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Suniel Shetty to champion Autism cause p43

An autistic child, like any child, possesses the potential for great achievements. Like any child, all it takes is love, respect – and a little extra understanding and support when they need it.

www.renaissance-oman.com

Can you see the genius?

Oman's first

comprehensive

online directory

More details: oos@blackandwhiteoman.com

www.omanonlinesearch.com

Coming Soon!

6 May 21-June 6, 2012

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC

Black & White

Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos

Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212

Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496

Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Printed at Oman Printers

Xclusive

Puppet power

The puppet can say whatever needs to be said without implicating the puppeteer in the

eyes of the audience. The potential of youth can be tapped only if you know which button to

press. Involvement is the button that should be pressed.

Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali

Managing editor Priya Arunkumar

Work editor Adarsh Madhavan

Design & production Beneek Siraj

Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza

Priyanka Sampat

Conte

nts

Meditate men, meditate

Men have to meditate –

meditation is not about

gender. Meditation is a way

of life; we need to tap the

vast reservoir of energy in us,

lying unused and untapped.

Special Celebrity Guest of Honour:

Bollywood star Suniel Shetty to give

away prizes at the Grand Finale of

the B&W Sudoku for a Cause event

on June 1 at Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

52

43

10

22

Too busy women, beware!

Sudoku

Women are so busy that it seems

like they are caught in some kind

of national epidemic. It is true that

women need to juggle between work

and family responsibilities, but if they

are so caught up in it, where will they

find some time to have a personal

life?

7Black & White

Show the power of your pen!By Adarsh Madhavan

Is the pen really mightier than the sword? Why not, it

could be, but I am just wondering about the power of

the pen in Oman. Not to mistake it for anything else.

I do not mean that the pen has to be used to fight

against the establishment, no. I mean it only in one

sense.

To do good; to right the wrong, yes, but more

importantly, use it to help, to change (for good), to

better ourselves, to assist someone in trouble, to

become a force that the community can depend on

when the need arises. Worldover, the power of the

pen is witnessed, not just in toppling the corrupt, but

in the sheer sense of assisting the weak; helping

the deprived; to calming the nerves; to bring in

confidence; to wipe off a tear; to bring a smile to a

face…

Can the pen in Oman be used for such a change?

Will it work? Will the power of the pen also work in

Oman? Scribes have a job to do here; they have

to break news; there is competition; they have to

look after their jobs, their career and they need to

make money; they are not here for charity…I agree.

But once in a month, just once…each one of them

can find a story from somewhere about someone’s

plight; someone’s misfortune; someone in dire straits;

someone in trouble; someone in need; someone

who wants a shoulder to cry on…is that too hard to

ask of scribes here? It may sound trite; it may sound

mushy; it may sound silly, but even if it is so, just

think of how one story that highlights one simple

issue, one simple case, one simple but true tale of a

man in trouble and make it to reach out to the public

domain; make other people read it; comment on it,

feel about it and make them perhaps open their eyes

and hearts to a tale of someone’s misery; someone’s

problem and if in someway they could help, that

would bring the winds of change that could develop

into a real storm of happiness for many. Each story

speaking of someone somewhere around here who

editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

is in some kind of trouble or is in some need of

help and when that is let out and many people get

to know about it, there would be a mass stirring

of hearts for that poor soul who needs help; for

him, it could be something major and something

unassailable, which in a collective effort would make

it possible. I don’t want to delve on the cases, or

even give examples, because the problems that

a man would encounter are too many and it could

be varied. But when a helpless man or woman’s

plaint is let out to the public, someone there would

be moved enough to act, to help, to assist, to put

the person out of that misery. It can happen. Why

the doubt; why the shaking of the head and why the

scorn? Try it out, there is always someone waiting

for the world to help them out their doldrums and

this can only be reached out to the public by a

scribe.

Yes, a social worker would take it up, and even

solve it, but to reach it out to the world, a scribe’s

help is needed and that is where you all come in.

Yes, you need to break that news before anybody

else; there is stiff competition and you have other

scribes breathing behind your neck, but don’t tell

me you cannot spare some moments to highlight

an issue of a poor soul mired in a trial that fate

has dumped on him. It can be anything, physical,

medical, monetary, mental…

While you win accolades and climb the ladder of

success and shine, just give a glimpse into the

man on the street; that poor soul in despair; that

poor wretch who has given up on everything,

including him; just pick up the thread and spread

the message; it may be of no benefit to you, but

someone somewhere will give more than a glimpse

to what you have written and perhaps be moved to

do something; perhaps may even have a solution…

Do it, at least for the sake of the man on the street

and show the power of your pen.

All a

bout

X,

Y &

Z

Parents with autistic children should never think that they

are at fault (Sudoku for Autism, May 7 to 20). I know it is

easy to say that and I personally know of a case where

both the parents believe that somehow they are the reason

why their six-year old child is afflicted with autism. It has

never crossed their mind that they have nothing to do with

the sickness of their child. But then the problem with autism

is that although there is awareness and although there are

people out there now doing all that they can to bring this

problem out into the open, very few people actually know

what autism is. Ask for a simple explanation on autism and

you will find that even the best-known doctors give out a

vague medical statement about autism. What is autism and

is there any way to prevent it? If not, is there any way to

manage it? We should address these issues first before we

make any further step.

Manitha Saunder, Qurum

There is no reason why parents with autistic child/children

should feel guilty. There is some reason why you have a

child. God gave the child to you and even if he/she is not

normal, then you have to live with that fact. We cannot run

away from truth. God has given us such children and yes, it

is a challenge, and let us all be strong enough to take up this

challenge. There must be a reason why God has given us

such a challenge. Instead of wasting time trying to find why

and why we are singled out, let us utilise the precious time to

look after and take of our special child/ children.

Nirmal K, Seeb

Communication between men and women, like Bill Cosby

says (May 7 to 21) is still in its infancy. I also agree with

the article one hundred percent. Men are from some other

planet. They don’t belong here. Somehow, they are not able

to open up with us and we feel we are hitting our head against

the wall. Whatever they say or do is never a response to our

queries. Men need to improve their communication skills big

time and let us hope it happens sooner than later.

Sangeetha Suman, Al Khuwair

First things first

Don’t look for the reason

We are of different species

Reader's

colu

mn

8 May 7-20, 2012

Mail your views and opinions at

editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

While we are on the subject of autism, let us not forget the simple fact adults

with autism often fare worse when it comes to work and educational experience

than people with other disabilities, including those who are mentally disabled.

Many studies have proven that young adults with autism do not have paid job

experience, college or technical schooling even after many years of high school

education. That is a very sad and scary situation and it is also a point that needs

to be driven across to the authorities concerned in Oman.

Salim Abbas, Wadi Kabir

Having a young child itself can keep you awake at night. So imagine the

plight of those parents who have children that are autistic. Such parents may

not be sleeping at all. Most of the autistic children have trouble reading and

speaking; besides this, they have difficulty in understanding social cues and

body language. All of this can make other people uncomfortable. Parents of

such children may also wonder about what happens when these kids grow up.

Great amount of work is yet to be done in this arena. We need to do more about

bringing awareness and also fight for a society that accepts autistic people and

give them a chance to integrate. Let us start now before it is too late!

Yasmin Mohammed, Ruwi

The yawning gap

Before it is too late…

9Black & White

10 May 21-June 6, 2012

Men r

ead

In a world where we are forced to live with nerve-wrecking

competitions and challenges each and every single day;

in a world where we are confronted by an explosion of

problems and difficulties, where stress is the byword and

pain is a necessary evil and confusion is the anthem,

life for even the tougher one among the lot, can crack.

There are people out there fighting mental problems and

suicide is on the rife and there is a real danger of even

youngsters catching the mental bug because the times

we live in is fraught with tension and some of us are living

on the borderline… So, don’t even ask the question why

meditate? Or don’t shake it off by saying that men need

not meditate? Men have to meditate – meditation is not

about gender. Meditation is a way of life; we need to

tap the vast reservoir of energy in us, lying unused and

untapped.

MEDITATE RIGHT

All you need to keep in mind is that, meditation is not just

closing your eyes and sitting in one place. It is improving

your concentration in a way that suits you. So, meditate

right in order to get a healthy mind, body and soul.

NO EXCUSES

Now, the biggest excuse you could come up with is that

you find it difficult to meditate and you had tried it so

many times and have given up on it. Enough with such

excuses... Just focus. First, close your eyes. Allow some

moments to pass and then slowly try to realise how you

are breathing. Focus on that only. Then after some time,

try to concentrate on each body part, yes, from your toes

slowly edge up. Don’t bother about your mistakes and the

problems you are having in your life. Forget about it for

the moment. You are not going to be bothered about your

doubts, confusions and the problems in life. Just focus

on now and your body. Breathe. You will find that your

feeling completely at peace.

RAY OF LIGHT

Now, without touching on spirituality and the like, just try

this form of meditating too.

Close your eyes and try to imagine an image of

something peaceful, very peaceful. Like flowing water. Or

better still imagine a ray of light falling on you. This will

help you develop a positive mind and will also let you stay

focussed.

FOCUS BETWEEN YOUR EYEBROWS

Yet another method is to close your eyes and try to

concentrate between your eyebrows. Keep your eyes

closed and stay focussed at this point. You can also keep

your eyeballs in a 25 degree angle. If it seems difficult

initially, place your index finger between the eyebrows

and try concentrating at a point on your finger. This will

also reduce the fluttering of the eyelashes and improve

your concentration.

CHAOTIC MINDS

The easiest thing in the world is to get distracted. Now,

add a chaotic mind to that and you will only be doubly

confused. Now distraction is not all that good for you.

