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Vol.
1 Iss
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Octo
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6,
2010
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Dial 800 77 477Dial 800 77 477 p30
Hema Malini, Esha and Ahana LIVE p16
Celebrating women p51
Today at 8pm, doors open at 7pmFeaturing Hema Malini, Esha Deol & Ahana Deol
Dance for a causeIn support of:Mobile Mammography Unit & Home Away from Home initiative
Parampara – a classical dance presentation in Odissi and Bharatnatyam featuring India’s ‘Dream Girl’, Bollywood actress Hema Malini and her two lovely daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, paying
homage to womanhood and traditions…
Major Sponsor: Travel Partners:Co Sponsors:
Hospitality Partner:Special Celebrity Sponsor:
…
Special party ratesstarting from per person
8 October 21-November 6, 2010
I just got to read your ‘Bitter Batter’ section, it’s not only good to
know and get aware of the things happening around, but it also
helps to give a new direction to think! So, let us give a green signal
to bitter batter section from me, Great work!
Suchitra, Muscat
Green signal to Bitter Batter
The concluding part of ‘Nothing Serious about it’ (Hooked to life,
issue 21) reminded me of the following verses of the Holy Quran:
“...Let not a group of men scoff at another group, it may well be that
the latter (whom they scoff at) are better than they. Let not a group
of women scoff at another group of women, it may well be that the
latter are better than they, and do not taunt one another, nor call
one another with nicknames (bad ones), it is an evil thing to gain
notoriety for un Godliness after belief.
Those who do not repent are indeed wrong doers. Do not spy, nor
backbite one other...” (Surah Hujrat-Aayaat:11/12)
It is very true that most often we laugh at each others expenses.
In fact instead of undermining each other’s strength/weakness, we
should be like a wall of bricks supporting each other.
Our mutual love, compassion and relationship should be like the
state of our body, so much so that even when one part is afflicted
the whole body gets affected. We must respect everyone and
always avoid slandering or taunting people just for fun's sake.
Mocking of any kind, laughing at some one’s spoken words, any
kind of disabilities, dress, looks etc. are in fact serious social evils,
which could lead to grave mischief and enmity.
Such qualities are regrettable and we must avoid it in the interest of
a happy and healthy society.
Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi
Mocking is a serious social evil
8 October 21-November 6, 2010
9Black & White
Mail your views and opinions at
Reading about the Tilapia farming (issue 21) and then the ensuing letters
(issue 22) made me want to highlight some unique fact about a variety
of fish (which I read in a magazine): “The Australian walking fish is most
unusual. In the water, it swims just like any other ordinary fish. But on land,
this fish behaves as if it belongs there, for it actually walks! Its gills are bent
in such a way that it can stroll out of the water and even climb up into the
low branches on a tree and sit there for hours. This strange fish manages
quite well on land and even munches on insects it finds in the trees.”
Khalfan Said Al Harthy, Al Khuwair
Fish that walks?
This is with reference to the column Bitter Batter. The title for this column
should really be Bitter Blatter. Surely ‘blatter’ is right word to follow bitter
- it is also alliterative and means to chatter, or prattle on. ‘Batter’ on the
other hand means to repeatedly hit, or to place in hot, fried fat. Of course,
many of the bitter comments certainly suggest their writers would like to
repeatedly hit people by whom they are offended, or indeed place those
people in hot, fried fat, so perhaps I am wrong here.
However, ‘blatter’ has a second meaning, which is a bag or sack containing
air or water. Some of the comments also suggest their writers are full of hot
air, or are about to burst a leak from the pressure of holding their temper
against unreasonable situations or those unreasonable people who, as I
have said, they want to repeatedly hit or fry in hot fat.
So you have an alliterative pun, with an intellectual double entendre thrown
in for good measure. Also, the fall-out from such a burst could be called
blatter splatter, or scatter natter, or perhaps even clatter chatter.
At the end of the day, if all these writers are just talking into the wind,
perhaps they should be called blatherskites. Get it?
Of course, should the head of the international football association, FIFA,
ever lose his job, I suppose that this title of mine will belong to him!!
Just a thought.
Craig Bishop, managing editor, Wings of Oman
Change Bitter Batter to Bitter Blatter
9Black & White
10 October 21-November 6, 2010
Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC
Black & White
Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos
Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor
Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496
Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com
Editorial: [email protected]
Printed at Mazoon, Muscat, Oman
BPA Consumer
Audit applied for
December 2009
Xclusive
Cancer made us stronger
Breast cancer becomes traumatic
and painful only when it progress
to a chronic stage. Let us join
together to create an awareness
and protect our women
30
Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editor Priya Arunkumar
Work editor Adarsh Madhavan
Design & production Beneek Siraj
Photographer Najib Al Balushi
Advt. & marketing S M Azeiez, Ali Al Raisi
Swithun Fernandes
Conte
nts
Bitter Batter
Washing dirty linen in
public?
Scribes, worldover, face this
dilemma. Whenever they
attempt to break news, or
rather, dig deep and find out
facts that are stranger than
fiction, they are accused of
washing dirty linen in public
1416
42
How to evade pink slipA woman is everything
Celebrating women
51 Oman has been on the
forefront in ensuring equal
rights for its women and
Omani women have come a
long way: Top Omani women
speak to B&W
In today’s day and age, it is
better to expect the pink slip,
be prepared for the inevitable,
or at least work so hard to
avert the moment...
Hema malini says she is happy to be
a woman and would only want to be
a woman
11Black & White
I am in Musannah, Sohar, Nizwa, Wadi Qaran….By Adarsh Madhavan
Some people call and just ask: “Ah, where are you?”
I am in Wadi Shab, I tell them, looking out of my
office window at the Hatat House in Wadi Hatat and
disinterestedly watch a car reversing from the parking
lot.
“Oh Wadi Shab?” the caller will say. From the tone
itself I understand that the caller was impressed. Not
all scribes wander around in search of a story into
the interiors. Most of them cluster in the city areas,
enjoying the capital climes.
So, when someone goes out into the outskirts,
beyond the city limits, perhaps, it might sound quite
appealing…maybe, I don’t know, I could be just
assuming. Life is all about assumptions. And since
I lied to the caller and said I was in Wadi Shab, I
behaved as though I was in Wadi Shab and stopped
typing on my laptop. What if the man heard me type
and say, “Oh, you took your laptop to Wadi Shab?!”
“You will take long to come back from Wadi Shab,”
the caller asks me, as though Wadi Shab was beyond
seven seas. Uh? For a moment, I had drifted. Yes, yes,
I might take time… I am here to do a story, I pretend
as though I am actually seven seas away. All of us are
here,” I said, bringing my other colleagues also into the
safety net of distance so that the caller will not start
imposing himself on them with his calls and presence.
This has been going on since sometime now. Off late
I realised that the best way to avoid some people is to
say that I am not in town. I have become something
of an expert at it. This is better than ignoring calls and
earning a bad name.
Here, I am coming upfront and attending the calls,
chit chatting and then expressing the disappointment
that I am not in office to either meet or see them or
attend their functions. I would have really liked to meet
you, but you know, I am not in town, I am in Barka, so I
might be a bit late…
“Oh, you are in Barka? When will you get back?”
Oh sorry, i will be in Barka till late evening.
All a
bout
X,
Y &
Z
“So there is no way you can be here for our
product launch?”
I am so sorry, no, I will not be able to make it. I
would have so loved to be there, but no, this looks
like it is going to take a long time…
“What a pity, we were really looking forward to
having you there.”
Different names pop up on different occasions. It
can be Musannah, Barka, Sohar, Nizwa, Khasab
and even Salalah. Lately, I have tried the Al Ain
thing. Work had taken us to Al Ain recently and
now whenever I tire of the Musannah or Barka
thing, I conveniently use the ‘Sorry, I am in Al Ain,
I will be able to see you only next week’ line.
As in all lies, sometimes mishaps occur. For
instance, I will say I am in Sohar to someone and
our photographer, who normally, regularly, very
studiously, attends all press conferences etc.,
blurts out something else. He might say that I am
in Nizwa and then the host might wonder how
Sohar became Nizwa in a matter of hours.
Now, there are people who get confused. Like
the other day I told someone I was in Al Ain and
when I accidentally bumped into the man recently,
he asked me, “And so, how long were you in
Ajman?”
And that is when confusion would cast a ripple in
my already turbulent mind: Did I actually tell this
man that I was going to or was in Ajman?
I have not visited Ajman in years and I have
no clue how it looked like, or knew any locations
there…what would I tell him if he asked me
something about the place?
I have no clue.
Lies have a way of suddenly slapping you
and my only wish and prayer is that I don’t tell
someone that I am in Barka when I am actually
in office and the man walks in through the front
door…
12 October 21-November 6, 2010
Men h
ealt
h
Whatever their age, men are required to stay fit and
healthy. But, that is easier said than done. Where there
is a will, there is a way, so hang on in there and listen
to us a little bit more. Our little advice is that when you
go for your next checkup, please talk to your doctor or
nurse about how you want to be healthy regardless of
your age.
The time-tested methods to stay healthy are:
•Get recommended screening tests.
•Be tobacco free.
•Be physically active.
•Eat a healthy diet.
•Stay at a healthy weight.
•Take preventive medicines if you need them.
SCREENING TESTS
It is always better to have a screen test. The mere
word itself denotes the idea, you can get yourself
screened and it will help find diseases early when they
are easier to treat. Why should you wait till your disease
gets full blown and you are no longer able to treat it.
So get yourself tested. Talk to your doctor about which
ones apply to you and when and how often you should
be tested.
OBESITY: Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated
to screen for obesity. (BMI is a measure of body fat
based on height and weight.)
HIGH CHOLESTEROL: Have your cholesterol checked
regularly starting at age 35. If you are younger than
35, talk to your doctor about whether to have your
cholesterol checked if:
•You have diabetes.
•You have high blood pressure.
•Heart disease runs in your family.
•You smoke.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Have your blood pressure
checked at least every two years. High blood pressure is
140/90 or higher.
COLORECTAL CANCER: Have a test for colorectal cancer
starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide
which test is right for you. If you have a family history of
colorectal cancer, you may need to be screened earlier.
DIABETES: Have a test for diabetes if you have high
blood pressure or high cholesterol.
DEPRESSION: Your emotional health is as important
as your physical health. If you have felt “down”, sad,
or hopeless over the last two weeks or have felt
little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be
depressed. Talk to your doctor about being screened for
depression.
You can
at
STAY STAY HEALTHYHEALTHY
ANY ANY AGEAGEBy Faye and Henry Moore
13Black & White
PHYSICALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: Talk to your
doctor to see whether you should be tested for
such physically transmitted infections.
ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM: If you are
between the ages of 65 and 75 and have
ever smoked (100 or more cigarettes during
your lifetime), you need to be screened once
for abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is an
abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in your
abdomen.
DAILY HEALTH MANTRAS
Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, talk to your
doctor about quitting. Your doctor or nurse can
help you. Be physically active. Walking briskly,
mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, and
bicycling are just a few examples of moderate
physical activity. If you are not already
physically active, start small and work up to 30
minutes or more of moderate physical activity
most days of the week. Eat a healthy diet.
Emphasise fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs,
and nuts; and eat foods low in saturated fats,
trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added
sugars. Stay at a healthy weight. Balance
calories from foods and beverages with calories
you burn off by your activities. To prevent
gradual weight gain over time, make small
decreases in food and beverage calories and
increase physical activity.
14 October 21-November 6, 2010
Men r
ead
In today’s day and
age, it is better to
expect the pink slip,
be prepared for the
inevitable, or at least
work so hard to avert
the moment they are
going to use you as
cannon fodder
15Black & White
How to evade the
IN TODAY’S DAY AND AGE, it is better to expect
the pink slip, be prepared for the inevitable, or at least
work so hard to avert the moment they are going to use
you as cannon fodder. Sure, sometimes the writing on
the wall is so clear and legible, but then, the person
to whom it is addressed to – meaning you – hardly
sees it. That is when the danger rolls in like a distant
thunder and suddenly blazes outside your front door.
Of course, there are many who are savvy enough to
know when the job cloudburst might happen, and would
have actually saved for the rainy day, or sort of. They
would have been eyeing greener pastures much before
they have been given notice. These are the hardy lot
and they can escape the axe without a scratch. But, it
is the other type who need to get their act together; the
type who are so blind to the oncoming disaster and do
nothing to avert it. This piece is dedicated for them and
here are some telltale signs that you could avoid:
The writing is probably already on the wall…
IF YOU ARE NO LONGER IN THE LOOP
Okay, there was a time when you knew what was
happening in your office, down to the last and latest
gossip. But, suddenly, off late, you either don’t get
to know anything, or you are hearing news from the
freelancing office boy or the trainee. If you are out of
the news related to the company’s business and you
have no clue that your company – Yes, Your Company!
– has had a new acquisition, then you don’t need a
translator to read between the lines!
