Black & White mag Issue 43

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15 Jumada I – 9 Jumada II

8 days of MIFF Vol.3 Issue 43II April 7-30, 2012

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Thrilling eight days of MIFF Eight days of thrilling movie escapades, mind boggling performances, real time glitz and glamour, music, dance and drama. The Black & White takes the reader through the key highlights of the MIFF

Absolutely no abs!

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46

Experts tell us why some of us have abs, and some of us don’t

SUDOKU entry form & Rules

The 3rd edition of the B&W Sudoku for a cause: Autism is scheduled to be held on June 1

Forty, but not flabby

Contents

52

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212 Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com 4 April 7-30, 2012

If you want to feel great under your own skin and feel your best, you need to work at it. Especially when you are 40 and/or over that age.

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

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Shannon D'Souza Priyanka Sampat

Sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrong

By Adarsh Madhavan

WHAT IS FATE? Fate is something that happens to you out of the blue when you least expect it and drowns you in the deluge before you even realise it.

We were fated to have our event (7th Muscat International Film Festival) suddenly shifted from the 5000 seats Grand Hall of the Sultan Qaboos University to the 620 (plus) seats Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel late one night, recently.

And we were drowned in the deluge of protests, threats, cancellations, refunds, fights, complaints, arguments, insults and losses…

ACTORS IN LIVE DRAMA We were fated to go through it. And we went through it. Quietly. Those who did not know what we went through blamed us, pointed fingers at us. They abused us and they cursed us.

In just over a week, a drama of mammoth proportions was being enacted and we were caught in the middle of it: the chief protagonists! World renowned stars, celebrities, actors, performers and movie lovers mixed and matched and buffed and rebuffed while we went about our quiet struggle taking on the demands of not only A-list celebrities, but also the public who did not have a clue as to what it took to hold together an event that was rapidly falling apart.

GIVE OUR MONEY BACK How dare you shift the venue, some shrilled at us?

We did not shift, we said. We were asked to shift because of the protests at the SQU, we told them.

We don’t care, they said. Give us our money back, they yelled. We will, we said and quietly refunded their tickets. Why are you changing the venue, we are pulling back our sponsorship, some of the sponsors started grumbling.

MALICIOUS MAIL SENDER In the distance was the rumbling of stars and celebrities who were being egged on by some elements here to make unnecessary demands and suddenly a new sly threat rose: someone started sending malicious mails and began to make phone calls and scaring stars in India from coming here.

This sly and malicious person apparently told some of the stars that they would be compromising their security where they to land here; less malicious lies included that they (the stars) would be treated shabbily once they are here, put in bad hotels and so on…

TAINTING THE NAME We were, of course, mortified. But, then, we once again gritted our teeth, bent our heads and moved ahead with our task. We had a job to do, and we couldn’t slack. Whoever was playing foul with us did not realise that they were not just playing with us, but, they were playing with the sentiments of a film loving nation; moreover, they were, by this action, tainting the name of this country, which was quite unpardonable!

NO REACTION But, our hands were full and we did not have the time to be as vicious and malicious as them and so we left that too. We did not react! In fact, the biggest lesson that we learnt from all of this was patience! We could have easily given up at the start – but we did not do that. We were lashed at from every end, but, we held on. No, we are not trying to paint ourselves as heroes, or as valiant soldiers.

We were a far cry from that. We were slapped on our left cheeks, but we showed them our right too!

Sometimes, even when you are right, you are still wrong.

We learnt that. We experienced that! editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 5

Opening vs Closing at the MIFF What a treat! I refer to the incredible eight day film festival (7th Muscat International Film Festival – MIFF) hosted by Oman recently. I was present at the opening and closing ceremonies and also the one where Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings) was present.

The best part of the opening was the performance by Isha Sharvani and her troupe. Sivamani and Rajab were superb in their own way. I am a great fan of Sivamani and would like to personally thank him for giving us such great beats, but Isha and her team took my breath away. I had never seen anything like this before and although I have heard of Isha as an actress, this is the first time that I am witnessing her in this form. She seemed to float like an ethereal being and the drummers were incredible. She and her dancers took my breath away and I am sure many in the audience would have felt the same way. What a fine start to the MIFF. As far as I am concerned, the opening ceremony was outstanding and the closing ceremony, although the commanding presence of Hariprasad Chaurasia cannot be ignored, I still think the opening outshone the closing. I could not attend all the events though. I took my seven-year old to the Billy Boyd event and he was amazing on stage. Thank you organisers!

Sumeeth Raghavan, Seeb

Took organisers for a ride

Reader's column

Why didn’t Saif Ali Khan and Kareena come for the MIFF? I read in the papers where it was stated that they skipped the MIFF owing to security reasons. What was the security problem here? And indeed if there were reasons to worry, why did the son of the great Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi allow his beloved mother to be at the mercy of whatever problem that they feared they would have to encounter?

It is a pity that they took the organisers for a ride! If the organisers were strong they would have gone ahead and sued the duo.!

Trevor D’Souza, Al Khuwair

6 April 7-30, 2012

Unforgiveable act Saif Ali Khan’s and Kareena’s ‘no show’ at the MIFF was quite disappointing.

They let the MIFF down; they let all of us down and most distressing was that they let Oman down, which is most unforgiveable! They really left a bad taste in the mouth of so many of us who were real fans of the duo. Not any more.

