“Our chefs have more than 10-years of experience in cooking locally and internationally.

They were trained in traditionalcooking schools in Thailand.

“It is the passion of our chefs to always maintain freshness and bring out the delicious Thai flavour. And this will always ensure that a meal at Meji’s Aroy Thai will offer you a memorable experience.

Our chefs have always offered special dishes and new menu on several occasions,” the spokesperson said.

OIFC supports Oman Association for Disabled Oman Investment & Finance Co. SAOG (OIFC) has extended an helping hand to the Oman Association for the Disabled by way of a donation.

Commenting on this donation, OIFC’s general manager, HRA, Hamyar Nasser Al Ismaily said: The Oman Association for the Disabled has been founded for the benefit of the Sultanate’s handicapped and at OIFC we hold the noble work carried on by this national charitable organisation in high esteem.

We are honored to be supportive of their progressive

GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali

vision and efforts to benefit and empower Oman’s disabled community and look forward for a continued relationship with this worthy organisation.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Kalbani, board member at OAD commented as follows: “I accept this donation from OIFC on behalf of Oman Disabled Association with sincere gratitude for their support.

We rely on donations from the public and private sector to help us continue varied activities and programmes intended to make life easier for the disabled of the Sultanate in terms of education, employment, rehabilitation and mobility.

The GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali feature distinctive styling and spacious, refined interiors. Along with the cars’ exceptional driving characteristics and advanced technology, Yukon offers unmatched power, space, comfort and capability that have helped it carve a niche for itself in the big size SUV segment. The GMC Yukon represents the best the industry has to offer for big families, big challenges and the toughest driving conditions. The success of the brand in Oman has been enhanced by the trusted reliability of Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co LLC – the exclusive distributors for GMC vehicles in Oman.

Black & White 25

‘Colours of Fusion’

concert

BankMuscat

grand opening of landmark headquarters

In celebration of the Republic Day of India, NPA Events under the auspices of the Indian Ambassador, Anil Wadhwa will be staging ‘Colours of Fusion’ on February 2 at the Indian embassy lawns in Al Khuwair.

The fusion concert will see a host of top artists performing, namely Roberto Riggio on the violin, oud and harmonium, Pravin Godkhindi (flute), Jason Mckenzie on the drums, Snehasish Mozumder (Mandolin), Fareed Haque (guitar), Subrata Bhattacharya (tabla), Kai Eckhardt (guitar), vocalist Nirmalya Roy, percussionist Somnath Roy (Ghatam, Dhambek, Ganjira and Kalimba), keyboardist Partha Paul, percussionist Mongopal Dhar (Bangla Dhol, Dhol, Darbuka) and Sanjoy Das (guitar).

The landmark new headquarters of BankMuscat was formally inaugurated under the auspices of Lt.General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Numaani, secretary general of the Royal Court Affairs recently. The occasion marks a milestone, highlighting the 28-year progress and achievements of the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate.

Khimji Ramdas

brings BiCE, to the Opera Mall, Muscat Khimji Ramdas Group brings BiCE (pronounced bee-chay) the Italian fine dining chain, to the Opera Mall Muscat. The two established names in the restaurants business formally announced this partnership at an inaugural function at the Grand-Hyatt, Muscat recently. Anil Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas said, “We’re very excited about this new partnership, we believe that BiCE will make a significant difference to the food and beverages landscape in Oman. The Opera Mall will make a perfect fit for this upscale Italian restaurant. With our expertise in managing worldclass restaurants, we look forward to capitalising our synergies to create this location as the hotspot for fine dining in Oman.”

26 January 7-20, 2011

Muscat Intercon GM wins 'GM of the year' award General manager Renzo Cavagliotti was recently felicated by the executive committee and team for his achievement in winning the 'General Manager of the year' award for Europe, Middle East and Africa for InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.

LG day and night service LG and OTE Group have announced the launch of day and night customer service. This is the first of its kind in Oman where customers can benefit from the service from 8 am to 12 midnight.

The OTE group chairman – Sheikh Saad Suhail Bahwan while announcing this, said that this service is for consumers of LG home appliances and air conditioners in Muscat.”

Veteran professional bids adieu to Oman leaving a green legacy

A veteran professional who is leaving Oman for good after spending close to a decade and half in Oman intends to leave a green legacy behind.

R. Prabakaran, a chartered accountant from India, who was the general manager of Computer Stationery Industry SAOG, its subsidiary Oman Printers, and has lived here for the last 14 years, wanted to do something in return for the country, which he has grown to love like his second home. “I have fantastic moments to cherish in my 14 years stint in Oman and I feel obliged to do

something in return to this great country before I move back to India,” Prabakaran said. With this idea in mind, he embarked on an initiative to green Oman. “I broached the subject with my company heads and they were quite keen on it. We roped in the Rusayl Industrial (PEIE) authorities and also some other like minded companies and decided to plant 1,000 neem tree saplings inside Rusayl Industrial Estate,” Prabakaran said, adding that they already planted around 250 trees as a start of the green campaign. This campaign will be taken forward by the Rusayl Industrial Estate officials and other supporting partner industries this during January.

“I know this is a humble effort, but I always felt that I should do something in return for all that this country has offered me. I have enjoyed my 14 year stay in Oman both on the work and personal front,” he said. During the time he was the general manager, CSI won the HM’s Cup for one of the best five industries in Oman (in 2005).

The subsidiary company, Oman Printers, won many international print awards notably Dubai Print Awards every year from inception (2007).

Proton Cricket Cup on February 14 Gulf Sports Club is all set with their third edition of Proton Cricket Cup 2011 to be played on February 14 at Baldiya stadium in Bowshar. This cricket tournament is the first MRi cricket tournament to be played in 2011.

The draws of this cricket tournament will be held on January 12 at McDonalds Al Khuwair outlet at 7.30pm and the matches schedule after the draws can be downloaded from omanicricket.com or muscatcricket. blogspot.com .

This one day cricket tournament is sponsored by Proton (Malaysia’s no. 1 car and Oman’s fastest growing automobile company) and supported by Al Hashar Group of Companies, Mustafa Sultan Exchange company and

McDonalds .The media sponsor of this cricket tournament is omanicricket.com Contact: 92382860 or omancricket@gmail.com Black & White 27

What’s in a NAME?...

