Black & White mag Issue 31

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

B&W Sudoku for a cause special edition

Living with Autism p36

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17 Jumada I - 17 Jumada II

Vol.2 Issue 31II April 21- May 20, 2011

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And they blame them too…

By Adarsh Madhavan It makes my blood boil. I am a nouveau parent.

So I know how it hurts when people hurl random accusations against me regarding my three-year old.

He is toooo thin, don’t you ever feed him? You don’t take care of him well, which is why he is always falling sick. He has not picked up the language yet; soon he might take after you and become mealy-mouthed like you…

So on, so forth…

I hate these accusations and I openly vent my ire against them too.

But, recently, I came in close contact with some parents and I realised that my problems paled in comparison. They were only accusing me because my son was a poor eater and not too gregarious as he should be.

But, imagine being the parent of a child with affliction; imagine the lives of such parents who have to live daily with children having disorders and the like and are yet forced to justify their living with rank strangers; are forced to adapt to society’s mores; and sometimes even having to apologise to them.

All about X, Y & Z

BAD PARENT People always tell Nandita (*) that she is a bad parent.

Why? Because her six-year old son, Atul, growls, screeches and rolls on the floor wailing when he is not given something he wants. Or so, they think.

Other parents claim that Nandita just stands and watches him as he throws a fit or makes unruly noises. Bad mother, they would mutter. Bad mother, with a child who is not disciplined at all. Bad mother, bad child…They should not bring such monsters out into the open. If they can’t handle the child, let them lock him indoors.

It is such a shame…Nandita cringes when she hears such biased statements against her and her child. But, she grits her teeth and plods on.

And the brazen accusations continue…

ONLY DISORDERS If only one of you out there stopped to think. Why 4 April 21- May 20, 2011

would mothers tolerate rank indiscipline from their children? Shouldn’t there be some kind of a reason?

Why is it that we never stop to think of the reasons behind every action that we see? Why is it so hard to see that the boy (in question) is not an unruly child, but someone with a disorder?

People are blind. Rather, they only see what they want to see. They only hear what they want to hear.

And they are not bothered to think about mothers like Nandita or innocent children like Atul.

NOT A CRIME They don’t care about the uphill climb that parents of these children have to take, each day. But, then the sad part is that parents also tend to get weak when they have such children; they sort of bow down because they feel that their children are a problem and some go to great lengths to hide them from the public. Not all are like that though. A contact of ours tells us of a tough, no-nonsense parent of an autistic child who said he had no qualms in bringing his daughter out into the open. “I take her wherever she goes. She is autistic, but so what? Is that a crime?”

Exactly. Having a disorder is not a crime. Having a sickness is not a crime. It is when you fail to recognise those with disorders and claim otherwise that it becomes a crime. Wish there was a proper law against it. Here, in this issue’s cover story, we talk to some parents of autistic children who fight an uphill task, every single day.

BLACK & WHITE SUDOKU FOR A CAUSE: AUTISM We want the people in Oman to know about these parents too, these real heroes and heroines who fight the autistic battle, day in day out... And for that we are back with the second edition of the Black & White Sudoku for a cause (autism), which will be unveiled on May 12 at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel (more details inside). (*) (Not real name) editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Regulate personal loans This is in response to your magazine’s article on the good, bad and ugly side of the protests (issue 30) in Oman. In my opinion, it is a social problem that has manifested in the form of protest caused by unregulated personal loan to salaried employees!

Venkataraman, Al Khuwair

Will not let down the nation We should not let our nation down. This was in essence the underlying message that we found in the B&W feature, ‘The good, the bad and the ugly’. No, we will neither let our nation, nor our leader down. That is a promise!

Saleh bin Mohammed Al Abri, Al Khuwair

Don’t spoil our Oman!

Many years later, we will all look back at these protests and wonder how and why it all happened. It will be a distant memory then and our grandchildren will be told of how such protests had happened in their peaceful nation and how it all died its own death…yes, I am sure we will put all of these protests behind soon and get back to living our lives the way we were doing so all this while…

Don’t spoil our Oman protestors! Whatever reasons you may attribute to your protests, none of them are right or justified in destroying the precious cultural fabric of this society that by engaging in acts that are totally antiOmani!

Suleiman Al Harthy, Qurum

It is MY passport Whose passport is it anyway?

Ours!

Why should I give my passport, which is my identity to the company that I work for? Safekeeping? I think I would prefer that my passport is kept safely at my own home!

If it is mandatory then the system that allows this to happen is at fault!

S. K. Rawal, Muttrah

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com 66April April2121-May May20, 20,2011 2011

Let the passports be with the employers With reference to your piece on who has the right to keep the passports (issue 30), I would say that it is safer and better that we keep the passports with our sponsors. I know of many incidents where the passports have either been lost by careless expatriate staff, or when some of the expats have absconded with their passports. These staff belonged to a company where the owner was not only quite magnanimous, but charitable. The sponsor was quite a forward thinking man and he even gave a free hand to

Kudos to a budding poet I am quite impressed by Maisoon Alpha Al-Mahrouqi’s poem (‘Unknown’ in issue 30). I am actually bowled over by these simple lines, which are majestic in its sweep: “I’ll tell you about a place that I have known‌ where the wind blows all night‌ ‌Never again will I tell lies, I know I can’t go on with feigning; I shake my head, I wipe my eyes, then suddenly, it stopped raining‌â€?

Fantastic! Keep it up Maisoon! Hope to read more of your verses! May your pen spill forth more of such excellent lines and hope you will be recognised as a poet soon!

Congratulations!

Anita K. Singh, Al Khuwair

the staff in terms of office timing etc. All he wanted was the job to be done. But, unfortunately, majority of the staff took advantage of this and began to abuse the freedom. The worst was when three of the expat staff (all of them had their passports with them) just left the company and the country without giving any notice. They just walked away during a crucial phase for the company and completely ditched the owner, the company and us.

Dominic. S, Wadi Kabir

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Xclusive Living with Autism

36

Everyone with a child or children will know about the difficulties of raising a kid, but, having a child with autism means that (depending on the severity) you are going through an uphill task for a lifetime; you need to be looking after your autistic child for a lifetime and care should be given everyday

Bitter Batter

Push up is king

Sir, it’s a 46 Sorry weekend rate!

16

Are some supermarkets still indulging in the ‘weekend’ rates game? Buyers continue to complain that they are being billed higher on a weekend than on week days and claim that some of the supermarkets are cleverly changing the rates...

Say no to negative self esteem

Contents

58

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, Oman 12 April 21- May Muscat, 20, 2011

The push up is considered to be the ultimate body weight exercise. Learn more about it!

Many social ills have been attributed to low self-esteem. And, for women, negative self-esteem is a tyrant that demonises them in various facets of life, including relationships and work. What should be done in such cases and how can a woman fight this downward spiral?

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 Ali Al Raisi, Priyanka Sampat

Enjoy the House of Peace from just 159 Rials* Fly direct to Dar Es Salaam Salaam, Tanzania on Oman Air! Dar Es Salaam, or “The house of peace” is your perfect antidote to stress – with breathtaki breathtaking flaura and fauna, picturesque parks and a tropical trop port dotted with dhows that slip like little fish fishes under the bows of huge cruise liners. You can also discover the vibrant shopping or tuck into the exotic ccuisine or take a day trip to a game park or Zanzibar.

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Black & White 13

YOGA?

Do 'real' men do

THIS MIGHT BE THE biggest stumbling block for many men who want to get on the yoga bandwagon but are afraid to take the first step. Some may also feel that it is not the right exercise for men.

In the eyes of most men, some major queries arise: can meticulous stretching replace fundamentals like weight training and running as the best physical activity?

Despite yoga’s growing popularity, here in Oman, and worldwide, many males still remain skeptical of the physical benefits that they would obtain from doing yoga.

This is the case with many of those who have been into traditional workouts, so much so they don’t feel like switching to yoga.

But, yoga is not just for girls or women or, for that matter, for hippies. Yes, they also do yoga, but it is not just for them. Yoga delivers benefits you can’t really get from other activities, like muscle health and intestinal health boosts that you can get from deep, intensive stretching.

It also improves balance, posture, strength, flexibility and concentration. And the stretching and sweating help to eliminate toxins from your body.

WHOLE BODY WORKOUT The best part of yoga is that it does not work just for one part of your body, but your entire body. The reason is that yoga helps in making your blood flow throughout your system and start making your body sweat and strain.

Men read

ENERGY AND FOCUS Doing yoga will boost your system to release energy that your body needs to do the exercising. So once you have done your workout you will notice you have increased energy and mental focus from participating in yoga.

DETOX YOUR BODY In most yoga classes you will notice that heat is turned 14 April 21- May 20, 2011

up in the room, this is done so that your body is made to perspire and sweat out. By causing your body to create a fever like symptom your body then starts to release toxins from your torso into the sweat, cleansing you from what could have been a cold or worse.

Some yoga poses: FORWARD FOLD This bending exercise is said to help “tone up the calves and the hips, while stretching the hamstrings”.

How: Simply part both your feet and stand straight. Now bend your torso over, towards the floor. If you can feel a pressure building up on your hamstrings and knees, gently bend the knees to release it. Now with your hands, grasp the elbows of the opposite arms. Hold this for a minute or two before getting back to the standing pose.

DOWNWARD-FACING DOG POSE This pose helps “to stretch the hamstrings, feet, calves, and shoulders”. It also works out the arms and legs.

How: Position yourself on all fours for this pose. Your knees and feet should be apart, parallel to each other. Your hands too should be placed on the ground, parallel to each other. Now, putting the weight on your hands, lift your knees and stretch your legs backwards. Lengthen the pose as much as you can by moving your hands and feet. Press your heels on the floor and start to relax your head and neck. Breathe deeply and hold the pose for three to five minutes.

BRIDGE POSE This pose helps “stretch the neck, chest, and hips, and it strengthens the spine”.

How: Lie down on the floor and bend your knees to place your feet on the floor. Place both your palms on the floor with your arms resting along your torso. Now take a deep breath and lift your hips. Stretch your body as much as you can in this position. Hold this pose for a few seconds, and then exhale while coming back to the resting position.

Yoga will boost your system to release energy that your body needs to do the exercising. So once you have done your workout you will notice you have increased energy and mental focus from participating in yoga

Black & White 15

P U U P S H is king!

Men health

YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU have just completed one of the best-ever exercises for your chest. And not only that, this low-cost exercise can be done in the privacy of your home.

You don’t have to go to the gym to do this.

The push up is considered to be the ultimate body weight exercise. It uses the muscles in the chest, shoulders, triceps, back, abs and the legs.

This common strength training exercise requires no special equipment and can be performed anywhere and anytime. The exercise enhances the general upper body strength by working on the chest, shoulders, abs and the triceps.

Before we proceed to the different types of push ups, here is how you do the basic ones: • Get on the floor and position your hands slightly wider than 16 April 21- May 20, 2011

your shoulders.

• Raise up onto your toes so you are balanced on your hands and toes.

• Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe without sagging in the middle or arching your back.

• Your feet can be close together or a bit wider depending upon what is most comfortable for you.

• Before you begin any movement, contract your abs and tighten your core by pulling your belly button toward your spine.

• Keep a tight core throughout the entire push up.

• Inhale as you slowly bend your elbows and lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90 degree angle.

• Exhale as you begin pushing back up to the start position • Don’t lock out the elbows; keep them slightly bent.

