black & white mag issue 65
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Following Thesiger’s footsteps… p26
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Oman and Lithuania to explore new trade frontiers p12
Love teaches acceptance and tolerance p46
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Some stories you may not reportBy Adarsh Madhavan
As a scribe, what do you do when you have a story
in your hands and are unable to report it?
It was a question I did not have an answer to. What
can I answer? Quite often people come and argue
on different facets of journalism with me. I tend to
keep mum because such discussions never get us
anywhere. I never had the ability to explain certain
things about journalism to them and because of
such a handicap I would often tie my tongue down
and not allow it to lash out, which is in my nature.
Silence often breeds contempt and people who tend
to provoke me, expecting a bitter reaction would
go empty handed because I don’t fall for the bait
nowadays.
Journalism. It depends on the context of what you
are talking about. It depends from where you are
talking about. It depends on who you are talking
about. But, this man who asked me the query on
why I couldn’t work on a story that had so much of
relevance to the present context still did not elicit a
proper answer from me.
When I was asked this question by this irritated
member of the public who claimed that he had a
fantastic lead I was forced to keep mum because
of reasons best known to me. I remained silent
because I knew such conversations never get
anywhere. People often engage in great debate with
me on the issue of journalism and although I agree
that everyone has their own point, it is pointless to
debate the same with me because it is irrelevant
from where I come.
We were sitting in a smoky restaurant and he was
defiantly puffing smoke onto my face trying to get me
to do something on what he was revealing to me.
I had recently gone to India and we were in one of
these joints that is somewhat of a favourite hub for
people with loads of dough. Now, although I didn’t
belong to that category, I still couldn’t resist going
because somewhere within me there was still a
longing for ‘breaking news’. Although I was no longer
in that cadre of scribes that were regular news [email protected]
hounds, there still beat within me a heart that longed
to take the pen like a sword and slash down injustice
with a stroke.
But, I couldn’t bear to admit to this obnoxious man
before me that although he was giving me a fantastic
lead, it was not going to take me anywhere. I had hung
up my boots in that arena and I was not even in that
vicinity. Life has passed me by in that department and
I was no longer in the reckoning. But, since a common
friend insisted that I meet this man who was loaded
with some news, I just couldn’t resist. So I faked it.
I pretended to listen to him as a full-fledged scribe and
I even took down notes. But I was stumped when he
asked me one direct question: when was I going to
publish this and where? I was stumped, but I tried to
play along, stating that I need to verify facts and also
check on other sources.
“What other sources? What facts?” he said, raising his
voice. “My dear kid, I am the source. I have the facts.
You will not get any of these facts from anywhere else.
He (our common friend) said you were a good scribe.
Well, if you are one, you would have realised that you
are sitting on a bomb of a story!”
I nodded quietly. Then, I told him very softly that I
may not be able to do the story. The man stared at
me through the smoke and then suddenly slapped the
table. “What?! Are you gypping me? You bloody fake,
you bloody coward, you don’t have the guts to do this?
Then why did you meet me; waste my time?”
Listen, it is not that easy. I cannot just shoot off a story
just because you told me about it. There is a process;
there is a method; it will take time and even then I am
not sure that I will be able to do it…
The man got up and hurled abuses at me as
everyone’s attention turned to our table. He huffed and
puffed and slammed out of the room while I sat there,
empty, crestfallen and down. Neither did I have a
story, nor, did I have the money to foot that expensive
bill.
All a
bout
X,
Y &
Z
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Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC
Black & White
Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos
Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212, Wadi Adai
Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496
Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com
Editorial: [email protected]
Printed at Oman Printers
Xclusive
Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editor Priya Arunkumar
Work editor Adarsh Madhavan
Editorial Khadija Al Zadjali
Design & production Beneek Siraj
Photography Haitham Al Balushi
Advt. & marketing Shalet D'Souza
Conte
nts
Most often when you feel drowsy
in the afternoon, just take a quick
walk to wash your face, then get a
nice cool drink of water, which is
necessary as your body needs fluids
to make it function properly.
Dr Said bin Hilal Al Busaid, partner
at Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co
gives a whole new perspective of
love in a proper setting of values.
52
46
12 Oman and Lithuania
to explore new trade
frontiers
When you hit the lows...
Love teaches acceptance and tolerance
In her recent visit to Oman, Boleta
Senkiene met with top Omani
officials to expand Oman-Lithuanian
ties in the political, economical and
cultural arenas
Following Thesiger’s footsteps…26Ahmed bin Haroub bin Hamed Al Mahruqi is planning to cross the Empty Quarter, from Bidiyah to Shannah, a distance
of approximately 184kms, in 14days from March 1 onwards
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Yesha (issue 64) is spot on with her comments on fire
walking. I have walked on fire at one of these fire walking
seminars (but not in Oman) and I have also come out
unscathed, but the initial fear I had is akin to what Yesha
mentions in her article. I was also quite apprehensive to
step on the burning coals until a senior colleague simply
said the magic words: “You are not going to know if it burns
or not until you walk on it!” And I did. And the sense of
elation, achievement etc that I experience then remains
even today. It changed my life.
Abdullah Al Zadjali, Ruwi
No need to walk on fire
Life-changing experience
Readers
colu
mn
Mail your views and opinions at
What we have to understand is that fire walk is a mere
metaphor for all the problems we face and how we face or
deal with these issues. You don’t really have to walk on fire
to prove yourself competent to tackle the problem facing
you. Like walking on fire, you have got to face the problem
or challenge and climb over it. Whenever you are faced
with a problem, understand one thing: there is no way
but to deal with it. How you deal with it matters. You have
to attack the problem in full faith and you should not be
beguiled by doubt or sink in a sea of panic. This is where
the literal walking on fire comes to play. Look at how it is:
you have got some burning coals before you and you are
left with no choice but to walk over it. When you walk over
it, you realise that it is not that bad after all. In fact, most
of us walk on fire without even getting their foot singed.
That brings about a confidence in them and they are then
propelled on a path from which there is no going back. But,
you don’t really have to walk on fire to elevate yourself to a
new confidence level. Just attack your problem in full faith
and you would have ‘walked on fire’! All the best!
Sharanya Gupta, Seeb
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Laughter is indeed the best medicine (issue 64). At its
worst, it is a splendid placebo for many ailments. I, for
one, wholly believe in the theory and practice of laughter.
Life is filled with moments of dullness, boredom, pain and
sorrow and we encounter gross injustices in our path. In
such a scenario, laughter is not just the best, but the only
medicine. Laugh your blues away!
And I don’t believe that ‘he who laughs last, laughs last’.
Even if they did, they are still laughing. Look at the better
side and continue laughing!
Parvez Shah, Al Khuwair
Why fear when you can run? I read the article, ‘Run for
your life’ (issue 64) with great interest. A variety of physical
illnesses, coupled with depression had put me on the
backseat. And I have now started walking in the evenings.
I have never exercised in my life so I am not able to run
or do any of the usual exercises, but, I am slowly getting
and feeling better. I will also try to run but I am yet to get
into the rhythm. I will slowly pace myself and I know I want
to do it because the initial results are themselves quite
encouraging.
Sashindran. M, Muscat
Fire walk changed my life
Laughter the best medicine
I am going to run
I was delighted, to say the least, to read about the story
on walking on fire (‘Walk on fire’ issue 64). Having
participated in a ‘fire walk’ at one of the first few fire
walking events in Oman, I can confidently say that the
episode changed me completely. I was always a shy,
hesitant and introverted man who was not progressing
on the work front. Although I knew that I had it within
me, I could never overcome my fear in many things. I
was a social misfit and my career also looked in serious
trouble. Luckily at this stage the company that I worked
for decided to hold a fire walking seminar and although I
really did not want to do it, I signed up for the walk. And
it is not easy to put in words the sheer trauma I went
through before the walk. I really did not have the guts to
walk but somehow the trainer cajoled me to do it. The
rest, as they say, was history! I am a man, yet, tears
poured out of my eyes after the walk and the medics ran
to me thinking I was in pain. Little could I convince them
that it was tears of joy! Of being able to finally walk over a
fear and conquering it. No, I don’t mean things changed
immediately, but that was the spark for a change and
soon I found myself getting confident by the day.
Today I am the head of the department and I have 12
staff under me. I have also walked six times on fire and
each time I felt a layer of negativity getting peeled off from
me. I will vouch for the fire walk with my life. For, it indeed
changed my life!
Syed Hassan, Al Khuwair
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Men r
ead
All work
and no play
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Maybe they should but who is telling them?
They live by the adage that they should spend time on
only useful matters. It is them that we address here.
Why should you be under the constant belief that adults
should not play; adults should not fool around; adults
should not be goofy?
Is there some such rule, and if so, please show us the
page and the lines that dictate this law? There isn’t. It
could only be peer pressure that stops us from lightening
things up even if we return home from a hard day’s
work. Somehow, we have been told that only the serious
ones win and in life you have to be pretty serious about
everything. You are so right!
But, please give it a break! If you have been serious for
eight hours in a day, take at least an hour or two to relax,
getting outside, engaging in your hobby, playing with your
children or generally goofing around…
The benefits accrued from engaging in lighthearted play
are actually plenty. You will be better off mentally and
physically after spending some time at play.
The benefits include relief from stress, good physical
health, better self esteem and increasing confidence all of
which helps your performance at work too.
HOW DOES PLAY REDUCE STRESS?
Playing is about forgetting all of your serious stuff; your
trial and tribulations at work; your woes and worries. It is
not that you can be blind to it. But for the moment, let the
focus be on play.
HOW DOES SMILING AND LAUGHING HELP?
If you tend to smile and laugh without any reason, they
might book you into a mental asylum. Or, so, they say.
But, why? What is the crime in smiling and laughing (as
long as you are not directing your smiles and laughter
at someone)? Even if others do not understand why you
smile or laugh, is there any reason not to? These are all
unwritten and unwanted laws laid down upon us by our
peers. Surely, we will laugh only when something tickles
our humour or laughter buds. So, if you find something
funny, go ahead and laugh your lungs out. Just indulging
in a bit of play and enjoyment will bring that little dose
of laughter out of you. Laughter, as they say helps relax
your muscles, helps you breathe better and increase
blood flow.
HOW DOES IT HELP IMPROVE YOUR SELF ESTEEM?
Confidence does not come out of the blue. It has to be
cultivated properly and then tended to in the right manner.
When you play, you relax and when you are relaxed, your
balance is shifted to the positive from where confidence
stems. Being a confident man can bring a lot of changes
in your well being.
IS THERE A JOY IN DOING SMALL THINGS?
Of course! If you are able to do all those small and little
things that you like, then you will find yourself elevated
into a better mood. Think about what made you laugh as
a child and indulge in it. If you have forgotten how to play,
watch your kids (or any kids). Play comes naturally to
them and it is time that you learn from them.
Lately, Jack’s colleagues have been finding him to be rather dull. Studious, yes and work was also being done, but a certain amount of dullness seems to have set in him.Yes, Jack is dull because it is all work and no play for him. Who have we got to blame but ourselves for this sad state of our affairs? While there are those who waste time and indulge in only play and not work, today, in this competitive world, the majority
are hard core, serious, ‘workers’. They have no time for play. They are serious, industrious people who value time and would only work, work, work and work. And
what is wrong with that? It is because they work that this world moves. But, shouldn’t they deserve a break? Shouldn’t they take some time out of this ‘work only’ mode and
press the ‘play’ mode?
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The Republic of Lithuania, a country in Northern Europe,
and the largest of the three Baltic States, had made
inroads into Oman through the ICT sector. Three years
ago, IT companies from Lithuania attended the Comex
exhibition and since then they have been working
closely with Oman’s Information Technology Authority
(ITA), which is responsible for implementing national IT
infrastructural projects and supervising all projects related
to implementation of the Digital Oman Strategy.
