black & white mag issue 36
DESCRIPTION
Oman's first free fortnightly magazineTRANSCRIPT
Vol.
2 Iss
ue 3
6IIO
cto
ber
7-2
0,
2011
FREE F
ort
nig
htl
y9-2
2 D
h-Q
a'd
a
ww
w.b
lackandw
hit
eom
an.c
om
Cane and able Cane and able p32
4 October 7-20, 2011
Beware the anger
of a patient womanBy Adarsh Madhavan
Anonymous mails, harassed teachers,
accusations, counter accusations... it is not
unusual to have such situations in schools,
especially Indian schools here. It is but natural
in any set up, especially huge ones, to have
situations and people who/which are good, bad
and ugly…But, a certain Indian school seems
to have totally ignored the attempts of one of its
teachers to overturn the alleged injustice done to
her.
For the last one year, this teacher has been
sidelined, pushed to a corner and pushed from her
school to another one and tarred and feathered
without being given a chance to clear her name,
she claims. Or if, as she says openly, if she is at
fault, punish her. But, no, there seems to be a
cloak and dagger play, the lady claims, adding
that the real players were deftly pulling the strings
from behind the scenes and she was being caught
in the crossfire of some vicious school politics.
A year or so back, this teacher was accused of
sending anonymous hate mails to her school
and some senior school authorities. She was
questioned by the top school officials and warned
not to do the same. When she protested her
innocence, they dismissed it by saying that they
had ample proof of the same and told her to desist
from her acts or face the music.
She was ready. She was ready to face the music,
sing the song and even be crushed by raging
boulders of punishment if she was indeed proved
to have committed the crime she is accused
of, but until then, let her be…don’t nail her as a
criminal until she is proven to be one, she pleads.
She pleaded with the immediate school
authorities, but they had nothing to do with her.
She pleaded with the top school officials in charge
of the particular school, and they said nothing
was clear, they needed more time. By this time,
she was losing it. She could not focus on her work or
on anything…yet, no one gave her any allowance.
Once criminally accused, always a criminal…as
the harassment from the school authorities (as she
claims) continued, her mental and physical condition
deteriorated; she was hospitalised on several
occasions and today, with her total confidence
eroded, she has became a pale ghost of herself.
And not just her, even her husband was said to be
involved and even he was berated by the school
authorities concerned. Now, if she was indeed a
‘criminal’ as they accuse her of being, she was willing
to go to take any punishment; she was willing to be
punished as per the law of the land, she says, but
no one seems to be interested in her case. She has
even taken the case to the Indian embassy, but still,
no movement. Is it because she is a non entity; just
an ordinary teacher with no contacts, no power, no
wasta?
The media is ready and supportive and wants to
take up her case and do all they can to help not only
her, but bring this issue out into the public so that
justice is done. Even here, in our case, we do not
want to point fingers and say the school is at fault or
someone is behind this…our simple question is: why
is it that no one seems to be listening to this lady?
Why is it that no one wants to help? Anywhere else
in the world, this issue would have been sorted out
in days, or at least in weeks…here, it has taken
more than a year and the woman is still in the same
position that she has been in when she was first
accused. If she is at fault, prove it and punish her.
If not, let justice be done. Justice delayed in such
an issue is indeed justice denied…Will someone
show mercy on her, give her some relief? Like she
implores: “Punish me if I am wrong, but if not, free
me from these ugly blame game!”
The lady has been really, really patient so far.
But beware the anger of a patient woman!
All a
bout
X,
Y &
Z
6 October 7-20, 2011
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: [email protected]
Printed at Mazoon, Muscat, Oman
Xclusive
Cane and able
With a cane, the visually
challenged are able. The long
white cane is a simple tool,
effective in allowing the blind
and visually challenged to
maneuver and navigate the world
independently.
Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editor Priya Arunkumar
Work editor Adarsh Madhavan
Design & production Beneek Siraj
Photographer Najib Al Balushi
Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza
Swithun Fernandes
Priyanka Sampat
Conte
nts
Bitter Batter
While you were
holidaying…
Did you know that
while you were
holidaying, there were
those who did not
enjoy even one day of
respite?
14
48
32
Men do good
Women talk more on the phone?
Does your wife speak on the cell
phone more than you do? It is not
just about women talking more on
the cell phone; the tragedy is that
women talk more on the cell phone
while driving
There are a lot of men out there who
have recognised the feel-good factor
of doing a good deed because it
makes them feel happy
62
7Black & White
T H E G I F T O F K I N G S
W W W . A M O U A G E . C O M
9Black & White
10 October 7-20, 2011
The importance of justice in the life of a believer in Islam
has to be considered as his
topmost priority while dealing with routine matters. The
story ‘Untold Quranic story of Justice’ (Black & White-
issue 34) takes a glance into its importance.
“…Allah Commands Justice, the doing of good and liberty
to kith and kin and He forbids all shameful deeds, injustice
and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive
admonition…”(The Holy Quran: Surah An –Nahl (The
Bee): Ayyat:90)
After the revelation of the above verse of the Holy Quran,
which is repeatedly reminded to us by the Imam during
the Friday sermon on a regular basis week after week, a
true Muslim is left with no choice than to resort to justice.
Justice and always justice through out in all field of life.
Injustice in Islam is considered the deed of a traitor and
not of a Muslim.”
Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi.
I appreciate the team of Black & White for bringing about
awareness in the society. Congratulations!
It’s so good to learn about the camel milk and its benefits.
Fortunately, Oman has a large number of camels which
can bring about better health and living, with increased
awareness.
Lillian’s story about her love for these camels was
exhilarating. The names of the pets are too cute!
Information about camels that was shared was new and
interesting to me. People should break the myth that
camel milk is unhealthy. The article said that it contains
anti-bodies that may help to fight cancer, HIV, Alzheimer’s,
diabetes and many other diseases. The only thing to be
taken care of is – take it slowly so that the stomach gets
time to digest it.
Oman has a lot of camels around, but a number of people
do not know the benefits of its milk. We should take
initiative and spread the message across, be it through
websites such as Facebook or through printouts or
pamphlets which can be distributed around. To get the
message around is what we want! Let’s do something for
the society!
Charu Pant, Khasab
Injustice in Islam
Let’s spread the message
10 October 7-20, 2011
Readers
Colu
mn
11Black & White
12 October 7-20, 2011
Mail your views and opinions at
12 October 7-20, 2011
I am thrilled to read the article about a revered tradition that is rapidly vanishing
(Drums of Ramadan, issue 35). Your magazine’s editorial pieces are always
worth reading. The presentation is very attractive. I appreciate the idea to
project a part of Omani tradition and culture and the impact of modernity on the
social customs and tradition.
While appreciating the high standard of the selected articles, I would also like
you to include sports in future editions. I wish Black & White a great future!
S. A. S. Naqvi, sports consultant, FMEC/OHA
You have rightly said that being in the Gulf countries we have to abide by the
law of the land. But then journalism will die a slow unannounced death.
There are burning issues, which need to be addressed with inquisitive
journalistic acumen. There needs to be a follow up on articles of reason and
action. There are several issues, which need sincere attention by the media, at
least the print media, which is more accessible.
The road accident rate in Oman is alarmingly high. The loss of life is significant
owing to careless and rash drivers. The country of our residence is losing future
generations in hundreds each month. It will cause a terrible irreparable loss to
the well being of the society. The drug menace is clear and present danger for
the youth. Few drug peddlers are put behind bars and find mention in the paper
and that is all. No campaign is there to spread awareness. Children with special
ability are not getting the best of care. There is nothing, which is against the
law. Keeping quiet will further worsen the situation.
A thought-provoking article once in a while won’t hurt with a focus on the social
issues. We face the same challenges as faced by the citizens of the country.
The media shall own the responsibility of taking action sincerely, with resolve
and with compassion.
Rajwinder Singh Osahan, Muscat
Please include sports
Burning issues have to be addressed
Readers
Colu
mn
13Black & White 13Black & White
14 October 7-20, 2011
Men r
ead
Men do GOOD
14 October 7-20, 2011
Your Heart is Safe in Apollo’s Hand
P. O. Box 1097, Al Hamriya, PC 131 - Sultanate of Oman. Tel: 24787766, 24788263, 24788265
THERE IS SOMETHING great about
doing good. Do good and you feel
good. So, if you want to feel good
and be happy then try to make
someone else feel good. “I never
used to be interested or bothered
about helping others, but I learnt to
do good from my sister,” says Sam
Sebastian, a computer programmer.
“Since the last two years, I have
been seriously involved in social
work wherein I take great effort in
rehabilitating poor people to their
hometown. Now, everyone is in
praise of my good deeds, but it is
not the name that I am after…very
few people realise the sheer amount
of good feeling that I get by doing it
-- it’s so heady! I want to do it more
and more!”
Sanjay feels that the ‘thank you’s’
he gets out of a good deed are
a great form of self-inspiration.
“When someone says thank you, I
feel that I have given something or
done something which someone
else appreciates and it is an instant
spur of joy. I am happy! Soon you
realise that this simple way of getting
happiness can be seriously pursued
and today I am a great believer in
charity and doing good!”
That is two of them. But, there are
a lot of men out there who have
recognised the feel-good factor of
doing a good deed. And, the truth is,
it actually makes them happy.
Brightening someone else’s day
can actually make you feel good. It
is great to make someone smile and
although this seems to be a woman’s
forte, it has been increasingly found
that men are slowly getting into the
charity and ‘do-good’ bandwagon.
In case you are feeling that it is a
tough task to brighten someone’s
day everyday, just relax. There are
so many ways to spread a bit of
sunshine. “Sometimes, all you need
to do is to say that you are thinking
of them. Just telling them that we
hope they are doing well or a warm
hello itself are mood boosters,” notes
David Sawyers, a philanthropist.
“Being nice is not that hard. You just
need to set your mind and well, your
heart to some tasks and then you will
soon get into the groove,” he says.
LEND THAT SHOULDER
“But, before you let them lean on
you, make sure that you have the
patience not just to understand why
they are weeping, but also to listen.
Listening is something we don’t do
and that is the first sign to show that
you care. Everyone likes to know that
someone cares and wants to know
about them. Just imagine yourself
having a totally frustrating and lonely
day and then out of the blue some
bright friend comes and cheers you
up! That is the same with others.
Everyone has a bad day and there
are people out there for whom every
day is a bad day,” Sawyers notes.
Cheering up someone who has a
bad day always helps and it will also
cheer you up.
“So, in this respect, everything
works, right from a mere hello, or
giving a ‘thinking of you’ card to small
and timely gifts,” Sawyers says. He
feels that gifts are always a great
mood enhancer. “Receiving a gift is
always something that can make you
happy. And, don’t worry, giving a gift
is also equally rewarding!”
Sawyers goes on about the
importance of complimenting
someone on their looks, abilities,
success, achievement and the like. “I
remember my colleague saying that
he felt good when I complimented
him. He was going through a divorce
and then he had somehow clinched
a good order and since everyone
knew that he had personal problems
no one seemed to take the first step
to congratulate him, but I just went
and slapped him on the back and
told him that he had done a great job!
He melted!” recalls Shanon, an ad
executive at a local publication.
FUNNY JOKES
Tell a funny joke to brighten
someone’s day. This works
especially well if you see that a
friend is down. Making someone
laugh can definitely brighten their
day and put them in a great mood.
Giving off feelings of laughter is also
contagious. You’ll find yourself, and
anyone else listening, laughing as
well. It’s almost impossible not to
smile when you hear others laughing.
KIND TASKS
Be kind and helpful to someone
to brighten their day. Hold the door
open when someone is behind you,
offer to help carry groceries, or ask
a coworker if you can help them at
work. Think of kind tasks you can
do to help others lighten their load
and feel better. Helping others is
a gratifying effort also. You can’t
help but feel good by brightening
someone’s day in helping them.
Everyone needs some sort of help
and if you pay attention, you’ll find
people who can use your help.
16 October 7-20, 2011
Men r
ead
Better get
FASHIONABLE!MEN ARE FASHIONABLE, we say. But, honestly, do we know the rules that
govern men’s fashion? We better, because women judge us by our looks –
sorry, clothes! Men have to look good; men have to dress well; men have to
be fashionable, otherwise they are going to get ignored by women. That is
the truth, whether we like it or not! While being good looking is God’s gift to
mankind, there are certain things you can do to look good. Agreed, you can’t
suddenly wake up as a handsome man, but you can most definitely dress
well; look fashionable!