Salim Zadjali, Qurum

Met a real lady It was a real honour for all of us movie lovers to be up, close and personal with so many stars and celebrities here. Of all the stars with whom I interacted, took photos with, I must say that I was bowled over by one star, whose feet seems to be really grounded on this earth – Nandita Das! She was and is my favourite star – now, she is also my favourite person!

It is not often that you can say that of a star – especially a movie star, whose off screen persona may be quite different. Not so this lady – she is a real lady on and off the screen!

I was also quite bowled over by Rila’s (Rila Banerji’s) take off on the Bond theme song. She was fabulous! Muscat needs to see more of Rila’s talents! .

Sharanya Bhaskar, Wadi Kabir

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Absolutely

Men read

Few men realise the important role that water could play in not just their fitness regime, but even in achieving a ripped set of abs. You may find that hard to believe, but just look at how it works. In a fast-paced world where everything is fast, even food and highly processed foods, there is the possibility that you will get water retention.

Those who indulge in a high-sodium diet and are not drinking enough water throughout the day, beware this is going to affect your fitness plans and you bet, your abs too.

8 April 7-30, 2012

MUSCLE SHORTAGE One of the simplest reasons that you don’t have abs is that you have a shortage of muscle. Have you ever thought of that? There are some people who are naturally endowed with a kind of abdominal development, but, on the other side, there are people who do not have any such development. Those who are in the latter segment need to start performing heavy duty ab work to get some development going.

GET YOUR 8 HOURS ZZZZZ… Now, the other reason for your no abs ways is your sheer lack of sleep. If you are in the habit of sleeping late and hoping for great abs, then you will only lose sleep and gain flab!

NO STRESS PLEASE, WE’RE ABS Just like lack of sleep, high levels of stress also induce the release of cortisol and quickly cause fat gain in the belly area. If you lead a high-stress lifestyle and feel chronic tension, not only are you encouraging stomach fat accumulation, but you’re also risking the

loss of lean muscle mass. If you want to stay ripped everywhere else and move closer to a six-pack, you must control your stress.

KEEP IT TIGHT Now, whatever happens, you got to pull your abs in. What do you do when you go to the beach, you pull your stomach in right? Keep it that way! Also, don’t stop the abdominal control after your ab workout. Train your abs hard in the gym and then keep them tight and pulled in at all times. Soon, it will become a habit and you will look leaner.

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GENETICALLY IGNORED Shortage of muscle is one aspect and the other reason is that you are not genetically predisposed for the same. In the sense, there are some people who carry more abdominal fat and even if the rest of the part of the body gets ripped, the ab will still hang out like a sore thumb, or worse, several thumbs.

Toning that part is not easy, but if you want abs you've got to work for it!

Doctors say that lack of sleep causes an increase of cortisol, a potent hormone, to surge through your system. Cortisol actually encourages the accumulation of stomach fat. So go back your school days! Pronto!

42/2012

Experts say that you need to have at least 10 glasses of water a day and the results are almost immediate.

Since we are on the subject of abs, let us continue and find out why some of us have abs, and some of us don’t.

O

Suburban angst

all ew h t ff

By Adarsh Madhavan Is it only me?

I wonder, is it only me that feels this suburban angst about life and living, or are you all in the same frame?

I don’t know how to describe it. But, if I am able to articulate it in some way, I will be then describing myself.

That will be me out there, coloured in the same darkness that clouds everything. It is not about wanting, or perhaps, it is…longing. Longing and wanting, are they in the same bracket, or could this hunger be of different pangs?

While people move on successfully, dropping what has been overused into the dustbin, I am beguiled by these feelings and hold on to what I should have dumped long ago –things, feelings, need, people... I stomp the toothpaste stick of hope even though I lost it aeons ago and wait for something to come out. Air, nothing else.

What is this feeling, what is this hope, what is this madness that lurks within me and I wonder is it only me?

Out there, are there people, just like me, mealy mouthed and unable to foster sense into their being and burying themselves in the riot of nonsense that they have clothed themselves in to escape attention.

Off the wall

For, we, the angst ridden are always afraid of being found out, of being discovered of our true selves – it is not about being miserable or down, it is something more deep. We are not exactly unhappy about our unhappiness, we are secretly okay with it – we know it hurts, but we roll, roll with the pain.

I am not sure, whether I should include you all, as though I know your secrets, maybe I am right, but maybe I could

also be wrong and then it will only be me, feeling this way. Unable to find, discover and understand what it was all about that I am trying to unearth in this stumbling circle of life.

I say this because I now need you to know that there is something wrong, or that alls not well, and if you come and shine a torch in my face, I am yelling out now, in case I am not able to mouth it then: it is me…if you find someone limping away in the darkness, don’t fire – it’s only me – if you ever bump into a walking pain, it is just me. Dislodge and continue.

But, now, I think I want to break free, perhaps, therein lies the answer, although I wouldn’t bet my last baisa on that.

Perhaps, it is like some disease where the good doctor, who thinks he knows everything, tells you to say aaahhh, peers into your eyes, taps your chest and says tch tch tch. But, maybe someone might have a hint at what ails people like us, and not just take a shotgun and blow us to smithereens.

Yet, I don’t have any anger at those who want to laugh at me. It is fine. Laugh. I am going to plumb the depths again, but that is alright. I made you laugh, didn’t I? Now let me be miserable in peace!

