Black & White mag Issue 51

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Don’t let food become an enemy p10

Go take a cold shower! p52

FREE Fortnightly

A wagging tale from Bausher p22 21 Dh-Qa'da - 21 Dh-Hijja

Vol.3 Issue 51IIOctober 7-November 6, 2012

Xclusive

wagging tale 22 Afrom Bausher Canadian Jebel (K-9 training and services) in Bausher is the place to take your dog to if you are serious about training your ‘best friend’ into an obedient and even a professional watch dog

36

Bitter Batter

Better to spay On one side there are animal haters and on the other, animal lovers. We have reams to write about the first lot, but this time, we want to bring to notice a small point about one particular animal lover, or cat lover to be precise

Contents

8

Aping the primates

Who wants to be called an ape?

Neither are we keen to earn that sobriquet, nor are we willing to ‘ape’ a monkey. But, if we really think openly, we would benefit greatly by taking some ‘monkey’ steps

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, Wadi Adai Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed at Oman 4 October 7- Printers November 6, 2012

50

Sleepless in…

Some women find it hard to sleep in the night. But there are some ways out for such insomniacs. Get a glimpse of some true ways to fall asleep

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

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Priyanka Sampat

All about X, Y & Z

Caught between the two

By Adarsh Madhavan

This is an age where the world has taken citizen journalism and its propagators seriously. It is also an age where the citizen journalists take themselves seriously. The citz journo’s theory is that if a journalist can do it, why can’t I? But it doesn't always work that way. Unfortunately, we cannot go against the grain because today, social media has a sway over the public imagination in such a way that people actually believe what they are saying, much like in the older days when the public believed anything that the print media printed. In more ways than one, the print media has itself to blame for at times taking readers for a ride and engaging in filth and power play. When it ruled the roost, it played almighty and more and that led to its fall in one way or the other. The bigger it got, the harder it fell to quote a trite cliché. Okay, let me correct that statement. It fell, but, it got up immediately because it was not knocked out. And, it actually only tripped. So, we are sure that it is going to swing around for a few more rounds.

Like anyone out there, I have an opinion about how and why print is blotting itself. Agreed today news travel faster than print because of all other media, online, television and radio, so much so readers actually wonder what is the point in reading it stale, when he/she has actually seen it ‘live’ last night?

Again, this also raises a very valid query: why are we having more newspapers than one when only one is required to bring the news, even when it happens to be stale? Why do we need two, three and more newspapers to bring the same old stale news? All of them were giving their take on the same old event.

And locally, when not much happens, what is the point in getting more on print when even one is unnecessary?

But over and above this issue where print has to fight faster and swifter mediums than it, there is this issue on who are the ones who are peopling this field. How many of us are real journalists? How many of us can go beyond the need to make some money and get back to our homeland or whatever our real aim is and how many of us are here who really think that they are going to bring about change? How many of us have the guts and the integrity to take on any blow and reign? How many of us are really sincere about what we are doing? Am I sincere?

Then the other point: Do I secretly believe that I should have taken an MBA and also learnt more about the world of technology and speed before I embarked on the journey to be a scribe? I prefer to dodge this query because I think there are more qualified people out there who can answer this part. What I can also ask: are we doing the real thing out here? Are we telling the truth no matter what; are we ready to get our hands dirty when we are digging for facts and are we ready to say it out? I don’t know. I am part of a world where I understand that when truth hurts, you employ it only to hurt those whom you can afford to hurt. Even if I wanted to go ahead with this BIG TRUTH, who was going to let me publish it? But if I was anonymous on the social media, I could still tell it to the world and perhaps even live to tell the tale. The other thing is: how many of us are really adept at news gathering? I don’t mean writing skills, which is a different matter altogether. I mean have I really probed the market and dug out a story that I can tell and sell my paper, or am I going to rely on fluff and let the readers read between the lines? It takes more than mere academics to tell a story that is out there. But, having said that the net is such a place where everyone, sans training, experiences, skills, talent, becomes a scribe unfortunately substituting opinion for fact. The print media is caught between these two – the devil and the deep sea! And you still expect it to survive? editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 5

Can’t live alone I cannot live alone even for a few hours. There is a kind of restlessness in me that makes me want to be with someone and also engage in conversation, even if it happens to be only about the weather. I cannot think of living a life where I am going to be alone, away from my family and friends and ‘away from it all’. I think I will easily go crazy. A hermit’s life (issue 50) is not for me!

Raghavendra Prasad, Azaiba

Let him find what he is looking for Reading this story about the hermit above Jebel Khawr and the brief about Henry David Thoreau (issue 50) makes me want to put in more details about the latter. While I appreciate the comparison in this context, the reality is that Thoreau was an incredible man – someone who gave us an insight into the real world of living alone and in a pure and simple manner. He was a transcendentalist – one of the very best! Thoreau was a man who sucked out the marrow of life. He truly lived life like it should be and did not see any difference between his craft and his life. His ultimate aim was to discover truth in nature and one can say that he finally found it. Thoreau spent two years and two months – as an experiment – cut off from all forms of life in a remote area in Walden. Yes, Salim Al Hinai also cut himself off from all forms of life, but the two were diametrically opposite. And, Salim has already spent more than 50 years in isolation. But, yes, the root is probably the same. Both wanted to be away from people! I also hope that Salim finally finds whatever he is looking for!

Abdullah Al Harthy, Seeb

Abnormal ‘normal’ behaviour

Reader's column

When people live for extended periods of time alone, they may exhibit strange and unusual behaviour. Your story does not speak of Salim Al Hinai exhibiting such strange behaviour except for his ‘silent’ conversations with his equally quiet partner. That is indeed strange, but otherwise (from what I read), Salim seems to be pretty normal, which again is abnormal for a man who has lived alone for the last 50-odd years.

Dr A. Siddique, Al Khuwair Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

6 October 7- November 6, 2012

Birthday greetings Happy birthday Vandana! Or, should that be ‘belated’ happy birthday because we are sure that by the time you receive this, you would have already celebrated your birthday (issue 50). We are your fans and enjoy what you write always.

We admire your simple, straightforward approach. God bless you!

Harish and Nirmal Chatterjee, Ruwi

Separation of waste We have the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO) doing their best in stopping plastic bags, protecting the whales etc... But, why isn’t anyone in Oman coming forward to bring about a separation of waste bins? The local media should take the initiative to approach the municipality in this regard. The municipality can implement this easily. It is so simple. Spread the message to keep the kitchen wet waste in one plastic, dry or paper waste in another and plastics in another. Similarly segregate the public dustbins into three different colours each indicating the different items. Wet waste one colour, paper waste another colour and finally plastics in another colour. This way we will be protecting the environment. Oman has been a key player in environment protection, so why is this field being neglected? Municipality can start wilayat wise in Muscat and slowly implement in the rest of the country. It’s just a matter of time and people will be more aware and disciplined. The media can play a great role in propagating this idea. I have noticed people digging into the dustbins searching and collecting soft drink cans. Probably they get some money for the empty cans. This can be very dangerous to their health as there is a mix up of all the repulsive waste in the bins. Reminds me of the rag pickers in India who pick only the papers from the rags. Separation will avoid this.

Secondly, the municipality should also see that the above segregated items are recycled. So we need the recycle factories here? Any corporate ready to invest in this? So we do need the initiative of the big hands here. That’s the way to go. So Municipality please implement!

Vijayalakshmi R Shetty, Muscat

Black & White 7

A P I NG the primates Who wants to be called an ape? Neither are we keen to earn that sobriquet, nor are we willing to ‘ape’ a monkey.

But, if we really think openly, we would benefit greatly by taking some ‘monkey’ steps.

What is our point? We need to take a look at monkeys and apes in the wild because of the remarkable shape they are in. They are better than human beings. It could probably because they are born and bred in the wild, but it goes without saying that they possess greater endurance and flexibility and definitely better strength than you or I. Again, what are we getting at? We are not saying that you have to go ‘kreegah’ like Tarzan, the ape man. But, instead of clowning around, what Men read

you could ideally do is to learn from them.

8 October 7- November 6, 2012

These primates are known to engage in movement --- of course this comes naturally to them --- which resemble pull ups and chin ups. Now, bear in mind that pull ups and chin ups are one of the best exercises to increase upper body strength. Moreover, they help in lifting your own body weight without the use of cumbersome exercise/ weight lifting equipment. But, it is not easy as pie.

Monkeys are not easy to ape either. But, we have tried and we will keep on trying. Monkeys (or apes) don’t go to gyms to exercise their bodies, but they do spend time swinging from branch to branch and in this way they have invariably mastered the art of using their own body weight while pulling, hanging, climbing and swinging from branch to branch.

Let us take a leaf out of their exercise book. Some people do not like the pull ups because they feel it is quite challenging. However, the advice on all fronts is that it is one great exercise to increase the size and strength of the back and arms and also helps improve posture. Chin ups and pull ups are hard, but, if the true benefits of these exercises sink in, you are going to be at it like no man’s business.

But, before you can do a pull up, first try to master the chin-up. If you have never done them, seek the help of a gym partner or an instructor and get on with it.

What you got to do is simple (but, we would still advise Black & White 9

you to learn it from an instructor): Hang from the bar with your elbows extended, palms facing you. Raise your chest to the bar and then lower to the start position in control. Beginners may not find it easy and you might even get frustrated. But, do not give up. Over the period of time you will find that you are slowly getting the hang of it and soon, you will want to do it all the time. As to the number of sets and reps, get them right from an expert.

