Black & White magazine issue 15

Vol.1 Issue 15II June 7-20, 2010 24 Jumada II- 8 Rajab

Sudoku for autism raised funds & friends p36 M'e'nipulative? p11 Green tea prevents breast cancer p72

p32

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www.blackandwhiteoman.com

MARWA: the Sudoku champ

Reckless drivers I am of the same opinion as Heena Kothary in her view of men having to get rid of their superior complex when it comes to driving (issue 13).

Most young drivers go ballistic when they sit behind the wheels it seems, and then it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman.

Even the most rational kind of man or the most serene woman becomes a dare devil driver. What happens to all their sense and sensibility is anyone’s guess.

Most of the male drivers, with stress on 'most' and not all, have a severe complex if they see a female driver in front of them. You can be sure by the next turn or mile he will be ahead of you. If not, he will make your life miserable by flashing the lights or tail gating that you are forced to give way. This is not a fiction of my imagination and most of the female drivers will vouch for that.

Does it matter if you’re a man or woman behind the wheel? It’s the duty of all responsible drivers, immaterial of the gender, to drive carefully for not only do you cause harm and damage to you as an individual but the other fellow drivers and the pedestrians on the street.

At the end of the day if any harm should befall the driver you should remember it is ones family that has to pay the price of your folly.

The accident statistics should be evidence enough of the same.

Inspite of the stringent rules and fines, the accidents in Oman are still only increasing.

To all the flamboyant drivers: the road is not a place to show your prowess. Drive safely.

Leena Johnson, Al- Hail

Because we are women…

In response to your story, ‘Why are your mothers more important than ours…?’ (issue 13), I would like to say: Because we care for our mothers and fathers more than you do Because we love and take care of them than you Because we love and take care of our children Because we love and take care of you too Because we are mothers too Because we worry more about our families than you do Because we know sometimes reality is far worse than TV programmes…

Kim L., Qurum

6 June7-20, June 7-20, 7-20 2010 2010

Ban women drivers I have a humble suggestion on the question of who, between men and women, are better drivers and how we can rein in men from making grave road mistakes(issues 12 and 13): Just ban women from driving on the road (and that applies to my wife too)! There will be a decrease by 50 percent of accidents on the roads. Why? Because: men will no longer tailgate women and flash their lights at them men will no longer get distracted on the road by women drivers men will no longer overtake women drivers men will no longer display their superiority complexes men will no longer show off their driving skills (Others can add to this list.)

Ali Al Harthy, Seeb

It ‘vase’ wonderful ‘It vase a wonderful thought’ by Bikram Vohra (issue 12) was indeed a wonderful write up. What the author said is absolutely right. I have seen plenty of people indulging in such ‘rolling gifts’ activity. We have all gone through it, but the way Bikram has written it makes it absolutely delectable. It is just too good!

Sindhu Stagy, Muscat Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Life Start Here !

Xclusive

Oman's first Sudoku champ 19, took just 12 minutes to 32 Marwa, complete a very complex puzzle created by former Sudoku world champion, Thomas Snyder, at Oman’s first-ever Sudoku challenge.

Cover Photo: Najib Al Balushi

Overworked Underpaid Bitter Batter

Contents

48

How many times can you help the same person?

There are others out there, who, although, are less demanding, require more assistance‌What do we do?

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White BPA Consumer Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Audit applied for Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor December 2009 Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com 8 June 7-20, 2010

of the world do 70 Women two thirds of the work but earn one tenth of the income?

Editor-in-chief Managing editor Work editor Design & production Photographer Advt. & marketing

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Najib Al Balushi Swithun Fernandes, Ali Al Raisi

All about X, Y & Z

There are also those who care

By Adarsh Madhavan I had his number in the phone list. It was an old Gsm number and so, I just added one more ‘9’ and messaged him about our charity cum Sudoku event. I later mailed him the details. Next morning he gave me a confirmation!

That is how some people are when it comes to charity. They are there for those in need. I am humbled by such experiences but also frustrated by many of those who have the means but are not willing to lend even a finger (forget a hand) for a cause. No, I do not mean that we drop everything for charity, but when the country has given us so much, shouldn’t we be doing something in return?

No, you don’t have to give everything for a cause, but, then, at least, all of us can give off something.

Imagine how big it would be even if all of us just donate a rial? Anyway, I will speak more about this in other forums, but I always wonder, what is it that really makes a few care, while the majority just don’t…?

A HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO SOME REAL HEROES (AND HEROINES)!

It was slightly windy, there were chances of a storm, radio and television reports warned off a big cyclone to hit town…people panicked, they went helter skelter, some of them went and bought all the bottled water from the supermarkets, everyone warned each other and most of them stayed put at home, with their shutters down…

But, there were others, who, unmindful of the cyclone warnings, or of any thoughts for their personal safety itself, just got into their cars and drove all the way to the Bustan hotel (to attend the charity --- for autism --- cum Sudoku event, which was held at the Oman Auditorium) because their hearts thumped to a different beat; because, for them, a cause meant more than anything else; because, for them, a promise could not be

broken. So these brave warriors were present at our event, keeping their tryst with destiny – for a cause!

THE REAL ONES The real crème-de-la-crème of the Muscat population that were ready to do anything for charity were present because, like one of them told me, “I would have failed myself if I did not attend!” Yet another attendance added: “I would not have gone to a celebrity do where all actors and actresses were parading themselves for all.

Even in the future, given the choice between such charity drives like yours and any other cocktail party, I would readily go for the former!”

Thank you folks! We, at the Black & White magazine, are humbled by your efforts; by your presence! What mattered to us on that evening was your presence – and you were present! God bless you all!

WE MISSED YOU, DEAR FRIENDS! At times like these, we would have loved the presence of some of our other friends and well wishers too…there was only an advance warning of the storm, but, it didn’t rain then! It didn’t rain until very late in the night…yet, none of you came! Of course, you had your priorities, but, we badly wanted you there…this cause wanted your presence…well, never mind! No complaints! We missed you, that is all!

OUR HEROES Anyway, we had those that mattered; those that cared not just for us, but for the cause that was bigger than all of us and bigger than any storm!

They are the real heroes (and heroines)! We don’t have the words to express our thanks! Let us silently, humbly, salute them – our heroes (and heroines)! editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 9

3

THANK YOU SPONSORS

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FOR THE CAUSE 2 diamond pendants on sale/auction from

Call: 24565697 / 98675976

M ‘E’ N I P U L A T I V E

?

It is quite easy to paint a woman as manipulative.

There is this age-long assumption that women are more calculating than men when it comes to sex, love, dating and relationships. But we guess the cat is out of the bag, lately: men are equally, if not more, manipulative than women, it has been found in more cases than one.

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Men read 12 June 7-20, 2010

AS SOCIETY BREAKS DOWN the gender norms, the question down in the relationship experts’ circles is whether men have also started to dabble in the feminine art of manipulation? And if so, are they better at this art than women?

Science has suggested that females of the species are more successful at manipulating others to achieve their means. Traditionally, they’ve had access to less direct means of persuasion (physical or financial power) and are thus compelled to be more resourceful - or so the theory goes. But, in the dating game, men are as devious and as manipulative (if not more) than women.

Imagine this scenario: A man bumps into his ex and he immediately invites her for coffee. The lady obliges because a coffee is just that – a coffee.

A truly platonic situation. And why not, why can’t she enjoy a pleasant coffee conversation?

But, within days, the man starts texting her about various things, great coffee, we must do it again, what are you doing this weekend and so on and so forth, until the final denouement: what are you doing tonight?

What was she doing tonight, well, in fact, nothing, but there she hesitated.

She did not want to be swept back into the same mould she had escaped from sometime back. She suddenly realised that she was just on the verge of falling back into his arms again, something she did not exactly desire.

But, the man persisted, and slowly began calling her late at night telling her that she should be part of his life once again, or at least get together, you know, for old times sake!

Sometimes, these gentle and not-so gentle manipulations might work and

even strong women are swept away by the strong manipulative currents flowing from the man. But, does the ‘man’ipulation end there? Not exactly.

Some are known to take it up a bit further.

Here are some tips to ward off m‘e’nipulation: WATCH FOR THE FIRST SIGN of manipulation. They are easy to identify when you know what to look for. The manipulative man will often first appeal to your love. He will try to use your love for him to influence you to do things that you would not otherwise be comfortable doing, whether that is spending a large sum of money on something or going to a place that you don’t want to be.

LOOK FOR OTHER SIGNS of the manipulator, such as guilt. He will make you feel guilty by telling you that you don’t love him if you aren’t willing to bow to his demands.

KEEP WATCHING FOR OTHER WAYS that the manipulator can bend you to his will. He may try flattery if the other techniques don’t work, hoping to lower your guard so that he can get his own way. In some cases, the man can even become volatile and turn violent.

If you feel even a hint of violence creeping its way into your relationship, get out.

TALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Often, you will find that you are the worst judge of your own situation.

Because you are so closely involved with the manipulative man, you might find that you can’t recognise his harmful behavior. Those who are on the outside can often judge the situation with the distance needed.

Listen to what your friends or family members have to say. Stop getting ‘man’ipulated!

Black & White 13

Men read

When a woman

If you are the argumentative type, you would question our leanings. But, we are not being fair here, only safe when it comes to the question of the difference between the lies made by a woman and a man.

14 June 7-20, 2010

THE DIFFERENCE IS THIS: when you (the male) lie, you miserable one, you lie! But, when she lies, poor thing, she has so many reasons: she did not want to hurt your feelings; she was only trying to protect you, so on so forth.

But, before we get into an argument, or even blows, here is a retake on a time-tested tale that might essentially sum up our words: “A lady was sitting close to a river and washing her clothes when the only piece of gold in her possession, her wedding ring,

slipped and sunk in the river.

Her cry was heard by none other than the Lord, who asked her why she was crying.

The lady replied that her precious ring had fallen and that was the only piece of gold she had and she was a poor lady who had to depend on her truck driver husband’s meager earnings.

The Lord dipped his hand into the river and brought out a brand new diamond studded ring worth many thousands of dollars. “Is this the ring,” He asked. No, replied the lady.

He dipped his hand into the

watery depths and produced yet another diamond studded marvel, which was costlier than the previous one.