What is stopping you from trying to be fashionable? Nothing, except that you
cannot in the bargain look gaudy! Dressing to suit the part is the first rule of
the game. If you aspire to be the Ceo of a company, then you have to start
young. No open-toed sandals. Sometimes, you have to look the part. So,
ensure that you have the basics of any business wardrobe in place. So, here
are some time-tested pointers for fashionable dressing, but remember that it
starts right down from your socks.
SOCK IT UP!
Men should always wear dark socks with dark slacks and dark shoes. Dark
brown or tan socks look nice with khaki pants. The socks should match the
shoes that the man is wearing. White socks are only appropriate for extremely
casual events such as going to the gym and working in the yard.
COLOURS OF LIFE
Now, men, learn to colour it well too. You should pay attention to the colours
you wear. “Make sure the colour combinations are kept simple. Attractive
pairings include a mix of natural hues of browns, tans, greens, and off white.
Another good looking combination includes black, gray and shades of white
and blue. Men should never wear colours that clash. This includes red and
purple, red and yellow, and black and dark blue,” noted Ashley, a fashion
expert.
THE RIGHT PATTERNS
Another tip for men’s fashion is for men to make sure that the patterns
match. They should pair ties with shirts and be sure that the combinations go
together. For instance, a striped tie can go well with a solid-colour dress shirt.
Men should not pair striped ties with checkered shirts or checkered ties with
striped shirts. Clashing patters can make an outfit too loud, which draws other
people’s attention to the clothing instead of the man.
SHOES
Men need to check that their shoes do not get worn down too much on the
bottom or on the leather upper. Polishing shoes every once in a while can
help make an outfit look spectacular. Shoes should always match men’s belts.
Using the same colour leather for the shoes and the belt makes the outfit look
professional and fashionable.(More next issue)
16 October 7-20, 2011
17Black & White 17Black & White
18 October 7-20, 2011
BELIEF IS EVERYTHING
If you believe you can, you can
and if you think otherwise, well, then
that is it! But, then understand this:
the biggest obstacle to fitness is self
belief and self talk. Health and fitness
is important at any age.
As we get older and look to keep
in shape, the emphasis on what we
do and how we do it becomes more
important; as our lives get busier, we
have more responsibilities and less
time. Achieving the best possible
results in the quickest amount of time
is important as most people don’t
have hours to toil away in the gym.
Also, remember that having short
term and long term fitness goals
will help you to stay motivated. It is
important to be able to control your
body weight so performing a full
press up is often the goal for a lot of
people.
Another key point to consider is that
the earlier you start a regular fitness
routine, the better it will be in the long
term. As you age, muscles become
weaker if they are inactive for a
long period. The earlier you start
a structured training programme,
including a mix of resistance work
as well as cardiovascular exercise,
the better. If you are starting a new
fitness regime in your 40’s, don’t
worry. No one has said that you
cannot turn back the years. Making
sure that you are doing the right thing
is perhaps most important here.
START WALKING, THEN JOG
First walk and then jog, and mind
you, both are great ways to getting
fit. First casually start walking in your
neighbourhood, in the woods, on
the beach or wherever you want for
an hour three times per week, then
gradually jog in between.
Walking and jogging has many
benefits, such as: making you less
stressful; increasing your lung
capability; strengthening your heart;
toning your muscles and giving you a
better and healthier look.
FIT A GYM INTO YOUR PLANS
Now, don’t start frowning, but
going regularly to a gym or getting
a membership in a fitness center
makes it easier to stay motivated
when working out. In a fitness center,
you train together with other people
with the same goal as you and
this will boost your inspiration and
encouragement to continue when the
hard time comes. In addition you will
work out with modern and up-to-date
training equipment and last but not
lease a qualified staff of workout
experts being there for you.
HANG OUT WITH SOME WEIGHTS
If you are already put walking and
jogging in the agenda, then, the next
step to getting fit is to develop your
lean muscle, which can be done with
weight training. This will not only
develop your muscles and build a
great shaped body but also balance
out your workout routine, thus making
your fitness better rounded. Go to a
gym and get advice from a trainer to
put together a training programme
that makes sense for you.
TIGHTEN THOSE ABS
Six-pack abs anyone? Well, there
are some who may not actually think
of getting six packs, but, if you can
start some exercises to get your ab in
a better shape, why not:
• Lay down with the back on the
floor with bended knees
• keep your feet flat on the floor
• cross your hands across your
chest
• curl your torso, rolling from your
sternum toward your hips
Simplestexercises ever
Men h
ealt
h
18 October 7-20, 2011
19Black & White
You should start up slowly with
10 crunches with 3 repetitions. Put
another way; do 10 ab crunches,
then wait a minute and do 10 more,
wait another minute, and do the final
10 crunches. After a while, increase
both the number of sets as well as
repetitions slowly.
TIME FOR SOME SQUATTING
Squats are another simple to do
exercise with splendid results for your
calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings.
Here’s what you do:
- stand with your feet spread apart
about two feet
- bend your knees a little
- start squatting toward the floor very
smoothly without going all the way
down.
19Black & White
20 October 7-20, 2011
By Adarsh Madhavan
O
ff th
e wall
When your dad cries…
When my dad cried, no one cried
with him.
And no one heard his cries.
Not even us, his children, miles away
from home…
I have never seen him cry. Never
heard him; not even behind closed
doors.
Like most men, he may not have
wanted to show that particular form of
emotion.
Maybe he believed that men should
not cry.
I don’t know, maybe he believed that
men should not show that type of
emotion…
But, recently, he broke down. He
broke down so badly when his faithful
companion of so many years left him.
Alone.
His pain cut to his heart but I know
that he wouldn’t even know how
to share it. He has always kept his
feelings in such matters to himself
and even if he broke down, this
would have been the only vent to his
bottled up sentiments for the last so
many years.
I don’t know how it feels. To lose the
only bit of sanity you were clinging
on to…to lose the only form of
companionship a man of his age
had. When you are old, you need
someone young along with you. And
his pet dog was that – a bundle of
fun, mischief and protection.
Most importantly, a responsibility.
Minty or Britney (as my niece used
to call the Pomeranian mix) was all
that. For us, she was a dog, a lovable
Off
the w
all
pet of course, but for my dad, a
raison d’etre.
From morning to night, Minty was
beside him. He fed her, bathed
her, took her out; talked to her,
fought with her, complained to her,
cajoled her and even unveiled his
issues, problems and helplessness
to her. For she never ever judged
him. Never said that he did not hear
what she said. Never looked down
on him. She never barked up at him
and she never complained to him
and she never let him down. But, like
everything, she had to go.
For days in a row, she had stopped
eating, not even had a drop of water
and everyday my dad took her to
the vet, gave her injections fed her
intravenously, used everything within
his power to save her. And he almost
did. Minty raised her head on that
fateful day, tiredly licked some liquid
but then gave up. She had to go.
But, she’d never know the vacuum
she left in his life.
She died after 11 long years and that
is quite a long time in dog years, we
consoled mother who was herself
crying her heart out. “Now, we have
got no one,” my mother said and
later she told me how my dad was
weeping. “Never-seen-him-like-this!”
mother said her voice breaking. I did
not want to imagine. I tried to put that
out of my mind, tried to give strength
to them, tried to talk them out of this
major blow in their lives…nothing
worked. They were heartbroken. And
I had no clue as to how to mend a
heart that was shattered. When this
tragedy hit them, they began to get
desperate as many of the aged do.
They wanted something to be done
immediately and we were all so far
away, even to offer a shoulder or
draw them close to our chest. We,
like most children, were far away,
leaving our parents to fend for
themselves, especially when they
needed us the most.
In this long-distance relationship with
parents, this is how it has always
been. We are never there for them,
even when it matters the most.
In my case, that is how it has always
been and I am up with an impossible
task of leaving everything I have here
and go back. And I can’t do that. All
of us, the children, desperately tried
to find someone to stay with them, or
some domestic help, but, somehow
that never seemed to work. And we
can’t just keep anyone. “Keep some
stranger and they will knock your
parents down, and make of with all
the valuables,” everyone advised.
I stared at them quietly and told
them: They are the valuables; they
are our precious ones!
They stared back at me and retorted:
“If they are so precious, how come
you left them back home?”
Oman's first
comprehensive
online directory
More details: [email protected]
www.omanonlinesearch.com
Coming Soon!
22 October 7-20, 2011
The Filipino Community Social Club concluded its
‘2011 Winter Basketball Tournament’. Badr Al Samaa
team finished the tournament in the third place out
of the 12 teams from different companies fighting for
the title. The team players have been credited with
individual awards apart from the team winning the
third position.
The exemplary players of the Badr Al Samaa team
are Anthony Tjheon Alim who received ‘2011 Best
Small forward / Mythical Five’ title, Antonia Tan
bagged ‘2011 Rookie of the year’, Rudy Castres
named the “2011 most defensive player of the year’
and the Henry Abling winning the ‘2010 Rookie of the
Year’. The team members and officials thanked their
sponsors Abdul Latif, managing director, of Badr Al
Samaa group of hospitals for their continous support
Badr Al Samaa basketball team wins third position
for the team. The other sponsors are: NPI pharmaceuticals,
Tabuk pharmaceuticals, Khimji Ramdas and media sponsor
Times of Oman.
Khimji Ramdas announced its annual
Ramadan gifting to all its National
and Expat Muslim employees for Eid
celebrations.
The families were given Family gift
hampers containing consumable
items together with Moulinex
products for its bachelor staff.
Khimji Ramdas
Ramadan gifts to employees
Edible Arrangements®,
the pioneer and leader in
hand-sculpted, fresh fruit
arrangements announced that
its new Muscat City Centre Mall
store is now open for business.
Edible Arrangements® Muscat
City Centre, located on the
first floor, east wing, welcomes
customers seven days a week
from 10am to 10pm Saturday
to Thursday and 2 to 10pm on
Fridays, and is now delivering
its fresh fruit bouquets to homes
and offices across Muscat and
throughout much of Oman.
Customers can also place cash and credit card orders by simply calling
the store on the toll free number 800 74646 (or 24 556 006), or ordering
via the website www.EdibleArrangements.com.om.
AlShaima Ali AlRaisi, owner
and managing director of Edible
Arrangements® Muscat, said:
“We are delighted that our Muscat
City Centre store is now open for
business. We have been planning
our opening for many months,
and now we are able to offer our
exquisite fresh fruit arrangements
to customers in Muscat and
beyond.”
Edible Arrangements
in Muscat City Centre
Word
pre
ss
23Black & White
Lulu opens its 95th store at NizwaSheikh Saad bin Mohammed al Saadi, minister of
commerce and industry, inaugurated Lulu’s newest
landmark at Nizwa, at a glittering ceremony in the
presence of dignitaries and officials from the government
and the private sector.
This marks Lulu’s 10th venture in Oman and the 95th in
the region, following an aggressive expansion policy
that saw it opening several new stores in the cities and
wilayats during the past ten years. It reinforces the policy
of the Lulu group’s dedicated efforts to spread its network
throughout the length and breadth of the country, creating
vital connect with consumers.
With plans of reaching 100 stores by the end of the year,
Lulu is all set to embark on an aggressive growth plan for,
says Yusuffali, managing director of Lulu Group.
For the second consecutive year,
BankMuscat has won Asia’s 'Best
Brand Award' in recognition of
building a successful global brand.
The award lauded BankMuscat for
consistent innovation and leadership
in building brand. The second
CMO Asia Award for Excellence in
Branding and Marketing recognised
100 top notch organisations across
Asia. The award ceremony in
Singapore was attended by over 200
senior corporate leaders. Mohammed
Mubarak Al Hassani, head of
corporate communications, said: “The
BankMuscat brand is associated as
a prolific innovator wherein the first
association with the brand is the
element of innovation. BankMuscat
understands the relationship between
brand equity and key value drivers in
the business model and views brand
management as a key element to
enhance value for all stakeholders.
The brand valuation helps in planning
a framework for long-term strategic
marketing investment.”
BankMuscat wins top Asia award
Crest & Oral B
'Pass on a healthy
smile' is an initiative
by the Oral Care brands Crest & Oral B, to improve
awareness on Oral hygiene in public in Oman. As part
of the campaign, Oral B & Crest, in collaboration with
Kim’s Oman Hospital and Al Essa Dental Clinic will be
conducting free dental check-ups for the residents of
Oman in Lulu Bausher from September 21 till October
7 and Carrefour Seeb from October 20 till November 2
from 5 pm to 9 pm. This is a yearlong initiative aimed
to conduct free dental checkups across Oman at
various points in time. Mohammed Ali Faruqi, brand
manager, Oral Care, Arabian Peninsula said, “The
findings underline the need to continue a consolidated
effort to educate consumers about oral-care and
its impact on overall well being." “The campaign
builds on our six year history of community outreach
initiatives across the UAE. This year the campaign
reaches out to more countries in the AGCC, providing
the public’s of Oman, KSA and other Gulf countries
access to free check-ups,” added, Adil Ghouse, CEO,
Khimji Ramdas consumer products group.
