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Vol.2 Issue 34II August 7-20, 2011
One-sided stories
All about X, Y & Z
By Adarsh Madhavan It used to be a mean thing to do, but we had no choice. Being a newshound, I used to get the first whiff of some leads that were potential newsbreaks. Since we could not ‘break’ many of the stories we got then (because we did not have the kind of freedom that many are enjoying today), we were quite often forced to dump them. The next day, the regional newspapers and televisions would have a gala time featuring these stories and getting into the limelight. I always used to wonder why we were never allowed to do these stories and why were the regional scribes – some of them who had little or no official journalism status – given the freedom to write and air what they want? Yes, I used to envy their freedom to write or air controversial stories, especially when our paper used to get the lead first, and sometimes, even do the story only to see it killed by the powers that be at the desk and beyond. Restrictions were put in from every end, even within, especially because what we honestly write could also make us lose ads. And the ad department would keep a close watch, monitoring our ‘negative’ moves. In fact, any story with a touch of controversy was deemed ‘negative’ and dumped in the bin. This ‘negative’ tag was a mere eye wash by the ad guys and the guys who thought they were bringing revenue to the paper. But, in reality, they were just bent upon creating mischief, in the sense, claiming that our negative reporting was detrimental to the cause of the paper and that gross business was lost because we deliberately wrote ill about some top companies here. Some of the best stories never saw the light of day. They were too ‘negative’. Then there were those from both the advertising and sales departments who can grind you with such irritating queries: “Why do you always write negative stories?” They would ask me and I would bristle with impotent rage; for, what was the point in
fighting with our own team, even if they were from a different department? It would be like spitting in the air! But, when the opportunity presented itself, we would slip one through, like a googly. At one time, we fooled an international company selling a popular candy, which had some type of ingredients that were reportedly harmful for consumption. When we asked them some questions, they saw red and they and local agency, which represented them here, categorically told us that they had very good relations with our newspaper and so we shouldn’t do anything to undermine that relationship. Would never even think of it, we said, and promptly send them a query with a request to answer the same immediately. We gave them just a day and by that evening itself we filed our story without their comments. The next day all hell broke loose. The answers to our queries shook in the angry hands of an official of that company as he shouted at us for carrying the report, sans their comments. We murmured some lay apologies and carried their replies the very next day itself, but did not print a retraction. This style of reporting also lent itself into the airlines, schools arena, and whenever and wherever controversies manifested themselves. All of them either threatened to sue or went ahead with legal proceedings, which were later luckily scrapped. Most of them knew that they were wrong and we were only pointing that out with any malice towards anyone. But, people kept their grudges, attacking us when we sometimes fall, which though not often, still managed to wreck apart. The premise behind doing one-sided stories is to somehow bring an element of truth out to the public, not the whole truth, but just a portion of it. You could always say that since it is not the whole truth, we were not doing justice to truth, but, we went by this rule: half filled is better than half empty. editor@blackandwhiteoman.com
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Camel milk can bring down autism? A report in the net details how a four year old girl drank camel milk – instead of cow milk -- for 40 days and her autism symptoms disappeared. In another case, a 15-year old boy recovered from autism after 30 days of drinking camel milk. There are several other cases mentioned in the net about the health benefits for children with autism. I am not a doctor or an autism expert, but I was wondering if anyone of you out there might be interested in exploring this theory and find out if elements of these stories are true. If they are, it would be of great benefit for children with autism in Oman. Since there are a lot of camels here, it would not be a problem to get camel milk for the said experiment and if found true, it might revolutionise the treatment aspect for children with autism. Otherwise, if it is found to be untrue, at least, we will be able to puncture one more myth and expose those who perpetrate such untruths. Your magazine can take the lead in finding out whether this is true because you have already done so many campaigns for this cause. All the best! Linda Brothewick, Qurum
Become explorers! Just travelling… by Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi (Issue 31) was a nice read. True, we all are just travellers experiencing the good and bad in the journey of life. But, in this journey, add a profile and become explorers. Life has unknown secrets, opportunities and a great sense of pride in it. Think and act for yourself, with others being part of it. You will sense the satisfaction and go on to contribute more. Life is about making it meaningful. Add meaning to it in your own sense and make a difference! There’s much more than money, better jobs, et al – only if you want to see it! Charu Pant, Khasab Musandam
Unique relationship Oman’s past 41 years has covered every wheels of progress in all walks of life in the country. But, what strikes me (an outsider, who is living in) is the special relation between the leader and its people. Even during the recent protests in Oman, one of the underlying factors was this unique relationship that was played out either vocally, verbally and in print. Wishing each and every Omani in this country a wonderful Renaissance Day! Ameena S. Qurum
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A modern day miracle Oman is truly a modern day miracle story! I know there will be critics of the same, but this is my honest statement after living here for the better half of my life. I am from India and although my roots belong there, I have always, since the day I stepped into Oman in 1990, felt as though I was part of Oman. As we all celebrated the 41st Renaissance Day of Oman, I was compelled to go back in time to that day when I made my first hesitating steps, which has now firmed up and found its rhythm in the workings of this country. I know that a time will come when I will be forced to go out of Oman and I dread that day. Yes, I have my home country to go back to, but I am so much in love with my adopted country that I wonder how I will ever break away! To Oman and to its wonderful people – may you all prosper and shine forever! T. Sreedharan Vakkil, Seeb
Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com
Xclusive
Lilliane’s camel abode
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Camels are part of Lilliane’s home-based stable. While lesser mortals are happy with dogs and cats, Lilliane belongs to a different league altogether. She has these camels (bought over a period of time) all happily residing in her little camel abode.
Cover Photo: Najib Al Balushi
Bitter Batter
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Contents
situation 44 Catch-22 for poor passengers Airlines operating from India are enjoying their time in the sun. From July, the airlines enjoy a good run, with excellent flow and good rates (for the airlines, not the passengers) and it tapers off towards mid-August, and it might peak again to accommodate the Eid rush
Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed at Mazoon, Muscat, Oman 8 August 7-20, 2011
Are most men couch potatoes?
Not all married women would agree that their men are lazy, or at least lazier than them. For even if it maybe true in many cases, the truth is that not all women would like to bring their husband down in the eyes of the public
58
Sleep more, weigh less Although it does not fall into place and seems to be a bit off theory from the natural order of things, experts note that if we are trying to control weight, it would be better to sleep well
Editor-in-chief Managing editor Work editor Design & production Photographer Advt. & marketing
Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Najib Al Balushi Swithun Fernandes Ali Raisi, Priyanka Sampat
Black & White 9
playground 10 August 7-20, 2011
There are some who fall into a profession by accident and then spend their whole life regretting and complaining about it. Then there are the likes of Manfred Schweizer, Ceo/general manager, Arabian Trails (Authentic Arabian Experience), who nursed a dream right from childhood to get into a profession (like he has) and then plunged headlong into it, enjoying every moment; waking up to a new dawn every day that holds untold promises.
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LOVE WITH NATURE “As a child, I fell in love with nature and used to secretly wish for a job that would make me take care of forests, animals, birds and trees,” Manfred, a German by birth and a world citizen by choice, reminisces as he speaks to the Black & White from his Arabian Trails’ office in Al Khuwair. His childhood could have been like that of any except for the fact that his leaning towards nature was extra special. NATURE, THE BEST TEACHER Although he went through the process of learning from schools and college, Manfred still feels that life, rather, Mother Nature, taught him more. “I was always – and am – fascinated by nature. I think I learnt more from the earth, the sky, the rivers, the sea, the forest and the fields, hills and mountains more than anything or anyone. These were my real teachers and I must say that I am blessed by nature. “I must say that nature can teach us more than what the school books can. My life’s lessons began with nature and it was this learning that shaped my life; it took me to a path that destined my identity, my future, and here I am today, with all the bounties of nature in me too,” he said beaming.
playground
SHOW EXCITEMENT AND AWE Manfred feels that with each experience (with nature), a bit of it would grow in the person and the more you interact with nature, the more natural and refreshing you feel yourself, which can be easily discerned when you interact with people like him. He seemed to be completely tuned into nature and there was a new and refreshing attitude to his approach to Oman and tourism per se. “I would also exhort everyone who loves nature to live abundantly – also, do not hesitate to demonstrate your own love for nature. Show excitement, feel the awe and wonder of what is around you!” PASSIONATE PURSUIT Did his love of nature, come naturally to him? “Yes. I am a nature lover since my childhood. In my heart, I yearned to be a conservationist, but my 12 August 7-20, 2011
practical side dissuaded me from such a pursuit. I realised that I could be a conservationist, unless I had my own forest strip. “So, I kept on pursuing my passion, at the same time trying to figure out how I could make a living out of something that I love so much.” Tourism opened a window for him, which again led to his other passion, travel. “These two are intertwined and are one; there is no travel without tourism and no tourism without travel,” Manfred notes.
Manfred has come quite a long way since his heart was set on fire by the wonders of nature. A year more and he would have completed 40 years in this field
JOURNEY INTO NATURE In 1972, Manfred’s journey began. “It was a journey into the world of nature, replete with waterfalls, rivers, seas, mountains, valleys, forests, animals…it is a journey from which there is no return for me. “To whet my passion for nature and travel, I chose a career in the tourism industry and had my own share as a tour operator to cruise ships and international tour agencies. I had a fair share in world renowned companies and spent quite a lot of my years in Switzerland.” HEART SET ON FIRE Manfred has come quite a long way since his heart was set on fire by the wonders of nature. A year more and he would have completed 40 years in this field. Today, his forte is luxury travel. “I love adventure tourism too. I love to do a lot of wild off road trips and I believe travel preferences are basically individualistic. You cannot generalise your passion and hobbies, though, for me, I would say, without travel, I am incomplete.” BLESSED In closing, he notes that he has been blessed, but that is natural for a man who is so in love with nature. “I am one of the fortunate few who could climb the career ladder, loving every single moment of it. I can proudly say that my career has so far been thoroughly adventurous, mesmerising, exciting, and of course peaceful and relaxing – the whole gamut!” Manfred must also be those few who delve into such positive adjectives when describing his career growth. Black & White 13
Men health
Woof, says your exercise buddy!
