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BOOK ON ARABIAN LEOPARD

‘Set Your Target’ Beautiful Brussels Marrakech Film Festival

ARE YOUFIT TO FLY?

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 20144

CONTENTSW

eeke

nd

Attested health certificates are a must for those travellingby air on wheel chairs

The book on Arabian Leopard records the world’s most eluvise

and endangered big cats

PAGE 6

COVER STORY

PAGE 16

LIFESTYLE

Festive activities makevisit to Brussels anenjoyable affair

PAGE 24

COMMUNITY


Travel Travails This issue tackles an interesting topic which not many

are aware of. Passengers travelling by air on wheel chairs, even pregnant women or those with serious

ailments need to know several aspects before boarding a flight. This is a serious matter and needs proper awareness. Those in need of using wheelchairs on a flight need to take up the matter with the doctors concerned and keep all documents ready.

Such patients are required to get an attested medical certificate from the health centre or hospitals prior to their journey.

Many have been left high and dry after arriving at the check-in counter and asked to run for documents at the last moment. The forms are called the Medical Information for Fitness to Travel or Special Assistance.

These can be downloaded from the airline websites which one plans to travel. There is an absolute need for an awareness on all these aspects on physical disabilities.

On the travel side, our travel writer takes you to Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union. More European cities are being planned in the coming issues.

We have a new column on local personalities who share with us on how they spend their days activities.

Do send in your suggestion or comments if any to [email protected] or [email protected].

Happy reading and happy weekend.

Printers and Publishers:Oman Establishment for Press,Publication and AdvertisingP O Box 974, Postal Code 100Muscat, Sultanate of OmanTel: 24649444, 24649458, 24649451, Fax: 24649469Website: omanobserver.ome-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Distribution Agent:Al Omaneya for Distribution & MarketingP O Box 974, P C 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,Tel: 24649350/24649360, Fax: 24649379e-mail: [email protected]

EditorLiju Cherian

ReporterLakshmi Kothaneth

DesignUpendra Nayak

Proof-readingSaid al Rahbi

AdvertisingMs Fatma al GhelaniyaTel: +968 24649486, Fax: +96824649469Email: [email protected]

MarketingNibu ErattakkulamMobile: 95117064, e-mail: [email protected]

ProductionMohammed Mubarak al Moharbi Muzammil Hussain

Chief Executive OfficerDr Ibrahim bin Ahmed al Kindi

Editor-in-ChiefAbdullah bin Salim al Shueili

Deputy Managing EditorBader bin Zahir al Kiyumi

Vol 2, No 14

— Liju Cherian

COVER STORY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

6

ARE YOUFIT TO FLY?


By Lakshmi Kothaneth

AS a journalist he is used to rushing to a location in few minutes time. It is always with a bit of luggage

lately because he is his own television camera man. He has had a slip disc issue but one bent to pick up something made him feel the pinch. It got worse and soon standing and sitting down became painful and worse.

Parents wanting him to get the right treatment under their presence urged him to fly back home. For the first time Shinoj Shamsuddin sat on a wheelchair. His friends rolled the wheelchair to the airline counter. The sitting was not

comfortable for Shinoj but the thought of reaching his parents comforted him.

He heaved a sigh when it was his turn at the counter but only to be disappointed within minutes. The airline staff seeing the young journalist on wheelchair immediately wanted to check the medical certificate to make sure that he is fit to fly.

Thus began a rush of calls to postpone Shinoj’s journey and the search for the right place to get the certificate.

As we write this, Shinoj has already gone through the traditional treatment practiced in Kerala, India and has begun to walk without help.

But looking back at the ordeal Shinoj reflects, “I had chosen wheelchair

Medical fitness forms can be looked into through most of the airlines websites. It is best to understand the procedures because each airline must have their own set of priorities

assistance while booking the ticket. The necessity of the Medical Certificate was not mentioned on the ticket. At the same time wheelchair assistance was mentioned as ‘confirmed.’

Only from check-in counter we come to know that a medical certificate is a must. I understand now that even though one is permitted to use wheelchair until the aircraft, the captain can deny to take the flight, if he is not completely confident about the passenger’s health.”

Shinoj points out that to obtain the medical certificate for wheel chair one must first get the form from Oman Air or any other airline.

“I travelled by Oman Air so my experience has been that the doctor who treats or any other authorised medical practitioner must fill the form, sign it and then stamp it. This has to be submitted to the airline office. The office of the airline I was using was in Ruwi, and they forwarded the form to the Oman Air doctor for confirmation. If the passenger is seriously ill then a fellow traveller


8

‘Only from check-in counter we come to know that a medical certificate is a must. I understand now that even though one is permitted to use wheelchair until the aircraft, the captain can deny to take the flight, if he is not completely confident about the passenger’s health’

Shinoj Shamsuddin


should accompany the passenger on wheelchair.”

There are two types of wheelchair assistance available.

One is the assistance till the ramp and the passenger would have to climb the steps on his own and the other option is wheelchair till the seat.

For the doctors it might be different specialisations and certificates for different reasons. “While giving a certificate I try to figure out whether the problem is genuine or not. Common case is back pain and post operative stiffness. Before flying usually a certificate is required for wheel chair needing patients especially for patients who cannot travel comfortably. Contagious diseases are another situation where verification is needed,” says Dr Ranjit Nair, who is a specialist and is the Orthopedic Surgeon at Apollo Medical Centre, Muscat.

Dr Ranjith Nair, specialist orthopaedic surgeon, with a patient at Apollo Medical Centre, Muscat


10

Noor bint Said was six months pregnant when she decided to travel to Qatar with her husband. She asked her travel agency and they said it was perfectly fine to travel. Her friend however advised her to take a letter of approval from the hospital. She visited a private hospital and they told her to report to the public health centre. Reaching there the doctor informed her that they only issue the letter of certification after eight months of pregnancy. Six months is a condition where the person is perfectly fine to

travel.With confidence Noor went ahead

and booked her hotel and packed her bags. At the airport she stood aside feeling a bit worried and conscious about the process. At the counter, the airline staff enquired her husband about the passenger and seeing her pregnant immediately asked for the medical certificate.

