Black & White mag Issue 18

Vol.1 Issue 18II July 21-August 6, 2010 Sha'ban 9-25

Oman Sablat's marble tribute to His Majesty p22 Beware of diabetes p12 Be a strong woman p72

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SMOKELESS FLAMES of Bahla p32

World Cup Mania - Who’s gonna win contest

Congratulations Winners!

Foosball table: (1) Mohammed Hamd Ibrahim Al-Ajmi Footballs: (22) 1) Lindsay 2) Bader Mohamed 3) Abdul Hussain Ali 4) Gopa Kumar 5) Hamoud Al Azri 6) Shanmughasundar Balasubramanian 7) Marwa Al Wadhahi 8) Rani Gopan 9) Moni T Raphael 10) Ramya Kumar 11) Samrat Raj

12) Leena Francis 13) Zahra Uppel 14) Clark Mark Sakai 15) Huzi 16) Jasfan A.K 17) Florence M 18) Pradeep Samuel Isaac 19) Vicky Mandavia 20) Omaima Al-Zadjali 21) Viral Ashar 22) Yameen Rawat

Winners are requested to contact Black & White office: 24565697

Supported by:

what we live for

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Coming Soon!

Oman's first comprehensive online directory More details: oos@blackandwhiteoman.com

Never waste any moment It is great to see the passion of young Omani girls. I refer to the story of Hawra Al Ghannami (Issue 16). This shows that we are going in the right direction. Oman is moving in the right path. Look at Hawra. She has her eyes set for a future in wireless networking, yet, the girl has shown great interest in designing fashion accessories. No, she is not into TV, or wasting her time. Every spare time she gets, she is into her beads passion.

Jameela Al Zedjali, Qurum

Kahwa out of carrots Is it true that you can make kahwa out of carrots (Black & White – issue 16)?

I was really surprised to read that. I remember my mom speaking of a lady who could do that, many years back and so it was great to read about it.

But, I am still curious: how do we make coffee out of carrots? Will the author let me know?

Aisha R, Al Khuwair

Rendezvous with the kahwa man After reading your story on the kahwa man (issue 16), I took my family out to meet him at the Muttrah souq. We bought kahwa from him and he gave us many helpings of the kahwa and took only 100baisas. We did not even have to make him clink the kahwa cups. He actually did that before we even asked him…Thanks!

That was a great story about a wonderful old man!

Great work, keep it up!

Raghuram B, Ruwi

Kahwa fan I am a kahwa lover. I really relish it. I have been in Oman for the past 15 years and I have also been drinking kahwa thanks to my Omani friends. But, unfortunately, I have never been able to buy kahwa till now. Maybe, after this current innovative product – instant kahwa – (issue 16), I might be able to finally buy it!

Congratulations to Ali Al Ajmi, the brain behind this instant kahwa!

Sameera, Seeb

6 July 7-20, 21-August 20106, 2010

Find your way When you have a goal, Hope will never die; Raise high your soul You’re here to try.

After facing quite a lot, One becomes a shining mark; So, the words I want to say: Go on, leave the dark.

Life will continue So don’t stand by; When you have a goal, Hope will never die.

Be the light of every day; Make use of every way; Don’t bother to ever say, ‘I can’t do it, there is no way!’

Take time for a rest; Wash away your pain; Always look for the best; There’s much to be gained.

Lastly, I want to say It has been a beautiful day; So, thank you and I wish you All the best in every way.

Azza Darwish Al Ismail, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 7

Xclusive

Bahla – centre of jinn? team travelled to Saiyfam 32 B&W village in Al Ghafat, Bahla. We were ushered into the modest home of Masoud bin Abdullah Suleiman Al Shikely, a septuagenarian, whose granddaughter was reportedly under a jinn’s influence and had frequent episodes of fits and black outs.

Marble tribute to His Majesty The Oman Sablat (www.s-oman.net), supported by Oman Mobile and the ministry of tourism, has commissioned Bahrain mining major, Bramco Group, to create the world’s largest marble image of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Bitter Batter

22

Contents

50

Copy cats?

What is it that make people copy someone else, or repeat what the others are doing like parrots and/or monkeys?

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White BPA Consumer Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Audit applied for Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor December 2009 Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com 8 July 21-August 6, 2010

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 Al Raisi

All about X, Y & Z

The cat that came back with me…

By Adarsh Madhavan “Don’t look at that black cat in the eye,” the man told me. We were exploring a remote area in Bahla (many years ago), and a black cat had followed us in the late afternoon heat and was staring at us from a short distance, still unsure whether it would have an opportunity to get some leftovers from us.

I, as usual, the pseudo-animal lover, got up and made attempts to woo it. But it just sat there and stared. At that time, our host, who had invited us to Bahla, told me not to stare back at the cat. “Don’t stare into its eyes, especially,” he said. I asked why and he did not say much. “You never know,” he said with a mysterious smile.

But, it is only a cat, I argued.

“A black one,” he retorted. “And since you have stared at it, you must have noticed its eyes…”

I had stared at the black cat, but since I could forget things in a nano second, I turned back to stare at the cat. It stared back at me, almost lifelessly with almost colourless eyes. The eyes did not seem to harbour any malevolent element in it, nor did it look as though some specter would suddenly pounce out from that black fur and attack me. Yet, on a second glance, a third glance and a fourth firm stare, I noticed that it did not exactly have the looks of a normal cat, or a normal black cat for that matter. There was distinctly something dead and unnatural about it.

The cat looked more like a stone, a black stone but, yet, I don’t know…my host’s warning not to look at it had created something of a slight confusion in me. Even I was feeling a bit odd about the cat which just sat there like a stone. It’s tail did not twitch, it did not miaow, and it just had this stony stare. The more I stared at it, the more I felt that it was staring deep into me, inside my soul... I felt a bit uneasy. Was this cat okay, was it actually staring at me; was something wrong with it?

You know, I told my Bahla host, there is actually something wrong with this cat, I said a trifle quietly.

My Bahla host did not say anything. I guess he was not the type who would brag and say the usual, “I told you so!” I turned to look at him and suddenly

he was nowhere to be found.

For a moment, I was nonplussed and wildly looked around and realised that he had gone a bit ahead to check on the rest of the group who were scattered around exploring different nooks and corners of the site we were on. But, why did he leave so quietly and how did he manage to go so swiftly…a moment ago he was near me, talking to me about the cat…the cat, oh shucks, where was the cat now?

I had turned to search for my host and in this time, the cat had disappeared. Where did it go, has it just moved somewhere? Here kitty, kitty, kitty, I said and went close to where the cat had sat staring at me. There was no sign of it. I could swear it was there and there was no chance it could have disappeared. I madly searched for it and I broke into a sweat. The black cat had simply disappeared!

It was as though it did not exist, but I could not say that with conviction because I had this feeling that it was hidden somewhere and still watching me.

I kept looking for it for some more time and then hurriedly walked to where my group was now congregating for a quick tea break. I sidled up to my host and told him: look that cat, it just disappeared.

Just evaporated! Poof! My host sipped some kahwa, and without even bothering to look at me said: “I told you!” But, but, it just disappeared, I couldn’t find it, the whole experience was so eerie.

“Well, I hope you did not stare into its eyes for long,” he remarked in a rather sinister manner. I sucked my breath and went a bit cold. In fact, I had stared at it…for too long! There were even some moments when I felt that its stares were entering deep within me…I was never the same after that! It was as though the black cat followed me home, or rather came with me, inside me…

God! Memories…I still remember it with a little trepidation when I stepped into Bahla this time around. I hope that at least now I would have managed to leave that black cat finally behind where it belonged and come back alone… editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 9

Playground

Excess and unwanted weight is one of the greatest challenges and health risks facing most men. Exercise is a vital component to any total fitness plan. Do it religiously

10 July 21-August 6, 2010

EXERCISE – the TRUE MANTRA for health You have no problem in carrying heavy cartons from the nearby store to your home, running up a flight of stairs, or doing any other heavy duty chores‌ But, imagine the time when you are not able to do any of these things.

ALRIGHT SO YOU WANT to stay healthy and fit, the first thing you must do is make this a priority. If you want to be healthy, you have to make healthy choices. Making a healthy choice encompasses many aspects from food all the way to your habits, what you do in your spare time.

Sitting in front of the TV for hours on end is not a healthy choice, and if you are feeling depressed it’s only going to get worse. You have to get up, get out, and get busy! Start to exercise on a daily basis. You do not need to be an Olympian all you have to do is start small, start making healthy choices even with simple decisions like taking a walk.

Experts say that there is no time like the present to start living a fit life. However, the longer you procrastinate, the more you put your future in jeopardy, they add.

The facts concerning fitness after 40 are very clear and cannot be ignored. A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition result in premature aging, illness, and early death.

The list of serious, age-related illnesses continues to grow exponentially.

You may also take things for granted right now like carrying heavy stuff, walking up stairs, and other chores. If you are unhealthy, you are quickly losing the strength, agility, and energy needed to perform these everyday tasks. If you continue on this path, soon someone else will have to

take care of these needs for you and you will no longer have an independent life. Today is the day to make changes that can ensure your health and freedom well past your 70s or later.

Of course, it does not mean that you are not concerned about your health. You may already be concerned with the health and lifestyle risks associated with a lack of middle age fitness. The good news is that research and preparation are excellent first steps towards reversing the aging process and achieving fitness over 40. You are already making good choices that will ensure your longterm success.

Whether your motivation is to look better, feel better, be stronger, or live longer, this information will keep you motivated and focussed. An over 40 fitness plan should address each of the factors that contribute to your well-being: increased activity, good diet, positive lifestyle, and an encouraging outlook. This type of total fitness plan uses techniques which combine and reinforce each of these factors. For example, the right diet can give you energy for a better workout and help your body fight the effects of stress.

Excess and unwanted weight is one of the greatest challenges and health risks facing most men.

Exercise is a vital component to any total fitness plan. Do it religiously. It is the true mantra for a fit, healthy and happy future.

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Playground

Beware of

diabetes 12 July 21-August 6, 2010

A diabetic is always in danger of getting a heart disease, a stroke, loss of vision and even blindness or nerve damage, gum disease or loss of teeth and even kidney failure…

This is common knowledge today.

EARLIER, MEN WERE ACTUALLY ill informed and even kept themselves in the dark about diseases like diabetes, depression or sexual dysfunction…

at high risk include those who are older than 45, are overweight or have a close family member such as a parent, a brother, or a sister who has or has had diabetes.

But times have changed, and so have men. Today’s men have a strong grasp of their disease and related conditions, actively engage with their healthcare providers, and proactively manage their health. We encourage all men with diabetes to take the modern man challenge: get out, get active, get informed…

One good thing about diabetes is that it does not attack out of the blue! It gives you sufficient warnings. It does not overpower

The thing is that the more you know about diabetes, the better you can work with your health care team to manage your disease and reduce your risk for problems. You should know what type of diabetes you have. If you do not know, ask your doctor whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

TYPE 1 DIABETES: People who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. This type of diabetes is less common and used to be called juvenile diabetes.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: Diet and daily physical activity help to control type 2 diabetes. Most people also need to take diabetes pills or insulin. Type 2 diabetes is very common and used to be called adult onset diabetes.

