black & white mag issue 39
DESCRIPTION
Oman's 1st free fortnightly magazineTRANSCRIPT
Vol.
2 Iss
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9II
Decem
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7,
2011-J
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6,
2012
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Adventures of Adventures of
Mabrook, the sailorMabrook, the sailor p30
www.renaissance-oman.com
Issued in public interest
October was one of the worst months so far this year for Oman in terms of road deaths, new statistics
released by the Royal Oman Police show. As many as 110 people were killed across the country in
traffic accidents during the month, while another 903 sustained injuries, in a total of 670 incidents.
Speeding and not wearing seatbelts are the leading causes of road accidents. Please drive safely.
Don’t wait for an accident to change your view on speeding.
4 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
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
XclusiveAdventures of Mabrook, the sailor
Mabrook Sangour bin Shaneen Al
Busaidy, a 79 year old sailor, pearl
diver and fisherman, relives his
sailing days and unveils some of the
adventures he has had in those days
Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editor Priya Arunkumar
Work editor Adarsh Madhavan
Design & production Beneek Siraj
Photographer Ali Al Raisi
Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza
Priyanka Sampat
Conte
nts
Bitter Batter
Power corrupts
People in power can be
dangerous when they misuse
their power. Let it be whatever
power they have -- even if
it is to release a document,
approve something
55
14
1440
30
Dancercise your way out of misery
Promises to make and keep…
Exercise loves company and adores
rhythm, so why pound a treadmill
when you can dance your cardio
workout away, experts query
We still have some more time to
go for the D day, this time, so let
us quickly look at some of the
resolutions that men must make,
not just this coming New Year, but
permanently!
5Black & White
Caught in the lens of my own prejudiceBy Adarsh Madhavan
Sometimes scribes like me are caught in the lens of their
own prejudice. I stand shamefacedly at the end of this
year with this confession: I haven’t done justice to my
profession. What have I done as a journalist this year?
Silence.
More silence.
Dead silence.
I try to grope my way out of this void, trying to make sense
of my duty to this profession and I can’t for my life figure
it out. If I have accepted the fact that I am not allowed to
subscribe to the fair, accurate and unbiased story, could I,
at least, do a fairly accurate story? If readers believe that
we are telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the
truth, then, by God, I haven’t lied – not at all.
But, have I allowed myself to lower my standards,
accepted words as they shouldn’t be and allowed myself
to be garlanded by a string of words that lent itself or
any meaning, then I should be hung. For, I have, more
than often, let it be…let a tired phrase, let a cliché, let a
line loose on which I myself would trip when I read it in
print. I have this unfortunate fear to read anything that I
have written and comes out in print. Somehow, I would
always be disappointed at what I have written because
I know I have not been fair to the word, to the line and
to myself. I know I could have bettered it, had I read it
twice, or at least once, instead of skimming through it.
Whatever depths my ability to write a word or a sentence
has plummeted, it should not be because of a lack of
diligence.
Talent can wax and wane and while I held no credence
to my talent or ability to write, I knew that in the past hard
work was something that I swore on. While others cruised
on a line, I trudged; I sweated tears and blood and made
sense of it, even though at times, it went off the tangent.
I honestly don’t know why. Where is that soaring spirit;
being in the grip of that writing madness? Now, I am
stumbling in the shadow of my past integrity and while
I keep the ugliness of plagiarism, falsification, and
blatant lying at bay, I am still caught in the mindless
warp of self doubt and that nagging feeling of being
a crippled when I am unable to free myself from the
yoke of self censorship that I am lugging behind my
back.
Then there is this money monster that raises its head
at odd times, especially when you are on a good
wicket and driving forth on a hard story when the ugly
head raises itself and hisses. The words screech to
a halt and although I know the rule that advertising
does not blend with editorial, at times, the lines blur.
The head goes giddy with this potpourri of edit, news,
and advertorial and while you try to pinch yourself
to the fact that advertisements pay a large chunk
of your bills, the other governing factor is also fear.
Fear of everything. Fear of the unknown, in fact,
fear of the known too, because you know too well
the consequences of a journalistic act that is not
considered daring anywhere else, but is almost a
foolish act of journalistic suicide because writing that
story would be that – law suits, hounding and public
loathing and the fact that it is a lonely world not on
the top, but at the bottom of the steps when everyone
shun you like you were like the lord of the lepers.
Then, there is this perennial query of whether you
are in this business to sell your paper or magazine,
or have it closed down in the same flourish you
began it? That is when conscience takes a beating
because you realise that you are actually flogging a
dead horse. For a scribe, his/her ethics are like an
inviolable contract with the public, but, when they
demand something else, why do you want throw
pearls, you wonder.
Especially when bloggers and citizen journalists are
not cut up in their act as you are and are delivering
what they, the readers, want. Sigh!
The pictures of Yanni’s visit to Oman and his performance (which
I was not lucky enough to see) were superb. Like they always
say, the pictures told the whole story, and perhaps, it told us more
about this celebrated musician’s visit than one could describe in
words. Thank you Black & White for sharing us the rare moments
of the visit by one of the world’s living musical legends! Although
I could not see him performance, at least I have the pictures to
know what happened.
Usman T. A., Seeb
I am with the writer (Murali Iyer, issue 38, inbox). Muscat is a
beautiful city, and the officials concerned are maintaining its
beauty, but what can anyone do when certain miscreants are
bent upon creating havoc and destroying the purity of this city by
random abuse? I have fought with so many people who just spit
and litter about like as though this city is an over sized garbage bin.
Last week when I tried to stop a man from littering, he threatened
to report me to the authorities! I dared him, but he went away. I
don’t know if there is a law in Oman against littering and if it is
there, I hope it is implemented properly!
Anita Jhangiani, Qurum
I read the article ‘Better get fashionable’ (issue 36) with great
interest. I think the article only mildly stated what I feel about men’s
clothes. Men are no longer fashionable, I would say. Some of the
clothes that men wear these days and the weird combinations are
really making me crazy. I feel the youth are totally skewed about
what they want to wear and the fact that they have no clue as to
what is fashionable is evident in the monstrosities that they wear.
In stark contrast, women are quite fashionable and their choices
are really fantastic. They are not confused and that is reflected in
their wear.
Somehow, I feel that boys as well as men need to be properly
educated about fashion, otherwise we will have to bear these men
who go around like as though they are cast of an alien film!
Maggie Craig, Al Khuwair
Telltale pictures
Law against littering
Men are NOT fashionable!
6 December 7, 2011-December 6, 2012
Mail your views and opinions at
7Black & White
The fear of fear (issue 32, May 21 – June 20) was a pleasant piece to read.
In a light-hearted story, the truth of life is talked about. I really liked the way
the author chose to talk about our fears in life. Fear of future, hurting, losing et
al. But I think, it’s this fear that makes us go on in life. Remember how we felt
before exams in school and college? It was “fear” that made us score good!
Life is indeed a long run and a spark is needed to succeed. The fear within
all of us does not want us to fail in this long run. A mind with fear can help,
maybe!
Charu Pant, Khasab
Media renaissance (issue 32) talked a lot of truth about the media and its
freedom. It was a thought-evoking article. I totally agree with the fact that
stories are treated the other way after being edited. I, being a journalist, have
faced that situation quite a few times. Yes, the face of media has changed
and we are free to write about the happenings around us, but the pressure on
editors and reporters do not let the truth come out sometimes.
I give the writer who wrote a report about how a powerful man was rallying to
send an ambassador of his country back home a ‘thumbs up’! Its journalists
like these who have brought ‘media renaissance’.’
And I believe that journalists do realise their responsibility towards the
society and therefore will not misuse the freedom. However, journalists who
are writing for personal favours are always a menace. Knowing someone
influential and covering an event due to contacts is acceptable, but a moral
downfall – a big NO!
Charu Pant, Khasab
Fear of fear
Media renaissance
8 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Are men becoming more like women…?By Anthony Barret
I want to ask all men a loaded question: Is it no longer a man’s world? Let
us assume that the gender wars are over. And then, if it is not a man’s
world, does it mean that women have won?
Ask yourself the question: Who is dominating the postwar landscape?
Women! That means women have won. The reason for bringing this up
is to drive home another point: Men are becoming more and more like
women. Their attitudes are beginning to resemble that of women.
And perhaps, women are becoming more like men too, but that is fodder
for another debate. What matters here is the question: are men becoming
more like women? And, if that is so, how come?
Look at it this way: men have been hounded since early days to become
more refined, more civilised and more humane. This has been drilled
into their heads so much so that the new generations, although not fully
grasping the values behind the requirements, have still managed to
become more refined, at least on the surface. It has not come from within,
because the refinement has started from outside, going in…slowly…
But in effect, the attitude of men in many a respect has taken a sea
change. With men becoming more concerned about their looks, the
metro-sexual effect doing the rounds, they are more family oriented, more
committed and ready to give their partners the equality they deserve.
So, men don’t dominate any longer and perhaps, women don’t either,
but slowly we see with the qualitative change, men are showing definite
womanly qualities.
Many of them are staying at home and working; or taking care of their
families, dropping office work and getting on to housework, looking after
their babies and generally taking a backseat in many areas. Ok, that is
fine, we know that men are no longer the macho guys they were before,
but, does it mean they are slowly losing it – are men becoming more
comfortable with their feminine qualities and thus have become less
aggressive, more tolerant and more considerate, but in the bargain have
become too soft?
Also, on the career front, men are no longer the chief home providers.
They have either taken the back seat, or are on equal terms with their fairer
genders. The men are no longer the primary wage earners too. Men are
today going through some of the same paces that women were put through
earlier and although they may or may not be equipped to handle it, life has
taken them around a full circle, right from the time their ancestors clubbed
and dragged their fairer mates to their caves to the time now when the
prettier ones are sitting across the table and dominating the proceedings.
Is life mean to the male homo sapiens of the human species? Only time
will tell. But, what we, the lesser mortals, can gauge from the current
scenario is this: it is a tough world out there. A world that the women have
been braving for ages, but now equally being shared by men and the only
problem here is that men are only getting used to it; they are suddenly
novices swimming in the rough seas of life and naturally, they are finding it
tough.
Men r
ead
8 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
9Black & White
10 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Men h
ealt
h
Why can’t men wear
MAKEUP?Answer that question folks.
If women can, then, men can also wear makeup…or, can’t they?Tell us one logical reason why men can’t wear makeup?
10 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Your Heart is Safe in Apollo’s Hand
P. O. Box 1097, Al Hamriya, PC 131 - Sultanate of Oman. Tel: 24787766, 24788263, 24788265
IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT?
Men and makeup…now, that is an odd
combination, many would say. But when you
think about it…why can’t men wear a little
makeup? Most men’s skin could use a little
touching up and care dos…every now and
then. If women are expected to hide their
flaws with makeup, men should feel like they
can do something to look their best, too.
The purpose of makeup is to enhance your
natural beauty. Hiding imperfections is a part
of that process. Yet, where should a man
draw the line?
MARKET IS THERE
In fact, there are some companies that
feature makeup for men. So, the market is
out there. But, why is it still a taboo for men
wearing cosmetics? In fact, if there is a kind
of general approval of makeup for men, we
are going to find a sizeable number openly
reaching out for the products available in the
market. And most of them, who are currently
doing it on the sly, will emerge out of the
woodwork.