Since then the Lithuanian officials have visited Oman and
the Sultanate has also become the first AGCC country
to set up a consulate in Lithuania. Both countries are
keen to expand their ties in the political, economical and
cultural arenas.
A quick review on all these aspects was given by Boleta
Senkiene, who recently took over as honorary consul
of Oman in Lithuania. In an interview with the Times
of Oman she made it clear that Lithuania was ready to
offer expertise and cooperation in sectors such as ICT,
agriculture, medical and education. “We are a strong
economy and proud that we have achieved a lot within
23 years of gaining independence,” she told the TOI.
Lithuania was the first Soviet Republic to declare the
restoration of independent State of Lithuania in March,
1990.
In her recent visit to Oman, Senkiene met with officials
from the ministries of education, health and transport and
communication and also the General Reserve Fund and
the Higher Education Council.
Senkiene noted how Lithuania entered Oman through
the ICT sector and after attending the Comex for the first
time, they followed up the visit, tied up with ITA and the
rest was history.
Lithuania has the largest ICT industry in the Baltic States
with an outstanding potential both for local as well as
foreign expanding businesses. It has world class ICT
infrastructure and is among the leading countries in
ICT in Europe and the world. The IT services has been
among the fastest growing industries in Lithuania during
the past few years. The growth of Lithuanian IT services
exports was three times higher than total services exports
growth in 2012.While the number of persons employed
in IT services was 6,800 in 2006, it has almost doubled
to 12,000 in 2011. Such substantial increase was mainly
the result of growing foreign investments in Lithuanian IT
sector, statistics from Lithuania reveal.
An ITA delegation from Oman is expected to visit
Lithuania soon and the culmination of the visit will be a tie
up with its Lithuanian counterpart.
The Lithuanian minister of agriculture is also expected to
visit Oman soon. Senkiene was confident that Lithuania
could also offer expertise in the agricultural arena.
Another crucial area was medical tourism, which
Lithuania is famous for. Lithuania was also planning to
have a medical centre in Oman, Senkiene revealed.
Since Lithuania is seen as among the fastest growing
economies in the European Union, ranked 17th in the
world in the Ease of Doing Business Index, this was
enough reason for Oman to look into investing in their
country, Senkiene opined. Lithuania could also be a hub
for Oman in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and the
country itself, she added, noting that Oman could also be
used as a gateway for Lithuania to the AGCC, Iran and
Mena region.
Thanks for Oman’s excellent relations with other countries
and with a sound infrastructure in place, it offered a good
scope for re-export.
Senkiene was also quick to praise the stellar efforts of
Anees Issa Al Zadjali, honorary counsul of Lithuania in
Oman, who she said had not only opened the doors for
Lithuania but also took the relationship to newer heights.
She also thanked Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi,
secretary general at the foreign ministry for extending
cooperation.
(*) Information Communication Technology
Oman and Lithuania to explore new trade frontiers
The country with the largest ICT (*) industry in the Baltic States, which has already made inroads into this sector in Oman, is now exploring further trade aspects that
would bring the two nations closer.
Om
an w
atc
h
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Boleta Senkiene
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If the mountain does not come…By Adarsh Madhavan
O
ff th
e wall
There was a time when on the brink of tipping myself
off the edge, I would quietly head for the mountains
that were calling out to me. Get into a car with a friend
and trek up one of the jebels. Yeah, just like that. I
would go tell it on the mountain!
Trek up a solitary path, where the only thing alive
would be the little pebbles tumbling down the side, or
a shrub bending slightly in the wind. Oh yeah, there
would be eagles soaring above, stray donkeys, and
perhaps other solitary souls like us, who would not
mind stepping off the path not because they wanted to
avoid us, but just to keep up with their rhythm.
I would do nothing. Sit in a quiet top corner and
stare in the distance. The wind would move in from
somewhere, enter me and take a bit of me, disappear
and then reappear. That Houdini of a wind!
I never saw it, but always felt it. The wind was my
faith. Then and now I was in a perpetual mental
quandary. A kind of illness within that I strived to down
but ended up slipping over, like it were a banana peel.
I had no clue as to how this disease grew or who
sowed the seeds, but it swelled. The mountains were
an escape; a land from which this disease hid itself.
And when the wind washed my soul, I felt awake and
I became what I often searched for. But I couldn’t
remain there, cleansing my soul forever. I had work, I
had a home, I had those who cared to whom I had to
return. I had to get back to the clang and the batter of
life where I was like a home dog thrown to the streets,
hungry for a morsel and ill equipped to even find a
bone. I stifled those whines and slung along the dark
trails of my life, my tail tucked in. Naturally, I fought
and hurt and trampled down on the innocents too, but
always tried to make amends of the many mistakes I
made.
But, each time, I went, up the mountain, each time it was
like extending my life further. I sipped that unseen elixir and
came back not just refreshed but flushed with pleasure.
The balance in my life was restored. Pride would be back in
place, all in good measure and everything was alright with
life, all’s well! Up there the cobwebs would dissolve and my
general apathy would turn tail at a mere gust of wind.
I discovered so many things in my mountain treks, so many
facets of life, so much wonder, each corner springing up
a pleasant surprise and I used to drink in all that, let that
breeze soak my bones with an undecipherable bliss.
God, I wonder where all that went and how that aura
disappeared. I know. I haven’t been heading there lately.
In fact, I haven’t headed there in years and I feel now I
cannot even put one foot over the other and even head to
a spot where I could be alone and myself. The life I have
led in these last few years have stultified my being and my
useless self limps alongside my amputated spirit. Often
when I reflect, I try to decipher the reason why I slipped
down the edge, without even realising it. In fact, I did not
know I fell for I never felt any pain when I hit the bottom. It
is only when I pick up the pieces of a soul that never took
off and soared that I realise where I am and the abyss I had
fallen into.
And this is not the end because I know it is a bottomless
pit and this realisation has set in probably because my
sense was caught on the edge of an invisible ledge and I
am falling again…I wish someone would catch me, break
the further fall or at least throw in a rope… I know I have
to climb back and head for the mountain again for the
mountain is not going to come to me.
But, I hear it calling my name…
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Oman Medical College, Bowshar campus recently
organised a White Coat Ceremony for B.Pharm.
final-year students. DrDarwish bin Saif Al Moharbi,
undersecretary for administrative and financial affairs,
ministry of health was the chief guest for the ceremony.
Khulood Mohammed Rashid Al Araimi, member, board
of directors, OMC, Greta Holz, American ambassador
and Ph. Ahmed Said Al Harbi, chairman Oman
Pharmaceutical Society were also present during the
ceremony. Dr Diana S. Beattie, dean pre-medicine and
pharmacy programmes, OMC, gave a speech. The
keynote address was given by Prof (Dr) Chandrakanth
Kokate, vice chancellor of KLEUniversity, India. The talks
were followed by a formal 'robing' ceremony. A total of
67 students received white coats marking their entry into
practical training in pharmacy. They were cloaked by
dean Dr Diana S. Beattie and associate dean Dr Yaseen
Moosa Malallah Al- Lawatia. Dr Mohamed Hamadan Al
Rubaie, directorate of drugs and pharmaceutical affairs
administered the oath of a pharmacist to the students
after they received their white coats. Sumaiya Mohamed
Aslam Hassan Al Balushi on behalf of all the final year
students expressed gratitude to the parents and teachers.
The OMC also honoured the institutions supporting
internships of the pharmacy students. The programme
ended with a vote of thanks by Dr P. Jayasekhar,
professor and chair pharmacy programme at OMC.
Oman Medical College holds White Coat ceremony for pharmacy students
The U.A.E’s renowned international fashion brand, Fine
Fair recently announced the launch of 15 family fashion
stores across Oman. Five out of these 15 stores will
target major locations in Oman like Al Khuwair, Al Khood
and Al Seeb in Muscat along with Barka and Sohar. The
group will be investing $10 million in their expansion
plans for Oman. Since the opening of their first store
in Ajman, U.A.E back in 2001, Fine Fair has become
popular across the region for its offerings of fine quality
at affordable prices. Speaking at the launch, Ismayael
Rawther, Ceo and chairman of Fine Fair said, “Fine Fair
has long been known for its affordable family format.
Oman presents the perfect opportunity for us with its
quality and price conscious customers who now will be
served better through our 15 store network. Muscat is one
of the top 20 emerging markets in the world and we have
five stores in the pipeline for the city alone. While catering
to the specific fashion needs of the Omani customers,
we also get a chance to contribute to the community by
creating more job opportunities and helping the local
economy as much as possible.”
Fine Fair opens in Oman
Word
pre
ss
The countdown is now on for Gallops of Oman, the Sultanate’s
first ever horsemanship challenge, during a 180km ride across
the Sharqiyah desert. The opening ceremony is due to launch
on February 17 at Al Rakah Camp, near the village of El
Mintrib. Brigadier Abdulrazak Alshawarzi, commander of the
Royal Cavalry and Ceo of Gallops of Oman said, “Gallops of
Oman is a prestigious event, organised with the blessing of His
Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It is the first event of its kind
to be held in Oman and as a nation, we are proud of our strong
historical link with the Arabian horse. Everyone attending the
opening ceremony will be able to see for themselves some of
the finest bred Arabian horses and also riders from countries
such as France, Denmark, Spain, Italy and Oman, who have
established their expertise in equestrian sports including
Gallops of Oman set to launch
endurance and racing. With 110 horses, the start
line will be a spectacular sight, not to be missed. At
the end of the fifth and final stage, the horses and
riders will cross the finish line at Qudaymah.” From
February 17 to 21, the Gallops of Oman will bring
together 110 adventure-seeking riders from across
the globe, who have signed up to ride the length
of Sharqiyah Sands and appreciate the stamina
and power of the Arabian horses that they will be
riding. In total, 22 teams of five people, including two
Omani teams made up of male and female riders will
set off on a journey of a lifetime.
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Throughout 16 years of TSC
existence in Oman, Sultan Center
provided its loyal shoppers an
exquisite shopping experience by
furnishing state of the art service,
quality and exclusive products.The
year 2013 was a successful and
eventful year for The Sultan Center.
It witnessed the launch of major retail
initiatives where customers were
the center of attention; that aimed at
the continuous delivery of excellent
customer service, focus on variety,
quality and freshness of products,
celebrating seasonal trends; making
TSC everyone’s favourite shopping
destination.
According to Fawaz Diab, chief
commercial officer, TSC, “The
year 2014 will be the ignition of an
increased focus on building up the
retail chain’s image as an exclusive
one-stop shop, which caters for all
tastes and needs.
“This focus will be translated in up
scaling our products variety and
services throughout our different
operating formats of service stores
in Qurum and Azaiba, reaching to
our wholesale centers at Al Khoud
and Amerat; in addition to our
community serving stores in Qurayat
and Sumail; to avail our customers
what they really need by creating an
unforgettable shopping experience”,
he says.
“Today we are closer to our
customers through social media
networks. We listen and interact with
our customers through social media
channels on Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. This is aligned with our
core principles to give the utmost
value to our customers,” explains
Diab.
The TSC Experience
The late Alfred D’Cruz, the first
Indian sub-editor of the Times of
India, Mumbai in 1947, and a stalwart
of the Times Group, for 40 years,
was honoured posthumously with the
Laxmidas Borkar Memorial Award
for Journalism in 2013 by the Bori
Development Trust, Goa.
The award, instituted in memory
of eminent journalist, the late
Laxmidas Borkar, was presented
during the well-attended Bori Utsav
celebrations, at the Narayan Temple
Hall, Ponda in Goa, India, recently.