She showed the hospital card which proved she was six months into pregnancy, which proves that she is safe to travel and suffers no special

Modern aircraft are not pressurised to sea level equivalent. Cabin altitude equivalent is usually between 5,000 and 8,000 feet which means that there is a reduction in barometric pressure and a reduction in the partial pressure of alveolar oxygen.


conditions. But the airline rejected the explanation and refused to let her travel. “We tried hard to explain, but the staff called the supervisor. Also he washed his hands off saying that there is nothing he can do. We continued to convince for another half an hour. Finally they called the doctor on duty at the airport. After going through the health card and medical checkup I was given the green light to travel. It was such a big relief!

They gave us a letter which we were asked to produce while traveling back on the return flight.”

Medical fitness forms can be looked into through most of the airlines websites. It is best to understand the procedures because each airline must have their own set of priorities.

Shinoj points out that there must be a public awareness on how to get wheelchair assistance and how to travel on a stretcher on a flight.

Modern aircraft are not pressurised to sea level equivalent. Cabin altitude equivalent is usually between 5,000 and 8,000 feet which means that there is a reduction in barometric pressure and a reduction in the partial pressure of alveolar oxygen (PaO2).

Sometimes during flight, although not usually for long periods, oxygen saturation levels can fall to around 90 per cent. A healthy individual can usually tolerate this

with no problems but it may not be the same for someone with cardiac or respiratory conditions or with anaemia.

Aircraft cabins also have low humidity levels which can cause dryness of mucous membranes and also the skin. Reduced cabin pressure can also cause gas volume expansion. This can be a problem if there has been recent surgery that has introduced gas into the abdominal cavity or the eye. Gas can also expand if it has been trapped in the ear.

Some of the basic considerations when assessing a patient’s fitness-to-fly include: The effect of mild hypoxia and decreased air pressure in the cabin, the effect of immobility, the ability to adopt the brace position in emergency landing, the timing of regular medication for long-haul/transmeridian travel.

There is also the ability of the patient to cope mentally and physically with travel to and through the airport to reach the flight and on disembarkation.

Will the patient’s medical condition adversely affect the comfort or safety of the other passengers and the operation of the aircraft and what health insurance cover does the patient have in case of problems? also needs to be taken into consideration.

OMAN THROUGH THE LENS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

12


Share your pictures with

#ODOWeekendand get them published

CONTENTSL

ifesty

le

First-ever Book on Arabian Leopard PAGE 16

Beautiful Illustrations for Book on Muttrah Souq PAGE 20


14

How do you begin your day?My day begins at 5.30 am with prayers after which I

have breakfast with my mother. Thereafter I leave for my college and come back by around 2 pm. After a fast lunch, I dash off to my work from 3 pm till 11 pm as a front office associate which I am working since 2011.

Give a brief description about your jobAt the front office, I mainly handle the checkin and

checkout. As my shift is usually in the evenings and night, I play the role of a duty manager as well. Handling the guest relations and coordinating with other departments to ensure that the guest satisfaction is met as per the hotel’s standard. I also provide training to the new front office of Omani recruits about the software and hotel guide lines.

What are the common issues which you tackle?Extended stay guest is the most common issue. It is

extremely difficult to arrange rooms for the guest extension and at the same time have new arrivals. The hotel is having high occupancy throughout the year except during Ramadhan.

Do you enjoy your job?Yes. I love working with Al Murooj Hotel Apartments

which is one the reason I am with them since the past 3 years. My work has given me a lot of exposure and confidence which other wise was lacking. I love to interact with people from all nationalities and my English has immensely improved. I can also easily communicate with the European guests who come to stay with us.

What are the other skills that you possess?I am good with computers and also design

programmes. I write Arabic songs at times as well and my communication skills are excellent.

Are you working to upgrade yourselves?Yes I am working to pay my college fees and want to

complete my degree so I can get a good job.Where do you see in 5-10 years from now?I see my self as a Finance Manager in one of the

leading financial institutes of Oman.What are your other hobbies?I love playing football. I also practice swimming and

love desert camping and wadi bashing. I also love cooking for my mother.

What is your advice to Omani youngsters?My sincere advice to youngsters is to study and obtain

degrees. As education helps us to grow, it also develops and nurture one’s skills. Set your target and achieve it on your own. Do not think any work is small. Working while studying also gives you lot of confidence.

If you were to win a lottery what will you do with the money

Fantastic! I will first take my mother for Haj and later use it for some medical purpose. I will give some portion of money to help the poor and contribute to a mosque. I will also go abroad to get higher degree. I will keep the balance money for setting up business in future.

Your ambition and dream in lifeMy ambition is to work for a leading financial institute

and serve my country. I would like to see Oman flourishing and prospering. My dream is to buy a good house for my mother. Also, I love to travel to United Kingdom to see the Arsenal Club match.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Ali Hamed al RabbaniFront Office Associate,Al Murooj Hotel Apartments

‘SETYOURTARGET’


BOOKS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

16


First-ever Book onARABIAN LEOPARD

The book with its Arabic and English editions is a rare record of one of the world’s most elusive and

endangered big cats and its exceptional habitat


18 BOOKS

Crowning the efforts to conserve the Arabian leopards of Oman and upon the interest of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to protect Oman’s natural

environment and the Arabian leopard in particular, the Diwan of Royal Court has launched its first book on the Arabian leopards of Oman.

The book, written by wildlife biologists from the Diwan, is the first-ever book on the Arabian leopard.

