Black & White mag Issue 55

26 Rabi' I - 24 Rabi' II

Vol.4 Issue 55IIFebruary 7 - March 6, 2013

Oman's own wedding planners p12

FREE Fortnightly

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Destination Antarctica p24 Time for a makeover p52

If I were in his shoes…

All about X, Y & Z

By Adarsh Madhavan They say that when the editor is your friend, your story gets the lead, the front page, the glory, the fame and what not, day in and day out.

I beg to differ.

My editor – many years back -- was a friend but I suffered. No, he did not harass me or treat me like vermin. But, since he was an ethical and morally responsible man as well as an editor, he would simply refuse to show any interest in any of my stories, good or bad. Of course, the bad ones he trashed without a hint of mercy and the good ones, well, he would downplay them.

That was the time when the media of that country was in its infancy and I was taking baby steps to get out of the usual clichéd ring of reports and articles that gave the powers that be in various sectors what they wanted to hear and read. I began to stop the sugar coating and I started to wipe off the rose tinged outlook of many in the society that I was living in then.

Unfortunately, it did not work, nor, did I have the drive to push it through to any desired level and like a flawed rocket sent to space, my keenness to bring about an open media failed as the attempts nose dived.

That was the outcome, but in the interim period that I struggled to bring some sense into the media work that I produced, I realised that no one, NO ONE, wanted to stick their necks out. I also realised the futility of being a sore thumb in a media that was keen to please the ones who wiped freedom under the carpet than to make them stumble and fall on their fat faces.

Don’t get me wrong! I was starting at the bottom of the ladder and I was attempting to wipe out the oil from the first rungs in order to climb and despite that I fell – heavily. Imagine the scene if I were to climb the top and then fell! Well, sour grapes, they say and I agree. But, I did not finish what I started here, which is to say why my editor friend refused to tag along with me in my attempts, nor really promote

me for whatever little merit that I had. The reason was very simple: he did not want to be branded as a ‘friend promoter’. He did not want to be even remotely connected to any principles that he did not adhere to.

But, he gave me the guidance in the editorial world then as I had little or no knowledge of the actual technique of journalism.

Whatever he taught me still holds good, but in my case, I never progressed from that. A bad learner and a man content to live within my minimal means of understanding, I never attempted to get to the next level. I need more than a guide and mentor like him to get to the next level, but today I don’t find any and therefore I am like a throwback soldier with a rusted bayonet (*). I don’t blame him for preparing me only for close combat and not giving me the training or the exposure for bigger platforms.

So, I stayed in the well that I was comfortable and croaked to content without bothering to make a big splash, let alone attempt to leap out into the world.

But, it is when I had to fend on my own that I realised I did not have what it takes to survive in the real, big, bad, ugly, but not-so-bold world of media! I may still be good at ‘close combat’, as they say, but in a world where everyone was taking their potshots sitting miles away and well protected, I am fodder for even the most inaccurate sniper!

This is why I would like to urge everyone in the media to upgrade their skills as they go. There is no room for the old fashioned, plodding-type approach for scribes, they have to make a name for themselves and they literally have to know everything and not bother to wait for someone to teach it to them. And if there were any real ingénues out there craving to know a thing or two, I’d say, you better unlearn whatever you have been taught. I would do that if I were in my former editor’s shoes… ( * ) -- Rifles with a knife at the end, used for close combat editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Xclusive

Antarctica 24 Destination Four Omanis – Yahya Al Salmani, Buthaina Al Mahruqi, Bader Al Lawati and Ameer Abdulhussain -- are taking that brave step into a far off land, located literally at the bottom of the world. Antarctica is considered to be one of the most remote places on the face of the earth, a land of endless icescape and treacherous mountains

12

Wedding planners

The Sultanate’s wedding scene looks set upon getting a major boost when the first-ever wedding planner boutique – Tiara – is launched here.

Contents

is not a 10 Dieting woman thing There are many men out there who are embarrassed to admit that they want to diet to lose weight. Many think that if a man wants to slim down or want to go on a ‘slimming’ diet, it is a bit unmanly

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 February 7 -Printers March 6

6 B&W

2 0 1 3

52

Makeover

If you are feeling bored with your wardrobe or if you feel that your current style has gone a bit too bland for comfort, then it is time to take a step in the direction of change

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

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

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Passion for stamps Delighted to read about a man’s passion for stamps! Since I am also a keen philatelist, I loved this article. Indeed stamp collecting is the world’s most popular hobbies in the world and it is always good to read about those in the same line as I am. But, it was even more better to know the man who designs the stamps themselves.

Ashique C. M., Sohar

Man behind the stamps It was a good idea to feature the man behind the stamps. Gratified to know that he is also a painter! I had met a French stamp designer many years back and he was a pure designer, but Mohammed Nidham is a painter too. In fact, this story also helped us realise that there are Omanis designing the local stamps.

I was under the impression that it was being done by expatriates or Oman was following a certain set western pattern. This was quite an eye opener. Thank you Black & White!

Mohammed Iqbal, Muscat

A true artist Two entirely different canvasses --- one, the normal painter’s one and the other, well, the size of a stamp. Mohammed Nidham, the painter cum stamp designer excelled in both. I know how difficult that would be as I am a small time painter myself. My forte is, of course, oil, but I can never ever design a stamp. It is two different fields and I found in Mr Nidham a passion that can be found only in real artists. Mr Nidham is a true artist. That is what sets him apart from all others!

Abdullah Al Balushi, Muscat

Doomsday diatribe

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Bikram Vohra’s (issue 54 – What if tomorrow never comes) humorous take on the ridiculous assumption that the world was going to end on December 21, 2012 was simply hilarious! The tongue-in-cheek swagger of his words should have clearly hit the doomsayers where it hurt them the most – their pride. They have rung the death bells and went on this mournful dark dirge about a world that was going to end proved to be a lot of bunkum. And Vohra summed it up right by saying, “…have fun Friday, because you aren’t going anywhere…see you Saturday”! Yes, when is the next doomsday predicted? Let’s have some more laughs!

Brinda Arvind, Seeb

Mere bluster I would like to reply to a query your magazine had raised in its last issue (54); ‘Taking stock of your confidence’ (Are men losing their much vaunted confidence…?). The answer is yes, yes, yes! Sorry, they are not just losing it; they have lost it! Completely! Or, tell me, when did they ever have it? They should have possessed some confidence before they could lose it. When did they have it? I am not trying to be aggressive or am not even looking down on any man, but, I am one who believes that all the male, macho show of a man is merely that – a show! It is mere bluster! This may be a blow to the male ego, but confidence is not their better virtues; ego and bluster is!

Anna Marie, Qurum

Reader's column

No problem I beg to differ. Dr Rajesh Nayak (issue 53) letter will not create any problem! Why should it create any problem? Today, we are so afraid to react when someone from the service sector, who should ideally be hospitable, nice and friendly, is rude and treat us badly. On this front, I agree with the reader (John D’Cruz) who said all of us being treated badly by every service outlet. Rude, ill mannered, unprofessional people are manning most of these outlets (supermarkets, hypermarkets, quick shops, retail outlets etc.) and we are suffering at their hands!

Tom Murray, Al Khuwair February 7 - March 6 8 B&W 2 0 1 3

March 21, 2013 City Amphitheatre, Qurum

For tickets call: 24565697 / 98675976 / 95122430 yanniconcert@blackandwhiteoman.com www.yannioman.com

facebook.com/

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SPEAK UP

men – admit you are on a

DIET!

Men read

Did you always want to diet but were afraid to ask? Don’t worry you can take refuge in the crowd out there who are in the same position. Surprisingly there are many men out there who are embarrassed to admit that they want to diet to lose weight. It probably stems from the belief that dieting is a woman thing.

But, it is neither a woman’s nor a girl’s thing. Yet, there are so many out there who really believe that it is nothing but that -- a girl thing. Going to the gym is not. Building muscles is not. Getting fit is not. But, somehow many think that if a man wants to slim down or want to go on a ‘slimming’ diet, it is a bit unmanly.

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In fact, surveys reveal that very few men actually reveal that they are on a diet. Some of them don’t even want to say that they need to lose weight.

Why are they so shy about their need to lose their extra fat? Women, who are generally known to be shier than men, still have no problem about losing weight or saying that they do. Men, probably feel that it is an onerous task and because of the macho image they normally portray, they don’t want to admit to a failing nor be party to one when they actually attempt and fail. “There is this deep rooted feeling of shame that most men have within them when they have to confront with any physical failing – they may even admit that they are dumb, but they wouldn’t like to confess any physical weaknesses. Even if it is about a bit of flab on their body,” says Dr Don Moreizo, a consultant bariatric physician. “I have seen and dealt with 100s of male patients, but not even one of them has genuinely revealed that he was nursing this need to lose weight – then why did they come to me?” he laughs.

Dr Moreizo notes how it was actually easier for men to lose weight. “Men can actually lose weight easily.

Women have it harder as they tend to store more fat as a biological necessity. Men are also known to be more competitive about the whole losing weight business,” he says.

Earlier surveys reveal that men tend to withhold the fact that they want to lose weight. “They don’t even reveal this to their own family and friends,” Anita Barua, a dietician, says. Men tend to keep their desire to lose weight from friends – even close buddies – because they feel that they would become the laughing stock. “I think it is this men thing about dieting. Since dieting is quite often associated with women, men tend to feel embarrassed about admitting they also want to diet. It is quite a shame actually!” Barua added.

Averill Barden, a nutritionist, also noted that she had advised many men to go out into the open and say that they are on a diet. “Very few men have openly admitted that they wanted to diet,” she claims. “This is the reason why are so many closet dieters. I know of many men who are secretly dieting and have even made me vow that I should not reveal their names. I wouldn’t reveal their names, but I don’t really encourage such secret dieting!”

Although men are more metrosexual in their approach to life today, they still have not been able to shrug off some of the conservative ideas of masculinity – they still find it hard to admit that they are on a diet, Barden notes.

So, until the time they are able to come out into the open about their need to diet, men will continue to diet in secret.