Sunil, son of the late Alfred D’Cruz,
who is based in Muscat, received the
award on his father’s behalf.
Way back in 1947, Alfred D’Cruz
was hand-picked by the then British
Editor, Sir Francis Low, at a time
whenEnglishmen were at the editorial
desk. His headline "India wakes up
to a new life" adorned the front page
of the Times of India, Mumbai when
India gained Independence.
Besides editing countless
newspapers and bringing out the
daily edition of the Times of India,
Mumbai, Late Alfred D’Cruz, who
passed away on June 1 last year,
co-authored the book Saligao: Focus
on a Picturesque Goan Village,
brought out during the centenary
celebrations of Mae de Deus church
in 1973, the only church with Gothic
architecture in Goa. In 2012, Alfred
D’Cruz was honoured posthumously
with the Lifetime Achievement Award
for Excellence inJournalism by the
Journalist Association of India (JAI)
in New Delhi.
Born on November 23, 1921, Alfred
D’Cruz contributed to the enrichment
in the field of journalism for 65 years
from 1947 to 2012 and is known
by the newspaper fraternity as the
‘Eternal Newsman’.
Alfred D’Cruz was also the News
Editor of The Sunday Observer,
Mumbai and the Assistant Editor of
The Kuwait Times.
The ‘Eternal Newsman’ honoured with top journalism award
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Ahlibank has launched an exciting program to tickle
customers’ taste buds. ‘Al Maida’, which means the
“Feast” in Arabic, is set to be the best dining programme
in Oman. Ahli Bank’s announcement is yet another
testament of the bank’s journey towards launching
customer centric products and services.
With the partner network of over 100 plus dining outlets
spread across the Sultanate, the customers’ can enjoy
exciting discounts up to 30 per cent when using their Ahli
Bank credit or debit cards to settle their dining bills. The
discounts are valid till this December 31 for use as many
times with no vouchers or coupons needed.
CB Ganesh, deputy Ceo banking group at Ahlibank, said:
“We are committed to provide our valued customers an
exceptional experience through the launch of various
value added products and services. We are sure that
our customer will welcome the usage of Al Maida Mobile
application to refer to the dining offer instead of carrying a
bulky vouchers and coupons book”.
Ahlibank launches Unique Dining Programme
DHL, announced the appointment of Ali Thabet, as the new country manager
for DHL Express Oman overseeing the strategic development of one of
DHL Express’ key markets in the MENA region. Nour Suliman, Ceo, DHL
Express Middle East and North Africa commented on the appointment, “Our
team has grown rapidly since we started operations in Oman over 30 years
ago continuously focussed over the years on delivering innovative express
solutions and high quality services to our customers. Today, we are pleased
to welcome Ali Thabet to the DHL Express Oman Management Team. I am
confident that his extensive industry experience will contribute highly to the
growth of our business in Oman. In his role as country manager, Ali will ensure
that DHL continues to deliver on our promise of excellence to our customers.”
DHL express Oman new country manager
The 2014 Honda Accord, has been named the “2014
Green Car of the Year®” by Green Car Journal. The
award recognises the class-leading environmental
performance of the Accord family of vehicles, including
the fuel-efficient and low emissions Accord four cylinder
and V-6 Coupe and Sedan. 2014 Green Car of the
Year® jurors selected the Accord as the winning model
for many reasons, not the least of which is its ability to
offer an efficient choice for a wide range of buyers, from
those seeking better fuel efficiency in a conventionally
powered model to those desiring the milestone efficiency
of a world-class car. In addition to the “Green Car of the
Year” honor, the Accord was earlier honored as one of
Green Car Journal’s ‘Top 5 Green Cars for 2014’ and
additionally earned the magazine’s ‘Green Car Product
of Excellence’ distinction. The 2014 Accord lineup
features Honda’s innovative Earth Dreams™ Technology
powertrains, including Honda’s next-generation 2.4-liter,
direct-injected 4-cylinder engine with continuously
variable transmission or 6-speed manual transmission.
Fuel efficiency is the best ever for Accord in the EPA
Midsize class, with 4-cylinder models earning a 36 mpg
highway EPA rating2 and the V-6 models garnering a 34
mpg highway EPA rating2.
Honda Accord named “2014 Green Car of the Year”
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In 2013, the company sold around 1,575,500 automobiles
worldwide, 8.3 percent more than in 2012. Audi sales
increased by more than 100,000 units for the fourth
consecutive year. Major growth drivers over the past year
were Audi’s three biggest export markets, all of which
reported double-digit growth: with China up 21.2 percent,
the United States up 13.5 percent, and the UK up 14.9
percent. In Europe and China, the four rings again led the
premium segment in 2013 as the top-selling brand. Audi
concluded the year with a 18.4 percent growth to around
130,700 global deliveries in December, increasing sales
in all regions of the world compared to the same month of
2012.
“We set an important milestone for Audi in the past year:
We achieved our intermediate strategic goal of 1.5 million
deliveries two years earlier than planned, and in fact
comfortably exceeded it,” says Rupert Stadler, chairman
of the board of management at Audi AG.
Audi: more than 1.57 million deliveries in 2013
To mark Earth Hour 2014, the
Environment Society of Oman
(ESO) is challenging budding
artists to create unique art work
for a poster themed ‘Our earth,
our hour’ that highlights the simple
every day changes that can make
a big difference to the environment
by saving energy. From January
8, Wednesday until January 29,
Wednesday, designers can submit
their artwork and win the chance
for their design to become the main
icon for this year’s campaign that will
be displayed across the country to
promote Earth Hour 2014 and win
exciting prizes along the way.
The competition offers people the
opportunity to use their imagination
to express their appreciation for
Oman’s natural habitat and take part
in the global challenge to conserve
resources for the welfare of the
planet.
Earth Hour 2014 will take place on
March 29 as individuals, communities
and organisations around the world
pledge their support for energy
conservation and green activities
through their yearly campaign ‘I will,
if you will’.
‘Our earth, our hour’ inspires creativity with design competition
General Automotive Company, the
official distributors for Mitsubishi in
Oman, organised a desert adventure for
Pajero owners and enthusiasts between
January 3rd and 4th, giving them a taste
of an Arabian desert in the vehicle best
designed to handle the challenge – the
Mitsubishi Pajero. This was the first of
three Team Pajero adventures to take
place, with the next desert excursion
scheduled for January 17 and the last
on January 31. All Mitsubishi Pajero
owners in the Sultanate are invited to register for the upcoming trips at the Mitsubishi showroom in Athaiba.
Commenting on the event Mark Tomlinson, the general manager of General Automotive Company, said: “We organise
these excursions to the desert so that our customers and their families get the opportunity to fully test the capabilities
of the Pajero in a safe, controlled and fun environment. The Team Pajero Adventure has received a terrific response
every time it is conducted with an ever increasing number of Pajero owners taking part.”
Mitsubishi organises team Pajero adventure
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Nearly one year after its launch,
the Canter Narrow Cab models
from Fuso Trucks have proven to
be extremely popular in the market
and have seen unprecedented
demand from companies in search
for cost efficient commercial city
transportation. Fuso Trucks are
represented in Oman by General
Automotive Company. Commenting
on the widespread popularity
amongst commercial operators
for the Fuso Narrow Cab Canter,
Mark Tomlinson, general manager
of General Automotive Company
said, “With the Narrow Cab Canter,
Fuso made one of the worlds most
advanced, efficient and powerful
light-duty trucks much more
comfortable to drive within the
confines of the city. In fact, since its
introduction at last year’s ‘The Big
Popularity of Fuso ‘Narrow Cab’ Canter grows
Pankaj Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas, proved to be a
persuasive auctioneer as he helped raise OMR46,699 for
an exclusively designed special edition timepiece, created
from the Chopard design studio, at a charity auction event
held at The Chedi Muscat in November. This combined
initiative of the Khimji’s Watches and Chopard leadership
team resulted in the creation of a bespoke Happy Sport
timepiece for Oman for the purpose of raising funds
for a well-deserved community program. The Chopard
Happy Sport special edition timepiece, which is unique
and only one of its kind, has a beautifully handcrafted
engraved Omani Khanjar in white gold and moving
diamond, emerald, and ruby elements, representing
Oman’s national colors. Dr Mohammed Redha bin
Hassan bin Suleiman, chairman of the Association for
the Welfare of the Handicapped Children (AWHC) said:
“We are delighted that the event was such a success.
We value our continuing relationship with Chopard and
Khimji’s Watches. The children will truly benefit from more
patronage and we thank all those involved.”
Anil Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas adds, “The cause
of the AWHC has always been close to us. Creating a
bespoke special edition timepiece to be auctioned at an
exclusive event helped us raise a meaningful amount to
this cause. I would like to thank Chopard and all our well
wishers in making this event a success.”
Khimji’s Watches raises OMR46,699 at charity auction
The new free Wi-Fi ‘Piggybacking’ service
from Nawras has been honoured with two
awards at the 2013 Global Cristal Awards,
part of the 13th annual Cristal Festival
held recently in the French ski resort of
Courchevel. Nawras struck gold in the
highly coveted ‘Future is Now’ category
and won bronze in the ‘Media’ section as
the ‘Piggybacking’ campaign was rewarded
for the best use of mobile technology.
Usama Al Saifi, Nawras Senior Campaign
Supervisor, said, “Nawras is offering customers with a
free wireless solution to help them stay connected. We
understand that customers will try to find an open Wi-Fi
connection wherever they are and we have
introduced multiple connections to share
existing wireless services to provide a free
service. This is part of offering creative
communications in the Sultanate and we
hope that customers enjoy the service.”
Nawras Piggybacking allows customers to
connect to a free WiFi network by providing
additional open signals from each modem
to create a hotspot. Customers can connect
to the free WiFi network by selecting
‘NawrasWiFi’, found at the top of the available networks
list, and logging in to the service to enjoy fast broadband
from Nawras for free.
Show’, the Narrow Cab Canter has
truly taken the market by storm. Its
popularity is due to the attractive
styling, comfortable interior and class
leading performance, coupled with a
low cost of ownership and a narrow
profile that allows for easy access
along tight city streets.”
Nawras Free Wi-Fi celebrates double win at 2013 Global Cristal Awards
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National Bank of Oman (NBO) announced that it will
revamp its Small Business Unit (SBU) in a bid to extend
support to Oman’s SME sector. The bank will launch
specific segment offerings under the Tijarati Banking Unit,
a specialised department which will focus on financial
and non-financial services for SMEs, to fully cater to the
diversity within the segment, and offer efficient, targeted
support to customers. The Small Business Unit will
now offer a comprehensive range of products including
collateral backed and collateral free offerings.
Moosa Masoud Al Jadidi, deputy general manager and
acting head of retail and private banking at NBO said:
“At NBO we understand the importance of SMEs in
developing a strong and diversified economy for Oman,
and see entrepreneurs as the leading business figures
and employers of the future. Our approach is designed
to empower and encourage entrepreneurship in a bid
to create employment. We take a holistic approach
to supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, which is not
restricted to lending but also offering mentoring through
all stages of establishing their business, and the services
and products we offer truly reflect our understanding of
the SME segment”
National Bank of Oman revamps Small Business Unit
Omran recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Oman Telecommunications Company
(Omantel) to construct its new headquarters in the Oman
Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) Precinct.
The MoU signing was held at Omantel’s head office and
was signed by Omran’s Ceo, Eng. Wael bin Ahmed Al
Lawati, and Dr Amer Awadh Al Rawas, Ceo of Omantel.