I am not sure of the right question to ask. And perhaps, even if I did, I may not hit upon the right path because as they say, I don’t know, I don’t know the right answer. And no one wants to shine a light in front of me and say, take that trek, go that way… or no one seems to be interested enough to pull me close and say it is alright, it is alright, it is alright…hush! adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

10 April 7-30, 2012

Omran wins ‘CSR Initiative of the Year Award’ Omran was honoured with the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year’ Award at the Oman Construction Week Awards for ‘Intajee’, the income generating programme spearheaded by the company. Held in the Sultanate for the very first time, a total of 13 awards were presented by a distinguished panel of judges in efforts to recognise the achievements of the high-potential Omani construction industry.

Through existing micro-businesses, ‘Intajee’ empowered families residing in Al Batinah to improve their livelihoods by selling locally grown produce. As a result, the programme has helped farmers effectively

harvest, package and label their goods, thereby strengthening their presence in the market. All 40 families enrolled in the programme received 100 per cent of the profit their products generated.

According to Construction Week, “Judges were quick to describe the company as this year’s clear winner, applauding its work in creating jobs for Omanis, thus making an important and valuable contribution to Oman.”

Abdul Wahid Al Farsi, vice president of external affairs at Omran said, “We take our social commitment to the nation seriously and play an important role in Oman’s long-term vision for its tourism sector. This is achieved by taking a considered

approach to investing, developing and managing a multitude of tourismrelated assets across the Sultanate while championing initiatives that promote sustainable development wherever we operate. The real measure of success is the extent our projects impact local communities, and in turn the people, their lives and their environment.”

Khimji’s Watches – host to world’s finest time machines Khimji’s Watches plays host to the world’s finest time machines, showcasing watches and accessories that testify to a passion for perfection. The showroom brings some of the most exclusive and cherished timekeeping brands such as Rolex, Chopard, IWC, Piaget, Oris, GP, Caran d’Ache, Mikimoto, Cartier and Vertu together under one roof.

Khimji’s watches does not only sell these well-loved watches, but also offers an in-house service workshop adhering to rigorous international standards, ensuring that watches are repaired in Oman itself, without having to be sent anywhere else.

Watches are not just about time; they reflect the spirit of the times. Each of these chronometers is crafted to reflect a unique persona and style. If you are on a quest for a watch that is a distinct reflection of who you are, look no further than Khimji’s Watches.

Rolex The world’s leading name in luxury watches, Rolex maintains its position as the pre-eminent symbol of performance and prestige by constantly developing exclusive materials and processes to create watches of uncommon beauty and unparalleled perfection.

Chopard Intent on producing pocket watches and chronometers of stature, Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded his company in 1860, and the brand has continually turned out

masterpieces. Just about a century into its legacy, Chopard was purchased by jewellery entrepreneur Karl Scheufele in 1963.

Piaget Since its inception in 1874, Piaget has been cultivating the spirit of luxury by fostering creativity, concern for detail, as well as totally integrated watch making and jewellery know-how. Demonstrating a rare aptitude for regularly surpassing itself, Piaget excels in all that is rare, precious and exceptional.

IWC IWC (International Watch Co.) has been religiously practicing the fine art of watchmaking in Schaffhausen for 138 years, setting standards in technological development and highly complicated precision watchmaking since 1868.

ORIS For over a hundred years, Oris has been synonymous with legendary watchmaking in Switzerland. Oris watches are purely mechanical and are unique because of their distinctive design as well as the red rotor, the symbol of Oris mechanicals.

The complete collection can be viewed at Khimji’s Watches in Shatti Al Qurum.

Contact 24699173; krwatchs@omantel.net.om Black & White 11

Reebok partnering with the Pink Caravan International sports and fitness brand Reebok announced its support to the efforts of the much admired Pink Caravan breast cancer awareness campaign by supplying the riders with Reebok apparel and accessories to aid their journey on horseback through the UAE. The Pink Caravan is part of the Friends of Cancer Patients national cancer campaign and aims to raise awareness of breast cancer to men and women across the UAE with the purpose of encouraging the early detection of the disease by providing the latest state-ofthe-art screening technology.

With ambitious plans to raise Dhs15 million the Pink Caravan is passionate about developing partnerships and engaging with volunteers who can support the cause.

“There is a natural fit between Reebok and Pink

Caravan,” commented Mark Greiner, general manager for Reebok RBK. “Reebok is dedicated to enabling people to lead a healthy lifestyle by encouraging sport and fitness in their daily lives. By partnering with the Pink Caravan we can motivate people to adopt these principles by coming together in support of breast cancer whilst at the same time raise funds for a cause which affects so many people’s lives. I wish all the riders the very best in their valiant efforts.”

During the event, Reebok will be seen on the rider’s polo shirts, caps, wristbands, as well as, in the rider handbook and Pink Caravan website.

The Pink Caravan will be riding from April 5 to 14 and will be crossing all paths of the UAE. Visit www.pinkcaravan.ae

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The Sultan Center presents a 7-day food extravaganza Following the success of last year’s event, the Sultan Center in Qurum is again celebrating the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain produces.

The ‘British Week’, held in cooperation with the Embassy of the UK, showcases a variety of exclusively imported British products and it is running from April 11 to 17.

This exciting week-long food festival was opened by the British ambassador Jamie Bowden, who enjoyed a tour of the Union Jackthemed store, alongside several guests and TSC senior management, tasting some of the excellent food on offer.

Fawaz Diab, chief commercial officer at TSC Oman, said: “We are 12 April 7-30, 2012

passionate about British products and have gone to great lengths to source some of the finest ingredients from all over the British Isles. British products are stronger than ever and it is easy to understand why.”