Dieting in secret is not really a good thing, notes Barua. She feels that there is a great need to diet properly – secretly or otherwise – which means that they shouldn’t indulge in dieting on their own. “They should really seek the assistance of proper doctors, dieticians and nutritionists,” she advised. “Men, often tend to get into unassisted dieting – but this would put them into various health related problems. Let them get a doctor’s advice and dietician’s guidance – even if they want to do it in secret!”

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Oman watch

Wedding February 7 - March 6 12 B&W 2 0 1 3

Planners

Oman's own

The white one with frills? Or the ice blue one sans designs? You need to invite nearly 150 guests for the wedding but you don’t know of a hall that will hold that many? Would you need a complete band to play for the reception or will you be okay with one?

So many questions; so many doubts and so many worries‌and no answers!

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Oman watch

The Big Day is looming and you have no clue as to what to do for as they say, this is the first time you are getting married and you have little or no knowledge on how to plan your own wedding…

Well, time to heave a sigh of relief.

Omanis planning to get married have finally a professional wedding planner to look to for advice and actually plan their wedding. Until now, Omanis planning for their Big Day are left floundering and have no one to guide them in the bewildering world of wedding planning.

In fact, the Sultanate’s wedding scene looks set upon getting a major boost when the first-ever wedding planner – Tiara – is launched here.

Although the market is flooded with event organisers, you will not find any professional wedding planners.

“We have event organisers here who step in to plan weddings, but none of them are exclusive wedding planners. Countries like Jordan, Lebanon have a multitude of wedding planners, but you will not find that in Oman. This has prompted me to launch my own company called Tiara, which will specialise in weddings and celebratory events. Specialisation matters as it can help do justice to the event by making it unique and special,” Amina Anis Al Zadjali told Black & White in a recent interview.

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TIARA AND YOURS TRULY Amina is tying up with Natasha Nohra, an experienced and professional wedding planner from Lebanon. Tiara will link with Natasha’s Lebanon-based company, Yours Truly, to provide professional wedding planning in Oman for the first time.

Amina, who is a young Omani entrepreneur, feels that this tie-up will kick start her career in Oman. She feels her natural inclination for planning and her womanly drive and instincts coupled with one of the best known names in wedding planning in Lebanon would give her the right platform to launch her dream career and also set upon a path for many other young Omanis to follow.

BUSINESS ASPIRATIONS “I believe that planning and organising portfolios are the best ones for women. They are born with a natural instinct to handle unplanned crisis, put things back in order and well, chart out a dinner for around 25 people in a matter of hours! At a very young age itself I had made up my mind to step in to the world of business entrepreneurship and had identified my field of events and weddings. I love celebrations and used to love making the celebrations at home a little bit more special. After completing my basic education I chose to specialise in business management and administration that will help set me on my career

Everyone has a wedding on their calendar, either for self or for their children or for their siblings... even friends. Life is full of celebrations.

Unlike other celebrations, a wedding is a one of its kind, a very special and sentimental one.

Everyone wants their wedding to be special and well planned out

by Yours Truly Events

path. I completed my two-year course in the United Kingdom and returned to Oman. I joined bank muscat events division for about four months as a trainee and got hands on experience in managing events and related functionalities. Events management and PR functions go hand in hand and the more exposure one gets in the field, one gets better equipped to close an event successfully,” Amina said.

WEDDING PLANNER Amina reveals that she always wanted to become a full-fledged wedding planner. “Everyone has a wedding on their calendar, either for self or for their children or for their siblings... even friends. Life is full of weddings and celebrations. Unlike any other celebrations, a wedding is a one of its kind and a very special and sentimental one. Everyone wants their wedding to be special and well planned out. But, when you are planning it yourself, you get too personal or nervous. It needs a third party to help you out, advise you and plan it for you with a theme. That is where the expertise of a wedding planner is required.

From the day you decide on the D-date, a planner can step in and create that magical day for you – just for you!”

INTERNATIONAL TIE UP Tying up with a style maven like Natasha and her professional set up in Lebanon would not only provide a perfect launch for her career in Oman, but also bring about a brand new industry, which looks set to have a great future.

“I have joined hands with Natasha, an experienced and professional wedding planner and her company, Yours Truly, has been in this field for many years. The partnership is going to make a difference to the local wedding scenario, because Natasha brings in over 12 years of event and wedding planning experience to Oman. With hardcore experience in producing major festivals in the region, Natasha will also apply her PR background skills to the wedding planning here,” Amina noted.

Like most kids who grew up inspired by their own home surroundings and their family members, Amina also had home ground grooming thanks to the many birthday celebrations at home. “I can say that my entry into the world of wedding planning and events started from my home. I was brought up in a family that loved occasions. I can say I have celebrated 31 different and special birthdays, my own... because my mom ensured that every one of my birthday is different and special.

She is my inspiration. Variety is a way of life, it spices up every moment, every occasion, filling your life with occasions, rather than boring days. Growing up with daily celebrations at home, my mind was attuned to looking at life on a celebratory mode. So, here I am in the world of celebrations, weddings and dreams!” Amina enthused.

INTERESTING CHALLENGE Stepping in to Oman with Amina is going to be an interesting challenge, said Natasha. “Oman is still a new market and one good wedding is going to change the way people will look at organising weddings. The limitations and challenges are many --from a dearth of decorative materials to getting proper chair covers. It takes a lot of little things to make a big difference and every wedding is unique and different. You cannot use the same material and colours for all the weddings. Oman is still a conservative and traditional market and we hope to make a difference when we start our events.”

WHY WEDDINGS? Weddings are very emotional-packed events and for many, they are just once-in-a lifetime moments. You hold on to the memories for ever. The reason why wedding planning is significant is that every wedding is the end result of someone’s dream. You are actually working on realising someone’s dream, creating a lifelong bouquet of memories that they will cherish forever. When you put in a concept and plan every little thing from a bride’s wedding dress to the take away gift for the guest, it becomes an event.

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“It is not a job where you can put off your mobile at 6pm or disappear in the weekend. Every wedding is going to be like your own. You will start working from the date the wedding is finalised. Sometimes you work for a year and there are times when I have done a wedding in just three weeks!

“In this field, every client of yours is for a lifetime, simply because you were part of their most emotional and most memorable event of their lives!” Natasha said.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CLIENT Although wedding planning is a very challenging field, Natasha feels that a lady with a creative mind could do

wonders to the event. “From what colours to be used, to the flowers and candles on the reception table, the list is long and endearing for every woman. If you believe life is a celebration, wedding planning is the career to be in...

“The most important part of planning the event successfully is your understanding with your client, be it the bride or the groom. You may have to sit with them for many hours, but if you understand their mindset and attributes, you will create a wedding of their dreams.

Always remember, that you are creating someone’s special moment and they are going to cherish it for a long time...there cannot be mistakes of any sort. It has to be perfect and planning makes perfection in a wedding!”

Oman watch

Why do we need a wedding planner?

On your wedding day, you are going to be pulled in a thousand different directions. Add to it the confusion of having to plan your wedding too. You have so many doubts about what to wear and the sagely advices from your friends are not going to help you get anywhere.

Budgeting your wedding is going to be a nightmare and the more you think about it, the scarier it would get. From worrying about where to hold your wedding receptions and what entertainment to provide, wedding planning is an event by itself. If you think you can handle the handful of things to do and remember (listed above) without any problem then you don’t need a wedding planner, but if that small list seems like a mountainous task, then better look for a wedding planner.

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O

Letting go

wall he t ff

By Adarsh Madhavan Everyone does finally and so I am following suit. Am letting go. Of the past, of the future, of the present. Of all that is in between and all that is connected…

Sometimes, most of the times, it does not work. It simply does not work. I see happy people and I neither feel awe nor do I feel envy. It is an elevation that is beyond me. I know I have tried. God knows that I have tried. But, when it does not work, it does not. This head aches from banging against a wall. Whatever it is that we are doing, it is a type of relationship. If I am trying to write this now, I am trying to make a relationship with myself and my words and I hope to put the message across somehow to someone out there who might take the time to read this. A relationship is happening, blooming. If there is no relationship, then the words don’t exist; there is no meaning. Life has no meaning. We have a relationship with everything and it is this relationship that is hard to maintain. So, imagine the relationship that we all have with each other. The more I know you the more we share our relation and if we don’t, then there is nothing.

We have a relationship with everything, even our thoughts and as I try to argue myself with the voices in my head, I understand how hard it has been to hold on to it. Not any more. I have finished with it. I am bone weary and I just want to distance myself with it; disconnect. I don’t have anything to say either.

Enough is enough. I have had the experience and that is more than enough. I cannot take it anymore. Of course, it hurts. It hurts more than anyone could even fathom, but then what is the point in holding on to something that is dead and gone. What is the point in hearing your own words echo in your tired heart? Yes, when it was good it was very very good and when it was bad, there was no hell beyond it. But, I should have let go years back, not just allowed it to eat into me. Why did I flog this dead horse? It was actually a need to believe that the dead could be brought back to life. How else can I put it? This is the society that we all live in. Wealth is more important than anything, even people. The rat race makes us want fame, fortune, and its shiny trappings. All of us have been told to chase the material dream and we run after it, panting.

By letting go, I am not going to attain Nirvana. But, at least I am making a start. I am shifting focus on something I can actually control; not what I cannot…

I have been dwelling on the past too long and I am going to erase it. That might bring me regretfully to the present, but, even there I don’t feel apt so I am pushing ahead because I feel myself draining each day. I want to feel angry, I want to feel mad and I want to rage, but I am possessed by an emptiness that stifles me. What is the point in holding on to a feeling that is stillborn? At least I should rant and rave. I know that is childish, but even feeling childish is an emotion, not this death; this frozen, unmoving self. So, I am taking responsibility, oh yes, I am going to be responsible and wipe this mess, even if there is a dispute on who created it. Let me clean this mess that I hold deep within me and let me move on like all of you.

There has to be more in life than mere emptiness.

Why should I spend my whole life scampering through this wilderness for something that I thought I deserved but now I know I don’t?