The MoU appoints Omran as master developer for the
entire project, assigning responsibility for procuring the
necessary design and contracting consultancies and
providing management services during construction.
The state-of-the-art Omantel headquarters will comprise
approximately 40,000 square meters of built-up area
as well as parking for more than 1,200 vehicles.
The proposed project will also incorporate several
environmental initiatives throughout its lifecycle to meet
the globally recognised voluntary Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria set by the US
Green Building Council.
Omran and Omantel sign MoU
Oman Road Safety Association
(ORSA), the first and only registered
non-governmental road safety
organisation under the umbrella of
the ministry of social development,
recently participated in an awareness
activity on road safety - organised by
‘Risks of Bicycles’ project - talking
topics of seat belts, child restraints,
speed management and the
importance of usage of helmets for
motorcyclists in Wilayat Sur under
the auspices of Sheikh Mohammed
bin Hamed Al Masroori, member of
the State Council.
During her lecture on road safety
awareness, Shaima Murtadha
Al Lawati, Oman Road Safety
Association Ceo stated the
objectives of the association and
its diverse range of activities. She
also emphasised on the role of
the community in leveraging and
activating partnerships between the
Oman Road Safety Association participates
association and general public to
further educate individuals on traffic
etiquette and practices.
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Oman Oasis Water Company recently held an event
to celebrate winning the ‘His Majesty’s Cup for Best
Factories in 2013’ award. The event, held at the Oman
Oasis Water factory, was attended by the company Ceo
and a number of senior executives and employees.
About 48 companies participated in the 2013 Best
Factories contest and Ziyad Mohammed Al Zubair, board
member of The Zubair Corporation was on hand to pick
up the HM Cup award on behalf of Oman Oasis Water
Company. Initiated in 1991, the ministry of commerce and
industry has been organising the competition annually
to commemorate His Majesty the Sultan’s declaration of
the years 1991 and 1992 as Years of Industry. Speaking
on the occasion, N. Janardhan, chief operating officer –
manufacturing sector, The Zubair Corporation said, “To
win this prestigious award for the second time is a great
honour, and adds to the earlier success for the Oman
Oasis Water Company in the Shield Award in 2010 and
2011”. N.S.S. Subramanian, general manager of Oman
Oasis Water Company added, “This is another milestone
achieved by our team and a prestigious moment in our
journey. It is a dream come true for all of us to receive
the highest recognition once again. The team has been
taking these challenges year after year and consistently
they are delivering value and innovation. These awards
give our organisation confidence and motivation to work
better and continue to deliver consistent results”.
Oman Oasis Water Company celebrates second win in His Majesty’s Cup
Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) has
launched a Corporate Code of Ethics to further instill
its values of integrity and transparency amongst its
employees. Having achieved a decade of pioneering
performance in the oil and gas industry, the company
marks the beginning of its next ten-year journey with
a strengthened promise to sustain ethical business
practices as it continues to grow. The new guidebook
was introduced by Assila bint Zaher Al Harthy, Oman Oil
Marketing Company board member, at a special launch
ceremony held at omanoil’s headquarters.
“Our success over the last 10 years has been built
Omanoil launches Code of Ethics
on a foundation of personal and professional integrity,”
said omanoil Ceo, Engr. Omar bin Ahmed Salim
Qatan. “We uphold the highest standard of corporate
governance, going over-and-beyond simply complying
with requirements. We also share a holistic belief in ethical
business practices with our employees, suppliers and
partners who are passionate about serving this great nation
with integrity.”
The Second Oman International Plastics, Rubber &
Packaging Industry Exhibition 2014 – 2nd OMAN PLAST
2014 – was held at the Oman International Exhibition
Centre, recently.
The three-day event, which was inaugurated by Hilal
bin Hamad Al Hasani, chief executive officer of the
Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), was
organised by Silver Star Corporation L.L.C.
The OMAN PLAST 2014, in its second edition,
showcased the latest technology and machineries used
in manufacturing of plastics, rubber, packaging and
petrochemicals. It was an ideal platform for Oman and
its neighbouring states to source new technology and
products. As the petrochemical industry is one of the
main components of the Omani economy, the event
proved to give great impetus to further diversify its
growth, a press note said.
P.D. Nath, managing director, Silver Star, explained that
the event was perfectly timed for the continuing boom in
Oman’s plastics, rubber, packaging and petrochemical
industry. Bahrain, India, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman,
the United Arab Emirates and the United States of
America were the participating countries.
Oman Plast 2014 – perfectly timed
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European Motors has announced
the launch of its new website www.
europeanmotors.om; that plays
host to a new localized website
for Peugeot (www.peugeot.om) in
Oman. These websites have been
designed to match the brand’s
international standards in terms of
design and aesthetics while at the
same time promoting easy navigation
and effortless access to information
on both European Motors and the
multiple product lines offered; making
it even easier for customers in Oman
to access and experience the brands.
“It has always been our top priority
to provide our customers in the
Sultanate excellent products and
services at exceptional value.
Beginning from the vehicle purchase
experience, through to the ongoing
vehicle maintenance, our team
constantly strives to deliver and an
outstanding ownership experience for
our valued customers; now that very
same experience has been taken
a step further in the digital realm,”
Gurdeep Singh Multani, brand
manager for Peugeot in Oman said.
Dedicated website for Peugeot launched in Oman
In an effort aimed at extending a helping hand to the
children afflicted with cancer, Jotun Paints has supported
National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA)’s Dar
Al Hanan Centre for the third year in a row 2011 – 2013.
The agenda this year was to not only collect money but
also to involve children in activities and to let them feel
important by way of helping them earn. Jotun helped
them earn money to support not only their but many other
families during their treatments. Under the supervision
of professional art teachers the cancer patients (age two
to 10) painted some magnificent and colorful paintings
using their hands. These painting were then sold to the
corporates and well-wishers. Mahira Saqib, assistant
marketing manager said that “we are happy to be a part
of such activity, The idea behind was to not only support
the organisation financially but also giving the children
hope of doing something more than just being sick and
treated’. ‘The contribution of Jotun Paints is a continuation
of the cooperation we started with NACA in 2011. We
donated OMR5000 in 2011 and OMR5000 in 2012. This
year too with the support of some of our dealers and
well-wishers, we have collected OMR5000.” said Andreas
Stolt-Nielsen, sales and marketing manager in Jotun.
“We feel that corporate social responsibility should not
be coerced; it is a voluntary decision that every company
must make on its own to support these non-profitable
organizations, and we hope that many organisations
will take efforts to support causes in future,” said Bjorn
Skjelby, general m anager, Jotun Paints Oman LLC.
Jotun support to NACA
Sharaf DG has launched a slew of services under its
technical services division DG Help. These services are
unique and have the stamp of exemplary quality which
is not seen in the market. DG Help provides computer
and mobile phone setup and repair services. In the
near future DG Help will provide onsite services like
TV/Home Theater system installation, relocation and
troubleshooting requirements. DG Help will also launch
special IT solutions for SMB (Small Medium Sized
Businesses). Commenting on the range of services Nilesh
Khalkho said “Every customer has a Mobile/Smartphone/
Tablet these days and use them for entertainment,
personal and official work. On the one hand companies
are launching new models in mobiles and tablets every
other day. On the other hand customers want to always
use the latest model and the latest applications. This
is where DG Help’s expert services come into play
assisting customers to easily move from one model to
another, install and upgrade software and enjoy features
of the product. Currently DG Help offers both in warranty
and out of warranty repair services to customers in
Oman. Customers can also safe guard their electronic
products by purchasing extended warranty on mobiles/
smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Currently
two year and three year extended warranty packages are
offered to customers.
DG Help – a one of a kind service in Oman!
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You know your age has passed the half¬way
house and it is all downhill from now on when:
People tell you to take it easy, slow down, you are
not getting any younger, lean back a bit - and you
hate them for saying it. Everyone has advice on
cutting out various foods. You never hear enough
of it as they babble on about salt, sugar, coffee,
tea, fried foods, cigarettes ...oh go away and leave
me alone.
You actually read those "I am John's liver" type of
articles in the magazines.
Your hypochondria gallops around like a young
colt and every symptom you read about or see on
TV you know you have it, no doubt at all.
You actually have memories and talk about the
good old days.
All the young people suddenly get very busy when
you say, `Let me tell you when I was your age...'.
You cannot believe what things cost as compared
to your childhood and you can't wait to share the
comparison if you can get someone to stay long
enough to listen.
All the job ads are for people old enough to be
your son.
Ads on herbal medicines and what they do to your
system fascinate you.
Someone sees you jogging and tells you it is
dangerous at your age.
Gravity seems to be winning hands down because
now life is one big sag.
You wish your metabolism wasn't such a lazy sod.
You go around the house yelling about electricity
bills and switching all the lights off.
You meet some young guy whose swash hasn't
buckled and he reminds you of what you once
were, and you loathe him for it. Then you go home
and sadly realise you'll never run the 400 metres
again.
' Someone gives you his card and you spend a
minute squeegeeing your eyes to read it; is that
number a 6 or an 8 or a 5 squint, squint.
You overhear someone call you that old eccentric.
Your kids tell you this is not your type of a movie, it
is too `now'.
No one in this generation knows who Malcolm X
is.
You find today's youngsters lazy, shiftless, spoilt,
pampered, ill mannered louts ...not much different
from what you were.
You go to a party and yearn for a chair to sit in;
then you don't want to get up every time a lady
comes in.
All your food intake is on a quota system. The
doctor talks about you in third person, like what
does he like to eat or how was he feeling this
morning and you want to say, hey, I am here, okay
talk to me.
You can't open a lid and you go red in the face
trying, and then some kid comes and yanks it off
and, upstaged, you go looking for Deep Heat.
Your whole breakfast is a saga in roughage and
fibre and you actually read the ingredi¬ents on the
packet to see if you have had 60 per cent of your
riboflavin - whatever that is.
You discuss the details of your flipping daily `walk'
with others of your age...like who cares, did you
ever think you'd do that?
If you do something young at heart your family is
embarrassed, like not at your age...well, whyever
not?
You actually find you bought a jar of antiwrinkle
cream.
You can't believe this is the generation which is
going to inherit your legacy, I mean what a mess
they'll make of it.
You get all shmaltzy and gooey eyed in the
movies, all that soppy sentiment for Mr Onetime
Tough Guy.
Your after-late-night morning recovery time is two
mornings, and you like fizzy solutions like fruit salt
and Alka Seltzer.
You find yourself obsessed by your digestive
system and its mysteries.
You wonder where the time went, there was
so much of it just yesterday ...it was yesterday.
Itwasitwasitwas.
Those were the days my friend, lalalala lalalaBy Bikram Vohra
Bikram Vohra, internationally-known Gulf based scribe
Sunny s
ide u
p
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EXPLORE THE DESERTS
Every piece of nature is a creation of the Almighty
– unique, flawless and beautiful. There is no other
beauty in the world that is as original as that of Mother
Nature. Oman is a fortunate country that has been
bestowed with the best of everything naturally. Oman
has two deserts: the Empty Quarter and the Sharqiya
sands, where kilometers of sand dunes join the
Arabian coast, a unique spectacle to experience.
My tryst with the desert began in 1998, a hobby that
has evolved into a passion today, initiated by a simple
glimpse from a flight to a nearby country. From that
height, the stretch of sand looked like a painting,
fascinating as well as alluring. I was hooked!
WALK BAREFOOT IN THE BEACH
As they say, walk barefoot in the beach, within the
proximity of the water, sky and sand and you will
experience pure magic. So if you need to experience
the sand, walk barefoot. Unless you cross the sands,
you will not know what I am talking about. You will
be transported to a world, which is far from the
maddening routines and tensions.