From chocolates and groceries, to fruit juices and cereals, Sultan Center is bringing more than one thousand

products which will be prominently displayed in the store throughout the whole week.

The British Week is part of Sultan Center’s ongoing commitment to bring a variety of quality products at competitive prices and offer its customers a more enjoyable shopping experience.

BankMuscat CE named Arab Banking Personality of 2012 In recognition of outstanding contributions to the banking sector in Oman and the Arab region, Dr AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive of BankMuscat, has been named the Arab Banking Personality of the Year 2012 by the Arab Banking Union. The announcement was made at the Arab Banking Conference 2012 organised by the Union of Arab Banks in Abu Dhabi. Every year, the Arab Banking Union honours one distinguished personality in recognition of his

leading role and contribution to the Arab banking industry.

Adnan Ahmad Yousif, chairman,

Union of Arab Banks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Albaraka Banking Group (ABG), said: “My hearty congratulations to AbdulRazak on winning this prestigious award.

AbdulRazak has made significant contributions to the banking sector in Oman and the Arab region, securing major economic gains in the region.

AbdulRazak’s insight will further enhance co-operation and business relations among members of the banking community in the region.”

The Big Science Challenge competition winner The Big Science Challenge competition, an initiative organised by the British Council with support from Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has concluded with the announcement of the Omani competition winners. Overcoming stiff competition due to the high level of entries, the Ka’ab bin Zaid School in Muscat emerged as the winner of The Big Science Challenge.

The prize include a week-long visit to London where all winners to present their entries in an international forum followed by an exciting educational and cultural UK-based programme of activity. Paul Doubleday, Director, British Council Oman, said, “ I am very excited about the opportunity that the Big Science Challenge has given schools in Oman. Over the past month we have had the projects

in our office at the British Council and this has given me the chance to see how innovative young people here can be. The boys who have won the Omani leg of the programme showed clear understanding and creativity in their science project being aware of the need to preserve water resources in the country and exploring unusual but real ways of doing so. Well done to Ka’ab bin Zaid boys schools.”

Mazoon Electricity workshop Mazoon Electricity Company S.A.O.C organised a strategic workshop aimed at examining the processes and procedures adopted by the review panel for the electricity systems across the Sultanate.

The interactive session included in-depth analysis of real-life reports directly related to efficiency and performance and also examined best practices and solutions to enhance the distribution system. Attendees

discussed recommendations along with steps to improve the quality of service and reinforce the partnerships between companies and authorities in the sector.

“Mazoon Electricity Company’s philosophy is founded on exceeding the established standards in quality and performance. The company therefore continuously seeks to upgrade its systems and adopt state-of-the-art technologies to

provide the best possible service to its customers,” said Eng. Khalfan Nasser Al Rawahy, counterpart manager, Asset Lifecycle Management.

Black & White 13

Nawras and Grand Hyatt Muscat

partnership

Nawras has partnered with Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel to add a new dimension of privileges to Elite Club members.

With special discounts on food and beverage and a new restaurant reservation SMS service, the partnership will provide unmatched value to about 500,000 Elite members.

During the press conference, Nawras chief executive officer, Ross Cormack expressed that Elite Club cardholders and future members will gain premium recognition from the number of unique rewards offered.

“Grand Hyatt Muscat will play a pivotal role in raising the bar in

customer loyalty experiences by providing unparalleled services and advantages for our current and future Elite Club members,” he said.

“As the first and only telecom operator with a full-fledged loyalty programme in Oman, we continue to introduce one of a kind offers at international standards through our roster of leading partners.”

Christoph Franzen, Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel general manager stated, “We are proud to create a strong alliance with a reputable organisation such as Nawras.

Elite Club members can now enjoy the convenience of booking at any of our restaurants by sending a simple

SMS and have the opportunity to sample our wide variety of food and beverage services at discounted rates.”

He added, “Our partnership reiterates our joint commitment to working with partners who lead through innovation and appreciate customer loyalty.”

Elite Club members can now send an SMS to 97396666 for bookings and reservations at any of the hotel’s four outlets.

The message should contain the date, time and number of guests dining, and customers will immediately receive confirmation of their booking.

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The new generation G-Class Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G-Class, so reemphasising its position as the leader among off-road vehicles. The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver’s field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system. New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury offroader. The range of safety features can be optionally enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine. Frank Bernthaler, director, sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, 14 April 7-30, 2012

Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: “Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years.

In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features, as well, of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At the same time the design remains true to its down-toearth, unmistakable style.”

Bandish fusion comes to Oman with

Karma and Jadavpur University Alumni

Bandish fusion, an exercise in eclectic classicism by the fusion band Karma, fronted by Grammy nominated percussionist Subhen Chatterjee and legendary Grammy award winner Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, is all set to delight the musically inclined of Muscat on April 19. This treat for music lovers is being organised by the Jadavpur University Alumni - Oman Chapter, and a splendid evening is guaranteed for all.

The alumni has made its mark in Oman with its multifaceted social, educational and cultural activities. It has consistently encouraged meritorious students through sponsorships, organised technical seminars and orchestrated cultural fiestas in this country. Over the last seven years, Jadavpur University Alumni has hosted its own cultural programme Sanskriti, as an extension of their popular university campus annual cultural festival. The objective is to reach the cultural connoisseurs of Muscat through a diverse range of programmes.

Sanskriti 2012 will open with Dantorango, a one-act comedy performed by the alumni members.