So, you need to select a serene spot in your home when

you embark on a meditation spree. Chose a quiet corner

which has a blank wall. You can either close your eyes or

stare at a point on the wall. The only thing that should be

there on your mind is that you need to concentrate at the

given point and there is nothing around you that is more

important.

DE-STRESS AND ATTAIN PERFECTION

Also, give some time every day – after finishing all the

work that is – to go back into the activities that you

have done for the day. Or, if you are keen to do it in the

morning, then make a preview of your day and what you

should be doing. This was you can de-stress and attain

perfection.

MUSIC TO MEDITATE

Now turn to music. What you need to do is to get yourself

introduced to soft music. You can use music to meditate.

Meditate men,

MEDITATEDecrease in blood pressure, decrease in stress symptoms, boosting of concentration, brain power…in short, a healthy body, mind and soul is what you get if you meditate right. So, let us get rid of the misconception that meditation is not for men. Meditation

is not just for men – it is for real men!

11Black & White 11Black & White

12 May 21-June 6, 2012

By Adarsh Madhavan

O

ff th

e wallAs dirty as my cuppa

adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

He thinks I am a boy. Like him. The boy who makes tea

at the office. What he thinks, I am. I make tea. For myself

and others in my office. But, I also make my tea and have

it too. That is another story.

We often bump into each other in the men’s rest room

outside my office. He is from some company in the same

floor as ours. Whenever he happens to dip his tea and

coffee stained cups in the office bathroom sink, I would

somehow be reaching there with my own contribution. He

would glance at me, my cups, and give a wry smile. Like,

ha, I have almost finished mine; yours is going to take

a long time! And mine does. Even one cup takes longer

than his six. Most of the days he is in an hummable mood,

pausing only for the moments given when I interrupt with

my entry and he makes his side glances and goes on

humming the song of life. I want to hum along, but I don’t

want to spoil his mood, and anyway, I have nothing to

hum about(oh hum!).

I don’t know what makes me think that he views me as an

office boy; something in the way he looks at me; there is

that hey brother of the same tribe, country cousin of the

clash of the cups, we are in the same boat sailing in the

same suds of the sink.

Anyway, in the brotherhood of the bathroom, we are

all things equal. Besides, I am always holding on to a

cup or cups and I am almost always dressed casually.

Or, perhaps, it could be the way I look. I always look

casual, I think. My friends say that I look depressed. Do

office boys look depressed? No. Not this one. He hums

several happy tunes in the space of five minutes and he

splashes water from the sink on to the mirror and on to

the bathroom floor but I don’t have the heart to tell him

that the floor was scrubbed clean by the cleaners just that

morning. Who am I to tell him what to do and who am I to

order him around and who am I to burst his little bubble

(not just the ones floating from the sink) of happiness?

Not me!

He is a picture of happiness with or without his cuppa.

But, somehow, there is that sudden peculiar look of his

when he encounters me. It is a small, fleeting moment,

hardly discernible to any, but it hits me. I know that

my presence somehow disrupts his smooth song flow.

Perhaps, he also senses, in the same breath, my

discomfort, or he discerns that his presence actually

rattles some part of my conscience, which is saddled

with a trace of envy too. I don’t know how fakes like

me exist, for, deep inside me, although I do it every

day, I am still not sure I like the idea of washing

the cups in the presence of strangers; there is this

unpleasantly small feeling in me that perhaps, if they

see me washing cups in the sink, they would actually

think I am an office boy.

And, from my side, there is this tiny and as silly a

feeling in me to somehow shake awake this boy from

his happy reverie and his misguided notion that I am

of his ilk, whatever that is supposed to mean. However

strong I shake myself from such foolish feelings, I still

realise that I have a long way to go. A long, long way

to go. I still belong to the pompous clan that believes in

their status, in their position, in their so-called dignity…

so much so we don’t stoop down to any lower level

and don’t mix with the hoi polloi. However much I hate

such people, I realise I am just a mutt barking at my

own shadow; I am one of those whom I myself detest.

If only I could wash my heart in the same sink that

I wash my cups, perhaps, I could perhaps make it

clean. Now I know why that boy is humming his happy

tune, and why I never can…

His heart is as clean as his cup.

Off

the w

all

13Black & White

Small and medium enterprises are

the backbone of any economy,

and here in Oman there are some

obstacles that SME’s face and I am

highlighting some of them from my

own experience. The government

has been trying to minimise such

obstacles, but I believe that more

could be done. Some of the obstacles

are highlighted below:

1- New products mean creating a

lot of awareness, which is not easy.

Marketing is the biggest challenge any

small business may face; we require

more of marketing support for a better

kick off.

2- The other kind of support needed

is simple: you need family and friends’

support in disseminating the news and

also initially promoting and using your

business.

3- Big companies are already

dominating the market, so I assume

one solution would be that the

government represented by the tender

board to work out a mechanism to

segregate tenders for large corporates

and small businesses.

4- Administrative issues: from finding

a commercial name to registration,

which is also known as bureaucracy,

and the high annual chamber of

commerce registration fees has to be

looked at and re considered.

5- Market condition: being a very

small market, is a tough challenge. In

Oman, people are more into saving

than spending and when they spend

it all goes to necessities rather than

luxury products. So, it is a tough

market to penetrate.

6- Labour regulations: this makes

life complicated for business owners.

Forced Omanisation makes it very

expensive. This has to be looked into

and a new mechanism should be

adopted.

7- Education: Again the government

represented by both the ministry

of education and the ministry of

higher education have to take an

intuitive; the MOE has to think about

including ‘entrepreneurship’ in the

curriculum of students of grades 11

and 12; the MOHE has to think about

adopting a new concept in the region

by establishing an academy that

promotes the essential concepts of

entrepreneurship.

8- Financial infrastructure: we need

more venture capital funds, such as

Sharakah, which has brought in lot

of success stories. We also need

a society of angel investors to be

established. It’s a new concept to the

region but I think it’s time for such a

thing to start in Oman.

So entrepreneurship is a window into

job creation and more support towards

all the above from the government will

lead to expanded job creation.

SME’s need more supportBy Qais Al Khonji

13Black & White

Biz

vie

ws

alkhonjiqais@gmail.com

14 May 21-June 6, 2012

Word

pre

ss

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel has been

recognised once again by winning Business

Traveller Middle East award for the “Best Business

Hotel in Muscat” at the award ceremony in Dubai

on April 29. Commenting on the awards Bernard

N. Viola, General Manager Al Bustan Palace, A

Ritz-Carlton Hotel said: “Al Bustan Palace has

over the years become a national landmark that

complements the country’s heritage and I would like

to attribute this remarkable success to our ladies

and gentlemen who create unique and memorable

experiences for our guests.”

Al Bustan Palace awarded 'Best Business Hotel'

The New Renault Duster, a strong and reliable SUV

with genuine off-road ability, was officially unveiled at

the Al Bustan Palace Hotel by Mustansir Lakdawala,

managing director of Renault GCC, Sheikh Ahmed

Suhail Bahwan, chairman of Suhail Bahwan Auto Group

and Divyendu Kumar, managing director of Suhail

Bahwan Auto Group.

The New Renault Duster is a particularly versatile 4x2

and 4x4 vehicle, which combines a spacious interior

with saloon-car comfort, while its compact footprint and

high ground clearance ensure that it is at home in and

about town as it is on country roads or off the beaten

track. The New Renault Duster will be available in the

Sultanate, from the 7th of May 2012 in 4x2 4-speed

AT and 4x4 6-speed MT versions powered by a 2.0

16V (135 hp) engine, especially tested in the GCC.

Mustansir Lakdawala, managing director of Renault

AGCC said, “we took on the challenge of offering an

all-terrain vehicle that was less complex but still reliable

and affordable, that combined the design of a real 4×4

with the comfort of a saloon, it’s a very popular concept

specially following the world economic crisis, which hit

household budgets hard and made many people think

twice before buying a new car”.

Affordable new

Renault Duster in Oman

Since March this year, over 40 Omani artists have been

working with Dillwyn Smith a UK, artist, to explore Omani

stories and legends and work together to communicate

these through a series of drawings, sketches paintings and

flags.

The 42 artists working in collaboration with Dillwyn have

been encouraged to develop a personal narrative through

looking back into their family history. What are the stories

and legends that have been retold through generations

within their families? Workshops led the artists to the

production of a series of flags, which will be flown together

as a testament to the fabric of Omani society and the

journeys and adventures undertaken by their families. The

artists all visited sites where it is alleged legends began

and where wall drawings date back 6,000 years and a

storyteller was invited to come along to help the creative

process by sharing their stories with the group.

The exhibition at the Omani Society of Fine Arts shows

the creative process of telling the legends. Each piece of

art is a personal story conceived and developed through

storytelling, imagination and communication. Each artist

tells their story through words as well.

Omani legends and stories

15Black & White

Bank Muscat recently launched an innovative assessment

programme for staff to identify and train prospective

branch managers. Over 140 potential branch managers

participated in the second batch of the Assessment and

Development Centre programme.

The evaluation process involving five stages aims to

improve the quality of branch managers’ selection

decisions by objective data. It provides transparent, fair

and equal opportunities for potential branch managers by

using multiple assessors and assessment instruments to

reduce subjectivity.

Salim Al Kaabi, DGM – HR, said: “The innovative and

unique initiative will enable the bank to considerably

improve the standards of customer service extended

by branches and enable the bank to benchmark the

development of branch managers with the international

best practices. BankMuscat is keen to develop its

leadership pool from among the young Omanis, thereby

contributing to Oman’s future by investing in talent which

is the real wealth of the nation.”