There is nothing to fear. The desert is like any other
raw environment. There are two ways to explore the
desert -- follow the Bedouin path or chart your own
course. The Bedouins path is tried and tested one and
there is little chance you will get lost. But, if you are an
adventurer at heart, equip yourself with all the utilities,
travel light with essentials and don’t forget your GPS!
It is easy to get lost in the vast stretch of the sand,
especially if you are a novice.
The desert is like any other raw environment. There are two ways to explore the desert -- follow the Bedouin path or chart your own course
Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief
In Black...
& White
RESPECT THE BEDOUINS
You cannot afford to be reckless in the desert, not just
on the driving or safety front, but also in terms of basic
etiquette. How would you like it if people barge in to your
home unannounced? Similarly, you cannot just walk into a
Bedouin territory without their approval. The desert is their
home and it is not limited or confined to walls or cents of
land as in a city. It is their natural dwelling and you have
to respect that. A word of caution though: never disturb
nature, respect the desert and its dwellers and they will in
turn respect you. The Bedouins are genuinely simple and
they are also very helpful by nature.
HISTORIC CROSSING
The B&W team met with Ahmed bin Haroub bin Hamed
Al Mahruqi, who is an explorer and lover of the desert.
Mahruqi is embarking on a historic trip, following the route
of the great explorer, Wilfred Thesiger, who had crossed
the Empty Quarter. While Thesiger skirted the route on
the borders, Mahruqi hopes to make the crossing right
through the centre. Let us all wish him the very best of
luck in this historic crossing!
In b
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FOLLOWINGTHESIGER’SFOOTSTEPS…
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An intrepid Omani desert lover is planning to retrace the footsteps of the famous British explorer’s, Sir Wilfred Thesiger, journey of the Empty Quarter(*) which he undertook half a century or more back…Ahmed bin Haroub bin Hamed Al Mahruqi, whose second home is the desert, is planning to go right into the middle of the sandy quarter, from Bidiyah to Shannah, a distance of approximately 184kms, in 14days from March 1 onwards. This brave bid to cross the desert is to bring to the fore the magnificent sands of Oman, which Ahmed Mahruqi feels can woo any adventure-loving tourist to the Sultanate…
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A lone Omani driver in a jeep was weaving his way up the sand dunes one late dark night in the Empty Quarter (Rub’ Al Khali) of Arabia. His vehicle’s lights pierced through the pitch black midnight darkness. Suddenly in the distance, the car’s
headlights picked several dark figures huddled on camels. They just stood there in his vehicle’s path like mysterious dark shadows and the
driver instinctively slowed down. Men with lesser courage would baulk at the thought of encountering such sinister-looking rank strangers in the middle of nowhere,
especially at night.
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Ahmed bin Haroub bin Hamed Al Mahruqi was armed with nothing but a tent, some food and water and kahwa (Omani coffee).
“Perhaps they would like some kahwa,” Ahmed Mahruqi said under his breath as he tried to humour himself, waving out to those sentinels of the dark standing almost
motionlessly some distance away from his rugged jeep. He got out and stood before his car’s front lights and raised his hand again in greeting. There was a sudden stir
among the statues-like-men on the camels and they returned his greeting. “Mahruqi!” they said in unison, their voices decidedly warm and friendly. They alighted from their
camels, came forward and embraced Ahmed Mahruqi. These were the tough, no-nonsense Bedouins who would normally not entertain strangers. But, they knew him
by sight. He was not a stranger. He was like, almost, one of them.
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KING OF THE SAND
Ahmed Mahruqi was a common
feature in the Empty Quarter. Unlike
the tourists, he was not one among
the odd ones out in the lonely desert
sands. Most of the Bedouins knew
him because this is one Omani who
spends almost all of his free time in
the desert.
During workdays, you will find him as
any other dedicated and committed
Omani at his workplace in the Sultan
Qaboos University Hospital, where
he heads the health, safety and
environment (HSE) department.
Weekends, Mahruqi quietly
disappears into the cocoon of the
desert where this father of four and
grandfather of six metamorphoses
into a semi Bedouin. He gets
on his favourite and faithful red
Jeep Wrangler of 20 years – aptly
stickered ‘King of the Sand’ --and
drives deep into the innards of the
desert and let the sands absorb
him, soak his soul under a canopy
of stars, lit just for him. Most of the
times, it would only be Mahruqi, and
on some occasions, he would be
accompanied by his family members.
But, largely, Mahruqi would be alone,
enjoying the magic of the enigmatic
dark desert night or the open wonder
of a morning spent on the shifting
dunes.
SOMETHING GENTLE,
SOMETHING WILD
There is something that is very gentle
yet wild about this ardent desert
lover. He had invited us over for an
informal chat at his SQU office to
discuss a unique desert trip that he
is planning. Mahruqi is attempting to
cross the Empty Quarter on camel
and foot in a bid to recreate the
same trip that the legendary explorer,
Wilfred Thesiger, had taken 50-odd
years ago.
Now, more than half a century later,
Mahruqi was attempting this unusual
trip, not skirting the borders like his
idol, Thesiger, but actually cutting
through the middle, from Bidiyah
to Shannah, hoping to cover the
184kms in less than two weeks.
“I want to recreate the magic of the
good old golden days when desert
travellers relied on one single mode
of transport – the king/ship of the
desert, the faithful camel!” Mahruqi
says with a certain amount of
passion to the Black & White at the
same time tracing the path on a map
behind him. Mahruqi is training hard
for this grueling desert trip, slowly
dawning on him. If you happen to
see a tall bespectacled man with a
salt and pepper beard exercising
a young camel in a field near his
home, then you have stumbled on
this unusual desert lover. Mahruqi
is training himself with two young
camels (Kleesa), costing OMR5000
each. “These camels can easily walk
for around 400kilometres a day. I
will use one to carry food and other
utilities and I will ride the second
one.”
EPIC DESERT CROSSING
Mahruqi will embark on his epic
desert crossing on March 1, this
year. “As part of the 14-day planned
schedule, I hope to cover the first
part of Bidiyah to Shannah, a 184km
trip, starting off with a farewell
ceremony, which is traditionally
organised by the villagers of Bidiyah.
I will be staying in Bidiyah from
February25 onwards, gearing up for
the trip,” he told us. But that is not
all. Mahruqi, upon reaching Shannah
will continue on for another 184kms,
doing the second stretch from there
to Adam, which he hopes to do in
another 14 days. “I hope to move
at an easy pace, travelling around
30kms per day (on some days),
starting at 6am until 5pm and resting
after that,” Mahruqi said, gleefully
adding that he hoped to do a night’s
travel on a full moon day. He finds
night travelling on the desert quite
exhilarating. He has already done
enough night travelling on his jeep,
but not on a camel or on foot.
“I am not going on this trip to satisfy
a personal goal or achieve self
attainment. No, I love Oman. I want
the world to know what Oman has to
offer to the world tourists. Our desert
will be an eye opener for many and
they will be able to satiate their
adventure needs.
My journey will also be a life lesson
on patience. We are living in a fast
world, building all our relationships on
technology and speed, not pausing
even for a minute. We live in a fast,
fast world, from fast food to high
speed driving on roads. Fourteen
days in the desert will slow me down,
giving me a lesson on patience, a
self-realisation course. We all need to
slow down a bit, look into ourselves,
enjoy the nature and create a better
world for our youth, filled with wonder
and tolerance.
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Most of the times, it would only be Mahruqi, and on some occasions, he would be accompanied by his family members. But, largely, Mahruqi would be alone, enjoying the magic of the enigmatic dark desert night or the open wonder of a morning spent on the shifting dunes
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I have had the best of my time in the desert sands, from a
childhood trip to my honeymoon and to many moments of
sweet, calm, solitude.”
LOVE FOR THE SANDS
The desert has been a second home to Mahruqi since his
childhood. “I love the sand, the silence, the music of the
desert, from the blowing wind to the drumming sands and
the magic of the star-lit skies.
And I am also drawn to the night – there is something
mysterious, dangerous and yet rejuvenating about
nighttime. Few have really witnessed the beauty of the
night sky. When you live in a city, you will not be able
to witness this nocturnal spectacle. I have been lucky
enough to experience the countless stars shining brightly
above me,” Mahruqi said, sharing his enthusiasm about
the wonders of the skies above a desert.
Oman could proudly boast of its naturally beautiful desert
that could fascinate any human soul, he enthused. “The
more you look at the desert, the more it looks like a visual
treat. There are times when I feel this sand stretch (he
indicated a portion on the map on the wall) looks like
the neck of a whale when it leaps out of the water… it
is not just a visual delight, it induce a calmness inside
you,” Mahruqi said, stroking his salt and pepper henna
smeared beard and then slowly took us back into his
past.
DOWN MEMORY LANE
Mahruqi was born in Tanzania. In the early 60s, he and
several members of his family came on a ship to the
coast of Oman. “We landed in the Mahout area. My
family, consisting of my mother, my brother Arif and sister
Asa travelled on camels to Adam, where our tribe was
settled. I still vividly remember the rough camel ride but
my love affair with camels began then and till date the
passion has only increased. We, Arabs, are fortunate to
have the kings of the desert with us, but fail to use them
in our daily lives.”
The 60s did not see Mahruqi settle down in Oman. But
however after His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said took
over as the reigns of Oman, the former returned to Oman
in 1971. “It was also a long trip from Tanzania to Dar-e-
Salaam to Nairobi to Pakistan and I flew on a Pakistan
airline flight to Bait Al Falaj airport. I travelled from Muscat
to my village in Adam then, travelling 24 hours non-stop,”
he reminisces.
After his basic schooling, Mahruqi joined the Technical
School in Darsait in 1974-75 and joined PDO as a
fireman. “I served the PDO for 20 years from then and am
currently employed with the SQU in the HSE department
for the last 14 years. While I was in the PDO, I specialised
in fire prevention and safety in England.”
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ME AND A RED JEEP AND A DOG NAMED SALUKI
His tryst with nature began when, as a hobby, he started
climbing mountains.
“I pursued this passion until I was forced to give it up due
to health reasons.
I then took up desert crossing. In the last seven years or
so, I have crossed the desert in a jeep over 60 times, with
my faithful saluki (also named Saluki) as my companion,”
he said recalling how, while he was in the PDO in 1979,
he drove the nearly 840kms Fahud to Salalah stretch on
a Daihatsu, which he had only recently purchased from a
colleague then.
Weekdays, he diligently attended to his work, but
weekends he would disappear. “Weekends are very
personal to me and I do not indulge in any engagements
then. During the weekends, he quietly switches to
desert mode and travels on the sands alone. “I become
a different person then. But, I am able to identify with
the locals in the desert and the Bedouins. Most of them
have become my friends now. It is a different life and
experience. I get into a unique world where I enjoy the
splendour of natural beauty, amidst golden sands, wide
blue skies, brilliantly lit nights…
You cannot switch on a mobile or turn on a music
system there. Even if you attempt, within the next few
minutes you will shut it down. Nature has its own way of
entertaining us with its delicate music… I will not trade
this experience with any wealth in the world!”
A HISTORIC TRIP TO THE GOLDEN DAYS
Over the past seven years and a good 60-odd desert
crossings has made Mahruqi realise that Oman
harboured rich treasures in the desert, unknown to the
tourists of the world. He is also enamoured by the famous
British explorer and travel writer, Sir Wilfred Thesiger
(also known as Mubarak bin London – ‘the blessed one
from London’), who crossed the Empty Quarter of Arabia
between 1945 and 1950.
“Even today many of the Bedouin tribes remember bin
London as a famous and well respected explorer who
crossed the Wahiba (Sharqiyah) sands.
