Black & White magazine issue 5

Vol.1 Issue 5II January 1-14, 2010 15-21 Muharram

Steg gets sharp p6 Traffic accidents – causes & solutions p18 New Year's luck p64

FREE Fortnightly

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

STOP human carnage! p36

Have a safe Year

PȐǸȹ ȵǸȃȰ ѥ \ȣȨɜȐ

Xclusive Traffic accidents: causes and solutions

that we do or say is going to bring back the lives of the 18 Nothing innocent victims of road traffic accidents! We can’t even repair the damage caused on the survivors of other horrific road accidents. But, let us stop being helpless and mute witnesses of this carnage on the road. Let us strive for an accident-free Oman

Lady Woodball Oman may have lady golfers, but Saada Ahmed Al Habsi, is swinging a different club – a mallet. She is the new Omani woman champion on the block. And, she plays Woodball, which looks like a cross between golf and croquet

58

Yoga at work

chained to your 10 Being desk starves your extremities of blood, oxygen, and other fluids, resulting in tight muscles and stiff joints. But before reaching for pain killers, try yoga

You can’t walk away

70 built on trust and you Relationships are

Contents

can’t have trust when you’re lying to the other person. Not telling them is lying. It is a lie of omission

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com 4 January 1-14, 2010 Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

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 Shannon D' Souza

All about X, Y & Z

If only we could…

By Adarsh Madhavan

“Please place your footwear on the racks provided,” so goes a sign at the temple that I usually go to. I see the sign every day, but I have never placed my shoes on the rack.

I sit on a bench there, pull off my socks, shoes and walk barefoot to the temple. I am supposed to going to the temple to pray, but even within the precincts of holiness, I don’t care about the required propriety.

And there are scores, nay, thousands like me who totally ignore signs, ignore advice, warnings etc and just blunder through life, escaping the worst. Why? Because, like me, no one really cares a damn when there is no one actually enforcing the rule(s). I don’t really care a damn because it is not going to affect me then and there. If someone was standing over me and supervising my shoe removing ritual at the temple and come and force me to place my shoes on the rack, I would do it. Or, if there was a fine imposed on every shoe placed off the rack, or if they confiscate my shoes and tell me to go home bare foot, I am going to religiously place my shoes on the rack, even if I have to push some other shoes down. That is me. That is so many like me.

When it comes to driving crazily on the road and ignoring all the rules etc., it is the same.

Do you think there aren’t enough rules on the road out there? Do you think we are all driving up precarious inclines and/or into deep ravines where rocks and boulders intermittently fall on the track? Do you think the authorities concerned have no job to do and are careless and lax in fulfilling their

duties? Not at all! Oman has got the best of roads, best of cars and the best of traffic police…but, do we have good drivers? Ask yourself that. What is a good driver? The one who drives so slow that he infuriates every other driver on the road? The one who is so adept at driving that he is able to maneuver his several hundreds horsepower vehicle on a busy street with one hand, the other on a mobile, and his eyes on the femme fatales on the road? I don’t know.

While policing might work, it is not easy to have policemen swarming on the street just to enforce traffic rules. You can’t have a cop at every corner and pull you in, at every mistake on the road. That is not the solution.

You can’t put a total ban on mobile phones in cars; you can’t lower the figure in speed lanes, making it below 40kms everywhere and you can’t have someone stopping you at every moment you break a rule and have them either arrest you, or confiscate your vehicle…although such drastic rules might actually halve the death rate on the roads.

Like the imaginary supervisor at the temple insisting that I place my shoes on the rack provided, if there is actually a monitoring body that shadows each and everyone of us on the road, chances are that we might all actually follow all rules and there would be decidedly lesser number of accidents. Stuff, fantasy films are made of… But, read our contribution to the drive against the rising accidents in Oman and try to do your bit too – at least let it save you and your family. editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 5

STEG

gets sharp with 'Razor'

Playground

Undulating golden sands, majestic and stark mountain ranges, tropical and coastal lush greenery, beautiful underwater marine life…the wonders of nature, when in full play in Oman, can bowl over anyone and even snatches of this breathtaking beauty can wow nature lovers.

6 January 1-14, 2010

Such scenery imbued in a pirate’s horror fantasy film had over 1000 movie buffs silently admiring that in Dubai recently. The viewers were enjoying Oman’s horrorthriller flick, ‘Pirate’s Blood’, which had a side screening (not as a feature movie) at the recently concluded Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), the leading cinema event of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

And, among the 1000 strong movie lovers was the movie’s associate producer, author (of the story) and supporting actor – Stegath (Steg) Dorr, who says that although the side screening at a festival maybe a small step in any movie’s history, it was a big step for Pirate’s Blood and Oman’s movie scene. “Oman is still unexplored by the movie world, but, screenings like this can help promote the Sultanate and its movies in a big way. And I guess I am fortunate enough to be part of a trend setting and pioneering attempt in movie making here,” Steg tells Black & White as he details his recent visit to the DIFF. “I can only say I am very lucky, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

‘Pirates Blood’, which is the first commercial movie shot in Oman featuring Omani actors like Salim Bahwan, Maimoona Al Balushi and others was just a first step,” Steg says of the 90-minute film, which was shot in the city of Sur, Ras Al Hadd in Oman and also at the famous Athirpalli waterfalls and Cherai beach in Kerala. The nearly RO200,000 film is a joint venture of Siba Art Production and Distribution, Jayashree Cine International and Al Quds Production. It was directed by Hollywood producer-director Mark Ratering.

Steg takes us through his current work: CURRENT FILM VENTURE “I am currently looking for distributors for my new film called ‘Razor’, to be shot in the Philippines. The movie is a revenge film, about an innocent Filipino girl’s rape by some US marines. Five marines brutally rape her and leave her for dead in a cemetery. After the dastardly act, they check into a hotel that is run by that rape victim’s parents.

And then the movie shifts into a revenge mode.

Black & White 7

I am playing one of the five sailors in that movie, other than rewriting the script.

A Chinese group approached me to make this movie and as it is a commercial one, it is only pertinent to look for distributors before it is shot. Razor will be directed by Ratering.”

Playground

UNDERSTANDING CRIME “I began my career as a street reporter with a crime beat when I was just 20. It was a pretty grim job and so I quit after sometime.

When I put down my papers, my editor shifted me to film reporting.

Although I liked the job, within two years I wanted to quit again.

I later got involved with filmmaking. The first film I got involved was ‘Dermot’. It was exhibited at the Foyle Film festival that year, but, I could not afford to attend the festival then.

My father was a research scientist in the US State Department. I grew up in Africa, Asia and then the Gulf (in Oman).

I am in Oman since 1986. I joined Impact Films (part of Adinc) in Oman in 2004 and did quite a lot of documentaries. I love movies.

I had a brief stint as a film critic doing film reviews at the Apex Publishing too. But movies are my forte. I think movies are non intrusive and environmentally friendly too. It is a great field, culturally positive and offers 8 January 1-14, 2010

opportunity to employ local people.”

DREAM PROJECT “You need to take commercial films to make money. But, my dream film is a project I am planning on street children, it may or may not fetch me money, but that is alright. It will touch the hearts and minds of people. I will use technology to propagate humanity, and make the world a better place. But, in reality we may have to create commercial movies to make a lot of money before doing our pet projects.”

WHO IS STEG DORR? I see myself as a luck guy. A struggling film maker. I was lucky to be part of the commencement of Oman’s film world. I may not have made much of a difference, but I was part of the initiation. I am lucky to be part of one of Oman’s first film venture. I am proud to leave a mark. Yes, there will be many other talents coming up to create a better and professional field in Oman. But, first would always remain first!

Oman is a rich country and has great culture, heritage and arts. I just came and tapped its commercial aspects. I had the inclination, talent and knew some Hollywood contacts that made the difference and helped in creating the first commercial movie.”

You need to take commercial films to make money. But, my dream film is a project I am planning on street children, it may or may not fetch me money, but that is alright. It will touch the hearts and minds of people

Black & White 9

Yoga

Hale & healthy

while you

10 January 1-14, 2010

work

Ok, you love your job, but if you are going to spend 40plus hours at a desk every week, you are going to get more than a headache – you are going to get a pain in the neck, shoulders, back, feet, and eyes.

Being chained to your desk starves your extremities of blood, oxygen, and other fluids, resulting in tight muscles and stiff joints. But before reaching for pain killers, try these poses. Spend three minutes every two hours doing the following moves to relieve some tension:

WRISTS AND HANDS Since we are constantly on the net, type too much, and hold our hands in a very tense position, the muscles get stiff and blood doesn’t circulate as well.

Don’t worry, there is a way out: Sit at your desk with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, lengthen up through the crown of your head and let your shoulders gently drop away from your ears.

Bring your hands together on your lap, interlacing your fingers. As you take a deep breath in, reach your arms out in front of you and press your palms away. As you exhale, raise your arms overhead and try to straighten your elbows as much as you can without scrunching your shoulders. If your shoulders rise up, keep your elbows slightly bent. Hold this pose for 10 complete breaths and lower your arms on the last exhale. Repeat twice more.

FEET AND ANKLES Oh these high heels, it is good as well as bad. Good because it gives you that sexy high, but the problem is that high heels push body weight to the front of the foot. And the pointy styles we wear shove our feet into unnaturally narrow spaces. High heels throw off your entire skeletal system because your foundation, your feet, doesn’t have a solid connection with the ground.

Remedy: Remove your shoes. Next, sitting in a chair, cross your right ankle over your left thigh. Weave the fingers of your left hand from the bottom of your foot up between your toes as if you were holding hands with your foot. Begin making circles with your ankle. Make 10 circles in each direction. Next, carefully release your fingers and hold onto the top of your foot. Bend your toes back towards your shins and then down toward your heel. Do this five times in each direction. Now, using your thumbs, gently massage the bottom of your foot, especially the arches. Switch sides.

NECK AND SHOULDER Most of us slouch, rather than sit. Our head is as heavy as a bowling ball, so when we push, drop, or tilt your head forward to squint at your strategic plan, your neck is bearing a lot of weight.

What you got to do: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on the corners of your lower back with your fingers pointing toward the floor. Rotate your shoulders up, back, and down, bringing your elbows close together without pressing your hips, shoulders, or head forward. Take a deep inhale. Now, root your feet firmly into the floor as you lift up through crown of head and bend back very slightly. Press your elbows closer, lifting up through your heart. Hold for five deep breaths.

Black & White 11

Give flu the

Menread

cold shoulder With the onset of winter, there are more reasons to worry about the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. But, could you eat your way out of a flu? Let us find out: 12 January 1-14, 2010

Eating a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains all of which contain phytonutrients that boost immunity and help fight off flu and other viruses, helps. Unless you are allergic to the items cited below, chances are that you could very well ward off the flu by simply eating them: MUSHROOMS Mushrooms contain a group of compounds known as beta-glucans.

These polysaccharides boost the immune system and help the body fight off foreign invaders such as flu and cold viruses. The mushrooms with the highest levels of beta-glucans are Shititake, Reishi, and Maitake.

These mushrooms may be difficult to find in standard grocery stores, but are available in most natural food markets in fresh or in dried form. Add them to soups and salads or sautee them as a side dish. Make it a habit to eat a few every day and naturally boost your ability to fight off flu and colds.

PROBIOTIC YOGHURT Researchers have found that a daily probiotic yoghurt drink prevents diarrhoea, one of the symptoms of gastroenteritis, otherwise known as stomach flu. Yogurt and fermented foods are good sources of friendly gut bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics help to naturally boost the body’s immunity and ability to fight off flu and colds. Studies show that children given two strains of probiotic bacteria twice a day reduced the number of colds and flu they experienced by 50 percent. You can get probiotic bacteria naturally by eating yogurt with active cultures and fermented foods such as miso, tempeh, and kefir.

TEA, ESPECIALLY CHAMOMILE Scientists have found that men who drank five cups of the herbal tea each day had significantly higher levels of phenols – antibacterial substances which help fight off colds and diseases – than those who didn’t. Unprocessed tea from the Camellia sinensis plant is made from the youngest tea leaves and buds - giving it higher catechin levels than green tea. A study found out that white tea extract had both anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties - even greater than those of green tea. It’s mild, slightly sweet taste makes it a pleasant tea to sip on a cold winter’s day.