Again, she said no, it was not hers. The Lord reached down again and produced her worn and old ring and this time the woman said it was hers. Pleased by her honesty, God gave her all the three rings.

Many years later, the lady was walking with her husband along the riverbank, when her husband lost his step and fell into the river and disappeared under the water.

When she cried out, the Lord

again appeared and asked her, ‘Why are you crying?’ ‘Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!’

The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney. ‘Is this your husband?’ the Lord asked.

‘Yes,’ cried the seamstress. The Lord was furious. ‘You lied! That is not true!’ The woman replied, ‘Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said ‘no’ to George Clooney, you would have come up with Brad Pitt.

Then if I said ‘no’ to him, you

would have come up with my husband. Had I then said ‘yes,’ you would have given me all three. Lord, I’m not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT’S why I said ‘yes’ to George Clooney.

And so the Lord let her keep him.”

The moral of this story is: Whenever a woman lies, it’s for a good and honourable reason, and in the best interest of others!

Anyone of you want to dispute that?

Black & White 15

E D rectile

ysfunction

is treatable!

Men health

For the last five years, Derek, 40, has been impotent (*). He did not know how it happened, but there he was, with a situation most men dread. Today, impotence is one of the last remaining taboos and ironically, it is the men, who are known to be more vocal and open about their private lives, who sadly hide the fact that they are impotent.

16 June 7-20, 2010

Dr Rajagopal noted that various young, unmarried males came to their clinic with many problems relating to their body and various fads and fears. “They are easy prey to quacks and unscientific treatment methods,” he noted.

The main reasons for impotence are:

•Vascular diseases (hypertension, heart disease) •Diabetes •Nerve-related diseases (neurology) •Drugs •Some operations •Psychological disturbances

Derek was in a similar situation.

He had a fantastic job and a young wife. But work and ED (erectile dysfunction) was leading him to a divorce because he was unable to explain to his wife about his situation.

While she suspected him of seeing someone else, he was worried that she will see someone soon. Because of the lack of communication, their marriage was on the brink of disaster.

“I have so many sad tales like this. I do not understand why men make a big thing about this problem. It is only ED and it is treatable,” says Dr Rajagopal V, a senior consultant urologist, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad in an interview with Black & White.

“Why can’t people like Derek seek medical counsel or feel free to speak to their spouses about

their problem…what are they shy about? People who have heart attacks go to a hospital and/or get stents inserted. People who have bad/damaged joints get them replaced (joint replacements).

Those who can’t see/read properly get lenses implanted (IOL) and wear fashionable glasses…So, why can’t we adopt a similar approach when our sexual organs don’t seem to be working well?” Dr Rajagopal, who is a visiting consultant at the Apollo Medical Centre, openly asks. “Why are we so scared, ashamed and embarrassed to get treated for sexual (erectile) dysfunction?” he lamented.

Dr Rajagopal noted that various young, unmarried males came to their clinic with many problems relating to sex, sex organs and various fads and fears.

Black & White 17

Eighty five percent of impotence is caused by physical problems and 15 percent by psychological factors

“They are easy prey to quacks and unscientific treatment methods,” he noted. “The older males – 50 and above – may complain of erectile dysfunction, but they are more clear and thereby easier to treat.”

Despite living in a modern world, men are still reticent about this part of their lives and that is why problems such as this are driven underground, many believe.

“Millions of questions remain unanswered; doubts get buried as doubts. Shame, fear and embarrassment prevent many from seeking medical advice,” many doctors, including Dr Rajagopal said.

Impotence is the consistent inability to get or keep an erection suitable for successful intercourse.

Erection results from a complex interaction between muscles, nerves, blood vessels and various psychological and behavior influence. Eighty five percent of impotence is caused by physical problems and 15 percent by psychological factors.

Vascular disease (affecting blood vessels), nerve disorder, injuries, medications and some operations are common causes. “It is a great surprise to note that a majority of people do not understand sex or sex life and have lots of misconceptions about it. They do not discuss this amongst themselves or with their doctor.

There is unfortunately neither sex

Did you know…?

education nor counseling. People feel shy and embarrassed to talk or discuss about sex and related problems,” Dr Rajagopal said.

CURRENT TREATMENTS FOR IMPOTENCE These people need careful evaluation. After the cause is identified treatment is directed towards the cause. Majority of patients are treated with medicines (tablets).

Sometimes, if the tablets do not work, local injection treatment is advised. Vacuum devices are available which are simple to use and effective in some patients.

In suitable and needed cases surgical treatment in the form of artificial penile implants are performed. The results of surgical treatment are excellent usually: It is necessary to choose the proper treatment for each patient on individual basis. It is necessary that both the doctor and patient together discuss what will be appropriate effective and suitable to each patient. It is also very important that the female partner is involved in the treatment.

Since a majority of impotence is treatable – patients and doctors should unite to conquer this problem of ‘impotence’, which can ruin lives and disrupt family life. (*) Male impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

ED can get worse over time if not treated.

ED is a medical condition and not an inevitable consequence of aging.

ED is treatable 95 per cent of the time.

It is estimated that over 70 per cent of ED cases go undiagnosed.

ED is one of the most common sexual problems for men.

Off the wall

He will learn…

O

By Adarsh Madhavan

f

he ft

wall

“He does not have any fear…” my mother told my cousin. I was playing on the wall of a well and my mother was chiding me from indulging in such a dangerous practice.

I wouldn’t listen because I was then just a child, living in a world where ignorance was bliss.

But, while I was moving away from the well, I heard my cousin telling my mother: he will learn…

I didn’t know it then, but, I realised that these were quite prophetic words. If that cousin was alive, he would be happy to know that he was right. That he was not wrong: I learnt. I learnt, the hard way…

Whenever a spot of bother drops down like bird poop; or, whenever, as they say in Malayalam, “you get struck by the ‘lightning bolt of fate’ and at the same time get bitten by a snake”, I push past the double jeopardy of destiny, and think of that past when that cousin of mine uttered those words: he will learn.

that all of us will have to fulfill that prophecy in those three words: he will learn. Yes, he and I and you will learn…

All of us will learn, that is how it is. We have to learn.

I tried telling this fact of life to someone, sometime back, but couldn’t convince him. He wouldn’t learn. Stuff your cowardly insights somewhere, he said. I want to live, he said, and live without such thoughts that will weaken me, pull me down…

Sometimes, I wonder: Was that a curse? Did that man had a black tongue? Did he hate me…?

No, poor man! He must have seen himself. He must have once played dangerously on some rotting well wall and his mother may also have chided him thus…

And surely there must have been some elderly cousin or relative who would have looked on muttering, he will learn, he will learn…

No, I said, no, don’t. I would never want to pull you down. I want you to be on top, I want you to be a winner, but whatever you do, do it with open eyes. Do not be blinded, I said and left it. I left it because I know that someday, he will also learn, like all of us. And this is not a prophecy based on failure, on weakness or on cowardice… let us learn to eschew negativity from this divination. It is not my foresight. Mind you, it is not even prediction …it is just a fact of life. Or, rather, it is just life…

That cousin, then a young, frivolous and mischevious kid would have wondered, like I had wondered, what was the big deal, what is there to learn, what is there to know, I know it all, I have learnt it all and I do not fear anything…

And I don’t want to be a man who has to bring this out as a grim reminder and scythe through your happiness. For, it is not about misery or even harsh reality…it is just there, one has to absorb it as a part of your life.

Like me, I lived a long life, sans fear. Not without pain. I experienced all of pain, but I never experienced fear then, today, as I look back, I realise

Anyway, little said about it, the better. For, you will learn…You will all learn! adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

Black & White 19

20 June 7-20, 2010

CYCLONE PHET wreaks havoc

Black & White 21

Menread 22 June 7-20, 2010

Cyclone Phet did not cause major damage like its earlier counterpart. But, that is little consolation. Especially to those who have been affected. Black & White lensman, Najib Al Balushi, went around town to capture some of the grim images of the Phet’s aftermath. For those who were not affected, it was just another story and an opportunity to talk and share snaps, but for the ones who have been affected, it is a nightmare that they will not forget for sometime.

Black & White 23

2010 FIFA W RLD CUP South Africa

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BankMuscat

offers unique Hayatuna home contents insurance

BankMuscat offers unique insurance coverage for the entire range of household items. In step with smarter strategies aimed at providing a distinct customer service, the Hayatuna Home Contents Plan guarantees protection against certain eventuality.

The third in the series of Hayatuna insurance products, the Hayatuna Home Contents Plan is available for as low as OMR 3 a month and OMR 30 annually for a coverage worth OMR 5,000 on items, including electronics, furniture, appliances, books, jewellery and any other personal effects. Coverage worth OMR 10,000 is available at OMR 5 a month and OMR 50 annually.

Pepsi takes its football stars ‘into Africa’

Wordpress

Pepsi-Cola International’s commitment to youth and sports is entering a new dimension with a unique campaign that targets today’s’ consumers who are born of a generation of passion, purpose and creativity – young people who want to and can have an impact on the world to make it a better place.

To reach this audience, Pepsi is using its best platform, football, to connect with fans everywhere by fostering their unrivalled passion for the game and enabling them to have a positive impact on the world in a fun and engaging way.

26 June 7-20, 2010

With a summer of word-class football ahead, Pepsi’s latest global TV ad campaign showcases Pepsi star players including; Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Ricardo Kaká, Frank Lampard, Andrei Arshavin and Didier Drogba, transporting them from stadium to safari where they find themselves deep in an adventure in the African savannah.

“This year Pepsi is celebrating the spirit of youth and football with a unique creative TV campaign that will delight and entertain football

fans everywhere,” said Hossam Dabbous, GCC beverages director at PepsiCo International.

“Reflecting Pepsi’s commitment to its consumers in the Gulf region we have assembled a line-up of top stars with a huge following of fans throughout the Middle East and have created a campaign around them that combines fun and simplicity in a storyline that will win the hearts of all football fans.”

BreadTalk

healthy eating products

BreadTalk has launched a series of refreshing nature-themed products in more than four categories to further enrich its gourmet portfolio.

