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Let's RazhaLet's Razha p26

4 January 21-February 20, 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

Xclusive

Let’s Razha!

The Razha dance performance,

which is characterised by the

sword and poetry exchange is

performed in most parts of the

Sultanate, especially during

festive occasions

Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali

Managing editor Priya Arunkumar

Work editor Adarsh Madhavan

Design & production Beneek Siraj

Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza

Priyanka Sampat

Conte

nts

Small gestures matter

How do you make a

woman/girl happy without

buying her an expensive

gift? There are several

ways. We combed the net

and stumbled on some

ways to make her happy52

164212

26

Special day for Singletons

Oman Karting team still on top

What should singletons do on this

Valentine’s Day? Go all out and

enjoy!

Cook up a special meal for

your valentine, with roses and

chocolates… Abdullah Al Rawahi and Sanad

Al Rawahi are still on top of Al Ain

karting championship

5Black & White


Why this Kolaveri?By Adarsh Madhavan

A young friend of mine called me late last night. He

wanted to tell me of a report he had seen in some of the

local papers about an event we were involved in and

slated for next month.

He read out the news to me and after a pause, asked

me: “You noticed that everything they have written has a

negative undertone.”

Not exactly, I said. They just found a point of popular

interest took it up and then played with it.

He did not quite understand the aspects of a ‘lead’, an

‘inverted pyramid’ type of writing that scribes adhere to,

etc., so I did not delve into it.

I just listened to him. He read out the headlines of some

more articles and then also looked at other stories that

were already online for the next day’s paper.

“All of them are negative,” he pointed out. All of them have

something negative to say. They all talk of something that

is lacking and somewhat indirectly pass accusations about

someone without directly attributing blame. It is a clever

use of words, but it all leaves a distinct impression that

something bad was happening”, this young man tells me.

But, that is a journalist’s duty, I told him. A scribe has to

find out something new in a story and even if it is a time-

tested story, you have to find some new twist to it. Who

would want to read the same story everyday?

“I agree,” he said. “But, why should the focus be on

negative things? Why does he write and say (in the article/

report) that these people do not have money and are

running from pillar to post to raise money? Will that get

them money?”

Of course, I said, defending my tribe. They would. A crying

child will get milk.

“Not necessarily,” my young friend argued. “Even if a child

does not cry – he will still get milk. And you know what, if

the baby picks this up as a habit, he/she will start bawling

his/her lungs out each time he/she wants something. And

you are encouraging a negative habit.”

I thought of it for sometime. And then without acting

as though I agreed or disagreed, I said: but, my friend,

[email protected]

you got to understand that there is a certain way, a

certain structure and a style to journalistic writing. It is

basically adhering to a form follows function style and

in the same way, the scribe would pick a pertinent

point and then build his story around it – projecting

something that is not there. He is just being truthful.

Nothing else.

“I know you people need to have a structure and you

have to be innovative and I know that you have to

pick a point – but why do you always pick the rotten

apple from the basket?”

It is not about rotten, I argued. It is about bringing a

truth out. And, truth has to be out even though it could

hurt. Finding a negative point is not about intention,

it is about telling the world that someone is in need,

someone has a problem, someone needs to be

helped…

“I agree, but the same thing could be said in so many

different ways…”

What was this friend talking about, I wondered. But, I

was curious, and so I asked: how?

“Well, take this negative report about an

organisation’s requirement for funds and how the

market was not supporting them…why can’t the

organisation’s salient points be featured; how it is

contributing to society and how important it was to

sustain its existence because it has a huge potential

to make future contributions.

And then a mild appeal could be made, putting the

words in the mouth of the organisation’s head…

wouldn’t that work instead of roundly accusing some

other party of not helping – they could be distancing

themselves because of some reason – everything

has a reason,” he said.

“Will you like it if someone accuse you and say that

you are not taking care of your parents – instead if

they mildly say that it would be great if you could do

more for them – wouldn’t that be better?”

Point, I realised. He had a point.

7Black & White

Mail your views and opinions at

[email protected]

I loved reading about Mabrook Sangour bin Shaheen Al

Busaidy (issue 39). Being a sailor myself (in the early days

of my life), I found the old sailor’s story quite engrossing.

As a driver on the road, you may experience many thrills

and adventures, and also many difficult moments and risks.

But, on the sea, it is a totally different experience. If things

go really wrong, your whole ship might sink. Just imagine.

The thing is that you cannot compare a sailing experience

with anything else. It has a life of its own. And once you are

a sailor, you are always one…even when you are frail and

old, a true sailor will never give up his desire to sail perhaps

one more time. Mabrook is one such sailor. God bless him!

Sanjan Das Gupta, Seeb

Thanks for carrying the story on laparoscopy (Heroes of

laparoscopy, issue 40), which boldly spoke of how patients

in Oman were heading to other countries for treatment.

Why is it that we don’t trust our own hospitals? Or, more

importantly, why is it that we don’t trust our own doctors; our

own people; our own flesh and blood? The story touched

a real valid point and I think that it is important that we

address this issue very openly, seriously and try to find a

solution. I don’t blame either side, neither the patients nor

the doctors. I believe that there must have been a genuine

reason for patients not being able to trust themselves in the

hands of the local hospitals. But, surely, that is a thing of the

past. Why is it that we still don’t trust the local hospitals and

doctors? They are much better now and are offering quality

treatment at hospitals that are on par with the best in the

world. So, what is stopping our patients and why do we all

have this mental block against our doctors and hospitals.

Unless we show trust on them, how will they grow?

Abdul Nasser Suleiman Al Hajry, Nizwa

True sailor

Time to trust our hospitals


9Black & White

My mother used to say that the main reason that I have stomach ailments is

because of my nail-biting problems. I use to devour my nails from dawn to

midnight as though I was not properly fed at home and everyone used to be

at me to stop the habit. I never thought much of it then and used to wonder

why people had to make such a hue and cry over it. I never thought that nail

biting could give me an infection and as I read your story (‘More than a nail-

biting finish’, issue 39) my nail-biting days flashed before my eyes. I used to

bite, bite and bite…until one fine day, I stopped. Just like that. Probably, it

was the college effect. I got into college and naturally the attractions there

and the need to be on par with the ‘high-funda’ girls there gave me a valid

reason to stop this habit. One simple nail care tip, which I can give: to always

soften them with water before cutting them. Run your fingers under a tap for

close to a minute before you cut them and you will find your nail cutting to be

quite easy.

Anita Rangaswamy, Wadi Kabir

It is good of Black & White to dig out old but interesting people like Mabrook

Al Busaidy (issue 39) from out of nowhere. These are people who will soon be

forgotten and gone. Who is going to talk about them, let alone remember them?

By bringing out such people into the public eye, the magazine has given readers

an interesting tale. The media should take an active role by looking into the

roots and traditions of a country and help in its propagation and preservation.

Most of the times, we find that scribes from other countries come to a country

and write about its traditions and culture. The tale also gives more impetus to a

time-tested truth, that is, every person has a story to say.

And, every person is a story. Congratulations, good work and we look forward

to more and more stories of this nature!

S. Hamoud, Al Khuwair

Nail hungry

Every person has a story to tell


Men h

ealt

h


You need not be Superman or Batman, but, try not to be

a Burgerman, Fried Chickenman or a Pizzaman.

Know what I mean? If your idea of a balanced diet is

a burger, fried chicken and pizza or even if you plan to

alternate between these three ‘super’ heavy meals, then it

is time you took the right prescription for health.

A varied, balanced diet is the cornerstone of healthy living

for everyone, yet healthy eating can sometimes mean

different things depending on your gender. While there

are some foods we should all be eating more of, men and

women also have their own set of dietary requirements as

well as their own unique health concerns. Here are three

foods all men should eat. Don’t try anything drastic or just

don’t stuff lot of leaves in your mouth just because our

favourite cartoon sailor vouches for it. Take it slowly, but

make it steady.

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are possibly one of the best ‘superfoods’

around, and the popular fruit has particular benefits for

men. Studies have suggested that the lycopene found

in tomatoes may reduce risk of colorectal cancer, lower

cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease; the

leading cause of death in men. Research has also shown

that men who frequently eat foods rich in lycopene may

drastically reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.

TOMATO SAUCE

Since we are on the subject of tomatoes, let us give you

a quick note: Did you know that eating ten tablespoons of

tomato sauce is equivalent to eating 165 raw tomatoes?