There has to be more to life than this daily empty grind. I am tired of schools, colleges, and those teachers trying to tell what I have never ever understood: that the time between my life and death has to be filled with various ways to make both ends meet, gain wealth, status, power…why am I always worried about what is next when what was to come came and gone so many zillion times and affected me just once or twice. So, here it is then, I don’t want anything anymore – am going. Am letting it go. Am standing up and walking out of my own history. adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com February 7 - March 6 2 0 1 3 17 B&W

CME at Al Amal Al Amal Medical Centre organised a CME programme on Osteoarthritis

by Dr Naren John (orthopaedic consultant), highlighting the problems of osteoarthritis especially in younger generation, etiology, complications, treatment and prevention.

The CME was a great success and many doctors from outside the clinic attended the meeting, which was followed by a dinner sponsored by Pfizer. Dr Mohammed Anwar Ahmed is appointed as the CME convenor. "With the increased commercialisation of the medical field, CME`s are very essential for the doctors in order to

Audi Oman supports

Muscat Festival

provide best medical care in most scientific safe and ethical manner. He plans to hold 13 lectures on different sector of medical field this year. Al Amal Medical Centre have already applied for accreditation from the Oman Medical Speciality Board (OMSB).

Wattayah Motors, the exclusive dealers for Audi in Oman, announced their third consecutive year of supporting Oman’s most loved season of revelry – the annual Muscat Festival. Discussing this association, AbdulKarim Awaadnational sales and marketing manager at Audi Oman, commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Muscat Festival once more, as the event continues to gain more popularity year on year. It provides the perfect platform for residents and visitors to get closer to the brand Audi and understand what we stand for. Over one million people visit the festival each year and this edition promises to be an event with a bigger, better and more global appeal ensuring that more and more people can experience the Audi way.” The Muscat Festival is the biggest and most popular cultural event that is held in Oman and this is the third consecutive year that Audi Oman has supported the event that features events across the city that this year will run from January 30 to February 28. Worldwide Audi has been a long standing supporter of cultural events and brackets together its activities in this field under the label, 'Audi Art Experience'.

Al Qurum Jewellery opens Patek Philippe boutique Al Qurum Jewellery, the official dealer of Patek Philippe, has opened the first exclusive boutique for the world renowned Swiss watch maker at the Opera Galleria, Royal Opera House Muscat. The boutique showcases current collections of timepieces that embody the tradition and innovation for which the famous watchmaker is distinguished.

“Our association with Al Qurum Jewellery dates back more than 25 years and today, we are proud to take our relationship forward. We are now extending our presence in Oman February 7 - March 6 18 B&W 2 0 1 3

with the opening of our own retail space that exudes the intrinsic values of the Patek Philippe brand,” said Theirry Stern, president of Patek Philippe.

Ali Awadh Ali, president of Al Qurum Jewellery, expressed, “The Opera Galleria sets the perfect stage for a brand that amalgamates tradition with innovation. We

are confident that this new retail environment will be appreciated not only by our loyal customers but all enthusiasts of both beauty and art.”

Bank Sohar road safety campaign In line with His Majesty’s directives towards Road Safety and the emphasis given to lowering the death toll on Oman’s roads, Bank Sohar launched a road safety campaign in partnership with Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), the first and only registered nongovernmental road safety organisation at a press conference held at the bank’s learning centre in Qurum.

Commenting on the importance of improving safe driving habits in Oman, Mohamed Abdul Aziz Kalmoor, chief executive officer of Bank Sohar, noted: “As part of our commitment to the community we firmly believe that people need to be in the best physical and mental health in order to achieve a peak financial health. By forming this strong partnership with the Oman Road Safety Association, we will build on the existing awareness campaigns conducted by the local authorities to educate

the drivers of Oman on the importance of driving safely and how crucial it is to adhere to the rules of the road.”

He added, “The main objective of the joint road safety campaign between Bank Sohar and the Oman Road Safety Association is assisting in raising general awareness of road safety, and in turn have a positive impact on our society by complimenting His Majesty’s directives and the outstanding efforts of the men and women of the Royal Oman Police.”

Lifestyle introduces Fiorelli Bags Fiorelli products are designed in London by a young, ambitious and forward thinking team of designers. Brand innovation, meticulous design and high perceived value give Fiorelli the competitive edge. High quality fabric and skilled craftsmanship dictate the unique designs of these bags. Brilliantly designed to suit every occasion, the Fiorelli bags are a luxurious lot of inspirational trend-led handbags and purses are now available across all Centrepoint stores in Oman.

Dosa Plaza restaurant now in Muscat Dosa Plaza (‘The world’s widest menu in Dosas’) is the latest restaurant in town. Operated by Sohar Hotels & Restaurant Services it is located in Ruwi, Main Business District (MBD). The general manager, Allam Kilani, for Dosa Plaza Muscat is excited about the brand and its strength. Dosa Plaza has a banquet

hall (3000 sqft area) with a capacity of 150 seating and music in its basement.The banquet hall is open for birthday parties, conferences and private events. They have also begun indoor and outddor catering service.

Enticing the taste buds of millions, Dosa Plaza, the only South Indian brand has the world’s widest menu

in dosas with delightful varieties that include dosas with Chinese, Mexican fillings. The brand has more than 13 years of expertise in serving delicious and yummy 104 types of dosas.

Dosa Plaza is a one-stop destination serving the maximum menus.

Contact: 94122286 / 94122287/ info@dosaplaza.com

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Omantel Sponsors Muscat Festival 2013 Omantel is the main sponsor for the Muscat Festival 2013, which is attracting visitors from all over Oman and across the AGCC to the festival locations in Amerat and Naseem parks. Hamdan bin Moosa Al Harasi, general manager corporate affairs at Omantel said: “Omantel provides its utmost support to the different events held in Oman in a bid by the company to serve the different sectors of our

society. We are once again putting our support behind one of the most loved and highly anticipated annual cultural events in Oman, which plays an important role in showcasing the country's rich history and culture and also helps in promoting its tourism potential. Omantel will also sponsor for the fourth consecutive year the main events of the festival, the Tour of Oman.

ESO's vocational training programme in Masirah The Environment Society of Oman, as part of the Egyptian vulture research project funded by the Hima Fund, organised and managed a vocational training programme. In addition to the scientific aspect of the project, a two-week socio-economic training was given, last December, to women in Masirah. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, (RSCN) Jordan provided expert advise on the making of handicrafts.

Twenty four Omani women, unemployed and below the age of 25, successfully completed in producing different designs related to Masirah nature and specifically

the endangered Egyptian vulture. These designs and produced samples were the subject of a local exhibition attended by Sheikh Sulaiman bin Salim Al Mahruki, Wali of Masirah, by a representative of the Royal Flight, General Nasser Al Saadi and members of the local community.

Gallardo LP 550-2 Lamborghini's prospective customers and press enjoyed the opportunity to drive the two-wheel drive Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2, during a special Oman test-drive event organised by Lamborghini Muscat (Shanfari Sports Cars LLC) recently.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat launches 'experience meetings'

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Radisson Blu Hotel, recently launched “Experience Meetings” This new concept for meetings and events harmonises the meeting essentials: breakout rooms, food and connectivity with the intangibles: service, satisfaction and sustainability.

'Experience meetings' is the newest attractive offering at 255 participating Radisson Blu hotels with a total of more than 2,200 meeting rooms in 55 countries across Europe, the February 7 - March 6 20 B&W 2 0 1 3

Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “The meeting segment is our key business.

'Experience meetings' provides our guests with a consistent high standard of products and services – from the first to the last phase of their booking – and supports our ambitious revenue generating activities,” commented Olivier Jacquin, senior vice president sales, marketing and distribution at Rezidor, operator of Radisson Blu in EMEA.

RAM 1500 and Jeep Wrangler win trio of awards Four Wheeler Magazine has chosen the new 2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4×4 as its Pickup Truck of the Year. In addition, Autobytel.com has named the 2013 Jeep Wrangler “SUV of the Year” and the 2013 Ram 1500 “Pickup Truck of the Year.”

“Our readers use their trucks, sometimes in much harsher duty cycles than most would expect,” said John Cappa, editor — Four Wheeler Magazine. “Within our testing, we integrate a number of challenges to push capability and durability.

At trails-end, the 2013 Ram 1500 was our choice and winner of Four Wheeler Magazine’s Pickup Truck of the Year.”

“The 2013 Jeep Wrangler continues to remain the classic off-road and onroad choice because of the array of comfort and technology, all packaged in timeless design and categoryleading value,” said Michelle Naranjo, editor-in-chief, Autobytel. “The all-

new 2013 Ram 1500 follows a great tradition of power and strong design, integrating its great value now with class-leading fuel efficiency and the tech packages that plant the icon of the American pickup truck firmly in the 21st Century.”

Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Centre appoint

new senior management

Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Centre, operated by Majid Al Futtaim Properties announced changes to its management team. Husam Mohamed Al Mandhari is the senior mall manager for Muscat City Centre and Watfa Humaid Al Harthy is the

senior mall manager for Qurum City Centre. Husam and Watfa, both Omani nationals, will draw upon their retail, sales, marketing and mall management experience to drive the continued growth of their respective malls.

McDonald’s Launches Muscat Festival promotion campaign McDonald’s Oman (Al Daud Restaurants LLC) is giving away a Hyundai Sonata, diamond pendants from Damas and smart televisions from LG, as part of the company’s exciting activities lined-up during the month of Muscat Festival. Starting from January 30 until February 28, McDonald’s valued customers who purchase any large value meal will be entitled to participate in ‘McDonald’s Muscat Festival promotion’.

Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman, said: “McDonald’s Muscat Festival promotion’ is such an exciting

campaign intended to add value and excitement to all our valued customers during this festive season.

We did it in the past and it was a huge success.

Now we are bringing it back again as part of Muscat Festival celebration and to strengthen our ongoing commitment to the community by providing great food, great value for money and simple easy enjoyment

to each and every customer of ours. We would like to thank our partners for contributing and putting together such a fantastic promotion campaign”.

Customers who will purchase a large value meal will stand a chance to win fabulous items. Winners will be selected through a raffle draw on March 10.

The prizes to be raffled include gold and diamond pendants from Damas, LG Smart Televisions, and a Hyundai Sonata car.

