Black & White mag Issue 35

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Yoga so good p8

Klara's box appeal p50

FREE Fortnightly

21 Ramadan-18 Shawwal

Vol.2 Issue 35II August 21-September 20, 2011

Drums of Ramadan p28

Xclusive

Drums of Ramadan

28

Bitter Batter rates still 40 Weekend raging on

Contents

Despite the warnings by the authorities concerned, some supermarkets are still indulging in varied rates for same items during the weekends

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat Complex A, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed at Mazoon, Muscat, Oman 4 August 21-September 20, 2011

Traditionally, Al-Mesaharati would walk through streets and alleys beating a small drum to a simple rhythm, calling on people to wake up in time for some last minute eating

50

Charity is not accidental She gave away her pocket money for a Panda when she was only five.

That must have been Klara Zakis’, first ever act of charity. But, that certainly was not her last.

12

Men deserve hard labour

Men have this secret fetish about doing real hard labour. In fact, many take great pride in being able to actually do it. It is a fact that this is something that men can show off to their weaker sex counterparts.

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 Shannon D'Souza Swithun Fernandes Priyanka Sampat

Are we living up to our roles?

By Adarsh Madhavan An internationally known scribe, who lives in a neighbouring country, recently asked me if I was doing well professionally and I replied so so. “Not too good?” he probed and I said well, I could do better. “But, are you doing justice to your role as a journalist?” he asked and I was for a moment speechless. What can I do? What do you mean?

“Well, can you actually look into corruption; write about injustice and expose the truth and the like, all those things most journalists do?” I haven’t done anything like that, but then other scribes have done that recently, I said, alluding to the recent protests in the country where many scribes spoke and wrote about many such issues.

“You sound stagnant. Try to get out and explore what you can do and then come back to me,” he said, adding that it was always necessary to reassess one’s journalistic skills in line with the country of posting and then either try to educate oneself in the arena, or quit it and start something new. How can I quit? I asked reading it wrongly, once a scribe… “That is not what I said – don’t get too emotional. I am saying why don’t you explore what you can do in your line and then ask yourself whether you are doing it and if not, find out why you are not doing it. When you are in a Gulf country, you have to follow the rules of the land and there will be restrictions to confront, so find out whether it has softened you as a scribe or are you still raring to go?”

Although I did not fully understand the exercise, I went through it: I asked myself strongly whether I was doing anything journalistically inclined now since I was part of a breed that came out with facts and er, fiction every fortnightly. I am not a daily scribe and therefore, the excitement of breaking news was no longer there, but then there was a sense of exploring a different side of

the nation I was residing in and also letting others imbue the essence of a country known for its cultural and traditional presence in a modern world. Often we explored authentic Oman and managed to come out with nuggets of information that struck a chord amongst our readers.

But, do we explore the seamier side of journalism?

Do we go indepth into the morals of society or look into justice and injustice, which is part and parcel of everyday life? No, we don’t because that is not the outlook or the editorial makeup of our magazine.

But, it was an interesting question he had raised and so I toyed with the query. It raised too many other related queries and I want to ask all of them in time to come. I want to ask these questions in this space and I hope they will be seen in the positive light it deserves. Meantime, I ask the first question once again: what can we do as journalists?

Are we doing enough as scribes or are we not doing anything at all? If injustice is being meted out to people, we must expose that; if people are escaping with corruption, we must report that; if someone is plotting evil designs against society, we must bare it to the open, but most importantly, we must also do our best to raise the consciousness of the people; and not just make people raise their eyebrows, but make them open their eyes to many of societal evils and problems, which they are unaware of or are too lazy to act upon. Our job is to not just play upon their conscience, but to actually get them moving.

Our job is not to provoke dissent, but to provoke the right thoughts and to make positive change in the community, the society and the country. Otherwise, what is our role here? Are we businessmen and women? Are we entertainers? No, not really. We have an unusually responsible role, but how many of us are living up to our potential; rising up to the need of the hour? How many of us? Not me, of course. editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 5

Take small steps to big achievements Congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the citizens of Oman for successfully completing 41 years of Renaissance. When we talk about Renaissance, we talk about a new era (one that brings about a change – a positive change in the society).

When asked, if it was in their hands, what is that one thing that they would like to change in Oman, most of them thought and talked about a better education system. I believe that education is necessary for development of the country and its people. But education imparted in such a way that it teaches you to change the society is different from a standard education system. I was highly impressed with the views of Bilquis Jawad Al Khabori, former director of the Language Centre, Sultan Qaboos University. She talked about human excellence. And to me, it is the exact way of providing education. To me, education is not only about going to a school or university and taking knowledge from books. It’s also about extra curricular activities, debates, discussions – which naturally teach you how to face the world and bring about a change (a perfect education system).

Oman should introduce more of such activities – sports events, exhibitions (of projects done by students), discussions, debates, workshops (for both students and teachers), functions and extra curricular activities. Once you judge the talent in your country, you can be globally attached to other countries through the themes. (Global advance is a big change!) Also, I would want English to be a second language instead of a foreign language in Oman. Small steps would lead to bigger dreams and achievements! Renaissance time!

Charu Pant, Khasab

66August August21-September 21-September20, 20,2011 2011

Open your eyes men Men are not indestructible (issue 33). This is a point that has to be driven home in the minds of all men, even if they are not egoistical. For even the mildest one among them are prone to suddenly wake up thinking they are some super human beings and do entirely the opposite thing they have been doing so far.

Men, despite being endowed with sufficient amount of knowledge, intelligence and the like, still fail when it comes to really taking care of themselves because they think nothing will happen to them. This is so far removed from the truth, but try telling that to them.

Praveena G. S, Al Khuwair 33

Congrats Oman It was great to read about Oman’s grand achievement of completing 41 years of Renaissance. I am so happy and proud for Oman and its people for this achievement. May God bless Oman and all Omanis!

Anton D’Souza, Wadi Kabir

Why torture your feet?

Why do these women want to squeeze their poor, innocent feet into horribly tight and scary stilleto’s (issue 33)? I never understood why. Pain bumps, sore feet, heel pain, ankle sprains, chronic pains…why do women want to commit shoe-icide? You certainly are not going to look hot, with lot of bandages on your feet, will you? So many women are out there desperately trying on these stilettos, thinking they are going to become instant stars while wearing one?

Is there any reason for torturing your own poor feet just to get some height?

George Sebastian, Ruwi

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 7

YOGA so good

Men health

WE ARE BACK WITH some essential yoga for men. Yoga, as you are aware, is not just for ladies.

The truth is that by taking yoga classes, or more precisely, one yoga class per week, or doing a couple of pre-workout poses can increase endurance, build strength, prevent injuries and may even stave off heart disease.

It is known that men often suffer from tightness particularly in the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders that can lead to injury or weakness.

Over-training in any one sport can cause repetitive stress and other more serious injuries. Yoga is a full-body workout that creates both strength and flexibility. You need to have both. One without the other is a recipe for disaster, write many yoga experts.

TRY FORWARD FOLD -- a great move to use as part of a warm-up for any workout.

Stretches hamstrings, calves, and hips; strengthens legs and knees Stand with feet hip-width apart, gently hinge forward at the hips and lower the torso toward the floor. Bend your knees generously to take any pressure out of the low back and hamstrings. Grasp opposite elbows with opposite hands. Breathe deeply and let gravity take the body toward the earth. Relax your head, neck, shoulders and torso. Slowly sway your torso or gently shake your head.

Hold for one minute and roll back up to standing.

We often have a hard time knowing when we are holding excess tension in our head, neck and shoulders, and that buildup of tension can 8 August 21-September 20, 2011

create headaches, insomnia, poor circulation and decreased lung capacity. If you practice slow, steady breathing along with this pose, it can lower your blood pressure over time.

TRY DOWNWARD-FACING DOG Stretches feet, shoulders, hamstrings, and calves; strengthens arms, legs, and core Start on your hands and knees with your feet and knees hip-width apart.

Position your hands about shoulderwidth apart, and spread your fingers wide. Pressing firmly through your hands, lift your knees off the floor and straighten your legs. (If you have tight hamstrings, a gentle bend in the knees is fine). Walk your hands forward a few inches, and walk your feet back a few inches to lengthen the pose.

Squeeze your thighs as you press them toward the back wall. Press your heels back and down toward the floor (though they might not reach the floor). Relax your head and neck and let your shoulder blades slide down your back toward your feet. Set your gaze between your feet. Suck your stomach in and engage your core muscles. Breathe deeply. Hold for three minutes, rest, and repeat one more time.

We often experience back pain due to chronic tightness in the hamstrings and hips. It’s also common for us to have very tight shoulders. Down Dog releases those areas, while building upper body strength. If you can do only one pose a day, start with Downward Dog. TRY THE CHAIR POSE Stretches shoulders and chest;

strengthens thighs, calves, spine, and ankles Stand up tall with your big toes touching. Inhale and raise your arms straight up to the ceiling alongside your head and neck with palms facing each other. Drop your shoulders down your back as you lengthen up through the neck.

As you exhale, bend your knees, sit down and back as if you were sitting in a chair (like doing a squat with your feet together).

Do not let your knees extend past your toes. With each inhale lengthen the spine. With each exhale sit a little deeper in the chair. Eventually your thighs will be parallel to the floor.

Drop your tailbone down toward the floor to take any stress out of your lower back.

Keep your core muscles engaged and keep your knees and thighs pressed tightly together. Hold for 30 seconds.

No gym necessary! Chair pose torches abdominal fat while strengthening the thighs and legs.

Yoga is a full-body workout that creates both strength and flexibility. You need to have both. One without the other is a recipe for disaster

Your Heart is Safe in Apollo’s Hand

P. O. Box 1097, Al Hamriya, PC 131 - Sultanate of Oman. Tel: 24787766, 24788263, 24788265

VERY FEW SAY IT OR ADMIT to it. It is like saying men get breast cancer. This is a fact and yet men are in complete denial of the same.

Similarly, a startling and troubling fact is revealed in a worldwide statistic: one out of six cases of eating disorders is a man. Yes, men. And you can say that again.

We have been used to hearing women with eating disorders and in fact the celebrity world is littered with the same: Princess Diana, Nadia Comaneci, Kate Beckinsale, Victoria Beckham, Jane Fonda, Audrey Hepburn, Janet Jackson, Kate Winslet, Oprah Winfrey...and

Mano

more, little knowing that Elton John, Franz Kafka, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton were also suffering, but again that is not a lot. But, even though they don’t have too many celebrity male names to give the eating disorder tag, male eating disorder is a fact of life today.