The Arabian Leopards of Oman presents for the first time the scientific findings of the work that has been conducted by the Office for Conservation of the Environment. The book contains a unique photographic collection of wildlife records, alongside specially commissioned wildlife art.

Of enduring interest to scientist, conservationist, nature-lover and traveller alike, the book with its Arabic and English editions is a rare record of one of the world’s most elusive and endangered big cats and its exceptional habitat.

Yasser bin Obaid al Salami, Director-General of the Office for Conservation of the Environment says “The book provides an excellent record of the natural history of the leopard in the wild and the efforts of this office, together with our partners, to conserve it in Oman. We are committed to continue to understand the leopard in the wild and most importantly to find ways that will allow it to continue to survive in its natural mountain environment. We would like to thank the Minister of the Diwan for his continued support of the office and in particular the Arabian leopard project”.

The Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is nearing extinction in the wild. It is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and perhaps only 100 remain in the wild, where its last stronghold lies in the remote Dhofar mountains chain of southern Oman.

In the 1990s the Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal Court instituted a programme of fieldwork to understand and preserve this beautiful animal in the wild.

A small team of dedicated wildlife biologists have studied the leopard using camera traps and GPS satellite tracking and have obtained an understanding of the ecology of the leopards and also of what is required to conserve them.

They have also captured photographs of striped hyena, the Arabian wolf, Blanford’s fox, rock hyrax, caracal lynx, Nubian ibex, Arabian gazelle and many other mammals of one of the most biodiverse regions of Arabia.

Short-Tail the Arabian Leopard’s Incredibly Useful Day

Written for children this book tells the story of a day in the life of a young Arabian leopard called Short-Tail.

He lives in the Dhofar mountains chain with his mother and sister and he wears a radio-collar that has been fitted by scientists studying the leopards. Through his adventures we learn about his life, other animals and how scientists are trying to protect endangered Arabian leopards in the wild.

These books, in Arabic and English editions, are published jointly by Diwan of Royal Court and Stacey Publishing Limited.


Yasser bin Obaid al Salami

EVENTSTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

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Beautiful illustrations for book on Muttrah souqThrow Down the Anchor: The Story of

Muttrah Souq by Maxine Burden, an Australian expatriate, is currently available from the Centre for Omani Dress Museum in Mawalah, Bait Al Zubair Museum Gift Shop, Al Madina Art Gallery and with specific merchants in Muttrah Souq. More information can be had from www.centreforomanidress.com.

Throw Down the Anchor is the first book telling the stories of the ancient souq through the words and memories of the merchants and artisans who live and work within its confines. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs, both old and new, and tells the story of life within this traditional souq.

The hard cover book contains 338 pages, is full colour throughout, published by Muscat Media Group, and priced RO 29.

Oman Qaboos Website, a dedicated website on His

Majesty Sultan Qaboos’s grandeur personality, was launched as part of the GCC Leaders’ Initiative. The launch coincided with the 35th Summit of the GCC Supreme Council being held in Doha, in Qatar from December 9-10.

The initiative was launched by Shaikh Khalid bin Omar al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service in the presence of Hamoud bin Mohammed al Azri, General Supervisor of the Website.

Shaikh al Marhoon hailed the kind initiative, which will be an important e-window that showcases the love of loyal Omanis to the GCC leaders. It will also contribute to developing the historic and fraternal relations among the GCC peoples.

On his turn, Hamoud bin

Mohammed al Azri, General Supervisor of Oman Qaboos Website said that the website includes concise overview about the life of the GCC leaders and details for the Secretary-General in an

innovative way.It has also links to the GCC

leaders’ websites. The visitor may log to: www.oman-qaboos.com to get

access to the GCC leaders’ websites.

Website Launched on His Majesty


Dec 24, 25, 26, 27 at 7.30 pm, Broadway on Ice: The ROHM stage will be transformed into an ice skating rink on which some of the top skaters in the world will perform with grace and artistry, to the music of classic Broadway songs.

Dec 19, 6 pm at Ghala, Good Shepherd Chapel, and traditional candlelit service of nine lessons and carols.

Dec 19 to Jan 2, 2015: Mar

Gregorios Orthodox Parish, Muscat holds Orthodox Vacation Bible School 2014-2015 in its Silver Jubilee Year. The vacation classes will be based on the theme “The earth and its fullness belong to God.”

Dec 19, 21: Ghala Christmas Joy at 5 pm Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols, 6 pm.

Dec 19: Christmas carol, at St Thomas Church Ruwi, 6 pm.

Dec 24: Christmas Eve Ghala Family crib service at 5 pm Ghala Candlelit Communion at 11 pm.

Dec 24: Park Inn by Radisson Muscat will have a special evening at its RBG Grill restaurant with a a la carte menu selection. Guests can head to Sama Terrazza, the rooftop lounge and party the night away.

Dec 31: The New Year’s Eve celebrations at the RBG Grill will have an elaborate evening meal including half bottle of wine. Enjoy a set menu worthy of celebrating the last night of 2014. The party will be at Sama Terrazza rooftop.

Jan 11, 12: GCC Rail and Metro Conference to be hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications at Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir hosted an annual exhibition titled ‘Synergy

2014’. It was based on the theme — India through the Ages (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) and Indo-Oman relations at the senior school on December 13. The exhibition was inaugurated by Fatma bint Abid Abbas Noorani, Director-General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education.

Classes from 6 to 7 implemented the sub themes and depicted their projects on the ancient age, classes 8, 9 concentrated on the medieval age while the seniors (Classes 9, 10) dwelt on the modern age. ISWK Principal D N Rao, Jayaprakash Pillai, Vice-Principal (Middle School), teachers lauded the efforts of the students in making the annual exhibition a success.