By Dr CK Anchan

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

(Continued from last issue...)

BE UNIQUE To be different enough to be memorable works for a time, but as soon as the field gets too crowded, you’ll be lost in the mush of sameness with ever diminishing name recognition. MSN Search, Netscape Search, AOL Search, they all stayed in the same category, so you could play it safe and go with Stupendous Search or SuperDuper Search. If you’re in it for the long haul, better to break away from the crowd with a name like Google or Yahoo.

BE LEGAL Ensure that the name you have chosen is not already being used and not confusingly similar to someone else’s in your industry.

BE SIMPLE We want to sound literate and not fumble over pronunciations. So avoid tongue twisters, or any name that’s unusually long or foreign sounding. If you can’t find a single- word name, don’t go over two or three syllables.

Management talk

AVOID ABBREVIATIONS IBM, MCI and ABC have big recognition and identity, but they also have spent years and millions in virtually all media to promote their image—using images of people and situations that were warm and fuzzy. Even Bill Gates chose Microsoft over MS. Abbreviations lack personality and communicates very little in terms of benefit or brand character.

AVOID TRANSLATIONS. This would be really embarrassing or at times you may not be able to translate to the right meaning with its best effect.

Most of us have heard the story of 28 January 7-20, 2011

Chevrolet introducing their 'Nova' in Spanish- speaking countries. The car tanked because ‘nova’ means 'doesn’t go'.

Fiat found they had to rename their 'uno' in Finland, since 'Uno' means garbage in Finnish.

BE WITH YOUR IMAGE AND PROTECT IT Rolls Royce had to pull the name of its newest addition to the Silver Cloud line, which they tentatively named the 'Silver Mist', since in German, 'mist' means manure. So build on what you have. A good example: Google’s entry into online shopping with Froogle. Incidentally, if you’re wondering where 'Google' came from, it’s a variation on the math term googol, a huge number with endless zeros. If you’re like most companies, you worked hard and spent some real money creating the image of your company. So it only makes sense to protect your investment with a product name that’s consistent with your existing brands and image.

COMMUNICATE THE BUSINESS YOU ARE IN TO: If you don’t have a lot of media dollars to spend on name recognition, try for a name that conveys a benefit or describes your business activities. Your business name should reflect your identity. This is an essential aspect of branding. You’ll be promoting your new business name, getting it in front of as many eyes as possible as often as possible. How do you want the public to think of you?

I am quite sure the brief overview will help you in choosing the right name you always wanted ….yes it’s the world of name game …choose with utmost care…Good Luck!

In Black & White

In Black...

Oman is a country where citizens still prefer to wear traditional dishdashas to office, rather than a branded suit…

A TALE OF ASIYA Memories of the Asa stick out in a painful fashion.

Why? Because the first stick that comes to my mind is the one that was always brandished by my school principal, many years ago. He was a very strict man and the mere presence of the stick in his hand was enough to get us going or obey any orders that he gave us. It was not that he always used it to get things done, but those who have got it from him for disobeying orders was enough to make us shiver and do exactly as he used to tell us to do. So, from an early age itself I have had my experiences with the Asa. The only thing was that it was just a cane for me then.

Today, it is much more than a mere cane. It is a ‘must-have’ accessory for all Omani men on any occasion that they have to be present. It is symbolic in many ways and stands next to the khanjar as a necessary item on the Omani male attire.

But, who has gone into the delicate creation of an Asa? Do you know how an Asa is made? Read all about it in the following pages.

I know that the Asa is part of an Arab tradition and it is not a plain stick. A lot of effort goes in to the creation of it. Above all, I am aware that it is a multipurpose stick.

I can understand the evolution of it from the olden days…

A plain, strong natural tool, that is light weight, can be carried as a support for walking, to guide the donkeys, camels, for self protection and as we progressed it became a part and parcel of our tradition.

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief We all know customs and traditions originate within a community and the whole community participates in their formation. They evolve within a society through social activity of the people. And then it becomes obligatory for every member to follow this system. They are part of the identity process. In Oman, the Asiya (plural of Asa) is a decorative piece like the sword and dagger and has a very significant presence in traditional ceremonies and weddings.

I admire Khamis (refer story in the following pages) for upholding the tradition and passing it on to the younger generation. It is people like Khamis who pass on social customs from generation to generation, and provide an unbroken channel of continuity with the past.

Maybe, the modernisation and globalisation might take a toll on the traditions, but Oman is a country where citizens still prefer to wear traditional dishdashas to office, rather than a branded suit…

I can proudly say, Oman might be the only country in the world where its citizens wear their traditional wear to office and well, at all times. Now, before I forget, let me wish each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year! May all your dreams and wishes come true!

& White Black 29 Black & & White White 29

The wizard of

B&W Xclusive

ASA

30 January 7-20, 2011

Black & White 31

B&W Xclusive 32 January 7-20, 2011

In a dark and tiny room, a nearly 50-year old man is seen seated on a floor littered with crude work tools and attempting to bend the top part of what appears to be a wooden stick.

He holds the stick in a makeshift clamp and then slowly bends it to the desired shape.

Khamis bin Bilal bin Shambe Al Balushi, 47, takes the newly born walking stick and shows it in the light like it was a baby.

You could almost say: Hey presto!

What once looked like a formidable ram-rod straight stick had now a curve on the top part and was suddenly quite an agreeable and comfy looking walking stick.

Khamis Al Balushi then posed for us, displaying how the stick, or rather the Asa (as it is known in Arabic; Asiya, plural), should be held and how, when held, it should slightly angle away from the hip.

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B&W Xclusive 34 January 7-20, 2011

INTEGRAL PART The Asa is an integral part of an Omani man’s official wear. It has its practical uses or it can be simply used as an accessory during formal events.

If an Omani man is attending an official function, or perhaps, an event or a ceremony, he is bound to carry the Asa. Even children sport them at official functions. If you go to a camel or a horse race in the interior, you will find almost all Omanis holding an Asa in his hand.

Khamis had invited Black & White to his modest home in Qarat Balush area of Barka to witness how the Omani Asa was made and also to give us an idea of the various styles of this walking stick.

KING OF ASIYAS Khamis entered the world of sticks when he was just a 12-year old. His father, Bilal Al Balush, was a master craftsman of the Asiya in Barka. “He was the most well known Asa maker in Barka and everything that I know today is what I have learnt from my father.

