Black & White mag Issue 48

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42 years of Renaissance p10

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Lawyers give back p28 2-18 Ramadan

Vol.3 Issue 48II July 21-August 6, 2012

Congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the entire nation on this Renaissance Day

Without rhyme or reason…

All about X, Y & Z

By Adarsh Madhavan

It must be a personal problem. But the moment I see a tiny little kid madly cycling away on the road, my heart starts beating fast. I imagine all sorts of things.

I wish the kid would get tired of cycling and go back home. Why can’t parents take care of their kids; why should they be allowed to ride their bikes on the dangerous roads, I mutter under my breath. And then I tell myself: hello, relax. Don’t be the great ‘dictator’ on the road. It is a free country.

than watching precious little lives mowed down by an out-of-control driver.

Kids will cycle where they like. Parents will send their children out to play. But, but, shouldn’t young kids be chaperoned whilst on these killer roads, I still mutter. It is the same when I see elderly people gently ambling on the road; so frail, they would look like straws in the wind. I would nearly stop and pray when such frail people try to cross busy streets and I would curse myself for not being able to reach there and help them cross. Instead, I would stand frozen at a distance and curse the speeding driver who would not slow down even when they near these ‘dancingin-the-wind’ people. Something is wrong with some of the motorists on the road. Something devilish brewing in them, so much so they have little or no value for human lives.

Somehow or the other, these poor strays would be loping on the side of the road, close to dangerous traffic that ply by. Most of the sane drivers would surely do their best to avoid them; there may be the occasional ones who are genuinely busy on their phones and were distracted from keeping their eyes peeled on the roads and thus pose a risk to these strays. But, then, what would you say to those who deliberately try to mow down these poor creatures, riddled with hunger and thirst and elements ravaged bodies? There are no words to describe such killers and words don’t come easy when we see such terrible crimes before our very eyes.

I dislike walking out on the roads these days because I am confronted by such scenes at every step that I take. Somehow or the other there will be some innocent form of life before me ambling away in all their purity and I will stand in the middle of the road thinking, Oh God, oh God…let nothing happen to them. Let them be safe. Let there be no uncontrolled speeding cars. I know it sounds crazy.

Maybe, I seriously need to get on the couch and speak to a shrink. But the terror of deadly metal on flesh is something so real on the streets of Muscat and elsewhere today that I am okay if you think I have lost my marbles. It is better that than seeing someone take away an innocent life; it is better that

It is not just kids and frail old parents; it is these innocent street lives too; young and old strays that slowly edge out of the nooks and corner from where they have been vainly hiding away from the heat and try to forage the garbage dumps and skips in search of something to stave off their hunger.

There are people dying everywhere – innocent people. But, then, there is always some kind of reason for that. There could be a war. There could be some natural or, even manmade, catastrophes.

Or, it could be due to some real accident – where the hand of fate suddenly steps in from the blue and takes lives in a blink of an eye too. But, when it is happening without rhyme or reason, how do you explain it? What are the words that you can use to express such unwanted disasters? Are there words at all or, should we just sweep such posturing under the carpet and say it happens. This is life!

Would such casual road killers mouth the same platitudes if it happens to be the lives of their own loved ones? editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

4 July 21- August 6, 2012

Mesmerised by the Oud I had the chance to listen to one Oud player some years back and I was hooked to its lilting music. I forgot the musician’s name, but can never forget the performance nor the music that filled my heart. There was a kind of deep love between the musician and his Oud. The fingers seemed to caress the strings of his Oud and music flowed. It was a musical delight; an allure, which for me, was irresistible.

I learnt later that this Omani Oud player was playing the tunes of some of Oman’s old folklore songs and while it revived memories and awoke a beautiful sensation of bygone times for learned listeners, for me, who was still a stranger to this music, I was still mesmerised.

The way his fingers, mind, body and soul swayed to the Oud’s rhythms were quite magical. The music of Oud created a world of boundary less imagination.

The Oud is a great instrument and let it reign in Oman!

Mehfous Siddiqui, Ruwi

Kudos to Oud Hobbyists’ Association Kudos to Fathi bin Mohsin Al Balushi, Salim Al Maqrashi, and the rest of the Oud team featured in your magazine (issue 47). Let us hope that they and their predecessors take up this wonderful and magical instrument to the heights that it deserves in Oman! God bless the efforts of these musicians and all at the Oud Hobbyists’ Association!

Mohsin Said Al Bulushi, Al Ansab

Change attitude of drivers

Reader's column

Krishnaswamy Iyer’s letter (Issue 47) reads well, but it is hardly practical. These are quite idealistic notions. None of them will really help in the long way of reducing accidents on roads. What needs to be changed is finally the attitude of the driver on the road. All of us need to be more careful, keep our eyes on the road and make it a point not to make calls or answer them while driving and follow all the rules to a ‘T’…. now, do I sound more idealistic than Krishnaswamy?

Jignesh Agarwal, Seeb

Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

6 July 21- August 6, 2012

Give back what they have taken I agree with Krishnaswamy Iyer’s thoughts on traffic accidents (issue 47). The idea of taking the traffic violators to interact with road accident victims is good, but I would like to take it a step further: those who cause and survive the accidents should be taken to meet, interact and take care of the victims of their action on the roads. They should be taken to the hospitals and also to the homes and let them see and feel the horrible suffering they have caused some really innocent human beings; I know it sounds cruel, but they should be made to go to the homes of the ones whose lives they have taken away by their reckless driving on the roads. They should go and offer to take care of the aging parents, relatives, helpless spouses

and children of the ones whose life they have taken away.

There is no bigger punishment than that for the utterly mindless crime they have committed. No, it is not being cruel, but haven’t you noticed that the ones who commit such road crimes are let off scot free. Some may be put in jail, but sooner or later they escape back into the mainstream, free to commit more road crimes and with little or no remorse. Also, some of them should be made to pay back by literally replacing the lives of those they have taken away. They should live in the homes of the families who have lost their loved ones and try to give back what they have unjustly taken away…

Tim Saunders, Qurum

Black & White 7

Xclusive

28

Lawyers sans frontiers A group of Omani lawyers, who perhaps contradicting their own work ethos are attempting to free those behind bars; this may not have made to the front pages, but it has certainly gone down deep into the hearts of many who have learnt of this initiative

we would like to 12 What do for Oman As the country rings in the celebrations for Oman’s 42nd anniversary of the Renaissance Day, Black & White spoke to a few of tomorrow’s leaders – the youth of Oman.

34

When banks become responsible ahlibank has supported a unique cause raised by the members of Oman Lawyers’ Association bringing in renewed respect for the bank, and helped them carve a unique niche in CSR (corporate social responsibility) especially during this Holy Month of Ramadan.

46

Women need financial peace of mind

Contents

Every woman should think of making herself financially independent. You have to create and grow your own wealth and learn how to reduce risks and create life savings that will last you all your life

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Black & White Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212, Wadi Adai Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed Oman Printers 8 Julyat21August 6, 2012

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

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Beneek Siraj Shannon D'Souza Priyanka Sampat

Black & White 9

Oman watch 10 July 21- August 6, 2012

on the occasion of the 42nd Renaissance Day

Oman celebrates a very grand and special occasion today (July 23rd). The Renaissance Day is a historic one and the fully developed and modern country that is Oman today stands as a proud testimony to the promise made by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said when he declared the beginning of a new and glorious era on July 23rd, 1970. “It is a new era for a great future for the nation and the citizen,� His Majesty, the Sultan is quoted as saying.

Black & White 11

What we would like to do for

OMAN…

By Khadija Al Zadjali

Oman watch

As the country rings in the celebrations for Oman’s 42nd anniversary of the Renaissance Day, Black & White speaks to tomorrow’s leaders – the youth of Oman, who while being blessed with a rich legacy set upon by their great leader, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whose vision and approach have always been inspiring, are also open to the challenges that the future would bring in a country that is racing to be on par with the exciting developments around the world.

12 July 21- August 6, 2012

The B&W spoke to some of the youth around, asking them two pertinent questions: what is that one change they would like to see in Oman and more importantly, what would they like to do for their beloved country?

The answers were surprisingly refreshing and seemed to have been honed after much thought and reflection. It mirrored the genuine desire of the educated and forward thinking youth, who were following in the steps of their great leader to take the nation forward to a better future.

If it was in their hands, they hoped to see a change in people’s perception and bring in more rationality; adopt a bolder outlook towards life; strive to be a better functioning e-commerce community; a change in attitude among the youth; bring about a better and humane society etc.

Some of them wanted to make sure that no one went hungry; others wanted to improve the healthcare system; create an industry that would tap unutilised and untapped natural resources; help the underprivileged; embark on a road safety campaign targeting children and the like.

Excerpts:

Let’s improve young minds If it was in your hands, what is that one thing that you would like to change in Oman?