Providing ‘Simple and Soul Satisfying’ breads in line with the freshest bakery trends this summer, BreadTalk has introduced an innovative assortment of low-fat cakes, pastries and breads at all its 200 branches worldwide. Specially crafted and designed by the lifestyle brand’s master chefs from Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, the new scrumptious products pay homage to Mother Nature and are made with premium quality ingredients.

To mark the occasion, Jannat Moosa, marketing director of Bin Mirza International, said: “Innovation, variety and product differentiation are the hallmarks of the BreadTalk global brand, reflecting the changing consumer trends towards a more health conscious lifestyle. This summer, our breads are advocates for overall wellness and healthy eating that are derived from nature.”

Halliburton

volunteers support variety of causes in Oman Employees in Oman are continuing the longstanding Halliburton tradition of giving back to the communities in which they work. On behalf of Halliburton Oman, area manager Taufiq Abdulrab, members of Halliburton’s Oman Management Team (including Laila Touqi, Joy Antony, Pat Gallup, and T. Bhaskaran) presented a cheque as donation to the National Association for Cancer.

Yuther Al Rawahy received the cheque on behalf of Oman Cancer Association. Some 38 employees participated in a company-sponsored blood donation drive to give the ‘gift of life.’ And, several members of the Halliburton Oman team (led by Saila Al Sharji and Zahour Al Shezawi) visited the Royal Hospital to give gifts to children who were undergoing medical treatments.

“Halliburton supports organisations that are

important to its employees and their neighbours all over the world,” said Cathy Mann, director, corporate affairs, Halliburton. “It is our way of helping to improve the quality of life in the many places where we work and live.”

“In summary, our future success will be determined by how well we come together and endure — industries, governments and people from all over the world — with a shared commitment to a brighter energy future,” said Taufiq.

Black & White 27

Honda

sales training

The Honda sales team in Omasco hold regular training programmes on product, customer handling and updating knowledge on Honda to enable them to give their very best service to prospective Honda customers. The latest training focussed on innovation and creativity working in teams using the well-known Honda robot, Asimo.

Honda in Oman strives to create a different yet relevant experience for customers that reinforces with customers why they chose Honda.

Mahrjan

Khimji’s Khimji’s Mart has launched yet another unique and innovative promotion 'Mahrjan Khimji’s' (which concluded here recently) across 19 Khimji’s Mart Supermarkets in Oman. The new offer is the first of the many large scale promotions from Khimji’s Mart this year. This newly introduced promotion exemplifies the company’s continuous efforts to offer new and innovative rewards schemes for all its valued customers.

On a purchase of OMR5 customers have a chance to win these prizes: 04 Khimji’s Home Furniture package, 12 LG LCDs, 17 Nokia E71 GSMs, 09 General Window AC, 40 Free Shopping Vouchers from Khimji’s Mart, 60 Pizza Hut vouchers from Pizza Hut and a bumper prize of a brand new Nissan Maxima.

Burger king

Wordpress

returns to Omani market Burger King has announced its re-entry into the Omani market with the opening of the first of two restaurants at Oman Oil Marketing Company (Omanoil) service station in Qurum and a second branch in Al Mawaleh expected to open in coming weeks. Renowned for its signature flamebroiled flavour, Burger King is returning to the Omani market to uplift the fast food industry scene and satisfy indulgent burger lovers in Oman.

28 June 7-20, 2010

Samsung 3D TVs in Oman At an impressive movie style launch ceremony, the full range of Samsung 3D LED TV series was launched by Samsung Electronics (SARCO), Eng Habib Macki presided over as the chief guest and senior dignitaries included K T Bae, president, Samsung Middle east & Africa HQ, S Y Hong, president, Samsung Gulf Electronics, officials from A V Samsung B J Kim, director, Ram Modak, general manager, Moon,

product manager, Sudhir, sales manager and officials of SARCO. Samsung 3D TV series range from 40-46, 50, 55 and 63 inches of LED, LCD and PDP TVs. To complete the 3D viewing experience, Samsung will offer a 3D Blu-ray disc player and 3D glasses as a promotion during the launch. The new range will be available in all major electronics stores across Oman, starting midMay 2010.

Iranian ophthalmologists at

Muscat Eye Laser Center Muscat Eye Laser Center recently played host to two leading Iranian ophthalmologists, in the latest in a growing trend of visits by international eye surgeons to Oman’s pre-eminent eye care centre.

Dr Mir Mohammed Sadeghi, ophthalmologist and Dr Soheil Adib Moghaddam, ophthalmologist and specialist in cataract and refractive surgery, spent a week in Muscat primarily to get acquainted with Muscat Eye Laser Center’s use of cutting-edge technology and surgical techniques.

Oman Air

flies to Ras Al Khaimah

Oman Air launched its 34th destination Ras Al Khaimah last month. A high level delegation from Oman Air led by Oman Air’s Ceo Peter Hill with other senior management team attended the airlines launch celebrations at Ras Al Khaimah. Oman Air flights to Ras Al Khaimah will depart on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1300hours, and on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 20.30 hours.

Black & White 29

Oman Mobile launches 3.5G football USB modem Oman Mobile announced the launch of a new modem that resembles a football to coincide with the World Cup 2010, being the first operator in the Sultanate to introduce this innovative product.

The new modem which supports Windows, Mac and Linux has outstanding features as it can as well operate on a variety of frequencies and supports maximum speeds that third generation HSPA networks can provide. The device can also be used as a data storage device as it is equipped with a Micro SD slot.

Saleem Ahmed Abdullatiff, general manager of marketing at consumer business unit said,

Adventure Zone

Wordpress

for kids Adventure Zone, the first of its kind in Muscat for the kids aged four to 17, was officially inaugurate by Mohra Al Zubair Mohammed Al Zubair recently. Adventure Zone is located within Al Mazaar Souk, adjacent to Omani Heritage Village at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and is open to both hotel guests and local residents.

30 June 7-20, 2010

“Oman Mobile is pleased to be the first operator in the Sultanate to launch this much-awaited modem, thus reassuring the leadership position it has in the Omani market.

This limited edition product supports download speeds up to 7.2 mbps and upload speed of 5.76 mbps and our customers will be able to benefit from the unmatched experience that the Sultanate’s widest 3.5G coverage offers”.

Priced at just RO39, this new modem is now available at selected Omantel & Oman Mobile outlets. For more information, customers can call Oman Mobile Contact Centre Number 1234.

In Black & White

In Black...

We didn’t expect a gatecrasher!

We invited more than 620 people for our charity cum Sudoku event last Thursday. But, we didn’t expect a gatecrasher – a cyclone that stormed in without a warning, without an invitation.

But, since it came uninvited, we did not let it in.

So, it waited outside – outside Oman itself – until the charity event got over. We like to think like that because we feel the cause to raise awareness on autism in Oman was bigger and stronger than anything. Even the elements bowed and waited for it get over.

Many said we should call off the Black & White Sudoku for a cause event. Sorry folks, we could not cancel the event because we had flown in the autistic savant George (celebrity guest) from America and it was too late to cancel or postpone.

We planned to postpone if it started raining on Thursday morning. But no, it did not rain until our ‘Rainman’ left Oman, in the wee hours of Friday.

So, the first-ever Sudoku for a cause event went off well. The attendance was far less than the over 600 whom we invited, but 200 plus brave hearts came in to support the cause and event… our salutations to them! You will know who your friends and supporters are, only in a crisis! To quote the words of one of the parents of an autistic child who attended the event: there is a storm everyday in our lives, if we don’t stand up to it, we will all be dead and gone! Our life is a challenge; it will do us good only to face it. Without risks, there is no gain.

We are indebted to our sponsors too – each and every one of them! Marwa Al Wadhahi, the first Sudoku champ of Oman was quite a revelation!

She was fantastic! We were right, the game of Sudoku is as simple as a game of 1 to 9 numbers and it brought all communities together under one platform.

The event brought us all to a common conclusion.

Autism exists in Oman, but it is not the end. With George’s remarkable performance on stage computing calendar years for our guests, it left us

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief all with one thought. Autism is not the end. There are many probabilities and opportunities for the autistic, if the community can join hands and help.

In a small way we were able to mobilise OMR3226 for Muscat Autism Center and some funds to purchase three laptops and a printer for the Association for the Welfare of the Handicapped Children (AWHC).

Once inside the Oman Auditorium, we forgot that there was a storm brewing outside. The event left an impact on everyone who attended and we could see them leaving with a determined look on their face and with a smile of accomplishment that they were part of the first-ever drive for the autism cause. I am still receiving emails from those who attended, with ideas, advices and thoughts on how to improve the lives of those affected with autism.

We were also worried when we started off.

What if Cyclone Phet actually hit Oman during the event? Well, the internal decision was, that we will accommodate all our guests at Al Bustan Palace Hotel. We didn’t have to, though (Thank God, otherwise we would have gone broke, if it was houseful)!

God bless you folks!

& White Black & White 31

B&W Xclusive 32 June7-20, 2010

Omani girl makes Sudoku history An Omani girl made Sudoku history, winning the first-ever Sudoku challenge in Oman.

Marwa Al Wadhahi has become the Sultanate’s first-ever Sudoku champion. Marwa, 19, took just 12 minutes to complete a very complex puzzle created by former Sudoku world champion, Thomas Snyder, at Oman’s first-ever Sudoku challenge, organised by Black & White.

Black & White 33

Sudoku champs Marwa, Kalpana and Madhvi

MARWA, WHO COMPETED AGAINST eight other Sudoku wizards at the final of the first-ever Black & White ‘You Play Sudoku’ Open to All Competition – 2010, which was presented by Oman Investment and Finance Co (OIFC) SAOG at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel, was a clear winner as she topped the competition at all stages.

In a true Sudoku master’s style, Marwa powered herself to the top of the competition, leaving a huge gap between her and the next winner.

B&W Xclusive

The other two runners up were Kalpana D’Silva (first) and Madhvi Kumar (second).

Marwa won some exciting prizes, including an ORIS Limited Edition watch (Khimji’s Watches), a Samsung 40-inch TV, netbook, a voucher for overnight stay for two at Al Nahda Resort & Spa, one KIMS care card from KIMs Oman hospital and gift voucher from Staedler. Kalpana, Madhvi and other finalists also won gifts.

The event brought the spotlight not only on Sudoku in Oman, but also raised much needed awareness on autism in Oman, thanks to the presence of the American autistic savant, George 34 June7-20, 2010

Widener.