"Since it is a family tradition, I quickly began to grasp the art of stick making.

Of course, it was not that easy, but I had in my father, an able guide, who wanted to pass on the legacy to his children and so I had him coaxing and urging me on to learn the art properly.” Other than his father, there was another master Asa craftsman, Salmin Khamis Al Balushi (who had passed away recently) in the same area. Today, in Qarat Al Balush, Khamis is the king of the Asiyas.

FIVE YEARS TO MASTER THE ART Khamis explained how he slowly learnt how to choose the wood, mix henna for the colouring aspects and also how to make the intricate designs on the curved handle of the Asa. It had taken Khamis a year to learn the craft. “But, I devoted five solid years to master it. Today, I am proud to say that I am a master at it!”

And, in the last 25 years, this master walking stick maker of Oman has made over 10,000 Asiyas. Since he has his own unique style of making the Asa, he is able to recognise his pieces from even a crowd of other sticks. “I can recognise my make even if it is mixed with hundreds or thousands of others,” he said.

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B&W Xclusive

GOOD MECHANIC But, Khamis was not just a stick maker. While he learnt the craft of making Asiyas, on the side, he was also learning to be a mechanic. “I was always tinkering away with my hands and I had a natural propensity for alls things mechanical, so I also explored my interests in cars and soon became a good mechanic, which then became my actual profession.”

His interest in the mechanism of cars got him a decent job at the ministry of defence (MoD), where he worked as a supervisor (of the MoD workshop). “So many cars, Toyotas, Mercedes, etc… went through my hands,” Khamis, who is now retired from this post, told us.

ASA MAN His official work took most of his time. But, whenever he was home, he settled down with his kids, Rimah and Yarub to make Asiyas. Today, Khamis is known in Qarat Balush as the Asa man and few remember him as a mechanic. “That is because I am still continuing with Asa making. But, I don’t want to just call it my career…Creating Asiyas is not a job, or a chore, it is indulging in a passion; it is my calling! I love creating an Asa and enjoy the whole process.”

100 PIECES A MONTH Like his father, Khamis is keen that he passes on this tradition to his children. “My second daughter, Rahima, 36 January 7-20, 2011

helps me in designing the Asa, while another son, Hatim, is now showing good interest.”

Khamis is now prolific in his work and makes around 100 pieces in a month. “But, if the order is to make an ornamental or special design, I might take around 10 days to make a piece.”

THE WOOD BENDS FOR KHAMIS Asa making is a craft that needs more patience than strength, Khamis explains. “So, the ladies can also do it and I believe that in the olden days, the womenfolk were part and parcel of this trade.”

The wood selected for the making of an Asa goes through many processes. “It is mainly coloured using natural henna, and then it is weathered using heat and animal fat for days. The fat makes the wood more flexible and it bends in my hands. Once it is bent to the required curve, I tie it up and leave it for hours. The art of bending the wood is a trade secret (smiles). I cannot divulge that, but it is all based on the animal fat and heat.

“The heat makes the wood stronger. Contrary to the popular belief that fire burns wood, I would say, not always! I get many orders for just bending, curving the Asa. Some people bring wooden sticks and then ask me to shape it for them. I do it for a nominal fee.”

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B&W Xclusive

GOOD WOOD LASTS LONG Asa sticks are mostly made from wood. But, not just any wood. Craftsmen like Khamis takes great pain in selecting the right ones as the good ones are, without a doubt, long lasting. The most common, as well as popular, wood used is from the Otum tree. The roots of Kharat, Hatheeb and Sumr trees are very good and strong for Asiya. The branches of Nimt trees are also commonly used.

SUR HAS THE BEST ASIYAS The Asa used for fighting and self defense is a little shorter than the normal ones. The Asiya from the Sharqiyah region are also short. “Every region in Oman has a specific style and I personally feel that the Sur design is the best. It is quite convenient and majestic too. The curve/bend of the Asa determines the region from which it comes. The Sur region design has a wide curve and it is ideal for holding. The length of the Asa is measured individually and is usually measured from the middle of the neck. So it is a little more than the shoulder length. Ideally it should be as tall as a man’s hip, not more or less.

MAKING OF AN ASA "The making of an Asa involves collecting wood, cutting it to size, straightening, flattening, perfecting 38 January 7-20, 2011

texture, colouring it and finally and most importantly, conditioning it with animal fat and heat. The ordinary, cheap, ones are made just for show and we use plain oil to condition it.

The fat is used to take away the brittle nature of the wood and helps in avoiding breakage, splits and cracks in the long run. I have a small workshop, custom made for my needs and a tool bag, which includes most commonly used carpentry tools. After the Asa is made, I draw designs, mainly from what I see and conceive of Oman, the hills and forts etc… My daughters paint on it and give it that delicate touch to it too!” Khamis explained.

GOOD ASA CAN COST OVER OMR1000 The cost of the Asa can vary. From as low as OMR5 to OMR1000. “A good, decorated Asa costs around OMR1100 today,” Khamis said, noting how the market also sold walking sticks for much lower rates. “But, some of them can be fake ones and of poor quality.”

TRADITION WILL SURVIVE Come Eid or other major festivals and the demand for the Asiyas increase. “During the Holy Month of Ramadan, I am literally overwhelmed with orders,” Khamis said.

But, would the Asa survive the test of time? Wouldn’t the current technological advances sweeping throughout the world make such an old art form obsolete? What is the future of the Asa? Especially the making part. Even if the demand is there, couldn’t factories make better, slicker looking Asiyas?

AN ARAB TRADITION Carrying an Asa is very much a part of the Arab tradition. “It is a tradition of the region, though the style, design and the usage differs. The Asiyas are found in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and other AGCC states, but differ in the designs,” Khamis said.

Khamis begged to differ. “I don’t think modernity will take away real tradition or culture. Let it be any art form.

Traditional art forms survive because concerted efforts are taken to preserve them. In the case of the Asiyas, such problems do not ensue because there is always demand and it is embedded in the tradition and culture of Omanis. You can’t take the Asa away from the Omani.”

In Oman, Asa is a very integral part of daily life, in the earlier years. The stick was used as a multipurpose one, mainly as a self defense weapon. It was also used to carry things, to pull the rope of the donkeys or camels, as an accessory for traditional Omani dances and weddings.