Again, this is due to the powerful antioxidant called

lycopene, which is derived from the red pigment in

tomatoes. When you heat it, lycopene is quickly absorbed

by the body. According to experts, all you need to do is

to add some olive oil, which is also rich in healthy fats

and polyphenols and the absorption is going to be even

better.

BROCCOLI

Broccoli - along with other cruciferous vegetables like

cabbage and sprouts - contains a strong cancer-fighting

chemical, sulphoraphane, which research has suggested

may reduce men’s risk of developing bladder cancer

(a cancer more commonly affecting women than men),

prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

OYSTERS

Oysters are the highest natural source of zinc; an

essential requirement for men’s fertility and health. Zinc

not only helps to maintain healthy testosterone levels in

men, but it is essential for healthy sperm production. On

top of this, zinc deficiency may be responsible for hair

loss in men, so an increased intake may benefit men’s

appearance as well as health.

SALMON

Experts recommend eating fatty fish like salmons twice

a week. Salmons are loaded with heart-healthy omega-3

fatty and other essential acids. Eating foods that are high

in these polyunsaturated fats lowers blood triglyceride

levels, helps keep the arteries clear and slows memory

loss.

BANANAS

Ok, you have skipped that lunch. But, no worries, grab a

banana. Bananas provide a quick burst of energy and are

a good source of potassium and Vitamin B6. Potassium

helps maintain healthy blood pressure, while Vitamin

B6 supports the immune system and helps the body

metabolise protein.

LEAFY GREENS

It’s not just Popeye, you men need to take a bit from our

favourite cartoon sailor and munch as much spinach

we could. Dark, leafy greens like spinach are packed

with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin

K, Vitamin A, calcium, folate and iron. This nutritional

powerhouse boosts energy, supports brain health and

helps guard against a variety of diseases. But spinach

isn’t the only leafy green that’s loaded with health

benefits. Other good choices include parsley, chard,

endive, kale and collard greens.

mattersBy Amber Sunderand

Time to

EAT WHAT

11Black & White

Small gestures matter Even if you are rich, please read this. And if you are planning an

expensive Valentine’s gift, go ahead with it. But, don’t forget something.

Your costly gifts would definitely matter, but don’t forget the little gestures

– they make all the difference.

3. You need not follow it to a ‘T’, but try one or two and it will help you

take your relationship to great heights.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEART

Omantel, Nawras, FRiEndi…? Whatever, you can surely afford to send a

lovely message to your lady that will bring a smile of contentment on her

face, rather, in her heart. Send her a real heart to heart text that would

almost serve as a tuck in and a good night kiss, or a wake up kiss. She is

going to take that smile into the night and perhaps dream of you all night

and if it is morning, that glow will stay throughout the day.

CAN YOU LISTEN?

Can you listen? Yes, can you open your ears and listen? And when you

listen, please do keep all of it as a secret. So, the question is can you

listen and keep a secret? And can you share a secret with the same

person? This is the trust you need to build and it will be great if you can

maintain it.

SHARE YOUR AMBITIONS

Opening up to your girl and letting her in on your ambitions and career

plans makes her feel needed and important. So don’t shy away from

discussing work with her. Ask her for suggestions and inputs and

she might just surprise you with her ability to solve your work related

problems.

REMEMBER HER BIRTHDAY

If you forgot her birthday last time, just make sure you don’t repeat

the same mistake this time around. Don’t forget any important dates;

including the first time you met, the first time you fought (yes, even that),

the first time, well…just don’t forget. That will keep you on her side –

forever. And if it is her birthday, well, a small gift may not be a bad idea

after all. It will work wonders.

And don’t forget Valentine’s Day!


Men r

ead

13Black & White


By Adarsh Madhavan

O

ff th

e wall

Picking up the broken pieces

[email protected]

I don’t know why I stare at the mirror

for long.

Each time I walk into a bathroom, I

catch myself staring at the mirror.

I don’t know why I stare.

One, I don’t find myself interesting.

In fact, I have a distaste of seeing my

own reflection.

And I don’t have any great interest in

preening myself.

I do comb my hair because I have

no choice. It has a habit of standing

up at odd locations on my pate and I

often look as though I had just woken

up from sleep, this, even after a

shower and elaborate shampooing.

Besides, I can only comb what is left

on top. And, nowadays, I can count

them, strand by thin strand…

Otherwise, I am not gazing to find out

whether a dashing, handsome prince

would pop out of the glass. So, what

the heck is it all about?

Then, I realise that it is not all that.

I am staring. But, I am not really

looking at my mug.

I am staring blankly.

I am staring at something beyond

me.

And that is beyond me.

Maybe, I am thinking. Yes, could be.

Thinking about something, thinking

why, what, where…

Maybe I realise what I am thinking

about – things about myself; how I

have rendered myself helpless and

weak; how I have let things happen

to me and how I have made myself

lose that drive to do anything these

days.

I think I am having a burnout.

A serious case of burnout... Not

because I am over worked or

because I am loaded or, or, or…

It is not about external factors and

it is not about anybody; it is not

because I am harassed, or someone

is making me this way.

I stare in the mirror, because I know it

is not him, or her – it is only me.

Somehow, somewhere on the way,

I have lost that vital connection with

work…with life!

I know what I am doing is not right,

but I can’t seem to figure out why. Of

course, I have had my excesses, but,

even that was a pretty long time ago,

and I don’t think even the dredges of

that era in my life has any strength

to fan a flame that could destroy me

from within.

This is something else.

This is the state of being in limbo.

A kind of dullness.

A kind of emptiness.

A kind of…you know, a kind of

neither here nor there feeling.

A kind of…well, don’t know what to

say.

It is not like running away from

something, worse, it is like sneaking

away from a fight scene.

Like someone has confronted you,

challenging you to a duel and you

sneak away from the scene, your

courage tucked behind, between your

legs.

And I know life has confronted me,

challenged me to face it head on and

instead of being a man and facing it,

I am sneaking away from the scene,

like a shameful coward.

There is a tendency to isolate myself,

pull away; sink deep into this pool of

self consciousness. Am there, but am

not there. I see myself shrinking, my

soul act disappearing in a cloud of

well, nothing.

I am not sure how many people I

have hurt, but there seems to be a

long list as I see people who were

once close looking at me, looking

through me and then stop looking at

me altogether.

Sometimes, I shake myself out of this

dead reverie, telling myself that it is

all wrong. I can’t stand over my value

system and pretend that it fell out of

my pocket when I pulled my kerchief

to wipe sweat from my brow. The

sweat of realisation that something,

somewhere, was wrong within me.

Something valuable, or actually

priceless, has broken within me. I see

the pieces, the broken pieces, and

want to pick them up, fix them…

But, I must do that myself, I guess.

I can’t wait for someone else to do

that for me.

Off

the w

all


OMAN KARTING TEAM still on top of Al Ain karting championship

It was a good day for the team. We tried a new and strategy for the racers to apply for all the races starting from the first heat to the final and I believe it worked very well and will try to improve it by next race

in Al Foorsan track in Abu Dhabi. The two team drivers are still on top of the championship in their respective classes and we will work even harder to produce the good results to stay on top,” Suleiman Al

Rawahi, OKT manager said

Om

an w

atc

h

Abdullah Al Rawahi Sanad Al Rawahi

17Black & White

ROUND 6 OF AL AIN Raceway Kart

Club – the UAE’s only national kart

series – took place on the high-speed

F1 Circuit layout at Al Ain Raceway,

recently.

There was drama in Junior MAX

125 when championship leader

Abdullah Al Rawahi – who was

leading the race at the time – went

wide on the exit of turn 1 putting him

into a spin.

This promoted Cyrus Engineer to

first place who tried to hold off the

advances of Pasqual Pook. Pasqual

found a way through and held on to

take a well deserved first win of the

season. Patrick Hannah was third.

In Senior MAX 125 Sanad Al

Rawahi continued his dominance

by roaring to yet another win. Nikita

Miliakov was back in second but

couldn’t get close enough to Al

Rawahi to mount a challenge. Ali Al

Najar was promoted to third after an

official decision to apply a penalty

to Piers Pakenham-Walsh who had

accidently caused an avoidable

collision.

MAX Master saw Luc Bauwmans

close the points’ gap to Andrew

Fuller after a hard fought win. Fuller

himself would finish third after having

to fight his way back from an earlier

collision. Walid Al Qassemi came

home in second place.