The same goes with the pull ups. Start by hanging from the bar with your palms facing out. Your elbows have to be straight and your feet held above the hips. Slowly lift your chin over and chest up to the bar. When you are doing this, remember that you have to be in pike

position (attained by making the body bend forward to more than 90 degrees, while legs are kept straight). Then, you get back to the start position and stay like that for some seconds before you repeat it.

Experts swear on the pull ups or chin ups stating that they are the best exercises in the world. Pull ups helps build strength.

If you notice, when a pull up is done, the fingers, hands and forearms are all used.

It also helps build biceps, triceps and shoulders. Back muscles are also helped to become stronger. Over and above that, the abdominal muscles are also given a good workout.

So, what do you say? Why don’t you ‘pull’ yourself ‘up’?

Don’t let

Men health

FOOD become an enemy

Is food the main cause of all diseases? There are many who warn men (and women alike) that the prime reason for their health problems is their food consumption. Unfortunately, men take this advice at face value and don’t bother to probe. Or, think. Neither are the good-intentioned advice givers willing to explain it in full, nor are the listeners willing to understand it properly. Sometimes even medical professionals are to be blamed for embarking on a ‘food is the real enemy’ advice to their impressionable patients.

10 October 7- November 6, 2012

EXCESS FOOD IS POISON What they need to understand is this: Even though food alone is not an enemy, the fact is: eating too much or not eating enough, food is. Food becomes your enemy when you skip breakfast – or any other meal.

This is not just a bad habit, but in effect it causes more harm than good. If you notice, people who regularly skip meals have trouble losing weight. Other than that, they are also not able to maintain any energy level that would allow them to be effective throughout the day in any area. Today, excess food has become as poisonous as real poison itself and in some cases, more poisonous. So much so, many are wondering aloud: is food their enemy number one?

KNOW WHAT TO EAT Such a thought is compounded when they are riddled with diseases like diabetes, food allergies eating disorders and the like. When you are a diabetic, it is very important to know what to eat and what to avoid.

And, if you don’t know what to avoid then you are as good as eating poison.

HAVING YOUR CAKE… Take the case of a diabetic. Earlier, those suffering from diabetes were told to avoid sugar at all costs.

Today, we are much clearer about the fact that it is not just sugar, but certain foods that effect blood glucose levels. In fact, you really can have your food despite being a diabetic. You just need to know how to manage it. But, if you go on the other extreme, that is, you deprive yourself of certain food that you love and treat it as an ‘enemy’, then in the final outcome, you will find that you are actually overeating and binging than avoiding.

MAKE FOOD YOUR FRIEND So, if you really want to make food your friend (as opposed to enemy), then you got to love it and treat it accordingly so that it doesn’t 'bite' you. Don’t get into your head that you have to go on a diet/crash diet/ deprivation. No. What you need is to plan the intake.

Have a food or a meal plan and then make the right choices with the help of a proper dietician. Instead of drowning the craving with a lot of excuses and frustrating diets, you could easily opt for a healthier choice. You have before you two options: a non-healthy and a healthy option. You can choose to eat healthier food if you plan it right. You have in your one hand some chocolate biscuits and in the other you have a small apple. What will you choose? Before you do, let us make it clear that both are going to raise your glucose levels in almost similar fashion except that one is more nutritious. Need we say which one? You are right! Eat it and keep the doctor away!

MEAL PLAN FOR DIABETES This is just a mild example on how to go about your food plan. There is no need to make yourself feel deprived is the advice from many a quarter.

What is a perfect meal plan, especially for those with diabetes? A good meal plan is one that will help the user control blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol and also manages the weight. What you need is to consult your dietician or medical professional who can help you come up with a plan that suits you.

In effect, a perfect meal plan is one that suits you.

You can even occasionally indulge yourself providing you stick to your plan. Why not try these points and embrace food…as a friend?

First Free Fortnightly magazine

AVAILABLE

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

FREE

20,500 copies (being audited) Circulation Enquiries: 98675976/24565697 Advertisement Enquiries: 97679290/24565697

2I¿FH /RFDWLRQ +DWDW +RXVH QG ÀRRU 2I¿FH 1R www.blackandwhiteoman.com

By Adarsh Madhavan

At a time when I had no clue what a journalist was (still don’t), I, who was planning to do something with myself decided that if I could pick a pen better than I could pick a spanner, and could at least doodle with it, than hurt my frail self with the latter, I decided to go for a professional course in the world of journalism. Unfortunately, the degree course that I wanted to attend was a train journey away and the cost of it was something that I could not afford then.

So, I toyed with the idea of doing something locally in my hometown and sat for a diploma course under a prestigious banner. But, on the first day itself I realised what I was in for when the course teacher asked us to read out some passages in the book to find out whether we could read properly. Now, I had paid an advance and couldn’t back out; moreover, I had a friend who had tagged along with me and was more entrenched in getting a diploma by ‘hook or by crook’. I attended the painfully boring sessions for less than a month and then gave it up; let the advance sink in that sea of obstinacy.

Somehow, I couldn’t bear to sit through the process of learning a craft. Finally, I applied for a long distance course and again encountered hours of boring assignments. But although boring, I still did not have anyone supervising me.

Somehow, I scraped through the course and managed to get this diploma from that prestigious institution. Although I went through the exercise, I know secretly that I was ill fitted for a scribe’s job. I did not have the dash, the verve or even the bluster to see through a job like this. Nor, did I have the raw talent. What I had, at that stage, was plenty of ignorance, lot of arrogance and a foolish confidence that I could do just about anything in the world of letters.

Anyway, even if I was going to get into the world of journalism, it would only be a temporary affair, for ah, I had better things lined up for me then!

For the time being, while I worked on my secret project, I would rustle up some scribe work. But, unfortunately, the secret project remained a secret (even now) and I ended up washing dirty linen in public, ahem, I mean, I ended up being a useless hack in the world of journalism here. Of

O

You can’t teach this ‘old dog’ new tricks

all ew h t ff

course, I had my moments -- and I still enjoy reliving those days -- when my attempts at serious journalism was successful, but then I never had that thing in me to be a real activist and more or less enjoyed the comfort zone than attempting to take continuous pot shots in the war zone. In fact, I soon got battle weary and decided to hang up my boots in the world of the daily grind.

Somehow, I decided that it was better for those with more energy, more wherewithal in the world of words and more integrity to take up the cause in a job that was as mean as it could be and as unforgiving when you make mistakes or when you slip. But, today, when I sit back, I realised that it was not just the inner strength or resolve that I lacked: It was simply the inability to learn something new.

Of course, when I started out, everything was new and being raw and uncut had its benefits, in the sense, you could turn a phrase in a hitherto unused manner and people were going to find it real cute coming from a newcomer, but when the novice grew and the hair withered and beard grayed, it was no longer cute. I was simply marching to my old boring tune that knew no rhyme or rhythm and was not in touch with the trends. I believed in realworld experience and I understood the nitty-gritty requirements of the job, and also knew that the real stories were out on the beat and on the street. But, tell me something new, teach me something current, tell me more about the brand new moves by the social media and how the digital world was going to take over the written, and I would only nod, but never listen. And never understand. Like they say…

adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 13

Abdullah Al-Shidi, deputy Ceo of The Wave, Muscat, Greg Norman, His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin As’ad bin Tariq Al Said and Sultan bin Hamdoon Al Harthy unveil the plaque at the official opening ceremony for Almouj Golf.

ESO quest for brightest environmentalists The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) is taking its search for Oman’s most eloquent environmentalists to the Sultanate’s colleges and universities. The ESO staff members and volunteers will travel to few locations around Oman to encourage students to participate in the first Omani public speaking competition with a ‘green’ theme.

The road show, sponsored by LG, was kicked off recently, where ESO staff visited the Modern College of Business and Science and the Medical College. The ESO staff provided information about the society and direction on how students can participate in the competition. Fully equipped with audiovisual technology courtesy of LG, the ESO road show bus will be able to show footage and images of last year’s regional competition

and other awareness videos related to the competition’s topics: water use, global warming and a few tips on presentation and public speaking skills.

Run in coordination with the UAE’s Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the public speaking competition is the Omani round of a wider regional competition which EEG organises on an annual basis. This is the first time that the competition has been held on a local level, and students in Oman will battle it out for a place in the regional competition, to be held in Dubai.

Open to all undergraduate students enrolled in an Omani college or university and under 23 years of age, students who wish to participate must form a team of five people from their

college or university and register with ESO. In the team, one or two people should be nominated to present in the competition itself. Winners will receive a trophy and certificate and an ESO-funded place in the regional competition in Dubai.

The competition will be held on November 4 in Al Safeer Hall, Muscat.

Visit www.eso.org.om or contact Dima Radwan on dima.radwan@eso. org.om / 24790945.

Adel Ali named 'Ceo of the Year – Aviation'

Wordpress

Adel Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia, has been named “Ceo of the Year – Aviation” at the third edition of Ceo Middle East Awards.

Hosted by Ceo Middle East, an ITP group publication, “Ceo Middle East Awards” recognise and reward outstanding success, innovation and ethics.

The awards honor Ceos from across sectors through appreciation of innovative business, business excellence and overall business success, plus acknowledge the vital contribution made by individuals and their companies to the vibrancy of business across the region.

