black & white magazine issue21
DESCRIPTION
Oman's first free fortnightly magazine, available all over OmanTRANSCRIPT
Vol.
1 Iss
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1II
Septe
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2010
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Something Something FISHYFISHY p32
Watch DanZak live on September 16 p10
Sablat Oman's bank of volunteers p23
Saniya - the energy woman p50
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6 September 7-20, 2010
There is magic (issue 18), not only in Bahla, but in most villages of
Oman. Go to any village in Oman and you will find a whiff of that
magic in even the remotest corner of the town you are in. There
is an air of mystery in Oman, something unusual and something
extraordinary. Maybe the magic of Bahla is different and perhaps
there is good and bad magic there, but the important factor is that
there is something magical about Oman, something enchanting,
something lovely and captivating. Try to always capture this essence
in your stories and then you don’t have to look back ever again!
God bless all at the Black & White!
Nandita D., Muscat
I completely agree with the story, ‘Modern men are more traditional
(issue 19)’. There’s a marked difference in the way men handled
themselves in the past and how they do so now. Men used to be
very macho, almost chauvinistic, earlier; then we saw the era of
the metro-sexual men who were too caught up with themselves and
finally, thank goodness for the present kind of men who do not feel
it beneath their dignity to express themselves or help at home if and
when required. The best that any woman would hope for are the
chivalrous, traditional kind of men…
Leena Johnson, Al Hail
Capture the essence
Today’s men – the best
6 September 7-20, 2010
I am happy to read the 'Message from the Messenger' (issue 19).
It is wonderful that you are choosing topics, which are of great
relevance. It's highly appreciated. The topic, ‘First Muslim and the
First Mosque of Oman’, made excellent reading! Keep up the good
work!
S.A.S. Naqvi, sports consultant,
FMEC/OHA and technical advisor, MABGOC, Ruwi
Excellent topics
7Black & White
Mail your views and opinions at
As a frequent letter writer to newspapers and magazines, I must say that I
am always looking for a chance to be read and heard. Now, I am motivated
to write this after reading the piece ‘Edit makes magazine…?’(issue 19).
One important point that I want to raise here is that the editors of
newspapers and magazines should not dump letters that are badly
written. People like us who want to write -- but do not have the capacity to
write letters in proper English -- will feel totally let down when our letters
are not carried. Maybe we do not know English that well; in the sense,
we may not be able to write well, but should that be the criteria? I mean,
if we know English, does it mean that we will have more things to say or
that we are better people? I can express well in my native language, but,
I can’t do the same in English, still I try. So, please don’t throw away my
letter just because I have not been able to express it right. Having said
that, I must say that I have sent many poems and letters to magazines
and newspapers here and some of the editors have done proper justice to
them, editing, and even rewriting them. I am really humbled and honoured
by the treatment meted out to my work.
Anand Thota, CBD
Men are men, and the less said of them the better. In what way is the
modern man traditional? Traditional as in the ‘cave man’s’ sense? Then,
maybe, otherwise, I don’t see them in any different way. Men believe that
they are very macho and are mostly chauvinistic.
Yes, today’s men express themselves more, but what does that mean
exactly? They express their needs and wants more than before. It doesn’t
mean that they are softer, kinder, more considerate, generous and caring.
Chivalrous, they might be, until they get the women they want then they
treat them like doormats and walk over them. Men have only become
more selfish over the years, and the only consolation is that they are more
sophisticated about it – otherwise, men remain men. Always selfish and
always thinking about themselves!
Ellen Coolidge, Qurum
English should not be the only criteria
Men are men – always selfish
7Black & White
8 September 7-20, 2010
Cover Photo: Najib Al Balushi
Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC
Black & White
Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos
Office location: Hatat House, Office no: 212, II Floor
Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496
Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com
Editorial: [email protected]
Printed at Mazoon, Muscat, Oman
BPA Consumer
Audit applied for
December 2009
XclusiveThe Tilapias of Musannah
Tilapia, destined to be one of the
most important farmed seafood
products of the century is slowly
swimming its way to ubiquity in
Oman
32
Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editor Priya Arunkumar
Work editor Adarsh Madhavan
Design & production Beneek Siraj
Photographer Najib Al Balushi
Advt. & marketing S M Azeiez, Ali Al Raisi
Swithun Fernandes
Conte
nts
2310Oman to get a ‘bank’ of volunteersDanZak set to
storm Oman
The energy woman
50 Saniya Khalfan Al Ghannami is a
businesswoman with a difference.
She could be ideally termed as the
quintessential Omani businesswoman.
Or, better put, she is someone who can
really show what an Omani woman is
capable of.
Oman Sablat will be creating this new
project called Taoun. It is going to be
a bank of volunteers in all regions,
spanning Oman
Come September
16, DanZak will be
performing with DJ
Teddy Jam at the
lawns of the Muscat
Intercontinental hotel.
This is the first-ever
live Omani concert
where DanZak would
be performing
9Black & White
Thanks-for-your-
email-but-I-am-out-of-
town-from-today-till…By Adarsh Madhavan
“Thanks for your mail.
I am afraid that I will be out of the office starting 20/08/2010
and will not return until 20/09/2010.
I will be away from Muscat for the next 30 days. Therefore,
I will be unable to check my mails. As a result, my ability
to respond promptly will be severely curtailed. I regret
any inconvenience caused. I will respond on my return
on Sunday, 20 September. In case of emergency, please
contact my secretary at (secretary’s email id).
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards.
(Name).”
Since the last few days, every email that I sent I have been
getting the same ‘sorry, out-of-town’ response.
What is happening? Is everyone on vacation? All my email
queries to people in town are bouncing back with these
messages.
Check out the above response, which I got most recently.
I desperately wanted to contact this person, and when I
did I got this reply. Everyone to whom I sent mail gave me
similar responses. Then, there are others from whom I got
these types of responses:
“Thank you for your email.
I am currently out of office and will be back on duty on
Thursday, 30th September 2010
Kind regards
(Name).”
And then there are the others who seem to be perennially
out of town:
“Thanks for your email, but I will be out of town from
10/08/’10 to 18/08/’10.”
Okay, you think, they will be back by 19/08/’10 and when
you contact them on that day, they will not respond
because it is a weekend and you don’t really know when it
is a weekend for them: Thursday and Friday or Thursday/
Friday/Saturday? So, when you finally e-contact them on
Sunday, their secretary replies back tersely that since ‘Sir
has a board meeting from Sunday to Monday, it would be [email protected]
All a
bout
X,
Y &
Z
better to contact him on Tuesday.”
So, I do that, I contact ‘Sir’ on a Tuesday and there
is no response and when I continue to follow up on
Wednesday, I get an email stating that: “Thanks for
your email. I will be out from 25/08/’10 to 8/09/’10”
and that I should be contacting the same secretary
who is going to do nothing but say that, “Sir is out of
town from August 25 to September 8!” So, I drop ‘Sir’
and look at greener pastures…
How is it possible for these people to be forever out
of town, my little head wonders?
Is it the nature of their work, which is taking them out
of town? Wow, then they must be really busy people
and probably in bigger positions than what I gave
them credit for?
So, am I the only one who is sending them emails?
And, have emails become outdated all of a sudden?
Or, it could be that people no longer send mails
to each other anymore…they must all be meeting
directly and not in Oman, but abroad? Are all
meetings being conducted outside Oman?
I frankly don’t know. I am sending mails by the dozen,
no, by the hundreds and not even one mail is getting
acknowledged and the only ones that reply to me
carry the above ‘out-of-the-office’ legend.
Either no one wants to reply to me and was plainly
ignoring me or most of them were really out of town
or whatever.
I think it is high time that I also prepare my own out-
of-office statement just to be on the safer side and
send it to all instead of just making it an automated
response:
“Folks, don’t send me any emails for the time being.
I am going to be out for the rest of this year, as of
today till mid-January. I don’t have a secretary and so
even if there is an emergency, none of your mails are
going to be answered." So there!
10 September 7-20, 2010
Pla
ygro
und
10 September 7-20, 2010
11Black & White
THE NAME IS NOW KNOWN,
POPULAR and is all set to reach
new heights sooner than this young
African-born Omani could imagine.
For, September and October are
going to be crucial months where
the young artist is going to come
out both locally and internationally
and see if he can break through the
ranks to become an international
artist with perhaps even his first-
ever record…
Come September 16, DanZak
will be performing with DJ Teddy
Jam at the lawns of the Muscat
Intercontinental hotel. This is the
first-ever live Omani concert where
DanZak would be performing. “I will
be singing 10 songs and I hope it
will be a great show!” DanZak tells
Black & White sipping a cool drink
at Second Cup in Qurum.
DanZak has not yet released an
album, but he has already 11,000
fans on his Facebook site and is
on many radio shows across the
Middle East.
A major break is in the offing when
this young Omani R&B and Hip Hop
singer sings at Akon’s Hitlab before
the legend himself in October. If
selected, DanZak will not only have
his song on top of the charts, but
also be cutting a record deal.
So much is at stake today and
DanZak is standing poised before
a new point in history where he
could be adjudged the only Omani
English singer to attain international
status. But, how did this all
happen? How did Hamdan Shamis
Al Zakwani become DanZak?
“It started out as a hobby in 2002,”
DanZak quietly tells us. “But, what
started out as a hobby is today my
everything, my main purpose in
life!”
Hamdan was born and raised in
Africa as a proud Arab. “How did I
get into music? Well, it was more of
an experiment. My school teacher
invited me one day to his home
studio and I was at that time in
Rwanda (Central Africa).
I sang my first-ever song, a mix of
Swahili and English. I kind of liked
it and it just hit me that this is what I
want to do all my life – be a singer!
I was pretty young at that time and
getting out of my teacher’s studio,
my mind was already made up as to
what path I wanted to take: Music!
NAFISA MADE ME ‘SHAMAM’
In 2005, Hamdan met some local
singers there; they exchanged
ideas and then a year later, in 2006,
came his first-ever solo. “I recorded
‘Nafisa’ in 2006 at the G records
studio in Africa.
“Nafisa is a cute song, which
proved to be a very popular radio
hit. It is the song where I am singing
to a girl called Nafisa… I sang that
song under the name of Shamam.”
DANZAK
“Music was my passion by then
and I had made up my mind as to
what path I should take,” Hamdan
said. But, at his home, his family
members were keen that he took up
a proper career.
Family came first, and so Hamdan
came back to Oman in 2007 and
took up couple of jobs, first with
DHL and then with HSBC.
set to storm OmanDanZak
A pretty young girl went nudge, nudge, nudge to her friend
when they were strolling one recent evening near the
Jawaharat Al Shatti complex in Qurum: “Saw that guy?” “No,
who?” her friend asked and turned to have a better look at
what her buddy was getting so excited about. Then they both
exclaimed in one breath: “Wow, DanZak!”
Yes, wow, DanZak (nee Hamdan Shamis Al Zakwani). Oman’s
own Omani English singer, songwriter, producer, businessman
and commercial pilot to boot.
12 September 7-20, 2010
“During this time, I continued my
experiments with music, sang,
learned and up dated myself
consistently. Although there aren’t
enough resources here to support
musicians, I still managed to
get into event management and
later went on to create my own
production company called Music
Masterpiece(MMP).
The MMP was created in
association with Blonde Mafia
Management, who handled me as
a brand and created a brand name:
DanZak. Throughout this period I got
together with some music lovers in
Oman and sang from home. A friend
inspired me to take up my dream
job, that is to be a commercial pilot
and off I went to Australia to pursue
a course in flying. I currently hold a
qualified/authorised commercial pilot
license.”
Australia proved to be a mind
opener for DanZak. “I ordered
musical equipments on e-Bay and
started recording with the help of
some online producers. As DanZak
I sang songs like Omani Queen and
Wifey, which proved to be instant
hits.”
