Black & White magazine issue 19

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Message from the Messenger p30 Sha'ban 26-Ramadan 10

Vol.1 Issue 19II August 7-20, 2010

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Jinns and black magic exists The story, ‘Black and White Magic of Bahla’ (issue 18) was quite interesting and Black & White deserves a pat on their back for carrying out in-depth research on the subject. The existence of Jinns and black magic cannot be denied. As per the Holy Quran, the Jinns were created much before the first man (Hazrat Adam) was created by Allah.

All the angels and Iblees (who was one of the learned jinns), were asked to bow their heads down to Hazrat Adam, but the egoistical Iblees refused to bow down claiming that he was superior to man as he was created from fire and Hazrat Adam has been created out of dirty clay. The enmity between mankind and bad jinns (Satan) started right from day one Allah created mankind. The Holy Quran has two Surahs (Surah Falaq and Surah Naass) where in Allah has taught us to pray to seek His protection from such creatures. However, apart from the above mentioned two Surahas, there is another important verse in the Holy Quran called 'As Aayet-Al-Kursi’, which should be regularly recited.

These Ayaayts have the power to protect us from all such Jinn traps and effects of black magic.

Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi

Congratulations Sayyida Rawan!

I simply wish to congratulate Sayyida Rawan Ahmed Al Said (issue 17, July 7-20) whom I have known for the past 30 years. I always knew that she was endowed with great qualities and right from her childhood, I knew that she had great potential and will stand out from the crowd in any field that she took.

Now that she has proved all of us right I just want to congratulate her. There are not many girls in Oman who make it to the board level of companies. She has set a standard for our young girls, they should see this as a challenge and I think we now have many who are capable of performing at the board level, what we need is a change of mindset of our men!

Barka Al Bakry, Al Noor Association for the Blind

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Women have more fun Men have more fun than women (Issue 16)? Not anymore! Today, it is the women who are playing the field and they are more in command and they seem to have more fun than men. Roles are changing, and drastically!

Watch out! Let the next piece be titled ‘Women have more fun than men’!

Ali Bakher, Qurum

Raising awareness on autism was necessary First of all my sincere greetings and congratulations to the B&W team for raising much needed awareness about autism in Oman. The way B&W touched, spread the word on autism and also manage to rope in one of the most revered autistic savants like George Widener was just great.

Many people have overcome this disorder and have attained success in life. So the children affected by this disorder can be very well treated and cured with early detection, proper treatment and more importantly, proper care, love and affection. The issue showed the true colours in our B&W. The efforts put in for the Sudoku event is also a laudable one. Congrats to Marwa for cracking the puzzle in just 12 minutes. I am sure with her performance many more people will start playing Sudoku!

I hope Oman will have a proper centre for autism affected children in the near future.

K.R.Anand, Muscat Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 9

Xclusive

The first mosque in Oman first mosque – Masjid 30 Oman's Mazin – is in Sumail. This unique and historic mosque, which has been instrumental in the spread of Islam is said to be around 1500 years old

Cover Photo: Najib Al Balushi

12

Bitter Batter

Contents

don’t pose before 50 Pick, garbage Lately, the media has been bent on wreaking havoc on those who commit garbage ‘crimes’. And there are these pseudo environment lovers who are bristling with anger against people who litter or dump garbage

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 10 August 7–20, 2010

Are you diabetic?

Are men more prone to diabetes?

If you are 45 and overweight, you should be tested for diabetes, regardless of symptoms

Stop being an unhealthy eater

62

Women can be victims of unhealthy eating behaviours. Many of them know that their behaviour is wrong, but they are ready to look good at the cost of being bad (diet)

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 S M Azeiez, Ali Al Raisi Swithun Fernandes

All about X, Y & Z

Edit makes the magazine? Or…?

By Adarsh Madhavan

Maybe, I should go back to reporting. Things were easier then and more rewarding…

This seat ain’t hot, but it sure ain’t easy, bro!

I think editors are the most maligned, most mauled, most unappreciated among the journalistic fraternity.

Not all, but the majority of them, especially here.

I had always wondered how my previous editors (in publications I have worked for) managed to be so diplomatic even when they were assailed by various opponents – both inside and outside the organisation.

DOG-EAT-DOG RULE Yes, like a rigged football game or like a fixed cricket match, your own team members in the editorial, where a general dog-eat-dog rule applies, might stab you in the back. In the sense, a star reporter might be having a great run with his breaking news habits and then, one fine day, he returns after a short vacation to find the front page occupied with an er, breaking story from his own sources; a report from his own beat done by none other than his colleague who had never done such stories in his/ her entire life! Now, whether the editor happens to be a neutral one or not, he has to support one and that is not going to go down well with the other who may mark him as potential target for future.

HEADS WILL ROLL That apart, if the editor has a bit of an ego, you can bet on it that it is going to be bruised before his term is out. This is the fate of most of the head scribes who are constantly at war with the ad/ marketing team. If he has the flair to handle them and keep them on his side, he might survive a stretch but the others who go after the ad man’s pet client because the latter is selling cars with lousy tires or do an expose of a real-estate scamster who also happens to be a big-time client of the newspaper will find himself in the eject seat. Heads will roll and not of those who committed a crime, but those who exposed it. That is life in the scribe’s lane, especially amongst the ones who heads newspapers/ magazines.

EDITORIAL MINDSET Perhaps, it is my lack of exposure, or otherwise, my editorial mindset or even the fact that I am plain dumb and ignorant. In my heart, I believe nothing else but a front page local news break can sell a newspaper and I believe that nothing else but a comprehensive and hard-hitting feature can sell a magazine. Other general feel good features and soft breaks and thought provoking and in depth support edits can be the base, while the no-holds barred newsbreaks and the strong no-nonsense features can actually help turn a page and make clients open their wallets.

ONLY EDIT SELLS Nothing, not even the best of advertising and marketing managers in the world, nothing can help sell a newspaper except for the stories in it and nothing can help a magazine save for the cracking cover story in it. Since I am in possession of a small mind, advertising, marketing strategies and the like all go above my head. It is scary. I have a position of responsibility, but I am irresponsible when it comes to the magazine advertising scene. I am a dud at it, but my inherent arrogance cannot let any ad, or any money, get an upperhand over an edit. So there!

SAW THE ADS! But, I always get a slap for my half-baked theories, for instance, at an informal meet between the English journalists recently, a scribe said he liked the B&W magazine.

Did you enjoy the recent cover story, I asked like a schoolboy who was being congratulated for an excellent report. My query was met with a kind of heavy silence.

After which he said: “Ummhhh no, not exactlyyyy, but I read that storyyyy, which was on the subject of whyyyy women leave men…”

And then the parting shot: “And you guys are doing well, you are getting good ads nowadays right?! I saw all the ads! Good, good…”

So much for my stiff-lipped theory! editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 11

Are you

Men health

DIABETIC

Is there an epidemic of diabetes out there? Especially among men? The risk for type 2 diabetes typically climbs after the age of 45, although the disease is now showing up in younger and younger people. In fact, type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes because it usually didn’t occur until middle age. No longer.

12 August 7–20, 2010

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber and whole grains, a history of type 2 diabetes in your immediate family (mother, father, sister, or brother).

Having diabetes, in turn, increases the danger of heart disease, as well as a range of problems associated with impaired circulation, such as eye disease and nerve damage.

WHAT IS DIABETES? Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body can’t control blood glucose levels properly. Normally, the digestive tract breaks down food into glucose, a form of sugar, which is released into the circulating blood. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, stimulates cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.

Type 1 diabetes, which typically shows up in childhood, is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when tissues in the body gradually become resistant to the effect of insulin. The pancreas responds by churning out more of the hormone. But eventually it can’t keep up, and blood sugar levels begin to climb.

That’s bad for many reasons. High glucose levels damage nerve and blood vessels, leading to heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and gum infections. Advanced type 2 diabetes can result in blindness and the need to amputate limbs that no longer get adequate circulation.

One of the main causes of the current epidemic of type 2 diabetes, researchers believe, is the rise in obesity. Over time, excess weight makes cells in the muscles, liver, and fat tissue less responsive to insulin -- a condition called insulin resistance.

Another contributing cause -- to both obesity and the rise in type 2 diabetes -- is likely to be increasing consumption of sugar and highly refined

carbohydrates such as white flour.

A third cause of type 2 diabetes, also linked to the others, is inactivity. Lack of activity increases the risk of obesity, of course. But a sedentary lifestyle may contribute directly to type 2 diabetes risk as well.

Studies show that overweight or obese people who become active improve their blood sugar control, even if they don’t lose weight.

MILLIONS HAVE THIS DISEASE The tragedy is that millions have this serious disease, but don’t know it. It’s easy for doctors to check for diabetes using a simple blood test that measures blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, many people aren’t tested because they either don’t have symptoms or the symptoms are so mild that they don’t notice them.

If you are 45 and overweight, you should be tested for diabetes, regardless of symptoms. If you have other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, no matter how old you are, talk to your doctor about being tested, especially if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: •increased thirst •increased hunger •fatigue •frequent urination, especially at night •unexplained weight loss •blurred vision •sores that don’t heal HOW IS DIABETES TREATED? A diabetes diagnosis isn’t the end of the world. In some cases, lifestyle changes can keep the disease entirely under control. Still, many people with diabetes need to take oral medications that lower blood glucose levels. When these aren’t enough to do the job, insulin injections may be necessary, sometimes in combination with oral medication.

Several new medications that work in combination with insulin to improve blood glucose management are also out there. While treatment has improved, however, controlling diabetes remains a challenge, which is why experts emphasise prevention.

Black & White 13

MODERN MEN are more

He ain’t what he used to be. Our modern man has become more traditional than what he was.

This is not just men talk, but the result of a survey done by AskMen’s 2010 Male Survey, which was held in collaboration with Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Great Female Survey, recently.

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT After all the men beating tales, thanks to the survey, men have finally something to cheer about. Yes, something good has been finally written about them and it is not just a desperate attempt by a man supporter to dash off a feel-good piece about men. It is real, it is research and it is documented.

Even though we are entering the second decade of the 21st century, the survey says that modern man is actually more traditional than most of us would like to believe. And, surprise, surprise, men are more old-fashioned in his values than his female counterpart!