14 August 7-20, 2011
TO QUOTE A CLICHÉ, YOU can kill two birds with one stone. One, you can try to bring your weight down, and the other you can take your doggie for a much needed exercise. In fact, both of you need exercise and if you take your pet mutt for a walk, or more likely, a run, you are going to have the best of both worlds. In some households, both the man of house and his best friend are battling their worst enemies. And both of them are at risk for health problems from arthritis to heart disease. And so, this is one challenge that you and your pet can face together. So, put on your jogging shoes, grab that leash and take your pet for a walk. But, of course, please remember that you dog should be in a condition to walk, run or do any joint exercise that you are planning. Some men maybe over enthusiastic about their dog’s exercise skills and may push it to the hilt, which could prove to be dangerous for both overweight and unhealthy dogs. So, the advice is before you make your doggy your exercise buddy, take a trip to the vet. The vet will want to evaluate your dog for any heart, lung, or other health problems. WALKING Brisk walking is an ideal exercise for human and hound. The benefits include a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, more energy, denser bones, and a lower risk of depression. In dogs, regular walks can also reduce common behavioural problems. In short, there are innumerable benefits of brisk walking, especially to those who have put on a lot of weight. It can help fight against stress by providing complete relaxation of the mind; it protects you from many diseases like osteoporosis, colon cancer, constipation; it helps increase longevity and also reduces depression related problems. And for your doggie, besides it being a treat, it can also help relieve stress. But don’t make any stringent
rules, says an expert. “Just work slowly toward a goal with a gradual increase in the speed and length of walks. A trip to the vet for your dog and a doctor’s checkup for you is recommended before starting an exercise programme. DANCING If long walks don’t entice you, try dancing with your dog, says another school of thought. Also called musical freestyle, you choreograph a dance routine to upbeat music. You’ll have your pooch running between your legs and performing other tricks, while both of you get an aerobic workout. The benefits of dance include burning calories and developing greater stamina, better balance, lower blood pressure, and improved muscle tone and bone density. JOGGING Not all dogs are built to jog. Greyhounds, for example, are pros at short-distance sprinting, but can become fatigued during long-distance runs. If you want to jog with your dog, choose a breed that is suited to distance-running, such as a Labrador. Wait until your pup is full grown and then gradually build up to a 30-minute excursion. This should include five minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of jogging, and five minutes of cooldown. Remember that dogs can’t sweat, so avoid the hot times of the day and stop if your dog is lagging behind you. SWIMMING Swimming is an all-in-one workout that is especially beneficial for people or dogs with arthritis. Because it’s a low-impact sport, swimming is easy on the joints. But that doesn’t mean it’s a wimpy workout. Swimming works on various muscle groups, improves endurance, and strengthens the heart and lungs. Not all dogs enjoy swimming, so start slowly. Use toys or treats for encouragement, and if your dog still resists, find another sport. (Culled from various sources)
Your Heart is Safe in Apollo’s Hand
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P. O. Box 1097, Al Hamriya, PC 131 - Sultanate of Oman. Tel: 24787766, 24788263, 24788265
Time for a
‘MENAISSANCE’? Is it true? Is this the age of the ‘menaissance’? At least this is the basic feeling in the air from many who of those seem to hail the return of man as a man and not part of the bunch of chest shaving, gelled hair slicks with moisturised skin who swears by unisex salons and are also into simpering emomusic. So, is the party over for the waxed and coiffed metrosexuals? Seems so. MAN’S MAN IS BACK The man’s man is back, they say but we think it is still too early to celebrate. “There is a desperate need for a ‘menaissance’,” says the metrosexual man weary woman. “It is time we get the strong and silent type or at least men who will be men,” she adds. She is not the only one. In fact a major segment of the manly contingent who have been sidelined by both the metro revolution, and generally by women who have made many men feel that they are no longer needed, are now campaigning for their men to get back on track and start roaring again. “For years, the modern male has been marginalised and said that he was no longer needed. He is seen as stupid, lazy and incompetent; or, no longer needed. They have made him feel that masculinity is flawed because it is not feminine,” notes Bob Davies, a career consultant. “Men’s irrelevancy in the last few years have primarily been due to the feminist movement,” says Shannon, who feels that as a result men have become confused, and lost their purpose as a man.
Men read
OWE IT TO FEMINISM But defenders of feminisim have this to say: “The world owes a lot to feminism. If not for feminism, most of us would have become just wives and mothers and sunk in a morass of mediocrity. Today, we have a voice and have overtaken men thanks to feminism. But if men have lost out and feel depressed and undervalued, it is not our fault. Our rise has exposed the chinks in their armour,” adds Ilona. The feminist movement focused on the role of women in society, but that seemed to have marginalised the role of men. “This is the reason why we have men who are neither here, nor there,” notes Dr Aaron, a psychiatrist. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH But, “enough is enough” say the promoters of manliness or the propagators of the ‘menaissance’ . 16 August 7-20, 2011
“We are tired of catering to women and it is time for the return of the good old fashioned man’s man,” says Harry, a sports man. “This is all well, but there is a danger of going at breakneck speed. A call to menaissance is to return to manliness; rather embracing instead of shunning real manliness. Traditional manliness is characterised by ideas of honour, strength, virtue, sacrifice, responsibility, leadership and integrity. Without these, the question of manliness does not arise. “Seeking independence from women does not mean that we have to roar our protests from the rooftops; liberation does not mean showing rank disrespect and trying to marginalise women. Then, we will not be different from hardcore feminists,” points out Dr Aaron. GOOD, BAD AND UGLY But, the emergence of ‘menaissance’ will bring in all types, the good, the bad and the ugly. The ones who will give life and blood to the manly stereotypes and the ones who are ruled by traditional manliness characteristics. Whatever the case, it is time to regain our independence and kick start our new rules of liberation, which would mean, no more a victim. It is time to snatch back our precious independence and start standing up to them! If she is acting like a spoilt brat, tell her and stop catering to her every whim. Stop letting her call all the shots, let her know what you want and make sure she listens. In the sense, if she is insensitive to your needs, then, let us make sure that you put your foot down too. Let there be equality! ACT LIKE A REAL MAN And, we know that we need freedom; it is your right as a man to be able to act like a man. But, be nice. Assert your strength, but when you act like a jerk around women, then you are showing your weakness. Treat women with respect, but don’t go to the level where the women will treat ‘nice’ as ‘weak’. In short, don’t let her (or anyone for that matter) take advantage of your good nature.
Are most men
COUCH POTATOES?
Men read
Not all married women would agree that their men are lazy, or at least lazier than them. For even if it maybe true in many cases, the truth is that not all women would like to bring their husband down in the eyes of the public, unless of course, they are desperate; unless they have reached the end of their tether and have no go but to tell it to the world in the hope that would reform them.
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CAUSE FOR WORRY Tales abound of good hardworking men and women. For every tale of a hardworking woman who sacrifices everything for her family, there are an equal number of men who do the same. But, just below that elevated strata there are a good number of reasonably hardworking women for whom there may not be an equal number of hardworking men. This is a cause for worry because then it adds fodder to the already existing image that some men are totally “lazy and good for nothing fellas”. SPEAKING OF STEREOTYPES Many of the hardworking kind are going to protest, but, whatever it maybe, the general feeling is that men are lazier than women. How this damning report against them was arrived at is not much of a mystery, because wherever you go, you will find stereotypes that fit this bill.
“It is not easy to label either sex as lazier than the other,” says a leading psychiatrist in Oman. “It all depends on the situation. Both men and women have a tendency for laziness and both revel in it. But, unfortunately, for men, there is a general feeling that they are naturally born lazy. IS THIS TRUE? “I will not say that men are lazy, but they could be doing far less than women, especially married working women. Just look at it this way: I also work and bring home a decent paycheck. When I get back home, I do all the housework, laundry and shopping and prepare hot meals for all, including my children. Compared to this, my man brings home a decent paycheck, takes out the trash once every week, takes the cars to the garage for repairs, tinker around on a weekly basis for small house repairs
and also pays the rent, and does weekly shopping. Any comparison?” asks a married working woman, who has been doing this for the last 15 years. CIRCUMSTANCES MAKE THEM LAZY “Men are capable of doing just about anything that a woman can. But there are some things that a man can do, which a woman cannot. I
think the talents of women are mostly overrated and since they have been considered the inferior gender, there are so many people out trying to apologise for the same and such discussions (like this) are just that,” Trevor, a travel and educational consultant argues, dismissing the thought that men are lazier than women. “We are talking about circumstances, and individual cases, not real statistics, nor facts here,” he stressed. Another voice of protest comes in the form of George Sebastian, who notes: “This is a pure generalisation. Women appear more active because they have this habit of talking about it all the time, whereas men just do the work quietly.”