At this stage, Hi FM picked up
DanZak’s songs and that proved to
be a turning point of sorts for him in
Oman. “The songs were very well
publicised and promoted. My fans
grew in numbers and today, I am
on Facebook with over 11,000 plus
fans. I am grateful to my friends
who supported me and my fans who
created DanZak in me.”
HOLIDAY SPECIAL
In 2009 September, DanZak flew
down to Oman from Australia for a
two-week vacation. And that was
the time when he did his first-ever
live concert called the Traffic Lights
Concert as part of an Eid party
occasion. “I still live that experience.
Pla
ygro
und
12 September 7-20, 2010
13Black & White
It was mind blowing, standing up on
stage, with a sea of fans screaming
out my name! I realised that singing
was no more a hobby -- it was my
main purpose in life. Flying is my
hobby today. That was the day
Danzak became ‘live’!”
AKON’S HITLAB
(WWW.HITLAB.COM)
During this period DanZak had also
registered himself in Akon’s Hitlab
(a website where unsigned singers
can upload their songs for analysing
against the top 100 Billboard hits of
the past six years) as an artist and
posted his songs. “There were over
28,000 artists who were registered in
Hitlab.”
But, this soon began to produce
results: “By March this year, I was
ranked as one of the top 10 artists
in Akon’s Hitlab for a period of three
weeks. Three of my songs were on
the top 10! By May I was ranked
number one artist and I remained
there for over 10 weeks. Currently
I am number 2 out of the 30,000
registered artists.
“Akon himself spoke about me and
my songs in one of his radio shows.
It was a proud moment for me.
Akon’s Hitlab is an online lab where
musicians can come and test out
their songs to find out if they have a
potential hit on their hands!
And Hitlab is holding a contest
where you could see your dreams of
getting a record deal fulfilled! With
key players of the music industry on
the jury listening in on your creations,
your song could be the next one to
top the charts! I am singing in front of
Akon this October. I am selected and
my fingers are crossed…”
MY INSPIRATION
Who or what inspired him as a
singer? “I was bowled over by
R. Kelley’s 'Snake'. It was absolutely
fascinating and is made in an Arabic
context with camels, sands, tents et
al in the background of the music.
Seeing that video I knew that this is
what I want to do and where I want
to be…
"Then of course, I am inspired
by the one and only MJ (Michael
Jackson). Of course, I am not a good
dancer, but Michael is my all-time
inspiration! Currently, Akon is my
favourite and my big inspiration. The
thought that I would be performing in
front of him itself is really great – it is
like a dream coming true...”
MY FAVOURITES
He has sung some songs and
surely one or two of them must be
his favourites? “Honestly, I love all
my songs. But my most favourite
one is Ireena. It is a song I did to
create awareness on breast cancer.
"In Africa, breast cancer awareness
in some areas is still in its infancy
and the medical facilities available to
attend to this disease is much low.
As a singer I wanted to touch lives,
make a difference and so I chose
to sing one… Ireena is a girl who
suffers from breast cancer and it is a
sad song on her sufferings…
"In the pop list, I love Bumby-
Bumpy; it is very light and has a feel-
good factor about it! You can check
me out at the facebook or Akon’s
Hitlab list."
WISH ME LUCK ON
SEPTEMBER 16
Yet another Eid and DanZak
is all set to beat his earlier local
performance here with some
scintillating stuff. “I will be performing
with DJ Teddy Jam on September 16
at the Muscat Intercon lawns.I will be
singing 10 songs and I hope to do a
great show!”
For show details check DanZak's facebook profile or www.hifmradio.com or call 95555699
By March this
year, I was
ranked as one
of the top 10
artists in the
Akon’s Hitlab for
a period of three
weeks. Three of
my songs were
on the top 10!
By May I was
ranked number
one artist and
I remained
there for over
10 weeks.
Currently I am
number 2 out
of the 30,000
registered
artists
13Black & White
14 September 7-20, 201014 September 7-20, 2010
Men r
ead
15Black & White
ONE OF THE GOALS OF asthma treatment is to help you maintain a normal
and healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and other physical activities.
Following your asthma action plan by taking medications as prescribed
by your doctor, avoiding triggers, and monitoring your symptoms and lung
function will help you achieve this goal.
If asthma symptoms prevent you from participating fully in activities, talk
to your asthma doctor. A small change in your asthma action plan may
be all that is needed to provide asthma relief during exercise or activity.
Activities that involve short, intermittent periods of exertion such as volleyball,
gymnastics, baseball and wrestling are generally well tolerated by people with
symptoms of asthma. Activities that involve long periods of exertion, such
as soccer, distance running, basketball, and field hockey, may be less well
tolerated. Also less well tolerated are cold weather sports such as ice hockey,
cross-country skiing, and ice-skating. However, many people with asthma are
able to fully participate in these activities.
Swimming, which is a strong endurance sport, is generally well tolerated by
many people with asthma because it is usually performed in a warm, moist
air environment. It is also an excellent activity for maintaining physical fitness.
Other beneficial activities for people with asthma include both outdoor and
indoor biking, aerobics, walking, or running on a treadmill. Ideally, whether
or not you have asthma, exercise should be performed four to five times
per week for at least 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor to find out how much
exercise you should get.
Exercise and asthma do
not go together, or so
goes the belief. Some
even believe that it will
do more harm than
good for them. But, like
most beliefs, this one
takes quite a beating.
The truth is that most
asthmatics are likely
to benefit from some
form of regular physical
activity.
EXERCISING WITH ASTHMA
Despite the fact that asthma may be brought on by aerobic activity, exercise
may still be a desirable option for many asthmatics. Research indicates that
as tolerance for physical exertion is built up over time, it is less likely that
an asthmatic will experience an attack during exercise. And, in addition to
reducing the risk of developing many other diseases, appropriate exercise can
help asthmatics reduce stress, sleep better and feel more energised.
IF ASTHMA ATTACKS WHEN YOU EXERCISE
•Always use your pre-exercise asthma inhalers (inhaled bronchodilators)
before beginning exercise.
•Perform warm-up exercises and maintain an appropriate cool-down period
after exercise.
•If the weather is cold, exercise indoors or wear a mask or scarf over your
nose and mouth.
•If you have allergic asthma, avoid exercising outdoors when pollen counts
are high and when there is high air pollution.
•Restrict exercise when you have a viral infection, like a cold.
•Exercise at a level that is appropriate for you.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for both physical and mental
health. Remember: asthma is not a reason to avoid exercise. With proper
diagnosis and the most effective treatment, you should be able to enjoy the
benefits of an exercise programme without experiencing asthma symptoms. If
you begin to experience asthma symptoms during exercise, stop and repeat
your pre-exercise inhaled medication. If your symptoms completely go away,
you may restart the exercise. If your symptoms return, stop the activity, repeat
your quick relief medication and call your health care provider for further
advice.
15Black & White
16 September 7-20, 2010
Men r
ead
Kick those
MYTHS!
16 September 7-20, 2010
17Black & White
WALKING IS NOT AS EFFECTIVE AS
RUNNING
What happens when you run for 30 minutes?
You burn calories!
And it is true that you will burn about twice
as many calories running for 30 minutes than
walking for 30 minutes. But, experts note
that if a runner and a walker cover the same
distance, they burn about the same number of
calories. So if you’re willing to take the ‘slow
route,’ you are likely to lose just as much
weight. In fact, studies have proved that how
long you exercise matters more than how hard
you exercise.
EXERCISE INCREASES HUNGER?
Exercise makes you hungry? Wrong, say
experts. It is a common misconception: If you
burn hundreds of calories during a workout,
you’ll end up eating more. But research shows
that exercise has no effect on a person’s
food needs, with the exception of endurance
athletes who exercise for two hours a day or
more. In fact, research shows that exercise
often suppresses hunger during and after the
workout.
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOUR
CALORIES COME FROM
Calories are not created equal. First, some
foods (in particular, proteins) take more
energy to chew, digest, metabolise and
store than others. Others (such as fats and
carbohydrates) require fewer calories to digest
and store. Second, different food types have
different effects on your blood sugar. Refined
carbohydrates (think white bread, cookies,
and fruit drinks) raise blood sugar levels
dramatically, which encourages fat storage,
weight gain, and hunger. Fibrous foods like
apples, as well as proteins, raise blood sugar
less, making them friendlier to your waistline.
Finally, foods that contain a lot of water, such
as vegetables and soup, tend to fill the belly
on fewer calories, so you’ll stop eating them
way before you stop eating more calorie-
dense foods.
DIET ALONE IS ENOUGH FOR SUSTAINED
WEIGHT LOSS
You will lose weight in the short term by
slashing calories, but experts say exercise
is what keeps pounds off for good. Exercise
burns calories, of course. It also builds
muscle, which takes up less space than fat.
Muscle tissue also requires more calories to
sustain it than fat tissue does. In other words,
the more muscle tissue you have, the more
calories you’ll burn at rest. In fact, some
studies suggest that over the long term, if you
had a choice of eating consistently less or
exercising consistently more, exercise would
be the better weight-loss choice.
THERE IS NO BEST TIME FOR EXERCISE
If you’re simply walking to get healthy or take
off some weight, it doesn’t matter when you do
it, as long as you do it. But if you’re an athlete
looking for the best-quality workout, choose
the late afternoon, when body temperature is
highest. Muscles are warm, reaction time is
quick, and strength is at its peak. If you push
yourself harder as a result, you will burn more
calories.
Many myths are known to hold back those wanting to exercise. The most common
among them is this myth that walking is less effective than running. Is this true? And
is it true that exercise can be counterproductive because the more you exercise, the
more you eat?
Let us find out:
18 September 7-20, 2010
Men h
ealt
hM
en h
ealt
h
How to manage your
Shift WorkDisorder
One of my colleagues had a bad problem in office.
He used to come to office bright and early but by mid-morning he
would slump on the desk and snore away. I took him to a doctor
who said he had SWD, or, in other words, shift work disorder.
The SWD is a medical condition that can be easily diagnosed
and treated by a medical practitioner, the good doctor told me.
According to him, the SWD occurs when your body’s internal
sleep-wake clock is out of sync with your work schedule — your
body is telling you to go to sleep when your work schedule needs
you to stay awake.
18 September 7-20, 2010
By Sanjit Aaron
19Black & White
CAN NEITHER SLEEP NOR WAKE UP
Because of this disruption of your
body’s natural rhythm, people with SWD
often struggle to stay awake during their
waking hours, or have trouble sleeping
during their sleeping hours.
If you are having SWD, you may have
trouble focusing and this may also lead
to bad road behaviour; in the sense, you
may have sleepiness-related accidents;
and at work you are likely to become
miserable and your overall performance
will be affected.
Now, even when you go back home,
you will lose out on many family and
social activities because you may not
only be off mood, but, you would also
display signs of increased irritability.
Doctors note that there are chances
that in such SWD patients, there maybe
a gradual worsening of heart and
stomach disorders.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR SHIFT WORK
DISORDER?
While shift work disorder (SWD) can
affect men and women of all ages,
some factors may cause even greater
problems coping with shift work:
•Age greater than 50 years
•History of sleep disorders
•History of stomach disorders
•Diabetes
•Heart disease
WORK SCHEDULE IS THE CULPRIT
The doctor also noted that if you work
night, early morning, or rotating shifts,
your work schedule may be causing
your sleep-wake cycle to be out of sync.
Nonstandard shifts have become very
common in today’s workplace.