IF THEY ARE AVOIDING YOU LIKE THE PLAGUE
And on the same count, if people have been avoiding
you-like-the-you-know-what, all you have to do is to
immediately retrack/replay and check out the scenes:
Was Sam, your immediate junior, actually avoiding
eye contact when you asked what was the meeting
he was heading to that morning? Also, has everyone
stopped back slapping you, or stopping by and saying
‘hi’? When there are no 'his' it means that it is time for
'bye's'!
IF YOU ARE OFF THE HOOK
Well, you could heave a big sigh of relief, or then,
press the panic button. Ideally, in this case, it is the
latter you could resort to, because relaxing is like
sinking deep, without trace. You will suddenly find
that you are off all responsible tasks and you are no
longer the important man in the meetings and you have
basically nothing to do. Or, they might assign you with
some meaningless and ridiculous task, which nobody
knows anything about or want to do. But, then the only
consolation in this is that at least you have been given
the best tip about the lay off that any staff could be
given. Being taken off a responsible task and placed
into something insignificant is the 'be all and end all'
sign that you are in queue for the boot.
IF THEY ARE DOING PSSTTT, PSSTTT, PSSTTT…
During the better days, even you may have done it:
Stood in a dark corner of your coffee room and whisper
about the impending doom of a former colleague who
was marked for termination. Now, unfortunately, it is
your turn…You see your colleagues huddled in a dark
corner and whispering and the moment you enter, the
conversation changes…
IF YOUR OFFICE, CUBICLE HAS BEEN
DOWNSIZED
If you are in the firing line, then rest assured that you
will soon be moved around, and your environment will
be downsized. Of course, your morale will be down, but
when you are going to be out soon, the company is not
going to worry about your morale… Just understand
that if you are suddenly moved from your room or
cubicle to something smaller, then you are neither the
MVE (most valued employee) or even the VE (valued
employee) anymore.
PINK SLIP…
16 October 21-November 6, 2010
Om
an w
atc
h
17Black & White
Dream Girl,
A song on every Indian’s lips at one point of time… Dream girl, dream
girl…introducing the original dream girl, Hema Malini, the one woman
who was at one point every male movie buff’s fantasy. A lady, a
dream woman, who shone on the silver screen without the help of a
male star! There were actresses before her, during her time and even
now, today, but, there is only one Dream Girl – only one
HEMA MALINI!
And that is what she wants to be remembered as – no, not just a
dream girl alone, but as an all rounder, the Dream Girl said in a brief
tête-à-tête with the Black & White magazine, prior to the Parampara
charity dine and dance event, which is being held tonight to raise
much-needed awareness of the breast cancer cause.
Dream girl, dream girl, dream girl... Kissi shaiyer ki ghazal (some poet’s poem),
dream girl; kissi jeel ka kamal (some pond’s lotus), dream girl; kahi to milegi; kabhi to milegi (somewhere I’ll meet);
aaj nahi to kal (if not today, then tomorrow); Dream girl, dream girl… (*)
dream girl…dream girl,
18 October 21-November 6, 2010
Om
an w
atc
h
This dancer, actress, director,
producer, and of course, mother of
two lovely daughters vibrantly spoke
to B&W stating that “nothing is
difficult or impossible for a woman”.
“If she is a woman, she can do
anything – she is a multi-tasker and
nothing is impossible for her!”
She wants to be a woman, and
nothing else, she stressed in her
interview, adding that a woman was
everything.
And that is how, we want her to be
too – a woman, a dream woman, or
why not, a dream girl!
Excerpts:
In the hearts of many, you are still
loved and revered as the ‘dream’
girl. How does the dream girl feel
about it – after say, nearly 49
years in the industry?
When I joined the film world, I
was introduced as the ‘Dream Girl’
-- a tag that became mine over the
years. People loved and cherished
me. I cannot attribute any reason
for the same…maybe I looked the
part… I am honoured and grateful
that I have got immense acceptance
by the people, as Hema Malini and
as the Dream Girl.
You are best remembered for your
glamour, style and accomplished
classical dancing… what would
YOU like to be remembered as?
As an all rounder! As an individual
I have been blessed with capabilities
to handle multi tasking different
roles – as of a dancer, an actress,
a director, producer and of course
a mother… I can say I have been
fortunate enough to handle all the
portfolios to a successful level.
Many may think it is difficult, but for
a woman, nothing is difficult… she is
born with multi tasking abilities!
Parampara is a dance fusion
that is steeped in tradition. In
the sense, the theme is that if we
protect women, that act alone will
protect tradition – what is your
own belief in this?
I believe women ARE the pillars
of tradition of any society. They
are responsible for upholding
tradition because of their significant
roles in the society. By significant
role, I mean, not a job, I mean
her responsibility as a mother,
sister, daughter, wife… she is
the preserver of tradition… Most
importantly she is a mother.
It is the mother who instills every
little thing in to her children. It is
these children who create the
society tomorrow… so without
doubt, it is the women we have
to uphold, cherish, protect and
preserve… tradition will follow suit!
Once again, I have been fortunate
enough to have two daughters
who have followed my path. I can
very proudly say I have reared my
daughters the modern way, but with
traditional values.
Today both Esha and Ahana
are very modern in their attitude,
education, career, but both of them
value and treasure the traditional
values instilled in them, in fact their
classical dance performances are
just examples of how traditional they
are…
How is the Indian woman treated
in India today? Are they still
oppressed; are women still down
trodden and discriminated upon?
How much more do we need to
improve? What is your take on
that?
It is not just in India; in general,
not all women are treated equally
and with respect. I feel women
are a category that is still taken for
It is the mother
who instills every
little thing in to
her children. It
is these children
who create
the society
tomorrow… so
without doubt, it
is the women we
have to uphold,
cherish, protect
and preserve…
tradition will
follow suit
19Black & White
granted. But again, the societies
have evolved and woman has
travelled a long way.
Women who have the chance and
choice should stand up for others
who do not have. I believe it is the
moral responsibility of the woman
to support and elevate other ladies.
Education is a must, but, not just for
ladies, for the men too, so the men
can treat women with respect and
goodness.
Were you at any point
discriminated as a woman?
I have been blessed that I got
all opportunities and I never got
discriminated at any point…I am just
thankful to Almighty God!
What is your opinion on the
modern Indian woman? What is
she? Do you want her to be more
traditional?
Modern woman has evolved
tremendously. She is present in
all fields and successfully and I
believe she is balanced; she knows
her roots, her values and upholds
her traditions in the most balanced
manner. Traditional and modern
is a balance of life, I don’t believe
someone can be less traditional or
more. If you want to be a successful
human being, you should value your
traditions, while moving ahead with
modernity and progress.
What does being a woman mean
to you?
Everything! I am happy to be a
woman and would only want to be a
woman! No regrets and only pride!
Do you do a lot of charity dances
and how do you feel about doing
charity in general? And, what does
charity mean to you?
Charity is about giving... It is very
important. Most of my events are
platforms for various charities. I
believe the educated should take it
forward and give back to the society,
give back to the nation.
Esha and Ahana
are very modern
in their attitude,
education,
career, but both
of them value
and treasure
the traditional
values instilled in
them, in fact their
classical dance
performances are
just examples of
how traditional
they are…
(*) From the movie Dream Girl (1977). Co star Dharmendra. The movie was a
swashbuckling hit and the title Dream Girl became Hema Malini’s name for…well, forever!)
20 October 21-November 6, 2010
Om
an w
atc
h
Who and what is Hema Malini?
A happy and content woman, blessed in all ways. And a mother!
Are you both -- a reel or real-life heroine?
Real-life heroines are more important, because they face real-life
experiences. I believe I have done justice to both my roles, real and reel!
Do we need heroes – in life -- today?
Every society needs good people, who are responsible to themselves and
the society they live in.
Real-life heroines are more important
20 October 21-November 6, 2010
21Black & White
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www.omanonlinesearch.com
Coming Soon!
22 October 21-November 6, 2010
By Adarsh Madhavan
I have been giving this serious thought lately. So many
people have been advising me to save and I have also begun
to really sweat at the thought of a tomorrow with no money,
no honey, no nothing and am worried, really worried. Every
baisa saved is a baisa saved they say, so what the heck, let
me try…
If I am able to save a rial everyday, I might have something
to clutch on to when I am kicked out of my job or when I
am yanked back to my hometown. I am already visualising
an edge-of-the-cliff no-money scenario and it is making
me sweat. So, let me, make a last bit stab at saving some
money. For that, I have got to stop my spendthrift habits.
Most of those who know me say that I have a spending
problem, or let me put it this way: I might walk into a
supermarket to buy soap and buy everything else but that.
So, I have to cut down on my excesses on the shopping front
and well, many other fronts.
For instance, favourite among my weekly purchases is my
perfume; deodorants, body sprays, cologne, etc. So, let us
start with that. From this week onwards, I am no longer going
to purchase anything that er, reeks of perfume… Perfumes,
deodorants, body sprays are scratched out from the list. I will
even stop buying underarm colognes.
Since I spend close to an hour everyday for my morning
ablutions then that is an area that I am going to attack. I
promise not to take so much time and will slash it down by
90 percent. I will just wash my face, but will, stop showering.
I will get up, go to the bathroom, splash some water on my
face – all in the dark. I will not even switch on the lights. I
have this problem with soaps too. Many have commented
on the same, asking me whether I consume soap in the
bathroom instead of rubbing it to a lather on my body. Since
my mouth is full of bubbles, I will let this argument slip. So,
soap is out too. Only water will be used, and water is going to
be a luxury from now on. But, I am not going to discuss that
aspect here.
Oops, I almost forgot: I will stop shampooing too. And that
won’t be too much of a problem anyway because people
have been commenting about the lack of anything on top of
my head.
On second thoughts, I don’t know whether
they were casting aspersions on my mental
ability, but, I will let that pass also. My hair has
been a-going, going, going since sometime, so
there is no need to shampoo couple of strings
on top there. And since I will not need to oil
these strings either, I might as well cut all those
litres of hair oils from my list. My hair has hardly
seen any growth since the last few years and
that will also stop my two-monthly visits to the
barber. I don’t know how much I must have
saved so far by cutting all of these from my list,
but it is definitely going to be bushels of rials.
Now, since we are on the subject, let me also
look into only washing my teeth with plain water
and stop buying toothbrushes and toothpaste or
any kind of mouthwash.
I know I have miles to go and many promises
to keep in this saving list, but let me quickly
wind this up for you all must have got an idea
of the exact direction I am planning to take from
now on. Before I forget, let me tell you that to
save up on razor blades, shaving cream and
after shaves, my decision is to stop shaving
altogether. In case, my own family members
fail to recognise me, I will borrow a scissor and
snip what little of my hair that is grown and my
straggly beard.
I have many more items to snip on my to-cut-
and-save list, but, I guess if I continue on this
line here, the magazine that I work for might just
delete me from their list – just to save expense
you know!
O
ff the wall
Stop showering – save money!
the w
all
23Black & White
Omanexpo is set to meet the growing
demand for more vehicles and for the
aftermarket industry in the Sultanate and
the Middle East region as it gears up for
one of the biggest and grandest editions
yet of the Oman International Motor
Show. The 15th Oman International
Motor Show will be held from December
2 to 5, 2010 at the Oman International
Exhibition Centre.
‘’We are very excited for this year’s
Motor Show because it is attracting more
international exhibitors and a larger
number of local as well as international
car companies from different countries.
The AGCC countries have a diversified
auto industry and are highly dependent
on imports from Europe, America, Japan
and other Asian countries and this is
where we find the value of this event.
Here, we are providing an avenue for
sourcing new products and solutions,
bringing businesses closer to their
markets, and bridging the gap between
traders and buyers,’’ said Nasser Diab,
general manager of Omanexpo.
MOTOR SHOW 2010 in December
Nawras, introduced a new Quran service providing regular
Islamic recitations by Shaikh Mishary Rishad Alafasy, delivered
directly to customers’ handsets. The service is already being
enjoyed by almost half a million people across the region and
Nawras is now making it available for the first time in Oman.
For only 300 baiza per week, Nawras customers can receive
verses of the Holy Quran, prayers, sayings of the Prophet
Mohammed (peace be upon him) and the latest poetic recitations
from Shaikh Mishary Alafasy. On each day from Sunday to
Thursday each week, subscribing customers will be sent an MMS
(picture message) as well as an SMS link to allow content to be
downloaded and saved as an MP3 file. There is no charge for
downloading the MP3 file.
NAWRAS Alafasy Quran service
National Bank of Oman supported the ‘Save Energy
Oman’ campaign, launched earlier this year, by the
Ministry of Environment, to encourage corporates in
Oman, to take responsibility for the environment, by
implementing eight of
the top 10 energy saving
tips that are applicable to
businesses, in the bank,
and also continuously
encourages all staff to
practice the same.
The bank’s automatic
air-conditioning, is set
to 23 degrees instead of
18 degrees and the AC’s
are also programmed to
automatically switch off at
night, at the bank’s head office buildings.