People’s mentality! Majority of the Omanis are not creative and practice a conservative outlook towards life. Therefore we have a lack of entrepreneurs and society is not open to new ideas.

The root of the problem lies in the education system and the solution is to renovate the public school sector. Private schools teach children creativity and efficiency while public schools are deprived of passion and concern. Not everybody is privileged to enroll in a private school or even abroad, so as a country we must focus on the development of those who cannot. Of course everything happens slowly, and our next step should be aimed at improving young minds.

What is that one great thing you would like to do for your country?

Make sure nobody goes hungry, metaphorically and literally.

There are circumstances that people put themselves in deliberately or accidently by not being rational. We need to focus on those with a low income and help develop them.

If nobody ever went hungry again, it would be a huge

Omar Bahram, Legal assistant

achievement. If every person had a helping mentality, everyone would help each other out; strangers and friends alike. The downside of a developing country is that we don’t even know who our neighbors are anymore.

There is no risk taking amongst the people of Oman. There needs to be a sense of security to take on new projects and ideas; which in return will make more people competent.

Wanted: a more positive attitude

Oman watch

If it was in your hands, what is that one thing that you would like to change in Oman?

Attitude! I feel that there is a sense of despair and a lack of motivation amongst all segments of society, especially the youth.

A more positive and ‘can-do’ attitude needs to be nurtured starting from home, school, the work place, and the media.

Perhaps people need to hear more success stories and learn from them. No country is without its faults and challenges, but only the right type of attitude, can pave the way for prosperity and growth; be it on a personal or national level.

As citizens we need to: leverage all that we have - and there are more than enough to go around for everybody - become avid information seekers, and be more active and sincere in all that we do.

What is that one great thing you would like to do for your country?

Personally, commerce and economics comes to mind as one means to the same end; I would like to lead in creating an industry that makes use of Oman’s unutilised and untapped natural resources.

14 July 21- August 6, 2012

Saleh Al-Tamami, Associate consultant and legal affairs manager

I see ‘great’ to be something that has a long term positive impact to both our economy and environment; something that can create new sources of income for citizens, spark new career opportunities, help expand Oman’s science and technology research portfolio, which in turn can then be transferred by the citizens to the rest of the world.

Law to prevent children sitting on the front seats If it was in your hands, what is the one thing you would like to change in Oman?

I would make the usage of baby/booster seats and no children in the front seat a law. There is an unfortunate state of ignorance when it comes to this subject. Many people are unaware that a car’s airbag itself can kill. We find parents who allow their kids on their laps while driving and children playing freely in the back like a play pen. If you step on the brake pedal while driving, that alone will send your children flying into the windshield. Oman has the highest car accident rates, and if people cannot take the responsibility of keeping their children safe, then it must be implemented on them by the authorities.

What is the one great thing you would like to do for your country?

Even with all the road safety campaigns and movements, safety of children is very much ignored. We need to run an operation that exclusively focuses on parents and their children. We need

Eman Alkindy, Student

to teach them the dangers they put their children in. Seat belts are made for adults, and so they do not fit children properly, therefore the need for booster seats. And as for babies, they are crushed on impact by the person holding them.

We must become more aware, help and donate to those who are financially incapable of buying such safety equipment and most of all save the generation.

Black & White 15

To be the voice of the voiceless If it was in your hands, what is that one thing that you would like to change in Oman?

First of all I believe that we need to have the Omani society understand the importance of having people with special needs get early intervention. Because without them getting the basics in the early stages, it is much harder later on to live and function normally or to have a better quality of life. We also need people to accept and welcome differences. A person may have a challenge whether it’s physical or mental, yet it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable. There is a law that every work place must have someone with special needs if the numbers of employees are over or at a certain number but I believe it shouldn’t be because of the law we are forced to do this. It should be because this person or this group has the capability to help the company or the individuals alike.

What is that one great thing you would like to do for your country?

I feel I would like to give back to my country talent and skills

Sofia Al-Bahlani, graphic designer

that I have gained to others who may find it worthy as well and not keep it to myself. Also I am hoping through my creative eye “art” I could advocate and be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Oman watch

Be the change that you want to see If it were in your hands, what is that one thing you would like to change about Oman?

Oman is a quiet and peaceful country in comparison to the rest of the world. Although we have come so far so fast, it still lacks a sense of development especially in the commercial sector.

International investors are not so inclined to invest in Oman due to prominent risks that come with a country that is still growing.

I strongly believe that we must create a strong e-commerce community.

Our population uses the internet very often but it is not an effective means to promote business on a national level as well as international. We all need to take advantage of the internet. If there is one thing I would change, it would be the postal/address system. There is a huge gap in the system and without it being fixed we will all struggle to provide proper service to customers and clients. Interior and exterior business alike can benefit from this greatly. An example is by using a delivery system to deliver products bought online, or to be able to look up a certain store and find its exact location. It will change commercial behaviour for the better. Also, it will develop an interconnected e-community where people can find anything and everything without having to struggle. But all this can only be achieved by improving the basics, the address system.

16 July 21- August 6, 2012

Mohamed Al Rawahi, Student

What is that one great thing you would like to do for your country?

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi I strongly believe that any single individual can change a country for the better, but only if he is able to reflect upon himself. Being operative, innovative and faithful within the Islamic principles and Omani traditions reflects or is a sign of how much a person truly respects this country and it’s potential.

Let’s think out of the box If it was in your hands, what is that one thing that you would like to change in Oman?

As far as society is concerned, the one thing I would change is people’s perception. It is a very important issue in this country.

We live in a blessed country, with all the tools and services for a better life right at our feet. But, especially amongst the youth, our perceptions of living standards and expectations are irrational.

We forget the struggles and decades of obstacles that our parents and elders endured to get to where they are today.

Perception goes hand in hand with education. Different levels and standards of education lead to different ideas and observations. I think that it would be better if all the other areas around Oman, and not only the main areas, receive the same high educational standards as we do in the capital. Imagine every single Omani citizen, young and old, regardless of location, receives a reasonable education that could lead to greater growth in the country. We would be a country with tremendous strength and power, admired by others around the world.

If everybody did think rationally and acted effectively, the society scene of this country would be a lot more comfortable to live in. Many social restrictions are in place because of the lack of individual reasoning. Our society should encourage the youth to think for themselves and more importantly, outside the box. After all, we are the next generation.

Mohra Al Zubair, Student

What is that one great thing you would like to do for your country?

If I could do one thing for my country it would be to improve the healthcare system. We cannot expect every country to provide unlimited expertise in this field and, of course, we cannot compare countries with each other without taking into account how well-off the country is doing and other factors. But I believe there has to be an equal ratio between the population and medical services offered, especially in the public sector, where we lack in the basic medical necessities provided to run a clinic or hospital efficiently.

Black & White 17

Men opting for

‘PINK-COLLAR’

Men read

jobs?

18 July 21- August 6, 2012

BLOWING IN THE WIND The answer is ‘blowing in the wind’ and is in fact, quite simple: matters of finance. In a cash-crunch era, where good jobs (or rather regular jobs) are hard to come by, men have no recourse but to look for other means to stay afloat. That is the reason why men, who are usually supposed to do so-called ‘manly’ work like construction, garage heads, or bosses of companies, banks etc, slowly evolving into jobs, which historically women have been doing.

MAKING LIFE ADJUSTMENTS This does not in anyway mean that women can’t do manly jobs or they can’t do hard work. On the contrary. Women have done great hard work – very hard work. But, unfortunately, their hard work has not been recognised in the sense it did not reflect in the wages handed over to them. We will look into that later because many feel that despite all that, men are still finding it increasingly difficult to get good jobs with benefits.

Perhaps, there is a saturation of men in the job market worldwide as men with even college degrees claim that they are sidelined for jobs or rather they don’t have posts for them out there. No regular manly jobs, that is.

Which is why men are now willing to make life adjustments and readily take on other jobs, which are not usually presented as options to young males. As 32-year old Ali declares: “Beggars can’t be choosers!” He was trained as a movie production artist, but soon found out that his dream to get into big time movie production had to wait and he took up a job as a kindergarten teacher. “Of course, I love teaching too, but my real aim is to be a production artist, which however has to wait as I did not have any means to make both ends meet. But, as I languished without a job, I realised that I had to do something to survive and so the moment I learnt of a KG job, I grabbed it. I am the odd one out among four different lady teachers at my school, but that is not a problem – definitely better than starving or begging in the streets!”

Ali has managed to escape the rut by choosing a different vocation.

But, he still has this dream, which he quietly nurtures. “The chance will come up,” he says quietly. It may or may not come, but for many like Ali, different set of circumstances force them into making real-life choices.

When they are not able to blaze paths in career paths of their choice, they still manage to chart a new course. This has led to a new breed of men who take up ‘pink-collar’ jobs without batting an eye lid.