Crest & Oral B Oral hygiene Campaign
24 October 7-20, 2011
Khimji Ramdas LLC gave a grand farewell to Anil Wadhwa, the outgoing
Indian ambassador of India to Oman, at a glittering ‘Jai Ho’ event held at
the Majan Ballroom, Al Bustan Palace Hotel recently. It was attended by the
captains of industry and the who’s who of Muscat.
It was a double celebration with Khimji Ramdas also celebrating India’s
victories in the 1983 and 2011 World Cup. The audience were treated to a big
surprise with the captain of the 1983 World Cup win Kapil Dev and other key
members of the team, Syed Kirmani and Madan Lal being present. Former
test cricketer Ashok Malhotra, member of the Indian team that won the World
Championship of Cricket in Australia in 1985 was also present.
Speaking at his farewell function, Wadhwa, said, “I had come here as the
ambassador for three years. Getting an additional year was a bonus. I thank
one and all for the love and support in carrying out my duties for a little over
four years. I will shortly take up my new assignment in Thailand.”
Khimji Ramdas farewell to Anil Wadhwa
Word
pre
ss
25Black & White
IndiGo, India’s fastest growing airline
has announced service on Muscat –
Mumbai sector effective October 10.
Muscat will be the fourth international
destination on IndiGo’s growing
network.
IndiGo will operate four flights a week
between Muscat and Mumbai with
a promotional return fare of OMR
88 on the route. Both corporate
and leisure travellers will now have
the opportunity to experience the
matchless on-time performance
IndiGo is synonymous with in the
Indian skies.
IndiGo has recently launched its
international services with daily and
direct flights from Delhi to Dubai,
Bangkok and Singapore. The initial
response of the flights has been good
so far and the carrier hopes that it
will be able to replicate its domestic
success in International market
as well. The carrier’s expansion in
the international skies will further
consolidate its position as the fastest
growing low fare airline.
Speaking on this achievement,
Aditya Ghosh, President IndiGo said,
“We wish to thank our customers
for their enduring trust and support
and are extremely excited about
the upcoming international launch.
Muscat is a key market for us and
large Indian population which is
based in Oman can experience
IndiGo product offerings.
IndiGo is committed towards
providing affordable fares to the
growing market of frequent travelers
in Oman and likewise, offer increased
daily flights in future. We are
diligently working with the authorities
to get additional rights to cater to the
growing India-Oman traffic.”
IndiGo to Mumbai for OMR 88
Electroman took advantage of the Infra Oman
2011 exhibition to showcase some of its portfolio
of systems. In business since 1979, it initially
concentrated on defence matters. The full scale
development of the commercial/industrial side
of the business has been active for the past
10 years so, Infra Oman 2011 proved to be an
excellent opportunity for them to demonstrate
their capabilities.
The company was very well supported in its
fire detection, prevention and suppression
business by its suppliers with representatives
from Tyco, Kidde, 3M, Xtralis and Firetrace
helping out on the stand. The spectacular Novec
1230 gas suppression demonstration and the
fully functioning MX system caused particular
interest to delegates and passers-by. On the
telecommunications and electronics part of the
stand, representatives from Epos (point of sale
equipment) and Allied Telesis (active switches)
helped the in-house team explain the company’s
capabilities.
Electroman’ success at Infra Oman 2011
Also, the joint venture that Electroman is establishing with the
German company Kern Systems evoked lot of interest. Kern
Systems were demonstrating, with a revolving surveillance camera,
the ability to send secure SD/HD imagery over the GSM network
without use of the internet. To complete the portfolio, equipment
support was provided by Panduit (structured cabling), Codan (HF
radio), Tait (handheld radio), Stentofon (Audio/Video Intercom) and
Veilux (CCTV).
Bob West, general manager, Electroman said that the response
from the delegates had exceeded all his expectations.
26 October 7-20, 2011
Mazda Motor Corporation
has announced that it’s ‘Rear
Vehicle Monitoring system’
(RVM), which is available in
the European Mazda3 (known
as the Mazda Axela in Japan),
would soon be receiving
a ‘Euro NCAP Advanced
Award’ at the Frankfurt Motor
Show. Established in 2010,
the Euro NCAP Advanced
award recognises new safety
technologies that are proactively
developed and introduced by
automobile manufacturers.
Annurag Chawla, head of
marketing and communications,
Towell Auto Centre (TAC) says,
“The winning of this global
accolade is great news for us at
TAC, because the RVM function
will also be available in our
new Mazda CX-5 model, to be
launched early next year."
Mazda to receive ‘Euro NCAP Advanced Award’
Oman Investment & Finance Co. (OIFC) has donated diverse
range of home appliances to special needs community people
in association with Al Rahma team (formerly known as Oman Al
Khair). The OIFC’s association with Al Rahma represents a step of
OIFC join hands with Al Rahma to serve the community
National Bank of Oman (NBO) launched Himayati
home insurance plan, the most comprehensive and
simple home insurance plan for NBO customers in the
Sultanate.
Himayati home insurance has been arranged by
NBO in association with AXA Insurance (Gulf) B.S.C.,
exclusively for NBO customers.
The NBO Himayati home insurance provides families
with an easy and complete insurance solution for
household contents and personal belongings with
premiums starting from as low as OMR3 per month!
NBO customers can take optional cover benefits for
‘important documents’, insurance of ‘domestic helpers’
and ‘building’ cover, all at an unbelievable low cost. A
free basic travel insurance is provided for those opting
for the annual payment plan. Commenting at the launch,
Harsh Munjal, NBO’s general manager – retail and
private banking said:
“This is yet another significant initiative from NBO that
will provide our customers a highly useful product
designed to give them personal security. Himayati home
insurance is simple to understand and easy to buy and
will be available through NBO’s extensive network of
branches.”
NBO launches Himayati home insurance plan
the company’s ongoing journey with regard
to social responsibilities and community
initiatives.
The OIFC’s contribution confirmed the
company’s commitment in serving the
community: “We firmly believe on the
importance of serving those in need people,
and this assistance is only an expression
of OIFC’s conviction in the importance of
community service. Hence, this contribution of
home appliances is expected to serve about
or over 150 members of the community,” says
an official.
Al Rahma team is a voluntary organisation
formerly known as Oman Al Khair team,
based in A’Seeb, designed to help needy and
orphans families, and to organise projects
concerned on implementing charitable
contributions.
Word
pre
ss
27Black & White
Travel City LLC and Travel Point LLC recently honoured
two Omani staff members - Saleema Mohammed Al Hajri
and Nabila Fadhal Rehman Qudr Ullah, for rendering
dedicated and sincere service to the organisation during the
Holy Month of Ramadan. This special trophy was bestowed
during a grand iftar evening that was organised for all
the staff members of the company. The management as
well as the respective line managers lauded both the lady
employees for their voluntary decision in staying back post
the Ramadan working hours, to ensure that there was no
hindrance in the smooth functioning of the organisation’s
activities, owing to the presence of fewer staff during
this time. They were commended by the group general
manager, Sunil Prabhakar and the commercial director,
N.E.M. Cherubim, who presented the award winning staff
with a custom made trophy of appreciation, a special
acknowledgement letter written personally by the board of
directors of the company, and an increment in salary.
Oman Drydock Company S.A.O.C delivered successfully on time
the repaired German ship 'Pacific Trader' as being the first ship of its
kind (container ship) to enter the dry dock, the ship has a capacity
of 1,608 containers. It took thirty-nine days (39) and different
maintenance actions carried out by Oman Drydock Company to
repair the ship.
The ship entered the dock on July 14 for many maintenance works,
which included painting and renovation of certain segments in
addition to important reparation in seven major tanks and multiple
various technical actions managed by a professional team of
specialised technicians and engineers working in an environment
where the highest quality standards must be achieved.
The 'Pacific Trader' is considered to be the first ship to go through
different operations of reparation since Oman Drydock Company
started its operations on April 25 comparing to the 16 ships that
completed their maintenance in the dry dock of Al-Duqm.
Servico, the ship supervisor appreciated the involvement of Oman
Drydock Company and presented his thanks for the achieved work
and on time delivery in spite of the important number of reparations.
Oman Drydock successfully delivers Pacific Trader
Travel City and Travel Point honour staff
Starbucks and its Omani partners recently hosted
a traditional Iftar for the community of the Wadi Al
Mayh village in celebration of the holy month of
Ramadan and as part of the ongoing community
connections programme running throughout
The Middle East. This is the second community
activity Starbucks has conducted with the village,
following an initiative in which Starbucks provided
the impoverished community in the cut-off village
with essential relief food packages, following the
devastating Cyclone Phet.
Starbucks Oman hosts community
iftar for Wadi Al Mayh village
28 October 7-20, 2011
The maiden initiative of The Box Appeal in Oman
has resulted in the collection of 800 boxes that were
handed over to Dar Al Atta for distribution.
The charity campaign created and run by Radisson
Blu and Park Inn Hotels in the Middle East, started
on August 15 and officially concluded on the
September 30.
This was the first time the Muscat hotels participated
with organisers citing that the response from the
local community was "overwhelming".
The recipients have been identified by Dar Al Atta
and belong to Al Amal School for Deaf, Child Care
and Handicapped Center, Majan College and
Technical College. Delivery of the boxes will soon
take place with the assistance of DHL Express.
The Box Appeal 2011 collects 800 boxes
Several other local companies supported the campaign
including Mazoon Printing, Publishing and Advertising,
Creative Communications Advertising and Marketing, Muscat
City Centre, Qurum City Centre and Merge 104.8. Dubai-
based creative agency, North55 designed the 2011 logo.
Professional
singers and
musicians in
Muscat will be
presenting a
musical evening
to pay a tribute
to both these
legendary
Kapoors on
Friday, October
14, 2011 at Le Grand Hall, Al Falaj
Hotel at 6 pm. Sargam Events– a group
comprising Dipti Raval, Jayesh Raval
and Jagdip Bhatia – has been constantly
on a hunt for singers and musicians in
Muscat. With a deep passion for music,
they have presented a few programmes
to the music lovers here. Singers like
Haider Naqvi, Parth Kotecha, Murli,
Hari Menon, Praveen, Akshara Mohan
and Kavitha among others will be
performing. The show will feature songs
of Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor and
will also include a few dances by local
dancers. Entry to the show will be by
invitations only.
Contact: Dipti (9962 2057), Jagdip
(9521 3710) or Jayesh (9985 3307) for
invitations (subject to availability).
Raj Kapoor and Shammi
Kapoor musical nite
100 years of NIVEA
2011 marks the centenary of NIVEA Crème – the cosmetic cream
that has for decades been a symbol of trusted care for millions of
happy customers – and we are asking you to join us in discovering
100 years of our skin care heritage and expertise in body care.
Whether it’s the creamy formula of the original NIVEA Crème, with
its unmistakable fragrance, or the silky smoothness of the NIVEA
Moisturising Body Lotion, the NIVEA family today contains around
500 skin and beauty care products that are enjoyed by customers
in more than 200 countries.
NIVEA first entered the Middle East region in the 1950s with
Jordan, Syria and Bahrain being the first countries in the region
to find the NIVEA products on their shelves. Ramniklal B. Kothary
& Co. LLC., a group established since 1935 are pioneers in
distributing the finest global brands in Oman.
Beiersdorf AG is proud of the 40 years long associationwith
Ramniklal B. Kothary & Co. LLC. The brand NIVEA is a household
name for skin care in Oman.
Word
pre
ss
29Black & White
OTE Group and Hyundai unveiled two sensational new
models – the all-new 2012 Azera a premium large sedan
and the all new Veloster, a new concept in a car that
combines the style of a coupé with the functionality of a
hatchback. The function also witnessed the raffle draw
of 1kg gold for the recently concluded ‘Strike Gold with
Hyundai’ Ramadan promotion.
Jonghyun Choe, ambassador of Korea, graced the
occasion with BT Shin - head Hyundai ME head quarters
along with the luminaries from the press, businessmen
and loyal Hyundai customers.