Despite a cyclone warning, well wishers and supporters of the autism-cum-Sudoku cause, braved the odds and made their presence felt at this first-ever event of its kind.

Black & White magazine raised OMR5000 to the cause of autism in Oman. A cheque of OMR3226 was handed over to the head of the Muscat Autism Centre, Qurum and three Samsung laptops and a printer will be given to the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children (AWHC) in Oman.

An exclusive work of art by George (for the cause) and two exquisite diamonds from Damas was also put up for charity sale. A member of the audience, Suad Al Mudhaffer, bought George’s drawings.

The diamonds are still up for charity sale. (Contact: 24565697, 98675976) The autism cause was supported by the BEC Group and partnered by Renaissance Services SAOG. Other partners include Al Turki Enterprises, Khimji’s Watches, Samsung, Damas, Al Nahda Resort & Spa, Al Amal Medical Centre, Hi 95.9 FM, Staedler and Kims Oman Hospital.

4000, 200, 1, and 0 – the autism story in Oman HE IS A MAN OF FEW WORDS. But, on that evening, his few words mattered. It covered the entire gamut of the autism problem in Oman and in his own words, offered a solution.

Dr Yahya Al-Farsi, assistant professor of epidemiology and public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and also the chairman of the autism research group in Oman, gave a short but sweet speech, which covered the essence of the autism situation in Oman at the Sudoku for a cause event.

We reproduce the speech verbatim: “Good evening, It is a pleasure being with you today!

I am Dr Yahya Al-Farsi, and I currently serve as the chairman of the Autism Research Group at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University.

As we witness a global change in weather, especially tonight in this country, we also witness a global change in attitude and concern towards autism. Your presence tonight is a solid evidence for this.

Because Sudoko is primarily a game of numbers, I would like to talk about these numbers: 4000, 200, 1, and 0. We estimate to have 4000 cases of autism in Oman. Only about 200 cases are diagnosed, the remaining are not!

We have only one child psychiatry clinic to serve them.

The families which take care of autistic children receive 0 rials as

allowance/ aid to cope with the expense of autism.

I hope that one day we can reverse the trend of these numbers.

So, we will have 0 undiagnosed cases of autism, and 1 unifying social association that coordinate all the efforts to support the autistic kids.

We hope to have 200 places of services that range from social welfare centers to medical clinics. We hope to provide at least 4000 Omani rials as annual support for each autistic child in order to get the service and education that he or she deserves.

There is a problem, you are the solution.

There is a dream, you make it real.

Thank you.�

Black & White 35

They made their

presence felt They came, they saw, and they conquered our hearts…Rains did not stop them. Storms did not see them holed up in their homes.

B&W Xclusive

They were not worried about getting wet or their vehicles getting muddy; they were not worried about getting washed away… they were only worried whether they would not be able to make it for a cause.

The ones who attended the Black & White charity (for autism) cum Sudoku event at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace hotel on a stormy evening were cut from a different cloth. They were a different breed of people whom anyone would be proud to be associated with.

We spoke to some of them on why they came that evening even when there was a cyclone warning and also wondered out aloud on what was their take on charity.

36 June7-20, 2010

Here are their replies: CHARITY IS AN INBORN QUALITY Dr Bashir M. Mohammed: “Many functions, several meetings etc were cancelled last Thursday (June 3) because of the cyclone warning. But you (Black & White) went ahead with the event – that itself was an inspiration for me to attend.

“I am part of the national emergency committee, so I know my responsibilities. I was constantly updating myself about the storm and so I knew that it was not going to break out on Thursday, so there was no need to panic.

“But, the overriding factor was the cause for autism. I don’t attend all of these ‘big’ functions, however, the event, which was for autism charity was close to my heart – I wanted to attend and I did. Storm or rain did not matter!

“And charity – it is something that you have to be born with. Yes, you can develop that quality in you to be charitable, but, for those who actually do it, you will find that it is an inborn quality!”

WHAT ARE WE GIVING BACK? Barka Al Bakry: “I will not miss an event like this for anything.

I was committed to be there and committed for the cause.

Storm or no storm, I was going to make it. I was determined to be there for the sake of the children (with autism).

“Charity? Well, it is a feeling of commitment to the society.

I get into a self-assessment mode wherein I ask myself, am I doing charity because I am one up on those in need? Not at all!

Am I blessed in body, mind and material – yes, most of us are blessed in that manner, but, what are we giving back…?”

FOUNDATION STONE OF ALL CAUSES Dr Khadija Taj Mohammed Sha'aban: “I am very keen on the subject of autism. I wanted to contribute my mite to this cause and so I was ready to come whether there was rain or storm.

And I am surprised that people stayed indoors on Thursday evening. If you check the weather report properly, you would know that they were speaking of an impending storm, clearly not on that evening. So, there was no question of not attending. I kept myself regularly updated about the weather.

“As for charity, well, it means a lot to me. I think charity is the mainstay for many causes. If not for charity, many causes would die a silent death!”

WE ARE IN THIS WORLD FOR A PURPOSE Tariq Al Khabori: “I felt that my presence was required for the cause. When you are present, you are responsible.

When you are not, it is something that is happening somewhere and you are not involved in anyway.

I believe that I am in this world for a purpose, so whatever time I get, I give it to other people.”

Black & White 37

Charity is…

giving from the heart Suad Mudhaffer: The Sudoku for a cause event was just brilliant.

It was a learning process for me. We get to learn from people who live challenging lives. We have it all, but we are still not complete.

Charity is not about giving, it is not about money, it is a state of mind. It is giving from your heart.

Charity is about being there for others. You don’t have to be a full time social worker for being part of a society. You can be socially responsible, if you have the heart for it.

I was always interested in supporting the ones

who faced major obstacles in life. I wanted to help overcome their challenges.

The strongest of us buckle down under the weight of some silly problems. But look at these people; they face challenges every single day!

There is very little awareness about autism in Oman. People still don’t know what autism is all about.

Even me, I wanted to know more about it so that I can contribute my mite towards the cause. When a family has an autistic child, community should help.

It is not the family’s fault.

B&W Xclusive

Charity made me know who I am John Patrick Flood I came to the Suduko for a cause event through a special invitation from a new friend and we both trusted we would know what to do if the cyclone really intensified. Several years ago I taught autistic students at a special school and hospital in Ireland so I have a natural interest in what's happening here for these students. I am most thankful that Black & White magazine offered those of us who live in Oman this opportunity to network and support a greater awareness and funding of students with autism.

Charity, what is it? In the best sense of the word I think it is our natural inclination to give to others and perhaps it could be redefined beyond concepts of "giving to the needy". We all have needs and these needs in one way or another are filled or met thanks to the "charity" or caring others provide. My work with autistic students stretched my capacities of body, mind and heart to be more creative and that experience over several years deepened my knowing of who I am and what I am capable of offering others.

I think and feel the words "charity" and 'love" are closely linked when given practical expression in our daily lives.

38 June7-20, 2010

Help those who can’t help themselves Michele Ni Thoghdha I attended the event because I wanted to be there for the Black & White team! I was also very much aware that because of the storm warning, many people might not attend.

That in itself was a motivational force as I wanted to ensure the evening would achieve its objective

of highlighting the lack of awareness and the lack of financial and societal support for autism in Oman.

Charity‌is giving to others who are not in a position to help themselves and giving to the extent that you go without something that you would like to have or enjoy so that others may benefit.

GLIMPSES of the event

Black & White 39

B&W Xclusive

GLIMPSES

Partnered by:

B&W Xclusive

GLIMPSES

42 June7-20, 2010

Black & White 43

GLIMPSES

B&W Xclusive

Sudoku lovers all

44 June7-20, 2010

Twenty four semifinalists line up for a photo prior to their semifinal Sudoku match at the Indian School Al Ghubra. The prelims and semifinal of the Black & White ‘You Play Sudoku’ Open to All event were conducted at the ISG. Sultan and his acrobatic team of SNK Breakers broke the ice with their scintillating freestyle display set to some tantalizing music during the Sudoku break at ISG.

Black & White 45

Queen of Sudoku

B&W Xclusive

EVEN FOR THE LUCKY FEW WHO HAD SEEN Marwa Al Wadhahi perform at the final of the Black & White ‘You Play Sudoku’ Open to All competition, she is still a mystery. They were awed by her mastery at solving the Sudoku puzzle. The way she launched herself on the puzzle, her fingers delicately poised and fluttering above it as though she was indulging in some arcane mumbo jumbo. She also seemed to be muttering something under her breath and it all added to the mystery… how did this little girl solve such a complex puzzle set by former Sudoku world champ Thomas Snyder?

Many wondered: How did this little Omani girl’s head all that she knew?

When Marwa, Oman’s first-ever Sudoku champ, is not Sudokuing, she is studying at the College of Commerce & Economics at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

A first-year student of the college, this young numbers sensation is a shy and unassuming girl, content in her own world of numbers and her studies.

Although good with numbers, she was not into Sudoku until some five years back. “I was studying at Al Sahwa School when our math teacher brought a Sudoku puzzle to class and demonstrated how to play this numbers game.

“I was hooked on to it from day one. I never stopped playing since then,” Marwa quietly tells

Black & White.

But although she was into Sudoku, she was not playing it with a competitive spirit. She was more interested in solving it and never thought about finishing it in a particular time or even competing against anyone. Then, the B&W Sudoku for a cause competition changed it all.

Suddenly, she was flung into an exciting competition and then saw herself escalated on top of the emerging Sudoku world in Oman as its first queen.

“In the back of my mind, I always thought that it would be fun to pit our Sudoku wits with others and my wishes came true with the B&W Sudoku competition. It was the first-ever event of its kind in town, and I guess I am just lucky that I had this big opportunity to play Sudoku live and against other tough competitors.” In fact, some of her competitors were more experienced and older than her. But do the numbers here make a difference? One can’t tell.

But, otherwise, Marwa agreed that numbers had a huge significance in our lives. “Yes, it is true that numbers are very important in our lives and anybody can play this game! I know it is a time-based game, so I focussed on getting the probabilities and the possibilities right and well, I got it right,” she said, smiling shyly.

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi

46 June7-20, June 7-20,2010 2010

Management talk

Are you going green?