14 October 7- November 6, 2012

Countdown begins for third al Mazyona OMR300,000 prize draw al Mazyona, the Sultanate’s flagship savings scheme from BankMuscat, is all set to reward customers with yet another bonanza as countdown for the third quarterly prize draw of OMR300,000 has begun. The quarterly prize draw to be held in the first week of October significantly raises the appeal of al Mazyona, particularly for high savers. The OMR 300,000 big prize is given away every three months. For eligibility, customers are required to maintain

OMR1,000 minimum balance for three months. For every OMR1000 balance maintained by them, they get 10 chances each to participate in the draws. Said Al Badai, DGM

– branches said: “al Mazyona experience affirms the bank’s vision and constant efforts to fulfill the aspirations and ambitions of the largest banking family in Oman. The bank is proud to take the popular savings scheme deeper to the hearts of people and link it to issues benefitting society. The bank attaches great importance to inculcating prudent savings and spending habits and has tailored al Mazyona scheme with this objective in mind.”

The Ministry of Health and Lilly join hands for better diabetes management The Ministry of Health (MoH) and Lilly has announced a new partnership to enhance diabetes education and diabetes management in the Sultanate. The partnership, centred on education and disease burden research, will provide decision makers and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to improve the lives of diabetes patients and advance the level of care.

The partnership will run over three years. The diabetes Conversation Maps, an education tool developed by Healthy Interactions in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation and sponsored globally by Lilly will be used across the Sultanate to drive better education among patients and caregivers. On the health outcomes front, Lilly will collaborate with the MoH to share its expertise in health outcomes analysis and assist the ministry

to evaluate the total costs of diabetes and its complications with the aim of driving a research-based policy decision making in the future. The is in line with the MOH’s long term vision for 2050 to improve the quality of diabetes care of Omanis and other residents of the Sultanate.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates diabetes prevalence in Oman will more than double by 2030, which is currently estimated 171,625 persons. It is clear that the burden of diabetes is so great that all key sectors of public health – governments, NGOs, international bodies, and the private sector – should join efforts and work together to fight the disease expansion and find meaningful solutions” said Dr Darwish bin Saif AlMaharbi, undersecretary of finance and administration at the MoH.

McDonald’s Oman gives away over 20,000 breakfast coupons McDonald’s Oman (Al Daud Restaurants LLC) is giving away 22,500 free breakfast coupons starting this month. These breakfast coupons can be availed on www.McDonaldsArabia. com/oman and through media distribution.

The breakfast coupons can be redeemed at McDonald’s Drive-Thru restaurants with a purchase of a medium-sized fresh premium Arabic coffee made from high quality ingredients.

Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman commented: “We recognise the value and importance of a nourishing morning meal, and are incredibly proud to make this fresh and delicious line of menu items available to our loyal customers.

This is why, this month, we are giving away 22,500 total vouchers as a reminder of how delicious, satisfying, fresh and easy our morning meals really are.

Black & White 15

Laparoscopic team continues to grow in Al Raffah hospital Dr Szabolcs Papp recently joined Al Raffah Hospital’s laparoscopy department.

Originally from Hungary, Dr Papp brings a wealth of experience to the existing team.

Dr Papp rose quickly to become a senior consultant and gain the respect of his colleagues. Prior to moving to Oman, he was working in the UK, where he regularly performed surgical operations and conducted clinics. ‘There isn’t much that I, along with my team, cannot do for patients here. We have the latest equipment and we are very familiar with the most recent techniques,’ Dr Papp said. He sees a lot of scope for working with patients who need bariatric surgery, or weight-loss surgery, due to obesity, diabetes or cardiac

risk, all of which are increasingly prevalent in Oman.

Earlier to this, Dr Yasmin Kazi also joined the gynecological team as a consultant. With an in-depth experience of gynecological procedures, advanced obstetrics and the practical use of keyhole surgery in these disciplines, Dr Kazi completes the already highly qualified and experienced team at Al Raffah Hospital.

Dr Kazi is a respected and accomplished doctor in India and the UK and is well known for her skills in laparoscopic surgery.

One of Dr Kazi’s priorities, alongside providing the best care to her patients, is developing laparoscopic procedures in Oman as well as enlightening the people of Oman about laparoscopy as an alternative course.

World renowned urologist joins Al Raffah staff A highly skilled laparoscopic urologist, Dr Krishanu Das, has joined the urology department at Al Raffah.

Dr Krishanu has over 12 years experience in clinical practice, much of it gained in multispecialty tertiary care hospitals in India, but he has also practiced

Harlem Globetrotters coming to

Wordpress

Muscat to entertain families

Residents of Muscat will be enthralled by one of the most popular and professional teams this Eid Al Adha – the iconic Harlem Globetrotters are all set to put up their spectacular performance at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Baushar on October 28. The fun-filled family event will showcase amazing basketball skills by a team of 25 players, keeping the audience spell bound regardless of age.

A Harlem Globetrotters show is a real treat for families, as kids of all ages enjoy their stunts and gimmicks. Spectators will be enthralled with the Harlem Globetrotters as they display their skills punctuated with comedy and plenty of interaction with the audience.

The 2012 World Tour is the team’s 86th consecutive season of touring the world.

16 October 7- November 6, 2012

in the UK and has visited the US for his work in robotic and laparoscopic surgery. He gained his MBBS, MS, FCPS, DNB and MCh qualifications in Mumbai and New Delhi and his MRCS at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, England.

Gargash &Trade Links Insurance Services expands to Sur Gargash & Trade Links Insurance Services LLC inaugurated its branch in Sur, under the auspices of Sheikh Sayyid Hamad bin Sultan Al Busaidy, deputy wali of Sur. In a short span of two years of operation the insurance intermediary company has expanded its services by realising its aim of opening branches in other parts of the country. Talking to the media at the opening of its new branch in Sur, Dr J Retnakumar Ceo of Gargash & Trade Links said: “We are happy to note that we started brisk operations in Sur. We see tremendous potential in Sur. Further, we are on the plans to develop a special insurance package for SME’s as well as in health sector. We are on the growth trajectory of expanding to other parts of the country such as Sur, Salalah, Sohar and Nizwa”.

On the occasion the vice chairman of Gargash & Trade Links Insurance Services, Mustafa O Vazhayil said: “We are very happy with the joint venture and the way the

company has grown and achieved market penetration.

The opening of the Sur Branch is a demonstration of our long term commitment to Oman to reach our customers in all regions of the Sultanate. This being our first joint venture gives us more confidence as we enter other countries in the AGCC like Qatar and Saudi Arabia."

Local media personnel get master’s degree in electronic media Mohamed Saad, a local media staff recently obtained a master’s degree in electronic media from the University of Cairo, under the supervision of Prof. Dr Inas Abu Yusuf.

The focus was about “the image of women and men in Omani magazines... and the

study looked at the properties secured in the Arab press and magazines in Oman, with a case study of the oldest magazines family in Oman represented in the magazine Al Usra of Oman, including the topics addressed to the family, especially women and

men, and the concept of this relationship in the world in general and in the Sultanate of Oman on the face particular.

The study also revealed issued social issues ranking first, followed by fashion-related topics and then cooking, nutrition and health.

First certified sales manager at Audi Oman Audi Oman, represented by Wattayah Motors, recently announced that Clive Dias, sales and marketing manager for Audi, as the first certified sales manager by the Audi Management Academy in Oman.

This certification is awarded following the first year of a two-year training by Audi Middle East’s Audi Management Academy, which provides structured development programmes across levels with modules such as psychology of leadership, trend analysis, strategic planning and resource management. The selection

of candidates for training is based on an assessment done by Audi Middle East during the recruitment process.

In addition to guidance, participants also exchange best practice examples on a regional as well as international level.

“We congratulate Clive on being Audi Oman’s first ever certified sales manager and are certain that he will bring best practices to the Oman market,” Abdel Karim Awwad, national sales and marketing manager of Audi Oman, said.

“I am very lucky to have been chosen and am pleased to be Oman’s first

Audi certified sales manager,” Clive, added.

Black & White 17

Lucky Draw of Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series held A lucky draw of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Oman was held by Maytha Al Mahrouqi, under secretary of the ministry of tourism. The 13 world elite cliff divers attended the draw which determined the jump order for the qualifying round.

The qualifying round determines the ranking for the headto-head battles which will take place on September 27 at Wadi Shab. The grand finale of the 2012 World Series will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib Al Said and in cooperation with the Muscat Arab Tourism capital 2012.

American Steven LoBue and defending World Series champion Gary Hunt, from England, both have to win the seventh and final stop on the Arabian peninsula to take the title of World Series champion for 2012. Any other result will see nine-time world champion Orlando Duque (COL) awarded the title for the second time after 2009.

The event is open to the public, gates open at 9:30am while the event starts at 11:30am. For more information visit: www.redbullmea.com/cliffdiving

Non-violence day celebrated in Oman United Nations International Day of Non-Violence day was celebrated in Oman on October 2. The event in Oman was organised by Rajayoga Centre for Self Development, an NGO in partnership with Oman Scouts & Guides and with the support of Indian Embassy, National Human Rights Commission and various other UN agencies in Oman.

The event was inaugurated by His Highness Mohammed Salim Ali Al Said, chief of protocol, ministry of foreign affairs, Ali Khalfan Al Jabri, undersecretary, ministry of information and J.S. Mukul, Indian ambassador.

Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said and Mohammed Al Harthy spoke about non-violence. Dr Rashid Hamed Humaid Al Balushi and Laila Hilal Al Barwani represented the National Human Rights Commission. Mohammed Al Nabani represented Ministry of Education and Salma Al Hajry represented Jasoor Youth Group in Oman.

Ambassador of Brunei, Dato Dr Haji Besar and Haleem represented the Srilankan embassy. Adil Al Fairooz, Kiran Asher and Dr Retnakumar represented the business community. Mohamed Essa, vice chairman of Muscat Press & Publishing (Times of Oman) and various other media personnel attended the event. Oman Scouts & Guides was represented by Khamis, its director.

Maureen Goodman from Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, UK delivered the key note address.

The Fray on October 10 at Intercon gardens

Wordpress

Fray to rock Muscat. The Fray, an American piano rock <http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano_rock> band, will be rocking the capital on October 10. Promoted by Alive Entertainment and HI FM, this multi-award winning band will be performing at the InterContinental Gardens from 9pm onwards (doors open at 7pm). Tickets are available at OUA Retail (MQ), InterContinental Al Ghazal, MacKkenzies CafĂŠ and Deli (MQ), HI FM, Grand Mall, Bose (Qurum City Centre) and Connections (Seeb City Centre).

18 October 7- November 6, 2012

Omran provides record internships The Omran CEO, Eng. Wael bin Ahmed Al Lawati welcomed a record intake of interns from a number of recognised Omani colleges and universities, including Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), The Higher College of Technology, GUTech, The Middle East College of Information Technology (MECIT), during the summer break. As part of Omran’s promise to develop local talent, 19 students majoring in specialist fields such as civil engineering, architectural designing, urban planning, information technology and tourism management joined the company to gain valuable experience as they prepare to embark on a professional career. “Developing the

youth of Oman is one of Omran’s top priorities and we welcome the opportunity for college and university students to grow personally, academically and professionally with us,” said Eng. Al Lawati. “We have a responsibility to assist the next generation of Omanis to reach their potential. Under the guidance of our experienced and professional mentors, Omran is providing talented students with hands-on knowledge in domestic and international tourism. They get a real understanding and sense

of appreciation for our considered approach as we create memorable destinations and experiences that build long-term benefits to local communities and the national economy, in harmony with our environment and natural resources”.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat wins medals of the Oman Chef Guild Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat recently won the second prize – a silver medal by the Oman Chef Guild.

This was a competition organised by the National Hospitality Institute in Oman. The Ritz Carlton team was awarded the first prize and Shangri La standing third. Ten teams of two chefs each, one Omani and an expatriate, representing different hotels, participated in the competition. The teams were awarded points on several criteria, which included recipe, hygiene, preparation, creativity, wastage,

presentation, taste and texture. The teams also presented portions of their dishes to guests, who were later

requested to give their feedback.

Marius Wolmarans, general manager said, “We are especially proud of our team coming from a smaller fou star establishment. We usually find that the teams from the big five star hotels dominate these competitions in Oman, which makes this silverilver medal result so special for us. We have always been known for our great food quality, this confirms how much we have to offer at the hotel.

Special congratulations to Pathar Singh and Amira Hamed for bringing home the medals!”

KTI to bring Ram Charan for an exclusive seminar Khimji Training Institute will bring Ram Charan, the favourite coach of Fortune 500 CEOs for a one day exclusive leadership seminar on ‘Execution – the Discipline of Getting Things Done’ at Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat, Oman on October 17. Vivek Pande, Ceo, Lifestyle Group, Khimji Ramdas said: “Don’t miss out the opportunity to experience and benefit from Ram Charan in action. He is considered to be one of the most respected and admired names in business leadership circles and has earned a solid reputation of creating high performance teams through his thought provoking seminars.”

Black & White 19

Kailash Kher & Kailasa band in Oman on Nov 7 Mosaic Events is bringing Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa to Muscat for the first time on November 7 at Qurum Amphitheatre.

Kailash Kher, acclaimed for his unique, earthy and soulful voice, is one of the most popular singers today. Often compared to his idol, late qawwali maestro Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash has the astounding talent to touch varied audiences through his music.

From indie pop to Bollywood, and Sufi to Indian folk, Kailash has a fascinating repertoire. Kailash has sung over 350 film songs and in 18 Indian languages. He is also renowned as a music composer and lyricist. He has given composed music for movies that include Chandni Chowk to China, Dasvidaniya, Sacred Evil and Sangini among others.

Along with his band, Kailasa, the singer has performed over 800 concerts worldwide. The band that specialises in fusion music is well-known for infusing folk and Sufi notes to their songs.

Krupa Khimji, director of Mosaic Events said, “Kailash is a phenomenon in the Indian music arena. People all over the world love his voice and music. Music lovers in Muscat are definitely in for a treat!”

The musical extravaganza is supported by the team at Talentz who will be handling the lights and sound. “Kailash is a singer who has performed globally and we will ensure that the event will be of international quality, be it the sound, lights or

ambience,” said Krupa.

Contact +968 99775544 or email krupa@mosaic.om.

Wordpress

S. A. S. Naqvi awarded

The Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Rajeev Shukla has said that the honouring of eminent personalities from different walks of life for their outstanding contribution encourages the people especially the youth for achieving goals in their respective fields.

Shukla was speaking on the occasion of the 20th National Awards 2012 ceremony organised by Journalist Association of India, under the flagship of Journalists Federation of India, recently. He said that 20 October 7- November 6, 2012

for strengthening the national integration and cordial atmosphere in the country, it is necessary to bring radical changes in the mind set of society at large, for creating the feeling of brotherhood and communal harmony among the citizen of the nation.

Shukla also honoured the awardees from different fields on their achievements. The luminaries included noted sports personality from Oman S. A. S. Naqvi who is settled in Muscat. He has contributed sports articles as a free lance journalist. He is an international hockey coach, umpire and former technical adviser of the Oman Olympic Committee.

This is another feather in his cap as he has been honoured with Indo-oman friendship award as well as life time achievement award by the government of Oman.

He has also several other distinctions. Late International Olympic Committee President J.A. Samranch had awarded him with an I.O.C. diploma of honour. Rajeev Shukla had lot of praise for the outstanding contribution for the Indo-Oman friendship and promotion of hockey between India and Oman. The function was held at the Siri Fort auditorium in Delhi.

There is a mention of dogs in the Holy Quran too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where it indicates that dogs were part of the human society. It is mentioned in one verse that some of the cavemen runaways had a dog amongst them

ALL ABOUT DOGS As a child, I was not too happy coming face to face with dogs. They all looked quite fierce and scary and when they began to bark, it was too much to take for me.

I used to live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when I was a kid. In the neighbourhood where I lived, there used to be a dog always loitering around a shop nearby. It had a problem: whenever it saw me, it used to bark so loudly and ferociously that I used to run away scared. Now, when I think of it, I am able to laugh at it. But, then it was quite a problem for me. I used to actually circle around a long way to reach the shop, just to avoid this small stray dog.

But over the period of years, this dog fright eventually wore off and I see dogs pretty differently: as a pet, a companion, as a friend, and I have also seen them as guard dogs in various countries. And this understanding stems from the belief that our exposure to other communities and cultures makes us more open and tolerant.

There is a mention of dogs in the Holy Quran too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where it indicates that dogs were part of the human

In Black & White

In Black...

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief

society. It is mentioned in one verse that some of the cavemen runaways had a dog amongst them. No where is it mentioned or indicated that dogs should be avoided!

Unmistakably, the most intelligent of the lot turns out to be dogs and they are manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friends till date from the animal world. The scenes have changed and owning a dog has become a status symbol to many, while others religiously shun them owing to various reasons.

It takes lot of courage to stand in front of an animal and believe that you can actually control it. Animals are a part of our life and regretfully we use them only to amuse ourselves and our egos. In the earlier days man used animals for his day to day chores. The cows, goats, donkeys and dogs are supposedly a part of human lives since the olden days.

In this issue of the B&W, we are talking about a woman who has ventured into the world of dogs. This lady has created a center to train the best breed of dogs for utility purposes while also caring for these four-legged creatures from her heart; she has tamed them to be the best companion and a protector too.

It is awesome to see these animals listen to her, as if controlled by a switch, their confidence and love for her!

& White Black & White 21

B&W Xclusive 22 October 7- November 6, 2012

from Bausher

Black & White 23

B&W B&W Xclusive Xclusive 24 October 7- November 6, 2012

The sweltering heat seemed to have made a seemingly mild mannered man go slightly over the top. This tall, middle-aged man suddenly seemed to have lost his marbles. That is how it looked. Almost theatrically he donned a mask, which showed only his eyes. His head was covered with a half balaclava. He also covered his left hand with some material and then picked up an ugly looking club in his right and suddenly with a menacing yell charged at a dog that was being held at the other end of the yard.

But, the dog seemed to be no pushover. It was a massive German Shepherd who not only stood its ground, but fiercely tugged at its leash standing almost on its hind legs ready to face the assailant with the club. The attacker raised his club and the dog went berserkâ&#x20AC;Ś But, sorry, this is not some hate-dog-man-beat-dog story.

Actually, it was balmier than usual and not a typical hot Omani summer afternoon. The man with the club had not lost anything (although for a bystander one would easily presume that) and was in fact gamely demonstrating to us how a dog can be taught to defend itself from any aggression.

