BW issue 40

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Heroes of Laparoscopy p24 13 Shafar - 6 Rabi'1

Vol.3 Issue 40II January 7-February 6, 2012

Can you ride a raging bull?

By Adarsh Madhavan Last night I had a dream. In this dream, a man of many years, flowing white beard and hair gave me some home truths.

He spoke, I listened. “Son,” he said. “You’ve got it all wrong. You speak of the need of freedom to air your words to the public, but you forget to realise that if ever that freedom is given to you on a platter, you are going to misuse it!”

I was stung by this reference to misuse. I have never misused, abused any freedom given to me; be it at work or in my personal life and I am particularly touchy about this issue. I don’t misuse, period. I wanted to blurt out this fact, but I found that I couldn’t get the words out. Even in a dream, I can’t say what I want, I thought angrily.

“Don’t speak, don’t retort now,” the man said, reading my thoughts. In dreams people can easily read others’ thoughts. “Don’t bother to reply now,” he said, adding that my time would come, but that sounded rather too ominous, if I must say so myself.

“You have got understand that you need to be responsible before you get your freedom,” he said stinging me again. I take everything personally, and when they say I am not responsible, it hurts.

Misuse, abuse, irresponsible. What next, I wondered.

All about X, Y & Z

“I am not trying to bring you down,” the old man said. “All I am saying is that whatever freedom that you get, you must be in a position to use it wisely. So, if you yearn for anything, be it at work or on a personal front, make sure that your heart is ready for it. Make sure that you can handle it. Make sure you will be able to do justice to the freedom given…

“Otherwise don’t hanker for freedom and even if you do get it, don’t take it – you would be too immature to handle freedom!”

I must have woken up at this point, for calling me

4 January 7-February 6, 2012

immature was the last straw. I couldn’t take it and so I woke up with a start. The room was dark and cold, so I pulled the blanket over my head and dug in for some more sleep. Why lose valuable sleep over a dream?

Later, when I woke up I forgot all about the dream.

It was not until late evening when I remembered the dream again. I couldn’t get it. What was the dream all about, I wondered. What was the freedom that I was craving for I wondered? Why was I disturbed by the dream? Well, not disturbed exactly, but, anything that was dark and grey seemed mysterious.

I tried to rack my mind about how or where I was personally imprisoned that my subconscious mind had to work overtime to rescue me…in my sleep. I had no clue. If it was not something personal, then, I realised it had to be work – maybe, it suddenly struck me, it could be my desire to be bolder in my work; to employ a more direct approach to stories and telling the truth as it is. This game of diluting the truth and saying it in so many different ways than it should be was killing me and perhaps, that is why I dreamt like that; perhaps in my want to front a brave new journalism world; or because of my unconscious need to have a free media here…and then it struck me what the old man in my dream was trying to get into my thick skull: he was saying I was not ready for the freedom as yet; he was trying to say that I still needed some more time to mature so that I will be able to handle freedom in a deserving manner…in other words, was he perhaps passing a subtle message to not only me, but to all of us here? Was he hinting this to all of us, especially the newcomers into this arena that we all need to take a deep breath and ask ourselves the question whether we are ready; whether we have the guts as well as the maturity to handle the freedom that we were all craving for?

Do we really have it in us to ride the raging bull of freedom? Or do we need more time? Think again… editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Xclusive

24

Heroes of Laparoscopy

While there are many examples of excellence in the health field, one such laudable achievement is a record performance in laparoscopic surgery by Royal Hospital surgeons under Dr Murtadha Al Qubtan, who have not just achieved world class standards in their area of work, but has in fact, broken records

Bitter Batter you lose your job if you 40 Will take an unauthorised leave?

This was the question that someone asked us recently.

We thought for sometime and said, well, in a company that strictly follows rules, one could lose their job

10

Muscles at 40

By the time you are 40, your muscle mass begins to decline. This happens to both men and women due to the drop-off in the production of hormones

52

Things men don’t tell women

Contents

We all know that there are some things that men don’t tell their women. They would rather keep a stiff upper lip and hold their opinions than air them out because of a mixture of fear and sheer concern

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat Complex A, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed at Mazoon, Muscat,6, Oman 6 January 7-February 2012

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

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Ali Al Raisi Shannon D'Souza Priyanka Sampat

‫*ع ـ ــ�ش �شـ ــابا‬

S.A.E.M.E, 74500 Evian. 797 080 850 RCS Thonon -

Telltale pictures The pictures of Yanni’s visit to Oman and his performance (which I was not lucky enough to see) were superb. Like they always say, the pictures told the whole story, and perhaps, it told us more about this celebrated musician’s visit than one could describe in words. Thank you Black & White for sharing us the rare moments of the visit by one of the world’s living musical legends! Although I could not see him performance, at least I have the pictures to know what happened.

Usman T. A., Seeb

Keep critics at arms length Vandana hit the right note in her column, ‘Simplicity…’ (issue 38).

She is so right! Critics have no role in our lives – nothing! Like she says, critics are those who have not tried anything and yet believe that those who try are bound to fail. Critics have failed at nothing because they haven’t tried anything, says Vandana.

And like this author of ‘360 Degrees Back to Life’ says, let us keep critics at arms length!

Or better still, let us keep them miles away!

Tony Fernandes, Seeb

The ‘real’ truth of touch The real truth was that Yanni touched us in more ways than one.

His music was sublime, awash with strength, joy and power and it elevated us and took us much above the realms of life.

I must say that the hours spent at the Grand Hall of the Sultan Qaboos University listening to unbelievable music of Yanni were the best ever moments of my life. I consider it the most unforgettable part of my life.

I am a great fan of Yanni and although I had work and although I was to be away in Dubai, I still cut everything short and rushed back to Muscat just to be part of this divine music. I landed at the Muscat International Airport and just drove to the SQU. I could not miss Yanni for anything.

Thank you Yanni, thank you Black & White – thank you God for giving me this wonderful opportunity!

I hope B&W brings in more and more of such great artists for music lovers here.

R. T. Samson, Al Khuwair 88January 2011-February 6, 2012 January7, 7-February 6, 2012

Plan in advance What is your next event Black & White? I would suggest that you come out with an event calendar so that we get to know beforehand what you are planning to bring to Oman.

It will be good because it will help real art and music lovers to not only plan, but also be sure that we don’t miss any of the classy events that you organise. Please do consider this request and also please let us know how we readers can contribute to Black & White’s charity drives. World over when the media organises such charity drives, the readers contribute in a great way. Let us know in advance so that we will contribute to it. We are with any causes that you promote!

S. Moosa Abdulla, Ruwi

Music straight to the heart What is music to the ones who can’t see? Everything, I guess. While we hear, they feel.

While we listen, they understand. Music is the real food for the soul for those who are visually challenged. My dear sightless friend could not attend the Yanni event, but I told her how wonderful it was and she understood. She told me this – that she never listens to music, she just absorbs it, it fills her, suffuses her with harmony. It is melody that is direct to the heart.

Perhaps, this is why they say you should close your eyes when you listen to music.

It is sublime energy.

Asha Mohan, Wadi Kabir

I am Type 2 Diabetes (issue 38) may hit you slowly, but the danger is that it is a silent killer. It sneaks into your system and then slowly releases its slow acting poison and then one by one your system fails. While my feet are still intact, my eyes, my gums and teeth are all slowly deteriorating. I can feel the changes that are taking place in my system as this evil disease slowly tightens its death hold on me.

But, the worst part is the ugly feeling of lethargy, fatigue and helplessness that grips you when you are type 2. I hate being a diabetic and I know it is my fault that I have become one. There are ways to control sugar, but then, it is not easy. I have been slack in controlling, especially in the aspect of visiting doctors. Self medication has been my forte, but not anymore. You just play with this disease. You fool around with it and you realise that you are fooling around with real danger. Diabetes can get even worse as you age. So, beware, all type 2s.

Ashique T, Qurum Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 9

Muscles at

40 or m

10 January 7-February 6, 2012

more

At 40 you get naughty. What is the point though? Because, by the time you are 40, your muscle mass begins to decline. This happens to both men and women due to the drop-off in the production of hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone. In fact, let us repeat the oft repeated 40 phrase: “Your 40s mark the decade when you shift to caring for your body in the gym, instead of punishing it.”

This is the age when your nerve fibers are beginning to lose their effectiveness, thereby diminishing coordination; your heart will be beating more slowly, cutting down the blood flow that delivers nutrients to and removes waste from joints and muscles. And you’re losing about 0.5 percent of your muscle mass a year.

To reverse these processes and stretch peak performance, your workouts now emphasise flexibility.

Muscles not built in a day But, muscles can neither be built overnight, nor can they come up by just caressing your body. When the realisation sets in that you are between the devil (age) and the deep sea (you might kill yourself if you punish it), that is when you lose your confidence and you begin to think life is going to take a back seat.

No. Nothing has to change. One way to bolster muscle mass is to lift weights. The good news is that if you strength train, you can build muscle regardless of the fact you are 45 or 65 in the same way you built muscle when you were 25 by lifting heavy weights, resting and eating well. The mature athlete, however, must be more patient with recovery than 20 years or more ago.

Five steps for surefire success: Step 1 Warm up with light calisthenics as well as some form of cardiovascular

exercise, such as walking or cycling, before you begin heavy training.