Long regarded as a women’s problem, the trio of serious eating disorders -- the self-starvation of anorexia, the gorging and purging that characterise bulimia and the uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of food that is binge eating -- are increasingly affecting males.

It has been found out that eating disorders are not just a problem associated with just girls or women.

Boys and men are also found to be affected. Although less number of men suffer from eating disorders, earlier studies have found out that this so-called small number is much higher than previously believed.

Men health

And the worst part is that, like in the case of breast cancer, men are the last ones on the list to queue up before a doctor. The treatment needs of men are similar to women, but the former do not seek help, further

10 August 21-September 20, 2011

aggravating the problem. Despite the media’s focus on anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders, most men still are hung up on the attitude that this is not something that will happen

orexia to them. In fact, even when we say it, the fact remains that most of us think that such an eating disorder is a ‘girl disease’.

Which guy is going to come out of his shell and declare that he has got a ‘girl disease’? The other stumbling block is the fact that how will they go to a hospital and declare that they have got a girl disease and then be

seated next to all women who are suffering from the said disease.

This unfortunate feeling of being uncomfortable is one deterring factor for men trying to genuinely seek treatment.

While the debate goes on as to how men should approach this disease, the other fact is that the number of men suffering from eating disorders are rising (worldwide) primarily because these are the men who are training to look like real models. This unfortunate pressure is drawing more and more men to develop dangerouseating disorders.

Medical experts blame the surge on obsession with looking good by having bulging biceps and a six-pack stomach. They note that the rise could be attributed to the struggle to attain a perfect body shape.

“Sufferers can become obsessed with their weight or they can obsess over exercise and with how many calories they are eating.”

Exercise is a major factor with eating disorders in men in particular.

They become obsessed with exercising every single day, if not more, and it can take over their life without them realising there may be a more deep-seated reason behind it.

That is when it becomes an eating disorder. The pressure these days on guys to have the perfect figure is very similar to that which has and continues to affect women.”

It’s all about losing body fat and getting a six pack, and it comes from the way the male shape is portrayed.

That perfect figure can be a healthy body image for a man to aspire to; but when it gets taken to an extreme that is problematic.

Black & White 11

Men deserve

HARD LABOUR

By Stuart Wilkinson

Men work

Well, I mean, not literally.

Not in that sense. I mean the more the hard work men do, the less mischief they get into. While it may sound appropriate that men get to doing proper hard work, it need not always be physical.

12 August 21-September 20, 2011

LABOUR CAN COME IN many forms. It may be physical, as in construction, landscaping, or heavy housework. It may be mental, such as planning a budget or analysing market trends. Or it could be spiritual, something artistic like painting or writing.

When your mind is intently focussed on what you are doing, and you spend so long at it that your body actually hurts from being in a chair so long, or your muscles ache from over use, yet despite all that you still never realised the passage of time because you were so engaged – that is hard labour, says an article extolling the virtues of hard labour.

If you ask me, men have this secret fetish about doing real hard labour.

In fact, many take great pride in being able to actually do it. It is a fact that this is something that men can

filled with more passion to wake and work again the next day.

In fact, since hard work is rewarding, that is something where you get a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. That is when you realise that life has a purpose. Truly!

There is this laziness bug that most of us (men) are known to get infected. Unfortunately, even the most hardworking lot amongst us are known to silently slip into lazyland without even knowing it.

This is mostly because of our own slipshod, half hearted attempts at work. Imagine if we put all our efforts into one task – everything. We put in every sinew, bone, flesh and nerve and thought on one task and work at it diligently, we will be rewarded with great results.

This alone will serve as an incentive. “Hard work can go a long ways towards maintaining a positive

show off to their weaker sex counterparts.

But again, let us try to get beyond that. I write here about the great need for men to get themselves involved in some good, old fashioned hard labour. Why? One simple reason: Hard work alone makes you feel energised, invigorated, satisfied and

attitude, about your job and about life in general.

Boredom and complacency breed negativity, both of which can be easily and quickly erased with a little hard work. When we are not working,

we tend to find the ability to complain.

Hard labour does quite the opposite, focusing our attention on the positive aspects of our jobs and allowing us to examine all of the possibilities it holds for us. It gives us a much needed change in attitude,” says the report on the rewards of hard labour.

Points to ponder: Make it a labour of love Yes, pour your heart and soul into the work you are doing.

But, for that, make sure it is something you love. When you are doing something you love, it no longer is work. It becomes transformed into something fulfilling, something that brings you great joy and satisfaction.

Keep your perspective It is easy to get carried away when you are working hard at something that makes you feel good. It is perfectly acceptable to get swept away in the moment and completely lose yourself in a project every so often. Do not allow it to become the norm, though. Do not cast aside the other responsibilities in your life in favor of one endeavour.

Reserve time for others and yourself Please balance all the hard work that you are doing with other social, leisure and pleasure aspects too. Don’t let hard work become too addictive. Get into other things that are important too. Spend time with your family, play with your kids, go to the gym, and socialise with your friends. Remember, there will be more work waiting for you tomorrow! Ha!

Black & White 13

IFTAR

in town

Badr Al Samaa

Oman Air

VISA

OMRAN

AlFardan properties

Fast break

Indian School Al Ghubra

14 August 21-September 20, 2011

O

Facing the biggest fear

all ew h t ff

Off the wall

By Adarsh Madhavan Woke up with that same feeling I used to have earlier. That whatthe-heck-am-I-doing-with-my-life and why-the-heck-am-I-not-gettinganywhere?

Frankly, I don’t have any answers to these queries. And, honestly, I don’t think many of you would either.

For, I am sure that I am not the only one waking up with such feelings.

Many of you out there, like me, am sure, are rowing up the creek, without a paddle.

And, don’t you all get that feeling too; that semi- narcissistic feel that you deserve much more than this and that you are special and you are actually larger than life, that you are not what these people around you are telling you that you are… you know deep within you that you are the special one, yet, the unfortunate part is that no one seems to recognise that and it is being made all the worse because you can’t seem to do anything about it, either.

At least if you were able to prove that you are indeed special and that you have within you more worth than you are able to display, you would have been considered as special by your fellow beings too, but that, sadly, does not seem to happen, right? Same here.

I try telling myself that I deserve better and that I am something special and beyond my own comprehension. But, why am I special? Why are you special? What 16 August 21-September 20, 2011

is so special about us?

Ok, this much is fine. We all agree that we deserve more than what is on our plate; we all agree that we need more than a large chunk of that pie called life. But, what have we done about it? What have we done to fill our plate and what have we done to get the pie?

At some point of time, we would all need to appraise ourselves of the situation that we are in. Truly, we cannot come this far and ignore the fact that we haven’t done what we have to do or that we haven’t acted out in reality as we have in our fantasies, somewhere, we have not bridged the gap and we are in that situation where we are neither here, nor there.

So many of us are out there, but our minds are all restless because we are unable to stretch them to the deserved limits. And then, the dark shadow of realisation hovers above us, telling us of a life that is passing by – passing so fast that we don’t even have time to reflect on it.

No, no, we tell ourselves, this should not be happening to us, we are special, we can’t have this happening to us, we say chafing at the knots that tie us to our mundane existence and the sheer dreariness of ordinary life.

A life that has not matched the vision we had set for ourselves at the start and have proven to be a complete tangent from what we have

planned and dreamt of…

How do we shake off this angst and drown the ugly head of disappointment that sinks us further into despondency? How do we ‘unstifle’ the hands that choke us off our visions? Step away, says the gurus of the world. Step away and take a good hard look at yourselves…

Well, what if we do and we find a hole that cannot be plugged? What if we find we are too down the ladder and despite the years, we have not even begun our journey? Or worse, instead of progressing we have regressed?

Will we ever recover from that shock of discovering that we have dug our own grave before a mountain of limitations that silently grew and grew as we fell back in time? Drop everything, just forget about what has happened, and move away from your failure and accept the given situation, everyone would say. I would agree, but then again, even acceptance seems like another round of impotent failure.

Deep inside, despite knowing that we don’t really have a choice and there is this silent urge to run away, explode into nothingness, most of us really don’t do it and instead, we dare to confront the biggest fear the likes of us would have --no, not of death, but of facing an unlived life. adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

In Oman on October 26, 2011 Black & White 17 For more details: 24565697/98675976, yanniconcert@blackandwhiteoman.com

Nawras Store opens in Lulu Hypermarket in Salalah Nawras has launched another store in Salalah, taking the total number of stores across the Sultanate to 25.

The official opening ceremony this week was attended by Sheikh Salim bin Aufait Al Shanfari, chairman of Dhofar Municipality and head of the organising committee of Khareef Salalah 2011, together with special guests from Lulu, Nelson Phillip, country operations manager and Unni Krishnan, mall manager Salalah and senior managers of Nawras.

New C-Class Coupé and SLK Roadster in Oman Zawawi Trading Company (ZTC) the authorised general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman – launched the luxury German automotive company’s glamorous new C-Class Coupé, and third generation of its most successful sports car ever - the SLK Roadster.

The Oman launch of the innovative and sporty new Mercedes-Benz models will draw gasps from the

Sultanates fashionable automotive elite with their stunning looks and youthful, aspirational characters.

Speaking on the launch, a delighted Craig Hardie, Ceo – Automotive, Zawawi Trading Company, enthused: “2011 is a momentous year for Zawawi Mercedes–Benz. 125 years since the invention of the automobile by founding fathers Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, Mercedes

is still creating cutting edge luxury vehicles with ground-breaking designs, with ZTC delivering them to our customers in Oman for over five decades. But this year is different. With the new C-Coupé and SLK models, this is the year that Mercedes-Benz stops being the car your Dad drove, and becomes the car that you drive.”

campaign to families and individuals most in need. Other partners are Mazoon Printing, Publishing and Advertising who have supplied the boxes and collaterals to promote the campaign. Creative Communications Advertising and Marketing will help raise awareness of the campaign in the media. The boxes will be

prominently displayed at Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Centre and FM Merge 104.8 will promote the campaign on air. The logistics and the delivery of the boxes during and at the end of the campaign will be handled by DHL Express. The appeal was originally launched by the Radisson Blu Dubai Media City.