COVERING UP GAME
There will be plenty of them to follow the
cosmetics regime, some believe.
What is important is that none of us, men or
women, are getting younger. While women
are hiding their blemishes and/or enhancing
their beauty with adequate makeup, it is
natural that men also follow suit in this
covering up game. By putting on makeup,
men are not going to lose anything or they
do not have to feel any less masculine.
“Many men wear jewellery – that was once
considered to be the sole realm of women.
But, if you look back into the earlier ages,
especially in countries like India, the men
always sported jewelleries. What is wrong in
that?
MEN CAN’T ENJOY
“Society always seem to make unnecessary
standards and rules and dress codes for men
and women and it is a shame that men are
unable to enjoy the fun of putting on makeup,”
notes Stan Lyncy, a well known male hair
stylist.
20 PERCENT THICKER
Men have 20 percent thicker skin than
women, which means that men actually
need specially formulated moisturisers and
cleansers to maintain healthy skin, a noted skin
specialist says. Men have larger pores that
can accumulate more dirt and grime during an
average day; thus, a face cleanser designed
for women is simply not strong enough to
thoroughly cleanse men’s skin.
MEN’S COSMETICS
What are men’s cosmetics? Well, basically
skin care, shaving, hair care, and general
grooming products. We do not, of course,
mean lipstick and eyeliner, but beauty products
specifically designed for men. “Everything, in a
sense, to keep you clean, healthy and looking
your best around the clock. Once upon a time,
men subtly bought these items at the women’s
makeup counter in the local department
store or pharmacy and looked for unscented
versions of the products made for women.
Manufacturers now offer specifically designed
men’s cosmetics -- marketed to them -- but
offering transformative results,” a report notes.
As noted earlier, the skin of man is often
“much tougher and thicker than a woman’s due
to his testosterone and pH level. As a result, he
needs stronger lotions and cleansers to reach
deeper into his pores.
“It is true that hair skin tonics, as they were
called, have always been made with ‘manly’
men in mind, but most of these had harsh
ingredients.
12 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Men h
ealt
h
to make and keep…
PROMISESRemember December 31 last year? And the year before that and the year before…?Remember all the promises that you have made…? Remember all the resolutions…?
We still have some more time to
go for the D day, this time, so let
us quickly look at some of the
resolutions that men must make,
not just this coming New Year, but
permanently!
In one way, it is not easy to make
healthy habits a permanent part
of our lives because there are
distractions galore. Also, your peers
are not exactly the best type of
people to have when you are hoping
to stick to a healthy diet and exercise
regime.
But, in reality, it is possible to make
your diet and exercise regime come
true. Yes, resolutions are easier
to break than to make and stick,
but, then, if you decide to stick to a
manageable health resolution, you
will soon realise that it is all the better
for you.
So, decide to live long and healthily
and for that, do try out these simple
resolutions:
QUIT SMOKING (AND OTHER
VICES)
Making this resolution (just like any
other) is easy; following it is another
story. Okay, you have tried to quit
before and failed, but don’t let it get
you down. The key to achieve this
goal is not to eliminate all at once but
to gradually reduce the consumption.
Experts believe that you are more
likely to achieve it if you are in a team
with a concrete plan.
Benefits: The relationship between
smoking/drinking and a whole range
of diseases is well known. A major
change will ensue after you take this
step.
13Black & White
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Most important resolution ever. Adopt
this and the rest of the problems
would fade away. Don’t let the term
‘regularly’ daunt you -- try at least
three times a week for about 30
minutes. Get exercise during your
regular daily activities by walking at
lunch, taking the stairs instead of the
elevator and walking short distances
instead of using your car.
Benefits: One study reports that
walking 30 minutes a day adds 1.3
years to a person’s life. Another
study found that walking can
decrease hypertension, lower bad
cholesterol levels and help you lose
weight. Regular exercise has been
associated with more health benefits
than anything else known to man. It
keeps the muscles in good working
order, stimulates the flow of blood
and makes you feel better both
physically and mentally.
EAT HEALTHY
To stay fit one must follow a good
exercise regimen coupled with good
diet. Fiber from fruits and vegetables,
raw nuts and whole grains is
considered to be good while excess
salt, refined grains, refined sugar and
fatty foods is said to be bad.
Benefits: What you eat has a great
influence on the way your body
works. A balanced diet is vital to
good health.
REDUCE STRESS
Easier said than done. Stress is
everywhere, whatever you do or don’t
do; whatever you think or don’t think,
stress is around.
Chronic stress can lead to
hypertension, poor digestion, a
weakened immune system and many
other conditions. Thus everyone
needs to de-stress. Spend some
more time with your family and
friends or on your hobbies. Take
a break if the stress is too hard to
handle. Other methods of coping
include proper breathing and
meditation techniques.
Benefits: Stress contributes to many
severe health problems, so it is
important to deal with stress earlier,
rather than later.
GET GOOD SLEEP
Sleep and rest are essential to
wellness. Sleep deprivation has been
linked to stress, depression, immune-
system suppression, and obesity.
If you are getting only six hours a
night, you have a higher chance of
developing hypertension than those
who get seven. The prescribed
amount of sleep required is seven
hours. However, it varies with each
person.
Benefits: It can boost your energy,
immune system and helps your blood
circulation to allow your body to
mend after the day’s activities.
DRINK AMPLE WATER
Water is the elixir of life. Drink
approximately eight glasses of water
per day (not carbonated drinks).
Benefits: But instead of getting
philosophical, let us also point out
here that it also helps in losing
weight. It regulates your body
temperature, lubricates your joints,
boosts your energy, eliminates waste
and provides fluoride for your teeth.
14 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
By Adarsh Madhavan
O
ff th
e wall
I am a Malayaleee
Yesss...I yam. I yam not hamble or
semble! Haark thoo!
I yam a Mala yaleee…
But, I don’t wear a pink lungiii (dhoti)!
I like kappa (mashed tapioca) meen
(fish) curry but like some biggies
think, I don’t stink of curry, nor do
I burppp after meals. But, I am a
Malayaleee…
I don’t like to be browbeaten, run
over or looked down upon, but that
doesn’t mean I am left or right! There
are those who love to be in politics,
but that is not a crime! Each to his
yown!
But, when you are not political, you
get kicked from both sides (ach
ouch)! All Malayalis are my brothers
and sisters!
Cheta (brother), it pains when you
make fun of my Malayalam and beta
(child) it hurts when you make fun of
my Manglish. I am between the Devil
and The deep sea.
There are those who feel you can
never be a Malayali if you cannot
speak chaste and pure Malayalam
and there are those who think
all Malayalis speak Manglish.
Am I morally wrong because
my Malayalam is not upto great
standards? I can be the Devil myself,
but if I speak pure Malayalam, will I
be forgiven for my sins? Should I be
looked down upon because of that
and on the same coin, should I be
laughed at because my English has a
Malayalam accent? You understand
what I speak no? And why is it that
you don’t laf-laf at the English spoken
by my French and German friends?!
I am not ashamed of my roots
(I am a Malayaleee…). In fact,
when one is away from Kerala,
the heart beats harder and the
distance makes it grow fonder.
I am not one who would hide under
an assumed identity because I am
in the Gulf. I am proud of my ethnic
identity and I love the language,
which I have been speaking since my
birth, even though I am not good at it.
But, somehow, I stick out like a sore
thumb…
Again, we are accused of groupism
(You Malayalee? I Malayalee! We
all Malayalees!), but is that wrong?
Everywhere in the world, birds of the
same feather flock together…it is just
that, like in Oman, we are one too
many, so we are noticed.
And yes, laughed at too. Sometimes
it rankles, but we are getting used to
it. And it helps a lot when we laugh
along with them.
Sometimes, these digs are rib
tickling (What does a Malayali do
when he has to stand for election in
Delhi? He changes his name from
Madhavan to M. A. Dhawan. How
does a Malayali spell Malayalam?
Yamm – Yay – Yell – Yay – Why
– Yay – Yell – Yay – Yum!). But, it
hurts when the digs dig deep (You
speak like a Malayali – but I am a
Malayaleee; You look like a Malayali
– but, cheta, I am a Malayaleee; you
behave like a Malayali – Yes, I yam a
Malayaleee…).
What can I do? I am born this way. I
look this way. I speak this way, I am a
Malayalee! And imagine if we all got
together (ha, ha, don’t worry, that will
never happen) and started laughing
at you and your language(s)!
Malayalis or non resident Keralites
tend to get hurt both within and
outside.
There are rabid Malayali moralists
and purists who insist on speaking
the pure language and at the other
end there are the highfunda non-
Malayalis (Indians) who despite being
a Bong, Gujju, Panju, Maru, Madrasi
etc and having their own language
foibles have a kind of superiority
complex when it comes the Queen’s
language as though they speak it
better than us.
The father (not mine yaaki; Fr
Cherian) of the school that I studied
in used to correct our pronunciation
(‘spunj’ (sponge) not ‘spawnj’).
But, when we speak Malayalam at
home and then English in school and
then finally more Malayalam than
English in college and then even
more at work, spunj can go back
spaawnj. It happens.
Like I couldn’t find a proper job in
my hometown, so I came to the Gelf,
and yes, I miss my family, but unlike
others I no make manney, and so
I struggle, struggle and one day I
make manney big manney. Maybe.
But manney or no manney, I still
Malayaleee. You yanderrrstand?
Off
the w
all
15Black & White
Black & White magazine will be contributing OMR34,176.400 to charity. This amount
has been raised by the magazine after it organised the Yanni Live in Concert event,
which was held at the Grand Hall of the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in October.
The B&W will contribute OMR3150 to Omar bin Khattab School by buying 10 Perkins
Braillers for the students and OMR6150 to the ministry of health (MoH) by purchasing
two equipments for eye testing at Al Nahda Hospital and Salalah Hospital.
These machines are for eye testing and cost OMR3075 per machine, one for Al
Nahda Hospital and the other for Salalah Hospital.
The B&W will provide OMR14876.400 towards treatment of economically challenged
children (200 in numbers) by providing Riboflavin drops and will also be giving free
medical treatment -- to the tune of OMR10,000 -- to the visually challenged with the
help of one of the event sponsors, Muscat Eye Laser. “The eye testing equipments
and the riboflavin drops are being ordered through a supplier – Amico,” Mohamed
Issa Al Zadjali, editor in chief of the B&W, said.
The event sponsors were Audi, OIFC, Muscat Eye Laser Centre, Al Wisal (96.5 FM),
Merge 104.8 and Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. The venue sponsors
were National Mineral Water Co (Tanuf), Renna, Copper Chimney restaurant, Spicy
Village, Dunkin Donuts, Patchi, Café Vergnano, Bateel and Omantel.
OMR34,176.400to charity
B&W to contribute
16 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Word
pre
ss
The Crisis Management Team (CMT)
of BankDhofar met to review the
weather situation and Meteorology
Department forecast. The meeting
reviewed effectiveness of the banks’
Business Continuity (BCP) and
Disaster Recovery (DRP) Plans to
prepare for any unforeseen and
disruptive events. The team also
reviewed the arrangements made to
provide uninterrupted services to the
customers and the communication
strategies, contingency plans,
emergency procedures to be followed
in case of any eventuality.