• Repeat for as many repetitions as

Lie horizontal on the ground with your face down. Then, lift and lower the body using your arms.

Keep your body straight and then lower yourself to the ground by bending your arms at the elbows and then slowly lift your body off the ground by stretching your arms.

Repeat this procedure as many times as possible.

your workout routine requires.

So, you got that? Now, let us take a quick look at the other types of push ups too. You have the incline and decline push ups, the bent knee push ups, the diamond push ups and the medicine ball push ups: INCLINE PUSH UPS Some may find it difficult to do the basic pull up, but, then, no sweat.

Just try to do push ups against a wall, table or chair. Make sure that you are standing some feet away from the object and use the basic pull up method to lower yourself until your elbows are 90 degrees and then lift back up. Keep your core muscles tight while doing the exercise.

DECLINE PUSH UPS Now, this is done by keeping your feet raised up on a chair or any elevated surface. Then, you have got to place your hands shoulder

width apart with the fingers pointing forwards. Now, keep your body straight and then lower yourself until your upper arms are parallel to the ground. Pause for a few seconds and then move back up.

BENT KNEE PUSH UPS As the name suggests, this push up exercise is performed on the knees rather on the toes. However, the steps to be followed are similar to the basic pull up exercise and ensure that you keep your knees, hips and shoulders in a straight line while

performing this exercise.

DIAMOND PUSH UPS This push up exercise is performed by keeping your hands closed together in such a way that the index fingers and thumb of one hand touches the respective fingers of the other hand, forming a diamond shape. The push ups are with your hands touching the center of your chest and elbows near your sides.

MEDICINE BALL PUSH UPS This exercise increases shoulder

stability by moving the shoulders in a slightly different range of motion.

All you have to do is to perform basic push ups by keeping one hand on top of a medicine ball.

CLAPPING PUSH UPS This is a plyometric exercise in which you push yourself up with enough power so that your hands come off the floor and you clap in midair. This exercise is not for novice exercisers. You can get injured very easily if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worked up to these one at a time.

O

Something magical, this way comes

all ew h t ff

Off the wall

By Adarsh Madhavan

I want…

Not a miracle, but magic.

The magic that I swore by in my early days.

That sparkle, that glow, that twinkle, that lush of enchantment, which I was consumed by.

I wore it too, once, that gown of the wizard; that dust of illusion.

I could disappear into thin air and I could metamorphose into fantasy.

It hurts to be alone in chimera. But pain was delicious, especially when it becomes a figment of your imagination.

It is not there, but there, if you know what I mean.

A few words tossed into the air, slicing through that thick wall of reality and opening a window into a world of fantasy…

Then, suddenly, somehow, somewhere, I grew up…

Like a snake tossing its skin, I slithered out, sans backbone, into a harsh, real world.

It was as though a black magician had cast a twisted spell on me!

Like a superman who suddenly loses his power and crashes into the world, I hurtled down, head hitting the pavement with a dull thud, the throbs of which still beat in me, endlessly…

I have now substituted my cape for fear.

However much I tried back to clamber back into the fantastic world, I couldn’t and I still ache for that land, which tantalised and dazzled me, gave me wings…

I have tried everything. Tried to run in my dreams, away from reality, but was always caught and sent back and punished for trying to escape…

This prison has been real as a demonic wound that continues to fester, depress, destroy…

Want nothing of it, yet, the more I try to flee, the more I sink in, digging deep into the dredges.

Yet, I know I have not been fully contaminated.

I am not yet destroyed.

For somewhere deep within, there is a wand twisting in

me, a magician’s wand I had once swallowed as I chased a wizard away who sought to rescue me from my reality.

He had come, he had seen, he had waved…but, I didn’t budge.

He waved his wand again, close to my face, tempting me, but I bit it like any tied dog would, and swallowed it whole.

And then I broke my chains and chased him away. I saw him loping elegantly, ahead of me, confident of getting into the safety of a rich and deeply wooded forest, where fairies dwelled with ogres like me. I stood there panting as I saw him disappear, my heart sinking in tandem with the sunset.

I haven’t seen or heard from him since then, but then, off late, I wake from my slumber into a dream-like state, where I see him again, in the distance, like a ghost in the mist. He is smiling again, and he is waving again, a different wand. Use it, he whispers and I don’t understand it, but then it struck me, recently, as my gut choked with an old stick I had swallowed.

I must use it. The wand within me. Coax it out and use it to recast a spell on me, break through the moulds, and tear through these walls that close in on me, every moment. I must escape; I must climb on the carpet and vanish into a world unknown. I need it, because that is my destiny, not this sullen morn, not this wrecked star…

Why should it be too late?

Why should I hesitate?

This magic is waiting to happen and I can’t let it go this time…

An Abracadabra escapes my lips, like a whisper in the dawn under a painted sky filled with dreams.

I relive the fantasy and I hear the woods whispering.

There is something magical out there and it is slowly, slowly moving towards me.

I wait, because I know the magic is here, there, somewhere, I wait. I know it is there. It is there deep within me and it is there in that unchartered path before me and in that endless sky above me. It is there. adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

18 April 21- May 20, 2011

Black & White 19

Save Japan, Pray for Japan

Oman watch

charity concert raises OMR19,304.350 The newly-formed Sakura-Kai organisation raised OMR19,304.350 through the 'Save Japan, Pray for Japan' charity concert event that included classical concert, auction and bazaar to help the victims in Japan following March’s triple disaster. The concert took place at InterContinental Muscat on April 18.

The Sakura-Kai organisation operates under the umbrella of the OmanJapan Friendship Association, and it consists of 12 Japanese women who are married to Omanis.

The guest of honour was the chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Khalil bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khonji and the special guest was the Japanese Ambassador Seiji Morimoto.

Times of Oman, Al Shabiba and Black & White were the media sponsors.

Other sponsors included Intercontinental Hotel, Muscat Eye Laser Centre, Qalhat LNG, Muscat Pharmacy, Zahara Tour, CONCEPT, FRIENDI Mobile, Pepsi, Amouage, Jet Airways, Omantel, Nawras, Fahmy Furniture, Khimji Ramdas LLC, YAMAHA, Sur Plaza Hotel, Sheraton Qurum Beach Resort, TALENTZ, Cosmic Surrounding Technology LLC, SNK Productions, Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. LLC, Wadi Hadhramaut, City Seasons, Park Inn, Al Falaj Hotel, Tokyo Taro, Jumbo Electronics, B&B Misfa House, Radisson Blu, DAZIAA, Modern Electronics House, Desert Nights Camp, Daiso, Bateel, Al Shatti Plaza, Oman Tourism College, Variety International, Capital Store, International Victory Bow, Tamami Networks, Badr Translation LLC, Taghlib Al Barwani, R. Crasto, Peter Francis and Kcethso.

The amount has been deposited to the account “Friends of Japan” created by the Japanese embassy and the funds will be sent to Japan. Chairperson of Sakura-Kai, Suad M Al-Mudhaffar, thanked all sponsors, the members of the society and all members of Sakura-Kai for their support in making this event a great success.

20 April 21- May 20, 2011

Black & White 21

Oman watch 22 April 21- May 20, 2011

Black & White 23

PepsiCo's

green bottle

BMW ‘Stay Alert,

Stay Alive’ road safety campaign

BMW launched its ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ road safety campaign in Oman to help raise awareness of the importance of road safety issues. BMW Group importer, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, participated in the recently held ‘Mommy and Me’ event to promote the use of seat belts and car seats amongst car owners with children in Oman.

More than 300 families took part in interactive demonstrations on the correct installation and use of car child safety restraints, with 200 complimentary safety booster cushion given out to children between 6 and 11 year old and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, the internationally recognised safest weights.

PepsiCo recently announced it has developed the world’s first PET plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based, fully renewable resources, enabling the company to manufacture a beverage container with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. PepsiCo’s 'green' bottle is 100 percent recyclable and far surpasses existing industry technologies. The bottle is made from bio-based raw materials, including switch grass, pine bark and corn husks. In the future, the company expects to broaden the renewable sources used to create the 'green' bottle to include orange peels, potato peels, oat hulls and other agricultural byproducts from its foods business. This process further reinforces PepsiCo’s 'Power of One' advantage by driving a strategic beverage innovation via a food-based solution.

2011 Yukon Family The 2011 editions of the Yukon offers distinctive styling, spacious and refined interiors, exceptional driving characteristics and segment-leading safety features – including standard head curtain side air bags for all seating rows on all models. With a deserved reputation for its dedication to safety, the Yukon raises the bar even higher in 2011.

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.

Medical insurance plan Rishtey launched in Oman

Wordpress

Non Resident Indians (NRIs) from Oman will be able to avail of all medical insurance cover when visiting India. Falcon Insurance Company SAOC in partnership with ICICI Lombard General Insurance launched Rishtey, an individual medical insurance plan for Indians residing in Oman as well as their families in India.

The versatile medical insurance scheme was launched at a function held in Al Qurum Beach Resort recently.

Faisal Al Yousuf, director of Falcon Insurance Company SAOC was the chief guest at the event. Also present at the function were Hitesh Kotak, vice president - strategic planning group, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co Ltd.; Varun Thukral, manager - strategic planning gGroup, ICICIL and Nitin Firke, manager -ICICI Representative Office, Dubai.

24 April 21- May 20, 2011

City Seasons

Muscat Hotel soft opens City Seasons Hotel Muscat has opened its doors to the public this month and entered the ‘soft-opening’ phase of the hotel. The hotel is the fifth addition to the City Seasons Groups portfolio and the first to open in Oman. This new luxury business hotel stands elegantly, in the diplomatic area with 269 spacious rooms and suits, a fine blend of Arabian contemporary hospitality and modern facilities. Manu Madan, general manager commented, “With the City Seasons Hotel Muscat now ‘soft’ opened, the brand marks another successful step forward in its expansion in the Middle East” he adds, “One of the brand objectives is to expand the hotel brand within the market and certainly Oman is one of the destinations with the highest potential.”

The new Mercedes-Benz Viano From family car to executive taxi, from corporate company coach to tourer; the Mercedes-Benz Viano leads its class, defining the new benchmark for large-capacity shuttles.

The new Viano offers the trademark comfort of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car with a highly flexible passenger compartment that has multiple seating configurations, with the capacity to accommodate up to eight, including the driver and co-driver seat, plus luggage.

Renna mobile rewards top dealers Renna mobile rewarded its top dealers recently as part of its weekly 'Sell and Win' programme in March. The first winner of the weekly program was 3G, Lulu Hypermarket, Barka. Renna mobile’s strong market presence stems from a extensive selection process which places customer needs on top of all priorities. Renna mobile’s direct sales strategy aims at forging long term partnerships to complement renna mobile’s customers experience.

Contact: dealersupport@rennamobile.com

Al Hayat Association board members pledge to make Oman ‘drug free’

Al Hayat Association board members Al Hayat Association, which has formed a new board, with 12 members recently, pledged to make Oman a ‘drug free’ nation.

The 12 include Al Hayat president, Mohammed Al Zadjali, founder of the association. From the 12, five committees have been formed headed by five members.

The awareness committee is headed

by Hilmi Al Kind. It’s responsibilities include: lectures in schools, colleges, private sectors, workshops,

conferences, exhibitions and also to form a library.

The public relations and marketing committee is responsible for media, fund raising, sponsorship, awareness, producing all materials including brochures etc. This is headed by Baidha Al Sikaiti.

The organisational management committee is headed by Ibtisam Al Busaidi and her responsibilities include planning, financial, performance, measures and updates.