This will be followed by Karma’s unique fusion of Indian classical music and contemporary jazz, Afro-Cuban styles and mediterranean music. To the initiated, Karma’s music and band members needs no introduction. Tabla maestro Pt Subhen Chatterjee and his famous team of musicians – Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt of Mohan Veena fame, award winning singer Raghab Chatterjee, wonder drummer Sambit Chatterjee, young guitar virtuoso Suvam Mitra and keyboard wizard Shubhash Mondal – promise an evening of soul-stirring melody fused with incredible rhythm taking you to a whole new level of musical rapture. Their musical style is an unprecedented blend of genres combined with complex rhythms, in unusual time

signatures. It is a dynamic blend of improvisational concepts rooted in jazz as well as Indian music and harmonic influence from Western classical music.

In keeping with his highly original concept of genreblending in compositions, Pt Subhen Chatterjee, the pioneer in this field of fusion, had specific ideas for the instrumentation of the group.

Using Indian music as an integral contributor to its overall sound, the band has evolved to what has become its trademark sound. Fixed arrangements interspersed with plenty of free improvisation and space to jam. Drawing on the strength of Indian classical music, the melody is rendered, sans dilution, to create an exciting and modern sound.

The result is the electrifying melody and powerhouse performance of Karma that has captivated audiences worldwide.

Visit www.bandishfusion.com.

Entry is by invitation only.

Gutech at European CAD student convention GUtech students will participate in European CAD student convention - ‘Student Expert Network’ in Barcelona. A group of students of the Department of Urban Planning and Architectural Design of the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) will participate in the annual convention of the European Computer Aided Architectural Design Project (CAAD) called “Student Expert Group” in Barcelona (Spain) this week.

“We are the first group in the Middle East to participate in the four-day event. I am sure, our students will be proud GUtech ambassadors,” said Professor Aurel von Richthofen of the Department of Urban Planning and Architectural Design of GUtech. The four-day event will feature intense workshops by the best lecturers in their field of CAAD and networking with fellow students. Prior to the convention, the group will visit Barcelona for three days and study its rich architectural and urban heritage.

The ‘Student Expert Group’ is a project initiated by the Chair of CAAD at GUtech’s parent-university, RWTH Aachen University in Germany, and a leading CAD company, Autodesk. In this virtual group students connect through a portal to a community of other students of top universities in Europe.

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Muriya structural changes Muriya has unveiled a substantially reinforced board and named a new Ceo Chandra Lahiri takes over the helm of Oman’s largest developer, which is poised to make a major contribution to the tourism sector and to economic development in general.

Chandra Lahiri’s appointment comes amid high-level organisational changes both at the board and management levels as Muriya prepares to capitalise on current and future growth opportunities in Oman’s promising tourism and leisure industry. The new Ceo will be ably guided by a significantly strengthened board comprising of

industry professionals drawn from Muriya’s joint venture partners Omran – Oman’s leading tourism developer, and Orascom Development Holding (Orascom) - the Swiss based town developer. Leading the company through its new chapter of growth is a board comprising Dr Gerhard Neisslein, Ceo of Orascom; Hamza Selim, Orascom Senior VP Destinations Management; and Dr Eskandar Tooma, corporate finance advisor. The Orascom newcomers will be joined by veteran Omran board members Hassan bin Mohammed Al-Lawati, Wael Al-Lawati, Ceo Omran; Eng. Abdul

Qawi bin Abdullah Al-Yafai; Sayyid Sultan bin Hamed Al-Busaidi and Haythem Macki. Priorities for the reconstituted board are to ensure strict implementation of key business objectives, drive operational efficiency and fully capitalise on opportunities.

Eng. Samih Sawiris, chairman of Orascom, will continue to chair the Muriya board.

NBO sponsors Consanguinity Conference National Bank of Oman (NBO) sponsored the first ever International Conference on Genetics in Oman, titled ‘International Conference on Consanguinity’, held recently at Al Bustan Palace Hotel. The Conference, held under the theme ‘Towards the discovery of genes predisposing to and protecting from disease’, was organised by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU,) jointly with Bologna University of Italy. The objective of the conference was to discuss consanguineous marriages (blood relations) and how research has actually determined that they

can imply social advantages and probable genetic benefits.

Dr Allal Ouhtit, head of the department of genetics, Sultan Qaboos University, emphasised that there are only a small percentage of disorders associated with the

offspring of consanguineous marriages. These findings were discussed with some of the best international experts in the field.

Aisha Al Kharusi, NBO’s head of CSR and corporate communications said, “We sincerely believe that we have a responsibility to give something back to the community in which we conduct our business.

It is specialised conferences such as these that will enable members of society to learn more about the findings of current research on highly relevant and important topics such as genetic disorders and benefits”.

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Qurum City Centre celebrates Gulf Festival for Social Work

In collaboration with the ministry of social development in Oman, Qurum City Centre recently played host to 16 April 7-30, 2012

Productive Families – a programme that has been developed to help foster entrepreneurship, while showcasing small-scale businesses from the local community.

Coinciding with the Gulf Festival for Social Work – which is in its third consecutive year, Qurum City Centre has provided exhibition space within the mall for 20 families – providing budding entrepreneurs with the

perfect opportunity to display their home-produced products, as well as meet with potential buyers and resellers.

To the delight of exhibitors, Sheikh Nasser Al Harasi, Wali of Mutrah and president of the Social Development Committee attended the exhibition’s open day, providing words of encouragement, while extending his support to all.

In Black & White

In Black...