Are more men getting into ‘pink-collar’ jobs? In the sense, are more men doing jobs like nurses, teachers, secretaries and the like, which are mostly considered ‘women’s work’ as opposed to manly jobs? Are more and more males entering female-dominated occupations? If so, why?

NOT MANY JOBS OUT THERE But, let us not make the mistake of believing that there are thousands of pink-collar jobs out there for men. That is far off from the truth. The job world is much tougher than before and this trend of men opting for women roles itself proves that point.

DICTATED BY ECONOMIC NECESSITY Statistics worldwide have also documented the change in male participation among jobs that usually employ women. What is the reason?

Sluggish economies; brand new opportunities; changing gender roles?

These and more reasons do contribute to the change. As one locallybased analyst dryly commented: “When you are unemployed and can’t find any other job, what else can you do but to take others jobs that they normally wouldn’t consider!” Economic necessity is the main answer for this changing trend. How far it will go and how long it will remain are questions that still remain to be answered.

Black & White 19

Off the wall

By Adarsh Madhavan I’m at the age when things don’t really work the way I want them to…

Nothing seems to be the same and all that is same seems to be a lot more different than it were.

There I was jostling with a younger friend when I realised that I was no longer stronger than him. When I was young, I could suddenly move behind someone like that, and hold his neck in a vice-like grip and he wouldn’t be able to move, however strong he was. Now, I am not even able to go behind these young chaps.

And forget the vice-like grip.

It is their ballgame. When they hold me, I really have to struggle to break loose. Sometimes I cannot and I see pity in the eyes of some of these guys… you know that kind of despicable pity you shower on puny mutts who growl and pull at the bottom of your pants.

Suddenly I realise that I am vulnerable…

Somehow, I am panting more, lagging behind when I walk with my colleagues, and somehow, I am not able to catch up with them.

And then I realised what was happening. Slowly, I understood… I was in that age when things don’t really work the way I want them to.

It is embarrassing. You wrestle with your younger male friends and realise that you can no longer ‘battle’ with them.

You can no longer race with them or any younger chaps.

You race up some steps, and after climbing just a few of them you begin to pant, again after a few, heave and then after a few more, your head almost touches the ground as you desperately try to catch your breath. You okay, your colleague asks you as the words further knife into your bone…

Everyone walks faster than you.

Everyone finishes their job speedier than you.

You take time to think and you take time to give a reply and people around you say that somehow, suddenly, you have become slower. You need 48 hours to finish a 12hour job and you need an equal amount of time to finish simple, day-to-day tasks.

Somehow things seem to be going terribly wrong and you know it in your bones that you have a lot of catching up to do. It is not just age alone, something seems to be slowing

O

Am at that age, when…

all ew h t ff

you up and you see pity in the eyes of those watching your attempt to plod on in life.

Even those who are close look at each other when I dawdle around trying to make sense of life and living and shake their heads. When I look close into their eyes, I see a kind of pity welling inside. Something, I don’t want to see; don’t want to know and don’t wish to possess.

But, it is true; there is a gradual eroding of strength, energy and even enthusiasm. Somehow when everyone is gung ho about the next project, I realise I pull back and seriously examine the possibilities of it hitting an ice berg, a la Titanic and everyone groans.

And, earlier, when someone displayed aggression, I would react twice fold, nay, ten fold and fight like a monster.

These days I not only show the other cheek but also press ‘repeat’. I hardly make promises because I know I would either forget whatever promises I have made, or, would silently let it pass, hoping no one would notice.

Like the dusts of controversies and the like that I visibly slip under the carpet. I do not want to step on any and leave a mark and give them enough evidence to have me arraigned. I hardly utter a word because I fear so much of putting my big mouth on my feet, or rather, my big feet in my mouth – well, told you!

Come, says an old friend, much older, and by all means slower and weaker than me in every aspect, yet, he is full of life and cheer and calls me and says he is starting all over and needs to go forth in raging form. C’mon, don’t be a wet blanket, let’s climb the ‘mountain’, he says with passion and I hear him out, make no reply, trundle home, check my ‘climbing gear’ in the attic and then quietly slip into bed, several hours earlier than usual. adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

20 July 21- August 6, 2012

Interlude by Amouage Amouage launched the latest creations for man and woman, ‘Interlude’ maintaining a sense of balance and tranquility through the inventive use of Frankincense and Myrrh.

Christopher Chong, Amouage creative director explains, “Amouage has established an enviable reputation for re-inventing accustomed scents. Frankincense and Myrrh traditionally smell spiritual and religious but in Interlude, they have been reconstructed to feel contemporary yet sophisticated.” Amouage’s signature glass crystal bottles are introduced in a rich and mesmerising midnight blue hue with gold-plated detailing, accentuated with a sapphire blue Swarovski crystal. Vibrant colours enrich the packaging in an abstract and conceptual representation of orderly chaos.

Interlude is available in 50ml and 100ml Eau de Parfum.

Infiniti G series combining power, style and performance

The Infiniti G series of cars has something to offer for everyone. While the Infiniti G37 Sedan combines superior handling with room for the family, the Coupe provides posh sports car performance. The Infiniti G Convertible

offers the ultimate in open-air motoring and the G25 sedan appeals to the cost-conscious enthusiast.

All three varieties of Infiniti come powered by Infiniti’s superb 3.7L V6 VVEL engine, which in the sedan and convertible produces 328 hp and in the coupe 330 hp. A 7-speed automatic with adaptive shift control is standard and so is the downshift rev matching, which makes the manual downshifts smooth and keeps the driver in the powerband when pulling out on a two lane road. All are vibrant and sophisticated rear-wheel drive and other common driving dynamic is the independent, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) is the exclusive importers in Oman for Infiniti and has contributed immensely to Infiniti’s increasing popularity in the country.

omanoil Ceo receives castrol ambassador distributor award Eng. Omar bin Ahmed Qatan, Ceo, Oman Oil Marketing Company received an award from Castrol in recognition of the company’s excellent performance in the region’s energy business, recording a 25 per cent growth between 2010 and 2011. Named Middle East and North Africa’s ‘Ambassador Distributor’, omanoil fortifies its position as the nation’s leading fuel and lubricants marketing company by maintaining performance of the highest international standards. On the occasion, a representative from Castrol’s energy business honoured omanoil with the prestigious award and personally invited the Ceo to attend the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July as a member of the Castrol Ambassador Club. omanoil is one of 64 global distributors nominated for continually applying best-in-class practices and inspiring new industry standards.

Black & White 21

OTE launches the

LG MULTI V

OTE group along with LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its new MULTI V III commercial air conditioner, targeting large-scale facilities such as commercial buildings, office complexes, schools, mosques, residential buildings and retailers.

The third generation of the popular MULTI V series, the new air conditioner will be LG’s flagship product in region, where demand for energy-saving technology is growing fast.

The launch of the MULTI V III, the company’s most advanced commercial HVAC solution, is a central part of LG air conditioning company’s plan to secure $10 billion in global sales by 2014. With its advanced efficient cooling system, the MULTI V III is expected to gain significant market share throughout the AGCC.

“As a company with a strong focus on producing energyefficient products, we feel that the MULTI V III addresses all the major HVAC requirements of businesses in the Gulf,” said DY Kim, president of LG Electronics Gulf FZE. “With this product, we are in a strong position to work with our business partners in the region to make LG the leading provider of smart and efficient HVAC solutions.”

“Brands are built not only on the back of great products and constant innovation but also great service. We at OTE Group ensure that customers get a wide range of prompt, effective and high quality after-sales service,” said Ajay Chopra, managing director, OTE Group of Companies.

The OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of LG range of electronics and home appliances in Oman.

Karama Hypermarkets

Wordpress

promotion

Mujeeb Rahiman S, Gopikrishnan G, and Babar Hasian were handpicked to be the winners of three Hyundai Accent (RB) 1.4 GL PS cars in the mega draw of Al Karama Hypermarket Group.

During the promotional campaign that began coinciding with the opening of its fourth outlet in Ruwi on February 15 this year, every customer who shopped with the outlet was eligible to take part in the monthly draws which gave away 30 LCD TV’s besides being eligible for the grand finale. The daily, weekly and monthly prizes included a whole lot of household appliances and electronic devices.

22 July 21- August 6, 2012

“This is a part of our promotional programmes where we give away something back to our customers on a regular basis”, says Abdul Nazar, managing director of Karama Hypermarket Group. “We saw tremendous response to our campaign and several thousands of customers are going to take part in the final draw to be held on June 14”, he added.

Started way back in 2001 its first hypermarket in Al Khaboura, the group spread its wings in a quite rapid pace and is all set to open its Bahla outlet on August 15, 2012. This will be the group’s fifth in the series.