BT Shin congratulated Sheikh Saad Bahwan and all
dedicated staff of OTE led by Cyrus Vevaina for creating
a new historical record of monthly sales this August
through the great effort and endeavours.
He added “I also would like everyone here to join me in
sending our warmest congratulations on the successful
business relationship between Hyundai and Oman
Trading Establishment for 20 years since year 1991,
during which OTE has always been staying closely with
Hyundai as a faithful partner and companion."
Contact 800-77007
Hyundai & OTE
Group launch new models
Concert of Colours, a contemporary
art exhibition organised by the Omani
Society for Fine Art, will showcase
paintings by prominent and world
renowned artists from Pakistan and
will run from October 17 to 24. The
exhibition is an effort to bring to the art
lovers in Muscat a diverse collection
of works of 16 prominent artists. The
exhibit will be showcasing the work
of several talented artists including;
Babar Azeemi, Ali Abbas, Dr Khalid
Mahmood, Salman Farooqi, Ishtiaq
Sandhu, Masood A. Khan, M. A.
Bukhari, Shafique Farooqi, Amina
Ansari, Mansoor Rahi, Irfan Hassan,
Mubashir Iqbal and Iqbal Hussain.
Among which the work of renowned
artists Bin Qullander and Asad Farooqi
will be displayed, both of which have
been known for mastering their skills in
contemporary calligraphy. In addition
to which modern miniature art will be
displayed by Amir Kamal, renowned
for his contribution to revitalising the
classic tradition of miniature art.
The exhibition is open for public
viewing from October 17 to 24 from
9 am till 1pm and in the evenings
from 4.30 pm to 8.30pm at the Omani
Society for Fine Arts in Qurum (behind
Shatti Cinema). This exhibition also
aims to raise awareness and gather
support for the Oman Hereditary
Blood Disorder Association which is a
registered Omani charity.
Concert of Colours from October 17 to 24
30 October 7-20, 2011
Tweeting and
retweeting…By Nasser Al Azry
You must have had the chance to read about
Facebook and Twitter in my last column. I
want to finish some few lines about Twitter
before I close the chapter.
As you are aware, Twitter is an online social
networking and microblogging service
that enables its users to send and read
text-based posts. Twitter allows upto 140
characters, which are known as ‘tweets’.
Twitter maybe just five years old but it gained
immense popularity with over 200 million
users as of 2011, generating over 200 million
tweets and handling over 1.6 billion search
queries per day.
Known as the SMS of the Internet, it can only
go from strength to strength.
Now taking off from my last column, let
me complete the lines on other aspects of
tweeting.
Retweet - Retweeting is when you tweet
someone else’s tweet to your followers. This
helps your followers find useful information.
It’s also a sign of respect, and it can help you
build credibility and develop your network on
Twitter.
To retweet, simply type RT @ and the
person’s username (to give the person
credit), and then copy or type the tweet.
For example, type “RT @Bob45 CEO will
make big announcement today. Stay tuned!”
You can also retweet directly on the Twitter
website without the need to copy or type the
tweet.
If you want to give a person credit for a link
or idea, you can also say “via @Bob45” in
your tweet.
Tip 1:
Before you retweet, make sure it’s on a
subject that you want to be associated with.
Don’t just retweet for the sake of it!
Note:
This also applies to Facebook.
Personal use
Although it’s easy to find yourself spending
too much time on Twitter, the site offers
some great benefits to help you grow
professionally.
For example, you can:
STAY INFORMED ABOUT INDUSTRY
TRENDS - Follow people or organisations
that lead your industry. This allows you
to stay updated about your field. Trade
publications and magazines often have
informative Twitter accounts as well.
NETWORK - Establish and strengthen
professional relationships. Twellow can help
you find industry-specific groups and people
to follow on Twitter.
BRAINSTORM - Ask your followers for ideas
- or, if your team is on Twitter, brainstorm
back and forth. This is especially useful when
you’re working with a virtual team, or when
you don’t want to spend time getting together
for a meeting.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER - Some people
use Twitter to find new jobs or training
opportunities. Organisations often post jobs
on Twitter, so this is a great way to see
openings quickly. Networking through Twitter
can also lead to some great career and
learning opportunities.
Tip:
If you’re concerned that Twitter will distract
you from other work, specify certain times to
check your timeline, or use Twitter to take a
break from other more demanding tasks.
Organisational use
There are several ways to use Twitter to help
market your organisation:
Branding - Help to establish and grow your
organisation’s brand and image etc.
Moti
vati
on b
asi
cs
30 October 7-20, 2011
31Black & White
YANNI…NOT TO BE MISSED!
Don’t miss it!
Whatever happens, don’t miss the Yanni Live in
Concert show at the Grand Hall of the SQU on
October 26. Not because we are organising it…but
such events are rare to come by and let us not let
go of such a grand opportunity to witness one of the
greatest living musician in action.
The response to the concert is overwhelming! And
do you know, we did not even publicise the event,
until very recently. This event is the first of its kind
in Oman and is an attempt to provide a world class
concert with a charity theme. In solidarity with the
theme, 200 to 300 visually challenged people will
be attending the concert. So, be there to show your
support to the visually challenged as well as to an
event that is set to catapult Oman to a global arena
on the musical front.
WORLD SIGHT DAY
The second Thursday of every October is observed
as World Sight Day. It is a day where loads of
activities are held to create awareness on the plight
of the visually challenged. As a media, we are doing
just that. Create awareness, promote solidarity and
contribute in some way to the visually challenged.
Come join us, make that little extra effort, spend
some time with them.
The B&W team has gone the extra mile to speak
to people who are providing selfless services
individually and professionally. Oman, as a nation,
has been quite ahead in eradicating avoidable
blindness. More is needed in terms of infrastructure,
roads and facilities to integrate them into the daily
routine.
This event is the first of its kind in Oman and is an attempt to provide a world class concert with a charity theme
Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief
In Black...
& White
In B
lack &
Whit
e
NOT A HANDICAP
Personally, I empathise with the challenged. He/she has
never seen the world. But, when they smile, I feel inspired,
look as us, we have seen it all and lived it all and yet we
forget to smile! Blindness is not a handicap. There are
quite a few in this world who has proved that. Look at
world famous artists and writers. Almost in every field
there are some great visually challenged ones too… The
great Egyptian writer Taha Hussein, Andrea Bocelli, Stevie
Wonder, to name a few…
MAKE THEM INDEPENDENT
There is this little story that remains in my memory for
some reason…I saw the television footage about a visually
handicapped man who was at the World Trade Centre
during 9/11. He had a trained dog, which took him around.
He also used a cane. In spite of the visual challenge, he
was independent. On that day, it was taking time for him to
climb down the stairs, so he let his dog go away… but the
loyal animal refused to. In fact it went all the way down the
stairs and came back for his master… my question is: why
should a visually challenged person be dependent on his
relatives? Why can’t we give him the option of a cane, a
dog, and even streets that enables him to move freely?
Let that be the thought of the week…
B&
W X
clu
sive
32 October 7-20, 2011
With a CANE, you’re ABLE
32 October 7-20, 2011
33Black & White
Try this simple experiment:
Today morning, blindfold yourself. Or, just shut your eyes. Then, get up from
your bed and try to walk towards the direction of your bathroom. Oh yeah, you
have been doing that for the last so many years and you know the way like the
back of your palm. Or, so you claim.
So why is it that you have stepped on your son’s toy truck, stumbled on your
own shoes, then walked straight into the locked bedroom door, fumbled at the
bathroom door, dashed against the sink, couldn’t find your brush or toothpaste
and nearly slipped on the wet floor and didn’t know what to grab on to…? In
short, for some moments, you had no clue as to what you were doing; you
couldn’t see and you felt as though you have lost all your faculties in that
temporary form of blindness! You couldn’t even walk from your bedroom to
your bathroom without fumbling and nearly killing yourself…
33Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
36 October 7-20, 2011
37Black & White
AROUND 20,000 VISUALLY
CHALLENGED
Next time you bump into a visually
challenged person, remember what
it is like for him/her. Life isn’t easy for
those whom God has given no sight.
But, let us not make it even more
difficult for them.
Let us not drown them in a sea of
sympathy, but instead, let us try to
understand them better.
One, let us respect them for what
they are able to do and what you are
unable to do for even just a minute.
Blindfold yourself and you will find
that you are virtually handicapped
from doing so many things that you
have taken for granted. And then,
you expect the visually challenged to
walk out from their homes and into
the streets?
There are around 20,000 (*) visually
challenged in Oman and other than
the very few who are able to handle
themselves, the rest are, to use a
bad phrase, virtually in the dark.
HAVE CANE AND YOU ARE ABLE
They need not be.
That is what we are propounding
here. They need not be. Their
degree of suffering or discomfort
can be reduced considerably if they
just adopt some easy ways to help
themselves out of their darkness.
Before we get into that, let us also
try to understand that the problem
of blindness better. Blindness is
not the loss of eyesight. The real
problem is the misunderstanding and
lack of information that exists. “In
Oman, the environment is not exactly
blind friendly,” notes Her Highness
Sayyida Sharifa bint Khalid Al Said,
consultant at the Omar bin Al Khattab
Institute for the Blind. “We do not
have public transport, no dedicated
paths, no provision of canes and
certainly no dog-guides in Oman!”
She strongly advocates the visually
challenged in Oman to start using
canes. “Globally, the usage of a cane
is advocated and I believe it should
be the same in Oman too,” Sayyida
Sharifa said, adding that mobility
instructors was also needed to train
the blind to use canes.
In short, with a cane, you (the
visually challenged) are able. The
long white cane is a simple tool,
effective in allowing the blind and
visually challenged to maneuver and
navigate the world independently. By
tapping shoulder-to-shoulder while
walking the cane finds objects on the
path such as stones, poles, benches,
and trash cans/bins etc. When you
are holding the cane in front of you,
you are less likely to walk into or off
of something. Whether the object is
a wall, chair, stairs or a person, it will
be located by the cane before your
body runs into it.
The cane can also help you identify
doors, objects like tables or trash
bins or empty chairs etc. The white
cane allows the visually challenged
to be mobile in a manner equal to
their sighted peers. “Simply put, the
white cane is a mobility aid that will
help the person to find a safe way in
front of them,” Dr Rajiv Khandekar,
an advisor to the ministry of health
(MoH) and programme manager, eye
and ear health care, department of
non communicable disease control,
directorate general of health affairs,
MoH, said.
The cane is thus a healthy, safe
option, which will bring great relief
and become a seeing eye to the
visually challenged. But, why are
there so very few takers in Oman?
And why aren’t the visually
challenged using the cane and
tapping their way out of their
darkness?
(*) “If we apply World Health
Organisation’s definition, which is
:best corrected vision less than 3/60
in better eye, one percent (1%) of the
two million Omani population – that
is 20,000 persons, will be considered
blind. Also, according to the Oman
eye study – 2005 – ‘Blindness by
Gender’, the projected blind is put at
22,500.)
B&
W X
clu
sive
38 October 7-20, 2011
SHE DOES NOT SEE like you and
I. And that is just an inconvenience,
she tells us in her crystal clear voice.
She sits across us on a chair
at the Omar bin Khattab Institute
for the Blind where she works as
a consultant and answers every
question – however stupid (“There
are no stupid questions, she asserts!)
– with a smile!
Nothing seems to faze her, as she
crisply answers all queries lending
us an insight into her unusual life.
There is no anger, no bitterness, no
hesitation and most of all, no regrets.
It is an unusual life, well led and a
lesson in it for each and every one of
us. It is not only her warmth, but also
her glowing spirit that she shared
with us -- a spirit that will surely live
within us and everyone she bumps
into.
If you are visually challenged, then
that is just an inconvenience…an
obstacle, not a disability. That is the
strong message that Sayyida Sharifa
wants to send across to those
visually challenged, or rather anyone,
in Oman.
And they (the visually challenged)
don’t need sympathy. They don’t
need any favours. They don’t want
anything but your understanding,
Sayyida Sharifa stresses in this brief
interview with the Black & White.
ANGEL ON A CANE
That said, Sayyida Sharifa also
advocated the use of canes in Oman.
She has been using a cane during
her stay in America.
“In spite of my disability, I used to
live an almost normal life doing my
daily chores like any other sighted
person, from dressing up to doing the
shopping on my own.
“After living with the support of a
cane for many years, I suddenly
have to be dependent on people,
here in Oman. I am scared of dogs;
otherwise I would have taken a guide
dog too. When I started using the
cane, I knew where I was going; in
fact after a while you know where
you are going and yes, I believe that
there is an angel always looking after
you…”
WHY PEOPLE, WHEN YOU GOT
CANE?