All windows and doors are kept closed when the AC is
on to ensure the cold air circulates instead of dissipating.
Un-needed computers are also switched off, at the wall
sockets. The bank mainly uses LCD computer screens
and services all air conditioners on a regular basis and
endeavours to use energy saving light bulbs wherever
possible.
The NBO’s assistant general manager, Nasser Al Hajri,
who steer-heads NBO’s green campaign said: “It is
our prime objective to reduce electricity and the use of
paper, at the head office and across all our branches in
Oman, UAE and Egypt.
Each of us must make a conscious effort to contribute
in our own small way and help make ‘Save Energy
Oman’ a great success as well as a positive difference to
our overall environment”.
NBO supports ‘Save Energy Oman’
24 October 21-November 6, 2010
Word
pre
ss
Global
Exhibitions &
Conferences
LLC (GEC), an Omani event management
company, is all set to organise a series
of new events that would directly cater to
the needs of various industries, industry
professionals and consumers in the
sultanate.
The GEC is made up of a group of event
management professionals who have
extensive experience in organising a wide
range of high-profile trade exhibitions,
technical conferences, festivals,
consumer fairs, seminars and other
events.
The company’s management and staff
have all played a key role in shaping
the events industry in the Sultanate with
their previous involvement in many major
exhibitions held in Oman as well as in
other parts of the region.
“With our decades of experience and
proven expertise in organising various
types of events, GEC is all set to further
improve the exhibition scene in Oman
by introducing a range of new trade
exhibitions and highly professional
conferences that would be of great benefit
to all participants,” said C.J. Paul, general
manager of GEC.
Details at www.globalexhibitionsoman.
com or 968-24783800
Exhibitions & Conferences
to organise new range of
events
GLOBAL
GUtech launches its celebrations for the National Day by creating an
enormous image of the number 40 in Arabic. The German University
of Technology in Oman (GUtech) formed the largest panel of the
number 40 with the participation of 225 members of the university
(students, academics and administrators). Members of GUtech united
to express their thanks and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin
Said for his endless support and comprehensive development in the
education sector. All GUtech members gathered in the front yard of
the new university building that is located on Sultan Qaboos Highway
near the Muscat International Airport. GUtech’s participation this year
is a unique idea embodied in an artwork that would be displayed at the
university building in November.
National Day Celebrations
GUTECH
Micromax Informatics Limited (Micromax), Indian mobile handset
company, announced its foray into the United Arab Emirates,
Oman, Kuwait and Qatar, through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Micromax Informatics FZE. Micromax handsets will be aimed at
consumers across all segments with special focus on the youth
in the age group of less than 30 years.
The company has entered into a distribution arrangement with
2020 Mobile UAE LLC in the region who will distribute Micromax
products in UAE. For distribution in Oman, Molecules Group of
Companies has been shortlisted whereas Jumbo Electronics has
won the distribution contract for Qatar and Kuwait.
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Vikas Jain, business
director, Micromax Informatics Limited said: “Micromax is indeed
privileged to have consumer confidence, which has enabled us to
establish ourselves in India, in a short period.
We are very excited about the market opportunity Dubai offers
and we believe that consumers would appreciate our dual SIM
handsets, which would allow them to carry two mobile numbers
in one phone."
MICROMAX in AGCC
25Black & White
The sporting legend Saiyed Ali Sibtain Naqvi,
known for his yeoman service to the sporting
scene, both in Oman and India received a fitting
honour and tribute recently.
It was a very proud moment for the
septuagenarian to receive the Indo-Oman Sports
Friendship award from the Indian embassy,
recently. The embassy honoured Naqvi for his
valuable contribution for the promotion of hockey
in Oman.
Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, minister of sports
affairs, conferred the award on Naqvi at a function
at the Indian embassy. “It was a historic and
unforgettable moment for me,” Naqvi said, adding
that it was an honour beyond measure.
Sporting legend gets Indo-
Oman Sports Friendship award
25Black & White
26 October 21-November 6, 2010
Word
pre
ss
Omantel organised a blood
donation day recently in
cooperation with the Ministry of
Health’s Central Blood Bank at
the company’s headquarters in Al-
Mawaleh.
The one-day campaign received
positive response from the
company’s employees- males and
females- who hastened to donate
blood which reflects the employees
believe of the importance of
helping patients and accident
cases who need blood transfusion
and supporting the blood bank to
play its role in providing blood to
hospitals all over the Sultanate,
let alone the health benefits of the
donors.
Dr Tantawi Gabr of the Central
Blood Bank and supervisor of the
campaign indicated that he found
great response from Omantel
employees to the blood donation
campaign. He said, “We thank
Almighty God for the remarkable
success of the campaign and the
excellent participation of Omantel
employees, which reflects their
desire to contribute to serving
the community and provide noble
service to the blood bank, patients
in all the Sultanate’s hospitals."
OMANTEL
Blood Donation
The Oman Cricket Club (OCC) is
organising the Corporate Benefit
Cricket Tournament for the
Pakistan Flood Relief. Corporate
heads, CEOs, GMs will be
participating in the event.
The tournament will be held at
the Muscat Club Grounds at Wadi
Kabir on October 28, 2010 from
6pm onwards.
The format of the tournament will
be 10-overs a side to be played
under flood lights and with a yellow
tennis ball. A maximum of four
teams (15 a side) will take part in
the tournament. This event will be
presented by Khimji Ramdas LLC.
In addition, there will be support
from several socially responsible
corporate houses as co-sponsors.
Corporates will name teams after
their brands, which will add more
fun and frolic to the evening.
The event management
committee consists of Pankaj
Khimji, Khalid Said Al Wahaibi,
Kiran Asher, R. Vaikunth, Syed
Anwar Ahsan and Madhu Jesrani.
The event will be managed by NPA
Events LLC.
Contact 24793098 ext 225
/24787085/Madhu Jesrani
99337902
Pakistan flood relief benefit cricket tournament
The engineering division
of Renaissance Services
subsidiary, Topaz Energy
and Marine, has successfully
completed the construction and
delivery of a 12,400 ton deck
structure for an offshore oil
platform in the North Sea. Topaz
Fabrication and Construction
was awarded a $ 75 million (Rial
28.8 million) contract to built the
hull and topsides of the colossal
structure dubbed MOPU, or
Mobile Offshore Production Unit
and storage, from Single Buoy
Moorings (SBM) for its client,
Talisman Energy Norge.
Topaz Energy and
Marine delivers
gigantic offshore
oil & gas project
27Black & White
Pizza Hut launched Crunchy Cheesy Bites recently.
Crunchy is a marvelously unique Pizza. The edges, first
stuffed with string cheese, a combination of cheddar and
mozzarella cheese, are then cut up and topped up. And
what you have on top is more of yummy mozzarella and
heavenly parmesan cheese, with a generous sprinkling
of corn flakes that goes CRUNCH as you bite into every
piece.
“Pizza Hut has always been the fun place for families
that look to sparking great times together” says Anil
Khimji, director, Khimji Ramdas, and said, “Crunchy
Cheesy Bites is yet another example of Pizza Hut’s
innovative spirit, ever exploring ways to delight the
family”.
www.pizzahut-me.com or khimjiblog.com
Crunchy Cheesy Bites
PIZZA HUT
A fun-filled event was organised by Muriya Tourism Development
on the Sifah beach to officially announce the opening of ‘As
Sammak’, seafood restaurant. The outlet has been established
in collaboration with the ministry of tourism and Muriya Tourism
Development. The event was attended by dignitaries from the
Ministry of Tourism, stakeholders from Orascom and Muriya,
several clients and the press. Located at close proximity from
Muriya’s upcoming ‘Jebel Sifah’ integrated tourism development,
‘As Sammak’, meaning ‘fishermen’, will serve fresh catch by
the local fishermen that will not only allure guests with seafood
but also provide employment to the local community. Easily
accessible from the main road, the restaurant is well marked and
located on a pristine coastline that is not crowded.
AS SAMMAK seafood
restaurant opens at Sifah
Mohammed Al Tobi,
undersecretary of the ministry of
tourism launched 'Strongholds of
Heritage', a book on Forts and
Castles of Oman, authored by Dr
Patricia Groves and photography
by Jaap Croese at The Omani
Society for Fine Arts, recently.
Strongholds of HERITAGE LAUNCH
28 October 21-November 6, 2010
Managem
ent
talk
OUR OMAN is the
“HAPPENING”
place Dr Anchan C.K.
managing director,
World Wide Business House
By Dr CK Anchan
Over the past decade, Oman has been pursuing a
policy of sound economic diversification and sustainable
expansion. Oman’s economic growth has continued
its rapid growth, assisted by the government’s long-
term economic plan to diversify income sources. The
Sultanate’s infrastructure sector is primed to remain one
of the most active in the region, supported by strong
state spending and the economy.
The Omani banking sector continues to pick up,
and although forecasts remain relatively cautious for
2010, its forecasted for a steady recovery in 2011
and beyond. Oman is actively pursuing a development
plan that focuses on diversification, industrialisation,
and privatisation, with the objective of reducing the
oil and gas sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) to 9 per cent by 2020. Oman’s limited
water resources have led the country to focus on the
development of desalinated water. It is undoubtedly
the pioneer of independent power and water projects
(IWPPs) in the region.
Oman has been actively seeking private foreign
investors, especially in the industrial, data technology,
tourism and transportation, and higher education fields.
Industrial development plans focus on gas resources,
metal industrial manufacturing, petrochemicals, and
international transshipment ports. In 2009, Oman
spent about $16 billion on local infrastructure and other
projects, and this year the government has already
signed contracts worth $11.5 billion out of the $18.7
billion spending budget, according to national economy
ministry statistics.
Oman is well regarded as a place for conducting
business and it has, compared to other countries in the
Middle East, it got good relations with many countries.
The Omani government is set to develop infrastructure
projects with every economy sector benefiting from
increased public spending.
Oman is heavily dependent on oil and gas resources,
but high oil and gas prices or pricing in recent years
have aided in the building of Oman’s budget and trade
(imports and exports) surpluses and foreign national
reserves.
Oil and gas accounts for about 75 per cent of Oman’s
total exports. Oman holds positive outlook regarding its
further economic development over the medium-term
and forecast 4.4 per cent real GDP growth for 2010. It is
estimated that 38 per cent increase in export revenues
in 2010, 80 per cent of which will be due to oil and gas
shipments. This will increase in volume as well as in
price. The foreign trade surplus surged to a two-year
high of $1.6 billion, with higher hydrocarbon exports
pushing overall exports up 72 per cent from a year
earlier.
Oman's tourism sector aims to attract 12mn visitors by
2020. The tourism industry is expected to become one
of the largest contributors to GDP by then. The World
Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) expects the industry
to grow from 1.5 per cent of total GDP in 2010 to 2.4 per
cent of GDP by 2020. The contribution to the economy
by tourism-related activity is expected to increase from
7.6 per cent of GDP in 2010 to 9.2 per cent of GDP by
2020.
Oman has been investing heavily in tourism, especially
in infrastructure and airports. Three new airports will
be built to boost the industry and the government is
spending at least $3.2bn upgrading its gateway airport,
Muscat International Airport.
Oman specialises in ecotourism and first class tourism,
but increasingly it has to compete with other countries
that offer similar experiences for Western and regional
tourists.
Many firms in developing economies have suffered
from lower demand for their exports and a drop in
private capital flows. At the same time, businesses in
low-income economies on average still face more than
twice the regulatory burden that their counterparts in
high-income economies do when starting a business,
transferring property, filing taxes or resolving a
commercial dispute through the courts. Developed
economies have on average 10 times as many newly
registered firms per adult as Africa and the Middle East
- and a business density four times that in developing
economies.
Continued...
28 October 21-November 6, 2010
29Black & White
IN THE PINK OF HEALTH Breast cancer. Two words that evoke fear, taboo,
pain and death in women… No, that was a different
era. Not anymore. Because we have trekked a long
path since we have all been deeply frightened of
breast cancer; because so many lives were lost to
this dreaded disease.
We live in a different time and space now where
we are detecting more cases (thanks to more
awareness) of breast cancer and we are more
prepared to fight this deadly disease tooth and nail.
What maybe missing is an attitude change or a
reinforcement of our strength, guts and courage to
fight this deadly disease, made more deadlier by our
insecurity at facing a problem. But, like they say, all
problems come packaged with solutions. And today,
we have more chances to fight against cancer than
before.
Yes, we do not know what causes breast cancer,
but is that important? What is important now is to
detect it as early as possible and it has been proved
beyond doubt that breast cancer can be beaten by
early diagnosis.
And, I salute all, especially the survivors, the well
known ones like Yuthar Al Rawahi, founder of
NACA, and many lesser known ones in Oman. And I
salute all of those who have gone out of their way to
volunteer for this cause.
Special salute goes to NACA for spreading cancer
awareness and most importantly, bringing to Oman
the first-ever Mobile Mammography Unit in the
AGCC. Now, the major message that we, as Black
& White, would want to spread across is that breast
cancer, if detected early, can be actually cured! One
hundred percent! So, dear ladies, do not ever suffer
in silence. The NACA is there; the mammography
unit is there – for YOU!