Over the years, it became a part of the traditional dress, with Asa being used as a prestige symbol, decorated with silver and other ornamental metal.

AN ASA A DAY KEEPS MODERNITY AWAY Modernity or not, Khamis makes at least one Asa per day. “Oman is a country that is known for its traditional attire and I believe Asa is part of our lives. I am hoping to start a small factory of my own to make mass production of the Asiyas.

“Of course, the carving and custom-made pieces will still be retained and the trade tricks and the art of traditional Asa making will be passed on to future generations without fail.”

THE ASA FIGHTER Arabs believe that when it is used deftly an Asa can be more powerful than a sword!

“It is true. I can use the stick properly in self defense.

I learnt the art of stick fighting from a very senior friend of mine, Khamis Ramadan Al Balushi, a real wizard Asa stick fighter,” Khamis said as an introduction before he took us to the small abode of this Omani stick martial arts expert.

Black & White 39

B&W Xclusive

Jamaiti, Khamis Ramadan’s nearly 100-year old grandmother, reminisces of a time when the Asiyas were used by all and sundry. Her father, uncles and grandfathers were all regular Asiya users and knew to use them as a style statement as well as wield it in self defense

40 January 7-20, 2011

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B&W Xclusive

MULAKAFFA “The art of Asa fighting is known as Mulakaffa,” said Khamis Ramadan Balushi, sitting cross legged in the portico of his home. “It is actually an art of self defense.

Mulakaffa is part of the Omani tradition and lifestyle,” Khamis Ramadan said, adding that he could easily defend and protect himself from five to six people at a time.

Mulakaffa, with the latter attempting to stave off the ‘attacks’ from the former. “He (Khamis Ramadan) is just humouring me now. When he is in full form, no one can touch him – he can do wonders with the Asa.

He also noted that when properly used, an Asa in hand was better than a sharp sword. Both Khamis and Khamis Ramadan gave a quick display of the

Today, Khamis Ramadan is still asked to display his Asa fighting skills at events, and other ad hoc competitions, but not in such big scale as before.

42 January 7-20, 2011

“I learnt the basics from him and I think I can do quite well, so imagine what he would be like,” Khamis said, heaping praise on his modest friend.

Royal gift SOME YEARS BACK, when Khamis Bilal Al Balushi was renovating their old home, he came across an old Asa, probably a favourite of his late father’s. “My father had safely stored it somewhere and he had forgotten about it.

“This was a very strong stick, and it was probably around 30 to 35 years old. I had seen it before and I was also eyeing it since a long time until my father hid it!

So getting it back was like rediscovering a long lost treasure and it had sentimental reasons attached to it also as it was my father’s favourite too.”

Khamis worked on the stick and made it far stronger and sturdier than before.

Then some years later, the Diwan of Royal Court Affairs ordered Asiyas from Sur, Seeb and Barka. “I made 12 Asiyas, and one of them was this unique piece, and send them all off to the Diwan.

The authorities selected two from Seeb, four from Sur and all 12 of Khamis Al Balushi's (in Barka). The 12 were taken to His Majesty the Sultan’s collection

“The authorities selected two from Seeb, four from Sur and all 12 of mine (in Barka). The 12 were taken to His Majesty the Sultan’s collection.

I think till today that has been the biggest moment of pride and achievement for me.

“For any craftsman, it is acceptance and appreciation that matters the most. I can, today, proudly say that the Asiyas I make are not just good looking and strong, but unique too!”

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi

Black & White 43

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:

Year of horrors or wonders…?

Fraudsters to be defrauded soon

Nitternatter

Maid in distress

44 January 7-20, 2011

Wow, we are finally through with a year! So many things have happened. We were in the midst of many crises, yet, we have managed to pull through… it is hard to believe that the rough patch is over and now we may get some breathing space this year.

Let us hope so. Should we call it another ‘annus horribilis’(horrible year)…?

Maybe it was that for us, but for many others, it might have been an ‘annus mirabilis’ (year of wonders). So, let us give it a break. Yes, let us give it all a break. We are planning so many things new this year and we want you all to participate in a much bigger way than before, so looking forward to your participation. Belated Christmas greetings and wishing you all a splendidly successful New Year!

Now for some happenings in an around town: Fraudsters are a dime a dozen, some folks from Salalah allege. Apparently, there is this team, who seems to have begged, borrowed and whatever from so many people in Salalah, and have now slipped off to sunnier Muscat.

But, if they think they have given us the slip, they are so wrong, say the victims, who have approached both

the embassy (notice…we are not mentioning the embassy's name) officials concerned in Salalah and also contacted the embassy officials in Muscat to help them nab these alleged fraudsters. Some claims have come from even poor workers who allege that they have been gypped by some members of this alleged group.

Will they be nabbed? Let’s find out in the next episode of Bitter Batter.

A young maid approached us with a bit of a sorry tale. She is being harassed in an unheard sort of way: the poor young lady’s work starts at the crack of dawn and she has to work right past midnight, say around one or two in the morning, making endless teas and the like (for a pittance of course). More than that, she has to take care of the family pet, which is more like a family member and while that is not exactly a problem, the worst is being forced to take the dog out for endless walks,

even in the night and alone, where she is often prey to eve teasers.

While a dog is indeed security, the eve teasers, who were familiar with the dog, takes advantage of this fact.

Worst, the dog and the lady have to sleep in the same store room.

The maid wanted a break from all of this and she tearfully approached us…what do we do? We have told them to stand up for her rights and also approach the embassy concerned, as her employers hail from the same country as she did.

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

Holiday price hike leaves bitter taste

Weekend rates are different

A group of four enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at a restaurant in the main business area of the capital recently.

Everything was perfect until the bill came and then the one who had volunteered to pay quietly passed it to others. Reason? Very simple. Some people go to a restaurant with a very clear idea of what they have to pay.

Similarly, this quartet had assumed that the bill would not go beyond a certain rate and they were shocked to

see that the rates were hiked suddenly, without any warning. And the lame reason given was that it was a holiday and so the rates were increased.

Why should restaurants increase their rates during the holidays? To dampen the spirits of the revelers?