Box Appeal

in Oman

The Box Appeal - a charity campaign that aims to help those less privileged – is launched for the first time in Oman. The campaign asks people to give back to those who need it most by filling a small box with a list of items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, towel, body soap etc. To take part, all the participants have to do is pick up a box from the Radisson Blu or Park Inn Hotels or from the appeal’s partners, City Centre Muscat or Qurum City Centre, fill the box with a list of 13 everyday items and return to the distribution point.

The Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels in Oman have partnered with local charity Dar Al Atta who will help distribute the boxes at the end of the 18 August 21-September 20, 2011

BankMuscat

Ramadan activities With ongoing Iftar gatherings and the launch of ‘Tadhamun’ initiative aimed at benefiting Al Noor Association for the Blind, the Ramadan activities have gained momentum at BankMuscat headquarters.

The Bank has lined up month-long celebrations under the theme ‘Layali Al Khair’ (Ramadan Evenings) in BankMuscat for all to join hands and support needy sections of society. As in the previous years, the Ramadan initiative is aimed at positioning BankMuscat as a role model in charity initiatives.

The highlights of the Ramadan activities in BankMuscat include live

television programmes broadcast daily from the bank premises by Oman’s popular channels – Oman TV and Majan TV. The interactive cultural and informative TV programmes offer an opportunity for participants to win attractive prizes.

The Ramadan attractions at BankMuscat include a family tent, kids zone, Quran recitation competition and Omani food competition.

As part of the bank’s ongoing staff engagement programme, various cultural, literary and sports activities will also be organised.

The programmes cover women’s fitness and wellbeing, Ramadan charity photo gallery, open forum with Sheikh Khalfan El Esry, public speaking sessions by toast masters, trekking for charity, tournaments for basketball, volley ball and table tennis.

“Over the years, BankMuscat has organised successful Ramadan charity initiatives as part of its commitment to make a difference in the lives of needy sections of society.

The Ramadan campaign is an opportunity for citizens and residents to join hands and support those in need,” a bank official said.

Damas signs Nancy Ajram Damas announced that it has signed Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram to again be the brand ambassador for its popular jewellery brand Farfasha. The singer will represent the brand on a Pan Arab level, in what is expected to be the biggest launch in the history of the Farfasha brand.

Speaking during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Anan Fakhreddin, the Ceo of Damas International Limited, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce the return of Nancy Ajram as the face of Farfasha.

Nancy is someone that consumers connect to very well, as she embodies the core attributes of this fast-growing brand – youthfulness, vibrancy and success. Her popular face will further energise Farfasha and position it as an iconic brand internationally.” Nancy Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef, and has been described as one of the most influential celebrities in the Middle East.

Black & White 19

Al Araimi Complex winning deals The annual promotion at Al Araimi Complex kicked off on July 25, drawing many shoppers to try their luck at winning a host of attractive prizes that the complex is giving away. The three-month long promotion will have two draws on August 27, September 26 and a mega draw on October 26, the winner of which will be a proud owner of an all new Dodge Challenger. In addition, three Dune Buggies will be given away from Polaris, Fairtrade Auto, one in each of the three draws.

Other attractive prizes include JVC LCD TVs, Bose Dock systems, i-Pads, Touch i-Pods, Osim foot massagers, Al Araimi gift vouchers and many more.

“Throughout the year, we endeavour to offer something new to our customers – be it in terms of promotions, exhibitions, events, decor, prizes... the objective is to offer more than the customer’s expectations.

We have received a lot of positive feedback for our annual promotion for which I would like to thank our diverse retail outlets and support from our partners who sponsor the attractive gifts,” explains Uttam Kotian, manager advertising.

During Ramadan, Al Araimi Complex will be open from 10am to 1pm and 7pm to midnight from Saturday to Thursday and 7pm to midnight on Fridays.

Danube new showroom in Salalah Danube Building Materials opened its first building materials showroom in Salalah, Oman. The B2B retail unit, which is the leading company’s 31st showroom in the region and its third in Oman, was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah Salim Al Rawas, chairman, Salalah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in the presence of Danube senior officials led by Rizwan Sajan,

founder and chairman, Danube; Anis Sajan, managing director; Adel Sajan, director and other key officials and representatives from Danube’s partner companies. The opening is part of Danube’s move to create a stronger presence in Oman and involves the opening of more showrooms and warehousing facilities in the country, thereby adding to the two showrooms

currently located in Muscat, Oman.

The company is also looking to recruit more Omani nationals in support of the government’s initiative to provide more employment opportunities for locals.

Wordpress

Edible Arrangements® new Muscat Outlet Edible Arrangements®, the pioneer in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, announced plans to open its first outlet in Muscat, Oman.

The newest addition to the region’s existing 13 stores, Edible Arrangements® Oman is slated to open its doors to the public in August, 2011 in Muscat City Centre, with a grand opening celebration planned for October, 2011. The Muscat outlet is one of seven new Edible Arrangements® franchises to open across the AGCC before the end of 2011, and is 20 August 21-September 20, 2011

a strong symbol of the company’s success in the region since the first franchise opened in Dubai in 2007.

AlShaima Ali AlRaisi, owner and managing director of Edible Arrangements® Muscat, said: “As the owner and operator of Oman’s first Edible Arrangements franchise, I am delighted to play a part in bringing such a well recognised brand to Muscat.

The Omani population is known for its hospitality and generosity, and I believe our concept and philosophy will be incredibly successful in this market. The Edible Arrangements® mission is to deliver high quality, beautiful and fresh products to our customers, products I look forward to sharing with the Muscat community.”

ICCR-sponsored cultural evening at the Indian Embassy

The Embassy of India, Muscat in association with the Gujarati Wing of Indian Social Club, Muscat organised a cultural evening which included colourful folkdances of Gujarat by the cultural troupe 'Kankan' sponsored by the Indian Council for cultural relations (an autonomous body under the aegis of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, New Delhi) at the Indian embassy auditorium recently. The troupe 'Kankan' is one of the leading folkdance groups from India which was led by multi-award winning choreographer Sonal Sagathia.

HSBC selected as key partner for ITFC’s trade operations HSBC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Islamic Development Bank’s International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) to implement its Shariah-compliant trade financing and provide help on various treasury activities such as joint trade financing and investment of liquidity. This MoU, the first of its kind in the industry, means ITFC customers can enjoy a simpler and cost-effective way to trade in a Shariah-compliant manner. ITFC customers benefit as HSBC will facilitate the issuance of Letters of Credit on behalf of ITFC for customers who import or export goods. Backed by two premium, global financial institutions, these customers will experience a smoother and cost-effective way of trading.

Omran launches 'intajee' Omran along with the ministry of agriculture and fisheries and The Agriculture Association for Al Batinah Region Farmers launched an income generating programme called ‘Intajee’.

The programme is a tool to support the growth of existing microbusinesses and aims to empower families residing in Al Batinah to improve their livelihoods through selling locally grown products such as honey, dates, eggs, fruits and vegetables, all of which will be made available to the public at Lulu Hypermarket in Bousher.

In Arabic, Intajee means ‘my product’, which helps farmers effectively harvest, package and label their goods thereby strengthening their presence in the market. All families enrolled in the programme will receive 100 per cent of the profit their products generate.

Dr Fuad bin Jaffer Al Sajwani, minister of agriculture and fisheries stated: “The tailored programme developed by Omran is a prime example of the public-private partnership we are seeking.

This model identifies opportunities for agricultural development and leverages on the strength of the community outreach programmes at Omran.”

Black & White 21

MEDC urges

customers to pay

The MEDC has issued advisory notice to its customers to ensure that electricity bills are paid on time. This comes in light of some cases where customers delay payment resulting in the accumulating overdue of payments that can become a burdensome amount to many people. The MEDC is keen that disconnection of service is only resorted to when all other options are exhausted, including repeated reminders printed on bills to make payment. It also provides round the clock help to its customers through its call center providing its customers with toll free number (80070008).

OSN opens two new

kiosks’ at Salalah and Sohar

Orbit Showtime Network - OSN has recently started two new Kiosks in Salalah and Sohar at very convenient locations. Sohar Kiosks is at Safeer mall and Salalah Kiosks is at Lulu hypermarket. The opening of the two Kiosks was necessitated because of high demands from customers for OSN bouquets both in the Sohar and Salalah region.

Mustafa Sultan Enterprises is pioneer in Pay TV business for more than 20 years and presently Pay TV office is located in the new renovated MSE showroom at Al Khuwair. OSN also runs four exclusive counters under Mustafa Sultan Enterprises at Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Centre, Safeer Mall, Sohar and Lulu hypermarket, salalah.

22 August 21-September 20, 2011

Porsche Centre Oman Ramadan experience Porsche Centre Oman, SATA LLC, is ushering the festive spirit of the holy month with a specially branded Ramadan tent at the InterContinental Hotel’s luscious Palm Gardens that promises to engross patrons in a unique ambience in signature Porsche style. Residents of Muscat can cherish the company of friends and family over delectable tailor-made gourmet menus and the ultimate social pastime, shisha while enjoying musical renditions by a live Oud artist and behind-the-scenes footage of the power, precision, exceptional dynamics and high safety features of the Porsche family in moving pictures. The model range is also on display for visitors to get up-close and personal with the Boxster, Cayman, 911, Panamera and Cayenne. “Ramadan is a special time for bonding with family and friends,” said Mohamed Qassim, brand manager of Porsche Centre Oman, SATA LLC. “We wanted to provide aficionados with a memorable Porsche experience that exudes the thrills, the history and the technology of the world’s leading sports car manufacturer in a dynamic space while savouring first-class cuisine and entertainment.”

Mazda receives 2011 JIII award Two researchers from Mazda Motor Corporation have received the 2011 ‘Japan Business Federation Chairman’s Award for Invention’ from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation (JIII). The award recognises outstanding inventions that make a significant contribution to the advancement of science and technology and the development of industry.

Awarded for: Invention of new paint technology for the Three-Layer Wet Paint System (Patent number: 3831266) Recipients: Takakazu Yamane, Technical Research Center, Mazda Motor Corporation

Tsutomu Shigenaga, technical research center, Mazda Motor Corporation. “Following its utilisation for mass production at Mazda, the coating method has spread through the automobile industry.

More recently, Mazda has successfully developed the Aquatech paint system, a new version of this technology that uses waterbased paint, further reducing paint shop VOC emissions.

Currently, Mazda is progressively rolling out the Aqua-tech Paint System to its production facilities,” informs Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications, Towell Auto Centre.