Cinema has always managed to bring about change and it has brought in change for us. I only hope that some of this has brought in some change for the good for our beloved country A LEARNING CURVE For the outsiders, the eight day film festival must have gone off in a whirl. For us, the organisers, the people in the background of the 7th Muscat International Film Festival, did not move with that pace – it was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience, the likes of which we may not experience in a long time to come, that is, if we are going to repeat this experience again somewhere in the future (but, that is a thought to ponder on at some point of time).

We may have organised so many events, but never before have we gone through such a unique experience. Each and every moment of the festival was a learning experience.

We took on the good and the bad and smiled at both imposters of fate. We were showered with brickbats and bouquets and we braved the former and courteously accepted the latter. What I am trying to say is that it was not just eight days, or eight weeks, or eight months…it felt like eight years of experience rolled in just a span of 192 hours.

There was too much to do and so little time to do it. It was one day of events, it was eight days. For just a day’s event, people take months to prepare. For eight days, how many months should we have prepared?

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief time, if there is one, we are going to handle it even more adeptly. We learn from our mistakes and if we have made mistakes in this event, inadvertently though, we have learnt from it.

When I say we have learnt from the experience, I do not meant to relegate it to only the film festival part of it, or meeting stars or the challenges that we faced – it is much more than that! Life is the biggest teacher and, for us, the 7th MIFF has taught us so many things, I think we are not just going to be better professionals, but, better people!

Cinema has always managed to bring about change and it has brought in change for us. I only hope that some of this has brought a little change for the good for our beloved country too.

Last, but not the least, I would like to thank and acknowledge the commitment, effort and sheer drive of people like Dr Khalid Al Zedjali, the chairman of MIFF and the head of the Oman Film Society. Let me, in the same breath, commend the efforts of Mohammed Al Kindy and Qasim Al Slimi (key OFS members).

And now, for those who have not been able to attend the MIFF events, here is a quick glimpse.

We were a small team and although we had more than what we could handle, I think each one of us learnt so many different things on our own. Each one of us must have become something of an expert at handling crisis now!

Each one of us seems to have not only gained confidence, power, energy, but also the ability to handle such an event in the manner it deserves. Next

& White Black & White 17

Thrilling eight days of MIFF Eight days of thrilling movie escapades, mind boggling performances, real time glitz and glamour, music, dance, drama and more drama‌the 7th Muscat International Film Festival was an experience of a lifetime for all those who participated in it in some way or the other. Here in the next few pages, the Black & White takes the reader through the key highlights of the MIFF, namely, the opening and closing ceremonies, the retrospective and the panorama sections.

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B&W Xclusive 42 April 7-30, 2012

Changes, no shows & cancellations Listed below are some of the main challenges that the organisers faced during the eight day 7th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF):

March 21, 2012 Change of venue from 5000-seat Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Grand Hall to the 600-seat Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Auditorium due to student protest

March 24, 2012 No show by Agent Vinod stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor. Cancellation of star premiere of Agent Vinod as the stars did not turn up

March 20, 2012 ‘James Bond’ Roger Moore suddenly falling ill and not being able to come

March 24, 2012 Tamil actor Danush (of ‘why this kolaveri fame’) refusing to come because of malicious emails received from Oman by unknown sender

March 30, 2012 Malayalam film actor Mohanlal forced to scuttle his travel plans to Muscat because of his ailing mother’s sudden spurt of bad health

Black & White 43

Indiallia 2012 global business summit

By Dr CK Anchan

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

INDIALLIA, a FUTURALLIA event, being held for the first time in India at itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commercial capital - Mumbai, will promote business and investment opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The INDIALLIA forum forges commercial, financial, strategic or technological alliances for fostering businesses internationally for leaders from corporate houses, SMEs, entrepreneurs, exporters, importers, service providers, professionals, financiers, technocrats, government officials, education and research institutions and trade promotion organisations.

At the core of the concept, are a series of 30 minute, pre-programmed, oneon-one meetings that allow businesses to quickly connect for alliance. This powerful yet friendly tool matches the delegateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile with upto 12 potential trade partners over two days. It is simply one of the fastest and most efficient ways to expose your business to new markets and opportunities worldwide.

Futurallia have 21 years of rich experience of successfully organising B2B events in various countries viz. France, Belgium, Poland, Qatar, Africa, Canada and USA.

Management talk

It is supported by: the government of Maharashtra, MIDC, IndexTb, government of Gujarat, EXIM Bank and the government of Andhra Pradesh.

World Wide Business House is the Middle East Associate partner for this great event. Dr Anchan C K, managing director of World Wide Business House stated that they are extremely proud to be a part of such a great event.

He added that this was an excellent opportunity for Omani companies to participate and expand the business horizon. Log on to http://indiallia.com

44 April 7-30, 2012

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.

Announcing

Grand Finale

On Friday June 1, 2012 Preliminary

On Wednesday, May 30, 2012

By Dave Green

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AJAY ENTERPRISES PO BOX 54, PC 100.

TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490 E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com Website: www.albahja.com

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Your sta ARIES March 21-April 20 You will negotiate and find middle ground. Hang in there to discuss, argue, and make your points. Don’t worry about order, structure, or editing. Let your thoughts flow freely. You can come back later to rearrange and polish them.

CANCER June 22-July 23 Beware of fast talkers with big schemes. There may be a considerable gap between the pitch and the reality. Research and verify any claims you hear. Trust is not the issue here, honesty is. It’s intuition that makes it happen, not simple logic.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

Time can be your ally, not your enemy, if you are able to work with it in a mature manner. You can pick up a real bargain or two over the next few days. Keep clear of penny offers and smooth talking salespeople. Enjoy your money, but don’t fritter it away.