Muscles and tendons become less elastic as you age, and it takes longer for muscles to warm up and for joints to become fully lubricated. Lifting heavy weights without warming up will likely lead to injury.

Step 2 Use a weight that you can’t lift more than 12 times in a row, or at least 70 percent of your one-rep max--the maximum amount of weight you could lift just once. You produce the largest gains in muscle mass when it takes six to 12 repetitions for your muscles to give out (fail). If your muscles fail before six repetitions, you still are building strength, which is also part of building muscle.

Step 3 Men in their 40s should try to eat 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily Eat a diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables. Protein is necessary to build new muscle. The antioxidants in plant foods help clear your body of free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and slow recovery.

The phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables improve your body’s pH balance to reduce muscle deterioration and enhance recovery.

Step 4 Respect your limitations and allow enough time to fully recover. As you age, you need more time between workouts to recover your strength and build muscle mass. Don’t lift weights again until soreness and stiffness have passed and range of motion returns.

Step 5 To continue to stimulate your body to build more muscle mass, you must consistently provide workouts that challenge your limits. Always choose a weight that you can lift no more than 12 times, and change your routine every four to six weeks.

Black & White 11

Losing hair to

Men health

stress

12 January 7-February 6, 2012

You think they are going to axe you? Your boss is bearing down on you pretty badly?

Colleagues avoiding you? Friends think you are a ‘has been’? Wife is slowly hinting that things are not working between you and her? Kids treat you like a stranger? You are frustrated and tired? Old age creaking in one corner and disease snorting up your happiness from the other? And your hair is going, going, gone…

In reality, this is life and in truth, all of this stress could affect your hair, experts say.

“When your mind and body is undergoing quite a lot of stress, it could affect your hair,” some experts say. Too much stress is tantamount to hair loss, they add.

When you are stressed and the tension sets in, your body starts to divert energy to other parts of the body, it overheats and it will slowly cease to function properly. The main relationship between stress and hair loss are: hormonal imbalance; heart diseases, malnutrition and sheer exhaustion.

All these factors can indirectly affect your hair. Stress shortens the hair’s growth phase (anagen) and pushes more follicles to the resting phase(telogen). If you have pattern baldness, it will only worsen the situation because when your hair grows back, it gets thinner and thinner each time and stress makes it falls faster.

A normal person usually will not lose more than 100 strands of hair a day. If you are under a lot of stress in a short time frame, your body can shock a lot of your hair follicles into the resting phase.

This will lead to massive hair loss after the end of the resting phase. This sudden hair loss condition is known as Telogen Effluvium (a scalp disorder, which is characterised by thinning/shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of hairs into the telogen phase. Hair grows in cycles of various phases: anagen is the growth phase; catagen is the involuting or regressing phase; and telogen, the resting or quiescent phase. Emotional or physiological stressful events may result in an alteration of the normal hair cycle. Telogen effluvium may be caused by eating disorders, fever, childbirth, chronic illness, major surgery, anemia, severe emotional disorders, crash diets, hypothyroidism, and drugs.)

In short, when you are with this condition, emotional or physical stress pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase. Within a few months, the

affected hairs may fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing your hair.

The other two types of hair loss that can be associated with high stress levels are: Alopecia areata. A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata, possibly including severe stress. With alopecia areata, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, stopping hair growth and making hair fall out.

Trichotillomania (trik-oh-til-oh-MAY-nee-uh) is an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. Hair pulling can be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, loneliness, fatigue or frustration.

Stress and hair loss don’t have to be permanent.

If you get your stress under control, your hair may grow back.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your hair. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. If needed, your doctor may suggest treatment options for the hair loss as well. And if efforts to manage your stress on your own don’t work, talk to your doctor about stress management techniques.

But, having said all of that, we must point out that it all depends on the type of stress we are talking about. Just because we are late to work, or, we have got a heavy workload is not going to make you lose your hair. Short-term, everyday stress is not going to affect your body in such a way that your hair falls out. It takes something more than that. Well, if stress is something that makes you lose sleep, or changes your appetite and actually raises the level of stress hormones, then, you have to watch out. Otherwise, just because you have had a few stressful days a week ago, you hair is not going to fall out this week.

Black & White 13

Make no mistake

Men health

Do good manners ever go out of fashion?

Sometimes it happens with men.

Alright, your spouse and friends know that you are a gem of a person, so even when you exhibit bad behaviour, you would still be forgiven. There is a history, one which is punctuated with goodness, so they will not see you in bad light. But, what about people who have never seen you; don’t know anything about you and see you displaying extreme bad behaviour?

Their judgment will be coloured in that manner; they are going to fill in the blanks with what they see, what they hear and what they know of at that time. One wrong, bad act in public will be what you would be identified with – for a long period of time and it is not easy to wipe that bad mannered grime away. Anyone who sees you sloppily chewing your food like a cow and being downright rude to your waiter is going to remember that ugly display, rather than your position in your company or your ready wit.

So guys, get your act together, because this is a real critical part of your life.

Don’t ever drop the pose, or you are going to be slam banged to virtual nothingness. Check out these common etiquette faux pas: Grooming in public Please don’t do it. Don’t ever do it.

If you do something like cleaning your ears, clipping your fingernails, or trimming your moustache, do understand that it you are making a real clown of yourself. Don’t do anything in public that you would probably confine to the restroom mirror. The golden rule is don’t do it – even when you think no one is looking at you or not, don’t – for it is simply not OK. The basic rule in all of this is – put your hands away from your face when you are in public.

Eating like a slob 14 January 7-February 6, 2012

The rule here is simple. But before we get to that, ask yourself what you are.

Are you a human being or an animal? If you are not an animal, then how come you are eating like one?

This is considered to be the mother of all social mistakes. If you are a slob in a restaurant, then, that is it. You are out of her list. Women in particular find this awful, and it’s one of the most common stereotypes of a hopeless, classless guy. So, think before you eat, or think before you slob.

Treating service staff poorly There is an oft repeated story of how a parent succeeds in ending the infatuation of his daughter with a boy he hates by asking her to take her to a restaurant and see how he treats the service staff there. The only thing the father told his beautiful but sensitive daughter was see how he treats them and then decide for herself. True to his nature, the boy was downright rude and abrasive to those waiting on them and the girl did not even wait to finish her meal to decide on whether she should marry him. Moral of the story: don’t abuse the waiter for small mistakes and berate them and insult them. Maybe they would take that in their stride, but it reflects a poor you.

Being late No one likes to be stood up, no one likes it when you fail to show up and nor do they like it when you turn up late. All of us like to be valued, and by coming in late make a bad first impression and when that significant someone realises that you have a habit of turning up late, then they begin to get that feeling that you don’t value them at all.

And if you repeat this ‘late arriving performance’ on a regular basis, then the truth is, you really don’t care. Dump your excuses in the first ever bin that is on you, for that is where it deserves to be.

Black & White 15

O

Something beyond…

all ew h t ff

By Adarsh Madhavan He bumped into her again at a party. He had no idea why he was there, but he had no where to go, so he stayed. He was refilling his glass when he saw her, but did not recognise her. She did. She came to him with an empty glass and said she needed a refill. He swung to her with his usual nonchalant arrogance and then stopped midway, the drink sloshed in his glass and some drops spilled on the floor. “It can’t be you,” he said. His hands didn’t shake, but his heart fluttered. “It is you,” she said and added with her usual confidence, “it’s me”.

There was no doubt: it was them. The two who painted a neighbourhood red because they were not meant to be together, although they wanted to be. Neighbours. Friends. And all of that was okay until they became something more than that… Then all hell broke loose.

Off the wall

It was either being together and killing their parents and relatives, or letting go. They would not be able to live with the tragedy of being responsible for the destruction of their own families, so they, like most people who came together by destiny and parted by the same hand of fate, decided not to be – not to be together, that is.

They were young then, just after school, probably around 15 or 16 and since both the families opposed the union between these two, the families themselves decided to move away and apart. Both the families 16 January 7-February 6, 2012

moved away from that town and went on their separate ways with the dire warning that were the two youngsters to ever meet, the mothers in the family would commit suicide, a high price to pay for friendship, togetherness, love, or whatever you call it...

So, that ended the love story between him and her, like the countless love stories around the world. Lovers proposed, family deposed. End of story.

Until after 15 to 16 years later, they meet at this party. He bumping into her, or she bumping into him and both realising that it was him and it was her. And yes, it was indeed them. So what are they going to do about it? And that was what he asked after some moments passed by them and he still did not fill her glass.

“What are we going to do?” he asked and she said, “For a starter fill up my glass!” He did that promptly, making sure his hand did not shake and they looked at each other; their eyes lightly touching each other like two filled glasses delicately toasting each other. It was celebration; it had to be.

Much water had passed under this bridge and the opposing factors in their lives no longer existed save for the unknown fact whether both had found themselves partners. “Are you still…?” he asked and she answered the thing he wanted to hear most from her: “Yes, I am single!” And even though she did not ask him the same question, he still replied: “So am I!”

And for the next few minutes, they did not touch their glasses, not even a sip, but they drank each other, after which he put his untouched glass down and said: “Let’s go!” So, she placed her untouched glass alongside his and they clutched each other, their hearts pounding, and swiftly left a party they had no idea why they had come to in the first place. But, then fate plays its strange games, at times unpleasant, other times, pleasant.