Or, was it because holidayers may be in an exuberant mood and they will not notice the increase in the rates or the fact that this was burning a hole in their pockets? Makes no sense…

Speaking of price hikes…many supermarkets and the like have this weekend price hike on items that give weekend blues to regular buyers. We are aware of this and have ourselves witnessed the new 'weekend rates' for the same items that we have purchased on the previous night, some hours back.

When asked why they were doing that, the friendly store-in-charge tells us to please adjust because they need to make some margin on the items somehow.

“Business is not like before, we need to make some money here and there… but, Sir, if you want to buy these items at the usual rate, please do so... We would not like to charge extra with regular customers like you!” Uh, what do you make of such things?

Black & White 45

Skin Seyad Farook, ophiologist/ field herpetologist at the Sultan Qaboos University

By Seyad Farook Snake bodies are covered in overlapping scales composed of a horny material called keratin. These transparent scales make up the dry, smooth, outer layer of skin, whose primary function is to prevent water loss. Snakes owe their colouration to pigment cells located in the skin layer below the scales. Most snakes display drab earth tone colours to blend with their natural surroundings. Arboreal species, such as the emerald tree boa, are often vibrant shades of green, a colouration that helps them hide among leafy foliage. Some snakes, such as coral snakes, have brilliant yellow and orange stripes that warn predators of their venomous bite.

Nature's Quest

Snakes regularly shed the outer layer of their skin as they grow. Even in snakes that are not growing, the scales become drab and worn over time, and must be periodically replaced by a new, healthy layer. Some species of snakes shed their skin about every 20 days, but other species shed it only once a year. In the shedding process, a new layer develops below the surface of the old one, which gradually separates in preparation for being shed, or sloughed. The snake begins the shedding process by rubbing its nose against rocks or other hard objects to separate the old layer from its lips. After the old layer is loosened, the snake crawls out of its old skin, typically shedding it in a single piece.

46 January 7-20, 2011

motris.livejournal.com

By Thomas Snyder

SOLUTION: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

Black & White 47

Happy New Year

Kidstuff

KIDS!

48 48January January7-20, 7-20,2011 2011

It is simply the perfect time to take resolutions and make for a fun-filled day. Invite the new year with open arms. Have a blast!

Here are some New Year trivia…

HOGMANAY: The New Year in Scotland is called Hogmanay. The people in Scotland follow a ritual that appears nutty but actually has a great significance. One can find barrels of tar set afire and gradually rolled down the streets in the villages of Scotland.

This ritual symbolises that the old year is burned up and New Year is going to begin.

BABY NEW YEAR TRADITION: The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year was started around 600 B.C by the ancient Greeks, who, at the start of a year would carry a baby around in a basket. The purpose of it was to honour Dionysus, the God of Fertility and symbolise his annual rebirth.

BURNING MR OLD YEAR: In Columbia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-size male doll with things and then they dress it up in old clothes from each family member. At the stroke of midnight, this ‘Mr. Old Year’ is set on fire. This is done with the simple belief that a doll thus stuffed have bad memories or sadness associated with them, and that the burning of these will help one to do away with all past griefs and usher in happiness in life with the coming year.

EATING 12 GRAPES: In Spain people eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight (one each time the clock chimes) on New Year’s Eve. This peculiar ritual originated in the twentieth century when freak weather conditions resulted in an unseasonable bumper harvest of grapes.

CARRYING A SUITCASE: In Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico, those with hopes of traveling in the New Year carry a suitcase around the house at midnight. Some even carry it around the block to ensure travelling at greater distances.

BURNING CRACKERS: The people in China believe that there are evil spirits that roam the earth. So on New Year they burn crackers to scare the evil spirits.

TIMES SQUARE CELEBRATIONS: The first Ball Lowering celebration atop One Times Square was held on December 31, 1907 and is now a worldwide symbol of the turn of the New Year, seen via satellite by more than one billion people each year. The original New Year’s Eve Ball weighed 700 pounds and was five feet in diameter. It was made of iron and wood and was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs.

RINGS: Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolises “coming full circle,” completing a year’s cycle.

BLACK-EYED PEAS: Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures.

EATING NOODLES: Late on the evening of December 3 1, people of Japan would eat a bowl of buckwheat noodles called “toshikoshisoba” (“year-crossing noodles”) and listen for the sound of the Buddhist temple bells, which were rung 108 times at midnight.

WEARING NEW SLIPPERS: In China, many people wear in the new year a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.

GIFTS IN SHOES: In Greece children leave their shoes by the fireside on New Year’s Day (also the Festival of Saint Basil in Greece) with the hope that Saint Basil, who was famous for his kindness, will come and fill their shoes with gifts.

SEALED DOORS & WINDOWS: During new year, the doors and windows of every home in China can be seen sealed with paper. The Chinese think that this will succeed in keep the evil demons out.

Black 49 Black & & White White 49

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

50 January 7-20, 2011

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 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 KFC

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

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

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

20, 500 COPIES (BEING AUDITED) Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697

Black & White 51

Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20 Emotions run high this week; expect family members and close friends to be easily distracted by social events or new romantic information.

Remain focussed on positive gains and worthwhile investments. After mid-week rest and plan a new employment strategy.

CANCER June 22-July 23 The next few weeks will slowly bring change and renewal to stagnated relationships: don’t avoid emotional confrontations or difficult but productive discussions. Revised information or fresh instructions may soon need to be integrated into daily work routines.

LIBRA September 24-October 22 Business routines, over the next three weeks, may be temporarily disrupted. Don’t be unnerved, however; planetary aspects indicate that new proposals and key projects will soon arrive. Over the next few days contact distant friends or relatives: emotional support and encouragement may be needed.

Horoscope

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Unresolved emotions in past relationships or painful memories of yesterday’s disagreements may now be lingering: help loved ones choose a more healthy and workable path. A demanding and complex week: expect social and romantic relationships to be briefly disjointed.

52 January 7-20, 2011

NICOLAS CAGE (BORN JANUARY 7, 1964) is an American actor, producer and director, having appeared in over 60 films including Face/Off, Gone In 60 Seconds, National Treasure, Ghost Rider, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, and Kick-Ass. Cage, at age 32, became the fifth youngest actor ever to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Leaving Las Vegas.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

For the next few days business proposals will be complex and socially demanding. Watch for partners and colleagues to provide conflicting information or incomplete research. Someone close may soon issue a deeply felt compliment or new proposal. Watch for important changes in public attitude.