Dr Anchan C.K, Ceo, Towell-take solutions

By Dr CK Anchan You’ve probably noticed that green is everywhere these days--in the news, politics, fashion, and even technology.

You can hardly escape it on the Internet, and now with the Planet Green TV network, you can even enjoy eco-friendly entertainment, 24 hours a day.

The idea behind going green is to adopt sustainable, new and able means of consuming energy that do not drain the planet of it’s natural resources or render it completely unlivable and having a conscientious attitude towards the environment.

Already, the earth’s temperature is increasing because of our activities. Going green is simply taking steps necessary to use technologies that do not disturb earth’s atmosphere or it’s ecosystem.

As globalisation makes the world become smaller, it becomes increasingly easy to see how the lives of people (and plants and animals and ecosystems) everywhere are closely synced up with one another.

So toys made in China can affect the quality of life in Europe, pesticides used in Argentina can affect the health of people in the U.S., and greenhouse gas emissions from Australia can affect a diminishing rainforest in Brazil. The truth is that every single thing we do every day has an impact on the planet -- good or bad. The good news is that as an individual you have the power to control most of your choices

and, therefore, the impact you create: from where you live to what you buy, eat, and use to light your home to where and how you vacation, to how you shop.

The CFC gases that are being produced by our lifestyles, factories and pollution in whatever form that comes as a byproduct of human activities is rapidly making the air unable to breathe, the agricultural farm lands rapidly becoming saline and unable to cultivate, the water becoming unable to drink or consume.

But embracing a greener lifestyle isn’t just about helping to preserve equatorial rain forests, it can also mean improving your health, padding your bank account, and, ultimately, improving your overall quality of life.

Scientific evidence shows that this generation will have the greatest impact on the environment within the next 50 to 100 years, and businesses are beginning to push hard for renewable energy.

Surprisingly enough, many do not even really understand what going green means!

Basically, companies going green will implement a series of strategies that reduce their impact on the environment – or that improve the environment in key ways. There are many different ways for companies going green to achieve this goal… (contd in next issue…)

Black & White 47

We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now.

Finally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fortnight, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:

Sorry, we can’t help this time

All’s well in the property market?

Nitternatter

Don’t fleece us, please

48 June 7-20, 2010

In the current situation, with thousands of people without legal documents going back, there is a general helping mentality in the air among many people.

We know of many people who are going out of their way to help this sea of humanity, who are leaving Oman, in some way or the other. So, in that sense, even those who have the means and are keen to help, have their helping hands tied.

And that is why we find it difficult to face those who insist on using

their ailments as an excuse and seek assistance to help alleviate their so-called suffering. It is fine, when it is done once, twice, or thrice or even some times more than that.

But, if it gets into a habit, and if these people seem to depend on only us to help pull them out of their suffering, then it is worrying… for, how many times can you help the same person? There are others out there, who, although, are less demanding, require more assistance…What do we do?

Is everything well in the property market? Are buyers happy with their million-dollar residences?

A little bird tells us that something is amiss with certain property sellers. Another tweet

confirms that one seller group had a major problem with at least two off their major residences. Have they sorted out the issues? Why aren’t the local dailies reporting these stories?

Are some of the smaller private medical outlets out here trying to fleece innocent patients?

Two patients have come up to us with the same query after going through a series of ‘unnecessary’ (according to them) medical tests.

When medical experts and others in the know examined the tests done by both patients, it came to light that some of the tests were not of any use, and they were just excuses to charge them exorbitantly. The patients – not related cases – took up the

matter with the medical clinics concerned and they maintained that they were necessary. The patients then approached us with the complaints, but, we told them we were laymen and could not disprove doctors’ advice. But, we are sounding it off here so that you all are aware of such things.

Sometimes even down-andabout patients are fleeced off all the money by the medical (un) professionals, we learn. Are innocent patients safe in the hands of these medicos, we wonder?

Accident victim in Salalah needs urgent help

Hats off to the rescuers!

There is an urgent appeal from Salalah to help a young accident victim who is at the Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah.

An adhoc action council has been organised to look into the affairs of Ragesh, a 30-year old Indian youth, who was just completing his fifth month in Salalah when he was knocked down by a hit-andrun driver. He was in the ICU for two weeks.

The medical report cites him

A housemaid in Ibri who was regularly being beaten up by her sponsor has now been rescued by the embassy officials concerned.

She was located in a remote area in Ibri.

A social worker came to know of her whereabouts and immediately informed the embassy and also the embassy lawyer. The consular agent in Ibri was also contacted and he swung into action. Soon, the agent went to the home – which was 90 kms from Ibri –

with an 80 percent disability. He is still unable to close his jaw (during sleep) and corrective surgery is required. Besides this, he is fighting a legal battle seeking insurance claim. To add to this, his visa has expired.

For more details and if anyone would like to help, contact 99494288 (N. K. Abdul Kader) or 99485762, 99671062, 99491026 and/or kaderbilad@googlemail. com

and managed to get her out of the home. He took her to the authorities concerned and the hospital, where it was confirmed that she was beaten.

She is currently in safe custody under the embassy. Negotiations are on to get her passport out and have her immediately repatriated.

All of those who have done their bit to help this poor lady rescued deserve commendation. Hats off to all of you, especially to the one who initiated the rescue!

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

Black & White 49

Amazing HUMAN BODY! Read about bones, skeletons, eyes, blood, muscles, the brain, heart and much more.

Here is some interesting human body info that will help kids learn a thing or two along the way…

•Infants blink only once or twice a minute while adults average around 10.

•As well as having unique fingerprints, humans also have unique tongue prints.

•The left side of your body is controlled by the right side of your brain while the right side of your body is controlled by the left side of your brain.

•Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria; they won’t help in fighting off a virus.

•It takes the body around 12 hours to completely digest eaten food.

•Your sense of smell is around 10000 times more sensitive than your sense of taste.

•Your nose and ears continue growing throughout your entire life.

•Your heart beats around 100000 times a day, 36500000 times a year and over a billion times if you live beyond 30.

•Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. They are created inside the bone marrow of your bones.

•The colour of a human skin is determined by the level of pigment melanin that the body produces. Those with small amounts of melanin have light skin while those with large amounts have dark skin.

•Adult lungs have a surface area of around 70 square metres!

•Humans have a stage of sleep that features rapid eye movement (REM). The REM sleep makes up around 25 per cent of total sleep time and is often when you have your most vivid dreams.

•The smallest bone found in the human body is located in the middle ear. The staples (or stirrup) bone is only 2.8 millimetres long.

Kidstuff

Tongue TWISTERS A skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk, but the stump thunk the skunk stunk.

50 June 7-20, 2010

Black & White 51

Good News for Sudoku addicts!

Mail to sudoku@blackandwhiteoman.com and register yourself in the first ever SUDOKU community of Oman

81

S QUARES

Competition

Get exciting SUDOKU news SUDOKU puzzles SUDOKU events

Be a part of SUDOKU events locally 52 June 7-20, 2010

By Dave Green

5

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

1

8 4 6 3 7 2 9 2 4 6 5 9 8 4 7 5 5 4 6 8 9 6 4 3/01

Difficulty Level

SOLUTION: Difficulty Level

3/01

5 4 2 1 6 9 3 8 7

3 9 5 6 7 8 4 1 2

1 8 4 9 5 2 7 3 6

7 2 6 3 1 4 9 5 8

4 1 3 7 9 6 8 2 5

2 6 8 4 3 5 1 7 9

9 5 7 8 2 1 6 4 3

2010 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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.

6 7 1 2 8 3 5 9 4

9

8 3 9 5 4 7 2 6 1

3

2

1

6

Black & White 53

Your stars ARIES March 21-April 20 Wisdom, intuition and passionate encounters will be the theme for most of this week. Listen carefully to the emotional clues offered by friends and loved ones. At present, your insight is accurate and others will be willing to speak openly about love, desire and romantic triangles. Information may be revealed that could lead to mild arguments in friendships or feelings of isolation in romance. Avoid small disagreements concerning group opinions or comments from family members.

TAURUS April 21-May 20

JOHN CHRISTOPHER 'JOHNNY' DEPP (BORN JUNE 9, 1963) is an American actor and musician known for his portrayals of offbeat, eccentric characters such as Jack Sparrow

GEMINI

in the Pirates of the Caribbean film

May 21-June 21

series, Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Sam in Benny & Joon. Depp rose to prominence in a lead role on the television series 21 Jump Street and quickly became regarded as a teen idol. Uncomfortable with that characterisation, he turned his focus to film roles that he felt were right.

He initially came to film prominence as the titular character of Edward Scissorhands, and later found box office success in roles such as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the

Horoscope

A new approach to business may cause excitement early this week. Colleagues and business partners may be surprised to learn of your past track record or long history of preparation. Present your ideas well this week and others will respond quickly with admiration. Watch impulsive spending and avoid large purchases; a close friend may ask for added emotional support concerning a romantic disagreement or family triangle.

Caribbean film series and his role as the quirky Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

54 June 7-20, 2010

Relationships will offer many social rewards early this week. Expect loved ones to express long withheld feelings of passion and renewed attraction.

Some Geminis are now leaving behind a two week period of isolation in relationships or emotional stand offs with friends.

Take extra time this week to listen to others and find a common understanding: new commitments will be the likely result. Plan new events and gatherings: emotional pressure and social stress now needs to be released.

CANCER June 22-July 23 Financial mistakes from the past may reappear early this week. Watch for records, contracts and payments schedules to require new definitions or revised planning. Miscalculations in the areas of funding applications, governmental reports or investment information may soon become obvious. React with confidence and don’t let the self-serving agendas of others slow you down. Key areas of concern may be the emotional well being of a close relative or unusual family dynamics. Listen, gain insight and study others but keep your observations private.

LEO July 24-August 23 Prepare for a month of unstructured time and increased social energy. At the moment, you may find that social interest or romantic attraction now take precedence over business, career decisions and finances. No harm in this at all; in fact, you would do well to spend extra time fostering new friendships and making changes to your daily routine.