For the first time in 15 to 16 years they were together, they were one, but anyone looking at them would feel they were together for the last 15 to 16 years. In fact, people who saw them, gave them a second glance, some of them with a skein of regret, others with veiled jealousy. Life has passed them by and they will never be able to repeat the love they witnessed in the two souls fleshed out in real life before them and walking together like ethereal beings, fused into one.

But, little did these people know that they were together not just because of love, but something more than that – something quite unbreakable even after more than a decade and a half and something that was so very difficult to hide…something beyond everything! adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

JEEP JAMBOREE desert crossing Jeep owners in Oman say they were delighted by the thrills, spills and excitement they enjoyed while participating in the second Jeep Jamboree desert crossing organized by Dhofar Automotive with Jeep owners taking advantage of superb weather to test their vehicles to the off-road limit on the Sharqiya Sands.

The challenging event attracted a huge convoy of Jeeps which took on this grueling desert adventure that crossed from north to south and spanned three days and two nights of desert camping – crossing some of the most difficult sand desert terrain to be found in the Sultanate.

On finishing the challenge, every driver agreed that when it comes to driving through sand – Jeep is the ultimate king of the dunes whether it is the more family focused

Jeep Grand Cherokee or the finely tuned Jeep Wrangler – the favourite of the weekend desert enthusiast and loved especially by young Omanis.

Actress felicitated

Kavya Madhavan receiving a memento from Al Thail group chairman Raheem Neeravil and Muscat Pravasi Association president H.M. Safeer giving cash prize and Best actress award in GADDAMA at Rimjim Kayamayam held at Qurm Amphi theatre.

Merge 104.8 scoops top award Merge 104.8 has picked up a top marketing award at the prestigious Gemas Effie Mena Awards 2011, held recently at a glitzy ceremony in Dubai. The highly regarded global marketing awards recognise the effectiveness of campaigns and brands, and aim to reward the marketing communications industry for their creative ability and marketing prowess.

Eihab Abutaha, CEO, communications, SABCO Group, said, “It’s a great honour to be recognised for our unique brand positioning and innovative marketing campaigns, something we have always strived for. ”

MITSUBISHI Oman Parts

Department rewards

The parts department of Mitsubishi Oman has rewarded its top performing branches and staff at a seminar held to review sales performance and ways to continue to enhance the excellent performance of the department.

The company has a comprehensive network of 24 parts branches located across the Sultanate designed to keep Mitsubishi owners happy and on the road. During the seminar the branches identified as the best performing were those from Wadi Kabir, Mabellah, Thumrait, Samail and Al Khadra who were congratulated for their excellent work and consistently high levels of customer service.

Operational excellence among individuals was also recognised and Safiya Al Shaabi received a special award for her significant contribution in ensuring the increased availability of Mitsubishi parts in the Athaibah branch.

Black & White 17

‘See No Evil. Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil’ at the Majan Ballroom After the immense success of their last Play “ The Blue Mug “ which was a 75 minutes of monologues with conversations by leading Indian film personalities like Konkona Sen, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Rajat Kapoor and others, Light & Shadow Enterprises brings to you a play that has taken India by storm, the hilarious - critically and commercially acclaimed play ‘See No Evil. Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil’ at the Majan Ballroom, Al Bustan Palace - A Ritz Carlton Hotel on January 27.

Contact 95065681 or 24495497

Audi sponsors Yanni “Truth of Touch” concert Audi Oman’ s sponsorship of Yanni’s recent “Truth of Touch” concert has helped organisers to raise nearly RO 35,000 for organisations that help the visually challenged in Oman.

The concert organisers have now announced the details of the organisations to benefit from the event. Included are the purchase of Braille equipment for the Omar bin Khattab School; supporting the Ministry of Health in purchasing eye test machines for Al Nahda Hospital in Muscat and for the Salalah Hospital; the provision of riboflavin drops for 200 poorer children, and the offer of free eye treatment to the visually challenged at the Muscat Eye Laser Centre.

Abdel Karim Awwad, national marketing and sales manager at Audi Oman, said: “We are delighted that our support has helped the concert organisers with their objective of raising both money and awareness about the challenges faced by the visually challenged in Oman.”

Audi was the sponsor for the sellout concert that attracted 5,000 fans to Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat and gave the global superstar an Audi A8 L to drive around Muscat during his visit to the Sultanate.

BankMuscat staff training focus on leadership skills

Wordpress

BankMuscat organised a graduation ceremony to felicitate 73 employees as part of the Development Centre programmes run by the Bank for high potential employees.

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, presided at the ceremony and handed over certificates to the successful candidates. AbdulRazak Ali Issa commended the employees for their enthusiasm and commitment for skill development to contribute to the Bank’s success and growth.

The Development Centre, the first of its kind in Oman, was conceived and implemented by the Bank in 2003. Since then, the programme has enabled the Bank to develop and groom young Omanis to assume middle, senior management roles and undertake international assignments. The programme ensures that the Bank has the right and competent people for its future requirements.

18 January 7-February 6, 2012

BAREEQ AL SHATTI MALL prize draw The prize draw at the Bareeq Al Shatti Mall was held as their successful five month long festival promotion came to an end. The draw was conducted by ministry of commerce officials in the presence of senior management from the mall, Audi Oman and other festival sponsors including Oman Arab Bank, Omantel and Samsung. The first prize was provided by Audi Oman and was the highly popular Audi A1 that has been on show in the mall to encourage shoppers to participate in the promotion that was launched in August. The festival promotion was spread over the rest of the year to cover major cultural festivals from around the world and the period will include Eid Al Ahda, Eid Al Fitr, Diwali, Oman’s National Day and Christmas.

ahlibank foundation stone for its new head office Ahlibank laid the foundation stone of its new head office in Wattayah recently, under the auspices of H. E Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabry, chairman of Duqm special economic zone. The official ceremony was also attended by high ranking officials from CBO and the CMA as well as the chairman of Ahlibank Hamdan Al Hinai along with other members of the board of directors and senior management of the bank. Speaking on the need for a new head office building, Abdul Aziz AL Balushi, chief executive officer, ahlibank said “ahlibank growth strategy in Oman hinges on three pillars: people, technology and infrastructure. As the Bank has grown over the years, we have tried to employ, nurture and partner with some of the finest Omani talent in the country. We believe that our technology orientation has also been amongst the best in the region, as we believe, technology allows us to

build and offer a truly differentiated banking experience to our customers. Our third pillar of growth is infrastructure - and this is what we hope to address through our move to a new head office building, that is customdesigned to substantially improve efficiencies and reduce administrative expenses.”

COLIN MONTGOMERY joins HSBC corporate customers HSBC Oman welcomed golfing legend Colin Montgomery to their Corporate Golf Day, held at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club. During the day, which was hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live’s Golf correspondent, Ian Carter, a total of 21 of HSBC’s Corporate clients were not only treated to a master-class on how to improve their putting game, but also received personal tuition from Monty as they played in a shot gun tournament. After prize-giving over lunch, there was a question and answer session during which Colin shared some top tips and entertaining anecdotes with the guests.

Ewan Stirling, chief executive officer at HSBC Oman commented, “It has been a great day, and I am sure that all our guests have benefited from the tips and individual clinics they have received from Colin Montgomery.

Black & White 19

MSE wins Philips lighting award Mustafa Sultan Electronics Lighting Unit won the award for “Best Energy Efficiency Initiative – 2011” in the recently held partnership program event conducted by Philips Lighting in Dubai. The photograph shows Paolo Cervini, general manager, Philips Lighting Middle East & Turkey (second from the right), giving the award to the MSE team – Arif Abbas, Kirit Panchal and Sanjeev Nagpal.

All the distributors from GCC and Levant attended the Partnership Program in Dubai and Philips presented few of the partners with awards for their outstanding work in 2011. The award given to MSE was in recognition of their outstanding work done in promoting CFL-I (Energy

savers) in 2011 through various institutions, retail and distribution network.

Muscat Eye Laser new innovations in corneal transplant surgery Muscat Eye Laser Center is combining technological advances in corneal transplantation surgery, cutting-edge surgical techniques and superior inhouse expertise to dramatically improve the quality of life for patients with corneal pathology. Until recently, the procedure of choice for most patients with severe diseased or damaged corneas was to undergo a full-thickness corneal transplant (also known as a penetrating keratoplasty), in which the entire cornea is replaced, even if only a portion of the cornea is diseased.

While this procedure is still being carried out at Muscat Eye Laser Center for those who have severely damaged cornea, ophthalmologists at the Center have also mastered new innovative procedures that allow for the removal and replacement of only the affected layer of the corneal tissue. The upshot, says Dr. Juan G. Graviria, scientific director, is that patients now enjoy better outcomes, faster recovery and even enhanced visual results. “Muscat Eye Laser Center has been quick to embrace the benefits of an ongoing revolution in corneal transplantation techniques and approaches to deliver superior outcomes for patients with corneal problems. Through such ground-breaking, layered surgical approaches, we can now customise corneal transplant surgery for individual patients, thereby ensuring significantly enhanced outcomes.”