The DD2 class saw Maurits Knopjes

stretch his lead even further with yet

another crushing win. His long time

friend and rival Hasher Al Maktoum

finally had a turn of luck and drove

well to come home second. Arnaud

Bouf was classified third.

In Cadet, Taymour Kermanshahchi

extended his lead, heading home

Alain Bauwmans and Finn Healy.

The Honda Challenge was won by

Hussein Umid Ali who fended off a

hard charging Sam Zian. Reigning

champion Atef Al Barwani competed

the top three.

“It was a good day for the team.

We tried a new and strategy for

the racers to apply for all the races

starting from the first heat to the final

and I believe it worked very well and

will try to improve it by next race in

Al Foorsan track in Abu Dhabi. The

two team drivers are still on top of

the championship in their respective

classes and we will work even harder

to produce the good results to stay

on top,” Suleiman Al Rawahi, OKT

manager said.

“I faced some challenges on

Thursday but the team worked hard

to prepare the car for me to race

and be competitive. So, I managed

to finish all the three heats races

first but in the final I over drove at

the first corner and lost control and

lost the lead but I didn’t surrender

and managed to finish the race in

the eighth position. All my thoughts

now are focussed on the next race

and I hope we will continue to be

competitive. The junior class is a

very completive class and I have a

lot of respect to all other competitors

to where they have reached. I wish

I can continue my last season in

the junior class and am also looking

forward to move the higher class next

season,” Abdullah said.

“Every win has its own test and

for this race I am very happy to win

especially when I had to support

myself. I was a driver/mechanic so

I had to work even harder to win

the race. I would like to thank the

team, especially Darrel Smith for

his guidance and support during the

test and the race day. My big goal

for this year is to finish first in the

championship and get ready for the

world under 18 championships and

the grand finale. I hope we will get

the right support so we can proudly

continue and represent Oman at the

international meetings,” Sanad said.


Word

pre

ss

Audi Oman has officially launched its new Approved

plus business unit that will enable customers in the

Sultanate to purchase fully approved and checked pre-

owned Audi cars. The specialist unit has been created

to meet growing demand from across the Sultanate

for quality pre-owned Audis and will operate from its

existing showroom facility in Wattayah. The programme

will ensure that customers can buy with confidence

as all Audi Approved pre-owned models in Oman are

put through the rigorous testing programme by trained

Audi engineers. The programme includes 110 thorough

multi-point checks and every car undergoes mechanical,

bodywork, interior and electrical inspections, as well as a

full road-test.

The launch event for the new unit was hosted by

Audi Oman executives at the Wattayah showroom

accompanied by visiting senior managers from Audi

Middle East including regional sales manager Christian

Soemmer and pre-owned sales manager Andrew Storie.

Commenting on the launch, Abdel Karim Awwad, national

marketing and sales manager at Audi Oman, said: “The

pre-owned car industry is a growing business in Oman as

customers are on the look-out for a good deal, but do not

want to compromise on quality. Audi used car sales have

increased by over 39 percent in 2011 in the Middle East

region.”

“We are very proud to have launched our exciting new

Approved plus business unit and we are unique in the

scope and thorough nature of our 110 multi-point checks

that come as standard for every vehicle.”

Audi Oman launches Audi Approved plus business unit

Under the patronage of Dr Ali bin Taleb Al Hanai,

undersecretary for planning – ministry of health,

Shell Development Oman has partnered with Sheida

International and Co. and Oman Road Safety Association

to launch ‘Together for Accident Free Oman’ a road

safety initiative aimed to reduce the grim accident rates

in Oman and to raise road safety awareness among the

public. This campaign is a part of Shell’s ongoing efforts

towards safer roads in Oman which has a disturbing

average rate of three accidents and 30 injuries every

day. The campaign was launched with an interactive road

show aims to reach out to communities across Oman

to create a real change in the behaviours of road users

and their perception of road safety. The road show will

be touring Oman for one month across 22 locations, and

it will be located in public venues such as commercial

malls, colleges and universities. The venues were

carefully selected to ensure maximum reach to the public

and effective communication.

“Our ultimate goal is to reach the drivers’ hearts and

minds and to spread the road safety culture in the society.

This goal cannot be achieved without the collaboration of

all segments of the society and hence comes the theme

of our campaign “Together for Accident Free Oman”,

said Hilal Al Mawali the external affairs manager, Shell

De velopment Oman.

Shell “Together for Accident Free Oman” Campaign

19Black & White

Bait Al Zubair Museum recently welcomed

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands

accompanied by His Royal Highness The Prince of

Orange and Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima

on their state visit to the Sultanate. On the occasion

the museum celebrated the historic ties between

the two countries that both have a rich maritime

and trading heritage.

Three hundred and forty years ago, one of the

earliest European descriptions of male dress in

Oman, was made by a Dutch man called Robert

Padbrugge who visited the Royal Court of Imam

Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’rubi in 1672 who recounted

“His Highness’ robe was not very different from that

worn by the commoners…He had a belt around

his middle, in which he wore a dagger which was

crosswise covered with silk yarns.”

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix at Bait Al Zubair

This is perhaps one of the earliest descriptions of the iconic

Omani khanjar (dagger) explains Sarah White, the museum

director.

Babu Vemmali, from the National Bank of Oman (NBO)

Azaiba branch, was declared the winner of Al Kanz prize

draw for OMR40,000, for November 2011. The prize draw

was held recently in Sohar and names of two lucky winners

for the monthly draw were announced. Babu Vemmali, one

of the monthly prize winners, whose name was drawn during

the Sohar Carnival, was overjoyed with the good news that he

has won OMR40,000.

At a brief function, held subsequently, at the bank’s head

office, in his honour, Vemmali was personally received by

Abdul Qadir Ahmed, NBO’s assistant general manager and

head of branch sales, and branch staff.

NBO Al Kanz monthly prize draw winner

Twenty nine lucky ahlain

convenience store customers stand

the chance to win a host of coveted

prizes in Oman Oil Marketing

Company’s highly anticipated

seasonal ‘Shop and Win with ahlain’

promotion. Omanoil launched its

renowned ahlain promotion to ring

in the New Year 2012 by rewarding

customers with the iPhone 4S,

iPad 2, ahlain shopping vouchers,

basmaCard points and a grand prize

of a Jeep Wrangler.

The first draw on February 18 will

announce three winners of the

iPhone 4S, three iPad 2 winners, four

winners of 50 Omani Riyals worth

of basmaCards and four winners of

ahlain shopping vouchers, also worth

50 Omani Riyals. The promotion

ends on the April 14 with the second

draw on 21 and will see the same

number of winners and prizes,

including one winner of the grand

prize, a Jeep Wrangler Sahara Auto.

“We at omanoil continuously strive

to revolutionise the concept of total

convenience with best-in-class

customer experiences, a philosophy

that transcends through our prizes,”

said Hussain bin Jama Al Ishaqi,

omanoil retail general manager.

“The caliber and practicality of

our prizes this season have been

selected to suit the population’s

evolving lifestyles, in a representation

of our vision for innovation and

progress.”

Omanoil 8th edition of ahlain promotion


Word

pre

ss

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra took top honors in the most

exclusive award in North America when it was named

2012 North American Car of the Year recently. A jury of

50 independent North American automotive journalists

evaluated each of the new cars introduced last year and

chose the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as the winner.

The jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles, before

selecting the top three cars and top three trucks. The

award was announced at a news conference at the 2012

Hyundai Elantra top honoursNorth American International Auto Show in Detroit, which

marks Hyundai’s second win.

The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of

the Year in 2009.

“Elantra speaks to the success of our recipe of bold

design and great fuel economy,” said John Krafcik,

president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor

America. “In a year with some truly breakthrough

competitors, we are honoured that the jury recognises

Elantra’s far-reaching impact on the industry.”

This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired

by the prestigious European “Car of the Year.” The jury

is administered by an organising committee and funded

exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. The jurors judge

the cars on a number of factors including innovation,

impact on the industry, design, safety, handling, driver

satisfaction and value for the dollar.

The OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of Hyundai’s

range of vehicles in Oman.

Contact 800-77007

Panasonic’s new LUMIX G Micro

System compact and light weight

digital interchangeable lens system

cameras use a collection of features

that put enormous photographic

power in a palm-sized camera.