ALL IN THE GENES Whether they are lazy or not, there are others who claim that laziness is all in the genes. And they believe that people who suffer from laziness can be treated pharmacologically with drugs that target the genes that specifically boost activity. There are drugs specifically designed to combat laziness. These are drugs which will directly target genes and alter them. In fact, experts note that an active lifestyle may help ward-off obesity, cancer, cardiovascular troubles, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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My longdistance ‘guruji’
all ew h t ff
Off the wall
By Adarsh Madhavan Ting! It was one of the many messages that I was getting at the time. From India, I think. The message went like this: “Love is capable of giving total freedom. Only love is capable of giving total freedom. And if freedom is not given, then it is something – not love.” It was signed ‘Guruji’. I wanted to know more, but I forgot about it. Another came the next day: “In the death of the ego, love is born, the divine is born and light is born. In the death of the ego, you are transformed; all misery disappears.” Again, signed Guruji. Several other messages followed: “Live each moment as if this is the last. And, nobody knows, it maybe the last!” Spurred by this line, I sent this message back: “Who is this please?” Silence. Then after sometime there was a call from India. Long distance. “Hello Adarsh! You have forgotten me?” I was clueless. No, I – I mean, I can’t quite place you! “Prakash,” he said. I still couldn’t place him, but he seemed to know that. He refreshed my memory. He had come to Oman on a brief visit, and a journalist friend from Dubai had asked me to interview him, which unfortunately did not happen. Yes, I replied. I remember now. Prakash Joshi. Sorry. “No ‘sorry’s’ between friends,” he said magnanimously. “We haven’t met…but, I think we spoke and we 20 August 7-20, 2011
have established a connection,” he added. I, I guess so, I said, for want of anything else to say. There is a connection. We are all connected, I know that, I thought to myself. “Well, let us hope to meet soon,” my long-distance Guruji said. “We must meet; we are destined to meet… Okay, so all the best. Lots of love and blessings!” he said and then signed off. I was quite nonplussed by his call and his easy demeanour. I don’t believe in self-proclaimed saints and gurujis because I believe anyone who is purely good in his heart and in his deeds can ideally become a saint. I know. I am not one. But, I can sense one (when I am with him or her). And, I haven’t met him but, he seemed to be somewhere along that line. Or, he was one. I don’t want to dispute this. What I liked about him was the endearing way he spoke and also his messages, which were quite enlightening. Some were, of course, brushing up on the adages that I already knew, but many others were quite refreshing and eye openers, like this one that set me thinking: “Thinking is the absence of understanding. You think because you don’t understand. When understanding arises, thinking disappears…” Then he told me that “the world is not the problem, the problem is your unawareness, renounce your unawareness, and don’t be bothered
with the world!” “Unless you become awake, everything is going to make you more and more miserable. Once you are awake, everything brings tremendous happiness.” I understood. I shook myself awake. Then, one day when I was feeling quite low knowing fully that I was living quite an ordinary life and unable to put something extra into it, I get this message: “The ordinary life is the only life – there is no other life. And to be ordinary is the only way to be religious. All other extraordinary things are just ego trips!” But, shouldn’t I try to become something, someone? How can I let myself be like this forever? I got an answer for that too: “You can, authentically, only be yourself. All else will be false; all else, will be just masks, personalities, but not your essence.” Close your eyes and go within yourself, he said. It is there, waiting since eternity. It is your innermost nature – your luminosity…” He went on and on, popping my doubts like they were soap bubbles. But, then as suddenly as it began, it stopped. He stopped messaging me. Nowadays, every time that ‘ting’ brings in a message, I open it thinking it could be from him. But, no… adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com
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Untold Quranic Story of Justice By Issa Al-Riyami
JUSTICE IS PERCEIVED TO BE AMONG the top four key qualities (the rest being honesty, knighthood and strength) that mankind tend to search for and have respect for throughout time in history. All heavenly religions/books maintained the value of these qualities, and today we look at an untold story of justice found in the Holy Quran, unleashing key Islamic principles on the way Muslims should be treating followers of other faiths, in this case Jews. Before exploring the case and the story behind it, it is worthwhile stating the fact that the Holy Quran is not only meant for Muslims, but also serves as a guidance for all mankind irrespective of their backgrounds; as was given in Chapter 81, verse, 27: This Holy Quran is nothing but a reminder to all mankind. Now, let us explore today’s story as we all like stories! One day, a Muslim man stole the belonging of another Muslim man. The item stolen was thought to be a rope used in harvesting palm trees. As the news of the burglary/theft were getting spread around, the Muslim man feared the punishment if caught/convicted and hence he sought the support of other Muslim men to support his rogue innocence and accusing a Jewish man of wrongdoing. Therefore, the Jew approached Prophet Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, (pbuh) to trial him as per Islamic Shari’a Law, having the witnesses being the group of the Muslim men 22 22August August7-20, 7-20,2011 2011
who covered the truth and wrongly accused him of theft. While the trial was being conducted and all the (visual) signs appeared to make the Jewish man guilty, Almighty Allah revealed to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) an un-precedent eight Quranic verses in Chapter 4 condemning the way the trial was being conducted and un-covering the mis-conduct and false allegations of the Muslim men and declaring the Jewish man to be innocent from the allegations being made against him. The verses are: Surely, we have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran) in truth that you might judge between people by that which Allah has shown you (i.e. has taught you through Divine inspiration), so be not a pleader for the treacherous. (105) And seek the forgiveness of Allah, certainly, Allah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful. (106). And argue not on behalf of those who deceive themselves. Verily, Allah does not like anyone who is a betrayer of his trust, and indulges in crime. (107) They may hide (their crimes) from people, but they cannot hide (them) from Allah, for He is with them (by His Knowledge), when they plot by night in words that He does not approve, And Allah ever encompasses what they do. (108) Lo! You are those who have argued for them in the life of this world, but who will argue for them on the Day of Resurrection against Allah, or who will then be their defender? (109) And whoever does evil or
wrongs himself but afterwards seek Allah’s Forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (110) And whoever earns sin, he earns it only against himself. And Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise. (111) And whoever earns a fault or a sin and then throws it on to someone innocent, he has indeed burdened himself with falsehood and a manifest sin. (112). Not only did the verses cover the case being investigated, but went beyond that to warn all Muslims and followers of the Holy Quran that Almighty Allah shall severely punish anyone regardless of his faith who misleads truth in this life and even if he/she get things approved in the court on their favour. The verses also warn Muslims not to do evil things and then throw them onto others (regardless of the faith, status and so forth) in order to escape punishment. Finally, the word Justice means to balance and keep the right thing in the right place. Hence, if we keep something in the wrong place we will be perceived to as being unjust. Example is that if we appoint an engineer to be a physician, it will be unjust not only to the hospital he works for but also to the society he/ she serves. Finally, it is worthwhile mentioning a beautiful fact about justice. The fact is that our beloved creator (Almighty) created this universe based on justice, and the Holy Quran makes it crystal clear that Almighty Allah is just and He will never be unjust
to anyone, and the eventual fate of those going to heaven and those going to hell shall also be based on justice: And they will find all that they did in this life, placed before them in the Day of Judgment, and your Lord treats no one with injustice. (49) and in Chapter 41: Whosoever does righteous good deed it is for (the benefit of) his ownself, and whosoever does evil, it is against his ownself, and your Lord is not at all unjust to (His) slaves. (46). This is it for now, the issue of justice is huge and will certainly take pages and pages to cover. Feel free to exchange your personal viewpoint. *Issa Al-Riyami is a contract engineer working for PDO. Contact: issa.riyami@gmail.com
Our beloved creator (Almighty) created this universe based on justice, and the Holy Quran makes it crystal clear that Almighty Allah is just and He will never be unjust to anyone
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Nawras wishes
customers Ramadan Mubarak with new international 6+6 offer Following the overwhelming success of the previous international calling 6+6 offer, Nawras is reintroducing this offer during the Holy Month of Ramadan so customers can benefit from six free calling minutes to greet family members and friends who are abroad. The offer is applicable to
every international call made for over six minutes. All Nawras mobile customers, including business customers, can take advantage of this great offer at any time of the day or night making it easy to stay in touch despite being in different time zones.
To opt for this great offer and to receive the free international calling minutes, customers simply send ‘6’ to 80020. The offer is applicable on all international calls made from a mobile number in Oman and can be enjoyed until October 29, 2011.
Pizza Hut Qurum and Al Khuwair host
special Iftaar buffet
Pizza Hut outlets at Qurum and Al Khuwair will host a special Iftaar buffet for customers. The inviting buffet spread includes a special Arabic menu featuring a full course of traditional delicacies, besides the regular favourites, and is available for both dine-in and takeaway customers. Appealingly priced at OMR 18.900 (all inclusive) for a group of six, OMR 12.600 for a group of four and just OMR 3.500 for individuals, it is indeed an ideal way to share the auspicious time with the whole family. What’s more, the buffet is absolutely free for one child up to 6 years per buffet. “We believe Pizza Hut is among the most popular dining destinations for Arab and Omani families. And we believe the reason is that Pizza Hut is synonymous with great taste, exciting culinary innovations, excellent value, and of course, friendly and efficient service,” says Anil Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas. The Iftaar Buffet commenced on August 1, 2011 and will continue till August 31, 2011. Call 24 822 500
HSBC Oman supports the national association for cancer awareness HSBC Oman has launched a resourcefully conceptualised initiative that aims to raise donations during the holy month of Ramadan for the National Association for Cancer Awareness.
The initiative also strives to highlight the importance, impact and reach of such charitable drives on the lives of cancer patients in the Sultanate. Customers will have the opportunity to donate funds through transferring
directly to the association’s account or by HSBC’s donation boxes which will be available at all of the bank’s five branches and three customer service centers across the nation.
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TRA approves Fiber-
To-The-Home (FTTH) pilot project
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) approved the FiberTo-The-Home (FTTH) pilot project in the Sultanate, which involves connecting high-speed Internet to homes in Ma’bailah North and Ma’bailah South, along with other telecom services according to the selection of operators. This pilot project extends for a period of nine months from the start of the project and implemented by the two licensed operators Omantel and Nawras. The aim of this pilot project is to test the technical feasibility of the
fiber-optic infrastructure (FTTH), where the government has already allocated a budget for building a fiber-to-the-home network (FTTH) as part of Muscat Wastewater Project implemented by Haya Water Company. Through piloting the Fiber-To-TheHome (FTTH) project Omantel and
Nawras will select users who will try this technology in Ma’bailah North and Ma’bailah Southup to a maximum of 400 buildings. The selected users will be provided free high speed internet through fiber optic technology during the trial period to test the service and ensure its stability and reliability.
Renna mobile launches contact center
recharge service during the Holy Month
Renna mobile has announced a special contact center recharge service whereby customers can beat the heat during the Holy Month of Ramadan and recharge their numbers through contacting our customer care team on 1240 from 8am to 12 midnight. “The Ramadan season is a time for people to connect with family and friends. With this service, we hope to bring people closer this Ramadan by allowing them to share the moment through a range of quality services from the comfort of their own homes.” said Adil Al Lawati, head of customer care.
Wordpress
New general manager for Park Inn Muscat Rabih Zein has taken over from Francois Galoisy as the new general manager of Park Inn Muscat. The French national is moving to Oman from Park Inn Nice, France, where he headed the team for three years. This is his first posting in the region. Rabih has been with the Rezidor Hotel Group since 1999 wherein he was entrusted with the responsibility of promoting leisure business, selling two properties in France to the Middle East market. He has 13 years of working with the company to his credit, with one of his most significant 26 August 7-20, 2011
achievements being the opening of a flagship property located at the popular Disneyland Resort in Paris. “The Park Inn Muscat has made its mark in an astonishingly short span of time since the opening. Oman’s potential as a destination is remarkable and the unique selling points of this property make it the preferred destination for both business as well as leisure guests,” said Rabih. “Personally, I am looking forward to living in the country with my family and exploring the experiences it has
to offer,” he added. Francois, who has handled operations from the pre-opening phase of the property, has officially relinquished the reins to Rabih and will be moving to Dubai to head the team at Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City.