The self development committee

is headed by Dr Ameera Al Raidan.

This includes psychiatry, rehab-drug addicts, counselling sessions and health, recovering and families.

The fifth committee looks into IT courses, English courses, social skills and religion and activities. This is headed by Hilal Al Zedjali, who is also responsible for sports activities, social activities, environmental activities, arts and crafts.

Black & White 25

Wordpress

Fourth Dive Challenge in Oman An international team of dive instructors, doctors and helpers came to Nizwa to give handicapped people the chance to try out diving in the pool of the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa.

The first dive challenge for disabled was held in March 2009 at the Oman Dive Center in Muscat. Due to its great success and the immense interest the Ministry of Sports asked the dive challenge team to organise such events on a regular basis in different cities of Oman.

Sur and Salalah have been the destinations during 2010 and this year the dive event was held in Nizwa from March 13 to 16.

The 'father' of the team is Tariq Al Khabori who is supporting the society of disabled people since 1984. Due to his continuous efforts and initiative over the past years the team will soon be organised in the ODDA “Oman Disabled Divers Association” inspired by former events in cooperation with European diving organisations. This association is now under formation.

Diving was considered as dangerous sport, but nowadays 26 April 21- May 20, 2011

scuba diving is one of the most popular water sport activities in the world for young and old. In many countries diving is already part of therapies for the handicapped as 'inwater activities' have a positive influence on the body and empowers the mental and physical fitness. Post incident depressions can be healed and disabled people motivated to get back to social activities.

Stefanie Trier, one of the founding members, and diving instructors says: “During my long time of teaching I came across some handicapped students. One of them had only one leg. Although I was skeptic in the beginning and thought that he will not be able to keep up with the other students I was very surprised that he turned out to be one of the best students during the course; extremely disciplined and eager to do all exercises in high performance.” This experience motivated me to become a diving instructor for the handicapped.

All team members are cutting their annual holidays to travel to the Sultanate to teach disabled people diving. When asking Gundula

Blohm, Kathleen Bates and Tom Wyssenbach, instructors who are coming on a regular basics, what motivates them to participate, the answer is: Seeing the total joy and excitement in the eyes of the handicapped under water and after the dive.

Meeting people who never thought in their entire life that they will once scuba dive and getting the possibility to discover the beautiful underwater world of Oman is pure satisfaction.

Not only the inwater training but also the qualified and competent surface assistance is very important for the handicapped.

Saif Al Rawahi and Nina Gail are helping the participants with enthusiasm to get their equipment prepared, they do surface briefings and bring the disabled safely in and out of the water. They are also taking care of the handicapped after their water experience and are giving help and explanations if needed.

A key team member is Dr Roswitha Prohaska who is also a dive instructor and president of the Austrian Society for Diving and Hyperbaric medicine takes care

In many countries diving is already part of therapies for the handicapped as 'inwater activities' have a positive influence on the body and empowers the mental and physical fitness of safety and allows only people in the water who went through a medical check-up and questioning.

Depending on her evaluation, up to three dive instructors are taking care of one disabled diver.

Mentally retarded, blind, deaf as well as paraplegics can join the event as long as there is no contra indication existing. Andrea Blinzler, a physiotherapist working in Muscat, is also part of the team and eager to improve the life of the handicapped in Oman with water therapies.

During the first day in Nizwa the team had 25 disabled people in the water. Instructors are in the pool from 10am till 4pm with only a short lunch break to make sure that all handicapped are able to experience the feeling of moving in three dimensions and to forget a while about their handicap. When asking the team members about their objectives for the future the

first wishes coming up are to have a proper association and to continue the education.

The aim for this year is to get disabled into the open sea who are really keen on taking a complete diving course. The fun should not be limited to the pool experience.

Stefanie, who is working for Art Marine in Oman, a company organising charter tours on luxury yachts, has obtained permission from her company to use one of the luxury yachts for a snorkel and dive excursion.

The boat is fitted with a hydraulic platform which will make the access to the water very easy. Numarine, the Turkish manufacturer of this yacht, designed also a 78 ft boat fully accessible for people in wheelchairs, equipped with lifts instead of stairs and specially designed bathrooms.

"Our aim is to have an instructor for disabled on a permanent base

in Oman," says Tariq Khabori, the demand in scuba diving is so high that this person will be busy over the entire year. Gundula Blohm who was working in Salalah in a dive center for a year is smiling. She loves the country and its people and would be more than willing to quit her job in Germany to move back to Oman and see the smiles in the faces of disabled when experiencing the fascinating underwater world. The spirit is moving from Oman to the neighboring countries. Tariq Khabori was already invited by senior officials to establish water activities for the disabled people in their countries.

The dive challenge in Nizwa would not have taken place without the financial support of local companies and the team as well as the society of disabled people in Oman is very thankful to Oman LNG, Millennium, National Bank of Oman and Oman ORIX Leasing for their contribution.

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MINI Countryman unveiled in Oman MINI Countryman, the brand’s fourth family member, was officially unveiled in Oman this week. The MINI together with Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, its exclusive importer in the Sultanate, presented its new crossover model as a car to bridge the gap between the classic MINI and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. Larger and taller than its hatchback sibling, the new MINI Countryman is the first MINI model to feature four doors, four individual seats (a three-seat bench is available at no additional cost), optional all-wheel drive and unique MINI Centre Rail, a funky multifunctional guide rail running through the interior. The MINI Countryman also comes in 11 brand new exterior colours and is available from Al Jenaibi International Automobiles.

New Moulinex Faciclic blender Moulinex, the French manufacturer of innovative small kitchen appliances, has launched Moulinex Faciclic Blender in Oman. The new faciclic blender comes with 400 Watts motor power and two speed plus Pulse function. The Pulse function is very useful in the kitchen for perfect blending, grinding and chopping activities. Moulinex brand is distributed in Oman by Khimji Ramdas LLC and are available at all leading hypermarkets and electronic stores across Oman including Khimji’s luxury and lifestyle outlets.

Second Cup Oman wins

New BankMuscat branch opens in Wattayah

Second Cup Oman was recently recognised with the best marketing award during Second Cup’s debut annual international conference which was held in Cyprus last month. Competing against 11 international markets, Second Cup Oman was one of two entries to win an award on behalf of an entire market as opposed to other award categories that were only granted to individual outlets. Awards were given to single cafés across the globe, including best operating standards, best café and best sales growth. Hani bin Ali Mirza, partner and managing director of Bin Mirza International (BMI) expressed, “The best marketing award for an entire market is emblematic of our innovative and efficient operational and marketing techniques that have positioned us as an exceptional associate and highly certified franchisee. It is also a reflection of our deep understanding of our products, services and guests, in addition to our ongoing efforts towards the development of Second Cup Oman as a popular and trusted brand.”

BankMuscat has opened a state-of-the-art branch in Wattayah. Sayyida Sana bint Hamed bin Soud, directorgeneral at the ministry of education, was the guest of honour at the inauguration attended by a large gathering of dignitaries and guests.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, group DGM – consumer banking, said: “The expanding branch network highlights BankMuscat’s focus to remain the nation’s bank of first choice in all parts of the country. With the widest reach in serving customers and the largest network of 130 branches in the Sultanate, BankMuscat exceeds customer expectations at all levels. The ‘Total Customer Delight’ approach adopted

by BankMuscat is focussed on sustaining long-term relationship with customers.”

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best marketing award

28 April 21- May 20, 2011

NBO celebrates first anniversary of DANA credit card with NACA National Bank of Oman (NBO) recently celebrated the first anniversary of DANA (the Sultanate’s first ladies credit card), at Dar Al Hannan Children’s Project - National Association of Cancer Awareness (NACA). The NBO was the first bank in the Sultanate, to launch a credit card specifically designed for women, on the 100th International Day for Women, in 2010.

The donation cheque for NACA was

handed over recently, to coincide with ‘International Women’s Day’, which falls on March 8. Yuthar Al Rawahy, president of NACA received the cheque from representatives of NBO’s senior management team.

Lina Al Abdulsalam, NBO’s head of advertising and communication said: “Dana’s social responsibility feature is an example of NBO’s commitment to the community. We will always stand committed to encouraging and

supporting women and thereby meet the growing need to further enhance their identities.”

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph The Omega first served as official timekeeper at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1932. When the curtain is raised on the next edition of the Games, the Swiss watchmaker will assume its Olympic Games timekeeping role at the world’s most prestigious sporting spectacle for the 25th time. To commemorate the occasion, Omega has created the Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph in two configurations.

One features a bicolour case crafted from 18 Ct red gold and stainless steel and presented on an integrated black leather strap. The other is made of rugged stainless steel and

is presented on a matching bracelet.

The bold 44 mm case is polished and brushed and has a polished bezel.

The distinctive blue PVD-coated dial features the characteristic vertically striped teak-pattern dial which has contributed to the enormous popularity of Omega’s Aqua Terra family.

The classic Omega is available in Oman at Mistal. Contact: 24771444

Park Inn Muscat sponsors BSM Marlins The Park Inn Muscat announced its support to the British School Muscat’s (BSM) ‘Marlins’ swim team, for two high-profile swimming events being hosted by the school this year.

The first was the recently-concluded ‘Muscat International Swimming Championships’ held in February.

This was the second chapter of the event, whose debut garnered immense popularity last year and prompted the BSM to organise it again this year, to an audience of around 350 people. The second event is the ‘British Schools of the Middle East Championships’. This championship event is in its third year and will see participants from all the AGCC countries, in addition to

Jordan and Egypt.

With an estimated 300 visitors, the event is expected to generate a real buzz in sporting circles and media. Like the Muscat International Swimming Championships, this event

will be held in the Olympic pool at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

The decision was taken after David Rogers, director of swimming at the BSM met with Francois Galoisy, general manager at the Hotel.

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‘Human connections’ art exhibition by Radhika Hamlai Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa presented ‘Human Connections’ an art exhibition by Radhika Hamlai recently. The one month event was in partnership with the Bait Al Zubair Foundation, as part of their joint mission to promote the arts and culture of Oman. Artist Radhika Hamlai, a selftaught Omani artist of Indian origin has exhibited internationally. She has obtained recognition from the Omani Society for Fine Arts, received commissions for various prestigious hotels including Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa and has organised a number of events to promote art. The show featured abstract forms that express their own individual characteristics and connections to each other, representing a whimsical narrative that reflects the artist’s multi-cultural identity, relationships and observations.

Brand Oman

sponsors TEDxMuscat event

Brand Oman Management Unit (BOMU) is the major partner for the TEDxMuscat event, which will take place on May 3 at the Millennium Hotels and Resorts in Musannah.

Globally acknowledged as one of the world’s most influential new media brands, TED and its offshoot TEDx program is an event organisation dedicated to the sharing of inspirational ideas and knowledge.

TEDxMuscat will feature TEDTalks videos, opinion leaders from in and outside Oman and live simulcasts with several colleges, aimed at providing an overall rewarding and unique TED-like experience.

Commenting on Brand Oman’s support of TEDxMuscat, His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al

Pohela Boishakh at

Wordpress

Bangladesh School Muscat

Nurul Alam Chowdhury, the ambassador of Bangladesh, inaugurated the Mela, which the Bangladesh School Muscat had organised to celebrate the Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year, at its premises recently.

30 April 21- May 20, 2011

Said, Coo, BOMU, said: “The lineup of speakers for TEDxMuscat is exceptional, they come from different walks of life.