SHIFT WORKERS
A wide range of occupations require
either permanent or occasional shift
work: Professional and business
services such as accountants,
stockbrokers, customer service reps,
IT support staff, and other people with
corporate jobs; healthcare professionals
such as emergency room physicians,
nurses, and overnight pharmacists;
leisure, entertainment, and hospitality
segment workers such as bartenders,
servers, chefs, casino dealers,
performers, radio DJs, concierges, and
doormen; production and manufacturing
such as steel, textile, and other factory
workers; protective services staff like
firefighters, dispatchers and security
guards…
COPING WITH SYMPTOMS
If such workers have SWD, the only
way to resolve is to have a change in
the shift work, but, of course, there are
some things you can do to try to cope
with your symptoms:
•Avoid caffeinated foods and
beverages before bedtime
•Get a full eight hours of sleep each
day
•Turning on bright lights may help
diminish drowsiness when you need to
be awake
•Eliminate noise and light from your
sleep area
•Try to stick to your sleep and wake
schedule, even on weekends
GET TO THE SPECIFICS
When you talk to your doctor, you
have to make sure that you point out
specifics:
Let him or her know about your work
schedule; what hours you work and
whether you work shifts/non-traditional
work hours; if you have had any
changes in your work schedule.
Also, tell your doctor if you feel that
your excessive sleepiness (ES) is
interfering with your job routine; when
and where you feel sleepy; things you
do to stay awake (like drinking coffee,
soda, or energy drinks); how it affects
your job or personal life and if you plan
your life around sleepiness.
19Black & White
Oman's first
comprehensive
online directory
More details: [email protected]
www.omanonlinesearch.com
Coming Soon!
21Black & White
By Adarsh Madhavan
Tired.
I am tired of being measured by a ruler, weighed by a
weighing machine and judged by the colour of my skin.
Tired.
Tired of being forced to play a role; pretending to be someone
I am not and walked over by those who don’t care about me.
Tired.
Tired of being misunderstood, because I can’t understand
myself and tired of being ignored and sidelined because I look
and feel so inconsequential and inconspicuous because of my
unobtrusive nature.
Tired.
And I am tired of being tired because it is quite boring. You
have got to drop this boring pose and make a splash of your
life, make people know you, hear about you. You have got to
be heard, known and loved… You have got to make a lot of
noise, otherwise they might not notice you whimpering away in
the dark.
Tired.
Tired of people telling me what to do and what not to do; and
why I should do this and why I should not be doing that…
There are so many out there who tell me everything from
what I should wear to what I shouldn’t wear and what I should
be saying and what I shouldn’t…
Tired of people telling me that I don’t look good, or am
morose, or don’t smile too much or am too quiet or too
rude…or that I don’t care and that I am too cautious or too
aggressive…
Tired of people carping about my faults and insulting me…
I mean, I am an adult; I mean, I think, so I am, so let me be…
But I am starting to feel that no matter how I act, or what
I say, there will always be people to point things out, to try
teaching me something or simply to annoy, irritate or just to
poke fun at me.
I am tired of people who I think will be there for me and yet
dump me unceremoniously when I need them the most.
I have already lost many people like that and I have already
cut ties with many who were close and there have been more
occasions than one where I felt I was the happiest just being
alone, with myself, with my book or just my thoughts, sitting
quietly somewhere, undisturbed and at peace. I guess I should
be a good friend of myself before I can be a good friend of
someone else and I simply can’t try anymore, I don’t have the
energy.
I don’t have the guts to confront the odds and I
don’t have the zip in me to be up and get going.
I am tired. Tired of all that goes on around me,
inside me and outside me.
Tired.
I am tired of trying to be who I am not and I am
tired of telling myself that I should stop trying.
Tired.
Tired of being questioned and judged, burdened,
bludgeoned and belittled. I am tired of the
questions thrown at me – questions to which
I don’t have any answers. I am tired of being
rejected. I am tired of the way my heart feels all
the time, tired of the way I cannot even hope to
control it. I am tired of feeling unwanted. Tired of
knowing that no matter what I do, no matter how
much I try, I will never be good enough in the
eyes of those who matter the most to me.
I am tired of being sick. I am tired of the way
it makes my body feel all the time. It brings me
down to the brink of giving up all hope of repair
within me.
I am tired of not being able to depend on
anyone, even myself...
I am tired of the people who have said they care
then they do not; I am tired of those who have
given me their warmth and then as suddenly have
taken it away again, leaving me cold.
I am tired of not having anyone to listen, to care,
to be there for me. I am tired of the headache of
having an heartache, and I am tired of wearing
my heart on my sleeve.
I am tired of feeling the way I do.
Tired.
Just tired.
Tired for heaven’s sake!
O
ff the wall
Tired of everything
Off
the w
all
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23Black & White
Oman to get a ‘bank’ of
VOLUNTEERSAli and Said (*) are two enthusiastic young Omanis who are ever
ready to offer their hands to anyone who needs help. When the recent
cyclone hit Oman, they went out of their way to help the victims and
assist in anyway they could. They visited the affected areas and on
their own helped many affected people, which was quite appreciated. If
there is a cause, they will be there to support it, the duo said recently.
There are many like Ali and Said in town, always ready to help without
seeking anything in return. But, the biggest hurdle that keen volunteers
like Ali and Said and others face is that there is no organised form of
volunteerism in Oman.
Om
an w
atc
h
24 September 7-20, 2010
THERE WERE VOLUNTEERS, but
they were all scattered around, and
their efforts too were often quite
scattered. It is not that Omanis don’t
help; they do, but, most often than
not, help is required on a sustained
and not isolated basis. And,
collective help was always far better
than the scattered unorganised
approach.
But, things are going to change as
there is good news in the offing for
those into volunteering.
For, Oman Sablat (www.s-oman.
net), one of Oman’s most popular
website, is on the verge of forming
Taoun – a bank of volunteers, which
they hope will be a permanent
solution for the lack of proper
volunteers in Oman.
TAOUN – A BANK OF
VOLUNTEERS
“Oman Sablat will be creating
this new project called Taoun. It is
going to be a bank of volunteers in
all regions, spanning Oman. We will
maintain a data base and an official
website.
The website will be officially
launched later this week and it
will have all details. Now any
charity organisation or corporate
or event manager can just log on
or get in touch with us and we will
provide them the data base and
volunteers,” Khalid Al Balushi, vice
president marketing and business
development, Oman Sablat and
Yahya Rahi Al Balushi, project
manager, Taoun, told Black & White.
“You may find such services in
most developed countries. But, in
Oman, we are coming out with such
a venture for the first time,” Yahya Al
Balushi added.
“Oman has a name in the region
as one of the countries where
volunteerism is at its best. Omanis
are helpful by nature and the recent
weather disasters have proved it
time and again. But still, there is a
dearth of volunteers in Oman, region
wise.
Charity organisations find it difficult
when there is no bank of volunteers,”
Yahya Balushi said, while detailing
about their plans to come out with
the first-ever organised bank of
volunteers in Oman.
We will have team
leaders handling
different regions
of Oman, who will,
in their regions,
collect a bank of
volunteers. This
is a first-ever
attempt of its kind
in Oman. Oman
Sablat feels that it
is time we united
the volunteers of
Oman
Om
an w
atc
h
25Black & White
Yahya Rahi Al Balushi, project manager – Taoun – is a man who dons
many hats: He is a member, technical team, Oman Scouts & Guides;
regional – administration-in-charge of Arab Networking Scout Link;
coordinator of Asian Region of Scout Link; Muscat region commissioner of
Rovers and programme developer; he is responsible for opening the first
Arabic chat room for scouts; member of the Royal Amateur Radio Society,
Oman; trainer of trainees in the UNFPA.
SCOUT MOVEMENT IN OMAN
Scouting commenced in the Sultanate in 1932 when the first scout batch
was instituted in the Sultani School, Muscat, and the Brownie Pack and
Girl Guides in 1972 in Fatima Az-Zahra’ school, Muscat.
The year 1975 was considered the real start-point of the scouts
movement in the Sultanate, when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said
issued the Royal Decree promulgating the law organising the scouts
movement on technical and scientific basis and the formation of the
National Organisation for Scouts & Guides under the auspices of His
Majesty, the Sultan thus, emphasising on the constructive role it plays
towards the society and specifically towards the youth.
Man of many hats
Both of them noted that the main
challenge a volunteer faced was
de-motivation. “Most of the time a
volunteer is very enthusiastic and
works diligently for the cause. But
when he receives a cold shoulder,
it is a major blow to his ego. That is
where we will come in.
We will have team leaders handling
different regions of Oman, who will,
in their regions, collect a bank of
volunteers. This is a first-ever attempt
of its kind in Oman. Oman Sablat
feels that it is time we united the
volunteers of Oman,” Yahya Balushi
explained.
SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM
Now, the spirit of volunteerism is
among all – Omanis and expatriates
alike. And so, this is for all residents
in Oman, locals and expats. “As
a bank we will take care of the
volunteers too.
"Initially we will choose eight-team
leaders who will take care of the
nine regions in Oman and these
team leaders will be the programme
ambassadors. Being in the NOSG
(National Organisation for Scouts
and Guides) for very many years, I
feel we can reach out well and gather
a good data of volunteers,” Yahya
Balushi said.
SABLAT OMAN CSR PROJECT
Sablat Oman is also creating a
CSR wing, which will adopt various
CSR initiatives and promote them
to successful completion. “Any CSR
initiative, idea that will benefit our
nation and society will be taken
under our wings. We hope to
encourage small-time entrepreneurs
and organisations that bring out great
CSR ideas,” Khalid Al Balushi said.
“Sometimes an idea remains just
an idea because of lack of funds,
support and right environment. Sablat
Oman will provide just that: the right
environment, training and expertise
in successful completion of a CSR
initiative!”
(*) names changed
26 September 7-20, 2010
BankMuscat has launched a limited edition commemorative
pre-paid card. A collector’s item, the ePayment card
evocatively highlights the bank’s ‘Oman Celebrates’
campaign in tribute to the 40 glorious years of the blessed
Renaissance march.
‘Oman Celebrates’ ePayment card
BankMuscat
BreadTalk recently launched an exquisite series of specially
designed products comprised of delicious pastries and desserts
for the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holidays.
Jannat Moosa, marketing director at Bin Mirza International said,
“As a trend-setting lifestyle brand, celebrating the holy month
has become a seasonal hallmark at BreadTalk. Each year, we
continue to push creative boundaries by offering a new selection
specially prepared by our local chefs for family and friends to
enjoy during the joyous holiday season.”
Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr delights
Breadtalk
Khimji’s Luxury & Lifestyle division has launched a new range of HACCP
knives for professionals from Victorinox, the pioneering brand, famous for
the timeless design and manufacture of the Original Swiss Army Knife. In
line with International food regulations, the coloured grips of the knives
indicate their intended use, thereby boosting safety and hygiene. Rohit
Shah, general manager, “Khimji’s Luxury and Lifestyle Division said: "In
addition to the internationally recognised colour concept, the HACCP knives
from Victorinox showcase the usual exceptional quality standards. The first-
class quality of the steel and optimum hardness ensures the best possible
edge retention with a minimum risk of breakage. Victorinox provides a
lifetime guarantee covering all material and manufacturing defects.”
Khimji Ramdas Toll-free number: 800-75000.
HACCP knives
Victorinox
At the apex of its 90th anniversary celebrations, Mazda has
also launched a new micro-site - www.mazda.com/90th/ which
very simply and elegantly chronicles Mazda’s 90 year history,
and goes on to explain the story behind two of Mazda’s major
endeavours over the past 90 years: manufacturing excellence
and ‘fun-to-drive’.
celebrates 90 years!
Mazda
Word
pre
ss
27Black & White
Oman’s exclusive MINI importer, Al Jenaibi
International Automobiles, has expanded its Autumn
Campaign offer, launched earlier last month, to
include MINI. Customers purchasing MINI vehicles
until the end of September will benefit from a host
of added-value incentives, including complimentary
vehicle registration and comprehensive insurance for
the first year of ownership. Johnny Oommen, head
of operations of Al Jenaibi International Automobiles,
said: “The Al Jenaibi International Automobiles
Autumn campaign is one of the year’s highlights for
customers in Oman; it gives them the opportunity to
purchase premium BMW and MINI vehicles without
added ownership costs such as car registration and
insurance. We aim to give customers a premium
purchasing experience, which includes taking
care of the smaller details such as registration and
insurance.” The Autumn Campaign runs until the
end of September 2010 at Al Jenaibi International
Automobiles.