Abdul Hakeem Al Ojaili, general
manager (corporate services) and
head of the CMT assured that the
bank is well equipped to respond to
any disaster scenario that may affect
the business.
Though few branches of the bank in
Southern and Northern Al Sharqiyah
regions were affected for a day due
to flooding, the problems have been
resolved and the few affected off
site ATMs have also been restored
to normal conditions, facilitating
the customers to carry out normal
operations.
BankDhofar convenes Crisis Management Team (CMT) Meeting
The three-month long shopping extravaganza at Al Araimi
Complex successfully concluded with keys to a Dodge
Challenger and Polaris Sports man 300 being handed
over recently.
The annual festival at the complex attracts many
customers in the hope of being a winner of the many
prizes that are given away as well as to avail the
discounts and enjoy the diverse activities that are
organised during this period.
This year as well there was a draw held each month of
the promotion to keep the excitement alive. The grand
draw of a Dodge Challenger and monthly draws of
Polaris dune buggies were up for grabs, courtesy Dhofar
Automotive and Fairtrade Auto.
In the first draw, Sulaiman Ahmed Nasser Al-Wahaibi
won the Outlaw 90 and the second draw saw Ahmed
Salim Ali Bayaqub Mashikhi ride away with the RZR 170.
In the third ‘Grand Draw’ held just before Eid, Nasser
Mohammed Hamdoon Al Malki won the Sports man 300
and an excited Khalid Najbakht Sharshambeh Al Balishi
was declared the winner of the all-new Dodge Challenger.
In addition, many other customers walked away with
iPads, iPods, Bose dock systems, Bose computer
speakers, JVC LCD TVs, Osim foot massagers, Samsung
GSMs and Al Araimi shopping vouchers. The gifts were
handed over by Uttam Kotian – manager advertising and
marketing and Hilal Al Hosni, management manager of Al
Araimi Complex.
“The annual promotion is keenly awaited by all our
customers who are by now aware that it will provide them
with a double bonanza of shopping at their favourite
outlets and getting a chance to enter their names in
draws.
The dune buggies are particularly a favourite in Oman
as is the Dodge Challenger; so the draws this year were
eagerly awaited. The last draw was like an Eid gift to the
winners and they were ecstatic over their lucky win,” said
Uttam Kotian.
The CMT in coordination with
regional managers of the bank,
across the country, will ensure
availability of uninterrupted services
to its customers during the ensuing
holidays also.
Al Araimi Complex prize winners are gifted keys
17Black & White
Damas has rolled out the latest marketing campaign
to promote its new Farfasha collections with Lebanese
superstar Nancy Ajram re-signed on as brand ambassador.
Ajram was first signed as brand ambassador when Farfasha
was launched in 2005/2006 to target the youthful, vibrant
and fun-loving young ladies in the Middle East region.
Farfasha soon became the most popular gold accessory
for the young consumers creating the so-called Generation
Gold. In the 60-second TV commercial (TVC), Ajram, with
her ‘Meen Ma Ando’ as background music, is portrayed
as having fun with three other ladies during a night out in
downtown Beirut. The concept of the song is set around
the Farfasha brand – full of energy and fun, lightens up
everyone and wakes up people, and brings to life the art,
cinema and music scene. The TVC was shot over three
nights in several areas of Beirut, including Jemayzeh and
Hamra.
Damas Farfasha campaign featuring Nancy Ajram
The ISC Bhojpuri wing in association with the Indian
embassy organised a hockey tournament to mark the
Dhyan Chand Day celebrations.
The Bhojpuri wing has been organising this event for
the last four years and have honoured many hockey
stars like Ashok Kumar, the son of the late hockey
wizard Dhyan Chand, Dhanraj Pillay, Mir Ranjan
Negi etc. Mohammed Irshad Ahmed, convener of the
Bhojpuri wing has been credited with organising a
number of cricket tournaments in Oman.
The living legend of yesteryear, Leslie Claudius,
considered one of the greats of the game was the
special guest of honour, and distributed the prizes to
the winners and runners-up. Having won three gold
and one silver Olympic medal during his playing days,
Leslie Claudius has been inspirational to a lot of young
players. He has been recognised by the government of
India by being bestowed the Padmashree award for his
outstanding contribution to the national sport of India.
Dhyan Chand Day celebrations
An international exhibition called
the Industrial Machinery, Tools,
Hardware and Equipment Expo
(IMTEX Oman 2012) will be
held at the Oman International
Exhibition Centre from April 10 to 12, 2012.
The three-day trade exhibition, the only event in Oman
that directly caters to the needs of both manufacturers
and industries, will prominently showcase a full
range of products and equipments from local and
international companies.
Organised by the country’s reputed event management
firm Global Exhibitions & Conferences (GEC) LLC,
IMTEX Oman 2012 is being conducted under the
patronage of the ministry of commerce and industry.
The event also has the official support of the Public
Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), which
manages seven industrial estates in different parts of
the country as well as the Industrial Innovation Centre
(IIC).
“IMTEX Oman 2012 is primarily intended to cater to
the rapidly growing demand for all types of industrial
machinery and equipments. The exhibition will bring
together the biggest gathering of decision makers from
a wide range of sectors and industry professionals,
thus making the event valuable in helping equipment
manufacturers to target their potential clients,” said C.
J. Paul, chief executive officer of GEC.
Contact 24783800/95250277,
GEC launches IMTEX
18 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
After formalising a strategic alliance
with Fortis Healthcare, India, Hatat
Polyclinic LLC, An Assarain Group
Company, organised Continuing
Medical Education (CME) programme
in August. The speaker for the event
was Dr Harshavardhan Hegde –
director and senior consultant and
head of department of orthopaedics,
Fortis Healthcare, India. His lecture
on 'Pushing For Excellence In
Orthopaedics – Challenges and
Solutions' was well received by the
participants.
Another CME programme on
'Management Of Acute Ischemic
Stroke' was organised. The speaker
was Dr Sanjay Saxena, senior
consultant and head of department
– neurology, Fortis Healthcare,
India. Both the senior consultants,
Dr Saxena and Dr Hegde will be
available at Hatat Polyclinic for
consultation on regular intervals
commencing from October onwards.
Patients can benefit from their visits
and consult them in the comfort
of their own city rather than travel
to a foreign land, to sum up this
arrangement economical and saves
time.
Hatat Polyclinic CME
Mazda Motor Corporation will
showcase the global premiere of
the Mazda TAKERI next-generation
midsize sedan concept car at the
42nd Tokyo Motor Show. Mazda
will also hold the Japan debut
of the new CX-5 crossover SUV
equipped with the full array of
Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV
TECHNOLOGY as well as other new technologies and production
models.
The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will run from December 3 through 11,
2011, at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. Mazda’s theme for
the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show is - “Environmental technology, pushing the
boundaries of the emotion of motion.” Mazda has previously announced
its plan to thoroughly enhance environmental and dynamic performance
under the Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision for technology
development.
Mazda TAKERI at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
Muscat Eye Laser Center has announced the addition
of the breakthrough Avedro System to its ever-
expanding technological capabilities in the treatment
of corneal problems. The Avedro System, coveted by
the world’s leading eye-care clinics, is currently the
equipment of choice in the treatment of keratoconus,
a degenerative disorder of the cornea, in which there
is a progressive change of its curvature, leading to an
abnormal conical shape. The Avedro KXL System offers
a superfast, safe and non-invasive alternative to stop the
progression of keratoconus and, in many cases, to avoid
the need of penetrating keratoplasty (cornea transplant).
“The system is designed to perform accelerated
corneal cross-linking procedure (KXL) that represents
a qualitative leap over the traditional corneal collagen
cross-linking procedure. While the latter procedure
usually takes an hour and is fraught with post-surgical
challenges, the advanced KXL process is over in a few
minutes and with amazing results. Additionally the light
beam is more homogeneous producing a more precise
treatment that implies a safer result,” explained Dr Maria
Clara Arbelaez, medical director.
Muscat Eye Laser Center gets Avedro system
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19Black & White
HSBC has signed a $24 million medium term facility to
finance telecommunications equipment and systems
supplied by Nokia Siemens Networks - one of the world’s
leading telecommunications equipment suppliers - to
Asiacell, a leading mobile operator in Iraq.
The equipment and services supported by this financing
will allow Asiacell to continue to upgrade the quality of
services it provides to customers across Iraq as well as to
accommodate ongoing growth in subscriber numbers to the
Asiacell network.
Nokia Siemens Networks entered into a framework contract
with Asiacell in 2008 and has since been one of the leading
suppliers of telecommunications equipment and systems
to Asiacell. Nokia Siemens Networks solutions, financed
HSBC financing for Nokia Siemens networks contract
through the credit facility, will be used to expand and
upgrade Asiacell’s network in several different areas of
Iraq.
Mindshare MENA recently hosted their second annual Mindshare Media
Summit 2011 in Dubai in the presence of prominent speakers such as Marco
Rimini, head of business planning for Mindshare Worldwide; Sarah Kay, poet
and co-director of project V.O.I.C.E; Fredrik Bernsel, sales director of LinkedIn
EMEA Partners; Volker Hirsch, director of business development for RIM
(Blackberry); Juan Senor, partner, INNOVATION Media Consulting; Steve
Smith, Coo of the Arabian Radio Network; Mazen Hayek, group director of
PR & Commercial/official spokesman for the MBC Group; and Roy Haddad,
chairman and Ceo, JWT MENA.
The summit aimed to tackle some of the biggest questions facing the region,
from understanding the new art of story-telling in a digital age, to how the
rise of multiple screens will impact client communications. The presentations
included great examples of media innovation from across the world and
explaining what these new techniques and trends mean for our region.
Second annual Mindshare Media Summit 2011
Heart problems are common place in today’s modern
world. Thankfully there is now an opportunity to diagnose
heart disease early and have treatment before the heart
muscle is damaged beyond repair. Regular heart checks
should be done if you have a family history of heart
disease, if you are overweight, smoke heavily, or have
high blood pressure or if you are aged over 45 years. This
can easily be done at MPH by making an appointment for
the heart centre clinic.
"If vessels are blocked or partially blocked angioplasty
can be planned whereby special devices are inserted int o
the blood vessels of the heart to relieve the blockage. If
several vessels are affected then heart bypass surgery
can be offered, as in the case of Mr Graham. The heart
centre has everything needed under one roof to diagnose
and treat disease of the heart’s blood vessels. Graham
is General Manager Group Logistics for Mustafa Sultan
Enterprises and he wanted to acknowledge the fantastic
support his company has given him during this time," a
press note said.
New Heart Centre at MPH
20 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
A new state of the art OTE exclusive
tyre showroom of United Contract
Trading & Cont. Co. LLC was
inaugurated in Salalah recently. It
has the latest machinery and is the
one and only of its kind in Salalah.