BankMuscat showcases ‘Qaboos Oman’
photo exhibition
In a tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on the occasion of the 41st Renaissance day, BankMuscat hosted a photography exhibition. The ‘Qaboos Oman’ exhibition featuring unique and rare photographs of His Majesty the Sultan by royal photographer Salim Al Hashli at the bank’s head office. Highlighting different facets of the Royal life, the ‘Qaboos Oman’ exhibition presents His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in conversation with citizens during royal tours to different parts of the country, and sharing diplomacy in meetings with prominent heads of state. The 100 photographs selected from a vast collection offer striking insight of the royal expressions and emotions that are integral to Oman’s renaissance history, heritage and culture.
BreadTalk petite delicacies BreadTalk is celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr with a selection of petite baked goods. Using only the finest ingredients and most innovative designs, food connoisseurs will wish Ramadan came more than once a year. Ramadan is not the same without a table full of scrumptious traditional treats shared by the whole family. With years of experience, the chefs at BreadTalk have been able to combine traditional savours and
modern flavours to create the perfect miniature sized delights. Jannat Moosa, marketing director at Bin Mirza International said, “BreadTalk is consistently recognised as a trend setting lifestyle brand, which allows us to be creative and innovative in traditional times, such as Ramadan and Eid. We pride ourselves in finding novel and original ways in presenting culturally familiar goods with a twist, prepared by our local chefs.”
Moulinex Masterchef Moulinex launched a powerful new range of Kitchen Machines – Moulinex Masterchef Gourmet. The latest appliance will bring to every kitchen a multitude of attachments that are sure to make even gourmet cooking an easy task. Now, one can be an ace chef at home with Moulinex Masterchef Gourmet, the latest in kitchen machines. The harmonious shapes and ruby red finish of the Masterchef Gourmet products also add a stylised touch to the kitchen. The new master chef Gourmet Kitchen Machine is available in all Hyper Markets and Khimji Luxury & Lifestyle Outlets in Oman. Customers can contact 800-75000 KR toll-free or visit facebook. com/khimjiramdas. Moulinex is distributed in Oman by Khimji Ramdas LLC. Black & White 27
Omanoil youth development programme for staff children More than 87 aspiring leaders between the ages of four and 18 graduated from Oman Oil Marketing Company’s debut Summer School Programme, a novel youth engagement platform designed to yield greater levels of confidence, motivation and self esteem amongst children of staff. “The carefully orchestrated programme conceptualised and staffed by our very own employees was undoubtedly an enriching experience for the children, inspiring them to make a positive impact today regardless of age,” expressed Mohammed Amor Al Barwani, general manager HR, administrations, IT and system optimisation at omanoil.
Rasasi
‘Roohy Tehebak’ Rasasi Perfumes, brings fragrance and elegance together in a surprising new way with the launch of its latest perfume, Roohy Tehebak - My soul loves you. The sophisticated fragrance, available in a beautifully designed 90 ml bottle that symbolises the love of a woman for her traditions, promises to evoke a mystifying essence that will capture true poise. Speaking about the new fragrance, Salim Kalsekar, managing director of Rasasi Perfumes said: “Roohy Tehebak, which refers to an Arabic expression of love, is a modern interpretation of the traditional woman. This fragrance is suited to a mature and modern woman with an utterly innate sense of chic and is a tribute to those women who take pride in their traditions and embrace modernity in equal measure.” Roohy Tehebak is available at leading Rasasi outlets across the AGCC. The perfume is part of the House of Rasasi’s rich portfolio of fragrances catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. 28 August 7-20, 2011
Shell Oman’s Safety Day Shell Oman Marketing Company SAOG and Shell Development Oman L.L.C celebratedShell Safety Day recently. This is an annual event where all Shell employees and contractors get together to focus on safety and make plans for the next steps on the journey towards achieving zero incidents. Shell Oman was honoured with the participation of Peter Voser Ceo of Royal Dutch Shell plc as part of the Shell leadership engagement plan during the Shell Safety Day. While this year’s Safety Day theme is 'Do the Right Thing', Shell in Oman gave a higher focus on road safety following the directions of His Majesty the Sultan to improve road safety in Oman. This is the fifth year that Shell conducts its Safety Day, as every year the learning journey continues to build a proactive safety culture across all the organisation. The main event was held in Crown Plaza hotel where several engagement activities and presentations were planned for Shell staff, dealers, contractors and other stakeholders who participated in the day. The event focused mainly on sharing ideas and best practices for continuous improvement in safety performance and to reflect on each one’s personal commitment to safety. A number of staff were also awarded for their outstanding HSSE performance.
Triple play with renna mobile! Renna mobile launched new offer “Renna triple play”, a three months promotion, whereby customers will receive Free minutes for local calls, national SMS as well as Data for 30 days, all combined together for a low subscription fee of 3 rials to give customers a chance to beat the heat this summer, by staying indoors and receiving free services. “It’s easy, Customers can subscribe to this service by simply sending the key word TP3 to 90882, or contact our customer service team on 1240. Once subscribed, all the customer would have to do to enjoy these free services for 30 days is
to call nationally for over 3 minutes, to receive free minutes, send 30 national messages to receive the same for free, as well as subscribe to the data bundle and receive 300 MB’s for free”. Said Joakim Klingefjord, chief executive officer, renna mobile. “This promotion comes as a natural extension of our promise to customers, we hope customers will enjoy the free services in addition to our broad range of unique services,” he added. Renna triple play represents one of many offers by the renna mobile product development team, and
renna mobile customers will enjoy a host of benefits from rewards, to competitive prices and more over 2011. For more information please contact 80073662.
Starcare Hospital staffcare To benefit its employees and customers at large, Starcare Hospital recently held a training programme on personal hygiene and grooming for its staff. The session which was attended by the entire staff, was to educate them on self confidence, appearance, personal hygiene, good manners, punctuality, communication skills, and etiquettes. Commenting on the benefits of the training, Dr Askar Kukkadi, medical director of Starcare Hospital, said, “These various training programmes that we have been conducting are at the very heart of
Starcare’s Human Resources Development strategy.” “Starcare is very proud of its employees, the management has always believed that training and development is an essential component to stimulating our employees’ growth which will ensure long-term fulfilling careers in the Medical industry," said Vidya Rani, senior business development manager, Starcare Hospital. "We are present in a highly competitive environment, and well trained employees will be a strong asset to the Hospital in the years to come.”
Planet Supra launched in Oman Sadolin Paints Oman Ltd launched their latest offering – Planet Supra. The launch was attended by Zaeem Haq, executive director – international business development, Akihiko Suda, chief scientist - R&D Department, Sci Paint (Japan), MM Khan, general manager, Sadolin Paints (Oman) Ltd, Inc, and senior officials. A thermal barrier coating, ‘Planet Supra’ is the first carbon offset product in the Japanese Paints industry and is brought to Oman under a technical collaboration between Sci Paint Japan, Inc and Sadolin Paints (Oman) Ltd. Extremely versatile and easy-to-apply, it can be used on any surface (i.e. concrete, bricks, metal, wood, or canvas) by using a roller, brush or spray gun. ‘Planet Supra’ can be used to paint homes, buildings, containers, factories, stores, warehouses, industrial equipment and vehicles. If applied on a steel surface, Planet Supra can also significantly reduce sound! Black & White 29
Motivating yourself -practical tools and strategies By Nasser Al Azry
MOTIVATION BASICS There are essentially two types of motivation: Intrinsic motivation - This is when you are motivated by internal factors to meet your own personal needs. Most hobbies and leisure activities are based on intrinsic motivation. We do them because we enjoy them, not because we have to.
Motivation basics
Extrinsic motivation - This is when you are motivated by external factors that are given or controlled by others, for example, by salary or by praise. Our jobs are usually based on extrinsic motivation, although there will be some intrinsic motivation involved if you enjoy aspects of what you do.
factors to make a task more rewarding, you make it more rewarding yourself. SELF-MOTIVATION STRATEGIES Just as there are two types of motivation, there are two main strategies for motivating yourself: •You make the task more intrinsically satisfying. •You provide your own extrinsic rewards. Using a combination of both is often the most effective way to motivate yourself. So, you have to find further intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to get those undesirable tasks done. Here are some tactics that you can use to motivate yourself:
Most situations at work involve both types of motivation. If we do a job we enjoy, some of the work we do will be intrinsically motivating. Realistically though, we probably wouldn’t go to work if we weren’t being paid! Enjoying your job is intrinsically motivating, while being paid a good salary to do it is extrinsically motivating.
Change your attitude and approach to undesirable tasks - For example, the task of reorganising your filing cabinet may not be motivating in itself. But being seen as a competent and organised person might provide intrinsic motivation for you. By thinking of filing in this way, for example, you can connect completing the task with meeting your needs.
Even if we do a job we enjoy, problems can crop up where we need to do something that we don’t inherently like - such as filing, speaking with staff about performance issues, completing reports, and so on. We have to do undesirable tasks as part of our job, so we have to find a way to motivate ourselves to complete them. That’s where selfmotivation is necessary.
Think about why you do what you do Sometimes you may start to think that your job is pointless, so why bother to do things? A great way to increase self-motivation is to list all of the positive outcomes of your job. If you’re on the cleaning staff in a hospital, ultimately your job keeps patients safe from germs and disease. If you sell office equipment, you’re helping people to work more efficiently.
To motivate yourself, you must examine and understand your needs, so that you know what you find valuable and rewarding. Then, by changing your environment and perspective, you can find the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to complete those undesirable tasks. So, rather than relying on other
Set goals - By setting goals you’ll know exactly what you need to do to achieve what you want in life. Then, by looking at this “bigger picture”, you’ll be able to see how those undesirable tasks can help you reach your goals, and you’ll be able to see “what’s in it for you” to complete these tasks.