BELIEVING IN THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE A vast majority of men still believe in the institution of marriage, and some of the men have categorically stated that they would not pursue a relationship if they felt their partner did not have ‘wife potential’.

Another important change in men’s attitude is the fact that today’s man feels that ‘having a family’ was better than having a ‘high profile career’.

OLD-FASHIONED VALUES? So, in short, men have returned to traditionalism. But, does that mean that men will largely feature old-fashioned values like not allowing their women to work (not possible), and getting uptight about their women’s male friends and not wanting them to earn more than them…?

NO MORE MINDLESS PURSUITS That part is not entirely revealed, but let us, for once, focus on the good parts first: the modern man does not play the field anymore.

Most of them have abandoned the silly one-night stands and meaningless relationships that they get into. In fact, men are now pretty serious about their girlfriends and they will not date them unless they are sure it will turn out to be a meaningful relationship and most importantly, the woman has some ‘wife potential’.

Men read

Men have also largely stopped from pursuing mindless pursuits of women in bars and the like and are now keen to meet them at more traditional places, the grocery store, the laundry, and the bookstore…

14 August 7–20, 2010

Men have become more caring, more family oriented, more of the type that don’t mind staying at home and looking after their kids and not bothered about their wives/girlfriends earning more than them

TRADITIONAL GROOMING Apparently, the modern-yet-traditional man has also developed better grooming sense and seems to be more male oriented. They also seem to have ditched metrosexual grooming values and have adopted a more manly approach. Dress sense also seems to have made them ditch the school boy don’t care image to a more traditional adult one.

So, in short, let us say that men have become more caring, more family oriented, more of the type that don’t mind staying at home and looking after their kids and not bothered about their wives/girlfriends earning more than them.

Hard to believe? How long is this going to last? Well, let us safely say until the next survey…at least?

Black & White 15

Men read 16 August 7–20, 2010

Men who commit

What is the biggest fashion crime committed by men?

OVERSIZED CLOTHES: Apparently, it is wearing oversized clothes. So, leave the big and baggy stuff in school. It must have looked cool then, not anymore!

Those on the heavier side might want to hide their flaws under heavy baggies, but this is a dead on fashion misstep, fashionistas note. But, larger men should choose clothes that skim over the body, creating a smooth-looking shape, and also darker shades to make you look slim. Baggy, shapeless garments actually make you look like a balloon, notes a resident fashion expert.

The advice is: replace with immediate effect with form-fitting shirts, knee-length or just-abovethe-knee shorts that fit well and pants that suit your body.

Comments: “Shorts are hot, especially the ones that reach their knees; perhaps a grey sweat shirt with some hot shoes would make them (men) look real sexy!”

JEANS WITH HOLES: Sure, they are comfortable. They may feel like second skin, but that could probably be because they have started to look like one. And here is what a lady has to say about men who wear torn jeans: “It makes them look dirty and it is a bit too tacky for my taste!” So, men in torn jeans, if your wardrobe is filed with only this type of jean, it is high time that you go shopping immediately and don’t return until you have found a pair of dark blue jeans that fit you perfectly, with no stylised flaws.

Advice: Replace torn ones with body perfect fit jeans!

Comments: “Maybe if they wear their torn jeans at homes, it is fine, but, otherwise, what is the idea in looking like street beggars? I wouldn’t want my man to wear it even in the confines of the home!”

SLEEVELESS SHIRTS: Now, consider this fact: the only ones who think sleeveless shirts are stylish are men who wear them!

Unless you have bulging biceps to show off, do not even attempt a sleeveless style. Women are not keen to see armpit hair. Even if you have a great body to show off, it is better that you opt for a fit T-shirt.

Advice: Replace all sleeveless shirts with T-shirts Comments: “Unless you are Mr Universe, please don’t even bother to wear sleeveless! You are not a woman, are you?”

“Sure, they must have been 'in' at one point of time – now, they are so out, they make men look cheap!”

MULTIPLE JEWELLERY ITEMS: Okay, you may think they are cool or you might even be showing off your wealth…but grown men should not wear jewellery, at least avoid wearing several pieces of jewellery all at the same time.

Actually, to cut a long story short, over accessorising, whatever the reason it maybe, is out.

Advice: Replace plenty with just one. When it comes to jewellery, less is more.

Comments: “Big boys don’t wear too many jewels!”

Black & White 17

Does she have these

TRAITS?

By Tom Athey

Men read

If you are serious about your relationship with your woman, then it is high time that you find out whether she is the right person for you. I am not a relationship expert, but if you ask me, there are some simple points that you should be aware of before you either think of going steady or are on the verge of tying the knot with her. So, here are some points that I have culled from various sources:

18 August 7-20, 7–20, 2010

SHE MAKES YOU WANT TO BE A BETTER MAN Stop making that face... any man who has a great girlfriend or wife will tell you that she makes him want to be a better man.

She doesn’t have to say or do anything; it just is that way. If you suddenly feel bad about how you treated your sister or find yourself trying to get your finances in order, you might want to think about your motivation for doing so. It could be love.

SHE LOVES YOU Let’s ask this simple question: have you found the woman of your dreams? Does she at least love you? If the answer is yes, then we have another question for you: is she the woman who loves you for who you really are and not who you pretend or try to be?

If the answer is yes, well, then, man, go for it! Hang on to her for dear life! For, deep inside, you know that even though you believe that you are the perfect man for her, you know that she is bearing with you at times when you turn on your annoying behaviour.

SHE LIKES TO SEE YOU Let us see now: how does she look at you? And how does she treat you on an everyday basis?

If the sight of you doesn’t seem to faze her either way, and she doesn’t really seem to care about what you have to say, she’s either playing very hard to get, or sees you as just some guy. But if a surprise visit or phone call from you makes her light up, there’s no denying that she loves you.

SHE LETS YOU BE A MAN Does she make you feel like a man? Does she allow you to be a man, or is she dictating the way you move? If she is trying to make you give up many of your favourite habits, then, watch out.

A good girlfriend lets you be a guy in all your glory. If she’s a great girlfriend, she’ll even bring you and your buddies a couple of drinks and make you some of her famous sandwiches. She has to understand that men and women are different and should allow you to be yourself. Just like you wouldn’t deprive her of going shopping with her best girlfriend, she shouldn’t expect you to give up the guys for her.

A great girlfriend won’t ever cause scenes in public or in front of your friends and family, and will always wait to discuss matters with you in private SHE RESPECTS YOU Whatever it is, your woman must respect you. In the sense, she listens to you, even if she doesn’t necessarily agree with what you’re saying. And, of course, she never tries to demean or belittle you in any way, shape or form.

A great girlfriend won’t ever cause scenes in public or in front of your friends and family, and will always wait to discuss matters with you in private. If she respects you, chances are that she will behave in a tactful and diplomatic manner in most situations, which is definitely a good thing.

SHE’S INTELLIGENT Okay, earlier, we wanted them to be dumb. But, not anymore. Let us drop this old bimbo routine.

If she is intelligent, she is bound to surprise you and keep you on your toes. She won’t let you get bored of her.

SHE’S GOT TO BE GOOD IN YOU-KNOW-WHAT A great girlfriend has to be fully compatible with you.

The two of you have to be on the same page, so to

speak and should flip together. In short, you must be in sync with each other and more so, in sync with your weird demands too!

SHE’S GOT TO BE INDEPENDENT Well, if she is the type you have to constantly drive around or baby-sit, then, you need to look into it properly.

Fine, there are occasions when we all need to unload our burden on someone, and there are times you need a shoulder to cry on, that is not a problem at all. In fact, we would welcome that…but, if she is the type that cannot function without you and is constantly after you, she will eventually make you feel like you’re suffocating.

On the other hand, if she has her very own personality and opinions, can stand on her own two feet , both financially and emotionally, and is able to enjoy time away from you — while still missing you, of course — then she must be a great girlfriend.

(P.S. If your current girlfriend already fits the above bill, then, you have made it! Lucky you…sigh!)

Black & White 19

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Off the wall

Waiting for the cars to pass…

O

By Adarsh Madhavan I saw them standing there, waiting for the cars to pass by so that they could cross a busy street.

They were very very old. Parents of some expat.

I was worried, because they were standing on the edge of a kerb and they looked so frail, so light, so tender, a dry wind could lift them up and away… why were they on the streets? Why did their children allow them out, again, none of my business, but, you know they may not have that good coordination on the road, could miss a step, God, I should shut up, I got a black mind, a black heart, a black tongue and a black face…I am waiting for a disaster, a tragedy to happen, yet, my heart did not allow me to walk away, leaving these two old birdies to flutter dangerously in the wind.

I was in two minds, no, that is not new, I am always in two minds, this or that or somewhere around, I am constantly befuddled, always doubtful, and my face reflects that in so many ways and the story of my life is often etched on my dark countenance.

So, there I was, not knowing what to do; should I walk and leave them to their fate, or should I go and help them cross the street? What if they don’t like it? Some people don’t. It is only in movies that you see the hero helping old men or women cross traffic-dangerous streets and they are then blessed by them.

This was no movie and I am no hero. Should I go towards them or should I just walk away and let them be crushed-under-some-wheels; or should I just stand there mute and frozen as I always get when a decision has to be made?

They were actually a bit far away from me. They were on the road parallel to where I was walking on and I had left them behind as I had walked forward and only because I was burdened with a conscience did I pause for some moments assailed by these thoughts to go back and help or just let fate take its own course.

