Black & White mag Issue 46

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A touch of hope p22 17-30 Rajab

Vol.3 Issue 46II June 7-20, 2012

To the ones who don’t come back

By Adarsh Madhavan We knew them. We saw their photos staring back at us from a stark condolence ad in the newspaper and instantly recognised them. We have bumped into them in lifts, said hi and bye in the corridor; yes we knew them.

All about X, Y & Z

I saw them just the other day, my colleague said of these two departed souls. How could they die?

We don’t know, but they did. Their young, vibrant and meaningful lives were snuffed out by the cruel hand of fate and yesterday’s smiling youth, full of promise, ambition, love and laughter has been suddenly yanked off this world reducing their loved ones to endless tears. And it is not their fault to leave this world in a sudden and violent way. It is not that these young men (and many like them) went astray on the road; they followed every rule in the book and drove at the right pace, but somehow fate was not on their side. You do everything right, but still someone’s mistake can prove to be too costly for you.

Now what kind of logic is that? There you are, living the life by the book and then someone comes and makes a gross error and throws you off the track too.

Why should we suffer for someone else’s mistake?

But then that is how it is and that is how it will always be. And that is what road safety campaigners should understand. Surely there is a need to follow the rules; execute the right way of driving on the road, but what if the cars all around you are not following the rules and care a hoot about them? So, what is the point in it all? Yes, it does not make sense. Death never makes sense especially death caused by the mindless actions of those who care a dang about the rules on the road. Despite the warning, despite the rules and regulations and despite the campaigns, the death toll continues unabated.

So, it is not working. I know so many efforts are there to save people from the accident prone roads

of Oman, but it is not working. The dead are piling up along with the accidents. This road epidemic is a daily affair. And there is no respite. There are campaigns after campaigns, and statistics are floating with the numbers colliding against each other…

You wake up after eight hours to know that someone has died on the road. Every hour someone is injured. Almost like every 24 hours, we have 24 people injured on the road; every 56 km there is a death on Oman’s roads.

Yes, everyone knows this; it is documented that speeding and reckless driving account for 72 per cent of all accidents on the road and it is a stark scene out there with statistics showing that there was a 30 per cent increase in the number of deaths as a result of speeding from 2010 to 2011 and that nearly 60 per cent of all deaths on the road are due to excessive speeding and according to the WHO, road traffic accidents are the third biggest killer of people in Oman.

What happens here is that statistics remain static.

If we look beyond the statistic, we find the homes of so many in Oman riddled with the agonising aftermath of a death on the road. There are words to be used here like tragic, unfortunate, unfair… we can go on, but the anguish of a lost one can be felt only by their loved ones. Only when we have lost our own on the roads will we really understand the pain. And there is nothing worse than this – to lose someone who means the world to you to something as ugly as a road accident is not just painful, it is much beyond a catastrophe and just as indescribable. What did they do to deserve this misery? What post action, rule, regulation or campaign can bring back the ones who left their homes in the morning never to return? editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

4 June 7-20, 2012

www.renaissance-oman.com

A little change in perception makes a big difference.

The ďŹ rst step to dealing with autism is awareness and understanding.

Timely attention, care and support can help autistic children overcome most of their challenges and claim their rightful place as productive members of the community.

Xclusive

22

8

Don't cry over Autism Stop crying over autism. It is not a disease to be ashamed of; and parents need not feel guilty about it. These were the two simple messages that the recent autism charity event in Oman sent out to the public.

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Down with a 'man flu'

Is the flu virus targeting only men now? A major case for the ‘Man Flu’ seems to be on these days. Many out there are baffled as to how a strong, assertive, fearless lion of a man suddenly becomes a sniffling, helpless mouse of a whiner when he gets a mere cold

52

Bitter Batter

Trucks everywhere Trucks have to exist; they have to ply on the roads, but why are so many of them on the roads today?

Habits of women that men dislike

Contents

Men have opinions and sometimes, they can be against women. There are many habits of women that men dislike

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 Printed at Oman 6 June 7-20, Printers 2012

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

www.omanonlinesearch.com

Coming Soon!

Oman's first comprehensive online directory

More details: oos@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 7

A dream comes true Congratulations to the Black & White for the hat-trick success story of their Sudoku for Autism event. I would like to personally thank Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, the editor in chief, and also all the other key personnel of the Black & White for the success of this charity event, which has been so wonderfully organised. Black & White has in the short period of its inception brought in some of the biggest known names in the film industry and other celebrities, including the likes of Yanni, Forest Whittaker, Susan Sarandon, the Bond actors, Nandita Das, Hema Malini, and now Suniel Shetty and George Widener. The most recent presence of Suniel with George was quite good as it added the right sheen to a humanitarian cause. Thanks to the B&W, I had the grand opportunity to meet both the Bollywood celebrity as well as the world famous autistic savant. I must say that it was indeed a dream come true! Thank you B&W and I hope that all your efforts bear fruit and all your dreams come true too!

S. A. S. Naqvi, Sports consultant, FMEC/OHA, Muscat.

New meaning to the cause The movement to support the cause of autism has lent a new meaning thanks to the untiring efforts of Black & White. I have attended all the three events organised by the magazine and I find that there has been progressive improvement, which by all means, is no mean feat. This last event has been truly a wonderful experience and I hope and pray that your efforts conjoined with other such efforts would help bring about change in the management of this disease.

God be with you all!

Sanjeev B. Navrakkar, Seeb

Ventriloquism and puppets

Reader's column

I used to have a friend in England, during my school days there who was quite adept at hand puppetry. Being a good ventriloquist, he used to put us in splits with his dummy.

Reading your story about puppets and puppetry sent me down memory lane. I wonder where my ventriloquist friend is…he must be a great puppeteer and ventriloquist now!

Suleiman Al Habsi, Al Khuwair

8 June 7-20, 2012

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

My puppet days My first brush with puppets was during my childhood. My school organised a special puppet show and I, among many, were quite enchanted by them.

Some of the finest stories of the Amar Chitra Katha were enacted by these puppets and it was a totally new experience. Since then, both during my school and college days, I have witnessed several puppet plays. But after college, I did not have the chance to view a puppet show even once. So, it was quite an experience for me when I obtained the chance to attend the first UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) organised ‘Puppetry Theatre Training of Trainers – Oman 2012’ which was held at the auditorium of the ministry of education recently. It transported me back to my puppet days and it was really an invigorating experience!

Sumeet Chakraborty, Qurum

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Black & White 9

Down with

Men read

Surveys indicate that women call in sick twice as often as men do.

Well, we can excuse them for this behaviour because they have a genuine reason: they are mostly the primary caregivers for their children and thus may require real time in order to care for their children when they are ill.

10 10June June7-20, 7-20,2012 2012

MEN REPORTING SICK But what reason do you men have? What is your excuse?

Er, your wife got ill; your wife is out of the country and you have to look after all three children; she has an important interview to attend and there is no one at home to tend to your ailing parents…the list may go on and on. But, tell us how many times in a year does this happen? And so, why are you (urm!) all reporting sick more than ever before?

MEN ONLY FLU? Is the flu virus targeting only men now? A major case for the ‘Man Flu’ seems to be on these days. Many out there are baffled as to how a strong, assertive, fearless lion of a man suddenly becomes a sniffling, helpless mouse of a whiner when he gets a mere cold. The truth is that the cold brings the worst in a man and he is reduced to a mere child – and suddenly, there is yet another kid in the house. The problem is that men are not used to talking about their inner states and expressing if they are feeling happy or not. In all honesty, they really don’t know because men are less in touch with their feelings. So, unlike women, men tend to really fall ‘ill’ when they get a cold.

The social pressures on them is much more than women when it comes to such illness issues because society mainly looks at men as tough, macho beings who will not wither under a mild attack of a cold.