There are successful entrepreneurs, innovators, future-shaping scientists and researchers, artists and rising stars – they all have a place on this year’s TEDxMuscat stage.

But perhaps it’s the TEDxMuscat audience that’s the real attraction of the event. The organisers have an eclectic and well-balanced mix of business people, entrepreneurs, policy-makers, artists, scientists and students attending. It has all the necessary ingredients to be a successful initiative. Indeed, as a TED Partner, Brand Oman is very excited about this event.”

International Women’s Day at Copper Chimney restaurant The 100th International Women’s Day was celebrated with more than 100 women, in an atmosphere live with laughter, warmth and compassion; smiling cheerful ladies, scrumptious food, exciting games, along with foot-tapping music and dance at Copper Chimney restaurant.

The main motto of the event was to bring the different nation’s women together and exchange their views, share their ideas and let everyone have their own voice in a free and fun manner, said coordinators Nipa Shah and Sangita Rachh.

Nawras free MMS promotion

Khimji Ramdas ERP

Nawras announced an exciting MMS promotion giving customers the opportunity to enjoy sending free MMS (multimedia messages) for a whole day after sending just three messages at the regular price of only 45 baisa. The MMS or picture messages can be sent to any mobile customer in Oman and even to email addresses. Through this exciting promotion, Nawras customers will once again get more from their innovative communications provider.

“An MMS is a great business tool,” said Mohammed bin Jaffar Al Najwani, VAS marketing manager at Nawras.

“If you are at a trade show, for example, you can snap a shot and send it to colleagues."

Khimji Ramdas Information & Communication Technology (KICT) and Evolutionary Systems (Evosys) hosted an ERP seminar for senior executives at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat recently. The attendees included CIOs, IT Managers, Supply Chain Specialists, HR heads from private and public sector companies, looking to plan their organisation’s IT Application Strategy in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Jayanta Borpujari, general manager, KICT, in his welcome address said, “KICT’s Enterprise Application Software business unit is focusing on critical business requirements like ERP, EAM, and WMS. It’s our goal to become the first-choice for all our esteemed customers in these areas through efficient, reliable and sustained service delivery. Evosys also shares the same level of customer commitment and drive for excellence, backed by an enviable track record for achieving customer satisfaction. We are natural partners for Oracle solutions.”

seminar for senior executives

NBO finances construction of Aluminum Rolling Mill in Sohar

National Bank of Oman (NBO) recently signed a financial agreement with Aluminum Rolling Mill Company at Sohar Industrial Estate. The project is promoted by Takamul Investment Company SAOC, owned by Oman Oil Company, in conjunction with the Italian FATA EPC Company.

As per the agreement, NBO is the mandated lead arranger in raising a long term syndicate loan of $193.15 million to finance the capital expenses in setting up a green field aluminum rolling mill in Sohar Industrial Estate. The total estimated cost for this project is $386.3 million.

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Major Sponsors:

Let's understand Autism

He is silent, lost, angry, crying and all alone in his own world!

Co Sponsors:

Grand Finale on May 12, 7.30pm at Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace Hotel

Let us not leave him there!

Social media support:

IDentity MANagement

By Dr CK Anchan

It all matters in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world as to who you are on the internet. The identity on the internet states the value of the person or the corporate, the search engines like Google, Yahoo etc will state the value of the individual or the corporate on the number of hits it gets for the specified user.

The net changed everything. It has changed the application architecture, it has changed the way we communicate and co-operate, and even more changes can be expected in the next few years. But there is still one aspect of computer systems that works the same way from the ancient times of computing: identity management.

Management talk

The core issues at stake revolve around the term 'identity', a real world concept with digital manifestations.

Off line, an identity is established from an extensive set of 'attributes' (e.g., name, height, birth date, employer, home address, passport number) associated with an individual. These attributes may be permanent or temporary, inherited, acquired, or assigned. In the digital world, on line, an individual identity can be established by combining both real world and digital attributes such as passwords or biometrics.

The identity management has started as set of manual processes to create, modify and delete user records in computer systems and partly has also covered user 34 April 21- May 20, 2011

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

authentication. But the growth of Internet and the distributed nature of current applications make the manual processes infeasible.

New concepts and technologies were introduced to address the identity management problems.

These technologies has started in three different environments that suffer from a specific set of problems: Enterprise, Internet and Government, which are the three basic areas of Identity management technologies.

Enterprise Digital Identity aims to automate user management processes in the enterprise environment, such as user provisioning process, user repository management, authentication, authorisation, etc. User-Centric Digital Identity is a set of concepts that may provide mechanisms for management of user's data in the internet environment.

Government Digital Identity focuses on management of data that describe physical persons. The data managed by government usually forms the legal aspects of the person's lives.

While the approach to solve the identity management problems may be different, all the identity management technologies have many common aspects. Want to know more about the management revolved around our identity? Keep reading this spaceâ&#x20AC;Ś To be continued...

In Black & White

In Black...

Daniel set a European record on March 14th 2004 when he recited the famous mathematical constant Pi (3.141...) to 22,514 decimal places from memory in a time of five hours, nine minutes Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief MAYBE WE WILL DISCOVER A RAINMAN IN OMAN Dr Yahya Al Farsi of the Autism Research Group spoke very little at the first-ever Sudoku for a cause event last year. But this man of few words shocked us all: 4000 autistic children, out of which only 200 were registered and only one child psychiatrist for the whole of Oman and no funding at all…

These facts were too much to digest. Where were the other 3800 autistic children hidden?

In their homes? Where were they; what happened to them?

These facts really broke our hearts. And it was because of this that we vowed to continue with our awareness campaign, until all of the 4000 are medically attended to! These kids are special; they need our love and attention. More importantly, they need acceptance…

WHY SUDOKU FOR AUTISM? Sudoku is a simple game of numbers. Numbers are common the world over, and can have no communication gaps. In every language, the numbers remain the same. Last year’s event brought Omanis as well as the expatriate community together under one platform, giving us the audience to address the cause: autism. As a media, the least we can do is unify communities and create social awareness. We did just that. It is believed that the autistic children are good at numbers and at

computers and images too. So, dear readers, join us for a noble cause…

We have had a successful event, which saw very talented Sudoku players vie for championship and win exciting prizes. We were fortunate to bring in George Widener, an autistic calendar savant and renowned artist, as our celebrity guest.

FASTEST HUMAN CALCULATOR This year we will have Daniel Tammet, who is an autistic savant, a writer, linguist and educator as our celebrity guest. He is a genius with numbers and is known as the ‘fastest human calculator’!

A 2007 poll of 4,000 Britons named him as one of the world’s ‘100 living geniuses’. Daniel set a European record on March 14, 2004 when he recited the famous mathematical constant Pi (3.141...) to 22,514 decimal places from memory in a time of five hours, nine minutes.

Daniel’s presence would surely inspire many here in Oman and who knows we might even be able to unearth a Rainman of its own somewhere…!

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B&W Xclusive 36 April 21- May 20, 2011

You don’t

understand…

Dozens of people are talking all at once. Some are shouting. Others seem to be screaming. Babies are sniveling, some are wailing.

Someone is howling from the music system. Trolleys are screeching.

Cartons are creaking. Phones are clanging. Shoes are stomping the ground. There is too much of a crowd here. And it is all overwhelming!

It is not just the sights and the sounds, the sense of smell is also overpowering.

I smell everything. The not-so-quite fresh fish, the man who has not had a shower today, foul smelling chemicals, smelly diapers, feet…everything and my head is really reeling. I am feeling too nauseous.

I am overloaded with the sights, sounds and smells and I feel over stimulated... The lights are too bright, and it hurts my eyes and I am disturbed. Everything seems to be distorted…

You don’t understand. You just don’t understand…I may appear withdrawn and belligerent. But, all I am attempting to do is to just try and defend myself.

Against what you may ask? Nothing is attacking you; safely ensconced as you are in the home of your devoted parents, you would say. I don’t deny that, but, when things that you consider ordinary, or don’t even notice, like the usual sounds, smells, tastes, touches of everyday life attack me and give me considerable pain, I am unable to function normally. And many of the things that you consider normal are abnormal to me. Totally.

All around, there are too many items for me to be able to focus and I thus stumble, bump into things. When there is just too much around, I cannot hear, see or understand you… this is what I go through every waking moment of my life.

Will you respond if someone called you like this: “Hey you @#$%^&*! Osama!” Or, %%^&**()_+ Salim!” No! Neither would your little autistic child because most probably that

is how he is hearing it when you call him from the other room. Also, an autistic child would never understand it if you speak to them in riddles.

Or, even for instance, if you bombard them with idioms, puns, nuances, double entendre…etc. All forms of sarcasm are lost on them.

So, desist from saying that it is “pouring like cats and dogs” when all you need to say is that it is raining. If you mention cats and dogs, the poor kid(s) will actually search for them.

In short, what we are trying to say here is that if you are a parent of an autistic child, or dealing with such children, or simply if you come into contact with such kids, then you need to know that you do not understand a thing about them. You actually need to know so many things about them.

The spotlight bears down on you when you are an 'autism parent' and you are the one who can make a difference for your child more than anyone else, for you need to understand what is going on inside your autistic child and you need to understand that he/she is not being difficult or obstinate. It is just that he/she does not understand; it is just that his/her sensory perceptions maybe disordered; maybe their hearing could be hyper acute; and he/she may not just have tunnel-vision, but also tunnel-hearing.

When he/she is overloaded, when there is just too much, he/she cannot deal with it and cannot see or hear you nor is able to filter properly. So, although you don’t realise, he/she is actually seeing and hearing things more than you may hear or see.

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S/he has got

AUTISM! Four words. There are four words that will change your life forever. “Your child is autistic!” or “Your child has autism!”

Unfortunately, no one is ever fully prepared to hear those four words, nor, are they ready to know what they actually mean. Everyone with a child or children will know about the difficulties of raising a kid, but, having a child with autism means that (depending on the severity) you are going through an uphill task for a lifetime; you need to be looking after your autistic child for a lifetime and care should be given everyday! In fact, it is said that “raising a child with autism calls for things that you would never dream of doing in order to help them become self sufficient adults”. And that means a lot, which is why we honed on the subject of ‘living with autism’ and spoke to some parents with autistic children so that we can try to understand how they have learnt to successfully live with autism. Perhaps these parents whom we have spoken to at the Muscat Autism Centre (beneficiaries of Black & White’s autism event last year) will give everyone an idea of the realities of looking after children with autism and also give other parents new insights into caring for such children. Most importantly, these courageous parents will instill in the right spirit in other parents, making them go all out in providing care for their autistic children. The journey is long and exhausting with these children but well worth it in the end.

Living with Bayan Abdullah bin Hamad bin Musabah Al Shibli, Sohar North Father of nine year old Bayan

B&W Xclusive

Our first-born Bayan was like a dream come true for us. When she came into our lives two years ago, it was a time for great celebrations.

38 April 21- May 20, 2011

Oman still does not have any facilities for autistic children. From basic information to treatment facilities, schooling and special care facilities are not available leaving us parents totally lost and helpless

But, this jubilation was short lived. For, just before her second birthday, she suddenly fell quite sick: Our little Bayan was finding it hard to breathe that day; we had to rush her to the hospital.

She looked very small and frail, and we were all worried.

“SHE IS AUTISTIC” She was admitted to a hospital and put on oxygen and very slowly she became normal.

Doctors advised many more tests but the worst news was being told that she could be autistic.

We were heartbroken.