We were being treated to an unusual demo of dog defence and attack training the likes of which can never be witnessed anywhere in the whole of Oman. Our hair arose when we saw how a simple, friendly, boisterous dog suddenly turned into a ferocious defender.

Black & White 25

B&W Xclusive

MOCK ATTACK It could be termed as a mock attack but trainer Paul Carrier, a former marine (special forces) had the knack to make it look as good as real. “Not all trainers have that capacity,” remarked Alfa Vold – a certified master trainer and managing director of Canadian Jebel (which offers K-9 training and services) --- from the sidelines, quietly praising her new dog handler.

“He (Paul) has that ability to make a dog really transform from a friendly neighbourhood dog to an aggressive defender (or vice versa) that can fight back with equal or more aggression as the one attacking it,” she told us

26 October 7- November 6, 2012

we were standing at a safe distance away from the ‘fight’ scene. Our lensman was not so lucky as he had to be right in the middle of the attack as he had to get a close shot of the action and perhaps close range shots of the dog’s powerful jaws. Hazards of the job!

SWITCHING OFF AND ON We were happy to be at a safe distance. Although Paul was an experienced trainer and really had his way with dogs, even the demo looked quite real and we made a silent vow to never mess with a dog of that nature.

Paul had a proper bite arm sleeve on his left hand, and

the German Shepherd seemed to go directly for that, attacking it and holding it in a vice-like grip and then smoothly pulling the outside cover out of his hand.

A quick disclaimer for all of those who are witness to this is to never ever attempt such a game with a dog like that unless you are a certified trainer and know what you are doing. But, the dogs at the Canadian Jebel are neither wild, fierce nor aggressive or uncontrollable.

They have been trained to (as Alfa put it) “switch on and off”.

The trainers seemed to press an invisible switch wherein a friendly dog suddenly transforms into something fierce

and aggressive; press another switch and there he was all friendly, wagging and ready to lick you with his long, wet and happy tongue. It pays to note that a dog can sniff out a friend from a foe and just wearing a mask or waving a club around and yelling at it was not going to shake it from its reverie.

On a normal basis, a dog like that was not going to attack its trainer just because he wore a mask and did a mad dance. “If I rush at my dog with a club and make some noises, he might wonder whether I have lost it.

But, we have trained them to switch on and off and Paul is showing how that works,” Alfa explained to us.

Black & White 27

B&W Xclusive 28 October 7- November 6, 2012

Black & White 29

B&W B&W Xclusive Xclusive 30 October 7- November 6, 2012

The demo went on with several dogs, each suddenly transforming itself from a laidback friendly dog to an aggressive defender, ready to fight back with everything it had. The demos also displayed the dogs being let loose from where it was being held by an assistant to actually go and attack Paul’s arm bite sleeve. The fierceness of the attack drowned the fact that for the dog it was just pure training and it had that ability in it to switch on and off. Once the sleeve cover was pulled out, the dog victoriously paraded it for all to see and happily went back to its friendly mode. This ability to transform a dog with natural wild doggy instincts to a pure trained and obedient animal that did as it was told sans shouting and beating is amazing. You could bracket Alfa and Paul as the real ‘dog whisperers’. But, that would be putting it quite lightly for they were more than that.

DOG'S OWN WORLD Outside the enclosure of the Canadian Jebel in Bausher a world, as we know it, went on. A world that usually kept animals at bay and people went about their business in their own sweet pace. But, inside the ‘CJ’ it was a dog’s own world. Where totally raw, perhaps even undisciplined dogs in their natural behaviour are transformed into totally obedient, social dogs that are an asset to any owner or better still, dogs that have progressively attained their true potential. They were not mere dogs that just barked at you and wagged their tails and sniffed you all over – they were unique little animals that listened to commands and

did as they were told: sit, stand, bark, bow, cheer, heel, walk, run, stay, attack, defend…You name it, they did it.

They were no longer raw animals but well oiled machines, who, despite having all emotions and liveliness, had the ability to zip from zero to 100 on a training scale and back.

TELEPATHIC COMMUNICATION The CJ is the brainchild of Alfa, a Canadian, whose love for dogs has moved from the mundane to the sublime.

She doesn’t talk about dogs as dogs but as real, living people with values like loyalty that perhaps may go beyond selfish human understanding. A dog lover from the word go and from the day she was born, Alfa belonged to a happy animal loving family that understood and loved dogs as well as other creatures. Honed from such an atmosphere, the happy dog lover soon embarked on a journey of training and understanding dogs beyond the normal realms to such an extent today, we can easily say, without exaggeration, that there seems to be a telepathic connection between her and her dogs.

But, she is not one to sing her own praises and is quick to demystify the awe we felt for her abilities and efforts.

“I am an animal lover and feel a special closeness with dogs. There is something about them that endears and I feel that they can read my mind and I can read theirs, so yes, we have been able to communicate in more ways than one, which has made it easy for me to train them,” she tells us earlier from her small, homely office, Black & White 31

Dog’s only bus – This bus can hold 13 dogs in as many cages

filled with cages that held dogs and cats. There was an aged semi-blind German Shepherd and a Collie – both untethered, proving that they were quite friendly with even strangers.

B&W Xclusive

MANS BEST FRIEND “My love affair with dogs and animals began when I was just a year old. My family has a lot to do with my love for animals. My grandfather had a farm house with a variety of dogs, birds and other animals in it. I got my own pet dog, a mixed terrier, when I was just one. I have no words to describe dogs – they are the most loyal animals in the world with a unique ability to bond. They are truly man's best friend, his true companion offering unconditional love. No other animal in this world can be as loyal and committed to its master as a dog,” she says patting her collie. “Many stories can be told about the affection and loyalty of the breed. This love for animals brought me in to the career I chose, a master trainer.

I took a course on training dogs for utility services (for those who are physically handicapped, medically ill etc).”

“I have a mind that understands and reads a dog's mind and they can do the same. The dogs understand me and communicate well too. You will be surprised at the capabilities of these dogs. They can be trained to do almost anything, including normal picking up of newspapers from the door to switching off a washing machine!” she said as she demonstrated the capabilities 32 October 7- November 6, 2012

of two other Collies who swiftly went through a gamut of commands and picking doggie treats on the way.

“To be a successful trainer, you need to love animals and understand them. The career is open to all and it is the strength of character that is required to train animals rather than physical strength. You must never punish a dog physically. The dog understands the basic change in your tone of speech and behaves accordingly,” Alfa advised.

FEAR IS THE KEY WORD Many breed of dogs have an inborn fear of human beings. However there are quite many fearless dogs too, that can be groomed to become guard dogs. Most importantly the dogs need to relax, feel safe and only then they can be trained accordingly. The fearful ones are not very ideal to be a watch dog, but can successfully be trained to an extent.

“It would be wrong to judge them by their breed, though there are ideal breeds of dogs like the German Shepherds, the Rottweiler and Dobermans who can be very good guard dogs. In fact from my personal experience, I can say I have trained Gypsy, a local wadi dog who took to training well. In fact she is a good watch dog, very protective and I can state instances where she literally pinned someone to the wall, till I ordered her to let go. She is the first one to be at the gate, before anyone… so I would say any dog can be trained, if the fear factor can be brought under control. A dog attacks only when

it is under fear. It is not aggression that makes a dog attack, it is pure self defense!”

TRAINING OF A DOG “A dog needs to be assessed. Our center assesses them, and put them through various phases where they are basically put through obedience training before they are groomed to be professional watch dogs. It is fascinating to see them learn. They are a disciplined lot and starting from a year to a year and a half, they can be put through the training sessions.”

ONCE A TRAINED DOG, ALWAYS A TRAINED DOG When a dog is brought to the centre, they assess it.

Dogs learn their lessons quite well. “You can see them watching when we train them. One dog watches another dog being trained; learns it quickly and demonstrates it.

We have a daily schedule for the dogs and they all do the training exercises with understanding. The center is one of a kind in Oman and we offer services and courses for the public by appointment in the evening hours.

The dog owner has to be committed and understanding and only then he or she can pass the basic obedience course. We give a successful certificate of completion when the dog learns to obey orders from its master and the latter learns how to control his/her dog. It has to work both ways. Otherwise we give only an attendance certificate. It is not a joke or a time pass; it is a serious course for dog lovers and dog owners. Who wouldn’t

want to have a protective, well behaved dog along with the attributes of a protective guard dog? It is very advantageous and is beneficial for the dog too. It is like sending a dog to a school and getting it refined. The dogs actually are trained socially to behave well and be protective too.

They can be quite calm, affectionate and bonding dogs.

A typical family dog could be playful with your little kids, but in its heart, it is watchful and protective by training.

The behaviour changes according to the threat, the body language of the human approaching them. Dogs sense fear, aggression and the body language of a person that approaches it or its owner and reacts accordingly.

One word from its owner can bring it under control.

The training phase depends on each breed of dog and cannot be generalised for all breeds. However it takes a good three to six weeks for completing a proper training course.”

GUARD DOGS, SECURITY DOGS AND PROTECTION DOGS What exactly is the difference between a guard dog, a security dog and a personal protection dog?

“If it is your home or business property that is threatened by burglars, then a guard dog would be a good deterrent, as the dog looks the part and will put up a good show of barking and growling if a stranger approaches the property, usually enough to put off anyone thinking of climbing the fence or wall to gain access.