NOT A JOKE Man flu is often considered Black & White 11

as a joke; in the sense that men, who were just down with a small cold, exaggerate and claim they have the flu. Such men were merely trying to get attention of their mates. But, then many questions arise: for example, how does one explain it when the ‘flu man’ is single? So, does this mean that the Flu Man, or for that matter, man flu really exists and is not just some Loch Ness monster floating in the minds of some people.

STUDIES PROVE IT RIGHT And studies have supported this fact too. Many dismiss exaggeration as a woman’s common approach to life, but then this is also open to dispute. There

is one particular study that found out that men are not overreacting when they get sick with the common cold.

The study seemed to support the fact that the man flu was real and men had a reason to complain as much as they did. The supportive facts that they unveiled was that women had more infection-fighting blood vessels than men and these cells were not just more aware of the infections, but also good at fighting them. Moreover, the recovery period for women were also found to be double quick and they had less-severe symptoms than the males. So, man flu is no longer a joke and seems to be as real as the way the men make women believe!

Summer

BLUES

The heat can really get you down. In fact, there is a term for it: summer depression. If you are getting bogged down by summer depression, then, it is time to get help. If you don’t like to go to a therapist or a psychiatrist, then go to someone who will understand you better, like an elderly friend or relative.

Or, better still get clinical help because depression is not something one should take lightly of.

This advice is imperative for men, because, the summer blues can be quite devastating for them because of their own stiff lipped approach to life, especially when it comes to emotions. But, the more you wait out on the blues, hoping it would resolve by the summer end, the misery it spells out is not something one could live with, especially the longlasting effect of any type of depression.

The only good thing about a summer depression is that you know when it is coming and in fact, you can mark it on your calendar. Like for instance, “Oh no, it is June, so let me brace myself for some bouts of depression!” Again, it cannot be brushed off like that. Depression is serious business and we need to really work at getting out of it, even if the bout is a temporary one or not.

Men read

Summer depression gives you the chance to plan ahead; much like preparing for a cyclone or a pre-warned natural disaster that is set to happen in the near future, you can prepare yourself for it. You can have your ammunition ready and stocked up to confront this summer bout.

ACCEPTANCE, AWARENESS The first and the most important thing is to accept that you have depression. Don’t deny it; don’t hide it; don’t think it would go away. Just accept it. You are an individual and many of us are prone to depression. It is not something to be ashamed of. Yes, you are a man; the cultural expectation set upon you is a major limitation and many do not understand this. This expectation actually hides the real symptoms of depression in men. Thus deprived of venting their normal and healthy depressive feelings, they would instead express anger and portray an aggressive behaviour, which is not only considered the norm, but glorified as the true ‘tough’ guy image. So, accept your anger and be aware that it is the internal frustration that leads you astray when you have to rein in your temper.

12 June 7-20, 2012

BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS Don’t burn both sides of the candle when you are depressed. Depression could sometimes be sleep depriving, but then the thing to understand is that you need your sleep. In fact, lack of sleep is considered a trigger for depression. Early to bed, early to rise, the adage works wonders here.

EXERCISE AWAY THE BLUES Agreed it is hot and a little bit of running around could be a sweaty affair. Summer exercises could have you getting hot and bothered under the collar. But, studies have proven that proper and regular physical activity can help keep the doctor as well as depression away. Summer and exercise are not easy playmates, but you can still try to get yourself going even in the heat.

Find cooler options to get on the exercise bandwagon. Shake a leg and do it, because it can really help you get through the summer blues.

MODERATION IS THE WORD But, like in everything, moderation is the key. Don’t throw yourself into being an exercise freak so much so that you end up getting tired and then ending up being more depressive than you were at the beginning.

Eat and drink moderately and also follow the same mantra when it comes to exercising.

Black & White 13

O

Dancing with the ghosts of the past

all ew h t ff

By Adarsh Madhavan

You remember…? I ask, but they don’t and I try in vain to jog their memory to our friends past.

You don’t remember him, I insist. He was so funny, he made us laugh so much and I recollected the fun moments and laughed even though no one laughed with me. They couldn’t remember him. They couldn’t remember his laughter or the way they made them laugh…

I rolled on the floor with the mirth of the past, but those around stare at me like I have been bitten by a bug and ask: you ok? I am ok. It is just reminiscence, which plays not just on the mind, but fills the heart, once again bursting with memories of the good old times with good old people, who are no longer here. There, somewhere…

And they couldn’t remember ‘her’ either. Or, they did, but they did not seem to share the same sentiment about her like I did. Something was missing. They were only remembering the bad times with her. C’mon, I said, she was our friend. We had some good times with her. Real good times. Why should we just forget about that? Yes, we all fight, we all break up… but, we break up only to make up, right? And why should we hold grudges about something that happened in the past. Forget it. But don’t forget those happy moments…I can’t. Especially on days like this. Rainy days…when memories pour down like a sentimental monsoon morn…

Off the wall

I don’t know why but suddenly the floodgates open and I remember the good old days, the good old friends with whom we had good old times, good old moments…why did we ever think we would grow past them, like growing out of our old clothes, old habits…

For me, they don’t die. For me, they are out there, in their past smiles and laughter that widens mine; in the mist that cloud my eyes at times; the lump that jiggles on my throat and in the thump of my aging heart…

The good old days of yore come flooding my heart, cascading like a stream of happiness, which had got stuck somewhere, somehow…and now coming unstuck, free.

Remember, I tell those around me. Remember the strength they gave us in times of need and remember how they were there for us always, come what may…remember the company they gave us and the laughter…remember how they made us laugh than how they made us cry, yes, remember the glory days…

Remember, I said as the ghosts of the past danced before my eyes; ghosts that no one seemed to see, save for me. They came in all forms, sizes and shapes. Some grinned from outside the window, or peeked in through doors ajar; others stared back from mirrors, standing next to me, so close, they could have been part of me, like another head growing out of me.

I want to walk on the footprints of these past friends, who left their note in the sands trailing towards the sea. I try to fit my bare feet in their prints, and walk towards the sea, hoping that the sea could part. I am a friend of the friendless; I am a friend of the one who could part the sea.

I walk again on these prints, hoping that the dusty trails they have taken, sometimes towards the desert, sometimes towards rocky mountains, sometimes towards quiet corners and cosy homes…walk and find nothing of them, not even a trace, not even a hint and then realise that I was walking on the wrong path; I should be trailing the ones heading towards my heart, because that is where they are, these old friends, safely ensconced in a world of my own. adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

14 June 7-20, 2012

Audi Oman adds new 2012 Q3 to it SUV range Audi Oman has announced the arrival of its new compact SUV, the Q3, in the Sultanate. Following the success of the company’s Q5 and Q7 SUV models, which made up a high percentage of total Oman sales in the first four months of 2012, Audi Oman is confident about a highly positive customer response to its first premium SUV in the compact segment. Abdel Karim Awwad, national sales manager of Audi Oman said: “The demand for both the Audi Q5 and Q7 remains very strong even though the new generations are expected only in 2013 and early 2015 respectively. We are positive that the new Audi Q3 will fare equally as well.”

“Earlier this year the Audi Q3 received five stars – the highest possible score – for passive crash safety by the European consumer protection initiative Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme),” added Awwad. The Audi Q3 is being launched with two four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engines, which combine direct injection with turbocharging and feature an energy recovery system. With power outputs of 170 hp and 211 hp, these engines are as efficient as they are powerful.

For the 170 hp and 211 hp version respectively, the engines deliver a constant 280 and 300 Nm of torque and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 and 6.9 seconds on their way to a

top speed of 212 and 230 km/h. Fuel consumption is just 7.7 liters per 100 km on average, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 179 grams per km. Audi combines both engines with quattro all-wheel drive and a fastshifting dual-clutch seven-speed S tronic transmission. The Audi Q3 rolls off the assembly line in Martorell near Barcelona in Spain.