B&W Xclusive

Quite frankly, it did not make any sense to us because we could not comprehend what it was all about. Initially we thought maybe we could cure her through better medical care, so I looked up all facilities available and chose Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, India and took Bayan for more tests and consultations. That was just the start, I didn’t stop at that. I took her from brain scans to nutrition supplements to all sorts of tests and consultations; took her to hospitals in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria with the only hope that maybe she will grow up and become something near to normal.

STARTED TALKING AFTER FOUR Till four, Bayan never spoke; she was lost in her own little world, not sharing, not communicating, and not smiling. With great pain we realised that her childhood was slowly flitting past, without her knowledge. But, again, it’s not just Bayan who was helpless; we were too. We could not comprehend what she wanted or what was in her mind; we were lost because she wouldn’t 40 April 21- May 20, 2011

communicate. She started talking a little when she was four, but, before that nothing. Today, she is nine, small built and still not too confident about her speech. She has picked up quite a lot of words after she started attending special school.

But she is happy now and she recognises people and things. Even if it is in monosyllables, she speaks. Earlier, she used to take my hand and point at things she wanted. Now it is better.

LIFE REVOLVES AROUND BAYAN Oman still does not have any facilities for autistic children. From basic information to treatment facilities, schooling and special care facilities are not available leaving us parents totally lost and helpless. Not much is spoken about it and if you have an autistic child, then you start searching for help, only to realise that no one can help you. Our lives are around Bayan and since there is just one school, we have moved out of Sohar and resettled in Muscat. I have a second child, Said, who is five. My wife, Jamila Salim Al Shibli, has adapted and accepted life with Bayan. Our lives are set around little Bayan, because she needs that extra care and attention.

MORE FACILITIES FOR THE AUTISTIC I would really wish that the authorities would look in to providing more facilities for the autistic in Oman. More awareness and schools are required.

We wish there is someone who can help us out, rather than needing to go out of the country. How many of us can afford all this travel and medical consultations? Will our children suffer in silence?

Thinking about Bayan’s future, my heart pains… what will happen to the kids with autism when they grow up into bigger liabilities?

Difficult to detect Salem Said Al Tobi Barkat Al Mous, Nizwa Father of three-year old Mohammed

Mohammed is my fifth child and all others are normal.

So when Mohammed turned out to be very silent and a loner, not even responding to his mother, we got a little worried.

He was always glued on to the television and never responded to any one of us. None of my other children behaved like Mohammed and so we thought maybe he has got hearing problems. We were totally confused, he used to cry quite a lot. That made us believe that maybe he is not well. But again, he liked to listen to music and was always watching specific channels, which he would recognise instantly by the music. He was good with computers and using mobile phones too.

MILDLY AUTISTIC We could not understand how he could watch television, but not respond to other sounds and people.

So finally we took him to an ENT specialist who did all the tests and said Mohammed had no hearing difficulty and that our fears were baseless.

One of my nieces was at the university and specialising in kindergarten and she advised me to take Mohammed to a child psychiatrist, so I took him to Dr Marwan at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH). Finally Mohammed was diagnosed as mildly autistic and we were advised to do things accordingly.

Very slowly we came to accept the circumstances. But, today Mohammed is getting better. Earlier he used to stay alone and never mingle or share anything with his siblings. He did not make any eye contact with anyone, now after he started coming to Muscat Autism Center, his communication has improved.

associations for autistic parents. We need to speak to each other and share experiences and support each other. Life with a special child is different and parents feel left out and alone. If only there was an autism association and a support group of parents, it would have given more moral strength and a feeling we are not alone…

Media should take up social causes and so should corporate(s)… the challenges faced by parents of autistic children are many and most importantly delayed diagnosis is a major hurdle that all of us have to face.

Oman needs more diagnostic facilities, more child psychiatrists. Another major challenge is speech therapy and there is very little option and rather no option at all for the autistic children. If there are no facilities to contain the problem, what will the future for the autistic children be? It is very expensive to provide special care, education and medicines.

Even diagnosis is not affordable for many, more than the stigma, it is the non affordability and the fear of the enormity of the problem that makes the parents withdraw and hide their kids at home.

NO SUPPORT GROUPS It would come only as a bad shock to any family when they find out one of their children is not normal. It takes a lot of courage and strength to accept truth and turn around your lives. If there is a child with special needs at home, the life of the family members’ changes drastically. Nothing remains normal anymore and the process of giving a normal life to your special child.

We would welcome parent support groups or

CAN’T SLEEP IN PEACE Autism is not something that can be cured. It is not like a cold or a fracture that can be cured and normalcy can be brought back. There is no answer to the question until when? Other than hope and prayers we parents have no answers as to when it will all end. Our head says that there is no end to it, but our hearts hope against all odds… a parent of an autistic child can never sleep in peace…

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Silence at home Alaa Ghalib Hassan Mother of six year old Zaid Nizar

B&W Xclusive

When you get a child at home, the home becomes full of sounds, from crying to laughter to happy talking people. Children make a home lively, but when Zaid remained silent and lost in his thoughts, it broke my heart and all my hopes. In my heart I knew something was wrong.

Zaid made meaningless noises, clapped and moved aimlessly… he was going to be four, but hardly spoke. He was such a sweet kid; he would take my hand and point at things he wanted. I grew up in a big family, but when Zaid was born, in the initial months we were alone. My husband’s work involved travelling and I used to be alone with Zaid.

Initially, I blamed his lack of speaking ability on that.

But I knew it all along that he was too silent to be normal and I took him to the UAE hospital to meet a child specialist.

Zaid had to undergo many tests from ordinary blood tests to chromosomal and even allergy tests. Finally it was detected that he was autistic.

The doctors prescribed medicines, omega acids, nutritional supplements, and also prescribed a new diet based on the test results.

A MOTHER’S CHALLENGE The initial ‘something was wrong’ feeling was cleared; the fear of bringing back Zaid to a normal life was looming over my head like a death warrant.

What was the point of calling myself his mother when I didn’t do anything for him and did not have belief in his recovery to normalcy?

That made me list out all the challenges and find solutions. It was not a normal course of life.

The impact of having an autistic child at home is enormous. Suddenly my whole life was changed.

My body, mind and soul was determined to get Zaid going… to get him enough facilities to channelise his energy and attention towards normalcy. He needed quite a lot of things, therapies, medicines, training and all that worked out to be very expensive and there was a shortage of everything that he required.

The only practical solution was to learn those therapies and courses myself and teach my little one. I could not let him go to a school and hope 42 April 21- May 20, 2011

that he would learn it all there. Also, I had no clue as to how long it would take. Will Zaid learn his speech faster than other kids? Or will he take six months to do so? I had no clue, so I attended these courses and learnt them myself. As a mother of an autistic child I had empathy with the parents of similar kids and thought I will become a volunteer and help other kids too. I started learning about autism; I looked it up on the net; read many books, attended seminars and courses and learnt everything I can about autism and how to cope up with an autistic child. I learnt every therapy and course required and prescribed for Zaid, because I could not afford to send him to all those courses. I learnt courses like ABA – Applied Behaviour Analysis, PECS (picture exchange communication system) etc. I took pictures of everything: animals, food, everything and named it and repeated it to Zaid on a daily schedule, made books for him and taught him to tell me things through those pictures. After two years, today, Zaid is a different boy, he talks, plays, laughs and communicates very well. It is only a start and I have full belief that very soon he will learn to be self dependent and happy. It just took me six to seven months to toilet train Zaid and today he even washes his hands with soap, on his own.

A DIFFICULT ROAD The travel towards normalcy is very difficult, but not impossible. I know Zaid is autistic and the only solution is to train him to in whatever way possible. Early diagnosis helps and I wish I had diagnosed him earlier. But that is one common hurdle all of us face. Early detection gives us the upper hand, but against the unavailability of medical facilities, child and autism specialists take the toll on the kid. But I was very determined to travel the less travelled road: I taught myself.

Sometimes I have to repeat words and things 50 times, if not more, to make Zaid look up and notice and learn. But I did it softly and persistently and it made an impact on Zaid.

He never held a pencil and was lethargic and silent most of the time. But the day, he picked up a pencil and drew the first line I knew I was on the right road to success.

I taught him to play, exercise and play with the ball. He liked a few dolls and using those dolls in pictures I made him understand many daily functions. Doctors had prescribed gluten free food and it is not available in Oman and I do bulk buying in the UAE. WORTH THE WAIT At six he has learned to remove his shoe by himself; he is toilet trained and communicates well. He still needs speech therapy, but speaks well now, though his vocabulary is limited. He loves computers and loves to play games. He is a very happy child now and laughs quite a lot. Yes, my home is today filled with laughter and happiness.

DON’T BE ASHAMED If you have an autistic child, don’t be ashamed. It is not in your hands and please understand that your child is not useless. You can bring him back to a very decent stage of normalcy, but you have to work for it. Crying,

cursing yourself, thinking it is a stigma, what will others think of you… all of this doesn’t matter and will not offer you a solution. They are just problems. Nobody is going to come forward and help you or your autistic child. You have to help yourself. So go ahead and start today.

MY LIFE IS NOT EASY As a mother of an autistic child my life is not easy, it is not even simple. My life is not normal; it is more complicated than any others.

I don’t need sympathy, but I need every support this society can give to put my son back on his feet. Living with an autistic child has taught me to appreciate the smaller things in life; it has taught me patience.

A small word from Zaid overwhelms me and makes me realise what success is… every word has a new meaning, starting from happiness to celebrations, to appointments to gifts. I see more of life than anyone else, because I have to teach Zaid the right way.

I record every little thing in the simplest way and every day is a new day… my dream is that Zaid can be self dependent and do things on his own. And I hope and wish we parents get more support from the society…

Dreams will be achieved He had a dream: Zero undiagnosed cases of autism; one unifying social association that coordinates all the efforts to support autistic kids; 200 places of services (that range from social welfare centres to medical clinics) for those with autism and OMR4000 as annual support for each autistic child…

Dr Yahya Al-Farsi, currently the assistant dean for training and community service, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), voiced this dream at Oman’s firstever Sudoku challenge (Black & White You Play Sudoku Competition 2010).

The event made some kind of an impact and today, Dr Yahya notes that he is one step closer to the dream he has thanks to efforts taken by like-minded people who are striving to bring autism into sharp focus in Oman.

Step by step, united efforts will help them reach the goal, Dr Yahya

believes. Already, the dream of having a specialised centre for autism looks set to be realised.

Excerpts: 4000, 200, 1 and 0 – Last year, with these numbers, you gave us the exact situation of the autism scene in Oman. How have the scene and the numbers changed in the last one year?

It has changed for the better. Now, we have diagnosed about 400 new cases (instead of 200). We have two (2) specialists in autism instead of one (1). We are progressing very well in order to establish a specialised centre for autism (instead of 0).

Are we anyway a little bit closer?

The journey is still long but we are making progress.

Are parents more informed than before or, is it still status quo?

Parents have become more informed, and on May 13 this year we

organised the first joint conference for parents and experts at SQU. What is the progress on the research being done by the autism research group?

We published two (2) scientific research papers and we presented eight studies in international conferences. We hope to get research fund from the government to support autism research.

Black & White 43

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Photo courtesy: Jerome Tabet

B&W Xclusive

The Man with the INCREDIBLE BRAIN He seems to have come straight out of science fiction. A prototype for a new human being, they say. Many who have met him adds that he is the most extraordinary person ever. He has been nicknamed Rain Man (*); considered to be one of the world’s 100 living geniuses. But, the most relevant aspect of this young genius is that today, scientists are now trying to find whether his exceptional abilities are the key to unlock the secrets of autism.