Black & White 33

B&W Xclusive

Generally speaking this dog does not require as much training, he will do this because it is part of its genetic makeup. He is perhaps more effective than an alarm system because the burglar may consider ignoring the alarm, but an angry dog actually creates attention.

If you want to protect a larger estate or property, then a security dog would be a better option. This is a working dog and is usually supplied with a trained handler. The dog and the handler work as a team, so in the event of an attempted break in, the dog acts as an early warning system and the pair work together to apprehend the burglar or attacker.

The handler can use the dog to even hold the culprit if it is necessary and release the criminal on command. This dog would normally live outdoors in a specially provided kennel and would be cared for by his handler. The security dog and handler are much more effective than a lone security man, making use of the superior senses of smell and hearing of the dog to detect intruders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Personal Protection Dog (PPD) is the most highly trained of these types of dogs. He is a special dog, which displays the courage of the guard dog, but has many additional skills and extensive specialised training. The PPD is required to protect you personally and those within your immediate family. He will, if necessary, put his life on the line to protect you.

The training of the PPD is therefore very intensive and can take many months of dedication by the trainer and 34 October 7- November 6, 2012

outstanding abilities of the dog. This dog will be perceived by the public as a normal loving family dog and he will be just that. However if you are threatened with physical violence, your family pet will place himself between you and the threat; and will if necessary run down the attacker and hold him with his teeth until told to release by his owner. The PPDs can be trained to protect individuals and families who consider themselves at risk of attack or kidnap and their training can be as diverse as going for a flight in a helicopter or on high powered boats, in busy city centers or in the desert. These are highly adaptable and very special dogs and the best thing of all is that he doubles as a loyal, lovable, family pet.

Each of the above working dogs needs what every dog needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a warm comfortable and dry bed, exercise, food and water, and veterinary care. All these dogs would just be a dog without their specialised training, giving the dog a chance to reach their working potential in what they were bred to do.â&#x20AC;?

CANADIAN JEBEL CANINE AND FELINE SERVICES The center is functioning since the last three years and has four qualified trainers and a good team of handlers and assistants. The dogs are well maintained, fed and taken care of. The center is closely monitored and will soon add on grooming services for the canines. All training courses are customised to suit the dogs involved and are done by prior appointments only.

Why are dogs afraid of us?

Paul Carrier has a theory about how and why dogs become fearful of human beings. Currently staying in a hotel, Paul witnesses a daily morning show: “Every morning, outside my hotel, near a garbage skip, I see the daily interaction between man and beast.

There are around five wadi puppies near the skip. There are some expatriate workers who walk past the bin and everyday they are engaged with a kind of war against these pups. Even before they reach the bin area, they would gather some stones and would then

hurl at these defenseless pups. But, soon the pups also started getting defensive. They started to bark at the men and then began to bark at anyone who passed by because they did not know how to differentiate a threat from a non threat.

Now, I find the pups quite aggressive and they are barking at everything that moves. They have become more aggressive with the workers too. “They will not trust anyone – unless of course someone makes the effort – and will be wary and fearful of all human beings throughout their lives!”

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Ben

Black & White 35

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:

Starry tantrums

We have seen stage shows in Oman bringing forth many of our favourite movie stars. We are always ready to welcome such stars like as though they were much needed rain in a rain parched land. But, unfortunately, these stars seem to rain on our parade with their starry tantrums, mood swings and selfish acts. While the starry tantrums of a yesteryear Bollywood lady actress came to light during a film event here, many were not aware of a popular singerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starry shenanigans at the same time.

While the good lady of yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bollywood literally threw her weight around putting the organisers of the film event in trouble, this singer gave the same organisers a true parting gift in typical Bollywood style.

Although the singer was quite amicable and was not trouble at all for the organisers, when he was leaving he made them really run for their money.

Someone gifted him a reptile as a gift and the singer, without giving it much thought, accepted it. Unfortunately, rules and regulations abound for anyone carrying a pet or any creature for that matter aboard a plane on an international flight and thus the airline and airport officials refused to allow the slithering creature on board citing rules. Thus the singer had no choice but to ask the organiser to find a way out and the latter ran from pillar to post to see if they could help the singer take his creature along with him.

However, it was all done at the fag end of the trip when they were already at the airport, so the creature was not given a (ahem) boarding card. But, the organisers did really try to get done even though it was at the last minute and they sighed with relief when the singer went on board sans the reptile.

Stars vs mere mortals

36 October 7- November 6, 2012

In the above case, the star singer was a gentleman and not really an intentional problem maker, but it is seen that stars off late come to Oman with a certain superiority complex and are bent upon bringing down the morale of many an organiser here by their sudden mood swings and bad behaviour.

Many make such a fuss about coming, and when they do, they create big scenes, making mountains of mole hills and sparking huge tensions in all concerned. Organisers need to make money out of such events, but in the event not only lose money but also their hair. Some stars have been given the mental ban after the organisers were forced to put up with their non-screen histrionics here. There is always this awe and fear for a star and the organisers often feel that they are not equipped to fight them. It would often be a fight between a star and a mere mortal and in such an imbalanced fight, with the odds tilting in the favour of the stars, the organisers prefer to give in than take the bull by the horns, so to speak.

Better to spay

We are moving… oops no!

On one side there are animal haters and on the other, animal lovers. We have reams to write about the first lot, but this time, we want to bring to notice a small point about one particular animal lover, or cat lover to be precise.

Lady cat lover who resides somewhere in Muttrah adopted a stray cat sometime back and is totally besotted with her tabby. Unfortunately, she does not believe in spaying or neutering the boy believing that it was going to hurt him.

There are so many like this dear lady out there who are led by many foolish beliefs, which in turn make them anti animals. Spaying the cat has many benefits: spraying, aggression and roaming can be cut down. So many millions (perhaps billions) of unwanted offspring from non-neutered animals are euthanised every year. Ideally, neutering the male cat can help prevent unwanted cats from being euthanised or simply living a miserable life. It is better to open one’s eyes and yes, the heart, at times.

While real estate is in the news for all type of reasons, here is a lady adding more grist. The lady and her family were flat hunting for sometime, wanting to get out of their dungeon-like home and their locality which they deemed quite ‘boring’. Finally, their search came to an end when they stumbled over a decent three bedroom flat in quite a good locality. Since the flats were selling like hot cakes, they grabbed one that suited them and paid the initial amount and booked it. They were quite elated with the find and literally boasted to their neighbours that they were soon going to go; in fact they even threw a curtain raiser of a farewell party for their neighbours. All this while their flat was being ‘constructed’ and then suddenly one not-sofine-day they were told that they had to come and withdraw their cheque.

The company was reneging on their deal and gave no reasons. This news hit them flat on their faces as not only did their dreams to moving to a swank flat go up in smoke, the noise they made about it was suddenly quite deafening to their ears! “We can’t trust these realtors,” the lady said, her voice sounding awfully small.

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

Black & White 37

Get off that phone and talk to me

Wordpress

By Bikram Vohra

Bikram Vohra, internationallyknown Gulf based scribe

Have you ever been in this position? You have an appointment in someone’s office and you make the effort to fetch up on time and you enter his office after the a mandatory wait outside and shake hands and sit down all cordial and pleasant and then he gets a phone call and suddenly, you vanish from in front of him. It is as if you don’t even exist and he is looking through you.

Now, you are sitting there while he is prattling on and you look at your fingernails, read the magazines titles on his table upside down, study the photographs on his walls and three certificates with red rosettes, and grin fatuously whenever you catch his eye.

Now, he is having a blast on the phone enjoying his little talk while you are feeling a complete ninny. Finally, he puts it down and says, sorry, phone call, had to talk.

You say, no problem, it’s okay, happens.

At which point the phone rings again and he is off on another verbal voyage completely marooning you as he re-establishes contact with some old buddy. Next thing you know they are talking golf, let’s meet again, long time no see, come to our place, no, no, come to ours, have the kids grown up or what, how’s Tingu, really, are you sure?

Whatever has happened to Tingu is of no interest to you but there you are captive to the saga.

I am in this position recently and my patience is now packed and ready to whizz off. He ends this second call, presses the intercom and then says to his secretary that she should get his wife on the line.

So, he turns to me, how’s tricks?

I am about to tell him about tricks when the phone rings and he says, hi ,sweetheart, what gives?

For the next five minutes he and she discuss their dinner guest list and what the menu should be and which hotel should cater it.

38 38October October77-November November6, 6,2012 2012

This is an official appointment. Keep that in mind. It isn’t as though I have barged in, this was fixed for a specific time.

When he finally puts the phone down I say very gently that I have a question.

Why did you call me?

He looks puzzled. To have a meeting, of course.

I wonder. Ever since I sat down you have been on the phone while I have been picking my teeth.

He says, can’t help it.

Yes, you can. Put your calls on hold. You have an appointment which you gave.

I am leaving because I am offended.

He can’t believe it. He actually believes he has done nothing wrong.

Not so much wrong as ill mannered and thoughtless and very rude.

Yet, this is so common a conduct and I have never understood why we tolerate such poor etiquette.

If I felt you were going to give me more attention on the phone why would I have made the effort of coming in person, parking my car, taking an elevator and waiting in your anteroom.

It is not even as if the calls are important, which intrusion one can understand. They are run of the mill calls that could easily be made again.