BankMuscat

innovative assessment

The New Generation i30 has

now arrived in the Middle East.

Exemplifying Hyundai’s ‘Modern

Premium’ philosophy, the New

Generation i30 offers consumers a

stylish and refined compact-size car

with enhanced quality, performance

and efficiency compared to the

previous model.

Designed and engineered at the

Hyundai Motor Europe Technical

Centre in Germany, the New

Generation i30 will build on the

success of its predecessor, which

was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s

range and introduced new standards

of quality and driveability to the

company’s product line-up. It comes

to the Middle East in two models, the

GL and GLS, and is set to appeal to

young, progressive buyers who want

a car that not only performs well but

also looks great.

The New Generation i30 is the latest

expression of Hyundai’s ‘fluidic

sculpture’ design ethos. This visual

philosophy utilises flowing lines to

give a constantly impactful three-

dimensional presence to Hyundai

vehicles.

On the road, its visual impact is

also raised by the LED daytime

running lights which are standard

on all models. The New Generation

i30 also bears Hyundai’s signature

frontal feature – the hexagonal-

shaped grille.

Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at

Hyundai Motor Europe Technical

Centre, commented: “When

designing the New Generation i30,

we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a

car that looks athletic and exudes a

sense of constant motion, even when

stationary.

We gave the car a bold stance,

transmitting a confident attitude

through sporty characteristics and

dynamic proportions. The strength

of Hyundai’s design DNA is easy for

people to recognise.”

Hyundai’s New Generation i30 now available in the Middle East

16 May 21-June 6, 2012

Word

pre

ss

Khimji Ramdas group announced the launch

Khimji Ramdas Insurance Services under the

umbrella of the Khimji Ramdas Shipping LLC,

part of Projects and Logistics Group of Khimji

Ramdas. This new division will offer professional

risk and insurance intermediary services across

all lines of business.

With more than two decades of experience as

insurance agents with Blue Eagle Shipping and

Insurance Services under the group, the new

insurance agency division will now graduate into

full-fledged insurance brokers and address the

growing needs of the market.

M. C. Jose, Ceo, Projects & Logistics Group,

Khimji Ramdas highlighted that “We have learnt

the intricacies of insurance business for more

Khimji Ramdas launches insurance broking services

than two decades now. We have a highly qualified team of

professionals who are capable of offering superior quality services

at most competitive prices.

With insurance added to the portfolio, we are proud to offer all

transport related services with Khimji Ramdas, which was our

vision when we started KR Shipping LLC in 1985. All our service

offerings provide value, reliability ant trust to our clients. We are

confident that we will soon be a leading player in the insurance

segment too.”

As part of its victorious history in the

Motorsport arena and its commitment

towards innovative education,

Mercedes-Benz Middle East has

chosen to support and sponsor the

Safire Racing Team from the German

School in Dubai for the Formula One

Technology Challenge in Schools in

its latest edition.

The Formula One Technology

Challenge in Schools is the world’s

leading multi-disciplinary challenge

for nine to 19 year-old students,

involving 22 countries. With acquiring

the franchise in the UAE, Yas Marina

circuit hosts an invitational national

final of the competition for the second

year in a row for school teams,

scheduled to take place in Abu

Dhabi. Among the participating teams

the Mercedes-Benz backed Safire

Racing team will be competing in the

challenge, seeking to book one of the

two places for who will represent the

UAE at 2012 World Championship.

“Being part of the Formula One

Technology Challenge for Schools

this year will be a perfect platform for

us to prove the vision of Mercedes-

Benz in enhancing the innovation

and providing support to the

motorsports engineers of tomorrow,”

said Frank Bernthaler, director, sales

and marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars,

Daimler Middle East & Levant.

Mercedes-Benz Middle East sponsors UAE’s Safire Racing Team

The Second Cup Coffee Cart was recently featured at

one of the largest exhibitions in Oman, COMEX 2012,

where it proved to be exceptionally popular drawing

impressively large crowds given the high demand for

specialty coffee. For the first time, the Second Cup Coffee

Cart was set-up for maximum capacity use. Jannat

Moosa, marketing director at Bin Mirza International,

said that the six-hours needed to assemble the cart was

insignificant in comparison to the number of customers

that flocked to order their Second Cup signature drinks

and snacks from the large variety on display.

Encompassing 12

square meters,

the Coffee Cart

featured four

working stations

to serve a

wide selection

of signature hot and cold beverages available at any

Second Cup branch across Muscat. Moosa went on to

say that the Second Cup Coffee Cart is now available to

rent for private occasions and functions.

Second Cup coffee cart proves popular at Comex 2012

17Black & White

Customer care has always been a

priority at National Bank of Oman

(NBO).

In keeping with its commitment to

being a customer centric, progressive

bank, the bank introduced the

customer engagement programme

known as “NBO Customer Consultant

Award”, which allows customers to

win an award, for innovative ideas

(that will further help improve and

enhance the quality of the Bank’s

products and services, in aspects

seen viable and important to the

Bank), presented by them.

To be eligible for the “NBO Customer

Consultant Award”, all customers

need to do is to email their innovative

ideas, suggestions or feedback,

to: Retail Banking - Service Quality

Division - Email: servicequality@nbo.

co.om.

The first winner of ‘NBO’s Customer

Consultant Award’, Salim Al Jahwari,

NBO’s Qurum Branch customer, was

recently recognised and awarded

for his valuable suggestion, which

resulted in the bank introducing an

additional feature in the ‘real time

balance order’ transaction process.

During the function, Harsh Munjal,

NBO’s general manager – retail and

private banking, presented Al Jahwari

with a certificate and cash cheque, in

the presence of senior management

members and branch staff.

Speaking on the occasion, Salim

Al Jahwari expressed his sincere

thanks to the bank and said: ‘‘This

recognition means a lot to me not

because of the certificate or the

cheque, but because all of you

showed me that you cared”.

NBO announces ‘Customer Consultant Award’ programme winner

The Oman Football Association (OFA) has launched

the new official team kit to be worn by Oman in their

forthcoming push for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™

qualification. The new kit, launched today together with

a new OFA logo, comes as football in the Sultanate is

enjoying huge success. The Oman national team has

reached the final stages of qualification for the 2014 FIFA

World Cup Brazil™, whilst the U23 team recently narrowly

missed out on a place at the London 2012 Olympics in a

winner-takes-all qualification play-off against Senegal.

The new kit, designed for the Oman national team by Taj,

a new Omani-based company, has been created using a

unique performance fabric which will give maximum aid to

the players on the field especially during the hot season

experienced in Oman.

The kit has been designed to showcase the colours of the

Omani flag and all the profits generated from its sales will

be injected into the OFA’s grassroots football programme

in Oman.

The new OFA logo has been designed as a fresh

representation of the Association’s core values of passion

for football, fair play, social responsibility and ambassador

of Oman. The logo will be at the forefront of the OFA’s

new marketing campaign – Everybody Loves Football

- aimed at getting more people playing and watching

football across the Sultanate.

Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, OFA chairman, said:

“This is a very exciting time for the Oman national team

and the Omani community and this launch marks yet

another milestone ahead of the highly anticipated 2014

FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifiers happening in June.”

Oman Football Association unveils new team kit and official logo

18 May 21-June 6, 2012

Word

pre

ss

Oman Oil Marketing Company

(omanoil) hosted prominent

Islamic speaker, Sheikh Suleiman

Abdulaziz Al Jubailan, as part of

its collaboration with Rekaaz to

campaign against peer pressure.

Hosted at the company’s head

office in Mina Al Fahal, the Sheikh

reiterated the worth of ethical

collective practices in cultivating

social development. Hailing from

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,

Sheikh Al Jubailan expressed that

our social fabric is sewn together

Omanoil hosts renowned islamic speaker

with the threads of virtue and

benevolence, and a great society

consists of people with self-respect

as well as respect for others. A

model corporate citizen practicing

goodwill and integrity, omanoil aims

to transfer the company’s values

to the nation’s people through its

employees. The pioneering fuel

and lubricants marketing company

advocates youth engagement and

empowerment programs to create

agents of change and nurture a

new generation of leaders. Under

the theme, ‘Your Friends Make You

Who You Are’, the Rekaaz campaign

addresses underlying socio-

behavioural concerns among the

youth. The three-month programme

has witnessed a series of omanoil-

sponsored interactive seminars by

influential figures in Islamic teachings.

Oris proudly presents the first Rectangular with a titanium case. The skeleton

hands with luminous inlay make an appearance here. The bold luminous

numerals are a world away from the usual Oris culture look.

The cut out view of the date function allows a glimpse of the circular

movement. As the dial turns, the central horizontal stripe indicates the current

date although the full range remains visible. The multi piece case is big and

chunky rather than slim and delicate, but the curved profile of the lightweight

titanium construction ensures a snug fit on the wrist.

The Oris Rectangular “Bob Dylan” Limited Edition

In one of his most well-known songs, Bob Dylan sings that “The Times

They Are A-Changin” but the great artist himself remains constant in his

decades-long influence on our culture. In the 60's he came to prominence

as the unofficial voice of the counterculture and has since become one of

the most important and popular artists of all time. Bob Dylan’s impact on the

world spans generations, reaching all who hear him with his distinctive voice

and poetic lyrics. He is quite simply a multi-talented living legend: singer

songwriter, performer, poet, musician, author and painter.

As a tribute to Bob Dylan, Oris has created a special edition Rectangular

model, limited to just 3000 pieces worldwide. The stainless steel cased

watches carry Bob Dylan’s signature on the finely patterned dial. His portrait is

engraved on the case back along with the limited edition number of the watch.