Visit www.McDonaldsArabia.com and McDonald’s Oman facebook page February 7 - March 6 2 0 1 3 21 B&W

The new attraction at Muscat Eye Laser Center Ahmad Al Harthy’s car was the star attraction at Muscat Eye Laser Center, Qurum. People came in large numbers to get their photograph clicked standing next to the Porsche Carrera that Al Harthy used for the last three seasons in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Championship.

Sport enthusiasts came with their professional cameras while others were content having their photograph clicked next to the iconic Porsche Carrera with their phones! Al Harthy himself visited the venue for a short while in the afternoon, much to the delight of the Center’s customers and visitors.

The attractive turquoise blue vehicle was branded with logos – prominent ones being that of Oman Tourism, Oman Air, Nawras, National Bank of Oman and Muscat Eye Laser Center.

The backdrop had an image of Al Harthy with a quote from him “I chose Muscat Eye Laser Center because they are the best at what they do”.

Ahmad Al Harthy got his Z-LASIK done last year at the Center restoring him with perfect vision. After winning the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB

Pro-AM1 classic title, he returned to the Center and presented them with a token of his appreciation, thanking the Center for its contribution towards his success. The 31-year old set a new record by becoming the first Omani and first Arab to win a title in the British series.

Telugu community celebrates Sankranti

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Oman Telugu Community has celebrated the Sankranti festival, which coincides with their native harvesting season of their Indian state in the presence of a Tolly Wood Mega star Nagababu in the Grand hall of Al Falaj hotel recently. Nagababu is the brother of megastar Chiranjeevi, the current Indian tourism minister. The Telugu group in Oman, CMYF, is doing community service since 1995 and bagged awards from the ministry of health for seven consecutive times for their services in blood donation.

The Telugu community used this occasion to felicitate Sri Kota Srinivasa Rao a legendary character actor of Indian cinema who acted in more than 1000 films and stage plays. The day’s special guest was Saied Hilal Ismayili, chairman of the Big House International LLC Dr Rangaiah, chairman of the organising committee

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introduced the event and welcomed the guests and gathering followed by the lighting of lamp in the presence of NagaBabu, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Padma Bhushan Vara Prasada Reddy OV Bhaskar Reddy, T Ravindranath, Kasinath and other committee members.

There was also a performance of a traditional dance commemorating the significance of Sankranthi with the children of local Telugu community directed by Praveena Ramesh. The major sponsors for the event were SARCO, Bank Muscat, Mustafa Sultan Exchage, Service & Trade LLC, Areej Vegetable Oils, Poly Products LLC, Zurich Insurance, Al Majal while Global Earth Trading LLC presented.

The convener of the committee Ramdas thanked the sponsors, supporters, guests and other executive committee members.

In Black & White

In Black...

The four Omani members in this Antarctica adventure squad are going to come back with rich experiences, learning the most important things in life: tolerance and appreciation, which will take the youth a long way Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief COOL MORNINGS IN OMAN; ICY MORNINGS IN ANTARCTICA I love cool, cold mornings. There is something about cold chilly mornings that bring out a kind of warmth in me!

Just try to imagine a cold chilly morning… basking in complete silence; such quiet cold mornings are so peaceful and calm. It can be so poetic!

Of course, this can be viewed differently too! Winter’s cold and gray skies can be depressing too. But personally I love the cold climate and the sheer silence that comes along with it. That stillness does not put me in a reflective mood alone, it also brings out the explorer in me and whenever I am in such an environment, I look around, spend more time outdoors and genuinely savour the environment around me.

There are also occasions where my mind ponders over issues of climatic changes and how a sudden transformation can affect our lifestyle.

Now imagine living in extreme conditions, maybe at -35 degrees or lesser. Now, that is an entirely different ballgame! The thought itself would freeze everything within you.

contains 90 percent of all of the ice on the planet.

Imagine living in a place that has no trees or bushes, no vegetation, or even indigenous population.

COMMENDABLE ACT Therefore I would say that it is a very commendable act by these four young Omanis to participate in the extreme expedition to Antarctica, a very brave attempt to highlight the human responsibility towards planet earth. This has bigger significance in the light of the fact that they live in a country that has harsh climate of the other extreme: heat.

While the B&W team looks at what the adventurous four are going to face out there in that remote continent, the team also recollects the earlier path of the first Omani lady to go to this Antarctica expedition in 2011.

TOLERANCE AND APPRECIATION The four Omani members in this Antarctica adventure squad are going to come back with rich experiences, learning the most important things in life: tolerance and appreciation, which will take the youth a long way. We hope they will be successful in their aim to become positive change makers and pass on the message to save and protect our beloved planet.

Imagine Antarctica… It’s considered to be the “coldest, windiest and the driest continent” that

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B&W Xclusive

Antarctica, the icy continent Antarctica is the fifth largest and least known of the world’s land masses. It boasts 10 percent of the planet’s land area and more than 70 percent of its fresh water. It can claim to be the highest place on earth, with an average height of 2300m above sea level; the coldest place on earth, once recording a temperature of -90°C; the windiest place on earth, with gusts up to 370km/h; and the driest place on earth, with valleys that haven’t seen rain for thousands of years. Antarctica, with its unspoiled ecosystem, is also the world’s finest laboratory, and a continent with a rich history of exploration, endurance and survival. Antarctica’s global significance has been recognised and protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, but the key to ensuring its long term protection is the education and engagement of the next generation of environmental stewards.

24 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

JOURNEY

to the end of the

WORLD

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The fantastic 4!

They may not be exactly Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing – but, they are still the ‘fantastic four’ from Oman who are all set to leave their mark in one of the coldest, windiest, driest and most remote part of the world.

They are not some comic book superheroes. But, this incredible four --Yahya Al Salmani, Buthaina Al Mahruqi, Bader Al Lawati and Ameer Abdulhussain -- are taking that brave step into a far off land, located literally at the bottom of the world. Antarctica is considered to be one of the most remote places on the face of the earth, a land of endless icescape and treacherous mountains.

B&W Xclusive

These four young Omanis have thrown caution to the winds and are taking that earnest step into a near unknown frontier, moving from plus (+) 30 degrees to minus (--) 30 degrees and below in a bold attempt to be part of an internationally known scientific adventure that is set to change the mindset of many on the environment they live in.

The incredible or the fantastic four, as we would like to call them, are simple, adventure loving Omanis, who are now suddenly propelled to take on a new mantle of responsibility that may well contribute to real change in the way we look at the world we live in. Ready and raring to set off on their arduous, challenging yet adventure-filled journey, the four let us on into their preparations, their reasons for going and also what they intended to do when they get back.

26 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

“Look-can-I-call-you (back)? I-am-currently-inside-a-freezer!”

Bader Al Lawati tells his caller friend from Dubai between chattering teeth.

“What -- a freezer?!” The speaker from Dubai froze.

Bader Al Lawati’s friend from Dubai literally froze when he heard him say that he was in a freezer. What had happened? What was his good friend doing in a freezer? Was the heat driving his friend to do unusual things?

Sure, on such occasions, Bader has a lot of explaining to do. This is the same case with Ameer Abdulhussain, his freezer companion, or freezing buddy. Off lately, the duo have been hanging out in an industrial size freezer and before anyone jumps to conclusions, let us hasten to add that it is perfectly alright for the two to be inside a freezer. In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg. This freezer experiment is part of the training that they have embarked on before they set off on a mission to the ‘end of the world’.

For the duo, along with two other Omanis are going to be literally treading on ice when they join the rest of their team on a two-week

International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) 2013, which will be from February 28 to March 13, this year.

Bader and Ameer are freezing themselves to ready themselves for the 2041 Antarctica Youth Ambassador Programme. The AYAP is a two-week Antarctic expedition that attempts to transform “passionate environmentalists into informed advocates of renewable energy generation in their home countries”.

Bader, Ameer, Yahya Al Salmani and Buthaina Al Mahruqi will be the third set of Omanis to be setting foot in Antarctica as part of this expedition in the last three years.

FIRST OMANIS Earlier, Bader Al Rahbi and Ali Al Esry were the first two to take part in the expedition. This was followed by Zeena Al Towayya who then became the first-ever Omani woman to visit Antarctica.

It maybe recalled that Nabil (Nabs) Al Busaidi, was the first AGCC Arab to walk to the magnetic North Pole in 2009, and he then also conquered Antarctica’s highest summit, the 4,892 metre Mount Vinson, in 2010.

Ameer, however, has another stab at making personal Antarctic history as he would be, at 23, the youngest Omani ever to have set foot on the Antarctic continent.

REAL TESTS LIE AHEAD But, beyond such statistics lie the real tests ahead. For, travelling to the Antarctica is not child’s play. It is the last frontier on the planet. This vast white wilderness of mountains and ice is known to be an inhospitable place. “There are no — nor have there ever been — permanent human inhabitants of the continent.

Frequent storms on land and sea and the coldest temperatures, driest air, and strongest winds on the planet are a constant threat, even to

Robert Swan, flanked by Bader and Ali in the duo's first mission to Antarctica

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Two freezing Omanis

Bader and Ameer

B&W Xclusive

those who know what they’re doing,” reports say, adding that there is no “governing body in Antarctica, no one with unilateral authority to control where people go, what they do…or to ensure their safety”.

WHY THIS RISK? So, why are these Omanis willing to throw their young lives to the hands of an uncertain fate in the world’s “windiest, driest and coldest of places”? From temperatures of + 30 degrees celsius, the trio will be experiencing – 30 degrees and maybe even below. And, after facing 28 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

one of the harshest climates in the world, where they have to exist in sub zero temperatures, they have to still return to Oman to fulfill another major task.

BIGGEST TEST OF ALL And that maybe the biggest test of all. For the four has to return to Oman and once again face the plus 30 degrees temperature and most importantly, attempt to convince the Sultanate to sign the protocol. Oman has not yet signed in this treaty.

The 2041 organisation aims to raise awareness and pressure

governments into signing a treaty that protects the Antarctic from mining and drilling. The trio also needs to raise awareness regarding the impact of the 2041 on the fragile eco-system of Oman.