Surely, they must have been here in Oman for sometime and they must have actually walked from their home (or perhaps were returning home) from some distance and that would mean they would know their way around, or perhaps were actually quite used to this, so I did not have to bother, they

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wall

were not little kittens exposed to monstrous cars on a busy road, no, they were human beings with sense and sensibility but, why were they outside their home this evening, well, why not, that itself proved that they were okay and their children or their caretakers were aware that these two were out on the streets…but, but, even young and agile adults get run over on the road sometimes and so, shouldn’t these two be chaperoned by someone, my God, why is it that I have to be in the middle of these things, why can’t I be left alone, all I did was take an evening stroll near my home, now why do I get embroiled in such issues which is beyond me and I am unable to handle, yet, these are old people, dear to someone, just two innocent beings, out on a walk all by themselves, don’t they have the right to do that, does this mean that once you are old, you are to lock them inside your home, like, like, your own parents, no, not true, I do not lock them inside their home, back in my hometown in India, it is just that they do not want to get out, especially my mom, she does not want to get out and it is impossible to pluck them both out from there in India and bring them here, where they will be safe and under our scrutiny, but, no, they are adamant, they love being where they are and we can’t disturb their comfortable nest, even if it gets uncomfortable at times, and, sometimes, I think why, why should they come here and stare at themselves and four walls, why should they be plucked from a life they are so used to and taken somewhere else just so that we have peace of mind while they are filled with boredom and then loneliness and then they struggle out of our home, just to get a breather and then they walk out and then stand dangerously on the edge of a kerb, waiting for the cars to pass… adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 21

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By Syed Sibtain Ali Naqvi

I often reminiscence about my past... The good old days, the good old memories…Being a hockey player and then a coach and having visited so many countries, I have had innumerable sporting experiences, and that many nuggets of memories.

I firmly believe that these memories would benefit someone, somewhere...

I have been living these sporting memories for so many years and I think it is time that I unveil some of these nuggets so that it is somehow preserved in posterity.

There is so much to tell, so much to unveil, but, I will only focus on my sporting past.

By the time you all read this, we would have celebrated ‘Dhyan Chand’s Day’ (August 6). The event was patronised by Indian ambassador, Anil Wadhwa, and the celebrations were organised by the Bhojpuri wing, in coordination with Team Coorg.

My heart swells, when I talk about Dhyan Chand. I must say that I was quite fortunate as a hockey player to grow up in the company of great Indian legends like K. D. Singh Babu (1952 Indian hockey Olympic team captain), Kishan Lal (Dada) captain of the 1948 Olympic team as well as several other legendary players of India’s golden era of hockey.

It was during the final of the

Sporting tales

The man who transformed my life

SAS Naqvi is a sports consultant, FMEC, OHA

Dhyan Chand hockey tournament, held at the national stadium, in Delhi, in1953, where I was introduced by Kishan Dada to the hockey wizard, Dada Dhyan Chand.

It was a momentous occasion then as the Western Railway Bombay had humbled the mighty Kirkee United (Poona) in the final. Dada Dhyan Chand had watched my performance and he offered me advice and some golden rules for success. The first and foremost words of wisdom from him were: “Play for your country with full heart and will and also imbibe the national spirit!”

I can never forget these words.

Being a youngster and getting to meet such legendary figures at a jam-packed stadium was a great honour.

That was the beginning of a great relationship and Dada Chand’s immense contribution towards my life and career. I owe a lot to him!

It was he who took me in 1975 at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala where he was the chief coach.

It was later revealed to me that Dada had approached the secretary of the railways sport, Mr Motilal, to depute me for training. This was the humanitarian side of Dhyan Chand, made more special because he did it without my knowledge.

An act, which transformed my life, my career!

email: sasnaqvi325@hotmail.com)

Black & White 23

BMW Group sales in Oman increase nine per cent during first half of 2010 Al Jenaibi International Automobiles recorded a 9 percent increase in sales for BMW and MINI cars during the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year. The flagship BMW 7 Series remained the top selling model, followed by the BMW 5 Series. Launched in March this year, the new BMW 5 Series is a core product for BMW and combines sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort, the highest standard in efficiency in its class and sets the benchmark

in driving dynamics and safety having recently achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP vehicle safety assessment programme.

Also contributing to the increase in sales was the BMW 3 Series, with a increase of 27 percent and the BMW X5 which grew 11 percent. Sales of MINI, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, more than doubled in the Sultanate in the first six months of the year. Commenting on the success, Johnny Oommen, head of operations at Al Jenaibi

Wordpress

Students explore the mountains in Germany

24 August 7–20, 2010

International Automobiles, said: “We are very pleased with these sales results, which come on the back of a hectic six months for BMW. We had six new model launches in the first six months of the year: two ActiveHybrid models, BMW Gran Turismo, 5 Series, X1 and X5, so it’s been a busy and successful start to the year. A growth of 9 percent is testament to the hard work of our entire team and the trust placed in Al Jenaibi International Automobiles by customers in the Sultanate.”

A group of Applied Geosciences students from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) is currently on a three weeks Geosciences study-trip in Germany. The group of 13 bachelor students left Muscat last month. The whole study-trip is sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Accompanied by their professors Dr Gösta Hoffmann, associate professor at the department of Applied Geosciences at GUtech and Dr Anne Zacke, assistant professor at the department of Applied Geosciences at GUtech, the students went during the first days on a field-trip and explored the geology of the North-West of Germany. “We visited the so-called Neanderthal (valley of Neander) which is located close to the city of Düsseldorf. There the first Homo Neanderthalensis - a subspecies of modern human beings - was found in 1856.

During the visit of the museum the students learned a lot about the history of humanity,” said Dr Hoffmann. Another remarkable place the students visited was the so-called “time-tunnel”, located in Wülfrath were an underground exhibition informs the visitor about 400 million years of Earth’s history.

Khimji Training Institute Brand Management seminar

“It is very essential to build strong brands that ensure sustained business growth.” Marketing is not about the battle of products but a battle of perceptions," said Vivek Pande, Ceo, Khimji Ramdas, Lifestyle Group while presenting a paper on 'The Eternal Laws of Marketing and Branding and current trends in customer engagement' at Crowne Plaza recently. The presentation covered diverse topics relating to advertising, sales promotion, product development, consumer research and public relations.

Rajive Ahuja, head of corporate communications and customer care, Khimji Ramdas in his presentation on 'Current trends in Customer Engagement' based on the Cannes Lions International Advertisement Festival 2010 gave a riveting lecture on the changes that have taken place on the customer front, specifically the changes on the way customer engagement has turned into community engagement.

Mazda CX-7 all set to roar Close on the heels of the launch of the lovely Mazda2, Towell Auto Centre is all set to reveal yet another prodigy - the simply superb Mazda CX-7. Touted as a complete family car, the CX-7 combines sporty good looks with nimble Zoom-Zoom handling, plus a turbocharged 2.3L engine.

Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications, Towell Auto Centre, informs, “It has always been our endeavour to provide out customers with the widest choice of vehicles and by introducing the CX-7 we are doing just that. The CX-7 is a hotly contested compact crossover SUV in its segment. Like other Mazda products, the CX-7 is designed to appeal to people who derive extra enjoyment from driving. Although it has all the requisite elements that have made crossovers so popular including car like handling, SUV drive height and considerable cargo capacity, the car offers a sportier edge.”

Black & White 25

Vale

voluntary blood donations Addressing the call of the Ministry of Health, Vale recently organised a blood donation drive for the Batinah region with the support of Sohar Hospital. The initiative, which took place on-site in Sohar Industrial Port Complex, demonstrated the company’s continuous support of the local community. With 58 per cent of citizens carrying at least one of the many blood disorder genes, Vale employees united to raise awareness on the importance of blood drives across the Sultanate,

donating 56 units of blood to Sohar Hospital.

Professionals from the hospital reiterated the critical role such voluntary blood drives play in sustaining blood banks’ continuous supply, specifically during the summer where medical emergencies are on the rise. As an active and responsible corporate citizen, Vale strives to engage in social, economic and environmental activities by partnering with various government entities, public institutions and civil society.

Nando’s

selects nominees for international draw in South Africa

Summer camp at

Wordpress

Modern Nursery Modern Nursery conducted its 12th summer camp recently in their Al-Ghubra and Darsait branches.

More than 100 children attended the event. The camp included art and craft, yoga classes, outdoor trips, games, which helped shaping their ideas into meaningful works. The fancy dress programme was the special attraction in the final day of the camp which was much appreciated by guest of honors Fatima Nisar and Geeta Kumar. The final day programme was well attended by the parents and well wishers who appreciated Raziya Hakkim, the director and the hard work put in by Rozy Arora and the team of teachers.

26 August 7–20, 2010

Offering customers in Oman a unique opportunity to travel to a number of exotic destinations across four continents, Nando’s the world-renowned flame-grilling, Peri-Peri chicken restaurant announced the winners of a fun two-month global promotion and internal staff evaluation initiative. Names of Nando’s Oman’s top three nominees, Johina Salibo, Gigi Varghese and Najma Al Musallami have been submitted to the restaurant’s home of origin and operational headquarters in Johannesburg – South Africa, where one finalist and their nominated partner stand a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to one city of their choice at any of Nando’s ‘29 Peri-Peri destinations’ across the globe, including counties such as Cyprus, Fiji, Namibia, Mauritius, Ireland and New Zealand. The concept stems from Nando’s ‘twenty-four hour chicken marinating process’, whereby the winner must select a destination that is not farther than 24 hours by plane from their country of residence.

Omran and Musstir

lay foundation stone for Al-Baleed 5-Star resort in Salalah Omran, the investment company developing tourism assets and infrastructure in Oman, and its joint venture partner, Musstir LLC, celebrated the laying of the foundation stone for Al Baleed Resort.

A ceremony was held under the auspices of Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Rawas, cultural affairs advisor to His Majesty the Sultan, and attended by Dr Rajiha Bint Abdul Ameer Bin Ali, the minister of tourism and Omran chairperson, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Marhoon bin Ali Al-Ma’amari, minister of state and

governor of Salalah, and a number of honoured guests; members of the, state council, Majlis A’Shura Council, and other distinguished honourees of the state of Dhofar.

The resort will become a key attraction of Al-Baleed, the cradle of culture and trade in the Dhofar region of Oman. The rich history of the ancient city will offer visitors an unforgettable experience, teamed with the warm Omani hospitality.

The resort is located at a site with easy access to the major road network, where it is open to the sea in the south, with spectacular

views of an archaeological site to the west. The overall site layout creates linear axes running North-South connecting the main frontage to the sea.

The axes create good views and organise the large site into areas that are both intimate and connected to the generous landscaping.

This geometrical base structure not only references traditional plantations, settlements and early traditional living, it also ensures that the built elements gain the best orientation for solar access, shading and air flow.