Finding and treating diabetes early can prevent health problems later on. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms and do not know they have diabetes.

Some people are at higher risk for diabetes than others. People

Who are its main targets? If you have crossed 60 and have given up the habit of exercise, you are a strong candidate for diabetes. An overweight person, a glutton, a person who lives to eat are all candidates for diabetes a disciplined individual. It gives immense respect to those who exercise regularly and are the lovers of morning walks!

Many get diabetes because they did not possess adequate knowledge about this disease, at the right age. Who are its main targets? If you have crossed 60 and have given up the habit of exercise, you are a strong candidate for diabetes. An overweight person, a glutton, a person who lives to eat are all candidates for diabetes. Please

do not think that it is the ailment of old and obese individuals. An overweight baby, say 9 to 10 pounds at birth has a high risk of diabetes!

Regular medical check-ups could be one of the preventive measures to check diabetes.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes are listed below: •Blurred vision •Restlessness and general irritability •Weight loss •Extreme fatigue •Extreme thirst and hunger •Frequent urination It is better not to ignore any or all of the above symptoms and contact your doctor immediately for the relevant tests. The slightest inclination of your system towards diabetes must be checked with the utmost concern that it demands and deserves.

The danger is for you- none else and the days of intense suffering are ahead, unless you alert yourself. If you are overweight, have a well-drafted weight loss programme, bring discipline in your diet, select and do yoga exercises appropriate for your body. Plus, give up tobacco and alcohol without any second thought. Mind you, you are not yet a confirmed diabetes patient. There are prescribed tests to judge, whether you have diabetes or not. The treatment for diabetes is well known. One being the insulin injections (the level is prescribed by doctor). Apart from this, you have an intelligent role to play to assist your body to stabilise itself.

Black & White 13

Yes, there are plenty of secrets for a successful life, career etc. But, it is like wearing a suit…you can only wear one that fits you. You can’t wear one that does not suit you, as it will really look ill fitting.

Similarly, you can’t just go by the secrets of success of a very successful personality. In short, there is no single formula for achieving success in any endeavour. But there are core traits that great leaders share in common.

S

e c

t s o f su c e r c

e

KICK OFF NEGATIVITY Yes, even if the World Cup fever has waned, football terms can send it right home. Kick off negativity from your life’s playing field! Kick it right off the ground!

Negative thinking, cynicism, gloom and doom pushes important people away from you and causes them to not want to be around you. If you have a positive, optimistic outlook on life, you will create a very successful and positive environment. Negative people create negative environments. Just wash yourself clean off negativity and instead soak yourself in positivity. A positive environment will only create positivity amongst all, even those who come to you with a pall of gloom over them. Try it. You will find it working for you as it has for everyone else. But, you have got to keep at it, not drop off saying you are unable to have a positive mien all the time – that is negativity!

WRITE IT ALL DOWN Anything that is not written down is at the peril of 14 July 21-August 6, 2010

s s

being lost. Take it from your head and put it on paper, then commit yourself to developing steps for achieving your goals. If you do not plan for success, you will fail.

This applies to all aspects of your life. Do the best with what you have at the moment and trust that increasing knowledge will expand your options. There are infinite possibilities and you are only limited by your self-imposed limited thinking. Expect change and be ready to reinvent yourself as conditions dictate. Modify what has been successful and mould it for future applications.

ACTION BEGETS ACTION Take action. Once you make up your mind as to what has to be done, just do it, Nike style. Rewards go to those who take action. Taking action is its own reward and will feed your motivation to want to do more. Make sure you are a person who is moving on, out and up. Temporary setbacks are only springboards to greater actions and achievement. Only thinking about something keeps it in your head. Become action

books. Explore new frontiers and perfect underdeveloped capabilities. If you are not learning it, someone else will and you will be passed by. Don’t be afraid of standing on the precipice of the outer edge of creative reality.

Innovators are in short supply. Stand on the shoulders of giants and recognise all of your role models outside of your family. The seeds of greatness that are already inside of you can be tapped into, cultivated and sprung forth by the greatness of other great people. Know your mentors, your teachers and those who will have a positive influence on your life. Learn also from those who cause you pain. They are also the springboards to greater knowledge.

HARD WORK WON’T KILL No, it doesn’t. Hard work has never killed anyone and the truth is, it has only brought in success. Ask anyone. Whoever is standing on his own two feet and is a success story will attribute their success to one major factor: hard work.

Many often tend to ignore this aspect and try to thing there are short cuts to success, but there never is. Success goes to those who work harder and better than others. That extra effort can make all of the difference between superstar success and mediocrity.

oriented. What you don’t do will come and haunt you for ever; or may even attack you. A good offense is a great defense and a great defense creates offense.

NEVER STOP LEARNING You stop learning, you stop living. The brain dies from boredom if it is not fed with the juices of new learning. A good lesson is to relearn old lessons and create new and innovative applications to present conditions.

Learn from everybody. Listen with your inner ears. Wisdom can only be acquired by constant learning. Talk to people. Read

MAN ON A MISSION You need to embark on your path to success with a missionary zeal. There is no point in having an half hearted approach. You will get a similar lukewarm response. And there are times when you will stumble and fall, and if you do, just have the guts to pick yourself up and keep going. You are a person on the move, going forward, outward and upward. Analyse and adjust to each new challenge by reinventing yourself. Never settle for the status quo. Get rid of those who hold you back and keep you down. You are a person on a mission. Maintain a laserlike focus on your target and hone in with precise determination and energised effort.

Never stand still, unless you want to be a target for those with lesser integrity. The prize goes to the one who overcomes the most adversity and aims for the stars.

Black & White 15

Attack your z

SNORING problems z zz zz z z zz zz zz

zz zz z zz z

Men read

zz

Okay, they love you, but they can’t stand your bedroom activities.

In fact, one of the main reasons some men get dismissed from the bedroom is because their partners cannot stand one fact: snoring!

16 July 21-August 6, 2010

NO MATTER HOW MUCH you love each other, lack of sleep can put a strain in your relationship.

Sharing a bed is something all partners look forward to, but most are unable to bridge this unruly snoring gap that widens the relationship tension.

Yes, women also snore, but men snore more than women. In fact four out of every 10 men snore compared to roughly three out 10 women. At any one time around

25 per cent of people are habitual snorers.

Reasons why men snore are mainly related to differences in lifestyle although there may be clear physical reasons why snoring occurs. Snoring is noisy breathing that occurs as a result of partial obstruction of the air passages. It is usually due to the soft tissues of the palate, uvula, tongue and tonsils relaxing during sleep.

Snoring is a problem because it affects everyone in earshot, including the person who is snoring. Many a previously happy relationship has reached or gone beyond breaking point as a direct result of broken-sleep patterns.

For the snorer it can result in tiredness and irritability during the day which can increase the chances of accidents. In the long term, it can cause circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and strokes.

SLEEPING ALONE When snoring becomes a problem, you actually end up sleeping alone. For, that is the only way to bring peace into the bedroom. There is no point in being frustrated as it will not help.

And your snoring won’t go away over night, but keep at it. With a little teamwork, you and your partner can combat noisy nights together.

FIND OUT WHY YOU SNORE Begin getting to the bottom of a snoring problem by enlisting your non-snoring sleep partner to keep a sleep diary to help you sleuth the possible causes of your snoring.

Monitoring the snoring will help diagnose why you snore and how to stop it. How you snore reveals why you snore.

It’s crucial to note to the different ways you sleep and snore. Sleep positions reveal a lot, and figuring out how you snore can reveal why you snore. When you know why you snore, you can get closer to a cure. Closed-mouth snoring may indicate a problem with the tongue. Open-mouth snoring may be related to the tissues in your throat. Snoring when sleeping on your back is

probably mild – improved sleep habits and lifestyle changes may be effective cures. Snoring in all sleep positions can mean snoring is more severe and may require a more comprehensive treatment.

Troubleshoot to stop snoring So you’ve tried different sleeping positions and you still suffer from noisy nights?

Try the following: LOSE WEIGHT Losing even a little bit of weight can reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat and decrease snoring.

Exercise in general can help because toning arms, legs, and abs inadvertently leads to toning muscles you don’t see in the throat, which leads to less snoring.

Clear nasal passages. Having a stuffy nose makes inhalation difficult and creates a vacuum in your throat, which in turn leads to snoring. Try nasal decongestants or nasal strips to help you breathe more easily while sleeping.

QUIT SMOKING If you smoke, your chances of snoring are high. Smoking causes airways to be blocked by irritating the membranes in the nose and throat. Establish regular sleep patterns. Create a bedtime ritual with your partner and stick to it.

Hitting the sack in a routine way together can promote better sleep and therefore minimise snoring.

Keep bedroom air moist with a humidifier. Dry air can irritate membranes in the nose and throat.

REPOSITION Elevating your head four inches may ease breathing and encourage your tongue and jaw to move forward.

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Read our magazine ONLINE

Log on to

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

By Adarsh Madhavan

Ping!

Something burst in my head as the senior bullies in my neighbourhood called me by a very bad nickname. I was just a skinny little nine or 10-year old kid, so skinny that sometimes, people could see through me. Just skin and bones. And, there used to be this group of college-going bullies just around the corner of my house who used to take particular pleasure in calling me a skinny runt – various colourful versions of this term, rather.

At that vulnerable and highly sensitive age, I used to see red at any attempts to ridicule or humiliate me. It was some kind of weakness in me. I would literally get into fits if and when someone called me by a nickname -- nicknames that really hurt so much so I was even ready to kill and exterminate! It so happened that I was in a particularly bad mood that day when these bullies called me a bad name and I -- on a cycle, with my friend as a pillion rider behind me -- just cracked and retorted with bad words, tracing their immediate ancestors to four-legged mutts!

Ohhh, this incensed the lot and they chased me and my friend on their bicycles. None, save for one strong rider, could get near us, but he not only overtook us, he also knocked us down. Both of us fell on the road and blood spurted from our skinny knees. But, the cowardly bully did not dare do anything beyond that because we were still in our own neighbourhood and surely if it got bad, others (adults) would intervene.

However, we had a good case with us now. A case of bad name calling, real bullying, which even involved two innocent kids being kicked off a bicycle… we took this up with another group of senior neighbourhood toughies. We actually used wasta because this set of seniors, with real political connections, were known to us thanks to a friend of my sister. With her help – her brother was a member of this group – we passed off a sorry tale of frequent bullying…It worked; the bullies were all taken to task.

Off the wall O

The meek will NOT inherit this earth

f

he ft

wall

They were even made to apologise to me and my friends. For me, it was a sweet victory. But, it also opened my eyes to one fact: the weak looking, the meek looking and the odd looking ones on this earth are always subject to bullying.

Sometimes severe harassment.

I know. I have always been bullied. Always…

Right from a very small age till today where my baldness is offset with white and silvery patches of hair, I have been bullied in one form or the other.