Diners Club International credit card re-launch Diners Club International Oman has announced the re-launch of its credit card in the Sultanate with quite a fanfare; including a major advertising campaign at Muscat International Airport, press and radio advertising and the sponsorship of the Hi FM ‘Big Drive Home’. Operating from their new offices in Al Rawaq building opposite Qurum City Centre, Diners Club Oman will offer the most competitive credit card interest rate in the Sultanate and a standard of personal service that will set itself aside from other financial institutions. Diners Club chief executive, Robert Sharpe said, “We are extremely excited about the relaunch of the card. Diners Club are not competing with the mass market credit cards, but we are providing an exceptional standard of personal service for high net worth and affluent individuals who can take advantage of the features of the card. These include access to 450 airport lounges worldwide, a range of free travel

insurance cover which is one of the most competitive in the market, other features which compete or exceed with those offered by other premium cards and rewards for usage which are easily understood and easy to redeem.” He went on to add: “In September we will be launching a corporate card specifically designed as a travel and entertainment card for corporate and SME customers enabling them to maximise the management of their cashflows.”

The Diners Club credit card was introduced to Oman in 1975 and the franchise was acquired by the Commercial Bank of Qatar in 2006. The card has only enjoyed a minimal market share in recent times, but this re-launch heralds an intention to make Diners Club Oman a major force within the credit card industry in the Sultanate.

Following a major merchant sales campaign Diners Club is now accepted in over 3000 shops, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations and other outlets in Oman.

Suzuki

launches all new Swift D’Zire sedan The Lighthouse opens The Lighthouse, a division of Trade Links & Services Company has recently opened in Muscat to bring the best lighting products and solutions to customers in Oman. Taking inspiration from the coastal beacon that illuminates the otherwise dark night sky, The Lighthouse offers a one-stop-shop solution and design inspirations to even the gloomiest from crystal chandeliers and spot lights, to outdoor installations and office lighting. Hani Mirza, managing director of Trade Links & Services Co. LLC said, “Our intention is to improve, innovate and grow the market in Oman by offering our customers lightening design solutions for their homes and business.” The Lighthouse stocks classic, contemporary and futuristic designs of both interior and exterior light fittings, including classic and modern chandeliers in Swarovski crystals, designer chandeliers and wall lights in Murano glass, special LED profiles, LED down lighters and spotlights, LED cove lights, cold cathode lighting, track lights, special slim fluorescent tube fixtures, decorative light fittings, spot lights, down lights, dimmers and drivers, outdoor lighting fixtures and garden lights.

Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co LLC recently announced the launch of the all new Suzuki Swift D’Zire to target the entry sedan segment.

Virendra Agarwal, Ceo of Moosa Group said that Suzuki in Oman has a history of offering 'true value for money' products to their esteemed customers and this tradition is being clearly taken forward by the introduction of the all new Swift D’Zire, which in the entry sedan segment will stand out as the first choice for consumers because of its practicality, excellent features and absolute cost effectiveness.

What is further complimenting says Anil Sethi, general manager of Suzuki division is that every Swift D’Zire is equipped with most important safety features such as the dual airbags and ABS with EBD, modern exterior and rich interior finish, all at a starting price tag of just OMR3,795. Welcoming customers to view and test drive the Swift D’Zire at any Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co showroom across the Sultanate. Sethi further added that he is very confident of the Swift D’Zire becoming hugely popular in Oman due to the excellent features it has to offer for its price, and more importantly backed by reliable Japanese engineering thus making the Swift D’Zire a runaway success.

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New car buyers put the Porsche 911 in first place In its latest survey, J.D Power and Associates, the American market research institute, has issued a solidgold certificate again to Dr Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG: In its 'Initial Quality Study' on customer satisfaction, the Porsche 911 – the icon of the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer – won first place. In addition, the 911 model has received the J.D. Power Award as the vehicle with the highest level of customer satisfaction in the luxury sports car segment. At the same time, the sports car is the best vehicle of the entire survey based on the extremely low number of complaints. The Panamera sports saloon came in third in the luxury car segment, and the sporty Cayenne SUV achieved the sixth place. In the

brand ranking, Porsche came in second out of a total of 34 international automakers covered in the survey. From the findings of their studies, the American researchers also made inferences for evaluating production sites: the main Porsche plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen won second place in Europe, the Leipzig plant came in sixth.

TAC Launches ZNA range of automobiles in Oman

Towell Auto Centre (TAC) has recently launched the Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile (ZNA) range in Oman. Established in 1993, ZNA is one of China’s biggest automotive manufacturers. The

ZNA currently has a strong presence in 36 countries of the following regions Asia and Oceania, South America and Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Making its debut at the recently held Towell Auto Show 2012, ZNA’s stunning range includes - the ‘Rich’ pickup, ‘Rich MPCV’ pickup, and the ‘Success’ wagon. Available in 5-door/2-door pickup (and double/single cabin), the ‘Rich’ has a 2.4 L, 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed MT. A 5-door pickup (double cabin), with a 2-row seating, the multipurpose ‘Rich MPCV’ has a 2.4 L, 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed MT. The success has a 1.6 L, 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed MT.

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Renault Megane Hatch – an intelligent approach to driving Renault is committed to providing excellent safety features with their range of vehicles. The Renault Megane collection is a primary example of this commitment, being the first vehicle in its class to achieve five-stars at the Euro NCAP safety trials. The Megane, despite its compact appeal has an interior layout that provides a roomy driving atmosphere with exceptional road handling. The new Renault Megane hatch’s lively design makes the car feel agile and responsive, exuding vitality, charm and sturdiness.

The car’s charismatic impressions borne of its sleek look, sharpened lines and harmonious proportions are meant for the adventure seeking and outdoorsy individuals.

The SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing 24 July 21- August 6, 2012

world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 40 showrooms, service centers and parts outlets, the SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

Vale promotes voluntary and social responsibility in Sohar and Liwa Driven by its commitment to create value in the societies where it is present, Vale supported an extensive corporate social responsibility workshop for local government and community representatives in Sohar and Liwa. The six-day programme aimed to promote the cultivation of sustainable social development projects. Conducted by Glory Makers Intellectual Development, a consultancy and training firm focussing on social behaviour, the sessions provided a comprehensive understanding in the field of social responsibility while showcasing successful initiatives in the Sultanate.

The programme also included practical training of various tools and skills required to develop a systematic, effective and realisable social strategy.

“Vale’s CSR policy is based on three

pillars; being a sustainable operator, a catalyst for local development and an agent of change in the north Al Batinah community. We are a company that understands the importance of balancing the social, environmental and economic aspects of our business to leave a lasting legacy for the Sultanate’s future generations,” said Marcos Beluco, Vale’s country manager. “Our strategy is to work in an integrated

manner with the government and society to identify opportunities, utilise resources and adopt innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life where we operate, through open dialogue and constant engagement. This workshop will empower community members with the necessary means to develop their own ideas and initiatives for potential social projects and development of partnerships.”

City Cinema opens latest multiplex at Muscat Grand Mall

Oman Arab Cinema Company LLC opened its fifth multiplex at Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) in Bausher, adding to existing multiplexes at Shatti al Qurum, Ruwi, Sur and Sohar. The City Cinema multiplex at MGM features three screens with an aggregate seating capacity of 294 seats. Yet another first is the introduction of a Gold Class hall that accommodates up to 24 people in an auditorium which, while offering home-like convenience boasts of all comforts that are available in a theatre with matching visual and sitting comfort. “The Gold Class is first of its kind in the country, We are proud to offer Oman such worldclass facilities” said Aqeel Jawad Sultan, Managing Director.

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Renna mobile enhances

its presence in Ruwi

comes to Oman “Having entered the popularity charts across the US, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, coffee lovers in Oman shall be privileged with the brand’s unique taste and classic quality,” says Leena Jubair Al Bastaki the managing director of Misk Muscat International LLC, the master franchisee of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in Oman.

“Gloria Jean’s Coffees difference is a true dedication to handmade coffee - from hand picking 100 per cent Arabica coffee beans to handcrafting each individual cup. Gloria Jean’s Coffees journey is to make a quality cup of coffee starting with the purchase of the world’s highest quality Arabica beans, which are handpicked to ensure only the best beans are selected. Coffee is then packed within hours of roasting to ensure freshness. Gloria Jean’s Coffees runs it’s very own Coffee University. This means that in every coffee house, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has expertly trained and accredited baristas who handcraft each drink to perfection,” claims Leena.

“We shall be opening our second outlet of Gloria Jean’s Coffees at Muscat Grand Mall in a couple of months with the aim of developing 12 stores across the Sultanate within the next 10 years,” she added.

Renna mobile recently rebranded one of its top dealers, Cleopatra Trading, adding it to its extensive distribution channel of branded retail shops across the Sultanate to enhance the Renna mobile customer experience. The shop will offer renna products such as modems, sim cards, and recharge vouchers as well as various services, such as instant activations and many more. A dedicated renna mobile sales representative will also be available to manage activations and packages ensuring high standards and a holistic customer experience from 9.30am – 1pm and 4.30pm to 10.30pm

Muriya hosts poolside reception for clients at chic Salalah Beach Balmy weather conditions and a splendid oceanfront ambience provided a delightful backdrop for a cocktail reception recently hosted

by Muriya at its upscale Salalah Beach integrated tourism and residential development in the Dhofar Governorate.