Wordpress

Oman’s 180 greatest brands a big hit A recent publication entitled ‘Oman’s 180 Greatest Brands (2012-13) is a huge success. Paying rich tribute top-notch brands and brand builders, this unique 400-page book opens with a message from the Minister of Commerce and Industry Shaikh Sa’ad bin Mohammed al Sa’adi. The key part of this book is a comprehensive brand survey, which ranks greatest 180 brands across 30 categories. To make the survey fair and transparent, Oman Observer formed an independent 11-member Observer Brand Council.

Written by Hasan Kamoonpuri, a senior Oman Observer journalist, the book is richly detailed and aspires to be a comprehensive exploration of Omani brands and can very well serve as a barometer for the state of brand management in the country.

20 January 7-February 6, 2012

Zahara Travel Group marks four decades of successful operations Zahara Travel Group, formerly Zubair Travel and Service Bureau, began its mission of providing clients with outstanding services in 1971, marking four decades of exemplary services to a distinguished array of local and international customers that include ministries, government departments, business houses, corporate firms, hotels and resorts, airlines, cruise operators and other travel industry service providers.

“It’s been a momentous 40 years,” stated Gautam Broota, CEO of Zahara Travel Group. “We have been an integral part of the nation’s tourism development, having seen the sector grow from infancy to its current position as an engine of economic growth and major employer. As we celebrate 40 years of operations, we look forward to the future with great optimism and a commitment to building on the legacy of the past four decades.”

OMANTEL warns internet

Renna MOBILE introduces 5 new

In a statement issued recently, Omantel urges its customers to be on alert about suspicious calls they receive from unknown numbers telling them that they have won cash prizes from the company. manager of complaints management at Omantel’s consumer business unit Saif Sultan Al Abri said, “With the wide spread of mobile telecommunications services, fraudsters invent new ways to lure mobile users by pretending that the user won cash prizes and demand his personal information such as the name, address and account number.

Renna mobile announced the launch of 5 new broadband bundles, a promotion which was launched on the 14th of December 2011 up to 9th March 2012 . Customers can enjoy high speed internet access through their phones and on their laptops with the best prices in Oman. “We have developed the new bundles based on feedback from the market. Some customers have indicated that they require bundles that cover occasional usage to which we have developed the 1 day or 1 week packages, others have requested larger bundles for heavy usage where the 1 month bundles were developed” said Joakim Klingefjord, CEO, renna mobile.

These packages represent one of many offers by renna mobile product development team, and renna mobile customers will enjoy a host of benefits from rewards, to competitive prices and many surprises more over the next coming months. Contact 80073662.

users about suspicious calls

broadband bundles!

TRAVEL SERVICE GIFT VOUCHERS Travel City LLC and Travel Point LLC has unveiled the ‘Travel Service Gift Voucher’ service, another value added service, for all its valued customers, which is a first of its kind travel feature in the Sultanate. Customers and corporates will now be able to buy and gift a holiday to their staff, friends and family. Be it a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, a corporate incentive, or a reason for the ‘employee of the month’ to unwind from the hard work rendered, these Travel Service Gift Vouchers are the ideal gift that one can give for every occasion. Sunil Prabhakar, group general manager, said, “We are very happy to offer this unique feature to the people of Oman,

whose convenience and comfort is our priority. We are looking at introducing many more features of this kind where we can give our customers innovative, trouble-free and cost effective travel services.”

These vouchers will be available for purchase at all 36 outlets spread across the Sultanate of Oman.

Denominated at OMR 25, 50 and 100, these vouchers will be valid for a period of one year from the time of issue.

Any individual can purchase these vouchers from any of the Travel City-Travel Point branches and redeem them at their time of travel or at purchase of any other travel related service from the company.

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Do we negotiate enough?

By Dr CK Anchan

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

The ability to negotiate is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to any job.

Whether you are after a pay rise, time off, a new job, getting someone to back off, more help or more recognition, the ability to negotiate will give you a much better chance of success. It is something that puts you personally and professionally in the driver’s seat Negotiation in its truest sense means listening to the other party, trying to understand where they come from. In a world that goes out of its way to keep buyer and seller separate, I find no substitute for face to face negotiation and the fruits that come from it. The best negotiating tool will always be the art of listening It is the ultimate art of looking before you leap and not jumping to the handshake and the contract. Instead, the art is in refining what you want, setting those unstoppable goals and also leaving some wiggle room on stuff you don’t truly care about.

Negotiations are not emotional. Refuse to act emotionally and you are half way there. In addition, remember that the person who says little and shows the least cards maintains the most control.

Here are few tips, which have certainly worked for me, I am sure it will work for you also: 1. Increase the goodwill on both sides viz: compliment the person you are in negotiation with, use positive indications and words.

2. Keep listening and ask intelligent questions viz : understand what the other person is saying and their point of view. To listen shows respect and good intentions, and will make the other person feel valued.

3. Become aware of emotional climates viz: If the other person is angry do not panic, keep your cool and be pleasant, you will find the person settling down within some time.

4. Be clear about the decision you are going to take in advance viz: whether you are going to compromise, or not. Assess all aspects of the situation.

5. Buy time and keep your options open viz : Give yourself room to maneuver. Make sure you have something to offer the other person, as well as something you want.

Management talk

6. Conclude with win – win situation viz: Both sides should leave the negotiation feeling they’ve come away with something and that they’re satisfied.

To conclude for now, life is a process of negotiations, from negotiating contracts with clients, buying your first house to negotiating your next salary raise. Here is to Happy Negotiating..!

22 22January January7-February 7-February6, 6,2012 2012

Oman is well advanced in many medical specialties but unfortunately not many know of the statistics. It is high time that we all relooked at our medical facilities and the industry as a whole without prejudice

Without prejudice I broke my thumb this July and was advised to undergo a surgery to put in a plate. The thumb was broken at two places and the bone needed some sort of alignment surgery.

When I got back home my friends and family members advised me to get this surgery done abroad. Never do it in Oman, they might operate your toe, instead of your thumb, one friend grinned at me.

But, I decided to do the surgery here in Oman. What am I going to risk? A thumb‌ maybe, if something went wrong, I might become handicapped, but, it was a risk I was ready to take. Now, the incident also brought out a topic to discuss. Why is medicare in Oman looked at with great concern by both citizens and residents alike? As a nation that has progressed literally in every field, why is it that we must fly out for a surgery or proper medical care? Can’t we trust our own medical facilities?

In Black & White

In Black...

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief

Oman is well advanced in many medical specialties but unfortunately not many know of the statistics. It is high time that we all relooked at our medical facilities and the industry as a whole without prejudice. Like any other nation, Oman too has its moments of medical 'highs and lows'. But, one bad episode and it is spread far and wide.

The goodness is never talked about. The B&W team recently spoke to three brilliant specialists and found out that Oman’s medical capabilities were in no way behind any other country.

A few black sheep in the medical fraternity should not make us paint the whole scene as blank and dark. It is time that the medical specialists themselves renew their own confidence and show total commitment to their task and get the tasks done with a sense of responsibility. If they engage in complete transparency and show real care and concern for their patients, perhaps, Oman will also have a health sector that is glowing in every sense of the word.

Easier said than done! It is a life and death matter and people would like to ensure that they are in safe hands. Now how do we do that? By creating trust, and being honest. When we go overseas for medical care, the doctors and health consultants gives us you the complete details of your condition without holding back any information.

& White Black & White 23

B&W Xclusive

Heroe Laparo 24 January 7-February 6, 2011

es of oscopy Black & White 25

The day Suleiman Al A**** (not real name) was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer, commonly known as bowel cancer, he and his family booked tickets to a specialised hospital in a foreign country. Suleiman had the means to get treatment abroad and he did not for one minute hesitate to do that.

Suleiman’s is a success story, in the sense, he got his colo-rectal cancer removed surgically at the hospital. He is convalescing and his family says that they are happy and thanked God that they were able to take the quick decision to go abroad and get treatment‌

B&W Xclusive

Find anything amiss from the small story above? Something wrong with the whole thing?

You bet!

26 January 7-February 6, 2011

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B&W Xclusive

Dr Salim Al Wahaibi

28 January 7-February 6, 2011

Familiarity breeds contempt Why did Suleiman do that? Why do they all head abroad to get treatment when they can get the same treatment in the local hospitals? Why do they so confidently trust strangers in a strange land than their own medical counterparts in their home country?

Why is a stranger’s hand defter than your brother’s?

Why are we all running away from medical treatment from our home country and running off to foreign lands and trusting ourselves with rank strangers?

This harangue, however, does not mean that treatment abroad or the doctors abroad are by any means of low standards or distrustful…no.

The simple query is why should we fly abroad for expensive medical treatment when the same thing can be done here, sometimes at a tenth of the cost and the comfort of being treated right here at home, in the company of family and friends? Why are we all running away from home?

Does familiarity breed contempt or is it because of the perennial distaste for the homespun as opposed to the foreign?

Or, is it something more?

Something more inherent?

Sense of mistrust The truth is more obvious. Over the period of years, a sense of mistrust, mostly misplaced, has been developed in Omanis as well as some of the residents here. While government health officials dismiss these fears as baseless and unrealistic, the fact remains that it is not easy to budge the stubborn dissident of the Omani medical industry because it is a stubbornness gained over the years of misinformation, half truths, and mostly fears driven by a community that thrives on gossip.