It is my puniness; my mildness and my general air of timidity and my D-uh personality that sets the bully ball rolling. I am always either sidetracked, ignored, made to stand for hours in queues, told to speak up louder, stand up straight or told to come back again (for requests) and what may take for someone to do something in an hour, I would be able to do only in a day or two’s time because no one got off their high horses to ever help me. My meekness seemed to attract some kind of contempt or somehow invoke the bully in the one whom I am dealing with. The moment they set their sights on me, they drag me to that murky bully pool and try to drown me.

This meekness, this mild mannered and polite behaviour were always characteristic sitting ducks and the bullies singled us out and took potshots at us. Somehow meekness smacks of weakness and the world out there is ever ready to trample on the meek, the weak and the silent ones amongst us. I don’t know why, but ask yourself whether you have ever seen a tough one getting bullied? Ever? adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Oman watch

OMAN CELEBRATES

20 July 21-August 6, 2010

JULY 23, 1970.

There is a turning point in everyone’s life. For Oman, this date is of great significance because it was the country’s turning point. A turning point, which heralded the beginning of a glorious future. It was the day that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said took charge of Oman and planted the seeds of his vision for a modern country.

Look around and you will witness the fruits of modernisation everywhere, which is again, in perfect balance with the tradition of this country.

The 40th Renaissance Day is a celebration of that eternal day of Oman’s glorious history, which marked the beginning of the blessed Renaissance under His Majesty the Sultan’s leadership.

The comprehensive development was extended to all parts of the Sultanate, which both the Omani citizens and expatriates who are living in this blessed land had benefited.

As the celebrations of the glorious July 23 anniversary continues, the Sultanate is steadily proceeding with its comprehensive development march for which His Majesty had accorded much attention from day one of the blessed Renaissance, and for which he availed of all reasons and elements of success.

The Renaissance march has made Oman one of the developed countries and transformed it into a modern state which has its economic and human influences at all regional and international levels.

Black & White 21

Marble tribute to His Majesty

Oman watch

One of Oman’s most popular websites/portals is planning to pay a marble tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the National Day.

22 July 21-August 6, 2010

The Oman Sablat (www.s-oman.net), supported

by Oman Mobile and the ministry of tourism, has commissioned Bahrain mining major, Bramco Group, to create the world’s largest marble image of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. “It is our biggest tribute to our great leader on the occasion of the 40th anniversary celebrations,” Moosa Abdullah Al Farai, chairman and Ceo of Al Sabla Digital Solutions LLC (the company that runs Oman Sabla) told Black & White.

Black & White 23

Recreating the same lifelike picture in marble is not an easy task. “Our work starts from the Omani mountains itself. We have to select the right colour for all parts of the picture.

Everything, the eyes, the nose, the face, the arms etc should be an exact replica “We have been wondering what we should do to show our love and gratitude to our benevolent leader and then we hit upon this idea to create a marble image of His Majesty. But, we wanted it to be extra special, so we decided that we will have the largest ever marble of image of our leader.”

With this idea in mind, Moosa Al Farai and his dedicated team approached His Majesty’s official photographer, Mohammed Mustafa. “He gave us a selection of His Majesty’s pictures and we all honed on one particularly delightful but simple photo. All of us voted for the photo and we decided to then contact a marble designer to do it,” Moosa Farai said.

They did not have to look far because they were all unanimous with the choice of Bramco, one of the largest mining, earth moving and marble supply companies, which has its base in Bahrain and presence all around the world. “Within 24 hours after we approached them, the group showed us a miniature version, of the photo/picture we had supplied them, in marble.

Oman watch

“We were clearly bowled over by the speed in which they brought us an exact likeness of the photo in marble. We were quite impressed by the zeal, and the professionally swift manner they executed this miniature version and we are sure that they will work on the 24 July 21-August 6, 2010

main marble image in the same manner,” Moosa Farai said.

At a recent signing ceremony, the Oman Sablat and Bramco group officials officially legalised their agreement. Also present was Bramco group chairman, Vinay Dewan and Ashok Kumar, vice president (operations).

Although they noted it was too early to reveal details of their prestigious project, Vinay conceded some facts: “It is a very challenging and quite a unique project. I cannot say the exact figure, but I can tell you that the project is worth more than OMR100, 000.

But, putting a price to this figure would take away its actual value – the finished product would be priceless!” Vinay told Black & White, adding that this was the first time ever they had ventured into recreating a picture in marble.

“We have had other great projects like doing the marble works of the Grand Mosque here – it was our first unique project in Oman!

“We felt quite honoured when Oman Sablat selected us to do this grand task. I think this marble image is all set to create history – it will be a fitting tribute to a great leader.”

Vinay noted that they were all enamoured by the simplicity of the photograph. “The photo had an aura or a glow of simplicity.

It simply featured His Majesty the Sultan in a natural setting. The picture radiated an inner glow, and we are trying to recreate that same radiance.

“I would say in my experience so far, there would never be another marble creation like this.”

Recreating the same lifelike picture in marble is not an easy task. “Our work starts from the Omani mountains itself. We have to select the right colour for all parts of the picture.

Everything, the eyes, the nose, the face, the arms etc should be an exact replica. So, the process is long and meticulous,” Vinay said, adding that they chose the marble from various regions in Oman, including Rowdha, Ibra and Quriyat.

A total of 14 artisans are working on the project along with Vinay’s daughter, Kanika Dewan, the

president of Bramco Group and their German partners, Karr Design.

The exact dimensions of the marble piece are yet to be revealed, but it is likely to weigh around 1250kg.

“This image is simulated by Karr Design and it is an intricate and complicate design as each marble piece is only 1cm x 1cm.

“We have gone through many trials and errors and have also subjected it to many mixes and matches to get the right tinge on the face…but we are confident that everything will be alright and we will have an exquisite piece in our hands!”

This exclusive project comes hot on the heels of Bramco’s recent Indian achievement where it had laid the granite flooring for the sprawling 5.4 million square feet of the new ultra modern New Delhi airport terminal, considered to be the world’s second largest airport terminal in size and sixth in terms of capacity.

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‘Celebrate Together’ inspires over 41,000 paintings in tribute to HM

The ‘Celebrate Together’ national initiative launched by BankMuscat and Omantel in commemoration of the 40th Renaissance anniversary of the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has achieved remarkable success as over 41,000 children across the Sultanate have responded with vibrant paintings depicting Oman as a tribute to the beloved leader.

Entries have poured in from all parts of the Sultanate, reflecting the nation-wide appeal of the campaign celebrated in every home, town and region.

Ahli Bank’s Sur customer wins RO10,000 Abdullah Hamed Salim Al Fana, a customer of Sur branch, emerged as the lucky winner of RO 10,000 cash prize of Ahli Bank’s monthly draw of ‘MyHassad’ saving scheme.

Congratulating the winner, Ghaya Al Barwani, head of marketing in Ahlibank said,” We extend our warmest congratulations to Abdullah Hamed Salim on winning RO 10,000 this month. The saving scheme helps our valued customers to earn enhanced returns on saving with us.”

Khimji’s Mart

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opens its 21st outlet in Sinaw Khimji’s Mart, opened their 21st retail outlet at Sinaw. Sheikh Saif bin Salim bin Saif Al Qarwashi, assistant of Wali- Al Mudhaibi, Niyabat Sinaw inaugurated the outlet, amidst great excitement and fanfare. The directors of Khimji Ramdas, Kanak G. Khimji, Anil Khimji, Nailesh Khimji and Hritik Khimji were present during the inaugural function.

Madhu Nambiar, general manager, CPG Retail Division, Khimji Ramdas said: “It is our customers who drive our operations as we continually strive to provide them with all the urban features that a supermarket has to offer. The first day of our operations at Sinaw witnessed a huge turnout from the local community which exemplified the need for such a superstore in the surrounding region. 'Customer First' is not just a slogan at Khimji’s Mart, it’s a reality for providing our customers and partners alike with a delightful shopping experience that can make a difference.”

26 July 21-August 6, 2010

Honda

Marine check up Omasco conducted, as part of its commitment to Honda Marine customers in Oman, a Honda engine diagnostic and check up service to ensure the proper performance of the Honda 4 Stroke engines being used. The event was also helped provide advice to Honda customers on proper maintenance and engine checks.

Olympic council of Asia family tours

MAGBOC

venues

The Muscat Asian Beach Games Organising Committee (MABGOC) led a tour of the competition venues to be used for the 2nd Asian Games in December of this year.

Over 150 members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Family participated in the tour beginning at ShangriLa Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, which is designated as the official OCA-MABGOC hotel at Games time. The delegation toured Al-

Musannah Sports City as well as Sawadi Beach Resort, and Qantab Beach where waterski, marathon swimming and the opening and closing ceremonies will be held.

The delegation is in Oman for a series of meetings and to check on the progress of preparations in advance of Muscat 2010. MABGOC director general Eng. Habib Macki explained about the Sports City project, which began development in 2008.

Winner of McDonald’s Player Escort Programme back from FIFA World Cup

Malabar Gold

showroom opens in Oman

Malabar Gold opened its 39th showroom and first in Oman recently. Khalfan bin Nazer Al Whaiby inaugurated the showroom in the presence of M P Ahamed, chairman, Malabar group, Khamis Thani Almandhri, Shamlal Ahamed M P, managing director, international operations, E T Mohammed Basheer, Nishad A K, director, Malabar Gold, Shrichand, councellor, embassy of India, Ajith Pandit, general manager, Lulu Hypermarket Darsait, Brahma Kumar, second secretary, embassy of India, Najeeb Kottiyoth, regional head, Malabar Gold Oman, along with other dignitaries and guests.

The showroom is located at the mezzanine floor, Lulu Hypermarket, Darsait. And this will be Malabar Gold’s 12th showroom in the Middle East. “As always, we promise the customer value for money on all our products and provide good service and special care to the customers," said M P Ahamed. “We have plans to open two more outlets in Oman in the near future and the next outlet will be opened in Baushar Lulu Hypermarket, soon,” he added.

After a four-day trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, Qais Al Kindi, the winner of McDonald’s Player Escort Programme arrived to Oman, accompanied by wonderful memories from the experience he lived at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. The trip included several edutainment activities and visits to South Africa historical tourist sites, in addition to have life-time experience to escort the world’s best football player onto the pitch right before the quarter final match on July 3, 2010. Commenting on Qais’ arrival, Ali K Daud, development licensee McDonald’s Oman, said: "We are glad to have our Qais back in Oman, and happy about the positive influence the trip has left in his heart.

We promised Qais an unforgettable experience in Johannesburg and today we have fulfilled our promise through his smiles. We hope that this positive influence will stay in his heart and could share the World Cup spirit to all kids in Oman’’.

McDonald’s was exclusively the official restaurant of FIFA World Cup 2010 until 2014 in Brazil.

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100 fabulous prizes given away by TAC!

The much awaited 100 points free check up offer from Towell Auto Centre, which met with a phenomenal response has finally drawn to a close. Under this scheme, the TAC had announced the start of their ‘100 points free check up with a chance to win 100 fabulous prizes!’ The 100 points free check-up was conducted at TAC’s various service centres across the Sultanate. On spending a minimum of RO20, one could get guaranteed redemption and raffle coupons too. Another aspect

of this offer was if any Mazda customer referred their friends and relatives to buy a Mazda and they do so in turn, the customers who refereed them would get three free service coupons. Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications, Towell Auto Centre says, “we have given away fantastic prizes to our valued customers and this is one of the ways to build customer loyalty. We constantly aim to come up with innovative schemes in our effort to reach closer to our customers.”