Daniel Tammet (born Daniel Paul Corney on January 31, 1979), is a British writer with a high-functioning autism and savant syndrome. This ‘Boy with the Incredible Brain’ has written two books – the first book ‘Born On A Blue Day’ is an autobiography of his life with a high functioning savant syndrome and the second, ‘Embracing the Wide Sky’ is a personal exploration of the science of the mind.

44 April 21- May 20, 2011

As Tammet tells Black & White, “I feel like a dual citizenship in two countries of the mind”. “My writings explore the gap (and connections) between the two.”

Tammet suffered epileptic seizures, which he subsequently outgrew thanks to proper medical care and treatment. He has Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism, and is today known as the world’s most remarkable savants, or “people with developmental disorders and extraordinary mental abilities related to those disorders”.

As a kid, Tammet (meaning Oak tree in Finnish) numbers were his toys. Numbers have colours, shapes, shapes, textures and personalities.

Tammet turned 32 this January 31. “Thirty two (32) is 2 to the fifth power (2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2). It is a very beautiful number to me. It reminds me of sparks jumping in a fire”.

Excerpts: Daniel, who and what are you and what best describes you as a person?

I am a British (born in London) writer now living in France. My first book ‘Born On A Blue Day’ is an autobiography of my life with highfunctioning autistic savant syndrome.

It has sold over half a million copies worldwide.

My second book ‘Embracing the Wide Sky’ is a personal exploration of the science of the mind. My books have been translated into 20 languages.

My personality is shy but openminded and intensely curious about the world around me. My passion for words and numbers informs my writing and my fascination with different ways of seeing and understanding the world.

How old are you and does the number, not the age, mean

anything to you?

I am 32 – 32 is 2 to the fifth power (2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2) which makes it a very beautiful number to me. It reminds me of sparks jumping in a fire.

Do you feel that you are between two worlds – one, the autistic world and the other, the nonautistic world, and have you been able to bridge that gap?

Yes, that is how I feel. I have dual citizenship in two countries of the mind. My writings explore the gap (and connections) between the two.

Is there a huge chasm between an autistic and a non-autistic person?

Autism is a complex condition and affects different people in different ways. There are as many kinds of autism as there are people with the condition.

But in the case of high-functioning autism, I do not believe that the difference is a “chasm”. In my second book, 'Embracing the Wide Sky' I argue that the differences between autistic and non-autistic thought is not as great as once believed.

Every time you make a pun, or daydream, or use a metaphor, you are thinking in ways similar to an autistic savant.

Daniel, has life treated you well?

Do you have any regrets?

I have been fortunate in many ways. Being the eldest son of nine children, I come from a large and supportive family. I also live at a time when medicine and technology can heal brain seizures and other problems associated with autism. Finally, people are far better informed about how the brain functions and are more respectful toward different kinds of minds. I do not have regrets – I always try to be positive and make progress in my life.

Do you fear anything?

I fear intolerance and misunderstanding in all its forms.

People can sometimes act badly when faced with people or ways of living, thinking, perceiving that they do not know or understand.

Cultural and scientific exchanges can help. I hope my books and lectures encourage people to be open minded and positive about difference.

Have you ever thought of what you would have been without autism?

It’s hard for me to think abstractly about “what if” questions. Autism is a part of me and I do not let it prevent me from having a happy and active life. I would not want to change who I am.

What is the single-most thing you love or hate about being autistic?

I do not have any taboos or preconceptions – I meet each person with an open mind and heart.

What are you inspired by?

Art – whether literature, music, painting – that helps us to transcend our limitations and find unity in our humanity.

As a savant as well as a man with autism, what type of advice would you like to give the parents in Oman with autistic kids?

Advice is not easy to give, because of the complexity of the condition and the fact that people are all very different. Not one piece of advice will work or be appropriate for everyone.

But I hope parents can see from my example that there is always cause for hope, and know that autism need not be a barrier to future success and happiness. (*) Rain Man alludes to the famous movie by the same name in which Dustin Hoffman plays Raymond Babbitt, who is autistic.

Black & White 45

B&W Xclusive

For the uninitiated, the name Thomas Snyder may not ring a bell. But, in Sudoku country, Snyder is the king, having won the US (2007) and World (2007 and 2008) Sudoku championships and is a five-time US Puzzle Champion (2006 – 2010).

He took seven minutes and seven seconds to win the USA’s first national Sudoku championship.

But, his fastest time to solve a Sudoku puzzle was just 52 seconds.

In an earlier interview, he had reportedly said that he could see them much faster, referring to the hidden pairs and triples that make up the puzzle game, which is today quite popular. Sudoku solving comes naturally to this young genius who says his pencil goes from one square grid to another almost automatically. Here, in this B&W interview, the fastest Sudoku solver speaks about his passion for this internationally known numbers game.

46 April 21- May 20, 2011

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World’s fastest Sudoku solver

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Excerpts: When did you first fall in love with this numbers game and what does it mean to you?

While I’d certainly played ‘Number Place’ puzzles (the original US name for Sudoku) when I was young, as one of many different math/logic puzzles in the puzzle magazines I liked to get, I only really got hooked on to Sudoku after the large boom in attention in late 2004/early 2005. Once there were Sudoku in most every newspaper, and dozens of Sudoku books on the shelves, it was hard to not try the puzzle out and discover its many joys.

I think there are many reasons people enjoy Sudoku. The ones that stand out to me are: the ”rush” of entering the last few digits of a Sudoku and the positive feedback of getting better at solving the puzzle after you’ve played it for awhile.

I like to compare the last moments with a Sudoku to the last moments with a jigsaw puzzle (the puzzle most often associated with autism). You can easily spend over a week trying to piece together a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, where it can take awhile to place even one more piece as you get started, but as you get very close to the end, and have just 20 pieces, then 10 pieces, then 5, then 1, then finished, there is a real sense of excitement and accomplishment (unless of course there is a missing piece which leads to intense frustration!). In a Sudoku game, it is easy to get stuck on a puzzle and take awhile to even place one more digit. But as you finally break through and approach the end, there is the same sense of excitement and accomplishment (unless you realise you wrote the same number twice in a row or column and have

a mistake!). Getting to the exciting point of a Sudoku requires much less time than a jigsaw puzzle, so its much easier to want to do another right away, and I think the release of endorphins that comes with finishing a Sudoku puzzle contributes to its addictive qualities. Sudoku is a hobby where, after investing even a small amount of time, one can sense their own improvement. Learning new strategies, solving harder puzzles than one could before, faster than one could before, all of these are encouraging rewards of playing Sudoku.

Is Sudoku the only passion for you, or are you passionate about any other game?

I would say puzzles and logic games are my passion, of which Sudoku is one of many such activities I do. What I enjoy most is being given a new problem that I don’t know how to solve, figuring out some strategies that can approach the problem, and then seeing it through to its solution. This same kind of problem-solving challenge is what I do in my career in science, where I look into hard problems where the right answer may not be immediately obvious but taking a thoughtful approach and considering many alternate paths to answers can prove very successful.

Since what I enjoy most is discovering new ways of thinking to solve problems, I’m constantly seeking out new kinds of puzzles, and constructing new types of puzzles myself when interesting ideas hit me. So I don’t play much Sudoku anymore (after solving several thousand Sudoku there is not much more to discover). I will practice Sudoku puzzles before any major tournaments, to keep my speed fast, but for recreation I solve other kinds of puzzles. Puzzling is mostly a solitary exercise - Sudoku is certainly such a case. It’s just you against the grid. But not all types of

puzzles need to be ‘for loners’. In the San Francisco area we have lots of ‘puzzle hunts’ where teams of people solve all kinds of varied puzzles together, going from one location to the next as they figure out how one puzzle is directing them across town. These hunts are probably my favourite thing to do in the world of puzzles, both because they constantly offer new challenges, and because you can solve with friends and learn how they think about things too.

out as being particularly clever.

So I strive to write original puzzles that have unique traits that hide unexpected rewards for the solver. I write all sorts of puzzles for books and magazines, but I am primarily known for my Sudoku variations (such as in my book Mutant Sudoku), and my calcu-doku puzzles (in my book TomTom Puzzles).

You are the fastest Sudoku solver in the world today…what next?

While being the fastest Sudoku solver in the world is a really cool title to have, I aspire to become better known as a puzzle constructor than as a puzzle solver. Setting world records, winning titles, getting trips to cities around the world to compete -- all are fun rewards for me for being good at solving Sudoku. But none of these rewards give back to others in a direct way. Creating puzzles can give many other people enjoyment that they might not otherwise have had. I also think that some puzzles, like simple mathematical games, can be really good as teaching tools for children and adults alike. My recent book TomTom Puzzles, for example, is a fun way to practice arithmetic, and calcu-doku puzzles like those in TomTom Puzzles have been used in elementary schools in recent years as the popularity of logic puzzles spreads.

You are also a postdoctoral chemistry student at Stanford… give us some background about the same?

I’m a postdoctoral fellow working in bioengineering at Stanford. My work involves applying next-generation sequencing technologies to new areas of medicine, particularly diagnostics. I recently completed a study where I found I could monitor the health of organ transplant recipients by looking for “donor DNA” in a blood sample. When a person receives a heart or lung or other organ from someone else, that person is effectively getting a “genome transplant” since the donor’s DNA will be present in all the cells in that organ. When those cells die (such as when the body starts to reject the organ), it releases the donor DNA into the bloodstream; we can use techniques that monitor donor DNA to detect earlier when a patient may need a change in therapy. By creating better diagnostics such as this, I hope to transform medicine from treating disease to preventing its occurrence.

Give us an idea of the puzzles that you create?

While many logic puzzle producers use computers to generate their puzzles, I like to hand-craft my grids to embed either interesting logic, interesting visual patterns, or both into the puzzles I write. Making a beautiful, artistic Sudoku is not something that any computer can generate; nor is coming up with an unusual solving path that stands

Do you find any relation/ and/or links between the game Sudoku and autism?

While I haven’t encountered any specific links between Sudoku and autism, but it is easy to imagine that a numbers game like Sudoku might be something autistic individuals would be able to enjoy and do well at despite the challenges they might have with other tasks involving social interaction or communication.

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

Black & White 47

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:

Are some of the private sector clinics, hospitals etc. taking their ignorant patients for a ride? Or, is the cost of medicines really on the higher side? We have plaints from several patients who claim that although they are able to somehow meet the cost of consultation, they are unable to meet the high cost of the medicines that the doctors prescribe. What is happening is that these clinics have their own pharmacies attached, which is where the patients invariably take their prescriptions. Unfortunately, the

doctors seem to prescribe medicines that are at a higher cost and are only available at the said pharmacies, patients claim, adding that this was blowing large holes in their pockets.

“We are left with no choice to get the medicines from the pharmacy next to this clinic,” said a patient who paid OMR6 as consultation charges, but was forced to cough up OMR54 for medicines. Are private clinics really making hay while the sun shines?

Perhaps officials from clinics can give their version too…

What about ‘middle’ class rates?

Of course, it is not that private sector clinics don’t do charity. Most of them are known to give generous discounts and even free service and treatment for really hard up patients. We are aware of many clinics who give complete free treatment for those who are totally penniless.

But, the problem is for those who are caught in the middle, so to speak. The ones, who are neither rich, nor, that poor. Especially, the middle class.