And, we are there.
Yes, we do not know what
causes breast cancer, but
is that important? What is
important now is to detect
it as early as possible and
it has been proved beyond
doubt that breast cancer can
be beaten by early diagnosis
Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief
In Black...
& White
In B
lack &
Whit
e
Whatever the route that life takes you, whether it is a good
or bad one, we have to face it. So, if you have to face tough
times, do it courageously, without fear. Let us all join hands
for this cause and eradicate fear of cancer. So say ‘no’ to
fear and ‘no’ to cancer!
MEHBOOBA Indian movies, heroes and heroines were part of most of
our growing up years. I remember we used to have our
own favourite heroines and the list was long… Mumtaz,
Dimple Kapadia, and of course the dream girl of yesteryear,
today and forever: Hema Malini! She topped the list! She
was the dream girl and still is for many; Hema as Basanti
(the character in that movie) is unforgettable. For us,
in Oman, and perhaps in the Gulf, she was known as
‘Mehbooba’(beloved). We are happy that our Mehbooba
accepted this invitation to support us, to help create a stage
to take the breast cancer cause in Oman forward with the
Parampara dinner and dance event. October being the pink
month globally, B&W joined hands to create awareness
and help protect the women (mother, grandmother, wife,
daughter, aunt and cousin and friends) in our lives. Let us
hope that we raise the right amount of awareness and the
right amount of support for this great cause and before I
close, a dear wish: May you all be forever in the pink of
health!
29Black & White
B&
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30 October 21-November 6, 2010
31Black & White
CANCER made us stronger!”
“
B&
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32 October 21-November 6, 2010
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“You’ve got breast cancer!”
32 October 21-November 6, 2010
33Black & White
When that was said to her on April 1 – April
Fool’s Day, Zainab (not real name) wanted
to laugh it off as though it was a bad joke.
Some week’s back, she had discovered a
lump on her right breast and after the usual
tests, they called her one bright sunny
April 1 morning and told her those dreaded
words: You’ve got breast cancer!
Zainab sat there wondering whether she
was to laugh or cry. She did not know
what to do, so she did both. She gave off
a little laugh and then she cried. Even for
an experienced medical practitioner, it was
touching.
But, that must have been the only time
that she cried. After that, she may have
cried privately, but never ever in public.
It has been nearly six years now this
October. And, today, she wants to
encourage everyone to have hope and
to stay positive whatever the outcome.
“Because, I have understood that. Rather
painfully of course, but, as time went by,
and through all that I suffered, there was a
parallel positive ray of hope that enveloped
me. I am a survivor and I want all of those
who have cancer – any type of cancer – to
fight and survive!” she says.
HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU
“Even though I am unable to give out
my name, I am ready to give out my brief
story and I am happy to have been given
this opportunity too. I am a breast cancer
survivor and I have survived breast cancer
many a times.
But, I could not have survived it without
God, my family and friends. I went through
a topsy-turvy period where I had cancer,
then was cancer-free for sometime, then
had it again and this went on for nearly
20 years wherein I had breast cancer
five times. Yes, on most occasions, I was
scared stiff. But, I know God is with me. He
has always been with me and will always
be. And that is what I want to tell all of
those who have been afflicted with cancer:
God is with you and will always be. Thank
you.” A. H, Qurum.
DO NOT LOSE HOPE
“I am blessed. That is all that I can
tell you. I am blessed because I have a
wonderful man, my husband, who has
been at my side throughout my ordeal
and more than me, he has been fighting
my battle with breast cancer. But, I am
no longer afflicted with the trauma. I am
a stronger woman, made strong by the
invader within me.
And my beloved husband made me fight
my cancer harder. I have never seen a
more positive energy flowing from one
human being. So, this is what I want to
tell you all: do not lose hope, ever. Fight
the fight of your life; fight with all you got
and just don’t give up. And, we are all in it
together.
Thanks to all the resources we have
today in this country, even the worst
diagnosis has a chance. So, we are all with
you and let us take the pledge that we will
not give in, we will win this fight.”
Y.R, Al Khuwair.
HALF THE BATTLE WON
Sometimes, what a woman afflicted with
breast cancer needs is to have a survivor
on her side: to be with her, to talk to her, to
tell her about her own story and then get
her out of denial, fright and self pity.
That is half the battle won.
These women had someone like that,
and some of them had their own families
standing like a rock beside them. And, like
one of them said, it was their affliction that
made them stronger.
In a strange way, they needed a dreaded
disease to make them discover their own
strength and fight it.
So, do not despair. God did not give you
a problem without the means to solve it.
God did not give you a disease, without the
means to fight it. Your affliction will be the
spur needed to make you grow stronger.
And soon, you will be there to support
someone in their darkest hour, holding
their hands and leading them out of the
darkness…
B&
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34 October 21-November 6, 2010
The lady is swamped with calls. Most of them are to
invite her to attend women-related events and others are
staff and volunteers of her organisation who are seeking
her advice on various administrative issues.
One of them happens to be an apprehensive woman
who has a lump in her breast and is seeking support
from her. Moral support: Some advice and simply talk
and ease or rather share or lighten the burden. And, one
firebrand woman on this side of the phone is ready to
lend an ear as well as a shoulder for anyone who needs
that.
The above said is enough to mentally paint one of the
biggest crusaders for cancer in Oman – and this woman
does not need an introduction: Yuthar bint Mohamed Al
Rawahi, founder and currently the chairperson of NACA
(National Association for Cancer Awareness).
Yuthar, who had stepped down as chairperson,
has now once again taken the mantle. It is a huge
responsibility, but somehow, it seems to sit easily on her
shoulders. For, the last decade or so, Yuthar, a cancer
survivor herself, has not only been fighting a personal
battle, but she has also been battling to bring more
awareness and most importantly, an address, an edifice
that represent that fight against this deadly disease.
Thanks to her and many like her, the NACA stands as a
proud edifice, from where all the battles against all types
of cancer are fought today.
And, the other major breakthrough of Yuthar and
NACA is the MMU(mobile mammography unit), which
was introduced in November last year.
The mobile unit has become a major tool that will help
increase early detection of cancer and thereby reduce
mortality due to the disease.
Screening for breast cancer through mammography
has been shown to reduce mortality due to breast cancer
by approximately 20 to 25 percent over 10 years, among
women 40 and older.
The mobile unit is known to travel the roads of Oman
with the dual purpose of providing women access to
mammography screening, raising awareness among all
communities while also simultaneously allowing a mobile
expression of NACA’s supportive care.
Dial 800 77 477 for help
35Black & White
FIRST MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY
UNIT
“I can proudly say Oman has the
first-ever mobile mammography unit
in this region. With the help of many
corporate and well wishers, NACA
has a fully fledged mobile unit that
is accessible and free to ladies of all
communities. It is just a 10-minute
process. Any lady can just walk in to
NACA office and get it done, free.
“The unit had costs us
OMR355,000. It has the latest
equipment and facilities,” Yuthar told
Black & White. Earlier reports note
that the total annual maintenance
cost of the unit is approximately
OMR151,750 (although this could be
subject to vary).
The unit has set routes and
schedules and with support of local
women associations and health
centers around Oman travels to
reach out to the women in the interior
regions. “Currently, the unit will be in
Barka. In the past one year period,
we have screened over 20 women
and only four cases were positive.
After the initial screening, we give a
digitalised report to the person and
also refer them to Royal Hospital
if the need arises. The unit can
accommodate 30 mammography
screenings a day on an average.”
The programme actually targets
women, who fit the protocol laid
out by Oman’s highly-specialised
oncologists, namely women aged 40
and older.
B&
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36 October 21-November 6, 2010
Yuthar urged the public to
come forward and attend the
mammography session. What the
MMU sets in achieving is bridging
the gap for women who have always
found distance and time required to
have the examination as some of
the obstacles.
The MMU will ease access to
regular checkups and also help in
discovering the disease early before
it is too late. Psychological effect
would also be reduced.
An all female team of registered
radiological technicians with
advanced training in the discipline of
mammography are the unit staff. A
fully equipped examination room is
on board allowing for clinical breast
examination as well. The unit is
accessible to women with special
needs.
Yuthar noted that having an onside
digital mammogram in the MMU
was just as safe and confidential as
going to a fixed-site centre. Images
are transmitted to NACA where they
are read by specialised radiologists.
If lesions are suspected, the images
will be transmitted directly to NACA’s
oncology centres at Royal and
Khoula Hospitals in the Ministry of
Health as well as the Sultan Qaboos
University Hospital where further
analysis will be carried out and a
decision on whether treatment is
required can be made.
If the results of the mammogram
are abnormal, the woman will be
contacted by the breast centre staff
at NACA to discuss follow-up care;
if the results are normal, with no
signs of abnormality, the women
will be asked only to come for their
next mammogram. Early detection
is crucial, especially as one third of
all cancers, if detected early, can be
effectively treated (*), Yuthar said.
BREAST CANCER ON THE RISE?
Was there any reason to believe
that breast cancer was on the rise in
Oman?
“No actually I would say breast
cancer is not on the rise --
awareness is on the rise. More and
more people are going for health
screening and checkups. Women
today know if there is a node in their
arm pit or a node in their breast, they
need to get it checked. “Education is
on the rise and therefore awareness
is also there. Media has played a
great role. Celebrities, whom the
mass look up to, have come out and
spoken about their live experiences;
maybe we can attribute these
reasons to the increase in number
of breast cancer screenings and
registrations.
LONG WAY TO GO
“But, still, there is a long way to go.
More awareness should be there. In
the older days, many women died
silently, the life expectancy because
of progress in medical fields, have
increased. In the older days, people
died earlier. The lifespan was
less. Yes, in a way it is right to say
more cases of breast cancer are
registered. Probably, earlier more
people died of lung cancer or other
diseases.
MEN GET IT TOO
"We cannot blame anyone and
pinpoint to one cause. We can only
say lifestyle, the fast food habits, the
synthetic lifestyle, more cosmetics…
the deteriorating environment…
obesity. When estrogen is more in
the body, it causes breast cancer.
37Black & White
Today it is not just about women,
men get it too…
Till date medical science has not
found out the exact reason for breast
cancer. It is different for every case.
It could be lifestyle, genes, hormonal,
chemical or environmental,” Yuthar
said.
EARLY BIRD LIVES
“What are we trying to do? We are
trying to create awareness and give
women a chance and access to fight,
beat cancer. We cannot prevent
cancer, but we can cure it fully. One
hundred percent. But, only if it is
detected at an early stage. Early
diagnosis is a must. And for that
awareness is a must. More people
should get in to the job of creating
awareness. Like the saying goes,
'early bird catches the worm'… here
the early bird lives!”
YOUNG WOMEN AFFECTED IN
AGCC
"Breast cancer becomes traumatic,
painful only when it progress to a
chronic stage. Let us join together
to create an awareness and protect
our women. In the west, it is the
women who are 40 or 50 plus that
are detected with breast cancer,
but in the AGCC countries it is the
younger crowd. Maybe it is because
the percentage of the youth is more
in these countries," Yuthar said.
Research is going on.
FEAR IS THE ENEMY
“The taboo that surrounds breast
cancer is fear. People fear, and the
fear causes them to withdraw into
a state of silence and they suffer
silently. But this will only complicate
things. Fear will not cure cancer or
wipe it away. “This is a disease that
can be cured or you will lose it all. So
move ahead, if you are hit by it, take
it out of your system, fight against
the cancer. Today the medical field
has advanced so much that you have
choices and cure at hand,” Yuthar
enthused.
I AM AN EXAMPLE
Yuthar has trekked the long trek
from being a carrier to a cancer
survivor. She is one woman who has
braved all the odds and serves to be
an inspiration for all. “I had learned to
overcome the natural fears one has
of death that goes hand in hand with
a cancer diagnosis. I was forced to
face my fears, that experience alone
enriched me with strength, courage
and confidence. I learnt that many of
our fears are paper-thin and a single
courageous step would carry us right
through them.”
She also emphasised on the need
for early detection: “I am an example
that early detection and proper
screening can help you get out of
cancer! Once again I say breast
cancer is curable if detected at an
early stage. Let us not be foolish
and hide or run away from it. Let us
screen and keep ourselves in the
pink of health!”
(*)Call toll free number 800 77 4 77
for more information
B&
W X
clu
sive
38 October 21-November 6, 2010
In the breast cancer scene in
Oman, many myths abound. Some
believe that there is a local medicine
available for breast cancer. There
are also cases where patients have
resorted to wasams (burning the
skin of the affected area) and there
are some who leave their disease to
fate and don’t even get it treated.
There are many women who are
afraid of mammograms claiming that
they are very painful and some who
feel that needle biopsy could make
cancer worse.