Family relationships will also expand: pay close attention to new ideas from loved ones or fresh social plans from close family friends.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 Expect parenting practices, family decisions or duties within the home to now create intense discussions. Loved ones may now be restless or frustrated but are willing to make concrete suggestions. Stay balanced and refuse to be distracted by emotional displays. Remain open and watch for unusual group gatherings. Wednesday through Friday pay close attention to minor financial setbacks or money reversals: past records, payment obligations or promised funding may all be momentarily confusing.

LIBRA September 24-October 22 Talk to business associates this week and formally present your ideas. This is an excellent time to emphasise new aspects of your business skills and workplace abilities. You may also experience new travel proposals in business or ideas for shared media campaigns: Emotions are high: stay alert and anticipate fast reversals in social plans or group events. Go slow and watch for diplomatic solutions.

SCORPIO October 23-November 22 Property, possession and issues of ownership from the past may demand extra attention this week. Watch documents and records closely for minor clauses or hidden information. Friends and romantic partners may not react well to past influences: remain cautious and ask gently revealing questions. Friends and relatives will offer social support and emotional guidance. Key areas of concern are difficult work relationships or unusual power dynamics in the business world.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 Over the past few weeks many of you may have felt ignored in the workplace or misunderstood. Present your ideas and intentions clearly and confidently this week and others will respond with quick actions and ready permissions.

Watch also for a rare romantic or social introduction.

You may encounter an unusual romantic overture from a past friend or lover. Social triangles or mildly unethical proposals may be involved: carefully study all options and emotional risks.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Emotional obligations and family planning may feel heavy or overwhelming. However, aspects indicate that you will soon feel renewed and confident about your emotional direction in life and family ambitions.

Key areas affected are family relationships, social optimism and romantic feelings. Remain open to subtle insights and expect loved ones to openly discuss their thoughts, goals and dreams. Don’t over react to newly presented documents.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Social energy is on the rise this week.

Take time out of your schedule this week to enjoy the emotional antics of friends and the bright, fresh outlook of others. Invite positive people and ideas into your life and you may be surprised at how completely you feel supported or understood. After Wednesday discuss your social plans and new outlook with family members. Loved ones may now wish to be more deeply involved in your life.

PISCES February 20-March 20 Workplace relationships may need special attention this week. Your interest begins to shift toward creativity, artistic pursuits or romantic encounters. Although close friends and loved ones may take extra time to adopt a similar attitude new growth and worthwhile commitments are in the works. Plan to expand your social and emotional life over the next months; added support will now bring renewed confidence. Avoid overspending or new loans.

Black & White 55

PICK-UP PICK UP POINTS MUSCAT WADI KABIR Bait al Zubair Bait al Baranda Marina Bander Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al Jissah Sri Lankan School NHI Pencil Building (Stationery shop) Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden Oasis Sana Fashions Al Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)

Circulation

CBD AREA TO DARSAIT Al Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad Sultan Al Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving) Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD area Pizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower) Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD area Centre point-Splash Muscat Securities market Times of Oman Shell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton) OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM) KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – Ruwi Palayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance Office Al Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High street Damas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC Centre Air Arabia Office- Shanfari Travels Ruwi Hotel Gulf air building – Gulf air office Saravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroom OTE Moosa Abdul Showroom – next to al Jadeed Toshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shopping Badr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pm Ministry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom) Haffa House Hotel Al 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 shop Al Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD area

56 June 7-20, 2010

Bank Muscat Bank Sohar HSBC Standard Chartered Oman Arab Bank Harmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks area OTTB – Oman Travels Bureau Air India office – CBD next to Costas Costas Papa John Supa Save – CBD Woodlands Bank Dhofar Horizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels) Oman post office Lulu Darsait Khimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen) Indian Social Club Melody Music Centre – Next to ISM German Embassy – Hamriya roundabout Apollo Medical Centre Computer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot) Hatat House Passage to India Best cars Hyundai/Subaru/GM showroom Al Asfoor Furnishing Ahli Bank Shell marketing office SEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda Showroom Sabco Head office wattayah NTT travels Wattayah Toyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroom Lexus Ford showroom Shanfari Automotive Wattayah Motors- VW showroom Khoula Hospital Institute of Health sciences – opposite Khoula Kia showroom- wattayah

QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIR Al Harthy ComplexPizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complex Sultan Center Nissan showroom BMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centre Pizza Hut – Qurum Capital Store Al Asfoor Plaza KFC Hardees Fono showroom next to Sabco centre Shah Nagardas Sabco Centre- Barista coffee shop only Al Araimi Panasonic Showroom NBO Qurum Al Khamis Plaza Al Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shop Mercedes showroom CCC- Stand CCC Al Fair Bollywood chat Pizza Hut – Qurum

Second Cup Nandos McDonalds Salman Stores Jawahir Oman Hamptons Business Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) Starbucks Hawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum park Mumtaz Mahal Left bank Oman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20) Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- stand Oasis by the sea - crepe café stand LNG Office Al Qurum resort Bareek Al Shatti Complex Al Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin Donuts Al Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotel Hotel Ramada Al Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schools Grand Hyatt Muscat Al Masa Mall Radio Shack Al Sarooj Complex Shell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al Fair Ramee Guestline Rock Bottom Classic Institute of Arts- next to Asas Oman Asas Oman Apartments Crowne Plaza Coral hotel Qurum Pvt school PDO Ras Al Hamraa Club Omanoil head office

AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBA ELS – Al khuwair service road British School Muscat – MSQ British Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza Hut Khimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fair Family Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildg Starbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist Floor Fotomagic Al Noor Hall Al Jadeed Eqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al Khuwair Domino Pizza Oman mobile Safeer Hypermarket Mustafa Sultan Souk Technia Omantel Oman international Bank – Al khuwair main office Ibis Hotel Park inn Hotel Friendi Office Muscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams Subway Pizza Hut service road

Ice Skating Rink National Training Institute Golden spoon Restaurant Shell Select- Al Khuwair Mcdonalds Mct holiday Inn Hotel Oman Bowling Center Halliburton Café Vergnano Khimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suites Axa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair) Zakher shopping Mall PAN Furnishing Harley Davidson Thrifty Al Amal Medical Centre – Dr Bashir Hotel Radisson Pizza Hut Al Khuwair Ozone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut) American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door) V Kool TAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex Café Aviation Club Restaurant

AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEB Lulu Hyper market – Baushar Oman Medical college College for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, baushar Azzan Bin Qais school - Baushar Muscat private Hospital Dolphin Village – Bausher Royal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTI National mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn) Oman oil Azaiba Spicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – Ghala Oman oil – Ghala Towell head office – Enhance & Ist floor Mazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell Azaiba Oman Tribune – Al Watan office New India assurance Azaiba office Safeer Hypermart Nawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot Institute GU Tech – Beach road Azaiba Chedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate office NACA – national cancer Awareness Assn MCC – Crepe Café Al Bahja– Mood Café & food Court Al Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip) Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip Hotel Air port Select Shell – Seeb Pizza Hut airport KFC Muscat golf hills, SEEB KOM SQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area) Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road –

MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB MUSCAT continued... principals’ office Caledonian college – principal’s office Oman Foot ball association

RUSAYL AREA Rusayl Industrial Estate Oman Cables Sadolin Paints Jotun Paints Al waqia shoes Mehdi Foods Areej veg oils

MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIR Ministry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG) Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct) Ministry of foreign affairs

SOHAR Spicy Village Restaurant Lulu Hypermarket Jumeirah Shopping Centre Khimji’s Mart Al Salem shopping Centrepoint Moosa Abdul Rahman – GMC Toyota Nissan Mitsubishi LG showroom Sohar Bakery Sohar University Bank Muscat Habib Bank Bank Sohar Oman International Bank Al Raffah Hospital Badr Al Samaa Oman Arab Bank Bank Dhofar HSBC Travel City National Travels and Tours Universal Travels and Tourism DHL Dhofar Insurance Al Ahlia Insurance Taeeger Finance Co Omantel Al Jazeera Group Narenjee Hirjee (International)

SALALAH SHOPPING MALLS Lulu shopping center Al- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah) Dhofar shopping center Bab Al- Salam market Al- Mashoor (Salalah) Al- Mashoor (Saada) Al-Khareef K.M Trading Al-Isteqarar (Saada) Al-Hoq super market Hamdan commercial market Fresh super market (Al-Sarat) Union Salalah Market Family bookshop

HOTELS Crown Plaza Hilton Salalah Hamdan plaza Dhofar Hotel Salalah hotel Haffa House Redan Hotel Al- Hanaa Hotel BAMSIR hotel Al- Jabel hotel Al- Nile suite (Saada) Salalah Mariott

MINISTRIES Ministry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of education Ministry of defense Ministry of housing & electricity Ministry of water Ministry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah) Ministry of primary court and justice Ministry of Commerce & industry Dhofar municipality (Baladia) Ministry of man power

SUR

NIZWA

Al-Hashar LNG LNG, Club Sur Sur Beach Hotel Sur University OTE, Sur Mitsibushi Rawaya coffee shop Toyota Nissan Sur Plaza Hotel Mazda Khimji Omantel Private Hospital, Sur BankMuscat Sur Hotel NBO, Sur Bank Dhofar, Sur ELS, Sur

OIB, Nizwa OIB, Firq BankMuscat, Nizwa BM main branch, Nizwa BankMuscat, Firq NBO, Nizwa NBO, Firq Bank Abudhabi Toyota OTE Omantel Nawras Khimji, Nizwa Khimji, Izki Muscat Bakery, Nizwa Pizza Hut Discount centre Family shopping Al Diyar Hotel Safari hotel Al-Nif shopping, Izki Hungery Bunny, Nizwa College of Science College of Technic Nizwa Medical College Busmath Clinic Thalal Clinic Omanoil, Izki Omanoil, Firq Omanoil, Nizwa Omanoil, Marfa Shell, Izki Shell, Firq Shell, Nizwa Al-Maha, Firq Nizwa university -Dept of foreign lang Al-Maha, Marfa

BARKA Lulu hyper market Safeer Centre Al Nahda resort Al Maha Souk Oman Oil Rumais Oman College of management OIB NBO Bank Muscat Shell OTE SARCO Nissan showroom Omantel

PETROL STATIONS, BANKS Shanfari filling Station shell select, al saada Oman oil Shell Salalah Bank Muscat Omantel Oman Arab Bank Pizza hut Dhofar University Al Maha souk

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20, 500 COPIES Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697 Black & White 57

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SHE

Jump up and be energetic

68

70 Overworked Underpaid Women of the world do two thirds of the work but earn one tenth of the income?

Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn’t make you tired -- it literally recharges your body, creating energy. Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger

Green tea prevents breast cancer

72

Various studies have reportedly shown that women who drink four or more cups of green tea per day are upto 80 per cent less likely to get cancer – especially breast cancer

Black & White 59

TIPS for ‘MOMPRENEURS’

to beat

LONELINESS Stay-at-home women workers or mompreneurs have a wonderful time in many ways, but unfortunately, most of them are reporting that they are drowning in a sea of loneliness

WOMEN WHO OPERATE from their homes escape from many headaches. They have little or no commuting to do; they have no worries about proper office dressing, there are no interfering colleagues and intimidating bosses, no irritating office characters... In fact, they can work in entirely peaceful settings and can properly set their schedules according to their pace.