To fight off flu, sip this tea as often as possible, and add a little lemon juice to help the body better absorb and utilise the catechins.

BRAZIL NUTS According to recent research, the micronutrient selenium will provide you with all-round protection against influenza. Three Brazil nuts per day will give you your recommended daily amount.

Black & White 13

Menread

Some kids may reveal clear telltale signs of being bullied: the roughened up look, along with torn uniform, hair askew are revealing. Some kids are also found to come home hungry, text books missing, or torn

14 January 1-14, 2010

Dad,

STOP

them from

BULLYING me

AFRAID TO GO OUT Is your child feigning illness, refusing to go to school? If you are able to rule out all other causes, then, there is a chance he or she must be dreading to go to school because of the bullies?

In some extreme cases you will find that kids might even vomit, cry, shake and show great panic before going to school. That is surely the time for you to put your antennae up.

We have seen the changes happen in perfect students too.

Suddenly you will find their grades dropping and they are sort of seen to be careless in their studies and are seen to be in total disarray.

Some kids may reveal clear telltale signs of being bullied: the roughened up look, along with torn uniform, hair askew are revealing.

Some kids are also found to come home hungry, text books missing, or torn.

NO GRILLING PLEASE Now, don’t get us wrong. Don’t begin to grill your child, especially if they’re very young and new to the school life. Just discreetly find out who are their friends and whom they don’t like; who

they played with during recess.

Chances are that if they are spending their lunchtime alone, it could mean that they are being deliberately excluded from the games and if they simply hate being in the classroom, there is a possibility that someone sitting near them are picking on them.

“I WAS BULLIED TOO!” If you suspect your child is being bullied, empathise and also let them know if you were too. Tell them how it made you feel. It will encourage your child to open up too. Use this opportunity to bond with your son and encourage them to talk – something boys (and men!) are notoriously hard at doing. Dads can be uniquely positioned to help daughters who are being bullied.

MEET SCHOOL AUTHORITIES Drop by the school to see the teacher and explain your concerns.

Ask if they can help to resolve the situation. If bullying continues, write to the head teacher and ask their help to sort out the matter. If that doesn’t help either, meet the topmost authorities of the school and make them stop it!

Black & White 15

O

They will find me…when I want them

f

wall e h ft

Off the wall

By Adarsh Madhavan

My announcement that I believe in fairies was met with derisive laughter.

Friends are friends. But, they can also be cruel.

They can also pull you down when you are yearning for support. It is not that they don’t mean well, but then they like to pull you down sometimes.

And when an oddball like me makes absurd statements, it would only compound things. Even though they like me – perhaps, even love me – my friends have this feeling that I am a bit of a madcap.

I don’t know whether I am an oddball, but if I love fairies, does it mean I am mad? I don't know. I just love the idea of it; I love the thought, and it makes me feel a lot less like an adult; it keeps me warm.

The sheer thought of fairies, existing out there, in some bright corner, excites me. Not just fairies, not just angels, maybe some little unseen, unheard of creatures, who are so like us, yet we don’t have the power to see them. But we are lucky enough to be with them.

I remember the tales that my parents and other elders have passed on to me like how during difficult situations, when you are about to give up hope on mankind and life itself, someone appeared from the blue and saved you…like a hand that rescues you when you are hanging on the edge of a cliff; like a rope tossed in the swirling waters you were about to sink; like a car that appeared out of the pitch black when your vehicle – with elderly and young members of the family – conked off…there are innumerable tales out there; tales that are as real as you and I, which happened to people who were literally plucked out of the abyss they were plummeting down; whisking them away just inches off the ground…and people who related them to me were not fakes; not liars; not storytellers; but, honest, serious folks who have had those breathtaking moments in their life…

16 January 1-14, 2010

They have their own theory of course about how it all happened: because of something that they have done in their lives; some wonderful act that they had done, which gets repaid in full when they are snatched out of some distress are then gently placed back into the mainstream of life, away from whatever that was about to destroy them…

I never got such a chance, or got into such a situation, but recently, when an emergency happened and we were desperate for someone to reach a member of our family to the hospital, from somewhere a man (in a car) appeared. Just like that. But, unlike others, he did not disappear into thin air after coming to our rescue. But, how did he reach right where we wanted him and at that same time? How did he have a car and was he right there when we desperately needed a driver…?

That set me thinking…must be a fairy Godmother somewhere, smiling away at my attempts to unearth this mystery; some angel beaming down at me with a beatific smile… Well, so, let it be. I am not chasing after them. I am not going to hunt for fairies nor am I going to look under every corner for that angel…I now realise that I don’t have to look for them. The truth is, they are going to find me when I need them… especially when I need them most and they will come…in the form that I desperately desire then…I know… adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

Lobby 1

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSES & SOLUTIONS

Think Oman…and you

will see a land peopled with

the most hospitable nature in this whole wide world. Think Omanis and we have visions of their friendly, warm and

Society

hospitable behaviour. Visit their homes and they bowl you over with their genuine hospitality.

Then, think Omani roads…think of the 951 who died in 2008 on these same beautiful roads…

Think of the 935 who died last year (2009; further statistics unavailable *)… Think of the three (average) people who die on the roads every day (*)…

Then think again: why haven’t the overflowing cup of Omani hospitality spilled over on the streets and roads of Oman?

Why is it that they have not been able to extend the same warmth, the same generosity on the roads?

Why are they so ‘unfriendly’, ‘indifferent’, ‘rude’, ‘inhospitable’ and even ‘hostile’ on the roads…not just to strangers, but to their own kith and kin?

Why are they so careless about their own lives and 18 January 1-14, 2010

the lives of their loved ones? Why do they drive their vehicles like they were weapons of mass destruction (WMD)?

Haven’t they seen the writing on the walls? Aren’t they concerned about the rising numbers of innocent victims who have died on the roads?

Haven’t they seen their brethren, their innocent young ones, dead and gone; or the others living unbearably miserable lives for no fault of their own?

And, even if they don’t have concern for others, at least, they must have concern for themselves?

Do they want to become disabled; live a life on a wheelchair?

Think Oman, think…

Because time is running out…

Today, even children who wave goodbye to their fathers as they leave for their workplaces each morning must be grimly wondering whether that would be the last time they will ever see them?

951 dead…that is no exaggeration! An average of three people dying per day… that again is no exaggeration…

Families greet and part ways wondering whether they are ever going to meet each other again… yes, we exaggerate. But 951 dead…that is no exaggeration! An average of three people dying per day… that again is no exaggeration…

The mutilated bodies, amputated limbs and spirits of those who have survived are enough reasons for anyone to think twice in engaging in frivolities when they are on the road. But, why aren’t they thinking?

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has himself come down strongly on the tragic road accident scene, a bane for Oman. In a speech made in Sohar, last November, the benevolent leader of Oman said: "While we believe that life and death are destined by Allah, we know that the Almighty has ordained that people should not cast themselves (into) perils. While some may die in these accidents, others who survive may be disabled and a burden for themselves, their families and their society. Therefore, we should join hands and beware of this issue."

Black & White has heeded that call made by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We have launched an ‘Accident-Free Oman’ lobby, wherein we are uniting with everyone in Oman for this

singular cause. We know that you care. We know that you want to make a difference in this terrible accidents scenario and we know that you will do anything to have an accident-free Oman.

The time has come when action has to be taken, and taken now. If it has been a case of ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’ then let us not mince words, let us call for more policing, more stringent rules and even banning repeat violators from ever driving a vehicle again.

It is terrible isn’t it, for nothing that we do or say is going to bring back the lives of the innocent victims of road traffic accidents! We can’t even repair the damage caused on the survivors of other horrific road accidents. But, let us stop being helpless and become mute witnesses of this carnage on the road. Let us strive for an accident-free Oman!

In the following pages, you are going to drive through some of the common scenes that we witness on Oman’s roads; we are going to encounter the usual road accidents causing characters (the 8 Ss) and we are going to identify some of the reasons why we have a figure of 951 dead, or three dying every single day… (*) Source: Al Mustadaama Sustainibility) Black & White 19

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSES & SOLUTIONS

Who is the KILLER on the road?

DON’T LOOK SURPRISED…the answer is: you.

You, the man behind the wheel. Yes, you, the man in the mirror…you are the cause of the road accidents in Oman (if the below description fits you, that is).

Yes, you and your don’t care attitude has killed many, maimed plenty and is going to kill and maim more.

This stubborn, devil-may-care attitude and arrogance of yours has disabled and killed many.

Even in the vast, empty deserts of Oman, one cannot escape an accident. A recent tale (however tall it may sound) is that two cars plundered into each other on a vast desertscape because either of the driver would not veer off their track and give way for the other!

At the other end, sources hint on a research done

long ago, which found out that some drivers on the road actually avoid braking because it cost them money (replacing worn out brake pads). In short, they are willing to save their brake pad at the cost of innocent lives on the road…

Well, this is no longer a joke and we have reached breaking point in trying to escape and avoid the daily hazards on the road, which are mounting.

So, let us stop blaming others, the authorities concerned and the roads and focus on changing ourselves, our attitude(s).

For, attitude is found to be the main cause of accidents, especially among the young drivers.

Black & White has identified eight drivers: eight mistakes! These eight drivers have one victim: The simple, innocent and responsible driver!

Black & White 21

CAUSES We have minutely fleshed the eight characters, not to poke fun at them, only to first expose them and then plead with them to stop behaving thus. And if you find some resemblance in these drivers and you, then, time to change…time to change the man staring back at you in the mirror…

SHOW OFF He has a typical ‘king-on-the-road-devil-may-care’ attitude. He cannot control the urge to show off his driving skills, especially to the fairer sex! He has only one small car, his own. But, he has a giant-sized ego that will not let him accept the fact that there are better cars on the road. He will not sit down and take it if a car overtakes him or makes him bite their dust. He needs to teach them a lesson and he will do it, even if it is going to cost him his life. He is insecure and has an inflated ego plus a deflated complex. Therefore, he needs a driving outlet for his pent-up emotions!

SELFISH

Society

It is all about him. His time, his car, his destination, his road(s)! He is full of impatience and thinks that he is the only busy man on the road. He needs to overtake, speed and reach his destination before anyone else. He jumps queues, but will not permit anyone else. He will block them all. He is good at signals, especially flashing lights from behind! Tailgating is his other past time! It is only ‘me-me-me’ on the road.

Even his horn sounds like that!

Comply with the traffic rules and regulations. Stop traffic violations, prevent accidents!

Issued in public interest by Royal Oman Police

,YK ]SYV OMHW EX LSQI FYX FIPX XLIQ MR XLI GEV

STINGY He is penny wise and pound foolish. He thinks he saves money when he buys secondhand tyres or refuses to change his brake pads. Well, who cares?

Who is going to check if his car is serviced or not?

He would rather save his money and rather waste other people’s time and money! All he needs is to be mobile always, so don’t fix it and forget it!

SHALLOW His driving knowledge and skills are as superficial as his desire to drive. How did he get his license? By fluke or by crook! He is a good driver when everything is okay, but at the smallest hint of a challenge, he is exposed; he breaks down; causes commotion and hits! He drives because everyone else does and yes, he needs that job!

STUCK To be or not to be… should I or should I not? Flyover or the roundabout? Left or right?

Hit or not to hit! To turn or not to turn? To brake or not to brake…

God help us for he should not be driving at all! He is driving challenged, and his uncertainty is killing…

Black & White 23

CAUSES STUPID He is not stupid-stupid. He is actually Mr Know-ItAll on the road. But, unfortunately, he makes wrong calculations and has no common sense. He thinks he can pass the signal in green, but his judgment is not as accurate as the speed in which the signal turns red, so well, he screeches to a halt but not before others hit him or his tyres burst! He is the one who keeps jumping signals.

SILLY His car is a little toy that he has not grown out of; it is his tent, full with camping gear; it is his second home and it is more of a living-cum-dining room than a vehicle on the road. He eats, drinks, listens to music (from a blasting i-pod) and speaks at will on his slippery mobile, which keeps slipping off like a live fish. At times, he is more agile and acrobatic than a circus clown, balancing a soft drink on one hand, a sandwich on the other, at the same steering his vehicle in a busy street. He is more focussed on what goes inside his car, than the busy traffic outside.