The primary goal of the 2041 organisation is to raise awareness about the ‘Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.’

This treaty prohibits “any activity relating to mineral resources, other than scientific research” to be done, until 2041. But come 2041, it is time for re-negotiations. If countries fail to sign in the treaty, chances are that

the world as we know it is bound to change.

ICE BREAKER Black & White met Bader and Ameer at the Cake Gallery in Al Khuwair.

Bader came wearing some of his gear, especially the hard shoes.

Both, Bader, 27, and Ameer, 23, are not just young, they are also starting out in life. But, what brings the duo, who reportedly knew each other from childhood, before uniting for this major expedition, is their passion for the environment. And preparing for this trip seems to have given them a new meaning to life and provided them with a bigger purpose to their existence.

Bader, a media consultant, who is known to bristle when it comes to any issue that harms the environment, especially of his beloved country, speaks out about his ire against those who mindlessly pollute Oman’s pristine beaches. “It pains me to see people litter in the beaches.

They don’t seem to care that their irresponsible and careless acts can be so detrimental to sea life. A plastic bottle can take thousands of years to degenerate and would prove to be a major threat to the marine environment.”

MARINE THREATS He recalls how he reeled with shock after returning from his education abroad to discover the drastic change in Oman’s marine life. “Even as a kid, I used to dive. But, today, when I dive I am confronted with the atrocities done to the sea world. I’d often reflect on the past when I used to dive in the pure, untouched waters.

This has propelled me to participate in the AYAP to not only learn more about nature, but also impart what I have learnt with my compatriots. The environment is the responsibility of the youth as they are the future of a nation. The expedition will be a mind opener for me and Ameer, and it will also make us responsible towards the country and the community

Ammunition against deep freezing

we live in.” Being a witness to the environmental impact on the marine life in Oman he points out how if sea temperatures were to cool down due to Antarctica’s ice sheet melting, then Oman’s marine life would also be affected. “Thanks to this mission, I will be in a better position to learn firsthand as to how to tackle such issues.”

TWO FRIENDS FROM OMAN “The moment I heard of the expedition from Abdulrahim, a friend at a charity initiative (icare), I wanted to attempt the expedition. I filled in the application in July-August 2012 and did not expect I will be selected to represent Oman. It came in as a pleasant surprise in September when I got notified that I am selected.

The surprise was doubled when I came to know my long time friend and schoolmate – Ameer -- is also selected from Oman,” Bader recalled.

POWERED BY SOLAR POWER Ameer is a computer engineer, who has now ventured into the world of solar power and is becoming a

specialist at that. True to his age, he has indulged himself in the world of martial arts and there are also reports of his penchant for video gaming.

Currently employed with the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company’s Solar Project, Ameer is part of the development programme.

“I joined as a trainee and the company has placed me in various departments to provide me training in all sectors of the solar project.”

Ameer noted how his exposure to the solar project helped him understand not just the potential, but the fact that it threw open many possibilities to develop many other solar energy projects here. “There is so much more to learn, but an expedition such as this will give me the right exposure, and I can bring back a lot of knowledge and awareness to Oman,” he enthused.

A chance to meet Robert Swan Both Bader and Ameer expressed their great thrill at the prospect of meeting the one and only Antarctic explorer turned environmentalist, Robert Swan. He is the group leader Black White February 7 -& March 6 29 2 0 1 3 B&W

and we will actually be with the man who first walked to both the poles.

Robert has earned his place in history alongside the great explorers and adventurers who have tested their physical and mental strength to the limit in the planet’s most hostile environments. In 1989 Robert became the first person in history to reach both the South and North Pole on foot. On both expeditions, he experienced firsthand the effects of environmental damage on the polar ice caps. In Antarctica, his eyes were affected and the skin peeled off his face after walking for weeks under the hole in the ozone layer. In the Arctic, the team almost drowned due to melting ice, caused by global warming.

“His famous quote, ‘The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it’ is a very relevant point even today.

“We were told that during his treacherous walk across the Antarctic, Swan’s once ice blue eyes changed colour and became light grey. He later discovered that this was owing to the hole in the ozone layer that lies above the continent,” Bader and Ameer explained.

B&W Xclusive

ROBERT SWAN AND 2041 2041. In that year, 28 years from now, the international peace treaty that protects Antarctica from all mining and drilling rights will come

up for review. Signed by 46 countries in 1959, the Madrid protocol rules that Antarctica is too large and too important to belong to just one country. It dedicates the region to peace, international cooperation and scientific research.

“In Swan’s own words: ‘We should have the good sense to leave one part of the world alone -- Antarctica.’

But in the energy hungry world that we live in today, there is a very real and terrifying risk that this beautiful continent at the bottom of our world could eventually be plundered for her resources. Although he has set 2041 as his time goal, the Arctic’s approaching demise suggests that we may not have the luxury of nearly three decades -- our world may have only one.

“Oman as a country has not signed the treaty and our participation representing the Sultanate is with an aim to return and convince the authorities’ concerned to sign the treaty. It is just a humble attempt by us, on behalf of the youth of Oman.”

GREAT HONOUR “It is a matter of great honour to represent our nation and bring back international exposure and knowledge. The expedition is not an ordinary adventure programme; it is a united attempt to protect our planet earth by involving the youth around the world. We feel

The first e-base built by Robert Swan in Antarctica

30 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

responsible and want to add our mite to this global initiative. The main aim of the expedition is to increase awareness about environmental issues related to climate change and inspire young people to lead the way in implementing practical, viable solutions.

We will bring back whatever we can and share it with our friends and peers in Oman. In our own small way, we will try to convince our authorities the importance of signing the save Antarctica protocol.

We would like to thank all our sponsors, our friends and family members who have helped us prepare for this extreme expedition.

The Environmental Society of Oman has supported us well and will facilitate our sharing of knowledge on our return on March 19.

The expedition is for a two-week period, but the travel schedule and distance makes it a three-week trip. The expedition is costing us OMR11000 per head, including the heavy gear and camera equipments we are planning to take. We will record every single moment of our trip and will bring back our experiences and knowledge in a package to share it with all in Oman,” the duo vowed.

THREE OBJECTIVES Further, the duo said: “We are looking forward to Oman signing

Gearing up for the trip

the treaty. However, we both have three objectives in participating in the expedition. The first and most important objective is to create and run a campaign to protect Oman’s environment; we want to spearhead a campaign that will help educate the youth as well as the corporate against the use of plastics.

The second one is about solar power.

We are visiting a part of the world where there is almost continuous sunlight in the summertime, with the sun setting as late as 11:30pm and rising as early as 3:30am. (But, the winter will see six months of almost continuous darkness. Around Christmas itself -- the southern summer --, sunlight is continuous for 24 hours for a couple of weeks, whilst in mid-June -- the southern winter -- for a couple of weeks, there is no sunlight at all.)

SIGNIFICANCE OF POWER “Look at the significance of power in our lives. We will not be able to live a day without power, but how many of us know what is power and how do we get power at the tap of a switch? We would like to create awareness of power in general, and most importantly the benefits of solar power and the necessity of energy conservation.

“The third objective is to protect

marine life and create awareness about the importance in Oman. It is a shame to enjoy the nature and destroy the marine life. It is beyond human capacity to create marine life, but it is in our own hands to safeguard and protect the marine life.”

EXTREME EXPEDITION Bader and Ameer agree that life is not going to be easy in their two weeks Antarctic stint. “We are going to be in extreme conditions, at below -35 degrees. For the past one month we are training in a freezer, once or twice a week. This exposure to low temperatures will help us bear the cold during the expedition. It is very difficult to be in a freezer for couple of hours even.

The batteries get frozen, breathing becomes painful and the layers of clothing and gear we wear make us tired and heavy. Phones don’t work; iPods and other electronic items stop functioning. What we generally do in the freezer provided by one of our sponsors (Enhance) is curl up and read a book! The impact of the sun is going to be direct and damaging too. We are given instructions to take precaution and are preparing ourselves.

Our clothing is anywhere between five to eight kilogrammes and we might trip on our own heavy clumsy shoes. The clothing will help us retain

our body heat, and avoid sweating that will freeze inside, giving us pain and discomfort. Ears, nose and finger tips will be the most vulnerable parts and we are training ourselves and hope to survive the extreme climatic conditions of the expedition.”

FAMILY SUPPORT How did their family agree to let them go on such an expedition? “Initially our families thought it was all a joke.

Antarctica sounded like a country in a cartoon; no one actually believed that we are attempting to visit the place.

Most of our friends know Antarctica as a place where penguins live...

Our families are worried about the extreme conditions we are going to face, but they are very proud of us and our attempt to protect the environment. We are taking along a satellite phone, but most of the time we will be out of touch with all our near and dear ones. The expedition is going to be a challenging one in all ways, physically, emotionally and mentally...we hope to survive and come back as new people!”

(Bader and Ameer also thanked everyone for their encouragement and support, especially their sponsors, Velosi Applus — OHI, The Oman Power & Water Procurement Co, The Cake Gallery, Enhance Oman and The University of Wollongong in Dubai.)

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Yahya Al Salmani

B&W Xclusive

First Omani scribe on the expedition The International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) has the youngest Omani to enter the Antarctic, as well as the first Omani media official. While Ameer Abdulhussain, 23, will become the youngest Omani to walk on the windiest, driest and coldest place on earth, Yahya Al Salmani, the director of awareness and information with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA), will be the first Omani scribe to be part of the carefully selected IAE team that will explore Antarctica.

LOW PROFILE ADVENTURER Despite the media buzz and hype 32 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

surrounding this trip to the Antarctica, Yahya, seemed to be keeping a very low profile. While the other two male participants were busily preparing themselves, even going to the extent of ‘freezing’ themselves in industrialsize freezers, Yahya seemed to be totally at ease with the thought of throwing himself into the unknown frontier.

NONCHALANT YAHYA “Why should I be scared, anxious or nervous? I think I am going to enjoy myself!” says a nonchalant Yahya.