It was inaugurated in the presence
of Anil Wadhwa, former Indian
ambassador, Sheikh Akram Hassan
Abdullah Al Murazza, director
general, ministry of commerce and
industries, Sheikh Abdul Salam
Mohammed Al Rawas, wali of
Sadah and Sheikh Mohd Salim Al
Mashni, director workshop, Royal
Court Affairs. On the occasion many
dignitaries Sheikh Naif Abdullah
Salim Al Rawas, Sheikh Abdullah
‘Oman Evo’, a self-styled group of Mitsubishi Lancer
Sports Car owners, visited Jebel Sifah recently, for an
up close and personal look at the services and facilities
within the sprawling Muriya development.
The 34-member team of Mitsubishi Evolution enthusiasts
drove their cars from Muscat to the scenic Jebel Sifah.
The 45 km drive from the city took them through the
peaceful fishing village, with mountains and the sea
adding to the visual delight, to reach their destination -
the breathtaking Jebel Sifah, which is fringed by sandy
white beaches and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman,
against a backdrop of the majestic Hajjar mountain
range.
Oman Evo Team visit Jebel Sifah
Nawras SMS & WIN promotion winners
Amidst great excitement, Nawras is announcing the
first of 90 daily winners of OMR1000 in the current
SMS & WIN promotion. Oman’s customer friendly
communications provider held a draw on October 24 to
select 14 lucky Nawras customers who are the first prize
winners of OMR1000 each.
Nawras customer champions are now calling all the
winners from customer care number 22001555. Winning
customers will be invited to visit the Nawras main office
or their local Nawras store to verify their details and find
out how to collect their prize.
Nawras will not be asking for any personal information to
be given over the phone. The mobile numbers of the first
Nawras prize winners are being announced through the
promotion website at www.nawras2win.com. Following
each subsequent draw for the remaining OMR76,000 and
the three Toyota Prados, additional winners’ names will
be posted on the website.
New OTE exclusive tyre showroom inaugurated in Salalah
Abdul Aziz Al Rawas, Sheikh Khalid
Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Rawas and
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al
Rawas were present besides others.
Also present were Sheikh Salim
Abdullah Al Rawas, chairman United
Contract Trading & Contracting Co.
LLC, A.B. Singh, senior general
manager, TBA Division, OTE Group
of Companies, Ravi Kumar Setty,
senior manager besides Manpreet
Singh, sales manager.
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21Black & White
Audi Oman, the exclusive distributor
for Audi in Oman, hosted an event
to launch the Middle East edition
of the Audi magazine, which will be
published biannually and is a tailored
version of the successful international
edition, which has enjoyed a print
run of over 15 years and is available
in 25 languages in 70 countries.
The magazine will be printed in
Arabic and English combined in one
publication.
The magazine will be mailed to
customers throughout Oman who
have recently joined the world of
Audi. It will also be available in the
Audi showroom as well as selected
5-star hotels and retail outlets in the
Sultanate.
Audi is the fastest growing premium
brand in the Middle East, so we
feel it is the perfect time to create
a magazine to keep current and
prospective customers up to date
with the latest Audi news throughout
the region and internationally,” said
Jeff Mannering, managing director
Audi Middle East.
“The magazine is part of our ongoing
Omani launch of the Middle East edition of the Audi magazine
global strategy to delight customers
and will serve to communicate
new model launches, technologies
and news, and reinforce our brand
claim “Vorsprung durch Technik
(Advancement through Technology).”
Hosting the media launch of the
Audi magazine, Abdel Kareem
Awwad, national marketing and sales
manager at Audi Oman, said: “We
are delighted to be introducing the
new magazine to our customers in
Oman – ensuring they receive the
very latest information about the
Sultanate’s premium automotive
brand. I am sure that our tech-
savvy and sophisticated customer
base here in Oman will appreciate
the opportunity to receive the new
magazine in a range of hard copy
and interactive formats.”
Contact: 245 84510
“Whatever the occasion, we add flavour and fun to
it,” is the credo at Spicy Village. After a rollicking Star
Chef Season 2, the restaurant is now gearing up for
the final event of the year: the Spicy Village New Year
extravaganza.
“This will be the jewel in our crown of events,” said
Dayaparan, general manager, Spicy Village. Since this
year is the 25th anniversary of the Spicy Village chain of
restaurants in Oman, he promises it will be a mega event.
This year, a spectacular buffet with Indian, Chinese,
continental and Arabic Cuisine will be laid out. “In
flavour and variety, we will be second to none,” assures
Dayaparan. What’s more, live food stations will be set up.
This will include a finger-licking BBQ, a live dosa counter
and pav bhaji station.
A lively entertainment programme is also planned. The
highlight will be a live performance by the popular Omani
singer, Nadeem Al Balushi, and his team, who will soon
be launching his own album in Hindi and Arabic. He has
just finished recording in India under a big banner. The
audience can expect some unique new numbers from his
upcoming album.
DJ Saleem will keep the tempo racing. Unlimited games
and contests with gifts galore are in the offing, with prizes
for best dressed couples, best dancing couples and many
other fun-filled games. A warm bonfire and tambola will
add to the excitement, as will the ever-popular magic
show. Customers can also look forward to a grand raffle
draw with splendid prizes.
“Tickets for our New Year bash go like hot cakes, and are
usually sold out by December 27th. In order to avoid last
moment disappointment, we request you to make your
bookings now,” advises Dayaparan. For bulk bookings,
a special 10 percent discount will be provided. Tickets
are priced at RO10 only, inclusive of dinner, dancing and
entertainment.
Contact: 99224718
Spicy Village New Year extravaganza
22 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
renna mobile launched its benefits awareness campaign
recently. With a highly qualified customer service team,
fast broadband services, various recharge services,
and many more, this campaign aims to highlight renna
mobiles benefits and as promised to ensure that its
services, promotions and values are transparent and
clear to all its users.
“There are many benefits in joining renna mobile. Our
credit control features, various broadband bundles
tailored to suit our customers’ different needs, easy
and transparent price plans, are just some of the many
benefits that renna mobile customers can enjoy on a daily
basis,” said Joakim Klingefjord, chief executive officer,
renna mobile.
Our team is continuously working on improving customer
offers and packages that reflect customer lifestyle and
business needs. The way we see it, renna mobile was
created to make the customers life easier, focusing
entirely on managing their various needs,” added
Klingefjord. Renna mobile has recently enhanced its
broadband bundles where customers can now enjoy
more value with high speed internet access through their
phones and their laptops with the best prices in Oman.
Contact 80073662 or call 1240.
Renna mobile benefits awareness campaign
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BankMuscat, the leading financial
services provider in the Sultanate,
hosted a ceremony to celebrate the
long-standing partnership with Sultan
Qaboos University (SQU). Dr Ali Al
Bemani, vice-chancellor of SQU,
was the guest of honour at the event
attended by AbdulRazak Ali Issa,
chief executive, at the head office of
BankMuscat.
The SQU-BankMuscat partnership
is reflected at various levels.
BankMuscat is the first and only
bank to offer banking services on
SQU campus. The bank is focussed
on offering all banking and financial
services to the SQU student and
teacher community. Dr Al Bemani
said: “We are thankful to BankMuscat
for its valuable contributions
benefiting the SQU society and
we look forward to stronger future
partnership.” AbdulRazak Ali Issa
said: “As the nation’s leading banking
partner, BankMuscat attaches great
importance to national initiatives,
especially higher education aimed
at sustaining the country’s progress
and development. The association
with SQU stems from BankMuscat’s
commitment to the country’s future
generations.”
AbdulRazak added: “BankMuscat
enjoys strong relations with SQU and
is proud to celebrate the success of
the collaborative partnership with
the premier university of Oman. The
Bank is keen to further strengthen
the bonds with SQU, aimed at
contributing to Oman’s future by
investing in talent which is the real
wealth of our nation.”
Every year, BankMuscat welcomes
SQU graduates to take up
various positions in the Bank. The
recruitment of SQU graduates
reflects the bank’s determination to
develop its young leadership.
BankMuscat-SQU
collaborative partnership celebrated
23Black & White
Park Inn has been christened ‘Park Inn by Radisson’. This
was announced at a high profile event held at the rooftop
Lounge, Sama Terrazza that was attended by partners, key
corporate clients and the local media. “It is a progressive
step designed to preserve all of Park Inn’s existing brilliant
brand strengths and concepts while adding an instantly
recognisable connection to our successful and upscale
Radisson Blu brand. It offers a great opportunity to create
brand awareness for both hotels,” said Rabih Zein, general
manager, Park Inn by Radisson.
The change will be implemented on a gradual basis
Park Inn is now
Park Inn by Radisson
avoiding unnecessary waste of signage and collateral
and ensuring any disruption will minimal. There will be
very little will change in terms of daily operations.
Ernst & Young announced the launch
of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2012
awards in Oman. The programme
celebrates individuals who build
and lead successful, growing and
dynamic businesses. The event has
been running globally for 23 years
and is held in 135 cities across 50
countries worldwide. Rajeev Singh,
partner and Entrepreneur of the
Year Leader at Ernst & Young,
Muscat said, “I’m delighted that this
year the Entrepreneur of the Year
programme will be running as a
country programme in Oman for the
first time. Globally, every year the
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the
Year award gives entrepreneurs the
recognition they deserve. Even in
the most challenging times, these
business pioneers are looking
for opportunity and continue to
proactively take calculated risks to
grow. This is a trait that we celebrate
and a value that we espouse. The
programme also demonstrates Ernst
& Young’s commitment to fostering
the spirit of entrepreneurship,
which in fact drives the engines of
economic growth, especially in these
unusual times.”
To be eligible for consideration to
enter the programme, nominees
must be and have been for at least
three years, the owner/executive
director of a business (not subsidiary
or division); be primarily responsible
for the success of the business; must
have a significant equity shareholding
in the business; and must have its
chief operations based in Oman.
Awards are given to entrepreneurs
who have demonstrated excellence
and extraordinary success in
areas such as innovation, financial
performance and personal
commitment to their businesses and
communities.
In this inaugural event in Oman
expected awards to be presented
are:
The Entrepreneur Of The Year,
Oman, the recipient of which will go
on to represent the country at the
World Entrepreneur Of The Year
event in Monte Carlo in June.
Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year
(for those companies that have been
operating for two years and are able
to demonstrate that their business is
starting to make a real impact).
Other ‘special’ awards may be
deliberated and awarded by the
independent panel of judges. In this
first event we expect to present an
‘Eminent Entrepreneur’ accolade.
Self-nominations are encouraged and
there is no fee to enter. Application
forms can be collected from your
local Ernst & Young office in Muscat.
Contact: 24559559 extention 9506
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
24 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Social worker gets 2011 Al Shifa’ award
They also serve those who stand and wait. For
nearly 30 (precisely 29) years, P. M. Jabir, has
been tirelessly serving and assisting poor and
downtrodden blue-collar expatriate Indian workers
in Oman. Although his work has been publicly
recognised and he is quite a popular figure
among the Indian circle here, no one has officially
recognised his efforts.
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ight
25Black & White
While Jabir, like most dedicated
social workers, was not rendering
his efforts in order to get an award
or any official recognition, his close
friends and well wishers were hoping
their beloved ‘social worker’ friend
get some official recognition for
the service he has rendered to the
community.
Considered to be the ‘big brother’
of the distressed among the Indian
Diaspora, Jabir has been actively
involved in alleviating their suffering.