My love for Oman and the desert has prompted me to
cross the Empty Quarter 50-odd years after Sir Thesiger,
charting almost the same route, not just the borders, but
going right across the middle of the desert, with the hope
of completing the 184kms Bidiyah to Shannah stretch
in 14 days. I want to recreate the magic of the good old
golden days when we were dependent on the king (or the
ship) of the desert – the magnificent camel!”
DESERT IS YOUR FRIEND
Mahruqi did not subscribe to the common belief that the
desert was a dangerous place, where you could get lost
and lose life. A small mistake can prove to be too costly in
the desert. If good care is taken and proper preparations
are made, the desert is as safe and as friendly as any
touristic spot, he claims.
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We have to respect the sands as our own. So when
you travel, don’t litter, disturb or destroy any aspect of
nature! Respect your environment, learn and follow safety
measures, Mahruqi advised. The hazards exist, but, is
there any place in the world that can be called entirely
‘safe’? You could get killed in the streets!
“But, do be careful of the snakes and scorpions in
the desert. Never sleep in a sleeping bag as that will
attract snakes that seek warmth and will sneak into the
bag posing grave danger for you. Keep stock of basic
medicines, water, light clothes and proper footwear.
“I have been part of two films on desert safety and
survival, one for the PDO and the other with Hollywood
actors for Discovery Channel (New York). When they
approached me to guide them to the Wahiba, I told
them that Oman had various untouched desert terrains
and convinced them to come along with me to the
Ghanim sands in the Dhofar governorate. They were
wonderstruck. I am sure after my trip to cross the Empty
Quarter, tourists across the world will look at the desert
of Oman as the ultimate and unrivalled adventure
destination still waiting to be revealed.”
During his desert sojourns, Mahruqi has also come
across many like-minded desert lovers and adventure
teams. “These include the Guide, Shabiq, Xterra and the
F J cruiser teams, whom we regularly bump into during
the crossings. I look forward to seeing them too on this
historic crossing. They have also promised to extend
support for me during the trip.”
THINK LIKE A BEDOUIN
As Mahruqi saw us off, he spoke about the important
lesson that he had learnt from the Bedouins. As he
spoke, he crouched on the parking lot, mimicking a
normal pose of the Bedus, which he enacted to drive
home a point. “Desert has taught me many lessons of life.
The Bedouins live a natural tension free life with a healthy
attitude. Have you seen how a Bedouin react to a crisis?
Imagine they have a flat tire… They get out of the car,
walk some five to 10metres away from it, squat on their
haunches, take their pipe out and smoke. All this while,
they will be staring at their car and the flat or whatever
crisis/problem they are encountering.
They will smoke languidly, as though they are breathing
out their anger and irritation out of their nostrils. In effect,
instead of pouncing on the problem, they would allow
themselves some time, where they would instill in them
a free, confident and open mind. They will not resort to
anger, irritation or show signs of fear or panic. After a few
minutes of such calm scrutiny, they would attend to the
problem at hand.
This ability may be ingrained in them because they have,
over the years, aligned their soul with the soul of the
desert, which leaves them free of inhibitions and fear. I
have learnt so much from them. And I believe it is time
that we all did, without any knee-jerk reactions spreading
panic and fear.”
(*) The famous Empty Quarter, or Rub’ Al Khali, is the
largest sand desert in the world. It occupies the south
western region of Oman, straddling the border with Saudi
Arabia and the Yemen. It is an extraordinary moonscape
of sand dunes, sparse thorn bushes and rocks.
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Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Supplied
When he was twenty three, Sir Wilfred made his first
expedition into the country of the Danakil. In the Second
World War, serving under Orde Wingate in Abyssinia, he was
awarded a DSO. He later served with the Special Operations
Executive (SOS) in Syria and the Special Air Service in the
Western Desert.
“Sir Wilfred sought out the secrets of the desert in the years
before Arabia was transformed forever by the oil beneath her
sands. His reputation was established by two epic journeys he
made in the 1940s across the Rub Al-Khali, or Empty Quarter
– the most forbidding and least-penetrated region of Arabia
and explored the interior of Oman. Accompanied by his two
ever-present companions, Salim bin Kabina and Salim bin
Ghabaisha, and other Bedu guides and hunters, the barefoot
explorer achieved what few believed was possible. His travels
from Abyssinia to Arabia to Afghanistan in the company of
some of the world’s little-known and misunderstood tribes,”
articles on him say. Sir Wilfred had always said that his
fondest memories were of the five years he spent in Arabia,
which he described as “the most important years of my life
… the happiest period,” travelling from Hadhramaut to Abu
Dhabi in the company of the Rashid and Bait Kathir, evading
parties of Saar raiders, and enduring gruelling long marches.
The blessed one from London
Sir Wilfred Thesiger was perhaps the last and one of the greatest British travellers among Arabs. Sir Wilfred, also known as
Mubarak bin London (the blessed one from London), was a British explorer and travel writer. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sir Wilfred spent his early years in Abyssinia.
He was educated at Eton and Oxford.
He was the first European to visit the Liwa Oasis ,
in the UAE, and was the first to cross the Umm al-
Samim quicksands, the so-called 'mother of poison'
in Oman, a report says. He was one of the first
Europeans to cross the Empty Quarter.
His journeys have won him acclaim – the Founder’s
Medal of the Royal Geographical Society, the
Lawrence of Arabia Medal of the Royal Central
Asian Society, the Livingstone Medal of the Royal
Scottish Geographical Society and his writing also
won him the Heinemann Award and the Fellowship
of the Royal Society of Literature. He has been
made an honorary D.Litt. by Leicester University
and University of Bath, an Honorary Fellow of the
British Academy etc. He was made CBE in 1968 and
received a knighthood in 1995.
Sir Wilfred died in 2003.
His exploits have inspired many others and the
current one to follow in his footsteps is Ahmed bin
Haroub bin Hamed Al Mahruqi.
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Do you think differently...By Dr CK Anchan
Dr Anchan C.K.
managing director,
World Wide Business House
In this fast changing world we need to balance how
to think differently with how to grow expertise. The
reality is to think differently we need to be good
at thinking. To think differently you need to be
conscious of where your intellectual and emotional
energies are invested and when to switch. But to
think differently you have to think well. Being smart
becomes your platform, your expertise. To do
that though we need to change something that is
fundamental to how we function.
You need to put yourself into situations that expose
the singular elements of your thinking, so you
can grow multiple perspectives. The world’s most
successful people have one thing in common:
they think differently from everyone else. Devote
80 percent of your energy to the most important
20 percent of your activities. Remember that you
can’t be everywhere, know everyone, and do
everything. And avoid multitasking: it can cost
you 40 percent efficiency. It’s important because
the very act of thinking differently stimulates your
logic and creative thinking and separates you
from the masses, thereby making it easier for the
right people to spot you and give you the right
opportunities. It’s not the easiest thing to do. It’s
important to stand your ground and think differently
from the crowd. You want to improve your logic and
thinking capabilities, separate yourself from the
masses and draw opportunities to yourself from the
right people who can easily identify you because
you’ve separated yourself from the masses.
Raise yourself from the average masses and
the right people and the right opportunities will
identify you and start coming your way.The best
thinkers plan ahead, while leaving room for some
spontaneity. When you’re strategic, you reduce
your margin of error. Simply having vague ideas of
where you are and what you want to accomplish
will get you no where. Henry Ford once said,
“Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into
smaller parts.”
Remember, it was Steve Jobs who jump-started
the now-famous “Think Different” advertising
campaign as a way to inspire consumers and
recharge Apple’s innovation efforts. It worked.
Reflecting back on the campaign, Jobs said “The
whole purpose of the ‘Think Different’ campaign
was that people had forgotten what Apple stood
for, including the employees.” And the best way to
tell people what Apple stood for was to tell them
who the company’s heroes were. The campaign
reminded everyone — consumers and employees
alike — that the “crazy ones…see things
differently”.
Put positive seeds into their mind every single day.
All of us wake up with sometimes random thoughts
that can debilitate. By proactively choosing the right
words and actions, some people overcome those
morning limitations set by the mind. They have
certain rituals. A morning run, meditation, prayer or
their morning cup of tea.
Accept imperfection. They don’t say, “It’s not a
good time right now.” But they do say, “It’s always
a good time right here and right now.” They know
the right time will never come to them. They have
to go out and make it the right time.
As a leader, how often do you think different?
How often do you brainstorm? How often do you
hunt for solutions in new environments? Thinking
different is easier said than done,it can transform
good ideas into great ones that might even disrupt
the world. We have found that most people can
actually do this reasonably well if they choose to
put in the time and effort that’s required to think
different. That’s what disruptive innovators do, day
after day. Do you? Can you?
Let’s work towards making 2014 a memorable one
by THINKING DIFFERENT!
Managem
ent
Talk
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Fun facts about
ottersKid
stuff
There are 13 different species of Otters found in the world. There is evidence that they have been around for more than 5 million years.
Otters are fun creatures to watch and they are highly intelligent.
Otters consume mainly fish but many people think that they eat plants and berries.
Male Otters are called boars, females are sows, and the offspring are pups.
The Sea Otter is the only species that have a shorter and less muscular tail. The others use it as a powerful weapon and to navigate their movements in the water.
Otters spend the majority of their time on land but many people assume that they spend it in the water. The exception is the Sea Otter which does spend almost all of its time in the water.
Antarctica and Australia are the only two places in the world where they aren’t found. While they tend to live in the cooler waters, they have been known to reside where the water is warmer and the land is sandy.
Otters are very closely related to badgers, ferrets and mink. They aren’t related to the beaver but they are often mistaken for them. They are also distant cousins of the skunk.
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"Under the mother otter," uttered the other otter.
They have the ability to create and use tools just like beavers, monkeys, and apes.
The average life span for an Otter is 10 years. That can double though with one in captivity.
Otters can have a tail that is a foot long. It helps to protect them as well as to help them steer through the water. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body.
An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food.
Otters love to sunbath during the day and they are very active at night.
They are they only known marine animals that don’t have blubber. They have their fur instead to keep them warm.
It can be hard to tell the pups from the mothers because the pups can be almost as long as their mothers at birth. Those that don’t know the males and females stay separated often assume this is a couple rather than a mother and a pup.
There are some great photos of Otters engaging in human behaviours including holding hands.
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Accidents are something that are waiting to happen,
especially when we are careless and let ourselves be
driven by sheer ignorance and apathy. But, even if we do
everything, we cannot at times, change the course of fate.
Having said that, we bring to focus the complaints of some
people out there who are, by all means, aghast at the
audacious and reckless behaviour of some lay motorists
in busy streets.
“Oh, when will they learn,” they lament, pointing out to the
road shenanigans of these selfish speedsters who throw
a peaceful street into chaos. Suddenly from somewhere
these mean motorists emerge and twist and turn through
traffic, honking and bullying over the slow moving ones,
mostly forcing them to make mistakes.
“Some of them come very close behind, honking in irritation
and urging them to illegally cross traffic, either while they
are moving or are waiting to move from the signal. Many a
time we are forced to move, making gross errors because
they breathe heavily down our necks,” an irate elderly
driver complained. They pleaded for better sense among
such road bullies and also said that such intimidators need
to be reported to the authorities concerned.
Let’s move to bring down
accidents
Road bullies need to be reported
We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Finally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you
some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fortnight, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:
Nit
ter
natt
er
Terrible road accidents that blighted the start of this year
pose enough reasons for a complete rethink and remake
of the existing do’s and don’ts of the way we operate our
vehicles on the road. Maybe we have not been affected but
there are out there people whose lives have been cut short
and whose families have to live with the loss of their beloved
ones forever. At least for their sake, at least for the sake of
the thousands others out there who are at equal risk, there
should be a full, complete, concerted move to bring down
the accidents here. If it means more stringent laws and if it
means more fines and if it means even bringing down the
speed limits or other extreme measures, let it be, say a
bunch or really concerned folks who are devastated by the
recent accidents that have taken innocent lives. “A move
has to be made and it has to be made now,” they plead.