Planet Supra

launched in Oman Sadolin Paints Oman Ltd launched Planet Supra recently. The launch was attended by Zaeem Haq, executive director – International Business Development, Akihiko Suda, chief scientist - R&D department, Sci paint japan, MM Khan, general manager, Sadolin Paints (Oman) Ltd, Inc, and senior

officials. A thermal barrier coating, ‘Planet Supra’ is the first carbon offset product in the Japanese Paints industry and is brought to Oman under a technical collaboration between Sci paint japan, Inc and Sadolin Paints (Oman) Ltd. Extremely versatile and easy-toapply, it can be used on any surface

(i.e. concrete, bricks, metal, wood, or canvas) by using a roller, brush or spray gun. ‘Planet Supra’ can be used to paint homes, buildings, containers, factories, stores, warehouses, industrial equipment and vehicles. If applied on a steel surface, Planet Supra can also significantly reduce sound!

Oasis Water Company Certification The NSF International, a global public health organisation that certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods, announced that Oman Oasis Balanced Drinking Water and Oman Oasis Oxiplus Drinking Water--bottled by the Oasis Water Company of Oman--have earned NSF Bottled Water Certification.

To achieve NSF Certification, the plant located in the Muscat-Rusayl area of Oman underwent a rigorous audit to verify that the bottling facility met all certification requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point

(HACCP), which are nationally recognised standards for food safety. The NSF also tested samples of Oasis products against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations for Bottled Water for more than 160 chemicals, inorganic, radiological and microbiological contaminants.

Tariq Al-Barwani donates educational material to colleges and universities Tariq Hilal Al-Barwani has personally donated various educational materials to colleges and universities for setting an example of giving and donating as a natural part of everyday life. Tariq has created educational DVDs on IT and business related subjects that have been distributed already to University of Nizwa, German University of Technology and Middle East College of Information Technology.

“Knowledge in any discipline is wealth and it personally brings me great pleasure to donate all that I’ve learnt throughout the years to

students and faculty members of both the private and public schools and universities. My goal is to ensure knowledge is free and everyone has ease of access for attaining it. By

supporting youth in their knowledge quest, a nation is supported,” Tariq said. “The donation shall not only give our students information but also enhance their knowledge about digital marketing. More over it also portraits the way presentations should be made and the confidence of the presenter,” said Dr Kaneez Fatima, assistant lecturer at Nizwa University.

The donated educational material share what the industry needs today in terms of knowledge, skill sets and experience that are necessary for students to succeed in the market.

Black & White 23

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Motivation basics

Using Facebook or Twitter for work

By Nasser Al Azry

When some people hear the word Facebook, or Twitter, they automatically think of wasting time. After all, how can you have time for work when you’re telling people what you had for lunch, or spreading the gossip from your 2 pm staff meeting?

It’s true that Facebook/Twitter can be a distraction. But it can also be an important resource for both personal and organisational growth. And knowing how to use Twitter effectively, and the common mistakes to avoid, is vital to getting the best from the service.

In this article, I am reviewing how to use Facebook/Twitter to grow your career and benefit your organisation. We’ll also look at the basics of Facebook/Twitter.

WHAT IS FACEBOOK/TWITTER? Facebook/Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to connect with each other and send short messages, or “tweets,” about what they’re doing or thinking as it is in the Facebook.

Your “followers” see your tweets in a rolling feed, called a timeline, when they log into the service.

Tweets can be trivial - we’ve all heard the “what someone ate for breakfast” example - or they can be significant and valuable, for example, when they highlight key news, or articles written by thought-leaders in your industry. It’s up to you who you follow!

TWITTER DEFINITIONS Here are some useful definitions for new Twitter users: Tweet - a post on Twitter.

Timeline - your “feed” on Twitter, where

tweets made by people you follow are published.

Hashtag - The hashtag symbol (#) can help people track different topics to find information easily. Simply put the # symbol in front of your tweet’s most relevant word, or use it to “tag” a tweet under a certain category. For example, #leadership.

You can search for other tweets tagged with a particular hashtag by clicking in the hashtag when you see it in your Twitter timeline.

Followers - These are your friends or connections - the people who are following your tweets. Your tweets will appear on their timelines. (All tweets are technically “public” and searchable unless you decide to make your account private. Be careful what you say!) @ Replies - If you want to tweet to someone else, use @ right before that person’s username. For example, tweet “@Bob45 I saw your tweet. Interesting!” - and Bob45 will get the message in his timeline (if he follows you) or in his “@mentions” column (if he doesn’t follow you).

If you put the person’s name at the very start of the tweet, as in the example above, only you, him, and people who follow both of you will see the Tweet in their timelines.

If you put his name elsewhere in the message, everyone who follows you will see the tweet. For example, this would happen if you tweeted “Me and @Bob45 are working on a new marketing proposal.”

Profile - Potential followers may read your profile, as well as your latest tweets, to decide if they want to follow you back. There’s also space on your profile for a web address, and you can customise the colours and images.

Black & White 25

The Corporal and corruption

Sunny side up

By Bikram Vohra

IF THERE IS something I find progressively offensive about this whole Anna Hazare campaign is bleeding Mohandas Gandhi into the equation. There is an arrogance in sitting or stretching in that feline ‘cat has had the cream’ expression in front of a huge portrait of the man who fought for freedom and is known as the father of the nation even if that title is of marginal interest to the new generation.

In contrast, all Mr Hazare has done is turn the word ‘corruption’ into a football and kick it up-field into a country that is ready to run with the ball even if it isn’t quite sure where the goalposts are.

Just dashing about is good exercise but it is finally exhausting and gets you nowhere.

Rather than just bandy the word around and dribble with it Anna and his cohorts would have been more believable as saviours if they had placed an intelligible series of actions on a timeline and used that as the blueprint for a soul cleansing exercise of this magnitude.

Let me share with you a perfect if unlikely but simplistic possibility.

Since corruption, like coffee, percolates from the top to the bottom let the Indian cabinet members all declare their assets as they are now and compare them to their assets before they took office. Why not, after all, they are servants of the people.

By the same token let all the 552 Members of the Lok Sabha follow suit. That is a start. Then take the same measure and compel all MLAs in all states to do the same.

If there are glaring discrepancies and 26 August 21-September 20, 2011

Bikram Vohra, internationallyknown Gulf based scribe

they cannot explain their ill-gotten wealth, let them be vulnerable to legal actions. It is a start and we can then traipse up to all the civil services and see how many can explain their bank accounts, the contents of their lockers, the property and land in benami or whatever and we will see that if it is done seriously and with a sense of purpose there will be a snowball effect right down to the sniveling little clerk who leave his desk drawer open for the payoff in a hundred thousand government offices in India.

Yes, Anna has touched a raw nerve. It is very popular to combat corruption. Who can be for it? The young Indian is impatient with it, the older Indian is exhausted by it, the rich use it as lubricant to frogleap the queue which is formed by the poor and the middle class is too busy surviving to really care or have faith in a system that chokes them every waking hour.

No, Anna has not been part of the solution, so he must be part of the problem.

I was amused to get a Youtube site which slags off Hazare as a charlatan and a crook. The core theme is that none of his old supporters who started off with him years ago have stayed. And these guys have come up on the camera to explain why they were disillusioned.

One of the ex-buddies says it is all about Anna. Hold that thought. Is there a grain of truth in it? Only Anna is on fast, why not the other high profile believers who are wailing for change then trotting off for dinner.

If they had all gone on fast would it

have diluted his uniqueness? Do we have a sliver of narcissism here?

Another ex-supporter says Anna gets fed glucose and electrolyte powders secretly when he is on hunger strike.

That is perhaps a cheap shot but worth monitoring over the next ten days.

Whatever the man is, good, bad and ugly, he is a rebel with a cause and should now allow others to carry the burden. It is the singularity that is annoying. That and the increasingly choreographed publicity like the one where he is feeding a Muslim child iftar food…oh please, spare people that sort of plastic piety. When did Anna last do that as a normal action, let alone plan it as a photo-shoot for the media? Using religion like that is a corruption of the mind.

And even as he tills the estate he is enjoying this late in life celebrity status so much that he being blindsided to the fallout of an impractical populist ‘we have no clue what to do’ vigilantism that almost threatens to turn into a lynch mob.

This will all go away eventually because the novelty trumps the content and when there is only grandstanding left that option is always ready to rust the initial grandeur.

Someone said that he was only a Lance Corporal in the army, driving supply convoys. That is rude. There is nothing demeaning about being a Lance Corporal. Hitler was a corporal in the German army and he shook the world. Frighteningly, the point is Hitler sought a Utopian race, Hazare seeks a Utopian nation. Same difference. Neither exists.

In Black & White

In Black...

The wakeup call by the Mesaharati is part of the Arab culture and Oman has its share of Mesaharatis too in the early 70s and before

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief TRADITION MAKETH SOCIETY They say if you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday; and how do we understand yesterday? What will we pass on to the new generation?

Every society has its own traditional lifestyle.

Traditions come from our ethnic background, our culture, or our national heritage.

We know that all families have traditions of one kind or another. Some of them have been passed down to us from our parents and grandparents; some of them have been intentionally started by us. Festivals and celebrations are pure excuses to keep communities together and so are traditions. Families are strengthened by sharing uplifting family traditions.

The best traditions, I believe, will enrich our lives for the better and be something that we want to pass down to our children and grandchildren. For this reason, families grow stronger and more unified when they share uplifting traditions.

TRADITIONAL MESAHARATI The wakeup call by the Mesaharati is part of the Arab culture and Oman has its share of Mesaharatis too in the early 70s and before. It is sort of a ritual that made sense before the advancement of technology, but it also brought the community together.

NO ONE PRACTICING THE TRADITION TODAY The B&W team went in search of a traditional Mesaharati, to find out what made them wake up for the sake of their community. Sadly, they could not find anyone carrying out the tradition. Most of them have accepted the fact that it is a practice that is irrelevant today. The old generation had a few of them who were still passionately happy to share their experience! They still believe it should be carried on; otherwise the community will be disconnected in the years to come!

What are your views on it? Does tradition hold the community together or are traditions just the need of the day?

Oman is a country rich in traditions of its own, some shared and some followed regionally. As a child, I found many traditions intriguing and educating. It would be unfair not to pass it on to the future.