DR RAJYASHREE, specialist
surgeon, Barakath Al Noor Special
Surgical & Breast Care Clinic was
reeling off some of the main myths
surrounding the treatment of breast
cancer to the Black & White when
she noted the above, adding that
it was imperative that such women
and their families get counseled
and weaned away from such health
deteriorating practices.
Excerpts:
How many years have you been
campaigning for breast cancer
awareness in Oman? Has it
been a challenging task --- how
successful are you in your
efforts?
I have been campaigning for
Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA)
from 2004, and by the grace of God
I have had plenty of responses and
managed to raise awareness.
Being one of the few female
surgeons in town, I started seeing
mostly female patients, and
mainly for breast checks, and
breast diseases. I found that there
are quite a significant incidence
of breast cancer cases among
women in Oman, and many were
very young between the ages of
22- 35- 40. I felt deeply for each of
my patient, and probably being a
lady myself, they were at ease and
it was easy to counsel them and
their families. Their comfort and
response made me eventually give
more importance and time to this
problem. I felt that many women
do not give importance to their
breast and health, and then there
is definitely a lack of awareness
about this problem, especially, the
myths and false beliefs etc, and the
social impression of “wanting to see
only a female surgeon”. All of this
can be overcome only by spreading
more awareness through lectures,
presentations that are in simple
and non-medical language without
instilling any fear.
So I have taken this as my mission
to spread BCA, and also opened
a clinic mainly for breast care
with female staff only. I have also
narrowed down my general surgical
practice to breast care and very
few other special problems that
demand a female surgeon. I have
been able to do my best for the
BCA. And through the institution I
worked with, I have been able to
work on my mission, in the form
of free breast checks during the
month of October every year, give
lectures and participate in seminars
on BCA, Importance of Self, Breast
Exam (SBE) to various women
organisations and institutions where
predominantly women are employed.
Yuther Al Rawahy through NACA
and Rasheeda, senior manager
AVON group are individuals/
organisations who have helped
me to lay down the foundation for
my passion and mission. There
have been many individuals among
my friends, and my patients, who
have also supported this cause
and helped me in spreading BCA.
Certainly being an expatriate, there
are a lot of limitations and also being
in a private clinic, but on the whole I
personally feel that against all odds,
even though it is like a drop in the
ocean, I am being able to contribute
to this cause.
So many rumours and
controversies surround breast
cancer -- have you encountered
the same here in Oman? What
are the main myths that Omani
women believe in about this
dreaded disease and how many
of them have you succeeded in
dispelling?
Women here, like in many parts
of the world, have similar thoughts
and beliefs. Many would like to be
examined by a woman only, but
once you counsel them well, they
accept being treated by men too.
Some believe that it is an evil eye
or black magic by other persons,
some feel that they have not prayed
enough and yet some feel that “why
has God done this to me, I have
never done anything to hurt anyone
or harm?” But most of the women
who are diagnosed, even though are
upset initially, slowly gain confidence
Young women are being afflicted with breast cancer
39Black & White
and strength to face the disease and
treatment.
Many women do not even go for
even a breast check, because they
fear that there may be something
wrong found?
Most women are afraid of the
mammograms saying they are very
painful – actually it is a momentary
discomfort, which in the hands of a
good radiographer will not even be
felt.
There is this belief that a particular
form of treatment – needle biopsy
-- will make cancer worse…this is not
true.
There is a belief among some that
there is local medicine available
for breast cancer, this has to be
clearly discussed and avoided. In
fact I have had a couple of patients
who had Wasams (burning the skin
of the affected area) on the breast.
Unfortunately one succumbed to this
(50 wasams on the affected breast in
the form of concentric circles).
Some of course leave it fate and
do not return for treatment. So such
women and their families need to be
counselled and compelled to move
away from such wrong treatment
practices.
It is natural to be concerned
about the treatment modality
like mastectomy (removing the
complete breast), but again, this is
not needed if cancer is DETECTED
EARLY. Therefore, the stress is
on awareness or SBE and regular
checks.
And, of course, there are
reconstruction facilities available,
which can be brought to the notice
of the patient. There will be hair loss
during chemotherapy, but, it should
be noted that this will grow after the
treatment.
Yes, there will be discomfort and
pain during chemo, but, all of these
are bearable when you consider the
benefit and outcome. All patients
need to be properly counselled, and
this will have a major impact on them
and their relatives.
Above all this, patients want to
go abroad for treatment, feeling
B&
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sive
40 October 21-November 6, 2010
that the facility is not good, but as
I mentioned, Oman, thanks to His
Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said,
has the best of facilities at the Royal
Hospital and the Sultan Qaboos
University Hospital (SQUH). As the
treatment may take time, it is best
to be with the family for support and
comfort, wherein, it is always better
to have the complete treatment in
Oman. Also, counselling with more
than one session with the patient
and the near relatives has been the
best way to tackle any of the above
problems, and mostly it works.
Have you seen young women
afflicted by this disease? Are
more and more young women
being affected now? Your
reasons…
Yes I have seen young women
afflicted with breast cancer. The
youngest of my patients were
aged 22 and many were below
30. There has been no evidence
of any particular cause or reason.
I am aware that research is being
done in many Gulf countries and in
Oman too to find out the reasons of
the incidence among younger age
group. The campaigns of spreading
awareness and the media have
been successful, so there are
more women coming for checks
especially the working group or the
40 to 50 age group. So the increase
in incidence of breast cancer in
women in Oman could be due to
more women coming for checks.
The other reasons could be due
to lifestyles – sedentary, dietary
(processed foods) or genetic, but no
single reason has been identified
yet.
Have you encountered any
unusual tale during your breast
cancer awareness campaigns
– any miraculous recoveries or
sadly, otherwise?
Each and every woman who has
had to battle cancer and come out
triumphant makes always a tale of
miraculous recovery. I see it as a
miracle and God’s blessing. And
in my endeavour, I have had the
blessing to see many such miracles.
However there have been a few
unfortunate ones who were either
presented at very late stages or with
complications.
Do you know of any youngsters
afflicted by breast cancer in
Oman?
Yes, I have an Omani lady affected
at 22 (four years ago) and some
between the ages of 24 to 28.
Overall, have you seen an
improvement in the situation like
from the time you had started
your campaigns…And how do
your foresee the future?
There are a number of private
hospitals that have come up with
the latest state-of-the-art imaging
facilities, and the government
hospitals have also developed
exclusive breast clinics. More
organisations are also involved in
spreading breast cancer awareness.
Certainly, all of this has created
more awareness among the public
and people come forward at earlier
stages of the problem.
You can suffer once, but, not twice.
But tell that to FAWZIYA HAMOUD
AL KINDY. She was afflicted with
breast cancer and went through the
whole treatment process, and then
more than a decade and a half later,
the dreaded disease came back, in
a much bigger and more dangerous
form.
THE FIRST ATTACK
“I got breast cancer in 1994,
and then I had to undergo partial
mastectomy, after which I went
through the whole process of
chemotherapy and radiation.
“But, at that time, there was no
oncology department at the Royal
Hospital, where I was being treated.
Of course, there was chemotherapy,
but no radiation, so I had to get that
done at a hospital in Al Ain. I was
in the hospital for nearly one and a
half months during which time my
health improved,” Fawzia Al Kindy,
producer and presenter at the Radio
Sultanate of Oman 90.4 FM, told
Black & White in a brief interview.
She enjoyed 15 years of good
health after which there was
You’ve to fight it yourself!
41Black & White
Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi
a shocking recurrence of the
deadly cancer. Even her doctors
were shocked because it was
quite unusual for such a long had
transpired after her first cancer
affliction.
DEADLY DISEASE STRIKES
AGAIN – AFTER 15 YEARS
But, even the discovery of the
cancer came about in an unusual
fashion. One early morning, she was
climbing the stairs at her home when
her foot caught in her abaya and she
plunged headlong down the stairs
and banged her chest on the floor.
Although she was quite shaken by
the fall, she gathered herself and
went for her work at the radio. But,
later she discovered that the chest
area where her earlier operation was
done had gone all black and it was
hurting. “It was during the process of
checking the blackened area, when I
was handed down with darker news:
I had cancer again of the breast!”
IS THIS IT?
Before she even had time to reel
from this shocking turn of events, she
had to undergo another operation,
but it was found that they could not
remove the whole tumor. “I want
to add here that my first cancer
was an early stage carcinoma and
the second was sarcoma, which
apparently is caused by radiation, or
is the side-effect of radiation. What
had happened was that in 15 years,
this cancer had grown slowly. And
I was in a terrible state. Because it
was a big size, I was given double
doses in order to shrink it down and
I remember there were times I could
not even lift my fingers. There were
some despairing moments when I
thought that ‘this is it’!”
NO MORE RADIATION
Finally, she was referred to the
Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, India.
“There, the doctors found out that the
tumor was located underneath the rib
and on the side. So, when they had
to cut it, they had to cut five ribs too
– the excised product weighed a total
of 5kgs (including the rib bones).
Since the rib bones could not be put
back, other deft arrangements were
made to rectify the damage.”
Fawzia Kindy said that she recalled
having a team of 12 doctors during
the operation, including cardiologist,
plastic surgeon, oncologist etc. “I
remember the cardiologist telling me,
post operation, that he had actually
held my heart in his hand and
protecting it during the complicated
operation procedure.”
Following the operation, there was
a hot debate between the oncologist
and the radiologist on the subject
of radiation, with the former saying
no to it and the latter saying yes.
“Finally, the oncologist ‘won’ and
it was decided that I will not have
radiation.”
Six months later, Fawzia went back
for a follow up at Apollo and she was
given a clean chit.
FIGHT IT MYSELF
But, the memories of those terrible
moments remain forever etched in
her mind. “It was not just me. When
such a disease attacks you, you
and your whole family go through
the trauma of fear and pain,” she
said, agreeing however that despite
all that, she had supreme faith in
God. “I just told myself that God has
given me everything and if He wants
to take it back, there has to be a
reason,” Fawzia said. She recalled
the words of an Australian doctor,
who after finishing the treatment, told
her: ‘Look Fawzia, we have done
everything. Now, it is upto you!’
“Although, I did not understand
what he meant then, I soon realised
what he was saying was that I had to
fight it myself! So, this point, stuck in
my head!”
CANCER MADE HER STRONG IN
A WAY
Although Fawzia went through
the whole traumatic process of first
cancer discovery, treatment and
then the long hiatus, where she
could even have naturally fallen
into complacency, and the horrible
discovery again, she still feels that
all of it has made her stronger in a
way. “Like I have said, I have faith –
unshakeable faith, which has been
reinforced in me because I never let
up on my prayers and somewhere
along the way, I gained confidence
to fight back, and to fight it myself,
without depending on anyone!”
MORE YOU KNOW, LESS YOU
FEAR
Faith is of paramount importance,
she stressed, adding that this is
something that all new cancer
patients should have. “And both the
patient and the family should not view
cancer as a death warrant. If you are
able to detect it early, then, you have
a great chance of completely ejecting
it out of your system. “Also, it is no
longer like before, there is so much
of information and so many means
to fight cancer, and you are able to
understand the disease better, and
when there is understanding, you are
able to fight the disease better.
“So, the first thing to do is to destroy
fear, and for that you need to keep
yourself enlightened about the
disease – the more you know, the
less you will fear!”
The first thing to
do is to destroy
fear, and for that
you need to keep
yourself enlightened
about the disease –
the more you know,
the less you will fear
42 October 21-November 6, 2010
She and her husband sashayed down
the… steps and strode confidently to
their seats. They knew all (almost all)
eyes were on them and so they made
maximum use of the exposure. They
made sure that their every move,
especially the lady’s, was seen by all
(especially the other ladies).
They managed to settle down but
not before creating quite a stir. Then,
when everyone thought that they
could turn their attention to the fashion
show that was about to start before
them, another couple came, dressed
to kill and not just that, but walked in
as though they were the couple who
were to sashay down the ramps. “No
harm in being fashionable, but, when
you try to, kind of, draw attention to
yourself by dressing too glamorously
and try to draw attention when in a
crowd, it can prove to be too tedious,”
a well-known socialite told Bitter
Batter recently. She is seen at almost
all fashion and social events in town,
so when she lashes out against her
own society ladies and their hubbies,
something must be really wrong, we
thought.
She feels that most of those who
come for a fashion show are more
glamorously dressed than the
fashion show ladies themselves.
“What is the point in holding fashion
shows when the people who come
to see the shows are better dressed
and more fashionable than the ladies
sashaying down the ramps?”
But, whose fault is that, we asked.
She merely huffed, puffed and
disappeared leaving a cloud of doubt
behind her.
When facts unsaid are revealed to the
public, they call it washing dirty linen
in public. Scribes, worldover, face this
dilemma. Whenever they attempt to
break news, or rather, dig deep and
find out facts that are stranger than
fiction, they are accused of washing
dirty linen in public.
When people are victimised and the
rich get richer by means that are
nefarious, and when some of us get
to know the various shenanigans
happening in and around the place,
you tend to want to blast it out in print.