You certainly are a generous person, but this may be going too far. One false word could create havoc. Your communication and intuitive skills are very strong.

The support of an active partner will likely be helpful along the way. You’ll have exceptional mental clarity.

LEO July 24-August 23 A time to reply to letters, calls to make, and faxes and e-mails that require responses. If you get that brain of yours into gear, you’ll be able to make all the deadlines. If you can catch some enthusiasm, you have a good chance to do something constructive with it.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 You don’t want to earn yourself ‘a reputation for not knowing what you want. While you are in this mode, you should avoid making any long term promises or commitments.

It is important to verify your facts and ensure that matters aren’t growing out of misunderstanding.

EMMA CHARLOTTE DUERRE WATSON (BORN 15 APRIL 1990) is an English actress and model.

Watson rose to prominence playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. Watson was cast as Hermione at the age of nine, having previously acted only in school plays. From 2001 to 2011, she starred in all eight Harry Potter films alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Watson's work on the Harry Potter series has earned her several awards and more than £10 million. She made her modelling debut for Burberry's Autumn/Winter campaign in 2009.

In 2007, Watson announced her involvement in two productions: the television adaptation of the novel Ballet Shoes and an animated film, The Tale of Despereaux. Ballet Shoes was broadcast on 26 December 2007 to an audience of 5.2 million, and The Tale of Despereaux, based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo, was released in 2008 and grossed over

Horoscope

$86 million in worldwide sales.

48 April 7-30, 2012

ars LIBRA September 24-October 22 Your current imbalance may have more to do with internal than external forces. If you hide from harsh facts or seek escapist remedies in drink or drugs, you’d better beware of your actions. When the going gets rough you’ve got to be strong and not surrender to the first wayward wind that blows you off course.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Somebody or something is pulling the strings in a manner you haven’t wanted to address. They may be trying to undermine your plans and sap your self confidence. You may be viewed as a dangerous rival or competitor who can only be defeated by deception.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 You’re a force to be reckoned with but just don’t selfdestruct on the way. So many changes currently going on in your life gives you an opportunity to re-evaluate your priorities. Once you’ve pulled the threads of a relationship together, you’ll see an interesting pattern.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 It may feel like a week of ups and downs. One minute everything will seem to be going your way, the next a minor setback or disappointment will have you down in the dumps and fed up with the world. Try to steer a steady positive course.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Trusting partners and those you work with, is crucial.

There is a possibility of a shift or sudden change of plans that could be very surprising to you. You’re very good at landing on your feet though, so instead of resisting the shift, explore its potential advantages to you.

PISCES February 20-March 20 You can make your point very well now, with clarity and perfect persuasion. Ensure that the point you’re making will contribute to the healing of the situation for all concerned.

Remember, you could easily be on the receiving end of your own solution.

Black & White 49

AJAY ENTERPRISES PO BOX 54, PC 100.

TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490 E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com Website: www.albahja.com

MANGOES: the ‘king of fruit’

• •

•

•

•

• • •

The mango is a member of the cashew family of flowering plants; other species include the pistachio tree and poison ivy.

The name ‘mango’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’.

When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as ‘manga’.

Mangos originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. Persian traders took the mango into the middle east and Africa, from there the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies. Mango cultivars arrived in Florida in the 1830’s and in California in the 1880’s.

Mangoes are bursting with protective nutrients. The vitamin content depends upon the variety and maturity of the fruit, when the mango is green the amount of vitamin C is higher, as it ripens the amount of beta carotene (vitamin A) increases.

There are over 20 million metric tons of mangos grown throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world. The leading mango producer is India, with very little export as most are consumed within the country. Mexico and China compete for second place, followed by Pakistan and Indonesia.

Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Philippines and Haiti follow in order.

Mangoes contain as much vitamin C as an orange.

A mango stored at 55 degrees will last for up to two weeks. Do not refrigerate.

Mangoes are some of the best sources of beta carotene; they contain 20 percent more than cantaloupe and 50 percent more than apricots.

50 0 Ap April A Apr prriill 7 p 7-3 7-30, -3 30, 0, 201 2012 20 01 0 12

It's my life

I love rose and its tints

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

By Vandana Shah Plane crashes…200 dead…20 grievously injured…Charming woman dupes investors of 680 million dollars…Man swindled by relatives… young get restless and wrecked…these are usually the headlines in most newspapers, magazines, and television channels. This makes one feel that the world is filled with thieves, scamsters, ruthless people and noone can be trusted. In short a scary place to live. …Man donates entire fortunes of 800 million dollars to charity and does not want to be named…daughter of a vegetable seller has become the managing director of a Fortune 500 company… childhood friends keep in touch for the last 30 years...These are also some of the headlines in the world media.

So are there two different worlds?

It’s just one world separated and united by ‘rose and its tints’. It’s your view that makes the world appear rosy or black so why not look at only the good and ignore the bad. Surely if there were only terrible things going on would we all still be living and breathing, making friends, getting helped by strangers, living our dreams.

Maybe bad news sells faster than good news and hence the entire focus is on painting a terrifying picture. But it’s really upto us to look at the bright side of things.

In an interview, a 100 plus man spoke about how “looking at the shinier side of life" had helped him to live so long”.

This has taught me that rather than converging all our energies on discussing the bad why not get that rose tinted glasses in our life and we will see that the world is such a fantastic place to live and love in.