Those who know him well, says that this is typical of him. For, although

this is his first ever trip to the Antarctica, Yahya is a self-confessed traveller, having travelled to 40 countries, to the Swiss Alps and even to the Amazon jungles. Yahya is no stranger to adventure or rough and tough travelling.

SERIOUS GOALS Perhaps, Antarctica may be a real travel test, but, Yahya is unfazed and seemed to be quite gung ho about his impending grueling adventure on ice. He said he felt “privileged and lucky” to have been chosen for this expedition, but was quite wary of being on the spotlight.

He wanted to keep a 'low profile' and is keener to promote his other fellow travellers than to speak about himself or his previous exploits.

“This is something that I love to do.

Travelling to Antarctica is a golden opportunity as I am also an avid photographer,” Yahya said, adding that his love affair with nature was going to get enhanced with this trip, which has both adventure and a real environmental mission attached to it.

“There is a serious goal behind this trip to Antarctica. We are all given certain responsibilities and when I come back, I am going to send the message across to everyone in Oman by writing articles, speaking

to the public and generally raise awareness on climate change the like. I think this trip will signal a life long pursuit in spreading environmental awareness,” Yahya, who has always shown deep interest in discovering the culture of the people in the countries he has so far visited, said. During the trip to Machu Pichu, Yahya had the opportunity to actually interact with the natives there.

UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM As for the current Antarctic trip, he said he and the rest of his team members would be given a chance

to further understand the unique ecosystem. Armed with fresh knowledge from the trip, he would set about working in a systematic manner to make everyone else understand and realise the need to protect the fragile ecosystem and its unique landscape and wildlife.

This Antarctica mission would cost him around OMR12000, he said, also profusely thanking his supporters: the MECA, Oman Portuguese Cement Products LLC, Oman Fisheries Company and Ray International. “I am really grateful to them for all the support they have provided – such trips need private sector support without which we would be nowhere!”

Buthaina Al Mahruqi

Go for it Buthaina!

Second Omani woman to step foot on Antarctica Black White February 7 -& March 6 33 2 0 1 3 B&W

“Go for it mama!” exhorts seven year old Layan.

These are the magic words that have transformed a young, bubbly, adventure loving girl into a mature, serious, environment conscious, woman who is keen to change the mindset of many an Omani on the impact of environment.

B&W Xclusive

Buthaina Al Mahruqi, a 27-year old IT specialist and mother of two girls (Layan and Lamar, four), was suddenly transformed from the usual adventure lover to a responsible environmentalist with a mission.

Buthaina is today someone who is focussed on bringing a better environmental order to the world, starting from Oman.

Her two daughters already consider her a heroine and it is perhaps their innocent belief that their mother is a super heroine that has given her the added boost to pursue her long cherished dream of being part of the Antarctica adventure.

INSPIRED, MOTIVATED Two years back when she first heard about the extreme expedition from a former colleague of hers (Abdulrahim), she felt instantly drawn into taking part in the extreme AYAP expedition under the leadership of the famous polar Robert Swan.

“But, again, though my heart said I should be a part of it, I was not mentally prepared to take an initial step.”

However, in 2011, when the first Omani woman to go to Antarctica, Zeena Al Towayya took part in the AYAP and returned successfully, rich with knowledge and international exposure, Buthaina made up her mind too.

“Zeena was part of a motivational 34 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

workshop organised for the team at PDO and the photos she showed us all was very live and impressive. She inspired me and gave me confidence to fill in the application for the 2013 expedition,” Buthaina said.

“When I filled in the application in August last year, I was not too sure whether I would be found physically fit and acceptable, but I still applied.

“I spoke to my parents and my husband, neither of whom thought that I will actually take up the expedition seriously.

I remember my dad trying to dissuade me by saying that I did not have to take up a dangerous expedition to prove anything. But I am sure he knew I was serious about the whole issue.”

Participating in the AYAP expedition is a responsibility as a living being towards the environment, she says. “I am not actually a very environmentally aware person, but when I got selected for the Antarctica trip, my attitude and lifestyle changed.

I knew I have to be physically fit, mentally strong and intellectually inclined to learn from experiences.

Most importantly, I knew I am representing the youth of my country and the women folk.

Oman is a country where over 50 percent of the population is below 21 years and I knew that I can make a difference by being part of an

extreme expedition for environmental awareness.”

THANKS TO ALL “This year in February, a team of four Omanis are taking part in the expedition. I am proud to be the second Omani woman to attend this programme. The trip turned out to be expensive and is costing me a good OMR12,000.

The first thing I was advised to look for sponsors and supporters. I am very thankful to PDO who is a major sponsor of my trip and would like to personally thank our managing director and the women directors, senior officials who supported and inspired me to take up the challenge and successfully represent our nation and bring back a wealth of knowledge and experiences.

I have already started physical training, bought the gear and clothing required, and I am currently reading quite a lot on environment, the AYAP project and also learning photography. The trip is doing wonders on my mental capacity.”

Other than the Petroleum Development of Oman, Travelpoint, PetroGas and Ray International are supporting Buthaina as sponsors.

“My family is fully behind me and they are very proud of me too. My seven year old is beaming with pride.

I hope to make my nation proud too!”

Buthaina also flashes a happy smile.

Zeena Al Towayya

The first Omani woman to step into Antarctica There is a blurred snap of a penguin that Zeena Al Towayya treasures in her Antarctica photo album. One can barely see the outline of a small penguin, but this is a picture that Zeena keeps close to her heart. For that is the first picture she had clicked of the animal life in her first-ever trip to Antarctica. After that she not only clicked plenty of pictures, but she and the rest of the IAE

(International Antarctic Expedition) team members were also welcomed by scores of penguins.

It seemed as though the scores of black and white ‘flippered flyers’ there were actually welcoming the first ever Omani lady to step foot in this remote continent. This happened in 2012 when Zeena was chosen as part of the AYAP (Antarctica Youth Ambassador Programme).

Black White February 7 -& March 6 35 2 0 1 3 B&W

challenges, she told me and this propelled me to take the plunge.” Of course, a rope secured her and so there was no danger of her drowning, but the icy plunge further transformed her. “It took me some moments to really muster courage for this jump and then trusting myself in the hands of the team members there, I plunged headlong into that dark cold depth.

That was the day when I learnt not to be afraid!”

B&W Xclusive

Zeena with Robert Swan at the 2011 Mosaic International Summit in Doha

Even today, years after her ground breaking trip there, she says some of her Antarctica experiences are pretty indescribable.

“The beauty of Antarctica is overwhelming – and for me, it was further awe inspiring because my eyes opened to a whole new world – climate change!”

She was struck by the ethereal ambience in snow and ice and the unusual silences broken by the sudden shot of ice cracking; the colour stroked skies and bluish tinged snow/ice peaks worthy of a painter’s canvas.

The crystal clear silent moments, even when the surroundings are ravaged by icy winds, and the sudden realisation that you are so far away from home, civilisation…

From the ridiculous to the sublime, Antarctica packed it all for Zeena in the days she spent there. “There were so many indescribable moments. The weather, the animals and the rugged and bizarre climatic changes need to be experienced!” she says, adding there were light moments like when some curious 36 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

penguins pecked around their bags; tense moments when silent icy winds sliced through their camp and the difficult to digest play of nature and wildlife like when they saw a sea lion languidly playing with a penguin and then suddenly fiercely attacking it and devouring it whole.

“We all slept on the frozen floors in our sleeping bags and one night it was so cold and windy that we had to build snow walls – in fact we built a real snow sitting room – to protect us from the wind. In all this, I learnt how to leave nature untouched…”

The list is long. But one adventure left a major impact on her. “Believe it or not, I actually plunged into the dark, icy cold water – what they call the polar plunge!” But the double impact of this jump is the fact that Zeena jumped without knowing how to swim and this act has tremendously boosted her confidence.

“I was quite hesitant and in fact, I told myself that I am not jumping, but then a remarkable lady gave me a piece of advice on why I should do it…you can’t forever run away from

WALKING THE TALK Zeena learnt quite a lot from her expedition. She had a firsthand experience on issues like sustainability, climate change, green energy, wildlife, and most importantly, leadership!

She noted that change was something that happened for everyone. “Accepting changes, learning from experiences and most importantly sharing the experiences matters most; I changed my job, I applied what I learnt to my current life. It feels good to know I can inspire somebody out there, while making a positive difference to the community I live in. Youth is the future of a nation and it is time the youth understood responsibility in the real sense of the word!”

FALLING FOR ANTARCTICA Zeena recalls how she was drawn to this expedition. “I was attending a youth summit – the Mosaic International Summit – that was held in Doha, in 2011. The summit had the objectives to develop leadership ability and an aspiration to be an agent of change; and to develop understanding of key global issues and inspire positive thinking to address them.

“I was fortunate enough to attend the summit, which highlighted various global issues and brought a platform for leadership skills. One of the speakers was the polar explorer Robert Swan, who gave an inspiring speech and a presentation that left all the participants impressed.

Zeena takes the polar plunge

“Hesitatingly, I approached Robert Swan and asked him whether I could take part in the AYAP. He said I could and gave me his business card. I did not believe that it could happen. Later when I returned to Oman, I mailed him about the expedition and he told me to fill in the application and look out for sponsors for the trip.”

The two week expedition cost

her approximately OMR12000.

“Looking out for sponsors was a new experience for me. Basically I am a shy person and though deep inside I knew I wanted to do things, prove myself, there was always a doubt whether I would get a chance.

A small nagging doubt, maybe I will not be up to the expectations, always lingered in my mind. “I wanted to be inspiring and a positive change

maker one day. The expedition did just that. It brought out a positive energy in me, made me confident because in my own small way I could be a change maker finally. My first presentation at the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) changed the way people thought and saw many others take a step forward towards being responsible to the environment they lived in.”

Ice ahoy!

Black White February 7 -& March 6 37 2 0 1 3 B&W

The 2041 Antarctic Youth Ambassador Programme (AYAP) was founded by Gemma Borgo-Caratti and Swati Hingorani who attended the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition 2011. The vision of AYAP is to create an international youth coalition who will champion renewable energy as their path to protecting the continent.