While so many different organisations have sprouted to
fight for an ‘accident free Oman’, it would be great if all of
them team up for this common cause, instead of making
independent pursuits. Everyone says that something has
to be done, but then no one knows what that ‘something’
is. Hope someone is listening; hope someone out there
knows what that ‘something’ is.
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An organiser of a music and dance event received a setback
recently when the officials of the venue he had booked and
confirmed a month or so back suddenly did a volteface and
said they had to cancel the booking. The organiser had
already gone ahead with his event marketing and he had not
only announced the date and the venue when he suddenly got
this cancellation call from the venue officials. “It was less than
a week away when I was told that I could not hold my event
at their venue because of some official reasons and they gave
me back the booking amount. I tried to plead with them, but
they said they had no choice.”
Naturally, the organiser was devastated for all the preparations
were made and since the event was less than a week away,
there was nothing he could do but to postpone the event until
he found a suitable venue, which is not an easy task.
Is there a method to this madness? Lately, it has been a fad
for some, who have been invited to functions and dos, to
walk in late. Pretty late! These are people who are counted
on the ‘who’s who’ list anywhere they go and they do make
an important presence at these functions. Besides being part
of the glitterati, they are people with power and money and
they also have the ability to turn heads, which make them
important at functions, especially ones with a distinct social
flavour. Unfortunately, this knowledge seems to have gone
to their heads and they are deliberately walking in late, some
expatriate function organisers claim. Since these big shots are
also expatriates, there is decidedly a small anti wave against
this lot who are trying to show their might in their tardy attitude.
But, this gang seems to have their own reasons for coming in
late and if it is just to be noticed, well rest assured that they are
achieving that purpose! They are not only being noticed, now
they are becoming the centre of attention, perhaps enjoying
more limelight than the chief or special guests themselves.
Way to go!
Sorry, no venue
Method to their madness
(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on [email protected] or call 99218461)
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If a longed for wish inspires
you this week, look for ways to give
it a voice and you may find others in
the same emotional tune. Be careful
though during the weekend as the full
moon incites aggressive actions and
brings work versus home issues to
the fore. Watch it.
The moon in your sign
gives you an intuitive edge that
helps you acquire insight into
people, and your surroundings, but
you may still have to work around
an emotionally turbulent, explosive
situation at the weekend. This
definitely tests your ability to adapt
to change.
Use your intuition
and insight to tune into subtle
intangible signals in communications
and you’ll be surprised what you can
learn. Negotiations and interactions
cause strain mid week, but keep your
eye on long term ambitions and know
you’re working towards your goals.
The full moon mid week
stresses the good and the difficult in
taking care of yourself, partners and
family. Inner needs and outer duties
both qualify for needing a sense of
security, but a discordant Venus/
Mars square gives more sparring
than satisfaction.
You won’t get much off the
ground this week as plans you’ve
made seem to fall apart all around
you. Get your head and heart on the
same page when working out long
term goals with partners, but keep
your emotions out of the equation
when dealing with money.
Use your instincts and
psychic antenna to help you know
what to do and say for the best this
week. You’re restless and in the
mood for change socially, but will that
mean you have to change your circle
of friends too? I’d go cautiously if I
were you. Don’t burn bridges.
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 ARIES
CANCER
TAURUS
LEO
GEMINI
VIRGO
Horo
scope
JOHN JOSEPH TRAVOLTA (BORN FEBRUARY 18, 1954)
is an American actor, dancer, and singer. Travolta first
became known in the 1970s, after appearing on the television
series Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office
successes Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Travolta's
acting career declined through the 1980s. His career enjoyed
a resurgence in the 1990s with his role in Pulp Fiction, and
he has since continued starring in more recent films such as
Face/Off, Ladder 49, and Wild Hogs. Travolta was nominated
for the Academy Award for Best Actor for Saturday Night
Fever and Pulp Fiction. He won the Golden Globe Award
for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his
performance in Get Shorty.
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Ideas that germinate during
the day this week won’t actually
materialise into anything, but at least
you’ve got a blueprint for things when
the time is right, so it’s not all been
a waste of time. The full moon mid
week illuminates stress at work and
home. Be calm.
Making the best of a
situation this week takes imagination,
but since you that in abundance,
you won’t go far wrong. The mid
week brings a stabilising influence
and makes it a weekend of personal
fulfilment. Focus on the needs of
children or loved ones.
Creative thinking and
imaginative concepts will only work
if you take the necessary steps to
actualise them. It doesn’t have to
be this week, or even this month,
but keep them on the back burner
and be ready to swing into motion
when the time is right. Be alert.
Put off major decisions until
all the facts are in place, and don’t
even be tempted to share damning
opinions. You’re confident over your
intentions and your goals, but it’s just
getting the time right to put them out
into the collective, as you fear others
may react badly.
Emotional struggles
over financial issues seem to be
ubiquitous. Be realistic and try to
realise you can only tackle things
one at a time. Unstable moves could
deplete your security, so take your
time. Tackle the most pressing first,
then the rest should follow naturally.
The relationship harmony
and positive family interaction that’s
been building for weeks suddenly
takes a dip. Don’t back down just to
keep the peace, but neither should
you shoot from the hip before you
know all the facts either. You’re
walking a fine line, watch out!
September 24-October 23
December 23-January 20
October 24-November 22
January 21-February 19
November 23-December 22
February 20-March 20
starsLIBRA
CAPRICORN
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
MICHAEL JEFFREY JORDAN (BORN FEBRUARY 17, 1963),
also known by his initials, MJ, is a former American professional
basketball player, entrepreneur, and majority owner and chairman
of the Charlotte Bobcats. His biography on the National Basketball
Association (NBA) website states, "By acclamation, Michael
Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time." Jordan was
one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation and
was considered instrumental in popularising the NBA around the
world in the 1980s and 1990s.
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There is something beyond love. Beyond the mushiness, beyond the red roses, sparkling gifts and heady declarations,
there is a love that does not scream from the rooftops or indulge in other dramatic demonstrations. There is love beyond
this usual cacophony of Valentine’s Day celebrations.
We feel in this manner after having met a distinguished Omani personality, who, however brief our meeting, still managed
to convey the essence of love in a relationship and explained how true love
last forever.Despite the trials and tribulations one
would face in the pursuit of love, the real ones, those with true fire and strength and determination to weather the odds will win
in the battle of love. That is how people who truly love view it.
Maybe, that is not what many seek in this modern age. Especially those whose interests -- in almost anything -- are short-lived. For them, love is a transient feeling. Today, they feel ardent love for someone,
tomorrow, it is someone else. Love is a passing phase and they are in it for the momentary bliss. This feeling could be a sign of the times. But, let us not paint
everyone with the same brush. Amidst the noise of the Valentine’s Day celebrations, a man who has seen the world and is today content with what he has achieved and still continues to push himself to climb further heights slowly reveals to us what is
essential about love and loving. Dr Said bin Hilal Al Busaid, partner at Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co, who was a top former judge, and currently holding a very high governmental position, gives a whole new perspective of love in a proper setting of values. He has been married for
the last 27 years with eight kids (three sons and five daughters).
Vale
nti
nes
Day
Love teaches acceptance and tolerance: Dr Said bin Hilal Al Busaid
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LOVE UNCHANGED
Love should be a constant, stable word, he says quietly.
“No matter what era we live in, love is something that
would remain constant, unchanged. Its meaning cannot
change. But, maybe the ways to express love has
changed, or rather evolved over the years.
The young and the old are of course unified by the
essence of it, rather than the means of expressing it. As
an individual, father, husband, brother, friend, colleague,
and donning different roles in society, I can only say that
love is for all. Love is never ending and will continue on
forever for there is no end to it. Generation to generation,
the definition changes, but today, the only thing that can
connect us all is love. So when it is a connecting and
bonding factor, why celebrate it only on one day? We
should ideally celebrate and cherish love throughout our
lives with people that keep us in this world together. So
always keep love in your heart. It teaches you acceptance
and tolerance.”
TWO PILLARS OF LOVE: FAITH AND
TRANSPARENCY
Dr Said bin Hilal Al Busaid also noted that the value of
the gift to a loved one was not the important factor, but
the thought behind it. “You don’t have to prove your love
with expensive gifts and presents. Let the gift be the most
inexpensive one, more than attributing a reason or value
to the gift, accept and acknowledge the thought behind
it. You will realise the value and cherish the person more
than the gift given. I love gifts too, but the definition of
love cannot be limited to give and take or a one day act.
I believe that the two important pillars that keeps love
lasting is faith and transparency.
Faith builds healthy relationships. The more we trust each
other, our relationships will be transparent.
In a healthy relationship, there is mutual trust, and
there will also be a greater level of transparency and
accountability. We will know we are accepted and we will
not be afraid of being judged.”
The town is pulsating and ready to receive the Valentine’s Day wave, replete with a red-carpet of goodies to suit the occasion and the mood. Love is in the air and it is going to be expressed in so many different ways, through
the stomach, through gifts, presents and the like. Be it jewellery, chocolates, dazzling clothes, stylish shoes, exciting accessories and tantalising taste-buds
tickling dishes, life in Muscat will move into the Valentine’s lane to engage in this never-ending tribute to love and all that goes along with it.
However much we may frown down on the changing times, or the sheer waste of an exercise in celebrating just one day for love, a timeless, forever feeling,
one must admit that there is an array of goodies out in the market that can still woo the most recalcitrant buyer.
Let us take a look at some of the offerings in the market:
Pure Gold Jewellers has launched
a stunning range of heart-shaped
diamond pendants for Valentine’s
Day. The romantic collection features
a breathtaking double heart diamond
pendant with a suspended solitaire
in the centre. Created with a unique
patented technology, the charming
pendant is accentuated with sparkling
diamonds around the outer heart-
shaped border. The dangling solitaire
in the centre is a symbol of the love
that binds the two hearts together.
This pendant is available for OMR
169 from all Pure Gold Jewellers
outlets. According to Karim Merchant,
Ceo and managing director of Pure
Gold Jewellers, “Choosing a loving
gift for Valentine’s Day is no longer
a challenge with our wide selection
of diamond heart pendants. They
are a message of love direct from
the heart. Our unique double heart
pendant with the suspended solitaire
is the first of its kind and will make
for a truly memorable gift.” Pure Gold
Jewellers Valentine’s Day collection
also includes a heart shaped gold
and diamond pendant for OMR 145,
a beautiful key pendant showcasing
an open heart at the top set with
glittering diamonds for OMR 110
and a silver pendant with gold and
diamonds at OMR45. Also in the
collection is a unique crossover ring
with two solitaire stones signifying
togetherness. The gold and diamond
ring is available for OMR 175.
Pure Gold Jewellers’s diamond heart pendants for Valentine’s Day
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Join the InterContinental Muscat this Valentine’s Day at
one of their restaurants and enjoy a night of romance
with your loved one, says a press note from the hotel.