Sayyida Sharifa added: “Here in
Oman, our environment is not blind
friendly. It is more of a lifestyle that
makes us, the visually challenged,
depend on our family members. No
public transport, no paths, no canes,
always have to be with someone.
There is hardly any mobility training
here and it is very painful to note that
no steps are taken to promote the
usage of cane.”
MOBILITY INSTRUCTORS
NEEDED
Stressing on the need to have
a mobility instructor, she said: “A
mobility instructor can do wonders
for you, make you feel much freer to
move around and make your life a
little easier.
The visually challenged in Oman
are hesitant to use the cane
because of stereotype. But, it is of
absolute importance that the visually
challenged need to move on with
their lives independently.
Angel of the BlindThe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt within the heart -- Helen Keller
What do you do when
a woman stares right
back at you? Avert your
eyes? We did that. For
some moments she
stares at you as she
answers your query
and for that moment,
our eyes connect. We
could see her clearly, but
she doesn’t... Nothing
unusual in that except
that Her Highness
Sayyida Sharifa bint
Khalid Al Said is visually
challenged.
39Black & White 39Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
40 October 7-20, 2011
B&
W X
clu
sive
40 October 7-20, 2011
ADVOCATE CANE USE
“Globally, the usage of cane is
advocated and I believe it should
be the same in Oman too. The only
way is to create an environment that
would make them more confident and
free to live. That is my only wish,”
she said noting how she felt quite
independent while using the cane. “It
helped me predict what was going to
come in front of me!”
Sayyida Sharifa lost her sight when
she was 10 (until then, she had
sight). “When I was a child, I could
see. But, I slowly lost my sight by the
time I was 10. I was diagnosed with
Retinitis Pigmentosa. It is an eye
disease in which there is damage
to the retina. My family was put up
in the US and I would today say I
was fortunate enough to be in an
environment that allowed me to
pursue my education, complete my
Master’s and a doctorate and learn
to be independent. I would call my
blindness ‘inconvenience’, rather
than a disability!”
Although she is in the field of
education, being a consultant, she
tells us that she never wanted to be
a teacher. “I never wanted to be a
teacher. In fact I wanted to have a
career in the field of the specially
challenged -- help them, create
awareness and better their lives.”
SHE IS SPECIAL
Sayyida Sharifa makes no bones
about the fact that she cannot see.
But, she adds that although that was
a challenge, she just learnt to climb
over it. And this is what she wants
to share with every other visually
challenged person in Oman.
The public are scared of the challenged; they should understand that physical disability is a condition that is neither contagious nor infectious. If we are short of one sense, we are naturally compensated with other abilities and better senses to manage life better with the shortcomings
41Black & White
That is the flame, or the torch, she wants to pass on to
others. “I am special and I know what is hard and difficult
and how to take life head on. My life has been a learning
experience for me and I would like to use that life curve
to help the special needs people. I believe I have the
firsthand experience.”
LADY EXTRAORDINARY
One thing does set her apart from many though.
Sayyida Sharifa is a lady extraordinaire. Someone for
whom no task is impossible. And this spirit is evident in
her life, especially in the multitude of achievements she
has garnered over the years: “Today I can very proudly
say that I am the first Omani visually impaired person to
get a doctorate (Columbia University). Not just a PhD, I
have a double post-graduate degree in special education
to my credit. Right now, I am working as a consultant at
the Omar bin Al Khatab School for the Blind in Mawa’leh.
I hope to do meaningful service to the community in my
own small way.”
LOVE COLOURS
The blind are not dead, she asserts. “They are people
with the same emotions, same likings, same desires,
same wants and needs like any other sighted person. The
fact that they have never seen light or the world is sad,
but something we all have to live with. But, I could see
when I was a child and so I know what colours are. I love
red and as every other woman, I love to dress too, thanks
to my sister who makes sure that I look how I have to, or
would like to. She quietly checks with me, ‘what is your
day today? Official, casual? What would you like to wear
today…?’ My family has been very supportive and they
have treated me as an equal, so I never grew up with any
complexes as sympathy was devoid in their approach to
me and I was not dependent on them.
BLIND DON’T NEED SYMPATHY
Being visually challenged is just an obstacle, not a
disability, Sayyida Sharifa reiterated. “Being visually
challenged is a state that cannot be understood by a
sighted person theoretically.
We don’t need sympathy, we need understanding. We
need help; we need facilities that could make our lives
less dependent. The public need a constant reminder that
visually challenged are normal human beings in all other
aspects, in fact being one of the kind, I can say they are
better human beings.
“The public are scared of the challenged; they should
understand that physical disability is a condition that
is neither contagious nor infectious. If we are short of
one sense, we are naturally compensated with other
abilities and better senses to manage life better with the
shortcomings.”
BEING BLIND IS EXPENSIVE
Every accessory available for the visually challenged
is expensive; the Braille’s, audio equipment from audio
calculators to computers to everything is expensive. “Life
is very challenging for the visually challenged, not just
because they have to lead their lives in the dark, but also
because of the affordability of some of the items for daily
use. Members of the community have to step in to take
responsibility of the less fortunate and help the special
ones lead a normal life by making it easy financially,
physically, mentally and socially.
I wish for a society where community members take up
a little more responsibility on their shoulders to ease the
inconvenience of the less fortunate and help the specially
challenged get integrated to the society,” Sayyida Sharifa
said.
NORMAL LIFE, NORMAL HOBBIES
Whatever the case, she is brimming with confidence
and only a positive aura emanates from her. “The visually
challenged can also live a good life. I do. I am an auditory
learner, meaning I don’t know Braille and I don’t write. I
learnt everything through audio, by listening.
I watch movies; the last movie I watched is ‘Eat, Pray,
Love’; I love Julia Roberts…I listen to music, even read
books. In fact I read quite a lot. I am quite good at multi
tasking. I can talk to two people in mobiles at the same
time! Our sense of hearing is quite exceptional…perhaps
God has his how own of compensating us for what we do
not have…”
MILES TO GO
Sayyida Sharifa is indeed blessed. Not just with
confidence, but with lots of patience, energy, strength,
courage and more importantly with enormous cheer.
Interview over, she beams at us, bids us farewell and
then taps her way back in the corridors of the institute
for some other mission. “I have my hands full and I have
miles to go…” she says as a parting shot.
B&
W X
clu
sive
42 October 7-20, 201142 October 7-20, 2011
43Black & White
“THERE ARE MANY who are in
the low vision category. People
misunderstand and categorise the
low vision as blind and take away
their right to be normal. Low vision
is a complex area within the field of
visual impairments. Individuals with
low vision can have very different
amounts of vision and ways of
seeing,” he says in this interview with
the Black & White.
A LITTLE ADJUSTMENT
Low vision can be defined as
chronic disabling visual impairments
that can be to an extent corrected
with glasses, contact lenses, or
other equipments. It has its greatest
impact on reading and seeing
fine detail, but contrast-sensitivity
losses, dimming of vision and blind
spots. A little bit of adjustment in
their seating, lighting and even the
position they walk can change their
vision dramatically. Technology has
progressed so much that with simple
gadgets, the low vision can actually
see and live an independent life,
have a career and a new life.
The major difference between low
vision and blindness is the person’s
attitude toward his or her visual
impairment. People who confidently
identify themselves as blind have
accepted blindness as a personal
trait.
People who identify themselves as
having low vision tend to struggle
with trying to function as if they were
normally sighted. It is not unusual
for people with low vision to try to
conceal their visual impairments and
avoid challenging situations in order
to avoid appearing incompetent.
They will avoid using technology and
alternative methods in public that
identify them as blind.
But with a little bit of awareness,
education and rehabilitation, their
lives can change for good. No
matter what level of vision a person
has, it is not a barrier to living a
free and independent life, notes Dr
Khandekar.
MOBILITY TRAINING
“Orientation and mobility training
is of crucial importance to many
people with vision impairments.
Mobility training helps to develop
skills required to move around safely
in the environment. Some people
with vision impairments have enough
residual vision to move around
independently. Other people may
require a mobility aid such as a long
cane which will help the person to
find a safe way in front of them,” Dr
Khandekar said.
WORLD SIGHT DAY
Globally, the second Thursday of
every October is observed as World
Sight Day. Earlier, it was observed
as White Cane Day. It is not a day
of celebration. All member countries
of the World Health Organisation
(WHO) conduct activities for creating
awareness on the issues related to
eye sight. There are many partners
in this endeavour, from Unions to
NGOs. In Oman, the Ministry of
Health is the main stakeholder.
The vision 2020 programme is
one such outcome. In 1999, the
Ministry of Health with the technical
collaboration of the WHO held a
planning workshop, prioritised the
eye diseases and formulated the
strategies for Vision 2020, Oman.
VISION 2020
Basically, the vision 2020
programme ensures that the
members and partners of World
Health Organisation commitment
Never say blindDr Rajiv Khandekar is
quick to burst a myth. Not all of those among the visually challenged are fully blind, he says.
“People with visual challenges have vision problems due to multi various reasons. They
cannot be called blind,” says Dr Rajiv, advisor
to the ministry of health (MoH) and programme
manager of the eye and ear health care,
department of non communicable disease
control, directorate general of health affairs, MoH.
B&
W X
clu
sive
44 October 7-20, 2011
to eliminate avoidable blindness by
2020. The four priority diseases to
be eliminated were river blindness,
trachoma, cataracts and childhood
blindness. River blindness is found in
pockets of Africa and not prevalent in
Oman.
“The main focus in Oman was
trachoma and we can proudly say
that in 2007 Oman became one
of the first few countries to reach
the criteria of WHO to successfully
eliminate blindness due to trachoma.
We are under the observation period
currently and awaiting certification
by the authorities. After complete
elimination of incidences of blindness
due to trachoma, we should be able
to maintain the percentage and
criteria too,” Dr Khandekar said.
TRACHOMA
“Trachoma is an infection in
childhood that leaves one blind at
a later age. We have successfully
managed to eliminate it here in
Oman. The rapid socioeconomic
developments in Oman and
reinvestment of the income into
infrastructure, education and health
were the major reason for the drastic
decline of active trachoma. The
trachoma control programme started
off in 1983 and in 1991 it became
the ‘Eye Health Care Programme’.
The survey results in 2005 indicated
that the trachoma incidences were
declining. “Trachoma was indeed a
major hurdle we had to overcome,
which Oman did successfully. The
regions which had prevalence of
trachoma in high numbers were
Dhakliyah, south Batinah and north
Sharqiyah. Ironically the Dhofar
region never had any trachoma
cases, we cannot attribute any
reasons though,” Dr Khandekar said.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Every year a theme is chosen for
the World Sight Day. “This year
it is diabetic retinopathy, which is
damage to the eye’s retina that
occurs with long-term diabetes. Most
often, diabetic retinopathy has no
symptoms until the damage to your
eyes is severe.
Figures state that there are 130,000
diabetic in Oman and a good
75000 are identified. With diabetics
spreading rapidly, it still remains
the biggest challenge. Uncontrolled
sugar levels cause eye problems
resulting in blindness at a later stage
of life. Having more severe diabetes
for a longer period of time increases
the chance of getting retinopathy,
which is also more likely to occur
earlier and become more severe
if your diabetes has been poorly
controlled.
Almost everyone who has had
diabetes for more than 30 years will
show signs of diabetic retinopathy.”
HONG KONG IS DISABLED
FRIENDLY
A little bit of thought put in the
regular engineering and architectural
planning can create a safe and
disabled friendly atmosphere in any
country, Dr Khandekar notes. “I
attended a seminar in Hong Kong
that left me amazed.
The country is so disabled friendly,
the roads, streets, and with mobility
instructors… A visually challenged
can very safely live an almost normal
life, walk around safely, cross roads,
travel in public transport, shop and
do the daily chores with their canes…
an environment alien to Oman!”
45Black & White
In fact, that is the mission of Salim
Al Harbi, a senior personnel of eye
and ear health care, department of
non communicable disease control,
directorate general of health control,
ministry of health (MoH).
“There are three types of people:
the absolute blind, the ones with low
vision (*) and the sighted. But people
generally categorise all of them in
to either the blind or the sighted,
which is very unfair,” lamented Salim
who seem to have dedicated his
life to bringing vision to the visually
challenged, especially the ones with
low vision.
“I attended training at the L V
Prasad Institute in India in low vision
management and understood that
with the help of some gadgets,
people with low vision can change
their lives dramatically.