“With Panasonic’s G series of LUMIX

cameras photographers can enjoy

a new level of freedom, mobility

and creativeness. These cameras

come with enhanced features and

functionality that make photography

easy, more enjoyable and rewarding.

Users can choose between the DMC-

GF3, DMC-G3 and the DMC-GH2 all

of which are capable of taking that

perfect image or video,” commented

Hitesh Ojha, deputy general

manager, Panasonic Marketing

Middle East.

Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series

Pizza Hut managers attend Food Safety TrainingPizza Hut conducted food safety training for

73 of its managers and supervisors across

Oman in three batches, recently. This training

was conducted in association with the ministry

of manpower at the Khimji Training Institute

(KTI). Anil Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas,

said, “We work closely with leading hospitality

professionals to maintain and meet the stringent

food safety standards. All new employees

undergo mandatory induction training on Pizza

Hut standards, Customer service and food safety

practices. Customer delight has always been our

top priority.” Managers and supervisors at Pizza

Hut Oman are HACCP (The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control

Point) certified. Regular refresher training on personal hygiene

and food safety are given to all employees at Pizza Hut in order

to have a good understanding of the latest techniques in food

safety management.

21Black & White

For more than 50 years, Renault’s concern for

the issue of road safety has led it to research

and develop technologies that improve vehicle

safety. It has built its approach and expertise

on findings from research into accidents that

have actually happened. With 12 vehicles

earning top 5-star ratings in Euro NCAP

crash tests, Renault boasts a line-up that can

indisputably claim to deliver the highest standards of

safety. Renault has drawn on research by the Laboratory

for Accident Research, Biomechanics and Study of

Human Behaviour (LAB) and on its own engineering

know-how to design equipment that provides the most

effective solutions to real-world driving situations.

Although optimal protection in the event of an impact

is critical, the absolute priority is accident

prevention. Research reveals that human error

is behind 80 per cent of accidents. The issue,

therefore, is to identify risks, warn drivers, help

them take evasive action, and, if necessary,

correct their errors.

Renault is the only carmaker which can boast

12 vehicles that have earned the maximum

5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The first vehicle in

the world to score top marks was Laguna II in 2001. The

Renault group has the safest range on the market, with

12 vehicles scoring 5 stars in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Included in this elite group are popular Renault models

available in Oman. These remarkable results confirm

Renault’s passive safety expertise.

Safety first at Renault vehicles

“Be the reason of a smile on their faces”

was the title of the social activity day for

newly launched Omani fashion brand

“Razza Fashion”. Razza is the latest

achievement of Omani model Sami Al

Zadjali, which offers wonderful collections

for men wears. Razza team involved the

Omani Association for Children with Special

Needs in a wonderful enjoyable day for

horse riding in Qurm Natural Park. Kids

were gifted exclusive t-shirts from Razza,

which have Arabian horse prints on them.

Omani photographer Waddah Al Musafer

and Omani model Mujtaba Zafar did a

shooting with the children showcasing kids

riding horses, wearing Razza t-shirts.

Razza T-shirts are sold online and through

select shops in Muscat as Totem in

Jawharat Al Shati and soon at Shangri-la.

A SMILE ON THEIR FACES

Starcare brought in the expert British vascular surgeon Dr Mohammed Sobeh and

introduced laser surgery for varicose veins – for the first time in Oman. He will practice

at Starcare Hospital on Thursdays and Fridays. He was educated and trained in

the UK and has MBChB (Bristol, UK), FRCS (Eng., Ed.), FRCS(Gen.) CCST (UK in

General and Vascular Surgery).

Starcare becomes the first hospital in the private sector to introduce Vascular Surgery.

Expert British vascular surgeon at Starcare


Towell Auto Centre (TAC) has recently opened a new

showroom at Ibra. The showroom has been built with

the aim to give customers a new and exciting location

in which to visit and experience TAC’s wide array of

automobile brands.

Elegant and visually appealing, the Ibra showroom

has been designed keeping in mind TAC’s concern for

environmental sustainability.

The showroom’s overall look has been designed to exude

freshness and vibrancy, in keeping with the spirit of TAC’s

youthful and exciting automobile brands. Customers and

prospects visiting the showroom at Ibra will be guided and

helped by TAC’s highly experienced and knowledgeable

sales team.

Annurag Chawla, head of marketing and communications,

Towell Auto Centre says, “We are delighted to have

officially opened the Ibra showroom within the same week

of the opening of our brand new showroom at Bani Bu Ali.

In order to give customers the benefit of having

showroom locations close to their homes to choose from,

we are expanding our reach to as many parts of the

Sultanate as we can.

We plan to continue our ongoing expansion in the future

as well, so that all the brands and services under our vast

portfolio become more accessible and within the easy

reach of our customers and prospects in the Sultanate.”

TAC opens showroom in Ibra

Diners Club Credit Card members

can now pay their utility bills

(electricity, water and telecom

utilities) by using the Diners Club

Card at selected OIFC branches

across the Sultanate. The OIFC, has

joined hands with Diners Club to

offer the facility for the Diners Club

cardholders to pay their utility bills by

using their Diners Club card. This

is in line with the initiatives of OIFC

to offer more payment options to the

customers.

“The focus of OIFC has always been

on quality of service and customer

convenience. These values have

been optimised in all the partnerships

that we have entered into, with the

aim of becoming the largest provider

for payments and value-added

services. The tie-up with Diners

Club will add a new convenience to

OIFC to accept payments of utility bills from Diners Club Card members

customers, who can take advantage

of the wide and strong network of

OIFC branches and clear their utility

bills on time and easily,” said the

official spokesperson at OIFC.

Diners Club members can pay their

utility bills by using Diners Club

cards, at selected payment locations

of OIFC.

OIFC has also offered such services

to other credit card holders..

Robert Sharpe, the CEO for Diners

Club International in Oman said “We

are delighted to be working with

OIFC to provide our cardholders with

greater payment flexibility.

This initiative is part of our stated

objective to re-launch the Diners Club

card in Oman in 2012. This exciting

re-launch is due to take place in May

and will provide Diners Club card

holders with market leading features

and benefits.”

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An entirely new family dining experience is now available in

Wadi Kabir with the recent entry of a fab new multi-cuisine

restaurant -- Ashok’s Grill House.

The new restaurant on the block comes from the kitchen of

the popular Grill House, located in MBD, which has been

tantalising the taste buds of thousands of foodies in town.

Run by Ashok Laungani, who has been in this business for

nearly two decades, the new restaurant hopes to repeat and

perhaps better the success of the original Grill House venture.

“We have been quite a hit with our unique ‘Indian Chinese’

dishes and we have a predominantly Omani and Indian family

crowd. So, at Ashok’s Grill House, we will take this success

story forward,” Ashok said, adding that families in Wadi Kabir

have a brand new eatery to look forward to.

The restaurant, which was recently inaugurated by Sheikh

Bakheed Jadeed Al Kateri, also witnessed a host of guests

and invitees who gave a ‘thumbs up’ sign for the sumptuous

launch spread.

Ashok’s Grill House in Wadi Kabir

Al Habib Furniture showroom launch

The New Al Habib Furniture

Showroom (DOGTAS) was officially

launched at a function held at the

Park Inn hotel recently.


Oman India Fertilizer Company hosted

a CSR forum, promoting ‘Partnership &

Development’ to further advance its social

responsibility programmes. The forum

discussed various aspects of its multiple

CSR initiatives, to measure and report

its performance in economic, social and

environmental parameters. The suggestions

from the community and the guests will help

the company to explore ways and improve their current

and future CSR strategies.

Committed to being a responsible corporate citizen, the

company has contracted a specialist for the development

of an integrated social responsibility strategy to create

a clear policy in the field. The strategy has

been finalised and policies set to identify

mechanisms that will be followed to meet the

needs of Omani society, and the protection

of the environment.

The aim of the CSR forum is to play

a leading role in making meaningful

investments towards addressing the social

and economic needs of these communities.

By channelling their financial and managerial resources

towards the betterment of the community, the company

seeks to create a large-scale social impact. The forum will

also launch OMIFCO’s CELL programme, an initiative to

promote young Omani entrepreneurs.

61st Indian Republic Day

celebrated

OMIFCO hosts ‘Partnership & Development’ CSR forum

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LET’S PASS ON OMAN’S UNIQUE TRADITION

During my school days, in the late 70s or the early

80s, I remember the government authorities bringing

in an international expert to document the traditional

art forms of Oman.