SIZZLER Yes, he literally sizzles on the road, dancing to the tunes of his raging hormones. He is the hyper pingpong ball type, zipping from point A to B to C for no rhyme or reason‌ he has got his driving license only yesterday and he is bubbling over with enthu. He has to be here, there and everywhere. Why do you get a driving license? To store it in a cupboard and to park your car in your garage? Get a life, brother!

Do any of these portraits resemble you? If so, you are the one who is preying on the ninth type of driver on the road: THE VICTIM

Society

He is the responsible, safe driver; the one who cares for his family, himself and follows the road rules and is organised. But he has no control over the other eight dominant types! So, he always ends up being the victim!

So, as part of this New Year, let this become our resolution. Let us take a pledge, today, now to STOP being a SHOW OFF, SELFISH, STUPID, SHALLOW, SILLY, STINGY, STUCK, SIZZLER 24 January 1-14, 2010

driver! Let us act on it! Let us apply the brakes on such killer attitudes and let us drive safe in this 2010 and beyond.

Let us reduce the death and accident rate on the Oman roads and so mark it on your calendar; start today, instead of tomorrow. Let us dedicate at least one day in a week to stop making these eight (or more) violations. Let us not be a killer or a victim, let us, by changing ourselves, bring about a safe and accident-free Oman! Let us!

Other

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS When the room is too cold, additional blankets are not the solution – the air conditioner needs to be re set or shut off. Let us join together to address the issue and provide real solutions at the roots and not look for symptomatic relief! We all do not require Panadol, we need a real look in to ourselves, diagnose and pull out the disease from the root!

TRAFFIC LIGHTS NOT SYNCHRONISED Some traffic lights shine for just three seconds!

And it actually allows ‘one and a half car’ to pass by. Some go on for minutes. Many traffic lights are wrongly synchronised, risking human lives.

(Signals before Sheraton road, in Honda road, and Wadi Kabir are prime examples) Solution: •A probe on traffic lights, the necessity and options Black & White 25

CAUSES & SOLUTIONS IRRESPONSIBLE PARENTS AND ELDERS Kids on front seats? Don’t let the car be a playground for kids. An estimated 20 percent of all child deaths are due to car crashes, says the road safety website www.salimandsalimah. org. They should be belted and secured behind.

Otherwise they are bound to hurtle out of the window in the event of a crash Solution: •A law that will restrict parents from seating kids in the front seat or unbelted behind.

•Impounding of license for a long period of time •Slapping of high fines

OMANISATION OF DRIVERS More young Omanis are on the road, for that job. Either as a company driver or as a school bus driver. What is the driving ability, skill or experience that he requires to get that job? He has no interest in driving or wants to update his driving skills. He is not willing to get a job on a long distance bus, he wants it here right in the middle of the city. And he is like a raging bull. Company car, company petrol and finally company pay his fines.

He has the license to kill: His driving license!

QUAD AND KID SIZED MOTOR BIKES Kids younger than 12 zip past you on a quad or a small risky bike! A major distraction plus a risk factor on the road! These kids are young and

Society

JUMPING PEDESTRIANS These are human zebras on the zebra crossing. Pet ones and wild! But, sometimes these zebras are on a 120km speed road, and that is veritable suicide for pedestrians!

Most often the pedestrians are at fault. This is one ‘cause’ where the driver is not the culprit.

They jump out of nowhere, making the driver lose his control and smash in to others, mostly killing the pedestrian or disabling him for life.

Not to forget a few drivers who pump up the acceleration on a 40/50km road to scare the pedestrians for fun.

Solution: •More pedestrian crossings •Pedestrian awareness messages and seminar by top corporate, colleges •A relook at the pay-the-hurt pedestrian rule 26 January 1-14, 2010

Solution: •Behaviourial test by the ministry of manpower •A law that will make it necessary for Omani drivers to go to a school of driving or obtain a certificate, before he takes up the responsibility of transporting young innocent kids of q school or a company staff.

•An age and experience requirement. A school bus driver should not be 21 years old, he should be preferably married and above 30 years!

rash. But who puts them and others at risk? The dealers who sell them for money or the parents who buy them for their innocent children?

Solution: •Parents to be penalised, arrested, not just fined!

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS Most of them impart the wrong teaching techniques and equally bad attitudes. Some of them are found to push their seats back, recline on his seat (sometimes even snooze) and not allow students to do as they please. It is easy to obtain a license today and most learners develop their attitudes from their teachers. Some of them believe they can get a license through ‘wasta’, or at least their instructors say so!

Solution: •Only trained and certified instructors should be permitted to teach. A professional qualification is a must.

NO SCARE CROWS Faulty drivers pay a small penalty and go free. They have no fear of the terror they cause on roads.

Radars, and other rules do not scare them. Well, they can pay and get away! Or their insurance agents will!

Solution: •More traffic wardens on road

TAXI DRIVERS Taxi drivers stop everywhere. No signals, no rules and regulations apply.

Some of them are arrogant and feel the road is their home. But who is at risk? Who makes rules for them, and why do they get away with their sporadic driving and repeated offences? Animals on the road are better risks when compared to the taxi drivers!

Every time you hit a taxi driver, he speaks his way out and before you even realise, it is your fault.

Solution: •A law that will penalise taxi drivers from stopping anywhere and everywhere.

BADLY DESIGNED ROADS Roads are very beautiful, all aesthetically designed by world class project engineers and crew. But how safe are we at the sharp turnings?

A few roads still have wrong signal markings…

Typical examples are Wadi Kabir roundabout, the road that turns to the ministry areas in Al khuwair...

Solution: •Identify danger spots and redesign. ROP to join hands with DG of roads to create safe roads, junctions and turns.

•Ongoing constructions, traffic diversions to be short timed, not for longer durations.

LACK OF EVOLVING DRIVERS The young, drivers, in spite of passing the driving test, are ignorant.

They learn their instructor’s ignorance more thoroughly. After getting a license, the loan formalities are easy; he even gets to buy a powerful car. It is like holding a bomb! He has never evolved as a driver.

Straight from 21 years to a powerful roaring car!

Solution: •Add traffic safety, rules and regulations as part of educational curriculum.

Black & White 27

SOLUTIONS Need scarecrows on the road!

Society

A road traffic accident kills and maims innocents. Other than the victim, the survivor and his or her immediate family members, the other most affected one post accident is the insurance company. Here, the Ceo of Oman United Insurance Company, highlights some points where he says the other victim of a road traffic accident is the insurance company, and in most cases, the villain of the piece, the accident causer, walks away scot free. “In most cases, the one who caused the accident walks away scot free,” Sayyid Nasser Al Busaidi, Ceo, OUIC tells Black & White.

Excerpts: WHO PAYS? Accidents are not planned, but in Oman road accidents seem to be a daily affair. Why? Without passing the blame around let me ask some questions: When an accident happens, an innocent victim loses life, partly or fully… but, who pays? Who pays for the damaged car? Who pays for the medical expenses/claims?

The victim loses, but the driver?

What does he lose?

He only gains… his damaged car is repaired, maybe better than it was at the time of the accident!

He gets his treatment, courtesy, the insurance agent! Blood money is paid off on his behalf, again courtesy, the insurance agent!

The authorities concerned get their fine too… Accidents today have become beneficial to many sectors, only human lives are lost, disabled. But, the driver goes 28 January 1-14, 2010

away scot free, only to commit an accident again! He should pay, if not in cash, at least a penalty that will make him think twice before violating again.

COMPROMISES KILL When a car dealer, a garage or an authority starts compromising, standards fall. When rules are bent, or broken, it should be taken seriously. How good is it when the roads look beautiful, but not safe?

Look at the beautiful lawns nearby most of the main highways… what is the purpose? Young kids who have no access to playgrounds today play football there. Imagine you are driving at a safe speed limit… Bang! A speeding football hits you on the windshield, and you lose control. Who is to be blamed? The Muscat Municipality who failed to place a ‘do not play here’ warning sign? The ministry of transport or the ROP who should warn the youth to stay away?

WHERE IS ACCOUNTABILITY? There should be accountability for the driver too. Responsibility is also an attitude the driver should possess. Responsibility on road is a must, behind the wheel, responsibility towards other drivers, responsibility towards his family and fellow beings, which school or college teaches them that? With responsibility comes accountability! We as humans misuse the freedom given. So let us join together to make a system that will ensure accountability and ensure that freedom is not misused.

SCARECROWS, A MUST Have you seen the stuffed scarecrows in the farm fields?

Why? It is to scare away the birds that cause damage to the farm produce. We need those scare crows too. Only then the humans creating havoc, damaging lives will get scared.

A good scare is lacking today.

Punishment, a fine slap, a penalty, license withdrawn….

Something must be done.

Few years back, there used to be many police cars on the roads, now, the radars are more. The so-called smart driver stamps on his brakes when he nears a radar and the drivers behind smashes into his car.

PUNISH THE BAD DRIVER, AWARD THE GOOD ONE It is time to catch the faulty driver. He should be punished, and should not be allowed to drive if he has too many speeding fines or traffic violations. Violators are potential killers on the road. And good drivers with good records should be awarded, that will encourage others to follow suit.

Create awareness Dr Hammad Hamed Al Ghafri, adviser, Ministry of Civil Service The whole of Oman should unite to bring down the accidents rate in Oman. People talk about H1N1 and there is a big hue and cry about it.

It is good to be aware, but how many have actually succumbed to it?

And then compare that to the sheer numbers that are dying on the roads every year, each month, each day…? Let us make a pledge to bring down the accidents in Oman!

Reduce speed limits Dr P Mohamed Ali, vice chairman, Galfar Engineering and Contracting, SAOG. Speed may be a ‘thriller’, but watch out, it is quite often a ‘killer’!

Reduce speed limits and try to bring down speeding violations.

Ban use of mobile phones in cars Dr J Retnakumar, resident manager–Oman operations, New India Assurance Don’t use mobile phones in cars! Mobiles are misused today.

Remember, you can afford to miss that call, because it will save you as well as others.

Introduce a point system Eng. Wael bin Ahmed Al-Lawati, Ceo, Omran Introduce a point system for traffic offenses, which could lead to higher insurance premiums or even driving license being revoked.

Black & White 29

SOLUTIONS Wanted: more policing to stop violators More traffic police on the roads, will not only discourage violators, it will encourage correct road behaviour, feels Faisal AlHashar, managing director of Shell Oman Marketing.

Here, he has highlighted some of the main causes of road accidents in Oman: Attitude - there is lack of correct attitude on the road. People are careless and always ready to break the traffic law and take other people’s right of way. The Royal Oman Police (ROP’s) 2008 statistics showed that 1068 accidents in Oman were caused by improper acts, and 919 accidents were caused by negligence. Insufficient police supervision and presence at the roads, which encourages drivers to violate and influence other

people’s behavior as well. As a result of this gap, traffic violations have increased by 30 percent in 2008 and the number is still on the rise.

No follow up nor adequate disciplinary measures for the traffic law breakers. For instance, insurance premium should be increased to those that are consistently getting speeding violations.

What can be done to curtail the number of road accidents in Oman: In terms of attitude: Families should create safety awareness amongst the young.

Schools should be more involved, and more efforts should be given to ensure safety in school busses.

Driving education, teach the teachers to be responsible – driving instructors should have the highest respect for road safety.

More education and more awareness to the entire population.

We need to see more police presence to stop violators - and encourage correct behaviour.

A database that is controlled by ROP and everyone who needs insurance should have a print out of his or her history, based on that insurance premium will be charged.

Harsh penalities R Vaikunth If I were given the task of bringing down accidents in Oman, I would opt for harsh measures, which are as follows: Only very harsh punishments will bring down the accident rates.

Punishments such as very heavy fines, long imprisonment, suspension/ cancellation of driving license should be the way out. Driving motor vehicles after consuming alcoholic drinks should be banned. If caught, should be imprisoned.

Penalty points Society

Darren Collinson, senior vice president – operations, Oman Qatar Insurance Company A system of penalty points on the driving license for traffic offenses will act as a deterrent.