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B&W Xclusive

The drums of Ramadan

28 28August August21-September 21-September20, 20,2011 2011

Black 29 Black & & White White 29

In the near inky blackness of a dawn that was just some hours away from breaking, a young Omani man prepared himself quietly. A large drum was in his left hand, and in his right, a short, solid stick. With a small prayer, he raised his right arm and slammed the stick on the drum scaring silence out of its wits. The right hand followed in rapid fashion and soon the calm stillness of that early morning hour was shattered with an incessant drumbeat, followed by the Omani man’s clear wake up call: “Suhour, suhour, suhour, wake up everyone, it is time for suhour! Suhour, suhour, suhour…”

B&W Xclusive

DRUM ROLL…"SUHOUR, SUHOUR, SUHOUR…WAKE UP…" DRUM ROLL! The call would pierce the early morning hour and into the homes of the slumbering residents in Muscat.

For some, this was sweet music, for others, it was pure noise. Some would wake up with a prayer of thanks, others would not be in the same frame of mind, having small children and ailing folks at home. But, the majority did not disapprove of the Mesaharati waking people up for their suhour meal during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

One of the oldest and most deeprooted traditions of Ramadan is the Mesaharati (night-caller to wake Muslims shortly before dawn for their last meal -- suhour -- before the beginning of the fast). The 30 August 21-September 20, 2011

Mesaharati is one of the most important features in the Holy Month as he completes the traditional scene of the month. Traditionally, Al-Mesaharati would walk through streets and alleys beating a small drum to a simple rhythm, calling on people to wake up in time for some last minute eating. He would walk to nearly every house in the neighborhood, and stop in front of each house, calling its occupants by name to wake up for suhour.

RAMADANIAN DUTY OF YORE Sulayem bin Saif Al Maskari, 75, busily worked on his fishing tent, in the serene sands of the Qantab beach, one recent Ramadan morning as he took us back to the days of yore, when this rich Ramadan tradition was in vogue. “I was a teenager then and I was one

amongst other Omani elders who practiced this Ramadan ritual of waking up the faithful for the suhour pre-dawn meal during Ramadan,” he said, his eyes crinkling in a youthful smile.

Sulayem seemed to relish his predawn Ramadan duty of the past. His eyes lit up as he detailed to us his early morning suhour adventures: “I was an active Mesaharati until the 70’s. I used to do the wake up call in Muscat; it is only later that I came to Qantab,” he recalls. Beside him sits Saleh Mohammed Suleiman, a young fisherman of the village who does not recall seeing or hearing the Mesaharati. “Of course, I know what a Mesaharati is thanks to the Ramadan television relays, but I did not have the luck of being woken up by a Mesaharati during Ramadan.”

MESAHARATI AN ISLAMIC TRADITION The Mesaharati tradition runs back to the early days of Islam. Bilal Ibn Maktoom was the first mesaharati in Islam and he used to call people from the top of the mosque to stop eating. The tradition began in Egypt in 238 AH (Hijri) with Antaba bin Ishq, the ruler of Egypt, himself walking from Fustat City to Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque singing “e’bad Allah tasaharo” (worshippers of Allah, eat suhour). In time, the drum was introduced as an instrument to assist the Mesaharati.

TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS TRADITION With the advent of the Renaissance, where Oman progressed with technology and various facilities, the Mesaharatis

began to dwindle. After the 1970s, Oman’s Mesaharati, who had always shouldered the burden of waking people up, often by name, so they can have a late night meal in preparation for the next day’s fast, began to disappear. In their place came alarm clocks and mobile phones, and although one would like to see someone take the crucial role of the Mesaharati, the digital age, seems to have no place for them.

GLORIOUS ERA OF MESAHARATIS Omanis who have experienced the same hark back to the glorious era when the Mesaharatis reigned.

They hope to bring alive this unique Ramadan tradition. Even Sulayem looks back at the old days, a trifle wistfully: “I miss those days,” he says, holding the net in his hand

and looking out at a modern fishing boat scudding on the waves before the Qantab beach. “We never slept during the nights of Ramadan. All the elders got together and discussed, prayed and spend the night together.

And a few of us had the responsibility of going around the alleys and waking up the households for suhour.

Today, it has become very rare to hear a real Mesaharati, who traditionally wakes people up before sunrise during Ramadan in order to eat before fasting starts. Indeed, the Mesaharati has become something of a dying profession, even though it has been practised since the early days of Islam,” Sulayem said.

TRADITIONS BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER “In the early 70s our societies Black & White 31

B&W Xclusive 32 32August August21-September 21-September20, 20,2011 2011

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had age old traditions practiced on a regular scale. Everyone who had a childhood during the 70s would be familiar with the drum beats or the trumpets with the suhour wake up calls…

I can still hear the drumbeats,” motivational expert and speaker, Sheikh Khalfan El Esry tells Black & White. “I have experienced this and the Mesaharati, as they are called, are mostly volunteers who do it out of their own will and interest. They don’t consider it as an obligation; they do it as their social responsibility.

The rest of the society trusts that there is someone out there who will ensure that they will wake up at the right time – that was a different era and different lifestyle. The society and community were more inter linked and dependent on each other more than today. Technology was not advanced and people were more dependent on themselves and each other. The responsibilities were shared by individuals, family members, tribes and that bound the community together. I personally believe that this wakeup call would not have been just an Omani tradition; I think it was famous in Egypt. It is a tradition that has been prevalent in most of the Gulf countries.”

BLOWING THE TRUMPET Sheikh Khalfan recalled the Mesaharati in his village as “a young boy”. “I remember, he had a trumpet not a drum. He was treated with respect by the villagers. He was considered very responsible and treated like a celebrity.

B&W Xclusive

He was very punctual, very tolerant and according to me was a social tradition keeper.

It is these responsible people who took care of our society, its culture and its values. He used to blow the trumpet from a small hill in our village, and then walk down the alleys, knocking at the doors waking up the elders of the family who woke up the other family members.”

OLD TRADITION In the early days, there was a restriction on night travel, unless accompanied by a lantern, Sulayem added. “So all of us had lanterns with us during the wake up calls. I used to carry a drum or even a large plate and hit on it to make noise to wake up the people. We used to shout, ‘Suhour, suhour, wake up, time for suhour…’

34 August 21-September 20, 2011

"I used to have two or three of my friends with me, I was not alone. I stopped after the 70s. But my friend, Said bin Salem Al Hassani, continued with this Ramadan tradition, until the last five years, before he passed away. He believed that it was a social responsibility and there were many in the society who believed in this tradition and it was his duty to do so.

NEW TAKETH OVER OLD “Before the 70s, there was no electricity and we did not need anything; even a tin can would be enough to do the rounds. It was a volunteer effort and I felt happy doing it. I did it in the Muscat area, not at Qantab village. Here at the Qantab village, we have one mosque and the population was quite minimal, we all slept close to the mosque and the mikes at the mosque woke us all up. With mobile phones and alarm clocks no one is bothered to do the suhour calls now. It is sad to see an old tradition vanish, but I guess that is life.

The new take over the old.”

NO LONGER A TREND Sulayem said how complete they felt, doing these things the traditional way. “When we made the calls, we felt more united and responsible towards each other. With modernity setting in, the trends have changed. People today might view the suhour calls and knocking on the doors as a nuisance. It is not welcome any more.

The younger generation may never know of all these traditions, until we elders pass it on.

These traditions kept the community bound with togetherness, trusting their community to take care of them. They knew they could sleep in peace because someone out there is watching over them and will wake them up much before the prayer timings. It was a matter of trust and punctuality.

"I personally did it out of social responsibility.

I loved doing it. I was respected for it and I felt happy I could contribute in some way to the society I lived in. I used to be blessed by my friends and neighbours and that is all I wanted,” Sulayem said, taking us to a clearing where he demonstrated his early suhour call routine to a happy young audience. This could perhaps be the only time these kids could be part of such a vanishing tradition.

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B&W Xclusive 36 August 21-September 20, 2011

Vanishing traditions Modern generations have a pertinent question to mull over…is the current generation aware of the fact that many traditions, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan are now longer relevant? Do they realise that such lovely traditions like the early morning suhour calls are now sadly replaced by technology? We put this question to Sheikh Khalfan El Esry, a motivational expert and speaker. And this is what he had to say: A PAINFUL TRANSITION OF EVOLUTION “While we all appreciate and glow in the advancement of the technology that gives us the freedom to live our life to the fullest, we also have to acknowledge how we alienate ourselves from our society because of modern amenities. Look around and you will see the young generation all by themselves living in their own world, far away from the traditional societies that grew their tribes.

They don’t require someone to wake them up, their mobiles or alarm clocks will do that for them. They may not even get an experience of these traditions, because lifestyles have changed so much that it would be impossible for them to even attempt. This is not unique to our society; this is the same in all parts of the world. Probably this is what is called evolution.

It still becomes our responsibility to pass on the tradition to the younger generation and let them know what we lived through. It would help their development and their understanding of the society. As humans, we will all be interdependent all our lives and no technology can take that away. It sometimes makes sense to hold on to that tradition and values to keep the society intact and healthy. These traditions taught us certain values, it taught us what responsibility is and we are social beings.

Every tradition came out of a necessity and reason, and it passed on values to the next generation.

The Holy Month of Ramadan is very pure and pious; it also brings families and societies together. I wish the traditions are upheld by the elders of the family. I feel sad that the age old traditions are slowly vanishing.”

VANISHING MAJLIS Sheikh Khalfan pointed to another tradition, which he said was in the danger of being obsolete: “The Majlis was a part of every Omanis life. Families still have family gettogethers, but tribes and community are slowly moving away from these traditions. The Majlis used to be the place where everything in the society was discussed, it was like a news channel, a social outlet, a place where economics to geography was discussed, where everyone knew every other person, their family happenings, growth, talents, problems, solutions everything was churned out in these daily Majlis meetings. But now, they are slowly vanishing…”

KARANKASHOO The 15th day of Ramadan is celebrated as Karankashoo. It is considered a celebration for the kids, but most importantly it is a full moon day and hence people feel it is a bright night of celebration. Earlier it was a practice in the villages for the elders to sit throughout the full moon nights and discuss things and even

celebrate. Probably karankashoo evolved out of that practice. Elders give gifts and money for the children to get ready for the Eid celebrations, Sheikh Khalfan said, noting how even this tradition was slowly evolving.

RAMADAN THIS YEAR “There are many positive and encouraging trends in the youth today. This year’s Holy Month saw many of the youth indulging in charity programmes much more than the previous years. The social media has played a role too. They have highlighted many social issues that need attention and brought good and positive participation from the youth.

I feel this is a healthy trend. The youth is the future of every nation and when they take a step to social participation and volunteering work, it is a positive sign of growth and evolution.