Unfortunately, what most of them did not bargain for is the deadly loneliness that often sets in after sometime.

Eve's drop

“There are no two words about it – I just love working from home!

I am now used to the flexibility that it offers, and I am happy that I can define my own hours, but, unfortunately, lately I have begun to feel terribly lonely and it has even begun to affect my work,” Belinda (*) tells Black & White.

But, it is not an impossible task to stave off loneliness, experts claim.

REMOVE THE CHAINS: 60 June 7-20, 2010

In short, don’t be chained to your desk always. Try to get up and walk around, or better still, go for a walk. If it is blazing hot, then, scuttle the walk plans and try to do a quick set of exercise. When you are in the confines of your home, without your colleagues and friends around, there are chances that you might get caught in the web of loneliness. So, you need to come up with something to take your mind off from work. Just take a 10 to 15 minutes break, listen to music, dance and then get back to work. If it is not too hot, why not, go for a walk – that is the biggest loneliness breaker!

TOUCH BASE: Even if you are not the twittering and messaging type, you need to know that sometimes they can become a necessary evil.

Especially on silent, lonely days.

With these net communication tools, you can be in touch with your friends online anytime. The only danger is if you get hooked on to it. So, you need to know where you

have to draw the line. A network is good to have for stay-at-home working women because that will give you the company you need when you are feeling all alone in this world.

GETTING TOGETHER: Women who work at home need to make it a point to see friends.

Get together with friends for coffee, lunch or dinner, or another bonding activity on a regular basis.

And at the end of the date, set another get together so it is sure

to happen again. You need to find time for this and you can always look forward to not only going out, but also socialising, because, women are also social animals…

WE HAVE MOVED: Find a new location. Your home office can sometimes prove to be boring. When this happens take your laptop and move to a new and different location. If you can’t find a proper library or a good café, move to your garden, or another room.

WORKING CIRCLE: Work-at-home women may need to force themselves to make outside contacts, or even to find a way to build in the camaraderie of co-workers, and creating a working circle can do this. A working circle is one way to do this. Talk to other mompreneurs or women who work at home and start or join a regular group to bounce around frustrations, ideas, and companionship. (*) names changed to protect identity Black & White 61

Great

Cooking

What is a better way to a good meal?

Great and tasty appetisers! Appetisers should be enjoyed very carefully. It should not be turned into your main meal by filling up on sparkling water or raw vegetables with nonfat dips. Serve low fat appetisers such as pickled mushrooms, baked potato skins topped with low fat toppings, or other foods high in flavour but low in fat.

Here are some:

62 June 7-20, 2010

Green tea dip and spread

Ingredients •3 green tea bags •1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese (at room temperature) •2 Tbsp. finely-minced fresh chives or basil leaves Method: Place tea bags in a heat-proof glass or ceramic container that holds more than one cup. Bring one cup of water to just below the boiling point, remove from heat immediately and pour over tea bags. (Water that has come to a boil should first be cooled about one minute before using.)

Allow the tea to steep three to five minutes. Remove tea bags, squeeze out liquid and discard.

Cool tea to room temperature. If not using immediately, refrigerate (covered) until ready to use.

Herbed potato wedges

Ingredients •2 teaspoons olive oil •2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar •1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese •1 Tbsp. fine dry bread crumbs •1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed •1/8 tsp. pepper •2 medium baking potatoes •Nonstick spray coating •1/2 cup fat-free dairy sour cream •1/4 tsp. garlic powder •1 Tbsp. snipped fresh chives Method Preheat oven to 425*F. In custard cup or small bowl, combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

In another small bowl combine

Light spinach dip

Ingredients •1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted •1 cup low-fat mayonnaise • 1 cup non-fat sour cream • 1 (8-oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped • 3 green onions, chopped

(Allow refrigerated tea to come to room temperature before using.)

Place cheese and minced herb in a blender and mix on medium-high speed to incorporate herbs into the cheese and produce a smooth mixture.

Gradually add small amounts of the tea concentrate until the mixture is as spreadable as desired. (Remaining concentrate can be diluted and reheated to make iced or hot tea for drinking or refrigerate until ready to use again.)

Transfer the mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavours to meld. Bring mixture back to room temperature before using, either as a spread for toast at breakfast; a spread for crackers, sandwiches, or wraps.

Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and pepper.

Scrub potatoes with a soft vegetable brush under running water. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half lengthwise into four wedges.

Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with nonstick coating. Arrange wedges on sheet, skin sides down, so they don’t touch. Brush with olive oil mixture and coat with Parmesan mixture. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and edges are crisp. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine sour cream, chives, and garlic powder. Serve potatoes warm with sour cream mixture.

• 1 packet vegetable soup mix Method Drain the spinach and squeeze dry. In a medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add spinach and mix well. Refrigerate three hours before serving.

Black & White 63

Give up the NEED to be right!

Malak Al Zedjali is an aspiring student writer

By Malak Al Zedjali We all like to be the ones who have admirers, the ones who are always right, wise, etc… But there are times where others are right, and our point is wrong or false, at that point, we should stop arguing and accept the fact that we lost the fight.

I came across many people who think they are the ones who are always right; never make any mistakes; their information is always correct, and even when you show them what’s correct, or why what you’re saying is correct, they won’t change their mind, they will still think that they are right.

They don’t want to admit that you’re right, and they’re wrong because they don’t want to get embarrassed. They don’t want to lose the debate, or the fight.

People should know when to stop; they should give up the need to be always right. Some people keep on talking about the topic; they might even repeat what they already have said, and some may get to the point they start lying just so in the end they ‘win’.

It may get to the point that people stop discussing things with you, because you won’t respect their opinion (as you just want be right, as if you’re the big boss) and not only that, you’ll bore them, because you’ll talk and talk and won’t even give them the chance to have their say, as you believe that whatever they say is wrong.

Girlpower

I’m a person who likes to be right, but the difference is that when I know nothing about the topic, I shut up. When I know that I’m wrong I shut up, but when I’m really 100 per cent sure that I’m right, I’ll keep fighting or discussing until I win, because it’s my right, and I’m right! malak_alzedjali@hotmail.com

64 June 7-20, 2010

It's my life

What angers a woman?

Vandana, award winning author (‘360 Degrees Back to Life')

By Vandana Shah One hundred and fifty eight dead in a plane crash, 200, 000 dead in a tsunami, 500,000 dead in a hurricane…an endless list of tragedies. Loss of innocent lives, trauma to the relatives and survivor guilt for the few lucky ones.

Some of the most drastic tragedies of recent times have made us think what is going on? Recent studies indicate that the airport was not to have been constructed where it was; a city was built on reclaimed land, the sea was encroached upon to create a monument. This is what angers Mother Nature–she is a woman after all.

She has provided us with a plentiful bounty, her resources are immense. If we want to fly we have the blue skies, for swimming there is the ocean, for eating there are fruits and vegetables, for clothes there are other resources that she allows us to use. Why then are we not graceful and accept what she shares with us, rather than grabbing and snatching what is not to be ours.

When this happens at first she accommodates us, then tolerates us and then finally when the burden becomes too much she becomes furious and as an act of self-preservation retaliates in anger.

Maybe if we stop cutting, thrashing, bleeding her she will be less angry and our spate of tragedies will decrease. Isn’t it high time man stopped creating only architectural wonders like the world’s tallest buildings, the steepest road in mountains, a city in water and rather embrace and accept the world’s tallest mountain, the deepest ocean, the prettiest flower…?

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, www.vandanashah.com Email me what you’d like to say on 360degreesbacktolife@gmail.com Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

Black & White 65

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By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi

Learning curve

Never forget the past

Laila, Omani graduate student of Nizwa University

Memories are all that remains with us in this journey of life. But, yet, it is hard for me to look back at the past and what I have accomplished so far!

Don’t go too far away though! For, I am still in my 20s. Yet, life has taught me to remember all the good things and learn from them.

Yes, I am sure that memories will follow me as long my life will take me back to the point of my first-ever success. Most interestingly, when I remember some pleasant incidences of the past, a smile break through my lips as I remember all that happened with me and my friends; all the laughter, tensions and hard work…all of it has been worth very much for me.

My experience as a student at the University of Nizwa has been quite fruitful. It brushed up my personality and my knowledge.

Furthermore, I made my dreams come true by being the president of the English Language Bridges Group at the university. It was a great challenge for me. But, it was an eye opener as well as it made me realise the great amount of success that working together could bring! I will always remember that famous quote, which said, “Many hands can make light of work”. It is a call for cooperation and polishing the spirit of team work. As for being the president of the group, I have learned how I should plan and respect others. More importantly, I remember myself as a student who studied hard and read as much as she could. I will remember how I used to help others and inspire them to make the best of themselves.

Not only this, but there are other memories also, which have been engraved in my heart.

Now I find it hard to say goodbye to all the loved ones! How hard it is to leave all these precious moments that have furnished my potentials and skills. It is painful to look back at all these. Tears stream down from my eyes not because time has passed me by, but because I miss each moments of the past.

At the end, this is life; things go and others come and we accept them as the river flows and the sun keeps shining. The future will always draw our attention to our memories while we still enjoy the sweetness of success and hard work. To all the graduate students of Nizwa University, my best wishes and congratulations!