Big deals for
to accept utilities bill payments
from AMEX card members
MINI
Nawras announced its plans to
proceed with a listing of its shares on
the Muscat Securities Market (MSM)
using the bookbuilding* process.
Commenting on the announcement,
Ross Cormack, chief executive
officer of Nawras, said: “For the last
five years we have been dedicated
to enriching the lives of people
in Oman by providing them with
better communications products
and services. In this time we have
grown rapidly to serve nearly two
million customers, and counting,
representing 45 per cent of the
Omani mobile market at the end of
June 2010.
With our unrelenting focus on
customers, we have delivered
innovative products and pleasingly
different services – and we are
determined to continue doing so.
Subject to CMA approval, the
offering will represent up to 40
percent of the company’s total
share capital and is expected to be
launched after the Eid holidays on
September 15, 2010. Retail and
institutional investors will be able
to participate in the offering, which
will be the first IPO of 2010 in Oman
and the first since the Sohar Power
Company IPO in July 2008.
Nawras also announced that Morgan
Stanley, BankMuscat and QNB
Capital have been appointed joint
lead managers with Morgan Stanley
and BankMuscat confirmed as
bookrunners on the transaction.
IPO to launch on
September 15
Nawras
Oman
Investment &
Finance Co.
SAOG -OIFC-
and American
Express Middle
East and have
announced
an agreement
that will make
utilities bill
settlement for American Express card members even
more convenient in Oman.
The agreement is to enable American Express card
members to settle their water, electricity, telephone,
mobile and internet bills with their American Express
Cards at any of OIFC’s main branches spanning Oman.
OIFC branch locations can be found on http://www.
oifcoman.com/branches.php
Shabir M. Al Yousef, chief executive officer of
OIFC said: “We are happy to add more value and
convenience to our customers, and I am confident that
American Express card members will benefit from this
agreement.”
OIFC
28 September 7-20, 2010
Word
pre
ss
Oman’s corporate houses as well as
individuals gave off sumptuous Iftars,
inviting staff and families, as well as other
guests, including media, as part of the Holy
Month of Ramadan. Glimpses of the Iftar
celebrations at various locations.
IFTARS galore
BankMuscat
HSBC
OMIFCO
KIMS
Bait Al Khonji
Vale OMRAN
Oman Air
29Black & White
Oman Oil Marketing Company (Omanoil) has
corroborated its industry stature by marking
18 years without Lost Time Injury (LTI)
at the Mina Al Fahal (MAF) Joint Venture
(JV) Terminal, operated in partnership with
Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing
Company. With a corporate mission formed
on a strong foundation of HSSE, Omanoil’s
Terminal operations have once again
demonstrated their capacity to handle
substantial increases in fuel volumes which
today has reached 2,190,000M3 per day
both safely and efficiently, as it preserves
and enhances the working environment in
which it operates.
marks 18 years of
safe operations
Omanoil
Samatel, the Sultanate’s newest
mobile operator, announced the
launch of its services for residential
and business customers. The
company promises to provide
Omanis with the highest quality
services and industry leading
customer service. Today’s launch
is a significant landmark in the
Sultanate’s rapidly developing mobile
industry.
“Samatel is a brand new concept in
the Sultanate, during our planning
phase we went to the drawing board
and decided that we don’t want to
do different things but rather we will
do things differently” commented the
founder and chairman Sheikh Khalid
Al Mataa’ni.
“The hard work, dedication and
attention to detail we have invested
in Samatel means we can invite
our customers to experience ‘a life
of happiness’ - a mobile service
unequalled anywhere in the region,”
announced an elated Dr Wael Tahir,
Samatel Ceo."
mobile services in Oman
Samatel
Spicy Village offers you the
chance to earn the title of ‘Chef
of Oman’ and receive royalties
on dishes sold in the restaurant
for a year.
From October 6 to 10, cooking
contests will be held at Spicy
Village Oman restaurants, with
the dining areas converted
into kitchens and participants
cooking their favourite recipes
in front of a watching audience
and a panel of judges.
A total of 50 winners will be
selected in five categories,
with the top three winners
in each category receiving
special prizes. And the winning
dishes will be published in a
special Spicy Village cookbook
and offered in Spicy Village
restaurants for a year, with
winners earning 20 percent
commission on sales of their
dish.
Anyone who has dined at a
Spicy Village restaurant for
RO10 or over and has kept their
receipt(s) can take part simply
by submitting their chosen
recipe to: receipe@spicyvillage.
com or by applying online at:
www.spicyvillage.com.
The contests will be held at
the following Spicy Village
restaurants:
October 6: Spicy Village
Alkhuwair; October 7: Spicy
Village Rusayl,
October 8: Spicy Village Sohar,
October 9: Spicy Village Sur
October 10: Spicy Village,
Nizwa
Contact: receipe@spicyvillage.
com, or complete an online
recipe application form at:
www.Spicy village.com/
cookerycontest.html
Chefs of OmanSpicy Village
www.blackandwhiteoman.com
Read our magazine ONLINE
Log on to
blackwhite OmanFind us on facebook
31Black & White
THE SILENCE OF THE FISHES
You could take it either way: the silence in my living
room is broken by the rhythmic bubbling sound
emanating from somewhere. Or, you could say the
bubbling sound has become part of the silence in
this room. I feel as though I am underwater…come
on, if I can hold myself in this same form of silence
for some more minutes, I will be part of the silence
myself and relaxed and one with my peaceful living
room.
No, I am not hallucinating. I was just giving you
how I feel about the bubbling aquarium in my room.
It always gives off a feel-good peaceful sense. I am
a lover of aquariums and have always had one at
home. This is a spirit shared by my kids who have
also loved aquariums. Yet, somehow, this peaceful
feeling has been disrupted in the last few months
as my fishes have been dying, one by one leaving
a very bad feeling in me…
It is always a lively feeling when you are seeing
those slim beauties swimming with ease in your
aquarium, and you feel equally sad when you see
them floating, lifeless. That has stopped me from
having an aquarium. Fish need freshness, a little
bit of algae, right food, lots of space and oxygen.
And an aquarium is not just a passion or a hobby, it
is a responsibility.
So, imagine the responsibility of having a fish farm!
And that too in different weather conditions offered
by Oman. Our salutations to Hilal Al Rawahi, the
lone tilapia farmer from Musannah who has taken
up his hobby seriously to create a responsible and
sustainable food project – fresh water fish farming.
It is an innovative idea and we hope that he will
be successful when he goes commercial. The B&
W team reports that it saw some 600 plus tilapias
It is always a lively feeling
when you are seeing
those slim beauties
swimming with ease in
your aquarium, and equally
sad when you see them
floating, lifeless
Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief
In Black...
& White
In B
lack &
Whit
e
swimming in his tanks…Amazing!
Tilapias make good harvest in sweet water and there are
other popular varieties too. It is difficult to have a saltwater
fish farm because for one major reason: saltwater fish are
evolved to deal with water constantly rushing out of their
bodies. The salt in the surrounding water exerts what is
called osmotic pressure on the fish. Thus saltwater fish
have evolved to be constantly drinking water and excreting
salts. When you put a saltwater fish into freshwater, it
continues to drink heavily and excrete salt. Thus the fish
quickly loses too much salt, and its body begins to react
accordingly; nervous impulses are unable to travel, and it
soon dies.
EID MUBARAK
The Holy Month of Ramadan is almost complete. This
month has helped us all exercise our self discipline. But, I
would say, why limit ourselves to just one month in a year?
Let us be disciplined throughout the year, throughout our
lives! That is what Islam is all about…
With Eid Al Fitr around the corner, let me wish all of our
readers a very happy Eid. Celebrate Eid in the true spirit…
Eid Mubarak!
31Black & White
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The
TILAPIAS
of Musannah
32 September 7-20, 2010
33Black & White
It was like a virtual jack-in-the-box: We peered into
a bucket filled with murky green water and then
suddenly something leapt out of it, missing our
faces by an inch, startling us all out of our wits.
The ‘something’ was nothing but a five-inches long
fish called Tilapia, which many feel is destined
to be one of the most important farmed seafood
products of the century and slowly swimming its
way to ubiquity in Oman.
33Black & White
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Looking after fish was a childhood fantasy for Hilal Rawahi. “I loved
aquariums and loved the variety of fishes. I used to create aquariums and
always loved to learn more about them. Watching those beautiful fish going
about their daily business is great for your stress levels and keeps you happy"
35Black & White
MEANWHILE, OTHER TILAPIAS
FOLLOWED the first one, leaping
out of the bucket, and soon we were
knee down in a sweltering farm
in Musannah trying to save these
healthy, but frisky fish from being
fried in the hot August sun. We did
manage to put them back into the
bucket and then into their tank,
which has been their home for the
last three months or so.
“They are a bit frisky, but quite
intelligent,” Hilal Ali Al Rawahi,
a retired PDO (Petroleum
Development Oman) official, who is
now into breeding Tilapia since the
last three years at his 27,000 sq mts
farm in Muladha, Musannah district,
tells Black & White. They are quite
frisky, we agreed as we joined the
farm owner in feeding the ever-
hungry fish.
Only a tiny portion of the farm is
being used for Tilapia. There are
two 8.5mts X 1.5mts tanks filled
with around 600 odd three months
old Tilapia in one; an equal or more
number of one-month old Tilapia
in the second and several hundred
Koi and Cat Fish in the third,
equally divided tank of the same
specifications.
Hilal Rawahi’s main focus is on the
Tilapia, a fish that some chefs love to
hate, because they feel that the fish
isn’t fishy enough! Some of them do
not like its mild taste, but, in Oman,
fish eaters are known to enjoy the St
Peter’s fish (a moniker it has earned
from a story in the Bible), which is
known to be ecologically sustainable
and relatively cheap.
TILAPIA FARMING
One of the fastest-growing fish
industries has been the production
of pond-raised Tilapia. The
species hold several advantages
for commercial production. It is
a hardy fish, highly resistant to
many diseases and infections
that commonly strike other fish
populations.
Tilapias are also excellent breeders
and grow fast on relatively small
and diverse food supplies. The most
important element for successfully
raising tilapia is proper environment.
36
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September 7-20, 2010
They are warm-water fish that need
to live in waters ideally maintained at
about 76 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ponds or other bodies of water
that are not prone to drying up
or flooding are the best choices.
Experts recommend estimating
two to three mature fish per square
meter of water surface.
Depth should be at least one meter
deep. “I have built three tanks and
use the water for my farming too.
The water is a natural fertiliser for
my plants. These fish also live on
algae, so I don’t have to fully clean it
up,” Hilal Rawahi said.
SKILLED ESCAPE ARTISTS
One of the most commonly used
methods for harvesting pond-grown
tilapia involves both seining and
draining of the pond. It is hard to
catch all the tilapias using only
seining since these fish are skilled
escape artists.
“I use the same. They are very
active and live fish and keep jumping
around. It is impossible to catch
them with a net, so it is better to
drain the pond when it is time to
catch them. It takes up to six months
for a tilapia to grow to edible size,
approximately one (1) kilogramme
per fish.”
ORNAMENTAL FISH
Hilal Rawahi is also into farming
of the Koi (an ornamental/aquarium
fish) and the catfish. Koi fish are
ornamental and domesticated
varieties of the common carp and
are kept for decorative purposes in
outdoor ponds. Here they are kept in
different tanks.
FISH PARTY
“When it is time for harvest of the
Tilapia I just throw a fish party,” Hilal
Rawahi laughed. For the last three
years, he has been farming, but not
on a commercial scale. “I don’t sell
them (the fish) yet.
The fish tanks of Hilal Al Rawahi also featured some catfish. Catfish have been widely caught and farmed for food for hundreds
of years in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Judgments as to the quality and flavour vary, with some food critics
considering catfish as being excellent food, others dismissing them as watery and lacking in flavour
37Black & White
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I am still in the learning process
and there is lot to learn.” Hilal
Rawahi noted that it was not easy
to get fish food. Initially, he brought
the fish food from Thailand, but it
was not practical. But, give him a
challenge and he had a knack of
getting around it. In this case, Hilal
Rawahi learnt to make the food
himself.