Along side the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition, the AYAP curriculum is specifically geared towards young people and is aimed at creating a new generation of leaders. Under AYAP, young people have been selected from around the world to attend IAE 2013 where they will participate in the AYAP skill and capacity building programme.

B&W Xclusive

When they return home, they will execute an on-ground project focussed on a local environmental issue, conduct a series of education and awareness raising initiatives and participate in an international campaign around the year 2041 and the renewal of the Antarctic Treaty.

38 February 7 – March 6, 2013 2 0 1 3 B&W

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Ben / Zeena / Supplied

Black White February 7 -& March 6 39 2 0 1 3 B&W

To live life to its fullest – listen!

By Dr CK Anchan

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

It's my life

If you wish to live life to its fullest, then listening is vital. Most of us don’t really listen very well. Or if we do manage to listen, we are often just waiting until the other person finishes so that we can say what is on OUR mind.

The importance of listening is this. When you are not listening you are not learning. When you are not listening you are preventing opportunity.

The fact that we do not listen reveals the reality that our mind is closed.

When we are not listening we are preventing intelligence. When we are not listening there is nothing new, there are only our reactions. And that’s not really listening.

Over time the result of this is that we seal ourselves off from other people, we don’t really know them, or really understand their concerns. In these modern times we as people are very busy. We have multiple distractions.

Distractions such as cell phones, computers, Ipods and 24/7 television.

We are constantly talking. Even when we are listening we are continually chattering in our brain. Formulating an answer, or reacting to what is being said. We all want to talk, but so few wish to listen.

Get rid of the word 'but' altogether, it only serves to negate everything the person you are listening to has just said. Instead, if you do say anything, try asking “What else? ”Keeping your mind focused on what you’re hearing is vital to good communication, Keeping your mind focussed means you have to engage your thoughts with what is being spoken. Listen for the important details that will help broaden your understanding. Let the details you are hearing paint a full picture for you.

Listening, not talking is the gifted and great role, and the imaginative role.

These days we lay so much emphasis on the intellect that we close our hearts and remove the beating moment to moment of life, because we are no longer listening. We have filled our lives with knowledge, beliefs, opinions, which lead to prejudgments. Guard against your own thoughts.

Body language has a lot to do with listening. Good listeners will lean into the conversation, showing attention. A good listener will move in closer, pull up a chair next to the one they want to hear, or take a seat next to them. If the conversation is taking place during an activity, a good listener will stop what they are doing when they hear something important that needs their full attention.

The old saying is true, “actions speak louder than words.” A very important part of listening is follow through. It is very frustrating to share your heart and then have it dismissed as unimportant. When you fail to put action behind what you hear, you are sending them a message that what you heard them say is unimportant to you. Want to say in return and you will miss the rest of what you should be hearing. Hence, as I stated in the beginning, if you wish to live life to its fullest, then listening is vital.

February 7 - March 6 40 B&W 2 0 1 3

By Dave Green

2

7 3 8 5

9 7 3

6 1

2

ŠThomas Snyder

6 5

6 4

5 3 8

4

6

1

5 4

9 2 8 7

2

3

2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

8

7/09

Difficulty Level

4

9 7

5 8 1

3

7 2 3 2 5

8 1

ŠThomas Snyder

8 3 4

4 9 1 6 2 2 8

Difficulty Level

9 4

2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

By Dave Green

7/10

SOLUTION: Difficulty Level

9 2 4 6 1 5 3 8 7

3 7 6 2 9 8 4 5 1

Difficulty Level

7/10

1 5 8 7 4 3 9 6 2

7 6 1 8 3 4 5 2 9

4 9 3 5 6 2 1 7 8

2 8 5 1 7 9 6 4 3

5 1 9 4 2 7 8 3 6

6 4 7 3 8 1 2 9 5

8 3 2 9 5 6 7 1 4

2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

8 3 6 7 9 2 5 4 1

9 1 7 4 6 5 2 3 8

7/09

2 5 4 1 8 3 9 6 7

6 4 3 8 2 1 7 9 5

1 9 8 5 7 4 3 2 6

5 7 2 9 3 6 1 8 4

7 6 9 2 5 8 4 1 3

3 2 1 6 4 7 8 5 9

4 8 5 3 1 9 6 7 2

2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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

February 7 - March 6 2 0 1 3 41 B&W

NOSE:

Kidstuff

a sense of smell

February 7 - March 6 42 B&W 2 0 1 3

The human nose uses millions of cells to detect approximately 10,000 odours, far less than many animals, but important for maintaining a good quality of life.

Babies instinctively know their mothers by their scents.

Women are able to smell more scents than men.

Humans can detect around 10,000 scents. Dogs can smell up to twenty times as many.

The human brain dedicates less of it’s brain to smelling than other animals, including fish.

After age 65, a human loses some of their ability to smell. By the time we reach our eighties, our sense of smell can decrease by as much as 50 per cent.

Illnesses can cause a loss of the sense of smell, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A zinc deficiency can also decrease the sense of smell.

Smelling is officially called ‘olfaction.’ Our sense of smell is referred to as the olfactory sense.

Although people are known to break their noses on occasion, there are no bones in them. What gets broken is a piece of cartilage.

Any air we breathe in through our noses is cooled or warmed to body temperature before it hits our lungs.

Anosmia is when we do not have the ability to smell, dyosmia is an incorrect sense of smell and hyperosmia is when someone is overloaded by their sense of smell.

‘Anosmia’ is the inability to smell.

‘Dysosmia’ is when things don’t smell as they should.

‘Hyperosmia’ is having a very strong sense of smell.

On average, men have larger noses than women.

It is traditional for Maori people in New Zealand to press noses (hongi) as a greeting.

Plastic surgery involving the nose is called ‘rhinoplasty’.

Tongue Twisters No nose knows like a gnome’s nose knows.

February 7 - March 6 2 0 1 3 43 B&W

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:

Parents play unwanted games In the usual parents versus schools battle doing the rounds among the Indian schools in town, one must say that all is not well with the former. Especially in one of the schools where the parents recently complained about the lack of a good principal; improper education; bad teachers.

A quick look at the situation there reveals that the Indian parents, apparently from one region in India, were actually against their southern counterparts and the teachers from that region. Random chats with parents from that side reveal an inherent dislike for the southern-based teachers.

“We want teachers from our own region,” the parents said candidly while refusing to be drawn into any controversy.

“We don’t mean any harm; we just want the best for our children and we feel that teachers from our region would be better for them than teachers from South India.”

While we asked them how they could make such remarks and it was bad to raise their children with this feeling of a north-south divide, they claim that they were only concerned about their children.

How much of concern do they really have is something we need to look into as we understand that some of the parents who complained about the same school’s timings were found to actually live in nearby locations surrounding the school, which made their accusations quite unnecessary and unwanted. Perhaps, they were

supporting other parents whose children lived in faraway places and found the timings unsuitable, but, largely, the parents who lived nearby at clearly walk-able distances from the school was actually fomenting unrest. How can they set a good example to their children when they are not bothered about rules and regulations and were bent upon creating discord and putting unwanted thoughts in the young and impressionable minds?

Will tell your family

Nitter natter

It is not a good feeling when we owe people money; we clearly know how it feels. So, we understand it when people tell us stories of the same. There is this man who owes some money to a company official since the last six months or so. While the company official has been extra decent and patient about the whole thing, the person who owed the latter the money was hardly that. He was avoiding all calls the company official made and even refused to reply. So, the official, who was fed up with the lack of response sent a message to the borrower threatening to speak to close members of his family whom the official knew well. That did the trick. “There was an immediate response. The borrower has promised to return the money within the next week,” the official said, adding that if the borrower still acted funny, he now knew what approach to take.

February 7 - March 6 44 B&W 2 0 1 3

As old as her father Some members of the media can walk on the other side of the lane too – no, not the anti social side, but, rather, the too social side. There are some who, taking advantage of their roles as elite members of the media here, trying to be too fresh to their juniors, especially when they are of the opposite sex. No, this is not about eve teasing or harassment, but those in the media who believe in their sudden larger than life images tend to not only show their knowledge off to their juniors, but also tend to patronise them. If they only stooped to that level, it would have been pardonable, but, they still go a bit more than necessary as can be evinced from this anecdote: “I cannot stand the freedom that he takes over me,” a young media sales girl was overheard as saying recently. She was speaking of a rather middle aged and well known media official who seemed to take a particular shine on this young girl and kept on showering her with unwanted compliments on her looks and also making subtle remarks whether she would like to go out for dinner with him. “Hello, you are as old

as my father – please!” the bold girl seems to have said, telling off the middle aged father of one. That seems to have stopped him in his tracks for a while, but the media girl feels that it is only a temporary restraint. “He will be back with more offers soon!”

Don’t call please, will not pick There is a special breed of people in town who do not pick their mobile phones at all. You often see them in coffee shops etc.

They will be letting their phones ring non stop. Unless it is a call from someone whom they want to speak to, they would refuse to take it. People would be desperately calling them and yet they would not bother to take the call, come what may. The callers would be making their call every day without fail and even two or three times, they would not even bother to pick the call; they would be receiving messages after messages, but not even one message would be replied to. These non-pickers seem to have a special fascination for ignoring calls and one wonders why they keep a mobile phone in the first place and why do they so liberally pass their calling cards to everyone they meet?

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

February 7 - March 6 2 0 1 3 45 B&W

Your ARIES March 21-April 20 Children and younger faces in general come to the fore and you may find yourself having to guide them through a problem of some sort. The new moon sparks a renewal of ties with friends and can provide a chance to join a friendly new group, think before making a commitment.

CANCER June 22-July 23 Places of health or fitness come to the fore and you may have to sacrifice your time in order to take care of something which you did not expect. Try not to run on empty enthusiasm.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

GEMINI May 21-June 21

Unpredictable events enter your career world. If you’re chasing big hopes and dreams that fail to manifest, reset wishful agendas and reach for new objectives. Honesty midweek can work miracles.

This fortnight brings an opportunity for a fresh start connected to travel, religion or higher concepts. A religious comment you hear is a source of inspiration. You have a lot of work to do but you also have some personal issues you want to deal with. Choose wisely.