In attendance were around 200 current and prospective clients who were invited for an evening

out amidst the luxurious settings of Oman’s premier lifestyle developments. “We wanted our guests, comprising both current

and potential clients, to experience the high-end luxury afforded by our Salalah Beach development against the backdrop of the approaching khareef season. In fact, the salubrious weather and verdant countryside lend a certain magical quality to the development, which we were eager for our clients to enjoy,” Bahaa Hefzallah, marketing director of Muriya commented.

Trader Vic’s receives 'The Certificate of Excellence'

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InterContinental Muscat announced that Trader Vic’s has been awarded 'The Certificate of Excellence' for exceptional traveller ratings over the past year

by TripAdvisor. This award is given to the most exceptional performers in TripAdvisor’s global business community, and it is a significant achievement of recognition from both the traveller and the staff. TripAdvisor has become the world’s largest travel site by recognising the power of traveller feedback.

The certificate of excellence honours businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor. Trader Vic’s has the rating of 4.0, which has earned them a place among the very best.

26 July 21- August 6, 2012

In Black & White

In Black...

My belief is that every human resource has to be trained by their families first and foremost and right at their homes.

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief LAWYERS’ GIVEBACK Tolerance and forgiveness are two pillars of humanity that makes a society strong and with values. The Holy Month of Ramadan once again ushers in a season of peace, piety and tolerance. But, remember, it is not just about fasting. While we enter in to yet another blissful holy season, let us all not forget the fact that a small act of kindness will take us all a long way.

Now, what do we all think of a lawyer? A person who charges a hefty fee to sent someone behind bars?

True. That is one part of their professional side. But there is the other genuine humanitarian side where they are ready to go out of their way to free those who are languishing behind bars.

HELP THE 15 The B&W team met a group of young lawyers who were engaged in a humanitarian act, which was a far cry from the strict and harsh work they often did.

The members of the Oman Lawyers’ Association have decided to give back to their community. They chose a cause from their own field and thus this project blossomed – it was a humanitarian project to free 15 people from jail, by raising the funds necessary to pay off their pending fines.

These 15 were serving sentences for default in payments amounting to OMR200 to OMR300. It is not easy to digest the fact that there people languishing in jails for such small and petty amounts, while there are others out there who are not only scot free but also indulge in spending fortunes on their whims and fancies.

I am not supporting defaulters of payments; neither are these lawyers. But, their intentions are very noble. They wanted to reunite families before the Holy Month and they did just that. While you are reading this issue, those 15 have not only attained freedom from their incarceration, but they are also ensconced in the comfort of their homes along with their dear and loved ones.

INVALUABLE HUMAN RESOURCES Our wise ruler, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, has always stressed upon the importance of focussing on human resources, which he has rightly said is the nation’s greatest asset. But just think about it -- where do the human resources come from? A home!

The job seekers are part of a definite household and my belief is that every human resource has to be trained by their families first and foremost and right at their homes.

The right attitude and upbringing makes a lot of difference when they grow up as individuals and need to be trained professionally for a career. Since the day a child is born, it is the family that trains the child and then the community grooms it. Finally the government steps in. Just like how charity begins at home, the responsibility of creating worthy human resource also starts from the home. Let us all take up the responsibility of grooming the youth and our nation forward. Happy Renaissance Day!

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B&W Xclusive

LAWYERS sans FRONTIERS

28 28July July2121-August August6, 6,2012 2012

This Holy Month of Ramadan, around 15 smalltime wrongdoers, who are in jail for various financial misdoings, will be spending their Iftar with their families, thanks to a group of young Omani lawyers who has bailed them out by paying off their fines with the help of sponsors with a humanitarian bent of mind. Because of this unique initiative, 15 families are united during the Holy Month, and the ones who have been away have been given a second chance and a new lease in life! What a way to start the Holy Month!

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Sausan bint Yaqoob Al Balushi literally spits fire when she speaks about her passion to not only right the wrongs, but also go all out to help the weak, the wronged, the deprived.

Her heart beats for the marginalised, the poor and the vulnerable, she says adding that those serving time in jail here for petty financial misdemeanours could easily be taken out if their fines are paid off

Sausan bint Yaqoob Al Balushi

OMAN’S ‘INNOCENCE’ PROJECT She must be middle aged. We don’t have her name, and we don’t want to know. But, she is in jail for the last four years for a financial fault her husband has committed.

He was charged with a payment default but since he was the earning member, the wife agreed to go inside, while he worked hard to repay the amount. And now, the wife will reunite with her husband and family during this Holy Month, thanks to a unique initiative by a set of young Omani lawyers.

B&W Xclusive

A singular act of kindness by a group of Omani lawyers, who perhaps contradicting their own work ethos, by attempting to spring out the ones accused than put them behind the bars, may not have made the front pages, but it has certainly gone down deep into the hearts of many who have learnt of this initiative.

No, don’t get the wrong idea that this was some bunch of cowboy-styled lawyers who were whirling their pistols and engaged in some quixotic Robin-hood styled freeing of prisoners. No, they did not turn on the aggression or threaten to do some dastardly act to bring the prisoners out; instead they held our hearts to ransom with their genuinely kind hearted, bold and innovative approach to spring the victims of fate out from prisons in Oman 30 July 21- August 6, 2012

during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Dedicated to exonerating the innocent, wherever possible; with plans to prevent wrongful convictions and educating the next generation of lawyers as well as the lay public are a group of young Omani lawyers who have gone more than the extra mile to bring out rank strangers, but real and genuine people who have been unfortunate enough to be caught on the wrong side of the law.

WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE Sausan bint Yaqoob Al Balushi literally spits fire when she speaks about her passion to not only right the wrongs, but also go all out to help the weak, the wronged, the deprived. Her heart beats for the marginalised, the poor and the vulnerable, she says adding that those serving time in jail here for petty financial misdemeanours could easily be taken out if their fines are paid off. These were not hardboiled criminals, but people who due to unusual circumstances got into financial disarray, which were beyond their control. “Such people are actually innocent in their own way and deserved to be brought back to the mainstream,” she says with passion. Sitting across Sausan Al Balushi was Maadh Said Mohammed Al Ghailani, another young and passionate Omani lawyer, who also voiced out the same concern as her.

Maadh Said Mohammed Al Ghailani

“We felt the need to go beyond the mundane necessities of being lawyers,” he says.

SUPER SIX The other, Rehab Fadhal Bait bin Saleem, Sumaiya Al Balushi, Mohammed Khamis Rashid Al Mandhari and Wafa Al Shaibi quietly avers. These are the super six who have embarked on a noble cause, coinciding with the spirit of the Holy Month. They consider it a sacred duty to be of some help to the deprived and languishing in the jail for some petty financial crimes. Without judging the ones who somehow find themselves thrown into the country’s prison and judicial system because of the foolish mistakes they made, these lawyers are giving them a new lease in life – aka, a second chance with their innovative and first ever scheme of this kind! The trio, Rihab, Sausan and Sumaiya, were the first ones to hit upon this idea and soon they were into the throes of it, knocking upon doors and meeting the powers that be in the judicial machinery, getting corporate support, and literally convincing everyone concerned to make a change for the better. And they are successful!

Realising that the first step in this battle was to become educated about the issue, they went ahead and learnt all aspects related to it; afterwards, besides raising

Mohammed Khamis Rashid Al Mandhari

funds and awareness, they also began to educate the public about such issues. All of this would help serve in bettering the justice system to the potential it has – to be one of the excellent systems in the world, they sincerely believe!

Sausan and Maadh and the other four key members of this unique humanitarian initiative detailed to the Black & White about how it all came to being: PAYING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Other than professionally take up cases, what can a bunch of young lawyers do? We scratched our heads and brainstormed.

Being responsible to the society we live in is our basic duty. As young lawyers, who have stepped into a world of laws and litigations, we realised that it is a profession loaded with responsibilities. There are many out there in the society who does not know the basic laws that safeguard and protect them. Laws are made for the society and communities living together and we are proud to be part of the system. It is our duty to create awareness and educate the citizens of the legal system too. That thought brought us three together and we wanted to contribute in some way to the society.

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CHANGE THE PERCEPTION There is a perception that lawyers are players and manipulators. Then there is the stigma of being ‘Omani’ lawyers; very few repose their confidence and faith in us. We wanted to change that perception. We wanted our society to believe in us and help us do our jobs responsibly.

Lawyers are not monsters who fleece innocents of their money when they are in dire straits. It is as noble a profession as any; in fact a much more responsible one.