A small glass window offers a glimpse of the complex mechanical movement

with the famous Oris red rotor.

Bob Dylan has experimented in more different fields than any other artist but

has always returned to his musical roots. The watch design reflects this in its

use of slick modern proportions, which make it stylish rather than fashionable.

This exclusive Oris limited edition comes in a presentation box set with a

Hohner Marine Band harmonica – the instrument for which Dylan is best

known. The Oris Rectangular “Bob Dylan” Limited Edition: an

exception to all the rules. Solo and unplugged.

The Oris Rectangular Titan

19Black & White

Dr Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is mourning it’s

chief designer of many years, Anatole Carl Lapine,

who died on 29 April 2012 in Baden-Baden. Lapine

headed up the Style Porsche design studio from 1969

to 1988. Michael Mauer, Porsche’s chief designer since

2004, paid homage to the deceased: “Anatole Lapine

shaped Porsche sports car design over more than two

decades. As a designer he didn’t follow fashion but

was forever setting new trends with his concepts.”

Former Porsche chief designer Anatole Lapine is dead

The Sultan’s School, the only Omani

school to follow the International

Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, will

host the prestigious Information

Technology in a Global Society

(ITGS) exam standardization

meetings for the first time in the

Sultanate. Traditionally held in the

United Kingdom and the Netherlands

where the IB headquarters are

located, the meetings determine the

standards for examination marking in

IB schools worldwide.

As part of the visit, The Sultan’s

School will welcome Senior IB

Examiners Elizabeth Orams based

in Peru, David Cousens from The

Koç School, Istanbul, Turkey,

Richard Taylor based in the United

Kingdom and Barbara Stefanics from

the Vienna International School in

Austria. They will join The Sultan’s

School’s own IB Senior Examiners

Eli and Ada Bomfim, ITGS Higher

Level Principal Examiners.

Graeme Garrett, Principal at The

Sultan’s School, said, “We are

honoured to welcome such esteemed

and respected figures from around

the world to our school and to

Oman for this important meeting

whose wealth of experience will

add great value to the grading

system. We, at The Sultan’s School

are firm believers in the merits of

the International Baccalaureate

schooling system and it is vital to

the future of our children that the

marking standards are maintained

so they receive the marks, and

future opportunities, their hard work

deserves.”

The Sultan’s school hosts seminar

TEDxMuscat, the event that brings

people together to share a TED-like

experience, will take place on May 16th at

the Millennium Resort Mussanah and will

feature inspirational talks, performances

and a full day of networking and dialogue

for all TEDx fans. “Last year’s TEDxMuscat

was a great success and provided a

platform for innovations; the talks and

performances were awe-inspiring”, said

Arun Raj, a TEDxMuscat event organiser.

Inspired by the renowned TED

conferences, the key theme of this year’s

TEDxMuscat will be ‘Passion for Creation’,

and topics will range from art, innovation, technology, and

above all the amazing power of the human mind.

TEDxMuscat 2012 is an opportunity for leading

visionaries and storytellers to speak to an

amazing group of thinkers and doers, as

well as to the world at large. The day-long

event is not to be missed and will also

be streamed live to various colleges and

universities across the Sultanate.

Satyabrata Acharya, Host and Curator,

and Roopesh Bhatnagar, event organiser,

said: “At TEDxMuscat this year, we want to

bring together tomorrow’s innovators and

engage in a genuine discussion on ‘Passion

for Creation’ with the goal of inspiring,

informing and entertaining the audience.

This year too TEDxMuscat is bringing an

incredible line-up of keynote speakers who, in line with

the TEDx tradition, will be challenged to give ‘the talk of

his or her life’.

TEDxMuscat 2012

20 May 21-June 6, 2012

Big mistake. Being born Indian and not being a

cricketer. That is like being a scorpion and not

stinging. It’s in your nature, nothing you can do

about it. And I would have been so good at not

playing, like okay half a million and I’ll bowl an extra

no ball besides the three in the deal.

You want to sweeten the pot, okay fine, I’ll give a

snick to the wicket-keeper on ball 3 and we are all

happy bunnies. That’s another 250 thou and that is

a great offer because I am in a good mood.

It’s free enterprise, right. I love all these VIP celeb

cricketers on TV babbling on about the glorious

game and the traditions of the sport and the honour

and dignity that goes with it and there are old hon

and dig writhing on the floor being stomped on by

anyone with a little bit of business sense.

We must protect the reputation of the game. You

kidding, the reputation died and was buried years

ago. Let it be, it is a movie, a circus, an escape from

the humdrum lives of most people. Take the money.

Think about it, people. These cricketers are not

saints. They are not Mother Theresa. They are

performers so they perform and if you ask them

to do tricks they do tricks. The thing is they want

money for their tricks. So, fine you want to pay me

to non-perform let’s hear the sum of money.

Imagine you are in your office and your boss walks

in and says, son (they never say, daughter) you

have a great career ahead of you, what I am going

to do is buy you a 4 wheel drive, invest in a villa on

the Palms, the frond not the trunk and triple your

salary if you promise not to do a good job, actually,

no, let me say, do a bad job deliberately, please, do

we have a deal.

You’ll first think he is barmy, touch of the sun,

summer is here, then the merit of the argument will

seep in, why not, dude doesn’t want me to work,

okay, chief, chief, can you bung in a round the world

first class ticket with hotel vouchers and you and I,

we are okay.

Makes sense to you? Of course not. But it does to

people who do things other people want to watch

them doing. No one wants to watch you work so

that’s why you don’t get the free villa.

So, they make money, loads of it, for opening

shops, for cutting ribbons, for just appearing and

I don’t why it is called corruption. If a franchisee

wants to give a bonus so be it. Cricket and

corruption are also buddies, they live in the same

house, what sort of profound sting operation do you

need to figure out these guys must be doing it all the

time…it is now intrinsic to the glorious ‘uncertainty’

of cricket.

I love it when folks express shock and disbelief.

Yes, sure, you live in lala land where milk ands

honey flow through green pastures and the sun rays

dance on your kitchen floor. Get real and smell the

leather.

What does it need for us to realize that this is

exactly what you would do…bowl a no-ball for a

million bucks, wipe out the white line, my daddy is

a postal clerk you know, a million bucks, give me

a break, I’ll gallop down half the pitch and bowl

underarm and stand on my head and roll over for

that kind of bread seeing as how 90 per cent of the

human race does it anyway every day and gets

peanuts for sucking up and rolling over and laughing

at the boss’s jokes.

At least there is big money here.

You know what, leave these tiddlers alone, they

don’t count for nothing. Go for the big boys if you

have the guts. Start at the top, where it stinks.

Get some massive memory Cray computer and

feed in the results of these IPL matches and the

consistency with which huge runs have been scored

in the last ten odd balls and how many last ball wins

recorded and how chaps who were gardening at

the wicket suddenly got this inspiration to whack the

ball over the ropes in a series and the tightest of

bowlers just as suddenly started sending full tosses

(searching for the block-hole) and donkey drops.

Then tabulate the results and ask two questions.

What are the odds that this closeness factor could

occur so frequently? Ten thousand to one??????

Has any tournament including the last four IPLs ever

had such a neck and neck ongoing drama?

Hmmmmm, Mama can I please be a cricketer…you

can then live with me on the Palms.

Cricket, ugly cricketBy Bikram Vohra Bikram Vohra, internationally-

known Gulf based scribe

Sunny s

ide u

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20 May 21-June 6, 2012

21Black & White

COMMUNICATION ALTERNATIVE

I am a person who believes that technology can make

lives easier and communication better. The world has

become a better place to live in today because of that,

but, there are still pockets of disconnection around, in

various sections of the society. With all sorts of media

around, the world indeed has become a smaller place.

As a media, we are responsible to all sections of

society, not just in matters of communication, but also

in bringing them together for a cause, by creating

common platforms of thoughts and events. Our

promise is to continue doing so in a progressive and

positive manner.

PUPPETRY AN AID TO EDUCATION AND

COMMUNICATION

Even when technology is leaping ahead, there are

many out there left behind, cut out from the world. A

recent workshop on puppetry held in Oman opened

our eyes to a new world of alternative communication.

Our salutations to those organisations behind the

scenes, trying to use puppetry as an aid to education

and communication, bringing all members of different

communities and talents under one common platform.

Research says the involvement of edutainment and puppetry performances help to raise consciousness, and to achieve more probably a change of behaviour

Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief

In Black...

& White

In B

lack &

Whit

e

Puppetry is not new. It has been existing for thousands

of years and is a traditional form of entertainment, which

has existed from time immemorial conveying meaningful

messages. Puppets are characters and not people, hence

can be used to spread social messages on sensitive

issues through the youth. Puppetry incorporates elements

of all art forms such as literature, painting, sculpture,

music, dance, drama and enables students to develop

their creative abilities.

Communication through puppets can help to facilitate

feedbacks, to encourage follow-up community actions and

to break the rigidity posed by societal stigmas. Research

says the involvement of edutainment and puppetry

performances help to raise consciousness, and to achieve

more probably a change of behaviour.

SUDOKU FOR AUTISM

We invite all our readers to participate and attend the

upcoming third edition of Sudoku for Autism, which will

be held on June 1. The event will see George Widener in

Oman, a brilliant autistic savant, who in his own way has

ventured out to create awareness for those affected with

Autism.

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22 May 21-June 6, 2012

23Black & White

The spotlight is on a small muddled figure in coloured clothing.

He seems to be trying to sleep. Swirling all around him is pitch

darkness. Then, as we watch this figure twitch in his sleep, slowly

from out of the darkness some misshapen figures emerged and

trundled towards the sleeping form. They let off a low sinister wail

that seemed to rise in tempo and the sleeping figure awakes with

a start. Seeing the ghostly figures, he also lets off a wail in sheer

fright. They all howl in unison and with rising inflection.