Nawras introduces ‘Elite Friends’ to reward customers Nawras has expanded its popular Elite Programme to reward customers for recommending friends and family to join Oman’s customer friendly telecommunications provider. The ‘Elite Friends’ programme is a new way for customers to earn up to 10,000 Elite points which can be redeemed for free call time or SMS to other Nawras numbers. ‘Elite Friends’ rewards both existing and new customers with Elite points based on their chosen mobile or home broadband plan. Existing customers will receive 20 per cent of the total earned points on activation followed by an additional 20 per cent

each month for the next four months.

The new programme follows hot on the heels of the recently introduced benefits offered at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel, which include special discounts on food and beverage in addition to a new SMS restaurant reservation service. Roma Al Said, Loyalty and CRM specialist at Nawras, said, “Elite Friends is another first for Nawras which allows us to give more back to customers and reward them for their loyalty.

It gives customers the chance to earn thousands of points by inviting friends and family to get closer and enjoy the many advantages of using the same network provider.”

TAC organises ‘Customer Meet’ for teachers in Sohar In keeping in line with their concept of getting ‘closer to the customer’, Towell Auto Centre’s (TAC) team at Sohar recently invited teaching staff from various schools and colleges on a familiarisation tour of their showroom. The teachers were introduced to the TAC team and were given a tour of TAC’s state-of the-art facilities at the showroom. The prime purpose of the meet was to brief and

educate the teachers on the efforts undertaken by TAC to help serve them better.

Speaking on the event, Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications commented, “We had a very lively and interactive session with the teachers, who we found were amongst the majority of our patrons in Sohar. The teachers were impressed with our showroom

as well as our state-of-the art facilities. We are very pleased with the outcome of this meet and plan to organise many more such customer engagement initiatives in the future.”

Black & White 15

Hyundai Middle East launches bilingual Facebook page Hyundai Middle East has announced the launch of its official Facebook page, designed to allow fans from right across the region to stay in touch with the latest news from the Korean manufacturer.

The new page is available in both Arabic and English, and can be accessed by friends that click onto Facebook and search for ‘Hyundai ME’ (http://www.facebook.com/ HyundaiME). With a focus on mixing

both regional and global content, it is designed to complement the Englishonly global page.

Tom Lee, the managing director of Hyundai Middle East said: “When it comes to sales, both across the world and in the Middle East, Hyundai has enjoyed phenomenal success over recent years. With the launch of the new Facebook page, our Middle East friends can be part of this success in a new and fun way,

with the opportunity to interact with the company and other members in an enjoyable and informal manner.”

Mazoon opens customer service center in MSQ Mazoon Printing, Publishing & Advertising, the leading printing press in Oman has opened a new customer service center in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. Situated on the ground floor at Hamra House in the heart of MSQ the new center will have facilities to enable customers to have more easy access to Mazoon’s printing, signage and publishing services.

In a friendly environment customers will be able to meet with Mazoon staff and brief in orders, receive quotations, have business meetings and discuss their general

requirements.

The center has plenty of free parking, has good access from Sultan Qaboos Highway and the Muscat Expessway and is near to many of their customer’s offices, from Wadi Kabir to Seeb. It is also convenient for their customers for different ministries.

‘Our customers are always welcome

at our factory in Wadi Kabir but we also understand that in order to keep ahead in our market we must make our services available to our clients and give them every opportunity to deal with Mazoon in a professional and easy way.

"Our customers are important to us and time is valuable to them, especially as Muscat is getting bigger and busier. This new office will ensure we always keep up the best customer service Mazoon is renowned for," said Graeme Selby, general manager of Mazoon.

Wordpress

Mazoon Electricity energy-saving culture Mazoon Electricity Company reinforced its commitment to instill an energysaving culture by engaging customers in an extensive awareness campaign throughout the governorates of Dakhiliyah, North and South Sharqiya and South Al Batinah. Entitled “Reduce Energy Consumption for More Electricity and Less Cost”, the customer-centric initiative highlights 16 June 7-20, 2012

electricity efficiency measures, HSE policies and practices adopted by the company as well as the valueadded services provided by Mazoon Electricity. “These initiatives and activities are an integral part of Mazoon Electricity Company’s social responsibility programs. Our goal is to promote the efficient use of Oman’s energy resources to bring about a myriad of benefits to the country,” said Salim Said Al Kamyani, commercial affairs manager. He added, “In addition to disseminating messages using conventional print and broadcast media, this year’s

campaign will engage customers through Twitter and Facebook. Oneon-one meetings with customers will also be organised to discuss the company’s service portfolio as well as matters relating to health, safety and environment in addition to the recommendations brought forth by the public.” Opening new channels of communication with customers, Mazoon Electricity Company will conduct workshops for the Walis, Sheikhs and key community leaders of its licensed regions to continue to keep them abreast of the campaign’s progress and success.

Muscat Eye Laser Center’s research work

Reinforcing her credentials as an international authority on refractive eye surgery, Muscat Eye Laser Center’s medical director was invited to present a pair of scientific papers at the annual symposium

and congress of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) in the United States recently. Dr Maria Clara Arbelaez’s inclusion in a roster of top-flight presenters from around the world attests to her standing as an internationally recognised expert in the field of cataract and refractive eye surgery.

As the world’s signature forum on anterior segment surgery, the annual symposium and congress of the ASCRS attracts specialists on the frontline of ophthalmic research and practice from around the globe. An estimated 7,000 eye-care professionals registered to attend this year’s five-day-long event in Chicago.

In the first of two appearances at the prestigious forum, Dr Maria presented a case study based on a yearlong follow-up of a keratoconic

patient with ‘Lamellar Corneal Grafting after Pachymetry-Assisted Laser Ablation’. Through this study, she demonstrated the precision of the excimer laser Amaris 750S to achieve deep lamelar cornea trepination. The procedure, Dr Maria emphasised, has many advantages in comparison with other techniques, as it delivers a more precise cut in terms of centration, diameter site, and thickness. At the same time, it eliminates the risk of corneal perforation and the need for conversion to penetrating keratoplasty.

The visual results at the end of a year-long follow-up have been amazing: the patient’s uncorrected visual acuity had improved from ‘counting fingers’ to 20/40, while his best corrected visual acuity was enhanced from 20/40 to 20/30.

Lulu opens its 101st outlet in Buraimi Lulu Hypermarket opened its much awaited outlet in Buraimi recently. Inaugurated by Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, governor of Buraimi in the presence of Yusuffali MA, managing director and the senior management of Lulu Group, number of high ranking government officials, representatives from the local business community.

This is the 12th outlet in Oman and the 101st for the group. Close on the heels of the momentous opening of the 100th outlet at Ras Al Khaimah, this hypermarket boasts of several firsts. Built at a cost in excess of RO 20 million, this new hypermarket features a multiplex cinema, amusement area, food court, coffee shops and a wide variety of product lines under one roof.

On the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony, Yusuffali said, “It is also with immense pride and pleasure that we inaugurate our 101st outlet here. This momentous occasion is even more special for us since we have

just crossed our 20th year of retailing. Over the last two decades of success and accomplishments, we have earned the reputation of providing our customers with an unparalleled and world-class shopping experience. The Lulu experience of quality and value is for everyone to experience from every corner of Oman, and this is our commitment. Our plans for Oman are quite ambitious and the premise for this is the stable political climate under the wise leader of His Majesty which has propelled the nation on to the fast track of development,” Yusuffali said, also praising the pro-development and liberalised policies, which have attracted substantial investments to Oman.

Black & White 17

Al-Habsi back to help Oman world cup bid After a successful season maintaining Wigan Athletic’s Premier League status, Oman star keeper Ali Al-Habsi has returned to Oman to begin a gruelling three weeks of training with the rest of the squad to prepare for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ opener against Japan on June 3.