Entertainment for less The Park Inn Hotel Muscat announces the launch of limited numbers of a special promotional card offering multiple benefits to the holder. The benefit card entitles the bearer to 15 per cent off on food and beverage at three of the hotel’s outlets -‘The Palm’ and ‘RBG Grill’. At no extra cost to those interested, the discount cards are part of a one-time summer promotion offering reduced rates and valid until the end of September this year.

“We are trying to encourage guests to make the most of our summer promotion while it lasts.

For those spending summertime in the city, entertainment now has a lower cost and there are no conditions on buying a card or paying any amount in advance unlike some food and beverage discount schemes,” explained Raphael Rodrigues, assistant restaurants manager. “With the choice of three great outlets, now everyone can experience the Park Inn for less,” he added.

Black & White 27

The new boss

Bikram Vohra, internationallyknown Gulf based scribe

By Bikram Vohra

Sunny side up

He quit. And the office was shocked. His direct staff, all thirty two of them moaned and groaned and wrung their hands in agony and said they would never get a boss like him, those were the days, the best was gone, things would never be the same again.

They said they felt professionally orphaned and from now on things would be only downhill. A few even suggested that they would start looking for jobs because now that the boss was leaving, there would be no fun, no point sticking around.

They also said that wherever he went they would follow since no other boss could replace him.

Overwhelmed by all this touching stuff, he went home and shared the warmth and the glory with his wife.

I can’t believe it, he said, they were devastated, some of them even wept, I almost feel guilty leaving.

His wife said uh, huh, and continued working which he thought was rather churlish of her seeing as how he was basking in the sunkissed popularity radiating from a loyal and supportive staff, all of them like an extended family. He reminded himself he must write them all first rate testimonials and even considered taking a couple of the chaps with him to his new assignment.

On this high note he entered that 30 day notice period, which is rather like a stretch of no man’s land. You are there but you are not, you count but you don’t, you are in but you are out.

And then, on the eighteenth day the 28 August 7–20, 2010

replacement arrived and was ushered into the small room next doors which would be his temporary office until the incumbent left two weeks down the road.

The staff of thirty two did not take all day to shift allegiance from the old boss to the new one. In the desperate rush to shuffle themselves into positions of ingratiation and score points they took about twenty minutes.

The old boss was nonplussed and then even confused when in the executive toilet he overheard one of his most loyal ex-staffers tell the girl who had cried at his resignation that it was a bit much the old boy not giving the new boss the office, merely good manners, don’t you think, I mean, you don’t need it, you are history, tee off, go, why do they hang around, he’s yesterday’s people.

And she said, he was always one of those hang in there till the end types and wasn’t the new fellow really nice, it will be a pleasure to work for him.

Get some action around here, said the loyal ex-staffer, he looks like a go getter, thank goodness things will be different.

Over the next week, so as not to be identified with the old regime and thus risk annoying the new boss, the thirty two sidled past the old chief’s door, waved surreptitiously, grinned sheepishly, avoided his eye and cheerfully mauled him in conversations with the new boss.

Contd in next issue...

In Black & White

In Black...

The famous Sumail Gap, which divides the western and eastern Hajars, has played mute testimony to many a historic event in Oman

THE FIRST MOSQUE IN OMAN I remember visiting Sumail as a child. I don’t remember the year, but that was the time when I was taken to the first-ever mosque in Oman.

The significance of the visit as well as the history behind it was not lost on me. Mazin bin Ghadouba, the first Omani to convert to Islam, was also the first to build a mosque – Masjid Al Mudhmar -- in his hometown in Sumail – the first mosque of Oman.

Since then, I have visited the first mosque of Oman several times. And each time, I was totally captured by the spirit and essence of this quaint little mosque. Somehow, it always seemed to embody that uniqueness, which had set it apart.

Like other historic mosques, the oldest mosque in Oman has also been renovated. Reports note that it was renovated in 1979 and further restoration work was carried out in 1990.

Let us all join hands to thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, under whose wise leadership history has been well preserved. The authorities concerned have beautifully renovated the mosque and the process is still ongoing in an effort to capture history for the younger generations to visit and understand that Sumail is the land that saw the birth of Islam in Oman.

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief The B&W team took a trip to Sumail recently. During the visit, they went to the ancient mosque and also paid tribute to the tomb of Mazin.

Sumail still reflects the glory of that ancient history.

It is also famous for its date palm trees which cover most of its area. Consequently, there are a number of date palm processing factories in the area.

Weaving is also a traditional craft still practised by its inhabitants.

Sumail has a number of forts and castles, including the Sumail Hosn (the castle of Sumail), the Bait Al Khubar, Al Shahbaa Fort and a large number of small forts and watch towers. The famous Sumail Gap, which divides the western and eastern Hajars, has played mute testimony to many a historic event in Oman.

Wadi Sumail is considered to be the biggest valley in Oman. Modern Sumail became a center for travellers from the interior and south of Oman. Fard, the delicious dates of Sumail, is also an exciting reason to visit this beautiful and historic town.

As the Holy Month of Ramadan beckons, we have the right story that fits this auspicious occasion.

Read, enjoy and soak in the spirit of the season.

Ramadan Kareem to you all!

& White Black & White 29

B&W Xclusive 30 August 7–20, 7-20, 2010

The first

MASJID

Masjid Mazin resides rather inconspicuously in a serene corner of Sumail. A narrow, but quaint path, which seemed to be hewed between the houses of a tiny village, leads to this unique and historic mosque, which has been instrumental in the spread of Islam to Oman. The mosque, which is said to be around 1500 years old, has been restored on several occasions Black & White 31

“Messenger of the Messenger”

B&W Xclusive

Centuries ago, a young Omani by the name of Mazin bin Ghadouba was slaughtering a goat when he heard a booming voice calling out at him.

Mazin was simply struck by this heavenly voice, which asked him to go to Al Madinah (city – short for Madinah Al-Nabi –city of the Prophet) to meet Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him). The voice described to him about the dawn of a new religion – Islam – and advised him to go and find more about it. Mazin did as he was ordained…

32 August 7-20, 2010

Thousands of years ago, Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) addressed a letter to the Oman’s rulers, Abd and Jaifer, where the Prophet (PBUH) invited the people of Oman to embrace Islam – a copy of the letter is displayed at the department of manuscripts at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.

THIS STORY INDICATES as to how Oman got its first Muslim. Historians however cannot give specific dates as to when Islam emerged in Oman, but reports indicate that the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) contacted Oman’s leaders in the 8th Hijra (AH - from the Islamic calendar). But, Mazin was the first Omani to be called to the Islamic faith, much before this.

He came before the Messenger and converted to Islam. Following his revelation, Mazin met the Prophet (PBUH) and dedicated himself to the faith of Islam, to obeying its laws and to spreading its word to the unbelievers.

With Oman’s strong merchant trading links, it was instrumental in spreading the word to other countries such as Persia (source: Omanet.om ministry of information website) Since this is the Holy Month of Ramadan, Black & White felt this was the most auspicious occasion to delve on how Islam made its way to Oman. A quick trip to Wilayat Sumail, which is around 85kms away from the capital, gave us some insight into not only the first mosque of Oman, but also the first Muslim of Oman.

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B&W Xclusive

File images of Masjid Mazin before the initial renovation in 1979

34 August 7-20, 2010

MASJID MAZIN According to reports and the feedback we received from the knowledgeable people of Sumail, we learnt that Mazin, upon returning from Al Madinah, built not only the first mosque in Sumail, but in the whole of Oman. It is known as the Mosque of Mazin. The mosque succeeded in introducing to the people of Oman the meaning of Islam. It has been restored on several occasions, and is ancient only in its foundations.

EXPRESSION OF DEVOTION “Many historic mosques have been renovated, like the oldest mosque in Oman at Sumail. The first mosques in Oman were simple buildings, often indistinguishable from the surrounding houses,” various informed sources note.

There were no minarets and little or no adornment; however some fine decoration still survives in ancient mosques at Manah and Nizwa. Wherever possible, mosques were always sited close to the village falaj so that the worshippers could wash before prayer.

With the provision of piped water this is no longer a consideration in the construction of modern mosques. The many beautiful mosques built over

the last many years are not only an expression of the devotion of Omanis to their religion but also a marvellous and varied display of all the features of Islamic architecture through the ages, religious scholars tell us.

NATURAL PARADISE The Wilayat of Sumail is often termed as a ‘natural paradise’. It is indeed a fragrant, shady garden with a lush wadi with cultivated plots along its banks that flows like a river through the middle of it dividing it in two. Wherever the visitor looks he will see date palms. The wilayat is famous for its dates and it has adopted the fardh date palm as its emblem.

INSTRUMENTAL IN THE SPREAD OF ISLAM Upon reaching Sumail, we were quickly directed to the first mosque of Oman.

Masjid Mazin actually resides rather inconspicuously in a serene corner of Sumail.

A narrow, but quaint path, which seemed to be hewed between the houses of a tiny village, leads to this unique and historic mosque, which has been instrumental in the spread of Islam to Oman.

Black & White 35

B&W Xclusive

Mazin bin Ghaduba, the first Omani to embrace Islam, built the first mosque in Sumail, in the 6th Hijri Year of the Islamic calendar, known as the Mosque of Mazin (Masjid Al-Midhmar)

36 August 7-20, 2010

The tomb, which is believed to be that of Mazin's, is located some kilometres away from the historic mosque, just above a wadi and a lush dates farm

AGE IS NOT AN IMPEDIMENT Upon reaching there, we waited for the revered mosque’s Imam to come out and speak to us.

Imam Nasser Al Siyabi was a young man and when we commented on the same, he said matter of factly that age did not matter in the pursuit of the spiritual path. “Age is irrelevant,” Imam Nasser said, speaking to Black & White, just outside the mosque.

PROUD AND BLESSED We explained to him why were there, and expressed our desire to know more about the first Omani Muslim and how they all felt about being part of such a significant religious aspect of Oman’s history. “We are proud and feel blessed to say that Wilayat Sumail was home to Mazin bin Ghaduba, the first Omani to embrace Islam. He built the first mosque in Sumail, in the 6th Hijri Year of the Islamic calendar, which is known as the Mosque of Mazin (Masjid Al-Midhmar),” Imam Nasser said, adding that he was also honoured to be part of the historic mosque now. He has been the Imam of Masjid Mazin since the last one year. “Before that, I was

with the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Ruwi for nearly a decade,” he said, noting that since he was a native of Sumail, he felt quite blessed that this was the region from where Islam sprouted in Oman. “Sumail has a famous history, which dates back to the pre-Islamic era. It (Sumail) is a blessed place, so is Oman! There are stories recorded in various books about the first Muslim of Oman.”