Since 1982, Jabir has been involved
in helping the troubled, suffering,
ill and penniless among the Indian
community without seeking anything
in return. While it may have begun as
a one-man army, today, he has an
ad-hoc team in place that can run the
show, even if the leader is away for a
period. So entrenched is the helping
mentality among these volunteers
that their helping hands have brought
relief, help and even happiness
among many blue-collar workers,
some of them who were at their wits
end and ready to give up.
A SYNONYM FOR HELP
As noted by those who have
benefitted from his assistance, Jabir’s
is a name synonymous with help. Be
it unpaid wages, financial help for
medical assistance or if it is even to
send the human remains back home,
Jabir, who is the founder member
of the Kerala wing of the Indian
Social Club (ISC) and social welfare
secretary of the ISC, was always just
a phone call away.
The beauty of it was that he or his
mates were available around the
clock. Jabir must have handled over
3000 death cases and thanks to the
popular Malayalam TV programme,
Pravasilokam (a programme on
Indian satellite television channel,
Kairali, which helps find missing
Indians outside India), he and
his dedicated team have been
instrumental in finding more than
70 missing Indians in Oman and
helped to repatriate them to their
waiting family members back home.
“This has been done in the last
decade or so,” Jabir, who is also the
Pravasilokam programme coordinator
in Oman and a member of the Non
Resident Keralites’ Welfare Board,
a statutory board constituted by the
Kerala government to take care of
the welfare of the NRKs, says adding
that the figure so far was the largest
find for Pravasilokam in any country.
FRIEND OF THE FRIENDLESS
For these and other social service
efforts, Jabir, who has been also
called the ‘friend of the friendless’,
has been awarded by the Bahrain-
based Shifa Al Jazeera Medical
Group’s prestigious ‘2011 Al Shifa’
award. The award was presented by
Mohammed Ali Karuvanthodi, group
general manager, Shifa Al Jazeera
Medical Group, to Jabir at a simple
but elegant ceremony held at the
Crystal Suites, recently.
“Jabir has contributed phenomenally
to the Indian community in Oman
and we feel we have chosen the
right person for the award,” noted K.
T. Rabiullah, chairman of Shifa Al
Jazeera Medical Group and a well
known philanthropist. The group has
presence in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia and Bahrain.
While Jabir collected the award in
his usual nonchalant manner, he
was quick to point out that all his
efforts were thanks to his family, who
were there through thick and thin.
“Special mention should be made of
my wife, Shahanaz. My social work
and activism took a toll on my family
life and I must confess that I spend
very little time with them – but, she
takes care of my home, my children
– he has two daughters – and she
also actively dons the role of a
thoroughbred social worker.”
Jabir, who has been also called the ‘friend of the friendless’, has been awarded by the Bahrain-based Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group’s prestigious ‘2011 Al Shifa’ award
26 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Moti
vati
on b
asi
cs
Say “Yes” cleverly!
By Nasser Al Azry
“YES” TO THE PERSON, “NO” TO THE TASK
The word “negotiation” brings up images of high-
pressure situations, where people have a lot to lose if
they get things wrong.
But how well do you negotiate? Do you know how to
recognise situations where negotiating is appropriate?
And do you understand the elements of an effective
negotiation?
NEGOTIATING BASICS
Negotiation is simply the act of reaching an
agreement as to how you will move forward. It›s the
process of communicating back and forth, and finally
having all parties agree to a solution.
In the book 'Getting to Yes', based on the work of
the Harvard Negotiation Project, authors Roger Fisher
and William Ury outline four parameters for principled
negotiation:
• Separate the people from the problem
• Focus on interests, not positions
• Generate a variety of possibilities before
making a decision
• Define objective standards as the criteria
for making the decision.
ASSERTIVENESS AND NEGOTIATION
Does the new committee offer career development
opportunities that fit with your long-term objectives?
If yes, perhaps you can give up another assignment
in exchange, or maybe you can negotiate hiring an
assistant so that you can reduce your workload.
This might even be the time to renegotiate your job
description and redefine your roles and responsibilities
within the organisation!
Whatever the situation, if you view negotiation as
a collaboration, you say "yes" to the other person by
respecting his or her needs - at the same time that you
give yourself the opportunity to say "no" to the task
itself.
Here are some key questions to ask before saying
"no" to a task:
• Do I have time to do it?
• Am I the right person for the task?
• Is someone else best suited to the job?
• Does this request fit with my goals
and objectives?
If your answer to any of these questions is "no", then
you may be best off saying "no"
To say "yes" to the person, first answer three main
questions:
What does this person really need?
• Find areas of flexibility.
• Determine priorities.
How else can this person's need be met?
• Find a different frame of reference or approach to
the problem.
• Look for time and resource alternatives.
How can I support this person to have the
need met?
• Define the larger goal.
• Look for common interests and needs.
EXAMPLES
"I'm sorry, I can't do that analysis this week.
Can I do it for you next Tuesday after month end is
complete?"
"I'm sorry, I can't take on doing this analysis on a
regular basis because Alex wants me to prioritise
development work. But I know Jane is working on
developing her excel skills. Would you like me to show
her how to extract the data so she can take this on?"
"I could do that analysis, but I wondered what
information you actually want from it. If it's the
conversion rate from the advertising campaign, would
one of the measures in the report that Marketing send
round give you what you need?"
When you collaborate, you consider everyone›s
needs.
Therefore, even if you have to say "no" to something,
you're still concerned about finding a way to get the
other person›s needs met, and this allows you to say
"yes" to the person. Integration and collaboration are
keys to this process. So, the next time you have to
negotiate, look for a way to meet everyone›s needs,
rather than leave one side with little or nothing.
26 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
27Black & White
WHERE DID THE PEARLS GO?
The Arabian region is very famous for the tales of the
high seas and its adventurous sailors.
With the abundant coastal stretch that the region
is endowed with, it is only obvious that these
adventures are imbibed as its very own culture
and tradition. Oman has its own share of sailors
and fishermen and their life experiences cannot be
captured in just a few pages. In fact, Oman is the
fabled land of the great sailor, Sindbad, it is said
Many fishing villages dot the coastal stretch of
Oman giving an insight into the past where fishing
and sailing were the main bread earners for many
families. In fact, the days before the renaissance
era, some Omanis lived off the bounties of the seas
before them. Although today it is a far cry from those
days, there are still fishing villages and fishermen for
whom the sea is everything.
Like fishing and sailing, pearl diving was also very
famous then and fishermen probably found an
occasional pearl when they plumbed the depths. But,
to gather enough oysters to make a living required
great effort. It required diving to depths of around
40 metres without equipment, in order to access the
offshore oyster beds. How did they do it then? Where
did they learn the tricks; who taught them?
Like fishing and sailing, pearl diving was also very famous then and fishermen probably found an occasional pearl when they plumbed the depths
Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief
In Black...
& White
In B
lack &
Whit
e
Again the question arises as to why in the advent
of progress, the pearling industry did not flourish as
it should? Where did the pearls disappear? Was it
because of the discovery of oil that made us push it all
away? Many questions linger in my mind, but as I grope
in the dark for an answer, my mind still goes back in time
to the days when Oman was very famous for its pearls
and well, its fishes and seas...
The B&W team met one such sailor, who still carries with
him quite a lot of life experiences -- from his sailing life
to his close encounters with sea storms and his pleasant
and successful moments of oyster fishing.
When you hear tales from such people of a different
era, it makes you learn about the past, the lifestyles off
a bygone era and sometimes make you wish that you
could revisit those days and years.
Life used to be an everyday adventure for many, not
as a hobby, but as a livelihood with little or no choices.
They lived a life cut out for survival and basic amenities
and did not think twice about the dangers of the choices
they made. It clearly reflects on the hardy nature of these
people!
B&
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28 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
29Black & White
ALL AT SEA
They had no idea from where the storm erupted and caught unawares, for a
moment, everyone floundered. The skies above broke and they were furiously
pelted with huge rain drops, which was nothing compared to the giant waves
that slammed on them immediately; the vessel began to swing violently and
for some moments they seemed rooted to the spot, with a grim realisation that
their end was nearing…
10 TIMES BIGGER
“We had never witnessed anything like this before. It was 10 times bigger
than the storms that hit Oman recently and we had no clue as to what was
happening,” Mabrook said, reminding us that he, at 25, was the youngest
sailor in a crew of 19 and other main sailors.
One moment, the sea was sublime. In the next, it exploded into a violent storm.And, in the eye of that storm was Fattah Al Rahman, a small Omani commercial
vessel with nearly 20-odd sailors on board. “It was a storm that could put the cyclones and storms that hit Oman in recent years to shame,” says Mabrook Sangour bin Shaneen Al Busaidy, a 79 year old sailor,
pearl diver and fisherman, reliving his sailing days from his modest home in the Muttrah area. This incident, which he related to us was in June, 1946, when this
group went from Muscat to Bombay (now Mumbai) on a sail boat
Adventures of Mabrook, the sailor
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30 December 7, 2011-January 6, 201230 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
31Black & White
SAYING THEIR PRAYERS
Heavy rains, giant waves, violent winds…hit the frail-
looking vessel, one after the other, which was tossed
upon the seas like a kid’s paper boat. And besides that,
the thunder clapped above them all as though thoroughly
enjoying the storm’s violent performance.
It seemed like doomsday and caught in that storm whirl,
those on board, including Mabrook, thought of nothing
else. They shut their eyes, said their prayers and tightly
held on to whatever they could on the vessel, which was
being battered with nature's fury.
The storm continued unabated for some hours and
finally when they thought they were already dead, it
suddenly subsided as suddenly as it had happened.
Those on board did not know whether to laugh or cry;
they pinched themselves to see if the suddenly changed
scenario was indeed true.
BOMBAY IN 12 DAYS
At first there was the proverbial calm before the
storm. Then, the calm resurfaced and it became deadly
quiet. The sea was always a bundle of contrasts
and contradictions and it took a while for the not
too experienced sailors on the Fattah Al Rahman to
understand that the belligerent storm had left them as
suddenly as it had descended on them.
“We soon got back on to our feet and shook ourselves
out of this bad nightmare and went about the task of
sailing again. Luckily for us, we were not set off the
course,” Mabrook recalled. In fact, despite being hit
by such a violent storm, the vessel managed to reach
Bombay in around 12 days. “Luckily, we reached the
shores of Bombay in one piece. Although we were
stuck in the storm for only a few hours, it felt like several
months and the 12 days it took to reach Mumbai felt like
12 long months. But, we realised that we were blessed
beyond doubt – for who will survive such a storm and live
to tell the tale?” Mabrook chuckles, lightly.
SKETCHES OF THE PAST
His eyes scoured the drab walls of his Majlis and fell on
his amateurish masterpieces – sketches of some of the
favourite dhows and vessels he had sailed on. During his
retirement days, Mabrook tried to capture and relive his
sailing days with such artistic efforts.
ADVENTURES GALORE
The Muscat to Mumbai sea trip was filled with a variety
of adventures. But, who would even dream that their
return journey would also be equally dramatic and event
filled. “In fact, our return trip seemed equally risky. We
reached Bombay in one piece, but the violent storm had
left its mark on our fragile vessel. This made our return
trip quite risky and challenging. We were waiting for the
inevitable and then it happened – a huge crack split
the vessel in the bottom area and water began to seep
in. The captain ordered us to clear the water, but it just
gushed in…”
Several hours passed and yet they could only make
slow progress and it was still impeding their sailing.