The truth is that there are times when a patient’s disease has reached such a stage where cure can only be a distant possibility or a miracle.

When the miracle does not happen, there is this natural knee jerk reaction to blame the innocent medical practitioners or the hospital for the same, even though they are at fault.

That is one factor, the other issue remains that there is indeed an apathy in a portion of the medical fraternity, and a sense of bored impatience in dealing with a patient’s fears in the right manner; instead of wooing them, they are driven away because of the total lack of sensitivity and understanding in dealing with a patient, who is fraught with tension over his disease.

In short, many in the medical fraternity lack the necessary PR to draw the burgeoning number of patients, who, like the proverbial brain drain were seeking medical assistance and treatment abroad to escape the quagmire of the medical scene in Oman.

This was the sad fact in a country that in essence has dedicated its whole medical provisions for the people. The health ministry and all its branches have one simple goal: to provide the highest possible level of health for each of its citizens.

Untoward incidents It is armed with this very theme that a new breed of doctors, health officials and the health ministry as a whole is planning to woo the likes of Suleiman back into their fold.

And, coming back to Suleiman, why should he ever go abroad? What for?

Oman is today blessed with world class health facilities and its specialists are second to none. What can be done anywhere in the world as far as a medical feat is concerned can be done in Oman and that is the simple truth.

Yes, there were a few untoward incidents in the past and the fear is probably based on that, but, the medical facilities available in Oman, especially in the government sector is second to none.

While the facilities in the private sector may still be considered to be in its infancy (a subject open to debate), the facilities in the government sector is the best that one can get.

Charting new vision Fronting this theory and driving home this simple fact is the director general of the directorate general of health affairs at the ministry of health (MoH), Dr Salim Al Black & White 29

B&W Xclusive

Wahaibi, who believes in a holistic approach in all fields and is also eager to let the people in Oman know that the governmental medical facilities as well as its medical practitioners are second to none and the citizen’s as well as the resident’s health is in safe hands in Oman – the only way of realising that is to take the first step to trusting the health sector in the country.

In order to take this vision forward, the government, fronted by the health ministry and other ministries, is charting a new vision that will fully implement their visionary goals.

because of the current lifestyle and culture.

Also, the medical sector in Oman is doing well and has world class treatment facilities and specialists. It is time we created awareness around and became more transparent to the public.

There are many achievements in the medical field that goes unnoticed and unpublished. With the new administration taking over, the policies have changed and we feel, the public should know what is available and happening in the local scene,” Dr Salim Al Wahaibi told the Black & White in a recent interview.

Vision 2050 – a new vision “We are fast heading to the completion of Vision 2020 and now its time for the next vision – Vision 2050. It is time to initiate a new and healthier future by joining hands with all ministries concerned that are involved in bringing forth a brand new and healthy lifestyle for its citizens.

Propagating a health vision is no longer a health initiative alone; it is more of a joint effort

World class performance While there are many examples of excellence in the health field, one such laudable achievement is a record performance in laparoscopic surgery by Royal Hospital surgeons under Dr Murtadha Al Qubtan, who have not just achieved world class standards in their area of work, but has in fact, broken records, Dr Salim revealed. “How many of us know that the Royal Hospital has done it?”

30 30January 7-February 6, 2011

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Dr Sameh Ibrahim

Dr Rashid Al Alawi

B&W Xclusive

Conference on health system Dr Salim also said that the MoH will be hosting the ‘Quality-Care, SustainedHealth’, an international scientific conference on health system 2050, in May 2012. “This is as a part of our endeavour in constantly working towards reaching the prime objective of developing better and high quality health care system in Oman.

The main purpose of this conference is to evaluate the health services in the Sultanate, review the achievements of the past years, address the current challenges and obstacles encountered and seek solutions in tackling them, with a view to providing high quality health care to the citizens of Oman.”

Dr Murtadha Al Qubtan

and Dr Sameh Ibrahim, senior registrar colorectal and general surgery.

Their record: Completing over 100 complicated and speciwalised colorectal surgeries in just a short span of 3 years.

Royal Hospital breaks record The laparoscopy stories struck a chord in us and we decided that it was time to highlight it to the public. In this regard we trooped to meet the doctor trio at the Royal Hospital who had broken a medical record and have achieved world class standards in a certain type of surgery here.

Eye opener The trio was open about the fact that many in Oman lacked faith in the health system and they themselves have faced the brunt of this ignorance by the public.

“But, the fears that our health system is not upto the standard is entirely baseless,” they noted.

“Today, Oman enjoys world class medical facilities and the governmental health services is in par with the best anywhere,” they said, adding that at the Royal Hospital, the winds of change had swept in, so much so they could now freely publicise their achievements. This alone would serve as an eye opener for many who looked down upon the facilities and would also become a moral booster for those in the medical fraternity.

Introducing: Dr Murtadha Al Qubtan, senior consultant colorectal and general surgery, Dr Rashid Al Alawi, senior registrar colorectal and general surgery,

The three Muscateers The laparoscopy department has been functioning at the Royal Hospital since 1985. Just like any other new technology,

32 January 7-February 6, 2011

it took its time to gain its foothold in the medical scene. “We only had a few cases of gall bladder and appendicitis.

Not many agreed to undergo laparoscopy or rather we would say, the awareness was less and the training and expertise to the team members was also not fully pursued.

The first 15 years saw very few cases, maybe only around 50, but in the last two to three years, the department changed drastically and moved forward on a fast pace with a team of three specially trained laparoscopy surgeons,” the three surgeons said.

World class record surgeries in Oman Meanwhile, the laparoscopic surgeries began from scratch in 2008 with

support of the new administration of the department of general surgery.

“The unit reached to a high standard of care comparable to similar units in developed countries and topped in more complicated and specialised colorectal surgeries, completing over a 100 surgeries in a very short span. The usual numbers are 25 to 30 cases of specialised laparoscopy in the region and developed countries. So you could call it a world record with regards to specialised laparoscopy.

“By specialised surgeries we mean a difficulty level above 5, on a scale of 1 to 10. Basic surgeries like gall bladder removal, appendix removal or groin hernia repair require basic training but no specialised training or supervision.

Dr Murtadha and Dr Rashid after a successful surgery

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“We have trained many residents to do the basic laparoscopies. This is basically the removal of colon cancer and the employment of gastric bypass, which tops the difficulty level and today we can proudly say that we have reached a professional stage to take up gastric bypass surgeries confidently,”

“We have trained many residents to do the basic laparoscopies. This is basically the removal of colon cancer and the employment of gastric bypass, which tops the difficulty level and today we can proudly say that we have reached a professional stage to take up gastric bypass surgeries confidently,” the trio said.

“We did a scientific standardised study to assess the results and the outcome of our surgeries…indeed the results are competing with other results published in developed countries. It took lots of effort, time, cooperation and patience to reach this achievement.

B&W Xclusive

Our scientific study about the 100 cases was presented twice in two international conferences and it will be presented in a national conference again,” they revealed.

Need more publicity and awareness “With the new administration and new policies in place, we as a team feel that there is more transparency and now all we need is a little positive publicity. With a little help from media, we can reach out to the society, tell them what we do and what facilities are available in Oman. The lack of trust can be replaced by confidence with a little more awareness.

“We may need more diagnostic facilities, and with the younger generation more open and capable of learning the techniques of laparoscopy, Oman is poised to only better in this field.

34 January 7-February 6, 2011

The younger generation, due to their fast hand and mind coordination, can adopt the technology professionally better than the older generation. Look at them using mobile phones and games! They have better finger and mind coordination, which are good for mastering the laparoscopic techniques.

First laparoscopic hysterectomy The medical industry is thriving well and we have very good specialists in town. You don’t have to fly out for small surgeries.

In fact the irony is that the patients who fly out for surgeries mostly land up doing open surgeries, rather than the minimal invasive laparoscopic surgeries. They end up staying more number of days in the hospital(s) abroad, increasing their medical bills, while they can stay back in Oman and do a world class laparoscopic surgery, right here!

We do quite a lot of specialised surgeries here in Oman and no one knows about it. We are proud to be the first ones to handle a case of laparoscopic hysterectomy in Oman in February 2008!” the trio revealed.

Advantages of laparoscopy Laparoscopy (also known as minimally invasive surgery – MIS - or videoscopic, bandaid or keyhole surgery) has allowed surgeons to perform the same procedures as in traditional open surgery, using small incisions, instead of large abdominal incisions. They are very beneficial to patients.

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It is easier on the patient because it uses a few very small incisions. For example, traditional ‘open surgery’ on the abdomen usually requires a fourto five-inch incision through layers of skin and muscle. “In a laparoscopic surgery, we usually make two to three incisions that are about a centimeter long approximately.

The smaller incisions cause less damage to body tissue, organs, and muscles so that the patient can go home early. Many people can return to work and their normal routine three to five days after surgery. In contrast, traditional surgeries may require a person to limit daily activities for four to eight weeks,” the surgeons noted.

B&W Xclusive

“In future we hope with newer developments in minimally invasive surgery field, surgeries would be easier on the patients and would use even smaller incisions that heal faster with almost invisible scars.

We also hope this could be employed for many more diseases that require surgical removal. Researchers are developing minimally invasive methods for many types of surgery that currently require larger. ‘open’ incisions.”