I found it quite amusing then. Why was a specialist

required for such art forms, I used to wonder.

It was only later that I realised the importance. World

over every art form was documented with a purpose

to retain the authenticity and history of the art and

tradition for future generations.

Over the years I saw glimpses of various art forms

from various countries, documented, preserved and

promoted with originality. It made me realise that

our nation was not far behind, and the authorities

concerned have taken the right steps to preserve the

identity of our traditional art forms too.

But, unfortunately despite such efforts, these dances

and songs have become a rare phenomenon. We

are able to view them only at festive occasions like

Where do you see the traditional dance forms today? At the Muscat festival perhaps, or some Eid get-togethers or at a wedding?

Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief

In Black...

& White

In B

lack &

Whit

e

Eid. The only consolation today is that since it has been

documented, at least future generations will be able to

have more than a glimpse of it.

Where do you see the traditional dance forms today? At

the Muscat festival perhaps, or some Eid get-togethers

or at a wedding? The younger generation may not be

aware of these art forms. Dance forms such as Soma,

Lewa, Razha, Al-Haboot etc are all part and parcel of the

traditions and culture and we should be able to proudly

carry them forward. Also, each region of Oman, unveils

its own identity through these dance and art forms.

The B&W team recently met the Razha dance artists of

Qantab and it was quite a discovery for them to realise

that the older generation still carried the art with passion

and pride and are practicing it even today.

In the olden times many homes that I used to visit would

have the traditional Omani sword and shield hung on

the walls. It never intrigued me to ask them about the

art then, today I feel responsible that as a citizen it is

our duty to ensure that the younger generation learn the

tradition and pass it on to the future.

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Let’s Razha!


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29Black & White

30 January 21-February 20, 201230 January 21-February 20, 2012

31Black & White

Ya Nukhodha Lkhasab Tazammal LissafarOh, dhow captain, get ready for the voyage

Wakhala Ntrabie Bandar Sur WasahiluhuLet us accompany you to Sur harbour and its shores

Shaiymina Lkhasab Abra in Baghayt TaabarSome of the dhows are ferries if you wish to cross

Washaiy Minhin Heyl Wakaranflil Shaahina And some of them carry cargo of cardamom and cloves

(a popular verse sung during the Razha)

It was really dramatic.

A thin young Omani in dishdasha was rocking his body to and fro, not unlike

the roll of a wave, and was swishing his Sayf (sword) around. In the other

hand, he held a small Tarrs (shield). Then, suddenly, as though he had a

spring under him he leapt several feet high into the air.

The sword in his hand was heavy. Yet, upon landing, he did not even falter.

He hit the ground in a nonchalant manner and went back to his sword dance,

which was set in rhythm to the songs sung by his team members.

Then, after sometime, this same young Omani dancer moved away into a

clearing, swishing his Sayf around and then suddenly threw it several metres

high into the air. Our hearts stopped as it rocketed up and descended. We

stepped back thinking it would clatter to the ground, or perhaps hit him or

even hit one of us, because he had to catch it in one hand as in the other he

was holding the Tarrs. It did not. Instead, he dexterously caught it just as it

came down.

We applauded. And went on applauding as this young man displayed his

expert sword jugglery on several occasions during the performance! Each

time he managed to catch the Sayf much before it touched the ground, a skill

he must have acquired after years of practice.

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RAZHA EVERYWHERE IN OMAN

We were at a Razha dance performance, which is

characterised by the sword and poetry exchange.

This is a dance, which is performed in most parts of

the Sultanate. We were attending a camel race in the

outskirts of the capital city, where the Razha dance was

an added attraction.

SWORDS FLY IN THE SKY

Most of us who are here in the Sultanate would be

familiar with a Razha dance; they would have seen the

dancers make their elaborate moves, their silver swords

glittering as they flew in the sky; others dancing with small

Tafaqs (rifles) and chanting rhythmic verses. The men

would be wearing dishdashas with khanjars strapped to

their waists and indulge in sword play. The sword has

always played a major role in Omani life and Omanis are

famed throughout history for their love of the sword and

their skillful swordsmanship. Dancing with swords used to

be a form of warm up before a fight and a kind of martial

exercise.

SOUND OF THE DRUMS

The Razha starts with the sound of the drums, calling

on the men to gather, a poet from every tribe recites

some verses or Qasidas, explaining the event for which

they have assembled. The men of the Razha also come

together for amusement and to display their skill in

swordsmanship and combat with swords and shields. The

poets of the tribes vie with one another with their skill in

love poetry, eulogies, satire, riddles and conundrums.

DANCE OF SWORDS

The name Razha indicates the dance of swords, with

the man collapsing beneath the weight of the sword; he

has to carry this weight during his high jumps in the air

and land firmly on his feet, without falling. The tradition

still exists of throwing the sword in the air and catching

it again as it comes down. This catching is a kind of

boasting among the men of the Razha. The weight of the

sword or the sharpness of the weapon is important.

FORMS OF RAZHA

The forms of the Razha differ in the movements of the

participants, the type and speed of the rhythm governing

these movements, the poetic meter which form the

singing of its verses, and the subject which the poet

extemporises on. When two tribes meet in the Razha,

each of them is accompanied by its special drums.

These drums are often passed down from generation to

generation.

KASIR AND RAHMANI

The Razha has two drums -- the Kasir and the Rahmani.

The 100 year old Tarrs made out of rhino horn is a priced possession of Ahmed Hassani

33Black & White

Each of them is beaten with a raised

stick from both sides. When the

row has recited a verse poetically

and melodiously, the drum of that

row begins with its beat. The two

drummers move between the two

close parallel rows until the song

ends. When the drums of this side

fall silent, the drums of the other side

start with a new verse. Often this is

a reply to the first verse. Then there

follow poetic verses and singing,

exchanging between the rows until

the Razha achieves the aims for

which it was convened (source: www.

omanet.om)

FIVE NAMES OF RAZHA

There are five different names for

the Razha, each one indicating one

of its attributes. Either the poetry, or

the movement, or its connection to a

certain place. The first is the Razha

Mashuba which is love poetry or

eulogies. The second is the Razha

Al Harbiyaat, which is poetry for

the purpose of war, whether for or

against the raids for water, or for

announcing previous victories, or

for settling a dispute between the

warring parties. The third is the

Razha Al Hawaama one of the rows

remains stationary while the other

makes a complete circle about the

square, parallel, for a short time, with

the stationary row. They continue

round until they stop opposite the

stationary row, which in turn then

makes a similar circling movement.

The fourth, the Razha Al Khaalidiya,

which is special to the Wilayat of

Wadi Bani Khalid in the Sharqiya.

The fifth, the Razha Al Naahiya

which changes the Hambal, or the

march, to one display row, divided

in the middle into two parts. Each of

them stands at the side (Naahiya)

of the square, opposite each other,

or the other side. The Razha is also

formed of the three following types:

Razha Al Kabira (Razha of Adults),

The Qassaafiya (Razha with a fast

rhythm) and the Hambal (a song

which sailors perform).

WELCOME DANCE

“The Razha Al Kabira was once a

dance of war. Today, we use it as a

welcome dance, especially in times

of celebrating in times of national

occasions and for our great leader,

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin

Said,”Ahmed Suleiman Al Hassani,

50, a Razha exponent from Qantab,

told Black & White.

THREE RHYTHMS

The Razha has three slow rhythms,

which the participants match in their

movements. Upon the beating of the

drum, the men perform their sword

displays. In the sword play, one of

the players must hit his opponent

on the left thumb. If both players

display equal prowess and is unable

to achieve this, then one of the elder

members of the troupe would cut the

air between them, terminating the

fight, Ahmed Al Hassani explained.

TRADITIONAL INSPIRATION

The music and dance of Razha

draw inspiration from a variety of

traditional aspects and have great

cultural influences set in a society

that has always been of, for and

by the people, Salim Abdullah Al

Mashari, 55, another Qantab-based

Razha dancer, added.

STRENGTH AND PROWESS

But the overriding facet of Razha is

that it is – especially the part where

the sword is thrown in the air caught

– a show of strength and prowess,

Ahmed Ali Al Riyami, an Omani

writer and devoted Razha lover who

brought us into contact with Ahmed

and Salim Al Mashari, noted.

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Which makes sense, because

earlier, as Ahmed Riyami tells us, the

Razha was used as a way to express

the needs of the people in the tribe

and also to announce war, victory,

muster troops or mediate between

warring factions. “As you are aware,

in order to bring peace, one has to go

to war, albeit reluctantly. That is why

Razha dances embrace both virtues

– peaceful as well as warring.”