WHATS ON IN MUSCAT NEXT WEEK

ISWK Hosts ‘Synergy 2014’

CONTENTSC

ommu

nity

Beautiful Brussels PAGE 30

Moms embrace creativityPAGE 26

Homage to famous reindeerPAGE 28


22


Maithaa bint

Saif al Mahrouqiyah,

Under-Secretary, Ministry of

Tourism, has unveiled plans for

the formation of a long-term

tourism strategy. The strategy will

identify the fundamental

requirements to establish the

Sultanate as a vibrant tourism

destination, with the cruise sector

being a major component.

Maithaa revealed this in her

speech at the Sea Trade

Middle East Cruise

Forum.

PERSONALITY

OF THE WEEK

MAITHAA BINT SAIFAL MAHROUQIYAH

FOOD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

24

CHRISTMASFRUIT CAKE

INGREDIENTS

Butter 375 gmSugar 375 gmWhole eggs 10 NosFlour 475 gmCinnamon powder 5 gmLemon Zest 1 lemonAlmond flakes 200 gmPre-soaked raisins 750 gmSprits 50 ml

SAUCEOrange juice 250 mlSpirits 15 mlCaster Sugar 50 gramsBoil orange juice, sugar and reduceAdd spirits and cook well.

ProcedureCream butter and sugar till butter become white colour.

Add whole eggs gradually. Add all flour, cinnamon powder, lemon zest, almond flakes and mix. Finally add pre-soaked raisins to the mixture. Put mixture in mould and bake it at 180 degree Centigrade in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Once cake is done, remove from oven. Slice the cake, sprinkle icing sugar on it and serve with spirits sauce.

Profile of Executive ChefWith over a decade experience in culinary industry, Chef

Ajay operates seamlessly to winch the dining experience of the hotel guests. Ajay has over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, and he is a master on what he does. He leads the culinary team, preparing and managing the operations of the hotel’s dining outlets and banquets. Ajay, who specialises in international cuisine, has had the experience of leading the kitchen team. He has experience in a diverse well-known hotels establishment.

Ajay’s enthusiasm to the culinary field is clearly seen from his endless experience. In this view, he hopes to create interesting menus for the hotel’s guests as well as corporate delegates. Ajay seeks to continue his interest for culinary quality.


Executive ChefAjay DhoundiyalPark Inn Muscat

MOMS EMBRACE CREATIVITYBy Liju Cherian

Manju Kharthik, is much more than a home maker. She got a first time chance to wield the brush and a platform to showcase her talents. She

along with other mothers were part of an enthusiastic, fun loving creative group called ‘Supermoms’ who gather during weekends to pursue their love for arts.

Most of them were first timers at painting. They did not set any stringent rule but met casually

and made a start to ‘Supermoms’ activity. During the first session, the participants were encouraged to spend some time getting to know each other. Slowly they started working on a canvas. Along with Manju were Sheetal, Sonia, Vaishali, Monika, Padma who were inspired by the ‘Supermom’ founders Sushmita Gupta and Rohini Dinesh.

Says Sushmita (who also runs ClassApart for children), “Rohini, a close friend of mine, and myself spend organised time with lots of kids from Muscat through the

week. We hoped to sow seeds of love for learning and encourage fearless embracing of creativity in ‘thoughts and concepts.’ While we were at it we were showered with love by the children themselves and their parents. The parents often told us to start appropriate classes for them too. They felt that their kids were having loads of fun while learning a lot too.”

‘Supermoms’ was thus started upon their suggestion but they took it seriously and put some ideas together and set it in front of the mothers. Most of them feel enriched about the quality time spent together. The mothers, who are doing a great job of bringing up their children, and looking after their chores of managing homes efficiently, now were seeing themselves in a different set up.

The synergy is one of great togetherness among the ‘Supermoms.’ When a group is mixed, where some had actually created beautiful pieces of art before, others were indulging in such an activity for the first time. Everyone was given the same instructions and provided with same materials. But each ‘Supermom’ was

Manju Kharthik

ART THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

26


encouraged to think their own and to create something unique. And the results were beyond imagination. All it took was instilling a feeling that it is totally alright to fail. Every single person felt so empowered by the thought that it was an amazing concept.

The first session had the theme on “owls”. So it was termed Ullu banawing from the famous advertisement series of an Indian phone service provider.

The creative juices started flowing from the first session towards. The goal of each meeting was to work on canvases but with completely different tools.

Sushmita, as the team leader, guided them to use spray paints and cut pictures from old magazines and created a mixed media art again. The results were varied and worth a display. Gargi, from Standard 4 from ISM went wide-eyed when she saw her mom, Vaishali, turning creative. Sheetal, was another participant who enjoyed every moment and made new friends. She admits that ‘Supermom’ was creative and an encouraging concept.

Sheetal says she basically possess creative instincts. “I am much into paper crafts. But I always wanted to do something more by using paint brush and colours. I was really very excited when I was introduced into this concept. Despite, my busy schedules, I am happy to be part of a platform to bring out our hidden talents. I also started soft instrumental music on my phone while at work. After finishing our artworks, I could see childlike happiness on everyone’s face.”

Manju says the concept of ‘Supermom’ was like a breath of fresh air for those with an urge to prove their talents and express their creativity.

“The enthusiasm shown by Sushmita and Rohini was

infectious and it rubbed on us. Everybody was encouraged to think out of the box and come out with different perspectives of the same idea. Our artistic side was brought out beautifully on the canvas in vibrant colours. It was like a fun-filled picnic with lots of chatting over a cup of coffee and music to add on to the fun. It was very relaxing and sort of a stress buster for all from the daily grind,” she concludes.

About 10 ladies participated in two sessions. “Supermoms” will again become active from January and all of them look forward to create more artistic works.

Monika

Niranjani

Nisha

Vaishali

Sheetal

Sushmita, Rohini giving tips to the moms.