SA = ?

“Technology is advancing so fast that I now see even traditional greetings limited to two letters ‘SA’ meaning Salamalaikum…. It is not funny; it takes away the depth of life, its very essence. It is just that we need to make that right choice to decide what should and should not be abbreviated!

“My sincere wish and hope is that our rich tradition and cultures should never be shelved like an unread book! Let them always live amongst us to take our community forward!”

Black & White 37

The first Mesaharati

B&W Xclusive

When did the first El Mesaharati go around to the door of Muslims to wake them up for eating before fasting during Ramadan? The idea appeared in 238 ah by the governor Otabs ibn Ishaq, who used to roam from the ‘city of military’ till the mosque of Amr ibn el-Aas in Fosta. The governor used to call out in a very beautiful voice (O’ Servants of Allah, eat before dawn as it would benefit you). It was developed in the Abbasid era, specifically in Baghdad, at the time of caliph ‘Al-Nasser’ as he had assigned a person called Abu-Noqata with the task of waking people for suhour, eating before dawn, and awaken the caliph personally. He used to sing ‘O’ Sleeping Arise for Suhour’!

El Mesaharati in various countries: IN MECCA: El Mesaharati is called Zamzami. He used to carry with him a lamb so that those who do not hear the voice can see the light and start suhour.

IN THE LEVANT: El Mesaharati used to carry sticks and whistles that made pretty sounds to make people know that it was the time for suhour.

IN YEMEN: Here, the man from the village would call out loudly (arise to eat).

IN SUDAN: A person would walk around with a child in his hand; he would also have book which would have a list with the names of the families whom he had to wake up.

Despite the presence of different kinds of reminders and alarms, the Mesaharati has not disappeared. El Mesaharati is still a part of the Ramadan scene. He does not receive a fixed salary but receives tips at the end of the month. He embodies a living tradition, and brings us a glimpse of the past. His reassuring presence, signaled by loud drumbeats, reminds us that Ramadan is about compassion and sharing.

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

38 2011 38August August21-September 21-September6, 20, 2011

Management talk

Facing a Problem?

Think “SMART”

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

By Dr CK Anchan What do we do when we are faced with a problem, our instinct is to attempt to solve the problem straight away isn’t it ?

In dealing with problems, we need to make decisions. When faced with a situation that warrants a response, we put on our thinking cap. We depend on our thinking skills.

If you think smart you are likely to adopt a different approach. You will ask few questions to yourself first before addressing the problem.

Should I really solve the problem?

Should I get involved? Should I spare my energy and time?

The most important benefit of this type of thinking is you are able to maximise the use of your resources.

Competent people approach a problem by ‘questioning the purpose of solving it’. This strategy enhances the effectiveness of managing the problems.

Our employees should “Think Smart”. It is about encouraging them; we need to let our employees understand the importance of defining the purposes of working on a problem. The emphasis is to find out what we are trying to accomplish with the problem situation.

Each problem is a unique problem – understand the uniqueness of the problems and the situational

needs, the context of the problem.

Minimise waste of resources: plan the resources be it money, materials, machinery, methods and manpower to resolve the problem and try having control on the same.

View the larger picture of the situation: what is going on here and what is wrong, learn to ask what we are attempting to achieve out of this situation.

Ask: “What else…?” To keep going for more and more solutions, we should learn to ask: “What else…?” this will help us to develop as many solutions as possible.

Address the problem with a long-term or a short term perspective: Need to understand the perspective and need to take a call whether the problem needs a long term strategy or a short term.

Address the problem from a systems approach – the realisation that each problem we face is part of larger problem enables us to anticipate the problem(s) we may face when implementing the solutions.

New and innovative solutions: The intuitive element should be challenged and creative mind should be put on task.

Work with minimal information – Many of us are trained to seek out a full set of information that is

complete and comprehensive when managing problems and work related challenges. Having too much of information in hand may prevent us in solving the problem.

Involve the people in developing solutions: Their participation and involvement are critical for the overall success of the proposed solution.

Keep the solutions broad and flexible: so that those who will be managing the solution will have some degree of flexibility. A Standard Operating Procedure type of solutions should be avoided.

Incorporate timeline: Specific time line has to be defined without which the problems cannot be addressed.

Incorporate right sequence: Each purpose developed to manage the problems should be in the right sequence.

Consistent and coordinated approach: It is only through a consistent and coordinated approach that we will be able to make the breakthrough thinking as part of our decision making process.

Problem(s) should be seen as situations that require some changes.

The best way to bring out the change is by asking: What are we trying to accomplish here. That is about bringing effective and meaningful change to our life.

Black & White 39

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:

Weekend rates still raging on

Despite the warnings by the authorities concerned, some supermarkets are still indulging in varied rates for same items during the weekends. We have spoken of how some supermarkets make it a point to feature unusual weekend rates, pasting on different jacked up prices for items that were far less just before the start of the weekend. Despite the warnings of strict action and despite this being the Holy Month, some supermarkets still feature weekend hiked rates, note disgruntled buyers. “Go to these supermarkets and you will find the price stickers removed and either new ones stuck on them, or most of them will go without the same,” they tell us. Okay, next weekend, we are going to take a dekho.

Some women seem to still treat supermarkets as beach areas and walk around in badly covered clothes. Buyers at a well know hypermarket in Qurum averted their eyes when confronted by a high-heeled, low-skirted skimpily dressed woman walking around the mart with not a care in the world. Of course, she has every right to not have any care, but then she should respect the country she is and also respect the people that are in it; she should respect their rights. This is not about being prude or a harangue against morality, but just a simple note to point out that hey, we are in the month of Ramadan and shouldn’t people like her respect this month and the rules, the laws and sanctity governing it? Such badly dressed women are the unwanted blemish in an otherwise serene setting of Ramadan.

Sorry, no seat for toddlers (even if they have tickets)

Seems like we hung out in too many shopping malls last week as all we got is supermarket stuff for you this issue. Sorry, let us move on to an airline, which usually does not indulge in much games, but this time, probably because of the overload perhaps…Mommas, grandmommas coming from Salalah with their tiny tots (three to four year olds) complained that the airline concerned refused to provide their kids with seats, even though they were all holding tickets. “I had to put my grandson on my seat as we did not get a seat for him,” one grandma said, adding that though she asked a flight purser to provide her daughter’s tot a seat, the lady went on as though she was on deaf ears. It happens. Especially when the flights are full…

Nitternatter

Unwanted blemish

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

40 August 21-September 20, 2011

Give an accountant an inch

Give someone an inch, and they will take a mile, says the adage. But, this gets stretched too far by some accountants here who are known to terrorise clients for late payment, without even a thought as to why the client was paying late. Was it due to market conditions, was it due to genuine reasons or was the client actually trying to pull wool over the eyes of the company? These issues were irrelevant, save for the last. “The accountants have an inborn mistrust against everyone and everybody. They are not willing to listen to anything but on the dot payment, without realising that this is not possible for everyone,” a tired owner of a company who had some repayment issues with a company tells us. If you owe them, you have to pay them, we tried telling him, but, he was not keen to listen. “We have been hounded and hounded by this particular accountant, a very junior staff of this company, and although our payment is almost regular, he still hounds us and is rude with everyone, staff and even myself, the owner. He is impatient, rude and downright dirty! Why are accountants like this?” the man lamented. Look, don’t paint all accountants as bad, just because of some bad uns, we hastened to add.

Air Fresheners

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

Kidstuff 42 42August August21-September 21-September20, 20,2011 2011

Interesting facts about the

HUMAN BRAIN Brain is the central organ of the human body. It is extremely complex and sophisticated. The functions of the brain were found by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks in 400 BC. It was Hippocrates who first discovered that brain played an important role in sensation and intelligence Here are a few facts on the human brain • The average number of thoughts that humans are believed to experience each day is 70,000.

• There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain.

• The human brain is the fattest organ in the body and may consists of at least 60 per cent fat.

• The left side of your brain (left hemisphere) controls the right side of your body; and, the right side of your brain (right hemisphere) controls the left side of your body.

• Children who learn two languages before the age of five alters the brain structure and adults have a much denser gray matter.

• While awake, your brain generates between 10 and 23 watts of power–or enough energy to power a light bulb.

• Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought, you are creating a new connection in your brain.

• Each time we blink, our brain kicks in and keeps things illuminated so the whole world doesn’t go dark each time we blink (about 20,000 times a day).

• Laughing at a joke is no simple task as it requires activity in five different areas of the brain.

• A living brain is so soft you could cut it with a table knife.

• There are about 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the brain.

• The brain can live for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, and then it begins to die. No oxygen for 5 to 10 minutes will result in permanent brain damage.

Tongue twisters I thought a thought But the thought I thought Was not the thought I thought I thought.

Black & White 43

Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

Avoid haste and focus at your goal. Good gains from meetings.

It is promising week for flow of income. If you are dealing abroad or with distant places indicates success financially. This is also promising time for investing money or have a little bit of speculation.

Balance your energy between work and domestic responsibilities simultaneously. If it is unbalanced then both major areas of life will suffer. At job it is possible to rise or you may hear good news.

Work load will increase and this will help you to pave the way for proving your skill and gain appreciation.

Avoid haste in taking any important decision or at meeting.

You will receive the profit against your work. It is good time to harvest the effort of your hard work.

However, it is not positive time to invest money or take any sort of risk in money matters. Relationship need some time to balance it.

CANCER June 22-July 23 It is positive time for seeking growth at job. This is favourable period to search for new opportunities or reap the benefit for the hard efforts done earlier. Flow of money will be promising. And if you are clever enough to seize the opportunity then it is the better time to invest money in speculation.

LEO July 24-August 23 To be successful it is necessary to focus on personality and inner side more reflective. Thus, at job, you require clarity – in your work as well as from others. You will be extra sensitive and it will be difficult to know the reason for it.

Existing relationship will grow and become much better.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 It is possible for you to easily jump to conclusions. There could be a lot of frivolous talk- that can make your impression down.

Relationships will expand this week and it is promising time for singles. Get together, party time or visit to any social gathering is also possible.

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.

Horoscope

By Thomas Snyder

44 August 21-September 20, 2011

SOLUTION:

SIR THOMAS SEAN CONNERY (BORN 25 AUGUST 1930) is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards (one of them being a BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award) and three Golden Globes. Connery is best-known for portraying the character James Bond, starring in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983. In 1989, he was proclaimed "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine, and in 1999, at age 69, he was voted "Sexiest Man of the Century".