“What looks like some kind of a lens
or a software can actually change
their lives from being confined to a
room to a full-fledged life with family
and career. I can give you examples
of many who were suffering from
low vision problems, but with the
help of the right gadgets are today
completing their education, working,
and living a very normal life.”
Salim also said that it was sad to
note that out of ignorance and lack
of awareness that made people of
low vision suffer without an end.
“The community has to support these
visually challenged people by making
the environment friendly to them. A
little bit of change in the engineering
and some simple introductions in
the planning stage can change the
lifestyle of the visually challenged.”
(*) Low vision is a specific visual
condition that primarily affects people
65 years and older. It is defined as
having difficulty seeing, even with
corrective lenses or surgery.
Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi
Giving low vision a vision in life
www.blackandwhiteoman.com
Read our magazine ONLINE
Log on to
Blackandwhite OmanFind us on facebook
47Black & White
Boss management
By Dr CK Anchan
Dr Anchan C.K.
managing director,
World Wide Business House
“When your boss is happy with your
performance, your stress is much less.” “Happy
wife, happy life.” The same could be said about
having a happy boss. Dealing with the boss
is an art by itself. There is a quite a difference
if you start looking at your boss in a positive
way, Consider boss as a human being. Don’t
project him as a super human being. He is like
any other individual who has his own likes and
dislikes. You as an employee need to exhibit
human skills.
Act professionally. Whatever may be the
situation in your workplace, department,
section, act professionally. Don’t let your
mood swings affect your productivity. It is very
likely that your boss’s attitude is affecting your
performance, try ignoring all these distractions.
Don’t just come with problems, come also
with solutions. Problems usually have several
aspects. It is usually a gap between an
objective and the result; there are options to
close the gap; there is a choice of one option
to be made; key tasks, dates, people and
resources needed must be defined. On which
of those steps in problem solving do you want
your boss’s input? Just be clear on what input
you want rather than come with the stressful --
“I have a problem…”
Choose the right moment to avoid
procrastination: not only save her time by
focusing on big issues, but choose the right
moment to do so. If you present an issue at
the wrong moment, the chances are the boss
will procrastinate. Prepare for your meeting:
first, because the advantage is to the one who
is prepared, second, because the preparation
helps you reduce the time taken to come to the
central issue. Analyse your performance. Try to
understand the reason behind boss’s anguish.
The first solution is an honest analysis of your
actions & behavior. “One must realise that
most times employee’s poor performance is
what irks the boss. Appreciating sincere efforts
and bringing employee’s slip offs to notice is
much expected of a boss,”Look for a mentor
in other managers or more skilled peers to
seek important advice and expand your work
experience. A mentor is someone who can help
you in many ways, from offering a shoulder to
cry on to arriving on important decisions at work
front.
Yes, you have preoccupations, problems to
solve and issues to tackle. However, while
your time is entirely devoted to them, do not
expect your boss’s time to be also. The more
simple the problem or issue at hand is, the less
time you should have her spend on it: prepare,
summarise, and synthesise information and
options. Do not confuse your more frequent
problems with the most important ones.
Choosing to be happy at work means avoiding
negative conversations, gossip, and unhappy
people as much as possible. No matter how
positively you feel, negative people have a
profound impact on your psyche. “People quit
jobs because they feel they can’t cope up with
their difficult boss. That’s not the solution. If
you realise that your boss’s attitude is affecting
your peace of mind, talk to him. Tell him exactly
what you need from him in terms of direction,
feedback and support in a polite manner.
Remember: never confront your boss in an
emotionally-charged rage.
More tips in the next issue
Managem
ent
talk
47Black & White
48 October 7-20, 2011
One incident during the Holy Month of Ramadan left a bad taste in our mouth.
And surely in the mouths of all those who attended this little Iftar affair. No, no,
the food was fantastic, no complaints about that.
Our little grouse is to those who organised a media Iftar during last month’s
Ramadan and promptly forgot to stop their speech about their company virtues
even when the prayer call came to break the fast. Normally, Iftars are quite
promptly begun when the prayer calls come, but the organisers of this meet
seemed to have forgotten the norm. Those who were present at the event
felt quite embarrassed and even incensed by the manner in which it was
conducted. The lady continued on extolling the virtues of the company she
represented when the prayer call came and even though the guests stirred
disturbed by what was happening, she went on and then stopped when she
realised that something was amiss. She came from a neighbouring country, but
didn’t they observe Ramadan there?
‘Appams’ equal
to gold?
Bad taste…
Nit
tern
att
er
We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Fi-nally, 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 fort-night, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:
(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on [email protected] or call 99218461)
Reports of bad food, hiked prices on food during the Holy Month have also
come in. We are not going into the details, but would like to skim the issue
thus: what would you do if you ordered some ‘appams’ (hoppers, pancake)
from a well known restaurant close to the Eid day and was shocked when
they discovered that the bill was going to burn a small hole in their pockets.
What happened? Appams cost have come up like gold prices? There are
ways to cheat, but the restaurant took the safe way out by giving full plate
rates instead of single appam rates. For instance, you can go and buy a
single burger from McDonald’s but, what if they charge for a whole meal?
Gotcha? That is what happened to these appam buyers and look at what
happened to another team that went and bought some hot, spicy biriyanis
for Iftar one afternoon from a well known eatery in Ruwi. They broke the
fast and then hungrily heated the biriyanis to be stumped by the foul smell
coming from the food. The biriyanis were spoilt and there went their Iftar
meal in foul-smelling smoke. The only good part is that these people did
not lodge a complaint to the restaurants concerned and just kept mum –
probably in the true spirit of the month.
Did you know that while
you were holidaying, there
were those who did not
enjoy even one day of
respite?
Did you know that while
you were gallivanting off to
lovely camping sites, away
from the madding crowd
et al, there were dedicate
people out there who could
not leave their duties precisely because they were duties and
could not be avoided! Yes, some of the ones on duty could surely
be on shift, but, there are some who are unable to enjoy even shift
because there is no one to replace them, even temporarily and
they are forced to work, holiday or no holiday. Yes, the show has
to go on and on and on…
Sorry folks, back to the
supermarket once again, with
a quick nip, tuck and complaint
and we will be off:
Okay, let us conclude with this
little tale of a lady who went
to a hypermarket, picked a
red, red – no, not apple, but a
mango. And not one, but three of them. Although she would
hesitate to buy a kilo’s worth of mangoes for OMR2.5, she still
went ahead and bought this mango, which cost her OMR1.5
per piece (she bought three, which cost her OMR4.5), because
she was bowled over by its red appeal and unbelievable aroma.
“I took it home and it literally lit up our home and the fridge was
smelling so good.” Unfortunately, like most things, it fell apart in
the main department – taste, as the good lady found out later
when she cut it up. To her dismay, it tasted quite below the
ordinary. “I bought it for OMR1.5 and it tasted like 100 baisas!”
Talk of expectations!
While you were holidaying…
AJAY ENTERPRISESPO BOX 54, PC 100.
TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490E-MAIL: [email protected]
Website: www.albahja.com
AJAAYY EENNTTEERRPPRRIISSEESPPPPPPOOOOOO BBBOOOOXXXXX 5555544444,, PPPPPCCCCC 1111100000000000..
TTTTEEEELLL ::: 22224444888811155544888555 FFFAAAXXX :: 22448811555449000EEEE--MMMMAAAAIIIILLLL:: mmmmmaaaarrrrkkkkeeeeettttiiinnggggg@@@aallbbaahhhjjaa..ccoomm
WWWWeebbbbsssiiiitttee:: wwwwwww..aaaalllbbbaaahhhhjjjaa..ccoommm
Red, red mango
50 October 7-20, 2011
Kid
stuff
Tongue twistersThe big black bug bit the big black bear,
but the big black bear bit the big black bug back!
Did you know that black bears could actually be black, blue-black, cinnamon,
brown, dark brown or even white in colour? Here are more interesting facts
about the black bear:
• Black bears weigh an average of 125 to 600 pounds
• Black bears have colour vision and a keen sense of smell
• Black bears are very intelligent animals. They have outstanding long-term
memory and their navigation ability is considered superior to that in humans. They
are all individuals and often share friendships, security and resources.
• Black bears use sounds to express a range of emotions. When they are relaxed
they make a variety of grunting sounds and when frightened, they make a loud
blowing noise.
• Black bears are excellent swimmers and can swim about 1-1/2 miles in fresh
water.
• Contrary to popular misconception that black bears cannot run downhill, they are
in fact very good runners and can run uphill and downhill as well as on flat ground
equally fast.
• Lean bears are known to run at speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, which
is way faster than any Olympic sprinter.
• A black bear standing on its hind legs is not about to charge; it is merely
attempting to see and smell whatever it is that has piqued its curiosity.
• Black bears are in fact gentle and tolerant animals that can be empathetic,
playful, joyful, social and fearful.
• Black bears thrive best in large forests, which offer them a wide variety of foods
to choose from. They enjoy a mix of fruits, acorns, assorted nuts, succulent greens,
meats and insects.
• Bear attacks on humans are extremely rare. A person is 180 times more likely
to be killed by a bee and 160,000 times more likely to die in a car accident. Most
injuries from black bears occur when people try to feed, pet, or crowd them. Bears
will nip or cuff bad-mannered humans, as they will bad-mannered bears. They are
very strong and powerful animals; bears should always be treated with caution and
respect.
Interesting facts aboutBLACK BEAR
50 October 7-20, 2011
51Black & White 51Black & White
52 October 7-20, 2011
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.
SOLUTION:By Thomas Snyder
It’s highly likely that you’ve
got to find a balance between the
demands of your family and your
work, in order to keep everyone
happy. You could be spending
money on a holiday before too long.
You have a love of home and a deep
appreciation for security and the
private life.
Tie up any loose ends that
are currently littering your life. Having
a good clear-out and throwing away
any belongings you no longer need
will be very therapeutic. Should you
be asked to combine business with
pleasure then do so, because there’s
a touch of luck about this. Whether
you do so or not is entirely up to you.
The full moon falls in the
area of your chart devoted to the
mind, which may be a little You’ll
also find it easier to get on with the
people you rely on in life, and it will
be a particularly favourable time to
reach agreements with them. You’ll
need to be very strict when it comes
to spending money.
This is not a time for
stressing yourself out. If you are able
to, rest up for a couple of days and
it will soon pass. There could be a
lot of stress in your encounters with
friends and acquaintances. You could
get impatient with them if they aren’t
functioning at the speed you would
like.
If you’ve been bogged down
in a financial fog lately, you’re now in
a very good position to do something
about it once and for all. You’ve
realised that you can’t carry on like
this for much longer. This is a time
to enjoy and appreciate your ties
to others, and to seek and promote
harmony in the interaction.
Write down your plans
and stick them in a prominent
place so you can’t help but notice
them - because your friends and
acquaintances will unite to make
long-term goals and dreams seem
more possible and able to be
realised. You may be able to excel
in whatever kind of work you do.
March 21-April 20
June 22-July 23
April 21-May 20
July 24-August 23
May 21-June 21
August 24-September 23
Your stars
ARIES
CANCER
TAURUS
LEO
GEMINI
VIRGO
Horo
scope
Should you be fed up with your current job, you might
start thinking about finding something that’s better paid or more
emotionally rewarding. Events over the festive period could
change your outlook, so do not try to look too far ahead or make
a premature decision.
The longer you leave things, the worse they’ll get - so
don’t drag your feet any more. Bite the bullet and do whatever
you know to be necessary. A more dynamic phase in your
career is about to begin. Because you are so down-to-earth and
focussed, you can overcome resistance to your plans.
You’ll have to be careful if you’re supposed to be
saving money, because whenever you feel down you’ll want to
splash out on something that makes you feel better. A need to
prove yourself can lead to all kinds of challenges, can lead to a
new you that leaves the old behind like an outgrown shell.
Should your social circle have shrunk recently for
some reason, you’re now in the best possible position to do
something about it. Consider joining a club or organisation
that caters for some of your interests, so you’ll already have
something in common with the people you meet there.
Your popularity is on the increase and your social life
will keep you pretty busy. There could even be occasions when
you’ve had more than one invitation and are so spoilt for choice.
The singletons amongst you could find that this is the time when
your single status changes and you fall in love.
There could also be a strong rapport between you
and someone who’s either much older or younger than you, but
neither of you will notice the generation gap. New horizons may
be beckoning but you need to shore up your position first, so
deal with what is happening around you.