But, then, somewhere down the line,
you realise that sometimes, the only
way of getting real news out to the
public is by washing dirty linen…
Do away with
fashion shows
Washing dirty
linen in public?
Nit
tern
att
er
We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Fi-
nally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some
offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal
for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fort-
night, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:
43Black & White
Is there rampant harassment going
on in the name of authority in some
of the expat schools here? We have
been hearing about such cases,
but since we don’t have the implicit
approval from the ‘victims’ about
even revealing the barest of teeniest
of the weeniest of details, we can’t
say much here.
Shall we mention some facts of the
ugly happenings that are currently
happening in your school, we asked
the harassed staff of a school here.
The answer was no.
No, because they were afraid that
somehow the blame would be
attributed to them, if we leaked out
the news.
There was this danger that even if
it was mentioned without revealing
any names, they would somehow
attribute it to them and blame them
saying that they were revealing
confidential school information out.
“We want some passes for the Hema
Malini charity show!”
That was a lady caller pouncing on us
without even a greeting.
Uh, we don’t have any passes. It is a
charity show and the proceeds – after
all expenses – are going to the NACA
(National Association for Cancer
Awareness), we explained.
“How much are the ticket rates,” the
lady asked, and we could notice the
change in the pitch of her voice. We
told her.
“What? You are charging that much
and how do you think we will be able
to afford it? We are about six people.
You think all six will pay this amount
and come? Why aren’t there any free
passes?”
Because, we explained, ad nauseum,
it was a charity event and charity
events don’t give out free invites.
She was silent for a moment and
then she asked: “Okay, so, now tell
me who are the sponsors of your
show?” She had deftly moved on to a
different theme.
Why, we asked with genuine curiosity.
“Because there will be someone
whom we know there who will be able
to give us free passes. So what if you
don’t give out any passes?! We will
know someone who is sponsoring
your show!”
We really did not have anything to
say that. And, of course, we did not
give out the names of the sponsors.
‘Victims’ say no
to publicity
So what if it is a
charity show?
(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on [email protected] or call 99218461)
44 October 21-November 6, 2010
Kid
stuff
•GIANT WATER LILIES in the Amazon can grow over 6 feet in diameter.
•THE LARGEST OCEAN on Earth is the Pacific Ocean.
•THE LARGEST INDIVIDUAL FLOWER on Earth is from a plant called Rafflesia arnoldii.
Its flowers reach up to 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter and weigh around 10kg.
•SAFFRON IS A SPICE that comes from a type of crocus flower.
•TITAN ARUMS ARE the world’s largest flowers at almost 10 feet in height.
Due to their horrible aroma of rotting flesh, titan arums are also called corpse flowers.
•PLANTS ON THE SURFACE of the Earth have existed for around 400 million years.
•WHEN AN INSECT touches the hairs of a Venus Fly Trap it triggers the plant to close,
trapping its victim before killing and dissolving it in acid.
•TULIPS HAVE A BRIEF lifespan of only three to seven days.
Amazingly, Tulips can continue to grow as much as an inch per day after being cut.
•CHRYSANTHEMUMS ARE one of the few flowers that can be cultivated bonsai style
•BROCCOLI IS a flower as well as a vegetable.
•SUNFLOWERS ARE able to soak up radiation
Tongue twisters
A good cook could cook as much cookies as a good cook who could cook cookies
Few facts on
45Black & White
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given
numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares
so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same
number only once.
SOLUTION:
5
9
6
1
9
8
17
3
6
3
61
6
2
45
3
7
8
14
4
6
4
8
5
7 2010
Con
cept
is P
uzzl
es,
Dis
t. b
y K
ing
Fea
ture
s S
yndi
cate
, In
c.
By Dave Green
Difficulty Level 8/10
By Thomas Snydermotris.livejournal.com
46 October 21-November 6, 2010
WADI KABIRBait al Zubair Bait al BarandaMarina Bander Al Bustan Palace HotelOman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al JissahSri Lankan School NHIPencil Building (Stationery shop)Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden OasisSana FashionsAl Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)
CBD AREA TO DARSAITAl Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad SultanAl Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving)Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD areaPizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower)Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD areaCentre point-SplashMuscat Securities market Times of OmanShell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton)OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM)KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – RuwiPalayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance OfficeAl Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High streetDamas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC CentreAir Arabia Office- Shanfari TravelsRuwi HotelGulf air building – Gulf air officeSaravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroomOTEMoosa Abdul Showroom – next to al JadeedToshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shoppingBadr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pmMinistry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom)Haffa House HotelAl Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait)Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx)Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx)Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shopAl Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic
Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD areaBank MuscatBank SoharHSBCStandard CharteredOman Arab BankHarmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks areaOTTB – Oman Travels BureauAir India office – CBD next to Costas CostasPapa John Supa Save – CBDWoodlandsBank DhofarHorizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels)Oman post office Lulu DarsaitKhimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen)Indian Social ClubMelody Music Centre – Next to ISMGerman Embassy – Hamriya roundaboutApollo Medical CentreComputer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot)Hatat HousePassage to IndiaBest carsHyundai/Subaru/GM showroomAl Asfoor FurnishingAhli BankShell marketing officeSEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda ShowroomSabco Head office wattayahNTT travels WattayahToyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroomLexusFord showroomShanfari AutomotiveWattayah Motors- VW showroomKhoula HospitalInstitute of Health sciences – opposite KhoulaKia showroom- wattayah
QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIRAl Harthy Complex- Pizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complexSultan Center Nissan showroomBMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centrePizza Hut – Qurum Capital StoreAl Asfoor PlazaKFCHardeesFono showroom next to Sabco centreShah NagardasSabco Centre- Barista coffee shop onlyAl AraimiPanasonic ShowroomNBO QurumAl Khamis PlazaAl Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shopMercedes showroom
CCC- StandCCC Al FairBollywood chatPizza Hut – Qurum Second CupNandos McDonaldsSalman StoresJawahir OmanHamptonsBusiness Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) StarbucksHawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum parkMumtaz Mahal Left bankOman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20)Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- standOasis by the sea - crepe café standLNG OfficeAl Qurum resortBareek Al Shatti ComplexAl Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin DonutsAl Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotelHotel RamadaAl Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schoolsGrand Hyatt MuscatAl Masa MallRadio ShackAl Sarooj ComplexShell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al FairRamee GuestlineRock BottomClassic Institute of Arts- next to Asas OmanAsas Oman ApartmentsCrowne PlazaCoral hotelQurum Pvt schoolPDORas Al Hamraa ClubOmanoil head office
AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBAELS – Al khuwair service roadBritish School Muscat – MSQBritish Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza HutKhimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fairFamily Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildgStarbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist FloorFotomagicAl Noor Hall Al JadeedEqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al KhuwairDomino Pizza Oman mobileSafeer Hypermarket Mustafa SultanSouk TechniaOmantelOman international Bank – Al khuwair main officeIbis Hotel
Park inn HotelFriendi OfficeMuscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams SubwayPizza Hut service road Ice Skating RinkNational Training InstituteGolden spoon RestaurantShell Select- Al KhuwairMcdonaldsMct holiday Inn HotelOman Bowling Center HalliburtonCafé VergnanoKhimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suitesAxa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair)Zakher shopping MallPAN Furnishing Harley DavidsonThriftyAl Amal Medical Centre – Dr BashirHotel RadissonPizza Hut Al KhuwairOzone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut)American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door)V KoolTAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex CaféAviation Club Restaurant
AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEBLulu Hyper market – BausharOman Medical collegeCollege for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, bausharAzzan Bin Qais school - BausharMuscat private HospitalDolphin Village – BausherRoyal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTINational mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn)Oman oil AzaibaSpicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – GhalaOman oil – GhalaTowell head office – Enhance & Ist floorMazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell AzaibaOman Tribune – Al Watan officeNew India assurance Azaiba office Safeer HypermartNawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot InstituteGU Tech – Beach road AzaibaChedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate officeNACA – national cancer Awareness AssnMCC – Crepe CaféAl Bahja– Mood Café & food CourtAl Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip)Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip HotelAir portSelect Shell – SeebPizza Hut airportKFC
PICK-UP POINTSPICK-UP POINTS
MUSCAT
Cir
cula
tion
47Black & White 47Black & White
SHOPPING MALLSLulu shopping centerAl- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah)Dhofar shopping centerBab Al- Salam marketAl- Mashoor (Salalah)Al- Mashoor (Saada)Al-KhareefK.M TradingAl-Isteqarar (Saada)Al-Hoq super marketHamdan commercial marketFresh super market (Al-Sarat)Union Salalah MarketFamily bookshop
HOTELSCrown PlazaHilton Salalah Hamdan plazaDhofar HotelSalalah hotelHaffa HouseRedan HotelAl- Hanaa HotelBAMSIR hotelAl- Jabel hotelAl- Nile suite (Saada)Salalah Mariott
MINISTRIESMinistry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of educationMinistry of defenseMinistry of housing & electricityMinistry of waterMinistry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah)Ministry of primary court and justiceMinistry of Commerce & industryDhofar municipality (Baladia)Ministry of man power
PETROL STATIONS, BANKSShanfari filling Stationshell select, al saadaOman oilShell SalalahBank MuscatOmantelOman Arab BankPizza hutDhofar UniversityAl Maha souk
OIB, NizwaOIB, FirqBankMuscat, NizwaBM main branch, NizwaBankMuscat, FirqNBO, NizwaNBO, FirqBank AbudhabiToyotaOTEOmantelNawrasKhimji, NizwaKhimji, IzkiMuscat Bakery, NizwaPizza HutDiscount centreFamily shoppingAl Diyar HotelSafari hotelAl-Nif shopping, IzkiHungery Bunny, NizwaCollege of ScienceCollege of TechnicNizwa Medical CollegeBusmath ClinicThalal ClinicOmanoil, IzkiOmanoil, FirqOmanoil, NizwaOmanoil, MarfaShell, IzkiShell, FirqShell, NizwaAl-Maha, FirqNizwa university -Dept of foreign langAl-Maha, Marfa
Lulu hyper marketSafeer CentreAl Nahda resortAl Maha SoukOman Oil RumaisOman College of managementOIBNBOBank MuscatShellOTESARCONissan showroomOmantel
MUSCAT continued...
MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB
SALALAH NIZWA
BARKA
SOHAR
SURAl-HasharLNGLNG, Club SurSur Beach HotelSur UniversityOTE, SurMitsibushiRawaya coffee shopToyotaNissanSur Plaza HotelMazdaKhimjiOmantelPrivate Hospital, SurBankMuscatSur HotelNBO, SurBank Dhofar, SurELS, Sur
Muscat golf hills, SEEBKOMSQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3- Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area)Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ officeCaledonian college – principal’s officeOman Foot ball association
RUSAYL AREARusayl Industrial EstateOman CablesSadolin PaintsJotun PaintsAl waqia shoesMehdi FoodsAreej veg oils
MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIRMinistry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG)Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct)Ministry of foreign affairs
Spicy Village RestaurantLulu HypermarketJumeirah Shopping CentreKhimji’s MartAl Salem shoppingCentrepointMoosa Abdul Rahman – GMCToyotaNissanMitsubishiLG showroomSohar BakerySohar UniversityBank MuscatHabib BankBank SoharOman International BankAl Raffah HospitalBadr Al SamaaOman Arab BankBank DhofarHSBCTravel CityNational Travels and ToursUniversal Travels and TourismDHLDhofar InsuranceAl Ahlia InsuranceTaeeger Finance CoOmantelAl Jazeera GroupNarenjee Hirjee (International)
Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697
FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINEAVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN ON 7TH & 21ST
20, 500 COPIES (BEING AUDITED)
48 October 21-November 6, 2010
Horo
scope
You will soon experience
powerful emotional
expansion in your life. Loved
ones will initiate open discussions
concerning family plans. Single
Aries natives should expect unique
proposals or quickly changing
friendships.
Expect business officials
or workmates to rely
heavily on your personality skills
with co-workers and customers.
Over the next three days managers
and bosses will be less involved
in workplace dynamics than usual.
Take the initiative and imprint your
personal style.
Bosses or officials
will silently judge your
input over the next few weeks:
stay active and open to unusual
suggestions. Use spare time to
explore new subjects or improve
business skills. Loved ones may
trigger memories of forgotten
bonds in relationships.
This is a positive time
for reclaiming lost ideals
in relationships and establishing
greater levels of trust. A recent
period of low energy and unclear
emotional direction is now ending.
Pay close attention to financial
promises.
Expect a three day period
of fresh social connections
and work expansion arrives. All are
positive and will bring rapid results;
so react quickly in order to finalise
new projects or partnerships. Home
comforts or shared emotions may be
highly affirming over the coming few
days.
Minor business or financial
restrictions may become slightly
annoying this week. Pace yourself
and wait for income sources to
slowly improve. This weekend
expect a previous romantic flirtation
to momentarily fade. Don’t be
unnerved; a break may be needed.