LIBRA September 24-October 22

SCORPIO October 23-November 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22

Work in group will be favourable – just avoid stressing your own ideas. It is good time to harvest the effort done before. Plan the work distribution efficiently. It is promising week for flow of income. It will be better than before. However, managing the funds is required particularly if it is coming from more than one source.

It is time to put off your financial worries and plan about the investing money to secure your future. Therefore, investing money in real estate’s will be more promising than any other scheme right now. Avoid haste in taking decision. Committed ones may find it difficult for maintaining tranquility at home.

Minor flaws may lead to major mistakes. Meetings will be beneficial. It is promising time for flow of money followed by high expenses.

Avoid emotional shopping or spending money on things which you don’t require. It is suggested to spend money wisely and this applies in investing too.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

PISCES February 20-March 20

Positive vibes makes it easy for you to manage the difficult task. Support from others is there.

It is expected to receive good flow particularly if it is from various sources.

So it is good time to invest some of it to grow your funds. Investing in various schemes will be profitable.

Financially it will be little bit unstable and it requires some managing of funds particularly if any big expense is in order. It is promising time for singles to find their love at place of work. Don’t wait other to approach. It is for you to go ahead and express your feelings.

It is time to implement your plans at work as this is positive time for growth in business. It is challenging time for finances. You may feel it hard to yield the gains and many times your effort may go in vain. Relationships undergo with some highs and lows.

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

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

Circulation

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

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

46 August 21-September 20, 2011

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

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

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

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black & White 47

What’s for

DESSERT?

Cooking

No meal is complete without a dessert! There’s nothing better than being able to enjoy something sweet and tasty: cake, cookies, pie, pudding, or anything elseas long as it has sugar in it.

Here are a few recipes to make your meal worthwhile…

48 August 21-September 20, 2011

CHOCOLATE TRIFLE It is also known as black forest trifle which is prepared mainly with chocolate pudding and cherries.

Ingredients: 2 lb marble cake (cut into slices) 1 oz instant chocolate pudding mix 2 cup skim milk 2 cup frozen pitted cherries 2 drops red food coloring 2 cup whipped cream

Method: Prepare pudding for the trifle for that you need to mix pudding mix in milk and chill in fridge to set for at least 30 min. Add red food colour to cherries and mix well. Now take a serving bowl and make layer of marble cake slices, cover the cake with cherries and then spread prepared chocolate pudding mixture. Repeat this pattern of layer again and in the end top with whipped cream and few cherries. Keep the bowl in fridge to chill.

BANANA PIES The pie can give more delicious flavour if it is kept in fridge for overnight so that it stets properly and easily cut into pieces.

Ingredients 1 pie crust 8 oz cream cheese (softened) 1-2 oz instant vanilla pudding 3 oz instant banana cream pudding ½ ltr milk 1 cup cool whip Bananas (sliced for layering) Crushed crunch for topping

Method Bake pie crust according to the instruction mentioned on the package and then cool to room temperature. To prepare pie filling beat cream cheese to make it smooth and soft. Gradually add milk and make smooth batter.

Add both pudding mixes and beat at slow speed so that no lumps would be there. Now fold the batter with the whipping cream and set aside. Make layer of the bananas at the side of the pie crust and pour half of the batter on the crust, now make layer of sliced bananas onto the batter and then pour rest of the batter. In the end top with some remaining sliced bananas and crunch and chill for at least an hour.

WALNUT BARS Prepared in three layers; crust, walnut coconut filling and cream cheese topping hence become rich and tempting dessert for any party.

For Crust: ½ lb butter ½ cup sugar 2 cup flour ½ cup cornstarch For Filling: 4 eggs 1 pkg brown sugar ½ tsp baking powder 2 tsp vanilla 1 lb walnuts 1 cup coconut 4 tbsp flour For Frosting: 1 cube butter 1 pkg powdered sugar

8 oz pkg cream cheese (softened) 1 tbsp lemon juice Method To prepare the crust, cream butter and sugar together; sift together flour and cornstarch and then add it to the cutter mixture. When smooth soft dough like texture is formed then press it at the base of a greased square baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 15 min at 300 degrees F. Meanwhile prepare filling by beating egg and brown sugar together.

Then add flour, baking powder and vanilla and then fold with walnuts and coconut. Pour it over the prepared crust and bake again for 25 min.

After that increase the temperature to 350 degrees F and bake for further 5 minutes; make frosting by cream together ingredients mentioned for frosting. When walnuts pie is baked properly then cool it on wire rack and then cut into squares. Serve the walnut bars with topping of prepared cream cheese frosting.

Black & White 49

Eve's drop 50 August 21-September 20, 2011

is not accidental She gave away her pocket money for a Panda when she was only five. That must have been Klara Zakis’, first ever act of charity. But, that certainly was not her last.

“In fact, I remember another incident where I earned a couple of hundred pounds for sponsored silence,” Klara, manager PR and communications, Rezidor Hotel Group, recalled, as she spoke to the Black & White at the recent launch of the Box Appeal, a charity campaign aimed at labourers in some parts of the Gulf, including Oman.

As any girl child, Klara must have been unstoppable when she opened her mouth. So it would have been a real challenge to stop speaking for extended number of hours. But, she was willing to make the effort, make those sacrifices because it was all for a cause. “It was really tough to not be able to speak for 24 hours, but I managed and I gave the money raised for a TV campaign,” Klara tells B&W.

Black & White 51

CHARITY THEREFORE COMES easy for her and she seemed to be the right person to run the current charity cause in the UAE. Klara is known to have a proven track record when it comes to organising campaigns and events both here in the Middle East and in the UK. In fact, she was responsible for AED 10 million worth of PR coverage for the charity Laureus when it came to Abu Dhabi last year. She also ran the Oil Barons Ball Charity campaign last year for the beneficiary of the ball- Friends of Cancer patients.

The charity received more coverage that year than in the previous eight years the ball had been established. Klara spearheaded a charity campaign to reduce obesity in UAE based children in 2008. Major news publications got behind this campaign, alongside real estate developers (who pledged to include play areas in new developments) and a host of medical experts.

B&W quizzed her on the Box Appeal 2011:

Eve's drop

What is the main appeal of the Box Appeal?

Four years back, in 2007, the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai, Media City launched the Box Appeal charity campaign. It was then called as the Shoe Box appeal and was aimed at helping those less privileged, especially the labour class. The campaign is entering Oman for the first time and it is because of its growing success in Dubai, a decision was made to take the campaign on a region wide basis.

The appeal has been given a new branding by the UAE based design agency North55.

The creative agency designed a new logo that captures the essence of the appeal, giving it a unique identity.

After the launch in 2007, in the following years Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in Abu Dhabi Yas Island also joined in. Over the four years the appeal has run, more than 20,000 boxes have been donated, the equivalent of 2 million AED! There are so many charity campaigns during the Holy Month, how different is this one?

The Box Appeal is a simple charity campaign.

Anyone can participate and give back to the community. People need to pick up the boxes from the Radisson Blu or Park Inn Hotels or from the appeal’s partners, City Centre Muscat or Qurum City Centre, fill the box with a list of everyday items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, 52 August 21-September 20, 2011

comb, towel, body soap etc. and return to the distribution point. This year the campaign is a regional one. The hotels in Oman will be joined by other Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels in the UAE, Cairo and Bahrain. Overall 13 hotels will take part, aiming to collect over 10,000 boxes as they hope to reach out to more people than ever before.

The Box Appeal will run between August 15 and September 15 in the UAE, Bahrain, Cairo and Oman.

Where will the boxes be distributed and to whom?

The Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels in Oman have partnered with local charity Dar Al Atta who will help distribute the boxes at the end of the campaign to families and individuals most in need. In addition, many local companies have pledged their support to the campaign.

What is your take on charity – what does it mean to you and should more and more people give?

The success of any campaign rests with the response from the public. We are hoping that this campaign will be successful in Oman too.

There is just one reason why charity is so important – our responsibility to our world.

Charity is something everyone should indulge in. We are living in a society and it makes good and responsible sense to give back to the community.

I believe the younger generation is much more pro- charity and there is a lot of awareness today because of various media. Charity is not accidental; it is a conscious effort, choice. Once you start doing it, you will continue the path.

Personally, I believe in charity. As a young girl of five I sponsored a Panda. I gave away my pocket money for the Panda. Even today I have sponsored two pandas.

Your attitude towards charity and empathising towards your fellow brings starts at your home; I remember an incident in my childhood where I earned a couple of hundred pounds for sponsored silence… it was tough not speaking a word for24 hours! I gave it away towards a TV campaign.

Charity gives you an inner satisfaction. If you have the ability, then why not help someone in need. There are many needy people in this world struggling for the basic necessities of life.

Not everyone has what you have.

Dar Al Attaa to distribute the charity boxes Dar Al Attaa has been given the onus of distributing the boxes that will be collected by this initiative.

Shatha A Abbas, board member, Dar Al Attaa explained to the Black & White that charity boxes will be distributed to men and boys aged 14 and above.

“We, Dar Al Attaa, are happy to have been trusted to distribute the boxes that will be collected through this initiative.

We will be distributing them to the families – 90 families -- that are currently sponsored by our charity. The boxes contain items that are catered to men so they will be given to those families that have boys over the age of 14. The rest of the boxes will be distributed to the boys’ dormitories at some of the local colleges, the older boys at the orphanage and Al Amal School,” she said, adding that all of this was subject to the number of boxes they receive.

Michael Jacobi, general manager of Radisson Blu Muscat The Box Appeal is a unique campaign. We hope the simplicity of this campaign will draw the attention of the public. Anyone can do this – it is so easy to get involved and contribute. The 13 items to fill in the box is basic, essential daily items and non perishable. We are very optimistic that we will be able to collect 1000 boxes from Oman!

Black & White 53

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It's my life

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

By Vandana Shah

Ting a ling ting a ling ting a ling… the earliest sounds that we hear are what we hear of music and it enchants us. It is what attracts most babies even though they know that it is different from just the sounds that people make and they seem to enjoy them.

In fact research suggests that babies respond well to music and in that also there is a difference. They respond to soft and soothing music better than hard rock and acid. Surprsingly even plants respond the same way. As a baby I did the same, so my mum told me.

So isn’t it understandable that music is used to unite the world and create a borderless one.

I recently went for a Bob Dylan show and then you understood why music is a big unifying influence, children as young as five and adults as old as 80 – infact there was one woman who was wearing tubes around her nose and also another one in the wheelchair.