Unfortunately, the generalised perception is that lawyers charge quite a lot of money, and only look at anything commercially. We wanted to change the social perception of lawyers and show the positive side of the profession.

We wanted to give back to the community in our own small way.

A year back, we, a group of young lawyers, put on our thinking hats and decided we will not only change the wrong perception of our fraternity, but also make a difference to the community we live in. Harnessing the power of youth and charity, we decided to do an awareness event at a mosque, which was our first-ever step. We eventually saw the positive side of voluntary and charity work and embarked upon more serious events.

B&W Xclusive

CHARITY – THE LEGAL WAY This year we wanted to contribute in our own legal way.

One of the senior judges whom we approached advised us to look in to files of people who are serving sentences in jail for petty cases that involved small amounts of fines and money. He told us that there are many inside, serving sentences for payment defaults and minor financial crimes, which with simple external help could end their woes and help them get back to normal life.

We got back to our team. The Oman Lawyer’s/Advocates Association has over 200 members and we put across the idea to all of them. The members’ work in different law firms and it was better to get a consensus before we ventured in to releasing some of the people serving sentences. Our humble intention was to embark on this as a charity initiative during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

We wanted the families to reunite before the Holy Month.

With that deadline in mind and hardly just two weeks before us, we embarked upon a brisk journey of a lifetime set to free those deserving candidates languishing in jail and get them a pardon for the crimes they have committed.

DESERVING CASES But, we did not want to convey a wrong message. We were not freeing wrong doers or promoting crimes.

32 July 21- August 6, 2012

Our thought and action was linked to the fact that we should be fair in the process of short listing deserving candidates. There were many cases of payment defaults with genuine reasons. For example, we can cite the case of a lady serving the sentence in jail for the last four years, so that her husband, who defaulted payment and was sentenced could work and repay the dues. Here the husband has paid up most of his dues and only a small amount was remaining. So, we wanted the lady to be reunited with her family. It is a genuine case. We are not promoting culprits who knowingly give away cheques without funds. Our efforts would serve as a small gesture to end the sorrows of a few who are suffering since long for reasons beyond their control. A small sum of OMR200 to OMR300 could buy them the freedom that they were desperately yearning for.

LOOMING DEADLINE: 15 DAYS The idea progressed to the actual nitty-gritty’s of the whole legal process, from accessing case by case to choosing and raising funds required to free them in time. We had 15 days to get the approvals from various ministries and authorities concerned, plan and organise an event, package and market it and also look for sponsors. It was a herculean task, especially because all of us involved were working as full time lawyers in various law firms. We met during our lunch breaks and evening hours after work and took the idea forward. We knew it was a great responsibility because we had to shortlist files, identify genuine cases and then organise funds to pay off their fines and dues to release them. All in time for them to reunite with their families during the Holy Month!

FAIT QURBA CAMPAIGN (END TO WOES) Our seniors and the judges involved helped us shortlist the right and deserving 15 candidates. We had kept a margin of OMR400 to OMR500 worth of fines per person, but for a few deserving cases we extended the budget and shortlisted 15 of them amounting to OMR15960. That was our target.

We set to work and planned on a one day event to create awareness as well as provide some free legal counseling as well. We decided on the date and on July 12, this year, we organised a one day event at the Muscat City Centre parking. The event was officially inaugurated under the auspices of Sheikh Zahar Al Abri, Majlis Al Dawla member and former undersecretary at the ministry of Justice.

GATHERING OF THE LIKE MINDED A team of 20 odd lawyers formed the core committee for the event, started soliciting sponsorships, procuring approvals from the authorities concerned, organising

Rehab, Sumaiya and Wafa

media publicity, through TV, sms, print and various social media platforms. We approached various organisations like the Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Manpower, Human Rights Association, PASI, ITA and local newspapers who put up their support stalls on the event day and provided information and counselling for the residents. We also organised a souk with sale and display of Omani handicrafts and other related products to generate revenue. We kept donation boxes. For the collection of money we also started a charity account with one of the local banks.

A team of lawyers from the association also provided free legal counselling and did lectures on the Basic Law of the Sultanate to create awareness. Simultaneously our team also approached various corporate, banks and other companies for raising funds. We were not sure that we could raise the OMR16,000 required to release the shortlisted 15 cases, but we went headlong and campaigned. The response was unbelievable! There was even an anonymous well wisher who called us over the phone, got the details and donated OMR5000; young kids got into the charity bandwagon and gave away 100,

200baisas to us.

BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS, ESPECIALLY AHLIBANK We are thankful to all the supporters, including our sponsors who donated, like Muscat City Centre who gave us their parking lot free, Al Ibdaa Al Sulati event organisers, Fark Al Rehma, Al Hilal Group, Omantel, Human Rights Association, the Towell Group, Mach Media, local media, and all the donors who in small and big ways supported the cause and campaign and helped us raise the funds needed. A special mention to ahlibank, who came forward and donated the whole amount required to release the 15 prisoners. With the support of all we have today collected overOMR30,000. The surplus amount will be used to free cases from the interiors. The process has already begun and our team has moved to the interiors to shortlist files from those regions.

Those interested can still contribute directly for future causes these lawyers might take up. Please contact:92669778/99648874/96280138

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B&W Xclusive 34 July 21- August 6, 2012

When banks become RESPONSIBLE For a cash-rich bank to support a needy cause is not breaking news, but, the manner in which ahlibank, which abides by five – professional banking, smart banking, convenient banking, quality banking and responsible banking -- core banking values, agreed to support this cause raised by the members of Oman Lawyers’ Association has brought in renewed respect for the bank, and has helped them carve a unique niche in CSR (corporate social responsibility) especially during this Holy Month of Ramadan.

PART OF THE SOCIETY “No corporate can separate themselves from the society they live in. We are all finally part of the same society we do business from. It becomes a professional and personal commitment to give back to the community through genuine and innovative initiatives. Every event, act or contribution cannot be commercial and for branding purposes. Sometimes you have to take up the responsibility and contribute towards that one initiative that will connect you to the community directly and change people’s lives. It is these charitable acts that make us all responsible citizens. It opens you minds and makes you a better human being,” says Said Abdullah Al Hatmi, deputy general manager, head of finance and corporate secretary of ahlibank.

RESPONSIBLE BANKING “Like every other corporate, we at ahlibank have five core values of banking - professional banking, smart banking, convenient banking, quality banking and responsible banking. These core values describe what we stand for and the policies.

Under the responsible banking policy, we have team from all departments of the bank, involved in short listing, brainstorming and deciding on the social and corporate social responsibility activities,” Said Al Hatmi said.

CHARITY MEETING Every other week the bank officials concerned meet, bring to the table a list of all initiatives from various

organisations and discuss on various projects and charity they could take up and contribute. “On this occasion, just in time for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Oman Lawyers Association brought in a special and unique request – funds to release some small financial wrongdoers in jail and help reunite 15 families whose members are detained in jail for small amounts of fines and dues. It made sense and made us decide instantly to support because the 15 cases the lawyers brought in were genuine and needy. It is meaningful charity,” Said Al Hatmi said.

NOT ALL ARE FRAUD CASES “To end the sorrows of one family is a great contribution, these were 15 families. Our team took up the cause and decided to contribute towards the release of all the 15 cases. As a bank we know that all financial defaults are not frauds. Sometimes there are genuine cases where the person involved loses a job, a bread earning member of the family or due to a medical condition. All rules are made for the betterment of the society and for the communities that live in it. But, sometimes a humanitarian approach is required!” he stressed.

PAINFUL REALITY To realise that a person is behind bars for a small amount of OMR200 to OMR300 is quite painful, Said Al Hatmi said. “We realised that the lawyers association is doing a commendable job by choosing a cause as genuine as this and we decided to go ahead and support it.”

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B&W Xclusive

Oman Lawyers Association organised a one day event to raise funds for the cause at the Muscat City Centre parking recently. The event was inaugurated under the auspices of Sheikh Zahar Al Abri, Majlis Al Dawla member and former undersecretary at the Ministry of Justice.

36 July 21- August 6, 2012

Black & White 37

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BLACK AND WHITE MAGAZINE, OMAN

By Dr CK Anchan

Self belief is an act of faith. It is knowing beforehand that you can do what you want to do and that you will succeed. It is therefore important to believe in yourself and in your capacity to perform to the best of your ability.

When faced with any situation, always believe in yourself because, self belief is the point at which everything begins. Without it, it becomes difficult to succeed.

One of the first thing is to believe in yourself.

Also, learn to take a close look at yourself and be able to identify the potential that you have. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to believe you?

How can you convince anyone if you can’t convince yourself? It’s a great feeling to have affirmative thoughts about yourself. You are your own best friend; expect good things for yourself.

A lot of the decisions you make and things you do depend upon you; so arm yourself with self-belief, make the right choices and make it happen. Believing that you can make it happen for yourself is an important step towards making a life that you like. You must believe that you can do it and that you will succeed.