30 January 1-14, 2010

Standardisation of roads Khalil bin Abdullah Al Khonji, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) We must have proper standardisation of roads and introduce more early warning signals. Accident-prone areas need early warning signals.

It is important to adhere to proper road specifications.

More speed cameras, strict penalties Pankaj Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas Increase the number of speed cameras, and the use of technology at all signal lights with more cameras picking up images of signal light violators. Enforcing strict penalties and point system for repeated offenders, as is done in the UK, where it has been very effective.

Need more qualified instructors Mehdi Al Abduwani, chairman, National Ferries Company SAOC We need more qualified instructors! And, driver education should start at the grassroots level; safe driving should be taught in schools and even be part of the curriculum.

Stricter implementation of rules Deepak Kamath, country manager, Oman, AXA To bring down accidents, the authorities must apply more deterrents and stricter implementation of rules on persons who over-speed, cross red light, drive dangerously (zigzag, tail-gating, etc) or park wrongly.

Black & White 31

SOLUTIONS TEACH THEM right before they are PUNISHED

Society

If drivers fault on the roads, take away their licenses. But, before the drivers are punished for their reckless road behaviour, let us first teach them the right rules, Khalil Ahmed Al Harthy, AGM, Al Ahlia Insurance tells Black & White. “What if the young drivers are taught all the wrong things?” asks Khalil Al Harthy. A pertinent point.

TEACH THEM RIGHT BEFORE PUNISHING THEM “Driving lessons are not TOEFL lessons. The basic foundation of driving is wrong here. Everyone drives, but are they driving right and safe? The answer is NO. The driving instructors need training and lessons.

Their lethargy, apathy and irresponsibility are all passed on to their students. There should be some criteria to become an instructor; otherwise the lessons that are imparted to the youngsters will be wrong. We cannot blame the young drivers, if they got wrong lessons. I think basically the drivers need to be taught and trained well. Otherwise they become the classic example of the statement that ‘a little knowledge is too dangerous’.

Teach them right, and then train them. Let them go through some kind of re-tests once every two years. If they fault, take away their licenses.

32 January 1-14, 2010

HIGH HORMONE LEVELS ARE OK, BUT NOT ON ROADS The young drivers are excited, hyper and without direction. They are bored, they need an outlet and they find the roads and speed exciting. To curb their urge to engage in risky thrills, rules should be in place. Driving lessons should be imparted in the schools as part of the school curriculum.

Catch them young; teach them responsibility and accountability and they will grow up responsible.

DOUBLE THE FINES, PENALISE Punish, penalise the irresponsible, faulty drivers with an attitude. Education is not the cause. Irresponsibility and over confidence are the causes. What can happen to me? I will get away after paying the fine! My insurance will pay the blood money! This causes an attitude problem. Ninety per cent of the causes are based on bad attitudes. Oman has the finest roads, well-lit streets, almost

everything… maybe some faults are there… but, what is wrong is the mind set.

The people who can afford might pay the fines and still get away, so introduce social service as a compulsion. Maybe the faulty driver should serve the disabled for one month or some social work. Penalty need not be a shotgun, but let it not be a feather too!

RADARS NOT A SOLUTION Technology can assist, but they cannot be the sole answer. Radars do help, but, today sudden braking to avoid radar causes more hits.

Radars are a temporary effect. We need permanent solutions. And if we all join together and take a pledge to make our roads safe, we can and we will. Let us do it.

The neighbouring countries have introduced smart radars, ensuring steady speed of the drivers on road. Technology should be updated.”

Drive safe and you will reach on time Dr Ali bin Saud bin Ali Al Bimani, vice chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University We are all responsible for traffic accidents. Any small mistakes that we, the town planners, pedestrians, passengers and drivers make will bring about big problems. Let us avoid traffic mistakes as much as possible. Drive safe and you will be there on time! And, also learn the traffic rules right!

Wanted: Omani hospitality on roads Ross Cormack, Ceo, Nawras If only the wonderful people of Oman could be as polite to each other on the roads as they are in every other part of their lives, I am sure it would save lives.

Circulation enquiries: 98675976/ 24565697 Free 20,500 Advertisement enquiries: 97117171/24565697 copies (being Editorial enquiries: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com audited)! All over Oman!

Log on to www.blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 33

EXCLUSIVE Vehicles are not weapons “VEHICLES ARE MEANS OF TRANSPORT – not weapons of killing,” Eng. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, undersecretary for transport at the ministry of transport and communications, said in his exclusive remarks to the Black & White (as part of the ‘Accidents-Free Oman’ Black & White lobby).

He said that the ministry of transport and communications was now devoting all efforts to carry out His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s royal orders by improving the road infrastructure to ensure road safety.

Recent introduction of dual carriage ways and invitation for tenders to dualise roads were all in the direction of road safety. Such efforts will dramatically bring down accidents, but, this did not mean that the road user should in anyway lax from abiding by the traffic rules:

Society

“It is a pity to notice the high increase in road accidents, as reported periodically by the press and the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The latter's efforts in this respect are greatly appreciated.

However, in view of the government's due awareness and vigilance of the requirement to reduce the rate of traffic accidents, especially the fatal ones, a National Committee for Road Safety has been formed of representatives from various governmental authorities including this ministry.

“So, it's envisaged that the problem of traffic accidents cannot be resolved except by sustainable efforts and timely work by all sectors of the state and society as an integrated system.

“We hope, as the rest of people do, that everyone is aware and willing to intensify efforts, exercise adequate patience and grace while driving, and totally comply with the traffic regulations. That shall ultimately guarantee the arrival to their destination safe and sound, remembering that vehicles are means of transport not weapons for killing.

“The ministry of transport and communications 34 January 1-14, 2010

is now devoting itself and working hard to carry out His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s royal orders and interpret them into realities through the improvement of the roads infrastructures in order to ensure safety and security for the road users, especially the dual-carriage ways.

“That objective has always been in the minds of the ministry's panel of top officials and specialists during the study and execution phases of the road projects. So, with this orthodox approach being perceived and exalted, some recent dual-carriage ways such as the Sohar-Buraimi road, have been completed.

Moreover, tenders have already been invited for dualisation of roads in locations like Al Khadra Roundabout at Al Suwaiq Province and Jibreen-Ibri road, which are considered highly susceptible to road mishaps. Even though it is expected that this may help reduce the rate of accidents dramatically, it does not spare the road users from abiding by the traffic rules and increase their traffic awareness.

“While working in harmony with all concerned and specialised authorities in the country to minimise the impact of this phenomenon, everyone is required to collaborate and join forces with regard to the undertaking of proper traffic behavioural attitudes with a sense of duty.”

In Black & White

In Black...

Every word here and in all the pages of this campaign is an expression of our deep desire to bring about CHANGE. But, we cannot do it alone Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief

MAN IN THE MIRROR

to right at least one wrong, and I believe that I care for the other innocent motorists on the roads. Why Volumes can be written. We can shout from the should the innocent suffer? It is on this query that our rooftops. We can run campaigns. But, nothing – whole Black & White ‘Accidents-Free Oman’, a B&W repeat NOTHING – can change the unfortunate lobby, revolves around. We identify the causes and accident scene in Oman…unless WE change. we seek solutions. We cannot stand still and allow this Unless we CHANGE our attitudes. Unless we clear to happen in front of our eyes anymore, so we have our mindset. Unless we clear the cobwebs in our decided to go ahead and initiate a movement to shake minds…Yes, we can slap fines on errant drivers; up those who need to be shaken up; to stir up the we can have more radars on the roads, but will it imagination of those who have the power to make a bring about a change? No, nothing – NOTHING change and let all of Oman sit up and take notice and – can change the unfortunate accident scene in then spring into action. We decided to act upon the Oman unless heavy penalties, harsher rules (like words of our benevolent and wise leader, His Majesty confiscating of the license of repeat offenders) and Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who expressed his concern proper enforcement of the current rules are done.

We can discuss from morning to midnight about the about the rising road accidents scene in Oman, recently. Every word here and in all the pages of this pros and cons of the road accident scene in Oman. campaign is an expression of our deep desire to bring We can analyse and scrutinise and we can point about change. But, we cannot do it alone. We need fingers and blame everyone from the authorities you – each and every one of you and we will not stop concerned to the speedsters on the roads, but very with one singular drive – one New Year resolution -often we speak of the SYMPTOMS of this killer disease on the roads; we don’t look at the CAUSES, this will be a year-long effort! Yes, we have attributed blame to some on the roads, because they are the we don’t seek SOLUTIONS… I know it is terrible ones causing these accidents. To them, we only have to say this, but nothing that we say or do will ever this to say: change yourself; change your attitude. bring back the nearly 2000 (1886) dead in the past For my part, I am going to do the same, for I may also two years (2009 and 2008). We can rant and rave have erred on the road. So, let the change begin with and we can scream and cry, but, no, we cannot ME, with the man in the mirror. bring back the dead… But, can we at least SAVE the living? I am not angry. I am not furious. I am just numb when I read reports of the daily carnage; when I see the craziness happening on the road in front of my very eyes. Then I lose control, I seethe with impotent rage, which turns to fear. No, I don’t fear just for my life – I fear for my family, for my kids, for my friends... I am a humble citizen of this land, and I believe I am loyal, I believe that I have the authority

& White Black & White 35

B&W Xclusive

MAYHEM ON THE ROAD 36 January 1-14, 2010

Is there a way to convince a crazy, irresponsible driver, who wreaks havoc on the road, to become a more responsible and safe driver?

Yes, one look at the gory pictures of the post-accident scenario, or talk to the sad, desolate, surviving members of such road traffic accidents. They will tell you the horrors of living a life on a wheelchair, unable to walk, unable to live a proper life‌ Black & White 37

Black & White spoke to some of the accident victims in town. Some are well-known names and faces.

Some have been living on wheelchairs for nearly three decades. Others have just begun their long, arduous and painful trek…they have painful miles to go; painful experiences to face…We feature them and give a glimpse into their lives. Their accidents may have been caused by their own mistakes, or by some dark hand of fate, but the fact is that this is the kind of lives that one maybe reduced to when they survive an accident.

The men (and woman) featured in the following pages maybe brave, courageous and perhaps even heroes (or heroines) in their own way… But would anyone of the wild, careless drivers on the roads of

Oman today want their lives to be reduced to this, to a wheelchair? Yes, these are the people who have braved the odds and made it. They are an inspiration to a disabled as well as any able bodied man or woman. But, does anyone want to share their fate?

Does anyone want to be on a wheelchair for the rest of their lives? Does anyone want to be disabled for the rest of their lives? Do they know what it means to be a disabled? What enormous courage and effort is required to be the kind of men and woman featured here? What an uphill battle it is to get back to some elements of normalcy when your legs are gone; when your dreams shatter along with some crushed metal, just because of some foolish road mistakes, you or some other selfish, careless, driver committed?

B&W Xclusive

Prior to 1982, Mohamed AlAraimi never came in contact with a disabled person.

But, after a horrific accident (when he crashed into a camel as he was driving to his interior based work site in the oilfield one early morning in July 1982), he became one, he realised what it meant to be healthy…he understood (in his own words) that “life is a gift from Allah and we must cherish it” 38 January 1-14, 2010

Test of patience This is the message that all rash drivers, young and old, should bear in mind when they exhibit crazy, unsafe driving on the roads.

Mohamed Araimi was not rash; was not a bad driver, but accidents can cripple you, if not kill you. That early morning accident left Mohamed Araimi paralysed for life.

“But disability is not the end of life. Coping with disability does not mean surrendering to its terms,” says this brave man, who despite his disability of 27 long years still has the ability to laugh at the odds he has faced and more.

But, he was not laughing when he hit one of the two camels that suddenly crossed his way on that fateful July morning.

Although he applied brakes seeing the camels suddenly pop in front of him, the rain wet slippery interior road had his car sliding forward and hitting one of them.

Although he had his treatment cum rehab stints at the Ibra hospital, then the Khoula hospital followed by specialised hospitals in England, the accident left the then young and dashing engineer with a paraplegic disability. He was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

After the accident, and before he returned to Oman from the United Kingdom, where he went for specialised treatment and rehab, Mohamed Araimi was deeply worried about being “made redundant”. “Such an apprehension may have played a vital role in my persistence to work so as to safeguard my dignity, and thereafter elevate my pride from the dilemma of being dependent on the generosity and charity of others throughout the rest of my life,” he writes in his website

(www.araimi.com/e.htm).