VIRGO August 24-September 23

LEO July 24-August 23 The new moon launches a four-week cycle that is important to your marital ties, other alliances and legal affairs. There’s good potential for you to make a fresh start now

The week may infuse you with a sense of inspiration and excitement, charging you up about something new on the job. Make a fresh start. Improve day-to-day life.

ROBYN RIHANNA FENTY (BORN FEBRUARY 20, 1988), known by her stage name Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist, actress and fashion designer. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, she began her career as a result of meeting record producer Evan Rogers in late 2003. At age 16, she moved to the United States to pursue a recording career and began recording demo tapes under Rogers' guidance, subsequently signing a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for Jay-Z. Rihanna's debut studio album, Music of the Sun (2005), peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200 and features the Billboard Hot 100 top five hit single "Pon de Replay". Her second album, A Girl Like Me (2006), peaked at number five in the United States, and produced her first Hot 100 number one single, "SOS".

Rihanna's third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), spawned the international hit singles "Umbrella", "Don't Stop the Music", "Take a Bow", and "Disturbia".

Rihanna's work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, eighteen Billboard Music Awards and two BRIT Awards.

In 2012, Forbes ranked her as the fourth most powerful celebrity of 2012 with earnings of $53 million between May 2011 and May 2012.

Horoscope

The same year, American magazine Time named Rihanna as one of the most influential people in the world.

February 7 - March 6 46 B&W 2 0 1 3

stars LIBRA September 24-October 23 There will be a trigger of an assortment of developments relating to your job environment over the next few weeks, any of which can signal a fresh start. Be ready.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Attention is on to personal finances and self-worth. Set your priorities on what and who matters most and don’t overinflate your financial potential. Faces you haven’t seen since last Christmas come to mind, or in some cases even come back into your life again.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22

There is no point in speaking untruths just for the sake of it. Try to keep your nose clean in business this week. It’s the only way you will ensure that offers you receive are permanent and not just temporary ones. Financial setbacks can be avoided if you are more honest about your outgoings.

There will be fresh developments in connection to neighbours, siblings or other relatives. Thinking about taking a short trip? You should. Anything is possible if you can have confidence in who you are and what you want.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

PISCES February 20-March 20

Friends don’t seem to be as honest with you as they were and this has much to do with the vibes you’ve been giving out since January.

It’s time to come clean and tell them what you’re really up to.

Insights can be inspiring and revelatory, so don’t chase empty crusades. New beginnings may be scary but they can also be a good thing, especially if you keep an open mind and heart. Listening to others opinions and thoughts on life can show you an alternative way of dealing with issues.

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 February 7 - March 6 B&W

2 0 1 3

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

February 7 - March 6 48 B&W 2 0 1 3

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

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

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

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

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It's my life

Winks and hearts...

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

By Vandana Shah

The shine of the gloss on the pouting lips, wingeyes, dollops of mascara, sheen in the ironed hair, the chiseling of the cheekbones by highlighters, the slithering into the skintight LBD with ruffles and the final crunch of the stilettos on the granite surface and I’m off!

Sometimes in a Mercedes, at times on a bike, sometimes by taxi and sometimes, well, just walking hand -in-hand on the street without even bothering to get into a vehicle. Our eyes and our romantic gibberish are enough to transform us into Princesses and Prince with magical powers to float away into the world beyond, all on the wings of love. Ahh! the power of love enhanced exponentially on Valentine’s Day. Wink ..Wink...wink...hearts ..fluff ... teddy bears ...pink candy floss…was an everyday story and went into high gear around Valentine’s day.

As I look around everywhere with Cupid smiling mischievously at me through every store window and even through Microsoft and Apple windows I think of being with someone permanently and end my musical chairs with love.

But then I look into the dowdiness of permanence with only one day a year being celebrated for love by the Cupid-hit and the landscape of their conversation being dominated by unromantic mundane topics like money, weather and such. The stifling uniformity doesn’t seem attractive enough for me to trade my rainbow coloured romantic life.

Now, if only I can be with someone who will make everyday a Valentine’s Day! I will trade my stilettos for the wedge heels of permanence. Until then…

I continue with all my winks and my heartbeats for a special Valentine… every day.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 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

February 7 -&March Black White6 51 2 0 1 3 51 B&W

Time for a

Shape n sound

MAKEOVER

Ok, a year has gone by. Or, better still, a year and nearly two months have gone by and it is time to make a changeover. If you are feeling bored with your wardrobe or if you feel that your current style has gone a bit too bland for comfort, then it is time to take a step in the direction of change. And, let me tell you, don’t just stop at the clothes – get a complete makeover. Change your hairstyle; change your eyelashes style; if you are not into exercising, put on your running shoes and hit the gym; and if you haven’t been pampering yourself, get a full fledged spa treatment. Why? Because, ladies, it is time for a change and you will not only feel better, you will, in fact, feel on top of the world.

February 7 - March 6 52 B&W 2 0 1 3

Before you even start, try to put it into your head that this is not about someone else; it is not about any comparisons either. You are not doing this so that you have to compare your looks with someone else. You just need to understand that this is only about feeling good about yourself. You are unique and so you need not compare yourself with anyone else.

Now, of course, you maybe having flaws, but what if you were able to make the same flaws look great on you? Impossible? No, possible!

EYES, WINDOWS OF THE SOUL Go for simple moves: that is, you are wearing glasses? So what? Get some exciting frames and experiment with them. Soon, you will find the ones you love and you can flaunt them.

Some pairs are bound to be cool and so get

the frames as you can always replace the lens.

If you want to do away with glasses, fine, get contacts.

Your eyes are the windows to the soul, so treat them well.

BEST FACIALS Before you move away from your face, make sure that you get a full facial treatment from the best of the beauty salons or spas in town. This is important because, as you must remember, you are doing a complete makeover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just in parts.

MAKE YOUR FACE UP Make sure that you get the complete low down on make ups too. But let it be simple. Let it be natural looking. Who wants to see a face under several inches thick makeup? If you have been using makeup before, you may go ahead and find out something new, but if you are experimenting with it, better get some advice from those who have your best interests at heart. Whatever, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overdo it!

GO, GET A HAIRCUT It is a must. Your hair can change the way your face looks. So, if you are already mad and tired of your perennial bad hair day, go and see a stylist. Get a style that suits your face and hair type. Once that is done, you can find out all the points on how to maintain that style and keep at it unless of course it becomes a burden.

HEALTHY MASSAGES Indulge in massages. The time has come for you to relax and the best way possible is to get a real good massage. Do not go to those seedy ones that are found

everywhere in the world, chances are that they may not have professional workers. A soothing massage can help you unwind, but mind you, that is not all. Research has actually found out that physical contact can lessen depression, lower blood pressure and actually improve immunity.

CLOTHES MAKETH THE WOMAN Once you have pampered your body, and your inner soul, then it is time to pamper it further with the best wardrobes possible. You have to go to the basics to begin your wardrobe, but if you have been diffident about certain types of wardrobes, it is time to shake of that shyness and throw caution to the wind. What are you, thin, fat, dark, short etc? Whatever unpleasant impressions you have about yourself, this is the time to get rid off all such negative ideas about yourself. We will not suggest what you should wear, but throw out the boring ones you have been identified with so long and get into the apparel that is stylish, in vogue and most importantly, which also suits you.

ACCESSORIES AND SHOES This also means getting the right accessories and shoes to go along with them. Meaning, this is a style makeover too. There are some fantastic earrings, necklaces, bracelets etc., in the market and choose the ones that best reflect you. Get the right shoes too. If you are not into heels, then go for simple, versatile flats. Some of us like heels, and if you are into them, go for the killer ones if you find them suitable! Enjoy your new look, new feel, new woman makeover!

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E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com, Website: www.albahja.com February 7 - March 6 B&W

2 0 1 3 53

The wars we fight

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar Forget the last war, seek out the conflict, do not run away from it, says experts.

The more the conflict, the better you fight! Ha! The last few weeks have been really tiring for all of us. We had many wars to fight, all emotional, psychological and exhausting. The management world has lost all focus, at least according to me… (P .S I am no management expert, still when I spend many hours of my precious little time on fighting wars that is of no importance, I have no other choice other than to accept certain decisions with a very open mind. And that everyone calls it by a name: Maturity!)

Grow up! Be mature. Have an open mind. This is not how you speak to someone. This doesn’t work.

I am learning.

Now I think I do know some of the answers.

Well, though the years have passed by, I don’t seem to mature enough to accept incompetence and insecurity as variants of high level management theories. My level of maturity makes me look at things either in black or in white, no grey shades ever.

A senior marketing and management guru sat across my table and explained: Adapt to current scenario.

Change your view point. Revise your beliefs and principles Act as if it is you against the world!

Up against the world? No way.

Why would I do any of these? I can easily work forward without any theories.

Listen to me; you are still young… and unexposed. Life is not a simple as you think, my advisor lectured.

It is complicated. Stupid as it might sound or look, if you do something in a simple way, it is not valued. So create hype, bring down the team for brain storming, reports, charts, plans, issues. Keep the team busy! Waging and fighting wars! Meetings are a must; it will keep your ‘troops’ busy.

It is amusing to hear experts speak.

You feel you are dissected on a table, emotionally.

I had enough. I am not learning anything at all. All the books and the management chronicles I browsed through are breaking my otherwise chaotic mind.

I have finally decided. The easiest way out for me is to be bold and fight the wars, even if it a waste of time.

Probably, stupidity would be maturity in real sense. Most of us are good at facing the biological challenges, but when it comes to psychological and emotional ones, we are clueless. We act on instinct, or else in stupidity.

I am not alone. All of us are fighting, waging wars every single day of our life. It starts at the breakfast table and ends up in your bed, when you plan to make a kill the next day.

You smile, you cry, you argue, you manipulate, you exploit, you demand, you actually win sometimes…. Sigh!

War it is, on people around you.

Living with the aftermath is even more traumatic. You don’t know who you are after you finish.

Human nature. Sometimes it is not pretty. It is of course very stupid.

However mature you are!

Einstein was right when he said: “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe!” priya@blackandwhiteoman.com