“The captain then decided that the only way out was to
repair the crack from beneath the vessel. Since I was the
youngest, I was given the task of diving below the vessel
and get the crack repaired!”
UNDERWATER REPAIR
Mabrook recalls how he realised that he was once again
put to a major test by fate, and this time around too he
was unsure -- as he was when caught in the storm -- as
to whether he would come out of it alive. “But, I did not
have much time to think – soon, I was plunging into the
icy cold and dark depths of the sea and swam under our
vessel.”
Diving into the icy cold water was itself a shock and the
young Omani boy almost froze, but they were all used
to obeying orders and this enabled him to just do as he
was told. “Besides the icy cold sea, there was also this
fear of the unknown and mysterious creatures that were
believed to reside in the deep. I was scared of the known
creatures too, especially of the sharks and other fishes
that swam around me when I dove beneath the vessel.
But, I focussed on the task before me and tried to drown
every other thought or fear.”
He dove beneath, tried fixing the crack and then rushed
back to suck in air. This went on for hours and soon he
and his other mates managed to get the dangerous crack
on the vessel repaired.
“I know all of this sounds dramatic, but even when I
look back, I know that it was something else; nothing
like what I have ever experienced – this sailing trip from
Muscat to Bombay and back was an unforgettable one –
it remains etched in my mind and embedded in my heart
– l learnt how to be a man in a single sailing trip! “And
more importantly, we survived what was by no means an
ordinary ordeal – we had to survive, there was no other
option!”
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32 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
HUMBLE ABODE
Mabrook’s humble abode was set in Mateirah in
Muttrah, somewhere near the foothills of Fort Mirani,
which fronted the Muscat bay in the Corniche area.
Unusually, none of his family members were into sailing,
fishing or anything remotely connected to Mabrook’s
lifelong profession. Even his brothers did not get into
sailing or fishing. “Somehow, right from a very young age,
I was drawn to the sea and I have never drifted away
from it,” Mabrook tells us, charting his growth from his
early swimming days to fishing, then sailing, pearl diving
and the like.
Somehow, everything he did was connected to the sea,
and despite the challenges the seas posed and also the
fact that the rewards were not always forthcoming, he
did not abandon the only livelihood that came by. The
sea always threw up adventures after the other. As we
chatted, Mabrook also recalled the time when he made
the longest swim of his life.
April, 1950HIS LONGEST SWIM
“I was enjoying my meager lunch – rice, fish and dates
-- on my small boat, one mid afternoon, in 1950. Lunch
was always a big affair as that was the only meal we had.
Though the skies were cloudy, I did not expect any
problems. I was waiting for my day’s catch and hoping to
return home by evening, but then…”
Then, once again, a storm broke without any warning;
the serenity of that lazy afternoon was broken with a
sudden stormy sky and sea outburst spurting out from
nowhere. “There, in a short span of 30 minutes, the
waves around me grew in giant sizes and walloped my
tiny boat. Little did I expect the boat to capsize and throw
me out in to the rough seas! I tried to hold on to my boat,
but it sunk, leaving me with nothing to hold on to…
"I swam for my life, back to the shore, a good three to
four hours of swimming... it was one of the longest swim
I ever had. When my clothes began to get heavier and
started pulling me down, I just shed them, broke free and
rapidly swam to the shore…by the time I reached the
shore, I was half dead and had to literally drag myself up
the beach.”
33Black & White
NATURAL SWIMMER
Having lost his boat, Mabrook was then forced to work
with his friends, until he could get other sailing jobs to
earn a living. “The sea was the only source of income
for many of us in those days. Education remained a
dream and we were focussed on earning a living at any
cost. Growing up in the coastal area made me a natural
swimmer and the sea my second home.”
SEA, MY LIVELIHOOD
As a child Mabrook grew up playing near the beaches,
and so the sea was naturally a part and parcel of his life.
“Probably that taught me swimming, my only life skill,
and soon I chose a sailing career. I knew nothing else.
I began my life as a fisherman, sailing, taking people
around in a small boat, then ran a ferry service, and
finally got in to the government sector as a sailor.
I started with a basic salary of Indian Rupees 30 (Oman
had Indian currency then). Sailing and fishing brought in
the some money, but it was not enough.
I, along with a few friends, then ventured in to oyster
fishing, diving for pearls. Oman was very famous for
its pearls then and sometimes, when we were lucky,
we made triple the usual money, if we found pearls,”
Mubarak said, delving into another exciting phase of his
sea life.
After his diving and sailing days, he retired from his
sailing job in 1986 and then took up a civilian job in the
military, he added.
PEARL DIVING
Pearls were in good demand in those days and the
money kept the divers motivated. “Most of the times the
pearls turned out to be rare and small, but we always
found buyers.
Oman was famous for pearls and we had good Asian
and European visitors who bought them as well as some
regular buyers. The local market was not thriving and
healthy, but we, the young fishermen, made our extra
money by selling pearls.
B&
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30 PEARLS IN ONE OYSTER
“I remember a freak fishing episode once in the late 60s
when I went pearl diving. It was a very freaky, lucky day
for me. I dove and found oysters and then later when I
checked their insides, I discovered that one of them had
a cluster of small pearls -- numbering to around 30 --
embedded inside! It was an unbelievable find for me!
Not one or two or three… but 30 pearls! I could not
believe my eyes. My friends happily surrounded me and
congratulated me on my catch.”
Usually, after the fish and pearls sale, they used to go
home with their dishdasha pockets full.
“But that day, I ran home clutching a bag full of money!”
Mabrook happily recalled. Today, his only disappointment
is that the pearl industry never took off. “If only the
industry had thrived, all of us in this profession would be
in a better position today!”
COURAGE AND PATIENCE
Like any sailor, Mabrook not only had many sea tales to
recount, but his watery sojourn has also taught him many
valuable lessons.
“Simple tricks, employing the trial and error process etc.,
taught me how to live. When I used to get queasy or sea
sick on sea, I would drink a mouth of sea water. It may
taste bad, but, it made me alright! Just a mouth or two,
more will make you sicker! Everything should be taken in
moderation!
“When you are alone and fend for yourself, what do you
learn? Courage! Yes, a life of sailing and fishing has
taught me to be brave and more importantly to have
patience. It taught me to face life head on and to swim
out of darkness. I have had a happy life, though there
are times when I wish I could have done better, sailed to
other countries too!”
But, he immediately noted how tough and challenging life
was then. “I was the sole bread earner for my family and
I had to bring home the bacon! The sea taught me great
patience and it also taught me how to deal with life and
sudden surprises – even nasty ones -- and rise up to any
challenges.
“Today, thank God, I am still alive to tell you all these
tales. I am the sole surviving member of that fishing and
pearl diving clan of that time in Muttrah.
All of my friends have passed away … now whenever I
get a chance, I will pass on the seafaring and pearling
tales of my time, detailing to the youngsters of today the
stories of fear as well as triumph, also teaching them a
few fishing tricks that I have learnt during my time.
“I never had a camera nor even thought of recording any
of the events of my humble past, but, I have still managed
to sketch some of the vessels that I had sailed on for my
children and my grandchildren to see!”
Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Ali Al Raisi
34 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
35Black & White
Why ‘open communications’
By Dr CK Anchan
Dr Anchan C.K.
managing director,
World Wide Business House
It is easy to be open and honest about
what we appreciate. When someone does
something that we like, saying “thanks” is
easy. Saying “what you did help me a lot” is
natural.
Speaking openly and honestly about painful
problems is sometimes another matter. If
I tell my boss about my problem, will he or
she care? Listen? Tell me to shut up and
work? Insult me in return, accusing me of
complaining?
Let’s suppose some of the answers to these
questions is “no” and that my boss stifles
my voice. What then?If that happens, often
people will give up on the idea that speaking
about the problem to their boss. Instead they
simmer, gossip or worse.
Taken to its extreme, such organisations
turn employees into serfs in a kind of
organisational fiefdom “ruled” by the executive
elite group. Communication flows one way,
orders are given and people are expected to
execute the orders.
While such organisations may be able to
respond to certain emergencies efficiently,
such a structure, strictly applied, is not usually
good at learning, providing an atmosphere
of respect for employees, or developing
high-quality services.That’s because when
communication goes only one way, it cuts off
feedback loops in the organisation.
History has been re- written with adopting
open communications; let me give an insight
towards the world's best two examples.
IBM’S OPEN DOOR POLICY
In the 1920’s, IBM instituted a process they
called the 'Open Door' policy. Here’s how it
worked:
Employees with an unresolved problem
were expected to take their problems to their
managers. If they didn’t get them resolved
to their satisfaction, they had a right to take
the problem directly to the Ceo, Thomas J.
Watson Jr. He said that through this policy,
he could get a “measure of IBM’s health”,
that on several occasions, “a single protest
led to a substantial change in the way we did
business” that “the Open Door was a morale
builder. It made them (employees) feel free to
approach a personnel manager or the person
running the plant when they had a problem.”
Watson’s office handled two or three hundred
cases a year, and he spent twenty five percent
of his time on problems voiced via the Open
Door policy. After 40 years of using the Open
Door, 1960’s IBM gave birth to the era of
computers and became the world’s most
profitable company.
GENERAL ELECTRIC’S “WORK-OUT”
SESSIONS
General Electric, one of the world’s largest
corporations, found a way to give employees
a voice.
The Ceo Jack Welch and other managers
practiced a forum called “Work-Out”. Work-Out
was a series of thousands of “town meetings
for GE employees to voice their issues,
problems and suggestions. After hearing the
employees’ comments, the managers of the
meetings had to follow a rule; they had to
come back into the room within two days and
say yes or no, right on the spot, for 75 percent
of the total issues raised.
Describing these meetings Jack Welch said
that they “broke the barrier of people really
understanding that, in fact, people’s ideas
count. That was a major, major breakthrough.”
To conclude: “Healthy families have a rule that
each family member can honestly say what
they experience and ask for what they want.” I
suppose this is the best practice, what do you
say?
35Black & White
Managem
ent
talk
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37Black & White
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onceptis Puzzles, D
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Difficulty Level8/01
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:
293
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By Dave Green
Difficulty Level 8/02
38 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
People in power can be dangerous when they misuse their power. Let it be
whatever power they have -- even if it is to release a document, approve
something, or, better still, to do their duty, they tend to abuse their position,
which has been given to them by higher ups in the hope that it will be a boon to
the people, whom they actually serve. Power should not corrupt you, instead,
it should be seen as what it truly is – a blessing to help the ones without the
power. But, instead of helping, they would throw their weight around, totally
disrupting the proceedings and making the whole affair a painful one. People
with power, people with a certain amount of authority etc are ones who have
been officially given that position. It is given to them in the hope that they serve
the public. The power is given to them to so that they employ their official power
to service the needs of the public, not to thwart their requirements or make
the common man’s life one of misery. Instead of humbly serving, these power
holders only succeed in thwarting the requirements of the public.