National team captain, Ali Al-Habsi, believes that the qualifying match taking place at Saitama Stadium in Japan next month can provide another breakthrough for Omani football internationally after the unprecedented success of the past two years.

The Red Warriors have started training this week with Coach Paul Le Guen in the Sultanate ahead of this weekend’s friendly with Lebanon on May 27 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

Oman advanced to the next round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ after beating Thailand 2-0 in February. With the win, Oman finished second in Group D behind Australia. The Gulf team overtook Saudi Arabia, who may have gone through with a draw or even a loss had Oman not won. Instead, Oman got the win and was qualified for the fourth round of qualifiers.

Adventure camp in Gohar, Manali, Himachal Pradesh A group of 24 students of Indian School Salalah along with teachers Parvinder Singh and Somi Brown are proceeding on May 23 to attend the Summer Adventure Camp at Gohar, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

The group will start their activity with sightseeing at Parwanoo with the ride of Timber Trail. After that they will proceed to Shimla. After Shimla, the sightseeing group will reach Manali and will take the enjoyment of Rohtang snow line at the height of 16000 ft. After Manali sightseeing they will reach Base Camp Hill Top Guest House Gohar.

On the way they will take a dip in the cold water of the Himalayas by doing river rafting at Kullu. For a duration of four days at the base camp the team will do trekking, camping, night trekking, river and Burma bridge crossing, rapling, rock climbing, etc.

The group will also visit Taj Mahal, Agra. All activities are

conducted by Gulf Hills Travel and Tourism Muscat, in collaboration with Incredible Himalayas Tour and Travels (An Eco Friendly Adventure).

Second Cup hosts first PechaKucha night in Muscat Second Cup Qurum recently hosted the first PechaKucha night in Muscat. Six talented Omanis chose the neighborhood café as the stage to showcase their knowledge and skills that ranged from arts to filmmaking and graphic design. Jannat Moosa, marketing director at Bin Mirza International said: “Second Cup has always been a venue for showcasing talent in the Sultanate. With our ongoing Art Initiative, not only do we promote local artists and their work but supports them by displaying their pieces in-store to be sold to interested patrons.”

18 June 7-20, 2012

Microsoft and Sarco signs key distribution accord Microsoft has entered into a distributorship agreement with Sarco covering its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and commercial business for Oman.

The agreement comes in support of Microsoft’s plan to widen its reach in the Oman market and increase its presence into the reseller channel.

Under the terms of this partnership, Sarco will be responsible for steering the reseller business, increasing Microsoft OEM product revenue and supporting with the development of the local channel.

Welcoming Sarco into the fold, Microsoft Oman and OEM director Microsoft Gulf Armagan Demir said

Oman continued to be an important market for Microsoft primarily due to its investment in wide scale access to information technology as a key driver for growth and competitiveness.

“We continue to invest in all sectors within the Oman economy including the establishment of strong partnerships with local technology partners like Sarco,” he said.

“Distributors are a fundamental component of the reseller business and we look forward to Sarco’s positive contribution in the local market”, he added.

The Sarco has been leading the reseller landscape with a strong

portfolio of hardware and software distributorship in Oman and proven capability in the retail and consumer market.

The Sarco Ceo Ajay Ganti said they were honoured and excited to have been chosen by Microsoft as their distributor for Oman.

“Microsoft symbolises the essence of dynamic IT software industry and the tremendous growth opportunities that exists,” he said.

“Through our efficient and dynamic distribution capacity, Microsoft products will now be made readily available through Oman’s IT channel and retail companies to end user customers,” he added.

The Sultan’s school at Unesco conference A student delegation from The Sultan’s School recently took part in a twinning conference in Beirut, Lebanon, alongside other Unesco associated schools as part of the United Nations’ commitment to contribute to peace and security through international collaboration in education, science and culture.

The central focus of the conference, organised by the Lebanese National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in cooperation with

its Omani counterpart, was to build cultural bridges and create the conditions for dialogue between civilizations. Delegates spanning the Arab and European world were invited to take part, including Denmark, France, Lebanon, Jordan and Germany.

Amna Al-Balushi, National Coordinator of Culture and Sciences at the Ministry of Education said, “This conference emphasises the importance of bridging cultural

gaps and the promotion of interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue to foster a positive understanding and appreciation of diversity.”

Graeme Garrett, principal of The Sultan’s School, said: “Our participation is part of our commitment to promote the values of tolerance and acceptance. These principles must be instilled in our younger generation so hopes remain high for a peaceful co-existence of nations now and in the future.”

Black & White 19

NBO Middle Management Development programme The National Bank of Oman (NBO) Academy of Excellence recently launched its flagship 'NBO Middle Management Development Programme'. This comprehensive and rigorous programme that runs over 10 consecutive weeks, aims to provide middle managers of the bank with a solid, all-round practical NBO banking and people leadership exposure. The main objective of the programme is to cultivate a middle management layer of hardcore professional bankers, who will assume leadership roles in taking the bank to new heights. The programme provides an in-depth coverage on all the functional areas of the bank. It will enable participants to understand and appreciate the functional interdependencies of the various business constituents of the bank, and to acquire a strategic perspective of the business. The programme is targeted at selected employees who have already gained considerable banking experience, whose performance has consistently been rated high and who have exhibited initiative and potential for assuming higher responsibilities. While

inaugurating the programme, Ahmed Al Musalmi, NBO’s deputy chief executive officer said: “I am very happy to witness the come-back of this exclusive programme, at NBO. I am a proud graduate of this programme! Those who successfully complete this programme will see its benefits in their lives and careers. We believe that this is a quantum leap forward in transforming the mindset of our employees and thereby enable them to take NBO to the number one position. Developing our people, therefore, will remain our foremost priority. We will leave no stone unturned to groom staff to take NBO to where it belongs and sustain that leadership position.”

New India Assurance new premises

The New India Assurance Co Ltd (New India Oman), which has been operating in Oman since 1974, has shifted to new premises in the capital.

The official inauguration of the new head office (for Oman operations) was done by J.S. Mukul, Indian ambassador, recently. aDignitaries present in the inaugural ceremony included Safinaz Naseeb, director auditing and field

monitoring department of Capital Market Authority, K.V. Francis, chief operating officer for Oman Operations, Majid Abdul Rahim Jaffar, chairman of Abdul Aziz & Bros (division of Majid Group) apart from corporate representatives of ‘New India-Oman’s vast clientele base.

J.S. Mukul complimented and congratulated the entire team of ‘New India-Oman’ headed by K V Francis, chief operating officer, for the proud achievements made by the company in the Sultanate as well as globally.

Mukul also complimented the company in achieving global premium of Rs 10,000 crores. He also appreciated and acknowledged the tailor made policies like ‘COMPAS’, which is very helpful to lower income expatriates working in the Sultanate.

Wordpress

NOVA Medical Centers free diabetes camp Awareness is the first step in the battle against diabetes and the debilitating effect it has on other organs in the body. The NOVA Medical Centers Middle East organised a free camp on the early detection of diabetes at its polyclinic in Al Khuwair. The purpose of the camp was to create awareness 20 June 7-20, 2012

about the importance of monitoring diabetes on a regular basis; the camp will be supervised by NOVA’s in-house team of medical experts.

“Diabetes is a silent killer that can be managed through astute medication and lifestyle changes. Through our first diabetic neuropathy camp, we aim to increase the awareness about

health related matters pertaining to diabetes. We want to stress on how important timely intervention for almost any type of disease can lead to a better long term prognosis for the patient,” elucidates Dr Ernest Inbaraj from NOVA.

In Black & White

In Black...

George, who realised that he had to lose weight as he had a predisposition for diabetes, just went about his task like a horse with blinders and he did it, shaving off as much as 30-odd kgs in a space of six months REAL – NOT REEL -- CELEBRITIES A cause does not require celebrities to promote it, but, it sure helps. That is what we found out with the presence of two amazing celebrities who flew from around the world to assist and support our autism drive.