Patients from this segment really face

an uphill financial task when they approach the clinic even for a small case.

Could we have some private sector clinics or hospitals that will also take care of middle class patients and don’t charge them exorbitantly?

Not free, but reasonable charges and introduce an appraisal system that will look into the financial aspects of the patient before they give him/her a heart attack -- sorry, bill! Too utopian for comfort?

Sorry Sir, it’s a weekend rate!

Some supermarkets seem to be still indulging in the ‘weekend’ rates game? Buyers continue to complain that they are being billed higher on a weekend than on week days and claim that some of the supermarkets are cleverly changing the rates of some key items on a Thursday and Friday and then quickly changing the same rates to the normal ones on week days.

This catch-me-if-you-can price game has been going on with many small supermarkets with high sales profiles and few buyers are able to latch on to the difference, unless they happen to be the type that check on each and every item and cost post buying.

Maybe, if someone does a random survey of these supermarkets, we may find out these little supermarket tricks.

Nitternatter

‘Free’ ride for patients?

48 April 21- May 20, 2011

Teacher in detention

A teacher of an Indian school here has a sad tale to unveil: she has been accused of a crime, which she claims she has not committed, but, she is yet forced to suffer ‘punishment’ for the same.

The lady teacher has vehemently denied the ‘crime’, but, neither the school board, nor the immediate school officials have shown any interest in her pleas, or made any attempts to listen to her side of the story.

Instead, she has just been rudely told by the school authorities to sit in a corner and not engage in any work. In other words, she has been told that she had committed a crime, but when she approached the officials who blamed her thus and said that she was even ready to face the authorities concerned to prove her innocence, they kept quiet. Her constant pleas fell on deaf ears and she was told to sit in a different room (not in the teachers’ room) ever since they accused her. She is not allowed to teach or do anything, but just sit in a corner, like a student in detention. What is her crime? Why is she being punished thus? Can’t she be given a chance to clear her name, the poor teacher asks. No one is replying.

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

AJAY ENTERPRISES PO BOX 54, PC 100. TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490 E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com website: www.albahja.com

An

APE

hates grape cakes

The term ‘ape’ refers to the large group of Homioidea superfamily of pirates. Apes consist of gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and gibbons. Though all these varieties belong to the same group of apes, they have several differences among them.

Interesting and amazing information on apes •

Apes are often referred to as the 'humanlike' creatures, which share a lot of similarities with human beings.

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Though apes mostly feed on the plant vegetation, they also consume eggs, insects, small mammals and birds.

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Apes have a skeletal structure similar to that of humans and also lots of similarities with regard to their organs and muscles.

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The pelvis is similar to that of monkeys, which allows them to walk on all four legs. Hence, they use knucklewalking for ground locomotion.

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Apes have broad and flat chests. They can move their shoulders up and backward from their shoulders.

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Gibbons are the only apes that have buttock callosities, which is the characteristic trait in old world monkeys.

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Apes keep their bodies in both semi-upright and upright position, when they are resting as well as during their locomotion.

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The arms of apes are longer than their legs. Their hands are similar to human hands, only the fingers and thumb are of equal length.

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Apes do not have tails and the cheek pouches commonly found in the monkeys are also absent.

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The eyes of apes are highly developed, with stereoscopic colour vision.

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Apes have large brains, which make them the most intelligent animals on earth. The brain of a gorilla weighs around 600 grams and chimpanzees and orangutans have their brain weighing around 400 grams.

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Among the apes, chimpanzees are the most intelligent and can be easily taught certain man tasks, even to communicate.

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Except for gorillas, all true apes are extremely efficient in climbing trees.

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Gorilla is the largest ape and an adult male one weighs around 275 kilograms. It can be almost six feet tall,

Kidstuff

when it stands up.

•

Gibbon is the smallest ape, which has a weight of around 10 kilograms and height of around three feet.

50 April 21- May 20, 2011

Black & White 51

Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

This week will be a strange one. Emotionally, a very powerful decision point is now in operation: over the next six to seven days expect complex memories and deep feelings of nostalgia to directly compete with the ideals, hopes and goals that have recently brought positive growth into your life.

Planetary alignments will this week inspire many Taureans to challenge the recent behaviour of a friend or colleague. Public promises versus private activities may be a key concern. Although your observations are correct, others may withdraw from public discussion or avoid offering support. Remain determined.

For many Geminis, several weeks of disjointed workplace communications or business disagreements will now dramatically fade. If so, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look back: this is the right time to search out creative opportunities or return to their original ideas of success, self-expression and business accomplishment.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

Monday through Wednesday close friends and trusted colleagues will ask for special consideration, advice and extra time. For some of you romantic relationships and home expectations may also play a major role. If so, expect a relative or romantic partner to push for bold public decisions.

VIRGO August 24-September 23

Money partnerships and long-term romantic promises will soon demand complete honesty and meaningful clarity. Much of the last four weeks may have involved strained relationships and private moments of career doubt. This week you will experience a powerful wave of returning business confidence.

Difficult relationships will reveal its true nature or underlying emotional issues. For many Virgos this brief wave of social movement will mark the beginning of at least six weeks of renewed honesty in love relationships, powerful romantic promises and meaningful progress in long-term relationships.

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.

5 1 6 7 4 2 3 9 8

3 7 4 9 1 8 2 6 5

4 6 1 2 9 7 5 8 3

8 5 9 1 6 3 4 2 7

2 3 7 4 8 5 9 1 6

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

9 2 8 3 5 6 7 4 1

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

8/21

7 9 2 8 3 1 6 5 4

8/21

6 8 3 5 2 4 1 7 9

7

1 4 5 6 7 9 8 3 2

8 5 Difficulty Level

Difficulty Level

Horoscope

8/20

8/20

2 9 7 4 1 3 5 6 8

52 April 21- May 20, 2011

9

4

1 6 3 5 8 7 4 2 9

3

3

8 5 4 6 9 2 7 3 1

4 Difficulty Level

5

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5

3

2

7 3 5 8 6 9 1 4 2

1

2

7 4 5

9 1 8 2 7 4 3 5 6

1

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

6

7 9

4 8 9 7 2 5 6 1 3

6

4 8

7

5

3 2 1 9 4 6 8 7 5

5

2

1

2

5 7 6 1 3 8 2 9 4

7

5

Difficulty Level

6 1 9

3

7

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

4

9 5

6

2

8

3

SOLUTION:

By Dave Green

By Dave Green

GEORGE TIMOTHY CLOONEY (BORN MAY 6, 1961) is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award. Clooney is also noted for his social activism and has served as one of the United Nations Messengers of Peace since January 31, 2008. Clooney's humanitarian work includes his advocacy of finding a resolution for the Darfur conflict, raising funds for the 2010 Haiti earthquake, 2004 Tsunami and 9/11 victims, and creating documentaries such as Sand and Sorrow to raise awareness about international crisis.

LIBRA September 24-October 22 Work relationships may require extra sensitivity and planning this week. Planetary alignments also indicate that empathy and compassion offered in the workplace this week will soon translate into renewed job assignments, complex business proposals or rewarding partnerships. Stay actively involved.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Loved ones will demand extra time, energy and consideration this week. Monday through Wednesday watch for minor home disagreement to quickly escalate.

Rather, this wave of sensitivity is a strong indication that family and/ or romantic relationships are now poised for meaningful change.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 You may experience inappropriate comments from key officials or unexpected romantic overtures from business partners.

Ironically, much of this is actually a precursor to a newly arriving and steady wave of romantic harmony and emotional breakthrough in home relationships.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Before mid-week a recently silent or withdrawn loved one may challenge your business decisions or workplace habits. Take none of it personally; at present, trusted friends and close relatives may feel misunderstood, isolated or overly critical. Much of this is a passing mood, so not to worry.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 A trusted friend will provide unique insights into a demanding relationship over the next few days.

Complex ideas, rare emotional information or a new understanding of recent group events may all be on the agenda. Listen carefully for valuable clues: others will now offer their own past experiences.

PISCES February 20-March 20 This week many Pisceans will be asked to verify their past records, employment history or housing documents. At present, many Pisceans are preparing to greatly expand their business activities or career ambitions. Remain philosophic: progress will soon be fast and undeniable.

AJAY ENTERPRISES PO BOX 54, PC 100. TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490 E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com website: www.albahja.com

Just travelling…

Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University

By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi

Learning curve

It might be too early for me as a young person to make ‘Just Travellers’ as a logo for my life. But let us think on a much deeper -- not personal but general -- level.

Life is a very precious gift from God. But, having the choice to survive as we want is also, very difficult. However, we do tend to appreciate our life even if there are some of us who may clearly underestimate our lives. But life is indeed simple and it is you who can understand that or block this truth from your eyes.

We all make ourselves so busy with achieving goals and trying to succeed in various tasks. At that time, we only think of making our lives better: people fight to pass exams; to get promotion at work or to buy a nice car or a home; we only think of living for the sake of living.

Here and only here I stopped thinking like most people about life. Then I said to myself that if all people are fighting to master their outer beings, what chance do we have master our inner souls?

Then I quietly told myself that I am just a traveller.

And so are you – another traveller in this walk of life! The traveller is always on the go, enjoying the moments; the sights and sounds, the lands, the rivers, the seas and their separate rhythms resonating in the background.

The true traveller always respects himself as well as his surroundings and does not indulge in any violence; he or she would not dream of hurting even a fly and as he travels, he also leaves behind his special love for the land

that he has just walked on, the special people in his path... He or she is the type that leaves behind an indelible impression in the minds of all whom he meets.

This is the kind of traveller I want to be and so life would be the best ever journey I have had.

Life is getting busy and most people are increasingly forgetting to tap their inner souls. Nowadays, we hear about people killing each other for money and prestige, and others who hate each other for various other selfish reasons.

Only very few tend to realise that life is actually very simple and no one will last in this journey forever. And it is only the good travellers, who are ready to give their best, which will do justice to the road long travelled.

Of course, there is nothing wrong in enjoying life, but enjoying it to the extent of being totally oblivious of your inner essence is actually giving up on true life.

Because, it is only when you walk the true walk that you become a good traveller who is beloved by God and people. You do not need to run so fast after material pleasures, because sooner or later it is all going to go. Not so, your inner attributes. Your soulful life will last forever. Even if your earthly sojourn happens to be for a very short time, it will still be short and memorable, leaving wonderful memories of you that will never die!

Please think of your life as a very precious gift from God and you will never give up on it. Try, and learn to be a good traveller, you will never regret it. lalgharbi@yahoo.com

54 April 21- May 20, 2011

It's my life

I BLED only BLUE

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

By Vandana Shah

20 million people on the streets in a frenzy, no boundaries of age, sex and social class; on one side a 60 year old lady wearing a demure salwar kameez dancing with a 16 year old in micro mini shorts with a tricolour painted face, nothing was stopping these people who have only one name –INDIAN CRICKET FANS. If ever you want to see the religion of India please do not look at the popular fiascos as a representation; it is a pathetic misleader, our only religion is CRICKET, CRICKET, CRICKET and our only ruler is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar! If there was to ever be a speech on unity and secularism I am sure Sachin would be called to make it.

Cricket reflects us as a nation. It is one place where you do not need a Godfather to qualify, only your bat or your ball need to get you a place in the team. Its unpredictable like Indians and still is a lot of fun. Sometimes the nature of the game like the nature of Indians can be frustrating because you can’t peg it down in numbers or trends and that is a nightmare for market researchers to say the least.