Muscat Eye Laser

Center’s novel idea

Muscat Eye Laser Center has set its sights on one of the capital city’s trendiest hotspots – Al Shatti Cinema as a springboard to reach out to a niche market that fits the broad profile of its clientele.

Outlining the rationale behind the innovative campaign, Mayur Shah, the Center’s marketing director explains, “Al Shatti Cinema has long been a magnet for the hip and enterprising among the city’s young generation of Omanis and expatriates. These folks epitomise confidence, success and savoir-faire –

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Driving business to the Park

Inn Muscat

The Park Inn Muscat is offering a variety of specials throughout the remainder of the summer months. Residents of Oman can avail discount schemes on the food and beverage outlets plus lowered rates on the hotel’s SkyClub gym memberships that also entitles the member to use of the rooftop swimming pool. Guests staying at the four-star property can take advantage of the attractive room rates and packages. “Summer in Oman is a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy quality facilities at reduced prices. Whether looking for entertainment or embarking on a fitness regime, it is an opportune time to take advantage of the many offers,” said Francois Galoisy, general manager of the hotel.

28 July 21-August 6, 2010

characteristics that we also find in the great majority of our young customers.

By working with Al Shatti Cinema, we want to take our brand message direct to this target audience.”

Eye-catching 3D displays adorning the ticket counters of the cinema hall will spotlight Muscat Eye Laser Center’s pre-eminence as a provider of specialist eye care services. The center’s brand will also appear prominently beneath the poster of currently playing or upcoming 3D movies in a unique 3D format.

Nawras

sponsors Salalah Tourism Festival Nawras is gearing up for another incredible summer as a sponsor of the Salalah Tourism Festival, bringing people closer in its own pleasingly different way. Taking place from July 15 to August 31, the public will be able to enjoy many activities from the operator’s active participation in

the festival including amazing daily raffles, giveaways and live product demos.

“The Salalah Tourism Festival is a great opportunity to get in touch with our customers and explore the future of mobile services together,” said Ghaneem Said Al-Mashikhi,

Nawras regional manager in Dhofar. “We have been active in Salalah for many years and havecontinued to extend our 3G+ coverage to a number of surrounding areas, giving customers the chance to enjoy all Nawras multimedia services with excellent quality and reliability.”

Renault Fluence arrives in Oman The Renault Fluence was recently launched in Oman! The Fluence, with its enhanced overall length and wheelbase, truly stands out as a big car in its class. “Renault Fluence is designed with the aim of standing out as the most attractive car in its class.

Fluence has several features that will set it apart from rivals: beneath its strong, sporting exterior, Fluence features a comfortable cabin and a wealth of useful technological aids, and targets customers looking for a statusenhancing saloon,” said a senior spokesman for Suhail Bahwan

Automobiles, the sole importers of all Renault cars into Oman.

Renault has a tradition built over 100 years of motoring passion. As Europe’s largestselling brand, Renault has also earned a formidable reputation for leadership in safety – with as many as 11 models having the highest 5-star Euro NCAP rating for safety performance. The brand also offers the optimum blend of performance that is refined on the most competitive racing circuits, cutting-edge European design, as well as class-leading cabin space and value for money.

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One day…we shall unwrap and use

Bikram Vohra, internationallyknown Gulf based scribe

Sunny side up

By Bikram Vohra IN EVERY home there are things that are purchased primarily with the Idea of not using them.

This fact was brought home to me when I suggested that the silver tea-set on a silver salver given to us by my parents - who had the set given to them a generation earlier - should be trotted out now and then. And since we had some people coming over why not inaugurate it now.

I was asked not to be silly. No one actually serves tea in a silver tea-set.

Then I asked. ‘Why were we so excited when it was presented to us?’

I was informed that sliver tea-sets are wonderful things to put inside sideboards but actually using them is absurd.

We have now exhausted several bottles of ‘Gerard Silver Polish’ to maintain the glory of the three piece plus tray - King’s Own Pattern tea-set, but we have yet to pour tea into the pot, milk into the jug, or place sugar into the bowl.

I am led to believe by a friend of mine that such items are kept for special occasions, but nowhere is it defined what such a special occasion constitutes!

He should know, he lugged 12 superbly cut crystal goblets all the way from Geneva in 1995, but he has not yet been allowed to pour anything into them. The light. he says is on a perpetual amber, but he never gets the green. Whenever someone important enough is over he safaris to the cupboard. Only to be thwarted with a caution. What if one breaks and the set is ruined, after all each one costs 200 Euros: can you sit there comfortably waiting to see if someone drops it or the cook chips it washing up? It’s safer to use the standard stuff.

So the goblets stay unsullied; no lips have yet touched their pristine rim.

Go on, admit it. Your house has suitcases full of good things you have squirreled away for another day, or what we call the right time.

Much of the motivation behind this buy and keep exercise is motivated by a desire to have ‘our own 30 July 21-August 6, 2010

house’. When we have it, we shall take out our ‘best’ stuff.

Architects and construction agents have conspired to create a special class of society called house owners, and after attaining a marital degree for them it is now the single most vital goal to be reached.

Since the majority will not ever get anywhere near their dream house, the sorties into saving up things for the inside are trips into major fantasy. However, the hope persists and there are people who go as far as buying tangible curtains for imaginary windows. There is real silliness in the saving up.

Things get outdated. New models spring up. There are better things to buy. Then all of a sudden you are disillusioned with what you have but never used. Take it out now and it is passe - the wrong model --condemning you for being out of fashion and yet not an antique.

So now you have to wait till it becomes one.

So go take that expensive watch out of the safe and wear it. Take out your best suits and your finest linen. Remove that bone china dinner set with the floral pattern out of its original packaging and use it. If the saucer breaks so be it. Go get a new one.

Stop hoarding. You cannot take it with you. If you can maybe the packers will break it!

A friend of mine, now famous and rich, once had six Mexican ponchos given to him as a gift. They were hand-crafted and very expensive. So, instead of triggering a fashion, he folded them up and sealed them in a steel trunk for the right occasion.

Finally, a year later he decided to go on the town in a poncho and with much ceremony the trunk was unlocked. Out came six tattered pieces of cloth chewed into rags by an army of burping satiated silver fish.

See what I mean? Now you go to your cupboard and take out that ball-point pen set you were given in 1999 and have not used yet. It is 10 to one that the ink has dried up.

In Black & White

In Black...

I don’t believe in black magic, but, then I have to believe what I saw. Of course, I can’t explain it, or even make any sense out of it, but it happened

CAUGHT IN THE SPELL OF BAHLA Seeing is believing!

And I saw them. By the hundreds. Hundreds…yes, hundreds of stray cats from the neighbourhood coming out of my friend’s home.

It was quite an eerie sight and the thought of it still sends a shiver down my spine. The hair in my hand still rise when I think about it. Hundreds… yes, hundreds of cats just silently walking out of my friend’s home as though they were carrying some invisible creature or some unseen burden on their backs.

It was my firsthand experience with the magic of Bahla and since I saw the whole episode with my own eyes, I will not laugh at any tales from there.

Why did the cats come out of this friend’s home?

I don’t know how or why, but, I will give you some background details: my friend’s little niece was apparently under some spell of some jinn or the influence of some black magic. She used to be totally silent and would not talk to anyone. She was always in some sort of a trance. So the family of my friend invited some people to have this spell removed from the little girl. And while they were doing it this cat episode happened.

I still remember the day very clearly. We had returned to my friend’s home after a football match and just as we entered we saw cats, not one or two, or in tens, but in hundreds…hundreds of cats just walking out of his home, in utter silence.

Apparently, these cats had taken all the bad spell from the little girl. She was alright after that, I heard.

I don’t believe in black magic, but, then I have to believe what I saw. Of course, I can’t explain it, or even make any sense out of it, but it happened.

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief There are so many tales about the magic of Bahla.

Some say, never stand below one particular tree in the village of Bahla. “It would steal your soul and sell it, even before you know it,” some of my friends would say.

It was not soul talk, just fear of magic. The older generation would smile, while the younger generation would raise a curious eyebrow…

Bahla was the capital of Oman between the 12th and the early 17th century. But, Bahla’s rise to prominence was not because of this – it is a magical town full of legends and stories about genies (jinns) and ghosts that are said to live on trees! There is a mysterious and magical air about Bahla and with so many undisputed tales of magical happenings surrounding it, the legend continues unabated.

There are many who do not like to visit Bahla in the evenings and some display fear in even entering Bahla town.

Other than the mysterious air in which Bahla is shrouded in, it is also home to fine Omani pottery, which is a major attraction. It is also home to the Bahla fort, the oldest one in Oman. Other attractions make it an attractive touristic destination, but it is only when we talk of the magic in Bahla that everyone’s ears perk up.

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B&W Xclusive 32 July 21-August 6, 2010

Black and white magic of BAHLA Conversation with a lady Jinn (*) who has occupied herself inside an Omani woman: Healer/spiritual man from Bahla: “What are you doing inside her?”

Jinn: “I like living in this body!”

Healer: “Why?” Jinn: “I want Henna… I want gold…I want precious stones!”

Healer: “But, why trouble this woman…why are you doing this to her?”

Jinn: “I want more and if she (the body she had got into) does not give me more gold, I will make her sick – very sick!”

Healer: “You will do nothing of that sort. You will leave – I will make you leave! By God’s will, I will make you leave this body!”

The above is Moalim (healer/spiritual man) Salim bin Mubarak bin Khamis Al Ghafri’s conversation with a female jinn/jinni (a spirit) that had apparently got inside a lady. Moalim Salim was giving Black & White a hint of what he normally faces while dealing with people who claim to be possessed by jinns and the like when he gave us the above conversation extract.

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B&W Xclusive 34 July 21-August 6, 2010

Moalim Salim is a respected man in Bahla, which is home to many myths and legends of magic.

Magic and mystery still surrounds this ancient walled town, which is about 30kms west of Nizwa, the road to Ibri.

Bahla is also home to another type of ‘magical’ creations – pottery. The Omani Bahla potters are known to have magic in their fingers and their creations adorn many a home both in Oman and abroad.

But, a mysterious aura surrounds the walled city because many still believe that magic is still practiced in Bahla. Before we moved to the city, we asked many Omanis in Muscat about Bahla and some of them displayed an element of superstition and declined to talk much about it. In fact, stories abound about magic in Bahla.

Some of the far-fetched stories include people being bewitched and turned into animals and then enslaved.

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B&W Xclusive 36 July 21-August 6, 2010

Bahla – not a centre of jinn In fact, a recent story of a small Omani girl with recurring fits and a mysterious fire episode in her home cast a spell on us and we decided to meet her and her family. We realised why Bahla is still thought to be a centre of jinn and why many people are led to believe that these spirits still support occult traditions of black magic and alchemy. Fortunately, we did not come across any who practiced this. Instead, we met up with a traditional healer who also helped heal a small girl from the so-called clutches of a jinn.