AROUND THE GLOBE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

28

Thousands of Christmas cards are pouring into a small village in Wisconsin that shares

its name with the most famous reindeer. The Rudolph Post Office receives more than 10,000 Christmas cards annually from all over the world to be stamped with festive markings during the holiday season.

This year, the local effort coincides with the US Postal Service issuing stamps commemorating the 50th anniversary of the popular television special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Postmaster Becky Trzebiatowski said this year’s stamps have been especially popular. Trzebiatowski admits the stamps have even prompted her to purchase more than she usually does.

The Christmas cards sent to the post office can be embossed with a special cancellation on certain days as well as an ink stamp that features a reindeer and reads, “Rudolph, Wisconsin — home of the Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.”

US POST PAYS HOMAGE TO FAMOUS REINDEER

Joan Rivers’ left her daughter, Melissa, in charge of her fortune and left money for some of her favourite charities,

including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Jewish Guild Healthcare and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

According to Rivers’ 2014 will, which was filed in New York State Surrogate’s Court, the late comedian made Melissa Rivers her will’s executor with “the broadest and most absolute permissible direction” over a fortune that has been estimated as high as $150 million. Other charities she singled out were the New York-based food pantry God’s Love We Deliver, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Jewish Home and Hospital Foundation in Manhattan. Rivers died September 4 at 81 of brain damage due to lack of oxygen. She’d stopped breathing during an endoscopy days earlier. The late comedian asked that her business manager Michael D Karlin and interior designer Robert Higdon be named co-executers of the living trust.

Specifics of her assets and how they will be divided haven’t been disclosed. Bequests were made to her assistants, Sabrina Lott and Jocelyn Pickett, her friend Scott Currie, and Rivers’ niece and nephew, Caroline Waxler and Andrew Waxler.

JOAN RIVERS’ WILL LEAVES MONEY FOR CHARITIES


Sister Cristina Scuccia, the nun who embarked on a singing career after winning

an Italian TV talent show, met Pope Francis and gifted him a copy of her debut album.

Scuccia shook hands and exchanged a few words with a smiling Francis on the sidelines of the pontiff’s weekly audience in St Peter’s Square.

A picture was posted on the singer’s website, which also said that Sister Cristina was due to take part in a Christmas concert at the Vatican on Saturday alongside US rock star Patti Smith.

The 26-year-old Scuccia became a worldwide Internet sensation in March when a YouTube video of her maiden appearance on The Voice of Italy attracted a record number of views. In her album, released last month, she also covers Madonna’s Like a Virgin — a controversial choice that was criticised by Italy’s Catholic media.

ITALY’S SINGING NUNMEETS POPE FRANCIS

The boom in Germany’s tourist industry is continuing with the number of overnight

stays rising strongly in October, data released last week showed.

Overnight stays grew by 4 per cent to 39.9 million in October compared with the same month last year, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said.

Germany has grown in recent years as a popular tourist destination thanks to a string of high-profile international events including the 2008 staging of the World Cup as well the publicity surrounding cities such as Berlin.

Helping to drive the increase in October overnight stays was a 5 per cent gain in travel by domestic tourists. Overnight stays by overnight tourists gained 2 per cent, Destatis said.

GERMAN TOURISTBOOM CONTINUES

TRAVEL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

30

BEAUTIFUL


BRUSSELS

TRAVEL

By Melanie Held

In September, I had the honour to visit Belgium for my friend’s wedding and then to beautiful Ireland travelling along the west coast, and in between the two

countries, stopping off in Paris and London. So with everything booked, we somewhat planned out our dates and made our way to Belgium!

Luckily for us, we decided to spend more than one day in Belgium because if we didn’t, well I would have had at to buy a whole new set of clothes until the airline found our bags. Oh and if they couldn’t get it to us in time then we were told that we could ‘rent clothes for the wedding, so there is no problem’ Let’s just put that aside for now and give you my quick tips for Belgium, Brussels.(We couldn’t go to Bruges because of our bag situation)

Known as the UN headquarters of the world, Brussel’s importance and contributions to the world doesn’t only lie on a political aspect but also on a social one.

Famous for its chocolates deserts, drinks and food, the centre of Brussels offers you all that you would need at anytime during the day.

When we arrived to Brussels, yes without our bags! We stayed in a hotel that was walking distance from the centre which was perfect because then we didn’t have to spend money on taxis and had time to see the city the old and traditional way.

Having two friends who


32


live there also added to the experience, because they know where to go, how to get there and where the best places are.

Since this is a “quick fun tips” about places to go in Brussels, the traditional touristic sights such as the UN building and the Atomium are not really on my random must see, do or eat list.

As the hobs festival was going on in ‘La Grand Place’, we were unable to fully see and absorb the magnitude to each building, such as the Kings house and the City hall, so some parts were left up to the imagination. With the square measuring out to be 68x110 metres, and the iconic buildings that stretched up to the sky topped with golden domes, figures and animals, the Grand Place is a

place that you literally can’t miss.Not far from the centre, found on the

junction of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraatis a definite must see when in Belgium, “The Manneken Pis”. It might seem like a lot of effort for just a little thing, but it is all for good fun. For those who don’t know what it is, it is basically a bronze statue with a fountain that has little boy who is standing above it. When we first went looking, we nearly passed by it so do watch out for it and if you are lucky, you will see the boy above in various different clothes.

Don’t worry, the people of Brussels believe in equality, so there is another statue called, ‘Jeanneke Pis’. She can be

TRAVEL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-24, 2014

34

found down the street of Impasse de la Fidélité, now not a lot of people know about her so this is also a must see, take a picture and tell as well. Now for the best parts of Belgium, the food and drinks that they have there is comparable to no other. Naturally, Belgium chocolates is a must have and as these delights decorate the window displays, tables and shelves in shops, don’t always assume that you can take pictures of them! Make sure you ask if it is OK to do so or you will be getting an ear full from the person behind the showcase!