DAWN OF A NEW ERA Imam Nasser also explained about how the mosque was built, which introduced to the people of Oman to Islam during the era of the Abd and Jaifar the sons of Julanda -- the kings of Oman at that time.

The mosque, which is said to be around 1500 years old, has been restored on several occasions, and this year also more renovations are expected to be done. Imam Nasser also repeated the story of Mazin’s introduction to Islam: “It is believed that Mazin was prompted to go to Al Madinah to meet Prophet Muhammed by the voice of God. Mazin was slaughtering a goat, when the voice told him about the dawn of a new religion -- Islam -- and advised him to go find out more. History and records say so. He travelled to Al Madinah and came back with messages of Islam.

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B&W Xclusive 38 August 7-20, 2010

SUMAIL GAP The Sumail Gap forms a natural break between the Eastern and Western Hajar mountain ranges and thus forms the main artery of communication from the coast to the interior. The oil and gas pipelines run through the Gap, in which there are many small settlements as well as the major centres at Sumail, Bidbid and Fanjah.The only natural pass through the northern jebels traces the trail of the old Silk Route caravans as they carried their goods from the Far East to communities of the interior. Follow the paths taken

by Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta to Fanja, the traders’ crossroads, and the towns of Bid Bid, Sumail and Al Khobar, replete with castles and fortifications. Stop by the roadside fruit markets of Ad Dasir to sample pomegranates, pumpkin and sweet lemons.

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People of Sumail visit the tomb of Mazin very religiously

B&W Xclusive

“For Oman, it is dawn of a new era.

People of Sumail believe the tomb of Mazin is here near the Wadi and visit the tomb very religiously. There are no records of Mazin’s family now, but Sumail residents still remember him with utmost respect,” he said, indicating that Mazin could be rightfully called the ‘messenger of the Messenger!’

It is mentioned in the book ‘Mazin bin Ghadouba and his mark of Islam in Oman’ (written by Dr Mubarak bin Abdullah Al Rashdi and published in 2001) that descendants of the Tay family still exist in Sumail. The Nabhanis are also considered to be a branch of the Tay bloodline, according to the book, supplied by the ministry of awqaf and religious affairs.

The book also notes that Zainab bint Abdullah was Mazin’s mother, but does 40 August 7-20, 2010

not give any information about the father.

However, Mazin had a son, Hayyan bin Mazin, who also embraced Islam.

MAZIN’S TOMB Imam Nasser also led us to the tomb, which is believed to be that of Mazin. It was located just some kilometres away from the historic mosque, just above a wadi and a lush dates farm, which is owned by Nabhan bin Said bin Nabhan Al Amri.

The tomb seemed to be well taken care of and while we were there, we noticed visitors coming there at regular intervals.

We also bumped into an elderly Omani gentleman at the date farm, who had come there with a date plucker. Salam bin Khalfan bin Suleiman Al Bakry, a retired Royal Oman Police official, was hesitant to talk about the tomb saying

Nabhan Al Amri and Salam Al Bakry at the dates farm

that he was not an authority on the same, and called his uncle, the actual owner, Nabhan Al Amri, who after much prodding, agreed to speak about Mazin.

SUMAIL – BLESSED TOWN “This place, where the tomb of Mazin is situated, is called Al Daq Duquain.

Many people from Sumail and from all parts of Oman visit the tomb. It is a revered place. Though there isn’t any proof whether it is actually Mazin’s tomb, many residents claim otherwise.

It is considered to be the oldest tomb in Sumail and since Mazin is the first Omani Muslim, the oldest tomb here is also believed to be his,” Nabhan Al Amri said, adding that tomb was located just behind their dates farm and open to all.

Sumail, he said, has many things to boast about. “It is a town blessed with the dawn of Islam (The people of Sumail were the first to embrace Islam in Oman), the residence of the first Muslim, close to the Sumail Gap, which is a break in the Hajar mountains.”

Sumail has a population of around 40,000 people. Sumail’s main land is split into two districts: Saffalah and Alayah. We took a drive around and also located the first school in Sumail, which is named after Mazin bin Ghadouba.

Although Mazin lives on in the minds and hearts of the people of Sumail, indepth information about the first Muslim of Oman is unavailable. Perhaps, that is how he wanted it to be: he wanted to be in the hearts and minds of people, not just in the pages of books…

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B&W Xclusive 42 August 7-20, 2010

THE FIRST MUSLIM: The first Muslim of Oman is known by three names, according to the book ‘Mazin bin Ghadouba and his mark of Islam in Oman’ (written by Dr Mubarak bin Abdullah Al Rashdi and published in 2001).

Mazin’s three known names (depending on the sources) are: Mazin bin Ghadouba bin Sabiyah bin Shamasa bin Hayyan bin Abi Bashar bin Saad bin Nabhan bin Amru bin Al Ghouth bin Tay. He is also known as Mazin bin Ghadouba bin Ghurab bin Bashar bin Khatama bin Saad bin Taleba bin Nasser bin Saad bin Aswad bin Nabhan bin Amru bin Al Ghouth bin Tay. His third name is: Mazin bin Ghadouba bin Sabiyah bin Shamasa bin Hayyan bin Mur bin Abi Bashar bin Khatama bin Saad bin Nabhan bin Amru bin Al Ghouth bin Tay.

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B&W Xclusive 44 August 7-20, 2010

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B&W Xclusive

The wilayat of Sumail is famous for its dates and it has adopted the fardh date palm as its emblem

46 August 7-20, 2010

The first school in Sumail is named after Mazin bin Ghadouba

HISTORICAL ROLE OF THE DAKHLIYAH REGION The Dakhliyah region, in the interior of the Sultanate, plays a great historical role in the coming of Islam to Oman. At the heart of the region lies the wilayat of Nizwa, which was a sanctuary for scholars and jurists, and a stronghold for powerful leaders. Nizwa has been deemed the ‘Pearl of Islam’ due to its restoration of the Islamic beliefs to the country, its seats of Islamic learning and its schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

From the adjacent wilayat of Sumail, Mazin bin Ghadouba, travelled to Mecca to embrace Islam.

The second mosque of Oman – Masjid Ras Al Akr – was built in Nizwa after Masjid Ghadouba came up in Sumail.

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B&W Xclusive

A manuscript detailing Mazin bin Ghadouba’s conversion to Islam

48 August 7–20, 7-20, 2010

The arrival of ISLAM “It is known throughout the books of history that these two kings welcomed Amr and accepted Islam,” noted Hatim Harith Al Abdissalaam, a member of the Sultan Qaboos Centre for Islamic Culture.

In accepting Islam, Oman became an Ibadhi state, ruled by an elected leader, the Imam.

During the early years of the Islamic mission Oman played a major role in spreading the faith.

However, Oman’s most prominent role in this respect was through the extensive trading and seafaring activities in East Africa, particularly during the 19th century, when it propagated Islam in many of East Africa’s coastal regions, and certain areas of Central Africa.

Omanis also carried the message of Islam with them to China and the Asian ports.

The Omanis were among the first people to embrace Islam.

The conversion of the Omanis is usually ascribed to Amr ibn al-As, who was sent by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) around 630 AD to invite Jaifar and Abd, the joint rulers of Oman at that time, to accept the faith, in which he eventually succeeded.

SIMPLE, UNIQUE DESIGN – AMAZING APPEAL Masjid Al Madhmar, which was built in the 6th Hijri year of the Islamic calendar, was renovated in 1979 and the original design was still maintained.

“The simplicity of this mosque and the unique design gives it an amazing appeal .The mosque was built on a hill to keep it safe from floods,” noted Hatim.

Hatim, who works for Qalhat LNG SAOC, also gives out lectures every Friday morning for new Muslims and non-Muslims.

“The mosque is plain from the inside with no designs on the walls and the Mihrab (the center where the Imam stands) is in green and

gold colour and the ceiling is white and the mosque has 12 tall windows,” said Hatim.

The mosque is divided into two sections: the first section has got areas for ablution and services and the second section is the prayer area; which has two doors: one which is connected to the ablution area and the other to the main hall. The doors are made of wood and they were crafted originally with the Omani design and have been maintained the same ever since, Hatim noted.

The minaret on the mosque is considerably small compared to modern mosques and the inner praying hall is plain with no designs on the wall, and is covered with green and gold colour.

The lighting in the mosque comes through 12 tall windows which lightens the place up. The mosque can absorb around 300 men at a time in the prayer hall.

The carpet of the mosque is distinguished by its unique colour, which is blue. The ceiling of the mosque is mostly covered in white.

The mosque contains a drinking well, which supports people with water for ablution.

(Black & White would like to thank the officials of Ministry of Awqaf & Religious Affairs, Ministry of Heritage & Culture, Ministry of Information and Diwan of Royal Court Affairs for their timely help in supporting this article with relevant facts.)

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:

Let down by the ‘sub-letter’

Nitternatter

Pick, don’t pose before garbage

50 August 7–20, 2010

A young tenant got into a spot recently when he suddenly realised he had been gypped by a smoothtalking guy whom he thought was the flat owner. He had moved into a nice two-bedroom flat recently.

Paid an advance for two months (since the ‘owner’ very sweetly insisted that he wanted two months advance) and was waiting to get his rent agreement organised with him when he had an early morning knock at his door on a weekend.

There was an elderly man at the door who stared at him from head to toe and then asked where ‘M’ (the so-called owner) was. Apparently, ‘M’ had gone to Dubai for what he called was a short visit, and was expected in a week’s time. So, he

told the stranger at the door that.

“Ok, so who are you?” the stranger asked. Well, even though it was none of this man’s business, he still told him who he was and that he lived there.

“Since when? And do you and ‘M’ live together?” No, our tenant said slowly realising that something was amiss. Soon he realised that he had been royally ripped. Apparently, the man at the door was the actual owner of the flat and he had rented it to the so-called owner, who took two months advance from this tenant and scooted off without paying a penny to the actual house owner. And now the real owner was demanding not only his rent, but also wanted him to leave the flat.