OMANIS TOOK THEIR HERITAGE

WITH THEM

But, wherever they went, the

Omanis took their heritage along

with them, Ahmed Riyami added.

“In East Africa, particularly Zanzibar,

the traditional Omani sword dance

Razha remained prominent in all

festivities be it Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al

Adha, weddings and other national

celebrations,” he told us.

Ahmed Riyami noted how he fell

in love with the Razha. “As I still

remember, during my childhood,

our family refuge, ‘Kazole Abode’

bore special significance to Razha

performances. I was always amazed

by sight of the professional sword

swirling and combat performances.

“It was always great to see the swift

manoeuvre of the dancers and how

they used to throw the swords to

such heights that they would slice off

the leaves of tall palm trees!

And, on their way down, the swords

would be reclaimed skillfully by

the dancers, without any injury to

anyone, including themselves! All in

all, these dancers used to represent

very daring performances!”

LEAP HIGH

In other instances, he recalled

how performers would easily leap

to a height of a standing person

while they went through their

motions. “Those Omani dancers,

although away from home, would still

demonstrate their expertise showing

how they were still capable of

performing as before and more.”

Ahmed Riyami learnt what he had

to know about Razha from his father

and grandfather. “Well, mostly from

my grandfather – he used to know

the Razha in its purest form. He was

a very meticulous, thorough and strict

man, and he also used to speak and

teach the art in the same manner.”

Ahmed Riyami began taking part in

Razha performances when he was

still a primary school student. “The

costumes worn represented manly

images of weaponry and songs,

poetic as they were, constituted

patriotic expressions tuned to drum

beating rhythms.

“Entire families, tribesmen,

relatives, friends and neighbours

would gather to celebrate on all

auspicious occasions.

“Eight years of stateless refugee-

status (away from Zanzibar and

Said bin Ali Al Fehdi, a prominent Al-Azi of Razha

Ahmed Riyami with Razha performers from Wadi Bani Kharus at his son's wedding

35Black & White

An Omani Razha dancer in Zanzibar

Oman) deprived me of participating

in this favourite cultural event.

“It was only after arriving in the

Sultanate that I resumed Razha.

The sword handling needs expertise

which, unfortunately, I cannot

manage properly.

I, mostly, therefore, hold a gun

instead while dancing. At intervals,

gunfire is released from us, rifle-

bearing dancers.

“The noise thereof combined with

a blown trumpet (Barghum) would

startle the audience reminding them

of the initial battle cry origin of Razha

manoeuvre!”

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Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Ben

Ahmed, who used to work as a sailor in the royal yacht

until his retirement in 1997, recalls being enthralled by

this traditional dance at a very young age. “I think I was

seeing Razha right from birth,” he laughs. Although he

tried to mimic the dance actions as a very young boy, it

was only when he was around 20 that he actually began

the dance. “Before that, we, the youngsters, use to

dance with palm tree strands in our hand.” There were no

teachers for the dance and he did not learn this craft in an

official manner. “But all of the elders whom I knew were

practicing it and it was a matter of time that I picked up

the steps and got into the rhythm.”

He humbly admits that he was never a leader in this

dance form. But, he and Salim Mashari were ardent

followers.

Although the Razha may not be enjoying the same

glory it used to have, both were happy that the trend

still continued. “The Razha is still in demand and it is

not going to die that easily,” they said adding that their

children were equally adept at the dance form. Like in

the case of Ahmed, who has seven boys, all of who know

the dance, thereby ensuring that the mantle is passed

on, there are many in Oman who still practice it chastely.

“However, Al’Azi (the leader/poet or story teller) are not

available in plenty. Real good Azis are hard to come by,”

Ahmed said. Al’Azi is performed by an individual – an

outstanding poet or storyteller. The poet of Al’Azi comes

out of the group, grasping his sword and shield. As he

walks slowly, he recites poetry of glory and praise. He

shakes his sword to show all those present at the meeting

and this shaking makes the blade tremble; behind the

poet, the group of men would continue their song. They

turn in square between the two rows of Razha, who

gather to form a circle around the poet and his followers.

They replies with short cries in the traditional manner.

(Our thanks to Ahmed Al Riyami who gave us the

inspiration, push and the necessary assistance to put

this piece together. Ahmed Riyami is a former banker,

financial specialist and author of many books, including

My Pride and Joy, Saluting My Hero-- a tribute to his

father and also thanks to our other source: www.omanet.

om – ministry of information).

Qantab Taraaha Min WilayatQantab, as well, is a wilayat

Wadaar Al Hukuma Wal QudhaaHosting the government and judiciary

Qu’lu Lahu Salim Bin S’leyyumSay to Salim Bin S’leyyum

Mahad Badghi Minhu Walahad Nasaahu None is in need of him and none waits for him…

Ahmed Al Hassani and Salim Al Mashari, the two Razha exponents, also gave us a quick display of the Razha dance. Both are still active dancers and have even

recently performed at prominent government events.

Walyoma Jina WataannaynaAnd today we came, though late

Watunssa Usuud Wala IhaabuInspiring lions not to fear

Banu Riyam Naaran WuwarrayaSons of Riyam a blazing flame

Kulluhum Shubban Waawadi All young men and well ahead…

Ahmed Riyami reciting the Razha dancer’s verse at his

son’s wedding some years back


37Black & White

Why do best companies follow CMMI?

By Dr CK Anchan

Dr Anchan C.K.

managing director,

World Wide Business House

Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is

a process improvement approach that provides

organisations with the essential elements of

effective processes, which will improve their

performance.

The CMMI was developed by a group of experts

from industry, government, and the Software

Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon

University. The CMMI models provide guidance

for developing or improving processes that

meet the business goals of an organisation. A

CMMI model may also be used as a framework

for appraising the process maturity of the

organisation

The CMMI originated in software engineering

but has been highly generalized over the years

to embrace other areas of interest, such as the

development of hardware products, the delivery

of all kinds of services, and the acquisition of

products and services. The word 'software' does

not appear in definitions of CMMI.

The CMMI-based process improvement includes

identifying your organisation’s process strengths

and weaknesses and making process changes

to turn weaknesses into strengths. It benefits the

organisation by providing a common, integrated

vision of improvement. The ultimate benefit is

improved performance that means decreased

costs, improved on-time delivery, improved

productivity, improved quality, and improved

customer satisfaction

Each CMMI Process Area is made up of one or

more goals. The goals are targets the company

should establish to ensure control, visibility, and

quality. These targets represent the real focus of

CMMI. The CMMI structure is comprehensive;

a collection of process areas, each with a

defined set of goals and each goal facilitated by

a set of generic and/or specific practices. Most

organisations create policies to define what their

programme should achieve and then establish

procedures that describe the steps to be

followed in carrying out each activity. To facilitate

the implementation of the procedures the

organisation should consider creating templates,

forms, and checklists that can be leveraged as

new projects are sanctioned.

The best practices of CMMI have been organised

into process areas; each process area focuses

on a specific aspect of development. The process

areas are like: organisational innovation and

deployment, causal analysis and resolution, risk

management, decision analysis and resolution,

measurement and analysis, product integration,

project monitoring and control, supplier

agreement management, supplier validation,

verification etc.

Each of the process areas of the CMMI can be

implemented individually or selected in groups to

meet the needs of the performing organisation.

However, a general recommendation would be

to organise the process areas into four distinct

categories: project management, process

management, engineering, and support.

The CMMI is absolutely vital for organisations

dedicated to delivering first-class information

technology products and service solutions.

Because its features can be customised to

meet the needs of each organisation, its

implementation can be light and effective

with little need for complexity. The CMMI has

definitely driven the best of the MNC companies

across the globe to deliver the best in terms of

production, sustain market competence, enhance

service levels, and increase efficiency to deliver

world class solutions with cost advantage.

37Black & White

Managem

ent

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371925468

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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.

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AJAY ENTERPRISESPO BOX 54, PC 100.

TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490E-MAIL: [email protected]

Website: www.albahja.com


Your threshold for

boredom is very low. Your need

for personal freedom is extremely

high right now, making it hard to

settle down emotionally. Yet fresh

faces, places, activities and ideas

could help to spice up a current

relationship or open doors to

meeting someone new.