36 January 7-February 6, 2011

“I followed my heart!”

She followed her heart. And, she had complete faith in the healthcare system in Oman. Diagnosed with a tumour in her colon, Farida Khamis Nasser Al Kharusi, then a young mother-to-be just gritted her teeth and held on till her delivery to begin her treatment for her disease.

Faith can move mountains, it is said, and in Farida’s case this was the case. Despite being hit by an illness for which there was literally no cause, especially at a young age, she did not buckle under the odds. As a young Omani mother, she had every pressure that one could think of; especially to get treatment abroad. Family and friends, who were concerned about her health and not having complete faith in the local health system advised her to seek medical treatment abroad.

But Farida’s faith in Oman’s healthcare system was unshakeable. “I followed my heart,” she quietly tells us.

But, didn’t she hear of the usual stories which spoke of medical errors and patients getting bad treatment and pushed to desperate situations?

“I have heard of so many tales like that – but, tell me, which country’s healthcare system is not without problems? Are we saying that medical errors and related problems don’t happen to patients in other countries?

There is good and bad everywhere. For me, it was a question of life and death – and I decided that if a medical problem has to happen to me, it can happen here or anywhere in the world. If I am fated to die, let me die in my country!”

After her delivery in January 2007, in December, she underwent colonoscopy (surgery) at the Royal Hospital. “I was discharged in a stable condition after a week,” Farida said.

She was diagnosed with a tumour in her colon area, a year ago. “But, since I was pregnant I was told to take up treatment only after my delivery.”

Farida noted how a common cold could leave one tired and sick for a week. “The enormity of the ailment, my pregnancy and the fact that the decision lay on me to undergo the path of treatment left me totally dazed. But I prayed and mustered up enough courage to go to a specialist from the private clinic that I first went to.

The private clinic referred me to Royal Hospital where I met Dr Salim Al Harthy, who with his highly

professional attitude and advice convinced me to go for further investigations leading to colonoscopy. After my delivery I was put on chemo to reduce the tumour and finally the surgery. No ailment or treatment process is pleasurable, but when you are under able hands, it becomes easier.

“After four years today, when I look back, I pray and thank God for seeing me through. I am filled with gratitude to the team of doctors, especially Dr Murtadha, Dr Rashid, Dr Namrata, Dr Mohamed… there were quite a few who saw me through my illness and treatment process.

I was lucky enough to get a professional team of doctors – and I have no words to thank them!”

Surgery in Oman Farida decided to do her surgery in Oman because she did not want to go away from Oman, stay in a strange country, at the mercy of unknown foreign doctors and nurses. “I did not have the confidence to leave Oman. I listened to my heart and decided that if anything has to go wrong, it will go wrong anywhere in the world, it need not be just in Oman. I was confident that our hospitals and doctors are equally competent in their field. I browsed the net, collected information. There are many horror stories floating there too. My family members and friends were apprehensive, advised me to go abroad and do the surgery, but I stayed put.

“And I have no regrets. I have been lucky and I am thankful for all the help I got during my difficult stretch.

Oman has it all “It is a matter of opinion. I feel Oman medical field has it all. Just like any other nation, every medical institute will have it good and bad share. Oman is our home country, and we live here, why can’t we trust our own people? What is the surety that the doctors overseas are better than ours? Is it because we do not respect and appreciate what we have at home?”

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By Dave Green

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2011 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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2011 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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8/04

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Difficulty Level

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2011 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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

Black & White 39

We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Finally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fortnight, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:

Will you lose your job if you take an unauthorised leave? This was the question that someone asked us recently. We thought for sometime and said, well, in a company that strictly follows rules, one could lose their job. In companies where the law is applied to the ‘T’, there is a possibility that you could escape with a proper reprimand and some disciplinary action. But the person who posed us this question, wanted to know why there should be two set of rules for two individuals?

For instance, the company that this person worked for apparently sacked one employee because she took unauthorised leave; that is, without getting permission from her company. But, the question is why isn’t the company measuring every employee with the same yardstick? “Why doesn’t everyone who does the same receive the same treatment/disciplinary action?” this reader asks us noting how when another employee did the same vanishing-withoutprior-permission act, no disciplinary action was taken.

Some companies do have this favour-one-employee-over-the-other policy, but an HR official of a company tells us that sometimes companies show favouritism because one employee is miles ahead of the others and are instrumental in changing the course of the company’s fortunes; in such a case, favouritism is justified and the star employee gets favoured over the others on all counts. But, when favouritism happens just because the employee is known to the bosses, or, is a backboneless ‘yes’ person, then it is quite unfair to other employees.

But, then, what would one do to such a company that is unfair to its employees?

The HR official was silent. He had no answer for that.

Such a shame!

What do you do when you have to rush to the hospital because of an emergency and then find your path blocked by a burly, ungainly truck? You don’t just fret and fume, you may actually go crazy. This happened to a family who was rushing their tiny tot to a well known private medical clinic near Hamriya recently. It was nighttime and the clinic, which, although set in a vantage point, was not blessed with proper access and the family had to somehow squeeze in through these monstrous trucks parked almost on to the official clinic track.

“We have a proper road, but large trucks, which have a proper parking area just on the side of the clinic still encroach into our area,” an official spokesperson of the clinic told Bitter Batter. What they do is block the entry by random parking, even though they know it is an access to a medical clinic, he added. “There is an unofficial entrance or path leading to the clinic, but that is actually not ours, so we cannot say much when trucks are parked there, but we have a direct, official entry and access just before our clinic. It is really bad when trucks randomly park there with no thought that patients, some of them emergency cases, rush there and find their path blocked by monstrous trucks – it is a real shame!” the spokesperson said

Nitternatter

Staff favouritism by companies

40 January 7-February 6, 2012

Taken for a ‘ride’!

She got her boarding pass and then she got blood pressure. But, this is no laughing matter. A middle-aged lady was going to travel on a low cost carrier from Mumbai to Muscat one recent evening.

She got her boarding pass and was at the gate (boarding) 20 minutes before the flight from Mumbai. She waited for a long time and then suddenly she was told that the flight had gone.

Inexperienced in facing such situations, she immediately burst out crying. “I really did not know what to do. For some moments I went dizzy, and my BP shot up; I felt totally sick!” the lady recalled. After sometime she tried to reason out with the airline/airport staff asking them how a plane can fly off without the passengers knowing; why wasn’t there any announcement made? Why didn’t airport staff come looking for her – she was holding a boarding pass for heaven’s sake! “But, but...I got a boarding pass –“ the poor lady protested only to be met with a cold stare and an icy statement that the flight was closed and they could not do anything about it.

The worst part was, the lady tells us,” they brought my ‘checked in’ baggage back! I couldn’t understand anything – so I got too emotional and wept my heart out!”

After sometime and after long consultations (which she did by speaking to them over her mobile) with her family members, who had already left the airport after dropping her there, she decided to see if she could travel on the next flight. But, this airline had only one flight and that too, the next evening, so the officials told her that she could go to Muscat only the next evening. Unfortunately, she was not flight savvy and did not realise that she had to keep her boarding pass with her to make a case about her bad treatment to the authorities concerned. When they asked her, she promptly returned the same to them. And the worst part was that she had to once again shell out an additional cost to rebook a ticket on the next day. While we told her that she did not have to pay the airline for another ticket, the fact remains that the airline took her on a real ride… “I paid Rs4000 for the next day’s flight and unfortunately for me, there wasn’t anyone to guide me as to how to react – it is only when my family members told me that I was cheated when I realised how foolish I was. At least if they have been nice to me and treated me well, I would have been slightly consoled – but this airline and it staff members treated me badly too!”

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

Black & White 41

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Black & White 41

Your sta Aries March 21-April 20

TAURUS April 21-May 20

It is all about your careful, cautious and conscientious workmanship in everything you do.

You might do well to tiptoe around someone who is irritable. You haven’t done anything wrong; you simply may be working with some very vulnerable people right now. Events this week may become a starting point for professional successes.

Changes in life can help you to appreciate others feelings & emotional insecurities. As long as you are sure of your position, you should prevail. Look to your dreams for a clue to what you might need to change. You may get caught up in details when this is really a good time to enjoy art, beauty, love, and recreation.

cancer June 22-July 23

leo July 24-August 23

Petty jobs demand your time and attention. Don’t worry, this is not permanent. In fact, you may find yourself in a much more sociable mood. Give yourself the right to try some different approaches, bold and direct, demure and indirect. You have to stretch if you want to keep an exciting relationship.

If your relationships are less than ideal, this is probably as good a time as any to resolve those difficulties. Keep a smile on your face and you’ll be amazed at what you can get away with. This approach is one that enables you to be strong.

Some intense debate could prove engaging late in the week.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 You need to be more compassionate towards loved ones and learn to enjoy the simple treasures you possess. You might be feeling financially pinched, don’t let that shut down your plans for a good time. The company you keep could lift your spirits and remind you that fun doesn’t have to be expensive. virgo August 24-September 23 Recent chain of events needs to be addressed. Keep recent promise to continue to keep yourself fit, will benefit you both physically and emotionally. You could be easily irritated by small matters & may not appreciate others criticizing your methods. Try not to turn this into a war.