Lately, the media has been bent on wreaking havoc on those who commit garbage ‘crimes’. And there are these pseudo environment lovers who are bristling with anger against people who litter or dump garbage.

You see these environmentalists and righteous scribes filling in newspaper space with rants and raves about how people mindlessly dumb garbage and how someone or somebody should do something somewhere before it all gets too late…Reading all this environment stuff, a lady called us up with a simple suggestion: “Pick it up!” What? “Well, you media guys are hell bent on running photo campaigns against the surge of garbage heaps, but, have YOU

done anything about it? Have you picked up litter and put it into the garbage bin? Instead of posing in front of garbage, why can’t you just clear it? Why do you want SOMEBODY to do it? Why don’t you do it YOURSELF?” If you see someone littering or dumping garbage in the wrong places, go and pick it up and put it in the garbage bin yourself; that way we will succeed in shaming the ones who do it, she said. “All of you run campaigns on accidents, against smoking, drugs etc. That is fine, but there is one very easy campaign you can successfully bring to fruition – against garbage and littering. You pick it up yourself and you will make a difference – in a big way!”

Daylight robbery

Don’t let it go to the head

If you ask someone to do a job for you, fix up the rate prior to the task and only then get into it, a villa owner told Bitter Batter recently.

The owner had some digging work in the courtyard of his home. He wanted to dig and find the septic tank of his home because of some block to the main pit. So he arranged for a worker to come and get the job done through a contact of his. The worker came with another companion and they both examined the job at hand and said that they would do it. The owner said okay, but he wanted to know the charges before the hole was dug. The worker(s) agreed and soon they (two more came to view/ supervise although the owner had asked only one person to do the job) began their task. “But none of them spoke about the rates and since I was embroiled in various

other tasks, I forgot to ask them.

They couldn’t find the tank cover so they stopped digging that hole and focussed on a new one. They worked a total of four hours in two days at the end of which they found the tank cover and then made their demand: OMR70!

“I was shocked, but the workers insisted and rather rudely told me that they immediately wanted the money. I refused: “Seventy rials for digging two holes?!”

“Of course, for the amount of work we did and that too we were four!”

“Four, I only asked one of you to come and okay, I don’t mind one more worker, but four?”

“The work required four people!”

“For digging two holes?”

This continued for a long time and finally the owner conceded: “Now I know the meaning of the term ‘daylight robbery’!”

Is it true that if you are suddenly catapulted from a lower end position to a top end position at your work, it gets into your head?

There are many complaints of that order from staff of companies about these nouveau top professionals who exhibit totally unprofessional, unwanted aggressive and arrogant behaviour to staff, junior or otherwise, when they are suddenly

promoted to top positions.

They display irrational behaviour and tend to metamorphose from mere mortals to demi-Gods and expect others around to accede to their whims.

Should someone tell them to relax and go easy on their lesser successful brethren? Life is too short to let positions go to the head!

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

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Kidstuff 52 August 7–20, 2010

Tallest Tallest Man WHO: Robert Pershing Wadlow WHAT: 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in) WHERE: Alton, Illinois, USA WHEN: Last measured on July 15, 1940

man facts:

The tallest man in medical history for whom there is irrefutable evidence is Robert Pershing Wadlow. He was born at Alton, Illinois, USA, on February 22, 1918, and when he was last measured on June 27, 1940, was found to be 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) tall.

He was 6 feet tall by the time he was even eight years old.

He suffered from the disorder Gigantism that makes the lower portions of the body extremely large, while the head and torso remain at normal sizes. This is caused by a pituitary gland tumor that excretes large amounts of growth hormone, resulting in the disorder that is technically called as acromegalic gigantism.

Wadlow died at 1:30 a.m. on July 15, 1940, in a hotel in Manistee, Michigan, as a result of a septic blister on his right ankle caused

Current tallest man alive in the world Leonid Sadnyk

by a brace, which had been poorly fitted only a week earlier. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Alton, in a coffin measuring 3.28 m (10 ft 9 in) long, 81 cm (32 in) wide and 76 cm (30 in) deep.

Wadlow’s greatest recorded weight was 222.71 kg (35 st 1 lb) on his 21st birthday and he weighed 199 kg (31 st 5 lb) at the time of his death. His shoe size was 37AA (47 cm, 18½ in long) and his hands measured 32.4 cm (12¾ in) from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. He wore a size 25 ring. His arm span was 2.88 m (9 ft 5¾ in) and his peak daily food consumption was 8000 calories.

At the age of nine, he was able to carry his father Harold F. Wadlow, later Mayor of Alton, who stood 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) and weighed 77 kg (170 lb), up the stairs of the family home.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records (2008), Leonid Sadnyk is the current tallest man alive in the world. At 8 feet 5.5 inches, this Ukrainian has been growing excessively since he was 12 years old.

The growth was determined to be an effect from brain surgery. Stadnyk replaces the previous holder, Bao Xishun from China. Word of advice: don’t mess with a guy pushing 8 feet tall weighing roughly 440 lbs!

Tongue twisters Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?

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Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20 Over the next few days flashes of wisdom or social intuition will captivate your attention. You may also experience powerful dream activity or glimmers of future events. Previously conflicted relationships may dramatically improve: watch for silent or emotionally distant loved ones to propose unique romantic encounters, shared accommodations and increased intimacy. Set your own pace: your needs, desires and social outlook will now be the best guide.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

HALLE BERRY (BORN AUGUST 14, 1966) is an American actress,

A friend or close work colleague may soon become distracted by emotion or highly focussed on ethics in the workplace this week. Stay well back from all such speculation; at present, others will be addressing their own fears or social insecurities. Wisdom and diplomacy will now bring the desired result in social triangles: avoid ego competitions between friends. Early this week pay close attention to minor aches and pains in the back or stomach.

This week messages from the past may be unnerving.

former fashion model, and beauty queen. Berry received an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Image Award for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and was also nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2001 for her performance in Monster's Ball. She

GEMINI May 21-June 21 Successful combinations in business or working relationships will now bring fast results. Pay close attention to team roles or assigned duties. Emotional bonding and renewed friendship will now help a loved one change a negative frame of mind. Long-term relationships and old friendships are now beginning an almost four month period of growth, intimacy and shared commitments: over the next few days expect subtle breakthroughs and greatly improved relationships.

is one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood and also a Revlon spokeswoman. Before becoming an actress, Berry entered several beauty contests, finishing runner-up

Horoscope

in the Miss USA (1986), and winning the Miss USA World 1986 title. Her breakthrough feature film role was in the 1991 Jungle Fever.

54 August 7–20, 2010

CANCER June 22-July 23 Social events or unexpected changes in romantic relationships may be a prime topic of discussion.

Even though others are talkative, emotional judgement may be inaccurate. Remain silent and allow loved ones to vent their feelings: at present, others may need to feel heard or respected for their creativity and social ideas. Long-term employees will be highly emotional before the end of this week: expect ongoing moments of denial and stress on the work scene. Close friends and lovers now need to share deeper feelings of commitment and intimacy.

LEO July 24-August 23 Watch for loved ones to now silently reveal their long-term ideals, social needs and ongoing home plans. No serious or long-lasting effects can be expected here. Do, however, realise that you may now need to define obvious boundaries in love relationships or adopt a new attitude of independent priorities. Creativity and renewed faith in relationships is also on the rise; so not to worry. You may also soon experience a powerful and compelling romantic attraction in a business or working relationship.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Plan business strategies early this week: work messages, new contracts or small duties may soon evolve into important opportunities.

Pay close attention to financial proposals and renewed partnerships. Although team projects may be delayed over the next few weeks, individual gains will be strong.

Stay focussed on highly creative or independent projects. Over the next few weeks loved ones may reveal new social, home or family plans: changing lifestyles or new social alliances may be a key issue.

LIBRA September 24-October 22 The business practices of a colleague or unproductive work methods may require much thought over the next few days. Early this week spend time reviewing past workplace events or business decisions; the attitude and ethics of a co-worker may soon need to be addressed publicly. Romantic relationships may become briefly complicated by outside influences: new friendships, sibling relationships and a series of criticisms from family members may all be on the agenda.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Social politics or hidden disagreements may increase tension between friends.

Even though private information has previously been revealed, don’t get involved. At present, social triangles may soon escalate to include issues of romantic loyalty or broken promises. Figures and dates will be easily distorted by loved ones: watch for a distracting wave of social and romantic confusion before the end of this week. Stay focussed on written money promises.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Emotional clarity in relationships and social insight are on the agenda over the next few days. Find a way to avoid offering opinions: this is not a good time to distract others from their feelings or enter into idle speculation with friends or colleagues. Watch out for a small financial error to cause a last minute home adjustment. Remain alert to minor debts and fast changes. Display enthusiasm: your actions and reactions will now be closely studied by loved ones.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Intimate relationships may require special attention over the next few days.

Avoid being drawn into the emotional dramas of others this week. At present your creativity and social wisdom is best used to further your own relationships. Planetary alignments now suggest that a recent group decision on the work scene may soon create a highly charged political atmosphere in all business relationships. Go slow and collect as much information as possible.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Romance and social relations will bring many rewards over the next few days. Emotional balance and honesty will soon be the prime focus of lovers and friends. For many Aquarians this phase of new communications will initiate a three week period of social introductions and important breakthroughs in close relationships.

Find a way to release the past and let others know that you are willing to start afresh. Money luck is high: find valuable new sources of income.

PISCES February 20-March 20 Social and romantic relationships will now enter a new phase of entertainment, group activities and invitations.

This is an excellent time to expand your circle of friends or ask for added emotional support from loved ones. Leisure activities or hobbies will also increase mental energy; enjoy new forms of creativity and entertainment. Watch out for a fast series of workplace demands, new business duties or changing career roles.