However, Mohamed did not bow down to fate, and began to keep himself busy writing novels, short stories, essays and articles. His literary works include ‘The Test of Patience’ (coping with disability); Mark of a Chain (novel); Between Desert and Sea (semi novel) and Animal Farm.

“But, I wrote my first book, Taste of Patience, only 20 years after living with disability,” Mohamed, tells Black & White, over the phone from Sur. When he thought of writing about his own experience with disability, he had to answer a crucial question: did he have something to say that will benefit others? “After 20 years of living with disability, I surely have something of value to communicate…”

In Test of Patience, Mohamed reveals how he adapted himself to a life of a disabled. “Coping with disability does not mean surrendering to your situation, but making use of the best that you have.”

The most important lesson the accident taught Mohamed was the ability to be patient.

He has exhorted motorists to take extreme precaution and to drive safely: Remember, you are not the only driver on the road.

On the road, you will encounter all kinds of drivers, the good and the bad Avoid unnecessary night driving on the interior roads Keep safe distance between your car and the car in front of you Always wear seat belt Always put your children on the back seat, or buckle them on the special child seats.

Black & White 39

B&W Xclusive 40 January 1-14, 2010

Speed can put a full stop on an innocent life Mohammed Said Musallam Al Hashmi, 20, looked to his left, and then to his right. It looked safe and so, he ambled across the road to reach to the other side…and then something hit him…that was all he remembered.

Seven months later, he woke up from a hospital bed. He was in a coma all these months.

He never even knew what hit him. Apparently, a young Omani speedster had smashed into him as he crossed the road and thrown him off the track. The reckless motorist was doing 120kms on a 50kms road.

The authorities concerned blamed the reckless driver.

Everyone said how the driver almost snuffed out the life of an innocent pedestrian. And then, like any wave of sympathy, it hit the shore of time, and died an unknown death.

Everyone forgot about the careless driver. Everyone forgot about Mohammed Al Hashmi.

But, can Mohammed Hashmi forget all that?

Five years ago, he was just another happy-go-lucky Omani who probably had a bright future; or at least something better than what he is having now. He is 25 today, but, cannot walk properly and is desperately in need of a job.

“I think I can handle some kind of work, or start some business, but I need support,” he tells Black & White. What happens to such innocent victims of road traffic accidents? Did Mohammed commit any crime? Did he bring this fate upon himself?

The society is still groping in

the dark for answers to these questions.

Mohammed however has his regrets. “I guess I was careless too. I should have been a bit more careful.

“I would like to warn all pedestrians to be extra careful when they cross the road, lest they suffer a sad fate as mine.”

Post accident, Mohammed was not only in a coma for seven months, he also had punctured lungs and vocal chord. Soon, he was forced to resign to his fate, that is, a life on a wheelchair.

But five years past, Mohammed detests his wheelchair. And with good reason. He has been stuck to it for the last five years. And he has had enough. He wants to get away from it and wants to walk again.

To this end, he is using a walker and desperately trying to walk… walk away from it all, from that day when his world went upside down.

Sans support, he is unable to walk, but, doctors say that there is a sliver of a chance that he could walk after further rehabilitation.

Reduce speed “Put more zebra crossings and bridges for the benefit of the pedestrians; increase more speed bumps. Also, reduce the speed limits with immediate effect. Speed can put a full stop on an innocent person’s life,” he says.

Black & White 41

B&W Xclusive

Aweina Suleiman Al Ismaily was made of a different mould because soon after her accident, her rehab, and joining back to work, she went back to driving.

42 January 1-14, 2010

“I wouldn’t dare to drive on the roads today!”

Most victims of accidents would think twice before getting on the road after a traumatic accident. Aweina Suleiman Al Ismaily was made of a different mould because soon after her accident, her rehab, and joining back to work, she went back to driving. But, this was many years ago. Today, if you ask her whether she was still driving, Aweina would involuntarily shiver. “I wouldn’t dare to. The roads are now full-fledged killing fields. Young, inexperienced and rash drivers are creating havoc on the roads and I would not dare risk it on the road anymore,” Aweina, who is on a wheelchair for the last 28 long years.

Here, she quickly takes readers through the moments of her accident, the post trauma and the perennial accident prone Oman roads, which has got worse in the last three decades: 28 years in a wheel chair “The year 1982…

A day in 1982 turned my whole life upside down: We (my husband and I) were travelling to Abu Dhabi by road along with my four children. My husband is a very careful driver. I don’t know whom to blame, probably destiny, because I believe everything in life happens for a reason, though accidents are not meant to happen.

Those days, the traffic and other warning indications on the roads were limited, especially in the Buraimi road which we were on. We were in a small saloon car. We did not see any indications of a roundabout, and before we could gather our wits, we smashed into a small, low lying, unlit roundabout, and I got thrown out.

I was left with a spinal cord and collar bone injury that left me disabled for life. After an initial seven months of treatment at the Khoula hospital, followed by another seven months at the UK, I managed to move around in a wheel

chair. My husband also suffered severe injuries (he had multiple fractures on his femur bone).

At that time, I was working as a secretary at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO). Because of my disability, I had to take another position. In fact, I even attempted to drive to work for the first few years. But, not anymore, I am scared. I do not feel safe at all.

Why take the risk? Life is precious “Living your life in and out of a wheel chair is not exactly a pleasurable experience. It is painful, debilitating and burdensome for the whole family. And as an individual and a mother it is all the more devastating. Mine was a pure accident, a game of fate, but, look at the result.

Accidents are not meant to happen, then why risk it; why take a chance?

When I see the young drivers today, it scares me; they are all over the place, violating small rules maybe. But, it is these small violations, jumping lanes without signals, tailgating, being selfish on roads that often cause a disaster. If they don’t think wisely now, it would be too late when you are an accident victim and disabled!

Traffic safety awareness is the solution “Living a life of a disabled should not be because of wrong choices. You cannot avoid an accident, but if you are responsible, you can prevent one. Traffic safety awareness is a must for the young drivers.

They need to be responsible on the roads; they are a danger to self and others on road.

I think awareness is the main part of the solution. Yes, harsh penalties like confiscating the license after three violations or so will deter irresponsible drivers who think they will get away with anything. A simple fine will not change anything.”

Black & White 43

B&W Xclusive

Mansoor Hamdoon Al Busaidi was displaced by an accident, and lost his job on medical grounds. The accident was a horrific experience, the post accident scene equally traumatic

44 January 1-14, 2010

Silly mistakes can prove to be too costly Take your eyes off the road when you are driving and you may have to pay a heavy price. Or, at least, someone will have to pay the price. The driver of the vehicle, with whom Mansoor Hamdoon Al Busaidi (who was in the backseat) and some others, who was driving to Dubai did that 18 years ago and unfortunately, Mansoor Al Busaidi had to pay the price: he got paralysed from the waist down.

The driver of the car looked for a moment away from the road to his car stereo to change a CD and when his eyes swept back to the road in just mere seconds, he saw to his horror that a car was wrongly hurtling to his lane from the other end.

The adept driver that he was, he quickly swerved to the side, but the car was travelling at a high speed and it veered out of control, hit a sand dune and rolled over.

Mansoor hurtled out of the window and fell on his back. “I could not feel my legs, but there was a searing pain on my back,” Mansoor recalls in this 1991 accident ordeal replay he made for Black & White’s sake.

He spent two months in a hospital and then later went to the UK for physiotherapy and further rehabilitation.

He does not attribute blame on anyone for the accident, but quietly admits that, perhaps things would have been different, if he was wearing a seatbelt.

For, the others in the car, including the driver escaped with minor injuries. But, the real reason for the accident was the fact that the driver coming from the opposite end was reckless and mindlessly overtook the car before him. He escaped. But, a combination of these mistakes left a poor, innocent 25-year old man disabled

for life; made him lose a secure job at an internationally known company (then).

Mansoor was working with the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and since he was displaced by the accident, the company terminated him on medical grounds. If an accident is a horrific experience, the post-accident scene is equally traumatic. Mansoor briefly goes through the post-accident scenario as he went looking for a job and also issues of non-access to several public areas.

But Mansoor finally got selected at a job exhibition and he joined Imtac, a Tawoos company. After that he moved to OHI Telecommunications where he is currently working.

Need: trained driving instructors Mansoor feels that many factors contribute to the mayhem on the roads today. “Speed is a key factor, but if you ask me, I believe the driving instructors are not properly trained. Neither do they have the driving skills, nor do they know the rules. If they are trained, they will be able to impart proper training to their students.

“Also, many are not able to drive, but will still do. Imagine a fatigued driver returning from a hard day’s work. He is tired and he wants to reach home quickly and he steps on the gas even though he is not capable of controlling himself and the car because he is weary. But, he does not care. So, it also boils down to attitude, which includes impatient, irritant and careless drivers.”

Mansoor notes how in Europe, expensive insurance prove to be a deterrent for young, wet-behind-the-ears drivers. “They make it more expensive for the younger drivers.”

Black & White 45

B&W Xclusive 46 January 1-14, 2010

Erase ‘speed’ from your vocabulary August 16, 2007.

For many of us, this date holds no significance. For Khalil bin Ibrahim Al Hadhrami, 26, this is the day when his whole world turned upside down – literally.

He was driving his car leisurely when he realised that the vehicle in front of him was going too slow.

Impatiently, he overtook and at the same time the car in front of him also moved to the right, Khalil Hadhrami braked, but, the car lost control, went off the track and flipped.

The car in front of him did not even stop, he later learnt from bystanders. But, Khalil was not bothered with all that. What he was worried about was his plight.

The accident left him with broken hips.

Immediately after the accident he was hospitalised for two months, and then three months of rehabilitation and rest at his home. But, till today, he has not fully recovered from the cruel blow of fate.

“I can neither sit nor stand for a long period of time,” this science teacher (he works for Sheikh Salim bin Hamoud Al Siyabi School) tells Black & White, adding that he is able to go and teach only when he feels okay.

Two years after the accident, he is still unable to walk normally.

“I may not have to use a wheel chair, or even crutches, but, I still cannot walk properly,” he sadly

admits. Khalil is hoping to have a surgery on his hips soon.

He regrets his action that has now reduced him to this state, but also wonders out aloud as to why he has to undergo this fate.

So many people overtake on the road, and it is not illegal, so why did Khalil suffer?

The truth is that many motorists break all rules on the road and get away with it…many others are innocent victims or close, they would have made one small error and it would prove too costly for them. There are no answers for this.

Despite his suffering, Khalil is not too bitter. He feels that there is a great need to inculcate driver education among the public, and it should start from the grassroots level. “Everyone should be educated in safe driving – without that the roads will remain unsafe for everyone.

“My other plea to all motorists, young or old, is to wipe out the word ‘speed’ from your driving vocabulary. So what if you are late even by half an hour to a destination – isn’t it better to be late than repent for a lifetime or never ever reach your destination?”

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B&W Xclusive

Mukhtar Al Rawahi, who is formerly the president of the Oman Association of the Disabled (OAD) and currently a member (disabled) of the National Committee for the Welfare of the Disabled, is an icon among the Omanis here

48 January 1-14, 2010

There must be a cure for this disease “Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) is a disease that is rapidly spreading in Oman – let’s cure the Sultanate of this disease!” says Mukhtar Al Rawahi, a top Omani disabled, whose road accident has left him on a wheelchair for the last 37 years.

Mukhtar, who is formerly the president of the Oman Association of the Disabled (OAD) and currently a member (disabled) of the National Committee for the Welfare of the Disabled, is an icon among the Omanis here. “It is of course a disease that has a cure. But, while we are trying to cure it, let us also try to prevent the outbreak of future diseases,” Mukhtar noted. “It is not that accidents do not happen in other parts of the world. They do, but not at this unbelievable scale,” he pointed out.

With 951 deaths on the road last year and with the numbers this year (2009) steadily clambering up, the emphasis is also on prevention, he stressed. “We need to introduce road safety in the curriculum and it should start at the grassroots level,” Mukhtar said. “Today, we are up against a mass of road safety illiterates on the road. It is our duty to educate the lot. At the same time, let us also inculcate the road safe values to the students.