“These fish need more proteins
and I make a food out of dry
sardines, dates, wheat etc with the
help of a mincing machine. So far so
good and my fish seem to love them
and are growing healthily.”
NOT YET COMMERCIAL
Currently, Hilal Rawahi has got just
one helper to help him and that is
more than sufficient, he said. “This
type of fish farming is on a small-
scale basis. It is not too strenuous
an activity.
I haven’t started making it a full-
time commercial activity as yet,
so, the workload is less,” he said,
adding that he intended to get into it
fulltime soon.
SERIOUS BUSINESS
Fulltime fish farming is very serious
business, Hilal Rawahi noted. “We
all know that we have been eating
up the natural resources and the
world is witness to the places where
fish have become extinct.
Many valuable fish species are
disappearing from our oceans
because of over harvesting, loss
of habitat and pollution. When the
most important fisheries collapse,
fishermen and seafood processors
will be forced to be out of business.
It is time we all thought of our
future and got in to eco safe process
of food production.
It is hard to catch all the tilapias
using only seining since these fish
are skilled escape artists
39Black & White
Though my fish farming started off
as a hobby, I knew the importance
of aqua culture and sweet water
farming. Aqua culture is a sustainable
process of food cycle and I hope
to establish an environmentally
sustainable and profitable farm soon.
I might take up shrimp farming too.
"My biggest challenge would be to
maintain tolerant temperatures here
and I am learning how to. Tilapias,
as I told you before, are very tolerant
fish and it would be easy to farm.
However when I go commercial I
would have to invest on infrastructure
to maintain tolerant and acceptable
temperatures for the fish to survive
healthily. Sufficient oxygen, space
and protein rich food along with the
right temperature will give me a good
harvest.”
MOUTH WATERING OPTION
Currently in Oman you get frozen
and semi-frozen tilapias from
Thailand. If we can cultivate them
here, it would be a successful project
and will give local market live and
fresh tilapias at a cheaper rate. “I am
hoping to invest in glass containers/
tanks at various restaurants, so the
customer who comes in to eat can
actually choose his fish before it
is cooked. I am sure it is a mouth-
watering option!
“This project can serve as a small
business model and it would also
bring in employment opportunities.
Ultimately, in the long run, I believe
fish would remain the main source
of food globally. So why not start
investing in it in Oman?”
If Hilal Rawahi is successful with
his selective breeding programme,
chances of shimmering Tilapias
making its way from the tank to the
table is very likely in the future.
It is not easy to get fish food locally. Hilal
imports smaller quantities of fish food
from Thailand
40
B&
W X
clu
sive
September 7-20, 2010
B&
W X
clu
sive
Hilal Rawahi brought tiny fishes, around 10 pairs from Thailand and put them in a small liner (like the one above)
Liners are plastic sheets that can be used to create a make-do tank.
The water drained from the fish tanks are used for irrigation purposes in Hilal's farm; no artificial fertilsers are used here.
41Black & White
Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Najib Al Balushi
TILAPIA IS THE THIRD MOST IMPORTANT fish in fish
farming after carps and salmonids.
Because of their large size, rapid growth, and
palatability, tilapiine cichlids are the focus of major
farming efforts, specifically various species of
Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia, collectively
known colloquially as tilapias.
Like other large fish, they are a good source of protein
and popular among artisanal and commercial fisheries.
Most such fisheries were originally found in Africa,
but outdoor fish farms in tropical countries such as
Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Indonesia are
underway in freshwater lakes.
In temperate zone localities, tilapiine farming
operations require energy to warm the water to tropical
temperatures. One method uses waste heat from
factories and power stations.
Commercially grown tilapia are almost exclusively
male. Cultivators use hormones such as testosterone
to reverse the sex of newly spawned females. Because
tilapia are prolific breeders, the presence of female
tilapia results in rapidly increasing populations of small
fish, rather than a stable population of harvest-size
animals.
Whole tilapia fish can be processed into skinless,
boneless (PBO) fillets: the yield is from 30 percent to 37
percent, depending on fillet size and final trim. The use
of tilapia in the commercial food industry has led to the
virtual extinction of genetically pure bloodlines. Most wild
tilapia today are hybrids of several species.
NUTRITION
Tilapias have very low levels of mercury as they are
fast-growing and short-lived with a primarily vegetarian
diet, and thus do not accumulate mercury found in
prey. Tilapia is a low saturated fat, low calorie, low
carbohydrate and low sodium protein source. It is a
source of phosphorus, niacin, selenium, vitamin B12 and
potassium.
TILAPIA AS EXOTIC SPECIES
Tilapias are unable to survive in low temperate
climates because they require warm water. The pure
strain of the Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, has the
greatest cold tolerance and dies at 45 °F (7 °C) while
all other species of tilapia will die at a range of 52 °F
(11 °C)-62 °F (17 °C).
As a result, they cannot invade temperate habitats
and disrupt native ecologies in temperate zones;
however, they have spread widely beyond their points
of introduction in many fresh and brackish tropical and
subtropical habitats, often disrupting native species
significantly. Because of this, tilapias are on the IUCN’s
100 of the World’s Worst Alien Invasive Species list.
USES OTHER THAN SUPPLYING FOOD
Tilapia serve as a natural, biological control for most
aquatic plant problems. Tilapia consume floating aquatic
plants, such as duckweed watermeal (Lemna sp.), most
“undesirable” submerged plants, and most forms of
algae.
In the United States and countries such as Thailand,
Tilapia are becoming the plant control method of choice,
reducing/eliminating the use of toxic chemicals and
heavy metal-based algaecides.
Tilapia rarely compete with other “pond” fish for food
because tilapia consume plants and nutrients unused
by other fish species and substantially reduce oxygen
depleting detritus, adding tilapia often increases the
population, size and health of other fish.
Third most
important fish
in fish farming
42 September 7-20, 2010
There are people reporting about beggars in their neighbourhood, but then, is
it really that big a problem? We remember how some of these types hovered
around drive throughs and the like earlier, but not sure if they are still active.
They used to come with tales like they are cancer stricken or on the verge
of death and were in need of immediate help, but refused when we would
offer to take them to a hospital. Otherwise, these beggars who sit in a corner
don’t seem to bother anyone and are really harmless. We would suggest that
beggars should be reported to the authorities concerned if they happen to
bully you or ring your doorbell or knock at your door incessantly. Otherwise,
if they are just sitting quietly in a corner, should we report them? Well, do as
your conscience dictates you!
Some companies have random hiring
and firing policies. In the sense, they
hire and they fire, without much ado.
But for expatriates who have left
their hometown in another country
and have left everything to find a
life here, it would be a great shock
when they are suddenly dumped and
fired without even being given an
explanation.
One such man who recently lost
his job approached our friends with
searing tales of how he was mistreated
by his employers, particularly one of
the main employers.
“She was quite horrible. I am
particularly new to Oman, new to this
field (of his work) and new to this type
of attitude. I had worked in Mumbai
and Kochi I was never treated in this
manner.
“Even if you are not a good boss,
you need not treat your employees
like slaves – she wanted absolute
respect and office decorum. I was
all for that. Frankly, I am a very quiet
person and even quieter worker. I
never show disrespect to anyone,
least of all my seniors, but she made
even a mild mannered employee like
me go berserk with anger.
“She would treat me and the rest of
the team like rugs on the floor; walking
over us without any compunction.
Forget about answering back to her,
we could not even express ourselves
– she would just order us around and
would not even let us speak.
Many of us shivered in her presence
and she vitiated the work atmosphere
to such an extent everyone wanted
out! Finally, disgusted with her daily
abuse, I decided to quit.
But, somehow, she came to know
about my decision to quit and just
sacked me. I was told to get out of
the country within a week,” the boy
told an acquaintance of Bitter Batter.
His only request is that he might work
under anyone, but for a woman boss!
Should we
report the
beggars?
‘Miss’ treated
Nit
tern
att
er
We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now. Fi-
nally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some
offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal
for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fort-
night, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:
43Black & White
Sabita. S is a lady from Azaiba. She
has been living in Oman for the last
12 to13 years. She has never ever
written to a newspaper or magazine in
her life and has never felt the need to.
But, lately, owing to the rise in traffic
accidents, which she squarely blames
irresponsible driving of the motorists
in town, she says she feels the need
to write to the media and express her
feelings on the issue of accidents and
over speeding etc.
Currently, she says, the main reason
for accidents on the road is sheer
carelessness and the devil-may-care
attitude of many of the drivers. “Rarely
do you see drivers getting into a REAL
accident – what I mean to say is,
none of these accidents are accidents
– they are forced errors; they are
brought upon by sheer negligence
and ugly road behaviour.
And, you know what, one day, I am
going to overtake these motorists --
who have one hand over the steering
wheel and the other on their mobile
phones – screech to a halt in front
of them, run to their car window and
wrench the mobile phone from their
hand and fling it away! I swear I am
going to do this. I am really tired of
these mobile phone drivers!”
Well, let us hope that good sense will
prevail to these mobile phone drivers
and she will not be forced to act out
her threat.
Gautam Chakraborty
([email protected]) has
sent us this note about his ongoing
battle with a company he had bought
some AC’s and a refrigerator from.
“I bought three Window AC’s and
a refrigerator from Souq Technia (Al
Khuwair) in March. From the first day
itself, one AC was giving a problem.
It was giving off a sound like that
of a generator. Verbal complaints
to the company went unheeded.
Finally on April 25th, after a heated
verbal argument, my complaint was
registered via service order no.
2091433. Regret no action was taken.
Again after several phone calls, the
company sent their man on May 17.
In between I had registered an online
complain through their net service.
No action was taken. On May 17,
they changed a part in the AC but
the problem remained. The service
engineer said he can’t do much more
than this. On May 18, I called up the
same company and requested them
to change the AC. I was told that
they will do it the next day. Regret,
no one came nor called. Now my
calls are being ignored too! Is anyone
listening?”
(If officials of Souq Technia would
like to comment on the above or send
their version of the above issue, they
are most welcome. Please send them
to the email id given below).
Get rid of these
mobile phone
drivers
Bad service
(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on [email protected] or call 99218461)
44 September 7-20, 2010
Kid
stuff
CAVE MEN INVENTED the first piece of
cutlery ever - the knife. Knives were made
from stones, bones and shells. The serrated
edge, better for cutting with was achieved
by chipping pieces off the edge of the blade.
Next came spoons, carved out of wood,
stone or bone. Kitchen forks have been
endlessly evolving for the past millennium or
so. But a historical background check will put
its origins somewhere in Greek.
Initially used for the carving of meat, the
fork comes to the dining table pretty late.
It was around the 7th century that royal
courts in the Middle Eastern world started to
use the fork on the dining table.
In another century, they were passed on to
the Byzantine world, where the use of forks at
the dining table became symbolic in wealthy
and noble families.
The fork was later carried on to Italy through
a matrimonial alliance with the Byzantine.
The fork came to the English notice by a
man called Thomas Coryate, who brought
forks to England in 1608. It took a very long
time for the English to take up the fork as it
initially met cultural resistance.
They gained acceptance in the 13th century
and became very popular by the 14th century,
both in Italy and France, the noblemen using
them to keep their attire clean whilst dining.
By the 16th century forks were being used
by both upper class and merchant class.
Guests would even arrive for dinner with their
own fork and spoon carried in a box called a
cadena.
By the 18th century forks had made their
way across many European countries and
over the sea to Great Britain.
The Germans improved on the design by
adding a curve to it, and by the 19th century
they possessed four tines.
By the time the humble fork made it to the
20th century, another addition was made to
create a whole new implement – the spork a
utensil that is part spoon and part fork.
Tongue twisters… try em!