23Black & White

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25Black & White

Mahmoud Al Hourani, founder/director of the Arab

Puppet Theatre Foundation (APTF) moves along with

his newfound students in Oman with an ease that seems

to belie the fact that he has met them only a week or so

before. He is lean, wiry, and focussed on only one thing –

his students have to get their puppet act right. For that he

will go to great lengths, even shoo off nosy scribes trying

to get an angle of what puppetry was all about. And that

is what he did, shooed us off right from the stage and told

us to stay clear and not to distract his protégés.

PUPPETS TELL STORIES

By the way, what is puppetry? Don’t pore into books

and the net for an answer – it is very simple. Puppetry

is an act by talented people who tell a story with their

hands. They act with furry objects (men, women,

children, animals) held over their heads and coordinate

movements to create a living being. Well, actually a

story. These furry hands create magical stories peopled

with furry living beings that can even penetrate the soul;

such is their power that they can move you to do better,

become better human beings; give you an awakening

to the fact that you are a being with a soul and not just

mindless flesh and bones; that you have a mission on

earth to fulfill, not just eat, drink, make money and forget

that it is a world where others exist.

POWER TO EDUCATE

Even if it may not push you to move mountains, puppets

still have the power to educate and this is the reason why

so many have turned to harness puppet power. In Oman,

the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) organised

the first ‘Puppetry Theatre Training of Trainers – Oman

2012’ (May 8 to 12) at the auditorium of the ministry of

education. “This is the first of its kind in the AGCC with

an emphasis on bringing together various sectors with

a focus on civic engagement, peer education, youth

empowerment, women’s empowerment and reproductive

health – as per the UNFPA mandate. The training hosted

members of the theatre group of the Oman Association

for the Disabled, teachers of the Association of Early

Intervention for Children with Disability, and primary

education and sports teachers from the Department of

Private Schools of the Ministry of Education, as well as

members of the Youth Peer Education Network (Y-Peer)

Oman,” an UNFPA spokesperson told Black & White.

The aim of the workshop was to train the participants to

become trainers in the art of puppetry theatre to maximise

their outreach to others, particularly young people and

those with special needs, and provide them the skills of a

new method of expression, interaction and teaching, the

spokesperson said.

THE PUPPET MASTER

“Ok, that is fine, but you have to raise the figures –“ cuts in a wiry agile figure who spoke as he leapt on to the stage -- where the figures were

being paraded from behind a black screen -- with relative ease. He goes behind the black screen and then demonstrates how the scary

figures should come and scare the sleeping figure. There is a marked difference between his presentation and the one we viewed just minutes ago: The difference between a first and a seasoned attempt; between a

student and a real master.

The puppet can say whatever needs to be said without implicating the puppeteer in the eyes of the audience. The potential of youth can be tapped only if you know which button to press. Involvement is the button that should be pressed.

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INTEGRATING COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNICATION

The ministry of education (MoE) has partnered with the

UNFPA to organise the ‘Puppetry Theatre Training of

Trainers – Oman 2012’ hosting 30 participants. “The MoE

has organised similar puppetry and interactive media

seminars and workshops to enhance the quality and

reach of education in the community.

The workshop brought together 30 participants from

different communities and cultures and associations and

trained them to be effective communicators and trainers

in their own field of expertise. The interaction has created

a rapport between them, taught them to face challenges

and communicate in a better and positive way. The

workshop will be a catalyst to reaching out to the children

with special needs and training,” noted Siham Al Riyami,

deputy director for international programmes and private

schools, MoE.

“The language of puppetry has always been a good

one for teachers and trainers the world over. A teacher

is a person who works to facilitate the acquisition of

knowledge. She/he is an important influence in the

lives of the students. If the student does not feel safe

expressing his feelings, his experiences or his questions,

his curiosity may be suppressed and learning cannot

happen.

“The puppet can say whatever needs to be said without

implicating the puppeteer in the eyes of the audience.

The potential of a youth can be tapped only if you know

which button to press. Involvement is the button that

should be pressed. When you involve the youth, they

take up responsibility and spearhead projects, involving

communities. These workshops are very interactive,

bring out the inner strength and talents of the youth, and

involve them socially in the nation building process. They

come out as better human beings.

“The workshop has touched many topics from bullying in

school, to various social causes, traffic safety, involving

students and trainers. The trainers will become better and

interesting communicators to their students, who will be

enriched in the process. We hope to keep this process

of enhancing teaching aids further every year,” Siham

noted.

NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS

But learning and performing puppetry is not an easy task,

although Mahmoud Hourani feels otherwise. Puppet

performing it is not easy and it requires thorough and

consistent practice before one can become an expert.

A puppeteer needs to study different techniques such

as the basic positioning, diction, arm rods and body

movements.

PRESS

THE RIGHT

BUTTON“Puppetry has been used as a

demonstrative teaching tool, as an approach to help develop language and communication skills, as a therapeutic

tool, and as a form of theater and school arts for many years now. It is not a new form of communication; it is just reviving an old form to a

new generation. The youth are very vulnerable today and it becomes a

responsibility that they are guided and communicated in the right way."

Siham Al Riyami, deputy director for international programmes and

private schools, ministry of education

27Black & White

The most common type of hand puppets is the simple

hand puppet (like the ones Hourani’s students were

using) and the larger hand puppet. Each of the puppets

has their distinct usage in puppet shows. The simple

hand puppets have few or no moving parts at all. They

are usually made up of flexible materials and have distinct

facial features such as eyes and nose. The mouth is often

included on the simple hand puppets but it is usually

there just for design purposes. It does not even open or

close unless a thumb enters a pocket allowing it to move.

What may look like child’s play is lot of action and lot of

practice and dogged dedication, and there is no room for

mistakes on stage, because there are no retakes. For a

professional puppeteer, it is not an easy task, because he

or she has to be consistent and more importantly need to

do it before the most demanding audience: children.

RENDEZVOUS WITH PUPPETS

Hourani managed to find some time to speak to us

during the puppet practice break. He apologises for

shooing us off the stage, but explains how and why the

students need to have full focus on their work. Puppets

and cartoons have fascinated him from a very young

age, he says whilst still throwing furtive glances at his

students on the stage of the auditorium of the ministry

of education. “I remember it was in 1992 that I started

my life with puppets. I was a refugee from Palestine and

lived in camps and saw people come in with puppets to

amuse us, communicate and take forward messages. “I

fell in love with puppets at the first sight and I knew where

I wanted to be. My brother was an artist and sparked

my creative venture by drawing and painting images

for the backdrops of my puppetry stages. In 1992, I

hosted my first puppetry show at a UN camp. They say

writing is reading… in a similar ways watching different

puppetry shows opened my mind as well many doors of

opportunity for me in the world of puppets.

“From there I started my life in theatres, learned to be

an actor and started experimenting with puppetry. The

art form left a huge impact on me and I realised that with

proper learning and training I could take this art forward in

an effective manner.

The following years saw me learn the theatre art; acquire

experience and knowledge in formal and informal

education sectors in London and other parts of the UK.

I have been an experienced youth worker and a puppet

theatre teacher.”

A TRADITIONAL ART FORM

The main hurdle in the field of puppetry is that it has a

traditional way of propagation: father to son… “But, not

much could be learned from the family tradition alone.

You have to experiment many trades and techniques to

create better modes of communication,” Hourani says.

Let's underst

Presenter:

Major Sponsors:

Preliminary on May 30, 2012

7pm at Indian School Al Ghubra

George Widener

Autistic Savant & Artist

Celebrity Guest

tand Autism

Grand Finale on June 1, 2012

7.30pm at Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace Hotel

Co Sponsors:

Celebrity Guest

Suniel Shetty

Bollywood star

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“Puppetry involves acting out fantasy in behaviour to deal

with real life situations! It is not a new form; it has been

existent for many centuries. It takes away inhibitions

and brings out the inner side of the person performing

the puppet. It helps in knowing the person. Even a shy

person could open up and communicate. For a child or

a student, the puppet could be their best pal. And when

professional training techniques and expertise is added

on, you can sharpen the minds of the youth and integrate

them in to social responsibility,” Hourani noted.

PUPPETS TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE

“The puppet theatre has taken me places. As a young boy

it changed my life and I have done my bit in taking the art

forward, adding on better techniques and experiences to

reach out to the younger generation in a better manner.

People have really identified with the scenarios we act

out through the puppets; I think it quite often touches a

nerve. Through the puppets, audiences learn about the

importance of having empathy, being patient, remaining

calm, and about the power of reminiscence.

Using different scenarios, the skits mirrored real life

situations that family members deal with on a daily basis.

“Planning, designing, and performing a puppet show

require a community effort. It requires group cooperation

and the building of a sense of ‘we’. This coming together

for a common cause is another example of experiential

learning. Hopefully, it can provide a good basis for the

understanding of belonging,” Hourani says.

PUPPETS MAKE YOU RESPONSIBLE

“Puppetry requires experiencing many art forms, which in

turn can enhance the learning experience. The process

of finding out material from your own surroundings, giving

it life, a character, a visual representation can enhance

confidence and pride.

The script, dialogues, behind the scene delivery, adding

on music can burrow a path to the soul. It is a very

creative and involving process and I can vouch with my

experience that every person coming out of a puppetry

workshop will be a live and responsible person, ready to

take the art forward with pride and ease,” Hourani said.

31Black & White

“The teachers from the association of early intervention participated

with an aim to go back and train others in the team, communicate

and train the special children in novel and exciting ways. Every

workshop brings different communities and cultures together, making

us more tolerant and capable in many different ways.