This is of prime importance and believe me, this along with proper enforcement of the rules and regulations, strict fines, penalties and stringent action, we will have safety on the roads. Our kids will have a better, safe future on the roads.”

Mukhtar feels that there are too many people who have no respect for others on the road and have an inordinate sense of supremacy when on the roads in their cars. “And there are too many cars on the road. Today, most houses will have at least around five to seven cars, and the number of drivers zipping from point A to B are increasing; they are virtually flying around like a swarm of mosquitoes! This, compounded with limited public transport, poses a major problem.

“Around 80 per cent of the drivers are young, and many of them are irresponsible on the road,” Mukhtar said. He also noted how the post-holidays scene was always riddled with sad tales of lost lives on the road.

“Even the other day, just before Eid holidays, I was watching people load stuff in their cars after their purchases from a shopping mall. And my mind was filled with this grim thought as to how many of them will make it to their homes in villages, because during every holiday, there would be some horrible accidents. I am sorry to say that this has been the usual pattern.”

Mukhtar also noted that some of the roads in Oman were also unsafe and badly built. Some road junctions also pose major problems. “Some of the Batinah roads are real killers!”

The post accidents scene in Oman is also littered with problems as proper rehabilitation is not available. “I can say I am lucky I had my accident in the UK. I was admitted to a multi-specialty hospital, and I also had my rehabilitation/treatment back in the UK. Even though my accident happened in the 70’s, I got the best of treatment at the hospital there,” Mukhtar said. “But, it would have been a different story if my accident had happened in Oman.”

“My accident happened on a cold November (November 24, 1972) morning. I was in the hospital for five and a half months, but, within a few weeks later, thanks to the excellent rehab, I was able to walk with crutches.

“I also managed to get a car, which was fitted with hand controls. So, when I came back to Oman, I was not a burden on anyone.

“But, there isn’t any proper rehab being done in Oman. I remember the additional trauma one member of the Oman Association of the Disabled (OAD) underwent. After being hospitalised for a period of time, he was told to go home without proper rehabilitation!”

Black & White 49

Omanwatch

No magic bullet to bring down death toll THREE PEOPLE (ON AN AVERAGE) ARE DYING on the roads (because of traffic accidents). In year 2008, 951 people died on the roads, and in 2009, as of December 19, 2009, 935 people have died. “But, there is no magic bullet to bring down the toll,” says Oman’s one-woman campaigner against road traffic accidents, and the person behind Oman’s only accidents’ resource website (www.salimandsalimah.org/), Bernadette Bhacker, director, Al Mustadaama (sustainability), a non-profit organisation working as a road safety advocate in Oman.

Oman is yet to implement the recommendations of the World Bank/WHO traffic report 2004. Several changes would have happened if the recommendations were implemented, stresses Bernadette.

“Take the example of Dubai, which, following three years of dedicated implementation has reported a 27 per cent reduction in 2009 and 50 January 1-14, 2010

15 per cent in 2008,” she notes.

“High-visibility policing, uncompromising law enforcement combined with legal reform could have an immediate impact. Equally, the corporate sector needs to take responsibility for the recruitment, training and fitness to drive of employees they put in charge of the fleets of mini vans, delivery lorries, construction trucks and 24 wheelers hurtling down our highways,” Bernadette adds.

Excerpts: How did you become a one-woman army against traffic accidents (in Oman)?

I came to Oman in the early 1980s and today call it home. After 20 years working first as a translator, then as a commercial lawyer, wife and mother, I have witnessed first-hand much of the country’s remarkable transformation from an isolated backwater into today’s modern nation state.

In 1997, with the birth of my son, I became alarmed at how babies and small children were travelling in cars constantly exposed to death or injury from even a small traffic incident and began to research fatality and injury statistics.

Returning to Oman in 2000 after a cross-posting to Sarawak, I discovered that death and fatalities in road crashes were rising and that 20 per cent or more of all child deaths in Oman occur in car crashes. So, I became a passionate advocate for child road safety, setting up Al Mustadaama Sustainability, a not-for-profit company to conduct research and raise awareness on critical topics.

undermining dramatic gains that have been made in reducing child mortality through health and disease prevention. This was not the case in 2000.

Retailers report increased child safety seat sales and more Omanis can be seen using child safety seats. It is difficult to evaluate the role of Salim and Salimah but from the feedback I have received in Oman and aboard, I believe that the website has contributed to this enhanced awareness and that it encourages and empowers discussion and debate within families and communities and provides tools for educators, media, parents, individuals and corporates as part of their road safety drives.

What provoked you into engaging in such a difficult task? Any personal incidents?

No specific personal incident. Just the knowledge that children were dying unnecessarily due to the lack of knowledge of parents and care-takers of the physics of impact in a crash and how death and injury can be reduced between 50-70 per cent by the use of seatbelts and child safety seats plus the conviction that every Omani child is entitled, as a basic human right, to the same protection as children in the developed world.

You, and other like-minded people in town, have a common goal: reduce accidents, save lives… are you anywhere near that goal?

We are a long way from this goal. We are on a steeply-rising trajectory with an average three (3) people dying per day. Nine hundred and thirty five (935) people have died so far this year (19/12/2009). Oman has not yet implemented any of the recommendations of the World Bank/WHO traffic report 2004 unlike, for example, Dubai, which following three years of dedicated implementation has reported a 27 per cent reduction in 2009 and 15 per cent in 2008.

Since when did you begin the Salim and Salimah campaign? Are you alone in this task?

The seeds of the campaign were planted in 2000 but it became a reality only after receiving funding from MEPI (Middle East Partnership Initiative administered by the US embassy) in 2004. After this I secured the backing of PDO corporate HSE department to develop a film campaign, Salim and Salimah, Safe and Sound ‫ ﺍﻟﺳﻼﻣﺔ ﻣﻊ ﺳﺎﻟﻡ ﻭ ﺳﺎﻟﻣﺔ‬in Arabic and English. As part of the campaign I wrote and directed an award-winning film ‘Doesn’t your child deserve a safe ride?’, with a cast of Omani volunteers in 2005. Since 2005, I have used my own resources to develop the first Arabic English web site and materials on child passenger safety in the Arab world, producing a newsletter featuring the latest statistics and road safety research thereby becoming part of WHO’s global network of road safety NGOs. How successful are you with this campaign?

Has it produced the results that you wanted?

Child road crash death and injury is now recognised as a major cause of mortality tragically

What is the singlemost reason for the spate of accidents in Oman? And, if you were given the task of reducing accidents in Oman, what would you do?

Just as there is no magic bullet to bring down the toll, there is no single cause for the rising carnage. Obviously poor driver training and attitude combined with high-risk driving habits such as speeding, overtaking, tailgating are the immediate causes of crashes but it is the lack of enforcement of traffic laws that creates a climate of impunity and immunity in which these often fatal violations take place. People will always do what they know they can get away with without being caught. High-visibility policing, uncompromising law enforcement combined with legal reform could have an immediate impact. Equally, the corporate sector needs to take responsibility for the recruitment, training and fitness to drive of employees they put in charge of the fleets of mini vans, delivery lorries, construction trucks and 24 wheelers hurtling down our highways.

Black & White 51

Eskimos and Igloos

THE IGLOO IS THE MOST COMMON SYMBOL identified with Eskimos, yet most Eskimos don’t live in what most people think an igloo is. Igloo is simply the Eskimo word for “house”. So, technically, most Eskimo DO live in igloos, as they define them, but not as most people think of them. Mainly through the use of cartoons, people have long thought that Eskimos live in the rounded icehouses in order to keep warm in the cold climates in which they live.

This might have been true originally, but it’s not true now.

Nowadays, Eskimos live in wood, stone, and even cement buildings. They have heating devices that keep them warm in the colder months. To see a real igloo being built, watch the 1922 silent film documentary “Nanook of the North”.

•The only tools required to build an igloo are a snow spade and a saw. In traditional times these implements would have been fashioned from bone.

•A full-grown man can stand on an igloo without collapsing it.

•A properly-built igloo can withstand hurricane force winds on the open snow.

Penguins are birds that can’t fly, but walk faster than humans!

PENGUINS ARE BIRDS WITH BLACK AND WHITE feathers and a funny waddle. But unlike most birds, penguins are not able to fly -- in the air that is. Penguins spend as much as 75 per cent of their time underwater, searching for food in the ocean. When they are in the water, they dive and flap their wings. It looks just like they are flying! Penguins are shaped like a torpedo. Their body is built for the most efficient swimming with their average speed in the water being about 15 miles per hour. All penguins live south of the equator, from the icy waters of Antarctica to the tropical Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador, almost astride the equator.

Kidstuff

Here are some penguin fun facts that we all are unaware of: •Rockhopper penguins build their nests on steep rocky areas. To get there, they hold both feet together and bounce from ledge to ledge.

These birds can bounce up to five feet! They also have very loud calls.

•Magellanic penguins dig burrows under the ground to form huge “cities” similar to gophers.

52 January 1-14, 2010

•Adelies and chinstrap penguins use rocks to build their nests. The perfect rock is a rare commodity for these birds. They’ll often fight over or steal each other’s stones!

•Penguins live in large colonies called rookeries.

•They waddle when they walk.

•Penguins are dresses in classic black and white.

•Penguins communicate with each other through body language.

•Their body is insulated with a thick layer of blubber that keeps them warm.

•They leap out of water while swimming.

•They can walk faster than humans.

•They can hold their breath for about 20 minutes under water.

•They have more feathers per square inch that keeps them warm in frigid waters.

•Baby penguins have soft feathers known as down.

•The most vulnerable penguin is the yellow-eyed penguin, which inhabits the coasts and offshore islands of southeast New Zealand. The yellow-eyed penguin population is estimated at less than 10,000.

Nature

By Seyad Farook

RESPIRATORY Reptilian lungs Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates, which include snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, and alligators. They all possess lungs. Aquatic turtles have developed more permeable skin, and some species have modified their cloaca (*) to increase the area for gas exchange (Orenstein, 2001). Even with these adaptations, breathing is never fully accomplished without lungs. Lung ventilation is accomplished differently in each main reptile group. In squamates, the lungs are ventilated almost exclusively by the axial musculature. This is also the same musculature that is used during locomotion. Because of this constraint, most squamates are forced to hold their breath during intense runs. Some, however, have found a way around it. Varanids, and a few other lizard species, employ buccal pumping as a complement to their normal “axial breathing�. This allows the animals to completely fill their lungs during intense locomotion, and thus remain aerobically active for a long time. Tegu lizards are known to possess a proto-diaphragm, which separates the pulmonary cavity from the visceral cavity. While not actually capable of movement, it does allow for greater lung inflation, by taking the weight of the viscera off the lungs (Klein et al., 2003). Snakes possess a reduced left lung and an elongated and prominent right lung.

Seyad Farook, ophiologist/ field herpetologist at the Sultan Qaboos University

1. Oesophagus 2. Trachea 3. Tracheal Lungs 4. Rudimentary Left lung 5. Right Lung 6. Heart 7. Liver

8. Stomach 9. Air sac 10. Gall Bladder 11. Pancreas 12. Spleen 13. Intestine 14. Testicles 15. Kidneys

(*) In zoological anatomy, a cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts of certain animal species.)

Black & White 53

Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20 Positive days are ahead. It is the good time for making things up as you feel the positive energy flow in your surroundings. At job, it is favourable time to set up a good impression, search for higher opportunities or to ask for a rise. Just keep check on your words and style.

Business professionals may feel impatient, hastiness, and disagreements. This is an unfavorable time for any kind of meeting, starting a new project, and business proposals.

You may feel irritable and say all the wrong things.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

JIM CARREY FAMOUS ACTOR BORN: JANUARY 17, 1962, TORONTO, CANADA Born with his Sun in Capricorn, Carrey is a responsible and hard-working man who seeks perfection from all his efforts. Rest assured that those jokes aren't happenstance! The Capricorns glow is all about success in business and the respect of one's peers. If this

At job, disorganisation, lack of drive and forethought, impracticality, and carelessness characterise this week. Energy and time will also be easily wasted. It will be hard to know what you want and where you are headed for. For business, you may feel that what you try to do will go nowhere or may get lost in a haze of misunderstanding. Taking time off, working quietly, or doing something primarily for the benefit of others without concern for personal gain will be favoured at this time.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 You will feel yourself more able, and motivated, to understand the hidden meanings. At job, you may get fired up over opposing viewpoints, and may need to adjust your plan of action. Avoid confrontations. If in business, disrupted routines and plans are in order, which help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. Take decisions after analysing the things deeply. Financially, the things will not be clear where flow of income is concerned.