30 August 7-20, 2011
In Black & White
In Black... Camel milk is a rich source of proteins with potential antimicrobial and protective activities; these proteins are not found in cow milk Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief LET’S GO CAMEL! The grass is always greener... on the other side. Or so they say; but it is only natural that individuals continually evaluate supposedly better alternatives for themselves. It is just a basic behavioural truth in a rather universal metaphor! We all tend to think alike and look for solutions and remedies across the borders, or rather global. But there are a few that make a difference to the society they live, by proving that you have solutions at hand, right in your backyard. Here I am speaking about a brave and enterprising woman whom the B&W team met recently. She had her own dose of home remedies in her garden. CAMELS IN YOUR BACKYARD No, not medicines or a home garden, but a good herd of eight camels. The ‘camel lady’, as we would like to call her, points out that not only is Oman a country of very beautiful camels, but the camel is also a treasure trove of medicinal remedies. From the milk to the urine to the meat, one interesting fact is that the lady is an expatriate, who owns her own herd of camels out of sheer fascination and love for the animal and our nation. It is a wonderful feeling when people of other community adopt our nation as their own and merge in to our circle with pride and passion…
SUPER MILK A few years back I read somewhere that camels’ milk could become the latest super food to hit the shelves of health food shops and up market retailers in the West. The milk, researches declared, is rich in vitamins B and C and has 10 times more iron than cow’s milk! Of course majority of people consume cow milk regularly. MAGIC CURE People are unaware of the benefits of camel milk. It (camel milk) is a rich source of proteins with potential antimicrobial and protective activities; these proteins are not found in cow milk or found only in minor amount, moreover camel milk is used in some parts of the world as a cure for certain diseases. CAMEL PRODUCTS Camel milk products include yoghurt, cheese, ice cream, flavoured milk, curd, kulfi and chocolates. Some of these products are now commercialised in many countries in Asia and Africa. Well, I am sure it would be the ‘in thing’ in our local markets too, very soon. But how many of us in Oman know about it? Camels are abundant in the Middle East and we have a good share here in Oman. What are we doing about it?
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Sheikha Layla, the Camel Whisperer Black & White 33
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We froze. A four-legged, nearly 500kgs creature, was rumbling towards us. When it came close, we involuntarily shut our eyes. Even with our closed eyes and palpitating hearts, we could still feel this scary beast’s presence. When we mustered enough courage to open our eyes, we were astounded to see this brown being roundly pecking on our host, a tall, slim, charming, short-haired lady, who seemed to return the affection in a very warm way. This huge dromedary did not even seem to know or care that we existed. This ‘Ship of the Desert’ was oblivious to all except our host. If she had arms like us, she would have hugged Lillianne ‘Layla’ Donders, who in many circles is fondly considered as this region’s own lady ‘camel whisperer’.
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Lilliane and Zubeida, a nearly 13-year old pet camel, who is the oldest of the lot in Lilliane’s little camel pen/farm at her home in Seeb, share an unusual bond. “I bought Zubeida – my first camel – in Syria. We know each other quite well,” Lilliane said as the 18-year old nuzzled into her face. Jealousy or that competitive spirit, especially when it comes to sharing affection, is rabid among all creatures on earth as was witnessed when the others in the pen/farm also rushed to seek Lilliane’s affection. But this ‘camel’ lady had enough and more affection to shower on her other camels – Zenobia (28 years) Sheba (13), Zahara (12), Ghazal (4), Shaheen (bull 3), Suleimah (3) and Najmah (2) too!
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LILLIANE’S CAMEL ABODE These camels are part of Lilliane’s home-based stable. While lesser mortals are happy with dogs and cats, Lilliane belongs to a different league altogether. She has these camels (bought over a period of time) all happily residing in her little camel abode. And she also has her share of dogs, Zanzibar (12), Farah (9), Aseelah (2) and Dhabiah (4 months). As the other camels also vied for attention from her, Lilianne went on: “We bought Zubeida, together with her young calf, Sheba, first. It took me some time to learn how to take care of them, look after their needs, provide them with food and the necessary medicines. But, being a nurse by profession, I found it easy to learn the basic medicines and injections needed for a camel. “Today, I can handle most of the infections and sickness that a camel could get. Over the years, I also 38 August 7-20, 2011
learnt to train them too. A year later we bought Zenobia with her calf Zahra. However, she was already a much older camel when we bought her. So while Zenobia is by far the oldest camel of the lot, Zubeida and Sheba are with us the longest!” FIRST CAMEL IN 1998 “It took me many years to own my first camel and by that time I had travelled a lot, learnt, researched about camels and knew that camels are very intelligent and that they can be domesticated. They recognise you and learn to listen to you in a very short span (in her case, three months).” Lilianne petted and patted and showered affection on her camels as she spoke to us. She bought her first camel in 1998 in Syria, she tells us. “Actually, my love affair with the camels started long before, and right here in Oman. I still remember that day at a souk
in Sinaw. It was the first time I was seeing a camel cry. Actually, that was a very cute little six month old baby camel crying… Tears were rolling out of his eyes, just like it does from our eyes. The poor thing looked so lost, sad and forlorn. The Omani gentleman had sold this baby camel's mother and was trying to look for another buyer for the little one. The minute I saw this baby, I realised that I was somehow being drawn to the world of camels and that my future was going to be with them in some way or the other. “From then I wanted to know all about camels and wanted to closely interact with them. I knew then, I wanted camels in my home. Somewhere in a corner of my heart I had fallen in love with this majestic and gentle animal and I told my husband that someday I am going to own them.”
All the camels at her camel pen easily recognises her, can make out her voice and understand her commands. “They also recognise people by their smell. They play with you, even kiss you with affection. Once they are used to you, camels don’t bite or harm you in anyway. They are gentle animals though they look big and strong. They could fall sick and are as sensitive as human beings. In fact some of them are emotional and possessive too. When I am with one, the other will try to steer me away with affection!” She was right. We were witness to that show of affection, some of them literally pushing the other away from Lilianne. FAMILY MEMBERS For Lilianne, camels mean everything. It is a topic on which she can go on and on. We had reached at her home in Seeb for an interview, but all of us were struck by the love
she showered on her camels and vice versa and we remained in the garden, despite the sultry weather. “Camels are very co-existing animals. They don’t harm each other and don’t display violent behaviour. If you go close to them and bow in to their nose, they will smell you, recognise you. My camels are like my family members. I feel very protective when I am with them. I have crossed the desert with my camels and it has been a worthwhile experience. I have interacted with many Bedouin families while I cross the desert, I teach the ladies personal hygiene, how to better their lives, how to clean and maintain the camels, use camel milk and products for themselves and their family members.” INITIATED INTO CAMEL MILK After sometime Lilianne took us inside their spacious home and asked us what we would like to
drink? “Tea or coffee?” Her husband, the affable, Robert Weener, who is a former Shell bigwig, amiably butted in and asked us whether we would have a spot of camel milk? As we mulled over this issue, both Lilianne and Robert quickly reassured us that camel milk was not in anyway unhealthy. For people like us who have been weaned only on cow milk, the camel version is quite a revelation. We tasted it. Slightly saltier, a bit thicker…well, in short, it tasted different, but not at all bad and we are willing to try it again. Many people around the world depend on camel milk though it is said to be an ‘acquired taste’. It contains antibodies which may help to fight against serious diseases like cancer, HIV/Aids, Alzheimer’s and hepatitis B. It is also found to be good for people who are diabetic. Camel’s milk need not be cooked until boiling like a cow or goat’s milk. It is rich in taste and must be taken slowly to allow the stomach to digest. Black & White 39
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BEST AND HEALTHIEST FOOD “Camel milk is one of the best and healthiest food item available at home. Why eat food that is filling, but not healthy? And why waste power food when you have it in your own home? Bedouins live with goats and camels and most of the camel milk is wasted. The baby camels do feed on the mother’s milk, but a good healthy camel can produce up to 13 litres of milk every day. That is quite a lot of milk at home and that can keep the whole household healthy and shining. It is only a matter of 40 August 7-20, 2011
awareness that is lacking. In my own small way I pass the information on,” Lilianne said. REAL ADVENTURE IN OMAN Lilianne (nee Elizabeth Anna Donders) was trained to be a registered nurse and from 1976 onwards, earned her living by caring for patients in various hospitals. She is also a trained fashion design instructor. In 1980, she followed her husband, who was working for Shell, to Oman. And it is here where the real adventure of her life began and despite the trial and tribulations she had to endure on the health front,
Lilianne transformed herself from a nurse and designer to a campaigner and a well known animal lover, with special emphasis on camels. She lived in Oman for eight years and formed some of the most intense friendships with Omanis. It was here in Oman she was adopted by Al Jenaibah tribe. That is where she earned the Arabic name, Layla. Sheikha Layla. WALKING WITH CAMELS Layla soon fell in love with the nomadic lifestyle and also became intrigued by their means of transport: the camel. That sparked the flame
posting: Tehran. Rather than call the whole thing off, Lilianne decided on the spot to extend her walk starting in Damascus all the way to Tehran; the idea for the ‘Caravan for Cancer’ was born. This proved to be the real turning point for Layla and through her sponsored walk, she raised enough funds to establish a clinic for the Bedouin women living in the desert around Palmyra (Tadmor) in Syria. CARAVAN OF HOPE When the next move came up, this time from Tehran to Dubai, the itch to walk arose once more. This time the walk would go from Tehran to Muscat in Oman, and back again to Dubai. This voyage became the ‘Caravan of Hope’ with sponsorship proceeds being dedicated to building a mother and child clinic for Palestinian refugees.