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 August 7–20, 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 August 7–20, 2010

By Dave Green

2 1 8

6 2 9 4

2 6 4 5 2 6 3 4 8 6 7

Difficulty Level

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

5 9 1 8 9 4 7 5 3 1 3

3/10 SOLUTION: Difficulty Level

7 4 1 3 5 9 6 2 8

6 8 2 1 4 7 5 3 9

3/10

3 5 9 8 2 6 7 4 1

2 6 4 9 7 5 8 1 3

1 7 3 6 8 2 9 5 4

8 9 5 4 3 1 2 7 6

4 2 6 5 1 8 3 9 7

9 1 7 2 6 3 4 8 5

5 3 8 7 9 4 1 6 2

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 August 7–20, 2010

For her

SHE

Get your beauty sleep for great skin

72

The ill-effects of lack of sleep are most evident on the skin beneath our eyes. This area of the skin here is the most fragile. Sleeping right and proper every night will give you good skin as nighttime is the right time to take years off your face, skin experts say

Get a chocolate bath Chocolate is great for a bath. Add it to your next bath to release the aroma of chocolate and take advantage of its soothing and relaxing benefits

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Get moving in the morning

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The early bird catches the worm. But, the bird has to prepare in advance for the next morning Black & White 61

Shape n sound

Women can be victims of unhealthy eating behaviours. Many of them know that their behaviour is wrong, but they are ready to look good at the cost of being bad (diet). Some women are pretty ritualistic about their weight loss and weight maintenance.

They sometimes try anything and everything that seems like a shortcut to achieve their success. Problem is, there’s often a fine line between eating healthfully to slim down and becoming fixated with food, say top food behaviour experts

62 August 7-20, 7–20, 2010

STOP being an

UNHEALTHY EATER Try and break these unhealthy eating habits: STOP BEING A COFFEE-A-HOLIC! Can’t function without your morning coffee cuppa? That means you are addicted to it! Let us take coffee, if you are addicted to caffeine and consume large amounts of it on a regular basis, you are actually harming yourself. Just try to go without coffee for two to three days and let us see if you get any coffee withdrawals. If you do (if you have a headache and/or are fatigued), yes, then you are addicted to coffee. So, gradually scale it down to acceptable levels (one per day).

SKIP BREAKFAST? Not eating breakfast not only deprives you of the nutrients you need to kick start your body each morning but it also leads to the loss of muscle tissue.

This in turn will leave you flabby and fat without much muscle tone.

The body eats muscle tissue in search of lost nutrients when you are not providing it with sufficient amounts of food and to top it off your metabolism will slow right down again. Even if you start with just small meals, build up slowly and work towards having a full breakfast daily.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ONLY If you eat only fruits and vegetables, then, all you are doing is eating fibrous carbs and simple sugars, thus depriving yourself of the essential nutrients found in protein, fats, and other complex carbohydrates.

Most of the time, you are either hungry to the point where you are starving or

you feel really bloated, gassy, and are emotionally irregular. If you continue, you will eventually end up with either an inflamed bowel, a serious ulcer, a tiresome physical appearance or a very slow metabolism.

ONE MEAL A DAY What do you hope to gain by having only one meal? You think you will lose weight? Following this type of eating regimen can be very harmful to your health because again, you are depriving your body from many essential nutrients that can not be consumed in only one meal a day (taking supplements or not). You are not getting the required minerals, essential fats and vitamins that your body needs to be healthy by only one or two food groups. Further, your metabolism will slow right down because you are not giving your body enough calories to work with.

NO MEAT PLEASE, I WANT TO BE THIN Meat is an essential nutrient. Unless you are a diehard veggie, please don’t avoid meat as it will not make you fat or bulging with muscles if eaten in moderation.

SALADS ARE CATTLE FODDER Well, not exactly, but, if you think salads offer the way out in the battle of the bulge, then, please get real. For your body needs real food. You cannot deprive it of any nutrients, and salads will neither fill you up nor will it keep the weight off!

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Go

BANAN AS… Wonderfully sweet with firm and creamy flesh, bananas come prepackaged in their own yellow jackets and are available for harvest throughout the year.

Did you know that behind that yellow peel is something that contains three natural sugars – fructose, glucose and sucrose?

Besides the sugars, bananas also contain fiber. Between the sugar and the fiber, a banana gives an instant boost of energy!

It is no wonder, then, that the banana is the number one fruit for athletes since two provide enough energy for an intense 90-minute workout.

Cooking

Yes, enjoying bananas frequently as part of your healthy way of eating can help improve your body’s ability to absorb calcium via several mechanisms. Here are some easy recipes…

64 4 August Au ugust st 7–20, 7–2 –20, 0, 2010 20 2 010

Banana Boats

Ingredients •2 bananas •1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips •1/4 cup miniature marshmallows Directions Slit each banana lengthwise through the peel, making sure not to cut all the way through to the other side. Stuff the bananas with marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Wrap each banana in aluminum foil and cook over a fire, on the barbecue, or in a 300 degree oven for 5 minutes, or until chocolate is melted. Eat with a spoon.

Banana Crepes

Ingredients: •12 dessert crepes, purchased or homemade •3/4 cup sour cream •1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese •3 tablespoons granulated sugar •1 tablespoon vanilla extract •1/4 cup chopped pecans •6 medium bananas •1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •1/2 cup butter •Juice of 1/2 lemon, about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons Method Combine sour cream and cream cheese; mix until well blended and smooth. Add granulated sugar,

Banana Dessert Squares

Ingredients: •1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs •1/4 cup sugar •1/4 cup melted butter Topping: •1/4 cup butter •1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel •1 tablespoon lemon juice •4 firm bananas -- cut in 1/2” slices •1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed •Nutmeg, to taste

vanilla and pecans; blend well.

Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly on the crepes and roll up with the ends left open. Place on a shallow serving tray. At this point, the prepared crepes may be refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Peel and slice bananas crosswise into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds; arrange in a casserole.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Melt butter and pour evenly over bananas in casserole. Sprinkle with the lemon juice and tope with the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon bananas with spiced syrup over the crepes.

Serve immediately.

Method Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter in a medium bowl; mix well. Press crumb mixture into bottom of a buttered 8-inch square baking dish. Bake 5 minutes at 375°. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium sauce pan over low heat.

Add lemon peel, lemon juice and bananas. Stir just until bananas are coated with butter mixture. Arrange slices on crust. Sprinkle with brown sugar and nutmeg. Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes or until bubbly. Cut into squares serve warm.

65 5 Black k & White Wh hite 6

A cup of HOPE

Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University

By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi Sometimes, you need a cup of hope to sip some inspiration from. All of us know that hope is a very potent force; but I am wondering if all of us feel that truly...

Believe me, hope can change our lives and give us a chance where there never was. In fact, it can make our lives much easier.

Hope can succeed in eliminating those unhappy feelings in you. It is so powerful! Yet most people do not realise it and few people, indeed make the most effective use of hope. Here, I am trying to help you feeling the power of hope and let people around you feel it too. There are many things in life that we really know about and we fully understand them, but we rarely feel them deeply on our hearts.

Learning curve

So, you tell me dear readers: what is the use of that, what is the use of knowing about something but not feeling about it deeply! I think it is the time to stop doing such thing because it is better not to know about it at all rather than knowing without practicing and feeling it.

Hope enables us to understand, forgive, love and give. Indeed, it contains many good things which help us to be good with others and live peacefully. Hope is very essential to life and without it for something...somewhere...sometime, I doubt whether the human race could even continue to exist!

Certainly, it would not progress. With hope and good visions for the future;

human race started developing and changing for the better. Personally, I cannot stop being hopeful because it gives me motivation to strive for the results I hoped for. And, I have a strong belief that God is supporting me since I am working hard and I have hope.

Furthermore, those who are hopeful are having high self-confidence that enables them to challenge their lives.

With hope you see everything is possible. You will also inspire others.

I still remember when I failed one day when I tried to unsuccessfully publish my first article in a local weekly magazine some years ago. I was quite disappointed, but a friend of mine said: “Laila, you shouldn’t lose hope. What you need is to keep trying and you will make it by God’s will!’’.

She was right. Here I am writing and I am so fascinated by all what I have done so far. So, by all means, give hope to anyone who needs it! Give hope to all who need hope to stimulate inspiration, to activate motivation and spur achievement!

In short, with a cup of HOPE, I hope you will be filled to the brim with happiness and also share your cup with others too so that they can also spread hope around. Let there be millions and billions of cups of hope. You can start... in your own life...and in your own way... by using the magic of HOPE...now! lalgharbi@yahoo.com

66 August 7–20, 2010

It's my life

Ctrl-A-Delete

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

By Vandana Shah My keys, my laptop, my wallet, my makeup…the list is endless and my memory is straining … I realised it would not be devastating if I used this in a constructive manner. Can I enforce memory loss for a day?

I think on a day-to-day basis we remember too many negative incidents which actually hamper and hinder our self development and growth. The burden of carrying negative memories is gargantuan.

We lose so many relationships as we just don’t give a rest to our elephant memory, we don’t forgive forget and move on. Why remember trivial instances like “You gossiped about me and now I can’t forgive you because I don’t trust you” "I paid for the meal and now it’s your turn”. C’mon how much poorer are we by paying the bill for a happy time sharing food but losing a loved one depletes our actual wealth by millions.

Selective memory loss could also be a stress buster, after all if you don’t remember any of the inconsequential harmless things which a friend said or did you would be so busy going out with her you would focus more on “How do we have a good time? What should I wear to look good?” Each day would be a fresh day as we would not remember anything hurtful that anyone has done as these thoughts just suck out your positive energy and leave you feeling drained.

So go on press that CTRL-A-DELETE in your memory for all unpleasant memories, pick up the phone, call a friend and spend a lovely stress free evening chatting away about...well I don’t have to tell you she’s YOUR friend.

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 67

Beautyshop

Who does not love that ummm delicious chocolaty feeling? Not just to eat but to paste it right on your body. If you can get over the sticky feeling, you can benefit from its skin protecting factors.

68 August 7–20, 2010

Get a delicious

Chocolate bath A HOME SPUN skin product is milk. Yes, thanks to its rich and creamy base, it is a natural moisturiser. The nutrients in it can make skin smooth and healthy, which makes it an unconventional bath item and a popular ingredient for making soap.

FACIAL MASK – Since olden days, milk has been used with cosmetics. Thanks to milk’s nourishing properties, you can use it to create a skin-pampering facial mask. Prepare half a cup of milk powder then add a little water. Stir the mixture until a fairly thick paste is formed.

Once done, spread the milk facial mask on your face and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Wash your face and then rinse right after. Your skin will be softer and will have a nice healthy glow, as if you used an actual facial mask.