Watch others closely
for misunderstandings
or hidden motives: honesty will
work best. Work routines will
slowly change: business officials
or co-workers will soon request
completed paperwork or finalised
agreements.
Over the next few days
emotional dynamics in
long term relationships will become
obvious. Mid-week rest and restore
your creative energy: artistic
activities are now highly favoured.
You will experience powerful
insights or renewed faith in love.
Social or business
introductions will this
week bring predictable results. Use
creativity to further explore social
and business relations: others will
now respond to your work integrity
and unique approach. Mid-week
family discussions may refocus your
workplace aspirations
Expect others to actively
offer support and
reassurance. Some Virgos will
now reconnect with an old social
group or close friend. Welcome
all opportunities to explore past
emotions. Previous ideals or long lost
attitudes will soon be re-established.
Costly delays or
miscalculations
may also be annoying: remain
patient and check all paperwork
thoroughly. Attractions or new
social connections may now have
an unusual influence on long term
relationships
Pay close attention to
reoccurring emotional or spiritual
patterns. At present repeated
disappointments will bring
wisdom and meaningful romantic
change. Ask for extra social or
emotional support from family
members.
March 21-April 20
June 22-July 23
September 24-October 22
December 23-January 20
April 21-May 20
July 24-August 23
October 23-November 22
January 21-February 19
May 21-June 21
August 24-September 23
November 23-December 22
February 20-March 20
JULIA FIONA ROBERTS (BORN OCTOBER 28, 1967)
is an American actress. She became a Hollywood
star after headlining the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty
Woman, which grossed $464 million worldwide. Roberts
had become one of the highest-paid actresses in the
world, topping the Hollywood Reporter's annual "power
list" of top-earning female stars from 2002 to 2006.
Your stars
ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
TAURUS
LEO
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
GEMINI
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
49Black & White
Cookin
g
4949494949494944949494949494994994999BlBlBBBllBlBlBBlBlBllBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBlBBBBlBlBlBllBlBlBBlBlBllacacacacaacacaaacacccaccaccacaccacccccccacccccccacccacacacccaaacacccaacacccaacacacaccacacaacaccaccacccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk k kkkkk k kkkkk &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WW W WWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWhhhhhihihhihihihihihhiiihihihiiihihihhihiihhihihiihhhhhihhhhhhihihhhhihihhihihhhitttetetetetetttettetetetteteteteet
it up!WRAP
What do you have for lunch
when you are working? Wrap
sandwiches? Wrap sandwiches
first burst upon the lunch
scene about 10 years ago and
are variations of traditional
sandwiches; but the bread is
flat, and spread with a hot or
cold sandwich filling, rolled
up, and eaten out of hand.
Wraps are also a great way
to give leftovers new life. Get
innovative with wraps,
here are some recipes…
Ingredients:
•2 cups deli creamy
chicken salad
•1 tsp. chopped jalapeno
pepper
•4 (10 inch) flour tortillas
•1/2 cup frozen
guacamole, thawed, or
homemade guacamole
•8 slices cheese
•4 lettuce leaves
•1 chopped, seeded
tomato
•1 avocado, peeled and
chopped
•1 cup salsa
Ingredients:
•2 cups shredded cheese with jalapenos
•3 cups deli veggie salad or coleslaw
•2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
•8 (10 inch) flour tortillas (try the flavored kind)
Method
Combine chicken salad and
jalapeno pepper in small
bowl. For each sandwich,
spread 2 tablespoons
guacamole over each tortilla
to within 1/2” of edges. Place
two slices of cheese in the
middle of each tortilla and
top with lettuce. Spoon
about 1/2 cup chicken
salad mixture over lettuce
and sprinkle with chopped
tomato and avocado. Roll
up tightly and secure with
toothpick. Repeat with
remaining tortillas. Serve
with salsa. Four sandwich
wraps.
Method:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cheese, veggie
salad and tomato. Divide among the flour tortillas. Roll
up tortillas, folding in ends. Place seam side down on
ungreased cookie sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 10-
15 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with salsa or
ranch dressing for dipping, if desired. Eight sandwiches.
Chicken Salad Wraps Veggie Wraps
49Black & White
50 October 21-November 6, 2010
Why don't you become your own
best friend?
SHE
Do it like Jennifer
Just imagine you have a wonderful,
dear friend who is always there are at
your beck and call. He or she is always
available for you and whatever you do,
wherever you are, he/she is there for you
If you have been following her
progress, you will be amazed at
how Jennifer Aniston manages to
keep herself in such tip-top shape.
Although She must be around 41,
she looks just the same as she has
been in the hit Friends series
58
60
For
her
Celebrating women
51 Oman has been on the
forefront in ensuring equal
rights for its women and
Omani women have come
a long way: Top Omani
women speak to B&W
51Black & White
Celebrating womenA man and a woman are like two wings on a bird. If one wing is weak or broken, the bird cannot
fly. So, if a woman is weak, or has not developed herself, then the country, which has to rely on
both men and women, will suffer. So, it is important that both wings are equally strong. This is
the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who himself had once alluded women to flying
birds. It is with an idea of further empowering the Omani women that His Majesty the Sultan,
who has been the guiding force behind the gender equality and empowerment that women in
the country enjoy today, has designated October 17 as the Omani Women’s Day every year.
In commemoration of the Omani Women’s Day, the Black & White spoke to some top Omani
women achievers to learn about their current status and their future.
52 October 21-November 6, 2010
Omani women have come a long way
Excerpts:
Omani women can hold their
heads high because of the
backing by His Majesty Sultan
Qaboos bin Said – but do the
Oman women enjoy equal rights
and equal opportunities here?
Your take on this?
“I believe that we do enjoy equal
rights and opportunities. Several
groups and entities have fought for
decades to achieve equal rights
for women around the globe.
Thankfully, our country allows us to
practice a large number of the rights,
freedoms and privileges that some
are still fighting for.
The Omani woman has the right to
assume an active role in the political
and public life of our country and
perform functions in all levels of
government. Women in Oman now
also hold key positions in the fields
of education, employment, health,
and many other areas.
The nation is moving in the right
direction in giving women their
credit, but, now what more needs
to be done? Do you think that you
are now resting on your laurels?
There might be more that can
be done, however I feel we have
already come a long way with
woman’s rights!
Are women getting the chance to
shoulder bigger responsibilities in
the country’s growth process?
Yes and they have already done
so. There are so many female
Omani role models who have
paved the way for others to follow
in their constant efforts to continue
contributing to the country’s growth
and development.
Who or what is an Omani woman
and what makes her unique and
different from the women in the
rest of the world?
I am proud to be an Omani woman.
My generation has had the privilege
to enjoy the support and backing of
His Majesty to not only achieve the
best in our education, but also to
be motivated and driven to further
excel and grow in our careers.
These privileges have undoubtedly
played a fundamental role in the
development of our beloved country.
The Omani woman is a mixture of
heritage, pride, drive, and ambition.
Add to the mix their ability to build
their families and raise children. And
it is a fact that healthy, empowered,
educated women raise healthy,
empowered, educated children
who will make a difference in the
country’s future.
How may more miles would
women in Oman need to go to
achieve/ fulfill their potential?
I believe every year we have a
new batch of highly skilled and
motivated female graduates from
a number of backgrounds and
educational streams. These women
have the full potential to make
more of a difference and contribute
significantly to the empowerment of
women. Motivation and drive is the
key to women’s success and overall
accomplishments. The Omani
woman has contributed a great deal
to her country but there is always
room to do more.
What are the chances for women
to get into the Majlis A’ Shura?
Chances are high and it has
happened, thanks to the support of
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said,
women now have a tangible say
and are present in all sectors. I am
confident that the Omani woman will
have more luck in the next elections.
Oman has been on the forefront in ensuring equal
rights for its women and Omani women have come a
long way as far woman’s rights are concerned, says
Wisam Al Said, corporate affairs manager, Oman Oil
Marketing Company (omanoil).
In this interview, Wisam notes that women in
Oman hold key positions in the fields of education,
employment, health and many other areas.
53Black & White
Women are like flying birds
Women are no strangers to the
aviation field as they have played a
vital role in the growth of the industry,
although, for many their professional
experience was limited to being part
of the cabin crew.
In line with His Majesty Sultan
Qaboos bin Said's vision, our team
at Oman Air includes a female
avionic engineer and cartographer,
the first in the Sultanate and in the
Gulf region along with a number
of women working in managerial
and operational fields. It was
important for us to instill the belief
in our daughters that success has
no boundaries and that a career in
aviation is a reality and no longer
simply a dream.
In addition, the airline’s sustainable
growth strategy focuses on ensuring
that women are continuously
empowered by providing the
necessary training programmes,
career development strategies
and on-the-job experience to build
capabilities in specialised fields of
work in aviation.
From my personal perspective,
the advancement of women is
the responsibility of every citizen
and resident in the Sultanate.
Our communities have witnessed
Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Country manager, Oman Air:
“Over the last 40 years, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
bin Said changed the role of women in the country.
He granted us equal opportunities, protected our
rights and sowed the seeds of our success in a
nurturing and encouraging environment. He led with
the philosophy that women are essential partners
along with men contributing to the social and
economic development of the nation.
the positive impact of women
empowerment and the contributions it
has made in the different arenas. The
question now is how do we sustain
women empowerment and take it a
step further.
There have been tremendous
efforts placed in preparing for the
next election from conducting training
sessions, running and overseeing
the campaign, to engaging the whole
community. However, with that said
without the support of all parties
involved, little can be accomplished.
For women, it is never about
reaching her full potential, it is about
setting new and higher benchmarks,
the journey will never stop. His
Majesty called Omani women to take
advantage of all the opportunities
being provided to her, to prove her
capability and show her ability to
overcome obstacles. Furthermore,
he equated women with flying birds
and said: “A bird relies on both of its
wings to fly high in the horizons of the
sky. How can this bird manage if one
of its wings is broken? Will it be able
to fly?”
54 October 21-November 6, 2010
Endless doors have opened for us
We enjoy equal rights and opportunities and are
fortunate to be recognised globally for setting the
benchmark for women advancement in the Arab
world. We must continue educating communities on
the strengths and wisdom of His Majesty’s vision to
ensure equal rights are integrated in all facets of life.
I believe, as women, we will remain to take on
bigger and more challenging responsibilities, it comes
with the country’s growth and development. His
Majesty’s approach towards women empowerment
encouraged and enabled women to continuously
strive to reach new heights and milestones.
Once you believe that you have reached your
potential you are setting an invisible obstacle to
yourself. Therefore, I think we should view it not in
terms of how many miles one must go, but rather
have the perception of an endless journey that can
only get better if we believe in unlocking our true
potential.
Working at the world’s local bank, women
empowerment has never been perceived as a
policy, but a key driver to success, honouring female
contributions by customers and employees. From my
experience, I have witnessed that that each woman
that comes into the Organisation brings with her a
wide array of experiences and tools that will leverage
her talents and propel her professional success.
Leen Khattar Al Atassi
Corporate & Internal Communications Manager,
HSBC Oman
“With the constant support we as Omani Women
have been receiving from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
bin Said for the last 40 years, we have seen endless
doors open for us.
55Black & White
Shouldering responsibilities with men
Over the last 40 years women have been provided with the tools
and resources necessary to become active partners in society and
achieve their goals and aspirations including education, gender
equality in the work place as well as allowing the opportunity for
females to enter into professions previously dominated by men.
Today, we are a society that shoulders our responsibilities
equally, side by side of men, united to build a thriving country
inspired by a visionary leader.
Working at Vale, we believe that our actions are based on
integrity, respect for human dignity and citizenship. There have
been historic and groundbreaking decisions to take important
steps to promote women rights within the organisation. Vale
has set targets for greater employment opportunities for women
showcasing that they are the catalyst for change.
The industry sector in Oman is no longer a male dominant
business. Omani women have ventured into this field with
confidence, understanding that the hurdles faced were simply
opportunities.
As a human resources specialist, it gives me great pride to
stand witness to this extraordinary shift in the male to female
employment ratios indicating that women in the Sultanate not only
can reach their fullest potential but are encouraged to do so.
The mining industry prepared women to handle everyday
challenges thus empowering us to be real contributors to the
development and prosperity of this nation. Our female leaders
are the ideal role models for our future generations helping them
realise that an Omani woman is an essential component of this
country’s sustainable development.
Fatima Al Qutaiti
Human resources specialist, Vale:
His Majesty’s call for women to join the Sultanate’s
march to economic and social development in the
1970’s was but the first step in a path towards
progress, stability and prosperity
Laila, Omani graduate
student of Nizwa University
Peace of Mind...
We are always trying to find a particular time in which we can relax and
think deeply. And, we usually wonder when we can reach a state where
we can have absolute ‘peace of mind’.
Our work is quite demanding and there are loads of other pressure too,
but what happens is that because of all this, we tend to neglect to take
care of our inner peace - peace of mind - and not only that, but we also
feel quite stressful.