A five month period of business and home restriction is now ending: don’t avoid obvious growth, new career advancements or a quick expansion.

In the coming weeks discuss future business plans with friends and relatives: revised pathways to success will soon emerge.

LEO July 24-August 23 Friends and relatives may wish to discuss past events or recent disagreements. Expect sudden revelations or previously withheld criticisms to be quite surprising: wrongly interpreted actions or emotional misunderstandings may now rise to the surface. Be flexible.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Important business and personal relationships will now begin to change. Over the next three weeks, expect close friends or work associates to define their loyalties and publicly ask for greater clarity.

Work routines, incomplete projects or competing interests in social relationships may all be key issues.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Work partners and business associates will be confident and talkative over the next few weeks. News from a friend or loved one may also arrive: financial commitments, educational planning or changed routines may be at issue.

Use this time to openly discuss future plans and daily obligations.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Friendship and family relationships will be particularly rewarding now. Discuss future plans with loved ones and gather valuable advice. Expect both friends and colleagues to provide positive information or unique invitations.

Stay balanced.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Financial routines and commitments may soon require minor changes. You may now find that investments offer steady rewards or business officials require detailed records. All is well: begin a routine of gathering research or opening new business communications.

PISCES February 20-March 20 Past disruptions in relationships or romantic discussions will be a strong influence over the next few days. Expect loved ones to be nostalgic or curious. Family matters will be less a concern. A powerfully emotional few days: carefully study the actions and reactions of others.

Cheese appetisers are very popular and this probably topped by the fact that it can be a time efficient means of providing a tasty platter of munchies. Served hot or cold, cheese appetisers please even the pickiest eaters. You can put together a simple cheese and cracker plate in a matter of minutes or use soft cheese as the basis for a flavour filled delight by adding a few seasonings and smearing it on bread. Melted cheese becomes an essential dip for bread, chips, or vegetables.

Easy cheese appetisers… try them!

GARDEN VEGETABLE SPREAD Ingredients • 1 pkg. (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber • 1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1/2 cup) • 1 green onion, chopped (about 2 tablespoons) • 1 tsp. lemon juice • 1/4 tsp. dried dill weed, crushed or 1 tsp. fresh dill weed • Pepperidge Farm Distinctive Cracker Trio

SMOKY CHEESE BALL Ingredients • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese • 2 cups finely shredded smoked cheddar, swiss, or gouda cheese • 1/2 cup butter or margarine • 2 tablespoons milk • 2 teaspoons steak sauce • 1 cup finely chopped nuts, toasted • Assorted crackers Method: Let cream cheese, shredded cheese, and butter stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add milk and steak sauce; beat until fluffy. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. Shape mixture into a ball; roll in nuts. Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve with crackers.

Makes 3-1/2 cups spread Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above, except do not roll in nuts. Wrap cheese ball in moisture- and vapor-proof plastic wrap.

Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw the cheese ball in refrigerator overnight. Roll in nuts. Let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Method: Stir the cream cheese, cucumber, carrot, onion, lemon juice and dill weed in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve the spread with the crackers.

CHEESE TIPS: Chilled cheeses will go through the grater easier than room temperature cheeses. To prevent cheeses like Swiss or Mozzarella from becoming stringy during the heating process, add a dash of lemon juice.

Store different flavours of cheese in individual bags to prevent their flavours from intermingling. If a cheese dip becomes too thick, add a dash of milk and stir to thin it down. Cheese will dry out at room temperature, so it is better to make a couple of small trays to switch out as the supply decreases than it is to let one big tray sit out for a long period of time. Heated cheese appetisers will cook more quickly and smoothly if you grate, crumble, or cube the cheese before melting.

Black & White 53

Cooking

lovers, rejoice!

Eve's drop 54 54January January7-20, 7-20,2011 2011

The language of

UPLIFTMENT Sanskrit is not a dead language. Although this historical IndoAryan language cannot be used for communication, Sanskrit is still alive and well, a dedicated Sanskrit teacher in Muscat tells Black & White. “Whoever says that Sanskrit is dead is totally wrong – that is a false statement,” Kavitha Rama Krishna, who has been teaching Sanskrit in Muscat since 2008, and a rank holder in the subject, says passionately.

REPOSITORY OF WISDOM She also feels that one cannot totally rule it out as a non form of communication. “Sanskrit is a vehicle of expression for every aspect of life including the arts and the sciences.

It is a language of upliftment and enlightenment, a repository of wisdom and values.

CLOSE LINK “In fact Sanskrit is related not only to all Indian languages but it also has a close link with most Western languages as well. More and more universities in Western countries are offering courses in Sanskrit as a part of their programmes. So, lets us all join hands and fight against this false statement that Sanskrit is a dead language!” Kavitha stressed.

UNIVERSITY TOPPER Kavitha started learning the script when she was just 12. “In India (or wherever), as soon as a child starts speaking, parents will start teaching him/her their prayers. But, in my case, it did not just die as a mere childhood passion. As I grew up, I was keen to know the exact meanings and then chant the shlokas. “This took me to a whole new world. I began when I was just 12 and then eight years later, I completed my post graduation in Sanskrit when I was 20. I was a university topper!” Kavitha did her post graduation from the Bangalore University, Karnataka state, India.

OLDEST AND RICHEST “Sanskrit is one of the oldest and richest languages in the world. The word Samskritam is ‘Samyak’ + ‘Kritam’, which means well refined or perfectly done. A language derives its value not merely from its logical and grammatical structure but from

the manner in which it has been used and the richness of its literature…this is primarily the main reasons why I wanted to teach Sanskrit,” she said, indicating that it was a rich language legacy that she would like future generations also to benefit from.

PLEASURE TO TEACH In her current batch (25), she has also eager housewives trying to learn the language. In other batches, she also teaches kids and working ladies.

“I have been teaching since 2008 and it is a real pleasure for me to teach anyone who shows interest,” Kavitha said.

GENUINE PASSION Most of the students learn the language to acquire knowledge.

“Some of them have a real passion for the language since childhood, but did not have an opportunity to learn it.

But, now, they are utilising it and more importantly, parents are sending their children because they know about the richness and beauty of Sanskrit,” she noted.