of an unusual wish to walk along the camel caravan routes of the past. And during their next posting to Syria, Lilianne bought four camels – mother and daughter pairs – namely, Zenobia and Zahra, and Zubeida and Sheba. CARAVAN FOR CANCER But with the whiff of adventure also came the stench of danger when Layla was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was while she was preparing for the first camel caravan. During her radiation and chemotherapy her husband was told that they would have to move to their next
HELPED DISPEL MYTHS Layla also put a lot of effort in supporting Bedouin ladies making traditional handicrafts. Over and above that, she also succeeded in bursting many myths about the Arab world, considered by many outsiders as an unsafe world. “I found that quite unfair and sought to dispel the negativity surrounding the Middle East area. Oman itself is an example of peace and harmony. The people of this country are the most warm and hospitable when compared to anywhere in the world.” HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Layla returned to Oman in June 2010 and this is the country where she and her husband decided to retire. “They say, home is where the heart is! Very true; Oman was the place where I fell in love with the camels and is a nation very close to our hearts. After very many years we are back here and it is like returning home. We want to live here now. Just like the
camels fascinating me, Oman is our second home and we want to spend our retired lives here. It’s a wonderful country, very unique, with very loving people; it is a safe and one of the most hospitable countries in the world. Sometimes you know where you belong to, your heart tells you. Oman is our home now since the last two and half years!” POWER ANIMALS Layla believes that camels are power animals. “From the milk they produce to their urine, meat, everything is packed with good health and power. I have personal experience of it. Since I was affected by breast cancer and during the course of time, I put myself on a camel milk diet and camel urine therapy for a 40 days span. It proved to be quite a lifesaver and I personally believe the milk and urine has phenomenal curing properties!” Globally camel milk has become a craze, people and researchers have stumbled on to many health secrets that camel milk could provide. “The milk is a little salty and will take us some days to get accustomed to, but once you acquire the taste, you will love it. A recent research says camel milk can help cure autism and developmental syndromes,” noted Layla. CAMEL MILK FARM FOR OMAN “Camel milk doesn’t get curdled like other milk and it is a boon for people with lactose intolerance. My husband has it and he has the option now, he drinks camel milk. He is happy about it. We buy our stock at the UAE currently. We hope Oman takes up commercial production of camel milk. It has got huge potential and it is one of my dreams to see a camel milk farm happen in Oman soon. Oman has the best of camels in the region and has the highest potential to commercialise camel milk production. The market is out here as well regionally and globally too.” Black & White 41
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Both Layla and her husband stressed on how it was necessary to maintain a clean and hygienic lifestyle for the camels. “This is very important. I also teach the Bedouins on how to maintain and clean the camels. I learnt it from professional trainers and from experience. If the camels are clean and hygienically brought up, the milk can be consumed naturally. The process of milking has to be clean too. It is only a matter of learning some trade tricks. Then you can have milk right at home!” NEXT WALK NEXT YEAR Layla is already planning another trip. It was originally planned for November, this year, but later postponed to a year because their eldest son is going to get married this winter. “After surviving breast cancer, this is my first attempt at crossing the desert.
This time I have more company, I will take my camels along. As I have said, camels know their way around and would take me safely across the desert. I feel quite protected with them around and I am confident that I will never lose my way. These are the ships of the desert and can find their ways around. I know to speak the Bedouin language and can communicate with the tribes in the desert region. I am learning Arabic too.” The trip will take her from Muscat to Manah, Fahud, Rub Al Khali, Mughsayl, Sishar, Thumrait, Salalah, Shelim, Ras Madrakah, Duqm, Ramlat Al Sharkiyah, Sinaw, Muscat. "I might need at least four months to complete this walk and is going to be another life changing experience for me! I love to cross the desert. This walking trip might sound long
and tiring to many, but for me, it is one more dream coming true. I want to make a difference in the society in which I live and in this case, I want to be one with the people of the desert and I believe I can. They have accepted me and now with this acceptance, I want the world to see and understand these people. I am sure many will feel at home here too.” Layla said she wanted to add a charitable element to the trip. “We have not yet finalised as to what the cause will be. We will also use the trip to highlight the amazing healing qualities of camel milk.” As Layla came out to see us off, her large pets, slightly stirred themselves from their pens, watching us from the corner of their bulging eyes, making sure that we did not steal their little human mother away from them! Even if we wanted to, we wouldn’t dare mess up with her browny kids!
Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi
42 42August August7-20, 7-20,2011 2011
Management talk
Factors determining growth of an economy
Dr Anchan C.K. managing director, World Wide Business House
By Dr CK Anchan Many factors determine the growth of an economy. Understanding if the global economy is growing or going backwards can be very difficult. If a nation is experiencing economic growth, it means that the unemployment rate is lower than expected. People that have regular income are more likely to extend the limits of their budget and spend more. The economic growth of a nation determines how its production and export of goods and services affect national income and the standard of living. There are several factors that have an effect on the growth of an economy. The resources available to a country will affect the quality and quantity of goods and services it produces. The fertility of the land, the skill and education of its labour force and the entrepreneurship with which resources are combined all have an effect on the output produced. A surplus of food allows citizens to take time away from food production and produce consumer goods-or act as consumers themselves. Non-food natural resources, such as oil, gas, mineral deposits, can contribute to economic growth heavily by providing the material for technological innovation and huge commercial value in terms of
deposits and exports and raising the per capita income of the country. The technological innovation in the county is a decisive factor of economic progress. The quantity of people living in a country does not guarantee large economic growth. Even if a country is abundant in natural resources and a strong labour population, if the country is lacking the basic infrastructure they will be limited in their economic growth. Technological innovation allows inventors and producers to use existing technology to produce more goods in less time with less effort. The key is to improve the competitiveness of domestic industries through export diversification, research and developing new technology and manufacturing products that are cheaper but of good quality. Foreign investment adds another major source of income to a nation’s economic growth. Foreign investments can occur in the form of direct investment, with governments seeking to buy the rights to use technology or labour. The domestic and foreign investment done in buying machinery or employment opportunities, investing in cottage industries or joining hands with domestic industries to provide much needed capital.
Population growth means more people will put money into an economy by buying necessities or commodities. It is also important that people are able to get affordable education. If people can afford to continue their education, they will be more likely to have extra income to spend and put into the economy. More jobs available, that means that a greater number of people have financial security, The government can use fiscal and monetary policies to increase the demand for goods and services in an economy. By reducing both direct and indirect taxes and lowering growth. A stable political system provides a perfect setting to bringing together factors of production in an optimum way. A strong currency means imports rise as exports are more expensive and this can adversely affect the balance of trade. The strength of the domestic currency will affect how much people pay for their imports and how much they earn from their exports. A rapidly growing country like the Sultanate has truly transformed itself to one of the global thrusts in multisector economy. Oman’s nominal GDP reached an estimated $58 billion in 2010 and is projected to rise by 22 per cent to a record high of $70 billion in 2011 and by a further five per cent to $74 in 2012. Black & White 43
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:
24 hours open…?
Nitternatter
Catch-22 situation for poor passengers
44 August 7-20, 2011
How much time would it take for you to deposit a visa at the Muscat International Airport? One minute? Ok, two minutes? C’mon let us be realistic: Five minutes? No, okay, let us say 15 minutes maximum…? Agreed? But, what if it takes half an hour; or one hour, or, maybe more? Well, it took this man nearly one and a half hours to deposit a visa for an expatriate coming from India at the Muscat International Airport. The man reached the airport reasonably early, say around 8.45 am. But, upon reaching the counter, he found it unmanned and a small crowd hovering outside, all early birds who had come to deposit the visas of staff of their companies. Slowly the clock ticked and the crowd began to mill, but there seemed to
see no sight of anyone coming to man the counter. Things reached a head and some of those present began to blow up, threatening to report the matter to the higher authorities concerned. Finally, as though the prayers of those who were patiently waiting were answered, those from the other side of the window came back to man their counters. After one and half hours?! And don’t you forget, this man had come at 8.45am…there are others who had come even before that! “Why are they saying that the counters are open 24 hours,” an irate man who had come to deposit his visa said. What was happening; why did the counter people take so long to attend to the needs of these poor folks?
Airlines operating from India are enjoying their time in the sun. From July, the airlines enjoy a good run, with excellent flow and good rates (for the airlines, not the passengers) and it tapers off towards mid-August, and it might peak again to accommodate the Eid rush. But, what happens here is that most of the passengers who are economically backward find it hard to either go or come. Both ways, the rates are high and the bookings are also full. In such a situation, these poor travellers are in a classic Catch-22 situation. Those having small purses are unable to go during the holidays; in fact, there are passengers who hope to go after, what they call the “mad rush” period where there is a great inflow and outflow to India. “My children have their holidays during this period, but we are unable to go on a holiday because we can’t afford the ticket rates during this period,” one such passenger told Bitter Batter. The truth is that, whatever anyone says, a large section of the travelling population to India are always known to confront difficulties in flying to their home destinations simply because they are not able to afford it.
No verbal agreements please!
Get everything in writing. Whatever deal, whatever agreement that you would like to make, get it in writing. Don’t ever think that everything would be hunky dory just because you know the other party. “Most of the time, it is when you know the other party when things go awry,” a sad company head says noting how he had been almost led off the tracks by a contact whom he feels was one of the most reliable and honest person he had ever known. However, an official money deal opened the eyes of this journalist to his “reliable” contact. Both their companies had struck a verbal deal wherein the scribe’s publication would pay money to this contact’s organisation for a service done. Acting upon the advice of a senior, this business man decided to make a contract for their deal and then the contact threw a fit. He would not go for the deal, he said, adding that he expected a decent amount and not a “paltry’ sum mentioned in the contract. “But, this is what we had verbally agreed upon in our meeting,” the scribe said. “That was then. But I realised later that the stakes are high,” the contact added casually. The scribe was shocked. “We finally came to an agreement because I did not want to go back on the deal, but we still have to pay quite a lot of money for just nothing!”
(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on editor@blackandwhiteoman.com or call 99218461)
AJAY ENTERPRISES PO BOX 54, PC 100. TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490 E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com website: www.albahja.com
SWANS Fun facts about
Graceful and beautiful, the swan has long fascinated us. Here are some interesting facts about the exquisite creature.
• Swans are the largest known flying bird
• Swans were nearing extinction in the 1930s in the U.S. but due to measures taken to protect them their population is again growing. • The typical weight of a swan is from 11.3 to 15.88 kg (25 to 35 pounds) and height while standing alert 4 feet or 1.2 meters. From the tip of the bill to the end of their tail they measure 5 feet or 1.5 meters. • The Mute Swan is perhaps the noisiest of all swans having eight different sounds in its repertoire • Swans can fly as fast as 50 to 60 miles per hour • Some have a wing span of 10 feet
Kidstuff
• The adult male is called a cob. The female swan is referred to as a pen. Visually the most noticeable difference between the male and female swan is size, unlike many other animals where the male and female are coloured differently 46 August 7-20, 2011
• A baby swan or cygnet has a grey feathered coat until it reaches about 20 pounds. Then it too will become snowy white like its parents. A baby swan pecks at the inside of the egg for 24 hours prior to making its entrance • The regal beauty is one of the reasons for the swan to be considered as a royal bird in England and all swans found in the open waters belong to the crown • They are not known to attack humans without cause, and actually can remember humans that have been kind to them • They dine off of aquatic vegetation, insects, tiny fish and tadpoles. Because they are able to reach far below the water’s surface, they have actually broken plants apart and left them floating on the water which enables smaller birds to find ready food. • The mute swan’s neck has 23 vertebrae, which is more than any other bird Their life expectancy in a protected environment is as long as 30 years
Tongue twisters Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards Black & White 47
Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20
TAURUS April 21-May 20
An active period ahead. Goals for self-mastery and selfdiscipline should be made at this time. This is a phase when you do be busy with career and/or public responsibilities. If in business, avoid expansion of business this week, instead concentrate on making existing work streamline.