The next treat hits you before you even see it! As the smell of freshly baked dough lingers in the air it is hard to just name one good place to have these delectable Belgium waffles. So I say, trust your nose and follow the smell in the air and get in line for one of Belgium’s finest! The last food that I will recommend from Belgium, well from the ones that I tried, are “Moules” or as they are commonly known as mussels. These heavenly treats are traditionally served in big buckets and can be cooked in different ways.

Francois took us to a restaurant and as we order a bucket each cooked in the bubbly, half way through mine, I realised that my eyes might have been bigger than my stomach.

Now for those of you who don’t know how to properly eat mussels, let me tell you that there is a really cool way to eat them without cutlery and it’s not messy! Basically after you have churned the mussels in the bucket


you will find some empty shells, don’t worry the meaty bit will be on the bottom, and you use that to pluck the mussel out of its shell just as you would with tweezers to your eyebrows or pliers to a nail. Now since we lost our bags, trying to do a day trip was out of the question, just in case something else happened, but luckily for us, there were several festivals going on. So we had the afternoons and evening filled up with festive activities, making the extra day stay in Brussels enjoyable, with the highlight being our bags waiting for us at the reception the morning of the wedding!

CONTENTSL

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Russian film on disabled tops Morocco festival PAGE 38

DO YOU KNOW? PAGE 42


36


New 3D-printed heart technology can reduce the number of heart surgeries in children with congenital heart disease, say researchers.

Children with congenital heart disease often need up to four open heart surgeries at different times of life.

“The 3D-printed copy of the heart could reduce this to one or two because doctors can choose and practice the best interventional approach and device beforehand. This will avoid children spending months in intensive care,” explained Dr Peter Verschueren.

He showed 3D-printed models of the heart including models used to plan real cases in patients at “EuroEcho-Imaging 2014,” the annual meeting of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) in Vienna, Austria.

3D-printing uses a machine to print objects layer by layer. Instead of ink, the printer uses plastics, metals and other materials.

The 3D models are used to plan surgeries in children with congenital heart diseases such as double outlet right ventricle or Tetralogy of Fallot. Dr Verschueren noted: “Until recently, doctors would look at an image and then try to visualise the heart in 3D. Now they can use a 3D copy of an individual patient’s heart to plan the procedure in detail before they go into the operating theatre,” he informed.

This is still a relatively new technology but there is increasing interest in using 3D-printed models to plan heart valve interventions in adults.

According to professor Patrizio Lancellotti, president of EACVI, 3D imaging is a main theme of “EuroEcho-Imaging” this year and 3D printing of the heart is particularly exciting.

“It allows us to make a perfect model of a patient’s anatomy and decide the optimal device and procedure in advance,” he concluded.

3D-printed hearts to reduceheart surgeries in kids

FILM FESTIVAL

Russian film on disabled tops Morocco festival


38

Film Corrections Class, dealing with a group of disabled teenagers in a Russian high school, has scooped the top prize at the Marrakech Film Festival

in Morocco.The jury headed by French actress Isabelle Huppert

awarded the Golden Star to Corrections Class, by debut director Ivan Tverdovsky, from a field of 15 films from across the world.

Also honoured at Saturday night’s awards ceremony were British actor Jeremy Irons, US star Viggo Mortensen and Adel Imam, a veteran of Egyptian cinema.

The 10-day festival featured 87 films and paid tribute to Japanese cinema by showcasing a retrospective of more than 20 movies at an event traditionally dominated by Arab, French and American films.

The Jury Prize award went to Chrieg — a feature film debut by Swiss director Simon Jaquemet.

The Marrakech International Film Festival which turns 14 this year, has matured into a full-fledged fest that not only showcases world cinema highlights but also breeds local talent.

Jeremy Irons, during his career tribute on the second day of events, recalled the attribulated first edition in December 2001, which initially seemed at risk after the 9/11 attacks in New York. He underlined how far the festival has evolved since then.

Brainchild of late French producer Daniel Toscan du Plantier, the Marrakech fest in its early years were highly influenced by European cinema, in particular by French films. It also showcased Hollywood talent, including self-confessed Moroccophiles, such as Martin Scorsese, who was jury prexy in 2013 and is godfather to the ESAV, Marrakech’s leading film school, which he inaugurated in 2007.

“For me, Morocco and the movies have always gone hand in hand, so when the festival was founded back in 2001, I was eager to help out,” said Scorsese. “But over the years, I’ve seen my friend Melita (Toscan du Plantier) build something very special: a real home for cinema in a


beautiful setting, a place where you can relax with friends and do nothing but watch and think about and talk about movies.”

Over the years, the festival has progressively reinforced its world cinema pedigree, through its official competition section, which primarily takes first and second films from all continents, and via the country tribute section launched in 2004.

Toscan du Plantier and Bruno Barde, the festival’s artistic director, said this year’s tribute to Japanese cinema was particularly meaningful because so few Asian movies get released in Morocco. “One of our dearest missions through this festival is to breed a new generation of cinephiles and filmmakers in Morocco, give local audiences a taste of international films and auteurs that matter,” said Toscan du Plantier.

As part of the tribute, the festival invited some of Japan’s top film-makers, including Hirokazu Koreeda, who had previously received a career trib in 2013, picking up the homage from the hands of jury president Isabelle Huppert.

“We showed 26 Japanese movies over the course of 12 days, and the screening rooms were packed, which proves that there is a real appetite for foreign cinema here in Morocco,” said Barde.

The master classes — this year

provided by Denmark’s Bille August, Spain’s Alex de la Iglesia and France’s Benoit Jacquot — were also packed primarily by local film students, per Barde.