“Since Valentine’s Day is a very special day for all, our
executive chef Pascal has been busy putting together
mouthwatering delicacies at all our three restaurants,”
the note said. Señor Pico restaurant will make this
valentine memorable; enjoy a three-course dinner with
a choice of scallop carpaccio as a starter, roasted sea
bass, or veal tenderloin as your main course and to
finish it off with a chocolate feuillantine with a duo of
raspberry-mascarpone and or mango mousse. Or just
relax in Tomato with the beautiful romantic views of our
gardens and let Chef Mario spoil you with his tantalising
mouth-watering dishes, Jerusalem artichoke and hazelnut
Velouté, Ossobuco Ravioli or Mahi
Mahi plait, Finocchio allo Zafferano
and raspberry tiramisu and p assion
fruit coulis. Trader Vic’s celebrates
Valentine’s Day in style, with a
menu that includes seared tuna,
Ina-kaya with cilantro-ginger salsa,
passion sorbet with orange liquor,
plancha of scallops and prawns and
red velvet cheesecake with Raspberry fruit jelly.
The hotel has also put together a one night valentine
package, so why not take advantage of this OMR115++
for two people including breakfast and dinner buffet in the
Musandam Café & Terrace restaurant? For reservation
contact 24680000.
Mouth-watering Valentine delicacies at Intercon
Build-A-Bear
Workshop’s
Valentine’s Day
items
Online gift store - YallahOman.com
Amouage: jubilation 25 special edition
The Build-A-Bear Workshop - the
world’s only global company that
offers an interactive make-your-own
stuffed animal retail-entertainment
experience has got some new
products available for Valentine’s
Day at the Build-A-Bear Workshop
this February:
Fuchsia Hearts Hello Kitty (OMR11),
Big Hearts Bear (OMR10),
Pawrincess Bear (OMR11) and
Purrincess Kitty (OMR11).
YallahOman.com – Surprise your beloved with a flower or cake, by
ordering online at yallahoman.com, making this Valentine’s Day a special
one. For this valentine, Muscat residents can send flowers and cakes to
someone special by ordering online within Muscat city limits. Payments
can be done using credit or debit cards (PayPal) and bank deposit.
Top Option Trading chairman Abdullah Al Busaidi, launching
YallahOman.com said, “This is going to be the best thing in the city,
to shop from your home or your office, anytime, anywhere using your
mobile or laptop, to be delivered by our delivery partners.’
The House of Amouage’s special edition of its commemorative 25th
anniversary fragrance has been composed to unveil rare and unusual
top notes of Ylang Ylang, Lemon and Tarragon. Rose and Frankincense
characterise the heart notes that combine harmoniously with additional
floral notes of Davana. The fragrance is given depth and warmth in
the base notes through the harmonious use of Amber, Musk, Vetiver,
Patchouli and Myrrh.
JUBILATION XXV SPECIAL EDITION
The House of Amouage’s special edition Jubilation XXV has top notes
of Rose and Frankincense that fuse harmoniously with bold ingredients
such as Coriander, Blackberry, Orange and Davana. Orchid and Rose
continue the floral theme in the heart notes
and combine beautifully with notes of Bay,
Cinnamon, Honey and Clove to create
undeniable warmth. Opoponax, Myrrh,
Ambergris and Patchouli give a stunning
depth in the base notes, which are then
masterfully completed by woody notes of
Cedar, Moss and Oud.
Vale
nti
nes
Day
The silent swishing of the effortless unwrapping of the gift beautifully
decorated with the Tiffany bow and the peeping into the life size gift box at
my doorstep increased my heartbeat by 277 percent.
As I peered inside excitedly, happiness, at being able to live another year to
the fullest and hope, of positive experiences outnumbering negative ones,
immediately leapt up and embraced me.In the next fraction of a second,
love, from all friends, engulfed me in an expandable sheath. Just as I was
revelling in it I felt the divine steps of prayer, enveloping me in a warm
bright protective halo.
Then I saw retreating hazy figures of negativity, enemy of life and fear of
the unknown, a dampener for growth. The haze also revealed grudges and
anger, a constant source of energy sapping, bidding me goodbye, because
they couldn’t get a hold of me anymore. Even hurt, pain, pettiness, sloth,
greed, were beating a hasty retreat.
Ummm, this was amazing and then came words, hugging me and filling my
heart with unimaginable joy at the ability to write and attach pieces of me
and get love from millions of people through my writings.
Finally C-H-O-I-C-E-S filled up the room and gave me the ability to embrace
the good over the bad, happiness over sadness, success over failure.
I looked around and saw that all of us had received this magnificent gift box
of 2014 and now it’s up to us what are the gifts that we choose to take out
of this and what we choose to put back.
HAPPY NEW YEAR once again!
Till next time hugs!
Tiffany Bow gift box… for you and me
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
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Cookin
g
SOUPS!
Nothing beats the winter chill like a steaming bowl of soup. Here are few fuss-free apple soup recipes filled with good-for-you veggies and more.
No matter whether you like your apples sweet and fruity or tart and biting, you can feel good about eating these healthy apple recipes. Apples are a good source of soluble fiber, potassium and folate. So go ahead and enjoy them in good health!
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Ingredients:
1/3 c margarine or butter
1/3 c flour
1/2 ts salt
2 1/2 c milk
4 c gouda cheese, shredded
1 c apple juice
Method:
Melt margarine or butter in a
saucepan over low heat. Blend
in flour and salt. Gradually add
milk; cook, stirring constantly, until
thickened. Add cheese, stirring until
melted. Add juice; heat thoroughly,
stirring occasionally. Makes four 1
1/4 cup servings
Ingredients:
Fresh celery
2 large cooking apples
1 oz butter
60 fl stock
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
Salt and milled pepper
Milk to finish
Chopped parsley and browned flaked almonds to
garnish
1 ts soft brown sugar
Method:
In a large saucepan sweat off the diced onion in the
butter. Wash, trim and dice the celery, add to the onion
and continue on a low heat. Remove and bruises from
the apples and grate them into your pan, discarding
the core. Cook for a further 10 minutes before adding
the stock, seasoning and sugar – beware too much
salt if you are using a stock cube. Bring to the boil,
then simmer, lid on, for 30 minutes - don’t overcook or
the celery flavour becomes jaded and the colours dull.
Allow to cool a little before liquidising thoroughly. Pass
through a large mesh sieve to ensure there are no
stringy threads of celery remaining. Check seasoning
and consistency, adding a little milk if needed. Serve in
warmed bowls, sprinkled with parsley and the browned
almond flakes.
Ingredients:
4 Green apples
4 McIntosh apples
2 1/2 c Water
2 tb Lemon juice
1/4 ts Nutmeg
1/2 ts Cinnamon
1 c Light cream
Unsweetened whipped cream, for garnish
Method:
Peel, core and quarter apples. Combine all ingredients
except cream in saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer
15 min. till apples are soft. Puree; return to pan; add
cream and heat through but don’t boil. Garnish each
serving with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Apple and cheese soup
Apple and celery soup
Hot apple soup
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Psy
che
When you hit the
lows…Ok, January has passed you by and so has that
celebratory New Year feeling. Somehow it does not feel all that good and you have a feeling that you are not upto it a month after the celebrations. Especially,
in the afternoons, at work. There is a general low-energy episode that might often leave you drowsy
and heavy lidded. And to some of us, it may hit us almost every year
after the wave of the New Year celebrations gets over and the general low energy feeling sweeps over you
leaving you totally drained and down.
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If you are dealing with such an episode of low energy and if you suddenly
feel down in the doldrums, let us look at some of the simplest ways to get
you up and swinging.
While these are not earth shattering tips to follow, there are also some
don’ts to take care. Don’t reach out for a candy/chocolate bar, coffee or
energy drink for a solution. They are not solutions but stop gap relievers
that will still send you plummeting down the depths of grogginess.
Why do we have to fight fatigue in this manner? Why can’t we just look at
boosting our energy in very simple ways? If these steps are taken, then
you need not worry about slumping on your desk in a sudden attack of
afternoon burnout.
Now, let us begin: what do you do in the morning? Do you have
breakfast, or, do you skip it?
If you are doing the former, then continue with it, but bear in mind that it
is better if you have high fiber foods like oatmeal as it will keep you safe
from sudden hunger pangs. Hunger, as you may know, also leads to low
energy.
For the latter, there is simply no excuse why you are not having breakfast.
How can you skip the most important meal of the day? So, by all means,
go for a good, nutritious breakfast every day. If you do that, you will feel
not only awake, but also alert. It has been proved beyond doubt that
healthy breakfasts not only gives you a healthy morning, but sustains you
throughout the day.
Most often when you feel drowsy in the afternoon, just take a quick
walk to wash your face, then get a nice cool drink of water. Why, what
is the big deal? Water is necessary as your body needs fluids to make
it function properly. What happens is that every time we breathe, sweat,
and answer nature’s call, we are losing fluids. Now, what have we done
to replenish this? Most often, we don’t do anything. That is when you
would feel drained and fatigued.
Let us not get into the eight glasses a day strain, as most people are not
able to fulfill that task. But, there is no harm in drinking enough water to
keep the body well hydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, during spells of
low energy, go take a quick drink of water. It will wake you up for sure.
Stretch. Now, that is easier said than done and you can’t exactly get into
a yoga jig in your office. But there are certain stretch methods that you
could easily adopt. Today, yoga is no longer an esoteric practice. Some
of the postures are very simple and one should ideally take advantage
of the health benefits of yoga. And studies have also found out that the
practice can be an excellent measure against fatigue. So, why not try it
out?
Always have a box of nuts next to you. The best nuts would be peanuts
and almonds. These are rich in magnesium and folate (folic acid), which
are essential for energy and cell production. Eat them in moderate
quantities. But if there is a regular intake of these nuts you will surely be
able to keep low energy at bay.
This may be a painful process.
But it is essential if you intend to ever
live peacefully with acceptance.
For starters you need to come to term
with the fact that you are one!
You are not a mentally deficient entity.
But yes, you are an idiot.
Well, why change that? Be that idiot.
You’ll be fine.
Here you go: repeat yourself: at least a
minimum of 100 times
“I am an idiot.”
I am not exaggerating. Sometimes it can
change your life.
It helps. How do you know you are an
idiot?
You will know it when you see people
assume they know everything about
you.
When you start changing your
schedules for other people.
When you eat what others want you to
eat.
You will know it when you see people
taking you for granted.
When you cannot say no to someone.
When people use your things without
asking you.
When people don’t return what they
borrowed from you and think you forgot.
When you keep company with the
people who have no time for you.
When you fill in cheap raffle coupons to
win a luxury car.
When you start a savings account to win
billions.
When you buy four or more pieces of
soaps or shampoos or even cooking oil
to get a pen free!
When you shop for your favourite books
and don’t read them.
When you read reviews to impress
By Priya Arunkumar
Just the way it is!
people and call it research.
When your dog chews your foot
instead of your socks.
Ha! And you happily allow all this to
happen!
The list is long, not to mention the
emotional side.
The sunny side of being an idiot is
that you can attempt anything without
inhibitions! Even something you don’t
know anything about; once accepted
universally in your circles, you are
limitless. You can step out of your
comfort zone and don’t listen to any
of those wise men out there who
wants to make an intellectual out of
you.
Intelligence? What is that?
Tell them, you are what you are. Idiot.
Allow them to think that you are an
idiot.
You will feel free when you accept
you want to get out of the box, be
yourself and be laughed at, criticised
and judged. What is wrong with being
an idiot, anyway!
Be normal about it. Blurt out silly
things, and even inappropriate things,
or make a statement out of the dozen
slap-your-forehead mistakes. And
shatter your fear for what people think
of you. Use the word ‘whatever’ quite
often. Who makes that decision that
you are not allowed to be less than
perfect? No one, I repeat, no one.
Shrug it off when things go wrong.
The world is not a safe, predictable
place. Anything could go wrong
anytime. And no one will hold you
responsible.
That’s just the way it is!
Yes, be that idiot. You’ll be fine.
Hooked
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