Organising social activities

and being in a take-charge mood

are ways to work this lunar energy

to your advantage. You might not

be your usually cautious, cuddly and

tender self. This could rub someone

the wrong way, but don’t apologise if

your intentions are good; you’re just

trying to make life more exciting.

You may be rewarded with

new forms of fun if you’re willing to

take some emotional risks. But you

could feel like an outsider who goes

unnoticed or is under appreciated.

Avoid a busy social scene and

spend some quiet time alone or

with one easygoing individual who

accepts you for who you are.

Attraction to people from

different backgrounds inspires your

social life this weekend. Debating

big ideas can put you on the edge

of anger, so it takes some common

sense to keep from going too far or

too fast. But if passion is what you

want, just keep talking and your wish

will be fulfilled.

Smart people with unusual

ideas might be irresistible to you

now. It’s important, though, not to

let your words grow so sharp that

they inadvertently hurt other people.

What you think is a simple joke can

be taken personally by someone

who matters.

Dealing with pushy or

impatient people may be your

biggest challenge now. However,

if you’re willing to pick up your

own intensity level, you might

revive the passion in your current

relationship or trigger desire with

someone new.

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

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (FEBRUARY 12, 1809 – APRIL 15, 1865) was

the 16th president of the United States, serving from March 1861 until

his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through

a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War

– preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and promoting economic

and financial modernisation.

Reared in a poor family on the western frontier, Lincoln was mostly self-

educated. He became a country lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, and

a one-term member of the United States House of Representatives, but

failed in two attempts to be elected to the United States Senate. After

opposing the expansion of slavery in the United States in his campaign

debates and speeches, Lincoln secured the Republican nomination

and was elected president in 1860. Before Lincoln took office in March,

seven southern slave states declared their secession and formed the

Confederacy. When war began with the Confederate attack on Fort

Sumter on April 12, 1861, Lincoln concentrated on both the military and

political dimensions of the war effort, seeking to reunify the nation.

You may be more into provocation than peacemaking

now, which is probably a good change of pace for you. Taking the

initiative with others isn’t always comfortable for you or them, yet

it’s the key to enjoying yourself. Let your impulses lead the way

and you’ll find the passion you seek.

If you do play host or hostess, experiment with new

activities, food and drink. People will be bored easily, so don’t

break out the family album or talk about the past. It’s time to look

ahead, break some rules and take chances in the pursuit of love.

If you’re unwilling to be more direct when sharing your

thoughts, you may find yourself feeling isolated. Of course, if you

prefer some space from others, this alone time could suit you fine.

Relationships, though, can be rocked by frankness, but at least

you’ll know exactly where you stand.

Your mind is almost always cooking up something

interesting, but now your thoughts are buzzing with activity.

You need quick thinking people to maintain your interest, but

it’s also possible that you can become so heady that feelings

are pushed to the side. If you want intimacy, talk less and listen

more.

Being honest with people is something you naturally

do well, but your direct approach is even more evident now.

Opening your heart and sharing your feelings of joy can allow

you to discover fresh forms of fun and a greater sense of

freedom.

You are more likely to be noticed and appreciated

when you’re willing to rock the boat by behaving boldly. It can

feel risky to be pushy, yet going after who and what you want

can build your confidence and makes you hard to resist.

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

41Black & White

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43Black & White

Cook up a special meal for your valentine, with roses and

chocolates…

Ingredients

Petals from one large, red, preferably fragrant rose;

reserve a few for garnish

Two eggs

One tablespoon butter

Salt and fresh clipped chives

Soft cheese, for filling

Method:

Melt butter in a nonstick pan or omelet pan over

medium low heat. Add all but a few rose petals, the

cracked eggs and seasonings to a blender. Process

on low until the petals are very fine. Pour into pan,

reduce heat a little, cover and cook until set. Add

cheese to center, fold over and slide onto plate.

Sprinkle with reserved petals and serve.

Ingredients

Butter 1/2 c

Sugar 1/3 c

Flour 3/4 c

1 egg, well beaten

pinch of salt

Rose Jam 1 TC

Method:

Mix all ingredients well, adding jam last. Work until

smooth. Roll into ball and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours.

Roll into 2 1/2 inch rounds (half with and half without

holes or cutouts.) Roll to 1/8 inch thick. Bake on well

greased cookie tins for about 8 minutes. When cool,

spread with Rose Jam sparingly and top each full

circle with a cut-out. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen.

ROSE PETAL OMELETS

ROSE PETAL COOKIES

43Black & White

Ingredients

1 cup fresh unsprayed red rose petals, white base trimmed off

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 cups half-and-half cream

1/3 cup white sugar

1/4 cup coarsely chopped salted pistachio nuts

6 egg yolks

1/3 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon rose water, or to taste

1 drop red food coloring, or as needed (optional)

Method

Rinse the rose petals in cold water, and pat dry. Place 2/3 cup

of rose petals in a saucepan with the heavy cream, half-and-half

cream, and 1/3 cup of sugar. Place over medium heat, and bring

the mixture to a bare simmer, stirring constantly. Remove from

heat, and let the cream and rose petals steep for about 30 minutes.

If you prefer, strain out the used rose petals. Set the remaining 1/3

cup of uncooked rose petals aside for later.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread pistachio

nuts out onto a baking sheet, and bake until lightly toasted and

fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Prepare an ice water bath for rapidly chilling the ice cream mix: set

a large bowl in the sink, and fill with ice cubes and enough water to

let the cubes begin to melt. Have the ice water bath waiting while

you do the next steps.

Place the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar in a 2 quart mixing bowl

(small enough to fit into the ice bath), and whisk the yolks and

sugar until pale yellow, 5 to 10 minutes.

Place the saucepan with the rose-scented cream back over

medium-low heat, and bring almost to a simmer, stirring constantly.

Whisk a small amount of the hot rose cream into the egg yolks,

then repeat several times until you’ve gradually whisked in about

1 cup of the hot cream. Scrape all the egg yolk mixture into the

saucepan with the remaining hot cream, whisking like mad the

whole time, and cook gently just until the mixture is smooth,

thickened, and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 more minutes.

When mixture is just thickened, scoop it back into the egg yolk

bowl, and place the bowl immediately into the ice water bath.

Stir the ice cream mix over the ice bath for about 2 minutes to

prevent lumping, and mix in the rose water. Start with 1 teaspoon of

the flavoring, and add more to taste, up to 2 or more tablespoons.

Stir in food coloring if desired. Place a sheet of plastic wrap against

the surface of the ice cream mix, squeezing out any air pockets.

Chill the ice cream mix for at least 2 hours or overnight. Place

the chilled ice cream mix into an ice cream freezer, and freeze

according to manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is

soft-frozen, scoop into a lidded container, and stir in the remaining

rose petals and the pistachios to combine. Freeze covered for

several hours to firm up before serving.

ROSE PETAL ICE CREAM


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45Black & White

46 January 21-February 20, 201246 January 21-February 20, 2012

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47Black & White

Ingredients

4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate,

chopped

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

6 tablespoons butter

3 eggs

1 cup white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Method

In the microwave or in a metal bowl over a pan of

simmering water, melt unsweetened chocolate, 1

cup of the chocolate chips, and the butter stirring

occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and

set aside to cool. In a large bowl, whip eggs and

sugar until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Stir in the

vanilla and the chocolate mixture until well mixed.

Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt;

gradually stir into the chocolate mixture. Fold in

remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Cover dough and

chill for at least an hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll

chilled dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased

cookie sheets so they are 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes

before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

1 teaspoon orange concentrate

Method

Heat the cream and orange juice in a saucepan over

medium heat until it starts to bubble at the edges.

Remove from the heat, and immediately whisk in

the chocolate, orange zest, and orange liqueur until

smooth. Serve in a fondue pot over the lowest heat

setting, or farthest from the heat source.

Ingredients

1/2 cup white sugar

10 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate

3/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

5 eggs, separated

1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour

1 dash cream of tartar

salt to taste

Method

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees

C). Generously grease a 9 1/2 inch springform cake

tin. Dust with a little sugar, and tap out the excess.

Set aside 3 tablespoons of the sugar. Place the

chocolate, butter, and remaining sugar in a large,

heavy-based pan. Cook over moderate heat until the

chocolate and butter have melted, and the sugar has

dissolved. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla,

and leave the mixture to cool slightly. Beat the

egg yolks into the chocolate mixture one at a time,

beating well after each addition. Stir in the flour.