Now, it may not be that easy to reach that state of peace of mind, but it is
not at all impossible. It is really crucial to have peace in our mind. When
we feel peaceful in our minds, we are able to understand ourselves and
others around us better, too. Such an effect could bring real happiness to
us. Peace of mind becomes very important in this fancy life as it reduces
the selfishness that we may have.
Thinking about yourself and others positively is one result of feeling peace
inside your mind. Not to mention the fact that it helps in the control of our
mood too as we know so many people who are moody and often get quite
easily disturbed. There are still many positive effects that a person may
gain from having peace of mind.
There is one very effective way. It is meditation. You may have heard of it
but haven’t tried it yet. However, you better try it this time because you will
feel the difference even within the first time you practice it. Meditation is
one way of the deep thinking which should be practiced in silence. Maybe
in our homes we rarely find that moments of silence but if you try, you will
find it.
Or you could go out somewhere peaceful and quiet and practice it. Also,
after praying you may meditate and listen to your inner voice. That will
really help you to make the right decision and awake the inner power
within you. Try to mediate once a day and feel the real peace flowing
inside you...Feel the real happiness!
Of course, it is not an easy thing to do but try to be patient. You will feel
quite relaxed and very positive. So, what are you waiting for, go take a
break and think deeply, silently and positively. Enjoy each moment of your
life as it is the last moment and keep smiling. I wish a happy and peaceful
life to all of you dear readers!
By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi
Learn
ing c
urv
e
56 October 21-November 6, 2010
God is sitting on a high backed
chair dressed to the nines and his/
her demeanour and razor sharp
intelligence can give me a run for my
money. Instinctively I smarten up and
mentally prepare for the interview of
a lifetime.
God: Hello, I believe we need no
introductions as we have known each
other since sometime.
Me: Yes, of course. So what is going
on with the world today? Why is there
a complete emphasis on materialism
at all costs?
God: When man was created there
was no price tags attached on
various bodily functions. The brain,
arms, legs, the internal systems
like digestive and respiratory were
created free. Over a period of time
they have a diminished value and
when the human body, which is
priceless, is now being recreated for
a price –a better nose, slimmer legs,
you can imagine the importance of
money as a cure for all ills. There
is a belief that money can buy you
anything.
Me: Can money buy you anything?
God (wearing a bemused
expression): Sure. You can try and
see if it can buy you peace of mind,
truefriendship, unconditional love, a
mother’s love for her child, a calm
sleep. I think humans have coined
the phrase, "time is money", so just
wondering whether money can buy
you time that has already gone by.
Me (Very confused): If it can’t buy all
these things then why are we running
after it?
God (LAUGHING ALOUD): That is
the funny part. The best things in life
like sunshine, the air we breathe,
the trees that sway, the dancing
moonlight are free! Besides, I also
have a little joke that I have played
on humans I control birth and death
so all the money in the world can’t
buy you even one additional second
of time on earth. I have granted all
the priceless treasures to human
beings and all I tell them is to live well
and be human.
Me: Can you elaborate on that?
God: I’m afraid our time is up. So
maybe next time.
Me: (trying to hanker for some extra
time and then knowing by looking
at God about his views on time…I
depart gracefully, hoping for a
second interview soon).
Till next time from God and me
Peace, love and value yourself!
Exclusive Interview with God 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, www.vandanashah.com
Email me what you’d like to say on [email protected]
Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM
57Black & White
58 October 21-November 6, 2010
Shape n
sound
SHE IS A LEAN-MEAN-FIGHTING
machine and yes, she is one of the
richest women in the entertainment
industry, but that still does not
explain the way she looks. Jennifer
has a body that is the envy of
women half her age. So, there
must be a secret…well, today, it is
an open secret about Jennifer and
almost every magazine would have
harped about how good she looks
and why.
Why?
How does Jennifer ‘do’ it?
Here is how:
Apparently, Jennifer does not
follow any rigid detox diet in which
only brown foods are permitted.
However, she is a fan of Zone
Diet, which is a diet popularised in
books by biochemist Barry Sears. It
advocates consuming calories from
carbohydrates, protein and fat in
a fixed ratio of 40:30:30. This diet
has been under debate for some
time, but most devotees of Zone diet
claim that this diet plan helps their
weight loss success at reasonable
rates. Jennifer has been taking
Zone Diet to maintain her current
slim body shape. But, what is more
important is that she takes only good
carbohydrates, lean protein and
good fat.
JENNIFER’S WORKOUT
Jennifer exercises about three to
four times a week.
CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE
In a typical day, Jennifer starts
out with a five-minute warm up
and then proceed to do about 20
minutes of cardio. Sometimes,
she runs on treadmill; sometimes,
she trains on elliptical trainer. To
beat the boredom, during these 20
minutes of exercise, she uses 1 +
two alternate method – means, she
does one minute of high intensity
workout, followed by 2 minutes
of moderate intensity and she
continues alternating the intensity.
On the so called “high energy”
day, in addition to what she does
as mentioned above, she adds on
another 15 minutes of treadmill run
at six miles per hour speed with 1.5
incline platform.
YOGA
After the cardio session, Jennifer’s
muscle will have been warmed
up better for yoga poses. Jennifer
credits her lean legs, six-pack abs
and glowing skin to one woman –
her yoga trainer, Mandy Ingber.
Ingber leads her through five
sun salutations of yoga poses for
about 30 minutes. For every pose,
including bridge, tree pose, butterfly,
she tries to hold for 30 to 60
seconds (with 5 to 10 deep breaths).
After the yoga session, she does
five minutes of abs workout and floor
stretches. It is said that even during
film shooting sessions which starts
as early as 5am, she and her trainer
would be up at 4am to get an hour of
yoga before her long day of working.
Jennifer got into yoga in 2005, a
traumatic year for her when she
announced separation with Brad Pitt
after five years of marriage.
Yoga has not only made her strong
physically, but also built her mental
strength and make her always look
healthy from the inside out. In fact,
she feels that Mandy’s yoga style
totally changed her life. Here are
some of the main poses (created by
Mandy):
Do it like
Jennifer!By Tensie Wheelan
If you have been following
her progress like I have,
you will be amazed at
how Jennifer Aniston
manages to keep herself
in such tip-top shape. She
must be what, around 41
now…? She looks just
the same now as she has
been in the hit Friends
series, which came way
back in 1995.
59Black & White
TEMPLE POSE – TARGETS CALVES
Plant your feet wide, bend your knees out to the
side, and open at a 90-degree angle. Sink your
bottom down in alignment with your knees then
plié, squat, and hold for 30 seconds. Plié deeply
eight times, followed by eight quick, shallow pulses.
CHAIR POSE – TARGETS LEGS AND BOTTOM
Sink down as if you’re sinking into a chair. With
your feet aligned, hip-width apart, rock back your
weight from the balls of the feet to the heels and
shift your hips back. Align your knee over heels,
bottoms back, and peel your belly off your thighs by
extending your arms overhead. Do 1-3 sets. If you
really want to tone up, you can also do squats.
SUN SALUTE –TARGETS ABS AND HAMSTRINGS
As you the inhale, sweep your arms over your
head, and then as you exhale, dive forward
— a swan dive with down-hinging hips. Put
your hands on the floor and extend your chest
forward.
Step back to the top of a push-up and put
palms directly below your shoulders. Firm your
thighs and make sure your hips and shoulders
are aligned. Resist the floor as you lower to a low
push-up.
Scoop your chest up and arch into an upward
facing dog, keeping thighs on the floor. Roll over
the toes and press back to downward facing dog,
using your inner thighs and abs.
60 October 21-November 6, 2010
Shape n
sound
Why don’t you
become your
own
61Black & White
YOUR DEAR FRIEND IS there even
in the darkest hour of your need
(for that is when you need them the
most).
But, if you are an adult, your rose-
coloured spectacles through which
you may have been looking at the
world of friendship would in time have
got clouded over. By this time, you
may have sadly discovered that you
are often left high and dry at a time
when you are desperately in need of
someone. Just when you were hoping
that s/he would be there, when you
need them the most, they would ditch
you. Well, that is life!
But, ask yourself: why do you need
such a person? Why do you crave for
such a company? Is it because you
are a woman?
Of course, it could be that and more
especially if you’re like a lot of women
who would drop everything to help a
friend in need. There is this automatic
response to an emotional rebuff: “I
have always helped my friends when
they needed me, but when I need
them, they are not there for me.”
THERE FOR EVERYONE
From this would stem the theme
of our argument: you are there for
everyone; you’d drop everything to
be at the side of your friend. You
would have put your own friend on a
pedestal at the risk of your own peril.
But, how often do you pay yourself
the same respect? How often do you
look after yourself if not that way, at
least in a small way? So, how do you
befriend yourself, exactly? It all starts
with self-knowledge.
AMAZING ADVENTURE
And self-knowledge, or getting
to know yourself, is an amazing
adventure! Once you get to know
yourself and like and love yourself,
you would be in a different level
altogether. The usage of ‘love’ and
‘like’ here is not in the narcissistic way
or mere self love. It simply means
to accept yourself; to understand,
respect and appreciate yourself.
Most people seek happiness outside
themselves – they want more money,
a better job, more love- but there’s no
true contentment unless it first comes
from within.
When some people look within,
they don’t like what they see. Their
disappointment in themselves and
their self-hate may be masked by
habits of compulsive perfectionism...
criticism of self and others...or escape
into alcohol, drugs, TV, etc.
In order to be your own best friend,
you must learn to develop the same
kind of tolerant goodwill, positive
attitude and love toward yourself that
you feel toward people whom you
treasure as friends.
YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST
FRIEND
To put it differently, why don’t you
try to be your own best friend? Why
don’t you become the best friend that
you never had, or had and lost? It is
time that you become your own friend
– a friend in deed. If you notice, we
have never outgrown the need to be
loved and nurtured. We must simply
take over from our parents the task of
loving and nurturing ourselves...
Learn to give yourself the boundless
encouragement, kindly patience
and unqualified support that a good
parent gives his/her children. Forgive
yourself when you make mistakes
- and reward yourself when you do
well. Now, try to think of what makes
you fall in love with someone: how
genuine, sincere, and caring they can
be; the unconditional love they offer,
no matter what. Doesn’t that describe
how you should feel about yourself?”
Just imagine you have
a wonderful, dear
friend who is always
there are at your beck
and call. He or she is
always available for
you and whatever you
do, wherever you are,
he/she is there for you
She was only 10 years old.
She looked after me, cleaned my room and
folded my clothes and helped my mom in the
kitchen; so did her mom. Her mother was
our maid, but she brought her little girl along
every day.
She did not like to go to school, because she
did not like to sit in a place and study. She
wanted to listen to music and run around.
And she was happy doing it all. And she was
very naughty too.
She would hide my brothers’ socks, their
pens, and books and even lie to create a
fight between them. I still remember when
my second bro came home one day and
declared it is either her at home or him. But,
my mom smiled and said ‘her’.
That little girl did hell a lot of work, helped my
mom, much more than me and my brothers.
She would wait for us to return from school,
so that she could chat and play with us.
She was fast…in a minute she would take
my shoes and clean it up then and there,
carry my bag inside, take my lunch box out,
and slowly whisper… too much home work,
sister?
Those days, I was too little to even know
that a 10 year old worked for our comfort; I
only knew she came from an economically
challenged family and she needed food and
shelter.
And whenever I asked her to study, she
would say, why, I am going to grow up, get
married and have kids like my mother, I don’t
want to work in an office!
She used to tell me, girls are meant to do just
that, just clean, cook, wash and get married.
Of course, her brothers went to school.
I tried to get her to listen to what I was
reading aloud, and the only two words she
learnt from me in four years were a good
morning and thank you!
She said in case she needed help in English,
she would come to me, but she is going to
marry a guy who knows only Tamil! She left
us when she was a teenager or rather we
moved away when my dad was transferred to
another city for a short period.
Today she is the mother of three, her
husband had abandoned her and she takes
care of her kids by cooking at a government
school. I met her during my last vacation and
she came running to me.
She was very happy to see me.
She made me a cup of tea and took my
daughter along with her to show her around.
She was chattering away to glory and was
telling my daughter that she looked like me.
She had two daughters and one son and
predictably, the boy was attending school,
while the two girls helped her in her work…
I was amazed at her positivity, acceptance
and strength.
She was not bitter at all; she sort of explained
to me, life for a woman is different, not like
the men.
It is when a woman feels she is equal to
the man, she feels hurt and let down. For a
woman, her responsibilities start when she is
born, because she is born as a responsibility.
Men can be irresponsible; a woman can
never be…
And sister, don’t you think my kids are better
off with me, at least they will be fed and taken
care off!
Major statements from a lady who has not
even read a book!
This time, I was mature enough to tell her that
she has to get her daughters educated and I
was going to take charge of that.
There were tears in her eyes when I bid her
goodbye.
I had forgotten her over the years, and no, I
did not buy any gift for her.
Probably, because I never thought of her.
She was one of the people I had taken for
granted, just like all the other ladies in my life.
By Priya Arunkumar
A woman can never be…
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