Believe in yourself is to overcome the obstacle of fear, Napoleon Hill rightly said adding that it takes a person half their lives to discover that life is a do it yourself project.

If you are able to keep in mind that failing is just another form of winning, you are creating a strong belief in yourself. Those that fail in the attempts that they make will learn from the mistakes of the attempt.

If you have a passion to fulfill your dreams and aspirations, don’t allow them go to waste

Management talk

Life is what you make it...

Dr Anchan C.K. managing director, World Wide Business House

just because you don’t believe in yourself.

Within each person there lies an intrinsic ability to turn situations around if only they believe. Highly successful people have a great deal of confidence in their abilities to accomplish the tasks needed to get them to the end result. Whereas the people who do not have a good confidence in their abilities tend to get stuck somewhere along the way with the process.

Building the belief of yourself is to challenge yourself. In order to do this, you should establish a list of items that you are thoroughly convinced that you are unable to do. Once you do this, you should start tackling each task, one by one. You will quickly find that you are able to do much more than you ever imagined that you could.

It is a fact that you become like the person you think and believe you are, and you achieve only what you think and believe you can achieve. It’s amazing how you gain respect in the eyes of others when you achieve something that you truly desire. You become an inspiration to others who may have been looking up to you, as you believed in yourself and in your ability to make things happen.

To do better for yourself, you must believe that you can succeed at what you plan to do and that you are worthy of that success.

When you truly believe, it has a profound effect on your mental outlook because when you believe you can do something you look forward to doing it. This helps to keep yourself in a positive attitude which is vital for one's success and happiness. This is your life if you are not happy then it can only get better if you make it happen. Life is what you make it.

Black 39 Black & & White White 39

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:

I am advertising for the post of Ms…

Nitternatter

Roughened up by a miscreant

40 July 21- August 6, 2012

A young lady called up a media office and asked whether there was a job opening for a media sales position?

The lady who picked up the call was in media sales and so she quickly replied (truthfully) that there wasn’t any post vacant.

“But, but,” the job hopeful insisted, “I heard that there was a post vacant…”

No, nothing, there aren’t any vacancies here, the media girl replied.

“No, really, I heard that one of your media sales staff has left,” the girl at the other end blabbered. I am working here, there isn’t any vacancy, the media sales girl insisted, this time slightly irritated.

“I heard that someone by the name of ------------------ left your company very recently,” the young job hopeful declared.

There was silence from the other end.

“Do you have anyone by this name?” the girl asked again. After some more silence, the media girl replied in the affirmative.

“Ah, she has left right? Someone told me that she has left and I want to know if I can apply for that vacant spot?”

There was a more pregnant pause, after which the media girl quietly said: “Look, the girl you speak of has not left anywhere; she is right here, speaking to you. I don’t know where you got this information – no one has left and there is no vacancy!”

The girl at the other end quickly hung up.

A lady and her husband were walking their pet dog one night in Ruwi when suddenly a miscreant appeared on the road and began to harass both them and their dog. At first the couple thought it was okay, then it began to get really annoying and after that they realised it was getting out of hand as the troublemaker started abusing and kicking the poor little doggie.

The husband tried to pull his pet away, but the man pulled the leash from his hand. Since he was with his wife, the husband could not do much for he did not want the man to attack her.

After enduring some more of this torture, the husband let loose the dog, which promptly slipped between their fingers and ran back to the safety of his home. The husband and wife duo waited for a minute and then went hot in pursuit of their pet, as the rowdy element hurled abuses behind them.

Pay, order, cook, serve and eat concept?

Visa business too commercial?

Some foodie enthusiasts who went to a newly formed theme-styled eatery were shocked and appalled by the low standards of service there. Great theme, great setting, good tables, everything is good except the service rendered was of such abysmal standards that the group who went there wondered whether they had to go and cook the food they ordered, serve it and eat it themselves?

“The waiters were quite pathetic. They had no clue as to what to do; did not provide glasses; no service at all, we had to wait more than 45 minutes to get one item to come to the table post order. Some diners at other tables were patiently waiting while others were also going berserk like us,” the diner who took close to a dozen food lovers, told Bitter Batter. “We loved the concept of the restaurant, but, we sure did not like this concept of pay-order-and-cookand-serve-and-eat policy!” they sarcastically remarked.

A lady from a well to do Indian family applied for a visa to one of the western countries recently. She had completed four months of a six months visa to this country several months back and was now applying to go back to be a help to her young daughter who was with a several months old baby. But, when they checked with the embassy, they realised that they could not get a quick appointment. Whilst speaking to the embassy, a lady official there seemed to show some interest and said she could get an early appointment.

But, when they went there for the appointment that there was a price attached to it. Still, since the lady was more keen to get the visa done, she did not mind paying for the extra bucks. However, within days she was informed her visa application was rejected on some strange grounds: the embassy official said that they were not keen to give her a visa because they felt that she was trying to go there and get the benefits and try to acclimatise and familiarise with the place so that she could settle down there, a fact they did not approve of. But, but, but, all she wanted was to go there and be a help for her daughter, she pleaded, but it fell on deaf ears. Moreover, the embassy official noted that by this lady going there, she was going to be a burden for her daughter, another fact that they did not approve of. Now, the family has gone for an appeal, which however is going to cost them again quite a lot of money. Have applying for visas become too commercial?

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

Black & White 41

ŠThomas Snyder ŠThomas Snyder

SOLUTION: 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.

42 July 7-20, 2012

www.omanonlinesearch.com

Coming Soon!

Oman's first comprehensive online directory

More details: oos@blackandwhiteoman.com Black & White 43

Fun facts on

HORSES Horses belong to the equus family which comes from the Greek word meaning 'quickness'.

A baby female is called a filly, a baby boy is called a colt, a baby boy or girl is also known as a foal.

Kidstuff

A horse’s height is measured in hands. 1 hand = 4 inches.

44 July 21- August 6, 2012

-The measurement ‘hand’ is 4 inches because that was considered to be the average width across a mans knuckles.

Horses do not have a gall bladder.

When a domesticated horse is released in the wild they shed all traces of domestication rapidly.

In the wild a foal will suckle until they are one year old, in some conditions this can be longer.-Stallions will fight over females but generally not over territory.

Horses have better memories than elephants.

Horses have the largest eyes of any land animal.

Horses are not colour-blind.

At one time people thought that horses were colourblind. Although it is more difficult for them to see purples and violets, they have less trouble with yellows and greens.

A horse’s teeth take up more space in their head then their brain.

Adult male horses generally have 40 teeth and females 36.

The horse has binocular vision, but can also see different things in each eye. This is why you need to show your horses the spooky things in both eyes so the brain can get the message that it’s not spooky.

In Australia there were no horses until 1788.

The horse is the state animal of New Jersey.

Cars with Horse names are the Ford’s Mustang, Pinto, Bronco and the Dodge’s Colt.

Tongue twisters One-one was a race horse.

Two-two was one too.

One-one won one race.

Two-two won one too.

Black & White 45

Your ARIES March 21-April 20 Turn anger and irritation into positive energy drive this week and you’ll accomplish more than you ever dreamed of. A flash of brilliance brings out of the box options so follow your intuition.

Moods over money matters are still thorny but that will take time to resolve. Try to be patient.

TAURUS April 21-May 20 I know you’re dealing with a lot of pressure from all corners, but try to be patient with others. They’re panicking more than you. It’s an irritating week full of dramas and setbacks, but if you stay poised and focused, cool and calm, you’ll get there and will impress others along the way.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

Avoid slick operators offering deals that are too good to be true or you’ll end up in a whole heap of trouble. There’s no such thing in life as a free lunch. Don’t find out the hard way. The moon warns against waste and haste at the weekend so heed the warning. Be cautious.

Expect a roller coaster week of boredom to panic especially over money, and don’t be pressured into making decisions you’re not ready to make. Stick to positive plans and focussed perspectives to keep your confidence intact, and try not to rock the boat at home by speaking out of turn.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 Now that you’re starting to see the bigger picture over career matters, pull your socks up, give it your best shot and grab each and every opportunity that comes your way. Obsessive suspicions over money matters need to be faced, so stop thinking everyone is out to fleece you. Calm down.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 An opportunity for a big deal comes your way this week, but take time to go over all the details with a fine tooth comb, and don’t substitute someone else’s judgement for your own. Innovative ideas will spring out of the blue so be ready to run with them. Just take your time over decisions.

ARNOLD ALOIS SCHWARZENEGGER (BORN JULY 30, 1947) is an Austro-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician.

Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011. Schwarzenegger began weight training at the age of 15 years old. He won the Mr Universe title at age 20 and went on to win the Mr Olympia contest seven times. Schwarzenegger has remained a prominent presence in bodybuilding and has written many books and articles on the sport. Schwarzenegger gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. He was nicknamed the "Austrian Oak" and the "Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnie" during his acting career and more recently the "Governator" (from "Governor" and "Terminator").