UNTOLD JOY “Though I am not a great scholar and have not learnt the language in great depth Sanskrit has always held a strange fascination for me. I have enjoyed listening to its sound and this often brings an inexplicable joy for me!

MAJESTIC WORLD "I always wonder how Sanskrit came to acquire such a power; such strength and magnificence… When ever I am reading Sanskrit books or teaching this ancient Indian language, I feel as if I am entering a huge, majestic and mighty world, which has been intricately carved and planned to precision!”

Black & White 55

New Year... new life

Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University

By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi

Learning curve

Life is full of blessings, which we simply cannot count. As the New Year dawns on you, blossoming with everything new, we should make attempts to positively enjoy this new chapter of life bestowed upon us. Let us open our eyes and see how much far or close we are from our goals.

The New Year is not a mere change of dates, so let not its significance be lost on you. New Years are more about self realisations and a flood of experiences, which we all go through in life.

To celebrate the New Year in totality, all you need to have is a few moments of deep thinking. Look, all of us have miles to go and promises to fulfil. So, let us get cracking!

Students should look back and evaluate their achievements and their studies. Also, employers should think about their past production and future produce and most importantly, let us all think of ourselves as the most precious gift from God! What better way to celebrate the New Year than this. We all know that our life is based on our choices so let us give ourselves more time to think about our paths and see if all things that we have chosen so far have worked out as planned. If not, then let us take charge and be responsible for change and make things work better for us.

Of course, to celebrate the New Year; you may need a real friend who can reflect your own personality to you and honestly show you your weaknesses and strengths, so that you can control things. It is very important to look at

things again and again as time passes; to feel the real change in the universe!

No wonder that most of us think about what might happen to us during this new chapter of life, to those who think like that, I would say do not waste your time and energy thinking about the unknown.

Yes, the unknown as well as our destiny, which we all believe, is in the hands of the Almighty.

So, calm down and take things easily because nothing would happen without God’s permission. Pray to God to support you to be the good person you always want to be so and to help you achieving your dreams.

Pray to God to make this New Year as wonderful as a rainbow on a rainy day, as peaceful as water in a lake and as joyful as birds flying on the sky. Pray to God to light your life with strong faith as glittering stars in the dark and keep in mind to live with others and support the mankind wherever you go.

Dear readers, keep in mind that each day is a new day, new hope and a new start so never cry nor regret about what has happened in the past. Look up and embrace your life with love, caring, knowledge, sharing, helping and inspiring the surroundings to feel the significance of being a man as time passes and being alive.

Happy New Year to all of you and all the ones you love...Remember my little wisdom, ‘New Year carries new life to you, so make the best of it and be thankful to God, always!’ lalgharbi@yahoo.com

56 January 1-20, 2011

It's my life

Scamsters et. al(un) Ltd.

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

By Vandana Shah

2 G Scam…Radia Tapes…IPL Scam…Land Deregulation Scam…

US Diplomacy scam…seems the world is besieged by scamsters out to make a quick buck come hell or highwater.Reminds me of a popular nursery rhyme Old Mc Donald had a farm…..here a scam there a scam everywhere a scam scam…

My whole mindspace reading these is: Is there any place for honest men in this broad spectrum of “alliances”, “gifts”, “positions”, involving obscene amounts of money (How many zeroes does 200 million dollars have?

Apparently the amount paid off in ahem donations. If anyone knows or has personally counted so much money please do email me.)

Then you come across people like Azim Premji, Warren Buffet, Narayan Murthy counted amongst the top 100 billionaires in the world, who have succeeded in building billion dollar enterprises without paying even a nominal “token of appreciation”. To top it all they are donating anywhere between $ 4 to 5 billion to charity, all the while still driving humble cars and flying economy class.

They are the ones who are our modern day icons who provide hope to all those who still want to pursue commercial success following the dangerous path of honesty. They have exhibited that all is not lost and your clean money will not only help you to live but get rich in the right way and you will be truly wealthy without hiding your money in other people’s names and of course without the taxman knocking hard at your door.

I am hopeful and confident that there are so many Bufftes, Premjis on a smaller scale in the world and therefore the world still survives and thrives. Scamsters have not totally thwarted the inherent goodness in us.

What better time to remember this than during Christmas, which brings us cheer, hope and joy and symbolises the birth of good.

I wish all my readers a Merry Xmas and hope that Santa fills their stockings with all that they wish and desire.

Till next time, love.

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

Black & White 57

Shape n sound

Mind-body methods to

58 January 7-20, 2011

LOSE WEIGHT

The tragedy: There is no magic bullet for solving weight loss problems.

The truth: You have to get down to the basics. That is eating right and exercising.

But, wait, there are some more ways: The mind-body aspects.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED out on this aspect, this is a good time to get not only back to the basics but also to get some breathers with the mind and body methods. What we are saying is that it is time to look beyond diet and exercise. And what would they be? Well, try out methods like hypnosis, acupuncture, meditation, prayer and traditional methods too.

ACUPUNCTURE One of the best-known branches of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture aims to remove blockages in the flow of your qi, or life force.

Practitioners do this by sticking very thin metal needles into strategic points on the skin. Acupuncture is an adjunct therapy. It is not a panacea or a wonder cure in the treatment of weight control. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to lose and maintain that loss if the patient is willing to change their lifestyle.

The exact mechanism by which acupuncture works is unknown but we know that acupuncture needles inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear release endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect that makes it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and bingeing on fattening foods.

ACUPRESSURE Like acupuncture, acupressure targets certain points on the body. But it’s done with pressure from the fingers or other devices, not needle sticks. One of the more popular natural weight loss techniques used today is acupressure. Acupressure weight loss techniques involve massaging pressure points when you feel the need to eat, reducing your appetite so you eat less when hungry. Acupressure weight loss doesn’t take any supplies, and can be done almost anywhere as long as you know where the points are located on the body. These pressure points come from a variety of fields, including Japanese and Chinese medicine, massage and acupuncture. This dieting method started in Japan, and has slowly begun migrating across the world.

AYURVEDA A form of traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda strives for harmony and balance between body, mind, and spirit. In modern India, Ayurveda is still widely

used, though not exclusively. A key to Ayurveda is developing your “dosha,” or “life force” profile.

The three doshas are called kapha, pitta, and vata.