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay; January 17, 1942) is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist.

Considered a cultural icon, Ali was both idolised and vilified. Originally known as Cassius Clay, Ali changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964. In 1967, three years after Ali had won the World Heavyweight Championship, he was publicly vilified for his refusal to be conscripted into the U.S. military, based on his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. Ali stated, "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong... No Viet Cong ever called me nigger" – one of the more telling remarks of the era.

Nicknamed "The Greatest," Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches.

Notable among these were three with rival Joe Frazier, which are considered among the greatest in boxing history, and one with George Foreman. Ali was well known for his unorthodox fighting style, which he described as "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee", and employing techniques such as the Ali Shuffle and the rope-a-dope. Ali had brought beauty and grace to the most uncompromising

Horoscope

of sports and through the wonderful excesses of skill and character. In 1999, Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated and "Sports Personality of the Century" by the BBC.

42 January 7-February 6, 2012

ars libra September 24-October 22 Long distance communication will bring you closer to your goals. Investigate new possibilities in matters of business and trading. Use your productive time to organise others, lead the way to the top. You may be pleasantly surprised with other’s reactions. Something complicated may come to light. scorpio October 23-November 22 Be sure to spend some quality time with those who really matter to you. Keep some moments for yourself and reflect how funny life can change. If you push hard, you’ll get a lot of resistance. If you use humour and playfulness, you’ll have a much better chance at getting cooperation when you most need it. sagittarius November 23-December 22 Objectivity is needed for you to make the best decision.

The better choice should become very clear to you. A simple observation can provoke a strong response. You’ll need to have emotional contact with others. You may want to discontinue old friendships and begin new ones who you can trust. capricorn December 23-January 20 Your ability to work through complex situations can come in very handy. Money will become much more plentiful and easier to come by. It’s a good time to ask for a raise in pay or pay off any outstanding loan. You can improve your credit standing.

Collaboration can flourish with different opinions. aquarius January 21-February 19 Conversations with neighbors or siblings could test your patience, remember, you are not required to fix all the problems you hear about. Decide how far you’re willing to go and stick to it. A reunion with family, or with those who feel like family, seems appropriate. pisces February 20-March 20 Time to show how grown up you really are. Freedom will come when you’re hanging with friends. A partner could change directions without telling you. If you have any doubts about where you stand, make sure that you ask the right questions and insist on getting answers.

Black & White 43

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Kidstuff

Fun facts on

44 January 7-February 6, 2012

It takes both the sun and rain to make a Rainbow The order of the Rainbow spectrum is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet Sir Isaac Newton discovered the seven distinct colours of the visible spectrum The Rainbow is a reflection of perfect balance of the physical world A Rainbow is light refracted through millions of droplets of water The angle of light refraction to create a Rainbow is 42 degrees to the eye of the observer Each wavelength of light has a rate of vibration and produces the colors of the Rainbow The seven colors of the Rainbow correspond to the seven energy centers of the body Iris was the Greek goddess of the Rainbow No two people can ever see the same rainbow. As the eyes of two people cannot occupy the same place in space at the same time, each observer sees a different rainbow Tongue twisters How much pot, could a pot roast roast, if a pot roast could roast pot.

Black & White 45

PICK-UP POINTS Muscat Wadi Kabir

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

Circulation

CBD Area to Darsait

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

46 January 7-February 6, 2012

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

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

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

Muscat, Salalah, sur, sohar, nizwa, barka, Kasab Muscat continued...

Salalah

sohar

Nizwa

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

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

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

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

Rusayl Area Rusayl Industrial Estate Oman Cables Sadolin Paints Jotun Paints Al waqia shoes Mehdi Foods Areej veg oils Ministries area – Al khuwair Ministry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG) Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct) Ministry of foreign affairs

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

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

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

Free fortnightly magazine Available all over oman on 7th & 21st

20, 500 copies (Being audited) Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697

Black & White 47

A

for apples

Cooking

An apple recipe a day keeps you young and healthy. Apples are a great cooking fruit and have a lot of fiber to help with digestion. Start the New Year with a healthy note! Here are a few simple snack recipes that you could make out of apples.

48 January 7-February 6, 2011

Apple Crescents Ingredients 2 c. (3 med.) peeled apples, cored and peeled 1/3 c. sugar 2 tbsp. flour 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Dash nutmeg (combine together with cinnamon) 2 (8 oz.) crescent rolls Method: Fold crescent rolls like an envelope, one inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 350 until brown.

Apple Toast Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 4 slices white or whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced Method Set oven to broil. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.

Place apple slices on buttered side of bread. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place bread on a baking sheet.

Place in a preheated oven until toasted, about 2 minutes.

Apple snack bars Ingredients 4 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped 1/2 c. raisins 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1/2 c. brown sugar 2 tbsp. sugar 1 c. oatmeal 1/3 c. flour 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. allspice 1/4 c. butter, melted

Method In bowl, combine apples, raisins, lemon juice, and sugars. Stir to mix. Add oatmeal, flour, cinnamon, and allspice.

Stir in melted butter. Spread into 10 x 6 inch pan. Flatten with spatula. Bake 30 minutes at 375 degrees until apples are tender. Cool to room temperature.

Cover with plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hours. Cut into 2 1/2 x 3 inches. Wrap individually in plastic wraps.

Black & White 49

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all over Oman on 7th & 21st of every month •Muscat •Salalah •Sohar •Sur •Nizwa •Barka •Ibra •Ibri •Rustaq •Kasab

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It's my life

Life - love it even without New Year resolutions

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

By Vandana Shah

Recently, my friend asked me, “So you are going to get more organised, or write more or lose weight -- what was your New Year resolution?”

“No more New Year resolutions!” I replied. She gaped at me as I am famous for making a few of them and then check marking the ones I have achieved. I have been doing this every year for over a decade. She said, “No you’re lying” and then I changed the topic.

But I was and am speaking the truth.

A couple of days ago, I had a medical emergency and I thought that’s it, goodbye my world and see you when I see you. I started notching up the regrets I had and there were only two-I should’ve meditated more and bought the BMW that I wanted, was all I could think -- so not bad. Then I really looked hard at my life and started appreciating what I have. I realised the importance of life, when I thought I had lost it. I think we don’t look at what we have in life and though it’s not bad to be ambitious and strive for better but when will we ever sit back and value what we have?

Why this constant quest for self improvement-a pert nose, losing weight, doing more work, collecting more money?

We are great as we are and don’t always need to keep on doing things excessively, as in the end we are leaving it all here. You must learn to love yourself as you are and not because you achieve your goals. Don’t judge yourself too harshly. Spend some time doing things that you really love and with people you love. When we are gone will our corner office mourn for us or will our friends? Also don’t waste time with people who you feel are not worth it, it may sound cruel but surely as Steve Jobs had decided that in the end he only wanted to be with people, who mattered, you can take a leaf from his life.

Most of all JUST LOVE YOUR LIFE AS IT IS…WARTS AND ALL… (Ok, maybe I’ll make one exception and make this my resolution).

Wish you all a brilliant year ahead!

Love yourself!

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com.

Email me what you’d like to say on 360degreesbacktolife@gmail.com Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

Black & White 51

Things men don’t tell women

Shape n sound

Men are infuriating. If we look at it, most of the things that they do really annoys us.

We can tolerate that to a great extent when they are our fathers, but not when they are our spouses. But, there are some things that we need to know from them; things that they don’t seem to tell us. So, what we have done here is to speak discreetly to some men (husbands of course) and we carry here their secret opinions. We all know that there are some things that men don’t tell their women. They would rather keep a stiff upper lip and hold their opinions than air them out because of a mixture of fear and sheer concern that being too frank would hurt us (their better halves).

52 January 7-February 6, 2012

Can’t reciprocate n The truth is that men are unable to reciprocate when women show a constant need to stay in touch with them just to show that they are thinking of them or care for them. Women want to know what their men are doing and whether they are thinking the same things about them in return. We are also curios as to what they are doing , what’s on their minds etc…but men dislike this to the core.

No long conversations n Generally men are not good at long conversations over the phone .They would rather prefer short and to the point conversations and not talk about the weather or other irrelevant things or girlish talks over the phone. This action by the women can be irritating and sometimes frivolous to him but he cannot express his frustrations because it would hurt her feelings.

Not good therapy Women love shopping and it can be a good therapy for them when they are unhappy. Some women are just ‘spend’ happy. Sometimes, they can go overboard and rake up huge monthly bills and cause a blow out with their men. n

Simmering tensions n Women are now working and spending their own money .As long as she stays within her limits, there will be no outbreak of hostilities. However, tensions may simmer underneath his exterior and this may affect the relationship.

Tip top shape Another area is her physical well being. Men secretly expect their women to know that they should be in tip top shape all the time .They would never tell their women that they are fat and need to reduce weight or their clothes look awful. Not really. n

You look fine! n Women have to mix and match their clothes, accessories daily and being bombarded with those choice questions every time she does that is troublesome for him. He would just say anything she decides would be fine with him and would be of no help to her.

Won’t add to worries n He may have problems but he would not want to tell her about it and add to her worries. Women worry about anything and everything.

Won’t burden her n Why burden her and make her suffer the pain? He is better off drowning his problems with the boys.