Of all the felt I ever felt, I never felt a piece of felt
which felt as fine as that felt felt,when first I felt that
felt hat’s felt.
45Black & White
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given
numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares
so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same
number only once.
SOLUTION:
9
1
2
13
5
6
8
7
9
9
289
5
2
9
4
8
6
23
5
1
6
2010
Con
cept
is P
uzzl
es,
Dis
t. b
y K
ing
Fea
ture
s S
yndi
cate
, In
c.
By Dave Green
Difficulty Level 3/12
By Thomas Snydermotris.livejournal.com
46 September 7-20, 2010
WADI KABIRBait al Zubair Bait al BarandaMarina Bander Al Bustan Palace HotelOman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al JissahSri Lankan School NHIPencil Building (Stationery shop)Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden OasisSana FashionsAl Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)
CBD AREA TO DARSAITAl Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad SultanAl Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving)Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD areaPizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower)Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD areaCentre point-SplashMuscat Securities market Times of OmanShell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton)OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM)KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – RuwiPalayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance OfficeAl Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High streetDamas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC CentreAir Arabia Office- Shanfari TravelsRuwi HotelGulf air building – Gulf air officeSaravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroomOTEMoosa Abdul Showroom – next to al JadeedToshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shoppingBadr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pmMinistry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom)Haffa House HotelAl Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait)Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx)Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx)Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shopAl Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic
Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD areaBank MuscatBank SoharHSBCStandard CharteredOman Arab BankHarmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks areaOTTB – Oman Travels BureauAir India office – CBD next to Costas CostasPapa John Supa Save – CBDWoodlandsBank DhofarHorizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels)Oman post office Lulu DarsaitKhimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen)Indian Social ClubMelody Music Centre – Next to ISMGerman Embassy – Hamriya roundaboutApollo Medical CentreComputer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot)Hatat HousePassage to IndiaBest carsHyundai/Subaru/GM showroomAl Asfoor FurnishingAhli BankShell marketing officeSEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda ShowroomSabco Head office wattayahNTT travels WattayahToyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroomLexusFord showroomShanfari AutomotiveWattayah Motors- VW showroomKhoula HospitalInstitute of Health sciences – opposite KhoulaKia showroom- wattayah
QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIRAl Harthy Complex- Pizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complexSultan Center Nissan showroomBMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centrePizza Hut – Qurum Capital StoreAl Asfoor PlazaKFCHardeesFono showroom next to Sabco centreShah NagardasSabco Centre- Barista coffee shop onlyAl AraimiPanasonic ShowroomNBO QurumAl Khamis PlazaAl Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shopMercedes showroom
CCC- StandCCC Al FairBollywood chatPizza Hut – Qurum Second CupNandos McDonaldsSalman StoresJawahir OmanHamptonsBusiness Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) StarbucksHawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum parkMumtaz Mahal Left bankOman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20)Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- standOasis by the sea - crepe café standLNG OfficeAl Qurum resortBareek Al Shatti ComplexAl Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin DonutsAl Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotelHotel RamadaAl Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schoolsGrand Hyatt MuscatAl Masa MallRadio ShackAl Sarooj ComplexShell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al FairRamee GuestlineRock BottomClassic Institute of Arts- next to Asas OmanAsas Oman ApartmentsCrowne PlazaCoral hotelQurum Pvt schoolPDORas Al Hamraa ClubOmanoil head office
AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBAELS – Al khuwair service roadBritish School Muscat – MSQBritish Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza HutKhimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fairFamily Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildgStarbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist FloorFotomagicAl Noor Hall Al JadeedEqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al KhuwairDomino Pizza Oman mobileSafeer Hypermarket Mustafa SultanSouk TechniaOmantelOman international Bank – Al khuwair main officeIbis Hotel
Park inn HotelFriendi OfficeMuscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams SubwayPizza Hut service road Ice Skating RinkNational Training InstituteGolden spoon RestaurantShell Select- Al KhuwairMcdonaldsMct holiday Inn HotelOman Bowling Center HalliburtonCafé VergnanoKhimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suitesAxa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair)Zakher shopping MallPAN Furnishing Harley DavidsonThriftyAl Amal Medical Centre – Dr BashirHotel RadissonPizza Hut Al KhuwairOzone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut)American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door)V KoolTAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex CaféAviation Club Restaurant
AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEBLulu Hyper market – BausharOman Medical collegeCollege for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, bausharAzzan Bin Qais school - BausharMuscat private HospitalDolphin Village – BausherRoyal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTINational mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn)Oman oil AzaibaSpicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – GhalaOman oil – GhalaTowell head office – Enhance & Ist floorMazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell AzaibaOman Tribune – Al Watan officeNew India assurance Azaiba office Safeer HypermartNawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot InstituteGU Tech – Beach road AzaibaChedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate officeNACA – national cancer Awareness AssnMCC – Crepe CaféAl Bahja– Mood Café & food CourtAl Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip)Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip HotelAir portSelect Shell – SeebPizza Hut airportKFC
PICK-UP POINTSPICK-UP POINTS
MUSCAT
Cir
cula
tion
47Black & White 47Black & White
SHOPPING MALLSLulu shopping centerAl- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah)Dhofar shopping centerBab Al- Salam marketAl- Mashoor (Salalah)Al- Mashoor (Saada)Al-KhareefK.M TradingAl-Isteqarar (Saada)Al-Hoq super marketHamdan commercial marketFresh super market (Al-Sarat)Union Salalah MarketFamily bookshop
HOTELSCrown PlazaHilton Salalah Hamdan plazaDhofar HotelSalalah hotelHaffa HouseRedan HotelAl- Hanaa HotelBAMSIR hotelAl- Jabel hotelAl- Nile suite (Saada)Salalah Mariott
MINISTRIESMinistry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of educationMinistry of defenseMinistry of housing & electricityMinistry of waterMinistry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah)Ministry of primary court and justiceMinistry of Commerce & industryDhofar municipality (Baladia)Ministry of man power
PETROL STATIONS, BANKSShanfari filling Stationshell select, al saadaOman oilShell SalalahBank MuscatOmantelOman Arab BankPizza hutDhofar UniversityAl Maha souk
OIB, NizwaOIB, FirqBankMuscat, NizwaBM main branch, NizwaBankMuscat, FirqNBO, NizwaNBO, FirqBank AbudhabiToyotaOTEOmantelNawrasKhimji, NizwaKhimji, IzkiMuscat Bakery, NizwaPizza HutDiscount centreFamily shoppingAl Diyar HotelSafari hotelAl-Nif shopping, IzkiHungery Bunny, NizwaCollege of ScienceCollege of TechnicNizwa Medical CollegeBusmath ClinicThalal ClinicOmanoil, IzkiOmanoil, FirqOmanoil, NizwaOmanoil, MarfaShell, IzkiShell, FirqShell, NizwaAl-Maha, FirqNizwa university -Dept of foreign langAl-Maha, Marfa
Lulu hyper marketSafeer CentreAl Nahda resortAl Maha SoukOman Oil RumaisOman College of managementOIBNBOBank MuscatShellOTESARCONissan showroomOmantel
MUSCAT continued...
MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB
SALALAH NIZWA
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Muscat golf hills, SEEBKOMSQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3- Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area)Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ officeCaledonian college – principal’s officeOman Foot ball association
RUSAYL AREARusayl Industrial EstateOman CablesSadolin PaintsJotun PaintsAl waqia shoesMehdi FoodsAreej veg oils
MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIRMinistry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG)Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct)Ministry of foreign affairs
Spicy Village RestaurantLulu HypermarketJumeirah Shopping CentreKhimji’s MartAl Salem shoppingCentrepointMoosa Abdul Rahman – GMCToyotaNissanMitsubishiLG showroomSohar BakerySohar UniversityBank MuscatHabib BankBank SoharOman International BankAl Raffah HospitalBadr Al SamaaOman Arab BankBank DhofarHSBCTravel CityNational Travels and ToursUniversal Travels and TourismDHLDhofar InsuranceAl Ahlia InsuranceTaeeger Finance CoOmantelAl Jazeera GroupNarenjee Hirjee (International)
Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697
FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINEAVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN ON 7TH & 21ST
20, 500 COPIES (BEING AUDITED)
48 September 7-20, 2010
Horo
scope
Emotional disruptions in
social relationships will
improve this week. Recently distant
friends or acquaintances will now
offer detailed explanations and unique
invitations. Expect group projects to
quickly change over the next eight
days: individual efforts may be more
rewarding. Avoid subtle romantic
triangles.
You may experience
moody friends or minor
disagreements with loved ones. All
of this now moves slowly into the
past. Romantic attachments may
soon change. Both lovers and close
family members will introduce new
activities and interests. Your choice
will be clear: participate or become
socially isolated.
Listen and react honestly:
many Librans will now find
greater freedom by revealing their
private emotions to loved ones.
Work officials may request unusual
financial information. Be thorough:
workplace success may now rely
heavily on timely negotiations and
an honest disclosure of facts.
Past records or business
contracts will be a
source of workplace confusion.
Communications or business
messages will be delayed this
week. Relationships that have been
emotionally draining over the past two
months will now quickly fade. Power
struggles and unrealistic ego needs
may be a deciding factor.
Take an assertive approach
to business negotiations to
bring the desired results. An unusual
exchange of information or a quickly
changing work routine may initiate new
agreements. Watch documents or long
term financial promises closely: Stay
focussed on your original goals and all
will progress smoothly.
Past business ideas and
unique partnerships may require extra
work this week. Over the next few days
expect business officials or career
associates to be highly focussed on
past events and minor financial details.
Schedule new home events or short
term vacations energy and sleep
patterns return to normal: pace yourself
and expect quick bursts of creativity.
This is an excellent time
to bring a key relationship
more intimately into your life. Expect
partners to respond with warmth
and genuine admiration. Unattached
Scorpios will encounter an unusual
wave of sensual or romantic attraction
toward a close friend. Watch contracts
and business messages closely for
sudden changes.
Romantic and social
relations will now
intensify. Family members may
offer strong opinions or express
previously withheld emotions. Key
issues involve financial security,
past documents or the history of
business transactions. Pay special
attention to property matters or land
agreements.
Listen to the advice of
professionals or official
managers. For the next few days
delicate business negotiations and
new contracts will work in your favour.
Watch for unusual power struggles or
disagreements between officials. Also
avoid complicated social events.
Business advances and
career risks will now be
rewarding but may also take several
months to fully develop. Be patient
and provide important documents
or paperwork early in the process. A
close friend may be quietly jealous of
time spent with others. Be diplomatic:
this is not a good time to publicly
address deep feelings.
Powerful emotions are now
in operation: loved ones
will soon need to spend extra time
sorting out their priorities or social
needs. Offer encouragement but
avoid judgments: for the time being
loved ones will not react well to social
criticism. Expect dramatic reversals
and boldly expressed opinions.
Emotions are unpredictable
at present but will not be problematic
in the long term. Remain patient: loved
ones may now need to make peace
with past disappointments. New money
information or short term obligations
may soon cause confusion in work
relationships. Avoid public discussions
concerning finances or assigned work
roles.
March 21-April 20
June 22-July 23
September 24-October 22
December 23-January 20
April 21-May 20
July 24-August 23
October 23-November 22
January 21-February 19
May 21-June 21
August 24-September 23
November 23-December 22
February 20-March 20
LANCE EDWARD ARMSTRONG (BORN LANCE
EDWARD GUNDERSON ON SEPTEMBER 18, 1971)
is an American professional road racing cyclist who is
best known for winning the Tour de France a record
seven consecutive times, after having survived testicular
cancer. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lance
Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and support.
Your stars
ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
TAURUS
LEO
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
GEMINI
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
49Black & White
Sometimes, cheating is allowed
Healthy food can
make you thin
SHE
We eat even when food
overwhelms us; or, simply
when we are before food.
Yes, when food is before
us, we just can’t help
putting it in our mouth.