September 24-October 22
December 23-January 20
October 23-November 22
January 21-February 19
November 23-December 22
February 20-March 20
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
MARSHALL BRUCE MATHERS III (BORN OCTOBER 17,
1972), better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego
Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter
and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12,
to mainstream recognition. As well as being a member of D12,
Eminem is also one half of the Detroit hip hop duo Bad Meets
Evil, with Royce da 5'9".
AJAY ENTERPRISESPO BOX 54, PC 100.
TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490E-MAIL: [email protected]
Website: www.albahja.com
AJJAYY EENTERPRISSEESSPPPPPPOOOOOO BBBOOOOOXXXXXX 555555444,, PPPPPCCCC 111000000...
TTTEELL ::: 2224448881115554448888555 FFFFAAAAXXX ::: 22224444888881115555554444444999000EEEE----MMMMAAAAAAAIIIIIIILLLLL:::: mmmmaaarrrrkkkkkeeeettttttiiiinnnnngggg@@@@@aaaalbaaaahhjjjjjjaa.ccccooooooommmm
53Black & White
54 October 7-20, 2011
WADI KABIRBait al Zubair Bait al BarandaMarina Bander Al Bustan Palace HotelOman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al JissahSri Lankan School NHIPencil Building (Stationery shop)Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden OasisSana FashionsAl Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)
CBD AREA TO DARSAITAl Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad SultanAl Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving)Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD areaPizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower)Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD areaCentre point-SplashMuscat Securities market Times of OmanShell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton)OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM)KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – RuwiPalayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance OfficeAl Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High streetDamas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC CentreAir Arabia Office- Shanfari TravelsRuwi HotelGulf air building – Gulf air officeSaravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroomOTEMoosa Abdul Showroom – next to al JadeedToshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shoppingBadr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pmMinistry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom)Haffa House HotelAl 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 shopAl Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic
Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD areaBank MuscatBank SoharHSBCStandard CharteredOman Arab BankHarmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks areaOTTB – Oman Travels BureauAir India office – CBD next to Costas CostasPapa John Supa Save – CBDWoodlandsBank DhofarHorizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels)Oman post office Lulu DarsaitKhimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen)Indian Social ClubMelody Music Centre – Next to ISMGerman Embassy – Hamriya roundaboutApollo Medical CentreComputer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot)Hatat HousePassage to IndiaBest carsHyundai/Subaru/GM showroomAl Asfoor FurnishingAhli BankShell marketing officeSEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda ShowroomSabco Head office wattayahNTT travels WattayahToyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroomLexusFord showroomShanfari AutomotiveWattayah Motors- VW showroomKhoula HospitalInstitute of Health sciences – opposite KhoulaKia showroom- wattayah
QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIRAl Harthy Complex- Pizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complexSultan Center Nissan showroomBMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centrePizza Hut – Qurum Capital StoreAl Asfoor PlazaKFCHardeesFono showroom next to Sabco centreShah NagardasSabco Centre- Barista coffee shop onlyAl AraimiPanasonic ShowroomNBO QurumAl Khamis PlazaAl Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shopMercedes showroom
CCC- StandCCC Al FairBollywood chatPizza Hut – Qurum Second CupNandos McDonaldsSalman StoresJawahir OmanHamptonsBusiness Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) StarbucksHawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum parkMumtaz Mahal Left bankOman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20)Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- standOasis by the sea - crepe café standLNG OfficeAl Qurum resortBareek Al Shatti ComplexAl Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin DonutsAl Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotelHotel RamadaAl Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schoolsGrand Hyatt MuscatAl Masa MallRadio ShackAl Sarooj ComplexShell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al FairRamee GuestlineRock BottomClassic Institute of Arts- next to Asas OmanAsas Oman ApartmentsCrowne PlazaCoral hotelQurum Pvt schoolPDORas Al Hamraa ClubOmanoil head office
AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBAELS – Al khuwair service roadBritish School Muscat – MSQBritish Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza HutKhimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fairFamily Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildgStarbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist FloorFotomagicAl Noor Hall Al JadeedEqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al KhuwairDomino Pizza Oman mobileSafeer Hypermarket Mustafa SultanSouk TechniaOmantelOman international Bank – Al khuwair main officeIbis Hotel
Park inn HotelFriendi OfficeMuscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams SubwayPizza Hut service road Ice Skating RinkNational Training InstituteGolden spoon RestaurantShell Select- Al KhuwairMcdonaldsMct holiday Inn HotelOman Bowling Center HalliburtonCafé VergnanoKhimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suitesAxa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair)Zakher shopping MallPAN Furnishing Harley DavidsonThriftyAl Amal Medical Centre – Dr BashirHotel RadissonPizza Hut Al KhuwairOzone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut)American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door)V KoolTAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex CaféAviation Club Restaurant
AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEBLulu Hyper market – BausharOman Medical collegeCollege for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, bausharAzzan Bin Qais school - BausharMuscat private HospitalDolphin Village – BausherRoyal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTINational mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn)Oman oil AzaibaSpicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – GhalaOman oil – GhalaTowell head office – Enhance & Ist floorMazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell AzaibaOman Tribune – Al Watan officeNew India assurance Azaiba office Safeer HypermartNawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot InstituteGU Tech – Beach road AzaibaChedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate officeNACA – national cancer Awareness AssnMCC – Crepe CaféAl Bahja– Mood Café & food CourtAl Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip)Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip HotelAir portSelect Shell – SeebPizza Hut airportKFC
PICK-UP POINTSPICK-UP POINTS
MUSCAT
Cir
cula
tion
55Black & White 55Black && White
SHOPPING MALLSLulu shopping centerAl- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah)Dhofar shopping centerBab Al- Salam marketAl- Mashoor (Salalah)Al- Mashoor (Saada)Al-KhareefK.M TradingAl-Isteqarar (Saada)Al-Hoq super marketHamdan commercial marketFresh super market (Al-Sarat)Union Salalah MarketFamily bookshop
HOTELSCrown PlazaHilton Salalah Hamdan plazaDhofar HotelSalalah hotelHaffa HouseRedan HotelAl- Hanaa HotelBAMSIR hotelAl- Jabel hotelAl- Nile suite (Saada)Salalah Marriott
MINISTRIESMinistry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of educationMinistry of defenseMinistry of housing & electricityMinistry of waterMinistry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah)Ministry of primary court and justiceMinistry of Commerce & industryDhofar municipality (Baladia)Ministry of man power
PETROL STATIONS, BANKSShanfari filling Stationshell select, al saadaOman oilShell SalalahBank MuscatOmantelOman Arab BankPizza hutDhofar UniversityAl Maha souk
OIB, NizwaOIB, FirqBankMuscat, NizwaBM main branch, NizwaBankMuscat, FirqNBO, NizwaNBO, FirqBank AbudhabiToyotaOTEOmantelNawrasKhimji, NizwaKhimji, IzkiMuscat Bakery, NizwaPizza HutDiscount centreFamily shoppingAl Diyar HotelSafari hotelAl-Nif shopping, IzkiHungery Bunny, NizwaCollege of ScienceCollege of TechnicNizwa Medical CollegeBusmath ClinicThalal ClinicOmanoil, IzkiOmanoil, FirqOmanoil, NizwaOmanoil, MarfaShell, IzkiShell, FirqShell, NizwaAl-Maha, FirqNizwa university -Dept of foreign langAl-Maha, Marfa
Lulu hyper marketSafeer CentreAl Nahda resortAl Maha SoukOman Oil RumaisOman College of managementOIBNBOBank MuscatShellOTESARCONissan showroomOmantel
MUSCAT continued...
MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB
SALALAH NIZWA
BARKA
SOHAR
SURAl-HasharLNGLNG, Club SurSur Beach HotelSur UniversityOTE, SurMitsibushiRawaya coffee shopToyotaNissanSur Plaza HotelMazdaKhimjiOmantelPrivate Hospital, SurBankMuscatSur HotelNBO, SurBank Dhofar, SurELS, Sur
Muscat golf hills, SEEBKOMSQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3- Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area)Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ officeCaledonian college – principal’s officeOman Foot ball association
RUSAYL AREARusayl Industrial EstateOman CablesSadolin PaintsJotun PaintsAl waqia shoesMehdi FoodsAreej veg oils
MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIRMinistry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG)Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct)Ministry of foreign affairs
Spicy Village RestaurantLulu HypermarketJumeirah Shopping CentreKhimji’s MartAl Salem shoppingCentrepointMoosa Abdul Rahman – GMCToyotaNissanMitsubishiLG showroomSohar BakerySohar UniversityBank MuscatHabib BankBank SoharOman International BankAl Raffah HospitalBadr Al SamaaOman Arab BankBank DhofarHSBCTravel CityNational Travels and ToursUniversal Travels and TourismDHLDhofar InsuranceAl Ahlia InsuranceTaeeger Finance CoOmantelAl Jazeera GroupNarenjee Hirjee (International)
Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697
FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINEAVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN ON 7TH & 21ST
20, 500 COPIES (BEING AUDITED)
They are the most common and easiest breakfast choice for many! Yes, easy
to make, versatile, and healthy, there is no limit to what you can make out of
scrambled eggs. The basic recipe uses a small pan coated with a bit of butter or
nonstick spray for easier turning. For healthier scrambled eggs, use egg whites
rather than whole eggs since the cholesterol is almost exclusively in the yolk.
SCRAMBLED
EGGS
Cookin
g
56 October 7-20, 2011
Ingredients:
2-3 eggs
50g (about 2 level tablespoons)
cheese
milk
butter
Ingredients:
12 eggs, beaten
1 head lettuce, washed and shredded
fine
4 tablespoons butter
Seasonings to taste
Ingredients:
1/4 cup tuna fish (canned), flaked
12 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons butter
Seasonings to taste
Ingredients:
12 eggs
6 sausages
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
Seasonings to taste
Method:
Simply crack eggs into a bowl, add grated cheese and as much milk to
your liking. Place butter in a hot frying pan and wait until it has melted.
Empty the contents into the hot pan. Leave for about a minute to settle, as
would be done if making an omelet.
Method:
Cook lettuce and butter slowly for about eight minutes in a frying pan. Add
the beaten eggs and seasonings and scramble together.
Method:
Cook the tuna fish and butter for a minute in a sauce pan. Add the
seasonings. Add beaten eggs and scramble together.
Method:
Fry the sausages with butter in a frying pan for about five minutes. When
done, remove the sausages and slice them. In the same frying pan,
combine the tomatoes and seasonings. Let it cook for about five minutes.
In the meantime, beat the eggs. Add the sausages and tomatoes. Then
scramble.
CHEESE SCRAMBLED EGGS
WITH LETTUCE RECIPE
WITH TUNA FISH
WITH SAUSAGES AND TOMATOES
57Black & White
Spicing Up Your Scrambled Eggs
The mild flavour of scrambled eggs is easily enhanced by mix-in
ingredients. You can add on anything you choose to: from cheese
to sour cream, peppers, tomatoes, onions, spinach, or mushrooms,
seafood, meat… anything! Here are few options:
FREE 20,500 copies (being audited)
Circulation Enquiries: 98675976/24565697Advertisement Enquiries: 97679290/24565697
www.blackandwhiteoman.com
AVAILABLEall over Oman on 7th & 21stof every month
First Free Fortnightly magazine
59Black & White
Joyrides, screams, shouts, movies, cartoons, fireworks, food,
merchandise and smiles lots of them and happiness... Unbelievable
amounts. This is the happiest place on earth and its Disney...
Disney...Disney..!
Having visited Florida and the Disney world there yet again I
thought what does it take to make one happy, maybe a little fun,
smiles, joy at simple things a return to our childhood and just being
stupid even of it means wearing Disney ears even if you are 80.
Walt Disney had the power to dream and of course give action
to them by creating places in the world where people are always
smiling and he’s transformed the lives of millions of people by
making them realise that smiling is really simple and it really can fill
your heart with joy. Why be unhappy when you can be happy?
Returning to a slice of your childhood is what the Disney experience
imparts us... times when we were carefree, could be foolish and
laugh uninhibitedly and of course didn’t know stress and were
focussed on eating, sleeping, making friends with a bit of school
thrown in.We bore no grudges and just went on about our lives
without a care in the world.
Why cant we all create a miniature Disney World of our own and
be happy there if not throughout the day at least for some time
a day and never ever be mean to anyone there or even for that
matter return to our uncomplicated childhood. We all have been
given the powers of Walt Disney but we never ever use them
instead we waste our time being evil and happy and spreading this
unhappiness around. Lets stop take a moment and just create our
own cheerful world.