“When we were asked to make our own puppets, create characters,

all of us were a little shy, hoping to be right in some way. At the end

of the workshop, we learnt one good lesson: there are no wrong

answers in creativity and communication. Every solution is right,

every creation is right in its own way, since there are no hard and fast

rules to limit the learning process.”

ALL SORTS OF PUPPETRY

In a short span of an exhaustive workshop, the participants learned

all sorts of puppet making, from hand puppets to shadow puppets.

It was a learning experience of all sorts. “We learnt to create

characters, scripts, themes, dramas, with simple ideas, but strong

messages. The special kids need understanding and a means of

special communication process. This workshop taught us better ways

to communicate. We chose many simple themes from road safety to

etiquette.

MADE AN ICE CREAM TALK!

“The process of creating live characters’ from dead materials

made our tired minds active and alive. Every time I look around,

NO WRONG ANSWERS!

“The six-day puppetry workshop has been a mind opener for all of us. It taught us to explore, communicate, coordinate, and participate without any limitations or restrictions. For

many of us, the exposure to various forms of puppetry was quite new and

complicated. “We were taught to create puppets from everything around us,

from pieces of torn paper to bottle caps and threads. It made us realise that everything around us is worthwhile and we could do wonders with what we have around us,” explained Aida

Suleiman Saihi, who participated in the workshop. Aida is a special education, diploma programme coordinator at the Association for Early Intervention for

Children with Disability.

I see all sorts of things talking to me,

communicating. My hands itch to create

new forms from everything I see around,

add a name, a voice… last night I was

with my family eating an ice cream cone

and I could not help myself from creating a

face (on the ice cream) and even do a talk

show with an ice cream character that I had

created!

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32 May 21-June 6, 2012

“Yes, scripted one of the shows for the closing ceremony

of the workshop – the theme was on marriage. It is about

the values of marriage and of healthy choices. I write

poems too. I feel confident that I can train the kids with

better skills and in an interesting manner. The workshop

inspired all of us and brought us together under one

platform of thoughts and ideas.”

Another participant that B&W spoke to was the Mazoon

Al Zadjali of the Y Peer group (**). Seven members from

the Y Peer group participated.

Mazoon, who is a young social worker and student,

explained her reasons for participating: “I am a

management student at the Modern College of Business

Studies and also a social worker, part of the Y Peer

Group. I am one of the participants of the puppetry

workshop. As part of the younger generation, I felt the

puppet’s way of communication is very creative and

local. It is like reading a story book, or listening to your

grandmother’s tales. It is an effective communication

tool and I am grateful that I could be a part of this exciting

workshop.”

Though in today’s world, technology has taken the fore

front of communication, these simple puppets capture the

imagination and make it easy to reach out to the masses,

Mazoon added. “I have learnt quite a lot during the last

six days and will take this forward with our group."

CREATIVE EXPERIENCE

LIKE READING A STORY BOOK

Masooma Al Zadjali, another participant, noted how the six

day workshop proved to be a real enriching experience. “Every one of

us felt useful and important. We were taught to look at every little thing

with an open mind; taught to create live puppets from recycled materials and made us realise that we could

actually learn from every little particle of this world,” Masooma, who is a

trainer at the Oman Association for the Disabled, said. A poetess, Masooma

also wrote the script of one of the shows.

33Black & White

Excerpts:

When did the United Nations Population Fund

(UNFPA) start its operations in Oman?

The AGCC area office was inaugurated in 2006.

However, the UNFPA* has been collaborating with the

government of Oman and offering its technical assistance

since over a decade.

Could you highlight the achievements of the UNFPA?

The UNFPA AGCC area office is a member of the

Family and Child Health Committee, UN theme group

and task force that is responsible for the implementation

of the national HIV/AIDS response strategy. One major

achievement was the two year (2008 to 2010) "Let's

Talk AIDS" social communication campaign, which

included in total four phases. Another achievement was

the establishment of the Oman Youth Peer Education

Network (Y-Peer Oman) in 2008 and its successful

operating until today. The Y-Peers tackle and inform

about important social issues and concerns through peer

education, using various methods such as edutainment.

Within its population mandate, UNFPA AGCC area

office offered its technical assistance in 2011 to 2012

to the ministry of social development to conduct a

nationwide assessment of all state income generating

activities (IGAs) for social welfare beneficiaries and train

the ministry's focal points from all the regions of the

Sultanate in IGA monitoring and evaluation; including

standardisation of the applicants sheets and data entry.

The UNFPA was also involved in the translation of the

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against

Women (CEDAW) report of Oman.

Why has the UNFPA chosen puppetry as a tool for

training the trainers?

Puppetry, including shadow theatre, can be used to

entertain and communicate with all ages. The techniques

can be imparted quickly and in a very inexpensive

manner, making it perfect and easy to use at the field

work of a teacher and/or educator. You can outreach

to and inform numerous crowds through different plays,

from complicated to basic ones, in a very playful and

effective way; while utilising sophisticated or simple

puppets made for example out of recycled materials.

Hence, this form of theatre can suit the requirements of

various social engaged groups; those who have a specific

budget, and those who don't. Since in Oman puppetry

was used solely limited to some extent for theatre

purpose and speech therapy, we thought to introduce

this art form on a broader level; assuring its continuance

by involving members from various groups such as the

Ministry of Education, Oman Association for Disabled,

the Association of Early Intervention for Children with

Disability and Y-Peer Oman. The common factor of all

trainees is their civic engagement.

How successful was the puppetry experience and

would this continue on an annual basis?

The Puppetry Theatre TOT - Oman 2012 was very

successful. The feedback we have received from the

trainees and trainers themselves, representatives from

the involved organisations such as the Association of

Early Intervention for Children with Disability and Oman

Association for Disabled, and the Ministry of Education

was positive and encouraging. We are currently

discussion various ideas, including a "Training of Trainers

Camp" on an AGCC level.

PUPPETRY

THEATRE – A

GRAND SUCCESS

Salah Al Saleh, programme associate at the UNFPA AGCC area office spoke to the Black & White after the staging of the ‘Puppetry Theatre

TOT - Oman 2012’ at the auditorium of the ministry of education.

(*) For more information on the UNFPA, visit the global website on www.unfpa.org or the local website on gcc.unfpa.org

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34 May 21-June 6, 2012

Puppet master Mahmoud along with a few of the participants

B&

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34 May 21-June 6, 2012

35Black & White 35Black & White

B&

W X

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36 May 21-June 6, 2012

(**)

Y-Peer Group, Oman

The Youth Peer Education Network (Y-Peer) is a comprehensive youth-to-youth initiative pioneered by UNFPA. The Y-Peer has been

established in 48 countries including Oman. The network is still in progress of expanding by launching in other countries.

Y-Peer is a network of more than 500 non-profit organisations and governmental institutions. Its membership includes thousands of

young people who work in many areas surrounding adolescent sexual and reproductive health. The Y-Peer network target audiences are

young people. It has been found that to put across the information for the targeted audience; the information should be presented in a fun,

interesting and interactive way.

Aside from providing amusement and fun, puppets

nowadays have taken a political turn and are also used

in thinly veiled political caricatures and satire. These

political puppets are often modeled on known political

personalities and are often depicted in the characters’

usual political setting.

Whatever the size or the design, puppets and puppet

shows today still provide wonderful entertainment to

many people of all ages.

Kids love to play with puppets as it allows them to set free

their creative imagination. Puppets can bring great joy not

only to kids, but also to adults, all over the world.

Puppets in politics

37Black & White

Puppets were first introduced to the

world of entertainment thousands of

years ago. It originated from Greece

as the Greeks then were known to

be fond of theatrical presentations.

Though they enjoyed theater, they

found supporting the actors financially

rather expensive, so that they turned

to the use of puppets in plays. They

soon discovered that puppets were

just as able as actors to elicit positive

response from the audience, so

they continued to patronise the use

of puppets in puppet shows and

presentations, and soon stage puppet

shows became many people’s favorite

past time.

Today, puppets and puppet shows

have come far from their humble

beginnings and still continue to be

popular. Many puppets are patterned

after animals such as frogs, elephants

and birds. Every puppet used on

stage has a distinct characteristic and

personality. The differing personality

is expressed not only by the puppet’s

design but also by its individual body

movements as expressed by the

puppeteer’s hand movement.

Puppets as good

as actors

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Ben

38 May 21-June 6, 2012

• June 21st is the first day of summer. And June was named either for Juniores, the lower branch of the Roman Senate, or Juno, the wife of Jupiter, a Roman god

• July was named by Marc Antony in honor of Julius Caesar.

• August was named for Julius Caesar’s adopted nephew, Gaius Julius Caesar

Octavinus, who received the title Augustus, meaning “reverend.” He named the month for himself.

• The last day of summer is September 20th. The first day of autumn begins on September 21st.

• September comes from the Latin word septem meaning ‘seven.’ Julius Caesar gave it this name, when it actually was the seventh month in the calendar!

• On September 13, 1922, the temperature in the shade in the Libyan Desert reached 136 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to fry an egg on a rock!

• On July 4th in the year 1956, a world record for the most rain falling in one minute was recorded in Unionville, Maryland. The record was 1.23 inches in that one minute!

• Hailstones weighing 1.67 pounds fell in Coffeyville, Kansas on September 3rd, 1970, which set a world record!