Cricket needs team work and ask anyone across the world that we may not shine individually but as a team we are unbeatable. The joint family system being a successful example of team work where the strengths and weaknesses still make a team a winning one.

When we won the World Cup after a gap of 28 l-o-o-o-n-n-g years one realises we are cricket and our blood is blue the colour of the Team India uniform and cricket has no boundaries.

It has the power to make one billion people dancing for six hours nonstop on the streets of India and bleeding blue…

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 55

PET a day KEEPS the DOCTOR AWAY

shape n sound

A

56 April 21- May 20, 2011

Can having pets actually provide health benefits?

Yes, say experts, as long as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not allergic to animals or terrified of them.

Animals make people feel good and moreover, your favourite animal can actually make you healthy. It has been found that pet ownership is good for your health both physically and psychologically. Pets do provide companionship and unconditional love. But research has shown that they can also help reduce stress and blood pressure in owners, increase longevity in those who’ve had heart attacks, and even relax and improve the appetites of Alzheimer’s patients. What happens is that when you have pets, it helps provide a focus of attention that is outside of someone’s self.

They are actually letting you focus on them than focusing inward.

FISHY RELAXATION They say that it takes only less than an hour for you to feel less anxious than before when you play with your dog or cat. Some say that even watching your pet fish swim can make you feel more relaxed. The body goes through some kind of physical changes in the length of time that makes a difference in the person’s mood. “The level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of serotonin, an important chemical associated with well-being, is increased.

Reducing stress saves your body a lot of wear and tear,” a report notes. “We are not claiming that from now on, all you have got to do is to buy couple of pets and stop doing exercise.

That is not what we are talking here – all of us still have to watch our weight and do proper exercise, but having a pet can help you to, for example, manage your blood pressure,” local experts tell Black & White.

Reports worldwide have confirmed the ability of a pet to assist in bring down stress levels in their owners. “In one study of 240 married couples, pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who did not own a pet. That held true whether they were at rest or undergoing stress tests.

And another study showed that children with hypertension actually lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog,” a Web health magazine says.

LICK-A-DAY KEEPS DEPRESSION AT BAY Pets help in lowering cholesterol and cats and dogs are actually good for the heart, it has been found. More importantly, pets have been found to help people with depression.

“Yes, I may have had a terrible day at work and pressures were mounting from all sides for me, but, the moment I enter my home and hear his (her pet dog’s) welcome bark, wagging tail and uncontrollable display of joy at seeing me, all of my depression melts,” says Sarah Parker, a pet lover.

“There have been many times when I was totally depressed and down, but when he starts licking me and looking at me with great adoration, I just feel on top of the world again,” Parker adds.

BOW WOW TO LONELINESS But, it is not just about unconditional love.

Pets are great for relieving loneliness. Amy had hit the very rock bottom in her life after she broke up with Sam. She withdrew into herself and she went through lot of denial. Then, on her birthday, her close friends brought home an adorable puppy. Amy was not quite prepared to take anyone new in her life again, but, then she could hardly control herself from falling in love once again, this time over this cute pup.

MULTIFARIOUS BENEFITS A quick look at the benefits of keeping pets: helps in lowering cholesterol; good for the heart; helps in fighting depression; helps in gaining better physical fitness; cat owners are less prone to strokes; helps bring about more interaction, less Isolation; fewer allergies, builds stronger immunity; assists diabetic patients; used in therapy; partners in better cancer care; helps overcome the limitations of ADHD; animals easily hold the attention of children with autism; helps in managing arthritis; in rehab and providing a calming presence…

Black & White 57

Say No

to negative self esteem!

Many social ills have been attributed to low self-esteem. And, for women, negative self-esteem is a tyrant that demonises them in various facets of life, including relationships and work. Success in these two key areas are greatly affected and the danger is these negative effects can bring low self-esteem levels to greater depths from which many may never emerge What should be done in such cases and how can a woman fight this downward spiral?

“The first place to start, of course, is the mind,” says a behavioural expert. “What you have to do is to change the way you think,” which, she hastens to add: “Is not that easy a task!” But, there are ways and means to make you feel good about yourself and not that too good either, where you might end up being unfavourably smug about yourself.

Feeling too good is again false self esteem, which rejects any objective measures for meaningful self evaluation.

Psyche

NO TO NEGATIVES How does one change negatives to positives?

Retreat to the dark recess of your mind to discover how, each time, you engage in mindless negatives.

For instance, most of negative lovers are self nags and also happen to rain on your own parade. Even if you happen to do well, perform well, you tend to incline to negative humility, like “oh yes, I got the order, but, it is purely luck and it just happened…”

No, luck favours the brave, and on this occasion, you were brave and that is why you are lucky, so rephrase that saying, “hard work paid off. I really gave it everything I have got, so I was successful!”

So, embrace the positives. Hug it, don’t let it go!

SOWING SEEDS OF POSITIVITY Changing attitudes is a big step towards a positive world. If you have begun working on your attitude, now is the time to work on keeping a positive mien, no matter what. Make it like an exercise that you have to do. Even if people pass negative remarks at you, brush it off and deliberately make a positive statement, which will surely leave a positive impact 58 April 21- May 20, 2011

on others too. Make this a practice, a mantra, a lifestyle, breathe positivity! As you sow the seeds of positivity, so will you reap!

LET NEGATIVE BAGGAGE SINK Why is it that you are only able to remember the negative? Right from childhood memories to your teens and becoming a woman, you tend to walk down a negative memory lane. Yes, there maybe enough reasons for that. But, without trivialising it, or completely forgetting it, why can’t we shift gear to some other higher level where you can replay positive memories? Why should the past be always bad? There must be enough good memories to balance the bad ones and perhaps even tilt it to your level… Splashing old, hurtful memories with a generous dose of positivity is necessary because it can help in brightening your future. Always carrying the barbs and brickbats of the past would laden your mind. Time to leave the negative baggage behind and lift yourself up with the positive ones.

NO MORE “POOR ME” Sometimes, acceptance, or letting go can be a healing method for many of those who are sinking in negativity. Understand that you have little or no control over many of the circumstances that we encounter.

Sometimes, we cannot help being buffeted by the many obstacles in our path or life’s ability to suddenly throw us off course. We cannot help being subjected to fate’s nasty surprises. But, that is when we must make up our mind to eschew self pity. Stop being a victim. Stop saying “poor me”. That will be the beginning of your renewal. That will be the start of a new you!

Black & White 59

SWIM your way to BETTER HEALTH

& SHAPE

Just dive into a swimming pool, take a few laps and emerge out smiling!

Many women have elaborated on the positive impact a proper swim had on their well being. Swimming, as we know improves our health and provides all round fitness, but, then how many of us actually get into a pool to have a splash of our lives?

Do you have access to a swimming pool?

Then, go and enjoy because, swimming can change your life for the better; it can boost strength, suppleness and stamina as well.

60 April 21- May 20, 2011

MINIMAL INJURIES As a form of exercise, it is a lot kinder to your body and injuries are minimal. In water we weigh only about one-tenth our original weight and the natural buoyancy keeps us afloat preventing hard knocks that could be injurious.

Since weight is much lower when you are in water, it also helps in movement for those who are less fit. Therefore, swimming is a good choice for those who cannot take up weight bearing exercise, especially those with arthritis, back problems, weight problems or pregnancy,” experts note.

Swimming can be an excellent aerobic activity that can work wonders on your body – and it can help shed those extra pounds too!

SWIMMING BENEFITS Swimming has a lot of other benefits.

When you swim, you’re getting a total body workout. Nearly every major muscle group in your body is used during swimming. All the muscle toning helps build your endurance. You’ll find that the more often you swim, the more you’ll be able to swim for longer periods. Other activities will be easier as well when you improve muscle tone from swimming. The main reason that swimming is so good for your muscles is the resistance that the body provides. Water provides 775 times more resistance than air. Any exercise that you do on land, like running or jogging, will have a much bigger impact if done underwater. The water acts just like a full set of weights.

CARDIO HELP Your cardiovascular health can be improved through swimming.

The workout you receive when you swim will help your heart to distribute oxygenated blood throughout your body. Since swimming increases your heart rate, it helps your heart pump oxygen-rich blood to all of the major systems of your body.

Swimming is considered to be an accessible sport for people of every age and fitness level.

Since swimming is low impact, it is appropriate for people who have joint trouble and the elderly. It’s also a great exercise for people who are morbidly overweight. The water will support the person’s body and reduce strain.

BETTER THAN WALKING Researchers have also earlier found out that swimming is a better exercise than walking for women aged 50 to 70 years.

Swimming had the greatest impact on waist circumference, with slimmer waists amongst the swimming group. Also swimmers showed a greater improvement in blood-sugar levels. The level of fat did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Swimming led to a greater reduction in total bodyweight and also a greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels. It was concluded that swimming was better at lowering bodyweight, improving overall fitness the most, improving fat distribution and weight management.

So it seems, at least for women

performing moderate intensity exercise, the type of exercise is important for maximising health benefits.

AT A GLANCE •Improved strength and flexibility •Better muscular endurance and balance (Many professional and amateur athletes cross-train in the water) •A stronger heart •Enhanced physique or figure •Improved circulation •Rehabilitation therapy for used or healing muscles and recovery from accidents and injuries •Weight control •Relief from stress and tension •Increased energy

Black & White 61

Where the shoe pinches?

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar Why do you promise so much, and get into trouble?

You are not going to make it! With an ‘I told you so’ look I grinned at my pal.

Learn to say no, I advised! (Not that I have learnt it so far! It is easier to advise others, though!)

Recently, a friend of mine had invited all of us to a home party, when she was loaded with work.

She had promised us home cooked food and finally blew up a lot of money catering food from a restaurant!

You have a maid, so you won’t understand, she snapped at me!

And you are working, you can get away from the house work at home, she was pretty rude to me.

You will know it only if you were in my shoes, she retorted.

I know when we get frustrated, overwhelmed, stressed out and we tend to become defensive, snappy and rude, though, nothing gets accomplished in this state of mind.

But, why take more than you can carry?

I helped her out with some of her chores and drove back home; never seen her snappy before, maybe I touched a raw nerve; why is it that some housewives feel working women are free and lucky and have loads of free time outside home to relax?

A career is not an excuse to run away from household chores, neither is a housemaid!

I don’t believe that a housemaid is your substitute at home! At least not in my case, I still do my household chores very happily. I love to cook too.

You would know, if you were in my shoes, she had declared!

It is the same life that breathes in all of

us, if only she were in my shoes! Ha! No life is equal, since human capacities to live up a similar moment differ.

Nothing is equal, look at all the moms and dads walking through their day believing, “What I am doing is harder than what you are doing.” And, this kind of belief can only breed resentment and self sympathy.

Nothing more.

The lessons I have learnt have been significant, opening my mind, at least taking away a little of my opinionated self! I made up my mind that I will not be over confident or judge anyone.

I will not jump to conclusions. It is a time consuming decision, but in the past few weeks I have found myself being the person that I would normally have been observing, or even judging, and it has humbled me.

Living in a community, means just that, looking at life from other people’s perspectives; maybe a little empathy will make it easy for all of us to live! In reality, there is always the other side of the story…

And no, you don’t have to live their lives. We are not them; it is just that we don’t have to condemn people who may be suffering circumstances far beyond our ken. You don’t have to be highly creative to imagine a story that puts someone else in a good light!

They say, before you criticise someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.

That way when you criticise them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.

Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches! priya@blackandwhiteoman.com