As Morocco’s domestic film industry matures, the fest has also upped its programming of national films. Since 2010 there has consistently been at least one film. For this its Mohamed Mouftakir’s sophomore outing The Blind Men’s Band.

Karim Debbagh, producer at Tangier-based Kasbah Films, (a co-producer on “A Hologram for the King”), says the scarce presence of local movies in competition underlines the need of the burgeoning Moroccan industry to be better positioned on the international market.

A scene from Corrections Class


40 KIDS CORNER

Taksh, 8th-A,Indian School Sohar

STUDENTS’ WRITING COMPETITIONThe Weekend magazine, published by Oman Daily Observer is holding a special contest for school students in Oman. The next topic:

‘HOW TO SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS?’Send your write-up, approximately 350 words, along with a passport size photo and a copy of school ID in addition to contact details to:

[email protected] The best article will be selected by a jury consisting of Observer journalists.

The winner will receive a gift voucher worth RO15 from Al Bhaj Books Trading.


V Ria Thanmayee, Class 5G, ISWK

Life, often throws lemons at us. As a teenager, the most difficult

task I’ve faced was in deciding my career. Many people would say that I’m still too young and have ample time left. I believe that having a specific aim or goal helps immensely. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg did not become successful in a day. They dreamt big and worked towards achieving their dream. I am very happy that my parents have given me the freedom to pursue my dreams.

Now, here’s my problem. I love all subjects and find so many things interesting and exciting.

One day I would decide becoming an entrepreneur would be ideal whereas another day I

would want to do engineering. As a child I was inspired by my

teachers and teaching was my dream job. When a friend of mine gifted me an encyclopaedia, I was fascinated and wanted to become a scientist.

Sometimes I wish to follow my mother’s footsteps (doctor) and at other times my father who is a chartered accountant. We are all influenced by different sources of media. After watching a particular television show called House MD which revolves around the lives of doctors, I was attracted to medicine whereas as I was watching Masterchef, I felt myself wanting to open my own restaurant. While I draw and make

crafts, I find that doing architecture, home decor or interior designing would also prove a good choice. When I read books, I feel the urge to start writing at once. The funniest part was that I excitedly waited to receive a letter from Hogwarts on my eleventh birthday.

Having a suitable job should not only bring you money and other worldly possessions, but also happiness. You should be looking forward to go to work on the first day of the week too. As the saying goes, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” Arghhh! I am completely confused. I’m the jack of all trades and still waiting to find my true passion.

MY DILEMMA

NanditaRadhakrishnan


42 KIDS CORNER

DO YOU KNOW?

The word dinosaur comes from the Greek language and means “terrible lizard.” The word was coined by English paleontologist Richard Owen in 1842 and was meant to refer to dinosaurs’ impressive size rather than their scary appearance. Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for over 160 million years, from the Triassic period around 230 million years ago through the Jurassic period and until the end of the Cretaceous period around 65

million years ago.

Cheese is the number 1 most shoplifted food in the world. But in North America candy is number 1 and so is raw meat.

Broken Heart

Syndrome is a real medical condition brought on by tragedy or shock, and it feels like a heart attack. A surge of stress hormones causes a temporary disruption in your heart’s normal pumping function, giving you chest pain and shortness of breath.

The speed radars on Dubai roads, be it the black-and-

blue radar capturing images or the 360-degree stature snapping any speeding

vehicle in the vicinity, can also capture you on video.

It can follow you to the seconds as you pass

through and also capture you even as you are not clearly visible.

Shopify is a billion-dollar e-commerce company based out of Ottawa. Its head was recently named CEO of the Year. The

company originally was a store, not a platform. The company’s name wasn’t Shopify initially.


ANSWERS

Sudoku

ACROSS

4 It’s worn, so we got out with a bad limp (6)

7 In port, hangs around the ‘Hotel Excellent’ (8)

8 Very funny cry? (6)10 Collect a great amount (5)13 A movement regarded with

contempt? (4)14 Is it torn from the tenants? (4)15 Present from nowhere! (4)16 There’s very little we have a key for

(3)17 Norwegian style of loaf (4)19 Beloved of many a listener (4)21 Aged holy man singularly

accommodating to Billy Bunter (4,5)

23 Appear to spy on James Bond’s boss (4)

24 Star turn by rotters (4)26 The computer system, albeit full of

holes (3)27 Be a good Dalek (4)29 Regards as a key agreement (4)32 Drink to me and nobody else! (4)33 If you want to be watchful, drink

less than a quart (5)34 That navigated by Crusoe? (6)35 Lacking mobility and out of a job

(8)36 A mere menial but able to travel

freely (6)

DOWN 1 He can always ring up for cars (5) 2 Far from sacred Paganini piece (5) 3 Had Shakespeare seven? (4) 4 We, sir, contrive to be better

informed (5) 5 Mrs Hall’s boy? (4) 6 An inspiring figure to guide the

monarch (6) 9 Belief in hire-purchase? (6)11 A somewhat less high-pitched cry?

(3)12 Shop for some assorted posters (5)13 Archer, perhaps (7)15 Something cut and dried (3)

16 Cold, maybe; but there’s some warmth (3)

18 They’re acid and possibly solemn (6)

20 Stand for a holdup in picture production (5)

21 Become a bit fidgety (3)22 A beam bringing soldiers to a

sticky end? (3)23 Might she speak Spanish for the

wrong reason? (6)25 Motherly pronoun (3)28 Cry uttered when the table broke?

(5)30 Long to finished the day and get

paid (5)31 Music room? (5)32 Examination of the mouth (4)33 Yearn to show a bit of panache (4)

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONSACROSS: 4, W-impl-e 7, Shang-H-AI 8, Scream 10, A-mass 13, Jerk 14, Rent 15, Here 16, We-E 17, Olaf 19, D-ear 21, Grey-friar(-s) 23, See-M 24, Rats 26, (the)Net 27, Obey 29, E-yes 32, Only 33, Ale-rt 34, Course 35, An-chore-d 36, Varlet.