Bollywood star Suniel Shetty and the autistic savant and calendar artist George Widener’s presence at the third edition of the Sudoku for Autism event held at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel recently lent a new meaning to the drive. Of course, George had come earlier and he was instrumental in starting the autism drive for us at the launch event two years back. For us George is extra special; we have this feeling that he is a blessing for us. And indeed, both the celebrities, in their own way were a blessing in disguise for us.

We need more people to attend such events and the presence of the bollywood star was to give that impetus. But, we don’t want people to just come and not bother at all about the cause. And Suniel was the right choice. Despite being a celebrity, a businessman, his heart beats for humanity, which he proved at our event.

His touching speech where he urged all of us to give a little bit of our time to a child, any child, was indeed an eye opener. His contention was that every child is our collective responsibility and while it opened our eyes, it also warmed our hearts.

George, meanwhile, amazed his with his new avatar: he had shed around 30kgs and it gave the audience yet another insight into what any human being, autistic, sick or otherwise, can do if we set our minds on it. George, who realised that he had to lose weight as he had a predisposition for diabetes, just went about his task like a horse with blinders on and he did it, shaving off as much as 30-odd kgs in a space of six

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief months. So, it goes on to prove that a man with a will can do just about anything, which is yet another lesson for all of us! Thank you George; thank you Suniel, we learnt a lot from you and you both made a difference to our event and the cause. God bless you both!

Now, coming to our Sudoku championship, we are delighted to see the fantastic and enthusiastic participation – Sudoku seems to be a great reason to bring both child and adult on the same platform battling to be the numero uno in an exciting battle of numbers. Out of the 722 participants of various nationalities, we saw the eight finalists battle it out on June 1 night. Though many of them said it is unfair to select just eight out of 700- odd participants, we know there can be only one champion.

We were fortunate enough to muster enough support and bring in participants from all parts of Oman. Sudoku is indeed a challenging game and a silent one too. The game requires focus, sharp wit and presence of mind.

This year’s champion Vishwanath proved that he had it all. While we congratulate the champ, we also would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation to all the 722 participants, who made this game more popular and exciting. For those out there who could not make it to the event, B&W has published quite a lot of pictures that talk quite a lot about the event. It is a humble endeavour and we hope more will join us next year.

& White Black & White 21

Don't shed tears over

AUTISM

B&W Xclusive

Stop crying over autism. It is not a disease to be ashamed of; and parents need not feel guilty about it. These were the two simple messages that the recent autism charity event in Oman sent out to the public.

22 June 7-20, 2012

THIRD EDITION OF B&W SUDOKU FOR A CAUSE The third edition of the Black & White Sudoku for a Cause, You Play Sudoku Open to all Competition witnessed two celebrities, one a world famous autistic savant, George Widener and the other Bollywood actor and philanthropist, Suniel Shetty.

Both of them in their own individual capacity gave an insight into the world of autism, but spelt out the strong message that neither was autism a disease to be afraid, nor was it necessary for parents to hide the fact that their children are autistic.

BE DIFFERENT – IT IS OKAY George, who is autistic, stressed on how autism was “simply a difference in the brain”. “And it is nothing to be afraid of,” he added. What was important was to provide children with enough love and care. “They need nurturing and caring – perhaps a little more than other children; but no one should be ashamed of them, nor should they think that they are at fault (for the autistic condition in their children) and feel unnecessarily guilt. Autistic children are a little different, that is all. But, what is wrong with that?

Being different is okay!”

NOT A CRIME TO HAVE AUTISM Suniel Shetty mirrored the same sentiments, adding that parents should not feel guilty for the condition of their autistic children. “It is not a crime to have autism – and parents need not feel that they have done something wrong and feel guilty. But, autistic children need greater amount of attention than other children. And don’t lock them in their homes – unless you take an effort to make them normal, they will not be normal. Give them special treatment; they are special children and need special care and treatment and society should also pitch in and give them the right environment to work in!”

AUTISTIC CHILD NOT INVALIDS “A child with autism is similar to any other child,” adds George. “Autistic kids are not invalids – it is just that their brains are different. Let us accept them and support them to support themselves!

“Autism is not a contagious disease for which the child has to be kept hidden from home and parents to be ashamed about.

“Autistic children are as sweet and innocent as any other.

So, accept them, support them, encourage them, train

them to live a normal life and include them in the society.

If their problem is detected early and attended to, autistic children can lead a pretty normal life. It is when we hide them that they lose touch with life!”

GO THE EXTRA MILE Parents should focus on building a successful future for their children, Suniel, who, along with his wife, runs an organisation called ‘Save the Children India’ and a school for speech impaired kids, noted. “Why should special needs children be deprived of their future. Why can’t we provide them with the right environment to survive and succeed?

I have seen it at our school when special needs children display happy and normal behaviour at the school environment, happy to play, not irritated or difficult and learn well. Their parents say that they all love to come to school and spend time learning with their children. Why should we judge them and keep them locked and away from normal living? Let us go the extra mile and work to give them the right environment!”

Suniel said he realised that children loved to spend time with children of their age; this helps them; they are much better off with them than their parents.

GIVE A LIFE His philosophy in life hinged on these lines: “From what you get, you make a living and from what you give, you make a life.” He also stressed on the fact that more than money, it was the ability to being there for somebody that constituted real charity.

HIDDEN STRENGTH George added: “Every child with autism is also special.

They need that special extra care and attention. Maybe they need a little more training and guidance. I have been fortunate enough to have talents and get some attention and publicity because of my calendar and calculating abilities. I can draw and it took me lot of focus and determination to turn my strength in to my identity.

But the sad part is for every George on stage, there are thousands of low functioning autistic children who will never even make to school. It is them we have to focus on to give aid and help. I believe every child has some hidden talent or strength that can be brought out with proper training and grooming.”

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Black & White 23

B&W Xclusive

Super savant visits autism centre

24 June 7-20, 2012

The sweet young autistic children of the Muscat Autism Centre recently had a pleasant surprise when the world famous autistic savant, George Widener, visited the centre to be with the children.

George spent quite some time with both the children and the staff of the centre.

He played, interacted with the children and also gave some fine points to the staff there.

GLIMPSES Preliminary and Semifinal – May 30, 2012

Black & White 25

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Preliminary and Semifinal – May 30, 2012 More than 700 participants joined the preliminary round of the third edition of the Sudoku competition, which was held at the Indian School Al Ghubrah, recently.

Twenty four of them were selected for the semi final, which was held at the same venue, out of which eight – Shymala Rama Iyer, Jade Pereira, S. Vishwanath, Mohammed Dohadwalla, Amitabh Agarwal, Marwa Al Wadhahi, Vimala Thiyagarajan and Sriram Narayanan -- went into the final.

All the way from Al Wusta region A five-member ‘Sudoku delegation’ from Haima, and Duqm (Al Wusta region) proved to be a highlight of the preliminary rounds of the Sudoku competition held at the Indian School Al Ghubrah. The five Sudoku enthusiasts, all teachers from the region, travelled 700kms to be part of the Sudoku competition.

B&W Xclusive

Prior to the event, a team from Black & White had gone to Duqm to woo the teachers and the students to participate in the Sudoku competition. This venture to invite participants to the Sudoku competition from the interior segments was taken by the team to widen the participation from all segments in Oman.

The B&W team had met Mohammed Tuhami, mathematics supervisor, directorate of education in Haima, ministry of education and Siham Galer, a maths teacher of Duqm Girls School, who agreed to form a team and participate.

28 June 7-20, 2012

This is the first time that a team from the interior was participating in this competition.

The five members were Mohammed Tuhami, Ramzi Mohammed Tssouli, Dr Hamada Al Masry, Mohammed Kheer and Azza Abdlelatty Abdul Hamid – all teachers from different schools in the Wusta region .