RELIEF FOR SUNBURN – Milk is effective against sunburn. Mix powdered milk with water and two pinches of salt. Apply the solution on the burnt spots and after awhile, you’ll feel better.

MILK BATH – Pour milk into your bathtub. Not only is it a better moisturiser than some soaps, it is also an effective skin softener. Fill one half to three fourths of your bathtub with milk.

Once done, go ahead and take a dip. Let the white bathwater work on your skin for about 30 minutes to an hour. After your bath, you will certainly have soft and better-looking skin..

MAKEUP REMOVER – Blush-ons, foundations, and other female facial enhancements latch on to your face like adhesives. It usually takes a while before you can completely wash them off your face. You can make the process easier by switching water with a mixture of powdered milk and warm water. Apply the solution on the makeup and in a matter of minutes, your face will be back to its natural state.

MASK FROM CHOCOLATE – How about a delicious face mask? Prepare a dark chocolate,

full cream, and salt. First, melt the dark chocolate and blend with full cream and salt.

Stir it and let the temperature down. And then you can spread it in your face for about 15 and up to 30 minutes. Last, clean your face with fresh water.

CHOCOLATE BATH – Chocolate is also great for a bath. Add it to your next bath to release the aroma of chocolate and to take advantage of chocolate’s soothing and relaxing benefits.

Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Smaller is better. Add this to the heated soy milk. Stir well until the chocolate is completely melted.

Do not let it boil! Allow the mixture to cool down. Draw your bath water. Add the cup of unscented bubble bath directly to the bath.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the bath under the running water. Blend the chocolate solution and bath water together. Stir your hand around in the bath to mix the water and chocolate mix together. Get ready to get in. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

CHOCOLATE PERFUME – It is a scientific fact that just the smell of chocolate is a male aphrodisiac and causes arousal! It is the only perfume that may actually help make you thin!

Recent research indicates that just the smell of chocolate may actually fool your brain and satisfy your craving and appetite as if you’d actually eaten some chocolate! Chocolate perfume is a great novelty gift item for all ages – kids to adults – men and women – all love the smell of chocolate.

CHOCOLATE MASSAGE OIL – Massage lotions enhance the overall experience of the massage by lubricating the skin and supplying sensual aromas. When the skin is well lubricated, even the slightest touch feels smooth and sexy. This recipe moisturises extremely well and provides great lubrication for a romantic massage. It smells chocolaty and decadent without making your skin sticky or staining your sheets or clothing.

Black & White 69

Get

in the morning TOO HOT FOR EXERCISE? Maybe, most of you are running away from exercise under the cover of this excuse. But, if heat is the problem, and in order to prevent overheating and avoid exposure to the sun’s damaging rays, it’s best to exercise in the early morning. If setting your alarm early to exercise before heading to work seems nigh to impossible, here are some tips to get you up and moving in the morning.

EARLY BIRD Yes, the early bird catches the worm. But, what we don’t realise is that the bird plans for the next morning the previous night itself.

The most successful morning routine begins the night before.

Planning ahead – once again – is an essential step to your success.

The night before, take a 5 to 10 minutes review of tomorrow to be sure everything you need is ready to go once you awake.

• What’s for breakfast?

• Your workout is set and ready to go – what you will wear, your workout log, equipment, music PLAN AHEAD Lay out your outfit and all the fitness gear you’ll need the night before so when you wake up, you won’t waste time searching for a matching pair of socks, a clean sports bra, or your headphones. Also charge any gear you might need like your iPod. HIT THE SACK EARLY Be sure to hit the hay early so you’re well rested. Your body needs adequate rest to wake up refreshed and ready to start your day.

Also, set your alarm to wake up to your favourite peppy song or one of the latest hits.

With the right music, you can practically dance out of your bed.

Shape n sound

START WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE Wake up with positive, encouraging thoughts…that is the easiest way to begin - simply be grateful for this day before you. Also be sure to review your journal, affirmations or your goal setting sheet for a reminder of WHY you are doing this, WHY this is important to you.

ALLOW YOUR BODY TO ACTUALLY ‘WAKE UP’ Do some light stretching and if possible, get some fresh air, drink a glass of water.

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The bird plans for the next morning the previous night itself.

The most successful morning routine begins the night before

FUEL YOUR BODY Review your journal or your goals over a cup of freshly brewed mint green tea and nourishing meal to fuel your workout. Yes, you need to have some type of nourishment in your body.

MAKE A DATE Make a date with a friend or fitness trainer. If you set up a time to meet in the morning, you’ll feel obligated to go, even if your mind and body tell you otherwise.

ZUMBA HEY ZUMBA Schedule something exciting and inspirational to look forward to for your morning workout. A 6 am Zumba class with your favourite instructor, sunrise yoga on the beach, or a new workout playlist to run to is sure to pull you out of bed.

Eat something quick before you workout, but plan a special breakfast to eat after your workout as a reward for your efforts.

Black & White 71

Beautyshop

Get your BEAUTY SLEEP for GREAT SKIN

Want good skin? Sleep right, every night! That is the best mantra to follow. Sleeping right and proper every night will give you good skin as nighttime is the right time to take years off your face, skin experts say.

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EVEN THOUGH YOU are resting, your skin is hard at work. Hormonal changes boost blood flow to the skin, brightening it overnight, experts note.

hours each night. The effects of lack of sleep are cumulative. Lack of sleep has adverse effects on the health of your body as well as your skin.

While we sleep, our skin is being renewed and restored. Some of the stress and harmful effects from daily living is being reversed. Due to lack of sleep, we are depriving our skin of the opportunities for self-renewal.

Sleep is essential for our body.

During sleep, the body restores its energy and rebuilds body tissues and cells. This includes the tissues and cells of our skin.

Studies show that cell turnover is eight times faster at night, softening wrinkles. If we don’t receive sufficient sleep, our body, our skin and our health will suffer.

The ill-effects of lack of sleep are most evident on the skin beneath our eyes. This area of the skin here is the most fragile. It is much, much thinner than the other areas of the skin.

In fact, we all need our beauty sleep. Lack of sleep leaves behind dark circles, puffy eye bags, fine lines and wrinkles. Specialised skin care products and treatments can reverse some of the effects of sleep deprivation.

However prevention is still the best approach. Eye care products and treatments have limited ability in reducing those puffy eye bags and dark circles. They cannot reverse all the damage caused by lack of sleep.

Generally, an adult will need to sleep for at least eight hours each night. However, very often we survive on much less. The average adult sleeps for about six to seven

What are some of the effects of sleep deprivation? We are well aware that not having enough shut-eye leaves us tired, irritable and unable to concentrate on our daily routine. Short-term sleep deprivation causes little physical harm. However chronic lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems and cause skin damage.

Getting sufficient sleep, at least eight hours each night, is beneficial to both our health and our skin. It helps to give an overall improvement to the skin texture and gives it a new glow.

If we don’t receive sufficient sleep, our body, our skin and our health will suffer. All-nighters will suffer the consequences – dark circles and sometimes, even pasty-looking skin.

Frequent all nighters are also prone to wrinkles.

Sleep medicine doctors note that they can maximise their beauty sleep, if they follow some simple routines like washing your face, keeping it clean, erasing dark circles (dot under your eyes with vitamin K cream), by applying moisturisers and the like…

SOME SKIN CARE RULES:

•Use a retinoid

•Suds up at night

•Update your routine

•Be UV obsessed

•Eat omega-3s

•Manage stress

•Exercise regularly

Black & White 73

I don’t hate calls, but…

By Priya Arunkumar

Hooked

She called me once.

I send her a text that I am busy and will call her back.

She called 10 times again and I disconnected all the 10.

Then she called me from a landline.

I ignored all calls for the next 30 minutes, thinking it could be hers.

No, I am not avoiding anyone. And I don’t hate mobiles.

It is just that the caller has quite a lot of free time, while I do not.

And the caller always gets some favour out of me forcefully.

In 30 minutes, my mobile rang again, this time it was from a very close pal and I picked up the line, and lo, her voice crackled loud! Yes, the same lady whose call I ignored!

I felt ashamed and trapped. Ashamed that she got smarter than me, trapped that I had to speak to her finally against my will.

Don’t we all have the choice to pick up a call, or to ignore?

I truly believe mobiles are an innovation that keeps us close to our dear ones, but…

The phone is for MY convenience. Not for someone else’s.

But, nowadays I hate phone calls.

I detest it sometimes… especially something like this: Caller: Hello?

Me: Yes? Caller: who is this?

Me: I thought you called me?!!

Caller: Sorry?

Me: Oh, what the heck, I tell my name... (At least it will reduce the agony and save my time) Caller: Oh, sorry, how are you?

Sorry to trouble you…Err... this is XXXX. Me: Do I know you?

Caller: We met last year at the…

Me: Oh ok? How can I help?

Caller: Nothing, I met a mutual friend and thought I will buzz you…

After a heavy pause, I muttered some excuse and disconnected the line.

Why do people call you without any purpose?

I hate the caller that calls me to check when they have a doubt.

I hate the caller who calls me because they saw me somewhere during the weekend.

I hate missed calls. I have a caller who religiously gives me only missed calls, always.

I hate calls from insurance, sales, job hunters, customer satisfaction surveys, pet shops… sometimes even from my maid.

Maybe I am getting old… and outdated.

I never had a cell phone until about 1998. I never needed one. A former colleague gave me his old phone when he bought a new one.

Of course I keep using my phone! How else would my family and friends get a hold of me when I’m not at home? And there is the problem too. Anyone can get hold of you no matter where you are. You cannot use the excuse that you were away.

I wish people texted, rather calling up 10 times at a shot!

Like now; the pleasant sound of a beep and a little vibration in my pocket just announced that a text message arrived. At least I know what it is all about… priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

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October 2010

Featuring Hema Malini, Esha Deol & Ahana Deol

Dance for a cause

Parampara – a classical dance presentation in Odissi and Bharatnatyam featuring India’s ‘Dream Girl’, Bollywood actress Hema Malini and her two lovely daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, paying homage to womanhood and traditions…

More details: 24565697/98675976, blackandwhiteoman@gmail.com

In support of: Mobile Mammography Unit & Home Away from Home initiative