Fun Facts about the months of

When you think about summer, what comes to mind? The long, hot, sticky days during the summer make it some people’s favorite season. For others, thoughts of summer are associated with cold foods, like ice

cream. Here are a few fun facst on summer months:

SUMMER

Kid

stuff

38 May 21-June 6, 2012

39Black & White

Dare to Dream...Azim Premji

By Dr CK Anchan

Dr Anchan C.K.

managing director,

World Wide Business House

Azim Hashim Premji is an Indian business

tycoon and philanthropist who is the chairman

of Wipro Limited, guiding the company

through four decades of diversification and

growth to emerge as one of the Indian leader

in the software industry. According to Forbes,

he is currently the third wealthiest Indian, and

the 41st richest in the world, with a personal

wealth of $15.9 billion in 2012.

Under his able guidance Wipro has

metamorphosed from a Rs70 million

company in hydrogenated cooking fats to

a pioneer in providing integrated business,

technology and process solutions on a global

delivery platform. Wipro Technologies is the

largest independent R&D service provider

in the world and is ranked among the top

100 technology companies globally. The

company’s IT division became the world’s first

to win SEI CMM level 5 and PCMM Level 5

certification.

This is Azim Premji's success mantras:

DARE TO DREAM

All I had with me was a dream. A dream

of building a great organisation. It requires

courage to keep dreaming.

DEFINE WHAT YOU STAND FOR

Define what you stand for as early as possible

and do not compromise with it for any reason.

But remember that values are meaningful

only if you practice them. Values are a matter

of trust.

NEVER LOSE YOUR ZEST AND

CURIOSITY

The natural zest and curiosity for learning

is one of the greatest drivers for keeping

updated on knowledge. The same zest is

needed to keep learning new things.

ALWAYS STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Being the best in the country is not enough;

one has to be the best in the world.

Excellence is a moving target. One has to

constantly raise the bar.

BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE

Self-confidence comes from a positive

attitude even in adverse situations.

Remember, no one can make you feel inferior

without your consent.

LEARN TO WORK IN TEAMS

You cannot fire a missile from a canoe. Ability

to become an integral part of a cross- cultural

team will be a must for success.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

You will need lots of energy to deal with

challenges. Unless you take care of yourself

there is no way you can take care of others.

PERSEVERE

Finally, no matter what you decide to do in

your life, you must persevere, persevere,

persevere. Keep at it and you will succeed, no

matter how hopeless it seems at times.

HAVE BROADER SOCIAL VISION

I personally believe that the greatest gift one

can give to others is the gift of education. We

who have been so fortunate to receive this gift

and know how valuable it is.

NEVER LET SUCCESS GO TO YOUR

HEAD

No matter what we achieve, it is important to

remember that we owe this success to many

factors and people outside us. This will not

only help us in keeping our sense of modesty

and humility intact but also help us retain

proportion and balance.

39Black & White

Managem

ent

talk

40 May 21-June 6, 2012

A supermarket manager commented on how his mart was robbed twice in the

space of nearly eight months and how after this period two new supermarkets

came in the vicinity taking away a chunk of his business away. What is the

connection, we asked and he gave us a sad, but mysterious smile. “Well,

just think about it…we had two major robberies at our mart, which inflicted

a major blow for us. While we were still reeling under this (blow), two big

supermarkets opened in the same vicinity. We lost some of our staff to this

supermarkets and a good chunk of our business too. Now, only the real

loyal customers still frequent us.

We are doing half the business

that we were doing while our

competitors are doing quite well,

compared to us.” That is how

things are, we consoled the man.

You will do well soon, not to worry.

“We are not going to do as well

as we did before. The robberies

were a major blow and then these

supermarkets came and took

away our business…don’t you see

the coincidence?”

D-uh, we said. What was he trying

to hint? We do not get the drift --

do you?

If you don’t like a movie, will you ask the movie theatre to refund the ticket

money? If you don’t like the food you ate at a restaurant, will you ask for

a refund (of course, if you discover a dead roach in it, which is a different

story…)? There are some things in life when and where you are not

able to ask for a refund. But, there is this person who seems bent

upon getting his refund for a paid celebrity dinner function he had

attended because, as he claims, the star did not stay the full part of

the evening. Whether this fact is true or not, the reality is that this man

was seen posing with the celebrity concerned in the pictures taken

during the event and was also seen to have a cold drink on his table.

But, his claim is that he never ate and he wants the money he paid

for the dinner refunded. Should the refund be made or not -- your call

folks?

Too much of a

coincidence?

To refund or

not to…

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:

41Black & White

It would have been great if the authorities concerned actually implemented

the traffic rule, which said that anyone caught

speaking on the phone while driving would be put in

jail for 10 days, comments many observers. Though

they agree that it is harsh, they claim that it would

bring about a difference in the road accidents and

death statistics scene here. Will it? We still think it

is all about attitude, that don’t care attitude, which

is the real cause of accidents in Oman. Many who

drive don’t care if their bad and careless driving

can actually cause harm – forget the fact that it

can cause grave danger to themselves -- to other

motorists or pedestrians. It is attitude that causes

accidents; it is attitude that kills on the road. It is

attitude that has to change.

‘Killer’ attitude

Look before

you leap

(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on editor@blackandwhiteoman.com or call 99218461)

41Black & White

Sometimes, it is better that you don’t help people who claim to be in trouble,

says a disgruntled part-time humanitarian. This small businessman wanted

to help a man who was sent to him for some help, mainly legal. But, little

did he know what he was getting into. As usual, he went full throttle and

supported the worker in all ways. But, he did not

realise that the worker was only giving his side of the

story and that too, not fully. And, what was left out

was crucial because although the worker painted his

employer as a money pinching slave driver, the truth

was otherwise. Both had their share of the mistakes,

but since the businessman went full on and made his

lawyer take the employer to court (for the sake of the

employee), he got into a quandary when the case

came up. The poor man opened a Pandora’s Box and

soon he realised the worker had only given him half

the truth and had to bear the consequences of his

impulsive action

42 May 21-June 6, 2012

Announcing

On Friday June 1, 2012

On Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Grand Finale

Preliminary

591623784

436785192

278914365

964532871

157846923

823179546

649357218

785261439

3124986572011 C

onceptis Puzzles, D

ist. by King F

eatures Syndicate, Inc.

Difficulty Level8/12

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:

9

6

84

4

2

91

9

4

2

7

9

1

5

6

57

7

9

31

8

5

2011

Con

cept

is P

uzzl

es, D

ist.

by K

ing

Feat

ures

Syn

dica

te, I

nc.

By Dave Green

Difficulty Level 8/12

Sudoku

43Black & White

Bollywood’s ‘He’ man will be lending

his muscle to the autism cause here.

Suniel Shetty, Indian film actor,

producer, hotelier, fashion boutique

owner and a known philanthropist, is

all set to champion the autism cause

by attending the third edition of the

Black & White You Play Sudoku

Open to All competition – 2012,

which will be held at the Oman

Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace

hotel, on June 1 at 7pm.

The event will feature at one end

George Widener, the gifted autistic

savant, date genius and calendar

artist and at the other is ‘Anna’ (as

Suniel Shetty is fondly known) who

besides being a Bollywood star and

successful businessman is equally

known for his passion to help the

underprivileged.

The presence of both these ‘stars’

-- in their respective fields -- will add

the necessary impetus for the event

to bring the cause of autism more

into the public eye, the organisers

feel. “Other than the genius

George Widener, we are glad

to have also roped in Bollywood

star Suniel Shetty to this event,”

opined Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali,

editor in chief of Black & White, the

organisers of the event.

Presented by Renaissance Services

SAOG, the Sudoku for Autism event

is also sponsored by Oman Drydock

Company, Samsung – SARCO,

Khimji Watches, NBO, Al Ansari and

Uni-ball.

This year’s Sudoku competition

will feature puzzles created by the

Sudoku World Champion, Thomas

Snyder. The preliminary contests

will be held on May 30 at the Indian

School Al Ghubra Auditorium.

For more details mail to

bweventsoman@gmail.com /

24565697

SUNIEL SHETTY to champion the

autism cause in Oman

Guidelines & Rules

45Black & White

46 May 21-June 6, 2012

Take your time. A

decision you make will clearly

affect your future earning potential.

Put your best foot forward and

show everyone what you’ve got

going. Your skill coupled with your

determination will captivate a crowd

and help you initiate something

you’ve wanted to do for a long time.

Make memories with

someone you cherish this week,

but be cautious when considering

products that offer to turn you into

something you are not. Don’t spend

money on someone or something

that will not benefit you personally.

You have to invest in you if you want

to be successful.

Take credit where credit is

due. Show your feelings and avoid

unnecessary stress and turmoil.

Someone is likely to jump ship

leaving you high and dry. Don’t let

this stop you from following through

with your plans. You have plenty to

offer and can do just as well all by

yourself.

Open up to new ideas,

lifestyles or activities in the early part

of the week and you will broaden

your outlook. There is a whole new

world waiting for you to take part, so

spread your wings and get involved

in something a little different. It’s very

likely you will discover that change

isn’t so bad after all.

Don’t let anyone convince

you that you must take part in

something or make a donation. You

don’t want to end up being part of a

scam or out cash that you can put

to better use. Avoid making fresh

investments. Emotions are topped up

causing confusion in your personal

life. Stay away from gossipers.

A lifestyle change this week

will help you get out and socialise

with a new group of people who have

lots to offer. You’ll learn a hard lesson

if you let a friend or colleague take

over and take credit for something

you’ve been working towards. Stand

up for your rights or you will set a

standard that will keep repeating.

March 21-April 20

June 22-July 23

April 21-May 20

July 24-August 23

May 21-June 21

August 24-September 23

Your ARIES

CANCER

TAURUS

LEO

GEMINI

VIRGO

Horo

scope

ANGELINA JOLIE (JUNE 4, 1975) is an American

actress and director. She has received an Academy

Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three

Golden Globe Awards, and was named Hollywood's

highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2009 and 2011.