DOWN: 1, O-scar 2, Pagan 3, Ages 4, Wiser 5, Mark 6, Lead-ER 9, Credit 11, Mew 12, Store 13, Jeffrey 15, Hay 16, War 18, Lemons 20, Easel 21, Get 22, RA-y 23, Senora 25, Her 28, Bleat 30, Y-earn 31, Study 32, Oral 33, Ache.


44 FUN TIME

STARS FOR YOU If It’s Your Birthday

Some confusing influences in the coming year will make you wonder if you have made the right decisions recently. You have come across this problem before and your adaptability has always seen you through. You will have to recall those times and apply the same methods to help you through.

S A GI TTARIUS

(November 22-December 21)A smooth relationship with someone born under ARIES is

not very likely as your temperaments are bound to clash at times.

C A PRI CO

RN (December 22-January 20)You will establish a very useful contact if you are ready to

accept without hesitation a trivial assignment.

A Q UARI US (January 21-February 19)

You will naturally feel a little put out by the failure of certain

people to appreciate what you have done for them.

P IS CES(February 20-March 20) Tonight’s party will give you a long hoped for opportunity to

meet someone you have admired from afar for a long time.

A RI E S

(March 21-April 20)There may be a problem today connected with electricity.

YOU will very likely have to call in expert assistance to put things right. TA URU

S

(April 21-May 20)You are inclined to place too much emphasis on trifles,

which cannot possibly have any significant effect on the course of events.

G E MINI

(May 21-June 21)You will have to concentrate on an important job today and it

may be necessary to neglect some of your other activities.

C A NCER(June 22-July 21)There is no virtue in exaggerated thrift if the need

for it no longer exists. Have a look at your belongings; are you doing yourself justice?

L E O

(July 22-August 21)If you are planning some social activities try to include a certain

friend who seems to spend a lot of time on his own.

V I R GO

(August 22-September 22)You should think carefully before acting on the advice of

a person who could conceivably have his own interests very much in mind.

L I B RA

(September 23-October 22)You ought to be glad to be given some additional

responsibility, which will make your position that much more secure.

S C ORPI O

(October 23-November 21)In your quest for a more varied social life it would be best to

invite old friends along rather than hurt them by starting new relationships with others.


If wishes were horses…The old saying has it that ‘If wishes

were horses beggars might fly’, denoting that not all our wishes are

granted otherwise everyone would have exactly what they want and we would all be living in a utopian world rather than plain old, good old planet Earth.

The good Lord Almighty tells us to ask of Him and it shall be given. I’m sure many of us have so many unanswered prayers, which seems to contradict what our Lord of the Worlds tells us.

The fact is we should be grateful for our unanswered prayers as, although we cannot comprehend it without having direct insight into the future, some of the things we pray for are definitely not to our advantage or may cause unfair and unwanted, detrimental effects.

Sometimes, what we wish for does materialise, but many years after we had wished for it. You are happy to have gained something new and it is only after some time that you remember that you had earnestly and continuously prayed for it. These kinds of incidences can occur quite often and, on reflection, you appreciate that perhaps you were not ready for such a gift in earlier years.

Everyone in the world has something that they very much long for; some struggle to achieve it, some stand and prostrate themselves in prayer to attain it, while others have it ‘land on their laps’.

Whatever the case, it’s always wise to do what is necessary to achieve the required result while also seeking divine intervention for it to happen.

For most of us, it is usually only after a relatively lengthy period of time that we are able to have a fairly balanced view of life; an understanding of its disparities and a way of handling unforeseen or unfair circumstances in a rational, positive way — children want everything in the ‘here and now’, while wise people bide their time to gain whatever it is they are looking for.

We are told that ‘If at first you do not succeed, then try, try again’ that is to say, don’t give up. There’s not much that comes easy in life and it can become a tedious struggle, but, as we have come to learn, it really is all worth it in the end.

There is a true sense of satisfaction of having persevered and remained determined in a dogged pursuit of an aim or goal, once it is achieved.

In many ways, the real test is going about it the right way. There can be no true satisfaction if what has been achieved, won, or attained has been done so through unfair and, or, foul means.

The type of person who goes for gold not caring how they go about attaining it and not caring about who gets hurt in the process, is the type of person who, sooner or later, truly gets undone.

It may be a difficult premise to follow, but ‘honesty is always the best policy’, especially when coupled with comprehension and understanding; yes it is good to do the right thing, but it is even better to do so knowing full well why this is so.


46 FINAL WORDS

Ali Ahmed al [email protected]

CateringOur catering services are divided into two separate units — Industrial Catering and Outdoor Catering. In Industrial Catering we serve mainly Corporate Camps, Institutions, Hospitals and Schools. Our professional catering team concentrates on Omani, Arabic, Indian, Chinese and Continental cousine to satisfy all kind of taste buds.

In Outdoor Catering Services we mainly concentrate on marriage functions, special events, national level programmes and other events. We operate from our fully equipped central kitchen situated at Ghala. We have a separate team of professionals for this specialised service who have experience in event management services to meet the customer expectation.

All our dealings are conducted within the framework of a strict consistant moral and ethical code, no matter what the circumstances or personal costs involved.

AL ATHNAIN COMPANY LLCIndustrial Catering & Support Service Company(A part of Al Ruzaiqy Group)

P.O Box 694, CPO, Postal Code 111,Sultanate of OmanTel: +968 24503173, +968 24502997,Fax: +968 24597211e-mail: [email protected], alathnaincatering.com

Committed to Hygiene, Safety, Environmentand Quality for Customer Satisfaction

are you fit to fly?omanobserver.om/main/files/weekend/weekend_18-12-14.pdfare you fit to fly?...

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