The team, participating in such a competition for the first time, did quite well, but they were not fast enough to get into the final. However, the team said that they enjoyed participating in the competition and left the city promising to participate in the next edition with more numbers and come better prepared. “You never know, next year, we might even get into the final!” Mohammed Tuhami, who hails from Morocco, enthused. The other teachers roundly agreed

Black & White 29

Lunch with celebrities

B&W Xclusive

Bollywood star Suniel Shetty and autistic savant George Widener along with senior heads of the companies that sponsored the third edition of the Sudoku for Autism event at a lunch held at Al Khiran Terrace restaurant in Al Bustan Palace hotel.

30 June 7-20, 2012

Black & White 31

GLIMPSES

B&W Xclusive

Grand finale – June 1, 2012

32 June 7-20, 2012

Black & White 33

B&W Xclusive

Vishwanath crowned Sudoku champ It took four minutes, eight seconds, to decimate his opposition. Defending champion S. Vishwanath needed only these many minutes to grab his crown again in the third edition of the Sudoku competition, which was held at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel, recently. Jade Periera came second, while Vimala Thyagarajan and Mohammed Dodwalla, came third and fourth respectively.

The Sudoku for Autism event saw the two celebrities, autistic savant, George Widener and Indian actor and philanthropist, Suniel Shetty attending. The top officials who attended included: Khalil Al Khonji, chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mohammed bin Mahmoud Al Zadjali, director general of investor services and quality management, ministry of tourism; Mohammed Issa Al Zadjali, editor in chief, Black & White and vice chairman of MPPH; Dr Yahya Al Farsi, assistant dean, training and community service, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University and Madhu Jesrani, general manager, Khimji’s Watches.

34 June 7-20, 2012

Black & White 35

By Dr CK Anchan

There would rarely be an individual in this world that does not have any goals or dreams in life. Your dreams are the core of your life.

Have you ever had a dream that you wanted to fulfill with all your heart? What happened to it? Did you go after it or did you allow it to die down? No matter what our station is in life we all have dreams and goals that we want to pursue. Unfortunately most people allow life to get in the way. People who are passionate about their dreams create a purpose for their existence.

Have you noticed that when you think about your dreams you feel excited, fired up and happy? Thinking about the things you want to achieve most evokes positive emotion.

Life can become dreary if you are doing something day after day that you don’t really like to do. There are very few things worse than regret. What will you regret tomorrow that you didn’t do today. Dreamers who took action have created everything around you A dream realises its worth when it comes true. When you have a dream, it remains within you. But when you work hard to realise it, then it comes to its real sense.

Identify what principles you have that guide your life through tough times, and when things couldn’t be any better. They shouldn’t change, and at your core, neither should you.

What are your principles? All of us should have them, know what they are, and live your lives by them What you dream to achieve in your life may be perceived as God’s scheme to keep you involved in your life. There are some dreams that He gifts you in the hope that by following your dreams you will live your life in a passionate manner. Dreams teach you to look forward in life. I believe that we all have a calling in life: That we are all destined to fulfill a specific purpose.

Management talk

Realise your Dream... the true meaning of life

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

Chasing your dreams will develop your courage. Courage is your fuel to achieve amazing success in life. Follow your dreams and exercise courage, There have been billions of people throughout history who have had the ability to achieve greatness, whether it was the talent or smarts, they had it. What they didn’t have was the guts to risk the life that they were living. No risk, no reward. Those who have achieved real success have often risked the most to get there.

You can follow and realise your dream only when you feel that you can work hard enough for it. As the dream does not lie in the comfort area, it seems out of reach. Following your dreams needs sincere efforts and willingness to change. While pursuing your dream, you may feel a little uncomfortable in the beginning but the passion for your dreams keeps the hope alive.

We all have moments of doubt. We should have unbreakable faith in the fact that what we are doing is right, have your moments of doubt, but do not let that doubt eat you up, get back motivate yourself to the best.

You want to be remembered. Everybody does. We remember those who follow their dreams. Life is too short to be wasted on regrets. At the end of the line what we end up regretting are the things we didn’t get to do.

So while you are young, go after what you want. Pursue your dreams.

It is in living your dreams that you get to know the true meaning of life. If you don’t follow your dreams you crush your dreams.

Eventually you’ll stop dreaming altogether.

There are no rules in life so why limit yourself to what everybody else is doing? You are the creator of your dreams, big or small.

Wishing you all the best and more power to your dreams!

Black & White 37

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:

Trucks everywhere

Nitternatter

Charity events no more a ‘hit’

38 June 7-20, 2012

Trucks have to exist; they have to ply on the roads, but why are so many of them on the roads today, asks a frequent contributor to this column. He works in a company near Wattayah and now spends so much of time on the road because the traffic is chock-a-block at certain hours, he says. “Mostly when I leave office at around 5/5.30pm…there are too many trucks and trailers that we are stuck at the Wattayah roundabout for almost an hour and more,” he tells us. Add to it an unfortunate accident and you may spend the rest of the day there on the road and you have to incur the wrath of those waiting in vain for you, he adds. He is right; we have also seen a surge in the number of these giant vehicles on the roads, owing probably to the increase in construction activities in the city. But, if so many of them are swarming the roads, then movement is going to be greatly restricted. So, what do we do? Traffic officials would like to comment? No?

Has charity become an increasingly overused word? Are people getting tired of charity? Charity event organisers claim that their recent events don’t muster the crowd that it deserves. Earlier charity events used to draw a large crowd because most of the people who used to come were serious about the causes they supported. Today, too many causes, too many events, and too many charity initiatives seem to have taken the shine off the cause(s) for which they are campaigning, some observers opine. And this has witnessed low turnouts at all such events so much so that some organisers are planning to adopt the old, time-tested method to woo more crowds: include a celebrity to such events. The more glamourous, the better!

Even events draw poor crowd

Reimburse now

Forget about charity dos, today most events see very poor turnout, event managers add. Lately, the events being held in the market have seen lukewarm response from the public. Two musical events held recently witnessed very bad response and the organisers had to really juggle hard to keep their finances on top. Have the public lost interest in entertainment activities in town; have the purchasing power come down; have they lost faith in the event organisers? Probably the latter are not giving what they promise and the public are naturally showing their disinterest. Or, woe betide, are events no longer making their mark in Oman? The reason is still not clear, but many recent events have seen very low turnout despite the original ticket rates being scaled down to 50 percent or more. What is happening?

They brought a ticket for an event which was two months or so back. The event never happened, but they want reimbursement for the same after they realised that the event was not going to happen. According to them the event that was supposed to take place on one day did not happen and then they were allegedly told that it would happen on another day and this never happened. But, two months after that they suddenly woke up and have approached the event organisers for the reimbursement.

And they want it now, now, NOW! The event organisers are in a quandary now as to how to make the payment because the accounts on this have been closed a month back.

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

Black & White 39

Read our magazine ONLINE Log on to

www.blackandwhiteoman.com Like our page on facebook

BLACK AND WHITE MAGAZINE, OMAN

By Dave Green

7

2011 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

4 5 9 4 2 3 7 9 8 6 1 7

SOLUTION: 8/15

2 8 6 7 9 3 4 1 5

4 7 9 5 1 6 2 3 8

5 1 3 8 2 4 9 7 6

9 6 4 3 7 2 5 8 1

3 2 7 1 8 5 6 9 4

8 5 1 6 4 9 3 2 7

2011 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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.

8/15

1 9 2 4 5 8 7 6 3

Difficulty Level

7

6 4 8 2 3 7 1 5 9

6

7

7 3 5 9 6 1 8 4 2

1

6

Difficulty Level

1 2 4 4 8 9 5 7 9 2 6 5

Black & White 41

Fun facts on

4,000 years ago the first shoes were made of a single piece of rawhide that enveloped the foot for both warmth and protection The first boots for ladies were designed in 1840 for Queen Victoria.