For this, we travelled to Saiyfam village in Al Ghafat, Bahla.

We were ushered into the modest home of Masoud bin Abdullah Suleiman Al Shikely, a septuagenarian, whose granddaughter was reportedly under a jinn’s influence and had frequent episodes of fits and blacking out.

But, 12-year old Huda, who was at the centre of this current jinn story, did not even show any traces of her recent trauma, and was giggling along with her young cousin brothers, as her grandfather and her uncle detailed their recent tryst -- with a semi-malevolent jinn who apparently hurled rock-like stones on their home and also partially burnt the house -- chronologically.

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Seated down in the majlis of their very small and now decrepit home, Masoud Al Shikely detailed the JINN ATTACK to their home: JUNE 1, 2010 My Huda is a physically active and energetic little 12-year old. She has never had any major health problems. But, on this day, she just passed out. She got into an episode of fits and she blacked out. This is the first time ever that she has fallen sick.

Maybe she was weak or ill, we thought and soon forgot about it as she quickly recovered from that episode.

But, in the next four days, Huda continued to have recurring fits and blackouts. That was the time when we began to panic. We really did not know what to do as we did not have any prior experience in confronting such an illness. Then, someone advised us to take Huda to a Moalim (traditional healer) for a reading.

We are also more comfortable meeting with a traditional healer than approaching a modern clinic.

So, the Moalim read for Huda from a bowl of water and a bowl of salt water and advised her to drink the water and bathe in the salt water for the next two days. She soon became okay. But, I guess that was not the end of her problems…it was just the beginning.

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6.30PM, JUNE 6, 2010 Huda returned from a Holy Quran reading in the evening and was just settling down when stones came hurtling into our yard. Some smashed through the windows and landed in our sitting room.

We took this in our stride thinking it was someone’s real bad idea of a prank and let it be. But, then it became a regular phenomenon.

The stones were hurled in only after 6pm. So, I spoke to all my neighbours and all of them decided to keep a whole night vigil. But, none of them could find out the source of the stones. They just seemed to be thrown from anywhere and nowhere. Every morning the front yard of our compound would be filled with big-sized rocks and stones. We religiously picked up all the stones and kept them away.

But, no one in the household was hurt in this process.

Afraid? No, not really. We were a bit confused because we were not sure what was happening. Were they the handwork of jinns? We don’t know. At that time, the continuous stoning, totally occupied our minds.

The stoning continued for 10 long days…

38 July 21-August 6, 2010

Masoud Al Shikely displaying one of the stones that was hurled into his home last month

JUNE 12, 2010 But, during this period, Huda was perfectly okay. She did not have any fits or blackouts! And then, on this day, around 10am, a fire broke out on one of the two date palm leaves thatched sheds in our yard. It gutted out and we had no clue as to how and why.

Then after sometime, the roof of our building got fire. Later by 3pm, Huda was dozing off when suddenly the room next to where she was sleeping suddenly got fire.

Within minutes, stones again hurtled in through the windows, breaking the glasses.

Huda was unaware of all the havoc at home and peacefully sleeping in the adjacent room; while all of us managed to somehow put out the fire. By this time, the bed, carpets and the AC were totally burnt.

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Tell-tale marks of the random fires at Masoud's home

JUNE 18, 2010 The second shed caught fire today. The stones were still being regularly hurled at our home. We, and several other neighbours, kept a proper vigil, but, we could not find anyone.

JUNE 20, 2010 Now, these constant stone throwing episodes and the fire break outs had taken a real toll on us. We were quite disturbed. So, we shifted to one of my son’s home, which is slightly away from this place.

But, Huda’s fits and black outs continued and we had no choice but to take her to Bahla hospital. The doctors there checked her properly and declared her to be perfectly normal. By this time all our relatives and village elders advised us to take her for a holy reading once again and we approached wise leaders and sheikhs in and around our village. They gave us amulets and spiritual reading material.

B&W Xclusive

JUNE 23 TO 24, 2010 So, we decided to really pray to the Almighty to help us in this issue.

From June 23 evening, all our family members sat down together and read prayers throughout the night, for a two-day period. By 24th evening, both the stoning and the random fire break outs stopped. By God’s grace, we are through with this ordeal. Finally we are at peace. Huda had no more blackouts or fits and she has been having peaceful nights since then.

40 July 21-August 6, 2010

Broken glass panes stand testimony to the mysterious stone throwing

BAHLA’S JINNS Masoud has been living in the same home for the last 70 years, but has never ever experienced anything like this. “Of course, I have grown up with stories of jinn and black magic. But, this is my first experience.

We all, to a little extent, believe jinns exist, but we do not believe in black magic. We believe in Almighty Allah and we believe in the Holy Quran where there is a mention of jinns. It is believed that they are created for a purpose and so they exist. But, I do not know as to what purpose.

Stories about jinns abound in Bahla. Even if something happens again, we will seek the help of a Moalim. And God is always there.

WHITE OVER BLACK Moalim Salim was consulted for Huda’s case and he had helped cure her of her fits and also stopped the fire episodes in Masoud Shikely’s home. However, he did not reveal what exactly transpired between him and the jinn in this case, but claimed that not only was the girl cured of her illness, but the fire episodes have also now stopped. “Black magic cannot win over white (pure) magic,” asserted Moalim Salim, adding that he, with his knowledge and power, could break a black magic spell, while a black magician would not be able to break the white magic spell.

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B&W Xclusive

Moalim Salim explains the importance of an amulet in healing

42 July 21-August 6, 2010

Moalim Salim used to be in the military and he left the services in 1970. “I took up the spiritualistic path under the guidance and inspiration of Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Ta’abi.

Sheikh Al Ta’abi was a man of great wisdom and a great teacher and preacher of the holy books. From him I learnt about the great Book of Knowledge (of Al Ghazali) and other similar philosophical books,” Moalim Salim said as we all sat in the majlis of his home in Bahla. The room gently balanced tradition with modernity. Various spiritual and books on philosophy vied for space with computers, TV set and like.

He explained to us how he started learning and practicing this art from 1970 onwards. In the last 40 years, Moalim Salim has treated, healed and assisted over 5000 people.

STRAIGHT FROM THE ARMY INTO SPIRITUALISM After retiring from the army, this former military man engulfed himself into the world of spiritualism and prayers. He gleaned a lot of information from his elder brother who had significant leanings in spiritualism and was also a healer. “I was fascinated by the world of spiritualism. I saw it as an opportunity to seek, learn and help others in need.

Today, I have patients and others in various levels of distress calling me from not only Oman, but also from various countries in the AGCC region.

“Yes, as we live in a modern world today, there are many skeptics of such traditional forms of treatments too. But, as mentioned in our Holy Quran, we believe there are supernatural creatures, which occupy a parallel world similar to our. They exist and they make trouble for some.

People who are religious and righteous are seldom in trouble. Live right and you will live well. I do not practice black magic. Unfortunately many believe that it is a shortcut to success, fame, money and even revenge.

It is unfortunate that many learned ones practice black magic and help people harm others.”

HEALING AND FRANKINCENSE Moalim Salim’s healing is based on the holy books and also Al Ghazali books. “I am still learning after 40 years. My only aim is to master the books and become a better human being. I believe in helping people and that is what I am doing. There are various calculations and formulas in place.”

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B&W Xclusive 44 July J ly 21-August Ju 212 1-Au Augu gust st 6, 6, 2010 20 010 10

MODUS OPERANDI Moalim Salim’s calculations hinge on two methods: When someone calls him for help or assistance, he checks the time and the planetary positions at that point of time, and he takes it off from there.

Then, in the second way, he looks into the basic details like the name of the caller, his or her mother’s name and finds out the ailment, its causes and suggests treatment. “When it comes to my healing, I don’t think it is either black or any magic. It is normal treatment based on the holy books and the principles of life underlined in these books. Our elders and wise men have followed these books and by God’s grace I have been able to help people recover from the clutches of black magic and the same. I also use varieties of frankincense to assist in my treatment.”

His treatment theory revolves around the basic principle that there are 12 stars out of which seven are functional. By checking on the positions of the planets and stars and the birth sign of the affected person, he is able to ascertain the type of black magic used and the ways to break its spell.

“Jinns or genies are part of our lives. They were created by the smokeless fire by God. There are the good ones and the bad ones. It is all mentioned in Surah 72 of the Holy Quran,” Moalim Salim noted.

BOOKS OF KNOWLEDGE BY AL GHAZALI The books of Al Ghazali are fountains of knowledge. “Only the ones with a brave heart and superior intelligence can read, learn and master it. It is said if you can master it, you can travel faster than light. Anyone and everyone cannot read and understand. You need to have strength of the soul. Only the ones with a brave heart and is inherently true and just can soak in the knowledge and gain from it for the benefit of the mankind, others would just misuse it.

“When you read Al Ghazali book in the right way, you can actually call down the spirits. So you have to be strong enough to handle that sort of power and information. I am a knowledge seeker and my aim is just to learn whatever I can and become a strong person. Nothing more, nothing less; I do not do healing to earn money; I do it because I feel I can. I can undo the effects of black magic, but a black magician cannot undo my cure.

My healing is based on positive healing; I understand the jinns and can even talk to them. I don’t see anything magical in it. It is about knowing the life forces that lead us all to living. There are four elements that guide us in this universe: Earth, water, air and fire. The jinns are also of four types basically categorised similarly. These elements are kept in a certain balance in the universe and the body. The variation in this balance ends in natural disasters, and diseases in the body. Black magic is practiced using the same forces of nature and with jinns.”

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B&W Xclusive

Francincense can help chase the evil spirits away

46 July 21-August 6, 2010

HIT BY A JINN But, hasn’t all his trysts with the jinns complicated his life? Has it caused him any ailments, any problems? Did the jinns try to possess him? Moalim Salim did not have to think for a long time: “One of the most complicated cases I have encountered was a lady suffering from internal bleeding for many months and was totally weak and sick.

“She had gone to many hospitals and clinics and finally someone brought her to me. (Here I am not saying I can cure incurable diseases and that I am all powerful or a magician. I am just relating one of my experiences.) I recognised the jinn that possessed her and tried all possible means to chase it out. Finally, assisted by many readings, and using Hajahs and Hars (types of amulets), I brought out the jinn that was bleeding her.”

But, the malevolent jinn wouldn’t go easily. “She came out of the body with such a force that she hit me on my side. The lady she possessed fell unconscious. I was totally shaken. But, by Gods grace we all recovered.

The lady is also in good health till date.”

TOUCH THE WALLS We left Moalim Salim in his own world and got into the afternoon heat of Bahla. Standing outside our car under a sweltering sun, we wondered as to who would have the energy for anything, least of all magic, in the heat.

Someone in one group wanted to go by the old tale that if we touch the walls of Bahla, our luck will change – but, we abandoned this thought because we were not sure whether the ‘change’ would be for the better or worse. (*) a supernatural creature, which occupies a parallel world to that of mankind.

JINN In Arabic, a jinn (genie, jinni, djinni) is a supernatural creature which occupies a parallel world to that of mankind. The jinn are mentioned frequently in the Holy Quran and there is a surah entitled Surat-al-Jinn.