I hope all of us will one day take a walk down that special memory lane, wherever we are and whatever we are doing. lalgharbi@yahoo.com

6767 Black Black && White White

P U J M

Shape n sound

up & be ENERGETIC!

68 June 7-20, 2010

SOME DAYS YOU COME HOME dead tired, not even wanting to kick off your heels, and just tumble on to the bed and crash, with your clothes still on.

There will be other days when you are lying on the couch, totally beat and unable to even lift a finger. On all of these days, the ultimate casualty is exercise.

You would be suffused with guilt, but even that won’t be strong enough sometimes to lift

EXPERTS SAY:

you up and get into the exercise groove.

But, you would be surprised when you come to learn that one of the best antidotes of beating fatigue and boosting energy is to exercise more, not less.

Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn’t make you tired -- it literally recharges your body, creating energy. Your body rises up to meet the challenge for more energy by becoming stronger.

START MOVING AROUND. Even getting off the couch and walking around in your room will energise you. The more you move, the more you will want to move and ultimately, the more energy you will feel.

Studies have proved that you could increase energy by 20 percent while decreasing fatigue by as much as 65 percent by doing some simple exercise.

TRY TO DO MODERATE EXERCISE. For, instance, go for a short 10 to 15minutes walk. This has the primary effect of increased energy. The other side is that intense exercise, like working out in a gym, will have you getting more tired.

ACT WITH ENERGY. We think we act because of the way we feel, but often we feel because of the way we act. Trick yourself into feeling energetic by moving more quickly, pacing while you talk on the phone, and putting more energy into your voice.

TURN ON THE MUSIC! Listen to your favorite zippy song. Hearing stimulating music gives an instant lift.

TALK TO THAT HYPER-ENERGETIC FRIEND. Some of them are always high on energy and are either happy and joyous, or otherwise full of pep. Not only do we gain energy from interacting with other people, we also get into their mood. So avoid the moody ones and join bandwagon of the boisterous lot!

CLEAN UP. For most people, outer order contributes to inner calm. If you feel overwhelmed and listless, try tidying up. No heavy scrubbing, just tidy the surfaces. Making your surroundings more pleasant will help to give you energy -- plus, making visible improvements is a booster, too.

JUMP! Yes, jump up and down a few times. It has been proven that it is quite energising.

Black & White 69

OVERWORKED, underpaid!

By Sally Randall

It is true that "women of the world do two thirds of the work but earn one tenth of the income".

I like quoting this statement quite often because it gives me an edge at the start itself. Ask any working mom and she will tell you what work, or rather, overwork really means. Ask me.

PREVIOUS STUDIES HAVE also confirmed what we all know: career women work harder than men, because, like one report noted, “they do the lion’s share of the household chores as well as their office work”.

Psyche

Now, I am not trying to raise a storm in this battle of the sexes.

But, if need be, I will and you know whose side I am on. My other reason for writing this is to bring home another point: it is not just that women are working harder; their overwork is going to push them over the edge!

In Japan, its called karoshi, which means death from overwork.

As companies downsize, overwork has reached new heights, and we have heard of cases where 70 June 7-20, 2010

workers – both sexes – have either fallen asleep, or become extremely drowsy on the job.

That might be a straightforward need for more sleep and less work. But eventually, the grind of working more hours in a job that is probably jammed with more multitasking than ever before, plus the stress of uncertain economic times, can end up delivering a bad case of fatigue caused by stress or depression. You might know the feeling: weariness and a persistent lack of energy no matter how much sleep you get.

While both men and women may have to overwork, the former is lucky enough to go back home and crash, while women would be back to the home grind and by the

time she finishes all her tasks, it is back to head to her desk.

Studies have clearly shown that while men work longer at the office, it is women who work more each week if domestic and paid employment are put together.

Now, my worry is on the ‘do it all’ type of women, who never obtain a chance of getting a leg up the ladder, or get on to high-salary senior jobs, because of their domestic workload.

From this we can conclude that the working lifestyles of most people in the world are still determined by gender.

I have also spoken to many women and feel that they don’t have any choices. “I have two lovely kids with my partner, Ted, and this has reduced my chance to really establish my career.

Before kids, I thought that I would reestablish my career after my kids are born, now after they are born, I realised that I have to prioritise things and without doubt,

my children are my top priority!� says Kim, a 35 year old friend of mine. So, on a larger scale, as far as their earning powers are concerned, many women are so far behind their husbands.

So, imagine what all things are playing on the mind of a woman: she has two major jobs, two major responsibilities and then if she has a demanding husband, plus overwork to counter, she is going to end up sick. In many societies today work is one aspect of our

lifestyle that seems to have gone awry and fatigue is the fallout; a functional consequence of lifestyle. So, there you are, a woman who does everything, hardly earns what she should and more importantly, she is left to fend for herself even when she is mentally and physically fatigued.

Time to think ladies, and think really deep!

(Sally is a freelance writer, currently based in Southampton, Hampshire, England) Black & White 71

GREEN TEA

Watchout

prevents breast cancer in women

An ancient drink has proven to be beneficial to women because it prevents cancer, studies claim. Various studies have reportedly shown that women who drink four or more cups of green tea per day are upto 80 per cent less likely to get cancer – especially breast cancer 72 June 7-20, 2010

BUT, IT IS NOT CLEAR AS yet as to how green tea prevents cancer. Scientists noted that it has something to do with the high levels of antioxidants found in tea but this cannot be the sole reason as many other foods with high antioxidants do not have the same powerful anti-cancer effect.

One more study suggests that it has “something to do with the chemicals in the tea leaves killing an enzyme that is associated with cancer-cell production. This would make

sense and could potentially be useful in the treatment of cancer down the track”.

But, let us not dwell on the technical side of it. Let us just start drinking green tea.

Go out and find yourself a nice tea cup and some pure green tea. Make the experience enjoyable and remind yourself how good it is for you while you are drinking it. If you can replace your morning coffee with a morning tea you will be in good stead to live a longer and healthier life.

GREEN TEA BENEFITS

Act as antioxidants Many experts believe antioxidants can slow down aging and prevent heart disease, strokes and cancers.

Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Catechins are powerful antioxidants found in large quantities in green tea.

Fruits such as pomegranate may contain as many or more antioxidants than green tea.

Burn fat, exercise longer With green tea, you get two in one. Its fat burning property helps you to burn fat and also to exercise longer - at the same time.

With more than 1,000 individuals being questioned for more than 10 years, a Taiwanese study provides the best evidence yet that green tea and oolong tea burn fat.

The longer you drink, the more evident the weight loss effect.

Green tea increases exercise endurance. Green tea catechins burn fat and reduce carbohydrate utilisation, enabling athletes to exercise longer.

Prolong life One of the largest population studies ever conducted: 40,530 Japanese adults were interviewed over the course of 11 years.

Researchers found those who drink five or more cups of green tea a day are 16 percent less likely to die than those who drink less than one cup a day.

Heavy green tea drinkers are also 26 percent less likely to die from heart disease.

Soothe stress. Boost brain power Tea contains a special compound called theanine, which has been known to stimulate alpha brain waves, calm the body, and promote relaxed awareness.

An extensive 2009 study examined 42,093 Japanese individuals and found that those who drank green tea are 20 per cent less likely to suffer from stress. Another smaller study found that green tea drinkers were 44 per cent less likely to suffer from depression symptoms.

The list of theanine health benefits gets longer daily and manifests itself both in mind and body.

Rejuvenate body, protect it from heart attacks and strokes Drinking green tea helps patients recover from heart attacks and strokes. Preliminary studies suggest active green tea compound EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) speeds up the recovery process.

Prevent and treat diabetes Green tea is anti-diabetic. Tea compounds EGCG and theaflavins have been found to regulate blood sugar levels in the following ways: •Increases insulin activities •Promotes glucose metabolism •Blocks glucose absorption.

Black & White 73

Innocent humans?

By Priya Arunkumar

Hooked

Can we clone this guy? He was serious.

Shouldn’t we be cloning people like George, rather than sheeps and camels?

Why do you say that? I asked, not sure if it was all a joke Look at him, he is pure and innocent and he is a genius too.

If we had more of his kind around, we would be living in a better society.

We were having a casual chat with a friend introducing our guest.

Whoever met George Widener was totally impressed, not because of his calendar talents, because of his innocence, pure human spirit.

Yes, he makes you wonder… if only there were more of pure human spirit around?

No, we shouldn’t be cloning anyone; we should be better human beings.

That is the easier way?

We are all born innocent, incapable of speaking, walking or hurting anyone.

Which school teaches us to swear foul words or be cruel to anyone?

Where do we learn to fake innocence?

How do we manage to kill, torture, slaughter, traumatise?

Where do we grow our insecurities from?

We learn it ourselves, in self taught schools!

We grow up and create a society that forces people to cry!

We go to top management schools to learn human abuse tools!

We exploit our fellow humans and take up cudgels against animal cruelty!

When you don’t care for a fellow human, how can you care for an animal?

We scream cruelty, abuse, and then let our own kind beg for a living.

I still remember the words of a strong mother…

“I want my son to die before I do, she had muttered softly She had a mentally challenged son named Eshwar.

But, he was her son. I was shocked.

I named him Eshwar, it means God, she continued Do you think I am mad? I must be the only mother on earth to wish so?

Who will take care of him, when I am not there?

I looked at Eshwar; he was just 12 then, smiling always.

He was smiling when his mother was saying this.

I protested saying maybe his brothers will look after him, maybe his sister in laws. And his mother quipped in: yes, maybe… I wish that too.

But, I cannot compel anyone in the family to; all of them have their own lives to live.

I can only wish, or wish he dies before me… I will pass away peacefully.

I wished too, that day, but my wish did not come true. Eshwar’s mother passed away, leaving him alone…

I visit him once in a while ‘whenever’ I go on vacation. He doesn’t recognise me, but he still smiles at me. I squirm in guilt, unexplained. He still smiles at all with childlike innocence.

If a genie appeared and offered me one wish, I would beg: Please let us all remain kids, don’t let us grow up!

Maybe, then, maybe… we will all be there for each other?

Maybe …we will not reach a stage where we will have to actually clone a good human being? priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

74 June 7-20, 2010

FAST. ELLING S G IN NOW! AND FIRST L YOUR ANDROID OK PRE BO