Before the 19th century, shoes were identicalthere were no right or left.

In the Middle East heels were added to shoes to lift the foot from the burning sand.

42 June 7-20, 2012

The word 'stiletto' comes from Latin and means 'a stake; a pointed instrument'.

Thirteen percent of women admit that they occasionally hide their shoe purchases from their significant others.

First sneakers were made in the U.S. in the beginning of the 20th century. They were called keds at the time.

The first shoes were supposedly made from animal skins during the Ice Age. Their only purpose was to protect feet.

Nineteen percent of women consider their feet attractive.

Twenty three percent of women get pedicure every month.

It wasn’t until the 18th century that women’s shoes were different from men’s (Europe).

Tongue Twisters: Try them!

I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop. Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits.

Black & White 43

Your ARIES March 21-April 20 Be hands–on at work.

Take the initiative to let others know you are in charge, but life is not all about work, don’t be too serious.

Lighten up, and have some fun.

Keeping them on their toes will keep life exciting for you and that’s what you need.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

No matter how hard you work or how much effort you put in, it seems you’re the only one who misses out on the rewards, and you’re getting fed up with it.

Edgy conversations could lead to a standoff but think long term before making major decisions about work or love. Calm down.

Trust your inner voice to give you the guidance you need over an emotional situation this week, even if you have to work hard. You haven’t played fair in the past and now need to work out how to make amends. Its only fair, especially if you’ve been a taker and not a giver.

Sort it out.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

Home is where the heart is usually rings true for you, but this week home and hearth seems like a lonely place. The moons move into Aries mid week jolts your attention over work matters, so attend to them first then maybe you’ll get the respite you need when you return to your abode.

Filter the wild off the wall ideas out of your mind over business matters and concentrate on the tried and tested ones that you know will work. If a friend needs a shoulder to cry on this week, be there for them.

They’ve been supportive of you in the past and got you through some hard times.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Transform your life! If you want things to be different in your personal life, it’s up to you to take action. Try to be sensitive to those with less than you as you can be rather brusque in your delivery of the facts at times. Allow your softer side to break through. You’ll get your own way anyway.

SIR JAMES PAUL MCCARTNEY (BORN 18 JUNE 1942) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer.

With John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame as a member of the Beatles in the 1960s, and with Lennon formed one of the most celebrated songwriting partnerships of the 20th century. Following the break-up of the Beatles, he began a solo career and later formed the band Wings with his first wife Linda Eastman, and singer-songwriter Denny Laine.

He has been described by Guinness World Records as the "most successful composer and recording artist of all time", with 60 gold discs and sales of over 100 million albums and 100 million singles, and "the most successful songwriter" in UK chart history. McCartney has composed film scores, classical and electronic music, and has released a large catalogue of songs as a solo artist. He has taken part in projects to help international charities, been an advocate

Horoscope

for animal rights, vegetarianism and music education, campaigned against landmines and seal hunting, and supported efforts such as Make Poverty History.

44 June 7-20, 2012

stars LIBRA September 24-October 23

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

It’s not only you who have problems and issues this week, so stop being such a martyr and see if there’s anyone in your circle you can help. Embrace the unexpected and see where it takes you over work and love, and you might be happier with the new direction you’ve been pushed into.

Your emotional energy needs to be controlled this week to ensure your decisions are effective not chaotic. Money still seems to be an edgy issue but focus on work and health matters before thinking of your cash flow. It’s a weekend to separate fact from fantasy and truth from exaggeration.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

Although you know you’ve got commitments to meet this week your heart’s not in it. That’s not to say you won’t do your bit, you will, but grudgingly. You need something major to happen in your life that’ll restore your faith and optimism in everything and everyone. Make it happen.

If loved ones are feeling vulnerable, you’ll need to be patient with them, even if they stretch your last nerve to the max. You don’t seem to be getting the results you want from work situations, but make the best of what’s going on. Home and family need your full attention at the weekend.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 A growing inner confidence in your decision making skills puts you in the mood to experiment, but don’t take too much of a chance or you’ll feel out of your depth. Don’t ignore your health. This is the time to focus on health matters, so up your activity levels and get moving.

PISCES February 20-March 20 Get ready for a creative overload, a new project can get attention. Over this period you could find yourself in the public eye so make sure you are on the best dressed list. Try to see the best in others at the weekend. They’re trying their best.

For men

E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com, Website: www.albahja.com

Cabbage Salads

Cooking

Cabbage is one of the most medicinal vegetables you’ll find in your garden, Easy to buy, clean, and toss up a quick salad… they are known to be high in important nutrients such as vitamin C and selenium; they also contain hundreds of plant compounds that are known to fight cancer. Eat healthy to stay healthy…

46 June 7-20, 2012

Cabbage slaw with apples and raisins Ingredients: 1 cup unpeeled, cored, diced apples 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing 3 cups shredded cabbage

Preparation: Combine apples, raisins, and salad dressing. Chill for one hour. Just before serving, toss with shredded cabbage.

Cabbage Salad with Bacon Ingredients: 8 to 10 slices bacon, cooked, drained, diced 4 cups chopped or shredded cabbage, about 1/2 medium head or a small head 4 to 6 green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds 1/3 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice 1 to 2 tablespoons vinegar salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation: Toss the bacon, cabbage, green onion, and celery seeds together in a bowl. In a large cup or small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, apple cider, and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Add salt and pepper, to taste, along with more sugar and vinegar, if desired. Add the dressing mixture to the cabbage mixture; toss to combine.

Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Creamy coleslaw Ingredients: 3/4 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar 1/3 cup oil 1/8 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon celeryy salt p 1 dash sh black pepper 1 tablespoon lespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup up half-and-half 1/4 teaspoon easpoon salt

1 large head cabbage, finely shredded Preparation: Directions for coleslaw Blend mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and oil. Add onion powder, dry mustard, celery salt, pepper, lemon juice, half-and-half and salt. Stir until smooth. Pour coleslaw dressing g over shredded cabbage g in a large g bowl and toss until cabbage is well coated. Keep coleslaw refrigerated.

Black & White 47

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

48 June 7-20, 2012

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

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

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

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

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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4949 Black Black && White White

Big boys do

CRY

Pysche

By Claire McLeury

50 50June June7-20, 7-20,2012 2012

The best reply to the query why do men hide their feelings in a relationship is this: “Because someone has to remain rational (in the relationship)!�

We can’t help laughing to that reply posted by a guy (obviously) in a website, but I wouldn’t mind looking at the query again and try to get to the depths of it. Why is it that men find it so hard to express their feelings? Or, on the other hand, are we just talking of an issue that is no longer applicable? This is an age where men openly cry, so, are we just talking about a dead issue?

Not exactly. Whatever the age, men are conditioned to hide their feelings

and do not show it when they are hurt or vulnerable so it is harder for them to show how they feel. Besides, even today, the stigma of crying exists for men. So, women need to rethink some old theories. Many follow the dogmatic theory that ‘Big boys don’t cry’ to a T. They also believe that ‘sensitive’ guys are ‘sissies’. So, men shy away from crying and also hide their sensitive side so that they are not branded weak in anyway, and men are dying and hoping that women somehow understand this.

WOMEN LIKE TO BE WITH THE HAPPY MAN Men who are known to be sensitive are roundly ignored by their peers and are virtually kicked out of the group and treated like pariahs. They are not just ignored by men, but women are also known to discard ‘weak’ men with ‘sensitive’ hearts. In such a situation, what else can they do but to hide their feelings and act as though nothing will hurt them? But, few women realise that this is just an act; something of a natural conditioning right from an early age because that is how society makes them to be; even the actual sissy guy of the lot will pretend as though he is superman when it comes to exposing feelings. Because of this mask, few women realise that their happy-go-lucky man they have been with is actually hiding his pain under a cloud of joy.