They are usually invisible to humans and the latter do not appear clearly to them. A jinn has the power to travel large distances at extreme speeds and are thought to live in remote areas, mountains, seas, trees, and the air, in their own communities.

ORIGIN OF WITCHCRAFT IN BAHLA Reports note that some 1400 years ago, one of the earliest practitioners of witchcraft was killed by the villagers for practicing wizardry. A fort was built on his grave to prevent his followers from turning it into a shrine.

It was after this that his spirit began to appear in the town and it was reported later that he was teaching the craft to youngsters.

Black & White 47

Experience the real Oman in Bahla

B&W Xclusive

For those wanting to experience the real Oman, Bahla, is the place to be. Traditional in every aspect, Bahla and its lush environs have many tales to tell. The Bahla town, famous for its ancient fort and its pottery, is 40 km away from Nizwa. The old Bahla Fort with its 12 km wall is the oldest fort in Oman. The fort is believed to have been built in pre-Islamic times and is now undergoing reconstruction sponsored by UNESCO and the site is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

48 July 21-August 6, 2010

Bahla Fort is almost triangular in shape and is surrounded by rocky outcrops and trench-like gullies.

The Wilayat of Bahla’s old souq, which has retained its original character, is still a busy market today and sells Omani products as well as imported goods. The tree in the middle of the souq is hundreds of years old.

A short distance beyond Bahla lies the imposing Castle of Jabreen. This massive threestoried castle was built during Al Ya’ruba dynasty in the mid 1600’s.

It is a fine example of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions and paintings on the ceilings.

in Wadi Bahla - is also believed to date from the third millennium BC. The Wilayat of Bahla borders on the wilayats of Nizwa to the east, Ibri to the west, Adam to the south and al Hamra to the north.

With a population of 51,278 and, a variety of natural features including wadis, springs and mountains, its villages include Bilad Sait, al Ghafat, Bisya, Seefam, al Habbi, al Ma’mur and numerous others. The best-known of its wadis are Wadi Quriyat, Wadi al A’la, Wadi al Nakhr, Wadi al Shar’ and Wadi Bahla, and its springs include Wadhdhah, al Huwaidhar and Ain Seefam.

The pride of place in Bahla is occupied by the potters and their exceptional art. Pottery is famous throughout Oman, and is in great demand from tourists. Intricate designs, some of which have been passed on through the generations and have local significance, are etched on to the necks and bodies of these pots.

The mountain of Jabal al Kawr with its shrubs and fruit trees is one of the wilayat’s most distinctive mountains and lies on the border between the Dakhiliyah and Dhahirah regions. From a distance it looks like a huge dome. There are several villages, caves,wadis and springs on its slopes including the villages of Sint, Ma’wal, Sant and al Rahbah.

Bahla is one of the oldest towns in the Sultanate. Archaeologists working on an excavation programme in Bisya and al Ghubrah discovered sites dating from the third millennium BC, while an old falaj found at al Ghubrah -

It is an attractive area for tourists because of its gentle climate, clear air and fragrant trees, and visitors can enjoy the opportunity to marvel at its amazing rock formations, particularly along the course of Wadi al Naht.

Moalim Salim Al Ghafri can be contacted on 99539759

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi

Black & White 49

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:

So you think you can write?

Nitternatter

Watch out for copy cats

50 July 21-August 6, 2010

The thing is some people think they can write. Write like scribes, that is. Yeah, the fact is that many can write and perhaps write better than most scribes, but that is just about it. They can’t write the way scribes do because they are all totally trained to do that and/ or have a natural flair (scribe’s version, of course!).

While these ‘thinking’ writers can point out corrections in sentences and grammatical errors, they do not have the journalistic touch and therefore fall short of their standards in actually writing a proper news piece (news breaks or features).

But, that does not deter these

new breed of pseudo-scribes who are now swarming the market, jostling with real scribes for a story and what not.

Some are successful on the other front too, posing as intellectual scribes with years of experience and the like and then trying to inveigle themselves into the feature market.

Now, this feature (coffee tables books on Oman) market is thriving, mind you. Everyone seems to be wired up with coffee table books.

The tragedy is that most of us think it is quite easy to do that just because we know how to string one word along with another…

But, that ain’t journalism, right?

What is it that make people copy someone else, or repeat what the others are doing like parrots and/or monkeys?

Someone starts off something and quietly walk down their own private lane, doing what they like and not harming anyone else… they enjoy some quiet moments with their own turn of creativity and then suddenly they discover to their horror that there are others trying to emulate them.

A lady who had begun her own private enterprise and was quietly but, successfully going about her task, when, suddenly out of the blue, she discovered competition, and not the right type, but the ugly, sneaky kind, which does not

attack from the front, but hides and take potshots. “I was shocked to discover that there were three others doing almost exactly what I was doing.

“I started my company just about a year ago, and there was no one in the market doing what I was doing.

Suddenly, in the last five months, there were at least three others doing exactly what I was doing and they were actually trying to push me off track! I was shocked!

I have not been able to properly function after that…” The poor lady entrepreneur has now decided to embark on a new path, but, she is unwilling to divulge anything more about it because she feels that someone might just follow suit.

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

Do not judge me by my clothes

Bad masters

Are people judged by their looks and what they wear? Sigh, yes.

If you wear crappy clothes, then you are crappy! The octopuses of style have pronounced this major judgment and no one can dispute that, because their tentacles are there in every dish, sorry field!

Somehow, people always judge others by what they wear. Of course, if you come to an official dinner in torn jeans and a smelly T-shirt, people are not only going to frown on you, but they might also show you the door.

But, otherwise, shouldn’t we wear clothes that we are comfortable in, a media man who has been always criticised for his choice of casual wear told Bitter Batter recently.

According to him, he was often ignored when he made his entry into press conferences and he was doled out step motherly treatment at press launches where they duly forgot to include him when gifts were being given away.

“I frankly don’t care about the gifts, but then, I realised that the only reason why I am not given the takeways is because of my dress.” While on official occasions he is willing to toe the official line, he is unable to find reason to don clothes, which he says was only to please others. Do you want to wear the clothes that you want to wear or do you want to wear the clothes that someone else wants you to wear? Wot say you?

Something makes some of us treat the people who serve us wrongly.

Very wrongly. For every 10 (or more) good masters (sponsors) out there, there will be at least one who would be treating their servants (read housemaids, workers) very badly. Such cases are now slowly emerging from the woodwork and the dust on it does not die because not much is done about it. Social workers, who discover such cases, have their hands tied because they don’t have the power to rescue the harassed and tormented housemaids themselves. So, they pass these cases to the embassies

concerned and wait and wait and wait sometimes, with no action being taken.

Again, it is not easy. It is always one word against the other, but when physical abuse (like being beaten) happens, the victim does have bruises to show as proof. Like in the case of the housemaid Sajitha Suresh Babu who is apparently locked in a room, somewhere in Falaj, Sohar. According to P.M. Jabir, community welfare secretary, Indian Social Club, she has been "denied food and salary and all communication channels have been closed for her."

Black & White 51

Fu

: s nny fact

Did you know that Cherophobia is a fear of fun.

Most People think that The Canary Islands get their name from the birds canaries. Actually The Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean are named after dogs. Surprised? (The latin word for dog is “canis�)!

Kidstuff

Tablecloths were originally used as towels on which dinner guests could wipe their hands and faces after eating.

52 July 21-August 6, 2010

Famous Panama Hats produced in Ecuador and the official language of Brazil is Portuguese.

Bats always turn left when exiting a cave and Roosters cannot crow if they cannot extend their necks.

Did you know that Hair brush for camels is made of squirrel fur?

Eskimos complained of a heat wave when the temperature in the Arctic rise about 19 degrees Centigrade.

Did you know that Cockroaches can live for more than one week without head. They die due to starvation.

In Cleveland (Ohio, United States of America) it is illegal to kill mice without a hunting license.

Tongue Twisters! Try em Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair, FuzzyWuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy... was he?

Black & White 53

Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20 Expect a sharp increase in work demands and small duties. Business and financial information will intensify. Officials to publicly redefine work roles or ask for added assistance. Next few weeks will bring startling changes to business relationships: hidden power struggles or private politics may soon be revealed. It is important that your emotional life also expands in the coming weeks: an increase in work duties is best balanced with added social enjoyment and support.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

ARNOLD ALOIS SCHWARZENEGGER (BORN JULY 30, 1947) is an Austrian American bodybuilder, actor, model, businessman, and politician, who is currently serving as the 38th governor of California. Schwarzenegger began weight-training at fifteen. He was awarded the title of Mr Universe at age 22 and went on to win the Mr Olympia contest a total of seven times.

Schwarzenegger gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon, noted for his lead role in such films as Conan the Barbarian and

Romantic triangles or quick social disagreements may be quite demanding. Romantic tensions will be brief but intense: stand your ground and clearly state your feelings. You will begin a four to five week period of important growth in key relationships: new trust, long term commitment and passionate social encounters will all be themes. Before mid August, expect love and romance to intensify. This week marks the beginning of this important stage of social and romantic development: don’t avoid conflicting emotions.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 Home communications and new business ventures will be extremely favourable over the next few weeks. For the next few weeks, home based businesses, written work assignments, messages and fast financial information will offer new rewards. Pay close attention to how yesterday’s instructions no longer apply: aspects indicate that creative expansion and new ideas will bring quick results. New flirtations and attractions will be difficult to resist this week.

The Terminator. He was nicknamed the "Austrian Oak" and the "Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnold Strong" and "Arnie" during his acting career, and more recently the "Governator" (a portmanteau

Horoscope

of "Governor" and "Terminator").

Schwarzenegger is married to journalist Maria Shriver. The two have four children.

54 July 21-August 6, 2010

CANCER June 22-July 23 A new comfort in the home and appreciation of financial accomplishments arrives. Over the next few weeks family security, business ambitions, home renovations or long-term family plans all offer more obvious and concrete rewards. You may also encounter a quick financial windfall or loan before mid-August. New businesses and investments are especially promising this month. Watch for loved ones or new romantic partners to request more of your attention and social commitment. Be honest: others may now only respond to candid statements.

LEO July 24-August 23 Over the next few days there will be quick changes on the home front and a new role on the work scene. You will adopt a more active approach to home and business relationships. This is an excellent time to plan new career paths or begin complex home renovations. Enjoy social and family gatherings: new work assignments and scattered business communications may be quite demanding.

Pace yourself and expect authority figures or financial partners to ask for completed records and documents.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Early this week a powerful wave of romantic passion and workplace ambition arrives. Over the next four to five weeks physical energy and emotional vitality will steadily climb. Expect past emotional stalemates in both working and romantic relationships to fade and soon be replaced by new social interest and romantic enthusiasm. This period of heightened energy will bring positive commitments in love relationships and an ending to social or power triangles on the work scene.