The situation is hazy and you need to balance your mind.

leads to money, even better. While ego has a tendency to get in Carrey's way, the comic has a more or less measured outlook on things and

Horoscope

knows what he wants.

54 January 1-14, 2010

CANCER June 22-July 23 If you are searching for a higher opportunity – go ahead, it is favourable time for working in direction for progress. If in business, progress is done when your in-house is completely smooth- so clean your closets and desks for welcoming new work. It is time to grow and perform some effort for yielding gains. It is suggested to maintain your finances and balance your funds properly.

Unorganised spending may unbalance your budget. It is good time to invest in profitable schemes. Real estates will bring good benefits.

LEO July 24-August 23 Some changes will take place that may lead to a new undertaking, relation or even some of you may go for a change in look by changing a hairstyle or so. At job, it will be hard to please the seniors. Avoid careless mistakes by understanding and analysing the things deeper before acting upon them. You may feel some stagnancy in the area of business. Avoid taking decisions regarding real estate matters. Patience is required. There may be inability to focus on realistic details.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Improvement can be brought by bringing positive changes. Seniors will be cooperative. It is good time to work for career growth.

If in business, the things would be little bit whacky around. Organize the work and plan accordingly.

New plans will be made that will grow your business.

Unavoidable expenses will be higher than income.

It is suggested to balance the things by planning it before. Avoid investing money in any form particularly the real estate matters should be avoided for this week.

LIBRA September 24-October 22 It is positive time to make your work streamline. Careless mistakes are possible for accountants or while performing paper work that may create confusion or problem. If in business, you will receive benefits after some obstacles. If you are going for shopping then it is suggested to be attentive and check the things critically before purchasing it. You might be duped or may not be satisfied with the purchase later on.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Things will be whacky at your work place and you may feel frustrated as it will be difficult for you to achieve the desired result. It is suggested to control your impulses and patiently perform your responsibilities. If in business, this is time to focus your attention to grow financially. Avoid haste in meetings or taking major decisions. Things may seem to get out of hands, if you are running tight fisted already, but if taken proper steps then you can avoid financial problems.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Reaching others, communicating either by email or phone calls – managing the desk work and maintaining relations with your seniors will be the major issue this week. Your energy level is in sync with your mind and you will efficiently handle the responsibilities. Relationships will undergo with some highs and lows – especially if you are already undergoing any relationship problem then it is possible that misunderstandings may increase.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 It is positive time for career growth. For some it is possible to get benefit from distant lands. Avoid laziness and go ahead with your career plans. If in business, the things may not run according your desire. You need to put in hard efforts and some finances too. Avoid haste in meetings. If your financial part is challenging right now then it is possible to lean on some loan – go for reliable sources only. Avoid investing money in any form. Desire for intimacy will be high but many times unfulfilled.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Your viewpoints may not be acceptable to others. so, try to avoid proposing any ideas unless it is required too much. Problems with colleagues or subordinates will surface up. If in business, you can take help of your staff and others to expand your work. Try to maintain harmony around. Manage your funds and it is suggested to make some shuffling to reap more benefits through it. Good time to invest in profitable schemes.

PISCES February 20-March 20 It is necessary to finish your pending tasks to streamline your routine. It will be difficult to create harmony around you. Your energy level will be constructive and you will be energetic to perform your responsibilities. Just take care not to rub the shoulders of others in wrong way. Avoid being pushy- patience is the keyword now. It is also possible to receive an unexpected gift, raise or payment. Be careful while carrying a costly item or cash with you.

Black & White 55

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SHE Spend 5 minutes

72

68 Black-eyed peas for the New Year

65

Black-eyed peas and collards are considered good luck for the New Year. Add zest to this year’s New Year celebrations by making yummy and lipsmacking dishes

You have got five minutes? Then go stand before the mirror and take a close look. This should be a weekly (if not daily) ritual that you have to do to save yourself from future nasty health surprises

Poor posture?

Stop slouching! And now!

You better stand up straight or you are not going to get the hot body that you dream of

out of the 62 Step comfort zone Women with social anxiety disorder create elaborate excuses to get out of the situations that make them nervous

Black & White 57

Lady

WOODBALL

Evesdrop

Oman has a brand new champion. In a relatively new sport. And it is not a male champion, but a lady. Oman may have lady golfers, but Saada Ahmed Al Habsi, is swinging a different club – a mallet. She is the new Omani woman champion on the block. And, she plays Woodball(*), a game, which looks like a cross between golf and croquet

SAADA IS NOT ONLY ON TOP of the game in Oman, but, she has also competed extremely well in an international competition, which featured world giants of the sport.

Saada was an aspiring golfer and had just taken a liking to the sport when she was wooed over

by Ahmed Darwish Al Balushi, chairman of the Woodball committee, to Woodball. “The chairman also invited me to the 14th Taiwan Open International Woodball Championship 2009.

He had seen me play golf, so he wanted me to cross over and immediately prepare for the championship. “Within days, I was training in Woodball and also preparing for the competition.

We had training sessions at the Bowsher and Seeb stadium. We 58 January 1-14, 2010

were all excited about getting international exposure.”

Oman sent a mixed team of 13 (nine male and four ladies) members to Taiwan. “The competition proved out to be an eye opener for all of us and it was also our first international exposure. We even got a crash training course from an Indonesian coach (Mariatto) in Taiwan.”

The competition was held in November, a four-day event where Saada and her team competed with world class professionals.

The countries of the Far East, India etc were already well exposed to this game and their players performed well, Saada noted. “I would say this competition turned out to be quite lucky for me.

Black & White 59

Evesdrop

Unlike Golf, a Woodball is larger (3 3/4 inch in diameter) and heavier than golf ball. As a result, a Woodball only rolls on the grass and is suitable to play in the yard or a small area

60 January 1-14, 2010

I won the medal for individual and was placed in the fourth slot, scoring 12 gates with 52 strokes!

For every game, the competitor who has won a greater number of Fairways is the winner. It was a first for me too.

Oman was placed in the fifth slot.

Taiwan won the championship, with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand in the second, third and fourth positions. There were a total of 18 teams in the competition.

With the medal in her hand, Saada has a newfound confidence in not only her game, but in her whole demeanour.

There is a spring in her step.

She lavishes praises on her Woodball mentor, Ahmed Darwish Al Balushi, for giving her this opportunity to shine. Her future was set, she told Black & White noting that she was regularly practicing to get her game right.

She is currently working as a secretary at Muscat (Golf Course Project LLC). “I am fully occupied.

By morning to afternoon, I work as a secretary, an aerobic coach in the evening and Woodball player after that. After work, I train women on aerobics from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on almost all days of the week at the Bausher stadium and then continue with my Woodball practice after that in the

grass lawns of the stadium. “Woodball can be played in grass or the beach. The upcoming Beach games scheduled in Oman in 2010 also has a Woodball competition. I hope to participate.

And one day, Inshaallah, I would have mastered the game!� (*). It consists of playing a ball from a starting area through a series of gates by a stroke or successive strokes. The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner.

It is a portable lawn game with players using the same mallet for teeing off, fairway play and putting. Unlike Golf, a Woodball is larger (3 3/4 inch in diameter) and heavier than golf ball. As a result, a Woodball only rolls on the grass and is suitable to play in the yard or a small area.

On a Woodball course, the goal is to complete 12 gates, or a designated number of gates.

Similar to golf, the player who completes these gates with fewest strokes wins the game.

It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete 12 gates.

The length of a gate, from the starting area to the gate, ranges from 30 yards (par 3) to over 100 yards (par 5).

Black & White 61

Beautyshop

Women with social anxiety disorder create elaborate excuses to get out of the situations that make them nervous

62 January 1-14, 2010

STEP OUT of the comfort zone EVEN CONFIDENT, OUTGOING PEOPLE can experience social anxiety when they’re in specific situations. So, just imagine the rest of us.

Some are ashamed of being deemed stupid in front of their peers, colleagues and strangers. Others fear of being criticised and rejected by others. Women, especially, often worry about being rejected. Apparently, around 90 percent of people have experienced some degree of social anxiety at some point of time in their lives, studies reveal. Some women have this deathly fear of getting stuck, say in an elevator, and forced to talk to someone.

The fear here, again, is whether they might blurt out something stupid or run out of things to say.

Some are okay to get embarrassed before a stranger, because they are unlikely to bump into them again. When they are with acquaintances and not only fail to impress them but also feel they have acted stupidly, their fear gets more pronounced.

Social anxiety experts feel that it is normal to have some form of anxiety when you have to perform, mingle with clients or give a speech, but, when this uneasiness spills over to a time when all you have to do is to meet your own friends, or are unable to make small talk to people who visit you in office, or when you are next to them in a bus, then it spells trouble.

Some women are good at public speaking, but she balks at making a social mingling. Some are even known to have a problem mingling with new colleagues.

Causes for social anxiety disorder are not fully known. Some investigations implicate a small structure in the brain called the amygdala. The amygdala is a central site in the brain that controls fear responses.

Activity at this site may be linked/

responsible for social anxiety symptoms.

Social anxiety disorder can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or both.

Although medication may be very helpful and useful for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, cognitive behavioural therapy seems to be very effective and useful. The goal of cognitive behavioural therapy is to reduce anxiety by eliminating beliefs or behaviors that help maintain the anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy has two components. The cognitive component helps people change thinking patterns that keep them from overcoming their fears. The behavioural component of CBT seeks to change people’s reactions to anxiety provoking situations, exposure being an integral element in the behavioral component. Exposure is a technique used to help people suffering from anxiety disorders confront the things they fear.

For example, when using the exposure technique, a person with social phobia may be encouraged to spend time in feared social situations without giving in to the temptation to flee. However, the exposure technique of CBT will only be used when the patient is ready. It cannot be done without the patient’s consent. In order for the exposure technique to be effective, it must be done gradually and with permission. In order for cognitive behavioral therapy to be most effective, it must be catered to the person’s specific anxieties.

Women with social anxiety disorder create elaborate excuses to get out of the situations that make them nervous...

Problem is, the more you steer clear of something, the more frightening it becomes. The trick is to step outside your comfort zone again and again. The more you confront your fears, the easier they are to handle.

Black & White 63

New Year’s

luck

TRADITIONS VARY FROM culture to culture. Countries have different customs and beliefs. Some are amusing, some other funny… here are few lucky foods and thoughts… In Germany, it’s customary to leave a little bit of each food on your plate past midnight to guarantee a stocked pantry in the New Year.

Likewise, in the Philippines, it’s important to have food on the table at midnight. Yes, eat as much lucky food as you can… and get lucky this year… Here is to a Happy 2010…

GRAPES New Year’s revellers in Spain consume 12 grapes at midnight—one grape for each stroke of the clock.

This dates back to 1909, when grape growers in the Alicante region of Spain initiated the practice to take care of a grape surplus.

COOKED GREENS Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, are consumed during New Year in different countries for a simple reason — their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.

LEGUMES Legumes including beans, peas, and lentils are also symbolic of money. Their small, seed-like appearance resembles coins that swell when cooked so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind.

FISH Fish is a very logical choice for the New Year’s table. Cod has been a popular feast food since the Middle Ages. Germans also enjoy carp and have been known to place a few fish scales in their wallets for good luck. The Swedish New Year feast is usually a smorgasbord with a variety of fish dishes such as seafood salads. In Japan, herring roe is consumed for fertility, shrimp for long life, and dried sardines for a good harvest (sardines were once used to fertilise rice fields).

Cookery

CAKES, BAKES Cakes and other baked goods are commonly served from Christmas to New Year around the world, with a special emphasis placed on round or ring-shaped items. Italy has chiacchiere, which are honey-drenched balls of pasta dough fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Poland, Hungary, and the Netherlands also eat donuts, and Holland has ollie bollen, puffy, donut-like pastries filled with apples, raisins, and currants.