Jolie promotes humanitarian causes, and is noted for

her work with refugees as a Special Envoy and former

Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High

Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has been

cited as the world's "most beautiful" woman, a title for

which she has received substantial media attention.

Jolie made her screen debut as a child alongside her

father Jon Voight in Lookin' to Get Out (1982), but her

film career began in earnest a decade later with the

low-budget production Cyborg 2 (1993).

Compromise may not sit

well with you, but it will be necessary

if you want to get the support you

need to get your dreams off the

ground. Stick to your story and

eventually you will get through to the

people who count. You cannot give

in to complaints or ultimatums if you

want to come out on top.

Giving in to someone

who is demanding or trying to get

something from you will send the

wrong message. Stand firm and

refuse to pay for someone else’s

mistakes. You can secure your

position personally and financially by

making a few crucial changes to your

portfolio.

Pull out all the stops and

present, promote and push for what

you want. Working quickly to satisfy

a request will speak volumes about

your intentions. Emotional matters

will surface this week, complicating

issues, if you have ignored

someone who depends on you for

companionship and comfort.

Educational or travel plans

may be derailed, if you haven’t got

all your papers in order. Don’t rely

on someone else to fill in the blanks.

Settle matters quickly so you don’t

miss out on an opportunity that pops

up. Take your chance with new

opportunities surfacing. Your home

needs some attention.

Be careful what you

promise others. Someone is likely

to back out of a deal or ask for

something back that you’ve been

given. Put your heart on the line

and you can make some interesting

changes at home that are conducive

to love and romance and raising your

comfort level.

Search for a chance to

try something unique this week. A

partnership with someone who has

as much to contribute is looking

good. You shouldn’t have to use your

own cash or pay for someone else,

in order to get things done properly.

Use your finesse and charm and you

will be the one being paid for.

March 21-April 20

December 23-January 20

April 21-May 20

January 21-February 19

November 23-December 22

February 20-March 20

starsLIBRA

CAPRICORN

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com, Website: www.albahja.com

For men

48 May 21-June 6, 2012

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

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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

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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)

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49Black & White

50 May 21-June 6, 2012

Cookin

g

Green and vibrant

Go green with spinach salads… you could use tender baby spinach or a bunch of the mature large leaf, either way spinach is equally tasty,

raw or cooked. And spinach provides you important nutrients, such as folate, vitamin E and lutein, to keep your body strong… here

are a few recipes to try at home:

50 May 21-June 6, 2012

51Black & White

Ingredients

8 cup(s) baby spinach

1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup(s) thinly sliced red onion

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoon(s) sliced Kalamata olives

2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh parsley

1 clove(s) garlic, minced

2 cup(s) steamed beet wedges or slices, 1/2-1 inch

thick (see Tip)

2 tablespoon(s) balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon(s) salt

1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper

Method:

Place spinach in a large bowl.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and cook, stirring, until starting to soften,

about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, olives, parsley and

garlic and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to

break down, about 3 minutes. Add beets, vinegar,

salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the beets are

heated through, about 1 minute more. Add the beet

mixture to the spinach and toss to combine. Serve

warm.

Ingredients

1 (10 to 12-ounce) package baby spinach, washed

and dried

1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely

diced

Dressing:

1/2 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions

In a large salad bowl, add the spinach, almonds,

strawberries, and cucumber and toss together.

For the dressing:

In a small glass bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid,

combine the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, oil, and

poppy seeds. Whisk together in the glass bowl or

shake if using a jar.

Dress the salad right before serving.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 slices thick-cut bacon or 4 slices pancetta, chopped

3 shallots, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

3 tablespoons vinegar

2 pounds triple washed spinach, stems removed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered lengthwise

Parmigiano-Reggiano, for topping

Directions

Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium-high

heat. Once hot, add bacon to skillet and brown,

reserve the crispy bacon bits and add the shallots and

garlic to the pan. Cook 3 to 4 minutes then deglaze

the pan with vinegar, turn spinach into pan and wilt

down a bit but do not fully cook the spinach, just give

it a few turns with tongs. Season the greens with salt,

pepper and nutmeg. Place spinach on a serving dish

and top with quartered eggs, shavings of cheese and

reserved bacon bits.

SPINACH & BEET SALAD

SPINACH-STRAWBERRY SALAD

FRESH SPINACH SALAD

51Black & White

52 May 21-June 6, 2012

Pysc

he

Too busy women,

Why have we all become so busy? Especially women! Women are so busy that it seems like they are caught in some kind of national

epidemic. It is true that women need to juggle

between work and family responsibilities, but then if they are so caught up in it, where will they find

some time to have a personal life?

52 May 21-June 6, 2012

53Black & WhiteE-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com, Website: www.albahja.com

For women

We need to be busy and being busy is actually good,

especially when you’re doing things you love and want

to do. But there is a great difference in doing it and

overdoing it and in being busy and being too busy.

You become too busy, then you become too busy for

everyone and yourself. Then you end up falling sick

because of stress overload.

Why is this focus on women and not men? Well, because

women seem to naturally experience more stress. With

their eternal role of balancing between work, family and

other additional obligations, then the stress levels are

more too.

“Some scientific studies also show that female sex

hormones cause females under stress to secrete more

stress chemicals than men do under similar conditions,”

psychiatrists tell us. So where does this all lead to?

Very simply put, women do not find any time to relax and

this is dangerous. Women need to relax and unwind,

otherwise there is this danger of them burning out.

Look at the pattern: being too busy for comfort and then

taking an overload of stress; naturally you will fall sick.

We are not talking of feeling occasionally stressed. In

fact, a little bit of stress is not bad – it is good! But, the

danger for the too busy, too stressed and too worked

up and never ever relaxing woman is a host of health

problems, including heart problems. And you know that

heart attack is the number one killer of women today.

Chronic or excessive stress can manifest in various form

in your body, mind and behaviour. Physical symptoms

include insomnia, headaches, neck or back pain, fatigue

and gastrointestinal distress. Psychological problems

like irritability, depression and difficulty in concentrating

can also plague the overstressed. And then there are the

behavioural indicators: alcohol or drug use, binge eating

and sleep problems, for instance.

Now, if we ask around, we will find that many women are

suffering such problems on a regular basis. So, women,

try to make some changes. If you don’t find some time to

relax you are going to suffer. If you are a woman, then

there are various methods of relaxation:

Exercise, meditation, massage, biofeedback, listening to

music, reading, playing with pets, aromatherapy or getting

together with friends are just a few of the possibilities…

Specific relaxation techniques, like progressive muscle

relaxation or visualisation, can help slow heart rate, lower

breathing rate and blood pressure, and reduce muscle

tension and chronic pain, experts say. Think about which

activities make you feel the most relaxed and work more

of those into your life. Relaxation allows you to be pro-

active against the rigours of stress. Busy women need

to rest their bodies and their minds. Taking time to relax

breaks the cycle of go, go, go. As you make time for

relaxation or practice special relaxation techniques, you’ll

begin to recognise that stressed-out feeling as it starts,

and you’ll learn how to cope with it before it becomes a

chronic problem.

They say don’t say you did good to someone.

Just remain silent, it shows your magnanimity!

They say don’t get angry, even if the situation

requires you to be.

You lack diplomacy!

They say don’t be proud of your

achievements.

People will call you arrogant and wait for your

fall.

They say don’t expect anything in return.

You will be termed selfish!

They say don’t keep accounts of your charity.

You are an opportunist!

They say never be frank and call a spade a

spade.

People will call you a rude *#&%@

They say be liberal to your friends and

acquaintances.

Otherwise there will be no one to support

when you fall.

They say forgive and forget.

Makes you a tolerant person!

They say nod your head in unison, support

others.

You are cooperative and adjusting!

They say do as others do.

You are a hero!

They say keep smiling at the world.

And call you silly and irresponsible!

They say never believe anyone blindly.

And when you question, you are being difficult!

They say it is better to let go.

And when you do, you are not strong!

They say never stop giving.

You will be called self-centered!

They say learn to say 'No'!

But when you do, you have changed!

They say you are what you wear

And when you wear a brand, you are showing

off!

They say go for it, unless you attempt, you

cannot win.

And rate you over confident and blind.

They say come lets join hands for a cause.

All they do is propagate their views and

beliefs.

They say you learn from your mistakes.

And when you make one, they say they told

you so!

They say stop trying to be someone you are

not.

And it is they who make you what you are

today!

They say as you sow, so you reap.

But, do you get to decide what to sow?

They say be committed in your work.

And when you do, you have no time for family!

They say don’t fall for vices.

And call you boring and wasted!

They say work hard to succeed.

When you succeed, you are called lucky!

They say don’t try to become someone else,

be yourself.

And when you do, they call you selfish,

arrogant, rude, blind and intolerant!

Sigh! All they do is ‘say’!

They say so many things… they tell you what

to eat, what not to; what to say, what not to;

what to wear, what not to; what to and what

not to!

You never see them at all. It is always

someone else that says they said, they say! It

makes you always wonder, who are they who

makes the rules of your lives?

Who are these people who make you do

things that you don’t want to? Now, what is it

they want you to be?

Is it the same you want to be?

They don’t inspire you; they don’t teach you;

they don’t care for you; they don’t live your life;

they don’t provide for you; they don’t know

you; And they don’t live their own life!

Why listen to them?

Break away from all of them, the unseen ones,

be your silly, stupid, arrogant, proud, selfish

self!

By Priya Arunkumar

priya@blackandwhiteoman.comHooked

Who are they?