Think of the many occasions when you have been put in this position. Sitting there playing with your collar or your buttons because this man is yammering on the telephone.

Rather like smoking. Do you mind. Yes, I do.

The next time this happens to me(and it will, be sure of that) I am going to do just that.

Please don’t answer the phone.

Whhaaa-aa-tt?

That’s right, we have an appointment, please keep the call on hold till we finish.

Where I come from that is merely good manners.

ŠThomas Snyder ŠThomas Snyder

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

39 September 7- 30, 2012

Black & White 39

A few

TIMELY facts The basic devices for telling the time were created by the Egyptians around 1500BC. Known as sundials time was measured by a shadow falling in sections across a marked area. Water clocks were used later with more accuracy.

More accurate clocks followed in 1500AD (around 3000 years later) where Italian monks are said to have developed a clock so they knew what time to pray.

Of all the colours available for watches most people will own or be given a black watch during their lifetime.

The unisex colour is a favourite with men’s watches and ladies watches alike In most watches catalogues and in-store displays you’ll find the time is displayed as ten minutes past ten o’clock or sometimes ten minutes to two o’clock. The popular meaning for this is that it’s “Happy Time” or that the clock is smiling which becomes an emotional marketing tool to encouraging you to feel good when you’re looking to buy that particular watch or clock.

About 100 years ago, gentlemen used to carry pocket watches with them. The first that wore wristwatches were the women. Back then, they were called wristlets and hardly anyone considered them to be serious time pieces.

The established watchmaking community looked down on them as well. Because of their size, few believed wristlets could be made to achieve any level of accuracy, nor could they withstand the basic rigors of human activity. Therefore, very few companies produced them in quantity, with the vast majority of those being small ladies’ models, with delicate fixed wire or chain-link bracelets.

In the nineteenth century, when soldiers discovered their usefulness during wartime situations. Pocket watches were clumsy to carry and thus difficult to operate while in combat. Therefore, soldiers fitted them into primitive “cupped” leather straps so they could be worn on the wrist, thereby freeing up their hands during battle.

Kidstuff

The first pocket watch was created in Germany by Peter Henlein in 1524. Others appears in 1548 and more were produced in Switzerland and England after 1575.

Tongue Twisters What time does the Irish wristwatch strap shop shut?

40 40October October77-November November6, 6,2012 2012

Black 41 Black & & White White 41

Your TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

Try to smooth over any conflicts left over from last week as you need to get through this week without any distractions.

Work environment will be more harmonious. Ideas now should be acted upon. Call now to hear which signs can help you turn your dreams into a reality.

An old problem in the work place pops up again making it hard for you to know who you should trust.

Answers come with the clarity Jupiter offers and that includes personally as well as professionally. Call now for more on the coming days and weeks ahead.

Try to be diplomatic when dealing with friends, children and loved ones as many people in your immediate circle are feeling insecure and sensitive this week. it’s a slow moving week where nothing seems to gel, so try to inject some energy at the weekend by making exciting suggestions.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

ARIES March 21-April 20

You seem to have an edge on your competition this week, so try to run with it as best you can. Just be careful that it doesn’t stir up the old work versus home scenario though, as you’d like to avoid rocking the boat in either zone. Peace and security reign this weekend.

Use your charm to lighten everyone’s mood this week, especially with those who find facing life’s harsh realities worrisome.

Take time to catch up with friends you haven’t seen for a while as it’ll strengthen old ties, and don’t be afraid of signing new contracts.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 You’re feeling more grounded than you have done in a while and this will be reflected in how you deal with financial issues at work and home. Venus in your sign this week opposes Neptune and your harsh exterior will visibly soften as you try to help others advance

KATE ELIZABETH WINSLET CBE (BORN 5 OCTOBER 1975) is an English actress. She was the youngest person to accrue six Academy Award nominations, and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Reader (2008). She has won awards from the Screen Actors Guild, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association among others, and has been nominated twice for an Emmy Award for television acting, winning once for her role as Mildred Pierce in the 2011 mini-series of the same name.

Brought up in Berkshire, Winslet studied drama from childhood, and began her career in British television in 1991. She made her film debut in Heavenly Creatures (1994), for which she received her first notable critical praise. She achieved recognition for her subsequent work in a supporting role in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and for her leading role in Titanic (1997), the highest

Horoscope

grossing film at the time.

42 October 7- November 6, 2012

stars LIBRA September 24-October 23 The generosity and kindness of a friend is a huge support this week so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to ask for assistance. Work hard to strengthen ties with work mates and bosses especially if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been some friction recently, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too proud to apologise first.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Now that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got many of your goals back in your field of vision, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go after them calmly and patiently, one by one. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a lot more focussed than youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been of late so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stray from the path. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to wave the white flag with those youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve locked swords with.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22 The Aries moon energises your work arena and brings you into contact with friendly others on the same wavelength and the Taurus moon then focuses your attention on partners. Take command without alienating others but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take risks with money

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 The desire to be more adventurous with romance and your social life takes hold, but others may be a bit reluctant to follow your lead.

The move of Venus mid week makes work more harmonious, but keep your own personal goals in sight.

Be realistic over home and family matters.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Although others seem receptive to what you have to say, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a huge margin for misunderstandings if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re too vague with the message youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to get across. Spell it out. Use your intuition to get to the bottom of why a partner is irked by you.

PISCES February 20-March 20 As you assess your spending habits you may start to feel rather guilty. Have you been splashing out? On yourself? On others? Sit down and work out your budget properly, no exaggeration and no trimming so that your cash flow is balanced at all times. Worth it.

For men X SPRAY $ IUHVK JUHHQ Ó?RUDO IUDJUDQFH VLPLODU LQ VW\OH DQG LGHQWLW\ WR %H 'HOLFLRXV E\ '.1< Top notes Ě&#x17E; JUHHQ DSSOH ZDWHUPHORQ FDVLV DQG FXFXPEHU Middle notes Ě&#x17E; URVH ZDWHUOLO\ IUHHVLD DQG YLROHW Base notes Ě&#x17E; PXVN ZKLWH DPEHU VDQGDOZRRG DQG PDULQH QRWHV

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

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

Circulation

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

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

44 October 7- November 6, 2012

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

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

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

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4545 Black Black && White White

Read our magazine ONLINE Log on to

www.blackandwhiteoman.com Like our page on facebook

BLACK AND WHITE MAGAZINE, OMAN

It's my life

The mundane, inane, senseless...

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

By Vandana Shah

Every year I share with you a few things in our daily lives that exist and continue to puzzle us. Here I present to you: The mundane, inane and senseless mysteries of life:

• • • •

• • •

•

Bad Airline food: Ever wondered why the food in any airlines just tastes like its been cooked by a Martian who is clueless about our taste. So this food tastes great but on another planet.

Expensive airport food: Why does it cost us half our monthly salary to buy a stale sandwich and pale coffee at the airport?

Travel Brochures: Unbelievably good-looking and dizzyingly happy people are always featured in travel brochures. So are you telling me that ugly people don’t go on vacations?

Pop goes the weasel: You are the one sitting next to the loudest pop corn eater in the world who insists on practising his chew slowly and loudly routine, learnt at his dentist, in the cinema hall.

Burger: A mouth sluuuurrrrping burger takes about 10 minutes to eat but over 3 hours to work out.

Rrring Trring :Telemarketers only decide to call in the afternoon just when you have had a heavy lunch and are ready to crash or worse still have just started your siesta.

I am here: Why is it that the minute you land at the airport you whip out your phone and start chattering immediately. It’s not like the world’s entire burden is rested on your shoulders and because you were unavailable for two hours the world now needs further instructions to move.

I’ll get there first: People standing up as soon as we land as though whoever stands first will get to deplane immediately and will be beamed to their car instantly.

I am sure you have guessed by this list by now that this year I have travelled a lot and have clocked a whopping number of frequent flyer miles but still haven’t been able to demystify the ‘baffling mysteries of life’. In case you can, do let me know.

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 47

Cooking with

Cooking

The peanut belongs to the legume family of beans and contains more than 30 nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, folate, fiber and potassium. They add crunch and flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes Peanuts can be cooked alone or added to your favourite breads, sweets, soups, omelets, salads or rice dishes.

Here are a few easy recipes:

48 48October October77-November November6, 6,2012 2012

Peanut Soup Ingredients: 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 1 stick (4 ounces) butter 3 tablespoons flour 2 quarts chicken broth, heated 2 cups peanut butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 teaspoon celery salt 1 cup ground peanuts

Method Sauté the celery and onion in the butter in a large saucepan for 5 minutes; add the flour, stirring until blended. Stir in the hot chicken broth. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Strain, discarding the solids. Return the liquid to the saucepan.

Stir in the peanut butter, lemon juice, salt, and celery salt. Cook just until heated through, stirring frequently.

Ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle with ground peanuts.

Peanut Prune salad Ingredients: 12 cooked prunes (pitted prunes from a packet are fine!)

1/3 cup of cottage cheese 1 teaspoon of grated orange rind 2 tablespoons of chopped peanuts Salt to taste Mayonnaise Method Chill the prunes (if you’re using fresh prunes, make sure they’re pitted). Chilling makes them easier to work with.

Combine the cottage cheese, orange rind, peanuts and salt. Moisten the mixture with mayonnaise and stuff it into the prunes. Serve on salad greens as an entree or party savory !