AVOID Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks.

Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

64 January 1-14, 2010

Black-eyed peas

for the New Year

Black-eyed peas and collards are considered good luck for the New Year. Add zest to this year’s New Year celebrations by making yummy and lip-smacking dishes. For many, January 1 offers an opportunity to forget the past and make a clean start. But instead of leaving everything up to fate, why not enjoy a meal to increase your good fortune? Here are couple of recipes with black eyed peas…

Black-eyed pea salad

Spicy black-eyed peas

Ingredients ◘ 2 (15.5 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained ◘ 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ◘ 1 cup chopped green pepper ◘ 1/2 cup chopped red onion ◘ 4 green onions, sliced ◘ 1 garlic clove, minced ◘ 1 cup Italian salad dressing ◘ 1/4 cup sour cream ◘ 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley ◘ Tortilla chips

Ingredients ◘ 6 cups water ◘ 1 cube chicken bouillon ◘ 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed ◘ 1 onion, diced ◘ 2 cloves garlic, diced ◘ 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced ◘ 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and minced ◘ 8 ounces diced ham ◘ 4 slices bacon, chopped ◘ 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ◘ 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin ◘ salt, to taste ◘ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Combine the salad dressing, sour cream and parsley. Add to the pea mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.

Directions Pour the water into a slow cooker, add the bouillon cube, and stir to dissolve. Combine the black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, ham, bacon, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir to blend. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours until the beans are tender.

65 5 Black B Bl la lac ack & White Whi hitte hit e6

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Girlpower

Faking identities online

By Malak Al Zedjali

I wanted to write about this topic because people were discussing it in a certain forum and it got interesting!

Everyone wants to be anonymous in the wide world of internet for various reasons. I truly understand and support that. When it comes to lying to people online, and not just strangers, but people who you’ve talked to for months online, that, I don’t understand.

People fake their identities, tell false information about their selves and lying saying that they have expensive cars, wear designer clothes, etc because they’re simply seeking attention.

They want people to say “wow look, this person have this and that and he studies in the USA!” when they read their posts in forums. Some do it because they can’t afford to buy some things and some do it just to show off what they don’t even have. Like I said before: attention seekers!

When people lie about their personality, how they look, what they have, it’s like they’re making their own personal fantasy. And when they lie they think that it’s okay, but it’s really not, because whoever they’re chatting with will get hurt when they find out the truth.

Malak Al Zedjali is an aspiring student writer

In my opinion, those people are fakes. They eventually make their selves believe their lies, and they’re deceiving people and their selves. I said this one hundred times and will say it again; they’re only seeking attention. They’re very sad people who are living in their own fake world.

malak_alzedjali@hotmail.com

Black & White 67

POOR POSTURE

will take its toll

Stop slouching! And now! You better stand up straight or you are not going to get the hot body that you dream of.

Shape n sound

HEALTH EXPERTS CLAIM THAT poor posture is bound to take a serious toll on your spine, shoulders, hips, and knees. In fact, it can cause a cascade of structural flaws that lead to back and joint pain, reduced flexibility, and compromised muscles, all of which limit your ability to burn fat and build strength. But, here are some ways to try and fix the problem: If you have stiff muscles in the back of your neck, then you got to: Move only your head, drop your chin down and in toward your sternum while stretching the back of your neck. Hold for a count of five; do this 10 times a day.

If the middle and lower parts of your trapezius (the large muscle that spans your shoulders and back) are weak, then: Lie facedown on the floor, with each arm at a 90-degree angle in the high-five position. Without changing your elbow angle, raise both arms by pulling your shoulders back and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for five seconds.

That’s one rep; do two or three sets of 12 reps daily.

68 January 1-14, 2010

For tight hip flexors: Kneel on your left knee, with your right foot on the floor in front of you, knee bent. Press forward until you feel the stretch in your left hip. Tighten your butt muscles on your left side until you feel the front of your hip stretching comfortably. Reach upward with your left arm and stretch to the right side. Hold for a count of 30 seconds. That’s one repetition; do three on each side.

If the muscle under your chest (running from your ribs to your shoulder blades) is weak: Sit upright in a chair with your hands next to your hips, palms down on the seat, arms straight.

Without moving your arms, push down on the chair until your hips lift up off the seat and your torso rises. Hold for five seconds. That’s one repetition; do two or three sets of 12 reps daily.

If you have weak glutes (butt muscles): Then lie on one side with your knees bent 90 degrees and your heels together. Keeping your hips still, raise your top knee upward, separating your knees like a clamshell. Pause for five seconds, then lower your knee to the starting position. That’s one rep. Perform two or three sets of 12 reps on each side daily.

Poor posture is bound to take a serious toll on your spine, shoulders, hips, and knees. In fact, it can cause a cascade of structural flaws that lead to back and joint pain

Black & White 69

Sometimes you can’t walk away

By Samantha A

Shape n sound

MY HUSBAND WOKE ME UP from sleep one dank, dark morning and told me to go with him for a drive.

I was all groggy from sleep, but towed along and then I realised he had simply driven around in circles to return before our door parked in front of our next door neighbour’s home. Why are you parking here, I asked my husband, but he motioned me to follow me to the neighbour’s home.

I mutely followed him to the sitting room of our neighbour and found that the couple were already awake and seemed to be waiting for us rather pensively. “Mrs Samantha, my wife has something to tell you,” Dean Masey, our neighbour 70 January 1-14, 2010

announced. Totally confused, I heard Mrs Dean talk to me about some picnics she and my husband had, until her husband cut in rudely and said: “Mrs Samantha, my wife and your husband were having a torrid affair and they both want to come clean on that!”

My heart sank, my world burst around me and I reeled through a kind of painless agony. It was a nightmare, I told myself, only to be brought down to reality by my husband who told me whatever Dean was saying was true. But, to cut a long story short, our marriage survived. True, it was never the same again, but, we had a better, open and understanding

Relationships are built on trust and you can’t have trust when you’re lying to the other person. Not telling them is lying. It is a lie of omission

relationship after that. When everything in your life has turned upside down, it’s hard to know what to do next. Those first few volatile weeks and months after discovering marital infidelity are filled with a toxic brew of emotions — rage, guilt, sorrow. That is when the victim of the affair starts to ask many dreaded questions: “How could she have ever trusted him? What has happened and why?” I had a bigger question to ask then: What was I supposed to do now?

The answer to this question is never simple. I stood by my husband, and did my best to forgive him and am still with him again, but there are countless others out there who will never forgive and they have their reasons for that. Yet, the ones who stick to their spouses believe that marriages that are broken thus, can be mended. Counselling helps. And when you have actually invested in a marriage, even when the cracks happen, and even when the roof comes down, some believe that it can be repaired. I did not believe it then. But, four years after that, I do. My marriage is more honest, stronger because our communication channels have opened up too. My point is: If your marriage bond is broken, you can still mend it, but you have work for it:

ADMIT YOUR AFFAIR Yes, you broke a trust, but now you are being honest and this will help put you back on the trust track. Relationships are built on trust and you can’t have trust when you’re lying to the other person. Not telling them is lying. It is a lie of omission. You need to tell them if they don’t know, even though it is going to hurt.

ACCEPT BLAME The next thing you need to do is to accept the blame. Your partner may have done something to drive you to cheat or you may feel they have done something. In either case, take the blame on your self. We all have a natural tendency to rationalise our behaviour, to explain ourselves by coming up with an excuse. But the reality is that it is you who have cheated and you need to accept it. Relationships aren’t built by blaming your partner for your mistakes. Take the blame and move on.

APOLOGISE Saying sorry after you have spilt the milk is not going to help much. But, whatever, do it. Admit to yourself that you need help also, but do not lie about it. Unless your heart feels real remorse, don’t talk about it. When you are ready, just do. Then…well, then leave it to God.

Black & White 71

Watchout 72 January 1-14, 2010

SPEND to save life

You have got five minutes? Then go stand before the mirror and take a close look. This should be a weekly (if not daily) ritual that you have to do to save yourself from future nasty health surprises.

Why? Well, there is a great chance that you can spot early signs of any health conditions from this five-minute check.

ARMPITS Do you see a patch of rough, dark skin? It could mean that you are having diabetes, say health experts. Excess insulin in your bloodstream can cause skin cells to multiply abnormally fast, leading to a buildup of tissue and melanin.

This makes the skin look darker and feel thicker. This commonly occurs in the armpits, neck, or groin. But, a simple blood test can determine whether you have the disease.

SCALP Is your hair thinning? Excessive hair loss is a common indicator of a thyroid disorder, which affects some women. If thyroid gland has a disorder, it can disrupt the balance of male and female sex hormones. This will make your hair thin. Check with your doctor on how to regulate the hormones.

EYELIDS, KNEES, AND ELBOWS Do you see small, soft lumps that look white or waxy? Check with your doctor to see if these are small deposits of cholesterol?

You got to do this immediately because, health experts here note that if these whitish lumps have appeared, it means that your cholesterol levels are probably high.

This is a serious risk factor for heart disease. Yet reducing your numbers by just 10 percent

5

slashes that risk by as much as a third.

EYES Yes, they still exist. Sometimes these under-the-eye circles won’t go away. But, if you happen to be suddenly hit by some dark rings, they could probably be due to allergies.

Doctors say that when an allergen hits your body, in response it releases the histamine chemical, which makes blood vessels swell with blood and other fluids. Then, the dark patches show up where the skin is thinnest. A skin test can determine which allergen is causing your symptoms.

BELLY If you find thick, diamond shape dark hair or stubble; or dense, coarse hair that extends up toward your belly button (rather than growing downward from the top of the pubic bone) it could be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a local gynaecologist says. Caused by overproduction of androgens, the condition can lead to irregular or heavy periods, weight gain, acne, and thick, dark hair on the belly, face, chest, and back. As many as one in 10 women have PCOS, which can be a risk factor for serious problems like infertility and heart disease. See an obstetrician or gynaecologist.

Black & White 73

A sore temptation?

By Priya Arunkumar

Hooked

I made someone happy.

Someone I don’t know at all.

Someone got a platform to bring out his pent up emotions, his frustrated ego, and his negativity And I gave him an outlet. My car.

Parked at convenience to his reach.

No, I did not take an extra effort to do something for ‘him’ I am sure it is a ‘him’; cannot be a lady.

He scratched the full length of my car, probably with his key, and left an ugly long scar.

It just took him a few seconds, I assume.

It is definitely an act he always indulged in; otherwise he would not do it in few minutes I went out to an ATM and back.

I tried to see the positive side of it; at least he did not break my windshield or puncture a tyre.

It is just a scratch…

Positivity, isn’t that what all will advise us to focus on?

I will not call it a mindless act.

It is a job well done. Practically and theoretically!

Practically the tell tale scars say it all.

Theoretically, he must be happy that he damaged someone’s car, so happiness guaranteed!

He escaped without being caught, so mission accomplished successfully.

Messing up someone’s desk?

Putting something up someone’s back?

Hitting someone?

Passing a wrong word around?

Throwing garbage out?

Spitting out from nowhere!

Defacing walls with graffiti?

74 January 1-14, 2010

Molesting, abusing, stealing…

What are these acts? Random acts of meanness?

What was he passing on? Something that he carried it along with him?

A mean mindless act? Or a hurt ego?

A deprived jealous individual?

A psyched personality or an angry young man?

Other people’s property seems to be a sore temptation – especially when you get angry, frustrated or defeated.

Anger is closely related to other emotions like fear and hurt or disappointment or frustration, but it is sometimes the only emotion you choose to show (sometimes you don’t even realise you have the others).

Experts would like to claim that when people are not aware of how they are feeling, they can sometimes let anger cause an unhealthy outburst.

Anger then becomes negative, destructive and can harm you or other important people and things in your life.

While many blame it on anger and pent up emotions, look at it cynically: What if these youngsters are doing it because they can get away with it?

What if they are actually idle, and these acts are just a camouflage to their irresponsible, don’t care attitude?

And look at the people at the receiving end.

What did they do?

Aren’t they the innocent victims of mindlessness and negativity of a selfish few?

Scratched and scarred for no fault of theirs…? priya@blackandwhiteoman.com