Schwarzenegger was then re-elected on November 7, 2006, in California's 2006 gubernatorial election, to serve a full term

Horoscope

as governor, defeating Democrat Phil Angelides, who was California State Treasurer at the time.

46 July 21- August 6, 2012

stars LIBRA September 24-October 23 It’s week of introspection where you’ll retreat into yourself to find the answers you’ve been looking for, especially where love and relationships are concerned, as your track record is erratic to say the least.

Chalk past mistakes up to experience and start afresh. Work to get it right.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 You feel as if you’ve been standing on shifting sands for a while now, but you subconsciously know things are starting to firm up. Start to build on your confidence issues and yourself belief. It’ll take a while to get back to the top of your game, but the journey will be well worth it.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22 When an opportunity that slipped through your fingers in the past re-emerges this week, grab it with both hands, and get others to help you too if needs be. This may be the turnaround you’ve been waiting for over work, money or love.

Just be aware of any small print.

Read it carefully.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19 Do you have travel plans in the pipeline? Not yet? Don’t be surprised if they materialise this week as invitations, announcements and celebrations seem to be all around for you, and you may have to go overseas to make the most of them.

Enjoy the sense of freedom fun and joy in the air.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22 It’s a good news week where your cheery optimism and awareness of situations makes you a willing recipient of all things positive.

Even when problems find you, you will stay on track. You’re doing great.

Good for you.

PISCES February 20-March 20 Don’t let the criticism of others affect you as it’s all hot air anyway. Put the bright ideas mulling around in your head into action, and you’ll improve your finances. Just watch though, as when you ascend the ladder of success, jealous others will try to pull you down.

For men

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

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

48 July 21- August 6, 2012

Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD area 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, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB MUSCAT continued...

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

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 – principals’ office Caledonian college – principal’s office Oman Foot ball association

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

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)

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

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

SUR 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

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 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

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

FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINE AVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN ON 7TH & 21ST

20, 500 COPIES (BEING AUDITED) Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697

4949 Black Black && White White

ORANGE coloured snacks

Cooking

Apricots are enjoyed as a fresh fruit but also dried, cooked into pastry, and eaten as jam. These orange coloured fruits are full of beta-carotene and fiber with a plentiful supply of vitamin C, which may lower the risk of cancers of the throat and lungs and provide you with potassium, iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Interestingly, dried apricots have a far greater nutritional value than fresh ones because the nutrient content is so concentrated. Gram for gram, dried apricots have twelve times the iron, seven times the fibre and five times the vitamin A of fresh ones. Here are a few quick and easy snacks you can cook up with apricots:

50 July 21- August 6, 2012

Apricot Canapés Ingredients: 16 dried apricots 8 teaspoons crumbled blue cheese 2 ounces chopped shelled pistachios 1/2 teaspoon honey Freshly ground pepper

Method: Top each apricot with 1/2 teaspoon cheese. Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with honey; sprinkle with pepper.

Apricot Balls Ingredients 300 grams apricots (dried, finely chopped) 3 cups coconut (desiccated) 400 grams sweetened condensed milk 14 cup icing sugar (sifted)

Method: In a bowl mix the apricots with the coconut and condensed milk with your hands until thoroughly combined. Roll lumps of mixture between the palms of hands to form balls about 3cm (1 inch) in diameter. Roll in the icing sugar to coat. Place in an airtight container for 48 hours before eating.

Apricot Berry Smoothie Ingredients: ¼ cup strawberry (sliced, frozen) 5 apricot halves (tin with juice reserved) 3/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt 1 tbsp apricot nectar (reserved) 1 tbsp flax seed meal 1/4 cup cold water

Method: Place first 5 ingredients in blender and mix well. Add water till you get the desired consistency. Taste and add a bit more apricot nectar if it’s not sweet enough for you!

Black & White 51

Women need FINANCIAL peace of mind

Opinionated

Lucy once led a life most women envied. She had everything.

A great husband, great children, good job and finance.

Although she was highly educated and came from a good family, she did not take a job because her husband’s job – he was a wealthy banker – sufficed.

NO SAVINGS Things seemed too rosy for comfort.

And as though some black eyes hit her, everything went in a poof the day her husband died in a road accident. Not only did it leave an emotional vacuum, she also had to don the challenging role of being the home provider, besides being a home caretaker. It was a major challenge but she did not wilt under the pressure.

52 July 21- August 6, 2012

Instead, she took on several jobs and thanks to the funds her husband had saved, she began to take on a business, which not fully successful, still managed to keep her afloat, and also send her children to school and then college. It was a constant struggle and even when her children graduated, got jobs, got married and fled the cocoon, it was still a struggle because she realised to her dismay that she had hardly saved anything for herself.

All her savings post husband’s demise was to help her children go through college and other necessities. All this while, she did not save even a penny for her and when her children left, following their careers and their spouses and children, grandma Lucy became not only alone, but was also back in the same slot she was in when she lost her husband to fate.

DEAD END FINANCIAL WOES Age, disease and the inability to perform in tasks proved to be a major issue for Lucy who worked hard till her last breath. There are many women like Lucy out there; many, whose financial woes in the last years of their lives added to their untold misery.

DON’T BOW DOWN TO FATE As they say, life happens, but just once. But in this unrepeatable miracle called life, the one thing that might give a single woman some solace is cash, hard cash.

Additions happen to the family; jobs, which you never thought you would lose suddenly slip out of your hands; relationships come undone and you or your spouse walk

out of each other’s life; others, just die and leave you alone; beloved children fly away…add to this the sudden holes in your pockets; ugly financial woes and you may probably end up tearing your hair in sheer frustration; your heart searing in the pain of having to bow down to the dictates of cruel fate.

FINANCIAL TRAP We see many women falling into this financial trap and wonder why these fair women have to be so foolish enough to do so. It is high time that women try to get some proper financial peace of mind, at least to have something to go by when everything else leaves them empty handed.

CREATE LIFE SAVINGS So, whether you are married, unmarried, with or without kids, or whatever, every woman should think of making herself financially independent. You have to create and grow your own wealth and learn how to reduce risks and create life savings that will last you all your life. It is better that you understand that with financial independence comes financial peace of mind and from that security stems a better life and future. Surely, when it comes to understanding all that legally, you can get good guidance from a dedicated and reputable financial group. But, what you need now is to change your mindset and start saving, invest safely, have a retirement income and in short, don’t neglect your finances – it matters more than anything for a woman!

For women

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

Small mind…?

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar I broke a cup.

Not that I break cups every day, I am usually careful.

But, the first thought that came to my mind was did anyone see me?

No one was around to see the damage and I sighed with relief.

It was a slip, unintentional, but still felt guilty.

Quickly, I brushed all the tell tale signs in to the garbage bin, and left the crime scene.

Walking back to the living room, I was not sure whether I should tell anyone.

It doesn’t matter; breaking a cup is not a crime that cannot be dismissed without a discussion.

It is only a cup, that too my own. I am the one who is going to miss the cup. I am not going to tell anyone, I decided to be silent. And of course, no one is going to find out the cup is missing, if they do, I will explain.

The maid is going to hunt for it, my mind said; let her find out and ask, and then I will tell her. What is the big deal, if you don’t break, you cannot buy a new one! All sorts of excuses came up in me, only to avoid mentioning it to anyone.

Maybe I have an image to maintain, maybe family would laugh at me, though I know all of them at home would ignore that it happened. It is easy to generalise by saying human tendency … but to judge others, unwilling to judge myself, finding fault in others, but finding excuses when I do the same things is purely a small mind! Or is it pride? Sigh!

I guess I do have a small mind! All the soul searching did not help. I did

not want to come out in the open and declare!

In the next one hour or so, my daughter comes up and whispers, mama I think someone broke your cup. There are pieces in the garbage bin, she was happy.

How do you know? I feigned ignorance, at least at the start. She went on to say that she didn’t break it, it has to be the maid?!

Well, finally I accepted. It is me. I broke my cup. I could not pass on the blame.

But when? Why didn’t you tell me?

You were all busy; anyway it was just a slip. You should have seen the look on her face!

Wish there was someone in the vicinity when I did it. Easier to do a crime when someone is there, rather than admitting to one!

Not just the cup, even otherwise I make quite a lot of mistakes.

And people say learn from your mistakes.

I didn’t learn from my mistakes too. Not that I keep repeating the mistakes, I make new ones.

New painful ones.

And whatever experiences you have, every mistake is a step taken in good faith, not taken by ignorance.

I believe I am right every time I get in to one.

Then I work hard to prove I am right, that I took the right decision, choice…

I hold on till I can bear it no longer, only to realise I made a mistake again.

Whoever said life is a circle is true! priya@blackandwhiteoman.com