The problem with
food is that it is mostly
visually appealing and
aromatically enticing. So,
there is little escaping it
when it is before you.
60
58
There is nothing wrong with cheat meals.
Providing that the amount you eat in
your cheat meal does not undo ALL your
hard work for the rest of the week. The
risk with not counting the calories in your
cheat meal is that you may overdo it. Of
course, if you
are weighing
yourself
regularly, you
will be able
to determine
if you are
overdoing your
cheat, because
you won’t lose
weight that
week
For
her
The energy woman
50
Saniya Khalfan Al Ghannami is a businesswoman
with a difference. She could be ideally termed as the
quintessential Omani businesswoman. Or, better put, she
is someone who can really show what an Omani woman
is capable of.
50 September 7-20, 201050 September 7-20, 2010
Eve's d
rop
51Black & White
The energy WOMANShe worked as a nurse, flew planes (she has a commercial pilot’s license), she
has also sold and is even now selling clothes, but now, this highly enterprising
and accomplished Omani businesswoman has turned her passion for a cause: to
save energy for Oman! Saniya Khalfan Al Ghannami is a businesswoman with a
difference. She has seen and done it all and before becoming a businesswoman,
she has had her stint with the PDO (Petroleum Development Oman) and worked
as a civilian officer with the ROP (Royal Oman Police).
SHE COULD BE IDEALLY termed
as the quintessential Omani
businesswoman. Or, better put, she
is someone who can really show
what an Omani woman is capable of.
That she has trailblazed a path,
which very few Omani women has
even stepped into is secondary to the
fact that today, Saniya, a proud, but
young grandmother, is on a business
mission to save energy for Oman.
While she has dabbled into all (and
more) of the fields mentioned, her
current passion is to whip up interest
in energy saving. She is now busily
promoting a unique UK brand called
ENIGIN, which has a wide range of
energy-saving appliances, to Oman
Inc.
The appliances are considered
to be the most effective way of
combating rising energy prices
and increasing supply demands.
According to Saniya, the ENIGIN
products have been able to provide
one of the most important responses
to one of the biggest threat humans
have ever faced – climate change.
Some of the ENIGIN products are
so efficient that they can cut down
energy costs by round 90 percent,
she said. “How good are the energy-
saving bulbs that you buy now?
ENIJIN has bulbs that last for 10
years! Which bulb can last that long
and still cut your bills down by 90
percent? There are different energy
saving units for homes, corporates,
industries, factories etc. For instance,
an ENIJIN electrical monitor can
help you monitor your energy
consumption on-a-day-to-day basis;
make you understand and measure
it.
Some months your bills are more,
sometimes it is less. This way you
can know if you are wasting energy.
Sometimes with small changes in
lifestyle, we can change the whole
consumption of energy.
Many believe they can save energy
with small behaviour changes. Most
of us severely underestimate the
major effects of switching to efficient,
currently available technologies like
the energy savers,” Saniya told Black
& White in a recent interview.
Before she detailed her energy
saving business, Saniya also spoke
about her earlier days, after her
education. “I took up business in
1984 and got in to the clothing arena.
I started off with a boutique called
‘Lujaina’ at Al Wadi Commercial
Centre in Qurum. It started soon after
the birth of my daughter Lujaina. As
she grew I changed the clothing in
accordance with her ages.”
According to
Saniya, the
ENIGIN products
have been able to
provide one of the
most important
responses to one
of the biggest
threat humans
have ever faced –
climate change
52 September 7-20, 2010
Now Saniya has a boutique at
Al Bahja called ‘Tanya’, named
after her granddaughter. “Currently
my daughter takes care of it. The
clothing line took me to various
places and I was soon savvy with
various international brands and
brought them to Oman.
I started off my career thinking I
will be a commercial pilot, and then
I had a brief stint as a nurse. But I
soon realised that business is my
passion. Business needs lots of
awareness, travel and updating. So
in this process I have learnt quite a
lot and ventured in to a world of eco
friendly energy-saving business.
BUSINESS WOMAN WITH A
PURPOSE
“All of us do business in some way
or the other, for many it could be
their career, identity or livelihood.
But I wanted to do a business that
gave back something to the society.
I believe in innovation and creativity.
So after many years of search and
learning, I got in to something after
my heart. I wanted to reduce carbon
footprints and pollution in my own
way. I got in to the world of energy
saving appliances. My travel for the
clothing business to the UK and
Europe made me realise that most
community and corporate were in
to energy saving attempts, so I got
into this business of selling energy
savers -- from bulbs to monitors to
meters.”
Energy efficiencies in all walks
of life will help reduce the effects
of climate change, and commerce
and industry can make a significant
contribution by using the best
available technologies to reduce the
amount of energy needed to operate
facilities, Saniya feels.
She stressed on the importance of
getting more from less. Population
levels are projected to increase
from 6.5 billion today to 8.3 billion
by 2030. At this rate of growth, the
world’s demand for energy will have
increased by 53 percent elevating
global CO2 emissions by 55 percent.
SAVE ENERGY, SAVE OUR
EARTH
“Every year, we use more energy
than we did the year before.
Remember, energy isn’t free. We
all pay for the electricity we use.
So wasting energy is the same as
wasting money – and we know that’s
not a good idea! We can earn the
money back, energy spend is energy
gone forever! Wasting energy isn’t
good for the environment either.
Most of the energy sources we
depend on, like coal and natural gas,
can’t be replaced – once we use
them up, they’re gone forever.
Another problem is that most forms
of energy can cause pollution. What
do we do about it? Get prudent and
live wisely. My range of products
will ensure that energy is saved on
a day-to-day basis,” Saniya said,
enthusing confidence. “As I got
in to the field of energy savers, I
realised that this is the business
I can do well. There is not much
of awareness or range of energy
saving brands in Oman and ENIJIN
would be one of the first of its kind
offering a wide range for all business
houses and industries,” she said,
adding that ENIJIN products are
long lasting and came with free
maintenance, care etc.
One of the products called ACE
claims to decrease the power used
for air conditioners by 30 percent,
while CUES, another product, has
the capacity to reduce the power
consumption of the refrigerators to
30 per cent.
Then there are LED lights that will
reduce energy consumption down
to 90 per cent. “I am just starting
the business now but I have good
responses and I hope to reach out
to many corporate and industries in
town. There are a few industries in
Oman that consume thousands of
rials worth of power.
SAVING ENERGY BECOMES
EASIER
Every time you turn off a light
bulb or close the refrigerator door,
you’re saving energy. But now by
introducing ENIJIN products to
the Oman market, energy saving
becomes easier and long lasting.
There are lots of easy ways to
save energy at home – and all
those energy-savers add up to a big
impact on the environment.
For details on ENIJIN 97617999 or
log on to www.mygreenoman.com
Eve's d
rop
We all pay for the
electricity we use. So
wasting energy is the
same as wasting money
53Black & White 53535355355355335BlBlBlBBlBlBlBlllBlBllBlBlaaacacacacck kkkkk kk &&&&&&&&& WWWWWW hiiihihihihiteteeeetetetttete
Date Ball Cookies are made
with dates, pecans, butter, and honey.
Ingredients:
•2 cups corn flakes
•3/4 cups dates, chilled
•1/2 cup pecans
•2 tablespoons honey
•1 tablespoon butter
•2 teaspoons orange juice
•Sifted confectioners’ sugar
•Pecan halves
Method:
Put first 3 ingredients through meat grinder. Add
honey, butter, and orange juice; knead with hands until
thoroughly blended. Shape date mixture into 1-inch
balls; roll in confectioners’ sugar and top each with a
pecan half.
with recipes
DATEA
In many countries, dates are added to salads, couscous dishes and curries,
but they are most commonly used in baked desserts and confections. Because
dates are very high in sugar, they can easily be converted into sugar. If there
is one healthy sweet, it is a date… summer is usually the season for dates and
with the festive season coming up, here are two quick date dessert recipes…
Cookin
g
Date Ball Cookies
Date Halwa ndd d hhhhohooooohhoohhh nenneeeeneneneeneeneenenennen yyyyyy.y.yyyyyyy.y.yyy.y..y..yy.y.yyyyyyyy
kiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
aallllllllllwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Ingredients:
•1 c Seedless dates
•Half cup milk
•¾ cup sugar
•¾ cup ghee
•Half cup cashews cut into fine pieces
•25g pistachio nuts, finely chopped
Method:
Mix together milk, sugar and dates. Keep this
mixture to boil. When boiling, add ghee. Then
add 1/4 cup of cashew nuts. Cook on slow fire
till the mixture is almost dry and the halwa is
formed. Remove from fire, spread it on a dish
and add the remaining 1/4 cup of cashew nuts.
Garnish with the chopped pistachio nuts.
Laila, Omani graduate
student of Nizwa University
I love ‘Me’...
We all know what love is. And most of us strive
to be loved by others. I agree that being loved by
others is crucial in social life but not more than loving
ourselves first. For many years I believed that loving
myself means that I am a Narcissist (someone who
loves himself very much). But not anymore because
I have decided to live every moment of my life with
love, joy and peace. Today, I understand that loving
me has become the basic key to success.
I want you all to find out how to love yourself
and utilise this powerful love in your real life. Let’s
just start by loving ourselves then we will feel the
greatness behind that love. People may think that
you are an egotist, but the more you value yourself
and love it; the more lovable you will be.
Loving ourselves is the inner peace and the strong
connection with God because you believe that you
belong to Almighty and you are supported by Him
overall. Furthermore, loving ourselves mean that
we have high self-esteem, which enables us to
overcome any problems that we may encounter in
our path to success.
Indeed, loving ourselves is being in need these
days because many of us still have that negative
attitude when they hear “I love myself’’. I call all of
you to stop thinking that way and start supporting
each other to raise the amount of love we already
have for ourselves. Loving ourselves means that
we are confident enough to face any criticism from
anyone because you know how to protect yourself
well. People are trying to give love but do they really
love themselves first. By now, I can say that if we,
ourselves, don’t feel the true love toward ourselves
then we will fail absolutely to give it to others. Loving
ourselves is the power within which makes you ready
for any risk in life.
Let us not go on and on about this, let me just
emphasise that it is high time that we start loving
ourselves to give it out perfectly and without any
expectations.
Now, let’s move to the recipe in which you can love
yourself and use that love to enjoy your life. How
can I love myself, you may question yourself. But
always think positively and feel the happiness behind
it. Anyhow, what I am saying here comes out of my
own experience that I myself went through and want
to share with you.
Firstly, accept yourself as you are: your
appearance, your behaviour and your thinking.
Accepting is very important here and I guess if you
accept yourself as you are, you will have a better
value to yourself. Secondly, forgive yourself if you
did a mistake because we all make mistakes and
without them we will not have any experience.
Third, embrace every moment in your life by
enjoying everything that you do. Fourth, be a good
support to others because that will help you to
feel the greatness you have by just being there for
someone who needs a hand.
Moreover, start saying that you love yourself and
allow yourself to feel it deep in your heart. Then, you
will feel the beauty of your life and the beauty of your
soul. Love yourself and experience the difference
within that powerful love.
Never think that by loving yourself may reveal the
worse of you and that won’t happen if you value
others and respect them. It is their right too, to love
themselves and be respected. Now, close your eyes,
take a deep breath, smile and say ‘’I love myself’’.
By Laila Ibrahim Obaid Al-Gharbi
Learn
ing c
urv
e
54 September 7-20, 2010
Pounding heartbeat, racing pulse, beads of perspiration on my
forehead…that was me 20,000 feet up in the air…when I discovered
that I HAD LOST MY NETBOOK. I was flying for a writers’ convention to
Bhutan and all my work was in it.
I shuddered with fear thinking what I would do over there. I just wanted
to cry so I took some tissues to weep into them and also to make my
resolution about not losing expensive items and while writing this I drifted
into scripting what I would be presenting to the publishers.
Was it difficult? Sure, but all it required was my brain and an ability to
think beyond the paraphernalia of technology.