In a large bowl, scrupulously clean and grease free,

beat the egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar

and salt, and beat to stiff peaks. Sprinkle reserved

sugar over egg whites, and beat until stiff and glossy.

Beat 1/3 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture,

then carefully fold in the remaining whites. Carefully

pour batter into the prepared tin, and tap the tin

gently to release air bubbles.

Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until well

risen and a skewer inserted into the center of the

cake comes out clean. If the cake appears to rise

unevenly, rotate after 30 to 35 minutes. If the cake

starts to crack or become too brown, place a piece

of foil lightly over the top. Transfer the cake to a

wire cooling rack, and remove the sides of the

springform tin. Cool completely, and then remove the

base. Do not attempt to remove the cake before it ‘s

completely cooled as this cake is very fragile.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE COOKIES

CHOCOLATE ORANGE

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CAKE

47Black & White


VALENTINE’S DAY: some trivia

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49Black & White

• There are various theories on the origin of Valentine’s Day, but the most popular dates back to

the time of the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius II, 270 AD. Claudius didn’t want men to

marry during wartime because he believed single men made better soldiers.

• Bishop Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret wedding ceremonies. For this,

Valentine was jailed and then executed by order of the Emperor on February 14. While in jail, he

wrote a love note to the jailor’s daughter signing it, “From your Valentine.” Sound familiar?

• Many believe the ‘X’ symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who

couldn’t write their names signed in front of a witness with an ‘X.’ The ‘X’ was then kissed to show

their sincerity.

• In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their

Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see.

This was the origin of the expression “to wear your heart on your sleeve”.

• In 1537, England’s King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine’s

Day.

CHOCOLATE

• Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in the late 1800’s.

• Physicians of the 1800’s commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for

lost love.

FLOWERS

• 73 percent of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are

women.

• 15 percent of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.

ROSES

• The red rose was the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman Goddess of love.

• Red roses are considered the flower of love because the colour red stands for strong romantic

feelings.

• California produces 60 percent of American roses

• Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered within the three-day

Valentine’s Day time period.

GREETING CARDS

• Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all Valentines.

• Teachers will receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives,

sweethearts and pets.

AND... MORE FUN FACTS ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY

• In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom,

France, Australia, Denmark, and Italy.

• The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as

a memorial to his wife.

• Every Valentine’s Day, the Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet

lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet.

• About 3 percent of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

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51Black & White

I-N-V-I-NC-I-B-L-E is what I thought as I watched Novak Djokovic

walk into the court. He will finish his opponent in easy sets. But I was

wrong and that’s when I realised that life is a game of tennis.

You never know what it throws up, when you expect an easy win

you may actually get a tough fight and when you expect the opposite

you may actually sail through it...one just had to see Maria Sharpova

getting demolished by a relative newcomer, never mind the ranking,

of either of them. In fact the rankings are fluid.

Today you are number one and tomorrow...who knows? So nothing

in life is permanent and there are ups and downs. No player ever got

scared of the rankings and refused to play a higher ranked player.

Numbers are just in our mind and should not be a hurdle to aiming

higher.

As you get more experienced and practise harder you can rally for

longer and even learn to anticipate where your opponent will fire the

shot. There is no substitute for hard work and at the crucial time the

effort shows. If you want to succeed in anything you just have to keep

at it. Each point can be the game changer, so never ever give up.

Even if you have to go that extra mile, just do it.

Finally, there is always another year to showcase your talent. So

don’t lose heart, life keeps throwing up more opportunities and always

gives another chance.

P.S. Djokovic did win, but Rafa, his opponent, really made him sweat.

P.P.S. A Happy Valentine’s Day to all

Till next time love and hugs!

Life is a game...of tennis

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

51Black & White


Shape n

sound

53Black & White

can look forward to a special day

SINGLETONS

There is one segment of women who view Valentine’s Day with certain trepidation – the singletons. Many

singletons that I know view Valentine’s Day as a nightmare. But, why should we look at it as though it is

the end of the world? It is not.

ANOTHER DATE ON THE CALENDAR

Almost every woman dream of being swept off their feet, and that is fine. But, to be single on a Valentine’s

Day? No, that is a bit too much for them. But why? If you don’t have plans for this Valentine’s Day, so

what? Let it be. Let it go. It is just another day on the calendar.

SPECIAL DAY FOR YOU

What should singletons do on this Valentine’s Day? Go all out and enjoy! First, do a little bit of pampering.

Why don’t you book yourself to a spa, or if that is not within your budget, go and treat yourself at one of

these local beauty centres? Even a manicure/pedicure and a relaxing massage will be a nice diversion.

Why should Valentine’s Day be spent with someone else, why can’t you spend it with yourself – make it a

special day for you.

TIME TO CATCH UP

Alright, you are not the single singleton, and you need to be with someone – so, why not spend time with

a friend? Or, family? A true friend or a real family member is surely going to be happy to spend a day with

you and if it is someone whom you have not been with since some time, it will be a great time to catch up.

And what better day to do that than Valentine’s Day?

SECRET GARDEN

Being single is not easy. But, it is not that bad either. There are so many things you could do while you

are single. Have you thought of entering your own secret garden? What is a secret garden? Well, we all

need some quality time with ourselves. We need to sit and enjoy moments with ourselves. When we are

constantly busy in work and then we are with family, friends and the like, we hardly find time for ourselves.

Here is a day where you can find time to be yourself.

GREAT OUTDOORS

Getting time for yourself is fine, but then you can also opt to have a rollicking day where you can go and

dance yourself silly or get out into the great outdoors and enjoy. Get out and do something fun!

By Ursula Dudley

Do me a favour, mother, he begged.

Can you tell my friends one little lie?

For my sake, your son’s honour is at stake…!

He begged her again.

My aunt sat there silently, not answering a

word

She did not react; in fact she acted so

indifferently that it looked as though he was

talking to a wall.

I was curious to know what he wanted; I had

a wicked mind, even then.

But, my aunt was very strict with all of us, so

I kept silent, hoping, that she would ask him

what it was all about.

I was sure my cousin would never tell me

what he wanted to say.

He always chased me away, dismissing me

like a little child, though both of us were of

the same age.

She walked away to the kitchen.

How many of your friends are coming home

for lunch? She broke her silence.

Six of them, ma, he replied, relieved that she

spoke.

He acted responsible, helping her in the

kitchen, mumbling things that I could not

comprehend.

I sat on the dining table, all ears to what was

happening

Finally aunt sat down at the table, and asked

him to explain.

He squirmed because I was around and

sheepishly told her that he had lied to his

friends and he wanted his mother to remain

silent about ‘it’.

Now, what was ‘it’? I queried.

He glared at me and said girls don’t

understand these things, it is an all boy's

matter!

Aunt admonished him for being rude to me

and asked him finally what the lie was all

about. Well, nothing big, I told my friends that

my dad had a priced bike!

Please mother, it is a prestige matter for me,

please don’t let my friends know that dad has

only a car, NOT a bike!! He literally begged.

Now aunt was surprised; she looked at him

and said, but a car has more value, what is

wrong with it?

No ma, I just wanted some respect, so I told

them that my dad is a racer and has ‘this

bike’!

I was enjoying the whole episode.

He was so nervous when his friends arrived

and was everywhere around, wishing nothing

went wrong.

Then came the prized question from one of

his friends! Hey, where is your dad’s bike?

Without a blink, he replied that dad was out

on his bike, and was expected only late at

night.

Next time, call us when he is there, they

looked disappointed.

Aunt was grinning; she was not amused or

approving, but, she remained silent.

The boys let it go, no questions asked

anymore.

Later that night at the dinner table, I asked

him how he will manage the next time.

He growled at me and replied that he will say

that his dad sold the bike off.

A tension filled day for a 12 year old!

He is a big guy today and has quite a few

bikes in his garage today. He still fancies

bikes over cars!

Looking around today, I see more of similar

visuals and scenes that remind me of the 12

year old who wanted to impress his friends

who thought having a bike was cool.

You could forgive a little child trying to

impress his close friends; but what would you

tell the youth who try very hard to impress his

facebook friends posting pictures, quotes and

the likes to look cool.

Whom are they trying to impress?

Impress ‘friends’ they have never lunched

with, fought with, played with or shared a

joke with?

LOL! It is indeed infectious!

By Priya Arunkumar

[email protected]

Face value!

black & white mag issue 41

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