Why is it that power tends to corrupt so many people, we wonder and we are
left with no answer. And why should we, the members of the public suffer, for
no fault of ours? Why are these powerful, but still corrupt, members still given
such posts?
We get letters from readers telling us that people have no concern about
environment and there are plenty out there who tend to have no concern about
Oman in any manner. They spit and litter and have no interest in keeping this
country clean and sincerely don’t care about such things. But, there is an
increasing frustration among many about the kind of salesmen and women
manning counters of supermarkets in town? Oman has enough and more of
stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets, but are the sales populace in these
places totally insensitive to the needs of the customers and is it true that they
really don’t care whether the customer buys or not?
Somehow we get the feeling from the increasing number of complaints
received about bad salesmen and women in these outlets. Of course, we have
also experienced the same and we feel that it is not only true, but nothing
seems to be done about it. More and more sales personnel are joining this
army out there in the outlets and more and more inexperienced, untrained and
ill mannered sales personnel are out there in all these outlets and soon, we are
all going to be numbed and used to the bad manners and bad sales of these
personnel. Shouldn’t we all act before we reach a state where we are even too
numb to react, to protest – or, are we there already?
Power corrupts
Too numb
to protest
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)
More on the freebies later, but, we are tempted to ask one
question. At a recently concluded major concert, it was noticed
that a certain section that was reserved for special needs people
at the event was duly filled by those who were perfectly normal.
How did this happen? As the organisers of the event scratched
their heads wondering how that happened, they had more to look
into: apparently, a good segment of freeloaders streamed into the
show just when the lights dimmed and snuck into whatever seats
reserved for the organisers and the volunteers. Since the show
had already begun, most of the organisers and volunteers could
do little but to stand and watch the proceedings.
‘Free’ revenge
Who let the cat in?
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..ccoommm39Black & White
Free entry to events is considered to be the norm among many
so-called music and art lovers in Oman, but it is a pity when non
receivers of free tickets to shows take it to heart and then unleash
their impotent fury on the members of the show organisers in the
future. What we heard on the grapevine is that one senior VIP,
who normally gets free tickets to almost all shows, was singularly
ignored for a recent biggie
event in town and he has
vowed to get back at that
particular show organiser
because he was summarily
“left out”! “Let them come
to me for a favour, and
I will show them,” he is
reportedly have told his
office folks.
40 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Take your time. A decision
you make will clearly affect your
future earning potential. Don’t be
scammed by a fast talker making
empty promises. Put your best foot
forward and show everyone what
you’ve got going. Your skill coupled
with your determination will captivate
a crowd and help you initiate
something you’ve wanted to do.
Open up to new ideas,
lifestyles or activities in the early
part of the week and you will
broaden your outlook as well as your
friendships. There is a whole new
world waiting for you to take part, so
spread your wings and get involved.
It’s very likely you will discover that
change isn’t so bad after all.
Don’t let anyone convince
you that you must take part in
something or make a donation. You
don’t want to end up being part of
a scam or out cash that you can
put to better use. Avoid making
fresh investments. Emotions are
topped up causing confusion in
your personal life. Stay away from
gossipers.
Make memories with
someone you cherish this week,
but be cautious when considering
products that offer to turn you into
something you are not. Don’t spend
money on someone or something
that will not benefit you personally.
You have to invest in you if you want
to be successful.
Take credit where credit is
due. Show your feelings and avoid
unnecessary stress and turmoil.
Someone is likely to jump ship
leaving you high and dry. Don’t let
this stop you from following through
with your plans. You have plenty
to offer and can do just as well all
by yourself. Originality will promote
progress.
A lifestyle change this week
will help you get out and socialise
with a new group of people. You’ll
learn a hard lesson if you let a friend
or colleague take over and take credit
for something you’ve been working
towards. Stand up for your rights or
you will set a standard that will keep
repeating.
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 staARIES
CANCER
TAURUS
LEO
GEMINI
VIRGO
Horo
scope
STEVEN ALLAN SPIELBERG KBE (BORN DECEMBER 18, 1946)
is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game
designer, and studio entrepreneur. In a career of more than four
decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres.
Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as
an archetype of modern Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking. In later
years, his films began addressing such issues as the Holocaust,
slavery, war and terrorism. He is considered one of the most popular
and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.He is also one of
the co-founders of the DreamWorks movie studio.
Spielberg won the Academy Award for best director for Schindler's
List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Three of Spielberg's
films—Jaws (1975), E.T.– the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and Jurassic
Park (1993) – achieved box office records, each becoming the
highest-grossing film made at the time. To date, the unadjusted gross
of all Spielberg-directed films exceeds $8.5 billion worldwide.
Search for a chance to try something unique this week.
A partnership with someone who has as much to contribute is
looking good. You shouldn’t have to use your own cash or pay
for someone else, in order to get things done properly. Use your
finesse and charm and you will be the one being paid for.
Giving in to someone who is demanding or trying to
get something from you will send the wrong message. Stand firm
and refuse to pay for someone else’s mistakes. You can secure
your position personally and financially by making a few crucial
changes to your portfolio.
Pull out all the stops and present, promote and push
for what you want. Working quickly to satisfy a request will speak
volumes about your intentions. Emotional matters will surface
this week, complicating issues, if you have ignored someone who
depends on you for companionship and comfort.
Educational or travel plans may be derailed, if you
haven’t got all your papers in order. Don’t rely on someone
else to fill in the blanks. Settle matters quickly so you don’t
miss out on an opportunity that pops up. Take your chance
with new opportunities surfacing.
Be careful of what others promise. Someone is likely
to back out of a deal or ask for something back that you’ve
been given. Put your heart on the line and you can make some
interesting changes at home that are conducive to love romance
and raising your comfort level.
Compromise may not sit well with you, but it will be
necessary if you want to get the support you need to get your
dreams off the ground. Stick to your story and eventually you
will get through to the people who count. You cannot give in to
complaints or ultimatums if you want to come out on top.
September 24-October 22
December 23-January 20
October 23-November 22
January 21-February 19
November 23-December 22
February 20-March 20
arsLIBRA
CAPRICORN
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
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
41Black & White
42 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Kid
stuff
43Black & White
Tongue twistersSanta’s Short Suit Shrunk
Santa Claus
Fun facts about
Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and
Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and
English.
Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know
who Santa is, here are a few facts on the multicultural
Santas:
In Italy Babbo Natale, which means Father Christmas, is
Santa. Children put a pair of their shoes by the door on the
day before Epiphany and the following morning they find
them filled with small gifts and candy.
In Spain children leave their shoes under the Christmas tree
the night of January 5th and presents from the Three Kings
(Los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar) appear
the next morning. Santa Claus is called Papa Noel and
some children receive presents both days on December
24th (from Papa Noel) and on January 6th (from the Three
Kings). In Morocco he is known as Black Peter.
In Japan, Santa Claus is called Santa Claus or just “Santa”.
Children often call him “Santa no ojisan,” which means
“Uncle Santa".
In Sweden Jultomten visits the evening before Christmas
day, pulling a big bag of julklappar (Christmas presents) in
the deep snow.
In the Netherlands, he is called Kerstman.
In Finland, he is called Joulupukki.
Sinter Klaas in Dutch. He is much thinner than the American
Santa Claus. He rides a white horse and gets help from
numerous Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes) handing out gifts
and candy. He arrives the first Saturday in November by
Boat.
In Russia, he is called Grandfather Frost that is “ded
moroz”.
Cookin
g
XMASCookin
g
Sweet ideas for
44 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Spread more holiday cheer, bake a Christmas cake, simple and easy…
here are a few easy recipes:
Ingredients
Cupcake
White and red icing
Mini marshmallow
Shredded coconut
Blue and pink gel icing
Red candy
Ingredients
Cooled cupcake (baked from your
favourite recipe)
White icing
Large marshmallows
Waxed paper
Pretzel sticks
Decorators’ gel
Orange slice candy
Junior Mints
Thin Mints
Fruit leather
Ingredients
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
(optional)
Method
Frost the cupcake with a layer of white icing. Add the red frosting hat,
curving it around the side of Santa’s face, and a marshmallow pom-pom.
Sprinkle on a ring of coconut to make Santa’s beard and hair. Draw on
his eyes and cheeks with gel icing, then top it all off with a red candy
nose.
Method
Frost a cooled cupcake (baked from your favourite
recipe) with white icing. Flatten a large marshmallow on
waxed paper with the palm of your hand. Cut a second
marshmallow in half horizontally, then stack the halves on
the first marshmallow to form a torso and head. Push a thin
pretzel stick down through the snowman (this will help him
stand up), then set him on the cupcake. Use decorators’
gel to create a mouth, eyes, and buttons, then add pretzel
stick arms and a wedge cut from an orange slice candy for
a nose. Accessorise with a candy hat (a Junior Mint secured
to a Thin Mint with icing) and a fruit leather scarf.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. Place liners in 2-12 cup tins. In a
large bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, white sugar, baking
soda, baking powder and salt until thoroughly mixed. In
a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, water, buttermilk,
vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Whisk into flour mixture
until all of the ingredients are mixed in and no streaks of
flour remain. Add in optional mini chocolate chips, if using.
Fill muffin cups evenly with the prepared batter.
Bake at 350F for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted
into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, or with only
a few crumbs. Remove cupcakes from the pan and cool
completely on a wire rack before frosting.
SANTA CLAUS CUPS
FROSTY CUPCAKES
SIMPLE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE
45Black & White
46 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University
Be only the shade of yourself
“There is but one cause of failure and that is man’s lack of faith in his
true self.” -- William James
Every time we fail in life, we need to reflect on why this happened. We
need some moments of reflection in total silence. And sometimes it
seems a bit difficult for us to bear that we were mistaken because we
didn’t trust ourselves enough or we were wearing a shoe that didn’t fit
us. But there is one way to being happy or happier; being only the shade
of ourselves. Unfortunately, most of us always compare ourselves with
others and we only end up being hurt…
I think each one of us is unique and special and that can be easily
noticed with those who always wear the shoes that fit them. Indeed we
cannot find ourselves in other’s eyes unless we try our best to reflect the
self we want to be in our own eyes.
When any one amongst us are confused between a role model and
being a shade of someone else, it is simply to underestimate his own
ability to live the way he wants. There is a big difference between me
and my role model because I cannot feel completely happy when I am
imitating someone else. The real happiness is just inside me and when I
respect my own self.
This might be obvious with teens who are trying to copy a celebrity’s,
teacher’s, father’s or friend’s personality. They might think that by doing
so they are building up their personality but in reality they are destroying
themselves. If you have tried or are even trying to be someone else,
let me hasten to say: “Stop doing that because you are losing the
uniqueness you already have”.
And to be special, just be the shade of yourself because it is the power
you need to go ahead in life. Nowadays, there are people looking for
themselves and they are very sorry for not living their own lives and
enjoying the gifts they were given…all that because they were shades of
others not of themselves.
You can cheat everyone for awhile but not yourself, decide from now to
be only the shade of yourself!
By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi
ing c
urv
e
46 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
47Black & White
So its that time of the year when we all start thinking like chartered
accountants and take stock of our life the debits and the credits, the
savings, the interest, withdrawals and deposits. Yes, its the end of the
year and its time for STOCK ANALYSIS OF YOUR LIFE.