If you are seeking a change for strong or higher position then it is right time to go ahead. If in business, flow with the stream and expand your horizon. You will receive the necessary support from the people and environment. Finances will not be smooth and you will feel worried about it.
CANCER June 22-July 23
LEO July 24-August 23
Negotiations and diplomacy is what this period is all about. Now you feel the importance of others in your life whether it is personally or at work. Feeling for maintaining relationship will be highlighted. At work you need to make things run smooth. Pending work should be attended to clean your desk.
It is possible that you may not be able to give some time to relations due to priority of the work. However, it is suggested that if your relations are undergoing with some problem already then try to be kind and cooperative with your partner instead of lowering down your pressure on your partner.
GEMINI May 21-June 21 Problems at subordinate level will tax your patience and energy both. You will receive good flow of income this week. It is possible to get finances balanced against your work. This is a promising time for singles when they form long lasting relationship this time. VIRGO August 24-September 23 Obstacles at work will be removed by just little efforts with your confidence. If in business, you will focus your attention to manage the work in hand. Expansion should be postponed for the moment. This can be a passionate time for you, and a time when you might feel more bold than usual.
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.
Horoscope
By Thomas Snyder
48 August 7-20, 2011
SOLUTION:
TERRY GENE BOLLEA (AUGUST 11, 1953), better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American professional wrestler, actor, television personality and musician currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He is widely regarded as the most successful and famous professional wrestler of all time as well as the biggest draw in the history of professional wrestling. He also had famous feuds and matches with other major villianous "heel" wrestlers such as King Kong Bundy, Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase.
LIBRA September 24-October 22 Give priority to important matter, otherwise it is possible to receive a warning from superiors. It is good time for business as meetings or dealings are expected to be fruitful. Expansion of work and benefits are in store now. Avoid haste and over confidence. It is normally good period for finances.
CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 It’s a time to reinvent yourself in some personal way, such as with a new look or manner of expressing and presenting yourself. This is a personally busy time of year, when you feel energetic and enthusiastic.
SCORPIO October 23-November 22 You will maintain good relations with people around that will create good ground for reputation. Business professionals will be busy in maintaining the routine work and meetings. It is time to complete your paper work or meetings that would be on hold since earlier. In a nutshell, sociability and routine work will not let you take off your head from the table.
SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 You may have a hard time to complete the work right now. If in business, this week challenges and obstacles may tax your patience. It is likely that you may lose your temper on your subordinates, if not controlled. You may also feel too much close to your home, personal life, and closest emotional relationships.
AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Fulfillment through service, empathy, and awareness of other’s needs; but it can also be a time of withdrawal and some sort of retreat in a social sense. Your rampant high energy will not let you find the right partner for you this time.
PISCES February 20-March 20 Responsibilities at work increase but this will prove useful for your professional growth. You are willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations. You will emphasise on socialising or attending meetings more.
AJAY ENTERPRISES PO BOX 54, PC 100. TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490 E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com website: www.albahja.com
PICK-UP POINTS MUSCAT WADI KABIR Bait al Zubair Bait al Baranda Marina Bander Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al Jissah Sri Lankan School NHI Pencil Building (Stationery shop) Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden Oasis Sana Fashions Al Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)
Circulation
CBD AREA TO DARSAIT Al Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad Sultan Al Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving) Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD area Pizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower) Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD area Centre point-Splash Muscat Securities market Times of Oman Shell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton) OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM) KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – Ruwi Palayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance Office Al Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High street Damas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC Centre Air Arabia Office- Shanfari Travels Ruwi Hotel Gulf air building – Gulf air office Saravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroom OTE Moosa Abdul Showroom – next to al Jadeed Toshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shopping Badr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pm Ministry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom) Haffa House Hotel Al Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait) Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx) Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx) Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shop Al Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic
50 August 7-20, 2011
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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Black & White 51
IFTAR
Cooking
It is only wise to start each Iftar with the traditional Arabic way to break the fast, a combination of dates and water. Dates are delicious and healthy; they’re rich in iron and potassium. And when moving on to your main course at the buffet, never be tempted to overfill your plate - eat slowly, savouring every bite. Ramadan is not a time for excess. Here are a few simple and healthy recipes to make your Iftar breaks a delicious one:
52 August 7-20, 2011
D SHAPED CHICKEN SAMOSAS Ingredients: • Chicken mince 250 gm • Oil 2 tbsp • Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp • Salt 1 tsp • Black pepper ½ tsp • Crushed red pepper ½ tsp • Coriander leaves 2 tbsp (chopped) • Green chillies 4 (chopped) Ingredients for dough: • Flour 2 cups • Ghee 6 tbsp • Salt ½ tsp • Water to knead
Method: 1. Method for filling: In a pan, heat oil. 2. Add mince with ginger garlic paste. 3. Then add salt, black pepper, all spice, and crushed red pepper, cook for 10 minutes or till done. 4. Remove in a bowl add coriander leaves and green chillies. 5. Method for dough: In a bowl add ghee, flour and salt; gradually add water and knead to make a hard dough. 6. Knead well, make into small balls then roll into small saucer size. 7. Spread filling in centre and fold one side to form into a 'D' shape samosa, deep fry till light golden. 8. Enjoy with tamarind sauce or ketchup.
MEAT AND POTATO ROLLS Ingredients: • 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks • 1 pound lean ground beef • 1/4 cup minced onion • 1/4 cup minced green bell pepper • salt to taste • ground black pepper to taste • 1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots, thawed • 1 cup canola oil • 1 (16 ounce) package egg roll wrappers
Method: Place potatoes in a pot with enough lightly salted water to cover, and bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes, or until tender; drain. Place the beef, onion, and green bell pepper in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until beef is evenly brown and onion is tender. Mix in peas and carrots, and continue cooking until heated through. In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with the beef mixture. Cover and refrigerate (or place in the freezer) until cooled completely. Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Lay egg roll wrappers on a flat surface, and place about 1/4 cup filling in the center of each. Fold to form egg rolls, and seal with moistened fingers. In batches, fry the egg rolls in the heated oil about three minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
FRUIT SOUP Fruit soup - easy to make and refreshing to eat - is the perfect summer dessert. This recipe is economical, as it uses in-season produce (not expensive dried fruits). It is healthy, as it contains no fat and can be made without sugar. And it is parve, which means it can be served after any kosher meal (meat or dairy). Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh fruit, diced (peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, grapes) 6 cups water 1/2 cup sugar or honey, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 2 Tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 cup cold water Preparation: 1. Combine all fruit, water, sugar or honey, and cinnamon in a large pot. 2. Bring to a boil, cover, simmer over low heat for 1 hour. 3. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch into 1/4 cup cold water. Then stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup. Cook for 5 more minutes.
Black & White 53
The growth of values Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University
By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi Everyone talks about values; and everyone understands that values are very important for us to be good and live happily. But, what are values?! Do we all know what it means? I can say that values are those beliefs and ideas that really matter to each of us and we hold as special such as honesty, peace, caring, love, happiness and freedom to express our opinions. One thing that life taught me is that; we should realise that values shape our behaviours…values are caught not taught as some might say! It is obvious that most of us learnt our values or morals at home, at masjids (mosques), at schools. But, where are our children learning their values from? Some of us might agree that they are learning from their parents, teachers and religious leaders (known as Imam) but there is one truth that we should admit it; the society has changed! Too often young people today are mostly influenced by what they see and hear on television or on the street. Values are very essential in every personality therefore; we all should pay great attention to our children and students' behaviours to make sure they develop positive values while learning to be good leaders in the future. Here, the role of parents, educators and religious leader is increased to encourage the new generation to understand that values can become very concrete goals for them. Indeed, we have very precious values. In our community, young people are encouraged to acquire positive values and there are different means to do so. Most importantly, we need to look for new tools for teaching today’s young people how to apply these abstract ideas in everyday situations.
Learning curve
Moreover, we need to fully understand that our children are the ambassadors for their homes, schools and country. And applying these values, our children could make a positive change even all over the world. Let’s start small to grow big with golden values. And Ramadan is very good month for all of us to develop our values. Happy Ramadan to all dear readers of B&W! (to be continued…) queen.algharbi1@gmail.com
54 July 21- August 6, 2011
It's my life
Celebs…do you want to be one? Vandana, award winning author (‘360 Degrees Back to Life')
By Vandana Shah Kate Middleton loses 15kgs for her upcoming nuptials…Kate Moss on drugs again. Kim Kardashian wanting to lose more weight or will lose her job…Heath Ledger dies under mysterious circumstances…Sean Penn beats up the paparazzi…Celebs celebs celebs and their shenanigans. I’ve heard so many people wanting to be in their shoes that sometimes I wonder. Think about their lives living in a fishbowl even if it’s a golden one and your every move being analysed microscopically. It leads to meltdowns like we saw Britney Spears going commando and Lindsay Lohan whose troubles are endless but the money isn’t and she’s gone from one thing to another and do we want this? Every pervert in town wants a piece of you and can become stalker anytime and you are the target of innumerable hate mails and maybe even a killing, think of the beautiful Sharon Tate slain in her young life and she was pregnant too. Does this happen to normal people and do we want this? Think of the innumerable expenses and having to keep up even if you are broke because you got an image to protect. Do we want this? Think of the gruelling schedules to keep us fit and then even if we put on an inch we are slaughtered and called names. A glaring example is the Duchess of York, Fergie, who not only wasn’t invited for her nephew’s royal wedding but has had to struggle with weight publicly. When I look at people like Michael Jackson whose fame made him become a weirdo from a normal persona and ultimately claimed his life and so did Princess Diana’s struggle with bulimia and ultimately the paparazzi or the royalty who killed her when she was so young. Do we want this? My answer to all is a LOUD NO and I am sure so will be yours. So enjoy your uncomplicated life and thank the Lord for it! Till next time, love.
Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com. Email me what you’d like to say on 360degreesbacktolife@gmail.com Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM
Black & White 55
Don’t worry, you won’t become
BULKY
shape n sound
That should be the adage to follow when you engage in strength training. So many women are afraid to increase their strength because they feel that they are going to look bulky. That is just a myth. You are not going to look bulky unless you are using some sort of illegal substance, say reports expounding this fact. True.
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MANY WOMEN ARE AFRAID of strength training because they believe that it will create large muscles that are unattractive. But, that is just a misconception. The vast majority of women cannot build large muscles because they are genetically incapable of doing so. It is impossible to turn fat into muscle, or muscle into fat, as each cell is unique from the other. Let us also try to understand the physiology of strength training. It (strength training) results in an increase in muscle fiber size. As the muscle fibers increase in thickness, the shape of the muscle changes, getting thicker in the belly, or middle, of the muscle. This results in a change in the shape of the muscle. How much the muscle changes in shape, and how large the muscle gets, depends on the amount of work the muscle is asked to do. If the muscle is asked to lift very heavy loads, it will respond with a significant increase in fiber/muscle size. Strength training is important for women. It used to be a practice, which used to be solely reserved for competitive athletes and bodybuilders. But, today, it has been understood that the benefits of strength training percolates down to the common masses too. It is today an essential part of any fitness regimen, and along with activities that focus on cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and optimal body composition, strength training insures a well-balanced, injury-free lifestyle. Everyone benefits from strength training and women are known to have tremendous benefits for the same. “Traditionally, women relied on cardiovascular activity and a low calorie diet to change their physical appearance. Unfortunately, low calorie diets merely punish the soul and plummet the metabolism, and, without including consistent strength training in our programme, effecting change can be an impossible goal,” notes an author on the subject. Strength training creates strong ligaments and tendons, which serve to support joints and decrease the likelihood of injury from other activities. Bone density increases dramatically, reducing risk of osteoporosis. Strength training enhances quality of life, as it enables one to better perform daily activities that require lifting,
pushing and pulling. The physical and spiritual benefits of strength training are myriad. Women further benefit from strength training because of the increase in resting metabolism created by strength training. Because of this increase, women who are trying to reduce body fat will do so more easily. When done sufficiently and consistently, strength training increases muscle fiber size. Once muscle fibers enlarge, they consume more energy - which boosts our metabolisms Here are some random examples of some strength-training exercises for women: SIDE SHOULDER RAISE (for outer portion of the shoulders) • Start with arms hanging in front of thighs, elbows slightly bent, and palms facing each other • Raise both dumbbells outward simultaneously to shoulder heights, keeping elbows slightly bent • Lower dumbbells to starting positions and repeat FRONT SHOULDER RAISE (for front portion of the shoulders) • Begin with arms hanging in front of thighs and palms facing thighs. • Raise one dumbbell straight in front of you to shoulder height • Lower dumbbell to starting positions and repeat using other arm • Alternate arms UPRIGHT ROW (for shoulders, neck and upper back) • Stand with arms hanging in front of thighs, palms facing thighs, and dumbbells close together • Keeping palms close to the body, raise dumbbells simultaneously to the chin • Lower dumbbells to starting position and repeat BICEPS CURL (for biceps or front of arm) • Commence the exercise with arms hanging at sides and palms facing away from your body • Keeping the elbows close to your sides, curl both dumbbells upward to the shoulders • Lower and repeat. Black 57 Black & & White White 57
Sleep weigh more,
Psyche
less
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NATASHA COULD NEVER understand it. She was adding on more weight than she could handle, yes she was not stuffing herself in anyway. In fact, she has been sleeping less than before and was also eating less. Someone had told her that these two combined could help her lose weight. But she still gained more than ever and lack of sleep and food combined was making her lethargic and weak and the sight of her plumper-than-thou self was making her less confident than ever. But what Natasha did not know was that studies have found out enough evidence to support a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Although it did not fall in place and seemed to be a bit off theory from the natural order of things, experts note very clearly that if we are trying to control weight, it would be better to sleep well. Sleep deprivation could prove to be a problem when it came to controlling weight, they note. In short, if you want to lose weight, you need to get enough sleep, experts claim. It has been found that women who sleep five (5) hours or less per night generally weigh more than women who sleep seven hours per night. Earlier studies have even proven that a good percentage of women who slept five hours per night were more likely to experience major weight gain and 15 percent more likely to become obese when compared to those who slept seven hours or more. It should also be noted that the more weight you gain, the more the risk of health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension. Then there are the others who got very little sleep, but ate more without burning any extra calories. Sleep deprived women seemed to feed themselves more, while the well rested ones tended to eat far less
when compared to their ‘deprived’ counterparts. Those who had less sleep were also more prone to becoming obese, the experts found out. “There are some explanations behind the link between sleep and eating, with previous studies having shown that sleep-deprived people burn fewer calories. One is that sleep seems to play a role in how your body manages the hormones that control how hungry you are, when you’re hungry (and) what type of food you’re hungry for,” sleep specialists say. The other factor remains that most sleep deprived and tired women would hardly be making healthy eating decisions. There are also various reasons why some women give themselves short sleep shrift. Eating too much of certain types of foods can disrupt a person’s sleep schedule, or that somebody with a stressful job may sleep too little and also eat too much as a result. All of these possibilities are there. Chronic sleep deprivation can also have a variety of effects on the metabolism and overall health. Inadequate sleep interferes with the body’s ability to metabolise carbohydrates and causes high blood levels of glucose, which leads to higher insulin levels and greater body-fat storage. This can also lead to insulin resistance and contribute to increased risk of diabetes; increase blood pressure and also increase the risk of heart disease. So, to cut a long story short, why take the risk when you could be in a much safer mode by getting a few more winks than you are having now? Black & White 59
Respect him… your hubby Okay, if it sounds too corny for you, please stop at this point. Because, if you are going to continue reading, please do try to make it till the end. If you are married and want to keep your marriage alive, then it all boils down to you. How you can, by doling out large amounts of respect and love to your husband bring peace into the family, make the marriage work.
shape n sound
“A MARRIAGE IS A commitment that supersedes feelings and emotions. Day after day, actions and words help build a solid marriage. One hundred percent effort and heart should be given by both husband and wife. Although this long-term commitment is the foundation of a marriage, it’s the daily details that make it colourful and rich. Thankfully, there are limitless possibilities when trying to show a husband how special he is,” says an article on the subject. But why should women take the initiative? Well, the simple reason is that they are better off at it. This is not about limiting or absolving the man of responsibility. But, the strategy here is based on the simple premise that a woman is better at handling a man, than vice versa. And women are better at communication too. They say that the smallest of gestures can leave the biggest of impressions. So, start small. Nurture his heart by spoiling him in a small, but caring way. Relationship experts note how “that it is in these
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little, oftentimes silent offerings, a husband’s love tank is filled”. In return, so is the wife’s. What has to be done is quite simple, but it should come from the heart and you just let it be. Don’t expect instant miracles. Wait for it happen. In the meantime, why don’t you: • Quietly fill up his car with petrol without him knowing • Stick small endearing note in his wallet, or send him a SMS or email • Help him finish a chore that he has been dreading to do or better do it yourself • Fix him a surprise meal/dessert • Stock the fridge with items he likes • Give him a surprise treat • Take him out for a treat, lunch/ dinner • Tell him how much he means to you • Really make the effort to listen to what he is saying
Of course, the biggest thing you could do is to provide him with some TLC (tender loving centre). But, when you are offering him TLC, remember that any man’s deepest desire is to be respected. In other words, shower him with attention, because that is something many women lack. It is a known fact that women love and secretly crave attention, but most often, they never seem to listen to their men. Also, just try to think how many times you have actually valued his opinion; respected his opinion. If a man feels like his opinions are respected, he feels loved and appreciated. But more than asking his opinions try to actually listen to them, even heeding them. Husbands, given the chance, do have some excellent input. Now, when have you actually given him a thank you? Experts note that a simple thank you can go a long way. It shows him appreciation and also makes him feel significant.
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One more time...
Hooked
By Priya Arunkumar She passed away in her sleep. Just like how she wished every night! Every morning she would get up early, take bath and religiously pray, ending her prayers with the same wish, that she would send her grandson to the temple with her offerings if she lived another year in good health. Ironically, her night prayers would be just the opposite, “God, take me away in my sleep tonight...” I would grin and tell her, grandma, you don’t want to die, right? You are just faking. She used to grin and wink back at me, and say don’t tell a soul, it is our secret. I would lie down next to her and listen to her speak for hours, not knowing when I slip in to the magic world of flowers and animals. She could talk and leave us in a wonder world like no one. She could even make the dirty, slimy frog an exotic creature wearing a shining crown! She was the most optimistic being I ever came across till date; she would say there is no death to an active mind, what you have inside you is what it is worth living for! And she would say forgive everyone, forget nothing! She smelled very nice, and wore clean and well laundered crisp cotton wear. She loved the rains and the jasmines. I still feel her presence when I smell jasmines, when I smell fresh cotton, when I smell delicious aroma in the kitchen; she was a great cook and an even greater teacher. She was a heart patient and had all medical complications, but ready to throw caution to winds when it was
meal time. Only at meal time, she would be the most philosophical and say, you have just one life right? And we would all unanimously nod and say right! She believed cooking is the best tradition a woman can inherit and taught me cooking at its best, with all thrills and frills. At 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, she would wake up from her afternoon nap and announce the menu for the dinner with much pomp and show... and she would have her three grandchildren (one is me!) tagging her along in their best aprons to impress her, the queen of all cooking. She would pull up a chair and sit on it and tell us what curry leaves could do to a curry, how potatoes can be fried golden brown and why fish curry tastes better the next day; she made cooking a celebration, a festival at home. It still is to me... Her death left us all in emptiness that can never be explained. What left us all in a vacuum was that she slipped away the day we were supposed to take her home from the hospital. Left us wishing if only we saw her one more time...awake! There is not a day when I don’t miss her or when I wish that I could bring her down from wherever she is now and spend just a day with her just one more time, hear her stories one more time, hug her till I get her entire being in me. But, am sure she would tell me, close your eyes and see inside... you will see more inside you than what you see outside: the goodness, the ugliness, the fears, the strengths... priya@blackandwhiteoman.com