Boiled peanuts Ingredients: 3 cups peanuts, raw and in the shell 6 cups water 2 1/2 teaspoons salt Method In a large saucepan, bring peanuts (in shell), water, and salt to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. When peanuts are done, the peanuts should have swollen to fill the pods. The peanuts will be somewhat chewy. Serve hot in the shell.

Black & White 49

Sleepless inâ&#x20AC;Ś

Opinionated

Cheryl turned to her right on her bed. It was past 11pm. From the window she could see the reflection of a small night lamp that she had switched on. She could never sleep in the dark; she always needed a little bit of light as a comfort zone. But, some nights even that did not work.

Like this night for instance. She tossed and turned for nearly an hour and then frustrated and despondent, she sat up, switched on the light and started reading a book. Cherylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep problems began when she was very young. As a teenager with a heavy academic workload plus home related chores, she was under great pressure to excel herself at school and also at home where, she had to assist her mother in household chores as she had two other siblings, a working mother and the absence of a father (who died when she was born) standing out like a sore thumb.

How the sleep problems arose is a mystery because even in work heavy households, the members often slept like a log after having worked themselves to the bone.

But, Cheryl, despite putting in long hours at home and her studies, would still find it hard to sleep. Post marriage and child rearing stress only added to her sleeplessness woes.

50 October 7- November 6, 2012

LESS IS MORE But, there are some ways out for insomniacs like Cheryl.

If you are an insomniac and feel that your bedroom is a dreaded place to be, then, the best option would be to spend less time in bed. A person suffering with insomnia should ideally spend less time in bed because that will help you get a restful sleep, experts opine.

Over and above that, sleeplessness can be reduced if some self help relaxing techniques are introduced.

What you got to do is to lie down on your back. Take a deep breath, relax and be totally comfortable before you start anything. Place a pillow under your head, or alternately, under your knees. When you feel that your body has totally relaxed, then start the actual relaxation procedure: RELAXATION TECHNIQUES First take slow, deep breaths through the nose and then

release it in the same slow manner, punctuated with a deep sigh. Now, close your eyes and then turn your focus on your feet and ankles. What you have to do is to see if there is any bit of tension there? In all likelihood, you will be feeling tense, so make efforts to relax them. But, in the bargain, don’t tense yourself further. You know how it feels to lose consciousness, just let yourself loose, limbless and light. Feel as though you are floating away like a weightless object.

Similarly, shift your focus from the feet to other segments of your body and slowly go over them, one by one, dissecting them, making them weightless and floating them. At the same time, make sure that your body is a real weightless, relaxed mode. Continue to breathe very softly. This may sound easy on paper, but, it is not that easy. Nothing is. There will be countless thoughts trying to distract you so, gently look into it and then slip out of it.

MODERN DAY SLEEPLESSNESS Sleeplessness or insomnia or call it what you will is a common problem. There are so many out there trying their best to get some much deserved shut eye. But, their efforts are in vain because most of them are not genuine attempts. More women experience sleeplessness (in its various forms) than men, and women generally get

this disorder owing to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Although over the period of time women have been given various techniques to overcome their bad sleeping habits and also bouts of sleeplessness, the fact remains that even today, in the modern age, a good percentage of women experience difficulty in falling asleep.

SLEEPING IS NO CHILD’S GAME Sometimes sleeplessness is a problem that is wrought upon undisciplined women who do not take care of themselves. But, if they realise the importance of it; that sleep is a basic human need and plant this firmly in their consciousness that good health and a good life emanates from good sleep, then women can get a better quality life.

Sleep is the basic foundation for a productive day ahead and for women who are neck deep in work that is the least thing that they should have to function well. Don’t play with sleep!

Some of the common sleep related disorders: insomnia, narcolepsy, nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder, pain and sleep, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

Black & White 51

Go take a

COLD

Opinionated

By Edward Craig

52 52October October77-November November6, 6,2012 2012

SHOWER!

It may sound as though I am raining down on your parade, but, the truth is that if you take a two to five minutes cold shower, you are going to feel energised. Or, at least free from your depression. That is what research says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take two to three minutes once or twice daily as a treatment for depression,â&#x20AC;? researchers claim.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how it works, but it worked for me. Some people call it the Bond therapy. Call it what you will, but if it works, it seems to be the easiest way to get back to life from the downsâ&#x20AC;Ś NO HARM MEANT There are those who are against the cold water therapy claims. They have their reasons for it and I am not going to dispute that. My sincere belief is that cold water therapy is not going to harm us in anyway, so why not try. If it works, well and good, if not, fine. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to say anything that would masquerade as an argument. But, my theory, based on my self treatment of cold water has made me a proponent of the same.

However, as all articles, even remotely connected to medical theories, may advise, it is always best to talk to your doctor before you go for it. If your doctor approves and you are keen to experiment with a cold shower, then, this is what you have to do: Most of you would have been under a hot shower all your life, so it may not be as easy to suddenly switch from hot to cold. So, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even think of taking it full on. You should gradually decrease the temperature so that you are able to adjust the same. There are many people with several health conditions that prevent them from taking cold showers.

START SLOW For those whom the doctor has approved of a cold shower, it is ideal to start off slow. Start with lukewarm water so that your body slowly gets used to this routine.

Once you get used to it, you can experiment. Try taking an occasional cold shower and if you find that it is rejuvenating you, then go ahead and enjoy its multifarious benefits. Some say that it is better if cold showers are taken when the bathroom is heated. Also, it would be good if you could rub some oil into your skin.

Many have found the cold water therapy of great value because those who have done it found it revitalising. If some may dispute the fact that it is one of the healthiest of therapies, it pays to remember that is certainly one of the most inexpensive. Some of the points to remember before and during a cold shower are: â&#x20AC;˘ Massage your body with oil (preferably with almond oil) â&#x20AC;˘ Make sure the bathroom is heated â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out of a cold shower into a cold room â&#x20AC;˘ Women should not take cold showers during certain periods (doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice required) Benefits of a cold shower include: â&#x20AC;˘ Increases circulation in the body â&#x20AC;˘ Cleanses the circulatory system â&#x20AC;˘ Reduces blood pressure on internal organs â&#x20AC;˘ Reduces chances of contracting hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs (Disclaimer: The above article is not a substitute for medical prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with physician on all counts)

For women Poem $ JODPRURXV Ó?RUDO IUDJUDQFH VLPLODU LQ VW\OH DQG LGHQWLW\ WR 6FDUOHWW E\ &DFKDUHO Top notes Ě&#x17E; MXLF\ FLWUXV WHD OHDYHV DQG KRQH\VXFNOH Middle notes Ě&#x17E; ULFK MDVPLQH DQG VZHHW KRQH\ Base notes Ě&#x17E; VPRRWK ZRRGV DQG PXVNV

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

Great expectations…

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar “Did I commit? I don’t remember” “Is it my job to do it? I think I have done my bit” “Listen, it is not my responsibility to think about your agenda” “It just slipped my mind” “I know I failed, but I can’t help it” “I didn’t mean to hurt…”

Sounds familiar? These infamous lines and quite a few more are not new or unique to me. I am sure many of you out there would have heard these lines many times, ending with the usual words- Sorry, if I let you down!

It could leave you in a disappointed lurch, especially when it comes from people whom you think you know well!

When you are at the listening end of these words, if you are a temperamental person, you would see only red, even after many months of patient analysis, you will still not know why!

Then you will start blaming yourself for expecting someone else to behave according to your list of rights and wrongs!

If you don’t learn your lessons well, you will repeat the same old mistake in a new way, reaching the same end point…. Sorry, if I let you down!

Disappointed? Dejected? Depressed?

How many times have you decided to have no expectations in order not to get disappointed? And how successful were you?

It would still be an understatement to say that there is no living being in this world, who has not experienced the feeling of disappointment. It arises from our internal thoughts, it is always self created. And for sure, it’s our emotional response to the one and only cause – expectation!

We tend to attach expectation to almost everything in life and this means disappointment becomes a clear cut distinct possibility, not a probability.

Do experience help in this matter? It does sometimes, but leaves you a different changed person, a cynic, a pessimist or sometimes a different you. When truth stares at you in the face, you know it’s mostly up to you to decide whether you want to depend on your experience or decide otherwise.

Things don’t always turn out the way we might like, that’s a fact we all live with.

And if we are looking for disappointment, that’s what we are going to find.

Tell me one person is this world who does things without expectations?

I cannot and have not found one person, who is without expectations.

Every single one of us is filled with hopes, desires, and expectations. Life is full of expectations, from the delivery of a child to exam results to the future of your tomorrows.

I believe the most self less people in this world are our parents. They bring you in to this world, nurture you, cherish you, love you unconditionally, grow you up with values, and give everything even if they have to go without, to place you well in the world, for your future…

I know of parents who eat just once a day to keep their kids happy and smiling all year throughout. Now these epitomes of selflessness still place great expectations on their prodigies. They still expect you to get good marks, behave well, learn right, make them proud, entertain them, and when you grow up take care of them.

Look at yourself as a child… Didn’t you expect your parents to buy you things, give you things, and take care of you every day of their life, long after their responsibilities end and yours start?

So what are other mere mortals, who create relationships based on manmade criteria?

Every time someone makes the comment, I don’t have expectations…. I cringe!

Because I do. priya@blackandwhiteoman.com