The five fingers of your hand become the pointers for the BIG
CALCULATIONS.
FAMILY: Was it a good year for you with your family? Did you spend
enough time with them? Did you help out each other during your
times of crisis? If the answer is yes, then definitely add a tick mark to
the credit side in your stock analysis of the year.
FRIENDS: Did you make any new ones? Were you a true friend in the
purest form? If yes then go ahead and get the tick. Did you lose out
on any? Any gossip about your friends which you felt you shouldn’t
have done? If yes then go ahead and a tick in the debit side.
WORK: I don’t want to talk about promotions because this involves
other factors which are beyond your control. I emphasise on the time
that you spent doing your work well? Did you enhance your talent and
also contribute positively to the organisation? If yes you know what
you get. Were you a slacker and take off when no one was looking?
FUN N FROLIC: Hope you had lots of fun and laughs and were more
happy than sad throughout the year and hence made life worthwhile
cos you know the age old adage --you live only once.
GOD:I cant overemphasise the importance of the God in our lives.
He is responsible for US in every form, I don’t think I need to reiterate
what he means to all of us. So I hope you spent some time at least in
HIS PRESENCE.
5 fingers in our life
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
47Black & White
48 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Shape n
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49Black & White
Stop! If you were planning to bite your uneven nails, just drop that
thought. Nails are not meant to be bitten. They are meant to be taken
care of, and properly.
Do whatever you can do to drop the habit of biting your nails. Why?
Simple, because it can cause an infection, and it can also make your
nails look ugly.
Most of us do get the urge to bite our nails when the edge is rough, but
when you are consumed by such an urge, all you have got to do is to
use a file – carry a small file with you. So, next time the urge hits you,
use the file. But make sure that you always have a top quality file.
Women have always been fascinated by their nails. There is a certain
charm in having stylish, polished nails. It adds beauty and confidence in
women. But good nails are not easy to come by.
SIMPLE NAIL CARE TIPS
You need to take special care of the nails. Here are some simple nail
care tips to keep your nails healthy:
More than aNAIL-BITING FINISH
• Always keep your nails clean and dry. Proper cleaning can
keep your nails away from dirt and infections and keeping it dry
again will not allow sticking of microbes to it and will also avoid
fungal growths under nails.
• Always cut your nails straight across making slight curve at the
nail tip.
• Always use sharp clipper or scissors. Do not file the nails at
points. This can make your nails weak.
• Take a fine textured file to shape your nails and keep them
free of snags.
• Check finger biting right away. Do not remove the cuticle.
• Keep your toenails short by regular trimming. Keeping shorter
nails will keep your nails away from injuries and trauma.
• Use warm salt water to soak your feet. Continue doing this
for about 10 minutes. This is a good practice to follow if your
nails are thick and is difficult to get trimmed. Apply lactic acid
creams or urea following the water treatment. This will make
your toenails softer and hence will be easier to trim them.
• Do not ‘dig-out’ ingrown toenails. Avoid doing this when they
are infected, sore or feels painful. Consult a dermatologist.
• Always wear shoes that fit you properly. Alternating pairs is a
very good practice. Wearing one shoe for a longer time can
cause deformities.
• If you get to find any irregularities in your nails, consult a
dermatologist. Any changes in the nail, pain or swelling can be
a sign of any serious health problem.
• Always keep a close eye on your nails if you are a diabetic or
have a poor circulation.
• Keep proper nail care tips in mind and make sure your nails
are always looks healthy and strong.
49Black & White
50 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Shape n
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50 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
51Black & White
GRIND TO GLADNESS
“Exercise loves company and adores rhythm, so why pound a treadmill when you can dance your cardio
workout away?” experts query. They say that dance-based workouts, from Zumba to Bollywood aerobics to
flexes at the ballet barre, can take your fitness from grind to gladness, with an international flair.
Why not because women don’t have it easy… They have the pressure of family, career, and health issues,
which can be difficult to confront when they come at one stroke. This combined with emotional distress can be
quite destructive for a woman.
DANCERCISE
So, you have to get all of that out of the system. How do you do that? Exercise, that is the only answer. But,
instead of boring exercise, let us try to engage in dancercise.
Women can build confidence through dance and related activities, it has been established. Dance requires
coordinated movement of the body that engages the mind and challenges the person’s ability to express
themselves in a free manner.
Again, for women who are struggling with unwanted weight gain or unwanted flab, dancing can be a way of
losing weight and toning muscle. Many people struggle with unwanted weight and feel hopeless because they
are not sure how to make the weight disappear and lose those pounds.
GET ZUMBA FIT
Now, there is this relatively new form of exercise that brings in a workout that is fast-paced, upbeat, and
most importantly, fun! Most of you may have heard of it and may have already started dancing to it -- Zumba
(pronounced zoom-buh) is a dance fitness class set to Latin and world music beats. It is choreographed
with salsa and other Latin dance moves so that people with all levels of dance experience can adapt to the
routines. Zumba uses high and low impact dance steps that make up the hour-long workout. But don’t worry
– the steps are fairly simple and easy to learn quickly, Zumba lovers say. In fact, there are many who have
gone into Zumba with no previous dance experience.
Even if you dread exercising, you will not have any problem with Zumba. In fact, Zumba lovers say that it is
so much fun that it is hard to remember that you are exercising until you realise you are sweating.
If you are looking for fun things to do in your community you need to search out a Zumba class! Zumba is a
great way to lose weight, strengthen your cardio endurance, and stay fit. Zumba fans say that they don’t even
realise that they are exercising. Want to go Zumba?
your way out of miseryDANCERCISE
So you have tried every form of exercise out there? You have done it all -- from aerobics to biking to the elliptical. And, now you are bored, restless and
frustrated and you no longer want to stick to one exercise regimen…But, exercise is necessary – exercise is the elixir of life, especially for women. The truth is that other than lack of time, boredom is the number one reason
people break their exercise routines. So, what do we do here? How do we break through this exercise monotony?
Dance? Well, why not?
51Black & White
52 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
Shape n
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FOODS that can slow down your AGEEat a clove of garlic a day (raw or cooked; better raw) and it will protect your body
against cancer and skin disease. Earlier studies have recorded that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop colon cancer and it was also instrumental in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the
risk of heart disease. In fact, there are some fantastic foods out there that can not only assist in slowing
down the aging process, but also bring about a spring of well being in you.
GINGER
This spicy root can boost the digestive and circulatory
systems, which can be useful for older people. Ginger
may also help to alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.
SOYA
Menopausal women might find that soya helps
to maintain oestrogen levels. Soya may alleviate
menopausal hot flush and protect against Alzheimer’s
disease, osteoporosis and heart disease. Look out for
fermented soya products, which are more easily digested,
therefore more nutritional, and do not generally cause
food intolerances.
NUTS
Most varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals,
particularly walnuts and brazi nuts. Walnuts, although
high in calories, are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron,
zinc, copper and selenium. Adding nuts to your diet
(sprinkle them on salads and desserts) can enhance
the functioning of your digestive and immune systems,
improve your skin help control prevent cancer. Nuts may
also help control cholesterol levels.
CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
From garlic, let us go to the family of cruciferous
vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip,
Brussels sprouts, radish and watercress). If we consume
of any of these vegetables or a combo of them on a daily
basis, it will assist our bodies in their fight against toxins
and cancer.
AVOCADO
Avocado contains a significant amount mono-saturated
fat, which helps reduce bad cholesterol, and Vitamin E
which aid in the prolonging of the aging of the skin. It
is also a great source of potassium which is known to
prevent high blood pressure and fluid retention.
SALMON
For people who don’t enjoy eating vegetables, salmon
is the perfect choice owing to the great quality protein it
contains. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which make
the skin healthy. For optimum results, it is advised to
include salmon into your diet at least thrice a week.
BROCCOLI
Broccoli belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables
which are famous for assisting the body in fighting
against toxins. Broccoli also contains quercetin
and isothiocyanates which are known antioxidants.
Reportedly, broccoli sprouts contain more isothiocyanates
than the vegetable itself.
BERRIES
Berries, especially blue and black ones great sources of
flavonoids which are known to be powerful antioxidants.
These antioxidants protect the body against aging as well
as free radicals. Berries also help prevent the toxin build
up in the body, hence fighting the aging process.
WATERMELON
Watermelon is known as one of the best anti-aging
foods. Containing nutrients like selenium, Vitamins A, B,
C and E, essential fats and zinc, it is the most effective
food against radical damage and aging. Also both its flesh
and seeds are equally nutritious.
WATER
Try to drink at least 8-9 glasses of water every day in
order to remain healthy. Water helps us to get rid of the
toxins and unwanted waste materials from your body.
What you got to understand is that you should not rely on
thirst alone; instead, just drink often.
52 December 7, 2011-January 6, 2012
53Black & White 53Black & White
He was thrown out the classroom.
Not for any serious offence or
neglect.
For drawing an elephant!
We laughed out so loudly that he
withdrew sadly saying all of you
are the same.
What ‘exactly’ did you draw, we
mocked him.
"An elephant, a little distorted
though… the figure I drew
resembled an elephant, there
was no doubt about it; it is just
that the tail got a little thicker," he
explained.
How can a tail get thicker? We
interrogated him time and again
"Well, the time was so little, and
we had no choice of animals," he
explained.
"I could have drawn a cat or even a
rabbit easily.
But the art teacher compelled me
to draw an elephant.
So, you see, I was left with little
choice or no choice at all.
I was a kid, and had not seen an
elephant directly; the image of an
elephant in mind was that of the
ones I have seen in movies.
While I sat to draw, I did not have
a clear picture in mind. In fact I
suddenly went blank.
Like every other kid, I knew an
elephant was fat, had four legs, a
trunk and a tail.
I knew I had to draw it big, because
elephants were supposed to be
black and big.
But, I got stuck with the tail!"
Tail? It is the easiest part to draw,
we pulled his leg again. All you
need is to draw a long line and
shade it down bottom.
"You don’t get it," he continued, "I
drew the tail a little bigger, a little
more thicker than it should be, well,
according to the teacher. But, I still
feel I drew the tail right, it was the
trunk that got a little thinner…and
the teacher didn’t understand the
mistake I did!"
We rolled in laughter again…
As a kid everybody does this;
what’s wrong? Teachers are
supposed to teach you, not
throw you out of the classroom.
We are not cameras to capture
everything fully! Defensively, he
explained: "Look at the modern
art today; people spend a fortune
buying scribbles of big names and
abstract art.
I have seen disfigured elephants
displayed at various art shows
and major connoisseurs looking at
those canvases as if there was a
deep meaning to it all…
I am sure, if I had done the drawing
today, I could have packaged it
and sold it for a good amount!"
We laughed our hearts out
that day; we still do if someone
mentions an elephant, or an
illustration today.
The best part of it all is he didn’t
get disillusioned or demoralised by
the school episode. Though it did
not teach him any lessons of life,
he got in to a career that makes
him draw, illustrate and Photoshop
elephants and the like on his
computer on a daily basis. He is a
designer today, though he claims
if the teacher had not thrown him
out of the art class, he would have
been a great painter and illustrator!
By Priya Arunkumar
Of trunks and tails…