Till next time love and hugs!

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 51

Shape n sound 52 April 7-30, 2012

FORTY,

but not flabby

If you want to feel great under your own skin and feel your best, you need to work at it. Especially when you are 40 and/or over that age. But, never feel down. There are those who are 60 and beyond and still able to lose their fat. What is important is to be pro-active enough to take control of your body and your life.

Flabbiness does not feel good. Those who have been there and experienced that know this fact very clearly. “I was a flabby 40 something and I was going downhill in every sense of the word. But, that same year, I dropped my complaints and misery and started hitting the exercise cycle like anything – I walked, jogged, did floor exercises and lifted weights.

I slowly changed my lifestyle and made my journey enjoyable and livable. And I surely did not lose anything overnight, but then slowly I saw the changes and soon I realised that flab and fat was just that – and if we really work at it, we are going to lose it. Look at me, I am the perfect example!” Virginia Toole, an interior designer, tells Black & White.

Her tale is a positive spin to the numerous sob stories out there of women who are stuck not only in their 40s, but also stuck with the reality of their flab and fat bellies and their dreams to get thin. In just three words, yes, women, can do it! They can lose weight! Let’s stop making losing weight a major mystery.

DON’T’ STARVE PLEASE The first thing to do before you hit the road or the gym is to understand that starving your way to weight loss is foolish. Experts note that when you don’t eat, your body would automatically think you are in starvation mode and thereby start storing more fat than ever before. Don’t misunderstand. Don’t eat too much, but that does not mean you should stop altogether. Starving is not the answer.

SLEEP IT OFF! There are others who believe that if they don’t sleep, they are going to lose weight. Surprisingly not! Experts note how when you don’t sleep, your cortisol levels are increased which will in turn increase belly fat storage.

So, don’t lose sleep over this – get a good night’s sleep, whatever your size or weight!

NO SWEAT, NO LOSS Ok, now you are doing the gym routine. But, don’t do it as though it is a mere fashion statement. Exercise is not about skimming the surface; it has to be more than skin deep. There are plenty of women who stroll into the gym and stroll out with little or no effort taken to bring their weight down. Merely going to the gym will not help you lose weight. You have to make the effort; you have to work out; you have to sweat.

DISCOVER AN EASY WORKOUT ROUTINE Now, ask yourself what is it that you really would like to do in terms of exercising. Don’t go and start off with something that is very difficult, complicated and most importantly something that you do not enjoy doing.

If you want to workout, stick to something that you really like to do. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and is not too time consuming.

Agreed you are too busy and you don’t have much time to get into a proper routine, but then you can surely find time to squeeze in a workout that is quick, efficient and would fit into your daily life.

And when you do, stick to it!

DO IT WITH A GROUP Now, while you are at it, don’t do things alone. Try to get others into the fray and stick with them too. One group should be those with similar aims jointly sweating it out, and the others should be the support group who has the ability to encourage and push you to break the fat-loss barrier.

Black & White 53

Go back in time?

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar Both of us were going through difficult stretches of life right? She queried.

Were we?

My mind was blank. Er, could be, maybe I stuttered.

The last image of you I remember is tearful eyes of yours, she said emotionally.

It was 93, right? When we parted?

I was totally guilty by now, how is it that I don’t remember?

Looking at her, sitting in front me after a good 20 odd years trying to pick up from where we left, she looked the same to me, same spirited girl, who was enterprising, creative and was running her own advertising company, a young entrepreneur in the early 90s.

So what was I doing at that time?

While she was chatting, telling me incidents in her life, connecting the last 20 years, my mind was frantically searching for answers, images, incidents.

I had a TVS50, a small ‘moped’ we used to call it, and she had a scooty, another small two wheeler, we used to meet up at all odd places, coffee joints were not there then.

Am sure we went for movies, but cannot remember one name.

And I was fresh out of my post graduation and a trainee at a local newspaper.

After that I remember lot of training undergone, driving around, eating together, visits to typesetter and printers…

Those were the days of bromides and dark rooms.

Then what?

The difficult stretches in my life were not too many or were they too many?

A terminal illness, a broken engagement, a road accident, changes of residence, death in the family, a sibling leaving home, and desperate hunt for a job… the list looked suddenly long.

I didn’t have to think much to remember

which one of the crisis would have brought tears to my eyes.

All of them did. And yes, she was right.

All of the so called crises happened in the early 90s! But, what was hers?

I remember she dropping out of the college, but nothing more.

She was a quiet person, kept to herself mostly, probably a good hearted soul who never wanted to let you know the woes.

I did not remember much, that is what years do to you I guess.

Erase what you don’t want to remember, or should I call it selective memory lapses?

I am not a person who will forget any single minute of my life, for bad or for worse. The human brain is such a complicated machine that will never let you forget things even if you chose to! An ordinary visit to a local clinic can bring in all the two years of my life in a flash, not a day amiss!

Walking back to my car, I knew no one in this world can be alone, if you have friends like her.

A chance meeting with her for a few minutes brought back a good slice of my life, good or bad, from the cup of coffee we shared to the days we shared then.

These childhood friends know you better than anyone else, won’t judge you no matter what monster you grow up to… for them you are still the little girl they played with.

No degrees, no career, no bank balances will change the relation.

They would still call you by the nickname and ask you those embarrassing questions you would rather not answer today…

Wish I could go back in time, in spite of all the difficult stretches I crossed to reach today.

Just to be the person I was then.

Sigh! priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

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