Your dosha balance is based on your eating habits, behaviours, lifestyle, and medical history. For weight loss, an ayurvedic practitioner will probably try to rebalance your doshas through your diet. Ayurveda is a highly personalised method that requires careful guidance by an experienced practitioner. Also, be careful about any herbal supplements prescribed.

MEDITATION Meditation is about focusing your attention -- often on your breath, thoughts and feelings, or mantra.

People use meditation to deal with anxiety, pain, depression, stress, sleep problems, and just to feel better. Meditation may assist people in losing weight, especially in maintaining weight loss, but it would have to be in combination with diet and exercise.

HYPNOSIS Hypnosis may help you shed a few extra pounds when it’s used along with other weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise. But there isn’t enough solid scientific evidence about weight-loss hypnosis to recommend for or against it. Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist using verbal repetition and mental images. When you’re under hypnosis, your attention is highly focussed and you’re more responsive to suggestions, including behaviour changes that can help you lose weight. After proper instruction, you can also try self-hypnosis for weight loss. Weight-loss hypnosis is often combined with cognitive behavioural therapy.

PRAYER Anything goes with prayer. Or, it should be the other way around. You can start off anything with prayer.

Whether you need to lose half a kilo or 10 kilos (or more), you still need two essentials: Will power and a sense of commitment.

Those things can readily be developed in conjunction with prayer. Weight sneaks on gradually, and losing that weight can be just as gradual. So don’t give up if you don’t see results right away. Just keep praying and pushing forward.

Black & White 59

Women have more

Psyche

terrifying nightmares VARIOUS STUDIES HAVE FOUND out that women experience far more terrifying nightmares than men.

Their dreams are also more intense and leave more of an impression when they wake up, scientists say.

Psychologists say changes in a woman’s body temperature - caused by her monthly cycle - are responsible for increasing the number of vivid and disturbing dreams.

“Sweat-soaked sheets. A racing pulse. An overpowering sense of dread.

For anyone who has ever had a true nightmare, waking up in the dark with these symptoms is a familiar experience,” a report notes.

Experts who have done research on the subject note that women reported significantly more nightmares than men. A previous study noted 30 percent of women reported having a nightmare while only 19 percent of males reported it.

The study also found that women’s dreams were more emotional and helped the brain ‘rehearse’ distressing and disturbing events that one is likely to encounter in the future.

One of the things that people do is put all these dreams under the umbrella term nightmares. There are different types of nightmares and women report more of them.

Some studies have identified at least three distinct types of nightmare, all of which may allow the brain to rehearse its reaction to a distressing or dangerous situation.

One involves being chased or hunted. Another involves the loss of a parent, child or partner. The third involves weird and new environments.

The second is the existential nightmare, in which the dreamer loses something or someone they love. “Existential nightmares appear to be far more disturbing for women,” experts noted. “They are much more upsetting to women than the fearful nightmare, 60 January 7-20, 2011

and many women wake crying from them,” they added.

These dreams in particular, were more commonly reported among women.

Past studies have linked changes in body temperature with dreams.

A woman’s temperature usually rises after ovulation - half way through the monthly cycle --and falls again just before a period starts. Experts also noted that there was evidence linking dreams to temperature changes in the menstrual cycle. Women who are premenstrual tend to dream more aggressively, and they are also more likely to remember the dreams.

Some dream experts argue that women don’t have more nightmares but are simply better at remembering and talking about them.

However, the study asked volunteers to record all their dreams upon waking and it did look like women are experiencing more nightmares and there were significant differences in the way men and women dreamed.

Other reports also noted that women always remembered dreams more than men.

Dreaming is part of the normal sleep pattern and happens every night, even for those who insist they don’t dream.

Sleepers are most likely to remember nightmares and bad dreams if they wake up during them.

New research once again demonstrates how women tend to have better recall when it comes to dreams, including disturbing ones. Other studies have shed light on how women might “process” emotional occurrences in their day-to-day lives. It seems to be related to women being a little more inwardly oriented, paying more attention to their feelings, and being more self-critical said, adding that women would also be more likely to carry [these feelings] into bed and subsequently dream about them.

1 Black Bla Bl ack ck & W White Wh hite t 61

Trapped in a cheerless world?

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar

He swore at me! “*#@&%, just because you have a bigger car, you want to overtake?”

I was too tired to even look at him.

The road was over crowded and the traffic was not moving.

Three cars lined up behind me and I was forced to move in front, so as to not block the other way. But, what the heck, the man on his side, accompanied with his wife was too angry with me and at the world!

I was exhausted, but since it was a New Year day, I was determined to pep up my energy level and was on my way to the temple, when I got sworn at by strangers!

Not a bad way to start the year, my mind said.

The man at my side, very determined not to give me way, was still bad mouthing me.

I held on… maybe he has had a bad day, caught in hopelessness.

But, the car behind me started honking…

I decided not to respond. After a good 10 minutes, I moved a little in front and there the ‘angry not-soyoung man’ swore again.

This time, I told him to shut up, by hand signals.

He wouldn’t.

That was it.

I parked the car on the side, walked up to the man and swore back at him, told him that with his attitude, he will have a lousy year ahead, he will never buy a big car and many other things normally I would not have said.

At least not on my way to a place of worship!

One silly man, a stranger, who had no meaning in my life, could bring the

worst out of me, on an occasion the whole world was rejoicing about!

I was mad till I reached home and am still mad after a week.

So much for resolutions and new years and new opportunities!

Why can’t people be nice to each other for no reason?

Why should some people be always grumpy and mad at the world?

Why let ourselves be trapped in a cheerless world?

I don’t know.

They say some people bring out the best in you?

I’d rather not believe that; I believe if I can’t bring out the best in me, no one else can!

But, there are a few that could bring the worst out of you.

And I can vouch for that.

I am a born believer of the innate goodness of human beings; I inherited it from my parents.

My dad, an incurable optimist, rubbed on his belief on humans on me.

Yet, the years have taught me that humans have no innate moral sense at all, they have only self interest and people behave well towards one another only because it serves their own personally perceived desires.

And the only golden rule you come across so openly today is: I won’t disturb your self-interest, if you don’t disturb mine!

And yet, I still believe in the innate goodness of human beings, even when I see myself losing it!

Maybe, just maybe, the way of learning is none other than finding the lost mind! priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

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