Every woman wants a happy guy and so, men make it a point to look happy and pretend to be full of joie-de-vivre so that their women don’t leave them.

It is a fact. Just try to see if you find any women with a man who is morose and depressed. Or, just see if women would like to be with a man who is too emotional; yes, sometimes, fate offers you a path where you are stuck with the partners not of your choice, but not always. When a woman has a choice, she is going to be with the man with the happy smile (literally).

DON’T NEED AN EMOTIONAL MAN Again, men have found it the hard way that their women don’t really enjoy them displaying their emotions. Adipt Jay, an upcoming banker, and a selfconfessed ‘emotional’ man, explains how he pulled back when he realised his emotional display was provoking a different kind of reaction in his wife.

“Ours is an arranged marriage. It is only when she came close to me that she realised that I was quite an emotional man; but, then I soon discovered that my emotional displays were instrumental in kickstarting unpredictable emotions in Dipti (his wife). She became even more volatile than me and I quickly pulled my hood (sans emotion) and hid under it. “I make sure that I am more macho in my behaviour more often than one because I now believe that women generally feel comfortable with that than an equally emotional man.

They may complain that their men are too stoic for their comfort, but they are secretly pleased and comfortable about it. In all honesty, they don’t want an emotional man!”

A WOMAN CAN MAKE OR BREAK A MAN This is just one scenario; there are plenty of others wherein societal pressures and their own better halves have made them hide their real feelings and emotions under a sheet of armour and nonchalance, or even plain don’t-care attitude. Some men who realise that women don’t really care a hoot about their feelings, drive themselves away from their emotions. So, even the real sensitive, fragile and emotional tend to bottle up their feelings, and protect themselves from exposing any of their sensitivity. But, every girl should try to understand that deep down most men are emotional, actually fragile and sensitive. So, remember that before you tear him down with words, it could very well break him. And you have that power: to make or break him!

Black & White 51

of women that men dislike

By Lucille Daniel

Opinionated

Men, have a mind of their own. Whether we women like it or not, this is the truth. Men have opinions and sometimes, they can be against us. Look at these sentiments (read complaints) of many men below and you will find out that they certainly have a mind of their own.

52 June 7-20, 2012

Sadly, they dislike and are even quite annoyed by some of the things we do, which over the years, we have taken for granted. Let us go over them and at the same time, try to analyse them in all honesty.

SO WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? You ask that question to a man, and he is likely to see red, even if he has not done anything wrong. Why are they getting angry? It is not known, but it is important that we understand

that it somehow makes them mad.

One major reason that it makes men mad is guilt. They are caught off guard and they don’t have a readymade answer for that. What were they thinking? God alone knows. But, they certainly weren’t thinking of us! Or more importantly, he was not thinking of you. This question comes to them with the pace of a speeding bullet and when he was least expecting it. So, they won’t have the chance to make up

something like, “yeah, I was thinking of how to move to a bigger house in a plusher area…you were saying that you were tired of the house…”

Pah! Men are not that smart as yet. In fact, if they are able to say something like that in the blink of an eye, they are going to rule us! But, it is our world and it is our life and men are just part of the whole. We don’t want them to have any private thoughts, but, this query is something that they hate so much and if we want them to stick on with us, it is better we tone this inquisitive query down.

I’M FINE Now, they are aware that we can really pick up a fight and even if our men turn violent, we know that we have the ability to put in the last word twisting the word knife deep into their wounds. And the famous last words are nothing but this simple: “I’m fine!”

Simple, yes, but it reeks of such controlled anger and unhappiness that it can literally freeze any raging bull. Sometimes, this “I’m fine” flows amidst a bucket of tears and it is the start of the big freeze.

The big silence! Where we go off on

a tangent and give them the silent treatment. For us this, “I’m fine’ statement gains importance in its inherent meaning for us. We know we mean just the opposite when we say that to them and lately men have caught on to this little truth. Earlier, they were confused about this statement as they see us sometimes break down and still mutter that we are fine. But today, they know we mean business. We dip into silence and we move into self imposed isolation and even in emergencies, we only utter in monosyllables. This has run down most men and they are known to complain big time about this.

TEARS COME EASY Yes, they do. Somehow, even though we are stronger than men, our tears pour out as though we have no other job to do. We cry whenever we get emotional. And, we get emotional at just about everything. The thing is men don’t realise that our emotional breakdown is temporary and it is in fact a release. Once we are through with the bawling, we don’t really care a hoot at what we were crying our heart out. But, again, that is not what

we are talking about here.

So, yes, we cry. We cry at funerals, at weddings, at happy as well as sad films. We cry because the tears wash us over and we are clean and emotion free after that. But, it is these tears that men hate. They feel awkward because they haven’t a clue as to what to do. Where do all these tears come from? We don’t know, but it helps, even though they dislike it.

TALKING TOO MUCH A woman makes an estimated 20, 000 words a day as against a measly 7, 000 by a man. Of course, we have a lot to say as against our mealy mouthed counterparts, but, why is it such a big sin? Men don’t talk. We do. We have the ability to talk our way out of things; out of a tight situation; alleviate someone’s suffering…despite all these strong points, men still feel out of place when we do the talking.

The problem is that when we talk, some of the men walk. We lose them because of our big mouth (their version). It is not easy to pick the right moment and just get to the point, because most of the times, we would like to digress…

For women

E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com, Website: www.albahja.com Black & White 53

Because, we are normal!

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar Call me disabled, blind or handicapped.

I have no problem.

I am handicapped. I am blind.

I cannot see. I cannot do normal things.

I need help to walk, go places and even to do my daily chores.

I need help to study, I need help to cross roads.

Most of the time I am alone, because normal people are scared of me, how to address me, how to talk to me. They feel I should be treated in a different way.

They feel I might take offense.

They feel I may not understand.

I understand. Of course I do.

What I don’t understand is they forget though I am blind, I am normal in all other functions.

I can hear.

I can react.

I can feel.

I enjoy the cool breeze, the evening walk, and the long drives.

I can cry for the same reason you do.

I can think the same way all of you do.

I can sing, I can smile, I can eat and crave for ice creams and sweets like any other person.

I am normal in all other functions other than the fact I am blind.

And no, I have no problem, no inhibitions or hurt in being called blind, because I am blind.

I am not special because I don’t have anything extra.

I have a disability, a minus that I cannot see, while the normal ones can.

So why call me special, when I am not even normal?

The word special sometimes makes me feel strange.

Please do me a favour, call me disabled, handicapped and accept me as I am.

He was part of a talk show on television.

He genuinely seemed happy and intelligent than all of us ‘normal’ beings.

And more normal than any one of us.

He sat there grinning, telling us that he is not special; he need not be called as differently challenged or special. It is always funny when a normal being says that with a smirk, oh my god, he is getting married? He is blind right?

Can a blind not get married? Can I not drink a cup of tea? He was laughing…

He was not ashamed to be called blind.

All he wanted was to be acknowledged as a human being with a physical flaw. Blind.

Look at us. We are normal. We have our eyes and ears and limbs intact.

But, we want to be treated special.

We want attention. We want wasta. We want respect, money and recognition.

We want our subordinates to stand up and greet us.

We want to be seen in VIP circles.

We hide our inhibitions, our flaws our shortcomings well.

We cover ourselves with world famous brands to add value.

We do not cry in public. We learn to control our emotions and hide behind a veil of reflection.

We learn diplomacy and put on an act as if we know it all.

We attend charity events because it is the latest in thing to be.

We do things to please others, even if it makes us unhappy.

We cheat on our friends and family putting them in dark of the reality.

We cover ourselves very cleverly with all sorts of etiquettes and mannerisms.

We live a false life, because we are normal!

And we work very hard to make ourselves special in other people’s eyes. priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

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