LIBRA September 24-October 22 For the next few weeks expect romantic attraction or sentimental attachment to increase: loved ones will be openly expressive and supportive. Pace yourself and let others know exactly what you need. Compelling insights from the past will also spur relationships onward: romantic history, family disagreements or memories of old friends may be a strong emotional influence. Watch dreams and sudden intuitions closely: emotional wisdom will be powerful.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Social relationships are now on the rise this week. Over the next few weeks watch for a new social circle to appear in your life. The next four to five weeks will mark the start of a powerful new emotional and social awareness. Relationships that are no longer productive will begin to quickly fade: watch for subtle emotional signals. Pay close attention to the needs of trusted friends: before next week old friends and new romantic partners may engage in unusual power struggles.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Over the next few days watch for new social introductions to quickly evolve into business opportunities or employment proposals. Watch advertising, public relations, corporate financing or health and medicine for new openings. Early next week long term romantic and family relationships will deepen. Vague answers, emotional delays or undefined plans will no longer be acceptable: expect loved ones to be sharply demanding.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 At present your ability to see to the heart of group differences or emotional triangles is extremely strong. For many Capricorns the next four to five weeks will bring subtle but important changes in intimate relationships. Expect loved ones or romantic partners to now honestly state their needs, ideas and observations. Coming two weeks will open doors for family business opportunities or work partnerships with close friends.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Group work plans and social dynamics may be complex this week. Expect all involved to present competing ideas or suggestions.

Let others sort out their own role in the group this week: for the time being conflicting social and work ideas are best left unchallenged. Wait for others to define their own needs and avoid accepting a leadership role. Before next week workmates will offer conflicting messages: listen to small details and realise others now need to establish their own path.

PISCES February 20-March 20 Marital and long-term relationships now begin a five week period of subtle emotional change. Expect loved ones or spouses to now gently accept new home ideas or offer added emotional comfort and support. Pay close attention to spending, long term budgets or large purchases.

At present, financial planning may be tricky but it will pay off in the coming weeks. Early next week enjoy quiet family moments and social comfort: all is well.

Black & White 55

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

Circulation

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

56 July 21-August 6, 2010

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 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 –

MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB MUSCAT continued... principals’ office Caledonian college – principal’s office Oman Foot ball association

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

SOHAR 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)

SALALAH 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

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

SUR

NIZWA

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

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

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

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

FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINE AVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN

20, 500 COPIES Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697 Black & White 57

Good News for Sudoku addicts!

Mail to sudoku@blackandwhiteoman.com and register yourself in the first ever SUDOKU community of Oman

81

S QUARES Get exciting SUDOKU news SUDOKU puzzles SUDOKU events

Play

Be a part of SUDOKU events locally 58 July 21-August 6, 2010

By Dave Green

3 7 4

5

4

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

6 9 3 7 7 3 1

2

6 6 9 4 5 7 1 6 4

7 2 3 2 8

Difficulty Level

3/09 SOLUTION: Difficulty Level

6 2 9 5 7 1 8 3 4

1 8 4 2 3 6 5 7 9

3/09

3 7 5 4 8 9 2 1 6

7 5 3 8 2 4 9 6 1

4 1 2 9 6 5 7 8 3

9 6 8 7 1 3 4 5 2

2 9 6 3 5 7 1 4 8

8 3 7 1 4 2 6 9 5

5 4 1 6 9 8 3 2 7

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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

Black & White 59

Play

SOLUTION:

60 July 21-August 6, 2010

For her

SHE

Time to get a beach body

68

It is never too late to burn some extra fat and have you looking smoking hot so you too can be proud to walk along the beach on your vacation! The two greatest concerns for a woman’s beach body should be legs and glutes

Be strong, women Many women want to learn how to be a strong woman. Many already are strong women, but oftentimes need a reinforcement to remind them and empower them. Others are only a step away from being strong; they just need a boost to propel them to strengthen their feminine qualities

72

Full stop to an unhealthy no-exercise life

70

Most women keep putting off their health and wellness until sometime in the future.

When your kids are older, your career slows down, you have more time and energy, or someday when it is convenient. But, do you want to push yourself so hard, that there is nothing left of you physically when you finally have the time to enjoy your life?

Black & White 61

Tired of baking boring cakes? Infuse excitement to your bakes by adding delicious oranges. The flavour of the orange will naturally seep into the cakes as they are baking, and give a mild taste of citrus to the dessert.

Cooking

Baking cakes with

Orange cakes are easy to bake and are perfect for any summer celebration; it’s quick and easy to make too. Here are couple of recipes to try on: 62 July 21-August 6, 2010

Orange Juice Cake

Ingredients •1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix •1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix •4 eggs •1/2 cup vegetable oil •1 cup cold water •1/2 cup butter •3/4 cup white sugar •3/4 cup orange juice Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large pan. Combine the cake mix,

Orange Pound Cake with Orange Caramel Sauce

Ingredients •1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon baking powder •1/4 teaspoon baking soda •1 large orange •1 cup sugar •1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract •1/4 cup butter, softened (no substitutions) •1 large egg •2 large egg whites Orange-Caramel Sauce: •2 tablespoons water •1/4 cup sugar Directions Preheat oven to 350*F. Lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with vegetable cooking spray. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.

With vegetable peeler remove peel from orange; coarsely chop.

Cut orange in half and squeeze 1/2 cup juice. Process sugar and peel in food processor, pulsing until peel is finely chopped.

Combine buttermilk, 1/4 cup

pudding mix, water, oil, and eggs together. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Pour batter into the pan.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until knife inserted in cake comes out clean.

Combine the butter or margarine, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Boil this mixture for about 2 minutes. While still warm, poke holes in the top of the cake with a fork. Pour orange juice mixture over cake. When the cake is saturated place it on a plate, and dust top with confectioners’ sugar.

orange juice and vanilla in a small glass measuring cup. (Reserve remaining juice for caramel sauce). Beat butter and orangesugar mixture in large mixer bowl on medium-high speed until combined. Beat in egg and egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. At low speed, add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.

Spoon batter into prepared pan.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes; invert and remove pan.

Make Orange-Caramel Sauce: Meanwhile, combine water and sugar in small saucepan; stir with wooden spoon until sugar is moistened. Bring to simmer over medium-low heat; cover and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until sugar dissolves. Uncover and cook until sugar turns amber, 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove from heat and slowly stir in reserved orange juice (mixture will bubble vigorously). Return to heat and cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Cool sauce and serve with cake.

Black & White 63

Roses and thorns

Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University

Learning curve

By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi Surely, now, you will start thinking of a beautiful rose! Indeed, this is what I would like to see in everyone of us.

Every one of us should value his life as a wonderful rose, a rose that makes us happy and enjoyable. Every one of us should take care of its own rose and lets its fragrance spread over others to love and be loved. It might be a little bit difficult for others to accept this idea but, I hope that you will start changing.

This amazing life, which every one of us is privileged to live, is a life of many choices. Most importantly, some of those choices determine the future course of our lives.

Again think of these choices as a bunch of roses. As we all know that for a rose to continue alive, water, air and sun are very crucial for its lifecycle. It is the same with our life; we need to look more positively towards it.

We need to appreciate it more and more; in order to feel its greatness within us. Moreover, life can be much better if people around us start taking care of their lives and choose the right direction to walk on.

At this stage, our inner selves will be our own guidance as we know ourselves better than others and this is the stage where the rose reaches its most beautiful period, when its fragrance covers the area with a beautiful aroma. Beautiful, isn’t it! Dear readers, you can do that with your own life with positive thinking.

Despite the thorns of the rose, it still growing and spreading its amazing fragrance. And, it should happen with

us, the choices that we have in life could be possible to attain and some might be so difficult. Furthermore, some of us succeed in taking charge of our lives but others mislead.

However, thorns are there and we should deal with them because they are helpful. I found thorns are necessary to teach us about life; then we may have a better understanding of our lives with positive attitude.

Another way is to look at thorns as our mistakes or in other words, experience.

Yes, when we get hurt by thorns while trying to touch a rose, we experience pain then we will avoid touching the rose where the thorns are. It is the same with life, we may make mistakes but we should learn from those mistakes and do our best to not make them again. This is the kind of experience that we should have, not only that; but also, sharing our experiences with others then we all will make our future choices perfectly.

Life is full of roses and thorns; however, we should live peacefully and learn more and more. Finally, the kind of fragrance that your life will have, is in your hands; so do your best to let others enjoy the sweetness of your life’s fragrance by learning from your mistakes and making good choices for yourself to enjoy your amazing life. Remember, life is like a rose, so beautiful but it could be so painful, too. Anyhow, you should learn and feel grateful!

“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns, I am thankful that thorns have roses’’- Alphonse Karr. lalgharbi@yahoo.com

64 July 21-August 6, 2010

It's my life

Deadlines lead to Happiness

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

By Vandana Shah Here comes another deadline but this time I long for and look forward to it. Losing my marbles? More like finding my happiness.

I find it incredible that a deadline is not inspiring fear or dread.

Despite football, sleepless nights, personal stresses, I still look forward to it.

Why? That’s because I love what I DO. When you love what you do then work doesn’t seem like drudgery anymore it is fun, a source of joy and happiness.

Am I saying anything new? YES, because we all claim to know it but we do nothing about it. Why must a job seem like a chore and something we hate doing? If you can embrace a vocation and find your happiness in doing it, why not? With everything we are chasing isn’t happiness the final aim or goal? Don’t bother about payouts, they may not always be tangibles like great wealth, big cars but definitely the intangibles-the elusive elixir of HAPPINESS, surely exceeds what the tangibles can provide for you.

If for some reason you have a job that gives you sleepless nights, scary horror deadlines and not happy deadlines, and you can’t quit it, at least make time for your “dream job” during the day. It can be anything right from writing (ahem!! I say that ALOUD and can’t resist putting the writers’ first –professional fraternity) to being a hairstylist, to going shopping with your mother-in-law (make sure she pays) anything that is your “dream job” that gives you happiness.

It is never too late to start so don’t waste another day and just go and claim your deadlines to happiness.

(P.S. I am writing this sitting in a dilapidated house, on a broken chair but still wrote…had to meet my happiness deadline!) Do write back and tell me what your new happy deadline is.

Till next time, love and peace.

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, www.vandanashah.com Email me what you’d like to say on 360degreesbacktolife@gmail.com Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

Black & White 65

Regret Nothing

By Malak Al Zedjali

In this life, everything happens for a reason, it doesn’t matter if it’s a good thing or a bad thing, that’s why whenever anything happens I simply say “al hamdu lelah” which means thank God. Why do I thank God? Because I know that whatever happens, good or bad, Allah knows what’s best for me, and that everything happens for a reason.

Look back at your life, I’m sure there are one or two things that have happened and you thought “Oh God why me!” or “Ah, I wish this never happened!” but then you see that the thing, whatever it is, have helped you in something else, it’s like it benefits you in the end.

Girlpower

Let me give you an example; something that happened with me, to make you understand this even better. I had many friends, who weren’t exactly “friends”, if I tell them something, they go tell others and make up gibberish that I never said! At first, all I thought was “Ahhh, I wish I never met them!” but now when I think about it, I thank God I met them!

Because if I didn’t meet them, I wouldn’t know that there are people like them in the world, and many things wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t meet them!

Malak Al Zedjali is an aspiring student writer

Every tiny little detail affects your life. Do you know that movie 'The Butterfly Effect'? I like it, it’s very true! Everything leads to something, no matter how silly you think it is, but it affects your life.