We have a slavish mentality towards the tools of technological
development. If the internet is not working we break into a cold sweat
and wonder what will happen? What about all the applications on the
computer?
Do we need all the applications? Or is it a case of creating an artificial
demand because there is a supply? The brain has become a virtual
reality but the virtual reality has become a reality – a hug on facebook is
the only hug I can give so I am hugging strangers on facebook but I want
to fight with my friend in my backyard and family members at home.
I want to share my feelings with the world at large on a social networking
site but not tell my spouse or best friend that they hurt me and are not
there for me or even thank them for putting up with me and my tantrums.
I am sure that we are and can use technology for productive purposes
but let’s not ignore the fact that it is our brain that is creating technology
and is making it work.
Wishing all my friends a happy Eid-Mubarak!
Till next time peace and love
P.S. This is also my birthday month!
Oh my God, the
Net is not workingVandana, award winning author
(‘360 Degrees Back to Life')
By Vandana Shah
It's m
y lif
e
Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, www.vandanashah.com
Email me what you’d like to say on [email protected]
Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM
55Black & White
56 September 7-20, 2010
Psy
che
And the Award
for the Most
SUPERSTITIOUS
goes to…
Women are more superstitious
than men. If you want to dispute
that, tell me first: When was the
last time you saw an astrology
column in a men’s magazine?
Women are said to experience
more anxiety, or at least, more
women than men seek help for
anxiety problems.
56 September 7-20, 2010
57Black & White
ALTHOUGH PERSONALITY
VARIABLES are not a strong factor
in developing superstition, there is
some evidence that if you are more
anxious than the average person
you’re slightly more likely to be
superstitious.
But, then who is not superstitious?
Even the most rational ones
among us may have occasionally
participated in superstitious thinking
or behaviour often without even
realising that we are doing it.
Haven’t you taken a sneak peek at
your daily horoscope at some point
or the other; avoided crossing a
black cat; knocked on wood…? Well,
caught you!
If we actually do a poll, we are
likely to find that at least half of the
people in the world are a little bit
superstitious. A teenie-weenie bit at
least?
But, many are of the opinion that
women are more superstitious than
men. Again, are these just shots
in the dark and pinning a brand
on women just because they are
women?
LOCUS OF CONTROL
Research on gender and locus of
control may provide a small clue
into this belief that women are more
superstitious. Locus of control refers
to the extent to which individuals
believe that they can control events
that affect them. Individuals with a
high internal locus of control believe
that events result primarily from their
own behaviour and actions. Those
with a high external locus of control
believe that powerful others, fate, or
chance primarily determine events.
Then, you believe that you are sort of
buffeted by life, and things happen to
you instead of the other way around.
People with external locus of control
are more likely to be superstitious,
possibly as a way of getting more
power over their lives. “Part of
the reason why women are more
superstitious than men is that women
feel, even in today’s modern society,
that they have less control over their
fate than men do,” researchers note.
In childhood and early adolescence,
boys and girls do not differ much in
locus of control, but in college and
late adolescence onwards, women
begin to show a greater dependence
on external locus of control than
men, and thus more susceptible to
superstition and paranormal belief.
WOMEN BELIEVE IN STAR SIGNS
Many are of the opinion that women
are more convinced of things such
as star signs and the magical ‘power’
of stones, palm reading etc... They
are also more likely to refer to luck or
God as an explanation of fortunate/
unfortunate circumstances.
A sense of security and confidence
are perhaps the greatest benefits we
get emotionally from superstitious
thinking or behavior -- like carrying
an object or wearing an item of
clothing that you deem to be lucky.
And one of the driving force behind
most superstitions is wanting more
control or certainty.
We tend to look for some kind of a
rule, or an explanation for why things
happen. Sometimes the creation of
a false certainty is better than no
certainty at all, researchers note.
Superstitions provide people with
the sense that they’ve done one
more thing to try to ensure the
outcome they are looking for. So,
could we say that this is the realm of
only women…?
You are the best judge.
57Black & White
58 September 7-20, 2010
Shape n
sound
Healthy food can make you
If we stopped eating when we
were full, we would be thin. But,
unfortunately, we don’t.
The truth is that we all eat even
when we are not hungry.
Don’t ask why, because you will
not be able to get to the root of
that matter.
We eat even when our stomach
is full. We eat when we are
bored; when we are tired; when
we are thinking; when we are
angry, upset or restless.
WE EAT EVEN WHEN food overwhelms us; or, simply when
we are before food.
Yes, when food is before us, we just can’t help putting it in
our mouth.
The problem with food is that it is mostly visually appealing
and aromatically enticing. So, there is little escaping it when it
is before you.
There is a way out of this though. If you are only eating at
home, then you can make your food so unappealing that all
you need is to nibble it. Mostly, visually unsatisfying food is
left untouched. But, this is not exactly practical. You can do it
once, but not always.
PENCHANT FOR WRONG FOOD
And, then it is a habit of most people to eat all the wrong
things. Even people who go to the gym, tend to gobble up
something that is going to be bad for them in the future. The
body is like a machine, if you don’t put the right kind of fuel
into it, it won’t work properly. In physical terms, you’re looking
at weight gain and bad health, apart from other problems.
The right thing to do is to make sure you eat mostly healthy
foods.
59Black & White
thinHere are five (5) healthy foods that you need to
eat to be thin and look great:
PUMPKIN AND PUMPKIN SEEDS – Pumpkin seeds are
filled with magnesium and pumpkin itself is a high satiety
food, meaning that if fills you up with very little calories
helping you to avoid overeating. It also contains vitamin A
and is high on fiber which is good for the digestive system.
SARDINES – These fish are a wonderful and healthy food
for you to eat. They are full of Omega-3 and calcium and are
also rich in other substances like Iron, zinc, and vitamin B.
Make sure to avoid eating salted sardines, eat them in their
own oil or in olive oil instead.
GREEN TEAS – Drinking tea can be very healthy. Green
teas are rich in antioxidants which can help delay the aging
process. Don’t take green tea with sugar as it’s fattening. Try
some wild honey instead.
SWEET POTATOES – Loaded with vitamin C, rich in fiber
and potassium, sweet potatoe is a healthy food item and one
which children and adults like. So you can and should make
them part of your family’s menu.
BROWN RICE – White rice is much less healthy than the
natural brown rice which is full of Vitamin E and B-6, copper
and zinc, and also fills you up for a long time and so helps
reduce hunger.
1
2
3
4
5
60 September 7-20, 2010
Shape n
sound
606060606000000006060606006060000000000000006000000000000000000 SeSeSeeSeSeSeSeSeSeeeSeeSeSeSeSSSeSeSeSSSeSSSeSeSeeeeeeSeeppppptpttttttpptttpptppptptttpptppppppptppptppptemememememeemmmmemmmeeememe bebebebebebebebebbebeeeeeeeer rr r r r r rrrr 777-7-7-7-7-77-77-7-77-7-77-7-7-77-22220202020202202020202002202022020000200220200020,, ,, ,, ,,,,, 22202020202020202020202020202020222000202220200020002220222 101010101010101100001010101001010100010000101111111111
is allowed…
Sometimes,
CHEATING
60 September 7-20, 2010
61Black & White
Some dieters are known to eat clean six
days a week and then cheat for one day.
Cheating kept the metabolism guessing
and running and allow them to avoid a
plateau during their entire dietary journey
There is nothing wrong with cheat meals. Providing that the amount you
eat in your cheat meal does not undo ALL your hard work for the rest of the
week. The risk with not counting the calories in your cheat meal is that you
may overdo it. Of course, if you are weighing yourself regularly, you will be
able to determine if you are overdoing your cheat, because you won’t lose
weight that week. And you will know to be more careful the following week.
For those wanting to lose weight, dieting seems to be the only solution.
And those wanting to lose weight jump on diets instead of resolving to eat
healthier.
But amidst this flurry of low carb to low fat, and sheer plain deprivation
comes the blessing of a planned ‘cheat meal’.
Dieters everywhere rejoice at the idea of a preconceived gorge once a
week without the guilt. The main idea is that you diet for a certain amount
of time, then cheat with a meal that consists of foods that are not usually on
your diet, ice cream, pizza, cake, etc., to trick your metabolism and speed it
back up. The question is, does it work? Is it okay? The answer is yes.
First of all, your metabolism does not think. It is a programmed mechanism
in your body, the collection of all the chemical reactions that take place
within cells to transport the nutrients from food to the proper places in your
body where they can be broken down and used for energy or stored for later
use. You cannot trick your metabolism. It simply responds to stimuli, so you
want to manipulate the variables and stimulate a different response.
Dieting and eating very restricted calories can be rough on your mindset.
You will miss all the foods you enjoyed before and it can take a toll on you
emotionally. You can become cranky and irritable and resentful of the diet if
you don’t give yourself a break every now and then. A cheat meal can serve
as a reward for being so disciplined and loosen up your will power so you
can go on strong. It can allow you to still go out with your friends to eat out
at nice restaurants without having to freak out about the menu and the lack
of healthy options. Or it can help you to enjoy a day out at the park with the
kids and actually get to eat what they eat for a while.
Deprivation has never been a very successful tactic with humans. It is
usually used as a punishment. So be smart. Don’t punish yourself. The
privilege of eating healthy is one very few people can afford and we have
to appreciate the fact that we have this option. Your body will definitely
appreciate it. So if you can stick to your diet all week, it is okay and yes it
can be beneficial to you to throw in a cheat meal on the weekend.
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61Black & White
By Priya Arunkumar
Hooked
Four women are a pile of gossip and fun!
I was eavesdropping on a gang of middle
aged ladies, who had nothing better to do,
other than gossip!
They had loads of spare time and this time
the topic was very personal.
Husbands!
Here it goes:
Psst… look at her, that plain Jane over there
in that corner…
She has a very handsome hubby!
You should see him; he could have got
better girls; he is one handsome hunk!
God! Why do good looking men fall for plain
looking girls?
Especially when there are pretty females
around? They waste their lives.
And look at us; we could have got better
ones.
One chipped in: I was too young to decide,
mine was an arranged marriage and I come
from an orthodox family, had no choice,
other than to marry the man of their choice.
Another one: my family looked for financial
stability, so no complaints.
Wish I never got married… the third one
sighed!
The fourth one was totally bored. But she
was the best!
She put up a question: Do you know the
three types of men?
She didn’t wait for an answer: The
handsome, the caring, and the majority.
My husband belongs to the ‘majority’.
They all laughed aloud.
Made me smile, I had a few speaking that
about me too!
Poor husbands, if only they heard what their
‘pretty’ better halves thought of them!
Seeing me smile, they grinned at me, and
asked: “Are you married?
I nodded yes! And said: to a handsome
man!
“Plain Jane, handsome hubby formula,” I
grinned back!
Handsome men deserve pretty women? I
queried.
They corrected me: Pretty women deserve
handsome men!
Well, what if your hubbies chose only pretty
woman, I shot back.
No way, they chorused! You think they will
get anything better?
We were the best they could ever aspire for!
Roaring laughter again!
They had no qualms about anything.
I laughed too. Laughter can be infectious
sometimes.
Life is funny, if you want it to be.
I know of a lady who stopped talking to her
father since he forced her to marry against
her will, for very many years…
I know of women who shed tears everyday
and died a slow death.
Then there are people who fight bitterly
over silly things and here are a few, sitting
casually and laughing away joking at their
personal expense.
Life can be funny at times.
Maybe we all should do just that.
Believe that life is not always that serious.
Live and let others live too.
Gossip while you have company.
Eat as much as you can digest.
Act without a thought.
Judge every person you meet.
And laugh at yourself!
An alarming number of people suffer from…
seriousness!
Stay away from it!
A word of caution: Although laughing is
good for your general wellness, laughing at
others’ expense is in bad taste and is to be
avoided, just like laughing with food in the
mouth, for it could choke you!
Nothing serious about it…
MADE IN JAPAN