So another hooray for Walt Disney!
Till next time love and cheers.
The happiest place on earth
Vandana, award winning author (‘360 Degrees Back to Life')
By Vandana Shah
It's m
y lif
e
Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com.
Email me what you’d like to say on [email protected]
Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM
59Black & White
60 October 7-20, 2011
STOP YOUR CAR, OR PARK it in a safe spot.
Get out and start walking! There is no exercise
that is better than this – walking. Okay, you are
not a walk enthusiast and you really find it hard
to put one feet before the other. Agreed. We
are not pushing you. But, can you at least start
small? For instance, if you are the kind that gets
into a taxi or a bus, then get off it one or two
stops early and then walk the rest of the way
to your destination. Or, if you drive your own
car or is chauffeur driven, make it a point to get
dropped several distance from the actual spot
you have to go to.
Or start even smaller: arranged to be dropped
or park your car at the farthest corner possible
of the shopping mall that you frequently visit.
You may think such acts may not constitute as
full fledged exercise, but these kind of everyday
activity can really be considered exercise, fitness
experts note.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can
really make you healthier and fitter, notes many
experts. Walking is one of the simplest, easiest
and most effective forms of exercise and women
need to stop talking and start walking. As one of
the simplest exercises, walking does not require
any equipment other than a good, supportive pair
of walking shoes. The other thing to bear in mind
while you walk is that exercise does not have to
be hard to be effective.
And weight loss is not the only benefit from
a walking programme. “Regular walking helps
lower cholesterol, reduces the risk of type 2
diabetes, increases bone strength, and improves
circulation. What you got to do is to try and take
some extra steps every day and this will help you
maintain a healthy body,” experts note.
Now, before you start walking, take a quick trip
to your doctor, especially if you have not been
active for sometime and then safely get into a
walking programme, or if that sounds too tedious,
just walk!
Doctors say that if you have been sedentary for
some time, then start slowly. Start walking three
times a week at a stroll for 20 minutes and then
slowly increase it to five (times a week). Ideally
make each session last upto 30 minutes, when
you have found your groove.
Once you have got used to the walking frame,
then the dominant factor of a walk exercise
is speed. It maybe okay if you can walk long
distances, but then if you just amble along then it
may not be effective…
And, please note, you don’t have to wait till your
retirement to reap the benefits of walking. The
key point here is the earlier you start, the better.
And the more you walk, the better. Walking does
not only make you feel great, it also helps you
get a better memory. There is also a theory that
aerobic exercise boosts mental performance and
short-term memory by increasing blood flow and
therefore oxygen to the brain.
Okay, if you have made up your mind to start
walking, here are some basic rules to follow:
• Walk with a buddy whenever possible.
• Carry your name, address, and a friend or
relative’s phone number in your shoe or tied to a
lace.
• Wear a medical bracelet if you have diabetes,
an allergy, or other condition.
• Carry a cell phone and let a friend or relative
know your walking routes.
• Avoid deserted or unlit streets, especially after
dark.
• Do not use headsets that prevent you from
hearing traffic; and walk against oncoming traffic.
• Wear reflective material and/or carry a
flashlight to others can see you.
• Carry a whistle or noisemaker in case of an
emergency.
walkwhy
don’t
you?
Healthy women
60 October 7-20, 2011
Shape n
sound
61Black & White 61Black & White
62 October 7-20, 201166666626262626262626262626262662666222626266622 OctOctOctOctOcOcOcOcOctOctOctOctOcOOOcOctOcOcOcOcccctOctOOcO obeobeobeobeobeobebobeoobeobebobebebobeob r 7r 7rr 7r 7r 7r 77r 7rr r 77-20-20-20-20-20202022-20200-20-20200,, , , , , , , , ,,,,, 22220122220201201201201201201201201201222222202012012201222020201001010112201220011201220122012012010000011120122012201010000000112220120010000001222201200000002222220120101000002222222202012000000012012020220100000200000101200101000000000000000110112 111112 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111162 October 7-20, 2011
Wom
en r
ead
63Black & White 63Blackk & White
DOES YOUR WIFE SPEAK on the cell phone more
than you do? Okay, don’t say this in front of her,
but, at least sign up for the ‘women talk more on
cell phone – period’ club! It is not just about women
talking more on the cell phone; the tragedy is that
women talk more on the cell phone while driving.
Whether this is true or not, for the moment, we are
going to believe that they are more talkative than men
on the phone when driving or not. Period.
Go out on the street and check it out yourself. I dare
you to dispute this fact of life. Women talk. Women
talk more than men. Women talk more than men on
the phone and women talk more than men on the
phone while driving.
Is this true of women drivers in Oman? Statistics on
this may not be available, but if anyone can dispute
this theory with succinct facts, I am ready to write
a piece eulogising women drivers and their ability
to not speak while driving. For the moment, let me
praise the skills of women drivers who have the ability
to drive as well as speak over the phone. And also
manage to avoid accidents. How about that?
While men also indulge in the habit of speaking over
the phone while driving, women have one advantage
over them in that they don’t cause as much accidents
as their male counterparts. How they manage this is
not known, but one thing is clear that it could probably
be because they are on the other side of the phone.
A theory propounded by a traffic expert is this:
“Women may not be better drivers, but they are more
careful – even when they are driving and speaking on
the phone. They are not as careless as men and do
not have the devil may care attitude in them, which is
the prime cause of accidents on the roads.
“Women talk on the phone while driving. They talk
about anything and everything under the sun, even
gossip. They admonish, fight, argue and criticise while
driving. Sometime, the ones at the receiving end
are men, who get overtly emotional and crash while
arguing with their women!”
The cell phone scourge is everywhere. Everyone
– just about everyone is on the cell phone and it
depends on the nation you are in, but ideally, cell
phones should be banned while driving or at least
limited to emergencies.
The truth is we cannot multitask and we should
not be multitasking while we are driving. But, tell
that to the ones who do that out there on the roads.
Unfortunately, there are many out there who don’t
make driving the number one priority. Instead, they go
about it as though driving is the lowest among the list
of priorities while they are well, actually driving.
And since we are on the subject, let me also add
that it is not just phoning that some people do while
driving – they eat and drink, they make up their faces,
and some are even known to read or watch movies
while they drive (forget about listening to music).
Some people are so incensed about this and are
now campaigning to get a ban on the use of cell
phones while driving. Do we require such a ban? If
things get ugly, even I would support such a ban. I
believe the only way to use a telephone in a vehicle is
to move the car to a safe spot, park it and then talk it.
The distraction that these phones cause – even the
hands free ones – is very serious and dangerous.
Keeping up with a phone conversation, while driving,
should be banned. We got along fine before we had
these contraptions available and no phone call is
worth putting other innocent people in danger.
Alright, this piece started off heaping blame on
women who use their cell phones, I would like to end
it on a solid note blaming everyone – man, woman
and teenager – for using a cell phone while driving.
on a cell phone?
Women
TALK MOREBy Cyril Wright
63Black & White
64 October 7-20, 2011
MOST WOMEN ARE UNHAPPY with their figures.
Ask any woman, even the ones who are quite fit and
fab are often prone to see something wrong with
their figure somewhere.
“I feel okay, yet, I think my stomach is not all that
flat. Although I am quite slim, I still feel that a lot has
to be done to reduce my stomach,” says Nasreen, a
fitness fanatic.
Anitha feels that she has the right figure, but is
unhappy with her hips. “I wish they were smaller,”
she sighs. Samantha is always worried about her
weight. Although her friends see her as real skinny,
she still says that she has to lose lot of weight.
Somehow she is never satisfied.
“I am not totally dissatisfied, but I really wish I had
the ideal weight,” Samantha says.
Priscilla sums it up right: “I think that almost every
woman is insecure in one way or another with her
body... I am no different.
I love certain aspects of my body, but don’t expect
anyone else to feel that way. I don’t like my legs,
as they got big with working out, and I don’t like my
stomach…I just wish that I could lose a little more
weight.”
Priscilla’s initial comments are true of most
women. However fit they are still, they still want to
look a bit more better, which is not entirely wrong,
but get difficult when they are obsessed by the
thought.
Dieting, losing weight and worrying about weight
on your body are fine as long as it does not become
an obsession.
OBSESSION
A local dietician recalls how a 30-year old woman
got obsessed by her body weight and began on
a dangerous diet that almost took her life. “This is
against the whole concept of dieting. People should
embark on a diet to lose weight and there should
be a comfortable balance between dieting, losing
weight and maintaining a healthy body,” the dietician
notes.
BE COMFORTABLE
A psychologist also notes how dieting and losing
weight sometimes become part and parcel of
relationship crunches. “Some women are forced
by their spouses to lose weight. This is indeed a
personal issue, but I would say that you should be
comfortable with what you want to do and what you
are. If you feel as though you are happy being a little
bigger then some people then yes, you should be
happy in whatever figure you are in. However, if you
want to go on a diet because it would make you feel
even better then by all means, go on the diet but,
do it for you and ONLY for you, nobody else,” she
advises.
DON’T OVERDO
First of all try to be comfortable with your body. If
you are not and are keen to achieve a certain goal,
then be at it in a judicious manner. But, don’t obsess
about it. It is quite distressing to see women slave
away at their workouts, aspiring to perfection in
their technique yet not achieving their body shaping
goals.
WORK HARD, BUT DON’T OVERDO IT.
It is not wrong to desire for a slim, shapely body,
which gives you the physical confidence you crave.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this desire
and there is also absolutely no reason you need to
resign yourself to “healthy at any size” if you don’t
want to. But, to achieve your ideal, it will take a
commitment to your vision and dream. It will take
discipline of diet. And it would, by all means, take a
lot of resolve.
DIET CHOICES
Also remember that there is a small percentage
of the population that truly has a metabolic disorder
that interferes with weight loss. And there are those
with thyroid issues, deepening the challenge. But
these are not the biggest obstacles to fat loss and
achieving desirable weight and body composition
goals. Being trim, fit, strong and energetic are such
worthwhile activities for improving the quality of your
life. But, you should make the right dietary choices,
and develop the strength of mind to achieve your
ideals.
Just remember that, “you cannot beat or out train a
bad diet and you do not, most likely, have the body
of your best friend who can eat whatever she wants
and still be thin”!
Be happy
64 October 7-20, 2011
Shape n
sound
65Black & White 65Black & White
He stammered.
Not always.
Not when he was playing
Not when he was arguing
Not when he was gossiping.
Only when someone asked his
name…
He could never say his name.
Neither could he say ‘electricity’.
He was pretty normal and could talk
without any hitch otherwise.
Couple of words seemed to put him
in trouble always.
The worst part was his name.
If someone asked him his name, he
would fluster and turn pale.
I used to feel very defensive when
someone mocked at him or mimicked
him.
After all he was my bench mate in
school.
Every time someone asked him his
name, I would spurt it out before he
even attempted.
I never wanted anyone to even know
he had a stammering problem.
Sitting next to him, I felt inferior in
some way that was unexplainable.
It was as if I was stammering, not
him. I still remember an occasion
when one of the bigger boys bullied
him to telling the word electricity a
100 times! Poor fellow was in tears
and I being a girl could not help him
in any way with the bigger bullies.
He was crying when he said I’d like
my teachers and my school mates
to know what causes stammering
and what emotions I feel when I’m
stammering.
I am not doing it on purpose, neither
am I a joker!
I went home disillusioned.
Angry with someone I could not put a
finger on.
Why should he stammer?
He is just like any one of us.
I didn’t not go to school the next day.
As a child, I could not understand
why a class topper, a singer that too,
could not say his name.
He would sometimes in a pensive
mood tell me, I get so nervous, and
my heart beats faster.
It is as if I am handicapped and the
whole world knows about it, I am not
able to speak at all.
Handicapped was too big a word for
me then, am sure he didn’t know too
There must be a way out, we put our
heads together; we worked out a
deal, whenever I was around, I would
do the talking; I was good at talking if
not anything else!
Agreed upon, we became good pals,
sharing a secret no one else knew.
Probably because of him, I learnt to
be a little better human being.
He used to tell me, if you want to help
me, be patient.
Don’t speak for me, allow me the
space and time to complete.
Please don’t rush me to the end of
my sentences and don’t try to guess
what I am going to say. It is endlessly
frustrating when people do that and
can make my stammering worse.
Though I did not understand a word, I
got the message.
He needed understanding, a little bit
of space and a little help to stand on
his own.
But on his own.
I guess it is easy to give, especially
when someone is asking for nothing?
By Priya Arunkumar
Asking for nothing