The images said more than what any words could and this was on a weekend when a freeway had shut down so most of the areas around were shut but still the show was sold out. Need I say more.

Music has for long been used for peace, and also for raising funds for awareness of all causes ranging from Aids to cancer and the famines in Ethiopia. Musicians can easily be deified and many a times they are eager to help though they can’t help their turbulent lives.

Music will always remain and continue to inspire changes in our lives and always bring a smile to our lips and pure unadulterated joy in our hearts.

Viva La Music!

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

This is in defense of high heels. Yes, they are bad for posture; they hurt our feet, our legs, our spines and what not. But, wear them on a special occasion and see how they elevate us; how they put us on top of the world. The fact of the matter is that high heels are virtual mood lifters. Can anyone deny this? Is there any woman out there who will say against the way high heels elongates our body, stretches our legs to infinity and gives us that supremely confident walk?

shape n sound

DON’T GIVE IT A MISS Any voice of dissent? Even if there are, let it be, because it is going to be drowned in the roar of affirmation from the majority who swear on high. High heels give women an entirely different look. It is not about the height alone, it is the image of a woman who means business; a woman who seems to be confident, assured, in place and also blessed with a kind of elevation – why should any woman give this a miss?

It is not just about the position of the body changing and giving it an entirely different look or a high-end grace – it is far more than that. It is a kind of a strong, positive attitude that comes along with the package.

While at one end, petite, and diminutive women get a chance to be eyeball to eyeball with their taller counterparts and their own partners, it is the feeling that they are special that comes through more than anything.

56 August 21-September 20, 2011

How does that happen? How does a woman who was feeling all down and out and low suddenly elevate herself with a special glow and air of confidence, just because she launched herself upon five-inch heels?

MEANS A LOT “Yes, it maybe considered a trip to a certain world of madness when we clamber on five-inch heels, but then, it makes us feel oh so very special.

I feel like a diva,” asserts Daniella, a pert fivefoot something, who swears on high heels.

“I am not saying that wearing high heels don’t hurt; I am not glossing over any of its faults, but, it stands to reason that some of us get a real high when we get on a Prada – and that is something. It means a lot to women like me.”

HEED THIS ADVICE But, don’t get on top of it always, is Daniella’s advice.

“The problem with some women is that they overdo the stiletto bit. Like in everything, moderation is the key and therefore, it would be ideal if heel lovers make a vow not to push it always. Give the heel a break and get on it during occasions. Use it sparingly and you will not be twisting your ankles miserably or affecting your spines and there will not be any long term deleterious effect on your feet or legs.”

The heel naysayers should also open their eyes to the positive ‘heeling’ experience of walking on high heels: High heels are hugely complementary to several types of dresses and they are great for lounging around during grand occasions, it definitely brings along a feel-good factor.

AN AURA INDUCER “High heel shoes can transform the drabbest of outfits into something personable. There is an aura about high heels and no amount of gloomy prophesies of a doomed health will take that away from them,” voices another high heel lover.

FEEL-GOOD FACTOR High heels have a purpose to serve and while serving them, it also helps many women feel good about themselves.

Let us not deny that!

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Psyche 58 August 21-September 20, 2011

WE ARE NOT HERE TO JUDGE, but is your husband a video game geek? Is he the type who spends long hours playing video games? Is he the type that rushes to buy the latest games and accessories in the market?

There is a resounding sound of affirmation from a section of the ladies out there. Yes! It is a fact that like the bachelors, or kids, more and more married men are resorting to such gaming entertainment. While at the outset it does not seem to be a matter of concern, it is found that married men seem to find enriching entertainment in video games, but then this question would automatically pop into existence: why? Are married men bored by their wives?

Is that the reason why such married men are now resorting to games to relieve themselves of the boredom?

Now, we don’t want to wreak havoc in normal households but we still need to know whether you like this video game fixation of your husband? As you are aware, video games are everywhere and people of all ages and colours are into gaming. So, you see, they are not just for kids anymore. Now, the prime question is whether it bothers you when your husband plays? Is it causing a problem in your marriage?

Then you have reasons for concern. Is your hubby unnecessarily wasting his time and money on games and accessories? Have they called up at work or have they sent warning notes from his office that this gaming obsession is affecting his work?

Has he seemed to have forgotten that you and the little one exist? Does he neglect his responsibilities at home to play? In short, this means that his gaming is affecting your marriage.

If so, we have a problem in hands and you need to address this quickly.

What you have got to do is to immediately get into a serious discussion on this gaming subject, because, as anyone would rightly tell you, no source of entertainment, no hobby should come between you and your spouse. What marriage is at that you have to be subjected to total neglect by a gaming hubby and then left on your own?

But, if your husband is giving you enough time and he is ably juggling his gaming interest along with his responsibilities, then you are on a good wicket.

On that count, let us declare here that gaming as a hobby is a great stress reliever. So that is one of the fringe benefits that can help you have a happier husband and a happier married life.

There is another major aspect to such a husband. What if your husband’s interest lay in football or cricket or let us say golf or even fishing? Such a husband would be away for long period of time and as you know, after such games, they would still want to hang out with their guys in the evening, which means, you would not see your husband for days to end. This way, you have the best of both worlds, a husband who stays at home and a happy one at that. Now, if you can take one more step, it would be great to find a game which you can join in too; something which you and your husband can do together‌now, that would be a game made in heaven, right Black & White 59

Women make BETTER PARENTS…?

IN THE MOVIE, A COOL DRY PLACE, Vince Vaughn plays Russell, a lawyer in a small town in Kansas who has been raising his fiveyear-old son Calvin (Bobby Moat) on his own since his wife Kate (Monica Potter) left him without notice. In reel and real life, there are men who can be real good parents.

But, on a general scale, the tide is mostly tipped in favour of mothers, who are universally considered to be better parents.

Most people automatically agree that women generally have better parenting skills than men. Women seem to have the natural instinct to look after and nurture a child, while men, largely lag behind in this respect. My boy comes to me when he is hurt or upset; when they are sick, they want mama, not daddy – I would say that in most homes this holds true,” notes Samantha, a mother of a seven-year old boy.

CHILDREN KNOW WHOM TO APPROACH “I agree, I am the one they come to when they want to go to sleep, are tired or in pain or when they are sick. But, Gerald, my husband, is the one my son goes to when he wants to have some fun. If he wants to wrestle or generally have fun, Andy heads to Gerald.

They wrestle together and have lot of fun.

But, my son knows instinctively whom to approach when he needs something, food and water for instance, and when he is not unwell.

Then, he will shrug off the advances made by my husband and just run to me.”

WOMEN HAVE NATURAL INSTINCT “Since they don’t get the natural instinct that women get, the fathers often find it hard for them,” pitched in Rebecca, a mother of a three month old baby."

There are many mothers who make terrible parents, though, points out Aaron. “I know a woman who has a two year old child that she simply does not take care of. Things reached to such a bad stage that the child is now with her in laws.

60 60August August21-September 21-September20, 20,2011 2011

SOMETHING ABOUT MOTHERS Mustafa points out to other cases, especially single dads who seemed to have scored well in taking care of their child/children. “But, then, there is something about mothers that children often automatically lean to. Moms are always voted as the better parent because they are generally considered to be more patient and understanding than their male counterparts.”

Others also note that generalisations apart, the fact is that there are far more women raising children than men. Therefore, it makes sense that there are a higher number of excellent female parents than male. It is not that men are bad parents, but the circumstances that they go through tend to put them in the back seat when it comes to looking after their children. There are many men who are excellent parents, but a bigger number who are not. But, in general, women are more nurturing than men. “Women, by nature, have feminine qualities for nurturing children.

Thus, they are found to be better parents than men. But, let us not undermine the role of men in child rearing. Men are necessary if children have to be fully aware of the roles of both genders. Women have, by and large, proven themselves to be superior parents thanks to their feminine qualities, soft skills, less aggressive nature and they are generally known to have better communication skills,” various other sources add.

WOMEN BETTER Women are usually given the ‘better’ parent chit over men for one major reason though: Most women are willing to sacrifice much more than men to make sure that their children would be fine. Of course, one should not push men out of the topic though. One fact that cannot be discounted is the crucial role men play in bringing up a family. Like someone strongly said, “a stable family is one which has in it a responsible father and a loving and caring mother!”

Yes, but moms still win the overall vote…

Black 61 Black & & White White 61

Old habits die hard?

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar Let her be, don’t reply, my dad would say.

Let her say it all, who else is there for her?

Sometimes it would sting as a slap, shocking me back to the reality that I am probably not exhibiting my best behaviour; and of course the much harder fact that my worst can be tolerated only by my own, my parents.

But in the heat of the moment, I see only red.

Believe me, when I say I can be the nastiest of all, I mean it.

Frustrated? Am I? No way…!

Maybe a little? Na! But yes, I lose it when I see mud on the carpet; but is it only mud that I see? Of course I see the mud, but again I see a whole lot of things too… the disarranged book shelf; mom’s choice of menu, brother’s non reply to my call, maid’s sandals in the way, doggies’ empty water bowl, last week’s incomplete argument, last month’s cancelled movie programme, last year’s… well, and a whole lot of pending jobs list and my helplessness to grab a hold of myself.

Maybe my dad is right, he always is, I take out my frustrations on my parents mostly.

Not that I need a punching bag always!

16 years after leaving home, I am still the same.

Sigh! Old habits die hard?

No, old habits don’t die, no matter, how hard you try.

Easier to blame it on the genes, though.

But, I am learning that I cannot change them all on my own.

I guess for a female, it is her parents’ home that she can be her own worst self. She has to be on her best self with everyone else, even her kids. She has to be responsible everywhere else.

In my case, they tolerate me more than anyone else. The truth does hurt, when I have to accept it; but then I pinch myself in a saner mood and commit, I am never going to lecture my parents, I am not going to throw a tantrum. I am going to better myself, change my habits! Ahem!

I made a list; an A4 page was not enough.

It makes sentimental sense to say I like myself the way I am?

Not anymore!

I hate myself when I walk in to my home grumpy because the guy next door didn’t park right.

I hate myself for banging the door because the shoe rack was half open.

I hate myself when I try to make believe that I am a perfectionist.

I know it is not right to fling toys on to the garbage bin, or bang the door.

Not an everyday affair, though.

But it is time I changed for good.

Good of the ones dear to me. priya@blackandwhiteoman.com