If you decided to eat at 3, something would happen, but if you decided to eat at 6, something different would happen. If you slept at 10, something would happen and if you slept at 12, something different would happen, you might die. Huge difference you see, you died! See what I’m talking about?

I hate it when people say if and if and if! If you said if one more time I will do something that’ll make you say I wish I never said if again! I don’t know why people keep on repeating the same thing over and over again! Yeah, the thing happened and that’s that, we can’t change the fact that it happened…now what? The word 'IF' will not change anything, talking about “if we didn’t do that and if you didn’t go there” is just a WASTE of time, really.

In the end, always remember that everything happens for a reason, and don’t waste your time by saying 'if', you and I both know that it wont do us any good. malak_alzedjali@hotmail.com

66 July 21-August 6, 2010

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shape n sound

Time to get a

68 July 21-August 6, 2010

YOU SEE THEM on the beach. Their athletic bodies standing out from the crowd making most women despair as they suddenly realise that the summer months are here and the thought of removing their clothes to reveal their not-soperfect bodies sending them into a quivering mess, secretly wishing that they hadn’t missed so many workout sessions and eaten a lot healthier!

But, it is never too late to burn some extra fat and have you looking smoking hot so you too can be proud to walk along the beach on your vacation! The two greatest concerns for a woman’s beach body should be legs and glutes.

ONE LEG SQUAT This is one of the most effective sport specific resistance conditioning exercise available: •Stand straight, with your body weight supported on your right foot, which should be flat on the floor. Tuck your left heel up behind you, with your lower leg roughly parallel to the ground and your left knee aligned with the right. Balance.

•Look straight ahead and don’t arch or curve your back but maintain neutral spine position.

•Keep arms by your sides.

•Flex your knees and hips to ‘drop’ your bottom towards the floor. Keep your chest lifted; •Lower to the point where it becomes difficult to maintain your balance, pause and flex your knees and hips to return to the start position.

Make sure you do this in a controlled fashion; •To prevent knee injury: •Ensure that your knee hinges in a straight line, with lateral movement kept to a minimum; •Make sure your knee does not travel beyond your toes when lowering and rising; •Don’t lock your knee out – i.e. completely straighten it – at the top of the movement.

ONE-LEGGED TOE TOUCH Tone your glutes: •Stand on your left foot with right leg off the floor and extended slightly behind you.

•Shift your weight onto the back of your foot

and, keeping your back as straight as possible, bend at the hips and reach toward your left toe with your right hand (if you’re inflexible, place a water bottle or upright dumbbell on the floor and reach for that).

•Squeeze your glutes and stand back upright, making sure to keep your leg and back as straight as you can (don’t lock knee).

•Perform 12—15 reps and repeat on the other leg.

•Advanced exercisers may hold a single dumbbell in their reaching hand; beginners may hold a wall for balance.

LYING BALL RAISE Sculpt the glutes: •Lie face down on a mat with legs stretched and turned out, toes pointed and holding a small stability ball between the ankles.

•Rest the forehead on the hands.

•Keeping legs stretched and squeezing the ball between the ankles, contract the glute muscles to raise the ball off the ground as high as possible (most likely a few inches).

•Try not to use the upper body at all.

•Focus on allowing the lower body to perform the movement.

•Breathe out as you lift the legs and in as you lower. Raise the ball slowly and lower to half an inch off the ground.

•Perform 15 reps, rest and repeat.

PLANK Sculpts the full body with an emphasis on the core: •Lie face down on mat resting on the forearms, palms flat on the floor.

•Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on the elbows.

•Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels.

•Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle.

•Hold for 20 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for 3-5 reps.

Black & White 69

Full stop to an unhealthy NO-EXERCISE LIFE

Psyche

“So many people spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health!” – Anonymous.

I really don’t know who made this quote. But, I think it is an apt one for today’s women. Most women keep putting off their health and wellness until sometime in the future. When your kids are older, your career slows down, you have more time and energy, or someday when it is convenient. But, do you want to push yourself so hard, that there is nothing left of you physically when you finally have the time to enjoy your life?

70 July 21-August 6, 2010

“I WAS CONSTANTLY PUTTING off time for myself – and this included exercise too.

I was constantly saying that I will find some real time for me when John (her husband) gets a proper job so that I don’t have to do a nine to five and also 10pm to 12am jobs.

“Then with Jeanie (her baby daughter), I had to skip the night job, but I had a full time job in my hands.

So, I sacrificed my plans for exercise for my baby, my husband, and a little for my work…” Rebecca, a banking official, tells Black & White.

But, finally it took the toll on her and Rebecca decided to put a stop to her unhealthy, noexercise life. “It was not easy.

Although, I firmly decided to find some ‘ME’ time, I could not get into it quite easily,” Rebecca said, adding that if she had not decided to get into the exercise mould, she was going to break.

It is natural to be healthy. Your body will do whatever it can to be in a state of health. If you support your body with health promoting choices, your body will respond. However, if you wait for life to slow down and get less stressful you will never change. By making small weekly changes you will eventually reach your health and wellness goals.

So many women think they have to make radical changes to improve their health. You become overwhelmed with the challenge of fitting more things on your to do list, that you give up before even trying to incorporate health and wellness into your lifestyle.

But, always check with your physician to make sure it is appropriate for you to start an exercise programme. If you have, any questions or concerns about exercising seek

professional advice.

Then, move your body. A body in motion stays in motion, a body at rest stays at rest.

Whenever possible, MOVE! Park your car at the farthest spot and walk to the store, take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator, move your body while in line or watching TV or reading, play with your kids, keep moving and have fun with it. If you are mostly sedentary at the office, get up at least once an hour and move your body.

Focus on actions that will lead to results. It is best not to exercise and immediately weigh yourself or take your body measurements.

That will discourage you if they do not change immediately.

Instead focus on positive actions that will improve your health, celebrate your successes and your body will respond in a positive way.

A great way to motivate you to exercise is to educate yourself on how to exercise properly and learn all the benefits of exercise for your mind and body.

There is a direct correlation between educating yourself on fitness and your motivation to keep it up. Focus on your accomplishments and celebrate them. Do not beat yourself up if you have a setback. Re-focus and get back on track. Celebrate your persistence.

To truly achieve vibrant health you must know why you want it.

Take time to write down at least 20 reasons why vibrant health is important to you. Review your list everyday.

For any health and wellness plan to be effective, you need information, but you must also take ACTION. If you wait for the perfect plan, perfect time, perfect situation you will never take action and you will never change.

Black & White 71

, G N O BE STR women‌

Shape n sound

By Lisa Smitten

72 July 21-August 6, 2010

Boys are told to eat soup and vegetables to grow strong.

But, what were girls told?

Eat cream?

Sarcasm aside, we have to be strong regardless of anything that we eat or don’t eat. Well, if we don’t eat properly, we will never be strong, but then this not about eating or not eating.

This is about being strong.

floating, they not only need to know how to swim, but also row a boat. But, unfortunately it can be very easy for women to fall into the role of feeling the need to get permission for everything or be advised on nearly all decisions.

Even if we are not told, as little girls, we have no choice but to grow up to be strong women, between the job, the husband and the children, it’s a must.

The role of a strong woman should be that of taking control and taking action. This doesn’t mean blindly making choices for the sake of making choices solely on one’s own.

From the early days of mankind being strong was the only way to survive, and succeed. Men from the dawn of time needed strong muscles to hunt for food, and sometimes strong legs to flee from the dreadful beasts that roamed the earth. Ladies of the middle age dreamed of knights in shining armour.

Many women want to learn how to be a strong woman. Many already are strong women, but oftentimes need a reinforcement to remind them and empower them.

Others are only a step away from being strong; they just need a boost to propel them to strengthen their feminine qualities. Here’s how to be a strong woman: TAKE CONTROL/TAKE ACTION Women need to take control.

They need to because life can take them on a different course and not bring them back to the shore. So, to keep themselves

EMBRACE YOUR FEMININITY All too often one who tries to be a strong woman, tries to simply mimic male behaviour. This is not how to be a strong woman. This is just being a woman, but acting like a man in order to appear superior or strong.

Faking it basically. Being a strong woman means embracing your femininity, flaunting it and never hiding it, yet at the same time taking control, taking action, getting things done and being yourself.

HAVE A PLAN Women are excellent at planning, but sometimes we only limit our planning skills to everything but our own lives, our own passions, and our own goals. Always have a plan for your life. It makes taking control and taking action easy and effective. A strong woman has a plan, and follows through.

Black & White 73

Eat this, not that…?

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar I make every mistake in the book.

I skip meals and eat at late hours; I load myself with sweets whenever I get a chance Butter, cheese, mayo makes no difference to me, the more the merrier I hate salads! Who would eat leaves other than goats?

Fresh fruits are good only with ice creams.

And the best part of all is that I think I eat healthy, until recently when a nutritionist friend of mine shattered all my beliefs! But they always say never have a nutritionist or a dentist as your pal, even if you do, never ask them advice!

They will scare the daylights out of you.

The last time I had dinner with her, she gave me a lecture.

You are a mess. What eating habits you have! She laughed at me.

Never eat fish and yoghurt in the same meal, you could develop skin allergies, she lectured.

I don’t get scared that easily; I have eaten that combo for very many years, no way, I replied.

Never eat wrong combos, you could trigger off many lifestyle diseases, she explained.

If you are eating a protein meal, for instance, chicken, never follow it with a sweet dish or a fruit juice. But, I am used to having a dessert after every meal, I protested. Time to change, if you want to live well! It works like this… the protein you eat needs stomach juices to digest and while they are at it, you consume a sweet, that is, sugar that quickly uses up the digestive juices, leaving less or nothing for the protein items you ate up.

That means your digestion is not complete, the meat still remains

undigested in your tummy for long.

It will leave you with bitter taste, a heavy stomach, nausea and a headache too.

So never eat a fruit or a dessert if you eating a protein meal.

There goes my fetish to eat sweets after a meal!

But, in the olden times, everyone ate a sweet dish after the meal, I meekly protested.

Your grandmother cannot be wrong!

That was a different era and your meals were complete and full of fibers at that time.

But fruits and vegetables are good for you, or at least I thought! So a fresh fruit juice is the best bet, maybe? No, she replied. Not as nutritious as the fruit it originally came from, because the fiber that makes a piece of fruit so filling has been stripped away: Instead of filling your belly like an apple or an orange, juice just passes through your gastrointestinal tract like a little stream of sugar.

Did you know that white chocolate isn’t technically chocolate, since it contains no cocoa solids? (It’s mostly fat and sugar.)

Maybe I should stick on to sandwiches, I thought. Sandwiches have tremendous potential for loading you up with nutrients and keeping you slim. But not all of them, especially if the sandwich if full of mayo… what you fill in matters most!

My friend listed out the dangers eating this and that…

It is a different story now.

Just because a food sounds healthy, doesn’t mean it is. Case in point: salads.

And then, you have fats and nutritionally empty starches, seasoning blends, artificial flavouring and flavour enhancers….

Nothing alarming, right? priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

74 July 21-August 6, 2010

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