Swallowing the truth n Men do not really tell the truth when it comes to her cooking. They may not like it but they have to pretend to enjoy it for her sake. She puts so much effort into it and it would be a sin to tell her that it tastes bad.

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Shape n sound 54 January 7-February 6, 2012

Fit and fab at 40 Who said women over 40 cannot be fit and fabulous?

There are many 20 and 30 year olds out there who think that life ends at 40. I beg to differ. My life began at 40 and it is continuing at a very steady pace. You know why?

Because fitness begins in your mind and I decided that I can lead a very healthy and happy life come what may and that set me on a fabulous fitness path. But, even I cannot persuade you beyond this because, the choice is with you. You have to decide. Which road will you take?

The one that takes you to your couch before the TV or the one that makes you sweat a bit but finally ends up with a pot of good health and well being?

Okay, now, if you have been a couch potato all your life, you are going to have a pretty hard fitness climb uphill – but that is it. All you need to do is to climb the hill and you will achieve your goal of being fit at 40 and beyond.

There are scores of ready examples of women who have crossed 40 and much beyond and are fit beyond the average 20year old’s dreams. Look at celebrities, or better still, look at the common women around you, look at women like me who have made it after 40; who slogged and slaved to get a body that is on peak fitness condition.

Let us not talk about female celebrities because we know that they have the money and the wherewithal to pay for excellent personal trainers and the like to get the fit bodies they desire, but, let us look at the average woman and you will find many of them living quiet but busy and fit family lives. They may have so many responsibilities and heavy office and home work, yet look smashing!

How do they do that? Well, you can actually slow down the aging process by performing rational efficient strength training programme that increases muscle mass and bone density.

Bodybuilding, or weight training, has very serious health and lifestyle benefits that someone over the age of 40 should not ignore. As you grow older, your risks of age-related illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes increase steadily. For instance, the typical 75-year-old woman often does not have sufficient lower extremity muscular strength to rise effectively and efficiency from a seated position, to move from place to place or to maintain her balance. Such deficiencies can make independent living an unrealistic option.

A properly prescribed strength-training regimen can dramatically improve the overall functional abilities and well-being of older women. Participation in strengthtraining programmes aimed at enhancing lower extremity muscular fitness can lead to significant improvements in

both balance and gait mechanics, and reduce a woman’s potential for falling.

After age 40 you should also find a way to boost your fat burning using natural, healthy weight loss. What you need to do is to find a proper weight loss plan, which will help stimulate the natural mechanism of your body to lose weight in a healthy way- a way you can do long-term so you’ll lose weight permanently.

Things to note: Consult your doctor before you begin any new fitness routine. n Find a partner. Whether or not you end up with a personal trainer, most bodybuilders recommend using a partner. n Keep in mind, no one exercise regiment works for every person. n Develop a weight training programme. You need to understand that there is no single right way of weight lifting over 40. n Perform all of the exercises in a slow and controlled manner. To prevent orthopaedic trauma to joint structures, avoid ballistic (fast and jerky) movements. n Good Nutrition is essential: Women who have been successful at weight training over 40 made changes throughout their life. Many added a cardio routine to supplement their training and to burn any extra fat caused by overeating. Every bodybuilder will tell you that you need to practice excellent nutrition. While nutritional needs vary for each person, typically bodybuilders eat several small meals throughout the day that are protein rich and include complex carbohydrates. n

Stick to a simple diet You need your breakfast. Your next meal after breakfast is a small snack. A snack consisting of a fruit, a nutrition bar, or a protein shake. Your next meal will be your lunch. Two to three hours after that will be another snack. After your snack will be your dinner. Dinner can consist of a green salad, fish, baked potato and some vegetables. If you want a snack at night you can. It is actually quite simple: the combination of a high protein diet and the right kind of workout will make your muscles grow like you never thought possible.

Black & White 55

Shape n sound 56 January 7-February 6, 2012

Your achy breaky back Back pain can be due to sprains or strains of the back muscles and ligaments, damage to the bones in the spinal column or injury to the shock-absorbing disks between the bones.

In unusual cases, pain also arises from scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, two types of vertebral misalignment, and from illnesses like cancer. The pain can also be what doctors call mechanical low back pain--there is no apparent physical damage, but pain comes and goes.

Apparently, majority of those who suffer from an episode of low back pain will improve within eight weeks. The bad news is that 80 percent of those with low back pain will experience a mild recurrence. In women, more than 90 percent of problems doctors see are due to pregnancy, mechanical low back pain and disk injury. Women and men appear to be equally affected by back pain, yet women tend to develop it later in life.

The number one cause of back pain in women in their childbearing years is pregnancy. Majority of women who are pregnant have some low back pain. Women who have their babies in their thirties and forties may experience more back pain than younger women if they’re not in as good shape. Women can get back pain throughout their pregnancy, but some women report an increase in the last few weeks. The pain is usually in the lower back and can radiate into the buttocks and the backs of the thighs. Walking, sitting, lifting and bending forward can worsen pain. Many women experience more back pain at night.

There are a number of reasons for the pain. For one thing, the weight and size of the fetus cause a woman’s center of gravity to shift forward, so there is more curvature in her lower spinal column. This causes some low back muscles to shorten. In addition, the abdominal muscles, which normally stabilize the pelvis and support the back, are stretched and weakened by the growing uterus.

Coping with pain There are things you can do to lessen back pain in pregnancy. Here’s what experts recommend.

Stay active. Remaining as active and fit as you can throughout pregnancy helps. The stronger your muscles are, the better they’ll respond to the increasing weight of the baby. Staying fit may also prevent back problems after pregnancy, when new mothers are lifting, reaching, doing extra laundry and manipulating bulky car seats.

Do back-helping exercises. Doing exercises such as pelvic tilts and side leg lifts will help relieve back pain by strengthening stomach and hip muscles that support the back. If there are exercises you want to do that require lying on your back, clear them with your physician first.

If you do perform exercises on your back and notice any unusual symptoms, such as dizziness or shortness of breath, stop the exercise and notify your doctor.

Lie on your side. An expanding belly may make lying on your back less comfortable. That’s because the weight of the fetus can press on the inferior vena cava, the vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart, and can aggravate backache. Instead, doctors recommend that you lie on your side with your upper knee bent and supported on a pillow. This position allows blood to flow unrestricted to your heart and to the placenta. It also relieves back strain.

Change positions often. Prolonged sitting or standing can worsen the pain. So if you are sitting at a desk or computer all day, take breaks every 15 minutes and walk around for 30 seconds at least. A chair with a tilt adjustment on the seat can help change your positioning slightly, as can the use of a footstool. If you’ve got to be on your feet for extended periods of time, stand with one foot up on a footstool, alternating periodically between your left and right foot.

Lift things carefully. When you are pregnant, never lift anything over 50 pounds. And, do your best to lift only objects that are already at waist height. Avoid awkward twisting postures and lift objects straight up. If there’s an object on the floor that needs to be moved, try to find someone to help you.

Black & White 57

Important people!

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar

He was absent for just three days.

I am not well, maam; I have a back ache and cannot come tomorrow, his one line message said.

I replied that is fine, take rest, the first day.

That was our office boy, not that he had much to do.

And I was so busy that I didn’t even think about it until the next day morning in office.

What the heck, all I need is to make a cup of tea, nothing much, I thought.

Walking into the office I looked at the unwashed cup I had left at my table last night and I cursed myself.

Why don’t I wash my tea mug?

Is it such a big effort, a big job that I can’t spare two minutes to walk out to the wash room to clean it? I need a staff to wash my cup, clean my table and bins?

No, I won’t start my morning with a self blaming act; I shrugged off the thought and washed my cup.

Sipping my tea, I sat down to work, thinking how addicted we sometimes get to small habits.

Cuppa every morning is not an addiction; it is a necessity… hee!

Well, back to work and by evening I get another message saying he is still sick.

It did not bother me that night, but the next day at office, seeing the overflowing trash cans, I started the day irritated.

I don’t require much to get irritated; but I believe a clean office and a desk is the sign of a sick mind, but however, I realised that I never before noticed how the trash bins used to be clean everyday!

The third day of his absence took the

toll. We had a dirty pantry.

All the coffee mugs were used up! The tissues boxes were missing, the milk powder can was left open and there were uninvited ‘visitors’ inside!

I went without the morning cuppa… just one day.

But, I called him up, asked him how he was doing? Does he need any help?

Guilty that I didn’t call to check before; what did I think, he doesn’t matter?

He was only the office boy, a part timer, who comes silently, cleans and leaves by 12.

I never notice him at work.

Neither did others. I didn’t realise he could have a family, a back ache, a head ache…

I spoke to him to take the week off. He needs rest, working at four different offices, he had his workload too.

He mattered. He matters. Every single person matters.

Imagine, if there weren’t people to help you out with daily chores, and so called menial chores, where would we all be?

No clean streets, no fresh laundry, no water for plants, no clean cars…. Sniff.

It’s true, let us acknowledge and accept: no one is important than any other person.

All of us have our own roles to do; no roles small or big.

No corporate can run with only the CEO and senior managers’ performances.

Every time I look at my messy desk, I know it…

Everyone is a V.I.P. People have value, big or small.

All are important people.

A lesson we always forget… even after learning it very many times. priya@blackandwhiteoman.com